The Florida Elections Commission will be considering a complaint that claims Democratic gubernatorial candidate Scott Maddox illegally spent money for his campaign before he announced his candidacy.

The charges carry possible fines or even felony charges. Maddox's campaign has until early September to respond to the complaint. The FEC will then review the material before deciding whether to investigate further.

Maddox campaign spokeswoman Sallie Stohler briskly dismissed the complaint Friday as the latest in a series of attacks from the Florida Police Benevolent Association.

The PBA, the state's largest law-enforcement union, has been a longtime nemesis of Maddox, the former mayor of Tallahassee and former head of the Florida Democratic Party. His father, Charles Maddox, left the union that he helped found amidst lawsuits and acrimony in the 1990s over an internal dispute surrounding the group's finances.

It's an "only in politics" coupling: Conservative Panhandle sheriffs and liberal South Florida Jewish women have both endorsed state Sen. Rod Smith's campaign for governor. ...

Maddox campaign spokeswoman Sallie Stohler said the former Tallahassee mayor has a similar geographic breadth of support, noting endorsements from mayors throughout the state, from Lynn Haven in the Panhandle all the way down to Key West.

"Endorsements are important, but support within those communities is even more important," she said. Davis spokesman Tait Sye noted diverse support for the Tampa congressman as well. African-American Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, and Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, as well as former Gov. Bob Graham of Miami Lakes, have endorsed Davis.

But the endorsements of a diverse group of Democrats may mean more to Smith, who has to overcome relative anonymity as well as an image that he is wedded to the more conservative strain of Democrats who dominate North Florida.

"The secretary of state is kind of acknowledging that it's their responsibility to catch this," said Ben Wilcox, who chairs the group and serves as Common Cause Florida's executive director. "I take them at their word that they made an error when we submitted the new petition. They didn't notice there were additional words."

One fund-raising invitation that caught our attention is a $500-a-person reception on Sept. 14 at the Governor's Club for Rep. Bruce Kyle [a Fort Myers Republican], who's termed out in 2006 and is running for circuit judge. ... The hosts for Kyle's event include more than two dozen lobbyists (alphabetically, they include Sam Ard, Brian Ballard, Barney Bishop, Ron Book, Scott Carruthers, Richard Coates and Mike Corcoran, just for starters). Isn't it refreshing that so many lobbyists take such a keen interest in the quality of our judiciary?

News Alert: House Democrats Thwart Republican Control of Florida Legislature

The Republican-led Legislature really wanted to override the governor's veto of the Center for Efficient Government, but because House Democrats advocated for the issue, now they can't.

Despite leading both chambers of the Legislature and the Governor's Office, one Republican [Sen. Nancy Argenziano] admitted they are helpless to take legislative action when House Democrats suggest it first. ...

It's amazing that simply because House Democrats shed light on the fact that millions of tax dollars are being wasted, and asked the Legislature to provide accountability to Florida's privatization efforts, Republicans are compelled to oppose the issue.

"I had no idea we were so powerful. I wish to sincerely apologize to any Republican who was going to override the governor's veto, but now doesn't want to because House Democrats felt government accountability was important."

"I will get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness of any Republican if they agree not to take their anger out on the public and just enact some common-sense protections for Florida tax dollars."

He can spin all he wants. If he truly cared about the issue, instead of politicizing, he would have come to those who worked hard and wrote the bill. Those of us who happen to be Republicans who slammed the current procurement system, who held no punches, who exposed the real problems and I might add not quietly, wrote a darn good bill. Those of us who were successful, key word is SUCCESSFUL, in the legislature in passing a good bill. We heard nothing from him.

It is a real shame. I understand it was a surprise to the Senate Minority leader also. You really need to get it together. He should look at his legislative record and also take a look at the bridges he has not built, but torn down. Many of his own members know me, they know I am fair.

As far as the minority leaders sarcastic comments that he was unaware of the power he had, I say do not flatter your self. You could affect [sic] far more then miniscule power if you were to try to build relationships. And I am certain his remarks will go along way in helping his members obtain success.

Once again, U.S. Rep Ric Keller is filling his constituents' mailboxes with glossy color mailings.

And once again, constituents are questioning whether he's spending their money wisely. ...

Keller's office has declined at least seven requests over four months [for how much he spent on his mailers and who he sent them to]"

Two U.S. congressmen, Democrat (and candidate for governor) Jim Davis and Republican Adam Putnam, shared the spotlight at the Ybor campus of Hillsborough Community College to sell their views on a Social Security repair.

While they agreed the Social Security system cannot continue without help, the two clearly differed on the cure.

Putnam - just 31, he is a member of Emerge Tampa - suggested raising the retirement age and giving people the option to privately invest a portion of their Social Security funds were likely strategies. The red-haired representative added that Social Security is struggling but is expected to be officially "broke" by 2041, just when he is likely to retire.

Davis - at 47, still taking exception to recent AARP solicitations he calls premature - cautioned his mostly office-working audience that many retirees who were disabled, widowed or had made their living by hard physical labor were especially vulnerable to any Social Security cuts in benefits or raising the age when Social Security kicks in.

House Democrats on Tuesday sent a petition to the Secretary of State that will force a poll of legislators on whether they should vote to override Gov. Jeb Bush's veto of a bill that would have increased government privatization oversight.

A spokeswoman in Secretary of State Glenda Hood's office confirmed that the Democrats turned in a petition with the necessary 32 signatures, which will require Hood to poll the Legislature within the next seven days on whether to try a veto override.

The bill (SB 1146) Bush vetoed would have created a commission to approve state contracts worth more than $10 million and to adopt contracting standards for state agencies.

The bipartisan measure, which passed the House 116-2 and the Senate 39-0, came in the wake of questions about several state contracts, including the outsourcing of the state payroll system, which was questioned by lawmakers who complained about glitches.

Sen. Nancy Argenziano, said late Tuesday that House Minority Leader Chris Smith's efforts effectively sabotaged her attempt to rally lawmakers of both parties to add consideration of the bill to a special session on the Broward County slot machine referendum expected in October or November.

Last session, lobbyists spent $3 million to convince lawmakers of the wisdom of their clients' points of view.

That was less than in 2004 when about $3.5 million was spent - and much less than in 2003, when $7.9 million was distributed among lawmakers in the quest of persuading them to vote certain ways.

The drop in spending is almost certainly not because the work has gotten less demanding for lobbyists, or because legislators have grown more compliant, or lobbyists' clients have less at stake.

No. When lobbying expenses appear to drop - to be cut almost in half in two years - it's because lobbyists have become more cunning in how they report expenditures. Giving to campaign contributions or causes that lawmakers personally favor are two other venues for showing fondness and regard for a politician.

group trying to strip Florida lawmakers of the power to draw political districts said Tuesday it will continue collecting signatures for a ballot measure that is longer than state law allows.

What are these lobbyists trying to buy? That question often isn't answered until long after lawmakers give them what they want. In some cases, lobbyists represent worthy causes -- including community health centers, consumer advocate groups or statewide associations like AARP. But the vast majority of registered lobbyists represent business interests or industry associations. It's not fair to make broad assumptions about their intentions. But Floridians should be able to compare special-interest spending on gifts, meals and other lobbying expenses to legislation that benefits, or hurts, those interests.

Under current state law, that's impossible. The salaries paid to the state's most influential influence brokers are never disclosed.

Florida's political climate only makes the situation worse. Since the state adopted term limits for legislators, competition for leadership positions in the House and Senate has become brutal. There's powerful incentive to heed the words of well-connected lobbyists -- many of them former lawmakers -- who whisper promises of campaign help and career assistance. Even the less-ambitious lawmakers often rely on lobbyists for quick summaries of complex issues. The "friendly" advice often goes down better when it's accompanied by a plate of crab legs and a cold beer or two.

Thus lawmakers are persuaded to approve bills that allow drastic -- and unjustified -- hikes in monthly telephone bills. Thus are they dissuaded from holding dangerous doctors publicly accountable. Thus they are convinced to write laws favoring insurance companies at the expense of their consumers. Floridians might not know what is happening at the time, but they are the ones who ultimately foot the bill for the army of lobbyists that descends on Tallahassee every year.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris still trails incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, by 9 percentage points, according to new poll data released by Atlanta-based pollster Strategic Vision.

But it's not all bad news for Harris. When the 1,200 likely voters were asked if they had a favorable opinon of Nelson, 47 percent were undecided. That shows an opportunity for Harris and the Republicans to show people a negative view of Nelson. Just 14 percent have a negative view of him now.

For Harris, there just aren't as many people undecided about her, the poll shows. About 38 percent gave Harris a "favorable" rating, while 35 percent gave her a negative rating. Only 27 percent were undecided.

22. If the election for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2006 were held today between Attorney General Charlie Crist and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, whom would you vote for? (Republicans only)
Charlie Crist 47%
Tom Gallagher 35%
Undecided 18%

...

24. If the election for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2006 were held today between Congressman Jim Davis, State Senator Rod Smith, and former Florida Democratic Chairman Scott Maddox, whom would you vote for? (Democrats only)
Jim Davis 27%
Rod Smith 13%
Scott Maddox 10%
Undecided 50%

...

26. If the election for Governor were between Charlie Crist, the Republican and Jim Davis, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Charlie Crist 48%
Jim Davis 35%
Undecided 17%

27. 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 33%
Undecided 20%

28. If the election for Governor were between Charlie Crist, the Republican and Rod Smith, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Charlie Crist 49%
Rod Smith 29%
Undecided 22%

29. 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%

30. If the election for Governor were between Charlie Crist, the Republican and Scott Maddox, the Democrat, whom would you support?
Charlie Crist 49%
Scott Maddox 26%
Undecided 25%

31. 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 25%
Undecided 27%

5. Would you like to see Governor Jeb Bush run for President in 2008?

Yes 33%
No 52%
Undecided 15%

6. Would you like to see Governor Jeb Bush as a Vice Presidential Candidate in 2008?

Yes 47%
No 37%
Undecided 16%

...

21. Do you approve or disapprove of Senator Mel Martinez's job performance?
Approve 42%
Disapprove 33%
Undecided 25%

FPL freezes rates; bills will still rise

Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher will ask lawmakers to pass several proposals to find and punish methamphetamine producers, he said Monday.

Gallagher, who serves as the state fire marshal, cited fires caused by meth ''cooking'' and the risk to firefighters because of chemicals in meth labs.

Among the ideas is the creation of a strike force comprised of representatives from the Governor's Office of Drug Control, the State Fire Marshal's Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Health and the Department of Children & Families.

Gov. Jeb Bush knocked down speculation Tuesday that his newly reincorporated Foundation for Florida's Future, as reported last week by the St. Petersburg Times, is really a front to take on Florida's class-size amendment.

"That's not the intention right now," said Bush, whose allies said the foundation would be a vehicle to promote Bush's education record as he heads into his final legislative session

A push to strip the Legislature of its power to draw political districts and give it to an independent commission has hit a snag: One of the proposals has too many words.

Under state law, ballot language for citizen initiatives to amend Florida's Constitution can't exceed 75 words.

Secretary of state spokeswoman Jenny Nash said late Monday that elections officials should have considered word count in approving the petition for signature gathering. The office will spend today investigating, she said.

U.S. House Speaker Denny Hastert fishes near Lakewood Ranch. The leader of the Republican National Congressional Committee, Tom Reynolds, is house-hunting in Manatee County.

And one of the principal architects for the 1994 Republican Revolution, Bill Paxon, has been cruising Longboat Key for summer camps for his children.

They are among a growing list of power players from inside the Beltway who are turning Sarasota and Manatee counties into a political hot spot.

Under the terms of a special contract offered by BCC President Tom Gamble and the college's Board of Trustees after his 2003 election to the state Senate, Haridopolos is paid the same as a professor who teaches 10 classes a year -- $39,702 last year -- but isn't required to teach.

Instead, during the four-year term of the contract, the 35-year-old assistant professor and Republican senator from Indialantic has a special assignment to write a book about the history of the Legislature and his personal experiences.

The contract has raised concerns from some BCC faculty members and inevitable questions about the value of the deal for taxpayers who provide Haridopolos almost $70,000 a year, including his Senate job.

"I am what I am," Gallagher says, characteristically curt. "I'm happy to say I'm married and have a child. It's one of the most important things I've ever done. . . . It's helped me to have a balanced life, and I'm proud of that."

As for his concern for family issues, Gallagher hasn't outlined much more than opposition to abortion and gay marriage and fostering adoptions, but he says he hopes to build an agenda that "supports the foundations of the family."

"Families are the base of our society," he says. "Families produce the leaders of tomorrow. Strong families keep down the cost of government. We have to do everything we can to support them."

Politicians who are term-limited, such as Gov. Jeb Bush, are aware the [lame duck] label's going to be attached to them sooner or later.

Political foes want to plant it on their rivals' lapels sooner, to position them as lamely fading out. Supporters of the governor might acknowledge a little winding down eventually, or not at all.

One of Bush's longtime allies, South Florida attorney Justin Sayfie, told me in an e-mail Thursday, however, that he considers Bush "perhaps a tad weaker than his former demigod-like self, but still much stronger than a typical American governor in his seventh year in office."

Adds GOP patriarch Thom Rumberger, "I've never seen anything like it in 40 years. His brother's the president and Jeb's got potential to run. Then there's the fact that Jeb hasn't given up the party money. All the big players are hanging in there with him."

Here in the capital, of course, plenty of Democrats and beleaguered state employees are more than ready to vote Jeb off the island right now.

Democrats looking at their prospects in the governor's race often eagerly predict a bruising Republican primary between Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher. So far, though, it's the Democrats who are taking the most shots at one another.

In St. Petersburg last week, state Sen. Rod Smith questioned the electability and effectiveness of U.S. Rep. Jim Davis: "I've made a much bigger difference wherever I've been."

But that's a lot more gentle than Scott Maddox was when he spoke to the National Postal Mail Handlers Union in Orlando recently. He used a football analogy in assessing his Democratic rivals:

"Jim Davis is solid, he's going to run the ball up the middle, on 4th and 40.

Critics mention that Bush has spent nearly one-fifth of his presidency at the ranch and that his recent stay is the longest such break for a president in decades.

Bush has countered that the time off is a necessary respite to clear his head and reconnect with life outside of Washington. And it may be hard to claim that his Crawford, Texas, ranch is all that relaxing given the throng of anti-war protesters that have invaded the area this summer.

Whatever the merits or demerits of the extended vacation, the president's views of vacationing contrast sharply with those of his brother, Gov. Jeb Bush.

Gov. Bush is entitled to four weeks of vacation per year, but has traditionally taken less than half of that for two annual Bush family vacations to Kennebunkport, Maine, and Boca Grande.

Legislators must fully fund class size reductions because that is their obligation to the voters. But they also must fully fund all of the state's other educational needs. If more revenue must be raised to achieve that, so be it.

On paper, Tampa Congressman Jim Davis looks like the front-runner in the Democratic primary for governor.

His base in an Interstate 4 corridor metropolitan area and a congressional seat that has kept him in the eye of the public for eight years should give him advantages over his two competitors, state Sen. Rod Smith, of Alachua, and former state Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox.

But with the race just starting, Davis - though off to a slight lead - hasn't put much distance between himself and Smith, who is in second place in fundraising and early polls.

Davis supporters say it's too early to jump to any conclusions.

Grading systems should be logical. Being rational isn't such a bad idea, either. The collision between Gov. Bush's A+ grading system and the federal No Child Left Behind scheme continues to produce an illogical, irrational pile of wreckage.