Florida Political News: Jan. 25, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Wed Jan 25, 2012 at 09:53:25 AM EST

Q Poll: Gingrich "surging since his South Carolina Republican presidential primary win"

"Surging since his South Carolina Republican presidential primary win, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich wipes out a 12-point lead by Mitt Romney to tie the former Massachusetts governor in Florida, according to a Quinnipiac University poll release today. The final tally is 36 percent for Romney to 34 percent for Gingrich among likely voters in the Florida Republican presidential primary, but Gingrich gets 40 percent to 34 percent for Romney among likely voters surveyed after the South Carolina primary." "January 25, 2012 - Gingrich Surges In Florida GOP Primary, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Big Jump After South Carolina Win".

"Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich heads into Florida's presidential preference primary next Tuesday with momentum from his victory in South Carolina, a new poll shows."

Gingrich has erased a 12-point deficit with Florida voters over the past two weeks and is now about even with Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts governor was favored by 36 percent of likely Florida Republican voters to 34 percent for Gingrich.

A Jan. 9 poll by Quinnipiac (Conn.) University [had] showed Romney favored 36-24 over Gingrich. ...

Quinnipiac's random telephone survey of 601 Republicans taken Jan. 19-23 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points which has the two GOP frontrunners within the margin of error. Santorum was third in the latest Florida survey with 13 percent and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul had 10 percent in results released Wednesday.

Gingrich held double-digit leads over Romney among white evangelical Christians and tea party supporters and a slight edge over Romney among male voters.

Empty suits run wild in Tally

"Florida is already leading the charge against the federal government’s health-care overhaul."

But just to be sure that the Supreme Court knows the sentiment of the state’s elected officials, legislators are moving forward with a House memorial that reaffirms the effort of Attorney General Pam Bondi to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act before the rules are firmly locked into place in two years.

On Tuesday, members of the House Federal Affairs Subcommittee, voting along party lines, backed a memorial against the federal program that is commonly called “Obamacare.”

Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, a health-care consultant who sponsored the memorial, HM 1281, said his mostly symbolic proposal is to voice the state’s opinion that health care should be a responsibility of the states rather than the federal government.

"Gringo Spanish and Castro-crackdown plans"

"With their gringo Spanish and Castro-crackdown plans, the two leading GOP candidates are flocking this week to this Latin American-influenced county where 72 percent of the roughly 368,000 registered Republicans are Hispanic. To date, about 54,000 Republicans have cast early and absentee ballots."

Romney heads to the Freedom Tower this afternoon to talk Latin American policy. Gingrich will do the same this morning at Florida International University. Each is also dropping by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's forum broadcast by Spanish-language powerhouse Univision. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul, who trail in the polls, are not making any scheduled appearances in Miami today.

On Friday, Gingrich, Romney and Santorum are expected to appear before the Hispanic Leadership Network forum run by Sen. Marco Rubio and former Gov. Jeb Bush, a leader in Latino-Republican outreach. All three are scheduled to then meet with the mighty Latin Builders Association.

Now, the candidates must "square their right-wing rhetoric on things like English-only and immigration in a state that's nearly a quarter Hispanic," Sharry said.

The Republican candidates oppose the pro-immigrant DREAM Act, which many Hispanics support. Liberals are tarring them for being "anti-Hispanic" and a union group is bashing Romney with radio ads in Central Florida.

But Bush said it's pure political posturing.

Yet to be found, $1 billion for education

"Capitol Buzz: Lawmakers search for $1 billion for education".

Big of 'em

"Business, Lawmakers Seek Hiring Favor for Veterans".

"Carefully choreographed plan could implode"

"Personal ambitions have been kept off the record in the Legislature's once-a-decade redistricting fight, but the carefully choreographed plan could implode this week if a House committee proposes and accepts changes to the Senate map."

That would put an end to the gentleman's agreement between the two chambers to accept each other's redistricting maps — and set off a battle that could delay a budget accord.

Anti-choice frenzy

"Florida's perennial abortion battle re-emerged Tuesday as a House panel approved bills that would block abortions after 20 weeks, require 24-hour waiting periods and target abortions that might be motivated by the race or gender of the fetus. The Republican-dominated House Health and Human Services Access Subcommittee approved three bills in party-line votes, after testimony and debate that reflected the country's deep divide on the issue." "House Health Committee Approves Abortion Restrictions".

Fla-baggers mob Gingrich

"If former Florida frontrunner Mitt Romney hoped Newt Gingrich's rise in popularity was a temporary blip, Gingrich's campaign appeared to prove otherwise Tuesday as it drew crowds estimated at 4,000 in Sarasota and 6,000 in Naples." "Gingrich draws thousands in Fla. while Romney's, Santorum's crowds number in hundreds".

"Haridopolos Says Florida Proven Correct"

"Florida’s decision to move its presidential primary up by more than a month is going to pay off for the candidates and the state, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said Tuesday." "Haridopolos Says Florida Proven Correct on Primary".

They got theirs

"The Villages -- It's an urgent issue seemingly on the minds of many in this retiree mecca, if not the entire state of Florida — how to fix Social Security. And voters' proposed solutions to the tricky problem are just as varied as the stances of the Republican presidential candidates seeking their support." "How to fix Social Security confounds Florida retirees".

Florida's "continuing campaign to privatize education"

"Florida lawmakers want to give parents the power to dictate the future of poorly performing public schools, sparking criticism from parent advocates and others that the effort is part of a continuing campaign to privatize education."

Between the two committee votes, the bills were praised at a Capitol news conference attended by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, as well as representatives of former Gov. Jeb Bush's education foundation and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, among others.

Say anything

"GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich accused President Obama of being a 'Saul Alinsky radical' who works to 'appease the Taliban' at a campaign rally held in a Sarasota airplane hangar today." "In Sarasota, Gingrich calls Obama a ‘Saul Alinsky radical,’ pledges to end Agenda 21 (Updated)".

"Romney, Gingrich take different tacks"

"Mitt Romney ramped up his Florida offensive on Tuesday, releasing his tax returns and offering an alternative State of the Union address, as his rival Newt Gingrich told voters that Romney is too liberal for the Republican Party." "Romney, Gingrich take different tacks in courting Florida voters".

Meanwhile, unlimited campaign contributions gladly accepted

"Three protesters who took part in a national day of action to call on participants of the 2012 Global Alternative Investments Management (GAIM) conference to divest from private prisons were arrested Tuesday." "‘Say no to private prisons’ protesters arrested at investor conference in Boca Raton".

Romney has coined a new term: "self-deportation"

Fabiola Santiago: "Bienvenidos to Miami, Republican candidates. Enjoy your day."

Judging by your theatrical debate antics — necessary in the age of choice, I know, if you want to lure viewers away from the Kardashians roaming New York, the new Univisión telenovela La que no podía amar (The One Who Couldn’t Love) and the cute-dog-vs.-bad-guy episode of Castle on ABC — you’ll feel right at home here.

Ours is a paradise for the silly, the liars and the panderers.

You’ll fit right in.

The silly: Mitt Romney, who has coined a new term in immigration policy — self-deportation.

That’s oh-so-simple and clever a position on immigration reform that it drew laughter from the Monday night primetime debate audience in Tampa. ...

The wealthy corporate raider is so disconnected from reality he didn’t get the Pew Hispanic Center report circulated nationwide alerting everyone to the importance of the Hispanic vote in Florida.

While there were more Hispanic Republicans than Hispanic Democrats in 2006, the scales tipped over after 2008.

According to the Florida Division of Elections’ statistics for the state’s Jan. 31 presidential primary, 1,473,920 Hispanics are registered to vote statewide.

They make up 13.1 percent of the state’s more than 11.2 million registered voters. Of those, 452,619 are registered as Republicans, representing 11.1% of all Republican registered voters, and 564,513 are registered as Democrats, representing 12 percent of all Democratic registered voters. Another 431,131 Hispanics list no party affiliation and 25,657 registered in other parties.

Moving on we have…

The liar: Newt Gingrich, on so many counts personal and professional, that it’s tough to choose one, but hey, we know what the important issue is in Florida, and G is going to out-perform the charming Ronald Reagan and his “ Cuba sí, Castro no!” chant.

Gingrich promises to launch “covert” operations to overthrow the Cuban government.

“I’m talking about using every asset available to the United States, including appropriate covert operations,” Gingrich said

Yippee!

I’ll believe it when I see it.

He was more credible when he provided levity.

"School Choice Week" Session

"VIDEO: ‘School Choice Week’ moves forward with endorsements from conservative groups". Related: "Conservative Christians mobilize for 2012".

"Concerns stall Cat Fund proposal"

"Supporters of the assessment bill say it will make the Florida property insurance market more attractive to out-of-state capital and reduce the short-term exposure of the private market." "Citizens assessment bill moves ahead as its concerns stall Cat Fund proposal".

"Scott's plan ... is devastating and even ridiculous"

"Scott's plan to cut about $2 billion in public funding to hospitals that care for the poor is devastating and even ridiculous, say hospital leaders who predict patient care will suffer if it is enacted." "Florida hospitals bracing for more Medicaid cuts". Related: "Senate proposes sweeping overhaul of disabled care".

Water cleanup plan kerfuffle

"State, environmental groups continue to wrestle over water cleanup plan". See also "House, Senate panels move to waive ratification requirements for proposed water rules".

House slashes health care budget

"Budget slashes 67 DOH administrative positions including a $125,000 deputy secretary post and another 708 'vacant' positions." "Hospitals, nursing home and state employees cut in House health care budget".

Another "stealthy move to privatize"

"It seems like little more than bureaucratic tinkering. Bills now filed in the Florida House and Senate would change the definition of where something called the 'ordinary high water line' is measured on waterways across Florida."

But hunting and fishing groups are up in arms, calling the bills a blatant land grab that will block them from pursuing their favorite pastimes.

"This is where we hunt," explained John Hitchcock, president of the United Waterfowlers of Florida.

Audubon of Florida, Earthjustice and 1,000 Friends of Florida have also condemned HB 1103 and SB 1362 as a stealthy move to privatize between 100,000 and 500,000 acres along the state’s rivers, lakes and streams that currently belongs to taxpayers. It does not affect oceanfront land.

The bills’ backers contend it’s the state that’s grabbing land, not private companies.

"There are thousands of acres of land out there that the state’s going to grab that people are unaware of," said Sam Ard, who lobbies for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

The House version of the bill passed its first committee last week on a 9-4 vote. So far the Senate bill has no set hearings.

"bracing for higher tuition bills"

"Florida college students can start bracing for higher tuition bills again come fall. Leaders in the House proposed raising tuition by 8 percent next year at public colleges and universities as part of a budget unveiled Tuesday." "House higher education plan includes tuition increases, budget cuts".

Sharpe may pass on challenging Castor after all

"Whispers are growing louder that Republican Mark Sharpe may press the eject button on his challenge to U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, in the District 11 congressional campaign." "Sharpe watching redistricting".

State Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, claims "vindication"

"State Sen. Greg Evers 'was actively advocating' on behalf of a billboard company that had been talking about hiring his wife when he intervened with the state Department of Transportation about cutting down 2,000 trees, according to a grand jury report released Tuesday."

The Leon County grand jury didn't indict anyone, but found Evers' intervention enabled Bill Salter Advertising to "secure permits by circumventing the law."

Evers, R-Baker, said the report vindicated him: "A jury of my peers found I didn't do anything wrong."

In 2009, Salter wanted DOT permits to cut down more than 2,000 trees along Interstate 10. Salter did not want to pay the normal fee, so executive David McCurdy sought Evers' help.

The grand jury noted that Evers and McCurdy went to high school together and that Evers' wife "was consulted by Salter Advertising about representing the company."

Gingrich grubs for wingnuts

"Crist gets kicked around by Gingrich" ("Yes, the ex-governor is still a whipping boy in GOP circles.")

10 Month Head's Up

by: Robert McKnight

Tue Jan 24, 2012 at 10:25:33 AM EST

With 10 months to go until the election, my head's up:

1.  Economic rebound starting.

2.  Republican brokered convention by the Tea Party.

3.  Debate flop.

4.  Running mate selection.

5.  International flareup.

6.  Electoral college math.

Florida Political News: Jan. 24, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Tue Jan 24, 2012 at 09:16:00 AM EST

Romney "self-deports" in bumbling, stumbling Florida debate

In the first of two debates before Florida's Jan. 31 primary, Mitt Romney tried, but failed to take the edge off of Newt Gingrich's post-South Carolina lead in the GOPer primary.

In one of the very few remarkable moments in the "debate", Romney magically solved the problem of illegal immigration: "Romney was asked to explain how he could say he does not want to round up illegal immigrants but also say they should have to go back to home countries, then apply for citizenship."

"So, if you don't deport them, how do you send them home?" Tampa Bay Times political editor Adam C. Smith asked.

"Well, the answer is self-deportation, which is people decide they can do better by going home because they can't find work here because they don't have legal documentation to allow them to work here," Romney replied.

He said Gingrich "resigned in disgrace'' as House speaker, using a line that was already old before he repeated it three more times. Romney hammered him for being an "influence peddler'' in Washington, and for the absurdity of receiving a $1.6-million salary from Freddie Mac for what Gingrich said was work as a "historian.''

There were times when Romney's jabs connected, and times when they seemed too scripted. There were times when Gingrich appeared flustered, and times when he fought back effectively.

Remarkably, there were times when they both made Rick Santorum seem more presidential.

And when it was all done, I'm just not sure Romney's roundhouses helped solve his greatest problem.

In a lot of ways, Romney is the Republican version of Al Gore. The son of a politician who surpassed his father in fame, but never quite graduated to beloved. ...

Romney can take his swipes in speeches and debates, and he can raise his eyebrows at the appropriate moment for a good laugh. But playing pit bull for the camera is not his style.

And while voters may not be versed in every debate topic, they're pretty good at spotting a candidate who isn't committed to what he is saying.

To a large degree, elections are about being likable. Being steady. Being someone Americans can trust while they're going about their lives.

With that in mind, Romney shouldn't waste too much time trying to define his opponent. Instead, he had better hurry up and define himself.

No one seems to care about Ricky

"Scott talks Florida primary on Fox News".

"Seemed rock-solid a week ago"

Derek Catron writes about a Romney "campaign that seemed rock-solid barely more than a week ago"

George Bernardo showed up for Sunday's Mitt Romney rally in a New York Giants football jersey.

For such a fan to risk missing the kickoff to the game that would decide if his team goes to the Super Bowl, it would have been easy to assume Bernardo was as big a fan of Romney as he is quarterback Eli Manning.

That assumption would be wrong.

"I just want to hear what Mitt Romney has to say," the Port Orange doctor said, saying he was having trouble deciding between the former Massachusetts governor and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

His colleague, Greg Parr, agreed, saying later that the speech left him unmoved.

"I'll support whoever the Republican nominee is," said Parr, a urologist with offices in Port Orange. "But I think Gingrich is the candidate who would be the most effective in Washington."

The doctors' ambivalence toward Romney reveals the fissures in a campaign that seemed rock-solid barely more than a week ago. While most of the 2,000 people who rallied with Romney at the Allstar Building Materials lumberyard in Ormond Beach on Sunday were ardent supporters, it was Gingrich who took South Carolina on Saturday -- and the momentum that will be crucial to his hopes in next Tuesday's Florida primary.

"Florida's story of Republican dominance"

"It's an important week for Florida Republicans, so it's a good time to trace the beginning of the dominance of the modern GOP in the state." "Florida's story of Republican dominance starts with a Democrat".

Primary tracker

"Florida presidential primary tracker for Tuesday".

"Preliminaries are over ... time for the main event"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The preliminaries are over. Now it's time for the main event."

Next Tuesday night the nation's eyes will be fixed on the returns from Florida's Republican presidential primary. The first three events on the GOP's 2012 nominating calendar -- the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries -- reduced the Republican field but didn't come close to identifying the eventual nominee. Three contests, three winners. It's up to Sunshine State Republicans to establish a real front-runner in the race for the nomination.

Florida's Jan. 31 primary has loomed large on the GOP calendar for months. But the state's importance isn't tied to state leaders' decision to push the primary date into January -- a move that caused the national GOP to take away half of the state's convention delegates. Florida is critical because it's a large, diverse, bellwether state -- it can go either "red" or "blue" in presidential elections.

Editors show their hands

The Tampa Bay Times editors show their endorsement hands this morning:

Expect more trash talking than policy discussions this week. Republicans gambling on Gingrich are backing an ethically challenged candidate suddenly flush with more casino money. First billionaire casino executive Sheldon Adelson contributed $5 million to a so-called super PAC that aired ads in South Carolina blasting Romney's work at Bain Capital, the private equity firm. Now Aldeson's wife is giving the political action committee, Winning Our Future, another $5 million so Gingrich can play in Florida. It seems casino interests trying to buy the Florida Legislature to get permission to build mega-casinos in the state are trying to buy something even bigger.

"Florida's penchant for being the nation's tattooed neighbor"

Daniel Ruth: "Given Florida's penchant for being the nation's tattooed neighbor who walks around the yard in a Speedo, swilling a beer and blaring Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, do we really want to sell the naming rights to our public facilities?"

Let's face it. When it comes to understated elegance, Florida ranks somewhere between Mr. T and a Kardashian.

But that didn't stop state Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, from pushing a bill that would open the door to the corporate branding of everything from highways to school cafeterias to hiking trails.

The dignity train left a long time ago. No good will come from this.

Charter madness

"Florida parents are taking sides over a controversial piece of legislation known as the parent trigger. The buzzed-about bill would let a majority of parents at low-performing public schools demand dramatic changes at the school, or even have it converted into a publicly financed, privately managed charter school. Similar laws have already passed in California and Texas, sparking debate and controversy along the way." "Critics say ‘parent trigger’ bill favors charters over public schools".

Privatization made EZ

"More-expensive inmates shifted from prisons to be privatized".

Up at the house

"Rep. Allen West of Broward County organized a panel in Washington to call attention for more blacks to join the Republican party." "West urges more blacks to join GOP".

Internet sales tax

"Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, chair the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax, is drafting a committee bill to enact the tax, including sales tax cuts or holidays to keep the bill 'revenue neutral.' Before finalizing the bill, though, she wants to make sure there is support for the measure in the House." "Internet sales tax bill hinges on House support".

Early voting scaled back

"Several counties scale back hours of early voting in primary".

"It used to be pious baloney. Now it's just desperate baloney"

"Riding his big win in the South Carolina primary, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich told a Tampa crowd Monday that he's heard former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is stepping up his criticism of him, with more likely to come."

"I prefer personally not to believe it," Gingrich said at a rally in the parking lot of The River Church, east of Tampa. "But on the other hand, if you've been campaigning for six years, and you begin to see it slip away, you get desperate, and when you get desperate you say almost anything, and I think (at) tonight's debate he'll probably stretch the barrier."

To prepare for the debate at the University of South Florida, Gingrich said he had been memorizing old debate lines, like Ronald Reagan's "There you go again."

"I think I'll finally convince him I really am a Reaganite if I use President Reagan's line," the former House speaker said. "This is such baloney. It used to be pious baloney. Now it's just desperate baloney."

Health insurance exchange on the horizon

"Exchanges are centerpiece of federal health care reform. States without an operational exchange by January 2014 will be forced to use one run by the federal government." "House looking at establishing a health insurance exchange".

Privatization follies

"Lawmakers on the Senate Rules Committee, after a contentious three-hour hearing Monday, supported the two bills -- SB 2036 and SB 2038 -- aimed at privatizing some correctional facilities and outlining how such efforts for other state agencies could be handled in the future."

Before a room packed with correctional employees opposed to the bills, senators on the committee back the effort, saying privatization will help the Legislature working to craft a budget that faces a $1.4 billion shortfall from the current year.

The private companies get the contract first. The details and the cost-benefit analysis and the public discourse comes later. Both the First Amendment Foundation and Florida Tax Watch, not always the best of friends, have both gone berserk over the notion of Florida selling off its assets in secret. Sen. Gwen Margolis of Miami dubbed it the “after the fact” bill. “Extremely disturbing,” she called two privatization bills, though she wasn’t sure that either could be derailed.

Best of all, for someone like me, eager to cash in on the privatization craze, the rules would apply to any agency — toll roads, state parks, state cops. Me, I’ve got my eye on the university system. Don’t think of them as students. Think of them as commodities.

"A thank-you note in the form of a high paying job"

"A panel of lawmakers voted Monday to crack down on perceived sweetheart deals that lawmakers get with public colleges and universities as a result of the legislative service. The Senate Ethics and Elections Subcommittee voted to forward legislation that would prohibit lawmakers from taking any job with a state college or university during their elected term and for two years after their legislative service. The idea is to stop lawmakers from tucking special projects or money into the state budget for their chosen institution in hopes of getting a thank-you note in the form of a high paying job." "Ethics bill would end special deals for lawmakers". See also: "Ban on University Employees as Legislators Squeaks through First Committee".

Arenas with accommodations for homeless people?

"SB 816 would take back state money given to sports teams to build arenas if the facilities don't include accommodations for homeless people or the teams don't contract for a nearby shelter. An amendment also would fine teams $125,000 each time they black out local TV access for games that are not sold out." "Sen. Bennett calls foul on sports teams' homeless shelter violations". See also "Florida legislation would force taxpayer-funded arenas to operate as shelters or make refunds".

All abortion, all the time

"Capitol Buzz: Lawmakers to debate abortion". More: "Three abortion bills to be taken up in state Legislature".

Florida Political News: Jan. 23, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Mon Jan 23, 2012 at 11:20:12 AM EST

Gingrich has lead in two post-SC Florida polls

The latest Insider Advantage and Rasmussen Florida polls have Gingrich with 9% and 8% leads respectively:

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Florida Republican Primary Voters, taken Sunday [(yesterday)] evening, finds Gingrich earning 41% of the vote with Romney in second at 32%. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum runs third with 11%, while Texas Congressman Ron Paul attracts support from eight percent (8%). Nine percent (9%) remain undecided.

According to the Insider Advantage poll, Gingrich has 34 percent support, Romney has 26 percent, Texas Rep. Ron Paul has 13 percent, and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum garners 11 percent. ...

Insider Advantage surveyed 557 likely voters on Jan. 22. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

"Florida is crucial"

Adam Smith writes that "Florida is crucial. Mitt Romney could afford to lose South Carolina, where early on he looked like an underdog anyway. But Florida is his fire wall, buttressed by a strong campaign organization, a flush campaign account and a large network of supporters built over more than five years running for president. Losing here would snuff what’s left of his aura of inevitability after winning only one of three early contests."

But,

[r]egardless of what happens in Florida, it looks increasingly likely we won’t know the nominee for some time. After Florida, February is a relatively quite month mainly featuring a handful of contests where delegates won’t be officially binding for the nomination. March 6 is Super Tuesday, where 10 states vote and candidates could well divide up the delegates relatively evenly. It takes 1,144 delegates to win the nomination and right now no one is well positioned to reach that threshold any time soon.

Florida GOP primary tracker

"Florida presidential primary tracker - Day 2".

Proposed bill would remove big tobacco tax loophole

"State Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, has introduced a bill this session that he says would remove 'a big tax loophole' for one Florida-based tobacco company."

Altman’s legislation is one of the rare moments when Big Tobacco and health advocates have come together on an issue. When this bill came up last year, a coalition of groups called the Citizens for Fairness in Florida stood behind the bill. Included in the coalition were Florida CHAIN, a statewide health advocacy group, and retailers.

The coalition was made possible because the money from tobacco companies has paid billions through the years to the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund. By law (.pdf), the state uses "tobacco settlement moneys to ensure the financial security of vital health and human services programs in the state." Because more money could be going to health services, health advocates have stood by the attempts to levy the tax on Dosal.

Big Tobacco has also been a big proponent of legislation like Altman’s, because they argue companies like Dosal have an unfair advantage in the marketplace. Altman says the company has gained a huge advantage from the current "loophole," including an 18 percent market share, because they are able to sell cheaper cigarettes.

When the bill has come up in the past, Dosal has cried foul.

Teamster muscle

"Teamsters prepare to show muscle -- or lack thereof -- in prison privatization hearings".

"And the gap is growing"

"The net worth of the people representing Floridians in Congress is much higher than that of the average voter, and the gap is growing."

The disparity in Florida echoes a nationwide trend. According to an analysis by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, 67 of 100 U.S. senators have a net worth of more than $1 million, based on financial foreclosure forms they filed. The average is $2.6 million, not counting home equity.

Monday reads

"Monday Morning Reads: Prisons, casinos and lawmaker conflicts". See also "Today in Tallahassee: Secret privatization, presidential politics, and university gigs" and "Capitol Buzz for Monday, 1/23".

Online outlier

"Spending $2,159 Less Per Student, Online School Outscores Florida Campuses on AP Exams".

Obamanomics

"Florida Home Sales Up in 2011, State Realtors Report".

Scott’s school ranking list

"Capitol Buzz: Gov. Rick Scott’s school ranking list will be the subject of much debate".

Florida Political News: Jan. 22, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Sun Jan 22, 2012 at 11:41:09 AM EST

Crazy train heads to Florida

Dan Balz asks: "does South Carolina mark the beginning of real erosion in Romney’s standing that could lead to the former House speaker winning the nomination, something unthinkable only a month ago?"

That’s what Florida — and then Nevada, Michigan, Arizona and perhaps other states on the calendar — will tell us. But there is no doubt that the defeat here on Saturday represents a setback to Romney, who now has won just one of three opening contests in the GOP race after it looked like he was positioned to start the year 3-0 (though he still has two second-place finishes and thus the best overall record of the field). Strong debate performances by the former House speaker and a week of missteps and stumbles by the former Massachusetts governor brought the race to this moment.

Mitt Romney is no longer coasting to the nomination, and Florida — a much different contest than Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina — should determine whether Romney's campaign suffered a temporary setback or is in deep trouble.

Romney is favored to win the Jan. 31 primary, with the average of recent polls showing him ahead by more than 18 percentage points. He has much of the state GOP establishment, especially top fundraisers, behind him. He has by far the strongest campaign organization in the state. He and his allies already have spent more than $7 million on TV ads, including more than $4 million attacking Newt Gingrich, and have plenty more money to spend on TV. He should have a big early lead in the nearly 200,000 votes already cast in Florida — most while all the momentum was on Romney's side.

Losing Florida could be devastating to Romney, given the advantages he has. And it definitely could happen.

Romney flip-flops on Florida debate

"Romney says he'll attend debates in Florida".

"Slow start to early voting"

"As Republican presidential hopefuls made their final frenzied push in South Carolina on Saturday, early voting began across much of Tampa Bay and Florida at a much slower pace." "Slow start to early voting in Tampa Bay area".

Sad

"At Eola rally, Herman Cain calls for conservative 'revolution'".

"The most important single voting bloc in the Republican Party"

Anthony Man: "Conservative Christians, often called values voters, may be the most important single voting bloc in the Republican Party. 'It’s a massive component,' said Karin Hoffman of Lighthouse Point, founder of the tea party group D.C. Works for Us."

Peter Brown, associate director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, said they make up about one-third of the Florida Republican primary voters. They easily have enough to sway the outcome of a primary contest, said Kevin Hill, a political scientist at Florida International University. And in a tight general election, they could determine the statewide winner in Florida, said Thomas McClusky, senior vice president of the Family Research Council’s political arm FRCAction.

Gaetz and Weatherford run the place

"They're a generation apart and not widely known outside the corridors of the Capitol. But Sen. Don Gaetz and Rep. Will Weatherford share a tight grip on the political future of Florida." "Powerful duo in state Capitol wary of dangers".

Voter suppression in the spotlight

"Florida's new election law, which critics say is a thinly disguised Republican effort to suppress likely Democratic voters, will be the focus of a U.S. Senate committee meeting next week in Tampa. Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, is bringing the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights here Friday for a 1 p.m. hearing at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse. The committee will take public testimony from interested groups, though witness lists have not been released." "U.S. Senate committee to hold hearing in Tampa on voting law".

Uppity firefighters

Randy Schultz dances to the Chamber of Commerce tune.

Martinez, Scott and other political gems

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Martinez's example".

"It invites mischief" ... if not outright corruption

The Tampa Tribune editors: "Senate Bill 7170 would keep secret any information about outsourcing a government function until after the contract has been approved. In other words, the public would not know what was going on until it was already done."

The measure stems from a court ruling last year against the Legislature's privatization of 29 prisons. It was included in the overall budget; the state courts ruled the privatization should have been in a separate bill.

[The right-wing Trib editors] believe the lawmakers had a point when they contested the judge's ruling that a change projected to save the Department of Corrections $22 million was not "rationally related" to the overall budget. ...

But regardless of the details of that case, this proposal would allow lawmakers to outsource work to private companies without proper scrutiny. It invites mischief.

Stop the privatization madness

Even the Tampa Tribune editorial board sees it: "The Florida Legislature is seeking to give thousands of acres of public lands to private landowners, threatening citizens' shoreline access and jeopardizing safeguards for rivers and lakes."

Floridians should be alarmed.

At risk is the shoreline that is under water part of the year. Conserving the shore guards against flooding and allows vegetation to filter pollutants.

If privatized by lawmakers, the shoreline now owned by all Floridians could be fenced off, mined, logged and possibly developed.

Medicaid deform

Lloyd Dunkelberger: "Scott’s controversial plan to cut $1.9 billion in Medicaid payments to Florida hospitals may not win backing in the Legislature this year." "Legislature may not pass Scott's Medicaid budget".

"Stacking districts to keep themselves and their buddies elected"

Scott Maxwell writes that "Florida legislators have responded to the voter mandate for compact, sensible districts with two simple words:"

Forget you.

(Around the newsroom, I used two other words — one of which was still "you." But this is a family newspaper.)

The politicians have continued gerrymandering districts just the way they wanted: stacking districts to keep themselves and their buddies elected and denying the voters true choice.

"Jeb!" goes to ground

"Jeb Bush Refrains From Endorsing Anyone".

10 questions

The Tampa Bay Times editors have "10 questions the Republicans should be prepared to answer". "For GOP candidates, 10 questions from Florida".

"Given past scandal ..."

"Amid a clamor to overhaul a state university system lawmakers say isn't cutting it, Sen. John Thrasher wants to ban lawmakers from holding jobs with public colleges and universities they fund."

Given past scandal, Thrasher said it's best to eliminate the "conflict of interest."

But Thrasher is the same lawmaker who, as House speaker in 2000, helped secure a new medical school at Florida State University that higher education officials resisted. Then he helped eliminate the state board that opposed it.

In a speech opening the legislative session, House Speaker Dean Cannon said Florida's public university system is "racing toward the middle," a hodgepodge of schools with no clear mission and overlapping agendas.

And he put part of the blame on lawmakers.

"Florida's jobs numbers are just estimates"

"Scott - who has billed himself as Florida's jobs governor - says repeatedly that he receives a new grade every month when Florida's unemployment rates are released. But maybe the grade Scott should get in his first year in office is an incomplete. Since Scott was sworn in the state's jobless rate has dropped from 12 percent in December 2010 to 9.9 percent in December 2011."

Yet those unemployment rates are based on a monthly survey that state and federal officials acknowledge is likely to change. And sometimes the revised numbers are much different than the ones that receive a lot of initial attention - sometimes by as much as a percentage point, which equals about 90,000 workers.

It's not a secret that the numbers are refined as more information becomes available, including unemployment compensation records.

"A significant step in the right direction"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Citizens' revised policies to consider appraisals and contractors' estimates for replacement costs make sense. It won't solve the property insurance crisis in Florida or prevent premium increases for other reasons, but it's a significant step in the right direction." "An about-face for Citizens".

"State fund that pays for school construction is broke"

"An unfinished university science lab. Leaky roofs in elementary schools. Plans for a new classroom put back on the shelf."

On campuses across Florida, these and other projects are stalled because the state fund that pays for school construction is broke. And it looks like there won't be any money for the next two years.

Blame all those people who gave up their land lines and bought energy efficient appliances. The fund known as PECO, used by schools exclusively for new buildings and maintenance, gets its money from a tax on telephones and electricity.

Florida Political News: Jan. 21, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Sat Jan 21, 2012 at 16:58:11 PM EST

Organized labor goes after Romney in Florida

"In what is organized labor's first major investment in the Republican presidential primary, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is spending almost $1 million in Florida on a television ad attacking Mitt Romney's business career."

The new ad links Romney's business career to that of Florida Gov. Rick Scott. "Corporate greed. Medicare fraud. Sound familiar?" the narrator asks as Romney appears on the screen next to Scott, also a Republican former businessman.

Facing similar attacks from his Republican rivals, Romney has been increasingly forced to defend his years at Bain Capital, a private equity company where the former Massachusetts governor accumulated his personal fortune.

Imagine what Obama will do to him in a debate

"Romney on Friday wouldn’t commit to Florida’s first 2012 presidential primary debate, further upending a campaign that has swung from perfunctory to unsettled in a span of 48 hours." "Mitt Romney won’t commit to Fla. debate".

Romney alienating some Hispanic voters

"Mitt Romney's promise to veto a measure that would create a path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants threatens to turn off some Hispanic voters, whose support could be critical in a general election match-up against President Barack Obama."

The issue is gaining prominence as the GOP front-runner heads toward the Jan. 31 primary in Florida, even though most of the state's Hispanics are Puerto Rican or Cuban-American and, thus, aren't affected by U.S. immigration law, nor view it as a priority. Still, it's a state where 13 percent of registered voters are Hispanic, where the nation's largest Spanish-language TV networks are based, and where the nation's third-largest number of illegal immigrants live – intensifying the focus on Romney's position.

"Latino voters, like all voters in this country, are interested in America being an opportunity nation," Romney said Monday night during a debate in South Carolina, when asked if his promise to veto the so-called Dream Act was alienating voters. "In my view, as long as we communicate to the people of all backgrounds in this country that it can be better, and that America is a land of opportunity, we will get those votes."

Maybe not.

His veto promise – first made in the days before the Iowa caucuses – has hit a nerve with prominent Hispanics, and some Republicans worry that the position will turn off the growing number of Latino voters in swing-voting states, particularly in the west, who are now on the fence after backing Obama in 2008. These Republicans suggest that Romney was trying to curry favor with hardline Republican primary voters at the expense of Hispanics whose support he would need come the fall.

In the Legislature ...

"Bills Align Judicial Panel Terms With Governor, Raise Judges' Retirement Age".

Haridopolos, Alexander do bidding of privateers

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos is under fire from fellow Republicans for his handling of a controversial prison privatization plan."

Haridopolos, who decides which committees vote on which bills, sent two privatization bills to panels headed by loyal members of his inner circle, bypassing two committees that usually handle prison-related issues.

The action is all the more controversial because the same outsourcing plan was nixed by a judge who said it was done too secretly.

"It just really bothers me," said Sen. Greg Evers, who chairs the Criminal Justice Committee that was not assigned the bills. "Why are we not being as open with this as we have been with everything else?"

Amid the criticism, Haridopolos on Friday also sent the bills to the 20-member Senate Budget Committee. In a memo to senators Friday, he said he would "proceed in an abundance of caution," and that the issue was "fully vetted" by the 2011 Legislature.

The Budget Committee is chaired by Republican Sen. JD Alexander of Lake Wales, a strong supporter of privatizing prisons. That committee is scheduled to consider the two bills Wednesday.

Florida has had its own missteps, which is why the Legislature in 2006 passed a law requiring state agencies, before privatizing most anything, to develop a "business case" to determine whether companies "can more effectively and efficiently provide services and reduce the cost of government."

But what happened last year was hardly serious policy analysis.

Problem solved

"The state Legislature’s Economic Affairs Committee yesterday passed a bill that would rebrand unemployment compensation as 'reemployment assistance.'" "GOP bill would rebrand unemployment compensation as ‘reemployment assistance’".

Anti-choice crowd in a dither

"A new survey released from the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health found that 'strong majorities' of Latina/os registered to vote support 'access to legal abortion, affirm that they would offer support to a close friend or family member who had an abortion, and oppose politicians interfering in personal, private decisions about abortion,' the group reports." "New poll: Majority of Latina/o population supports reproductive rights".

How long before Scott challenges this?

"Federal authorities have rejected a request from Florida to get a waiver on a crucial reform requirement -- a move that could clear the way for state consumers to get more than $170 million in refunds on their health insurance."

In a letter dated Thursday but released Friday, Steven B. Larsen, deputy administrator in the Department of Health and Human Services, wrote Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty that he was rejecting McCarty’s request for reconsideration of the Affordable Care Act provision that insurers must spend at least 80 percent of premiums on healthcare, as opposed to administrative, marketing and profit.

The law provides that starting in 2011, insurers who spend less than 80 percent on healthcare would have to refund the difference. The refunds will be given to purchasers of individual and family policies, with the money arriving sometime this summer.

The law provides that starting in 2011, insurers who spend less than 80 percent on healthcare would have to refund the difference. The refunds will be given to purchasers of individual and family policies, with the money arriving sometime this summer.

"The insurance company that the ruling class in Florida hates"

Randy Schultz: "The new chairman of the insurance company that the ruling class in Florida hates but the state needs has this politically inconvenient but realistic attitude about hurricane insurance: 'We're all in this together.'"

Carlos Lacasa served in the Florida House, where insurance agent/legislators from less hurricane-prone areas scold South Floridians - Mr. Lacasa is from Miami - for supposedly placing the entire state at risk by building so much near the coast. Most of those properties secure wind coverage only from Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which Mr. Lacasa helps oversee.

Everyone wishes that Citizens didn't have to exist. Everyone wishes that Florida didn't need a "last-resort" state-run insurer that has more policies than any other company. Everyone wishes that Florida had a competitive private hurricane insurance market.

Such a market, though, hasn't existed for 20 years, since Hurricane Andrew punched through southern Miami-Dade County. The state had to create a $16 billion - increased at one point to $28 billion - subsidy for private companies to help pay claims in bad years, and then came 2004 and 2005. Last-resort Citizens has become only-resort Citizens for 1.5 million Floridians.

This drives the free-market ideologues crazy. It annoys the agent/legislators who covet Citizens policies. Citizens, though, is here to stay, and the main reason is economics.

Scott takes credit for merely "being there"

"Gov. Scott boasts unemployment nudge down to 9.9 percent".

"With the campaign trail heading for Florida, economists and voters are sharply divided on whether the Republicans or President Barack Obama — or any politician — can relieve Florida's distress." "Florida jobless rate dips to 9.9 percent". See also "Florida’s jobless rate drops 0.1 percent".

Teabaggers can't find the word "casino" in the Constitution

"Everett Wilkinson, chairman of the South Florida Tea Party and state coordinator for the Florida Tea Party, this week announced his support for the casino bill that would allow three Las Vegas-style casino resorts in South Florida." "South Florida Tea Party announces support for GOP casino bill".

"Disney doesn't deserve help from a cash-strapped state"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "By now, it's not exactly a news flash: Money is still tight in Tallahassee."

To balance next year's state budget, Florida's Republican legislative leaders are promising another round of cuts in health care and other basic services instead of any tax hikes. So lawmakers shouldn't even think about creating any more tax breaks that would reduce future revenues unless it's a slam dunk for Florida.

A proposed package of tax breaks that could be worth millions to two of the state's titans of tourism, Walt Disney World and NASCAR owner International Speedway Corp., doesn't even reach the rim. ...

But Disney and ISC don't need or deserve help from a cash-strapped state government to expand or improve their offerings. In their most recent budget years, Disney earned a company record profit of $4.8 billion, and ISC banked $54.5 million. Their success suggests they are savvy enough to let the market, not state tax incentives, dictate their investments. They'll build it, if people will come.

Will governor or chief judge appoint new SA?

"Following his bombshell announcement Tuesday that he'll take a private job rather than seek reelection in 2012, Palm Beach County State Attorney Michael McAuliffe said today that he plans to leave office before his term expires in January 2013. McAuliffe has not set a specific date for his departure. Once he does, a state attorney spokeswoman said, Gov. Rick Scott would appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of McAuliffe's term."

McAuliffe, a Democrat, abruptly ended his 2012 reelection campaign this week and announced he has taken a job with West Palm Beach-based Oxbow Carbon, which trades in carbon and industrial products and is headed by Palm Beach billionaire Bill Koch.

"Understandably the company wants and needs me before January of 2013, so as a result I will be unable to complete my full term," McAuliffe said today in a brief interview with The Palm Beach Post.

In a midday e-mail to his staff, McAuliffe said he is "finalizing a transition plan and timetable" to ensure a smooth hand-off to his successor.

McAuliffe said he plans to talk to Scott's office about his departure. Scott is a Republican.

The Florida constitution gives the governor power to fill vacancies in state and county offices. But a statute also says that the chief judge of the judicial circuit can fill a vacancy by appointing an acting state attorney.

More Scott stoopid

"Scott on Monday will release a ranking of the state’s 67 school districts based on standardized test scores, his office confirmed late Friday. Top school officials in Florida are fuming. They argue that test scores alone overlook factors like poverty and racial diversity, which have been shown to affect educational outcomes." "School officials critical of Gov. Scott’s school ranking plan".

Florida bank failures slowed in 2011

"Failures of Florida banks slowed in 2011, a welcome respite for the state's financial industry and for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp." "Failures of Florida banks slowed in 2011".

Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: Senate Draws Lines; House Draws Purse".

Redistricting may lead to "'profound' changes"

"New legislative maps call for 'profound' changes in Central Florida".

GOPers eye Florida

"With the race [in South Carolina] seemingly between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, Republican rival Rick Santorum is bracing for a setback and looking ahead to the next contest: Florida." "Santorum already eyeing next stop: Florida". See also "Gingrich, Santorum set Brevard visits" and "In tight S.C. GOP primary, Newt Gingrich feels confident, eyes Florida".

Florida Political News: Jan. 20, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Fri Jan 20, 2012 at 09:26:14 AM EST

"After a full year in office, the guv is failing"

Stephen Goldstein: "Wake up, Floridians! You're about to be 'had.'"

Tea Party/GOP Gov. Rick Scott and other proponents of expanding gambling in the state are just as bad as Ponzi-schemer Scott Rothstein, maybe worse. Their con is pitching that casinos, more lottery options, slots, roulette, and similar immoral games to take people's money will flood the state with billions of investment dollars, tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, hoards of high-roller (especially rich, foreign) tourists, and buyers of expensive condos. Gambling proponents tout (especially South) Florida as a natural rival to Las Vegas. ...

After a full year in office, the guv is failing: Our economy ain't goin' anywhere, and "tricky Rick" is trying to save his political skin by gambling on gambling to create all those jobs he promised and to make up budget deficits. But what tangled webs he weaves, when the governor deceives.

Last year, in his first budget, he went back on his promise to not decrease education funding. This year, he's going back on his pledge to not expand gambling to undo some of the damage from his going back on his promise to not decrease education funding.

To raise more money for schools, he wants to increase the number of retailers selling (the disproportionately high number of losing) lottery tickets and to add more machines where you can buy them. By the time he's through, you'll probably be able to gamble in church and on every street corner — or wager intravenously. And odds are, he'll soon want a game named after him: the "Scott Pot."

Any proposed legislation to create resort destination casinos should be called the "License to Steal Stupid People's Money" bill — and should be defeated. Any elected official who votes for it should resign or be impeached. Like other Grover Norquist lapdogs, the governor and much of the Florida Legislature signed a pledge never to raise taxes. But they have no pangs of conscience about encouraging people to bet (aka throw their money away) on anything, at anytime, anywhere, even though the odds are overwhelmingly against them.

Florida needs to attract world-class business and industry with long-term growth potential to put its economy on a solid footing. Gambling is not a substitute for sound fiscal policy and economic development.

Florida Republicans luv the Ricky

"Florida Republicans give high marks to freshman U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who rocketed to national prominence following his win over then-Gov. Charlie Crist during the 2010 election cycle, and offered a solid grade for Gov. Rick Scott."

The poll, conducted by Harrisburg, Pa.-based Voter Survey Service (VSS), found that 77 percent of likely Florida Republican presidential primary voters see Rubio as favorable, while only 10 percent see him as unfavorable. Twelve percent of those surveyed have no opinion about Rubio.

Fifty-nine percent said they approve of the job Scott is performing in Tallahassee while 23 percent said they disapprove of it. Seventeen percent said they are undecided on how Scott is performing. ...

The poll of 1,266 likely Republican primary voters was taken Jan. 11-14 and had a margin of error of +/- 2.75 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

Today in Tallahassee

"What to watch for today in Tallahassee". See also "Today in Tallahassee: House redistricting and jobless numbers".

"The reality of the condition of Florida by the numbers"

"When the 2012 legislative session opens Tuesday, the Governor and legislative majorities will begin action based on their perceptions about the needs of the state. This report shows the reality of the condition of Florida by the numbers: high poverty, high unemployment, a low percentage of the jobless receiving unemployment insurance benefits, income inequality, and an inadequate, unfair tax structure." "Condition of Florida by the Numbers".

Education funding increase on the move

"Scott has made it clear that he wants the final state budget to include that increase in Florida's education funding." "House, Senate embrace $1 billion for schools".

Privatizers running wild in the Legislature

"After hearing from private prison operators and correctional officials Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee is considering a bill to readdress a plan to privatize 26 correctional facilities in Central and South Florida."

But the committee may not include a companion effort, as has been introduced in the Senate, that changes how future privatization efforts are handled by the state.

Committee Chairwoman Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, said if a bill moves forward in the House, she expects a single bill aimed at reauthorizing the action approved last year.

The Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday gave initial support to a pair of bills -- SB 2036 and SB 2038 -- that are aimed at privatizing the facilities in 18 counties and could keep other privatization efforts out of public view until the contracts are signed.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has already referred the bills back to the Rules Committee, which will be their only stop before a full floor vote in the Senate.

In the House, the proposal that got its first public review Thursday, which appeared to get a favorable review from the majority party that approved the effort last year, is still under review.

"Romney could find himself in a competitive race in Florida"

"After a quick rise and steep fall, Texas Gov. Rick Perry exited the GOP race Thursday, leaving Florida Republican voters with four candidates for the Jan. 31 primary."

If Romney, generally perceived as the least conservative of the group, can dominate in a South Carolina full of Evangelical voters, Florida voters will likely flock to him, several strategists said. But if Gingrich either wins South Carolina or finishes a close second, Romney could find himself in a competitive race in Florida.

That's all you got?

"Mack's U.S. Senate campaign is all about his name".

Scott stands behind $500M in lost corporate revenue

"Scott repeated Thursday that he isn’t interested in efforts by Democrats to end tax breaks for corporations that members of the minority party say cost the state $500 million a year in revenue. ... SB 1590 and HB 1335, that would require national corporations -- none were directly identified -- to pay taxes to Florida based on the percentage of business done in the Sunshine State." "Scott Firm in Opposing Rise in Corporate Taxes".

Florida receives another "F"

"NARAL Pro-Choice America, a national reproductive rights groups, today released a report analyzing the 'state of women’s access to reproductive-health care' around the country. Florida received an 'F' overall for the policies it enacted in the last year." "National reproductive rights report gives Florida an ‘F’".

Cannon rejects cuts in Medicaid payments

"House Speaker Dean Cannon indicated Thursday how the House will craft next year's state spending plan - embracing Gov. Rick Scott's call for a $1 billion boost in public school funding but rejecting his call for deep cuts in Medicaid payments to hospitals." "School-funding increase may cost transportation, environment under Florida House plan".

FlaDems try to reverse voter suppression legislation

"State Sen. Nan Rich, D-Sunrise, has sponsored legislation that would reverse some of the most controversial aspects of the elections bill passed last session by the GOP-led Florida Legislature."

Last session’s bill, which opponents have dubbed a “voter suppression” effort, contained controversial provisions that restrict the amount of time that a third-party registration group has to turn in a voter registration form, force authorities to refer an accused third-party registrar to the attorney general, create a limit on the shelf-life of ballot initiative signatures, require a voter who moves within the same county to fill out an affirmation form, and limit early voting days. The decrease in early voting has been the target of much ire from elections experts, who note the popularity of early voting in the Sunshine State.

Half-million children lack health insurance in Florida, Scott sleeps

"More than a half-million children lack health insurance in Florida — even as the state is losing out on millions in federal dollars to help them."

Late last month, the federal government announced bonuses of nearly $300 million to 23 states, including Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana. But Florida met only two of the feds' eight requirements to receive the money.

State officials didn't even bother to apply for the bonuses.

Obama talks economy, GOPers talk trash

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Florida is accustomed to seeing plenty of visitors in January, especially in an election year. But the visit Thursday by President Barack Obama could mark a real boost for the state's economy. The president unveiled a new strategy to attract international tourists, which could bring more cash-flush foreigners to Florida. The plan also dovetails perfectly with the push across the region to expand the global appeal of Tampa Bay." "Delivering a jolt to Florida tourism". See also "Obama at Disney: 'America is open for business'".

Meanwhile, from way-back in the peanut gallery, Florida's empty suiters - who were sound asleep on this issue when Dubya was the resident - were quick to share their wisdom:

Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, who joined Romney on the news conference call Thursday morning, said he welcomed the president's visit and the expected tourism programs but added, "he's a day late and a few projects short." And Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, accused the president — playing off the Main Street U.S.A. location of Obama's speech — of closing down main streets everywhere.

Mica said he welcomed the tourism initiative but said it is something he and other members of the Florida delegation have been seeking for years.

"What he is announcing today should have been done two or three years ago," Mica said.

Population swells in Manatee and Sarasota counties

"The populations of Manatee and Sarasota counties jumped by 5,700 last year, fueling the beginnings of a stronger economic recovery in the region, an economist said Thursday." "Manatee and Sarasota populations growing, economist says".

"Medicaid Cuts Will Harm Florida's Economy"

"The Governor's proposed 2012-13 budget calls for a $3 billion reduction in total appropriations. Key to achieving a reduction of this magnitude is a cut of more than $2 billion to the perennially targeted Medicaid program."

But only about one-fifth of the funds "saved" would be state general revenue dollars. In fact, the majority of the reduction ($1.2 billion) would be lost federal matching dollars.

The proposed cuts would be detrimental to both Florida and Floridians, undermining the already strained Medicaid system, imperiling access to care for the sickest, and siphoning off Florida's share of federal tax dollars out of the economy.

Reconciling casino bills just became harder

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Reconciling Senate and House versions of the casino bill in the Legislature just became harder. Maybe impossible. The once-matching bills have been amended to ensure the best possible reception in each chamber. Trouble is, the Senate version expands gambling in Florida, while the House bill achieves a better balance. It would scale back existing gaming and seeks to put a lid on future expansion." "Slow it down".

"The South Florida casino bill that passed its first vote in the Florida House of Representative last week has prompted bills that regulate other gaming business, while opponents move ahead aggressively in the media." "Casino debate rages in Legislature, on TV". Related: "Senate panel opts to regulate Internet sweepstakes cafes".

Fitzgerald gets a hand

"The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched its 'Red to Blue' program, which 'highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support' and aims to introduce Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns. One candidate earning a spot in the program is Florida’s own Keith Fitzgerald, the Sarasota Democrat running to unseat Congressman Vern Buchanan." "Florida Democrat named one of DCCC’s ‘Red to Blue’ candidates".

"The easy way out"

"Scott's proposed budget trimmed reimbursements to hospitals by $1.8 billion but there are growing signs that the Legislature is loathe to cut institutional providers that hard." "Senator won't take "the easy way out" to balance budget".

Audubon, Sierra Club split on sewage

"Scientists say Florida's springs and waterways have become choked with weeds and algae fed by nitrogen and phosphorus compounds from a variety of sources including fertilizer, stormwater runoff, sewage treatment plants and septic tanks."

In 2010, the Legislature passed SB 550 requiring septic tanks to be inspected every five years. The requirement, though, created a backlash among rural property owners, tea party members and Panhandle legislators.

HB 999 would repeal the 2010 statewide requirement. Instead, 19 counties with the 33 largest "first-magnitude" springs would be required to conduct inspections unless county commissions vote to not do them.

The bill, with a strike-all amendment, passed the House Economic Affairs Committee on Thursday by a 14-1 vote. At least one committee member, Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Fort Lauderdale, said he was persuaded to vote for the bill after an Audubon of Florida representative said his group supports the measure. ...

Audubon of Florida Executive Director Eric Draper said the group supports the bill as amended -- if the requirement for inspections is expanded to include counties within the basins of first magnitude springs. ...

Sierra Club Florida lobbyist David Cullen said his group has concerns including the removal of langauge in the bill requiring a measured separation of septic tank drainfields from groundwater.

Repackaged-Prescription Bill

"Following a last-minute amendment backers don't like but had no time to defeat, a measure restricting the price physicians can charge for repackaged prescription drugs passed its first Senate committee on Thursday. The proposal, SB 668, caps fees doctors can charge on prescriptions filled in their offices for workers' compensation patients. The fee, $4.18 per prescription, is the same fee that pharmacies get paid for similar workers' comp orders." "Repackaged-Drug Bill Advances in Senate". See also "Committee OKs bill to whack doctors fees".

Lawmakers soon to wear labels of their sponsors

"Lawmakers consider selling naming rights for roads, cafeterias, bike trails".

Making it easier for the privatizers

"A southwest Florida lawmaker says prison employees in his district told him the Department of Corrections last year had moved sicker, more-expensive inmates out of facilities the state was trying to privatize."

Rep. Paige Kreegel's comment came Thursday at a House Appropriations Committee workshop on prison privatization. He was responding to a presentation by Corrections Deputy Secretary Mike Crews. ...

Kreegel said some of the corrections officers at Charlotte Correctional Institution are his patients; the Punta Gorda Republican is a physician.

"What they tell me is that shortly after the budget was passed last year, there began a concerted effort of transferring [to north Florida] inmates who were ... expensive health-wise, HIV positive, et cetera," he said. "They were getting as replacements people who were younger and healthier, without the costly medical illnesses." ...

"I guess the insinuation here is that they were filling up the prisons to be privatized with people who are relatively inexpensive to take care of, and leaving the more expensive prisoners to the state," he added.

Cleaning up after Ricky

"Last year, Gov. Rick Scott vetoed $12 million dollars from the state’s general revenue fund to the National Veterans’ Homeless Support Group for 'homeless housing assistance grants.' The item was one of the many public assistance programs Scott vetoed." "Bill giving aid to the homeless moves forward in state Senate".

Steady Citizens

"Citizens Insurance Sees Big News in a Small Drop". More Citizens: "Bill to reduce hurricane assessments breezes through Senate panel".

"An all-online university?"

"Should Florida have an all-online university?" See also "Weatherford seeks more online learning at universities, suggests all-digital state school".

School prayer fast tracked

"School prayer bill has one more stop in state Senate".

Budget-writers at work

"The House has upped its call to complete the budget, without the need for a mid-session spring break, in the regular 60-day session. But the prodding isn't expected to change the pace of the Senate's budget deliberations." "House Allocations Challenge Senate to Complete Budget". Related: "Budget-writers get to work amid talk of delay".

Florida Political News: Jan. 19, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Thu Jan 19, 2012 at 08:58:37 AM EST

Beer lobbyist to oversee Florida elections

"Scott on Wednesday named Ken Detzner, a former state official and onetime lobbyist, to be Florida’s secretary of state — a post he briefly held nearly a decade ago under former Gov. Jeb Bush."

Detzner, 59, will succeed Kurt Browning, who announced this month he was resigning and returning to his home in Pasco County. Browning will oversee the Jan. 31 presidential primary election before making way for Detzner, who was Bush’s interim secretary of state for part of 2003.

He loyally supported Bush’s controversial proposal to shut down the $10 million state library and donate its large collection of rare historical and obscure documents to a private university, Nova Southeastern in Davie. The plan was scrapped in the face of vehement opposition from library advocates across the state, but Detzner defended the cost-cutting move.

This time, Detzner takes charge of the agency at a time when four key sections of a new state election law are stuck in the courts and cannot take effect in five counties: Hillsborough, Monroe, Collier, Hardee, and Hendry. The changes affect early voting, voter registration, and provisional ballots, and any voting-law changes in those five counties require federal approval to make sure they don’t discriminate against minority voters.

Detzner, a Republican, worked for former Attorney General Jim Smith and was a lobbyist for the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, a trade group for the beer industry. He said he was visiting the governor’s office recently on behalf of another client that was interested in holding a “workday” for Scott when he was asked to apply for the job.

Entrepreneurs (Romney and Bain) in action

"Off a gritty bend in the Miami River, a few miles from a warehouse where he recently touted his job-creation plans, there's a complex of buildings that bear witness to a time when Mitt Romney's private equity firm laid off hundreds of workers, shuttered a profitable factory and made out with hundreds of millions of dollars."

It started in 1995, when Romney's Bain Capital targeted the company that became Dade Behring, which made blood-testing machines and performed animal research at its Miami campus.

Bain borrowed heavily to buy the company and closed a factory in Puerto Rico to improve the bottom line. About 400 lost jobs there. Then in 1997, Bain shuttered Dade Behring's Miami operations, costing another 850 jobs and a $30 million payroll in the community.

Before growing debt consumed the company, Bain executed its exit strategy and made $242 million.

5 things to watch today in Tally

"Capitol Buzz: 5 things to watch today in Tallahassee".

Scott leaves "poor children uninsured and out of luck"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Rick Scott likes to talk about eliminating government rules for businesses, but when it comes to helping Florida's poorest children enroll in government-funded health insurance, he doesn't mind the red tape."

This sentiment recently cost Florida millions of dollars in federal bonus money awarded to those states that improved access to low-income children's health programs. Scott and the Republican-controlled Legislature appear to have no interest in reducing the bureaucratic hurdles for the families who qualify, which means Florida will continue leaving federal money on the table and leaving poor children uninsured and out of luck. ...

But a bill in 2010 sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Nan Rich of Weston that would have made these changes did not interest Scott or legislative leaders and there is no indication that this session will be different. ...

Thousands of low-income children without health insurance won't get the preventive care they need and will likely be forced into expensive emergency rooms for even routine care, the cost of which the entire health care system often has to absorb.

Amendments to a casino bill

"In an effort to win support from the gambling-averse House, Rep. Erik Fresen proposed amendments to a casino bill." "House casino bill sponsor proposes changes to reduce gambling options".

Let them fly their private jets to Vegas

"Scott Lends Support to Closing Internet Cafes".

"Lynn an icon in political landscape"

"From Ormond commissioner to state senator, Lynn an icon in political landscape".

Bill of rights for Floridians receiving professional home healthcare

"Floridians receiving professional home healthcare could become among the few in the nation with their own bill of rights. Among the guarantees: Appointment times that are honored, disclosure of out-of-pocket costs and high-quality care. But under the proposal being considered by Florida legislators this session, home health agencies would have rights, too, including one likely to spark much debate: Clients would have to accept all qualified assistants in their home “regardless of race, creed or sexual orientation,” according to SB 1370." "Florida law would ban bias by at-home patients".

Early voting begins

"Early voting begins Saturday in Orlando area".

Mack Leads Pack

"With Many Florida Republicans Undecided, Connie Mack Leads GOP Senate Pack".

Second amendment stoopid

Beth Kassab: "Every parent's worst nightmare played out Sunday night inside an Eatonville home. A 7-year-old child picked up a gun that he apparently thought was a toy, pointed it at his 15-year-old cousin and accidentally shot and killed the older boy."

But this is wild-eyed Florida, which continues to defend a new law designed to stop doctors from asking moms, dads and their kids about guns in their homes.

It's hard to forget the fury over last year's "Docs vs. Glocks" bill. It initially sought to imprison doctors for up to five years and fine them $5 million for asking patients about guns until it was thankfully watered down before it was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott. Even in its less draconian form, this dumbest of dumb laws could lead to doctors losing their medical licenses for asking a patient about firearms.

We'll never know if a talk with a doctor would have made a difference for Anthony Lane Jr. And we don't know if the adults responsible at his cousin's home where the shooting took place ever received such counseling.

But the fact is, sometimes doctors like Lisa Cosgrove, a pediatrician in Merritt Island, are the first to talk to parents about gun safety.

"I ask parents, 'Do you have a lock for your gun?' And if they say no, I ask, 'Would you like one?' and we keep a box of them in the office," said Cosgrove, who is also the president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Local Term Limits

"Local Term Limits Measure Advances in House".

Obama in Orlando

"President Obama will be at Disney today to announce tourism initiatives". See also "Obama takes trip to Orlando to tout jobs plan". Related: "Obama, Rick Scott Agree: Speed Up Tourist Visas for Brazilians".  Frank Cerabino: "Obama visit to Disney? Where pundits' dreams come true".

"Pot Calling the Kettle Polluter"

Nancy Smith: "Environmentalists can be such hypocrites. Especially the rich ones. Closet flimflammers. Maybe you saw Paul Tudor Jones Tuesday at the Everglades Water Supply Summit."

Now, I wouldn't exactly call this multi-billionaire a faux philantropist. But I think it's only right that the people of Florida understand that the Everglades Foundation chairman and benefactor at the podium, the one hurling insults at Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam for coddling "polluters," was once slapped with a $2 million fine for destroying wetlands.

Slithering

Fred Grimm: "Broward towns try to slither out from under strict ethics rules".

"Flawed and unacceptable" congressional district boundaries

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "The congressional district boundaries proposed by the Florida Senate are flawed and unacceptable." "One crazy redistricting plan". See also "Redistricting plan would carve up Sarasota and Manatee".

Shrinking citizens

"Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has begun implementing changes approved by its board of governors: It will no longer cover coastal account properties valued at $1 million or more, now requires 10 percent sinkhole deductible, and reduced its maximum personal liability coverage from $300,000 to $100,000." "Citizens attempts to shrink, Gov. Scott applauds".

Canker war

"Florida's war against canker ended in 2006, but six years later a battle is still being waged on the international front." "Wary EU sour on Florida citrus imports".

Rubio has his finger in the wind

"Members of Florida delegation withdraw support for controversial anti-piracy bills".

Florida leading race to the bottom

"State Sen. Nan Rich, D-Sunrise, and Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, have introduced legislation that would set up a Florida health insurance exchange as required by federal law. So far, the GOP-led Legislature and the governor have done little-to-nothing to follow the federal health care reform law’s requirement."

Senate Bill 1640 and House Bill 1423 would provide the intent to “establish a state-level health benefits exchange by a certain date; providing minimum functions for such exchange; establishing the Florida Health Benefits Exchange Legislative Study Committee to consider and make recommendations regarding the establishment of the exchange; providing that the act is null and void if that part of federal law requiring an exchange is repealed or replaced.”

Just this week, the government released a report documenting the progress 28 states and the District of Columbia have made in creating their state health insurance exchanges. The study noted that Florida is one of two states that has refused to even use a $1 million federal grant to begin planning for and researching an exchange.

Auctioning off Florida with no deliberation, cost benefit analysis or public input

"In a state Senate rules committee hearing [yesterday], groups showed up to voice their opposition to two bills that would make it easier for the state to privatize prisons — and other government agency functions."

Both committee bills, which moved forward [yesterday], received resounding opposition. The bills were introduced, but have yet to be referred to the appropriate committees.

A labor group has already called the bills “union busting” efforts and said they would “eliminate any transparency from the process, allowing Legislative leaders to auction off Florida with no deliberation, cost benefit analysis or public input.”

Senate Bill 7172 would privatize correctional facilities and Senate Bill 7170 would allow the privatization of state functions to go through more secretively.

According to its summary, Senate Bill 7170 would provide “that certain information relating to the outsourcing or privatization of an agency function that is expressly required by law is not required to be included in the agency’s legislative budget request until after the contract for such functions is executed; providing that procurements for outsourcing or privatizing agency functions that are expressly required by law are exempt from the requirement that they be evaluated for feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency, etc.”

Perhaps they're good at what they do?

"Few Miami teachers dismissed for poor performance".

Big of them

"Florida lawmakers: Get tough on ALFs".

"State pension chief wants to double down"

"The official managing Florida's $120 billion pension fund wants lawmakers to double the amount of money his agency can set aside for special investments that critics say are harder to value and carry more risk than traditional stocks and securities." "State pension chief wants to double down on investment strategy".

Florida Political News: Jan. 18, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Wed Jan 18, 2012 at 09:03:06 AM EST

Grubbing for wingnuts: Hasner claims Obama "the single worst president in history"

"President Obama will be in Orlando on Thursday to talk about tourism. And like Democratic senators who skipped Obama appearances in other states, Bill Nelson will be nowhere in sight."

Calling Obama "the single worst president in history," Hasner said Nelson "has voted for every single one of President Obama's hallmark policies, which have been a disaster for Florida and the nation.

Bill would allow lawmakers to secretly privatize state agency functions

"A Senate committee will consider a bill that would allow lawmakers to secretly privatize or outsource state agency functions. That includes privatizing the state's prisons."

The Senate rules committee will take up the bill (PCB 7170) at its Wednesday afternoon meeting. The bill essentially means that an agency would not have to report its privatization of a program or service until after the contract is signed.

"5 things to watch today"

"Capitol Buzz: 5 things to watch today in Tallahassee".

"Incumbency protection"

"A map to realign the state’s political boundaries according to new redistricting standards draws overwhelming support but opponents blast the effort as incumbency protection." "Senate earns bi-partisan support for its redistricting maps as critics complain". See also "Florida Senate moves quickly in redrawing district lines, but challenges loom", "State Senate approves redistricting plan; Fair Districts supporters cry foul" and "Senate approves its redistricting plans".

LeMieux hits the First Coast

"George LeMieux Builds His Team on the First Coast".

To replace Browning

"Nancy Detert in running for Secretary of State".

Ayn Rand convention in Manatee County

"UPDATE: Man hit by car, then run over by 3 hit-run drivers".

Hawkes ethics case moot

"The Florida Supreme Court has approved the state judicial ethics panel's dismissal of its case against a Tallahassee-based judge for his involvement in an expensive new courthouse. The court ruled Tuesday that an ethics case was moot since Judge Paul M. Hawkes of the 1st District Court of Appeal resigned as of Jan. 4. But the Supreme Court's order said that it would have 'continuing jurisdiction' if Hawkes ever retakes judicial office." "High court drops case against "Taj Mahal" judge".

"Chicken wranglers, hire yourselves a lobbyist."

Fred Grimm: "Of course, cock fighting, a disgusting, cruel, utterly uncivilized pursuit, will require some artful public relations work. But in Florida, a lousy rep can be easily fixed with the mere promise of millions of rooster revenue for our desperate schools. And so many new jobs along with all that the blood, gore, mayhem and flying feathers. Construction jobs to rebuild gamecock arenas. Fry-cook jobs to recycle the losers." "Cockfighting just needs a good lobbyist".

Obama goes to Disney

"President Obama will visit Disney on Thursday to talk about tourism".

Florida GOPers "loathe President Obama"

"No doubt about it -- Florida Republicans loathe President Barack Obama and are looking forward to defeating him in November." "Florida Republicans Ready to Toss Obama Out in November".

Strange bedfellows

"In bid to reduce greyhound racing in Florida, strange allies emerge".

"Casino bill morphs"

"Backers of a controversial plan to bring high-end destination-casino resorts to Florida initially billed it as a way to limit gambling in the state. But the measure has since morphed into a behemoth of a bill that could spread slot machines — if not casinos — to every corner of the Sunshine State."

Changes approved by a Senate committee this past week would allow any parimutuel facility in the state — from Pensacola to Jacksonville to Daytona Beach and Tampa — to open slot machines if local voters approve. Internet cafes — which many argue are illegal — would be legitimized and regulated. Taxes paid by South Florida "racinos" would plummet, and racetracks in counties that allow destination casinos would be permitted to open casinos of their own, complete with blackjack and craps.

"I've given up saying it's not an expansion because I've lost that battle,'' said state Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, during the committee meeting. "Call it what you will."

To opponents of the measure — anti-gambling legislators, the Central Florida tourism industry and social and religious conservatives — the changes have opened a potentially powerful argument: It's not just about South Florida anymore.

They'll probably use big words

"More state university presidents are set to appear before the Florida House Education Committee. The panel is continuing its talks Wednesday with the presidents as part of efforts to improve the coordination of Florida's higher education system." "More university leaders visiting Fla. House panel".

"Florida lost out on millions in federal dollars"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida children bore the brunt in recent years as state lawmakers, claiming to be proactive, reined in spending by slashing education and juvenile safety-net programs. Now, thousands of uninsured kids lose again. Why? Florida lost out on millions in federal dollars simply because the state wasn't proactive enough."

Last month, Washington awarded nearly $300 million in performance bonuses. For streamlining access and boosting kids' enrollment in Medicaid and stateChildren's Health Insurance programs, 23 states pocketed hefty bonuses. Among them: Alabama ($19 million), Georgia ($5 million), and Louisiana (nearly $2 million).

And the Sunshine State? Not one red cent. Even though more than 1.6 million of Florida's poorest kids receive Medicaid. Even though another 250,000 rely on KidCare — which covers uninsured kids whose parents' earnings outstrip Medicaid caps. Even though better than 380,000 more kids likely qualify for coverage.

Numbers weren't the hang-up. Blame a lack of will to adopt and pass policies that align with federal standards governing the allocation of funds.

Rooney stands tall

"Rooney: Obama Administration Fails to Address Everglades Snake Threat".

Romney already forgetting GOP base

"Personhood USA to host presidential forum; Romney not participating".

Privatization follies

"During this morning’s inaugural meeting of the Everglades Legislative Caucus, former Sen. Bob Graham spoke out against a bill that would privatize the reclaimed water used by utilities." "Graham urges opposition to lawmaker’s reclaimed water bill". See also "Graham urges legislators to oppose efforts to allow private ownership of water".

And so it begins

"Five counties in Florida have already begun in-person early voting for the GOP presidential primary." "Early voting begins in counties where new elections law has not been implemented".

Scott looks for 'Glades handout

"Scott downplayed the increase in funding he’s requested for Everglades maintenance, saying the key is to spend any money correctly, during a panel discussion that was part of the Everglades Water Supply Summit at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center in Tallahassee." "Scott, Salazar Express Optimism for Everglades". Related: "Everglades summit participants debate over-development, Big Sugar, Scott’s budget", "More Everglades Water Supply Summit participants weigh in: Scott, Putnam, Salazar", "Gov. Rick Scott, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar point to Everglades cooperation", "Environment dramas play out in Tallahassee" and "Everglades panel discusses water quality, environmental regulations".

"Tampa will go on lockdown"

"Already, courts and government offices are making plans to shift services or suspend them so that they can avoid the congestion of GOP delegates and expected protesters." "In August, Tampa will go on lockdown".

Florida Political News: Jan. 17, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Tue Jan 17, 2012 at 10:17:08 AM EST

Romney clobbering Gingrich in VSS Florida poll

Kevin Derby: "Two weeks away from the Presidential Preference Primary, Mitt Romney holds a commanding lead over the Republican presidential pack in Florida, according to a Sunshine State News Poll of likely primary voters."

Romney tops the poll, which was conducted by Harrisburg, Pa.-based Voter Survey Service (VSS), with 46 percent. When he ran in the 2008 primary, Romney placed second in Florida, taking 31 percent and winning 18 of the 67 counties in the Sunshine State. ...

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich places a distant second with 20 percent. Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who lost the Iowa caucus to Romney by eight votes, takes third with 12 percent. ...

The poll of 1,266 likely Republican primary voters was taken Jan. 11-14 and had a margin of error of +/- 2.75 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

"Fliers purportedly sent by an inactive political committee whose chairman is dead"

"Eight months before Election Day, state Rep. Ana Rivas Logan — who has yet to draw an opponent — is getting attacked in campaign fliers purportedly sent by an inactive political committee whose chairman is dead."

Logan is one of several local state representatives whose new legislative districts will likely be redrawn this year to include another, fellow Miami Republican — in her case, Rep. Jose Felix Diaz — setting up an intra-party battle over who will keep the seat. ...

"It’s an illegal piece, totally, totally illegal," said Logan, who also said she reported the fliers to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. She added that older, Hispanic constituents have told her about a Spanish-language robocall attacking her.

"Ana Rivas Logan voted for higher taxes," one mailer says in bold, red letters in English and Spanish. The other one reads, "Can we afford Ana Rivas Logan?"

The pieces refer to a 2005 vote Logan took as a Miami-Dade School Board member. The board lowered its property-tax rate, but because property values had risen so much, homeowners paid slightly more in taxes.

Logan was the sole Republican on the School Board to vote for the tax rate, which she said allowed the school district to pay new teachers higher salaries the board had promised.

"Bipartisan jitters"

"After a long-fought battle to impose redistricting standards, proponents of the Fair Districts constitutional amendments have new maps — and they're not what they had hoped for."

But the first maps to be voted on by the full Senate this week are not unexpected either.

The maps — one for the state Senate, the other for Congress — each leave intact the controversial minority districts that consolidate Democratic voters in oddly shaped districts. They have deeply divided the Democratic caucus and have forced Democrats to rely on the court to sort the issue out.

"Top five things to watch"

Mary Ellen Klas: "Florida lawmakers return to the Capitol Tuesday ... Here are the top five things to watch:"

• Redistricting.

• Water Supply.

• Internet cafes.

• Insurance.

• Nursing Homes.

Romney's pals buy ink by the barrel

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Two weeks from today , Florida Republicans have an opportunity to effectively end a disappointing presidential primary season and focus the nation on a pivotal general election. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the winner of the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, is the candidate best prepared to make the Republicans’ case that change is needed in the White House." "Romney for Republicans".

"Effort to collect sales tax from online retailers gains momentum"

"An effort to collect sales tax from online retailers, like Amazon, gains momentum in the Florida Legislature." "Tallahassee battle lines drawn over Internet sales tax".

"Loosely worded contracts are costing the state lots of money"

The Tampa Tribune editors write that Atwater "has good reason to suspect that loosely worded contracts are costing the state lots of money. His misgiving is based on a review of 364 contracts and grant agreements, each worth at least $1 million, for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. After putting the fine print in each contract under his magnifying glass, Atwater reports that 26 percent had problems that were potentially costly." "Give state contracts an expert once-over".

Blah, blah, blah

"The Florida Constitution is silent on the question of whether citizens have an absolute right to be heard, so the Legislature is now involved." "Florida citizens deserve right to speak at public meetings".

Even the Times gets it

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "Corporate America continues to game the system at the expense of taxpayers and the economy. Too many corporations are exploiting a tax loophole to shower their top executives with excessive pay — and avoid billions of dollars in tax payments in the process." "Gaming the system at nation's expense".

"Putnam treads carefully"

"Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam wants lawmakers to develop a comprehensive energy policy for Florida — a topic they've shelved for several years." "Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam treads carefully with new energy policy".

Florida Political News: Jan. 15, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Sun Jan 15, 2012 at 12:57:26 PM EST

"Browning is leaving a mess to his successor"

"As Florida's chief elections official, Kurt Browning takes pride in guiding Florida through trouble-free voting since the chaotic 2000 presidential recount."

He has one final chance to get it right, and it may not be easy.

Browning, who will resign his post as secretary of state next month and head home to Pasco County, promised Gov. Rick Scott he would manage the Jan. 31 presidential primary, which will draw attention as the largest state so far in which Republican voters will cast ballots.

But his decisions set in motion a bifurcated situation in which 62 counties will run the primary under one set of laws and five others will run it differently.

Nowhere will this oddity be more noticeable than in Tampa Bay, where Pinellas and Pasco counties will operate under the new law and neighboring Hillsborough County will follow the old law.

"The New Jim Crow"

Leonard Pitts Jr. reminds his readers of The New Jim Crow, by Michelle Alexander, wherein

Alexander promulgated an explosive argument. Namely, that the so-called “War on Drugs” amounts to a war on African-American men and, more to the point, to a racial caste system nearly as restrictive, oppressive and omnipresent as Jim Crow itself. ...

On March 15, Alexander has agreed to appear with [Pitts] at Books & Books in Coral Gables, where I will moderate a discussion with an audience.

Virtual school "accountability is spotty at best"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "In about the time it takes for a student to go from kindergarten to high school graduate, the Florida Virtual School has grown from a mere idea into the largest K-12 online school in America that is funded with public money. It enrolls 130,000 students and is poised to grow even bigger."

But the stampede to virtual schooling is more about avoiding costs in traditional public schools and making money online than it is about student performance. It's time to require more accountability — and to realize that online schools aren't the answer to every question in education.

Florida Virtual School's cheerleaders argue that it educates students faster, better and cheaper than traditional schools. Faster and cheaper, perhaps. The school touts a bargain price, saying it saves $2,100 per pupil compared with regular schools. But better? As Tampa Bay Times staff writers Rebecca Catalanello and Marlene Sokol reported last Sunday, those performance claims often overreach, and true accountability — so valued by legislators in traditional public schools — is spotty at best.

Wingnuts in a dither

"A half-century after the nation struggled over whether a Catholic could serve in the White House, a question is lurking in the Republican race for president:"

Can a Mormon?

If Romney's momentum is halted, South Carolina is the likely place. Evangelicals made up 60 percent of the Republican vote here in 2008.

Interviews across South Carolina over the past week revealed the antipathy some evangelical Christians hold toward Mormonism. ...

South Carolina has a history of dirty politics, and with six days before the primary, something could develop. In the 2008 campaign, voters received anti-Romney mailers from an anonymous source that called attention to polygamy, which the Mormon church banned more than a century ago. ...

If Romney emerges as the nominee, 91 percent of white evangelical Republicans nationally would back him over President Obama, according to a November poll by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

At the same time, the survey found that nearly two out of three evangelicals do not believe Mormonism is a Christian religion and that 15 percent of evangelicals would not support Romney.

No one seems to want Scott's endorsement

"No matter how many times the question was asked or how it was posed on Saturday, Gov. Rick Scott declined to say which presidential candidate he would get his vote in Florida's Republican primary on Jan. 31." "Gov. Scott keeps mum on presidential preference".

Scott may get control never bestowed on previous chief executives

"Scott, the outsider who at one point railed against the political establishment, may soon start getting the kind of control that was never bestowed on Florida's previous chief executives. It's still early in the 2012 session but the Republican-controlled Legislature is starting to move ahead with proposals that would give Scott more hands-on power to shape the judicial branch and control regional job development agencies." "Fla. Legislature could give Scott more power".

'Glades

"Interior Department chief plans Everglades announcements".

"Florida is standing at the precipice"

Myriam Marquez: "Even taking into account extra federal funds that go toward helping states teach students in living in high-poverty regions, the disabled or those learning a second language,"

Florida just scored a “D+” in revenue spent per student, ranking 39 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia.

But wait, it gets worse. That just-released study of rankings by Education Week used spending statistics from 2009 — before Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature whacked $1.35 billion from public schools last year. Are we dead last now? ...

[T]here is a breaking point to this public school formula for educational success, and Florida is standing at the precipice. Florida, never a big spender on education, has cut to the bone and is heading to the gristle. The past four years, education funding has been slashed by 12 percent.

The governor’s new-found love for education spending simply would restore $1 billion to public schools, which wouldn’t even cover last year’s bloodletting.

Out here in the fields ... a meaningless constitutional right

Bill Maxwell: "We hear a lot about farmworkers' low wages, their poor housing and the anti-immigrant movement that has frightened many. But we rarely hear about another serious problem farmworkers face: widespread exposure to pesticides on the job."

Jeannie Economos, the pesticide coordinator for the Farmworker Association of Florida in Apopka, sees this problem firsthand every day. She told me about a Mexican woman who walked into the association's office one recent afternoon. Her entire face was swollen, her eyes almost shut. The woman was certain she had been exposed to pesticides in the plant nursery where she worked. ...

Advocates argue that because farmworkers do not have political and economic clout in statehouses and the nation's capital, they remain invisible in spite of the essential work they do – work that no one else will do. ...

Florida's lax enforcement of federal pesticide regulations greatly concerns farmworker advocates. "By last count, there were over 40,000 agricultural operations in Florida and only 40 inspectors statewide to monitor and enforce regulations on all the agricultural operations in the state," ...

Another problem is that few laborers are trained to understand the effects of the pesticides in their workplaces. The major reason: Farmworkers are not covered under the National Labor Relations Act[*]. And because Florida is a right-to-work state, farmworkers have difficulty forming unions to protect their interests. As such, they lack a legal right to know which pesticides they come in contact with. ...

Advocates argue that because farmworkers do not have political and economic clout in statehouses and the nation's capital, they remain invisible in spite of the essential work they do – work that no one else will do.[**]

The best they could do?

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon met their goals and then some in the first half of their two-year tenures."

But the Republican leaders are better known now for an ugly end-of-session meltdown last year that left Haridopolos embarrassed and choking back tears. And, with their final year under way, they are already headed for a standoff.

Haridopolos, a Merritt Island history buff elected to the Florida House in 2000, says lawmakers need to deal with the thorny task of drawing new congressional and legislative boundaries - the reason the session began two months early this year - and come back later to handle the unglamorous job of fixing a $2 billion deficit.

Cannon, a Winter Park lawyer who launched his career in the Capitol as a lobbyist a decade ago, insists there's no reason to wait on the budget and that none of his partner-across-the-hall's priorities will be addressed until the spending plan is approved.

Tension between leaders can be good, some people, including Cannon, say.

Local pols discover Facebook and Twitter

Anthony Man: "Facebook, Twitter reshaping political campaigns".

The man who likes to "fire people" on the air in Florida

"The momentum is on Mitt Romney's side for the GOP nomination, but Romney allies behind a well-funded political committee are taking no chances in Florida."

The independently run [insert laff track here] Restore Our Future super PAC is running ads across Florida trashing Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.

"Barack Obama knows four facts about Rick Santorum that you don't," says a woman narrator in the Santorum spot that began airing last week. "Santorum pushed for billions in wasteful pork, voting for the Bridge to Nowhere, a teapot museum. Even an indoor rain forest. Santorum voted to raise the debt limit five times, increasing spending and debt by $3 trillion. And he even voted to let convicted felons vote. So how will Santorum beat Obama? Obama knows he can't."

"Top prize in this year's GOP presidential primary season"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editors: "It may not matter if Florida Republicans get the worst seats and lousiest hotel rooms at this summer's Republican National Convention in Tampa -- the Sunshine State probably will end up being the top prize in this year's GOP presidential primary season." "Game on: Florida will be the top GOP prize".

Scott has tapped his inner Ralph Kramden

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In recent years, whenever the subject turns to funding Florida schools, the Legislature turns into an episode of 'The Honeymooners.'"

Lawmakers channel Ralph Kramden. Looking to better state K-12 schools' budgetary lot, legislative Kramdens connive and calculate get-rich-quick schemes. ...

Even Gov. Rick Scott — who's counting on a bump in lottery sales to help cover his proposed billion-dollar boost to the education budget — has tapped his inner Kramden.

"Agenda that’s light on job-creation ideas"

Zac Anderson: "Facing another year of high unemployment and tepid economic growth, state leaders opened the 2012 legislative session with an economic agenda that’s geared toward cutting business costs but light on direct job-creation ideas." "Legislative session renews debate on jobs".

"Scott still hasn't tipped his hand"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The battle lines are becoming clearer in what's shaping up as the biggest and most expensive showdown in Tallahassee this spring -- the clash over a proposal to allow Las Vegas-style casino gambling in Florida. Gov. Rick Scott still hasn't tipped his hand on the issue, although it was reported last year that he was open to allowing large casino resorts in the state." "State shouldn't depend on gambling revenue".

"Egos — not students' needs — drive academic policies"

The Tampa Tribune editors "hope lawmakers paid close attention to House Speaker Dean Cannon's opening day speech, which addressed a serious threat to Florida's economy."

The state university system, Cannon warned Wednesday, "is racing toward mediocrity"

He described a "higher education system with no clear mission, universities pursuing overlapping agendas despite limited public resources, and our community colleges rapidly transforming themselves into four-year-degree institutions."

And lawmakers, Cannon acknowledged, should take a share — we would say the lion's share — of the blame for "parochially advancing the interests of our local university or college at the expense of the system as a whole."

The result has been a chaotic system, where political egos — not students' needs — drive academic policies.

The Florida primary - a country clubber's perspective

Kingsley Guy: "Economic issues will be particularly important in Florida. It suffered more than most states because of the collapse of the housing market, and still has an unemployment rate above the national average."

Florida isn't Iowa or South Carolina, where evangelical Christians make up a large portion of the electorate in both the GOP primaries and the general election. Florida skews more toward the libertarian and establishment brands of Republicanism rather than the religious, and what plays well in Iowa and South Carolina in regards to social issues won't have such widespread appeal here.

The 2005 Terri Schiavo controversy should serve as a case study for candidates campaigning in Florida. Right-to-life advocates, led by then-Gov. Jeb Bush and the GOP-dominated Florida Legislature, launched an effort to reverse the courts and keep Schiavo hooked up to a feeding tube.

The tube may have kept Schiavo alive, but in a "persistent vegetative state," which millions of people considered a fate worse than death. The controversy eventually reached Congress, where GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum, then a senator from Pennsylvania, led the effort to keep the feeding tube connected.

The state and federal governments' interference in an end-of-life decision resulted in an enormous backlash. The late Jim King, then the president of the Florida Senate, declared his initial support for legislative interference in the Schiavo case was the biggest mistake of his political life. Much of the scorn heaped on him came not from Democrats, but Republicans, who were appalled by such government intrusiveness. Nationally, the controversy contributed to the GOP's 2006 election debacle that gave Democrats control of Congress.

GOP candidates should note that unlike the U.S. Constitution, the Florida Constitution explicitly establishes a right to privacy. The provision was put there through a vote of the people to guard against government interference in their lives from both the left and the right.

So repeat after me: "It's the economy, stupid." The candidate who sticks most closely to this message will win the Florida primary, and eventually the GOP nomination.

Union bashing in Miami-Dade - Round Two

"Carlos Gimenez and county commissioners will again face off over controversial union concessions for round two of this tug-of-war." "Miami-Dade mayor’s veto sets up political showdown with commission".

Florida Political News: Jan. 14, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Sat Jan 14, 2012 at 10:04:34 AM EST

Gingrich turns Florida's Republican primary into a two-man contest

"Newt Gingrich started to turn Florida's Republican primary into a two-man contest Friday by hitting opponent Mitt Romney from the right, left and center at Miami's Versailles Restaurant and during a headquarters opening in Orlando."

Gingrich also spoke at length to hordes of reporters and released a detailed plan on cracking-down on Raul Castro's regime in Cuba — an issue that Romney didn't discuss in-depth during his Miami stop in November when he avoided talking to local reporters.

But Romney doesn't need to talk to the press. He's getting more than a third of the Republican vote, while Gingrich barely cracks 25 percent in polls.

Romney has also blanketed the airwaves and mailboxes with his message as more than 107,000 Republicans have cast mail-in ballots.

Is it too late for Gingrich, who has yet to send mail or advertise on TV?

"No," Gingrich said.

"Why might Latinos not like Republicans"

"Why oh why might Latinos not like Republicans?".

"Latest Scott reform effort"

Aaron Deslatte: "Now that Gov. Rick Scott has passed his first year as governor, it's time to start giving him some serious job evaluations. But it is impossible to evaluate his performance without something to measure." "'Accountability budgeting' is latest Scott reform effort".

From the "values" crowd

"There isn’t likely to be any new money for school construction and maintenance for the next few years, Florida economists said Friday."

That’s because state officials expect to receive less revenue next year from the Gross Receipts Tax, a tax on electric, telephone and cable bills that supports the Public Education Capital Outlay, or PECO, fund.

Adding to the problem, the state will no longer be able to sell a $250 million bond issue – and will have to pay down existing projects out of a cash account, said Amy Baker, director of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research.

Money well spent

"Prison privatization plan resurfaces in Florida Senate". See also "Senate will try again to privatize prisons".

Genting gets aggressive

"The New York Times ... on Genting's aggressive approach in entering the New York market and notes its similar strategy in Florida." "NY Times: Genting -- an instant force in gambling".

GOPers rake in "$7.5 million in the final three months 2011 alone"

"The Republican Party of Florida was the leading recipient of donations from big donors during the last six months before the start of the 2012 legislative session. ... [It] received $7.5 million in the final three months 2011 alone — its biggest off-year quarter in the past 15 years. The Florida Democratic Party received $1.8 million in the same period." "Casino gambling debate money boosts state fundraising totals".

Santorum's Florida team

"Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who was only eight votes away from defeating former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts to win the Iowa caucus, unveiled his campaign team for Florida on Friday. The Florida primary will be held on Jan. 31, 10 days after South Carolina Republicans hold their own primary." "Rick Santorum Unveils His Florida Campaign Team". See also "Santorum Florida leadership team includes personhood leader, Buchanan associate".

"Senate wants a session break"

"With updated revenue numbers that offered no relief from deep budget cuts, a bipartisan majority of the Florida Senate wants to cut short the regular session in February and come back later in the spring when lawmakers hope to have a rosier revenue forecast that will avoid some of the $2 billion in projected cuts." "Senate wants a session break — to wait for revenues and avoid cuts". See also "Senators Give Haridopolos Discretion to Delay Budget".

"Jeb got it wrong on higher education"

Randy Schultz: "Last week, the House Education Committee began hearings on the university system, with the presidents of the University of Florida and Florida State leading off."

The chairman is Rep. William Proctor, R-St. Augustine. He is a former college president. Of course, it was Flagler College, which is private.

What's funny is to hear State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan ask for time to "make sure it gets done right." Ten years ago, as lieutenant governor, Mr. Brogan was part of the Jeb Bush administration that got it wrong on higher education and embraced the "reform" that has resulted in a "discordant, competing group of fiefdoms."

Key legislators were mad that the Board of Regents, which then ran higher education from a statewide perspective, kept rejecting unneeded, expensive graduate programs at their universities. So in 2000, those legislators led the push to abolish the regents and create the loose system of a semi-powerful Board of Governors and a set of trustees for each university.

Though Rep. Cannon acknowledged the Legislature's role in creating this mess, he doesn't envision a new system of "governance." In fact, only a return to the old "governance," along with new efficiencies and an emphasis on certain degrees, will solve the problem. Without it, Florida higher education won't be racing to the middle. It will be racing to the bottom.

Jobs, jobs, jobs

"Is Tampa the 'strip club capital of the world'?"

"And it appears to be okay"

"Dennis Jones has spent more than 30 years as a Pinellas County lawmaker, the last nine as a state senator representing the county's beach communities."

But for tax purposes, Jones' home is now more than 100 miles to the northeast in the rural hamlet of Dunnellon.

And it appears to be okay.

Privatization 'ho asks "What happens if I say your daughter is a prostitute?"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "North Miami mayor right to apologize".

"It should not be a witch hunt"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Floridians deserve to know how the state's special taxing districts are spending public money. The review ordered Thursday by Gov. Rick Scott can be a learning experience, but it should not be a witch hunt aimed at gutting their effectiveness or their missions." "Don't gut local control of taxes".

"Scott’s plan ... will deliver a near knockout blow to the poorest and neediest"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Scott’s plan to fix the state’s budget by cutting Medicaid spending will deliver a near knockout blow to Miami-Dade County’s public hospital, the Jackson Health System, as well as others that assist the poorest and neediest."

Reeling from a $110 billion cut in Medicaid funding this fiscal year and facing an $86 million shortfall, Jackson is in a terrible fiscal bind. Now Gov. Scott proposes a formula for Medicaid reimbursement that subtracts another $200 million or more for Jackson Memorial Hospital in the next fiscal year.

This one really hurts, and it’s not just Jackson that’s affected. Miami-Dade County’s hospitals would lose some $400 million in revenue.

Broward hospitals stand to lose $200 million or more. For South Florida, the net loss is more than half a billion dollars at a time when money is scarce and jobs are hard to find.

In such tough times, more people go without insurance. That’s about 3 million people in Florida, with another 2.5 million low-income families, elderly or disabled patients in the Medicaid program who need a higher level of care than the amount reimbursed by the state. It’s a big reason for the soaring costs of Medicaid and treating the uninsured.

Taxpayers absorb unreimbursed costs in public hospitals. (Private hospitals must eat the difference or pass on those costs to patients — who can’t afford it.)

Yost staffer goes public

"In an exclusive interview with The Florida Independent, a former campaign staffer for congressional candidate Mike Yost say that the Jacksonville-based Republican squandered campaign funds on personal expenses, refused to listen to his campaign managers and still owes ex-staffers large sums of money." "Former staffer accuses congressional candidate of hypocrisy, improper campaign expenditures".

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for Jan. 9 to Jan. 13".

Filling the hole "Jeb!" left

Nearly a decade ago, one of Florida's right-wing pundits had to admit that, there was

always room for tax cuts from Jeb & Co. Somehow, living "within our means" becomes a grab-bag of possibilities for the clients of high-power lobbyists knocking on legislators' doors.

Hand back millions of dollars to a few by cutting yet again the intangibles tax that favors well-off Floridians?

Done, Jeb says.

lawmakers ha[d] approved tax cuts totaling more than $14 billion. ...

A review of tax cuts enacted during Bush's terms show the bulk of the cuts have aided businesses or investors, with cuts on estate taxes and investments accounting for nearly half of the tax cuts and cuts for businesses also well into the billions of dollars.

Sanitation workers in danger from infected needles

"Florida law bans needle-exchange programs, putting sanitation workers and the general public in danger from infected needles, a new study says." "Drug-users’ needles endanger public, study shows".

Fiscal projections

"Under the new estimates released Thursday, the Revenue Estimating Conference projected revenue would grow slightly on the whole, at a rate about $46 million faster than the earlier projection for the current fiscal year, and $19.9 million lower than the earlier projections for the upcoming fiscal year. The revisions represent changes of a fraction of 1 percent." "State revenue growth changes little in updated forecast".

Will Scott testify?

"Senator announces details of voting rights hearing, invites Scott to testify".

Slots

"The attorney general says that a state law passed in 2009 does not allow slot machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties without legislation from lawmakers specifically authorizing a referendum in a given county." "Bondi opinion could render slot referendums moot".

Bill would prohibit taking pictures of farming operations

"An omnibus agriculture bill containing a provision written to stop animal rights activists and food justice advocates from taking pictures of farming operations in Florida passed through an agriculture committee this week." "‘Ag Gag’ passes through committee".

Who needs regulation?

"A massive fish kill at a Florida Power & Light Co. nuclear power plant — including tons of protected goliath grouper initially reported as an 'unknown' amount of 'unidentified' fish — has prompted Florida wildlife officials to create a protocol for gathering information about fish kills at power plants." "Nuke plant fish kill leads to improved reporting procedures".

Blame the unions

In yet another laffer of a column, Myriam Marquez drools on about them evil unions, writing that "in an election year, the unions (particularly the powerful police union) seem to matter more than common sense governance and saving jobs." "Latest budget fight in Miami-Dade a tragic comedy of political manipulation".

Lazy teachers

"Pennsylvania school district runs out of money to pay teachers, but they keep teaching".

"No consensus on car insurance reform"

"What happens after you get into a car accident, and who pays the bills, could be changing."

State lawmakers are wrestling with ways to reform the state’s no-fault auto insurance law. The law requires drivers carry $10,000 worth of coverage and forces insurance companies to pay out regardless of who caused the accident.

The system is rife with abuse, lawmakers say — an estimated $1 billion in fraud this year.

But there is no simple fix, and several competing proposals are being floated by Republicans in Tallahassee.

One tightens procedures for licensing medical clinics and creates a task force to help stamp out abuse. Another requires car accident victims to seek initial treatment at emergency rooms and limits the type of medical services that are covered. A third measure repeals the law entirely and replaces it with a system where the person who caused the crash pays.

Florida Political News: Jan. 12, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Thu Jan 12, 2012 at 10:35:43 AM EST

"Doing the bidding of their deep-pocketed 'patrons'"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "So much for truth, justice and the American way — the American way being, you work, you get paid. It’s a fair and simple equation that Miami-Dade County codified in its Wage Theft Ordinance. It’s an innovative law that lets workers who haven’t been paid — as the bills pile up — file a complaint and, eventually, make the recalcitrant employer pay up."

But barely a day into the legislative session, some lawmakers don’t want Miami-Dade to have a say-so. Wednesday, most of the members of the House community and military affairs subcommittee, doing the bidding of their deep-pocketed “patrons” — the Florida Retail Federation among them — approved HB 609 to override Miami-Dade’s ordinance.

HB 609 not only ignores Miami-Dade County’s home-rule charter, it would eliminate a program that has secured almost $1 million in wages for nearly 1,000 aggrieved workers since November 2010. The committee approved this terrible bill by a strict party-line vote. Republican Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, subcommittee vice chair — and vice chair of the Miami-Dade delegation — gave the bill a thumb’s-up. Democrats Daphne Campbell and John Patrick Julien voted against. They seem to understand the facts on the ground. Should this bill — there is a Senate companion — become law, it would have a devastating effect beyond hurting an unpaid worker’s ability to keep the lights on and put food on the table.

And, since when is this a partisan issue? Rather it’s an issue of fairness, of good business, of boosting Miami-Dade’s economy and of a higher quality of life — things all lawmakers say they value when they’re stumping for reelection. ...

The Florida Retail Federation says that, though wage theft indeed should be rooted out, it wants a statewide law, not a patchwork of local laws. It’s a responsible stand; however, there is no crazy quilt of county ordinances. Miami-Dade’s is the only one in Florida, though Palm Beach County is considering following suit.

The thing is, at Wednesday’s committee meeting, lawmakers who voted to gut Miami-Dade’s ordinance swore up and down that they could most definitely support a uniform state law. Then they hypocritically voted down a Republican colleague’s motion to allow lawmakers to add statewide language to the bill.

More power for Scott?

"House lawmakers are advancing a response to the Florida Supreme Court ruling last summer that Gov. Rick Scott overstepped his bounds by creating a new rules office and freezing agency rulemaking on his first day in office." "House bill gives governor new power over agency rules".

Raw political courage

"Florida, a key cog in an expanding global human-trafficking network, is looking to crack down on the $32 billion industry, starting with a vote on anti-racketeering legislation Thursday." "Florida Aims Anti-Racketeering Bill at Human Traffickers, Sex Trade".

Romney, Paul working hard for Florida's absentee voters

"Voting is already well under way even though Florida doesn't hold its GOP nominating contest until Jan. 31. And both Mitt Romney, coming off of back-to-back victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, and Ron Paul are aggressively reaching out to voters who have requested ballots. None of their competitors has been nearly as active even though the victor in Florida would get a huge boost of momentum and all of the state's 50 delegates to the national nominating convention." "Romney and Paul get jump on Florida absentee voters". But see "Despite Iowa, N.H., successes, Ron Paul may not campaign heavily in Florida".

No comment

"Local governments throughout the Sunshine State, with its open records law, moved closer to being required to hear from their residents before voting on any topic." "Senate Committee Supports Requiring Public Comment at County, District Meetings".

Why do people need guns at child care facilities?

"State Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, and Rep. Lori Berman, D-Delray Beach, announced a new bill in a press conference at the capitol today that would outlaw concealed weapons in child care facilities and government buildings." "Legislators announce gun ban for child care facilities and government buildings".

Browning quits

"Secretary of State Kurt Browning steps down as Florida's chief elections official and cultural affairs officer, making him the second agency head to resign during Gov. Rick Scott's young administration." "Browning quits as secretary of state". See also "Secretary of State Kurt Browning to step down".

"Capitol Buzz"

"Scott’s cost-saving measures in his budget proposal includes shutting six prisons because of a drop in the inmate population. That’s one of the five essentials to watch for Thursday."

• The big question is, which prisons? ...

• Also Thursday, state economists will revisit the state’s revenue picture and update it for lawmakers in a process known as a revenue estimating conference. If the latest projection is not rosy, that’s bad news for health care and education programs.

• Several of Scott’s agency heads face confirmation hearings in the Senate, including corrections chief Ken Tucker and elder affairs secretary Charles Corley.

Redistricting

"A Senate committee approved two maps as Democrats divided over an 11th hour submission aimed at creating more competitive districts." "Senate committee finalizes redistricting maps as Democrats split". See also "Democrats prepare for partisan redistricting debate", "Senate redistricting committee okays new maps" and "Committee redrafts congressional and Florida Senate district lines".

Lobbyists fork over nearly $20M "for lawmakers to go their way"

"Lobbying interests forked over nearly $20 million worth of reasons for lawmakers to go their way leading up to the 2012 legislative session." "Casino gambling debate money boosts state fundraising totals".

"Casino bill stalled"

"Destination gaming could face a quick end in the House after the first committee workshop on the controversial proposal to set up a statewide gaming commission and allow three casino resorts. Members of the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee gave no direction on how to proceed with the bill after nearly two hours of comments and presentations from gaming interests and opponents on Wednesday." "House Subcommittee Not Showing its Cards on Casino Bill". See also "Casino bill still stalled in Florida House".

Scott "robbing Peter to pay Paul"

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "Scott's "state of the state" address reiterated 2-for-1 deal in his proposed budget: Make $2 billion in Medicaid cuts in order to pump $1 billion in 'new' money into public education."

This "robbing Peter to pay Paul" scenario is indicative of the budget problems in Florida: The state is still reeling from precipitous, recession-related declines in revenues; costs for Medicaid, which provides limited health care for low-income Floridians and pays most nursing home bills, have increased dramatically; federal stimulus funding is ending; voters and their elected officials have been loath to raise taxes or even consider tax reform.

Education funding would still be low

The governor said education funding has been a recurring theme in his meetings with Floridians. It's no wonder: Per-student funding has diminished since 2007-08 and fell precipitously during this academic year.

Even if the Legislature endorses Scott's proposal, total funding in 2012-13 would be, according to the governor's online budget documents, nearly $1 billion less than in 2010-11 — with per-student funding at $6,372, compared with $6,897 two years ago.

School prayer bill denounced

"A bill that would allow prayer in schools during school events is set to make a stop at a state Senate Judiciary committee meeting today. The American Civil Liberties of Florida sent out a release yesterday, warning that the bill would 'skirt the Constitutional protections of religious liberty.'" "ACLU of Florida denounces school prayer bill ahead of committee stop".

SunRail

"SunRail needs help to soar, U.S. Rep. John Mica says".

Just starve 'em

"Bill adding barrier to welfare, food assistance for people with drug-related felonies moves along".

"The citizens of Florida elected him governor, not God"

Joe Henderson: "It took him long enough, but Rick Scott appears to finally understand the citizens of Florida elected him governor, not God." "Scott figures out he's in a messy business".

"Adding insult to the injury"

"Second-class hotel rooms. A poor view on the Republican National Convention floor in Tampa. A loss of VIP passes."

Florida Republicans had to swallow these penalties Wednesday when the Republican National Committee's rules panel approved the punishments because the state bucked the party by holding an early primary on Jan. 31.

Florida already lost half of its 100 delegates — the people who technically cast votes for the party nominee at the convention.

Adding insult to the injury: The convention will be held in Tampa this August, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Meanwhile, Florida still irrelevant

"With his money, organization and the accidental help of his own opponents, Mitt Romney is getting close to walking away with the nomination even before the Jan. 31 Florida primary." "Romney close to securing nomination even before Florida primary". See also "Romney heads south with money, momentum".

Florida Political News: Jan. 11, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 09:23:09 AM EST

Scott's "shallow and poll-driven" state of the state

"Scott welcomed back the Legislature to an election-year session Tuesday with an upbeat State of the State speech that centered on creating jobs, holding the line on taxes and spending more on schools."

Addressing a packed House chamber and live TV audience in a halting delivery, Scott struck a cooperative tone and mostly played it safe with his priorities. The Republican governor demanded that lawmakers spend $1 billion more for schools after a $1.3 billion school budget cut last year, an about-face Democrats later mocked as shallow and poll-driven. ...

The call for additional education funding was one of the few policy specifics in Scott's 33-minute talk. A key Republican, Senate Budget Committee Chairman JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said legislators will find the money.

"I think it's an important priority and one that I believe the Senate supports," Alexander said.

House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, raised a different issue on Opening Day. Cannon, a former University of Florida student body president, wants to "start a dialogue" about reducing parochialism and political game-playing that he says undermines the quality of the state university system.

No mention of his Medicaid reform plan, for instance, though the governor’s budget proposal would require cutting almost $2 billion from the state’s $21 billion Medicaid program that serves three million poor Floridians, mostly children and the elderly. It’s an overhaul that will hit the already struggling Jackson Health System particularly hard.

No mention of Everglades clean-up programs, which were stripped last year when the Legislature gutted funding from water-management districts throughout the state and eviscerated the state’s growth-management law.

No mention of the biggest game changer facing Florida: an expansion into destination-resort gambling that could result in three full-fledged casinos in the state — and, based on the Senate bill that passed its first committee, would open the door for every parimutuel already operating to have casino games like blackjack without ever investing a penny into those locales or putting the screws on suspect video machines, AKA maquinitas. Does the governor agree? ...

The governor’s solution to Florida’s ills seems to be a pledge for cutting more taxes and “slashing red tape.”

But wait. Florida already is a low-tax state for business, and the “red tape” he mentioned has long been gone from key oversight agencies — with life-threatening consequences. The Herald’s “Neglected to Death” series exposed the flaws of weak regulations and poor oversight by the state’s agency in charge of licensing assisted living facilities for the frail elderly or mentally or physically disabled.

Should Floridians look forward to more such red-tape slashing? We hope not, governor.

Obama, Romney neck-and-neck in Florida

"Florida voters disapprove of President Barack Obama's job performance, say he doesn't deserve to be reelected and narrowly prefer[*] Republican Mitt Romney in a theoretical matchup, according to a new poll."

Romney would get 46 percent of the Florida vote to Obama's 43 percent if the election were held today, Quinnipiac University's latest poll of Florida finds. The poll also shows that incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson is essentially tied with U.S. Rep. Connie Mack in a theoretical matchup, with Nelson earning 41 percent of the vote and Mack 40 percent.

This isn't the only bad news for Democrats in the poll. It also continues to show that Republicans are far more excited than Democrats about voting this year. More than half of Republicans describe themselves as enthusiastic about casting ballots. Only 29 percent of Democrats feel that way.

Obama's problems are particularly striking. The economy is showing more signs of improvement. And Republicans are starting to savage each other in the GOP primary.

But voters seem unimpressed. Even the Republican polling in third place this primary season, Rick Santorum, is in a statistical tie with Obama, the poll shows. Chances are, Obama would face Romney, who's the GOP frontrunner.

Obama's greatest strengths: black voters — who favor him 92-4 over Romney — and young voters, who side with Obama over Romney by a 51-39 percent spread. Independent voters, who tend to call elections in Florida, also favor Obama over Romney, 47-39.

But Hispanic voters are almost evenly split between the two. White voters, who outnumber black voters in Florida, favor Romney by 21 percentage points. And older than 49 are in Romney's camp right now by relatively significant margins.

Session opens amid budget concerns, redistricting

"Florida lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott christened an election-year legislative session Tuesday with the potentially conflicting goals of cutting spending, boosting aid to classrooms, and crafting new political lines that could decide who returns to the Capitol next year." "Florida Legislature opens session amid budget concerns". More: "Florida legislative session will kick off with redistricting, budget battles".

Haridopolos suggests that Senate "wait" on the budget

"The leaders of the two state legislative chambers continued to offer different views on how to handle the budget process they will oversee in the next 60 days. House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, in his opening remarks expressed confidence that the budget would be completed within the scheduled timeframe. ... Meanwhile, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, a few moments later, addressing his chamber, asked his members if they would be willing to focus first on the required once-a-decade redistricting and 'wait' on the budget." "Senate President Suggests Waiting Until After Session to Complete Budget". See also "Governor, legislative leaders lay out budget priorities at start of session".

Last look at redistricting

"Senate panel takes last look at Florida redistricting".

Latino evangelical voter drive

"While pushing for immigration reform, a national Latino evangelical group launched a voter registration drive in Florida on Tuesday as part of a campaign to influence this year’s elections." "Latino evangelicals launch voter drive in Florida". See also "Young Hispanics urged at get-out-the-vote rally to get engaged about issues".

"Progressives rally at capitol"

"Progressives rally at the capitol on first day of session (Updated)". Related: "Protestors left and right as session opens in Tallahassee", "100 at West Palm rally blast Florida's GOP-controlled legislature as session opens" and "Occupy Group Barred from State Senate Gallery".

Browning to quit

Steve Bousquet writes that Secretary of State Kurt "Browning's resignation as the state's top elections official is anticipated this week, and [a] meeting [this morning] is a signal that it's imminent." "Capitol Buzz: 5 things to watch today in Tallahassee".

Solar rebate program

"Bills would provide $26 million toward solar rebate program that ended in 2010".

"Tea Parties Split Over E-Verify"

"Dozens of tea parties, including the state's largest, say they will support an E-Verify immigration bill at the 2012 Legislature. But with some libertarian-leaning conservatives balking at the issue, the path to passage looks more precarious than ever." "Tea Parties Split Over E-Verify, Diluting Prospects for Passage".

Q Poll: Floridians like casinos, oppose medicare cuts and give Scott a negative 38 - 50 percent rating

"By a slim 48 - 43 percent margin, Florida voters support the creation of Las Vegas style gambling casinos, but by a larger 61 - 33 percent margin, they believe casinos would be good for the state's economy, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today."

Florida voters oppose by an overwhelming 67 - 24 percent the idea of cutting Medicaid spending in order to free up state funding for education, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh- pe-ack) University poll finds.

Gov. Rick Scott has a negative 38 - 50 percent job approval rating, compared to his previous high score, a negative 37 - 50 percent score last September 11, still one of the lowest job approval ratings of any governor in the seven states in which Quinnipiac University conducts surveys.

By 34 - 16 percent, voters say Florida's economy is worse rather than better since Scott took office, with 45 percent saying it is about the same. Those who say it has improved credit Scott 81 - 13 percent rather than President Barack Obama for the improvement. Those who say it has declined, however, blame the governor rather than the president 65 - 19 percent.

"Rules for shackling pregnant women"

"A bill that would create uniform and humane rules for the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women passed the state Senate unanimously today." "Anti-shackling bill passes unanimously in state Senate".

Claims bills move

"Senate passes Dillon and Brody claims bill". See also "Senate passes two claims bills on first day of session".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"The head of a local Muslim organization, Hassan Shibly, found himself fielding questions about two radically different events Tuesday."

On Monday, with the aid of Shibly and local Muslims, the FBI arrested a local man suspected of terrorism.

Later that day, Shibly and the Hillsborough County school district came under fire from David Caton and his American Family Association for a high school program on Islam.

Graham says "no" to run against Scott

"Bob Graham Shuts the Door on Rumored 2014 Run for Governor".

Proposed overhaul to state's no-fault insurance laws

"Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, has proposed a "comprehensive" overhaul to the state's no-fault insurance laws." "Insurance overhaul in bill".

Chamber, AIF ad duel over casinos

"Another sign that the high-intensity fight over expanding casino gambling in Florida: practically back-to-back television ads during the BCS Championship. The Florida Chamber of Commerce's 'Bad Bet for Florida' features a classroom of kids and is running in Tallahassee and another market. Meanwhile, Associated Industries of Florida's ad features American actor, writer, lawyer and commentator Ben Stein promoting the gambling venues as a jobs creator." "TV ads for, against gambling". See also "VIDEO: Supporters, opponents of Florida casino bill face off in the media".

Family Research Council jumps on "fetal personhood" amendment

"Personhood Florida received a major endorsement this week from the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins. The announcement is significant for the Florida affiliate of Personhood USA, which wants to place a 'fetal personhood' amendment on the Sunshine State’s 2014 ballot." "Family Research Council gets behind Personhood Florida".

"Primary date could move again"

"The Florida Legislature is considering a bill that would move back the date of the statewide primary election a week, from Aug. 14 to Aug. 21. The legislation (SB 7042) is scheduled to be considered at Wednesday's meeting of the Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections chaired by Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, a Miami Republican." "Primary date could move again".

Cain to endorse Miller?

"Herman Cain will appear Thursday with Florida Republican U.S. Senate candidate Craig Miller for a 'major announcement.' Sure sounds like an endorsement, and we hear Cain will drop in for a fundraiser with Miller after the event in Winter Park." "Herman Cain to appear with Senate candidate Craig Miller".

Will dogs kill casinos?

"The push to bring mega-casinos to South Florida faces a host of unknowns: would local voters approve the proposal in a public referendum? Will state lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott even allow the issue to get that far? But another, quite-crucial question also needs to be asked: Will horse and dog tracks just kill the entire thing?" "Will horse and dog tracks kill push for mega-casinos in Florida?".

Florida Political News: Jan. 10, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Tue Jan 10, 2012 at 08:11:52 AM EST

The session begins

"Capitol Buzz: Today’s agenda in Tallahassee". "Scott and Florida's legislative leaders will open the annual legislative session today and lay out a bare bones agenda focused primarily on the budget and redistricting."

With the exception of a proposed casino expansion and an attempt to cut down on fraud in the state's auto insurance laws, legislators plan to steer clear of as much controversy this year as possible as every incumbent prepares to run in newly drawn legislative districts.

The agenda, however, belies the worst economic crisis facing Floridians in decades. Democrats say legislators want to avoid tackling the toughest issues in an election year. But Republican leaders say they accomplished so many reforms last year — from reforming Medicaid to limiting teacher tenure, cutting state employee benefits, privatizing prisons and balancing the budget that legislators are weary.

Scott's second State of the State

"Scott plans to present a theme of cooperation during his second State of the State address Tuesday, but will say there's one issue that's non-negotiable: raising education spending by $1 billion." "Gov. Rick Scott to stress cooperation in State of State".

Contracting out

"Among other changes, the bill would shift the power to supervise state purchasing from the Department of Management Services to the Department of Financial Services and require the CFO sign off on major contracts before they take effect. The department would be tasked with creating uniform rules that govern contracting by state agencies." "Bill would put CFO in charge of policing state contracts".

Polluters have rights too

"State officials, industry and utility groups press case in federal court against water rules".

"Rush for campaign cash"

"Florida lawmakers rushed to pull in campaign checks from lobbyists before a deadline today turned off the spigot." "Florida lawmakers make last-minute rush for campaign cash".

PIP collision

"Senate and House PIP proposals could be on a collision course".

"Measuring Florida's economic progress is tricky"

"It's fitting to take a look at how Florida's economy is doing on the same day that Florida Gov. Rick Scott offers his State of the State address in Tallahassee."

Truth is, much of the improvement in Florida occurred without Tallahassee's help. Just as the national jobless rate has now dropped to 8.5 percent, nearly a three-year low, Florida is enjoying some of the same uptick in job growth coming out of the Great Recession.

Measuring Florida's economic progress is tricky.

A glut of studies in the past year pegged the Sunshine State as near the top of the country for its business climate.

Just as many reports plopped Florida right in the so-so middle of the pack of business performance.

In 2011, for example, a national poll of CEOs by Chief Executive magazine lionized Florida as the nation's third-best state for business behind North Carolina and No. 1 Texas.

Another annual ranking by Site Selection magazine used different measures but named Florida the country's 10th best state for business climate. Again, Texas came in No. 1, followed by Georgia and North Carolina.

But another 2011 analysis called "Enterprising States" from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and co-authored by regional economics expert Joel Kotkin ranked only the top 10 states for low business taxes and regulations.

Surely Florida, fixated as it is on these two exact priorities, would excel?

Sadly, Florida did not make the top 10.

No. 1 was Tennessee followed by South Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, Indiana, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, North Dakota and Utah.

As the top 10 list shows, the winners were not found on the East Coast or West Coast, and only Texas was among the nation's most populous places.

In the same U.S. chamber study, Florida also did not rank high for growth, entrepreneurship and innovation, infrastructure or exports.

"Tea party groups face an uphill fight"

"Tea party groups face an uphill fight against an eclectic combination of business and religious groups. Last year, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida were joined by a phalanx of pastors preaching 'social justice' in assailing E-Verify." "Tea Parties Split Over E-Verify, Diluting Prospects for Passage".

"That should cull the herd"

Fred Grimm: "Children, in addition to a propensity to whoop in restaurants, pee in swimming pools and clog up the lines at Expedition Everest, have become Florida’s great budget busters. No other segment of the state population, with a possible exception of Tallahassee’s cadre of lobbyists, suck so much out of our faltering state economy."

Scott wants to hack a couple of billion out of the Medicaid budget. That should cull the herd. But the governor also wants to take a billion of that savings and tack it onto the education budget, bringing Florida’s per pupil outlay to $6,372 a student. That would still be one of the lower per capita spending rates in the nation, but for true fiscal conservatives, that’s just waste, considering the employment opportunities awaiting youngsters in the Florida workforce. How much schooling does a kid need to deal blackjack?

Besides, an outright ban means the governor could fulfill the ultimate Republican fantasy and fire the state’s public school teachers en masse.

Chamber has its hands out for federal cash

"Since 2005, the partnership between Workforce Central Florida, the region's taxpayer-funded, nonprofit jobs agency, and the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce has proved to be quite lucrative — for the chamber."

Workforce has given chamber-related groups more than $300,000 over that time, possibly in violation of federal rules and, in one instance, skirting a state directive.

The money went to a series of chamber projects designed to promote the Central Florida business community. On several initiatives, Workforce was a major contributor, providing more than a quarter of all sponsorship money.

Workforce justified the payments as "public outreach," but it's not clear the payments met federal requirements. Those regulations forbid spending federal grant money on certain "public relations" costs, including some "meetings, conventions, convocations, or other events." ...

In fact, the group's original slogan — "Let's get to work" — was the same one Scott used on the campaign trail.

RNC considering additional penalties against Florida

"Tampa is hosting the Republican National Convention, but Florida delegates will get inconvenient hotel spots, poor seating and lose guest passes, according to proposed sanctions the national GOP will vote on this week."

Florida's delegate count will be slashed from 99 to 50. RNC officials have indicated the state will remain winner-take-all, rather than a proportional allocation that would make the state a smaller prize for the winner.

Someone could still contest the delegate allocation ....

Never mind

"State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has halted his effort to ask voters if they want to select the education commissioner and make the post once again part of the Florida Cabinet. Instead, Negron said he wants to pursue a different constitutional amendment, this one to abolish the once-a-generation constitutional revision and the taxation and budget reform commissions." "Negron Closes the Book on Asking Voters to Elect Education Commissioner".

Fla-baggery in action

"Conservative Group Posts State and Local Government Spending Watchdog Website". See also "Right-wing think tank releases salaries of public employees via new website".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Alleging that campus visits by a Muslim activist are 'tantamount to advocating overturning the Constitution in favor of Sharia Law,' a conservative coalition on Monday demanded that the Hillsborough County School District "sever all connections" to the Council on American-Islamic Relations." "Coalition Demands Hillsborough Schools Cut Off 'Hamas Entity'".

Opting out

"Teachers, parents meet in Miami to discuss opting out of standardized testing".

Committee votes to bring casinos to Florida

"With a standing-room-only crowd of lobbyists watching, a Senate committee voted Monday to bring destination resort casinos to Florida, but only after allowing competing parimutuels to operate as full casinos with no additional investment or voter approval." "Senate panel amends casino gambling bill to give parimutuels piece of the action". See also "Gambling bill gets initial OK, but faces uphill legislative battle" and "Odds Grow Against Casino Bill Even as Bill Succeeds in Committee".

Related: "Q-Poll: Voters barely support gambling expansion".

Fla-GOPers like their absentee ballots

"Florida's Republican presidential primary is still three weeks away, but Sunshine State voters have already requested 413,000 absentee ballots -- a total that should exceed the number of votes cast in last week's Iowa caucuses and Tuesday's New Hampshire primary combined." "With eyes on New Hampshire, Florida GOP voters not sure who they like best".

Central Florida child homelessness increases by 79%

"Central Florida child homelessness has increased 79 percent since 2009".

"A highly unpredictable business"

"The redrawing of Florida's political boundaries is a highly unpredictable business." "Redistricting lines don't always work out as hoped". See also "House GOP advances three congressional options".

Gasparilla invaders of a different kind

"This year, Florida's Republican presidential primary comes three days after Gasparilla, creating the chance that Tampa's annual booze-soaked pirate festival will see invaders of a different kind. Candidates." "Gasparilla ripe for invasion of GOP presidential candidates before Florida primary".

Florida Political News: Jan. 9, 2012

by: Florida Politics

Mon Jan 09, 2012 at 09:06:23 AM EST

"Unusual and unpredictable 60-day session"

"The Florida Legislature convenes Tuesday for an unusual and unpredictable 60-day session that will be dominated by two highly partisan subjects: the redrawing of political districts and yet another round of budget-cutting." "Maps, money dominate".

"$2 billion projected budget shortfall"

"When the Florida Legislature convenes for its annual 60-day session on Tuesday, a $2 billion projected budget shortfall and the redrawing of political districts will dominate." "State lawmakers open session facing $2 billion budget shortfall".

"Scott once again making travel plans"

"Scott is once again making travel plans. This time the destination is Spain, Florida’s 34th largest trading partner. The excursion would mix business development with possible tourist development tied to the pending quincentennial of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon y Figueroa’s first expedition to Florida. A spokeswoman for the governor’s office called the plans preliminary and deferred comment to Enterprise Florida." "Scott Sets Sights on Travel to Spain as Florida Approaches its Quincentennial".

Perhaps we'll see another embarrassment like this from our latest anti-intellectual Republican Governor:

The U.S. president's brother Jeb Bush has sparked criticism after mistakenly referring to Spain as a republic in a speech to Spanish business leaders during a trip to Madrid to discuss business opportunities.

Florida Governor Jeb Bush's blunder was reminiscent of President George W. Bush's past slip-ups which have included pronouncing Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's name incorrectly.

Spanish historian Juan Pablo Fusi said the error by Bush was "foolish and grotesque."

"It's an offence to Spain and its democratic monarchy," Fusi told Reuters. "It further ridicules the Bushes in general."

Spain has not been a republic since the late 1930s, when General Francisco Franco crushed Republican troops in the Civil War.

Franco's nationalist dictatorship lasted until his death in 1975, when Spain became a constitutional monarchy. King Juan Carlos I is now the head of state.

His older brother President Bush once referred to Aznar as "Anzar" ahead of his first visit to Spain as U.S. president in 2001.

President Bush, accused by opponents of having a shaky grasp on geography, has also famously referred to Greeks as Grecians.

Thank you, Mr. Obama ... but will Fla-Baggers "derail it with shortsighted gimmicks"?

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "There are encouraging signs, however small, that Florida is on the rebound from the Great Recession. Statistics trickling in last week from 2011 find bankruptcy filings down and fewer state banks failing. For the first time in six years, more moving vans headed into Florida than out."

This news comes after several months of slowly descending unemployment rates that still remain at 10 percent. Now the challenge for Florida leaders is to build on that momentum, not derail it with poor policy decisions or shortsighted gimmicks.

Florida, of course, isn't alone in this recovery. Bankruptcy filings are down across the country, for example, and the nation's unemployment rate dropped to 8.5 percent in December, the lowest in nearly three years. Florida, a state so dependent on development and growth, will take longer to pull out of this crisis than most.

"Florida's Top 10 fact-checks of 2011"

"PolitiFact Florida's Top 10 fact-checks of 2011".

"FlaDems see hope in 2012"

Jeremy Wallace: "The more the economy shows signs of recovery the more Rod Smith’s optimism for 2012 grows."

If so, Smith said not only will Florida be a win for Obama in 2012, but Democrats will pick up seats in Congress from Florida.

Smith said one of the keys for Democrats will be to compare the direction of the economy now, with where it was heading when Obama took office. He said if Democrats can communicate that, 2012 will be a good for the party.

"Romney wins here in a cakewalk if ..."

Carl Hiaasen: "Florida is being overrun by pundits and pollsters in advance of the upcoming Republican presidential primary."

That’s because (a) everyone is sick of Des Moines and Manchester in the winter, and (b) the Florida primary is actually important, unlike the Iowa caucuses or the balloting in puny New Hampshire, which barely has half the population of Miami-Dade County.

The national media’s mission in the weeks ahead is to inject the Florida primary contest with high drama and suspense. In reality, the race is easy to call.

Mitt Romney wins here in a cakewalk if ...

Red-Florida

"Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich is making tentative plans to be in Sarasota County on Jan. 24 — one week before Florida’s presidential primary. Sarasota Republican Party chairman Joe Gruters said he expects as many as five of the remaining contenders to make it to Sarasota during the week before Florida votes in its pivotal primary." "Gingrich in Sarasota".

Medicaid Deform

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy: "Access to Care Plummeted In Medicaid Reform Experiment".

Romney has double-digit lead over Gingrich in Florida

"Mitt Romney has opened up a double-digit lead over Newt Gingrich in Florida’s GOP presidential race with Iowa phenom Rick Santorum rising from obscurity to third place, a new Quinnipiac University poll says." "Romney holds 36-24 lead over Gingrich in new Florida poll; Santorum surges to 16 %".

Florida panther deaths

"3 Florida panther deaths recorded so far in 2012".

Scott "works daily with the dealmakers he once condemned"

"Scott is no longer the anti-establishment Republican; instead, he embodies the Florida GOP establishment. He has shifted his top staff from outsiders to insiders, and works daily with the dealmakers he once condemned."

He has come to alignment with the party on most issues — he moderated some of his most drastic stances, and the tea party-influenced GOP has grown more conservative.

As spokesman for the state party, Scott gets warm receptions at high-profile GOP events — the national party quarterly conference in Tampa in August, and the Presidency 5 state convention in September. ...

"When you become governor of Florida … you have to be part of the establishment. You're the definition of an insider," said Brian Ballard, a Tallahassee insider who was a key Scott opponent during the campaign but is now a political ally and adviser.

One of the state's most prominent lobbyists, Ballard raises money for Scott's Let's Get to Work political action committee. ...

Scott reshuffled his top staff, replacing chief of staff Mike Prendergast of Tampa, a retired Army officer with little political or government experience, with Tallahassee insider Stephen MacNamara, the kind of person Scott had campaigned against.

MacNamara is a former high-profile legislative staff member, secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and veteran GOP political operative.

Also gone was GOP political operative Mary Ann Campbell, who had helped run Scott's personally funded advertising campaign against President Barack Obama's health care reform proposal before Scott ran for governor.

"Huge temptation for state lawmakers everywhere"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Gambling opponents in Florida were already facing a tough fight this legislative session against the well-financed push for casino resorts in South Florida. Then, from an unexpected direction, things got worse. In a quiet ruling released the Friday before the Christmas weekend, the U.S. Justice Department cracked open the door for Internet gambling, and a small crack may be all the powerful industry needs to muscle its way into homes far and wide."

Written long before the Internet, the 1961 law failed to anticipate today's wired and wireless world. It made it a crime to use wire communication to assist betting on "any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wages."

Until Dec. 23, that was interpreted to cover all interstate betting on the Internet. Now the federal interpretation is that a state may put lottery operations online within that state, because the old law was just about sporting events.

Gambling interests are celebrating because they correctly anticipate that states will be happy to exploit the Internet. Next would come networks of states, then the whole country.

Florida leaders have been talking about trying to squeeze more money out of the lottery for education. If they make the mistake of taking the lottery onto the Internet, stopping other games from following will be hard, if not impossible.

The tax revenue involved, with no need for a visible tax increase, will be a huge temptation for state lawmakers everywhere.

Political courtship for the votes of Florida's senior citizens

"A political courtship is about to unfold for the hearts, minds and votes of Florida's senior citizens. Democrats as well as Republicans are targeting older voters in Florida and other key states this year, knowing they turn out in big numbers and could sway the presidential election as well as majority control of Congress." "Florida's seniors could sway results of 2012 elections".

Expect "cuts in health and human services programs"

"By now, it's a familiar scene: As Florida lawmakers deal with a budget shortfall, hospitals, nursing homes and other health providers scramble to fend off -- or brace for -- funding cuts."

Already, Gov. Rick Scott has proposed deep cuts in Medicaid payments to hospitals, as he tries to free up money to boost spending on public schools. And while it's too early to know whether lawmakers will go along with Scott's proposal, they are almost certain to make cuts in health and human services programs.

Hospitals, nursing homes and numerous other programs say they have been hammered by cuts during the past few years. The debate during the session, which starts Tuesday, will focus on where further cuts will be made -- and by how much.

Scott has "moved the goalpost by 1 million jobs"

"A year in, Scott has kept a third of the campaign promises we track on the Scott-O-Meter. He sold the state planes. He hasn't taken the $130,000 governor's salary. He eliminated what critics call "tenure" for new K-12 teachers."

He also reached a compromise with the Republican Legislature on a plan to cut the state workforce by 5 percent (it shrunk about 3.5 percent last year) and a promise to reform Citizens Property Insurance and allow the state-run insurer to charge market-based premiums (the Legislature wasn't ready to go that far).

Of 57 promises, he's kept 19. Just a third of his promises are now rated Broken or Stalled.

But all of that is just context for the promise Scott called his "whole campaign" — his vow to create 700,000 jobs over seven years. ...

But instead of more than 20,000 new jobs each month, he's now promising just over 8,300.

He's moved the goalpost by 1 million jobs.