Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Our digest of, and commentary on today's Florida political news and punditry.


State Senate redistricting case stands in the shadows

"While much of the state's political establishment has focused on the congressional redistricting lawsuit and its possible effects on future elections, a related fight over the map for the state Senate is continuing."

That case could eventually lead to new districts for the 40-member upper chamber, which, like the state House, is currently dominated by Republicans. Any final ruling against that plan would require a third draft of the Senate districts after the Florida Supreme Court tossed the original lawmaker-approved plan two years ago.
"In Shadows of Redistricting Ruling, Senate Case Looms."


Here's the solution: pay cuts!

"One of the worst problems facing Florida's troubled child-welfare system, advocates say, is job turnover among the case managers who oversee adoption and foster-care services --- 80 percent in some parts of the state. It's costing Florida tens of millions of dollars a year, and those are just the costs that can be quantified." "Child-welfare agencies look to trim high staff turnover."


Run Marco! Run!

"U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., continues to flex his wings on foreign policy, taking a few shots at other potential Republican presidential hopefuls in 2016 and getting a look from the team that helped former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., on international issues when he ran for the presidency in 2012." "Mitt Romney's Foreign Policy Team Eyes Marco Rubio for 2016."


Nancy don' like DWS

Nancy Smith: "Republican war on women? Coming from Debbie Wasserman Schultz, don't even." "Debbie Does Dumb (Again!)."


Nelson wants action

"U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), a strong advocate for attacking the Sunni extremist group Islamic State (IS) in Syria, today introduced a joint resolution giving the President authority to use force against the group in Syria, including commandos on the ground if needed." "Bill Nelson seeks new authority for president against Islamic State." See also "Bill Nelson, Marco Rubio Urge Obama to Act Against IS Forces in Syria."


FlaDems have a thin bench

"Democrats have a pretty thin bench in Florida, but increasingly more than a few eyes are turning toward Ted Deutch for a Senate bid in 2016 or 2018." "Ted Deutch Could Be the Future for Florida Democrats in Senate Races."


The Week Ahead

"The Week Ahead for Sept. 8 to Sept. 12, 2014"


Florida’s senators divided over delay

Kevin Derby: "President Barack Obama announced this weekend that he would wait on pursuing executive action on immigration until after the November elections, dividing Florida’s two U.S. senators and inserting another issue in a competitive congressional election in South Florida." "Obama's Immigration Delay Divides Florida's Senators, S. Florida Congressional Candidates."


A walk off for Altman

"Altman challenger drops out of Senate race."