GOP has stronger rivals this year.

Byline: KATE SPINNER kate.spinner@heraldtribune.com

"It's the 'throw the bums out' routine," said Dale Watson, a disgruntled Republican and president of the Charlotte County Curmudgeon Club, a political watchdog group.

Watson said he believes the Republicans on the ballot are good candidates, but added they face an uphill fight because of general unrest in the party.

GOP candidates for each of the three commission seats, the sheriff's post and an airport authority seat have opposition in November.

Democrat Frank Desguin, the incumbent property appraiser, has a Republican challenger.

In Charlotte politics, Republicans making it …