Former Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell could not have picked a worse pole position for the start of last Tuesday's mayoral debate in downtown Miami.

Russell was sandwiched between two former commission adversaries — Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo and former Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla. All three are running to become Miami’s next mayor. The election is Nov. 4.

The lineup — randomly assigned — made for some tense moments during Tuesday night’s debate.

Carollo and Diaz de la Portilla didn’t hide their contempt for Russell, a resident of Coconut Grove. But Russell gave as good as he got.

When Diaz de la Portilla, who was arrested on corruption charges and removed from office two years ago, criticized Russell for leaving his District 2 commission seat before his term was up,

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