When Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee, in January, they will be presented with a bill that will require those running in local school board elections to select a political party. If the bill, introduced by Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters, passes, it will be put to voters next year as a constitutional amendment. In the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee on Nov. 30, Gruters said, “It doesn’t matter what county you are in; these races are already partisan.” He said Democratic and Republican activist organizations are “already choosing their favorites” in these elections–even though the candidates are running as non-partisan. Gruters explained his proposal would end what he referred to as a “shell game.” He said candidates with “partisan leanings” are running, but they can shield their “true political views” from Florida voters because they’re seeking a non-partisan office. In 1998, Florida voted to make these contests non-partisan, with 64 …