"Jeb Jumps the Shark"

From Bark Bark Woof Woof: "The term 'jumped the shark' entered the popular lexicon about ten years ago. It means when someone has gone beyond their limit in terms of natural popular appeal and is now sucking wind in trying to stay on top." "Jeb Jumps the Shark" (via SpaceCoastWeb).

"Martinez Strategy"

From FlaBlog, "The Bushes seem about to do to Katherine Harris what they did to Bill McCollum last year." "The Martinez strategy again".

Schiavo Investigation

There's a conflagration in the blogosphere over the newest Schiavo developments. Check out the discussion at dKos and more particularly here.

Today's coverage: The Orlando Sentinel has this today:

Embarking on what may be a politically risky path, Gov. Jeb Bush reopened Terri Schiavo's case Friday by asking a prosecutor to review a perceived delay by her husband in seeking medical help after her collapse 15 years ago.

"Governor seeks probe of Schiavo's collapse" (Orlando Sentinel). And the prosecutor has "agreed" to "Jeb!"'s request:

Bush said Friday that the state attorney for Pinellas and Pasco counties agreed to "take a fresh look at this case" after the governor sent him a letter saying that the autopsy report released Wednesday and previous statements by Michael Schiavo left unanswered a "gap" between Schiavo's discovery of his collapsed wife and a subsequent 911 call in 1990.

"Governor seeks probe of Schiavo's 1990 collapse" (Palm Beach Post). Political developments:

Bush's call for an investigation drew criticism from Democrats and even a few Republicans. State Sen. Michael Bennett, one of nine Republicans who joined with Democrats in blocking a bill this past spring that was aimed at keeping Schiavo's feeding tube in place, said the public and the family need the matter to end.

"The issue has been drug through every court throughout the state. I think that's enough," said Bennett, a Brandeton Republican.

Other Republicans offered lukewarm support for Bush's action and Attorney General Charlie Crist was notably absent from the debate, as he has been for months. Crist, the state's top law enforcement official and a Republican candidate for governor, did not respond to repeated requests on Friday for comment.

"State attorney to probe time of husband's call to 911" (Miami Herald). See also "Gov. Bush asks prosecutor to probe alleged Schiavo discrepancies" (AP) and "Governor reopens Schiavo case" (Sun Sentinel).

What's Being Investigated? The "substance" of the new "investigation" is addressed in this St Pete Times piece today: "Husband's timeline expected to clear review" ("Michael Schiavo's account of what happened the morning his wife collapsed withstood previous scrutiny.")

Prosecutor: There is "Definitely a Discrepancy": You would think a decent prosecutor would politely pass on "Jeb!"'s request. SA McCabe not only "accepted" the request (see above), but,

Bruce Bartlett, McCabe's chief assistant, said his office would look into what he called "definitely a discrepancy with the time."

Incredibly, the SA apparently thinks there's something worth investigating.

Is "Jeb!" Dissembling Yet Again? We have previously addressed "Jeb!"'s apparent dissembling in initiating the FDLE kidnapping attempt of Ms. Schiavo ("Did 'Jeb!' Lie About Shiavo Abuse?") In short, "Jeb!" precipitated a near constitutional crisis based on, as it turns out, was obviously false representations of "new information" of abuse. The media gave "Jeb!" a pass.

Now, he's doing it again. Yesterday, "Jeb!" carried on about new information obtained in the autopsy and based thereon obtained the "agreement" of the Pinellas and Pasco Counties to investigate the matter. But what's "new" here? Nothing it seems. As the St Pete Times reports today, Michael "Schiavo's account of what happened the morning his wife collapsed withstood previous scrutiny.") Perhaps the media will ask "Jeb!" to explain precisely what it is that has been newly discovered that necessitates the expenditure of public monies on an overtly political investigation?

Editorial Coverage: The St Pete Times puts it bluntly: "Jeb!"

indulged his worst impulses by asking prosecutors to review the circumstances surrounding Terri Schiavo's collapse 15 years ago. It is a callous, arrogant, defiant act by a stubborn governor who can't accept facts at odds with his own views.

"Move on, Gov. Bush" ("governor is trying to justify his previous interference in the Terri Schiavo case by asking prosecutors to review the circumstances of her 1990 collapse.") This editorial today in the Palm Beach Post was apparently written before "Jeb!" requested the investigation, "Autopsy debunks abuse, doesn't end exploitation":

In the Terri Schiavo case, the Bushes and other Republicans showed contempt for the Constitution, the courts and science, all of which is depressingly normal behavior. They still won't admit that they were wrong. They won't admit even that they miscalculated. They are ignoring reality. The autopsy vindicates the Florida judges who spent so much time with this most difficult of cases and the federal judges who upheld them. This very personal decision still belongs where it belongs — with families, not politicians. End of story.

Actually, not the "end of story", but the beginning of a new chapter.

Additional Links: at Political Bloviation (scroll down). Blogwood has this: "Jeb! panders to base". The Day Shift: "The circus continues". SpaceCoastWeb has much more.

Of Course,

"Florida should change the way it redraws political districts" "A rigged system".

Putting it Bluntly

"Jeb!"

indulged his worst impulses by asking prosecutors to review the circumstances surrounding Terri Schiavo's collapse 15 years ago. It is a callous, arrogant, defiant act by a stubborn governor who can't accept facts at odds with his own views.

"Move on, Gov. Bush" ("governor is trying to justify his previous interference in the Terri Schiavo case by asking prosecutors to review the circumstances of her 1990 collapse.")

Lucy Morgan ...

gives you the who's who in the Crist smart set: "Crist gaining some pull, party shows" ("The Charlie Crist-Donald Trump fundraising party in New York City this week offered some interesting opportunities to read the campaign tea leaves.")

Now He Tells Us

Pensacola Beach Blog links to a Martinez interview where he he expresses "second thoughts about" his sordid behavior in ther Schiavo affair (via SpaceCoastWeb).

Where's Charlie?

It's tough trying to woo the wingnuts that control the Florida GOP and at the same time pretend you're a moderate. For instance, the Schiavo affair:

Attorney General Charlie Crist was notably absent from the debate, as he has been for months. Crist, the state's top law enforcement official and a Republican candidate for governor, did not respond to repeated requests on Friday for comment.

"State attorney to probe time of husband's call to 911".

Update: According to the Orlando Sentinel:

Attorney General Charlie Crist, who hopes to succeed the governor, said Bush is acting on his conscience, not political calculations.

"I know he is sincere and genuine about what he is doing," Crist said, noting the polls show intervention in the Schiavo case has hurt Republicans in Congress.

Has anybody asked the AG whether he thinks "Jeb!"'s conduct is proper and, what, if any position the AG takes on "Jeb!" investigating Michael Schiavo?

Martinez Prepares for A Dem President in 2008

"'I'm planning for 2008 when there might be a Democrat in the White House,' Martinez said. 'I want to be sure we get the best and brightest appointees.'" "Senators collaborate on judicial nominees".

Bense and Lee considering U.S. Senate Bid

"The White House, Gov. Jeb Bush and the National Republican Senatorial Committee are encouraging Florida House Speaker Allan Bense to run for U.S. Senate, which would give U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris a primary opponent in her attempt to unseat Bill Nelson." "House Speaker Bense considering a run for U.S. Senate". Wow:

The behind-the-scenes maneuvering appears to negate what was widely viewed as a deal that kept Harris out of the 2004 Senate campaign in exchange for her party's support in a 2006 challenge of Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. ...

["Jeb!"] and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina, who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, are among those who have reached out to Bense since Harris declared her candidacy last week. ...

But courting a rival Republican for Harris is a volatile move for the governor and his brother. It violates the political axiom that leaders should avoid picking favorites in primary fights and also raises questions of loyalty in a family that puts great weight on that virtue.

"GOP House leader is being urged to make a run for U.S. Senate". So much for the mythical - and it was always BS anyway - Bush loyalty ... what a way to repay Harris for putting Dubya in office.

Nancy Cook Lauer and Bill Cotterell have a lot more on this: "Will they face off?". See also the PBP's "State House speaker may oppose Harris" and the MH's "Another political foe for Nelson?" ("The White House, Gov. Jeb Bush and national Republicans are prodding House Speaker Allan Bense into running for the U.S. Senate, amid worries that U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris is too controversial.")

Update: Joni James and Lucy Morgan report that

Senate President Tom Lee said he also is being urged to run for the U.S. Senate seat. Lee said he hasn't been contacted by the White House but by Republicans who think Harris cannot defeat Nelson.

"Legislative leaders hear calls to run for Senate".

Further Update: Florida Politix has more.

"Sweat Lodge of Slander"

Daniel Ruth goes after "Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and the rest of their sweat lodge of slander" for their Schiavo shenanigans. "Don't Hold Your Breath For This Sorry Excuse".

"Jeb!": New Schiavo Investigation?

Believe it or not, but Saint "Jeb!"

said Thursday he might ask a state attorney to investigate allegations that Terri Schiavo's husband waited more than an hour to call 911 after her 1990 collapse.

Terri Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, have previously said their son-in-law waited more than an hour to make the call. An autopsy report released Wednesday didn't address the allegation.

"There's some doubt about when she did collapse and how long it took ... for the 911 call to be made," Bush said. "Which I think is worthy of some investigation. I don't know what form it would take."

"Bush wants more information on Schiavo's collapse; call to 911". See also "Bush plans to look into Schiavo's collapse" and "Gov. Bush calls for Schiavo probe".

Amazing. Just when the major Florida media, all to "Jeb!"'s benefit, wants to paper over the Shiavo affair - one of the most embarassing events in recent Florida history - "Jeb!" wants to keep it alive. I say fine ... you do your investigation into why Schiavo went into a coma, and perhaps some of the media will explore the following issue: "Did "Jeb!" Lie About Shiavo Abuse?"

Update: "Jeb!" is obviously uninterested in the counsel of the Miami Herald editorial board:

Florida courts, particularly Circuit Judge George Greer, handled this case well.

The same can't be said of Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida's Legislature, which trampled the constitutional separation of powers to intervene in this case and prolong the pain. So, too, did Congress and President Bush in a last-ditch effort to subvert the legal process. The U.S. Supreme Court knew better and acted wisely in refusing -- six times -- to be drawn into the case.

We hope overreaching lawmakers learned some lessons here, although most appeared unapologetic this week. If the courts are imperfect forums for family disputes, political bodies are the absolute worst. Lawmakers have no business meddling in affairs that already have been diligently considered by the courts.

"Clarifying the facts in the Schiavo case".

Let's Just Ignore ...

The Bush family fealty to big oil: "Bush stresses his commitment against oil drilling" ("The way Gov. Jeb Bush has been referring to protecting Florida from offshore drilling has prompted some legislators to question his commitment to keeping drilling rigs as far off the state's shores as possible.")

Florida Poll

Strategic Vision poll results based on telephone interviews with 1200 registered voters in Florida, aged 18+, and conducted June 9 - 13, 2005. The margin of sampling error is ±3 percentage points.

1. Do you approve or disapprove of President Bush's overall job performance?
Approve 48%
Disapprove 40%
Undecided 12%

Right off the bat you know there is something wrong with this poll:

5. Do you approve or disapprove of Governor Jeb Bush's job performance?
Approve 55%
Disapprove 38%
Undecided 7% ...

40. Do you think Florida is headed in the right direction or the wrong direction?
Right 53%
Wrong 43%
Undecided 4% ...

6. Would you like to see Governor Jeb Bush run for President in 2008?
Yes 40%
No 46%
Undecided 14%

7. Would you like to see Governor Jeb Bush as a Vice Presidential Candidate in 2008?
Yes 45%
No 38%
Undecided 17%

In the GOP side of the Gov. race:

19. Who is your first choice for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2006? (Republicans only; Jennings omitted)
Charlie Crist 40%
Tom Gallagher 38%
Undecided 22%

And on the Dem side:

In the Gov. race: 20. Who is your first choice for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2006? (Democrats only)
Jim Davis 23%
Scott Maddox 20%
Rod Smith 14%
Undecided 43%

In head to head races:

21. If the election for Governor were between Charlie Crist, the Republican and Jim Davis, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Charlie Crist 46%
Jim Davis 32%
Undecided 22%

22. If the election for Governor were between Tom Gallagher, the Republican and Jim Davis, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Tom Gallagher 47%
Jim Davis 30%
Undecided 23% ...

24. If the election for Governor were between Charlie Crist, the Republican and Scott Maddox, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Charlie Crist 47%
Scott Maddox 34%
Undecided 19%

25. If the election for Governor were between Tom Gallagher, the Republican and Scott Maddox, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Tom Gallagher 48%
Scott Maddox 32%
Undecided 20% ...

27. If the election for Governor were between Charlie Crist, the Republican and Rod Smith, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Charlie Crist 46%
Rod Smith 28%
Undecided 26%

28. If the election for Governor were between Tom Gallagher, the Republican and Rod Smith, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Tom Gallagher 48%
Rod Smith 26%
Undecided 26%

Nelson's approval ratings:

15. Do you approve or disapprove of Senator Bill Nelson's job performance?
Approve 46%
Disapprove 40%
Undecided 14%

I wonder what Kool Aid are these people drinking?

16. Do you approve or disapprove of Senator Mel Martinez's job performance?
Approve 48%
Disapprove 39%
Undecided 13%

In the U.S. Senate race:

32. If the election were held today for United States Senate, whom would you support, Bill Nelson, the Democrat or Katherine Harris, the Republican?
Bill Nelson 48%
Katherine Harris 42%
Undecided 10%

Harris is obviously well within striking distance (at least in this poll). And the clincher:

41. Would you favor a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriages?
Yes 58%
No 32%
Undecided 10%

Much more at Strategic Vision.

The Rehabilitation of Mel

courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel editorial board. According to the "we heart Mel" crowd - which sometimes meets together as the Orlando Sentinel editorial board - this is what happened:

Florida's two U.S. senators, Republican Mel Martinez and Democrat Bill Nelson, showed this week just what bipartisan teamwork can accomplish.

Working together, Mr. Martinez and Mr. Nelson torpedoed changes to the Senate energy plan that would have allowed oil and gas rigs closer to Florida's west coast.

Whew! So glad Bill was around to help Mel out.

The reality was much different:

Round one goes to Sen. Bill Nelson and Florida in the fight to protect our coast from oil exploration. Nelson made a gutsy stand against the Senate leadership Tuesday night, refusing to yield the floor until he was assured that a drilling ban in the eastern gulf would endure. Backed by Sen. Mel Martinez, he got the guarantee. Now there are other battles ahead.

"Vulnerable waters".

That Ethics Thing ...

went nowhere fast, now that "Ethics bill blocked by Bush veto".

The year 2005 may become known as many things in the annals of Florida history, but it's definitely not going to be known as The Year Ethics Returned to State Government.

That's despite the best efforts of Senate President Tom Lee, who took over the leadership of the upper house with a desire to stop what he sees as influence peddling, a revolving door for state officials and lobbyists and lots of big-money shenanigans going on in Tallahassee.

So far, Lee is batting 0 for 2.

"While 0 for 2, expect Lee to keep swinging".

What's Going On in Hillsborough County?

"Pandering to narrow-minded voters, Hillsborough County commissioners have adopted a policy that prohibits county government from acknowledging gay pride events." "Gay Pride Policy Deserves No Respect".

Peer Review

a relatively new conservative blog on the block, announces that "Original and published editorials, essays and commentary from the James Madison Institute will be published [at Peer Review] each month."

The JMI is an ostensibly nonpartisan but reliably hard right wing think tank. The issues and arguments presented by JMI are predictable, but nevertheless representative of the pseudo-"intellectual cover" these organizations provide hard right conservatives.

Check it out - today's post is on vouchers.

Harris Caught Flip Flopping

Flip:

Rep. Katherine Harris (FL-13) voted twice for an Energy bill that would pave the way for drilling off Florida’s coast. The House Energy bill that Rep. Harris voted for in 2005 “would weaken a state’s ability to fight offshore drilling.” [more precisely, the bills “[limited] coastal states' rights to be fully involved in the process of protecting their coastlines from federally-approved offshore natural gas facilities.” ]

Flop:

Rep. Harris [now] says she is against drilling closer to Florida’s coast. Harris said she will oppose efforts in Congress to move oil drilling closer to Florida’s west coast. According to her spokesman, Harris “will continue fighting against drilling in the Gulf.” [Associated Press, 6/14/05]

[Source: League of Conservation Voters press release: Has Rep. Katherine Harris Flip-Flopped on Offshore Oil Drilling?]

Florida News has more.

Florida's Shame

"Slavery in Florida":

Slavery in Florida in 2005 looks much like it did two centuries ago: A man bent all day in a field making another man rich, free neither to come nor go at will, owning nothing, wasting away without chance that his labor will earn passage or privilege, or for that matter even his keep.

A truly powerful editorial.

Update: Political Bloviation (one of our recommended blogs) has much more here.

There Is Something ...

so very GOoPer about this. "Jeb!"

has signed into law a bill that allows nursing home residents to arrange their room furniture in whatever way they please.

"More like home".

Poor Limbaugh

Prosecutors

told a judge Wednesday that they want to see all of Rush Limbaugh's seized medical records to determine whether he engaged in a long-term pattern of criminal prescription drug abuse.

For the first time, prosecutors said the records could provide a crucial link between allegations by Limbaugh's former housekeeper and later allegations that Limbaugh engaged in doctor shopping for prescriptions.

"Prosecutors seek proof of drug abuse in Limbaugh's medical records".

In the meantime, "[t]he lawyer representing Rush Limbaugh asked a judge for copies of his client's sealed medical records so he can review them before turning them over to investigators." "Rush's lawyer pursues records".

Crist: The Consumer Warrior

"An exhaustive study into gasoline prices in Florida produced no evidence of antitrust violations, Attorney General Charlie Crist said Wednesday, but he said the industry puts shareholders' profits ahead of the interest of customers at the pump." "Crist finds no antitrust violations by oil companies".

Martinez: The Enviromental Warrior

The moratorium on oil drilling off the state's coast is extended. How did it happen?

Nelson succeeded by sheer persistence. As the Senate opened debate Tuesday in the first day of a two-week debate on the massive energy bill, Nelson repeatedly asked for the language Domenici had promised that would preserve the moratorium on oil drilling in the eastern Gulf. After 6 ½ hours, Nelson had grown inpatient. He threatened to ''talk all night'' and hijack Senate business unless changes were made to the bill.

But what does Nelson say?

"We had to go through quite an exercise to get there," Nelson said. Sen. "Mel Martinez and I had a big win . . . because we finally got the committee leadership to back down. But that's just the first step."

"Senators shore up ban on drilling".

A bit too gracious for my taste. Especially since Martinez has already vowed to help knock of Nelson. And of course Mel's office issued the infamous memo (which 'ole Mel distributed) saying politicizing the Schiavo affair would help the GOP defeat Nelson.

I realize Nelson must recognize Martinez for the dim witted Rove artifice he plainly is, and of course being gracious is Nelson's style, but it grates that Martinez is getting this much credit for his role in Nelson's victory in this fight. I can hear Mel in a few months:

I stood shoulder to shoulder with Bill Nelson against big oil - just ask Bill - and I won that fight. Now I need Katherine Harris in the Senate with me to fight big oil.

Yuck. See also "Offshore drilling still a no-no".

Child Care Funding

"A new state funding formula that would have redistributed millions of dollars in state child-care money was soundly rejected Wednesday by a legislative budget panel." "Panel rejects spending plan for child care".

Try Not To Laugh

"Jeb!" vetoes an ethics bill because he says it won't let him he bring to government service the best and brightest. Try not to laugh too hard; Rep. Tim Ryan, a Dania Beach Democrat put it this way

"I disagree with ["Jeb!"] on who this would apply to. My experience has been we have opportunists who want to work for government for a short time then take the information and relationships and further it for private gain."

"Gov. Bush shoots down ethics bill". See also "Bush vetoes measure barring lobbyists on ethics commission".

See 'Ya Wal Mart

"Dealing a victory to nearby residents, a city panel on Wednesday rejected a proposal to build a Wal-Mart Supercenter on Gandy Boulevard, citing traffic and environmental issues." "St. Pete Rejects Wal-Mart Supercenter On Gandy".

Schiavo

There was nothing there. "Schiavo autopsy debunks possibility of recovery". See also "Schiavo Autopsy Shows Irreversible Brain Damage", "Autopsy: Schiavo damage `massive'" and "She never would have recovered". And

All of this reaffirms that the last-ditch effort by Gov. Jeb Bush's Department of Children and Families [and the FDLE] to take custody of Schiavo to investigate renewed allegations of mistreatment was as unwarranted as it appeared at the time.

"Comfort in answers". See also "Autopsy Puts To Rest Rumors But Won't Settle Moral Debate".

Surely the media will now take "Jeb!" to task over his misconduct in this matter, including taking Florida to the verge of a constitutional crisis. See "Did "Jeb!" Lie About Shiavo Abuse?"

Nah, we'd rather talk about whether "Jeb!" will run for president.

Update: The Orlando Sentinel thinks the matter is now closed. "Finally, some closure". The media apparently is uniterested in pursuing the embarassing conduct of Florida's executive branch in this affair.

Barney Bishop Again

"Bryant: Bishop too 'insulting'" (Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida,"was appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush for a term ending this January.")

Thanks Bob

The Bushies will do anything to create phoney "enviromentalist" bona fides:

The proposed deal says a lot about the political importance of Florida, and the willingness of political operatives to dole out cash in a swing state. But it doesn't say much about the stewardship of taxpayer dollars, which are desperately needed to pursue legitimate environmental protection efforts in Florida and throughout the country.

"Bottom Line: Taxpayers dodged a bullet". So, who do we thank?

Taxpayers can thank former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., and other members of Congress for paying close attention to the proposed purchase.

"Big Cypress".

Money for Nothing

"Martinez easily topped Nelson in 2004 earnings":

Florida Sen. Mel Martinez earned more than $400,000 in 2004, though he spent much of the year traveling Florida to campaign for Congress, according to financial disclosure forms released Tuesday.

Martinez, a former trial attorney, received $390,000 from the Akerman Senterfitt law firm in Orlando. He was also paid a combined $31,000 for serving on the boards of La-Z-Boy Corp. and United Heritage Bank.

Akerman paid Martinez $390,000 to campaign for governor. Doesn't that raise some eyebrows?

As for Akerman Senterfitt, well ...

Akerman Senterfitt prides itself on an in-depth understanding of the importance of government to each client's business success. With significant interests throughout Florida – including a major policy presence in the state capital of Tallahassee as well as in the nation's capital of Washington, D.C. – Akerman Senterfitt's Government Relations practice is uniquely positioned to help provide comprehensive strategic, legal and advocacy services.

Yeah, they're "uniquely positioned" all right. And isn't it uplifting to read that "Mark Wallace, National Deputy Campaign Manager of the Bush-Cheney '04 Presidential Campaign, and Terry Nelson, the campaign’s National Political Director, both have joined the Akerman Senterfitt law firm’s Washington, D.C. office"

It's In The Hair

"The celebrity billionaire throws his support behind the attorney general during a fundraiser in New York." "Crist plays Trump card in bid for governor".

"Jeb!" Unsure of his Future

"Gov. Jeb Bush, whose political future continues to garner national speculation, opened up in Tallahassee to a group of high school students." "Bush tells students he's unsure of future".

And let's not get all teary eyed: "Bush counts his what-ifs, both public and personal".

You Go, Bill

"Nelson forces an oil drilling guarantee":

It had the trappings of great political theater, a break from the scripted humdrum that so often passes for debate in Congress:

The senior senator from Florida in high umbrage, armed with pictures of pristine Florida beaches and crude oil-covered seabirds, threatening to talk all night unless the author of the Senate Energy Bill gave him written assurance that the state's Gulf Coast waters would remain free of oil rigs.

"It is my intention that if we are not going to have the sharing of this information with this senator, then this senator clearly wants to continue explaining the emergency nature of this," Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said late Tuesday afternoon, during the first day of debate on the bill.

See also "Coalition vows fight over drilling Sen. Nelson, others plan to battle 'slippery slope' Bush inventory plan" and "Nelson's threats help maintain moratorium on Gulf drilling".

The St. Pete Times has this editorial on the issue: "Battle for the gulf". But the Sun Sentinel perhaps has the nicest things to say:

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is on a mission. It's not exactly "Mr. Nelson Goes to Washington," but Jimmy Stewart's "Mr. Smith" would definitely approve.

"Energy Policy".

When will the GOoPers ...

"Stop stealing from kids"?

"Jeb!" Considers Gambling Expansion

"The governor sidestepped his opposition to gambling and agreed to meet with Indian tribes to seek common ground on the expansion of gambling on their reservations." "Gov. Bush may let tribes expand gambling". See also "Bush, Seminoles to start negotiations over slot machines" and "Talks To Expand Gambling Are Planned".

Question: Who is the Tribes' lobbyist?

Shaw

"Shaw wealthiest of area members of Congress, reports show".

Kidcare ...

Fiasco:

In such a climate, it's a terrible shame that almost $35 million in money appropriated to the program was returned to the Florida treasury last week and another $88 million in federal money went unspent because of problems enrolling eligible children. A year ago, the procedures were made more complicated when the Legislature feared KidCare might get out of hand.

But they overdid it, making the system so bureaucratic that instead of tightening the ship, they overturned it. There was a 38-percent drop this year over last in the number of children who signed up. It was largely because their parents couldn't come up with all the new forms required or else missed the narrow windows of time to enroll their youngsters.

"KidCare's back".

Schiavo

"Schiavo autopsy report ready". See also "Schiavo autopsy report to be released today".

"Advocates for abused and neglected children say they are concerned that key passages were removed from a child welfare consultant's report on a sharp decline in the number of Miami families that receive state services." "Child advocates criticize editing of Miami child welfare report". See also yesterday's "It's a GOoPer Thing".

What's Wrong with this Headline ...

"Floridians in Congress battle drilling in the Gulf, gas prices" in connection with the following story?

While Florida Sen. Bill Nelson briefly filibustered a major energy bill in the Senate on Tuesday, South Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings introduced legislation in the House to try to help consumers cope with today's high fuel prices.


It ought to read:

"FloridiansDemocrats in Congress battle drilling in the Gulf, gas prices"

Doncha think?

It's A Work In Progress

... the site redesign that is. Please e-mail me or leave a comment with your feedback. Everything is subject to change.

(The last time I did a site redesign (a couple of years back), I was deluged with criticism because the redesign was too hi-tech, font was too small, too many colors, etc. hopefully the reaction will be more positive this time 'round.)

Note to Readers: Site Redesign

I have no idea what happened to the blog format (the right hand column decided to appear below the posts, a mile or so down the page). For some reason, the format works perfectly well when an individual post is opened up for comments.

In any event, this is perhaps as good a time as any to let you know that I'm in the process of a site redesign in the near future; and, with the above-described formating issues with the current site, I might as well expedite the redesign.

New Link

We may not agree, but another Florida blog worthy of your consideration: "Truth or Death".

Bringing Guns to a Knife Fight

by Derek Newton

In late 1997, Tampa area Rep. Elvin Martinez was appointed to a judgeship by then Governor Lawton Chiles. Martinez was a Democrat who had established himself as a leader on criminal justice and was a fine choice.

The appointment created a vacancy in the House to be filled by Special Election. Martinez's district was, and still is, mostly Democratic. Today it's represented by a fine Democrat - "Coach" Bob Henriquez.

But that October, voters chose Republican Deborah Tamargo over bright, young, talented Democratic lawyer Kathy Martinez. The race really wasn't that close.

Lobbyists and strategists dismissed the Republican upset win as further proof of a rising Republican tide in Florida. A tide that a year earlier delivered the state House and a year later would wash Jeb into the Governor's mansion.

But at the time, I watched and learned a valuable lesson about the way in which Republicans win elections.

Before the polls opened, Republicans sent a piece of direct mail to voters that in bold, red letters had the following cover: "Kathy Martinez. Lawyer. Liberal. Liar."

The lawyer part was true enough. And the liberal part was, in fairness, an opinion. Fine. But the liar part struck me then and I remember it now as excessive. But it was not unusual.

Republicans know they are wrong on most issues but they don't care about being wrong because they don't campaign on issues anymore. They campaign and win by destroying us.

Specifically, Republicans attack the character of our candidates and politicians. Their first objective in every campaign is to destroy our credibility. They say our candidates are liars, will say anything to get elected or can't be trusted.

Why?

Because if voters believe a Kathy Martinez or a John Kerry or a Buddy MacKay is a liar, they won’t believe them when they tell the truth about issues or anything else.

It's an impressively simple formula.

Republicans attack Democrats with a suddenness, clarity and totality that we seem never to anticipate and always unwilling to emulate.

And I have a theory about why.

Democrats are nice people. By and large Democratic candidates, donors and strategists set their feet on the political battlefields to help people. We care about right and wrong.

Republicans may be nice people too. But their candidates, donors and strategists fight not to help but to win. They care about power.

Since Republicans see campaigns as exercises in power, they never hesitate to attack first, attack hardest and kill early. Since Democrats believe campaigns are about people, we continue to tell voters that we agree with them on issues.

Clearly one strategy is working. And it's not ours.

While Republicans continue to run their campaigns like killing fields, Democrats have a choice to make.

We can continue to be the issue lambs being slaughtered by the Republican war machine or we can act like the Republicans did when they were in the minority: We can get mean. We can shed our inhibitions about attacking first. We can learn how to attack their credibility.

In Miami we call it cojones and we need to find ours.

Campaigns aren’t exercises in civil debate anymore. They've become knife fights. And we can't allow our candidates to be surprised when Republicans bring guns to a knife fight.

Like most Democrats I got involved in politics to help people.

But we can't help anyone when we lose. So if winning means we have to attack harder, faster and more often, sign me up.

E.J. Dionne: "McCain - 'Jeb!' 2008"?

Is it possible, a McCain and Bush GOP ticket in 2008?

That would be John and Jeb, the most logical Republican ticket if the party remains in the polling doldrums. If President Bush and his political maestro, Karl Rove, decide that the only way to create a political legacy is to nod toward the Arizona senator with whom they have battled and feuded, they will go for the guy who can win.

E.J. Dionne, in the Washington Post today:

This scenario was outlined to me recently by a shrewd and loyally Democratic political operative with personal ties to the McCain camp before Mark McKinnon, one of the president's top media advisers, publicly confirmed that he would help a McCain presidential run if it materialized.

As for "Jeb!"'s role in this scenario:

And here is where Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother, could be the deal-closer. Jeb Bush has said he will not run in 2008. But that does not rule him out as a vice presidential candidate. If McCain won, Jeb would be the No. 2 to a president who will turn 72 on Aug. 29, 2008, and might well serve only a single term. If McCain lost, Jeb would have enhanced national recognition for a run in 2012. If picking Jeb is the price of winning over George W., McCain will pay it.

George W. Bush and John McCain may prefer not to need each other. But by 2008, they could well become codependent. American politics has produced stranger alliances.

"McCain May Be Bush's Ticket". For more on the possibility that McCain and the Bush cult can mend fences, see "McKinnon, McCain discuss 2008 presidential race".

Tip of the Iceberg?

"Disclosed less than a month ago after a citizen watchdog took a look, the glitch [with a single Miami-Dade touch screen voting machine] during the 2004 general election resulted in Miami-Dade reporting 171 more votes at a precinct than there were voters who showed up." "Touch screen malfunction resurrects voting concerns".

What's Wrong ...

with this sentence:

Florida's two U.S. senators, Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican Mel Martinez, are fighting to extend a ban on drilling in federal waters off the Sunshine State.

"Save Florida's coast". The St Pete Times is a little bit more insightful on Senator Cellophane's proclivities:

Hypocrisy and trickery are nothing new to Congress or the Bush administration. And Florida's other senator, Republican Mel Martinez, has made it even easier to pull off this chicanery. Martinez says he cut a deal with Norton to keep oil rigs 100 miles off Florida in exchange for his vote to drill in the arctic. Tract 181 lies beyond the 100-mile line, so Martinez saved nothing except his reputation for being an easy dupe for the Bush administration.

"Imaginary lines". See also "Martinez, Big Oil's Guy In Florida" and "Cellophane Sell Out"

Excuse Me ...

but is Senator Cellophane now saying that this filibuster is OK, whereas filibustering a tiny handful of wingnut judicial nominees was somehow not OK?

Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson said Monday that he would filibuster the legislation, which is expected to be taken up this week in Washington. Nelson has the support of his Republican colleague, Sen. Mel Martinez, as well as West Coast senators who also oppose offshore drilling in their states.

"This is an energy bill that does lots of good things, so it's a must-pass bill," Nelson said in an interview with The Herald Monday morning in Hollywood. "But the administration and their allies in Congress are hell-bent to drill off of our coast."

"Nelson vows to prevent drilling". See "Senators vow to block Fla. drilling, delay U.S. energy bill vote".

Still More of those GOoPer "Values"

"State cuts may reduce day care for the poor in South Florida".

Florida's Shame

"In recent years, a dozen Florida farm contractors, smugglers and henchmen have landed in prison for crimes against farmworkers. All of the cases, including the new one against Evans, targeted middlemen contractors who hire laborers, not the growers who own the fields." "Fix camp or close, labor boss told".

Team Gallagher

"Six-member team to lead Gallagher's campaign".

"Partisans like Rep. Harris"

Tom Blackburn:

Timing, as Katherine Harris saw in 2000, is everything. It can't be coincidental that she entered the Senate race the day after a Washington state judge threw up his hands and held that nothing can be done about an election that, it could be argued, was worse than the one she messed up.

In any event,

If we keep letting partisans like Rep. Harris make the rules, we're going to keep getting partisans like Rep. Harris in office.

Blackburn's comparison of Florida 2000 and Washington 2004 is worth a read. "Election reform? Just party on".

Never Mind ....

what the Judge said, Florida's doing a great job.

"Rotten to its core"

"In June 2003, the Air Force's plan to lease 100 refueling tankers from Boeing Co. and send some of them to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa was hailed by Rep. C.W. Bill Young of Indian Shores and other MacDill supporters as terrific news. They said the tankers would help preserve the base's future and brushed aside complaints by consumer advocates about whether leasing the planes was a good deal for taxpayers. Two years later, the tankers are on hold and a new report by the Defense Department's inspector general details how the leasing scheme was rotten to its core." "Special interests at work".

Its a GOoPer Thing

When a report includes inconvenient language, well, just go ahaead and delete the offending language and pretend it was never there:

Miami child abuse investigators said they were strongly discouraged by top administrators from taking abused and neglected children into state care ''even though they thought it was necessary to protect children,'' according to a draft of a report from a Utah child welfare consultant.

The report's final version, however, made no mention of the investigators' concerns, The Herald has learned. ...

A first draft of the report, given to The Herald Monday under the state's public records law, contains passages that were missing from the final version presented last week to child welfare officials and children's advocates. ...

"I'm absolutely shocked that the department would remove pertinent parts from a report that responds directly to our inquiry, and pass it off as an original report," said Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman, chief juvenile judge in Miami who leads the alliance.

"Abuse concerns deleted from report".

Apparently, it's a GOoPer thing.

Posada Heating Up

"Posada renews asylum bid at a hearing held in Texas". Has anyone bothered to ask Senator Mel whether he thinks Posada is a terrorist?

Whoopee

"Two legislators who helped craft Florida's sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies said they are pleased with its outcome, but vow to increase the number of tax-exempt items next year. Additions could include plywood and hurricane shutters." "Tax Exemptions Likely To Expand Next Year".

Fenney Toadies Up ...

to Dubya (yet again):

Corrine Brown and Tom Feeney pretty much represent the yin and yang of the hottest debate in Washington that is spilling into mainstream America.

Brown, the Democrat who represents Jacksonville and Orlando, is among the growing number of Congressfolk who want President Bush to address recently disclosed British documents that suggest the White House manipulated facts to justify a war in Iraq that it was not adequately prepared to handle.

On the other hand is Feeney, the Oviedo Republican who says that Democrats are using an inconclusive memo as simply another way to throw barbs at Bush.

"2 sides of the memo".

Coley to be Annointed Today

"Vote today for House District 7".

To Set Your Mind at Ease ...

you can rest assured that

"It's not about the companies being greedy, by any stretch of the imagination," Swank said

"Ruling near on power rate hikes".

Our Katherine ...

goodness gracious, she's actually "Using 2000 Election To Raise Funds" (a Florida News post). As they say in the legal business, Ms. Harris has "opened the door" (or more formally, "invited error") to (re)appraisal of her conduct in 2000.

On a related note, Interstate4Jamming has more on the race to replace Harris, and some good links.

Over the Weekend ...

you may have missed the following:

1. "Fair Game" (Harris' 2000 behavior as an issue in the campaign):


2. "Swingin' at Florida GOoPers";


3. "Florida Political Blogs";


4. "Troxler: Harris Will Win";


5. "13th Congressional District" (candidates line up); and


6. "The Best He Could Do " (more posturing by Martinez).

Oil Drilling in Florida Waters

A substantial article in the St Pete Times today on how "lawmakers from Florida and other coastal states are facing unprecedented pressure to open their shores to drilling." "Oil rigs thirsting for Fla. waters".

Shaw Fading in Ways and Means Race?

"In March, the political magazine National Journal called Shaw 'the leading contender' to become [the next Ways and Means chairman]. But Rep. Jim McCrery, R-La., has emerged as the front-runner." "For pragmatic legislator, it's a fight for key job".

The Posada Thing

"Other governments are watching closely to see how the Bush administration reconciles U.S. use of Cuban exiles like Posada when it suits Washington's needs and its campaign against global terrorism following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001." "Militant Castro foe, ex-CIA operative faces uncertain future".

Those Pesky Rules ...

allow Congressmen

to accept trips from private organizations to learn about particular issues, but they say lobbyists or firms that lobby on behalf of outside clients cannot pay for trips. However, lobbyists can go along on trips paid for by their parent organizations, and they can arrange trips paid for by their clients.

"It makes little difference to the member (of Congress) as long as the trip is paid for and it makes little difference to the client as long as the lobbyist can go along," Noble said.

As a result of such rules, at least a dozen trips taken by local congressmen were sponsored by organizations that are required to file lobbying expense reports with Congress, and all such trips are permissible.

Half a dozen trips by Rep. Mark Foley, R-Jupiter, involved organizations that reported lobbying expenses, including the American Resort Development Association, Recording Industry Association of America, National Association of Realtors, Mortgage Bankers Association, American Sugar Alliance, Salem Law Group, Allergan and Clark Consulting Co.

"Rules fail to stop lobbyists' influence".

Funding Florida's Private and Religious Universities

"More tax dollars than ever will flow to Florida's private and religious universities this year even as public colleges scream about a lack of money for new students and the Supreme Court debates whether state coffers can be tapped to pay private school tuition." "Schools of thought spar on public aid to private collegians".

Now That The Press Conferences are Over ...

the media notices a "grading standards resulted in a troubling rise in D and F schools throughout Florida this year." "Solve FCAT mystery".

We're too Busy ...

emptying them out of state buildings to worry about the health of state workers:

There was something missing from a recent report by the National Governors Association on what states are doing to promote health and fitness among their employees.

The word "Florida" appears nowhere in the 12-page brief that was published last month by the NGA Center for Best Practices.

"State workers need health incentives".

Travellin' Men

"Two South Florida congressmen — Reps. Alcee Hastings and Robert Wexler, both Democrats — are among the most traveled members of Congress." "Florida Congress members fly frequently on U.S., private dimes".

Feuding GOoPers

"The area lost out [on judges in the budget] because of a feud between two Republicans — Senate President Tom Lee and Rep. Bruce Kyle of Fort Myers. Kyle had angered Lee, who in turn enacted payback by removing the judges from being awarded to the 20th judicial circuit." "Feud may have cost region much-needed judges".

GOoPer "Values"

Wonder if "Jeb!" has every known someone with asbestosis?

With the stroke of a pen, an estimated 4,500 lawsuits will disappear from court dockets throughout the state next month.

A bill setting new legal tests for those who claim asbestos made them gravely ill will put about 75 percent of an estimated 6,000 cases in a holding pattern, said Miami attorney Susan Cole, who represents a dozen corporations that have been sued in Florida courts over illnesses caused by the once-popular material that is now a known carcinogen. ...

[I]n the name of ridding frivolous cases from court dockets, many claim, the legislation that Gov. Jeb Bush has pledged to sign goes too far.

Hundreds of very sick people with legitimate claims against companies that lied to them about the risks of asbestos will be unable to sue to recover damages once the measure goes into effect July 1, advocates said.

"State legislation sets new limits on asbestos suits".

More GOoPer "Values"

"Aid for ex-foster kids slashed".

Still More GOoPer "Values"

"New limit on drugs may hurt ill poor".

Spare Me ...

the complaints about how business interests fared before that legislative body that sometimes appears to be a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated Industries of Florida. If you think "Business issues lost in legislative shuffle", you should have seen what happened to the issues involving farmworker rights and that poor Dedge fellow.

Fair Game

The Orlando Sentinel is simply wrong today ("Keep it civil") in asserting that Katherine Harris' behavior in 2000 ought not be a centerpiece of the 2006 senate race:

Ms. Harris' actions as secretary of state could overshadow this campaign, if Mr. Nelson chooses to dwell on them. But in this race, her record in Congress is more relevant for voters. In fact, the records in Washington of both candidates, presented without distortion, are fair game.

While Harris has many flaws - all of which should be exposed in the campaign - Harris' misconduct in 2000 should also be front and center. Indeed, it is the media's obligation to revisit, explore and analyze - in excruciating detail (and with the benefit of hindsight) - how Harris conducted herself as Secretary of State in the 2000 election.

Floridians are just now beginning to recognize that the election of Mel Martinez was a disaster - he is little more than a Bush family hack. Floridians don't need to make a similar mistake with Harris; papering over her behavior in 2000 will deprive the electorate of a accurate picture of would-be Senator Harris.

Swingin' at Florida GOoPers

"Democrats come out swinging — at GOP". See also "Democratic gubernatorial race off to amiable start", "Candidates pitch political agendas", "Amiable Democrats save opening barbs for GOP", "Three Democratic hopefuls for governor politely seek edge" and "Democrat Faithful Gear Up For 2006".

Note: The last headline quoted above refers to the "Democrat" faithful. Is it not proper usage - outsside of wingnut circles - to refer to the Dems as the "Democratic" Party?

Oil Drilling

Mel and "Jeb!" (and Katherine for that matter) will talk the talk, but will they walk the walk? Don't count on it.

Democratic lawmakers and environmentalists fear the governor is softening his stand to accommodate the administration's push for more domestically-produced oil and natural gas.

"I think it's reflective of the administration's plan to open the Gulf Coast waters to drilling," said Dan McLaughlin, spokesman for Sen. Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat. He said that any drilling off the coast is an "environmental hazard" that increases the risk of gas explosions, oil rig fires and spills from tanker, barge and freighter traffic. ...

Sen. Mel Martinez, a Florida Republican, opposed the [drilling] proposal in committee but failed to keep it out of the Senate energy plan and then voted for the full bill. Martinez spokesman Kerry Feehery said the senator will ''attempt to take out the inventory'' when the bill comes up for a full Senate vote this month.

"Coastal oil issue worries lawmakers".

Ros-Lehtinen to Endorse Gallagher

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Gallagher will pick up an important endorsement Monday when Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen joins him to announce her support." "Might Gallagher supporter become his running mate?" The cited article speculates that Ros-Lehtinen is being considered as a possible running mate for Gallagher, but I doubt she would give up her seat in Congress for that largely ceremonial position.

Tallahassee Democrat Hearts Coley

Why?

Her most important contribution could be her commitment to state employees - especially since top party leaders have not held them in high regard. If her access to Mr. Bense and the GOP leadership could help to improve the standing of state workers and the economy that revolves around government functions, that may be reason enough for many voters to support Mrs. Coley's bid for office.

That's silly. It is silly to suggest that Coley would have the stature to overcome the GOoPers mistreatment of state workers, even if she were serious about it. More on target is the Democrat's criticism of Coley's

naivete - including a considerable lack of skepticism regarding lobbyists.

"Housekeeping".

Where's Bense?

"In the endless political parlor game of dreaming up candidates for political office, one of the hottest names has been House Speaker Allan Bense." "State House speaker generates buzz in races".

Dry?

No more about Jim Davis being too dry:

Much of the state's congressional delegation is banding together to fight oil drilling off the coast of Florida. One line that U.S. Rep. Jim Davis said he plans to take to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay: "We don't let our tourists wash up on your beaches. We don't want your oil on ours."

[Source: Scott Maxwell]

Sore Loserman

"When a judge upheld Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire's victory in the closest governor's race in U.S. history, Tallahassee Republican consultant David Johnson also brought to a close 18 months of work on the campaign of losing Republican Dino Rossi." "The war is over".

Dyckman

Martin Dyckman gives us a history lesson in "Florida court scandals had their own Deep Throat" ("Can Florida keep ... courts out of politics? I'm not so sure, but we had better try.")

Florida Political Blogs

St Pete Times columnist Adam C. Smith pens "Florida's new political blog wars" today. Some of his observations include:

The political blogosphere is taking off in Florida, but no one really knows yet whether it's a blip in how political journalism and communication work in Florida or the start of a dramatic change.

New Internet sites devoted mainly to state, local or regional Florida politics seem to be popping up every week. Most of the new ones are left-leaning. Some encourage online dialogue. Some are solo political rants about the news of the moment. Some, like Sayfie Review and the Fort Report, mostly aggregate daily articles from across the state. Others critique the reports and reporters themselves. Most are free to anyone with Internet access, but at least one newcomer, Florida Insider, charges a $149 annual subscription fee for its essays, analyses and tips on political doings in Florida.

"You're seeing a revolution out there. It is a revolution as momentous as the printing press," Carol Darr, director of the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet, told reporters and academics from the Southeast gathered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill last week.

Not addressed in the column is which of the current Florida political blog was first Florida political blog was the first. (The first Florida political blog I recall reading, the Grapefruit, had a brief run but is no longer with us). Seems to me that that the awrd for the longest running Florida political blog has to go to "FlaBlog" aka "Florida Blog".

Note: The column refers to a debate at this site over whether "Florida Democrats should focus on improving their showing in big counties or rural counties." That can be found here.

Voucher Madness

"By trying to invent anti-Catholic bias where none exists, voucher supporters expose another weakness in their case. Over the past two years, as The Post has exposed problems in other voucher programs, the Florida Catholic Conference has urged the Legislature to enact tougher standards. Despite all the evidence, the Legislature has refused. If there is any bias, it is in favor of private voucher schools that face none of the accountability demanded of public schools." "Anti-voucher, not bigotry".

Troxler: Harris Will Win

"She can't be elected? I'll bet you she can":

Katherine Harris is the meanest campaigner in Florida. She'll eviscerate Bill Nelson, the incumbent, and frankly I don't think the Nelson campaign will figure out how to deal with her. They'll do what Democrats usually do, which is congratulate each other about how much better they are than the Republicans. Oh, yeah, and whine to the press that "you're letting her get away with it."

You can be sure that if the media fails to shine a light on Harris' tactics, we will howl about it.

Update: Florida News on "Troxler on Harris"

Whither Okeechobee?

"R.I.P. Lake Okeechobee? That's the new prognosis".

1980s Redux?

There are some parallels:

When U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris unveiled her candidacy for U.S. Senate last week, the announcement could have been accompanied by a 1980s soundtrack.

After all, Harris' plan to challenge Democrat Bill Nelson sets the stage for Florida next year to host both a hotly contested Senate campaign and a fiercely fought governor's race -- a combination not seen in the state since 1986.

"2 hot races -- shades of '86".

13th Congressional District

The pace is fast and furious in the race to replace Harris in the 13th Congressional District:

By the end of Tuesday, [GOoPer Tramm] Hudson had landed a big-name Washington fund-raiser, scored a key endorsement from former U.S. Rep. Dan Miller, R-Bradenton, and convinced three inside-the-Beltway newspapers to declare him the front-runner in the race to replace Harris. ...

State Rep. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, who declared her candidacy for Harris' seat on Friday, said she's not concerned about Hudson's Washington connections. She has her own connections because of her work in public policy circles. ...

State Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, has also declared himself a candidate for the 13th Congressional District seat, which includes all of Sarasota, DeSoto and Hardee counties, most of Manatee County and part of Charlotte County.

Sarasota businessman Vern Buchanan said he's likely to jump into the contest as well. State Rep. Donna Clarke, R-Sarasota, Manatee County Republican Party Chairman Mark Flanagan and Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash are also weighing the possibility of running.

On the Democratic side, retired Sarasota banker Christine Jennings, Sarasota, attorney Jan Schneider and political newcomer Michael S. LaFevers have said they will run.

"Hudson says he's one to beat".