Florida Political News: February 9, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 09:23:39 AM EST

"Republican Party of Florida's "crisis of confidence"

Beth Reinhard and Adam C Smith: "As a volatile election season gets underway, the Republican Party of Florida is facing its biggest crisis of confidence in decades."

Donors and party activists are livid over newly revealed records that suggest outgoing chairman Jim Greer used the party as a personal slush fund for lavish travel and entertainment.

The records also show that executive director Delmar Johnson padded his $103,000 salary with a secret, $260,000 fundraising contract and another $42,000 for expenses -- at the same time the once mighty Florida GOP was having to lay off employees amid anemic fundraising.

But even the biggest critics of Gov. Charlie Crist's hand-picked chairman were stunned by revelations that he entered into a lucrative secret contract with a stealth company set up by his most loyal aide de camp, 30-year-old Johnson, a former Crist campaign aide. ...

Greer made a show of rescinding the party credit cards of top elected Republican officials and publicly cutting up his American Express card last summer to stem criticism of party spending.

But internal records obtained by the Herald/Times show heavy spending continued -- on Johnson's card: $100 flower arrangement for the wives of Greer and Gov. Crist; thousands of dollars in meals, $15,000 to charter a jet to George LeMieux's swearing in as U.S. senator, and another $1,800 for in-flight catering services.

The spending helped Johnson rack up more than 1 million American Express points. Greer declined to talk about the matter, but said in a message he was proud of his three years of leadership with the state party. ...

Attorney General Bill McCollum, the Republican gubernatorial front-runner, has been deeply involved in the controversy, while trying to keep it quiet.

Public records show the money was transferred into a separate political committee called Florida Liberty Fund created by the Winter Park Republican last November.

The move is yet another example of how Greer's spending, fundraising woes and subsequent ouster have left the party in a financial pickle even as the GOP brand nationally and in Florida is on the upswing.

"Double down on everything that is wrong with Florida"

Mike Thomas: "The newest plan to save Florida involves turning it into Nevada."

Line the state with casinos, rake in the billions and live tax-free ever after. It's enough to make the conservatives in Tallahassee swallow their principles and sit down to deal.

It spares them from making responsible choices about taxes and budgets.

It would double down on everything that is wrong with Florida.

Rep. Alan Hays even wants socialized gambling, with the state owning the casinos. If Charlie Crist loses his U.S. Senate race, I can't think of a better door-greeter.

Hays says we could fund schools — just as we did with the lottery money.

And then in the next recession, we could legalize medical marijuana and Rep. Hays could set up pot clinics next to the casinos. Or do what a leading Nevada lawmaker proposed: slap a $5 tax on all acts of prostitution.

With gambling, Hays says, we could cut taxes. Shrink the tax base even more. Make us even more dependent on tourism. Keep those low-paying jobs flowing in. Make the next budget crisis even worse than this one.

These people are dangerous. There is no light at the end of their tunnel vision.

'Glades

"South Florida's 2,000-mile grid of canals has proven too efficient at draining the landscape. The Everglades is now half its original size. Water is increasingly scarce. Every time it rains, the canals flush billions of gallons into the sea. Now the water that so tormented Florida's early ranchers could become a cash crop for hundreds of Central Florida landowners, if an unlikely alliance of ranchers and environmentalists gets its way" "Farming water: new plan for Everglades restoration would pay ranchers to use land for storing water".

"Hands Across the Sand"

"Black-clad opponents of offshore oil drilling hope to mount the biggest protest in Florida history by joining hands along the coastline Saturday." "Offshore drilling opponents to join hands in protest Saturday".

Pass the tea-bags

The Tampa Tribune editorial board loves their Charlie - heck, according to them, President Obama should be listening to that economic giant, Charlie Crist: "Simply cutting taxes for everyone is the most visible, direct way to encourage more spending and more production."

That's why Gov. Charlie Crist's straightforward proposal to reduce the state corporate income tax is a reasonable, if necessarily small, step in the right direction.

In contrast, several of the job-growth ideas pushed by President Barack Obama are quite complicated and unlikely to help the economy. ...

It would be smarter and simpler to follow Crist's example. Crist is asking the Legislature to cut the state corporate income tax by one percentage point, from 5.5 percent down to 4.5 percent, on the first $1 million of a company's taxable income. It's "a pretty good stimulant," Crist says, with his usual optimism.

Gotta do what you gotta do

"Kendrick Meek hopes to get his name before a new segment of the electorate by paying to have his name splashed on a NASCAR race car Saturday. " "Meek adds name to NASCAR race car".

Florida Political News: February 8, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 08:06:20 AM EST

Crist budget "on shaky ground"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors:

Florida lawmakers, facing the onerous task of building a 2010-11 state budget with the glimmer of modestly increasing revenue but fast-growing expenses, have largely dismissed Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed spending plan. They've balked at its $69.2 billion size, roughly 4 percent higher than the current year, and lamented his use of creative financing. Yet Crist is right that the state should start investing again in improving education and protecting the environment — even if he is on shaky ground about paying for it.

FCAT follies

"There are only four weeks left before the reading and math portions of the FCAT — the writing test begins Tuesday — and more than 9,500 struggling students in Palm Beach and Broward counties are each receiving up to $1,500 worth of free tutoring."

That adds up to more than $14 million in federal funds that the school districts pay local tutoring firms.

We agree, "Run, Sarah, Run!"

"'America is ready for another revolution!' she told the gathering. ... All she offered was a smile when a moderator asking her questions used the phrase 'President Palin.' That prompted most in the audience to stand up and chant 'Run, Sarah, Run!'" "Sarah Palin tells 'tea party' crowd that 'America is ready for another revolution'".

Have they "taken leave of their senses?"

Bill Cotterell: "State Sen. Mike Bennett and state Rep. Dwayne Taylor have introduced a bill requiring the state's expert policy analysts to do a study of having a full-time Legislature."

This raises several questions, not the least of which is, "Have state Sen. Mike Bennett and state Rep. Dwayne Taylor taken leave of their senses?" Their bill (SB 1732 and HB 863) is subject to amendment in the committee process and might be broadened to include a study of whether there's a constitutional way to stop those two guys from introducing any more bills.

No, seriously, this is an idea that merits serious study. We're the fourth-largest state, soon to be the third-largest, and the issues our lawmakers deal with are too complex and expensive to cram into a 60-day session. That's especially true the way they do it, using the first five or six weeks on routine matters and committee hearings, then ramrodding the budget and all the mega-issues through in the chaotic final few days.

An election year

"Fewer Florida politicians are flying on the taxpayer's dime, as charges for flights on state planes have dropped 63 percent over two years. In 2007, nearly $1.1 million was spent, compared to $407,420 in 2009." "Fewer politicians flying on Florida's dime".

At the trough

"Lobbyists and legislators munched hors d'oeuvres and sipped scotch in a rooftop ballroom with a nice view of the Capitol last week in an annual ritual as important to Florida politics as mass mailings and attack ads. Forbidden to raise money when the Legislature is in session, members are passing the hat now for a hot summer campaign season costing millions. For all the money that will be spent, Republican control of the House or Senate is unlikely to change." "Lawmakers gear up for fundraising".

LeMieux's good question resonates

"The Senate's lead Toyota investigator, West Virginia Democrat Jay Rockefeller, credits himself with lobbying Toyota to build a factory in his state."

Strickland has such close relationships with Rockefeller and other senators that Republican Sen. George LeMieux of Florida asked Strickland at his confirmation hearing two months ago whether he could disagree with Rockefeller, his former boss: "The oversight for you in your role will be from the committee that you once served on," LeMieux told him.

"I will be honest with you, sir," Strickland answered. "I've had disagreements with the chairman personally. But he signs the paycheck, and he wins. But I will have no problem with that all, sir."

Rockefeller sees no reason to step aside from his committee's investigation. Consumer protection is a cornerstone of his work as chairman and that is reflected in the steps he and the committee are taking, including NHTSA briefings and plans to hold hearings and seek recall-related documents, Rockefeller spokeswoman Jamie Smith said.

"Harder to find fat to trim"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "This is the third year of budget cuts for local governments, so it is harder to find fat to trim."

Voters passed Amendment 1, the Legislature capped allowable increases in local property taxes, and the recession triggered a steep decline in property values. Pinellas city and county officials already have eliminated open positions, laid off employees, reduced library and park hours, canceled programs, frozen salaries, raised health insurance premiums, limited travel and cut energy costs. Still, millions more must be cut before Oct. 1.

With the mission of local governments pared down by economic conditions, state spending limits and voter demands for lower taxes, there are going to be fundamental changes to popular programs that once would have been off-limits.

On the cheap

Here's an idea: why doesn't Florida do everything on the cheap, and when the infrastructure collapses every time it gets a bit chilly, beg the federal government (read: other states) to subsidize our failure to do things properly in the first place.

Consider: "The recent cold snap that resulted in more than a week of below-freezing temperatures took a toll on Tampa's aging infrastructure, and its finances. For the past two weeks, city workers and private contractors [likely without health insurance or retirement plans] have been busy repairing more than 1,600 breaks in water distribution pipes throughout the city." "Cold snap wreaked havoc on Tampa's water pipes".

"How's That Hopey-Changey Thing Working Out For You?"

by: Tally

Sun Feb 07, 2010 at 14:51:12 PM EST

Florida Political News: February 7, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Sun Feb 07, 2010 at 14:01:42 PM EST

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

RPOF is "one of the nation's biggest jokes"

Scott Maxwell writes this morning that, "in Florida, the GOP is a train wreck."

And we're not talking a minor slipping-off-the-tracks, tip-over-the-caboose kind of wreck. We're talking a head-on collision.

The party chair has been ousted, he and his deputy exposed for credit-card spending sprees so extravagant, they'd make the Real Housewives of New York City blush.

The previous House speaker is embroiled in scandal and facing charges.

And here in Central Florida, Republicans are in such disarray, they are going through congressional candidates like Kleenex, trying to find one they like. ... the Sunshine State GOP is suddenly one of the nation's biggest jokes ... only it's the Dems who are laughing hardest.

perhaps the best example of Republicans causing themselves problems can be found in the party's inability to consistently back their own candidates in either of its two most coveted congressional races - when they can find a candidate, anyway.

The GOP routinely calls freshman Democrat Alan Grayson one of the most vulnerable incumbents in America. But just about every time the GOP makes that claim, another potential Republican challenger is caught running away with his tail between his legs.

Last week's tail-tucker was 28-year-old Armando Gutierrez. A few months ago, Republicans described the Central Florida newcomer as the next big thing in local politics. He snagged endorsements from everyone from a former head of the state GOP to one of Jeb Bush's sons. Gutierrez was in it to win it ... until something else flashy caught his eye. He dropped out last week, saying he was more interested in baseball.

And he's not alone. About a dozen Republicans - everyone from Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty to House Speaker Larry Cretul - have talked big about taking on Grayson, only to slink off into the shadows when asked to back up their talk with action.

Bad unions

Another liberal "journalist" explains why unions are bad.

"Crist is depending on more money from the feds"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida lawmakers, facing the onerous task of building a 2010-11 state budget with the glimmer of modestly increasing revenue but fast-growing expenses, have largely dismissed Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed spending plan. They've balked at its $69.2 billion size, roughly 4 percent higher than the current year, and lamented his use of creative financing. "

Yet Crist is right that the state should start investing again in improving education and protecting the environment - even if he is on shaky ground about paying for it.

Underlying Crist's budget premise is his belief that the state economy is finally turning a corner. Home sales were up in 2009 and Florida is adding residents - 70 per day - after losing them for a period last year. The growth is expected to increase sales taxes and real estate transaction fees, but not nearly enough to cover the higher cost of state government without more revenue. ...

To finance a bigger budget, Crist is depending on more money from the federal government, both in stimulus dollars and money for Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the state's low-income people, the disabled and children. ...

Daily Rothstein

Michael Mayo: " Mom of Rothstein's daughter: 'He left us high and dry'".

It is just a matter of time

"Picture a Vegas-style Bellagio on the beach. Rows of neon-lit slot machines, blackjack dealers and craps dice."

In Florida? It might not be as unlikely as it seems.

For the first time, the Florida Legislature's conservative, anti-gambling façade is showing cracks.

As Gov. Charlie Crist pushes his Seminole gambling deal yet again, legislators are beginning to think bigger - with even anti-gambling conservatives weighing the idea of trying to use Florida's tourist appeal to create lucrative casino complexes.

Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, who strongly opposed the expansion of slots in South Florida, now says that since gambling is everywhere in Florida, she supports a "free market" approach. She is pitching a "Gaming Equalization Act" to lure a half-dozen gambling executives to build beachside hotel-casinos.

One of the Legislature's staunchest conservatives, Rep. Alan Hays, says he wants the state to get into the gambling business directly by owning casinos and hiring private operators, similar to the state Lottery.

Not tuff enuf

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Legislature's plans to toughen ethics laws overdue".

Rockin' the free world

"Did Gov. Charlie Crist determine the leader of Free World in 2008?"

It's really not that crazy a notion given the importance of Crist's surprise endorsement of John McCain on the eve of Florida's presidential primary. And as journalists John Heilemann and Mark Halperin note in their bestseller Game Change, Crist welshed [sic] on his earlier plan to endorse Rudy Giuliani, who based his entire campaign on winning Florida.

"Without (Crist's) support, Giuliani would not have pursued the strategy he did, and in the end without the governor's support for McCain it's quite possible Mitt Romney would have won ....

Not your daddy's RPOF

"As the event officially kicked off at noon, the protest paused as 'The Star-Spangled Banner' played over the loudspeakers. Attendees then recited the Pledge of Allegiance before breaking out into 'Happy Birthday' for former President Ronald Reagan, the hero to conservatives who would have celebrated his 99th birthday Saturday."  "Naples Tea Party draws hundreds with Rubio support, counterprotest from Obamarmy".  See also "Gainesville Tea Party rally draws more than 1,000".

FCAT follies

"For the FCAT, a retooled approach to writing instruction".

A Nixon man

Frank Schwerin "took over this past week as chairman of the Collier County Republican Executive Committee, filling the slot vacated by Carla Dean. ... Schwerin's first real political activity was cheerleading for President Richard Nixon in 1972. Schwerin was in prep school and organized a Nixon re-election pizza party, Schwerin said."  "Daily News: Collier's new GOP leadership sees exciting future for Republican Party".

Jebama

Emptywheel has been

puzzling all week since this happened last Saturday (January 30, from the pool report).

President Bush 41, with former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush rolled up to the White House at 9:35 for a meeting with POTUS. At 10:09, the two emerged to fat, driving snow flakes. Responding to a called question, 41 said only, "Good meeting. Good meeting."

But it does intrigue-nay, concern-me that Jeb! started preaching the gospel of bipartisanship shortly thereafter.

"Florida has more students in its classrooms than other states"

"After spending almost $16 billion to implement Florida's voter-approved plan to reduce class sizes, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Republican Legislature are now talking about reining it in.  But a leading Democrat [House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands of Weston] says the idea would leave the state not much else than a big bill to show for the investment."

His broader point -- that Florida has more students in its classrooms than other states -- is largely true, as measured by pupil/teacher ratios.

But Sands said "Florida still averages more students in its classrooms than any other state in the Southeast,'' and there are at least three caveats to his statement ...

"Old Folks at Home"

Mark Lane: "Last Tuesday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, pitching his sad, bankrupt shell of a super-state at the Next American Economy Conference, dissed the competition as boring places known only for one thing each."

"Like one state is known for its potatoes, one state is known for its oil, and another state like Florida is known for the old people," he said.

Florida, obviously, is known for much more than "the old people." Even though our state song is "Old Folks at Home." Even though a surprising number of Florida drivers appear to be centenarians whose heads may not be spotted over the back of their driver's seat. ...

Old people -- or the chronologically enhanced, as we prefer to say -- make up only a small part of this complex equation.

And the Alex Sink for Governor campaign was quick to be the first to register its umbrage.

"It seems that Florida, one of the most beautiful, diverse and business-friendly states in the nation, with no state income tax, has intimidated the 'Governator' -- given that his state may be best known for its high taxes and ballooning deficits," scolded the state CFO.

Note how she worked in that state income tax part without actually addressing the too-many-old people part of Schwarzenegger's putdown.

"South Florida tea-party activists stayed away"

"South Florida tea-party activists stayed away from the national gathering in Nashville, with local leaders preferring to work locally."

Hundreds of attendees convened for the tea party's first national convention in Nashville, Tenn., last week -- without movement leaders from South Florida.

"It's expensive. It's not grass-roots. It's more bureaucracy. And it's for-profit, and I just don't think that's what the tea party is supposed to be about,'' said Danita Kilcullen, co-organizer of the weekly tea-party protest in Fort Lauderdale. "It piqued my interest at first, and then the more I read I had this sinking feeling.''

Money is one issue. The event costs $549 per person plus a $9.95 processing fee and travel and lodging costs. Someone who wanted to attend just the keynote speech Saturday night featuring Sarah Palin, the unsuccessful 2008 vice presidential candidate, paid $349 plus $9.71.

And the convention is a profit-making event for its sponsors.

"11th-hour legal cover"

Aaron Deslatte: "In two weeks, the RPOF executive committee will meet in Orlando to choose either Broward National Committeewoman Sharon Day or state Sen. John Thrasher to finish out Greer's term this year."

Meantime,

The facts are now flooding out in embarrassing detail, with a report in the Orlando Sentinel of credit-card bills showing hundreds of thousands of dollars for chartered planes, fancy dinners and big-time meeting costs. There was also the Sentinel story detailing former RPOF executive director Delmar Johnson's $408,000 in compensation, thanks in part to a secret fundraising contract he signed with Greer.

Greer seems to have tried to give himself some 11th-hour legal cover on the matter.

After Hoffman got a dozen angry major donors to sign an anti-Greer letter in late December, House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R- Winter Park, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic, and McCollum had seen enough.

Cannon and Haridopolos were livid that the RPOF was essentially paying its bills and salaries with "millions of dollars" they had raised to support House and Senate candidates. After convincing Thrasher, a former House speaker and lobbyist, to serve as the placeholder chairman, they pressed Greer to resign.

In a hastily arranged conference call on Jan. 5, Greer announced he would leave and accused his critics of trying to "burn the house down" to drive him out.

But at the same time, Greer had RPOF Treasurer Joel Pate and Vice Treasurer Allen Miller travel to Tallahassee to sign off on a one-page document dated that day attesting that "all expense reimbursements of any kind, American Express account expenditures, consultant fees, fundraising fees, agreements, service fees, traveling and dining expenses were proper and authorized and otherwise ratified by RPOF."

Reached at his home in St. Lucie County, Miller, a financial planner, would say only he had looked through the books "in conjunction with the chairman's resignation." He declined further comment. Pate, a Washington County commissioner, would not comment either.

Booting Floridians onto the sidewalk

Thomas thinks it is a great idea:

Under their plan, owners no longer would have their day in court. Out they would go without so much as a goodbye from a judge.

The Florida Bankers Association hopes legislators and Gov. Charlie Crist will sign off on this in the upcoming session. The day this bill passes is the day I beat Tim Tebow in arm wrestling.

We are in a huge election year. Voters hate bankers.

So this is not going to happen, even if it should.

would argue there is a good case to be made for a law like this.

NASA

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Obama inherited a dysfunctional economy. He also inherited a dysfunctional NASA aiming to be all things to all explorations only to lose its focus and, possibly, its relevance."  "Low-Earth budgets: Recalibrating NASA's mission".

Legitimate question

The family of a man shot dead in January - by Orange County deputies who fired more than 100 times - wants the state attorney to investigate whether his death was justifiable.

Tiffanye Breedlove said Saturday that she wants answers about what happened Jan. 5 when nine Orange County deputies killed her younger brother, Torey, in what the deputies said started out as an attempt to apprehend him in a stolen sport utility vehicle. ...

He was unarmed when he died.

"Voters are angry"

"Voters are angry. And the most audacious among them are deciding they can help fix the country."

The number of first-time candidates running for Congress in Florida is larger than in any election year in recent memory, says Susan MacManus, political science professor at the University of South Florida.

Thirteen challengers are vying for the seat held by Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, including 10 Republicans.

National analysts view Kosmas' seat as one of the two "toss-ups" in Florida. The other is the seat held by Democrat Alan Grayson, who earned fame last year by summing up Republicans' health care plan as "don't get sick. And if you do get sick, die quickly."

Kosmas, 65, snatched a formerly safe Republican seat in 2008 by riding Barack Obama's coattails and hammering at the incumbent's connection to a scandal-ridden lobbyist but angered Democratic supporters in November by voting against the House health care reform bill and drew a primary challenger, former Winter Springs Mayor Paul Partyka.

In the 3rd District, eight-term Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, has five challengers: three Republicans, a no-party candidate and a Florida Whig. ...

Eight-term 7th District Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park usually defeats his Democrat challenger easily in the heavily Republican district that snakes through six counties.

This year he faces newcomer Heather Beaven, a Palm Coast resident and CEO of a state-funded work force development agency for at-risk students. Beaven, 41, says Mica provides "20th century leadership" and vows to help develop 21st-century "green" jobs in the bio-medical and alternative energy fields.

No raids, please

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: "Last spring, before the Legislature convened,"

the state court system cried "help," with Chief Justice Peggy Quince at the time expressing dismay over a 300 percent increase in foreclosure cases in some areas of the state. A huge backlog was being created because "children's cases and criminal cases are a priority." These are matters of public safety, she said, and must be handled swiftly.

It isn't better this year in terms of foreclosures with Florida having the nation's second highest foreclosure rate in November. That's one in every 165 homes in Florida in some stage of foreclosure, translating to some 400,000 foreclosure cases in 2009, a deluge that threw the court system into near dysfunction. ...

Last session lawmakers did show the courts a little mercy, creating a dedicated court funding stream through the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. It is fed by fines and filing fees and has helped make the courts far more self-sufficient, relying less on general revenue funds than ever before.

Somewhat ironically, perhaps, that is trust healthier than expected precisely because of those foreclosure filings that are piling up in courthouses far and wide. ...

The courts are the best bargain lawmakers have, being funded with less than 0.7 percent of the entire state budget of some $67 billion. The trust fund has helped make the courts even more self-sufficient, less of a drain on general revenue, and all the while winning accolades as one of the best state court systems in the nation in terms of performance and accountability, fairness and openness, according to a report by Florida TaxWatch.

Lawmakers have seen the value of helping the court system, even in dire economic times, pay some of its own way. It would be a mistake to raid these funds and set back the judiciary even more.

Poor Charlie ...

"Crist has not had a good year. Florida's economy stinks, his job approval and poll numbers have dropped. A race many experts thought would have been easy is now in doubt and the politician who has long been considered to have great instincts has sometimes seemed to be lost."  "Crist still giving hugs in Senate run".

Rubio's folly

Beth Reinhard: "Yes, there's a long, storied tradition of Florida politicians using the Census and redrawing of voting districts to advance their political careers. If practice, practice, practice is the way to Carnegie Hall, then redistricting, redistricting, redistricting is the way to Capitol Hill."

Look no further than Republicans Mario Diaz-Balart of Miami and Tom Feeney of Oviedo who, as leaders of the Florida Legislature, drew themselves friendly congressional districts after the 2000 census. (Attention please: Non-stop Flight #2371 from Tallahassee to Washington, now boarding.)

But here comes Rubio marching through the terminal, proposing to exclude illegal immigrants from the Census formulas that determine Capitol Hill clout and federal aid. He supports a proposal by Louisiana Sen. David Vitter (yes, that David Vitter of the D.C. Madam client list) to add a citizenship question to U.S. Census forms.

If a question about citizenship status was added to the Census, wouldn't illegal immigrants be even less likely to fill out a form with their name, address and annual income?

Regardless, the debate is largely theoretical. The 2010 Census forms were printed long ago, and the statewide campaign got under way this week.

Crist supporters see the cooked-up controversy as a way for Rubio to continue stroking the staunch conservatives who tend to dominate Republican primaries.

``He'll say anything to get elected,'' said Rep. Juan Zapata, chairman of the Miami-Dade legislative delegation. ``It may play well in a Republican primary, but if he cared about the state of Florida, he would want everyone to count.''

"An alarming thought"

"As the popularity of social networking sites like Twitter.com and Facebook.com increases, public officials are faced with the need to monitor the content. That's the same challenge they faced when the e-mail craze began to sweep the world."

How will officials track and store all the public documents they create? What can be done to educate officials about how the state's Sunshine Law applies to the technology? Did they jump in too soon? Can they afford to be onboard? Can they afford not to be?

"Technology is changing so quickly and we have all of these new means of communicating. But that does not change the fact that if you're blogging about public business, those blogs are subject to public records laws and the Sunshine Law," said Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation in Tallahassee.

It's an alarming thought for some local officials who believe their social networking pages are private and hadn't considered that open public records laws might apply to them.

Who Dat?

by: Robert McKnight

Sat Feb 06, 2010 at 15:24:44 PM EST

Who is most powerful person in American politics right now?  It can be argued among many, but certainly one that surfaces this year, in particular, is the Secretary of Commerce, former Washington Governor Gary Locke, a Democrat.  The Chinese American is responsible for the conduct of the U.S. Census.  That tabulation in turn dictates the representation in the House of Representatives, by state; and the formula by which billions of federal revenue sharing dollars are distributed. 

In Florida, the Republicans are already arguing about whether unregistered or undocumented aliens should be counted.  It is widely anticipated that traditional Rust Belt states, like Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Katrina-torn Louisiana will lose states in the Congress.  The winners, driven by the surge in immigrants coming from their borders, will probably be Sun Belt states like Florida, Texas and Arizonia, among others.  It will get particularly ugly when incumbents run against each other for consolidated existing seats.

The stakes could not be higher.  That's who dat--Gov. Gary Locke 

Florida Political News: February 6, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Sat Feb 06, 2010 at 11:10:29 AM EST

"Just whom does Rubio want to represent?"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors ask, "Just whom does Marco Rubio want to represent in the U.S. Senate? The national Republican conservatives who applaud his call to count only 'legal American citizens' in the 2010 Census? Or Floridians, who would lose the ability to recoup millions in federal aid to cover services for legal and illegal residents?" "Rubio bows to hard-liners, stiffs Florida".

Putnam elbows Baker aside

"State Sen. Carey Baker withdrew from the Florida agriculture commissioner race Friday, saying his campaign didn't meet its initial goals."

Baker, a Republican from Eustis, faced an uphill battle in the GOP primary against frontrunner U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow.

Baker raised about $535,000 through 2009, while Putnam's haul topped $1.2 million, according to campaign finance reports.

Laff riot

"Marco Rubio, Tom Tancredo and the Tea Party convention".

Absolutely, 100% not guilty

"Florida Transportation Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos was cleared Friday of allegations that she skirted state public records laws in a series of unusual e-mail exchanges with a co-worker."

A 24-page report by Gov. Charlie Crist's chief inspector general said Kopelousos and a top aide were not using ``code words'' when they sent e-mails with subjects such as "pancake'' and ``French Toast.''

The report also said an employee's error caused a delay in sending a state senator 8,000 e-mails in response to a public records request.

$3,000 meal tabs

"From golf-course fees to charter jets to the nation's capital, Republican Party of Florida Executive Director Delmar Johnson racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel, food and expenses to his party-issued American Express card last year." "Records: Fundraiser charged big tab to Florida GOP-issued credit card".

The photographer speaks

"It was all over the Internet. Pundits were claiming it showed Obama as weak, that he should save his bowing for terrorists."

None of these people were even there. I was. And I didn't see anything like that. Even though these critics hadn't witnessed the scene firsthand, they decided they knew with certainty what had happened.

Nothing makes my blood boil more than seeing an image, particularly one I created, used outside of its original context to promote a particular agenda. Further compounding my frustration is that it is totally out of my control when it happens. People criticize the media constantly for showing bias, or not reporting the whole truth, but here is an instance of an accurate depiction of an event being recycled and repackaged with much bias. Fair? I don't think so. ...

I've been reading a lot of the blog commentary out there relating to the moment I captured. Some of it is pretty disgusting and inappropriate, no matter what political leanings people may have.

If the president of the United States is going to be torn apart by his own citizens for showing respect to a local mayor, what does that say about us? Maybe we are a touch too arrogant for our own good? Maybe we are focusing our attention on trivial things? Maybe we could take a cue from his graciousness?

We all know what "streamlining" means

"With more than 1 million residents out of work, state lawmakers are trying to concoct the right blend of business incentives to bring jobs to Florida. Supporters hope the proposed mix of tax and regulatory changes will reel in new businesses and tempt existing ones to hire more Floridians. But some environmentalists worry that the Legislature, panicked by high unemployment, might give up too many protections of Florida's resources in the name of job creation." "State is looking at streamlining permit process for developers".

Sentinel goes after state workers again

We understand that "salaries, benefits and jobs of government employees are not exactly high priorities among the Republican primary voters" and their kindred spirits writing Tribune Company newspaper editorials.

The Teabaggers that dominate the Orlando Sentinel editorial board just can't help themselves - ignoring the fact that the size and cost of Florida's government employee workforce are at the bottom nationally, and Florida is tied with one other state for the lowest ratio of public employees to population - blithely asserting that the Legislature ought to "take a whack at generous benefits for state employees."

We understand that these on the editors dislike public employees with the gall to earn pensions* - of course, the editors dislike uppity (read union members) workers generally** - but you'd think they would at least make an effort to get their facts straight before writing junk like this:

maybe, just maybe, there are some state agencies that can function with fewer workers.

legislators also should take a look at another area Mr. Crist found too hot to touch — state employee benefits. Most state workers still get cheap health care and pay nothing toward their pensions. Raising their contributions closer to the level paid by workers outside state government could generate real savings.

the size and cost of [Florida's] state personnel remain at the bottom nationally. In 2008, the average state government had 216 employees per 10,000 population; Florida had 118. Also, the average payroll expenditure was $69 per state resident nationwide, but only $38 in Florida. The state was tied with Illinois for the lowest ratio of actual employees to population, and we ranked 49th in authorized full-time positions (103) per 10,000 residents.

Teabagging losing appeal

"National tea party gathering not attracting droves from South Florida".

NASA blues

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "President Barack Obama is right that NASA needs an overhaul. But the plan he unveiled this week, which would privatize human space flight while increasing research spending, fails to draw a clear mission for the space agency. It risks reducing NASA to a procurement office and robbing it of the vision and in-house expertise it needs. That's risky for the United States and particularly for Florida." "Plan for NASA lacks vision".

McCollum dithers

"State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink wants Attorney General Bill McCollum, one of her gubernatorial rivals, to investigate fraud at the bank where she was a longtime executive."

In a letter sent Friday to McCollum, Gov. Charlie Crist and the state pension fund director, Sink — former head of Bank of America in Florida -— asked McCollum to "immediately review" whether the alleged fraud by Bank of America and its executives has resulted in losses to Floridians. Her request came the day after New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo filed charges of fraud against Bank of America alleging it, former chief executive Kenneth D. Lewis and former chief financial officer Joseph Price misled federal officials and investors about the size of losses at Merrill Lynch, which it was moving to take over.

Chickenhawks speak

"Senate foes Crist, Rubio back 'don't ask, don't tell'".

Another fine Jebacy ...

"The state will be required to repay the federal government for the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance's spending on expensive meals and desserts. The state will be asking Hillsborough County to come up with the money." "State hit with job agency bill".

"Florida will never be the same"

Steve Bousquet: "Charlie Crist may or may not be the next U.S. senator from Florida, but this much is certain: Florida will never be the same."

Crist's decision to forgo a second term as governor and instead seek an open Senate seat in Washington has unleashed a torrent of political ambition that could mark the 2010 election cycle as a turning point in the state's modern evolution.

Florida outrage

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Samantha Burton wanted to make her own decisions about her obstetrical care, but the state of Florida wouldn't let her."

Claiming it was protecting her fetus, the state took away her rights as a patient and a citizen and made her a virtual prisoner in a Tallahassee hospital. A state appeals court now considering the case must slam the door on such tactics before other pregnant women are victimized.

Burton, a 29-year-old working mother with two young children, was 25 weeks pregnant when she was hospitalized in March 2009 at Tallahassee Memorial. Her obstetrician, Dr. Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, told Burton that because of ruptured membranes and premature contractions, she would have to stay in bed in the hospital for the rest of her pregnancy — potentially 15 more weeks for a full-term pregnancy.

Burton wanted to leave and get a second opinion, but the hospital blocked her departure and set up a hasty court hearing in her hospital room. Burton was sworn in and handed a telephone, with Leon County Circuit Court Judge John Cooper on the other end of the line. She had no lawyer and no legal experience, but Burton was expected to argue her case against her obstetrician and the hospital's attorney.

Her request to go to another hospital was denied. The judge ordered Burton to remain in Tallahassee Memorial and submit to any medical treatment that doctors decided was necessary to preserve the life and health of her fetus. And because the fetus was in the breech position, the judge also ordered Burton to submit to a caesarean section whenever her doctors said it was time.

Burton, who had broken no law, was essentially imprisoned at Tallahassee Memorial and denied control over her medical care.

"Get serious"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The New Florida Initiative, a plan to increase state spending on higher education by $1.75 billion over five years and bring the university system into the knowledge-based economy, is a good idea that won't become a reality unless Tallahassee gets serious about Florida's future." "'New Florida,' new money? There's a rush to upgrade state universities".

12.3 percent peak?

"Fla. unemployment expected to peak at 12.3 percent".

"A good look in the mirror"

Steve Bousquet: "The Florida Legislature needs to take a good look in the mirror." "Longer session? Longer term limits? Don't count on it".

Detroit Iron

Daniel Ruth: "Until fairly recently Toyota was sort of the gold standard for quality and reliability for some snooty auto owners, who turned up their noses at the prospect of even remotely entertaining the purchase of a car from a U.S.-based manufacturer."

Detroit was so declasse, so ooey-gooey, so second-rate. So Detroit.

Now it is certainly true America's Big Three automakers have had more than their fair share of oopsie production moments over the years, churning out dull and quite often shoddy wheels that would only appeal to one's inner actuary. So boring.

Today's car assembly plants are, in theory at least, the ultimate in technological marvel — robotics, the very latest in computer wizardry, incredibly precise and cost-efficient production techniques, all manned by a highly trained and professional work force. More or less.

And yet people are driving around in their Toyotas and suddenly discovering they can't stop the %$#@*&^$ car they just spent a small fortune to buy.

Not to sound too much of a Luddite here, but this is a bit nuts. After all, if you just dropped $25,000 on some hotsy-totsy Camry is it really too much to ask that it — stops?

Seeing all the images of wrecked Toyotas on the roadways after drivers suddenly realized they were trapped in a four-cylinder version of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey reminds me of a different time in the history of quality control.

Yee haw!

"Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is the keynote speaker at this year’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner, a key fundraising event for the Orange County Republican Party." "Sarah Palin to headline local GOP Lincoln Day dinner".

Resume padding

"Leon County Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey was called on the carpet by the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday for improperly using the word 're-elect' in a YouTube campaign posting and padding her legal resume." "Court recommends formal reprimand for Dempsey's campaign errors".

The Super Bowl is back in Miami!

by: mentelibre

Sat Feb 06, 2010 at 10:36:46 AM EST

Just in time for Sunday's Super Bowl, this superb commentary by Miami teacher Paul A. Moore asks the reader to look away from the bright lights and headlines for a moment to consider the sobering reality faced by young African-American men living outside the spectacle surrounding this game.

The Indianapolis Colts are back in the Super Bowl.

The CBS Corporation broadcast the Colts' 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI from then Dolphins' Stadium. CBS cameras will be trained this time on a Colts vs. New Orleans Saints match up in Super Bowl XLIV from the same stadium, now renamed for the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. The game is described with Roman numerals to reflect the grandeur and spectacle of it. The Roman Empire had nothing on the NFL.

Family and friends of Rod K. Williams say he wanted to play football someday. But Rod was shot and killed two days before the last Super Bowl in Miami. His corpse was wrapped in plastic garbage bags and left in a Little Haiti-area dumpster. The body decomposed in the shadow of the stadium while the game was played. Five days later the smell attracted attention to the dumpster and the body of Rod K. Williams was finally discovered. No one had reported the 14-year-old boy missing.

An estimated one billion people kept track of the score of the score of Super Bowl XLI on television or radio. Tony Dungy's charges beat Lovie Smith's Bears to claim the Lombardi Trophy. Dungy was lauded after the victory as the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl. While Peyton Manning was named the game's Most Valuable Player, many of the "skill players" on both teams were Black men. They made spectacular plays that shook the stadium. The Bears' Devin Hester returned the opening kick-off 92-yards for a touchdown.

Three young Black men who survived Rod K. Williams were probably watching Hester's electrifying runback. They all played football well enough to dream. Their minds likely wandered to the kind of fame and adoration and glory and respect for themselves one day. And where else had they ever seen such effusive praise for African-American men not much older than them?

Florida Political News: February 5, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 10:01:05 AM EST

The rich are different

"From golf-course fees to charter jets to the nation's capital, Republican Party of Florida Executive Director Delmar Johnson racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel, food and expenses to his party-issued American Express card last year."

Delmar Johnson flew to Las Vegas and San Francisco, to New York and Boston.

He picked up $3,000 tabs at posh restaurants such as Del Frisco's steakhouse in Orlando and at cheaper spots such as Regina Pizza in Boston; he chartered jets; bought flowers for the wife of party Chairman Jim Greer; and charged greens fees at the Torrey Pines championship golf course in San Diego, according to internal RPOF accounting records and credit-card invoices obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.

Johnson and Greer have said the travel and spending were a requirement in order to move in big-league political-fundraising circles, and the party says many of the charges covered travel and meals for big donors or party staffers, as well as day-to-day operating expenses such as phone bills and copying fees.

But they have also steadfastly refused calls to open the party's finances to outside auditors in the wake of accusations by GOP critics that money was being misspent.

The contract between Greer and Delmar Johnson -- the 30-year-old staffer named by Greer to be the Republican Party of Florida's executive director -- paid Johnson's company more than $260,000 for fundraising and $42,000 for expenses. Combined with Johnson's $103,000 executive director salary, he was paid at least $405,000 by the party in 2009, according to year-end reports filed this week with the Federal Election Commission.

Both Greer and Johnson are now being forced out of office amid widespread Republican displeasure with their management of party finances. ...

House Republican Leader Adam Hasner, a Delray Beach Republican, called the arrangement "a slap in the face'' for all Republicans "who have given their hard-earned money to the party to see it supporting a lavish lifestyle through secret contracts.''

Sink 'agin 'The Governator'

William March: "Florida Chief Financial Offical Alex Sink is, well, petite, but still seems quite ready to take on 'The Governator' of California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who trashed Florida on Wednesday."

At a Silicon Valley conference, Schwarzenegger glibly opined that Iowa is uninteresting, Florida is nothing but old people, and who'd want to go to either place?

What would Tebow say?

Scott Maxwell: "Wednesday's column about gay adoption prompted a tidal wave of response. Most readers said they were sick and tired of the extremists putting politics ahead of children — and were particularly disgusted by the Florida Family Policy Council's* use of phony pictures"

Rubio "temporarily" in "damage control"

"U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio backtracked Thursday from his statement that the U.S. Census should count only 'legal American citizens,' temporarily shifting his surging campaign into damage control." "Marco Rubio, Charlie Crist clash on who should be counted in Census". See also "Rubio backtracks from 'legal American citizens' census comment".

And they're off ...

"U.S. Senate hopeful Kendrick Meek announced he's in the race. Literally."

"I will be the lead sponsor of Mike Wallace's #01 race car at the NASCAR Nationwide Series Race on 2/13," he said Tuesday via Twitter. ...

But the Meek campaign is in a position where it must get creative. Although he's the Democratic frontrunner, not many know of Meek outside Miami.

In a Quinnipiac University poll released last week, 72 percent of registered voters said they hadn't heard enough about Meek to have an opinion about him. This goes up to 86 percent among voters in Southwest Florida. Kids pictured on milk cartons have more name recognition.

To make matters worse, the Republican Senate primary race gets all the attention. Gov. Charlie Crist's transformation from prohibitive favorite to underdog running behind former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio is a dramatic story with national implications. People tend to forget the winner will have to face a Democrat.

So maybe this will help.

Running government like, err, a political party

Florida Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman and three high-ranking deputies have surrendered their free take-home cars after a state investigation said the vehicles might violate federal tax rules on unreported income. The department issued the cars to Peterman and three top aides because they frequently visit field offices and must be on call to respond to emergencies. The cars are considered perquisites, or perks. "Florida Juvenile Justice officials give up car perks amid probe".

YouTube election law issue

"Leon County Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey was called on the carpet by the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday for improperly using the word "re-elect" in a YouTube campaign posting and padding her legal resume." "Court recommends formal reprimand for Dempsey's campaign errors".

Crist extends hands for federal help

"Florida will appeal to the federal government for help investigating the cancer cluster in The Acreage, Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday, just a day after state health officials said they didn’t plan to search for an environmental cause." "Crist vows to devote 'every ounce of energy' to finding Acreage cancer cause".

Mica rips "the Obama approach"

Joel Engelhardt: "Florida is focusing on an 84-mile connection between Orlando and Tampa."

The administration is offering $1.25 billion as the "down payment" on a $2.6 billion project. The goal is to achieve speeds of 168 mph.

But no high-speed train could get up to that speed while making two stops in 20 miles, the plan for the line's most popular stretch — from the Orlando airport to the Orange County Convention Center to Disney World. From there, how useful is a train crossing rural Florida to terminate at a Tampa parking garage, wonders U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park. He ripped the Obama approach, despite its billion-dollar award to Florida.

Crist insists he's a wingnut

"Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday that despite being attacked from the right by former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, his rival in the state’s GOP Senate primary, he is no 'RINO.'" "Charlie Crist: I'm no RINO".

Bad form

"State Farm has started to send letters to the holders of 125,000 policies in Florida that they will no longer be insured by the largest private property insurer in Florida just as the hurricane season approaches it peak." "State Farm to start sending out policy nonrenewal letters".

"Serious ethical questions"

"A prominent law firm seeking lucrative pension work from Florida pulled out of the running Thursday after the firm's senior partner acknowledged making inaccurate statements to a selection committee."

The selection of the firm, New York City's Bernstein Liebhard, had been put on hold by the State Board of Administration after Attorney General Bill McCollum got an anonymous letter in December alleging misconduct by the firm's partners.

Bernstein Liebhard had been ranked No. 1 by a State Board of Administration evaluation panel, but a two-page letter allegedly written by a former employee said the firm's lawyers had complex financial ties to charities and investors that raised serious ethical questions.

"A virtual prisoner"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Samantha Burton wanted to make her own decisions about her obstetrical care, but the state of Florida wouldn't let her. Claiming it was protecting her fetus, the state took away her rights as a patient and a citizen and made her a virtual prisoner in a Tallahassee hospital. A state appeals court now considering the case must slam the door on such tactics before other pregnant women are victimized."

Burton, a 29-year-old working mother with two young children, was 25 weeks pregnant when she was hospitalized in March 2009 at Tallahassee Memorial. Her obstetrician, Dr. Jana Bures-Forsthoefel, told Burton that because of ruptured membranes and premature contractions, she would have to stay in bed in the hospital for the rest of her pregnancy — potentially 15 more weeks for a full-term pregnancy.

Burton wanted to leave and get a second opinion, but the hospital blocked her departure and set up a hasty court hearing in her hospital room. Burton was sworn in and handed a telephone, with Leon County Circuit Court Judge John Cooper on the other end of the line. She had no lawyer and no legal experience, but Burton was expected to argue her case against her obstetrician and the hospital's attorney.

Her request to go to another hospital was denied. The judge ordered Burton to remain in Tallahassee Memorial and submit to any medical treatment that doctors decided was necessary to preserve the life and health of her fetus. And because the fetus was in the breech position, the judge also ordered Burton to submit to a caesarean section whenever her doctors said it was time.

Burton, who had broken no law, was essentially imprisoned at Tallahassee Memorial and denied control over her medical care. Three days later, doctors performed an emergency cesarean section, but Burton's fetus was dead.

"Dropping like a rock"

"Florida property taxes dropped by $2.28 billion, or 7.5 percent, over the past three years because of tax-cutting measures approved by the Legislature and voters as well as falling real estate values, according to figures presented to a legislative panel today."

"I would classify that as dropping like a rock," said Senate Finance and Taxation Committee Chairman Thad Altman, R-Viera.

Gov. Charlie Crist famously said he wanted taxes to "drop like a rock" as lawmakers began considering tax relief in 2007. They passed the law to roll back and cap property taxes later that year and then put a constitutional amendment on the January 2008 ballot that voters adopted for additional tax savings.

"In theory"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "In theory, the way the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service preserved 4,000 acres of raw land east of Fort Myers for the endangered Florida panther seems reasonable. The ranchers who have owned the property since 1947 get to keep grazing their cattle and make a significant amount of money by agreeing to not alter the tract in ways detrimental to the panther."

But make no mistake, Florida's "state animal" loses big time.

As reported Thursday by the St. Petersburg Times' Craig Pittman, the Milicevic family ranch is only marginally useful for panthers. Cats crowded out of their South Florida domain pass through it as they cross the Caloosahatchee River into new territory. In a three-tiered ranking system devised by panther researchers, this land falls in the third-ranked "dispersal zone.''

Expect LeMieux to say "no"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Short-term fixes have caused instability in Medicare, eroding its physician foundation. The impact of these delaying tactics is already being felt by seniors. About one in four seniors nationwide looking for a new primary-care physician already have trouble finding one, according to Congress' advisory body for Medicare."

Sens. Bill Nelson and George LeMieux should take this news as a harbinger of what is to come for Florida seniors if action isn't taken now to repeal the broken Medicare-payment formula.

Consider Florida's situation: The state has an above-average percentage of Medicare patients (16 percent) compared with the rest of the country. At the same time, 48 percent of Florida's practicing physicians are older than 50 — the age at which many physicians consider reducing patient care.

Florida recently landed on an AMA list of 21 "Patient Access Hot Spots" where patients already face problems getting physician care. Couple these facts with the looming 21 percent cut, and access and choice of physician will be greatly diminished for the more-than 3.6 million seniors, disabled and military families in Florida who rely on government health-insurance programs.

This dire outlook does not even take into account the coming tsunami of baby boomers into the Medicare program. If Congress does not take action now to repeal the formula that causes these annual cuts, boomers will be in for a shock when they begin seeking health care under Medicare next year.

A start

Nationally, "the unemployment rate dropped unexpectedly in January to 9.7 percen" "January unemployment rate drops to 9.7 percent; 20,000 jobs cut".

Citizens

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Citizens Property Insurance Corp. did the right thing in dialing back its no-no decision to offer a no-bid $10 million contract to a firm to conduct 400,000 inspections. By agreeing to rebid inspection management work promised to a Jacksonville firm last year, officials at the state's insurer of last resort resorted to some common sense." "Time for Citizens to control costs".

"A habit born of frustration"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Legislating by constitutional amendment has become a habit born of frustration by Florida voters unhappy with state legislative priorities."

It's not a great way to govern on detailed matters such as how many students should be in a school classroom. That's the kind of calculation that, ideally, should be part of school-based management and home-rule systems, which put decisions as close as possible to the citizens most affected.

Constitutional amendments should deal with the broad structure of government duties and responsibilities. An example of one that sends a broad message was approved by 71 percent of Floridians in 1998, establishing a system of high-quality public education as "a paramount duty" of the Legislature.

Lawmakers have not honored the spirit of this amendment, and in 2002 voters expressed continuing frustration by passing the class-size amendment.

Miami-Dade

"Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson won't seek 5th term".

Another Hose Job

by: Robert McKnight

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 13:17:26 PM EST

Did the multi-million dollar side deals garnered by Senators Mary Landrieu (D., La.) and Ben Nelson (D., Neb.) in the health care negotiations bother you?  Here is another one.  According to the Wall Street Journal, the majority of the top ten states receiving the most earmarked side deal dollars, per capita, are among the very smallest states, contributing the fewest dollars to the Federal Treasury:

Most Earmark Dollars Per Capita in 2009

1.  Alaska--47th largest state.

3.  North Dakota--48th largest state.

4.  Hawaii--42nd largest state.

6.  South Dakota--46th largest state.

7.  Vermont--49th largest state.

10.Montana--44th largest state.

Another Hose Job.

Florida Political News: February 4, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Thu Feb 04, 2010 at 12:11:31 PM EST

"Jeb!" can't hep it

That didn't take long:

A group of prominent Republicans is forming an organization to develop and market conservative ideas, copying a successful Democratic model and hoping to capitalize on the fund-raising and electioneering possibilities opened up by a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Republicans who are donors, board members or both include Haley Barbour, the governor of Mississippi; Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida; Ed Gillespie, like Mr. Barbour a former chairman of the Republican Party; Fred Malek, an investor and official in the Nixon and first Bush administrations; Robert K. Steele, a former executive of Wachovia and Goldman Sachs who was a Treasury official in the second Bush administration, and Kenneth G. Langone, a founder of Home Depot and a former director of the New York Stock Exchange.

And the Supreme Court’s decision last month in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission potentially will allow the organization to take unlimited contributions from corporations and individuals to use to advertise for or against political candidates.

"This administration as well as Citizens United — when you combine the two the prospects for funding these types of efforts are greatly enhanced," Mr. Coleman said.

Deutch - Lynch

"After a long night of uncertainty, Republican Edward Lynch emerged Wednesday as the victor in the special congressional primary, eking out a narrow win over Joe Budd."

Wednesday morning it seemed like a list of possibilities could keep the outcome in doubt even longer:

A technical glitch in Palm Beach County kept questions about the final tally lingering into the predawn hours.

Then there was talk of a mandatory recount because the margin of victory was so narrow. Some spoke -- erroneously -- of a runoff.

And, with no Republican given much of a chance of actually winning the general election April 13, some wondered why it even mattered.

Wednesday it appeared that only 46 votes separated Lynch and Budd. Lynch had 3,320 votes to Budd's 3,274. Curt Price was a distant third with 1,566 votes.

But even that might change -- Budd started the day saying he hoped that provisional ballots, cast by people whose voting status is questioned at the polls, could close the gap. Military absentee ballots are not due until 10 days after an election. If the race is within half of 1 percent, state law provides for a recount.

By Wednesday afternoon, however, Budd concluded he would not get that close and conceded.

"When it rains, it pours"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Welcome to Florida, land of perpetual sunshine."

That's the image the eternally optimistic Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to sell with his latest (and last) state budget recommendations. Crist wants to boost education spending, buy environmentally sensitive land, increase spending for the state's overburdened court system and pour nearly $10 billion into economic development.

Florida needs all these things. But Crist's plan to fund them runs up against the maxim that better defines Florida's current budget forecast: When it rains, it pours.

According to the Division of Bond Finance, Florida can expect its bond payments to increase to $2.4 billion by 2015 -- a 20 percent increase. That's assuming the state doesn't continue the land-preservation program, and that demand for new schools will continue to decline.

If the Legislature follows Crist's recommendations -- and doesn't find additional revenue sources -- Florida's debt, and the interest it pays, could grow even more precipitously, consuming money that could otherwise have been spent on schools, roads, public safety and other state priorities.

Brogan shows "courage"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "It is encouraging to see a state leader with the courage to offer an intelligent, if challenging, strategy for revitalizing the state's economy. Florida University System Chancellor Frank Brogan wants Florida to gradually double its annual investment in the state university system." "Brogan offers strategy to remake our economy".

Troxler calls bullsh**

Howard Troxler: "As you might recall, the public just won historic victories against Florida's two biggest electric companies."

Progress Energy Florida and Florida Power & Light came in asking for something like $1.5 billion in annual rate increases. They lost.

Now, amazingly, here is the reaction of the Florida Legislature:

The Legislature is threatening the job of the public's lawyer who won the rate cases, Public Counsel J.R. Kelly.

In an unprecedented move, the Legislature has reopened interviews for Kelly's job while he still holds it.

Make no mistake — this is a new trick. Never, under the state's venerable old public counsel, Jack Shreve, did the Legislature dare such a thing.

Laughably, the Legislature claims this is just a sudden burst of good government.

I have a two-syllable reply, and the first syllable refers to the male version of a cow.

At the least, this is a thuggish attempt to warn Kelly not to fight so hard for the public.

At the worst, they really mean to fire him. All it would take is a flick of a wrist from an obscure committee.

The control of this committee alternates between the Senate and the House. This is the Senate's year.

The president of the Senate, Jeff Atwater, is in charge. This is his doing.

Class size

Mike Thomas "argued for the class-size amendment when it went on the ballot in 2002 and have defended it against Jeb Bush's diabolical plots ever since." "Be reasonable, not literal, on class size".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Make belated class-size fix".

"Unless you look at history"

Bill Cotterell asks whether, "if Crist's polls and political handlers say he'll lose on Aug. 24, would Crist file as an independent — skipping the primary and saving his cash (now $7.5 million on hand) for November, when his odds are better in a three-way race?"

Or,

another Rubio-as-giant-killer scenario has Crist running for four more years as governor, with Attorney General Bill McCollum and Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp keeping their current jobs. Sayers of sooth see this as a way for Crist to reunite the Republican Party and, in 2012, maybe have Sen. Rubio's support in a race against Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat — leaving Kottkamp the Governor's Mansion and a two-year head start on keeping it.

- [In] 1970, when the U.S. Senate rejected Judge G. Harrold Carswell's appointment to the Supreme Court and then-Gov. Claude Kirk got him to run for the Senate. Congressman Bill Cramer was the GOP establishment choice that year, just as Crist is now, and he beat Carswell. But he lost the general to an obscure state senator, Lawton Chiles, who'd beaten an ex-governor — while an equally unknown Reubin Askew overtook an incumbent attorney general for the Democratic nomination and then beat Kirk.

- 1978 was just an anomaly, as an obscure state Sen. Bob Graham beat a two-term attorney general to succeed Askew. And 1980 was the exception that tests the rule, with a U.S. senator losing the Democratic primary to a Cabinet officer who then lost to a Republican.

- 1986 was just a fluke, when everybody knew Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter and Attorney General Jim Smith would slug it out for governor. Except, they both dropped out. Smith dropped back in, joining Senate President Harry Johnston's ticket for lieutenant governor, but they wound up running against each other and cancelling each other out.

- [W]e should have foreseen how Smith, losing a Democratic runoff, would become Republican Gov. Bob Martinez's co-chief of staff[*]. Then, when Democrat George Firestone resigned — as, of course, everyone expected when they'd re-elected him a few months earlier — Smith was named secretary of state.

- [M]aybe we shouldn't have been surprised when Chiles started running for re-election to the Senate in 1988, quit, so then Askew ran for a while and quit. Then-congressman Buddy MacKay lost the Senate race that year to Connie Mack but — of course! — Chiles and MacKay were back 15 months later, teaming up for governor and lieutenant governor.

- Smith got Jeb Bush into a runoff for the GOP nomination for governor in 1994 and then dropped out, later becoming a stand-in nominee for agriculture commissioner. Having been attorney general as a Democrat and secretary of state as a Republican and losing bids for governor in both parties, he had to run for the ag job.

- Jeb Bush led by wide margins in all the 1994 polls, so Chiles was re-elected, assuring us that "the he-coon walks just before the light of day," whatever that means.

- In 1998, then-Secretary of Agriculture Bob Crawford remained a Democrat but endorsed Bush for governor and went on to take Bush's place on the elections canvassing commission that certified the 2000 presidential election.

In 1986 he ran for the Democratic nomination for governor of Florida. In the primary election Pajcic slightly led the second-place finisher, state Attorney General Jim Smith; but, as neither had received 50%, per Florida law, a runoff primary was held. During the brief campaign before the run-off, Smith's rhetoric was seen by many as unprecedented in its vitriol for an intraparty contest.

[I]n a televised debate, the candidates were asked if, should they fail to win the nomination, would they endorse their runoff opponent in the general election against the Republican nominee. Both Smith and Pajcic answered in the affirmative. However, when Pajcic emerged victorious, Smith evaded the issue of an endorsement for several days [something about riding his tractor around his panhandle farm].

"GOP fundraiser's hefty pay"

Why is this man smiling? See "Florida GOP fundraiser's hefty pay riles donors".

"Long on hope and somewhat short on reality"

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Optimism is one thing; a realistic state budget apparently is something else. But that's where state lawmakers are now that Gov. Charlie Crist has put forth a $69.2 billion budget plan that is long on hope and somewhat short on reality." "Governor's budget leaves much to be desired".

Private colleges

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: Painful choices await state legislators as they prepare to go Lizzie Borden on a budget that'll require lots of whacks to resolve what could be a $3 billion deficit. Gov. Charlie Crist isn't much help, putting off tough decisions until later (when he's no longer governor).

The editors find it "hard to generate a lot of sympathy when the recently departed president of Nova Southeastern University raked in salary and benefits totaling $1.2 million in 2008. Or when it's unclear whether private schools are resorting to belt-tightening measures such as job or salary freezes, layoffs, furloughs, or employee benefit reductions."

We cringe at cuts to education. But the state needs to make responsible cuts. Difficult cuts. One way to accomplish that is to continue helping private college students — but only those who truly need the help.

"Massive unemployment-tax hikes"

"The race is on to head off massive unemployment-tax hikes that threaten most Florida businesses at the end of April." "Unemployment-tax hikes may be delayed".

Rubio scores "an easy victory"

"Former House Speaker Marco Rubio scored an easy victory over Gov. Charlie Crist in a straw ballot of Big Bend Republicans on Wednesday."

Crist shrugged off the 71-15 vote by the Capital City Republican Club. The secret vote was at least the 17th straight win Rubio has taken among county Republican Executive Committees, party clubs and other grassroots organizations.

Florida Political News: February 3, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Wed Feb 03, 2010 at 17:36:33 PM EST

Secret sweetheart RPOFer deal

"For the past year, Delmar Johnson mixed and mingled with the well-heeled and powerful, chasing checks from large Republican donors from fishing piers in Key West to a football stadium in Boston."

But even as the economy soured and GOP fundraising lagged, Johnson earned more than perhaps any party leader in Florida history -- at least $408,000 as executive director and chief fundraiser for the Republican Party of Florida. His total pay was more than triple what party chairman Jim Greer made.

But even as the economy soured and GOP fundraising lagged, Johnson earned more than perhaps any party leader in Florida history -- at least $408,000 as executive director and chief fundraiser for the Republican Party of Florida. His total pay was more than triple what party chairman Jim Greer made.

Nearly $200,000 of that came through a contract signed by Greer and Johnson naming Johnson as the party's chief fundraiser. That contract was apparently never divulged even to senior members of the party's executive committee.

Anger over the party's flailing finances prompted an unusual combination of grass-roots activists and big-ticket donors to force Greer's resignation last month. And that was before party elders knew of Johnson's fundraising contract – and his outsized earnings.

Now a number of prominent donors are coming forward to complain they were kept in the dark about the contract, and they want Johnson to refund what he was paid.

Desperate Charlie to "Play the leadership card"

Adam C. Smith: "Crist supporters across Florida are in varying degrees of panic, and for good reason: Two polls released this week show the once inevitable Republican U.S. Senate nominee trailing Marco Rubio by 12 points and 14 points among Republican voters. A third poll released last week showed Rubio ahead by 3 points."

"Inside the political echo chambers of Tallahassee and Washington, conventional wisdom is setting in that Crist is past the point of no return and doomed to experience one of the most stunning political downfalls Florida has ever seen. Meanwhile everyone — from his closest supporters to fiercest enemies — has an opinion on what the governor needs to do:"

Start carpet bombing the TV airwaves with negative ads about Rubio. Give up and run for re-election as governor. Make a hard turn to the right and relentlessly flog everything Barack Obama does. Run as an independent. Run as a moderate. Apologize profusely for endorsing the stimulus package. And on and on.

Crist's plan? Play the leadership card.

Plug 'em in

"City, county hope to plug in electric cars".

"Misleading histrionics"

Scott Maxwell: "The judge's ruling said exactly what most people would want to hear in an adoption case."

It said that the 1-year-old boy who had been living with his foster parents was "happy and thriving" — and that a permanent adoption made perfect sense.

It should be a simple story with a happy ending.

Except it is not.

That judge's ruling — which focused solely on the child's well-being — enraged some on the religious right.

Why? Because the little boy's adoptive parents are gay.

So now those who profit from division are pouncing.

On some twisted level, you can see why they have been reduced to misleading histrionics.

Because they are losing the fight.

Florida is the last state in the U.S. with an outright ban on gay adoption. And three court rulings in recent months suggest the archaic law may be on its last legs.

The rationale for preventing balanced, loving parents from adopting children — when the state has a backlog of needy children, no less — is hard to justify in concept.

Never mind

"After inquiry, four Juvenile Justice officials give up take-home cars".

PSC

"A Florida Senate committee unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would tighten the ethics requirements on the Public Service Commission, but the measure was immediately criticized as too soft on the companies the commission regulates." "Panel approves bill to tighten rules on PSC".

A Governor scorned ...

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Optimism is one thing; a realistic state budget apparently is something else. But that's where state lawmakers are now that Gov. Charlie Crist has put forth a $69.2 billion budget plan that is long on hope and somewhat short on reality." "Governor's budget leaves much to be desired".

"House lawmakers scorned Gov. Charlie Crist's budget proposal on Tuesday for relying on close to $2 billion that Florida may not have to spend next year."

That includes a property tax hike that Crist is counting on school boards in Hillsborough and about two-dozen other counties to levy for education.

Crist's $69.2 billion plan would boost spending on education and the environment while cutting business taxes and reinstating a sales tax holiday. All told, his proposal would increase spending by about $3 billion despite steep rises in Medicaid and other costs.

Crist is including in his budget federal aid for Medicaid, raids on state reserves and $432 million resulting from a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe in addition to a projected $2 billion growth in state revenue.

'Glades

"Even before its justices rule, the Florida Supreme Court has erected a potential legal hurdle to Gov. Charlie Crist's $536 million land deal with the U.S. Sugar Corp. The court has agreed to hear a challenge of plans to bankroll the $536 million purchase with bonds issued by the South Florida Water Management District." "Florida Supreme Court to hear case over U.S. Sugar land deal".

Raw political courage

"PBC school district cites tea party movement; says 1,600 jobs could be cut this year".

Anti-tax madness

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Online retailer Amazon.com just reported the company's biggest profit. Will that news be enough to motivate Gov. Crist and the Legislature?"

For the last three months of 2009, Amazon made $384 million. The company attributed the news to strong holiday sales and cost-cutting. Though e-commerce still represents less than 4 percent of all sales nationwide, online holiday buying increased an estimated 5 percent from 2008 and totaled about $27 billion.

Whatever the numbers for Floridians were, Florida will get very little of the sales-tax revenue the state should be getting. Unless online retailers have a physical presence in Florida, they aren't required to collect the sales tax for the state, as traditional retailers must do. Online and catalog buyers are supposed to remit the money. Obviously, most don't.

As the governor and Legislature debate the budget, one common goal should be to make Florida a full partner in the national effort to collect sales taxes from online sales.

Luvin' the Rubio

"Republican Marco Rubio scored another straw-ballot victory today at a luncheon of the politically savvy Capital City Republican Club." "Rubio claims edge over Crist with Capital City Republican Club".

The AIF snaps its fingers ...

"Legislation would shield theme parks and other businesses from lawsuits that can be filed even if parents sign a liability waiver for their children." "Florida bill protects against lawsuits".

Good luck with that

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: "Florida needs leaders who will address the growing public health crisis that is substance abuse." "Our Opinion: Deal with addiction".

"Beware of surprises as Legislature crafts testing scheme"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board:

For 10 years, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test -- alternately known as the FCAT or the bane of student and teachers -- has held the reputation of every public school and the academic fate of every student in its grip. It's too much power to give a single test, however well-intentioned some of its aims. The Legislature appears ready to move beyond the FCAT. It's a welcome development if lawmakers intend to restore to classroom teachers what the FCAT took away -- the bulk of the authority to determine a student's capabilities. If lawmakers are merely replacing the FCAT with another method of high-stakes, punitive testing, they're wasting time and deceiving educators, parents and students by changing the test's name, not means.

Whatever

"The man who wrote the Medicaid Reform plan, Alan Levine, said the program faces an uncertain future because no one is championing Bush's legacy in the Capitol." "Jeb Bush's Medicaid plan faces uncertain fate".

Deutch

"The Associated Press has declared Ted Deutch the winner in the Democratic congressional primary, while Joe Budd and Ed Lynch are neck and neck in the three-way Republican race for the District 19 U.S. House seat. " "Deutch called the Dem winner in District 19". See also "Lynch wins Rep. primary, will face Deutch |".

To trial ...

Steve Bousquet: "A last-ditch attempt by Rep. Ray Sansom to dismiss or delay charges that he damaged the Legislature's integrity failed Tuesday as a panel of his colleagues voted to put the former speaker on trial later this month." "As Sansom watches, House panel votes to put him on trial".

Class size

"Republican legislative leaders Tuesday said they want voters to revamp a 2002 constitutional amendment that limits class sizes, warning that school districts will face widespread problems if changes are not made." "Proposed amendment would ease class-size limits". See also "Do-over on class size proposed".

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "A commonsense proposal to ask voters to adjust the class size amendment in November is taking hold in Tallahassee. Unless changes are made, the class size requirements will hit with full force when a new school year begins in August." "Making class size limits make sense".

Florida businesses "threatened"

"The race is on to head off massive unemployment-tax hikes that threaten most Florida businesses at the end of April. Under a deal struck among Gov. Charlie Crist, Republican legislative leaders and the state's leading business groups, the plan is to delay most of the pain for two years." "Legislation seeks to head off major unemployment-tax hikes".

Interesting word choice, "threaten".

Wingnuttery

"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio has come out against including illegal immigrants in the national census -- even though doing so could significantly reduce Florida's political power and share of federal funding."

Rubio's stance sets him at odds not only with Gov. Charlie Crist, but also with Republicans in the Florida Legislature who are cranking up efforts to track down and find every resident who lives in the state.

Rubio's opposition is largely theoretical -- the census has already started and illegals are being counted -- but it reflects his efforts to appeal to hard-line conservatives in the contest against the more moderate Crist.

Another one bites the dust

"South Florida transplant Armando Gutierrez says he wanted to serve in Congress – but he also saw a chance to find a way to bring major league baseball to Orlando."

So rather than possibly strike out at both, Gutierrez unexpectedly stepped out of the batter's box Tuesday and ended his bid to take on U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando. In a press statement the 28-year-old -- who wasn't registered to vote here six months ago -- said he was devoting himself solely to the improbable task of bringing big leaguers to play in Orlando.

Winter Park traffic-signal businessman Bruce O'Donoghue filed to run Monday, joining attorney and failed-2008 GOP primary candidate Todd Long. Those two and Rep. Kurt Kelly, R-Ocala, who won an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, are the front-runners.

However, two Tea Party activists -- former pilot Dan Fanelli and Lake County homemaker Patricia Sullivan -- are also running. So is doctor Ken Miller, who recently jumped in after first challenging U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D- New Smyrna Beach.

And the list could get longer. Former Ruth's Chris Steakhouse CEO Craig Miller is looking at a run and was said to be in Washington meeting with GOP officials.

Silly

"Florida high school students can weigh in on the importance of Florida's 'Government in the Sunshine' and win cash prizes in a contest announced by Gov. Charlie Crist this week." "Contest challenges students on Florida's Sunshine laws".

Florida Political News: February 2, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Tue Feb 02, 2010 at 10:09:45 AM EST

Crist's budget not "even remotely based on reality"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Hardly anyone in Florida hasn't felt the sting of the state's economy, from its hemorrhaging housing market to its dangerously high unemployment."

Given that harsh landscape, shouldn't the state take some correspondingly tough steps to make ends meet, just as families and business owners throughout Florida are having to do with their own budgets?

Last week, however, Florida's governor said, "Tut, tut."

Or words to that effect. He proposed a spending plan for the new fiscal year that, he said, "ensures a bright and prosperous future for our state."

He offered up everything to everyone. Corporate income tax cuts on the first $1 million in profits and a 10-day back-to-school sales-tax holiday.

Job security for nearly 130,000 state employees (no furloughs, layoffs or salary cuts). And even incentives for employees. He suggested giving agency heads the "flexibility to use unspent appropriations to provide salary increases for employees in occupations that are experiencing excessive turnover … [and] merit pay increases … to deserving employees."

He recommended upping per-pupil spending by $179; increasing funding for community colleges by $67million; and even boosting bonuses for nationally certified teachers by $10.2 million.

What Mr. Crist neglected to offer up was a budget even remotely based on reality

More Mendelsohn

"Justice Department prosecutors now say they'll likely charge more defendants in March as part of the public corruption indictment against one-time major Republican fundraiser Alan Mendelsohn."

Mendelsohn, a Broward County eye doctor, is accused of raising more than $2 million to influence Florida legislators -- including secretly paying $87,000 to an unidentified former public official and spending hundreds of thousands more on his children's education and his former mistress. ...

Mendelsohn's indictment was the first stemming from a long-running corruption investigation by the Justice Department into Mendelsohn and a major campaign contributor Joel Steinger, former chief of Mutual Benefits. Steinger received immunity from prosecutors in that probe. But Steinger, his brother Steven, and two lawyers are under indictment in Miami in a separate, massive fraud case related to Mutual Benefits' sale of life insurance policies belonging to people dying of AIDS and other illnesses.

"Dramatic changes in how NASA functions"

"Obama wants to make dramatic changes in how NASA functions, jettisoning plans to return to the moon, letting private companies handle human transport into lower orbit and focusing the nation's space agency on new rocket technology. But Obama's failure to extend the space shuttle program, which is expected to end by early 2011, and his decision to cancel the moon program launched by George W. Bush in 2004, means the imminent loss of at least 7,000 jobs in Florida and a sense of betrayal along the Space Coast."

private enterprise is only expected to generate 1,700 jobs in Florida, far short of the 7,000 jobs evaporating with the end of the space shuttle program.

Barack Obama wants to stop this silly notion of flying Buck Rogers around the solar system, and turn a bloated manned spaceflight program at least partially over to the private sector.

You might think the Republicans would cheer him. Instead, many have joined with Democrats in howling like wolves on a full moon.

Ideology comes in second to the politics of dispensing dollars from Washington.

Crist flip-flops

"More than $16 billion and eight years later after voters put class-size limits into the state constitution, GOP lawmakers are once again trying to weaken the caps while teachers and Democrats are lining up to fight it." "Florida GOP aims to weaken class-size amendment as final caps take effect this year".

The Miami Herald editorial board: "After years of supporting Florida's voter-approved class-size amendment, Gov. Charlie Crist now wants it to go away with a little creative math."

He's proposing another constitutional amendment for voters to remove the limitations that would kick in next school year. Those caps would require 18 students per class in kindergarten to third grade, 22 in fourth through eighth grade and 25 in high school.

The governor wants to abandon this wildly popular mandate with a squishy school-wide average. He would let each public school use a school-wide average, factoring the number of students overall with the number of teachers.

Presto, problem solved.

Winding down

"Democrat Robert Wexler announced in October that he was leaving Congress. But his congressional campaign committee still spent $346,998 during the fourth quarter of 2009, a new report shows. The Wexler campaign paid more than $120,000 in "end-of-career bonuses" to Wexler congressional staffers who doubled as campaign workers. It also spent more than $87,000 on mailings, including 150,000 thank-yous to voters in Palm Beach-Broward congressional District 19 who elected Wexler seven times." "Wexler spent $346,998 in campaign funds after announcing retirement".

Meantime, George Bennett reports that "Polls open Tuesday to pick party nominees for Wexler's congressional seat".

Daily Rothstein

"DNA taken from the jacket of Scott Rothstein's murdered law partner matches the man who is charged with strangling her and dumping her body in a canal, according to police reports reviewed by the Sun Sentinel." "Police: DNA in Rothstein law partner's slaying matches suspect" ("Defense lawyers question why Rothstein wasn't interviewed"). Related: "Melissa Lewis spent her last day alive asking two law firm colleagues about preparing a will, according to police interviews in the files of her murder case." "Michael Mayo: Just before murder, Melissa Lewis inquired about will".

"City clears police chief's role in Rothstein-related crash".

I am shocked, shocked ...

"Incumbent Rooney has fiscal advantage in race to keep his state District 16 seat". Related: "Craft, of St. Lucie, named 'recruiting dud' in Congress race by Politico.com".

Tea partiers outraged!

"Florida's schools, working parents and waterways would fare well in President Barack Obama's proposed budget for the next fiscal year. In what was expected to be a lean budget full of bad news, Obama asked Congress on Monday to spend $263 million to help restore the Everglades and millions more to help Florida parents pay for child care and college tuition." "Florida schools and working parents could fare well in Obama budget".

RPOFer Car salesman shares his wisdom

"Buchanan: Let military prosecute terrorists".

You know Mr. Buchanan, the fellow whose " ethics issues stem from pressuring his employees to make contributions to his campaign committee and improper use of corporate resources for campaign purposes. Rep. Buchanan was included in CREW’s 2008 report on congressional corruption."

Wimps

"State backs down, won't ban throwaway bags".

Yee haw!

"Tampa is once again a finalist for the Republican National Convention, competing for the honor against Salt Lake City and Phoenix." "Tampa again eyed for GOP convention".

When government is run like a business

Steve Otto passes on this letter he received from one Doris Weatherford - an author of several what he calls "outstanding" books on women - about the Trib's recent stories on the Tampa Bay Work Force Alliance; she writes that

This is what can be expected when voters accept that mantra that 'government should be run like a business.' It isn't at all unusual for business executives to spend big bucks wining and dining themselves. Stockholders view it as routine and rarely call for accountability, while the IRS sanctions it by making entertainment a legitimate business write-off. The agency's head, Rebecca Gilmore, is a Republican appointee who ran her office like a business - and spent freely on what she called 'corporate meetings.' Apparently no one explained to her that people paid with public funds are held to much stricter standards than those in private enterprise. The realty is that Florida state employees (and even volunteers who donate their time to state commissions) often lose personal money when they conduct state business. Especially for travel, official reimbursement rates seldom cover actual costs.

More important, the agency's name itself denotes the hypocrisy of Jeb Bush's administration. In other states, this governmental function is called the 'employment service' - but Jeb substituted the private sounding 'Agency for Workforce innovation' at the state level, and regional bodies followed with similar names and attitudes."

"Ethics loopholes"

"Florida lawmakers will take up legislation Tuesday that would outlaw private conversations between Public Service Commission staff members and utility companies, a response to criticism that the agency is too close to the utilities it regulates." "Legislature to grapple with plan to tighten ethics loopholes at PSC".

Gunfight

"No charges for man who shot 4 suspected burglars".

Florida Political News: February 1, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 18:37:13 PM EST

"Former state House Speaker Marco Rubio has now jumped to a 12-point lead over Governor Charlie Crist in Florida’s Republican Primary race for the U.S. Senate"

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely GOP Primary voters in the state finds Rubio leading Crist 49% to 37%. Three percent (3%) prefer another candidate, and 11% are undecided.

The new numbers mark a stunning turnaround. Crist was the strong favorite when he first announced for the Senate seat, and Rubio was viewed as a long-shot challenger.

But Crist’s support fell from 53% in August to 49% in October. By December, the two men were tied at 43% apiece.

"Election 2010: Florida Republican Primary for Senate". Kos puts it this way: "Game over for Crist ... if he stays Republican".

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

"Florida failed to properly prepare"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Since when is borrowing billions of dollars from the federal government a fiscally conservative strategy?"

Yet Gov. Charlie Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul, all self-proclaimed fiscal conservatives, are vowing to roll back slated increases in unemployment compensation taxes. That means the state will have to continue borrowing from the federal government at a tremendous clip to meet jobless claims.

Crist is calling on legislative leaders to postpone 2010 increases in unemployment taxes. Cretul, R-Ocala, says he wants rollbacks for the next two years so that the minimum state tax amount per worker is around $25 and not the current $100.30.

This is in direct response to Associated Industries, the powerful business lobbying group, and Florida employers who are balking at up to 12-fold increases in per-worker taxes at a time when many businesses are struggling. Last year, the minimum annual rate for unemployment taxes was only $8.40 per worker. Now it's $100.30. The maximum annual rate also rose from $378 per employee in 2009 to $459 in 2010.

This sharp boost occurred because Florida failed to properly prepare for a significant recession when times were good.

Florida trailing even Georgia

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Facing yet another multibillion-dollar budget shortfall when they convene for their annual session next month, Florida legislators are bound to slap more spending cuts on state agencies."

But before they take a fresh whack at funding for the state court system, and turn Lady Justice into Venus de Milo, they should consider the consequences, and take advantage of an alternative.

Unlike other targets of budget cuts, the court system is a separate, equal branch of government. Yet since 2007, legislators have slashed funding for courts by more than 10 percent and eliminated almost 300 jobs.

Florida's courts already are lean compared with their counterparts around the nation. The state has fewer trial judges per 1,000 residents, at 4.5, than the national average of 7.3. Georgia has more than twice as many judges as Florida per 1,000 residents, at 10.7.

Yee Haw!

"An RNC spokeswoman declined to name cities vying for 2012, but The Associated Press has reported that Phoenix and Salt Lake City will join Tampa as possible locations." "Tampa among 4 finalists for 2012 Republican convention".

"Merit" ... RPOF style

"Might C.W. Bill Young's wife or son succeed him in congress?".

Thank you, Mr. Obama

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Nearly half a billion dollars is flowing through the Florida economy like fresh rain on saw grass, with long-overdue federal funds reviving efforts to restore the Everglades. " "Everglades dollars make jobs, aid nature".

Offshore drilling

"Florida State University scientists pledged this morning to dig deeper into the potential environmental effects of offshore drilling at an afternoon symposium." "FSU scholars pledge in-depth examination of off-shore drilling".

"Florida's Tea Party movement"

"Getting your arms around Florida's Tea Party movement is like trying to hug a jellyfish:"

There's no good place to grab on, and if there were, you'd probably get stung.

Ask U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, a conservative Republican from Bartow who sees potential in the movement's amorphous energy and anger — if it can be harnessed.

"Anger alone will not retake the majority for the Republican Party," Putnam warned party members recently. "It's just a passion. It is not a plan for government."

With their commitment, zeal and sometimes wacky signs, Tea Partiers could be the next big thing for the GOP.

"'Unless the whole point is political'"

"Amid allegations that it was politicizing the job of the public advocate on utility cases, the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight decided to move ahead and seek applications for the job, thereby forcing Public Counsel J.R. Kelly to compete with others to keep his job."

Rep. Jim Waldman, a Coconut Creek Democrat, said that the legislature went through the process of seeking applicants for the office two years ago when Kelly was first hired and the law only requires that he be reconfirmed. He doesn’t see a need to open it up for new applications "unless the whole point is political."

We are drowning

Myriam Marquez: "South Florida has the sun and surf, the dazzling nightlife, the cruise ships and national sports teams."

It's an international tourist mecca during the winter months, and trade through our airports and seaports pumps billions of dollars into our economy.

We also have a glistening skyline with thousands of empty condos, high unemployment, a growing number of poor people and unskilled workers, and our best and brightest students are being lured to other states offering better career opportunities.

We are in a word, drowning.

Bill solves corruption!

"Florida attorney general unveils public-corruption hotline".

Running government like a business

"The head of Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice has reimbursed the state $28,811 for travel expenses between Tallahassee and his home in St. Petersburg." "Fla. juvenile justice chief reimburses state". See also "Juvenile justice chief repays $28,000 in travel bills".

"Cost-cutting ideas"

Bill Cotterell: "The Florida Department of Law Enforcement recently gave a Senate committee a list of cost-cutting ideas that, if adopted throughout Florida government, would radically change state employment. ... What FDLE tossed out are not necessarily recommendations but ideas. Saying they could be done doesn't mean anyone wants to do them, but here are some of the major points:"

# Allow agencies to implement furloughs, rather than layoffs, to meet budget deficits. The trouble with that is, the state saves some money but the work doesn't get done.

# Reverse the 2001 "Service First" personnel actions that moved nearly 17,000 state employees from Career Service to Selected Exempt. That would mean they'd start paying for health insurance again, but they'd get some job security in return. Some legislators have proposed just making everybody pay, without returning those SES employees to Career Service.

# Provide some early-retirement incentives, as some cities and counties have done, to help the state shed higher-earning employees and replace them with younger, lower-earning workers (or take the opportunity to consolidate jobs and not replace folks).

# Increase the period for vesting in the Florida Retirement System from six years to 10.

# Don't let everybody join the Deferred Retirement Option Plan. Letting department heads approve DROP applications would mean they could tell some senior employees to just go ahead and retire, replacing them (or not) with lower-paid workers. Those in critical positions could be approved for DROP, which allows their pensions to be banked for up to five years while they continue working. But you run into favoritism and discrimination with that option.

# Offer buyouts to employees nearing retirement or running out the DROP clock. This would be a better deal for the state than having to lay off newer employees, many of whom have had some extensive training at the taxpayers' expense.

And here's one idea that probably no legislator has looked at in years, if ever. Bailey said the Legislature should "examine the number of commissions and councils and the number of participants on those commissions and councils, to determine where eliminations, reductions or consolidations might be appropriate."

"Sort of"

"Gov. Crist can keep count -- sort of".

"Florida rail projects an economic sling-shot"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "One of the more promising lines out of President Obama's State of the Union address, at least for Floridians:"

"There's no reason Europe or China should have the fastest trains." Instead, Central Florida should have them, especially since a good portion of European and Chinese tourists to the United States make the area's fantasy-rich theme parks a choice stop on their itinerary.

Obama followed with an even better line, and $1.25 billion in federal money to underwrite it: "Tomorrow, I'll visit Tampa, Fla., where workers will soon break ground on a new high-speed railroad funded by the Recovery Act."

It's not the $2.65 billion Florida was seeking. But it won't be just $1.25 billion, either, if Florida makes good on what Obama is calling a down-payment on the state's 21st century infrastructure. Florida's share this time around is taken from the $787 billion stimulus package Congress passed in February. The package included $8 billion for high-speed rail development in 31 states, including 13 major corridors. (California is getting $2.5 billion.)

Even if Florida got the full amount it requested, it wouldn't have the capacity to spend it in the next two years. The high-speed rail line, which would stretch from Tampa to Orlando International Airport along Interstate 4 (with stops in Lakeland and Walt Disney World) wouldn't be running until 2015. Between now and then, Obama is promising more.

Med school

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Approve FAU med school".

Bad timing

"President Obama has killed NASA's $100 billion plans to return astronauts to the moon on the seventh anniversary of the space shuttle tragedy that triggered the return to the moon plan." "Obama's budget proposal kills NASA moon mission on Columbia anniversary".

TeaBaggers planning counter-protest?

"Opponents of offshore drilling near Florida's coasts are hoping to draw a figurative line in the sand with a statewide protest later this month." "Drilling opponents to join hands in Feb. 13 protest".

"The governor said he did not know ..."

"Crist said Monday the federal government has agreed to reimburse the state for treating victims of Haiti's earthquake. The governor also said he never requested emergency medical evacuations be halted, only that the state receive help in responding to them. The flights were suspended for several days last week but restarted Sunday after the White House said it was told hospitals in Florida and elsewhere have enough space for the victims. One such flight was expected to arrive in Florida Monday night."

"Florida never said we wanted to stop taking Haitians. All we said was that we would appreciate help continuing to help our friends from the island," the governor said. "And that's exactly what has happened."

The governor said he did not know what triggered the suspension of military medical evacuation flights.

Florida Political News: January 31, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Sun Jan 31, 2010 at 14:23:53 PM EST

"The dam is already broken"

"The death knell for democracy? Or a vital protection for First Amendment rights?"

Those two views represent the extremes of the wide range of reactions to the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling on Jan. 21 that clears the way for corporations and unions to directly finance advertising that supports or opposes candidates for federal office.

Yet many experts believe the impact might not be as tumultuous as critics fear -- as long as authorities enforce the ruling's demand to require disclosure of the funding sources for political ads.

One reason it might not be a dam-breaker, some reasoned, is the dam is already broken.

Opinions of the ruling are largely split across partisan lines, with Democrats complaining the ruling destroys a century of established law barring direct corporate involvement in politics and Republicans hailing it as a victory for free speech.

Crist cuts and runs

Mike Thomas: "Crist leaves fiscal mess for next governor".

Crist's "airlift scandal"

"With medical evacuation flights on hold and federal and state officials blaming each other, Gov. Charlie Crist insists the state's hospitals remain ready to welcome the injured." "Amid airlift scandal, Gov. Charlie Crist and hospitals insist they're ready to welcome Haitian patients". See also "Charges fly over grounded airlifts", "Evacuations from Haiti to US halt over cost" and "South Florida hospitals defend role on halt of Haiti airlift".

Florida media misses their Jebbie

Beth Reinhard writes that, "in recent months, as the Republican Party of Florida has grappled with a leadership vacuum, Bush's political profile has grown as fast as the national deficit."

Reinhard breathlessly asks whether

this the beginning of a Jeb juggernaut that would culminate in a 2012 presidential bid?

Bush's comments about Crist's support for President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan got the most attention, but his call for Democrats and Republicans to work together was the biggest clue to his national ambitions.

"I think that leaders on both sides of the aisle need to figure out where there is common ground and at least focus on that,'' he said. "It's one thing to give a good speech. The other thing is to invite people that don't agree exactly with your point of view to build consensus.''

This from the governor who presided over some of Florida's most hyper-partisan battles of the last decade? Who helped declare his brother the winner of the 2000 presidential recount, threw out affirmative action with the "One Florida'' program, made the FCAT the end-all be-all of the public schools and insisted on getting in between brain-damaged Terri Schiavo and her husband?

Though he hasn't given an endorsement, Bush has been an undeniable presence in the Crist-Rubio race. Consider: His well-placed compliments for Rubio and subtle digs at Crist. The involvement of his family's longtime fundraiser, Ann Herberger, in the Rubio campaign. The reception co-hosted by sons George P. and Jeb Jr. that raised $100,000 for Rubio.

If the race goes down to the wire, or if Crist launches a full-scale attack against Rubio, some Republicans predict Bush will speak out.

"Under President Jeb, the nation still would have had large federal tax cuts, skewed heavily toward the rich, or the "risk takers" and "job creators," in Bush family parlance. In Florida, he reduced taxes by $12.2 billion over his eight years, with more than half of that going to the wealthiest 4.5 percent of the population. That saved the average risk taker [sic] more than $1,500 a year by the time Jeb left office. And much as President George W. Bush cites tax cuts as the explanation for any positive economic results, Gov. Jeb Bush says that his tax cuts created jobs in Florida and gave us the best economy in the country. (In reality, Jeb had the lowest job-creation rate of any Florida governor dating to 1971.)"

The bulk of the state's tax cuts have gone toward businesses and investors. Lawmakers joined a federal phase out of the estate tax in 2002, resulting in a net $2 billion plus tax cut thus far. And Bush has led the charge against the state's intangibles tax on investments. Since 1999, the tax (on individuals with at least $250,000 of investments) has been reduced four times with a total cumulative cut of nearly $4 billion.

FlaDems "more pragmatic than partisan"

Mary Ann Lindley: "When you're in the out-of-power party, how do you spend your time as a legislator? Do you plant your hands on your hips, scowl and just say 'no' for 60 days running? Do you repeat the party-line mantra, regardless of whether anybody's listening? In talking to our Tallahassee-area House members last week, I found them more pragmatic than partisan as they approach the March 2 opening day." "Out of power, but not out of ideas".

"Buckle up, Florida political junkies"

"Buckle up, Florida political junkies. 2010 could get wild. The upcoming campaign season will go beyond electing a U.S. senator, a governor, the state Cabinet, members of Congress, legislators and all sorts of local officeholders."

Jim Saunders explains:

Growth ... Brewing for years, the proposed Florida Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment likely will spur one of 2010's noisiest political fights. ...

Property Taxes ... Voters passed a constitutional amendment two years ago that -- in the oft-quoted words of Gov. Charlie Crist -- was aimed at making property taxes "drop like a rock." This year, they could try again. ...

Political Changes ... Once every 10 years, Florida lawmakers jockey to draw new political districts that will benefit their parties -- and, often, themselves. ...

Class Size ... It is unclear what proposed amendments could get added during the legislative session that starts March 2. But Republican leaders will seek an amendment to try to ease class-size standard.

There are dozens of such contortions statewide, leaving voters to wonder why their state representative or member of Congress lives hundreds of miles from them. These districts -- zigging and zagging across cities, leaping over vast uninhabited tracts to connect two distant communities -- are created every 10 years by whatever party controls the state Legislature.

It's an equal opportunity abuse of voters' rights to fair representation practiced by both parties in an effort to cement their own re-elections.

In November, voters will get the chance to change this assault on democracy by adopting Amendments 5 and 6 to the Florida Constitution. Amendment 5 establishes standards for how legislative districts may be redrawn; 6 does the same for Florida's congressional districts. New districts are drawn by the Legislature every 10 years after the U.S. Census.

Laff riot

Fun with Tebow Time:

Go ahead and laugh if you want. They used to laugh, too, at the notion that another charismatic, conservative former college football player could become president. You might have heard of him.

His name was Ronald Reagan.

"If Tim Tebow wanted to be a political candidate, it's his for the taking," says Orlando attorney John Stemberger, who heads Florida Family Policy Council, a politically connected conservative religious organization. "He would be a political rock star. … He's handsome, he's humble and he has character and integrity. … This young man could be the next Ronald Reagan or Jack Kemp if he wanted to be."

Stemberger's organization is the local affiliate of the national organization – Focus on the Family – that is airing Tebow's controversial right-to-life commercial. The Super Bowl ad transcends anything Tebow has ever done on the football field. It transforms him from football player to political figure and aligns him with Focus on the Family — the most politically powerful evangelical organization in this country.

Think about it: What better "family values" candidate for Focus on the Family to align itself with in 2028 than Tebow — a charismatic and telegenic former football star; a compassionate missionary who travels to impoverished foreign lands to provide food and medical care to Third World children; a self-described virgin who is saving himself for marriage; an ardent pro-life supporter who was born because his sick mother shunned a doctor's recommendation to undergo an abortion.

How in the name of James Carville are the liberals going to dig up even a speck of dirt on Tebow? This guy is more wholesome than a glass of buttermilk.

"Sink has been playing small ball"

Aaron Deslatte: "It makes little sense these days for politicians to be creatively frugal when this is how the polls — i.e., the voters — respond."

Look at Florida's race for governor. The Republican running, Attorney General Bill McCollum, has been seizing on big, national issues that the Governor's Office has little direct involvement in — primarily, the national health-care debate — and lambasting Democratic positions on them. Meanwhile, Democratic Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has been playing small ball.

Lessons for Florida

Jane Healy writes "Scott Brown's stunning victory in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate race has lessons for more than just that election. It has clear messages for races here", in Florida. "Lessons for Florida in Scott Brown's win".

Crist "the Comeback Kid"?

Tim Nickens thinks "Crist may yet be the Comeback Kid."

Yes, a new opinion poll last week showed Crist trailing former state House Speaker Marco Rubio in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Yes, Rubio made the cover of the New York Times Sunday Magazine. Yes, the Miami Republican is the darling of the windbag Washington conservatives because he spouts their empty antigovernment rhetoric.

But last week marked the start of Crist's comeback.

Rooney-Craft

"National Democrats are touting Chris Craft’s challenge of freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney of Tequesta as an 'emerging' race this year. But Craft has yet to emerge as a money-raising rival to the incumbent." "U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney widens money lead over Dem challenger Chris Craft".

"Lest Tea forget"

Frank Cerabino: "If you get a copy of Marco Rubio's book, 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future, you'll find this as part of Idea No. 48:"

"An analysis presented to the 2003 Legislature demonstrated investments in highway, transit and rail over the next five years will generate 88,000 new permanent jobs over the next 25 years, and each dollar invested in those projects will generate $5.50 in economic benefits."

Yes, Florida's former speaker of the House was big on long-range transportation projects built with government assistance. So much so, he put it in bold type:

"Government should collaborate with the private sector to fund, build and maintain needed transportation improvements," he wrote.

So you might imagine that Rubio would have praised President Obama's announcement Thursday to use $1.25 billion in federal stimulus dollars to collaborate with the private sector to build a high-speed rail system from Orlando to Tampa.

"New attacks on public education"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "As he campaigns for the Senate, Gov. Crist is boasting that, according to one education yardstick, Florida ranks eighth. But like most education yardsticks, this one might have been designed by Salvador Dali."

The recent Education Week report card assigned states letter grades in a slew of areas. All the grades added up to an overall B-minus for Florida. This state's only A in a major category this year was in "standards, assessments and accountability." On standards, Florida scored a perfect 100 percent.

But hold the celebration. On college readiness, part of the bigger "transitions and alignment" grade issued in 2009 and not updated this year, Florida scored 50 percent. That's an F. How can a state get an A on standards and an F on college readiness, which is, after all, a fairly important goal — and standard — of public education? Surreal.

We've seen this kind of reality gap before. In the decade since Jeb Bush turned the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test into our homegrown stretchy yardstick, scores in lower grades have improved dramatically. But high-school students — who represent the end product — still bomb out. In the most recent results, 37 percent of 10th-graders were reading on grade level. That's the same percentage as in 2001.

Gov. Crist, like Gov. Bush before him, acts as if simply having a high-stakes standardized test means that Florida has a successful system of accountability. The Education Week report card repeats that mistake. Florida got a 100 percent in standards primarily because Florida has standards. That's like every child getting an A just for bringing a science project to school.

.This month, for example, former Gov. Bush was in Tallahassee touting parts of an education plan by Florida's Council of 100, a group of CEOs from throughout the state. ...

But as Mr. Bush's presence foretells, the council's plan also opens the way for needlessly divisive proposals. It calls for more "opportunity scholarships," a euphemism for vouchers, so legislators could use it as an excuse to back a constitutional amendment to allow vouchers for private schools — without requiring equal accountability with public schools. And it calls for merit-based teacher pay, which would be fine if the Legislature didn't use it to base teacher hiring, retention and pay on the current, flawed FCAT system.

In that way, the council's plan is much like the Obama administration's Race to the Top. Mr. Bush is so keen on continuing to misuse the FCAT to punish teachers that he even endorsed Race to the Top, which could bring $700 million in stimulus money to Florida. "It's the only place you'll hear me saying they've got it right," the former governor said, "but they have got it right."

No, they haven't.

"Tough running for re-election without an opponent"

Michael Mayo: "It's got to be tough running for re-election without an opponent. All those arduous strategy sessions must really work up the old appetite. Just ask Broward Mayor Ken Keechl. Keechl rang up 88 restaurant meals on his campaign's dime last year, according to finance reports he filed with the local elections office. Total tab: $7,451." "No opponent on menu, but Ken Keechl feasts on campaign cash".

To replace Wexler

"The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the proposed health care overhaul and federal spending are dominating the debate between the two Democrats and three Republicans running in Tuesday's primaries for the congressional seat of former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, who resigned in January to lead a Middle East think tank. State Sen. Ted Deutch, who has Wexler's endorsement, and former Broward County Commissioner Ben Graber, also a former state House member, are seeking the Democratic nomination. The Republican candidates are financial planner Joe Budd; Ed Lynch, a contractor; and retired police officer Curt Price, who owns a business that sells safes." "2 Dems, 3 GOP seek Wexler's congressional seat". See also "Ted Deutch has big financial lead in contest to succeed Robert Wexler".

Hastings pushes DADT

"Hastings presses White House to keep word on allowing gays to serve openly in military".

"Florida's economic picture is especially grim"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Times are tough across the nation for state governments. Economists say states could be in the hole for at least $80 billion -- or as much as $200 billion."

But Florida's economic picture is especially grim, due to past fiscal irresponsibility and looming budget burdens that are outside lawmakers' control. As in other states, Florida lawmakers are looking forward with trepidation at the "cliff" -- the Dec. 31 expiration of the federal stimulus money that is helping defray the costs of Medicaid.

Homeless courts

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The program, the first in Florida, will save taxpayers money by keeping the homeless out of jail, reducing arrest warrants and duplicative hearings." "Courts for homeless are a good idea".

The Punisher

"Crist sets punishing pace: disciplining three dozen public officials in 3 years".

"A state that's more Fantasyland than reality TV"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "As the 2010 Legislative session approaches, myriad ideas for beating back the recession, grappling with a budget shortfall that could approach $3 billion, finding the "happy" of voters in an election year — and doing all this without raising taxes, as such — creates a scenario that could exist only in a state that's more Fantasyland than reality TV."

There actually are ways to make Gov. Charlie Crist look not too much the cockeyed optimist in his budget plan, which calls for another $535 million for public schools, an extra $100 million for higher education, some $50 million for the environment, again without raising taxes, in fact giving some tax relief, and this new spending within the confines of a $69.2 billion budget that's in the hole at the sound of the first bell.

The truth is, the search for revenue, by any name, is a bipartisan issue. It just depends on what you want to spend it on, and where you want to get it.

Young redux?

Darryl Paulson, professor emeritus of government at the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg, makes a bold prediction: "Reversing course: Why Rep. Bill Young will run again". See also "C.W. Bill Young shows no signs of retiring, or abandoning earmarks".

Fair question

"The $4.4 billion question: Will Central Floridians take the train?".

"From the era of the Freedom Riders to the age of the Tea Partiers"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "With a pen stroke, a federal judge can whisk Orange County Public Schools from the era of the Freedom Riders to the age of the Tea Partiers." "Keep aiming for parity".

...pants on the ground....

by: Robert McKnight

Sat Jan 30, 2010 at 17:38:02 PM EST

The Governor's apparent position on the President's stimulus program:

For It--Picture of the Governor hugging the President, thanking him for the stimulus money, 2009.

Against It--When questioned by reporters, 'bad policy', campaigning for the Senate, 2009.

For It--During the Special Session to pass Sun Rail, and get at the 'head of the line' for the stimulus money, 2009.

For It--Picture of the Governor shaking hands with the President, accepting the stimulus money, 2010.

Come on Governor, if you are not careful, sing along, "...looking like a fool...pants on the ground..."

Florida Political News: January 30, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Sat Jan 30, 2010 at 15:20:35 PM EST

Crist's "rosy" budget

Jim Saunders: "Offering a rosy view of the state's finances, Gov. Charlie Crist on Friday proposed a $69.2 billion budget for next year that would increase education spending and include about $100 million in tax cuts."

Crist's proposal contrasted with warnings from Republican legislative leaders, who say they will have to deal with a budget shortfall of up to $3.2 billion during the spring legislative session.

"Something is starting to percolate in Florida's economy," Crist said.

He proposed a $69.2 billion budget for 2010-2011, up 4 percent from the $66.5 billion budget the legislature passed for this year.

Crist's unveiled his rosy proposal the same day the White House announced the U.S. economy grew 5.7 percent in the final three months of 2009, the fastest growth since 2003.

Performance of the state and national economy is expected to factor heavily in the political fortunes of Crist and President Obama in the coming year.

Tea Baggers outraged!

"Sick and disabled Florida children who cannot afford medical care will now get help paying for a small item with a large price tag: diapers." "Disabled teen's dad wins fight over diaper costs".

One suspects the Tea Baggers and the other wingnuts comprising the RPOF base are outraged that the government is providing diapers to poor kids. That smacks of socialized medicine, don't it.

After all, this ain't your parents' Republican Party (unless your daddy was Joe McCarthy): believe it or not, the RPOF is still whinging on about a Commie effort to "socialize health care", including "taxpayer-funded abortions" and death panels, which they politely call "'end-of-life' treatments".

The RPOF really needs to get over it, "the courageous people of Eastern Europe, especially Poland and the former Czechoslovakia, and especially the people of Hungary" won the cold war for us; it's over. There isn't a "Red" under your bed anymore and, really, it's OK to let the government help poor babies get diapers.

And the RPOF position on this is what?

"GOP adopts platform test for Republican candidates".

McCollum maintains double digit lead in another poll

"A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state shows state Attorney General Bill McCollum leading Democrat Alex Sink 46% to 35%. Polls last month and in October showed similar results. In all three polls, the Republican’s support is between 44% and 46% while Sink’s numbers range from 35% to 39%" "Florida Governor: McCollum Holds Stable Lead Over Sink"

Grayson draws another weak RPOF opponent

"After months of indecision, the owner of a traffic-signal company in Winter Park has given the green light to a run against U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, the outspoken freshman Democrat from Orlando."

Political novice Bruce O'Donoghue, 55, who plans to register his candidacy Monday, said his biggest asset is knowing the ins and outs of Central Florida, and he's bringing two major Republican endorsements to prove it.

Former U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez said he plans to back O'Donoghue, who said he'll also have the endorsement of former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings. Martinez is a former county mayor, while Jennings represented the Winter Park area for more than 20 years in the Legislature. Their support could be key in a crowded but little-known Republican primary field that's itching to take on Grayson, a national GOP target.

Much of that money came from online backers who agree with Grayson's combative tone on health care, including his assertion that the Republican reform plan was for sick patients to "die quickly."

Say it ain't so, Charlie

"The military flights, usually C-130s carrying Haitians with spinal cord injuries, burns and other serious wounds, ended on Wednesday after Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida formally asked the federal government to shoulder some of the cost of the care."

It was not clear on Friday who exactly was responsible for the interruption of flights, or the chain of events that led to the decision. Sterling Ivey, a spokesman for Mr. Crist, said the governor’s request for federal help might have caused “confusion.”

Media types miss their Jebbie

Steve Bousquet: "Barring a big surprise, one of three people will be Florida's next governor: Bill McCollum, Paula Dockery or Alex Sink."

I know, you're underwhelmed. You want more choices. But this is the field, so you need to study their backgrounds, philosophies and styles.

It's all about jobs, Sink said, promising to hold herself accountable if she fails to deliver on goals such as improving the high school graduation rate.

She spoke of how Tallahassee pols duck and dodge problems. Her pitch: She's a doer, a business leader, not a "career politician" like McCollum.

Is she for or against Obama's health plan? "We don't know what the plan is now," Sink said. "Come back to me."

Vintage Sink, bobbing and weaving on questions.

"A selfish power play"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Before the Florida Legislature spent a quarter-million in taxpayer dollars on the 2012 redistricting effort, it should have known the rules of the game. Instead, the Republican leadership retained a posse of politically connected lawyers in a selfish power play apparently aimed at thwarting reforms on the November ballot and currying favor with prominent campaign contributors."

Something's rotten in Denmark:

Florida is 35.8 percent Republican, 42 percent Democrat and 19 percent independent. Yet more than 60 percent of seats in both the state House and Senate are held by Republicans.

Republicans argue they just field better candidates. But political gerrymandering to create safe havens for particular political parties, combined with eight-year term limits for state offices, means only a handful of the state's 120 House and 40 Senate districts are competitive in any given election.

Chamber "Garbage"

"State Rep. Alan Hayes blasted the governor's plan for expanded gambling at Seminole Tribe casinos Friday,"

saying the state needs a compact "that benefits Floridians, not Seminoles and Miccosukees."

"I think Gov. (Charlie) Crist has been smoking the peace pipe, and it had some of that wacky tobacky in it," Hayes, R-Umatilla, told about 40 people gathered at Gene's Steakhouse for an Eggs & Issues breakfast organized by the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. "That compact is the biggest piece of garbage ever foisted on the people of the state of Florida."

"Can the state fill a $1.4 billion gap?"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden came to Tampa Thursday to hand out stimulus money for high-speed rail projects. Aside from the iffy proposition that high-speed rail is 'going to reshape the way we travel,' as Mr. Biden said, they proclaimed that the money would deliver jobs right away. That's why two of the biggest awards went to Florida and California, which supposedly are ready to start construction."

Unfortunately, as with so much of the stimulus, the reality doesn't match the hype. The $8 billion in federal money is spread so thin — to 31 states, among 13 large-scale projects — that and no one project will get enough. In fact, federal officials said no project would get more than half the amount it needs. How does that translate into jobs now?

Florida sought $2.65 billion for an Orlando-to-Tampa high-speed rail line that the state Department of Transportation estimates will cost $3.2 billion. The state would contribute land along the Interstate 4 corridor to make up the difference. But the grant delivers only $1.25 billion. Can the state fill a $1.4 billion gap?

Daily Rothstein

"After Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Rothstein fled to Morocco, he tried to maintain the illusion of an honest investment manager as his investors back home panicked over getting paid." "Ponzi scheme kept up to end". See also "E-mails reveal desperate final days of Rothstein's Ponzi scheme".

Federal public-corruption charges

"Two Florida men, including a Tallahassee lobbyist, have been indicted on federal public-corruption charges, according to the FBI."

Tony Devaughan Nelson, 50, of Jacksonville, and Frank S. Bernardino, 45, of Tallahassee, were both named in the 44-count indictment.

According to an FBI news release, Nelson, who was serving as a Jacksonville Port Authority board member, demanded more than $100,000 from Subaqueous Services Inc., a company doing business with the authority. Nelson promised to use his position to influence the board in exchange for the money, the FBI said.

Bernardino acted as a conduit between an official with the company and Nelson to hid and conceal the nature of the bribe payments, the FBI said.

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"Local officials look for how high-speed rail can pay off".

Prepaid tuition

"Florida's prepaid tuition open-enrollment ends at midnight Sunday. Because of a new tuition law, prepaid is more expensive than ever." "Finance 101: Parents face steeper prepaid tuition plans".

Falling property values

"Orlando may feel pinch from falling property values".

$1 a month more for electricity

"Florida Power & Light customers will pay about $1 a month more for electricity on a typical bill, state regulators decided Friday in their final ruling on a turbulent rate case that took 11 months to complete." "FPL granted monthly $1 hike in rate case".