Saturday, September 05, 2015

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


Redistricting Case Sent Back to Trial Court

"The Florida Supreme Court told a state trial court to head back to square one with congressional redistricting, according to an order filed Friday."

As part of the court order, the trial court will be able to look at both the House and Senate’s map proposals. Trial court Judge Terry Lewis will hold a hearing on "remedial plans" to see which one best meets the directions of the court. The trial court must make a decision on the map by Oct. 17.
"Florida Supreme Court Sends Redistricting Case Back to Trial Court."


Scott defends scrubbing press release that cleared PP

"Gov. Rick Scott's office is defending its decision to alter a press release that originally indicated state health regulators found "no evidence of the mishandling of fetal remains" at 16 Planned Parenthood clinics around the state." "Scott’s office defends position on Planned Parenthood release."

Background: "Scott’s office scrubbed release that cleared Planned Parenthood."


"Hot, crazy or shady about politics in the Sunshine State"

Update: "Scott admin. hunts for abortion doctors; FAMU drama; Marco’s a no on Puerto Rico bankruptcy; Jeb’s Truman Show candidacy; FL won’t get new FEMA $; cobra on the loose(?)!" "Florida Playbook." "Joe Biden’s SoFla Show; shooting FL bears; Trump blasts Jeb for Spanish use; AT&T’s big FL contract fight; Arby’s cop-hating burger-slinger; suicide or medical malpractice?" "Florida Playbook."


Fracking

"Fracking-type methods need more-stringent state regulation."


Jeb completes double flip-flop on Trump

"Over a month ago, GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush vowed that he was 'done' talking about Donald Trump. This week, however, the former governor of Florida was forced to change tactics and attack the real estate mogul head-on -- calling into question his record as a true conservative and asserting that Trump is attempting to 'insult his way into the presidency.'"

But, copleting a double flip-flop, Jeb said "he would "'of course' support the man he has argued isn't worthy -- at least for the time being -- of the nation's highest office." "Jeb Would 'Of Course' Support Trump If He Won The Nomination."


Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: That Pesky Third Branch."


Scott's request for federal handout rejected

We Southerners call it, "a handful of gimme and a mouthful of much obliged."

"FEMA has denied Gov. Rick Scott’s request for financial assistance for flood victims in the aftermath of record-setting rains the past two months, Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said." "Federal aid denied for Pasco to help victims of summer floods."


Has Debbie Worn out Her Schtick?

"Debbie Wasserman Schultz, famous for making public gaffes her party pretends it doesn't notice, might be in real Democratic doo-doo this time. Washington insiders say the National Committee chair has incurred the wrath of the party's two most powerful people, President Barack Obama and now presidential candidate Hillary Clinton." "DWS Stands for 'Debbie's Worn out Her Schtick'."


A "taxpayer subsidized slut," really?

"Sam Rashid, a conservative activist and Hillsborough County Aviation Authority member, is giving Donald Trump a run for his money when it comes to insulting rhetoric."

In a Facebook post Wednesday, Rashid called Tampa businesswoman Beth Leytham a “taxpayer subsidized slut,” and suggested Leytham had “intimately close relationships” with three elected officials — two at the county center and one at city hall.
"Name-calling post draws scorn for aviation authority member, GOP activist." More from the Tampa Trib editorial board: "A crude rant on his private Facebook account raises serious questions about Sam Rashid’s ability to serve on the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority." "An offensive rant."


Yippee, another bid-nis-man

"Playing up his experience in the private sector and noting he is not a career politician, businessman G.G. Galloway launched his bid for the U.S. House on Thursday." "G.G. Galloway Enters Race to Run for Ron DeSantis' Seat."