Saturday, July 25, 2015

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


Biochemist romantically linked to Grayson has filed to run for his seat

"Dr. Dena Marie Minning, a biochemist and medical doctor who has been romantically linked for months to U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, filed paperwork late Friday to run for election to his seat in Congress."

Minning, 44, has no political campaign background. But she does have a medical doctor's degree and a PhD in biochemistry from Washington University in St. Louis. She is president and founder of MedExpert Consulting Inc., according to her LinkedIn page. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida.
"Dr. Dena Minning - romantically linked to Alan Grayson - files to run for his Congress seat."

More on her campaign Twitter account.


"Cuba may drill for oil"

"The U.S. embargo has stymied Cuba’s search for oil off its shores." "Cuba may drill for oil using U.S. equipment."


"When Public Officials Abuse Florida’s Sunshine Law"

"A “health district” run by public officials closes a public meeting under a bogus exemption to the Sunshine law, and gets a blank check to secretly talk about whatever it wishes, though it affects public policy. " "Reporter Kicked Out: When Public Officials Abuse Florida’s Sunshine Law, With Lawmakers’ Blessing."


Really?

"Jeb Bush’s best weapon on campaign trail is opponent Donald Trump."


Curbelo hears footsteps

"On Thursday, in a party lines vote, the U.S. House passed a measure cutting off federal funds from the U.S. Department of Justice to states and cities that refuse to enforce current immigration laws. The 'Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act' from U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr., R-Calif., passed the House on 241-179 votes. Six Democrats joined the Republican majority in supporting the measure while five Republicans voted against it." "Carlos Curbelo Only Florida Rep Breaking From Party Lines Vote on Sanctuary City Funding."


With Charters, fewer public school teaching jobs

"Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho likes to say the county doesn’t lay off teachers to balance its budget." "Charter school growth means fewer public school teaching jobs in Miami-Dade."


Hill Still Ahead

"Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton continues to hold a commanding lead in the Florida Democratic presidential primary, a new poll shows." "Hillary Clinton Still Ahead of the Democratic Field in Florida." See also "Jeb Bush Leads, Donald Trump Upside Down in Florida Primary Poll." See also "Florida poll: Jeb Bush takes big lead over Marco Rubio."


Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: Battle Lines and Power Lines."


"Fallout of redistricting"

"State Senate races likely to face fallout of redistricting."


Walmart Wants Out of Florida’s Conservation Program

"Opponents say such a one-sided proposal would shift costs to small businesses and residential customers and jeopardize the viability of the 35-year-old conservation program." "Walmart And Other Big Energy Users Want Out of Florida’s Conservation Program, Claiming They Can Do Better."


Scott's top donor

"Tampa Bay Lighting owner Jeff Vinik becomes top donor to Gov. Rick Scott."


Seminoles want blackjack mediation

"An agreement to give the Seminoles exclusive rights to blackjack and other banked card games expires July 31, and renewal talks went nowhere earlier this year." "Seminole Tribe prepares to demand mediation over blackjack."


Grubbing for wingnuts

"The Republican primary to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the Senate in 2016 is on with the leading candidates trying to claim the right-of-center ground." "GOP Senate Hopefuls Stress Conservative Credentials in the Race to Replace Marco Rubio."


The drama's over for Carroll

"The drama over Florida’s former lieutenant governor, who was forced to resign more than two years ago, may be finally over." "Ex-lieutenant governor Carroll to pay fine, admit ethics violation." See also "Former Lt. Gov. Carroll admits breaking ethics laws."