The attorney general candidates also split on whether to continue McCollum's challenge to the new federal health care law.

Republicans have said they will keep Florida as the lead plaintiff in the case, which will likely stretch well beyond November's election.

``I believe that law is unconstitutional on a number of grounds,'' Benson said.

Calling the lawsuit ``frivolous,'' Democrats said they would take Florida off the list of 20 states listed as plaintiffs. McCollum spokeswoman Sandi Copes noted that even if Florida dropped out of the case, it would continue and another state would take the lead.

UNITED FRONT

One issue did unite all five candidates in opposition -- the ballot initiative known as Hometown Democracy, or Amendment 4. An effort to reign in unchecked growth, the amendment would place changes to a local comprehensive plan on the ballot.

The initiative faces strong opposition from business groups and the building industry.

All of the candidates said it would take power away from local officials.

``It would ensure that the only changes to comprehensive plans would be development funded by expensive campaigns,'' Aronberg said.

The candidates also are united in supporting the death penalty.

But other issues split the candidates along party lines. Democrats support the Fair Districts amendments that say lawmakers cannot draw political districts with the intent to favor or disfavor a party or incumbent. They also argue the Legislature's companion amendment is ``intentionally confusing'' to voters.

Republicans oppose the citizen amendments -- Nos. 5 and 6 on the ballot -- but support lawmakers' Amendment 7.

Most Republicans came out against the April 2007 move by Gov. Charlie Crist to simplify the process of restoring civil rights to former felons.

Times/Herald staff writer Steve Bousquet and Times staff writers Colleen Jenkins and Aaron Sharockman contributed. Lee Logan can be reached at llogan@sptimes.com or 850-224-7263.