Here's how you overcome this negativity.
First, the governor calls for a special election to fill Foley's seat for the lame duck session. The special election is held simultaneously with the general election on November 7.
Second, the Republicans coordinate the two elections with one campaign. The candidate will have his/her own name in the special election, and the campaign ads will say that the vote for Foley in the general election is also a vote for the candidate in the special election.
This overcomes the hurdle you speak of.
-PJ
"First, the governor calls for a special election to fill Foley's seat for the lame duck session."
Well, I'm not sure about Florida laws, but most states require 90 days before a special election can be held, from the time the governor calls for one.
I don't think there's time for all that.
I think what's actually going to happen is that the Florida GOP, or the Republican group in that district will name some sacrificial lamb to take Foley's place. Then they'll just walk away and let two years go by and run a real candidate in the next election.
Your opinion may differ.