Monday, July 08, 2013

You may have missed our digest of, and commentary on Florida political news over the week end, including these stories: "'Florida does the worst job in the nation . . .'", "Florida, 'a sub-tropical Deadwoo'", "And firefighters have the audacity to expect the pensions they were promised?", "The backstory is years-long and complicated" and "Real heroes just 'get to work'". Our digest of, and commentary on today's Florida political news and punditry.


Rubio seeks to mend conservative fences

William March suggests that, after immigration, "Florida Sen. Marco Rubio may be about to jump into another hot issue, but one that could help him mend conservative fences - a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks gestation."

In the last few days, news reports, mostly in conservative publications, have quoted unnamed Rubio associates saying he has agreed to sponsor such a bill, or that he's been asked to do so and is considering it. The Washington Post reported, based on comments from an unnamed Rubio adviser, that Rubio hasn't made a decision on the issue, but an announcement is likely [this] week after senators return from a holiday break.
"Will Rubio take on abortion?".


Rich focuses on same sex marriage

"With the likes of Charlie Crist, Bill Nelson and Alex Sink looming over her bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Nan Rich last week looked to appeal to liberal voters by stressing her support of same-sex marriage." "Governor's Race: Will Focus on Same-Sex Marriage Boost Nan Rich?".


Dems opening the door for Scott's return

Lloyd Dunkelberger: "With 16 months left before his critical re-election bid, Gov. Rick Scott remains one of the most unpopular governors in America."

Yet the political tide may be turning in his favor, as Florida's economy is rising, dovetailing with Scott's 2010 promise to create more jobs.

There are other signs of Scott's improving political viability as well. He has amassed millions in campaign donations — more than $6.6 million since the start of this year alone — raising the possibility he could again saturate the state's airwaves with his political message as he did in 2010.

Perhaps the biggest positive for Scott at this point is that the Democrats have not settled on their candidate.

"Political tide may be turning for Gov. Scott".


"Atlantis, interrupted"

You may have missed this Miami Herald editorial over the weekend: "It should not have come to this, but four years ago a common sense cap-and-trade bill that the then-slim Democratic majority passed in the House to reduce CO2 emissions failed in the Senate and it has had no chance of resurrection since the tea party hijacked the House." "Miami’s Atlantis, interrupted".

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