Latest Prediction--They Will Now Become Phantom Candidates

by: Robert McKnight

Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 10:19:59 AM EDT

The obvious common thread running through Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Jeff Greene's campaigns is dough...and lots of it.  As of today, most polls show both of them leading their opponents...by a comfortable margin.  I know both of them have said they are going to debate their opponents.

But I predict, that since both of them under even the weakest scrutiny come up short--real short, I predict they will now go into the "phantom mode."  I predict they will move into the fluff part of their campaigns--issuing white papers, rolling out big name endorsements of 'hangers on' that want to get on board, and come up with some cute photo-ops.

But one thing they will not do between now and the primary election on August 24th is subject themselves to intense and serious scrutiny of what they would actually do if elected.  The few serious interviews both of them have given have shown what shallow and lacking knowledge they have of the offices they seek.

The only hope we have for the election process to work as designed by our founding fathers is for a real general election.

Florida Political News: July 29, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 09:26:03 AM EDT

RPOF sued for disgorgement of Rothstein cash

"The Republican Party of Florida was sued Wednesday for $237,000 it received from Scott Rothstein's defunct Fort Lauderdale law firm. Rothstein donated to the party from accounts of his law firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, on more than 10 occasions, states the lawsuit filed in federal bankruptcy court. The political donations were not a legitimate law firm expense and the firm received nothing in return for them, according to the suit. The lawsuit was filed by Berger Singerman, the law firm working on behalf of the trustee in the bankruptcy case for Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler."

The lawsuit is one more hit for the embattled Republican Party of Florida, whose chairman, Jim Greer, quit amid a credit card spending scandal earlier this year. If convicted, Greer faces up to 75 years in prison for theft, fraud and money-laundering charges stemming from accusations that he created a company called Victory Strategies to funnel party donations to himself. Greer has pleaded not guilty.

Rothstein and his firm gave generously to politicians and candidates on both sides of the aisle as a way for him to boost the legitimacy and image of himself and his law firm. Rothstein regularly hosted lavish political fundraisers. Photos showing him with politicians -- including one in which he embraced Gov. Charlie Crist -- were auctioned off by the bankruptcy estate earlier this year.

In April, Berger Singerman sent demand letters to dozens of political groups, politicians and candidates seeking repayment of about $650,000. The Republican Part of Florida is the first to be sued, but may not be the last.

Money talks

"Two wealthy newcomers to Florida politics who are self-financing their campaigns have taken double-digit leads in the state's Republican gubernatorial and Democratic Senate primary races, according to a poll released Thursday."

Former hospital operator Rick Scott was favored by 43 percent to 32 percent who preferred Attorney General Bill McCollum in the Republican gubernatorial race, according to a Quinnipiac University poll of 760 likely GOP voters taken July 22-27. Scott maintained a double-digit advantage he had compiled in an early June survey.

Meanwhile, billionaire businessman Jeff Greene shot ahead of U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek in the Democratic Senate race. Greene was favored by 33 percent of 782 likely Democratic voters to Meek's 23 percent and former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre's 4 percent. In a June poll by Quinnipiac, Meek held a 2-point edge.

The margin of error was plus or minus 3.6 percentage points among Republicans and 3.5 percentage points among Democrats.

Scott calls McLaughlin poll "trash"

"The rock-'em, sock-'em campaign by Rick Scott and Bill McCollum is driving up the negatives of both GOP gubernatorial candidates, a new poll reports."

As if that weren't bad enough, the poll itself has been called into question for its financial ties to the McCollum campaign.

The July 25-26 telephone survey of likely Republican voters found that Scott's negative numbers climbed to 37 percent while McCollum's negative rating moved up to 43 percent.

The poll by McLaughlin & Associates also indicated that the race may be tightening, with Scott leading McCollum 37 percent to 33 percent.

“The results of this poll show a dead heat, with the candidates statistically tied within the margin of error," said Timothy Stapleton, executive vice president of the Florida Medical Association, which commissioned the poll.

The FMA, which endorsed McCollum earlier this month, noted that 30 percent of respondents are still undecided in the contest, even though Scott and McCollum have spent millions on TV advertising in the past 90 days.

"Most disturbing to Rick Scott has to be the fact that as the story of his real record gets out, his negatives continue to rise," the McLaughlin analysis states. "Among undecided voters, Rick Scott has a net negative rating of only 16 percent favorable to 43 percent unfavorable." ...

Scott campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Baker declined to comment, except to call the McLaughlin survey "trash ... coming straight from McCollum."

Indeed, McLaughlin received $1.39 million from the Florida First Initiative between July 15 and July 28. Florida First is a 527 campaign fund linked to McCollum.

Scott goes into hiding

"Scott has agreed to two limited TV debates with McCollum, but balked at going on live TV statewide for one hour -- free of charge -- to debate his Republican opponent unless the location was moved away from McCollum's Orlando base to one of Scott's choosing. McCollum agreed to the move on Wednesday, but Scott insists on a public venue that organizers say they can't provide. The flap over the only statewide TV debate comes as Scott also is passing up invitations from newspaper editorial boards for interviews." "Scott, McCollum clash over statewide debate". See also "Scott Holds the Remote -- Won't OK TV Move".

Meek hits the road

"From the place where he started his petition campaign in Orlando to the Wausau Possum Festival, from Pensacola's beaches to an early voting date in his hometown of Miami, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek plans an 11-day statewide bus tour in his U.S." "Meek to begin campaign tour in Orlando".

Country clubbers tap McCollum

"The Florida Chamber of Commerce endorsed Attorney General Bill McCollum in his bid for governor. Another business group endorsed both McCollum and his GOP primary rival Rick Scott."

With the two leading Republican candidates for governor peddling their economic plans, Attorney General Bill McCollum on Wednesday received an endorsement in his bid from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. ...

Also Wednesday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce donated $500,000 to the Florida First Initiative, a political committee affiliated with McCollum that has been attacking his rival, Rick Scott, in television ads, the News Service of Florida reported. ...

McCollum has pledged to lower corporate taxes, reduce regulations and revise state laws governing civil suits. ...

Another business group, Associated Industries of Florida, announced Wednesday that it would co-endorse McCollum and Scott.

And so it begins ...

... the The Orlando Sentinel has overtly begun its campaign against Grayson, attacking his 21st Century use of the franking privilege to send a DVD to constituents, as opposed to the usual newsletter. Even though "Grayson isn't the first lawmaker to use taxpayer money to send a DVD", the Sentinel "journalists, right outa the RPOF talking points, derisively call it a "stunt".

According to the Sentinel, "the 90-minute disc features video highlights from his first term in office, including one of him grilling Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and another in which the Orlando Democrat preaches on the need to teach schoolchildren about the U.S. Constitution."

It's a stunt that drew howls from Republicans, who complained that Grayson was abusing the congressional privilege of franking that allows lawmakers to send taxpayer-paid newsletters and other mail to residents.

"This is an outrageous abuse of taxpayer dollars, and it goes to show that Alan Grayson is completely out of touch with Central Florida," said state Rep. Kurt Kelly of Ocala, one of seven Republicans looking to unseat Grayson this fall.

"This is just ridiculous behavior. What congressman would do this in the face of a huge budget deficit?" he asked.

Grayson said he doesn't see the video as self-promotional and that its intent was to show residents how the sausage is made in Washington.

Rubio losing money race

"Rubio collected $4.3 million from April 1 to June 30, a record for a U.S. Senate candidate in Florida. But he spent $4 million during the same period."

Rubio needs a better return on his fund-raising investment -- $1.7 million last quarter in direct mail, phone calls and online outreach — or he'll risk being outspent by Gov. Charlie Crist, who left the GOP to run with no party affiliation.

Since Rubio started raising money in February 2009, he's spent 63 percent of every dollar he's collected.

If he continues on that pace, he would need to raise $6.2 million in the third quarter of the year just to match the $8.2 million Crist had in the bank as of June 30.

Much of the Rubio's spending last quarter was directed at pushing Crist out of the Republican primary, a Palm Beach Post analysis of Rubio's expenditures show.

DWS goes after Teabaggers

"South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will help lead a nationwide Democratic campaign this fall that will try to tie Republican candidates to extreme elements of the Tea Party movement." "Florida's Wasserman Schultz leads Democrats' campaign to tie GOP to Tea Party".

Never mind

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board happily overlooks that Republican Dorothy Hukill "backed offshore drilling, sponsored the bill shielding gerrymandered districts and weakened growth-management laws." "For Florida House District 28".

Fl-oil-duh

"A University of Central Florida economist says that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has delayed the Sunshine State's recovery from the Great Recession by at least a year." "Economist: Spill will stall recovery by a year".

See also "Oil spill roundup: Wed., July 28", "Feinberg to oil spill task force: BP has done some things well, but 'data isn’t one of them'", "The 10 lessons in the 100 days of the Gulf oil spill", "Local governments: We want more say in oil cleanup" and "Crews take step toward readying permanent well fix".

Entrepreneurs in action

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "In what U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder described as 'the largest federal Medicare fraud take-down in history,' hundreds of federal agents swept five cities, including Miami, earlier this month to arrest 94 people accused of stealing $251 million from taxpayers by submitting bogus Medicare reimbursement claims." "Keep up the fight on bogus claims".

RPOFers prepare law like Arizona's

"South Florida immigrants viewed with relief a federal judge's decision Wednesday to block provisions of an Arizona law that would step up enforcement against people suspected of being in the country illegally. Others saw the injunction as a Band-Aid that could slip off as the legal battle between the federal government and state procedes, and while Florida legislators prepare laws similar to Arizona's. " "Arizona immigration ruling provides relief to some in South Florida, but hope to opponents". Related: "Democrat Sink’s careful reactions to Arizona law, federal suit and today’s injunction".

Meanwhile, the RPOFers scramble for the gutter: "Republican guv hopefuls Scott, McCollum criticize injunction blocking Arizona immigration law".

West=teabagger=RPOF

"Allen West is the darling of the tea party movement in South Florida. He's raised truckloads of campaign cash for his campaign. His name is constantly invoked at Republican gatherings." "Despite odds, challengers don't shy from taking on Ron Klein and Allen West".

Off topic

"Civil Rights Panel To Pursue Scourge Of Anti-White Racism".

Jebbie holds a press conference

"Now that Jeb Bush has taken himself out of the 2012 presidential sweepstakes, the former Florida governor is delving more deeply into humanitarian endeavors." Jebbie

is honorary chair of the Volunteer USA Foundation, which is developing a National Disaster Recovery Fund.

The fund, according to Volunteer USA President Liza McFadden, "will provide long-term support to fill gaps where insurance and FEMA funding don't exist."

The states of Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi have joined as partners in the fund, which "will allow faith and community-based non-profits that have track records of sustainable efforts helping communities rebuild to compete for funds," McFadden said. ...

Bush is working alongside Wal-Mart CEO Bill Simon, who serves as chairman of the fund.

Thrasher opens mouth, inserts foot

Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher "took aim at Democrats Meek and Grayson on Wednesday for missing the vote [to continue the funding of American military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan], ignoring Republican Young, who missed the vote because he is recovering from back surgery." "RPOF Chairman Thrasher Takes Aim at Meek, Grayson for Missing Military Funding Vote".

"Difficult to implement and of uncertain benefit"

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy:

Florida policymakers are embarking on another in a long series of K-12 education reform efforts likely to be difficult to implement and of uncertain benefit.

The next steps planned in Florida's accountability-based education strategy will result in new standards, new tests, and renewed attempts to base teacher pay on student test scores.

Questions exist not only about the strategy itself, but also about whether schools are funded well enough to make the kind of performance gains being sought.

Buzz continues about Haridopolos taking on Nelson in 2012

http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/">Sunshine State News reports: "Having written a letter on national issues to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson earlier in the month, incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, announced Wednesday that he will conduct a tour of hospitals and health-care facilities across the state, addressing health-related issues, including Medicaid. ... Just as he had in his letter to Nelson, Haridopolos continued to address federal issues -- taking aim at new health-care laws backed by President Barack Obama. ... Haridopolos also looked to brandish his conservative credentials by praising free-market solutions for health care." "Mike Haridopolos Puts Health Care on Center Stage".

Running mate race

"In the next few weeks, the candidates for governor face a decision fraught with danger: choosing a running mate for the obscure position of lieutenant governor. ... McCollum and Tom Grady? Scott and Paula Dockery? Sink and Rod Smith?" "Florida gubernatorial candidates looking at running mates".

Greer talks

"'I just hope that you-know-who drops dead'". "Jailhouse recordings show a different side of ex-Republican party of Florida chairman".

Florida Political News: July 28, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Wed Jul 28, 2010 at 10:36:07 AM EDT

Sink releases energy plan

"In Alex Sink's view of the future, homeowners could install rooftop solar panels and not pay higher taxes for lowering their electricity bills. Businesses could generate their own electricity. Innovative energy companies would flock to Florida and create jobs. And the state's giant electric companies would thrive as leaders in wind, solar and biomass energy but would not have to control the market."

That optimistic portrait is painted by Sink, the state's chief financial officer and Democratic candidate for governor, in the energy policy she released Tuesday.

Sink said the Gulf oil disaster underscored "the economic threat we face if we continue our over-reliance on oil,'' and she scolded the state legislature for allowing Florida to lag in renewable energy production and manufacturing.

If elected, she said, she "will move our state decisively toward a more reliable, clean, and job-generating energy future.''

Sink proposes a combination of fiscal incentives, policy shifts and regulations to broaden Florida's market for alternative fuels.

Sink's energy plan pushes in directions that Gov. Charlie Crist and others have sought but failed to achieve from the reluctant Republican-led legislature.

McCollum sticks his hypocritical hand in your pocket

Scott Maxwell: "There's only one thing more annoying than the constant barrage of ugly ads you see each campaign season — and that's knowing you helped pay for them."

That's right. You may be sick of watching Bill McCollum and Rick Scott beat the tar out of each other. But you're still helping fund the battle whether you want to or not.

That's because McCollum decided to stick his hypocritical hands in your pocket.

Yes, the same guy who's fighting health-care coverage for the uninsured recently filed paperwork requesting nearly $1.3 million in public money to finance his attack-based campaign.

Fl-oil-duh

"As the Obamas plan a family vacation to the oil-plagued Florida Gulf Coast, tourism leaders hope they pack their swimsuits." "Will president take a swim during visit to Gulf Coast?".

See also "Oil-spill claims: Losses caused by public perception of oil rather than actual oil may also be covered", "Exxon Valdez expert Riki Ott tells Florida to dig in for a protracted legal, environmental battle", "Travel group seeks $500 million for Gulf tourism", "Fla. tourism official: hold media 'accountable'", "Give sea turtles a chance", "Oil spill response winding down" and "100 days of oil: Gulf life will never be the same".

And then there's this: "A tow boat slammed into an abandoned well north of a bay already hit by crude from the Gulf oil spill, sending a plume of oil and gas spewing into the air". "Tug hits well near Gulf, sends oil spewing".

"McCollum tries to set the record straight"

"Attorney General Bill McCollum tries to set the record straight when it comes to his views on an Arizona-style immigration law in Florida." "Arizona-Style Immigration and the McCollum Conundrum".

Boyd, Lawson pissing match

"In separate meetings with the Tallahassee Democrat editorial board, the Democratic primary opponents accused each other of trying to mislead voters."

Lawson said Boyd's television advertisements in their Democratic primary race for the Big Bend seat in the U.S. House unfairly allege that he "took $3 million from insurance companies" while voting in the Legislature for bills that led to insurance rate increases for homeowners and medical patients. Lawson said his earnings over nearly 30 years may have approached that amount, but that he sells life insurance — not property and casualty policies — and that rates are set by the Office of Insurance Regulation, not the Legislature.

Lawson countered with accusations that Boyd has amassed $3 million of his own in a re-election fund built largely by corporate political-action committees and lobbyists, including oil interests. Lawson said BP is among supporters of the 2nd District congressman, who voted in favor of oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Ties to big-money South Florida interests"

"As U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek continues his unexpected battle against billionaire Jeff Greene for the Democratic nomination in Florida’s U.S. Senate race, Democratic candidates — nine total — are duking it out in the race to claim Meek’s congressional seat. And, as new campaign finance reports reveal, the leaders in that race have numerous ties to big-money South Florida interests." "In race to replace Meek, vested interests spend heavily".

"Attack after attack"

"Down now even in his own polls, Bill McCollum launched attack after attack against primary rival Rick Scott on Tuesday, hoping something — anything — can convince Republican voters that the TV image of Scott won't be what Floridians get as governor."

Among a volley of accusations at two separate Pinellas County events, McCollum said Scott plagiarized from McCollum's economic and jobs plan and is peddling an unrealistic and potentially devastating plan to cut the state Department of Corrections by almost 40 percent, or $1 billion. He also continued to pound Scott over his time as CEO of Columbia/HCA, saying Scott profited hundreds of millions of dollars by defrauding taxpayers through Medicare and Medicaid.

Tuff guy

"Trailing badly in the polls behind health-care executive Rick Scott in the fight for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Attorney General Bill McCollum sought to reinforce his crime-fighting credentials". "Bill McCollum Back to Basics, His Law Enforcement Base, to Salvage Gov. Campaign".

RPOFer laff riot

"In the hotly contested Republican primary for attorney general, it doesn't take much to start controversy."

Seeking to deflect Bondi's criticism of his connections to the trial bar, Kottkamp [who briefly worked for Morgan & Morgan] cited an e-mail written last fall by Billy Howard, 43, a member of the Morgan & Morgan firm, who once dated Bondi.

In the e-mail, Howard suggested that Bondi hire the firm if she wins the race.

"Told me at church today she will use us for consumer protection if she wins,'' Howard wrote on Nov. 22, 2009. "She plans to announce this week I think, but u would know more than me as usual.''

Both Howard and Bondi now insist such a conversation never took place.

Grayson opposes "tax cuts for the rich."

The right-wingers at the Sunshine State news"Heading into the fall elections, congressional Democrats appear ready to let the Bush tax cuts expire at year end. That's going to be a tough sell on the campaign trail, even as populist Democrats try to fashion themselves as newborn deficit hawks. A one-year extension of the cuts would 'cost' the federal government $115 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Or, viewed from outside the Beltway, an extension of tax relief would save U.S. taxpayers $115 billion."

Turning supply-side economics on its head, the Democratic majority [in DC], as of now anyway, insists that higher taxes will right the fiscal ship.

Toeing the party line, Rep. Alan Grayson, a freshman Democrat facing a tough re-election fight in Florida's 8th Congressional District, stridently maintains that the Bush-era reductions were "tax cuts for the rich." He opposes any extension.

Delaying EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Standards

"Only weeks after reports surfaced that Florida U.S. Reps. Ander Crenshaw, R-Jacksonville, and Allen Boyd, D-Tallahassee, were attempting to introduce a rider that would essentially delay the EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Standards from taking effect, rumors of another rider have begun to circulate." "Environmental group alleges that another nutrient standards-blocking rider is in the works".

Two peas in a pod

"The detail from the campaign's 800-page report is a reminder of how close Greer and Crist were." "Crist campaign buys furniture and office gear from former GOP Chairman Jim Greer".

Republican lobbyist at work

"A 19-year-old Florida State University student says a Republican lobbyist conned him into sending mailers attacking Democratic congressional candidate Joe Garcia."

The fliers, which try to tie Garcia to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, were sent by a political group recently formed by student Matthew Slider. But Slider said he never saw the fliers featuring Garcia's picture over a Cuban flag with the universal "no'' symbol over it.

Slider had declined to comment on the mailer last week when a story first appeared in The Miami Herald.

Then, over the weekend, he sent out a sworn statement saying he had been tricked by Tallahassee lobbyist Evan J. Power into believing he was helping the campaign of Luis Meurice, a lesser-known Democrat also running for the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.

"Certainly this makes me look like an idiot,'' Slider said, adding that he felt badly that mailers with "racist overtones'' were sent out under his name. ...

Power did not respond to the Miami Herald after he had asked that the newspaper e-mail questions. He told the Naples Daily News that someone had hijacked the group's name and that he was just as surprised as Slider to see the mailers. ...

Power is also the ex-boyfriend of Erin Di Cesare, a former FSU student with no political background who was set up to front another political group that sent racially tinged attack mailers in 2009.

Class size

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board thinks the "Class size price too steep".

From the "values" crowd

"Volusia slashes school budget again".

The "McCristums"

Nancy Smith says,"take away those mostly physical differences and what you’ve got are Gov. Charlie Crist and Attorney General Bill McCollum -- the McCristums -- in so many other ways two peas struggling for political survival in the same illuminated pod. Bill and Charlie, Charlie and Bill. Year after year together. At least, that's the perception. And let’s face it, these two epitomize how perceptions get to be perceptions."

Smith puts it this way:

- Both are career politicians with law degrees

- Both will make wildly outrageous, impossible statements

- Both seem to adjust their ambitions upward every 2-4 years

- Both use their offices to further their campaigns

- Both are severely ethically challenged

- Both have a Jim Greer problem

On the road

"On the fourth day of Rick Scott’s tour across the state of Florida, he made several stops in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, culminating in a Sunday visit to First Baptist Church." "Rick Scott offers stump speech rhetoric at Jacksonville barbecue". Related: "Should the GOP be afraid of this man?".

"Aronberg rejects Gelber's call for 11 debates"

"With less than a month until the primary election Aug. 24, Greenacres' Sen. Dave Aronberg shot down the idea of holding 11 debates with Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, his rival for the Democratic attorney general nomination." "Dem AG Candidates Joust Over Debates".

Passing the buck

"School burden is shifting in state".

Surge in "no party" voters in Brevard

"The latest voter registration numbers in Brevard County indicate a surge in 'no party' voters, a number that surpasses registering Democrats and nips at the heels of newly registered Republicans." "No-party voters step up in 2010".

Country clubbers flex

"The lead group fighting the proposed "Hometown Democracy" amendment collected a stunning $4.7 million between April 1 and July 16 compared to $138,573 for the group that put the measure on the ballot in November." "Hometown Democracy opponents raise nearly $5 million".

Scott does not believe in global warming

"Scott omitted the fact that he continues to leave the door open for offshore oil drilling -- despite a shift in public opinion that prompted top Republican state lawmakers to abandon the idea. ... Scott said he supports the development of alternative energy, but gave no details about what he would do as governor to boost the industry. Asked if he believes in global warming, Scott said no. "I have not been convinced,'' he said." "Rick Scott sidesteps oil drilling stance".

McCollum's "murky political committees"

"With the fate of Florida’s public campaign finance law before a federal court, Republican Bill McCollum’s campaign continues to work the margins with millions of dollars swirling around and passing between murky political committees." "With Public Cash in Doubt, McCollum Works Money Margins".

Teachers pull their weight ...

"Florida inched closer to winning millions of dollars in federal grant money for education. ... The competition, called Race to the Top, is part of the federal stimulus plan. It awards money to states that commit to four areas of education reform: raising standards, using data, improving teacher quality and turning around chronically failing schools."

Before Florida applied for the second round, Crist assembled a group of superintendents, school board members, teachers, union representatives, parents and business leaders to find consensus.

The working group, chaired by Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, developed a new application that found universal support.

Florida's new application includes several controversial reforms, including merit pay for teachers. Previous proposals to base a portion of teacher pay on student test scores have been unpopular among educators. This plan, however, goes beyond test scores, taking into account poverty, language barriers, parental involvement and other factors that influence student achievement.

... Union haters foam at the mouth

The union haters on The Orlando Sentinel editorial board, who one suspects have never attended a union meeting of any kind, are not loathe to attack anything any union ever does; here's yet another example: "The teachers union has made clear its self-interest in suing to block class-size referendum." "Looking out for No. 1".

Jebbie's dead hand

"Among those on the bus with Scott are Arlene DiBenigno, an adviser to former Gov. Jeb Bush and current Gov. Charlie Crist who also worked on John McCain’s presidential campaign, and Donna Arduin, who helped shape Bush’s economic agenda and now is doing the same for Scott." "On the Bus: Outsider Scott Has Insider Team".

Teabaggers = GOPers

"The 2012 presidential race may be two years away, but that’s not stopping tea party activists around Tampa, host city for the Republican National Convention, from getting prepared for it, even as they are fully engaged for the mid-term elections in November."

Just across the bay in St. Petersburg, Largo, Clearwater and other locales, the Pinellas Patriots, an area tea party organization, hope to steer their country toward what they feel is the right track.

"This is going to be a great opportunity," Eileen Blackmer, an organizer for the group said. "We’ll be meeting with party officials when they come here.” Members have already met with several notables this year, including former House Speaker and potential presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, who gave out his personal e-mail address for people to send him their thoughts and ideas directly. ...

They’ve additionally met with mid-term election hopefuls such as Florida Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum. “The great part about this is that we don’t have to go to them, a lot of them are coming to us,” Blackmer said, adding that she expects even more courting from GOP candidates during the convention.

Karena Morrison, coordinator for the Abigail Adams Project of Florida, a national, nonpartisan voter education project started by the Homemakers of America and affiliated with the tea party movement, looks forward to the Republicans coming to town and all the media focus that comes with it.

"Campaign roundup"

"McCollum down in his own poll; Bondi wins straw poll, Benson nabs endorsements from former GOP chairmen". "Campaign roundup". See also Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

Earth to Rubio ...

"Rubio calls for cutting the size of the federal workforce ... Rubio also condemned the $787 billion stimulus -- despite having also earlier said that he would have accepted unspecified portions of the money so Florida would not be in worse financial straits." "Marco Rubio calls for federal layoffs". See also "Looking to Cut Fed Spending, Marco Rubio Hopes to Halt Obama's Economic Program".

Never mind

"A new report warns that failure to extend higher matching rates for Medicaid could be a blow to the financial recovery for many state budgets. States received higher matching rates for Medicaid starting last year as a part of the federal stimulus. But that higher rate is scheduled to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts. The National Conference of State Legislatures on Tuesday released a budget update that shows there could be budget gaps in 25 states if Congress lets the higher matching rate expire. Congress has been split over the extension because it would add to an already growing federal budget deficit." "Stimulus flameout could impact more than two dozen states" ("The report, however, does not include any data for Florida. Florida appears to be the only state that did not give any information to NCSL")

Uphill walk for Bud

"In a state with no mountains, Lawton 'Bud' Chiles III spends every day walking uphill."

Chiles, the 57-year-old son of a Florida political icon, is waging a low-budget, grassroots campaign for governor that faces almost certain failure.

He has abandoned the party of his late father — legendary Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles — to run as an independent, a move that has irked more than a few party officials.

They worry that Chiles, who inherited much of his dad's face but not all of his homespun charisma, will steal votes from Alex Sink, throwing the race to the Republicans. Chiles doesn't buy it.

Little-known rivals

"Politics watchers around the nation are anticipating the November rematch between U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, and Republican Allen West. But before they can square off in the general election for a U.S. House seat, both face Aug. 24 primaries against little-known rivals." "Klein, West both face primary opponents who want U.S. exit from wars now". See also "U.S. House of Representatives, District 22: The job and the candidates". See also "Despite odds, challengers don't shy from taking on Ron Klein and Allen West".

Ambler gets Trib endorsement

The Tampa Tribune editorial board endorses Ambler again' Norman in the District 12 Senate Republican primary. "Ambler gets nod in state Senate race". Related: "Longtime Republican allies face off in bitter state Senate primary".

Meek on the air, plans bus tour

"Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek launched his first television ad Monday -- an attack ad against rival Jeff Greene." "In his first TV spot, Kendrick Meek takes aim at Jeff Greene". See also "With Obama White House Cautiously Behind Him, Meek Unleashes First TV Ad". Related: "Greene goes double-negative on Meek in Dem Senate primary ad war".

"Looking for some mojo in his campaign against a Palm Beach billionaire, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is launching a 10-day bus tour that will start in Orlando next Wednesday." "Meek organizing 10-day bus tour".

Florida Political News: July 26, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Mon Jul 26, 2010 at 08:14:21 AM EDT

Strangers in town

Adam C. Smith: "There is an excellent chance that on Aug. 24 Florida will have a very rich Democratic Senate nominee and a very rich Republican gubernatorial nominee opposed by their respective party establishments. It's an unprecedented situation that has partisans on both sides wary of the potential intra-party turmoil just as a general election kicks off."

That's especially true with Florida Republicans. Gubernatorial front-runner Rick Scott has zero allegiance to the state party leadership or its favored political consultants and lobbyists-fundraisers who are doing all they can to beat him.

GOP chairman John Thrasher has rebuked Scott for criticizing the way rival Bill McCollum failed to aggressively pursue alleged mismanagement by former party chairman Jim Greer, who now faces criminal charges. Incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, both of whom stood by Greer for months and worked with McCollum and Thrasher to give Greer a secret severance package, have funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to political committees to defeat Scott. ...

Then there's the Democratic Senate primary between U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and real estate mogul Jeff Greene of Palm Beach. The White House, the state party and the Democratic National Committee are all officially backing Meek.

Meek has already said he would be unlikely to endorse Greene in the general election, and the nomination of Greene could make longtime party stalwarts receptive to backing, at least tacitly, nonpartisan candidate Charlie Crist.

"Anti-incumbency wave"

"So fearful are they of an anti-incumbency wave sweeping the nation, many candidates seeking re-election are going to great lengths to downplay their experience in public office. They minimize their years in office and instead highlight their business experience. Others have banned the use of the word 're-elect' in their campaigns." "Incumbents worry about voter anger".

"Freedom", RPOFer style

More "freedom", RPOFer style"A public-interest group warns that food inspections at Florida hospitals, nursing homes and day-care centers will be less rigorous under a new state law."

The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and the state Department of Health were stripped of their inspection authority and mandate at those facilities.

The change was contained in House Bill 5311, which was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist last month.

"Florida politicians were clearly not thinking about their young children or their aging parents when they passed this bill," Sarah Klein, a staff attorney at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, told Food Safety News.

"These consumers -- and anyone who is immuno-compromised -- are already at greater risk of being hospitalized from food-borne illness. Ending food safety inspections in the kitchens that feed those populations is like taking seat belts out of their cars and hoping no one has an accident," Klein said. ...

Meantime, and ironically, the Institute of Medicine -- the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences -- is urging the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to delegate more food facility inspections to the states.

Today is deadline to register

"Today is the deadline to register to vote in primary elections. Primary election day is Aug. 24, but early voting runs from Aug. 9 through Aug. 21." "Today is the last day to register to vote in primary elections".

Scott's $25 million blitz

"Does Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott measure up to his $25 million television advertising blitz up close and in person?" "Bus tour draws voters hoping to see beyond the TV image of Rick Scott". See also "Rick Scott takes bus tour to Sarasota, Villages".

Get a job

"George P Bush, son of Florida governor Jeb Bush, is beginning to spread his political wings as the third generation of the Bush dynasty." "George Bush the Third: the new kid on the block".

Fl-oil-duh

"Could American take over Britain's BP?".

"Like crabgrass sprouting in the spring"

"Like crabgrass sprouting in the spring, as the election season approaches campaign signs take root in lawns, road rights of way and almost any vacant piece of land throughout the region." "Campaign signs: Annoying eyesores or barometer of support?".

From the "values" crowd

"Spending, job cuts reality for Volusia schools".

Another fine Jebacy

Stephen Goldstein last week: "Elected officials come and go. But their policies, good or bad, may affect us for years."

Once again, Jeb Bush has failed the Florida Governor's Assessment Test (FGAT). Four years after he left office, we're reeling from the $1.5 billion cost of the biotech boondoggle he foisted on us. He promised us a silk purse of an investment, but he's stuck us with a sow's ear.

In 2003, Jeb became obsessed with luring California's Scripps Research Institute to Florida. He called it "a seminal moment in our state's history" — the magic wand that would make us a world leader in biomedical research and development and jumpstart our economy. He hurriedly called a special session of the Legislature and made it pass a one-time $310 million gift for Scripps from federal stimulus monies that were allocated for Florida. Palm Beach County anted up about $269 million to pay for land and buildings for Scripps.

Of course, some of the $310 million could have been used to offset a $40 million cut for state universities and the end of enrollment in the Healthy Kids children's insurance program that same year. But Jeb was quoted saying, "There is no better way to spend the one-time federal economic stimulus money than by investing in a project that spurs targeted economic growth. This investment will return more growth and revenues down the road." Shades of Bernie Madoff, he estimated the state return on its investment at 44.8 percent.

Estimates of the Scripps Florida economic miracle were predictably pie-in-the-sky.

Florida Political News: July 25, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Sun Jul 25, 2010 at 11:15:10 AM EDT

McCollum's political "welfare"

"Bill McCollum picked up a hefty check from taxpayers Friday -- a financial lifeline for his campaign for governor struggling to keep pace with his free-spending primary opponent Rick Scott. ... The cash infusion is a timely boost for McCollum, the state's attorney general. Fundraising totals released Friday show he was down to about $540,000, about half of the cost of a week's worth of major TV advertising." "Taxpayers give McCollum $1.3 million boost". Related: "Rick Scott's case against Florida's public financing of candidates".

"Not leaving anything to chance"

"It's not often that obscurity is an asset in a high-profile, statewide election."

But that appears to be the tactic both Democratic candidates in the race for governor are using.

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the frontrunner in the Aug. 24 primary, is biding her time while former Columbia/HCA CEO Rick Scott and state Attorney General Bill McCollum sling mud at one another in the Republican primary.

Both Sink and Moore consider the South Carolina primary an object lesson.

"I don't take any election lightly," Sink said. "My name will be on the ballot for the primary. All we have to do is look and see what happened in South Carolina. So we're not leaving anything to chance."

Moore, an independent-turned-Socialist-turned-Democrat, said, "It's not as Don Quixote as it seems. My rationale is Alex Sink is actually a relatively unknown person. She's only run for statewide office once. I've been on the ballot twice in Florida. And, she's not that exciting. She's low-keying it. She's not anywhere. A lot of people don't even know who Alex Sink is."

Four years ago, Sink ran for office for the first time as a virtual unknown in the race for chief financial officer.

The best they can do?

"The 11th Congressional District that includes most of Tampa and snakes through St. Petersburg and Bradenton is a Democratic stronghold. But the race for the seat held since 2006 by Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, has drawn four Republicans and one Democrat."

None of the challengers has held office. But one, Eddie Adams Jr., a Republican, twice has lost to Castor.

Does Scott measure up?

"Does Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott measure up to his $25 million television advertising blitz up close and in person?" "Rick Scott: Meeting the man behind the image". Related: "GOP Governor candidate Rick Scott explains space options, jobs plan".

Meek has yet to catch fire among voters

"Senate candidate Kendrick Meek remains question mark to many Democrats". See also "Meek wants muscle in message".

Fl-oil-duh

"Tropical Storm Bonnie packed less punch than expected, but it still caused delays in BP's effort to permanently plug the damaged oil well in the Northern Gulf." "Dud of a storm delays BP's fixes".

See also "As ships return to oil spill as 'Bonnie' breezes past, new concerns arise on micro-droplets oil plumes", "Ships head back to oil well, ready to resume work", "Pensacola hotels post gains despite oil spill", "video", "" and "".

Attendance counts

"The GOP primary race to succeed term-limited state Senate President Jeff Atwater in District 25 is, at least in part, a contest between styles of leadership. State Rep. Carl Domino of Jupiter trumpets the fact that he has attended all the 'delegation meetings' convened during the past several years where Palm Beach County residents met with local legislators. He says his opponent, state Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale, attended fewer than half. " "Bogdanoff, Domino vie to succeed Atwater in Senate District 25 GOP race".

Movin' South

"More Corporate Relocation Inquiries Landing in Palm Beach".

RISEP report on economic stimulus investments

From the Research Institute on Social and Economic Policy: "This [.pdf] report is the third in a series that looks at the opportunity landscape in Florida before the recession, and how economic stimulus investments should be targeted towards making quality of life opportunities accessible to all communities, particularly communities of color. This installment focuses on the impact of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and its efforts to rehabilitate foreclosed and abandoned housing for the benefit of neighborhoods and residents, and the importance of creating job opportunities in local neighborhoods to fully address the economic crisis." "Recovering from Crisis: A review of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Florida’s economic recovery".

Boyd makes no apologies

"U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, who switched his vote on national health care, told Big Bend Democrats on Saturday he makes no apology for supporting the final package." "Democratic voters meet candidates".

"A few of W.'s friends"

TPM: "From reprisals to racist and homophobic slurs, what a few of W.'s friends did with their power."

The Federal Air Marshal office in Orlando has been plagued with scandal over the past few years, most famously for a Jeopardy-style game supervisors played with derogatory categories for African-Americans and people they thought were gay.

With the special agent in charge of the office, Bill Reese, announcing his retirement this week -- presumably due to allegations of discrimination and impropriety, although TSA officials say it's because of personal reasons -- we thought we'd recap some of what's allegedly been going in the office.

"What the whole appellate court structure is about"

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: "At least two high-profile people recently have been freed from prison after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the law covering honest services fraud, the same law used to send three former Palm Beach County commissioners to prison."

Conrad Black, the media mogul with a Palm Beach home, was granted bail while he appeals his 2007 conviction. A federal judge also ordered the release of Kevin Geddings, the former North Carolina lottery commissioner convicted in 2006. Geddings is seeking to have his conviction vacated in light of the Supreme Court ruling. Prosecutors actually support his release.

In last week's column, I asked whether ex-Commissioners Mary McCarty, Warren Newell and Tony Masilotti had been treated unfairly or "unethically," since they had been imprisoned based on a statute the Supreme Court now has called into question.

Whether what happened to them is unfair or unethical, though, is separate from the question of whether it was legal. The law was fully in force when the three went to prison. Obviously, it was legal to use it.

The fact that people can go to prison for acts that suddenly no longer are crimes is awful but inevitable. At least in this country, we try to perfect our system, which is what the whole appellate court structure is about.

'Glades

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "It's another ambitious land purchase that promises to aid the massive restoration of the Florida Everglades. This one, though, seems simpler and more doable. Unlike the state's ongoing efforts to purchase 73,000 acres of U.S. Sugar property south of Lake Okeechobee, the purchase proposed by the federal government appears to pass muster as a more straight-forward deal. It should be pursued to improve both Florida's natural habitat and the water quality flowing into Lake Okeechobee." "New Everglades restoration deal helps Lake Okeechobee".

Going negative

"Once the friendliest contest around, the Democratic primary race for attorney general is turning negative as the primary nears." "Democratic attorney general contest turns negative".

The "age" thing

"Candidates hope voters look past young age".

Florida Political News: July 24, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Sat Jul 24, 2010 at 11:49:09 AM EDT

Our "Do-Nothing Legislature"

Aaron Deslatte: "Gov. Charlie Crist is fond of citing past presidents when he explains his own moves, and this week he called lawmakers back to Tallahassee for a special session that he knew would be as savory as a taste of turnip stew."

GOP lawmakers lambasted the governor for using them as a prop in his independent U.S. Senate campaign. Democrats, including Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, and Crist feigned outrage that lawmakers would be so rude as to not place a constitutional ban on near-shore oil-drilling before voters this fall.

The ensuing political theater gave almost everyone what they wanted. Except for voters, who appear to favor the idea of voting to ban oil drilling – already barred under state law -- come November.
Be the first to know. Click here to get breaking news alerts.

"Today, I'm calling this legislature the Do-Nothing Legislature. And I'm going to give them hell for it," Crist told reporters shortly after lawmakers adjourned the session in just over two hours.

"To have the Legislature disrespect them so much and to thumb their noses at the people in this way is absolutely astonishing," the governor added.

Open mouth ...

"Rick Scott's statewide bus tour stumbled Friday as he endured tough questions about the fraud at his former company and appeared to misstep on volatile questions from voters."

The bumps in the road for the bus tour began the night before at a stop in the Villages, when someone asked what Scott would do as governor to keep Obama off the Florida ballot in 2012, suggesting he was born outside the country. Scott appeared surprised and responded, "I'll have to look into it.''

Asked Friday whether he thought Obama was a citizen, he said, "I assume he is or he wouldn't be president.'' Moments later, a campaign spokeswoman clarified: "He's not a birther.''

In Clearwater, Scott talked to Sean O'Flannery, a high school government teacher, about the difficulty of judging schools statewide, because what works in one place may not in another.

"And also a school's color,'' Scott said. "If you're 70 percent African-American, you are going to deal with different issues.''

McCollum's campaign and Democrats seized on this. A McCollum spokeswoman said his comments "suggest he believes minority students shouldn't be held'' to the same standards as others, an insinuation Scott adamantly rejected.

"Greene is fabulously wealthy"

"Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene is fabulously wealthy, that we know. But the depth and scope of the billionaire's fortune was revealed Friday when he filed his financial disclosure form, only a short while before the deadline. The 56-page document shows a dizzying and diverse array of investments, from real estate to stock and government bonds." "Extent of wealth emerging".

Related: "Five years ago, the Summerwind, a three-story, 145-foot luxury yacht owned by Senate candidate Jeff Greene, dropped anchor and plunged into controversy over severe damage to a coral reef system officially recognized by the United Nations as one of the world's most irreplaceable treasures. " "No love in Belize for candidate".

Amendment 3 goes down

"A judge Friday removed from November's ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would have given an extra property tax break to some homeowners, saying its ballot title and summary are misleading. Tallahassee Circuit Judge John Cooper said Amendment 3's ballot language did not tell voters that the exemptions were available only on property bought on or after last Jan. 1. He said voters who bought property earlier might think they were eligible for the exemption." "Fla. judge takes property tax measure off ballot".

Scott shatters Crist's record

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott has shattered Gov. Charlie Crist's record for spending on a Florida election, reporting Friday that he burned through $22.6 million — almost all of it his own wealth — in his first three months as a candidate."

It took Crist two years and hundreds of personal appeals to donors to raise and spend $19.8 million en route to winning the Governor's Mansion.

Scott's $218 million in personal wealth has turned the tables on what had been a forgone Florida political conclusion: that longtime Republican stalwart and state Attorney General Bill McCollum would be the standard-bearer for the GOP in the fall elections.

McCollum on Friday reported raising just more than $1 million in the last quarter, while he spent $4.3 million in a futile effort to keep pace with Scott.

The veteran Florida politician's campaign is down to its last $540,000, though McCollum accepted $1.26 million in public funding this week.

But with a double-digit deficit in the polls, he was already in trouble. Even that lifeline of public financing made available to match his own fundraising comes at a price: Halfway through Scott's six-day bus tour across the state, he has blistered McCollum as a career politician with his head at the taxpayer trough.

McCollum, Scott's "deceptive pandering"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Attorney General Bill McCollum claims his opponent in the Republican primary for governor, health care executive Rick Scott, has plagiarized parts of his economic plan. But both men are rehashing the same tired and outdated plans for reviving Florida's economy. Their promise to cut corporate income taxes and property taxes — and still invest more in education to spur economic development — is deceptive pandering that even the Republican-led Legislature hasn't stooped to in recent years because it knew it couldn't deliver. Neither can McCollum or Scott." "Scott, McCollum offer plans that don't add up".

Fl-oil-duh

Update: "Bonnie fizzling in the Gulf".

Mark T. Brown, professor of Environmental Engineering Sciences and director of the Center for Environmental Policy at the University of Florida writes that "few have noted that BP, like Exxon and other oil companies implicated in past spills, will likely pay nothing for perhaps the most important consequence of its mishap: Damage to hard-to-quantify but essential natural benefits provided free of charge by a healthy Gulf of Mexico. " "The oil spill's hidden toll".

See also "Tropical Depression Bonnie could draw oil up from the depths to form new slicks", "Some areas of the Gulf reopened" and "USF Scientists: Oil Plumes Below Gulf Surface Are From BP Spill". The Sun Sentinel editors: "Tropical system brings more uncertainty, worry to Gulf coast".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Technician: Deepwater Horizon alarm system purposely disabled".

Charlie's Rothstein blues

"Another year, another opportunity to raise money. That's Gov. Charlie Crist. Sadly, though, this year's birthday celebration won't include one of Crist's richest and most colorful pals who a) isn't rich anymore, and b) can't make it to the party. Yes, the governor turns 54 Saturday, and he and his wife, Carole, are using the occasion to beat the drum for more campaign cash. " "Birthday Boy Charlie Crist Needs $100,000: Scotty, Come Back ..." ("Call this party the 2nd anniversary of Rothstein's $52,000 'cake'").

Cleaning up the Legislature's mess

"Gov. Charlie Crist issued an executive order that allows Floridians who had exhausted 79 weeks of jobless benefits to be eligible for up to 20 more weeks." "Aid for the long-term jobless".

"The starring role some thought was his destiny"

"Night after night for two years, Rep. Kendrick Meek forcefully built a case that Democrats had a better vision for the country. The effort helped craft a message his party used in November 2006 to regain control of the House after 12 years of Republican rule."

Now Meek is trying to make the argument for himself. He wants to jump from representing a Miami congressional district in the U.S. House to representing the state in the U.S. Senate.

Those late-night speeches helped edge him in that direction. Most of America was asleep or getting its political fix from Jon Stewart, but Washington noticed.

"It established his reputation as a fighter," said Rep. Adam Putnam, a Florida Republican.

Nancy Pelosi, who became House speaker in the Democratic takeover, heralded Meek as emblematic of a wave of young leaders, and he quickly ascended the ranks, gaining a prestigious seat on the Ways and Means Committee.

But Meek, 43, has never fully assumed the starring role some thought was his destiny.

False choice

"Who's more likely to be the champion of the common man? A multimillionaire businessman or a politician who began more than two decades of public service in 1981?" "Multimillionaire Candidate May Have Less Disconnect than Career Politician".

More Rubio teabaggery

"Tying Gov. Charlie Crist to Democrats on Capitol Hill, Republican gubernatorial candidate Marco Rubio said Florida and America are 'paying the price for a lack of leadership.' ... And challenging backsliding Republicans to stand up for free-enterprise principles, the former Florida House speaker said, 'We don't need two Democratic parties.'" "Rubio Links Crist and Democratic Agenda".

"Bits and Pieces"

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

More entrepreneurs in action

"Burned in Ponzi scheme, Nadel victims have their say".

What goes around ...

"A feud over Florida’s multi-million dollar anti-smoking ad campaign has been settled. St. John & Partners Advertising and Public Relations has withdrawn its legal challenge to a decision by the Department of Health to choose Coral Gables-based Alma DDB, a part of the large advertising firm DDB, to handle the contract. ... Alma DDB’s relationship with tobacco companies went beyond ties to its parent company. Additionally, one of the top executives at Alma DDB had listed on the company website that he once worked for British American Tobacco." "Fierce battle over state's anti-smoking ad contract ends quietly".

Wingnuts run wild

"A failed effort to fast-track Arizona-style immigration bills by state Rep. Kevin Ambler during this week’s special session has the legislator critical of his colleagues and House leadership."

Ambler — who is also a candidate for the District 12 Florida Senate seat — voted against adjourning the special session called by Gov. Charlie Crist to discuss an amendment to ban offshore oil drilling, losing to a majority of House members who closed the session without a vote on drilling or any other issue.

"Great Recession paradox"

"When Jeff Greene, a k a the Meltdown Mogul, recently brought his Democratic campaign for the United States Senate to a poor Miami neighborhood rife with the kinds of subprime mortgages that he became a billionaire betting against, did he: "

A) Arrive in a Cadillac Escalade S.U.V., before stumping for energy conservation;

B) Tell the crowd that he was “fed up and frustrated” with Washington while suggesting job-creation ideas previously proposed by Washington politicians;

C) Receive a raucous welcome as an outsider who could turn Florida around.

The answer? All of the above, of course.

Call it the Great Recession paradox. Even as voters express outrage at the insider culture of big bailouts and bonuses, their search for political saviors has led them to this: a growing crowd of über-rich candidates, comfortable in boardrooms and country clubs, spending a fortune to remake themselves into populist insurgents.

Desperate

"Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) endorsed New York congressional candidate Chris Cox Wednesday. Cox is locked in a Republican primary in New York’s 1st Congressional District. Cox, who is largely self-funding his bid, is the son of New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox and the grandson of former President Richard Nixon." "Jeb Bush backs N.Y. Republican Chris Cox for Congress".

Class size lawsuit

"The Florida Education Association, the statewide union, has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of a proposed amendment on school class sizes. ... The complaint contends the amendment cannot be lawfully submitted to voters because the ballot summary is misleading." "Education union files suit against class-size amendment". See also "Teachers union files suit to take class-size amendment off ballot".

FCAT Follies

"State slaps an extra $11.7 million fine on contractor that missed FCAT deadlines".

Fly me to Havana

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "It's possible to go to Cuba, but it sure isn't easy."

Travel restrictions, a relic of the Cold War confrontation with the communist island, tightly limit access. The policy is supposed to isolate Havana and encourage democratic reform.

Rep. Kathy Castor is right that a more open approach may bring more success. The Tampa Democrat is so far the only member of Congress from Florida to support a bill to allow free travel to Cuba.

Florida's influential Cuban-American lobby has long lobbied hard against any softening in policy. But the bill is getting broad support elsewhere, including backing from Republicans in 11 states.

Opening travel is a good idea, we think, for many reasons. It would be economically beneficial to many states, including Florida and especially Tampa.

CD 12

"Jobs, government belt-tightening and alternative energy are top priorities for candidates seeking the District 12 Congressional seat."

The district, which encompasses most of Polk County, a part of eastern Hillsborough County and a sliver of western Osceola County, is represented by Adam Putnam, a Republican, who is running for state agriculture commissioner.

District 12 is a mix of suburban and rural areas, mostly occupied by a conservative base with a strong Republican presence.

The race has five candidates: two Republicans, two Democrats and one from the Tea Party.

Yaaawwwnnn

"More jobs, tax cuts key for three Republicans in House District 83 race".

"Why would McCollum interfere"?

Steve Bousquet: "Bill McCollum is in the fight of his life in a Republican primary for governor against Rick Scott, the guy with the checkbook on steroids."

McCollum needs every last Republican vote he can find, especially in a big place like Hillsborough County.

So why would McCollum interfere in a Republican primary for a Tampa state Senate seat and distort the record of one of the candidates, Rep. Kevin Ambler?

He wouldn't, his campaign says, insisting that McCollum has done nothing of the kind.

But it looks different to Ambler.

See for yourself.

The concert pianist agin' the attorney

"Two political newcomers are vying to challenge Republican incumbent Gus Bilirakis in November for the District 9 congressional seat. Retired concert pianist Anita de Palma is running against attorney Phil Hindahl in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary. " "Rookie Dems vie in District 9".

Florida Political News: July 23, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Fri Jul 23, 2010 at 15:07:52 PM EDT

McCollum likes some bailouts, his own

"Sagging in the polls and running on empty, GOP gubernatorial candidate takes state subsidy" "The Taxpayer Bailout of Bill McCollum".

Castor breaks ranks

"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, is signing onto a bill that would lift decades-old travel restrictions to Cuba, becoming the first member from Florida to do so."

"Now is the time to remove the obstacles and hassles that have prevented Cuban Americans without direct family ties and other Floridians from traveling to Cuba, and for our region to reap the benefits that freedom of travel can bring,'' Castor said of the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, which was authored by Rep. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass.

But her position puts her at odds with what has been the standard line among Florida's congressional delegation.

"Jeb Bush Quietly Raises His Profile"

The best news for Dems in quite a while is that the man who makes "people cringe" "has been slowly, quietly, but certainly raising his profile. He gave a feisty interview to a New York Times political writer in June in which he said his older brother probably would not respond to President Obama's continued attempts to draw contrasts between his own administration and the previous one. Jeb defended his brother and predicted only one term for President Obama, who he compared to 'Hubert Humphrey on steroids.'" "Will Jeb Bush Set Sights on the White House?"

David Letterman:

The brother of former President George Bush, Jeb Bush, is running for president. Yep, and the campaign slogan is, 'I'm going to finish what my brother started.' So Jeb Bush is running for president. I don't know about the rest of the country, but thank God, ladies and gentlemen, the comedy recession is over!

"Bizarre attack ad"

"A Florida State University student heads a group that sent out a mailer faulting a congressional candidate for the Gulf oil spill because he once worked for the Department of Energy." "Student's bizarre attack ad targets Democrat Joe Garcia".

Fed tax credit helping

"Tax credit spurs boom in home sales".

Tea Party = Chamber = Rubio

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is backing Marco Rubio's bid for the Senate, pledging to help the tea party-favored candidate emerge from a tight three-way race in Florida."

The organization plans a Saturday rally in Orlando to announce Rubio, a former state House speaker, as its latest candidate to benefit from some $75 million the business group plans to spend on political campaigns this fall. The organization declined to detail how it would help Rubio but it is already airing ads aggressive against Democratic Senate candidates in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Fl-oil-duh

"The nation's biggest travel trade group said the BP oil spill will cost the tourism industry between $7.6 billion and $22.7 billion, with most of the economic damage falling on Florida's shoulders." "Florida may lose billions in tourism".

"Work to permanently choke off the oil well that had been spewing into the Gulf of Mexico was at a standstill Friday after ships around the site were ordered to evacuate ahead of the approaching Tropical Storm Bonnie." "Oil spill work on hold as Bonnie approaches".

See also "Some areas of the Gulf reopened", "Brewing storm races toward BP's leaky well; Spill chief says capped well holding up, will remain in place during storm", "Feds Open 26,000+ Miles of the Gulf to Fishing", "No oil tax relief expected in Palm Beach County" and "Warnings and watches posted from Palm Beach County down through Keys for Tropical Storm Bonnie".

"The Legislature's neglect"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "With Congress finally passing the federal extension to unemployment compensation benefits and the president expected to sign it, about 250,000 Floridians whose benefits had run out over the past couple of months will soon be tossed a financial lifeline. But some Floridians will be needlessly left behind because of the Legislature's neglect."

During Tuesday's special session debacle, Democrats pleaded with Republican leaders to consider the issue and were disregarded. Getting something accomplished would have ruined House Speaker Larry Cretul's Crist-bashing party. The Ocala Republican blamed Crist for wasting taxpayers' money on a worthless special session. Now lawmakers may have to return to Tallahassee — and cost taxpayers — again.

HD 85

"Two political newcomers are vying to win the Republican primary next month and seize a chance to oust Democratic state Rep. Joseph Abruzzo from his District 85 seat."

The candidates, both steeped in religious schooling, have different views about several issues, with the clearest difference on the controversial issue of illegal immigration.

Tami Donnally, a religious school administrator in Greenacres, said she would support state legislation similar to Arizona's new immigration law, which will require police, while enforcing other laws, to check a person's immigration status if there's a reasonable suspicion that they are here illegally.

"If you're stopped for something, you have to produce paperwork," she said. "That makes sense to me."

Her opponent, D.J. DeRenzo, said he wouldn't support such a law in Florida.

Herald AG endorsements

The Miami Herald editorial board makes its attorney general recommendations. See also "Republican AG Candidates Set to Debate July 31" and "Dave Aronberg, Dan Gelber Talk About Everybody's Business".

Bought and paid for

"Senate President Jeff Atwater of North Palm Beach, Republican candidate for chief financial officer, announced Thursday that he has more than $2.1 million in the bank for his campaign. He now enjoys a healthy financial advantage over his Democratic rival in the CFO race, former Rep. Loranne Ausley of Tallahassee." "Atwater Holds Strong Financial Advantage vs. Democrat Ausley in CFO Race".

"Bizarre foam"

"Beyond the fish kill: St. Johns River now also plagued by bizarre foam". In the meantime, the Teabaggers struggle to find the word "foam" in the U.S. Constitution.

"One of the most flawed candidates in history"

"With a new poll showing Bill McCollum's hopes fading in the Republican primary for governor and Rick Scott inundating him with a tidal wave of television ads, McCollum is fighting back with his best weapon – attacking the Medicare fraud history of Scott's former hospital company."

McCollum strategist Shannon Gravitte said ...

"It's inconceivable that Florida Republicans would elect a man whose claim to fame is having orchestrated the largest taxpayer ripoff in history," ...

"The only people celebrating if Rick Scott emerges from this primary are the Democrats, who will face one of the most flawed candidates in the history of Florida politics."

Live and in person

"Republican Rick Scott seemed to push the right buttons Thursday, appearing before about 300 Sarasota County GOP activists, calling for tougher immigration laws, a smaller state government and turning Florida into a hub of job creation." "Scott No Longer Just on TV, But on Campaign Trail".

Wingnuts run wild

"Opponents to the 'Health Care Freedom Act' says court has no authority to change wording." "State offers compromise move to keep Amendment 9 on ballot".

Entrepreneur in action

"Sarasota man found guilty of $37 million Ponzi scheme".

Will Rubio disavow Teabaggers?

TPM: "Remember back in the day, one of the reasons Trent Lott got into trouble after his Strom Thurmond comments was that it turned out he had long-standing ties to a neo-segregationist group called the "Council of Conservative Citizens", the successor group to the White Citizens Councils from the Civil Rights Era. "

Well it turns out that the good folks from the CofCC have been setting up shop at Tea Party events down in Florida. And now a prominent leader of the Florida CofCC is lambasting the Tea Party for not embracing the NAACP's claim the Tea Party is a racist group.

Of course the Tea Party is racist, crowed a blog post on the Council's website yesterday -- and it would be proud of its racism if it weren't wussy.

The post was written by James Edwards, a radio show host and author of Racism Schmacism. ...

Edwards is right. The Tea Party is hiding the truth about itself: Racist groups are quietly welcomed at its starchy street fairs, even right here in Florida.

Last January, a state chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens (CCC) set up shop at a Tea Party rally in Invernness, Citrus County. Senate candidate and Tea-Party darling Marco Rubio headlined the event, while the CCC handed out pamphlets and swag.

The rich are different

"Belize said Jeff Greene's [145-foot luxury] yacht damaged a coral reef, racking up $1.87 million in unpaid fines." "Jeff Greene denies his anchor damaged reef".

Perhaps she has a point

This is off topic: "A legislative candidate from Wisconsin can't use a profane, racially charged phrase to describe herself on the ballot, an election oversight board decided Wednesday."

Ieshuh Griffin, an independent running for a downtown Milwaukee seat in the state Assembly, wants to use the phrase, "NOT the 'whiteman's b----.'"

But the state's Government Accountability Board voted to bar that wording, agreeing with a staff recommendation that it is pejorative and therefore not allowed.

State law allows independent candidates to have five words describing themselves placed after their names on the ballot as long as it's not pejorative, profane, discriminatory or includes an obscene word or phrase.

Griffin, who is black, argued her case to the five white, retired judges on the board that regulates elections. She said the phrase was protected free speech.

"Say it ain't so"

Bill Cotterell: "What's this? Political people playing political games in an election year? Say it ain't so."

Tuesday, the serious thinkers of the Florida Legislature convened a special session at the behest of Gov. Charlie Crist. So did about 140 other House and Senate members.

Crist wanted a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot to ban offshore oil drilling. The Republican leaders of the Legislature wanted a new governor but, since that can't happen until January, they settled for kicking Crist around for a couple of hours before wandering off.

Each side got what it wanted.

Gay hater

"Conservative Christian activist Jack Thompson -- who once had to prove his sanity to the Florida Supreme Court -- isn't crazy about Robert Kuntz's candidacy for Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge. Thompson is fuming that Kuntz, 50, an attorney who is an elder at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church in Palmetto Bay, sought and accepted an endorsement from Unity Coalition, a local Hispanic gay-rights group." "Activist rips judge candidate over endorsement".

GOVERNOR, DO THE RIGHT THING...2nd Request

by: Robert McKnight

Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 16:52:04 PM EDT

About 6 weeks ago, I suggested that Governor Crist do the right thing and resign as Governor so he can do full time that which he is doing rather poorly now, and that is running for the U.S. Senate as an Independent.  My rationale:

1.  Since he has no party infastructure and financial support, help for his campaign is hard to come by.

2.  And since he is a sitting Governor, albeit a "lame duck, he is finding the temptation to seek publicity....even ill advised publicity overly tempting.

3.  An example was to insist on holding the expensive 1 Hour Special Session, even though he was very aware in advance there was not legislative leadership support for his agenda.

4.  If that was not embarrassing enough and EXPENSIVE FOR TAXPAYERS, he then insulted everyone's intelligence by holding a press conference over a do nothing executive order that even the Tax Assessors Association said was meaningless.

5.  Governor...please get hold of yourself, and heed this request...the second in 6 weeks, as written in Fla Politics.  And don't forget Lt. Governor Kottkamp has the same conflict and temptation, just not as obvious as yours, so make sure he resigns also.

GOVERNOR, PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING...2nd REQUEST.

Florida Political News: July 22, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 10:00:19 AM EDT

McCollum, Scott fight helping Sink

"The biggest winner in the Republican gubernatorial ad war roaring on the airwaves could be one of the candidates spending the least: Democrat Alex Sink."

Republicans Rick Scott and Bill McCollum are scheduled to pour more than $34 million into television ads — mostly bashing each other — through this week. But a new poll out Wednesday suggests both men's attacks are breeding explosive levels of voter dissatisfaction about Scott and McCollum.

The two candidates are squaring off in a bare-knuckles Aug. 24 primary that has seen each side accuse the other of profiting from abortions and trying to one-up each other on cracking down against illegal immigration. Scott's adds sneer that McCollum is a "career politician"; McCollum's say Scott was involved in "the biggest Medicare fraud in American history."

The Democratic firm's survey suggested that 23 percent of the overall electorate had a favorable impression of Scott, while 41 percent had an unfavorable one.

The voter snapshot was even worse news for McCollum. The poll found 16 percent of the electorate viewed the 20-year Longwood congressman and sitting state attorney general favorably, while a whopping 51 percent had a poor impression of him. The survey's margin of error is plus or minus 3.26 percentage points.

527 attack

"Buoyed by another $140,000 this week from Freedom First Committee (state Sen. Mike Haridopolos’ 527), Florida First Initiative released Tuesday a new television ad attacking his rival, Rick Scott, on his tenure as CEO of Columbia/HCA, the largest for-profit hospital chain in the U.S. Florida First Initiative has associations with Scott’s opponent, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum." "New 527 ad attacks Rick Scott’s past as CEO of Columbia/HCA".

More Pruitt?

"Ken Pruitt: Maybe Soon, Right Back Where He Belongs".

"Cretul was especially callous"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "If what was on display in Tallahassee Tuesday qualifies as leadership then Florida is a rudderless ship in perilous seas. In just two hours the Legislature convened, decided to not even debate Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed constitutional amendment banning oil drilling 10 miles off Florida's coast and adjourned."

House Speaker Larry Cretul was especially callous in brushing aside Senate President Jeff Atwater's attempt to add economic relief to the agenda. Instead, he created six committees to study economic relief proposals and then appointed some of the House's least experienced lawmakers to chair them. What does this say about Mr. Cretul's concern for Panhandle residents who have seen their tourist season fizzle because of the oil churning in the Gulf?

Bad stocks

"When he was a state legislator, Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek failed to disclose his stock ownership in a medical-waste company that eventually went bankrupt and whose officials were accused of cooking the books. Meek's campaign said the stock was worthless when he left the board of Miami Lakes-based Med/Waste in 2000." "Kendrick Meek failed to disclose stock".

"Partially plagiarized"?

"With one month left in the costly and caustic Republican gubernatorial primary, the leading candidates both tramped across voter-rich Miami on Wednesday, with Rick Scott rolling out his long-awaited economic plan and Bill McCollum dismissing it as 'partially plagiarized.'" "Bill McCollum, Rick Scott duel in Miami-Dade". See also "Will voters be buying Rick Scott?".

Fl-oil-duh

"Crist signed an executive order Wednesday that could give homeowners and businesses in the Florida Panhandle stronger footing to seek financial relief from plummeting home values as a result of the BP oil spill." "Crist orders 'interim' valuations of property affected by BP spill". Related: "Gov. Crist signs executive order to help property owners send tab to BP", "Crist orders counties to reconsider property tax bills in wake of oil spill" and "Crist wants damage estimates".

See also "For oil spill victims, fair compensation requires a crystal ball", "Storm system unlikely to pose big threat; heavy rain forecast", "Report critical of the BP claims process", "Oil spill workgroup leaders not from Panhandle", "Storm system may hit us, then impact oil-spill cleanup" and "Ships ready to leave leaky well as storm brews".

Brown-Waite at the trough

"Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite raised more than $120,000 in the months before she made the surprise announcement that she wouldn't seek re-election because of health reasons."

Brown-Waite's impending retirement didn't curb her campaign spending, either.

In the first three months of the year, she spent more than $65,000. Those disbursements included $24,500 spent on voter surveys and direct mail. In the second quarter, she spent more than $30,000 on fundraising consultants.

Dave Levinthal, spokesman for the nonpartisan watchdog group Center for Responsive Politics, said Brown-Waite's actions may have been legal, but they didn't follow the spirit of campaign laws.

"It seems to be a legitimate question to ask why someone would be spending time and resources fundraising when, in their mind, they're no longer a candidate," Levinthal said. "It's definitely not typical to conduct a campaign that way."

Campaign finance records show Brown-Waite used her campaign credit card liberally, paying for airline tickets, expensive dinners in Vail, Colo., and a night at the swanky Ritz Carlton hotel in Washington D.C. Since January, her campaign charged nearly $8,500.

He "received a check the next day"

"When a Democratic National Committee member sent an e-mail asking whom he should support in the Democratic Senate primary, at least one result came quickly."

The DNC member, Jon Ausman of Tallahassee, received a check the next day from the campaign of billionaire candidate Jeff Greene, hiring Ausman for political consultation and strategy.

Six days after that, Ausman announced his endorsement in another e-mail: He was endorsing Greene.

He signed the endorsement e-mail as a DNC member but didn't mention that he was being paid by Greene. He says he provided 35,000 e-mail addresses in exchange for the money.

Federal handout, please

"Florida's citrus industry didn't get much help from the Legislature or Gov. Charlie Crist this year. Growers are hoping for better results in Washington, D.C." "Florida Citrus Industry Looks to Capitol Hill for Help".

Blah, blah, blah

"With the House and Senate adjourning instead of forwarding a proposed constitutional amendment banning oil drilling in Florida waters, candidates for statewide office promptly offered their opinions on the Legislature’s quick session." "Charlie Crist, Statewide Candidates Sound Off on Short Legislative Session". See also "Who's to blame for session meltdown?".

River talk

"Roundtable discussion of St. Johns River pollution receives mixed reviews".

Unemployment comp fix

"State Rep. Kevin Rader, D-Bonyton Beach, is making good on the vow he made Tuesday to pressure Gov. Charlie Crist to address a Florida statute snafu that will prevent some unemployed Floridians from receiving recently extended federal unemployment benefits." "State Rep. Kevin Rader formalizes his appeal to Crist for Florida unemployment fix".

"Millionaire's amendment" appeal

"Republican candidate for governor Rick Scott submitted his appeal brief to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta at noon Tuesday, claiming that the federal district court's argument was flawed when it upheld the Florida law on public campaign finance in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the 'millionaire's amendment' as an attempt to level the playing field." "Rick Scott files legal challenge to public campaign finance law".

Circumventing voting rights

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The public’s deep distrust of government helped fuel Amendment 4, the so-called 'Hometown Democracy' initiative on the November ballot. St. Petersburg is only feeding that distrust with a deceitful maneuver designed to circumvent residents’ voting rights if Amendment 4 becomes part of the Florida Constitution. City officials should work to defeat the amendment on its merits, not design a sneaky way to circumvent it." "A deceitful ploy".

A Hillsborough thing

Howard Troxler: "Joe Redner at 70 radiates health and serenity. And why not? He put his demons behind him years ago; he presides over a diversified business empire. He seems to be a happy man. Of course Redner is most known for his marquee, world-famous business, the Mons Venus nude-dancing club on Dale Mabry Highway." "Once more unto the breach for Joe Redner".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Craigslist scheme preying on unsuspecting Florida renters".

Florida's Fraudulent GOP & Their Fiscal Fickleness

by: jdwolverton

Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 08:03:59 AM EDT

Sink jumps into the lead

by: Florida Politics

Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 17:53:15 PM EDT

Florida Political News: July 21, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 10:43:54 AM EDT

"'Tone-deaf' and 'twiddling their thumbs'"


"In dramatic political theater, the Republican-led Florida Legislature rejected Gov. Charlie Crist's call for a constitutional amendment to ban oil drilling near Florida's shores, calling it a 'simple solution designed to produce sound bites, photo ops and political attacks.'"

A special session called by Crist lasted just 49 minutes in the state House — from 12:02 p.m. to 12:51 p.m. — before legislators beat a path out of Tallahassee without any hearings or votes, despite objections from Democrats and state senators from both parties.

On a patch of grass behind the Alden Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, representatives from business and environmental interests gathered Tuesday after the legislative special session had ended to blast state lawmakers for their inaction.

"The Florida Legislature today, in an act of cowardice, decided to ignore the people of Florida and, moreover, they said we cannot trust the people of Florida," said Fred Jackalone, director of Sierra Club Florida.

Jackalone blames the oil industry for having a "big foothold" in Tallahassee.

Robin Grabowski, executive director of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, said she is disappointed Florida residents won't get a chance to voice their opinion on drilling off the Florida coast.

When Florida's legislators quickly gaveled in and gaveled out their special session Tuesday, they also walked away from an opportunity to deliver tax breaks and economic relief to businesses struggling in the oil-ravaged regions of the state. ...

They ignored a request by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink to streamline the claims process and require BP to respond to claimants in 15 days, just as insurance companies do after a hurricane.

And they rejected calls from legal experts who want the state to strengthen the laws detailing BP's responsibility for paying for its pollution and economic damages.

Sink, a Democrat and candidate for governor, accused lawmakers of being "tone-deaf'' and "twiddling their thumbs.''

Cretul said Crist's "surprise proclamation" allowed "too little time for reflection and review" of the proposal - which is nonsense.

The task was profoundly simple: Approve a referendum to prohibit drilling in state waters - three to 10 miles off the coast - and let voters decide.

Last year, Cretul and his fellow House leaders didn't worry about allowing time for reflection when they launched a surprise late-session plan to allow drilling off our beaches. The proposal was devised by the oil industry and railroaded through the House with virtually no public discussion. Fortunately for the people of Florida, the state Senate refused to go along.

And yet Cretul now has the gall to attack Crist because he wants to give citizens a voice on the critical decision.

Poll shows Crist ahead

"Public Policy Polling (PPP) released a poll Tuesday showing that Gov. Charlie Crist, an independent candidate in the race for the U.S. Senate election, is the clear leader in the race. Crist came in with 35 percent support, while former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the likely Republican candidate, pulls second at 29 percent and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, a Democrat, places a distant third with 17 percent. Libertarian candidate Alex Snitker is fourth with 4 percent. The poll found 15 percent undecided." "New Poll Finds Charlie Crist Leads Marco Rubio in U.S. Senate Race".

Tea-foolery

"Organizers expect a big turnout at a rally to oppose the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico." "Rally opposing drilling moratorium scheduled".

May God have mercy ...

"Prominent conservative media critic Dan Gainor has offered $100 to the first member of Congress who punches 'smary [sic] idiot' Alan Grayson (D-Fl.) in the nose, reports Media Matters." "Right-Wing Media Critic Offers Cash For Assault On Congressman Alan Grayson".

"The oiliest things in Tallahassee"

Scott Maxwell: "The oiliest things in Tallahassee have always been the politicians. And there ain't a well cap big enough to stop all the hot air, hypocrisy and money-wasting that were oozing through the capital this week."

Bold leadership for tough times.

Still, they had to offer some sort of explanation for why they weren't doing anything. And heaven knows the last thing they wanted to do was tell the truth — that many of them still want to drill, baby, drill.

So instead, they decided to trot out an allegedly philosophical objection — that a constitutional ban on drilling was unnecessary because drilling is already banned in this state.

It sounded good … if only they hadn't argued precisely the opposite a few years ago. That was back when some of these same guys they were fighting mightily to constitutionally ban gay marriage … even though that, too, was already banned by state law.

Renewable energy hopes

"Senate President says he is still hopeful that renewable energy legislation can be considered this summer." "Light has not yet gone out for renewable energy supporters".

Fl-oil-duh

"Scientists huddled Tuesday to analyze data from the ocean floor as they weigh whether a leaking well cap is a sign BP's broken oil well is buckling. They aren't sure whether the leaks mean the cap that stopped the flow last week is making things worse. Meanwhile, as Floridians see their white sand beaches getting fouled by the spill, many are angry at their Gulf Coast neighbors for allowing offshore drilling." "Is well cap making disaster worse?; Resentment, oil wash ashore in Florida".

See also "Pressure readings still not perfect for Gulf oil well", "Relief tunnel should reach Gulf well by weekend", "A Coast Guard lab blasts tar balls to smithereens to see if they're from BP's spill or a ship's bil", "Will tourists return to Panhandle when oil stops?", "BP's altered photo distorts spill center activity" and "Messy cleanup of BP oil spill damages the Gulf".

Rubio opposes unemployment comp

"Joining his party leaders -- and clashing with his senatorial opponents -- Marco Rubio opposes extending unemployment benefits for jobless Americans."

Florida's unemployment rate may be stuck in the double digits, but Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio is standing with his party leaders in Washington in opposing the extension of unemployment benefits for millions of jobless Americans.

For Republicans to use the jobless as pawns in a partisan fight over deficit spending only made life more difficult for struggling families and ignored economic realities.

Unemployment rates decreased a bit in Florida and 38 other states in June, but other economic indicators suggest the nation is far from out of the woods. New residential construction declined in June nationwide, and recent earnings reports from banks and several big companies have been disappointing. In Florida, the unemployment rate has dropped for the third straight month, but more than 1 million residents are searching for work and the BP oil spill has created further uncertainty.

Entrepreneurs in action

"Palm Beach County firm and president charged in time-share fraud case".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Rick Scott, hoping to take the Republican nomination for governor away from Attorney General Bill McCollum, took what looked like a step in that direction Tuesday, getting a warm reception in his first appearance before the Hillsborough County Republican Party." "Local GOP activists like Scott's message".

Tell that to my kids

"Cutting class sizes isn't worth expense".

The Mike Mansfield Message

by: Robert McKnight

Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 12:12:29 PM EDT

Listening to the many candidate interviews today can be somewhat bewildering...what did they say?  What are they talking about?  But now back to the question I asked you?  I cited in my book, The Golden Years...The Florida Legislature, '70s and '80s, one of the best ever at answering reporter's questions clearly and directly--former U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader,  Mike Mansfield (D., Montana).

When asked a question, the Leader would typically resond with a simple "yes," or "no," or "maybe."  His communication skills were so effective that former President Bill Clinton appointed the Senator to the critical positon of U.S. Ambassador to China.  When is the last time you can recall a politican answer a question with a direct, no added verbosity, answer?

If only the candidates would take the time to look back at the experiences of those who served before them...inlcuding the Mansfield Message.

Florida Political News: July 20, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 10:37:13 AM EDT

RPOFers will "gavel in, gavel out" and turn tail

"House expected to gavel in, gavel out and return home" "Special session on drilling ban set for quick non-action". See also "House Looks Set to Pull Plug Quickly on Session".

Meanwhile, "as Gov. Charlie Crist worked the phones Monday seeking legislative support for his proposed constitutional amendment to ban oil drilling, polls showed public favor for it may be rising."

The four-day special session called by the governor begins at noon Tuesday and is expected to end a few brief hours later. But while the Republican-led Legislature prepared to squash the governor's plan and rob him of a victory he can use in his bid to win the U.S. Senate seat, they may take a political hit in the process.

Protesters from oil-ravaged regions of the state are heading to the Capitol Tuesday and dozens of business owners, restaurant workers, defense industry contractors and hotel operators from Northwest Florida plan to sit in the House gallery as lawmakers reject the drilling ban. ...

But according to recent public opinion polls, Crist appears more in line with the public than legislators. A poll released Monday by Progress Florida, a liberal group supporting the oil ban, showed that 71 percent of Florida voters want the chance to vote on the issue and 50 percent of those surveyed oppose drilling within 10 miles of Florida's coast.

Mike Haridopolos, Incoming Senate president, R-Melbourne, supported more drilling before the BP spill and pushed to lift the ban in state law. Now he has switched positions. How can voters be sure he won't switch again after the election? ...

Dean Cannon, Incoming House speaker, R-Winter Park, was a strong drilling advocate and passed a bill last year to lift the ban in state law. He says he won't try again. So why does he oppose allowing voters to decide whether to put the ban into the Constitution?

Myriam Marquez: "The poisoned atmosphere in Tallahassee after Crist left the GOP to run as an independent will only get worse this week." "Call for ban on drilling reeks of opportunism".

Latest polling

"An upcoming survey of the Florida Senate race by Public Policy Polling (D) finds that if Gov. Charlie Crist were to win -- after he left the Republican Party to run as an independent -- his constituents would want him to caucus with the Democrats. Furthermore, this opinion is even stronger among those who actually plan to vote for him. ... The TPM Poll Average, which does not yet include this PPP survey, currently puts Crist ahead with 36.6%, Republican Marco Rubio at 32.6%, and Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek at 14.7%." "PPP Poll: Crist Voters Want Him To Caucus With The Senate Dems".

"The dirt is flying"

"The dirt is flying in Florida's race for governor. Floridians can't watch television for very long this summer without seeing GOP primary opponent Rick Scott tear down Bill McCollum, and vice versa." "Dirty diapers, huckster, political ads go negative in race for Fla. governor".

Rubio opposes Unemployment extension

Florida's Teabaggers are in a dither. They can't find the words "unemployment compensation" in the U.S. Constitution

"Florida's unemployment rate may be stuck in the double digits, but Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio is standing with his party leaders in Washington in opposing the extension of unemployment benefits for millions of jobless Americans."

Democrats are seeking to turn the unemployment benefits debate into a wedge issue against Republicans, who in turn hope to capitalize on the growing concern about the federal government's debt and spending.

Rubio picked up the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business and met with a group of small business owners Monday at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company.

The two leading Democrats in the race, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and businessman Jeff Greene of Palm Beach, favor extending jobless benefits.

"He's reading right off the hard-right song sheet,'' Meek said of Rubio.

Greene criticized Republicans for giving the wealthiest Americans billions of dollars in tax cuts, and then obstructing assistance for the unemployed.

HD 90

"It's a fight for the old stomping ground for both candidates in the Democratic primary for state Rep. Kelly Skidmore's District 90 seat. And the two aren't playing nice." "Slosberg-Klasfeld fight for House District 90 Democratic primary getting nasty". See also "State House, District 90: The job and the candidates".

Fl-oil-duh

"Ever since the cap was used to bottle up the oil last week, engineers have been watching underwater cameras and monitoring pressure and seismic readings to see whether the well would hold or spring a new leak, perhaps one that could rupture the sea floor and make the disaster even worse." "Feds look past oil leaking from BP's cap".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The eye of the oil spill: Major cleanup and legislative issues remain.". More: "BP Continues To Test Well Cap, Seepage Found To Be Unrelated", "Coast Guard Taking Lead in Florida Oil Spill Operations", "U.S. keeps pressure on BP over oil spill seepage" and "In Fla., resentment washes ashore along with oil".

"Sink is running under the radar"

"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink is running under the radar while Republican rivals Bill McCollum and Rick Scott bloody each other for the right to face her Nov. 2." "Alex Sink Banks on Women's Vote in Gubernatorial Race".

Charlie blames the GOPers

"While no real legislative action seems likely to come of the special session, the showdown has become a signal event in Mr. Crist's campaign for the U.S. Senate and in his transformation from a rising Republican star to a political free agent." "In 2010 Florida Senate Race, Charlie Crist Uses GOP as New Foil". Related "The Resurrection of Charlie Crist".

"Florida remains the Deepwater Horizon of Medicare corruption"

Carl Hiaasen: "South Florida remains the Deepwater Horizon of Medicare corruption in the United States, and the gusher is getting worse. No other place even comes close to matching the number of crooked health-care businesses, or the immense dollar amounts that wind up in the pockets of criminals." "Medicare corruption gusher worsens".

How convenieeent

"Among the property owners taking part in a groundbreaking, $89 million sale of development rights to further restoration of the Everglades is the huge and, in political circles, well-known Blue Head Ranch. The 68,000-acre ranch, along Fisheating Creek in rural Highlands County, is owned by a corporation run by state Sen. J.D. Alexander, R- Lake Wales, chairman of the Legislature's powerful Ways and Means Committee." "Senator's family key in $89M deal to protect Everglades tributary".

Florida Political News: July 19, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 07:45:43 AM EDT

Special session

Steve Bousquet and Mary Ellen Klas: "This week's special session of the Legislature is expected to generate more anger about the governor and his political ambitions than about the Gulf spill."

Amid mounting bitterness between the independent governor and Republican legislators, a special session prompted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will open Tuesday. But rather than focus on a referendum to ban offshore drilling in the Florida Constitution, as the governor wants, the gathering is likely to be a gripe session with most of the rhetoric aimed not at BP or the oil industry, but at Crist himself.

He wants to use Tallahassee politicians as a foil, and lawmakers appear to be playing into his hands. Crist, who quit the GOP and launched an independent run for the U.S. Senate, is eager to condemn legislative inaction as more proof that partisan politics is a dismal failure.

"They put the interests of special interests or their party ideology ahead of what's right for the people,'' Crist said. "They've lost their way. They've completely lost their way, and the people know it. And if they go down this path, they'll demonstrate it in regrettable glory.''

"Jeb!" exposes his wingnut underbelly

"Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will be in Louisville for a July 26 fundraising event to benefit Republican U.S. Senate nominee Rand Paul." "Rand Paul getting fundraising help from former Florida governor Jeb Bush".

'Glades restoration

As the Teabaggers frantically try to find the word "Everglades" in the U.S. Constitution, "The federal government says it will announce a major restoration project for a portion of the Florida Everglades. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is scheduled to announce details Monday in Kissimmee. It says the project will restore and protect wetlands and improve water quality in the northern Everglades. Officials say it will provide habitat for rare and endangered species." "US set to announce Everglades restoration project". See also "Deal to be announced today to preserve nearly 26,000 acres of Everglades".

'Ya reckon?

Scott Maxwell: "Is FCAT a failure? Yes".

A "clumsy exchange"

"Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene had just finished a meeting on the Space Coast, when he was stopped by a reporter."

The governor was calling for a special session to ban offshore oil drilling, and Greene was asked if he supported a constitutional prohibition of the practice.

Greene said he opposed drilling, but he wouldn't address the constitutional question.

Then he said he hadn't given it much thought. Then he said, "I can't see why I'd be against it."

Greene turned and spoke briefly with an adviser. Then he offered up a clarification.

He was "definitely in favor" of the constitutional ban, he said. It was the best way to protect Florida's beaches.

The clumsy exchange crystallizes the challenge facing Greene.

"Hard-knocks campaign for Meek"

"It's been that kind of hard-knocks campaign for Meek, who got into the race 18 long months ago, before any other major candidate."

Who would have expected what happened next?

Marco Rubio became a Republican phenomenon, Gov. Charlie Crist reinvented himself as an independent, and a little-known Palm Beach billionaire named Jeff Greene became a Democratic contender.

A shoe-leather campaign that collected 125,000 voter signatures hasn't taken Meek farther than a distant third place in the polls, behind Crist and Rubio, and with Greene closing in.

So five weeks before the primary, the Miami congressman finds himself shoring up support in his own backyard. His seven stops on Sunday included a gospel music-infused church in Lauderdale Lakes, a Miami union hall, and heavily Democratic condominiums in Aventura, Sunrise and Deerfield Beach. Vouching for Meek at most of the stops was Debbie Wasserman Schultz, his popular Democratic colleague representing South Florida in Congress.

AG

"Dave Aronberg, Dan Gelber Find Failings in Federal Immigration Policy".

Luvin' the billionaire

"As part of his outreach for contributions and counsel as an independent U.S. Senate candidate, Gov. Charlie Crist recently had a tete-a-tete with New York billionaire Tom Golisano" "Crist Cozies Up to New York Billionaire".

Teabaggers = RPOF = McCollum

Will Florida's traditional media ever get around to asking Billy what he thinks about the Teabaggers? After all, he is the Teabagger fav:

"Bill McCollum may not be the flashy politician that a lot of people are looking for right now, but he's the consistent conservative," said Everett Wilkinson, chairman of the South Florida Tea Party. "He's shown his leadership."

As Grayson yawns ...

"Bruce O'Donoghue of Winter Park — one of the leading candidates trying to unseat Democrat firebrand U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson — told the Orlando Sentinel that he's the victim of a former employee who embezzled from his company."

O'Donoghue is one of seven Republicans in the Aug. 24 Republican primary in Florida's 8th Congressional District. The winner will face Grayson and Florida Tea Party candidate Peg Dunmire in the general election.

Fl-oil-duh

"BP now faces a Herculean task of cleaning up the region's oily mess. While BP has hired thousands of people to boom, skim and burn large amounts of crude, the bulk of an estimated 200 million gallons of oil that spewed into the water is actually beyond human reach. As a result, the ultimate cleanup will be left to nature and to colonies of oil-chomping microbes." "Nature's burden: Clean up bulk of spill".

See also "Gulf forecast: Cloudy with a chance of tar balls", "RICO law made to combat Mafia used in BP lawsuits", "Where will spilled Gulf oil go? Three months later, officials and residents are still asking" and "Seep near oil well prompts demand for BP monitors".

"Only thing missing is a No. 1 foam finger"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Some candidates cling to the idea that businesses will flock to Florida if only it had a tax climate even more favorable than it already does. Rick Joyce, the former president and co-CEO of Dixon Ticonderoga, and Republican candidate for state House, crowed that "exceptionalism" is being No. 1, not No. 5, though it isn't helping Nevada all that much. The only thing missing is a No. 1 foam finger." "Tax cut sound bites".

Florida Political News: July 18, 2010

by: Florida Politics

Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 11:16:41 AM EDT

FlaDems "handed a golden political opportunity"

"Florida Democrats showcased their 'new face' for the 2010 campaign season Saturday with predictions that the economy, corruption and the Gulf oil spill will persuade voters to reject the Republicans who have run the state for almost 20 years."

If the Republican-controlled Legislature rejects Gov. Charlie Crist's call for a constitutional amendment banning offshore oil drilling in Florida waters, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said Democrats will be handed a golden political opportunity.

RPOFer/Teabagger Simpleton

"Florida GOP Senate candidate Marco Rubio is out with a new web video laying out the argument that his recently released '12 simple ideas to grow the economy and create jobs' are smart simply because MSNBC host Rachel Maddow disagrees with them." "Marco Rubio: If Rachel Maddow Says I'm Wrong, Then I Must Be Right".

Jefferson-Jackson

"State Democrats rally around candidates". See also "Democrats raise $700K for state party at Hollywood dinner".

Jeb-worship

Mike Thomas, who always has had "A Bush of his own", parrots Bushco talking points yet again this morning in "Is FCAT a failure? No".

Mikey's "evidence"? Well, you know, those mystical, unidentified "piles of data". For a related story, with a privatization kicker, see Michael Mayo's "Test company deserves 'F' for this year's FCAT".

"Cristophobia"

Thomas Tryon: "Republicans in Florida's Legislature have developed a bad case of Cristophobia."

This "disease," based on my observations and according to the definition I've conjured up, has observable and well-defined symptoms, including:

Obsessive and long-lasting reactions to Charlie Crist's exit from the Republican Party and his independent run for U.S. Senate.

Anxiety over Crist's prospects of winning the Senate race.

Compulsive attempts to undermine almost anything Crist does as governor.

Petulant acts of retribution -- even when they may lead to alienation and the potential for severe loss.

Cristophobia is not a disease, of course; it's a political disorder.

Make it Sink's special session

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board write that "it would be unconscionable for Mr. Crist and the Legislature to ignore Floridians facing a crisis on par with a major hurricane. Now. In this session."

Yet consumed by his desire to keep Mr. Crist from scoring a political triumph with his constitutional drilling ban — something he knows Mr. Crist would hawk in his independent run for U.S. Senate — Mr. Cretul signaled he won't entertain other drilling-related business. At least not till he and Senate President Jeff Atwater convene when they're good and ready — perhaps in September — another special session addressing remedies for the spill.

Mr. Cretul says the remedies issues are too complex to successfully address in a special session next week. But he, other lawmakers and their staffs have had months to devise plans dealing with the Gulf disaster. What have they been doing since it began way back on April 20? Or since early June when oil starting soiling Florida's beaches?

Ms. Sink's include providing tax rebates for residential property owners hit by the spill. Temporary tourism tax incentives applied to coastal businesses harmed by the spill would help. Mr. Gaetz would allow coastal Northwest homeowners to revise tax bills to account for depressed property values due to the spill.

Lawmakers have the ability to help thousands of Floridians. Now. But that presents a problem for Mr. Cretul, who believes that allowing Mr. Crist's constitutional amendment to collapse without other bills blocking the view is what's best for Florida.

Scott

"Candidate Scott stumps door-to-door in Broward".

"Streamlined voting stacks races on ballots "

"'Be careful what you wish for ...' The old proverb has come to mind more than once for Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall as her office prepares for an Aug. 24 primary that will include more than 100 different ballot scenarios. "

Two years ago, McFall lobbied Volusia's cities to switch to even-numbered election years, and most signed on, creating up to $300,000 in savings for the cash-strapped local governments while also promising higher voter turnouts now that they'll be paired with races for governor, Congress and others.

But there's a price to that kind of efficiency. Adding cities to ballots already crowded with federal, state, judicial and county races is stretching resources thin -- while threatening to test the patience of voters.

Fl-oil-duh

"BP will continue running tests on the gusher in the Gulf, which has been temporarily plugged by a containment cap." "Plug still working, but tests continue".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The presidential commission investigating the BP oil disaster needs to work fast over the next six months to answer three critical questions: What caused the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig to explode and sink in April, unleashing hundreds of millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico? How competent is the oil and gas industry to drill in deep water? And what tools and regulatory authority does the government need to make drilling safer and to better respond in a crisis?" "Panel investigating BP needs to work fast".

See also "For US, ongoing battle against changing oil 'Blob'", "Oil is plugged, but for how long? No sign of leaks, but data puzzles scientists", "Fail Whale: Giant Oil Skimmer Won't Work In Gulf Spill Cleanup", "Scientists get another day to study Gulf spill cap" and "".

Don't forget the RPOF's pre-spill drilling fervor

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Legislative leaders such as incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos and incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon didn't want the session because it will highlight their pre-disaster fervor to allow drilling within 3 miles of Florida beaches. In 2009, they almost got the Legislature to approve drilling. That near success and the suspicion they'll bring it back when the current disaster subsides provide the best case to put anti-drilling language into the state constitution. The deadline to make this year's ballot is Aug. 4. Making it, especially in the face of GOP resistance, is doubtful." "The eye of the oil spill: Major cleanup and legislative issues remain.".

Special session doublespeak

Howard Troxler writes that, "if the Legislature really thinks the right thing to do about the oil spill is 'nothing,' then by all means, do it."

Of course, doing nothing this week means no immediate help for the Panhandle and Floridians already hurt by the spill. Maybe later, the Legislature says.

It also means not using the opportunity to talk about alternative energy or Florida's energy future. We have been bizarrely paralyzed on this subject for years.

Most of all, it means Florida voters will not get to vote in November on whether to amend our state Constitution to ban drilling in Florida waters.

Because that would be "smoke and mirrors," and a waste of time, and all that.

One House member, a Republican from Oviedo named Sandy Adams, even announced she is filing a motion to censure (that is, formally reprimand) Crist for calling the session. Her idea was trumpeted by the House Republican office via a news release.

Adams (who, as it happens, is running for Congress) wants Crist rebuked for "the unnecessary spending of taxpayer dollars for a special session set solely to enact a redundant constitutional amendment banning an activity already banned by Florida law," the GOP statement said.

Well.

There's Amendment 9, for one. That's the one that declares that laws such as the big federal health-care reform, often called "Obamacare," will not count in Florida.

Not only is Amendment 9 constitutionally dubious, it is an entirely political gesture, intended to whip up the faithful in November.

Also, the Legislature is using this November's ballot to hold an unusual, non-binding, "advisory" referendum to ask Floridians …

Do you think the federal budget should be balanced?

I am pretty sure the answer is going to be "yes." Did they need to call a statewide election for it? Or were they just slapping another bumper sticker on the ballot?

"Out of bounds"?

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "State Sen. Dave Aronberg's attempt to tar his opponent in the Democratic primary for attorney general with the BP oil spill is out of bounds." "Candidate's cry of BP link out of bounds".

The trend is clear

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Florida homeowners are caught between a rock and a hard place. Despite not suffering from a severe storm since 2005, and regardless of reforms intent on stemming rate increases, consumers across the state are still suffering insurance premium shock."

The trend is clear. Gov. Charlie Crist may have vetoed legislation last month that would have made it easier for insurers to raise property insurance premiums, but as homeowners' policies come up for review, the rates just keep going up. And more increases could be on the way.

Foreclosures

"Foreclosures remain a big part of South Florida's housing market, but some analysts say the outlook might be improving." "Broward foreclosure rate dips; PB County rate flat".

No rush

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Arriving in mailboxes near you: ballots for the Aug. 24 statewide primary election. But that does not mean it's time to vote. The early arrival of ballots should signal voters that it is time to educate themselves so they can vote responsibly, and they should avoid rushing to return them." "No rush to return mail ballots".

Yaaawwwnnn

"A merit-pay plan for teachers proposed by gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum on Friday is not too different from one rejected by Gov. Charlie Crist this year." "McCollum proposes merit-pay plan for teachers".