Editors Note: Heard it Through The Groves is a section of the Florida Squeeze strictly for rumors and gossip. We typically require two sources to verify information before we publish it but these are NOT news stories and simply rumors. We urge our readers to treat these rumors with a pinch of skepticism as we do.

Speculation has picked up steam among Democratic activists and donors that Alex Sink the former state CFO and 2010 Gubernatorial nominee is ready to throw her hat in the ring. Sink was defeated in 2010 by a razor thin margin in a heavily Republican year. The combination of the national GOP tide, unpopularity of President Obama and her unwillingness to campaign among base Democrats doomed her candidacy.

Sink lost her husband, 2002 Gubernatorial nominee Bill McBride late last year- McBride’s passing was a shock to many and at least temporarily prevented Sink from making a decision about seeking the Governorship again, from what we hear.

Republicans have won 13 of the past 14 statewide elections for Governor and Cabinet. The only exception to the GOP domination of the state has been Sink’s victory in the 2006 CFO race versus then Senate President Tom Lee.

In recent days and weeks speculation has increased about Sink potentially running again for Governor. It appears she has learned from some of her mistakes in 2010 and has over the last few years more aggressively courted Democratic activists and has also towed a more partisan line on some of the issues activists were suspicious of her on before.

Her moderate reputation did not help her in 2010 but she has partisan bona-fides in addition to moderate profile and successes in statewide elections (Sink was elected CFO in 2006) those pushing Charlie Crist claim are needed by a Democratic nominee. Former Senate Democratic leader Nan Rich has garnered high levels of activist support in the past year and has created a strong grassroots infrastructure. If Sink were to enter the race she could make Crist’s potential candidacy less attractive to mainstream and establishment Democrats.

Nan Rich’s impressive grassroots effort has solidified the support of many on the left, and this should create a strong network for her to sustain a strong candidacy over the next year. Sink’s potential candidacy could  nail down many top tier fundraisers and establishment Democrats. If she were to run, it seems  much of the clamoring for a Crist candidacy could evaporate.

Concerns over Governor Crist’s past positions and record have been peculating among Democratic activists for months now. Perhaps a Sink candidacy if it comes to fruition would give Crist an out should he want to skip the possibility of defeat in a primary.

Alex Sink is worth watching these next few weeks.