Thursday, January 15, 2015

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


FlaGOP infighting over FDLE ouster

Scott "faces new criticism over his forced ouster of a high-ranking law enforcement official."

Scott’s handling of the ouster of former FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey drew harsh criticism from a fellow Republican.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, an independently elected Cabinet member, said Scott’s office mishandled Bailey’s removal and was deliberately vague about plans to force Bailey out.

Putnam, a likely candidate for governor in 2018, said Scott’s aides kept his staff in the dark about his true intentions at FDLE.

"As jobs czar Gray Swoope resigns, Florida Gov. Rick Scott faces fresh criticism over FDLE shakeup." See also "Gov. Scott won't explain shakeup at FDLE."


FlaBaggers in a dither

"U.S. loosens restrictions on Cuba, making trade and travel easier."


Webster revolt

"U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, is letting constituents know that the reason he ran for Speaker of the House was spelled out in a white paper he circulated challenging Congressional leadership processes as flawed and in need of change." "Webster white paper preceded revolt attempt."


Blind trusts in the spotlight

"A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal heard arguments in a case over the constitutionality of a two-year-old state law allowing politicians and candidates to use blind trusts."

Blind trusts shield their beneficiaries from knowing where money is coming from to avoid conflicts of interest.

Gov. Rick Scott, a multi-millionaire and former head of a for-profit hospital chain, has used a blind trust since becoming governor. He’s the only major public official in the state to do so.

"Court hears arguments in ‘blind trusts’ case."