Bush denies any conflict of interest
"The largest Florida corporate donor to a super political action committee backing former Gov. Jeb Bush's presidential run is NextEra Energy Inc., the company that owns electric utility giant Florida Power & Light."
Bush, a leading Republican contender, knows the company well. In 2009, more than two years after leaving office, he penned an opinion piece in the state capital's newspaper urging regulators to approve the utility's proposed rate increase for Florida customers."Now, NextEra is opening its own coffers to support Right to Rise, the super PAC formed to help Bush's bid for the presidency. The publicly traded, Fortune 200 company contributed more than $1 million to the group this year, according to newly available records — not including cash from its top executive to Bush's campaign."
For Bush, NextEra's contributions could raise questions about how the governor's past support for the power company factored into its financial support and whether, as president, he would face conflicts should the company undergo federal regulatory scrutiny."Fla. power company gave $1M to Bush super PAC."
The rich get richer
"A majority of lawmakers in both chambers of the Legislature have increased their personal wealth while in office." "Lawmakers in Tallahassee continue to get richer."
"It is simple. It is different"
Scott Maxwell: "There is a movement afoot to expand your options at the polls — and encourage better candidates to run. Most important, it would give you the opportunity to vote in every election, every time. The 'All Voters Vote' amendment, which is now collecting signatures to get on next year's ballot, would implement something called a 'top two' primary." "'Top two' primaries in Florida: The way to go."
The Palm Beach Post editors: "Wanted: A primary system that pulls pols toward the middle."
"Get Onboard or Get Out of the Way"
"Standing next to American flags and beneath bright stage lights, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton took the stage at Florida International University in Miami Friday to call for the lifting of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba. " "Hillary Clinton on Lifting Cuba Trade Embargo: 'Get Onboard or Get Out of the Way'." See also "Hillary Clinton in Miami: Lift the embargo against Cuba."
"Is that really what they want?"
Joe Henderson: "Abortion is a deeply personal, frequently devastating experience. Now, opponents want to make it worse. If they’re successful, it won’t stop abortion, but a lot of other people in need could get hurt. Is that really what they want?" "Planned Parenthood abortion tussle misses the bigger picture."
"Fallout of redistricting"
"The political dominoes that fell after the congressional district map was invalidated could be repeated in the state Senate, where lawmakers fear their map is vulnerable to the same flaws." "State Senate races likely to face fallout of redistricting."
"Clinton fires barbs at Jeb"
"Hillary Clinton fires barbs at Jeb Bush in South Florida."
Weekly Roundup
"Weekly Roundup: Get the Message?"
"Kick their asses out!"
"Jeb Bush plans to defend his policies in a speech Friday to the National Urban League. He’ll be one of only two GOP presidential contenders to address the civil-rights group." "Jeb Bush’s ‘inclusive’ message to face tough test before African Americans."
River of Gas
"Broward mayors stiffen resolve against Everglades drilling."