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"Jeb!"'s World
"Workers who guard and mentor teens in privately run programs for teen offenders make so little that some qualify for food stamps and other aid, according to a state report released Friday." Not to worry, though, "the executives who run private programs under state contract are doing fine - taking home higher salaries on average than their counterparts in state government, the study found." "Private-run teen detention workers paid less".
Florida GOoPers Worried?
Not such a sure thing anymore:In the coming year, Floridians will elect a U.S. senator, a governor, three Cabinet officers and U.S. representatives in a handful of contested districts.
What seemed like a nearly sure thing to the GOP just a few months ago - a successful continuation of more than a decade of power - now is less certain. And some wonder whether the GOP will lose its hold on Washington.
"We are as vulnerable as we have been in a number of years," said Tom Slade, former chairman of the Florida Republican Party. "It is not a pretty picture."
Slade is credited with helping build the Florida GOP from an inconsequential minority party to the dominant political force it is today. Now the retired Jacksonville businessman and lobbyist believes the GOP could be in danger of losing its hold if voters "reach the point that they want simple revenge and take it out on the incumbents." "Republicans worry about reelection as voters get testy".
A "Private", "Personal Family Matter"
"Alia Faraj, the spokeswoman for Jeb Bush, said Friday the incident "is a personal family matter" which the governor and his wife Columba "are dealing with privately." The governor's office didn't immediately return messages Saturday." "Son of Florida Gov. Bush pushed officer, affidavit says".
God Forbid ...
but protecting children is apparently less important to GOoPers than opposing extending hate crime protection to gays:Fifty-two members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted against the Children's Safety Act, which sets tougher penalties for criminals who prey on children.
How could anyone vote against such an idea? Jeremy Wallace tells us how:Just 21 minutes before voting on the bill the House unexpectedly voted 223-199 in favor of an amendment by Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., that expands current hate crime laws to include some crimes involving sexual orientation, gender and disability. Their excuse?It became the ultimate poison pill for conservative members of Congress who fear they could be criticized for supporting gay rights. Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Indialantic, and Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chucmuckla, were the only Florida lawmakers who voted against the Children's Safety Act. "Gay Rights Issue Slips Into Bill That Cracks Down on Sex Offenders".
I see, supporting a bill that makes it a hate crime to beat up gays will cause GOoPers to be "criticized for supporting gay rights"? This from the "values" crowd?
No Lose Situation For FPL
"These are signals that FPL is quite profitable ... And, of course, state regulators allow the company to pass risks onto customers." "Energy Costs".
"A cash cow largely for the rich"
"But over the years, the program that was supposed to save little old ladies from being forced from their homes has turned into a cash cow largely for the rich. It transformed a system that made sense -- where the most valuable property got taxed highest -- into a snarl of inequities." "State riddled with tax inequities after 10 years of Save Our Homes".
Latino Vote
The Tampa Cuban vote:Velazquez, 33, represents a new generation -- they're not hard-liners on embargoes or political sanctions that have unified Cubans for a long time. Their interests are the same as many other Latino immigrants -- education, health care and day care.
"I'm no expert, but I do know that the Democrats think about the poor," Velazquez said. "When I vote, I have to think about those things. For me, it's about my family." "More Latinos Spurning Political Status Quo".
"Wings of Justice"
"Days after lending his private jet to the Katrina relief effort, Stuart lawyer Willie Gary is making it available to the Florida Democratic Party to help raise money to benefit the party's state House campaigns." "Gary lends jet to Democrats for fund-raiser".
"One Florida" Flop
"[T]here is a 9.5-percent decline in black freshmen on Florida's campuses this fall, when compared to 2004.... And black men have had the most impact on this trend." "Campuses see sharp drop-off in black men".
"Like Taking Credit for Sunshine"
Enough with the "'education governor'-speak"; "One Florida" is a "flop":It will be instructive to see, if he runs for president, how Gov. Bush finesses the African-American student-enrollment debacle wrought by his One Florida initiative. ...
This isn't a start-up problem. One Florida has been official policy for five years. ...
The highlight of Gov. Bush's excuses of past years was that the minority student drop was not as precipitous as some had predicted. This time, his news release did not even mention One Florida. ...
Rather than identify the students who need help and make sure they get it, Gov. Bush continues to rationalize and lapse into "education governor"-speak. The objective of his initiative, after all, was to head off Ward Connerly's anti-affirmative action ballot proposal, which could have brought out more voters and derailed his brother's 2000 presidential push. One hardly can blame the governor for selectively touting the enrollment numbers rather than acknowledging their indictment of One Florida. Given the state's record growth, however, claiming credit for more students is like taking credit for the sunshine. "Drop in black enrollment shows One Florida a flop".
Gallagher ...
firms up support:If it seems all of Tampa Bay's political heavyweights are lining up behind Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, think again. The host list for Tom Gallagher's Sept. 27 fundraiser in Tampa is like a who's who of business and community leaders. Among those hosting the $500-a-person event at the Bayshore Boulevard home of McDonald's franchise executive Blake Casper:
Former Gov. Bob Martinez; architect Carlos Alfonso; Brandon attorney Clif Curry; developer Dick Corbett; businessman John Jaeb; former Hillsborough County Commissioner Dottie Berger MacKinnon; state Rep. J.D. Alexander; John and Susan Sykes; Clearwater lawyer Ed Armstrong; Feather Sound developer Fred Bullard; developer Mike Hogan; Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce president C. Samuel Ellison; Without Walls International Church Pastor Randy White; businessman Dick Beard; and businessman J. Patrick Michaels. And,[w]ith Attorney General Charlie Crist touting his tough-on-crime background and backing from the Police Benevolent Association, Gallagher is eager to highlight his own public safety credentials.
The campaign's public safety advisers: former Attorney General Jim Smith, the team's chairman; Bob Carver, statewide president of the Florida Professional Firefighters; George Denman, former deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections; state Rep. Dick Kravitz, chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee; Ray Markey, former assistant attorney general; Jeff McAdams, president of the Gainesville Fraternal Order of Police; Nancy McGowan, victim rights advocate; and Sheriff Roy Raymond of Indian River County. "Gallagher taps heavyweights".
Troxler
"Florida's science standards for public schools are due to be reviewed next year. And Florida's new chancellor for grades K-12, newly hired by Gov. Jeb Bush's appointees, was accused by critics in her past job in Minnesota of trying to open the door for creationism. (She says she has no such intention.)" "Let science deal in facts, not religious conjecture".
Except For Florida, That Is
We read today that "Work deaths down in industrialized nations, up in developing ones". Of course the rules are different here in Florida, where we learned this week that, among other thiings, Florida is next to last in the number of workers killed on the job. As the Palm Beach Post put it, "Workers who want work can find it in Florida, but most of them have to be willing to ... worry about staying alive."
More at Florida News : "Worker's Paradise?"
Gas Tax
"Pound foolish to cut fuel tax". "Gas prices".
"Westside residents were shocked to learn that Gov. Jeb Bush and Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton are pushing for the reopening of Cecil Field as the Navy's master jet base - and that they are willing to spend millions more in taxpayer dollars to do it." "Many in Jacksonville fight plan to reopen Cecil Field base".
Note To Readers
Posts resume later today.
Pre-K Problem
"Lawmakers had a chance to correct their summer math but chose to ignore the problem. Now the clock is ticking again. Districts have to plan for pre-K classes that will begin about the time the spring session of the Legislature will end. Ask any teacher. This is no way to run a classroom." "A pre-K math problem".
"It's a private matter"
"John Ellis Bush, the youngest son of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, was arrested early Friday [in Austin Texas] and charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest. " "Gov. Bush's youngest son charged with intoxication" ("Gov. Bush said his son was "doing fine. It's a private matter.") See also "Son of Florida Gov. Bush Arrested".
The Austin American-Statesman reports thatBush continually pushed against an officer for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission as the officer attempted to handcuff him. ...
while Bush was being arrested, he suffered a cut on his chin and was taken to Brackenridge Hospital, treated and released. He was then taken to the Travis County Jail.
"He was observed to be a danger to himself and others," Ferrero said.
Public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. Resisting arrest is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. "President's nephew arrested on Sixth Street".
Chance of jail time? Less than zero.
Slow Down
Bousquet:Sometimes the Florida Legislature moves too slowly, or not at all.
That leaves people no option but to use the only instrument of change left - the ballot initiative - because competitive legislative races are virtually extinct in this state.
Sometimes the Legislature moves too fast. That can be just as bad.
"Legislative leaps also make room for problems".
"Workers' Paradise"?
One or more idiots at the Miami Herald are responsible for this headline today: "Workers Paradise" and the accompanying article.
These idiots are apparently unaware, as explained the other day, that, among other things, Florida is "47th in percentage of residents with health coverage ... and 49th in pension coverage". The bottom line:Workers who want work can find it in Florida, but most of them have to be willing to work for low pay, forget about health insurance and worry about staying alive. While the state has a large quantity of jobs, the quality of them remains poor. Pay and benefits fall well below the national averages .... Workers' paradise?
"Jeb!"'s Jobs
These stats in a piece yesterday are truly embarassing: Florida is "47th in percentage of residents with health coverage ... and 49th in pension coverage". Here's the bottom line:Workers who want work can find it in Florida, but most of them have to be willing to work for low pay, forget about health insurance and worry about staying alive. While the state has a large quantity of jobs, the quality of them remains poor. Pay and benefits fall well below the national averages .... These are the jobs that "Jeb!" and the GOoPers have been crowing about.
Growth Panel Appointments
"Jeb!" sets new lows in political hackery:Among Gov. Bush's appointees are Palm Beach County Commissioner Mary McCarty, a growth advocate; and Kathleen Shanahan, chief executive of an engineering firm and ex-chief of staff to both the governor and Vice President Dick Cheney. He also named Steve Uhlfelder, who left the Board of Governors this year amid criticism from Sen. Lee. Speaker Bense added three developers .... At least "Sen. Tom Lee gives growth panel some balance".
"Jeb!": Not Merely "Symbolic"
"In announcing his selection, Gov. Jeb Bush said the appointment of the first Haitian-American to head a state agency was more than symbolic." "Governor taps first Haitian-American to lead state agency".
DCF Follies
DCF embarasses itself:Faced with saving fuel or saving children, the state Department of Children and Families made a stunning choice. It told caseworkers to visit foster children less often to conserve gas. Though Gov. Jeb Bush reversed that policy on Thursday, a day after it was revealed by the Miami Herald, a frightening question remains:
What are DCF's priorities? "Save gas - or kids?" See also "Outrageous Penny-Pinching at DCF". But there's a larger issue here:For a major government agency with a long record of dealing with some of Florida's most heart-rending human tragedies, the Department of Children & Families has paid a disproportionate amount of attention to the symptoms of child abuse rather than the causes - to the detriment of children and families. "Poverty and abuse". If course little will change if Florida continues to create crap jobs like this.
New Troubles
"The FDLE says Allen Clark slugged an officer's husband in a brawl in April. He's also the target of a federal investigation." "New troubles plague ex-prisons supervisor".
Tom Launches Criminal Investigations Too
"Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher ordered a criminal investigation Thursday into allegations that Citizens Property Insurance Company's former chief operating officer took bribes and kickbacks from adjusters settling Florida hurricane claims." "State CFO orders Citizens scrutiny" See also "Details of bribe charges smack state-run insurer" ("Gallagher, a 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate, launched the criminal investigation Thursday under his authority to weed out fraud in the insurance industry.")
Harris Hypocrisy
The DSCC puts it this way:For two weeks, Republicans in Congress have hemmed and hawed about the need to get to the bottom of what went wrong with the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. But today [9/15/05], Katherine Harris and her colleagues showed that they were spewing a lot of hot air by voting against establishing an independent, objective panel of experts to get to the bottom of what happened. [H Res 439, Vote #471, 9/15/05; H Res 437, Vote #475, 9/15/05] This despite Harris saying, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, that "We must also take this as an opportunity to examine and assess the nation's emergency response procedures and disaster preparedness structure. The failures of the past should never be repeated." [9/02/05 Harris Official Press Release]. Florida News has more.
A Better South
The Center for a Better South is "a pragmatic, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to developing progressive ideas, policies and information for thinking leaders who want to make a difference in the American South. Now they have a blog: Think South.
Eight ...
ain't enough:[D]rivers should welcome a proposal that licenses be renewed every eight years instead of the current four- or six-year intervals. But the proposal by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is a palliative, not a solution. Florida drivers, and the department, deserve more.
Unfortunately, in recent years the Legislature has been responsible for much of the damage the department has suffered. Thanks to lawmakers, the department lost about 200 positions between 1995 and 2004. This year, in a welcome change, state lawmakers approved 134 new positions for the agency. No doubt, the positions are needed. But the goal should be to get more people to use email, telephones and mail for renewals.
Florida's population is growing at a faster pace than most states, with no sign of abating. Indeed, our official state policy encourages unrestrained growth. Many thousands of drivers will continue to renew their licenses at the state offices. "When eight years still isn't enough".
Don't You Dare Call It A Tax Increase
"The Florida Department of Transportation is proposing a toll increase starting next year on the 78-mile stretch of Interstate 75 known as Alligator Alley to pay for road improvements and additional law enforcement." "Alligator Alley toll increase proposed".
Tax Breaks
"Federal tax breaks may be on the way for South Florida victims of Hurricane Katrina, congressional representatives from the area said Thursday." "Tax breaks a possibility".
"Jeb!"'s Legacy
This is an absolute tragedy:According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Florida ranks 47th in percentage of residents with health coverage, 40th in the number of workers eligible for unemployment benefits and 49th in pension coverage. The state trails only California in the number of workers who died on the job last year, and the number of employees without workers compensation insurance is shamefully high. "Work for better jobs".
"Jeb!"'s Legacy (Part 2)
Another Tragedy:The group, which was put together in large part by the Florida School Boards Association, found Florida ranked in the bottom half of all states in nine of 10 categories, ranging from median pupil/teacher ratios to various test scores and high school graduation rates. "Florida lags behind too many states in education, report warns".
"It's called hypocrisy"
"Why is it that chest-pounding capitalists aren't so keen on competition when it affects their bottom line? It's called hypocrisy, and there was plenty of it on display at a legislative hearing this week about mail-order wine." "Some cheese with that whine?"
Bilirakis
"Chiropractor David Langheier said he will run against state Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, in the Republican primary for the 9th Congressional District seat being vacated by Bilirakis' father." "Political newcomer will face Bilirakis".
Dems Push Conservation
"Seeking a political foothold in the post-Katrina world of higher energy prices, Florida Democrats are pushing for long-term tax cuts to promote alternative sources such as solar energy and ethanol." "State Democrats push for energy conservation".
Whatever
Dem or GOoPer, make up your mind:Albert Fox, the anti-Cuban embargo activist, has long promised to join the crowded Democratic field running for Jim Davis' overwhelmingly Democratic Congressional Tampa Bay Congressional seat. Turns out the delay was because Republicans in Hillsborough and the White House, were talking to him about running as a Republican.
"The thinking was, 'let the Democrats battle it out,' said the 61-year-old Fox, who liked the idea of being in the majority party and said locals were plenty receptive. "But at the end of the day there was was no way I could tell the national Republican party what they wanted to hear on Cuba."
In an overwhelmingly Democratic congressional district that includes parts of Hillsborough and South Pinellas, Fox faces a tough primary. No Republican is running yet, but Democrats include Hillsborough County Commissioner Kathy Castor; Tampa lawyer Scott Farrell; Tampa lawyer Michael Steinberg; and state Sen. Les Miller. "Then There Were Five". See also "Lobbyist seeks Davis seat" ("An advocate of opening up relations with Cuba joins a crowded Democratic field.")
Under the Influence
"He says he paid his way while hanging out with a lobbyist." "Lobbyist tie haunts prisons' top official".
DCF Out of Gas
"In a bid to save on gasoline, the DCF has suspended its policy of having caseworkers visit foster children at least once a month." "DCF suspends visits to kids in foster homes". See also "DCF declares war on abuse".
Update: "Gov. Bush orders DCF to resume required foster care road trips".
Malpractice
"Amendments designed to give patients more information about medical mistakes have been slowed because of lawsuits and federal rules." "Malpractice access caught up in courts".
Kickbacks
"The chief operating officer of Florida's insurer of last resort has resigned amid allegations laid out in a Texas lawsuit that he sought kickbacks from insurance adjusters after last year's hurricanes." "Citizens exec quits amid kickback claims".
Private Property
"Should government be able to take your private property and turn it over to someone who might make better use of it?" "Legislators seize moment, debate property ruling".
No More Jessica's
"Bill's aim: No more cases like Jessica's" ("The House measure tightens registration rules for sex criminals and creates an offender database.")
Yesterday's "Politicization of FEMA" Post ...
(which has generated considerable site traffic) is here, or you can simply scroll down.
"Florida ranked in the bottom half"
Those radicals at the Florida School Boards Association suggest thatthe state may not be living up to its constitutional obligation to provide a "high quality" education, suggesting that more money be spent on schools and urging the creation of a system comparing Florida to other states.
The group, which was put together in large part by the Florida School Boards Association, found Florida ranked in the bottom half of all states in nine of 10 education categories, ranging from median pupil/teacher ratios to various test scores and high school graduation rates.
"The last thing we want to have happen is for the educational system of this state to be put under court order or declared unconstitutional as it has in some other states," former Attorney General Bob Butterworth said.
Butterworth, a Democrat, and former Comptroller Bob Milligan, a Republican, headed the commission. "Group: State may not be living up to obligation for schools".
The Money Thing
"As some two dozen Florida lawmakers hold fund-raisers this week, 10 of them set for tonight, one can only wonder what they're thinking." "Terrible timing". See also "Political fund-raising so soon after Katrina draws criticism".
Mr. Rubio Goes to Tally
SRubio's acceptance speech as speaker-designate for the 2006-08 termseemed to surprise the governor and other assembled dignitaries - including House Democrats - who filled the House chamber for what is usually a fast, festive formality. Rubio pledged continued adherence to Gov. Jeb Bush's policies of avoiding tax increases and requiring accountability in education, but he asked his hushed audience to look at state government through the eyes of a young, single mother with no education or job prospects.
"She has no power. There will be no glory and no fame in taking up her cause," said Rubio. "No lobbyists will ever register on her behalf. She will never contribute one dollar to any campaign or political party. No elections will ever be decided, based on what we do or fail to do for her." "Giving a blank book, asking for ideas". See also "It's official: Rubio is speaker of House", "House makes history with choice of speaker", "Cuban-American to be named Florida House speaker for '06" and "Rubio sets goals, issues challenge" ("In an impassioned speech, Marco Rubio -- who will be Florida's first Cuban-American House speaker -- called for improving the lives of the state's less fortunate.")
"[I]mproving the lives of the state's less fortunate"? Good luck Mr. Rubio.
The Meltdown ...
continues in Orange/Osceola. See "School Board rejects resignation" ("School Board members declined Tuesday night to accept the resignation of a controversial Orange County teacher who criticized Hispanics -- after her lawyer alleged that she had been forced to quit") and "Hispanics: Stop elections".
'Glades
"Corps believes two-span plan will do job, save money" "Sides differ on Everglades project".
Support the Troops
One way to support the troops - in addition to yellow ribbon car magnets - would be to fund (with, you know, money derived from, ahem ... taxes) adequate medical care:Veterans meeting with officials from Palm Beach County's veterans health-care system Tuesday said they sometimes have to wait more than a year for routine eye or hearing exams. Sometimes, the veterans said, they arrive at the center only to discover their doctor has called in sick, and that it will take months to get a new appointment. "Veterans voice complaints to congressman about inadequate medical care".
Those Activist Judges
"A federal judge has ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to stop issuing flood insurance for new development in areas populated by endangered species in the Florida Keys." "Judge halts FEMA program to protect endangered species in Keys".
Stem Cell Research
"Jeb!"and the Palm Beach County Commission have been staunch allies in promoting Scripps Florida.
But on Tuesday, commissioners broke with Bush on a science-themed issue that bubbled up as a result of the institute's Palm Beach County campus: embryonic stem cell research. "County backs funding for stem cell research".
Scripps
"State legislators raised concerns Tuesday that Scripps Florida is not hiring enough minorities, especially in the most prestigious scientific research positions." "House panel grills Scripps Florida about hiring of minorities".
What Would Mr. Freedman Say?
Well, at least they are inconsistent:Three of Florida's top Republicans, all conservative supporters of profit motive and the free market, have found a market they agree needs state intervention: gasoline prices during hurricanes.
Gov. Jeb Bush said recently that a service station should not raise the price of gas it had bought at a significantly lower price. An appropriate profit per gallon would be "2 or 3 cents," a profit margin that works out to about 1 percent, he said.
Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is encouraging Floridians to use his toll-free hot line to report high gas prices, and Attorney General Charlie Crist last week sued a Tallahassee station owner for raising prices 70 cents a gallon in a single day.
The positions puzzle free-market economists, including one on Bush's Council of Economic Advisors. "Some state GOP leaders spurn free market on gas prices".
While your at it, "Jeb!", how about a little action on this:Private reinsurance rates are expected to increase 10 to 15 percent for Florida insurers due to Hurricane Katrina and other storms this year, but not all of that cost is expected to be passed on to consumers, state and industry officials said Tuesday. "Officials: Katrina expected to affect Florida insurance rates".
PB County Domestic Partner Registry
"Domestic partner registry advances".
Refusing to Protect Wine Industry
"Republican Gov. Jeb Bush and Senate President Tom Lee, R-Valrico, say they oppose any new law designed to protect Florida's wine industry from competition." "Florida winemakers try to put squeeze on law".
Slots
"The future of slot machines in South Florida is likely to remain on hold for at least several more months as House and Senate leaders conceded this week they are not ready to call a special fall session over regulating the industry." "Lawmakers in no rush for slots". See also "Slots rules not ready for vote Lawmakers close, but not close enough, on slot machine law".
Paper Trail ...
even the GOoPers are starting to get it:The debate over whether computerized voting machines should have a paper trail to ensure accuracy has largely been a partisan one, with Democrats urging the paper trail and Republicans opposing the idea.
But, when State Sen. Lisa Carlton, R-Osprey, was put on the spot recently be the Sarasota League of Women Voters, she didn't hesitate in answering.
"I do support that," Carlton said.
Carlton said better poll worker training and paper trails "would go a long way to make sure we have integrity in elections."
Carlton is the chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, making her one of the most powerful members of the Florida Legislature. "Sen. Carlton Backs Paper Trail For Voting Machines".
"Jeb!" and the Politicization of FEMA
Back in March, in the middle of the Schiavo media malestrom (and largely unnoticed at the time), the following story appeared in the Sun-Sentinel: "State records show Bush re-election concerns played part in FEMA aid". We posted it on March 23, 2005 ("Abuse of Power"). With the Schiavo story dominating the news, there was little follow up to the Sun-Sentinel piece (which perhaps explains why "Jeb!" released it in the middle of the Schiavo mess).
In any event, the Sun-Sentinel story reveals that"Jeb Bush's storm-related e-mails [were] initially requested by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Oct. 13," well before the November election; and
"Jeb!" stonewalled, and "finally released the documents Friday [March 18, 2005], after threat of a lawsuit by the newspaper", well after the November election. The documents that "Jeb!" had delayed releasing show that Dubya, Brownie, "Jeb!", FEMA consultants/political hacks were playing politics with FEMA prior to the 2004 election. That revelation is particularly significant now: in the wake of the Katrina tragedy, it has been exposed that FEMA has been run by campaign operatives and GOoPer hacks since Dubya took office.
Now we have this recapitulation from Independent Media TV:Homeland Security sources told the [Washington] Post that after the hurricanes that Brown "and his allies [recommended] him to succeed Tom Ridge as Homeland Security secretary because of their claim that he helped deliver Florida to President Bush by efficiently responding to the Florida hurricanes."
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel uncovered emails from Florida Gov. Jeb Bush that confirmed those allegations and directly implicated Brown as playing politics at the expense of hurricane victims.
"As the second hurricane in less than a month bore down on Florida last fall, a federal [FEMA] consultant predicted a "huge mess" that could reflect poorly on President Bush and suggested that his re-election staff be brought in to minimize any political liability, records show," the Sentinel reported in a March 23 story. "FEMA Chief Brown Paid Millions in False Claims to Help Bush Win FL Votes". See also this diary at dKos: "Michael Brown--More Explosive Revelations!"
[As an aside, it is no no wonder "Jeb!" has been spouting off in recent days about how wonderful he thinks FEMA is: "Governor Bush defends FEMA response". See also "'Jeb!' Embarasses Himself"]
While Florida's media - with the exception odf the Sun-Sentinel - was asleep at the wheel - perhaps the national media will give "Jeb!"'s involvement in the politicization of FEMAA the attention it deserves.
"Dangerous territory"
"Lawmakers are still plotting to put oil rigs in Florida's side of the gulf, where damage from hurricanes could threaten the state's environment and economy." "Dangerous territory".
Stem Cell Research
"Gov. Bush, Congress and the Florida Legislature all have made clear that they will let ideology interfere with science and medicine. The Terri Schiavo case is the most blatant example. But the most harmful could be the hostility toward publicly financed embryonic stem-cell research." "Yes to stem-cell research".
Brownie's Replacement ...
was originally recommended by "Jeb!":Brown's replacement, Paulison, has led the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of FEMA, since December 2001, according to FEMA's Web site. He is a career firefighter from Miami.
The president's hurricane-seasoned brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, said he recommended Paulison as head of FEMA's emergency preparedness force but did not take part in the vetting for the appointment of an acting FEMA director.
Paulison's credentials are in sharp contrast to those of Brown and some others running FEMA. The Chicago Tribune reported last week that top FEMA officials had strong political connections but little or no emergency experience before getting their jobs. "FEMA director resigns amid criticism; Bush visits New Orleans".
Not Gonna Do It
"Sen. Charlie Clary said Monday he will not run to be the state's chief financial officer and instead will back Senate President Tom Lee's campaign." "Clary announces he won't run for chief financial officer".
"Ethically Challenged"
"Rudy Bradley, the ethically-challenged member of the Public Service Commission, is finding out who his friends are. The ex-St. Pete lawmaker, a Democrat-turned-Republican, is one of three PSC members targeted in an ethics commission probe. With that cloud hanging over him, Bradley last week lost his bid to keep his $129,000-a-year job when a legislative committee excluded him from a list of nominees sent to Gov. Jeb Bush." "Rudy Bradley's Cheering Section".
All Cash All The Time
"During a week of committee meetings, House members are also refilling campaign chests - a little close to the Katrina tragedy, in the governor's view." "Bush distances self from legislators' fundraisers". See also "Legislators raising money despite governor's caution".
Nearly Half Are Millionaires
"Florida's "citizen Legislature" looks very different from the citizens it represents. A New York Times Regional Newspaper Group review of the 160 financial disclosure forms filed this year by the state's part-time lawmakers shows a club dominated by those rich enough to not even need the $30,000 annual salary: More than 40 percent of the Legislature, 60 of its 160 members, are millionaires with a declared net worth of more than $1 million." "Many policy makers wealthy".
Investigation
"State and federal authorities are investigating the activities of prison officials in North Florida, where the regional director for the state Department of Corrections abruptly resigned last month." "Prison officials investigated".
Try Not To Laugh
"She described Nelson as a political liberal who 'pretends' that he is a moderate. She said Nelson can 'get away with it' because "you are not going to read his real record in the liberal outlets." "Harris keeps them waiting, but Republicans don't mind".
Brilliant strategy that. Are we going to hear that Nelson's "sister is a thespian" next?
Update: (via an anonymous comment) - Today's The Hill: "Rep. Katherine Harris, legend of the road".
School Budgets
Rep. Adam "Hasner, R-Delray Beach, is trying to sell a Republican-backed ballot measure that would let voters decide whether schools should be required to spend 65 percent of their budget 'in the classroom.'" "Lawmaker pitches classroom spending plan".
Revolving Door ...
in Tally:Gov. Jeb Bush appointed Deena Reppen as his press secretary, his office announced Monday. ...
Bush also named Carol Gormley, 54, as his deputy chief of staff. She previously was the governor's policy coordinator for health and human services.
Carol Bracy, 38, was named chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings.
"Governor names two key staff members".
Over the Weekend ...
You may have missed the following: "Jeb!"'s retreat on "Background Checks" for the employees of private companies working around school kids, the increasing media coverage of the GOP's "'One Florida' Failure" (see also "'One Florida' Failure (Continued)"), the Florida Congeressional GOoPers initiating Gulf oil "Drilling Concession", and Florida GOoPer plans to limit the "Bright Futures" program: "Third Rail".
A Contest - "The Maverick Senator"
"The Cuban-born Republican Mel Martinez, 58, took office in January, and made the [Time magazine 25 most influential Hispanics in America] list as 'The Maverick Senator.'" "Political Beat".
Merriam-Webster Online defines "maverick" as "an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party."
Can you think of a less apt description of Mel Martinez?
A prize to anyone who can identify a single thing the Cellophane Man has done that qualifies as "maverick" (speaking Spanish in the Senate, his toadying up to the wingnuts in the Schiavo case (and the attendant memo incident) are grandstanding and stupidity respectively, and don't count as "maverick" behavior).
Expect "Costly, Contentious" Race
"Money, power and bare-knuckle politics -- the 2006 governor's race will have it all." "With no heir apparent, 2006 governor's race shaping up to be costly, contentious".
Florida's Shame
Pierson, Florida; a delightful community:So farmworkers are in a bind. They can't stay in substandard housing. They can't afford proper housing. ...
Pierson isn't the first place in the country to face a housing dilemma for its farmworkers. For now, however, it seems to be the only one not to recognize that there is a problem. That would be the necessary first step toward a solution. It would open several opportunities. The Town Council could apply for grants to subsidize farmworkers' housing. It could press the County Council to do so from its end, through its housing authority (as did Collier County, which applied, and won, $4 million in federal grants to house its farmworkers, in exchange for $7 per day for those getting subsidized housing). The Town Council could also enter into partnerships with nonprofit or private organizations to achieve similar ends. It's done elsewhere. Why not in Pierson?
Because the Pierson Town Council is the problem. It does not recognize that there is a housing problem in town. Town Council Chairman Samuel Bennett, a fernery owner, is responsible for abolishing the town's housing code, a move that made it easier for landlords to avoid keeping up their properties decently -- until the county Health Department got involved. Bennett is himself a landlord for farmworkers. He's been cited for health code violations. He decided to evict tenants rather than make repairs.
Isn't anyone on the council embarrassed for the town's indifference? Isn't anyone willing to try something other communities have tried and pulled off on behalf of their farmworkers? Ninety-seven percent of the nation's leatherleaf fern production takes place between Palatka and Pierson. As crops go, it's ornamental gold. As a state industry goes, it's a dependable boon. As a local industry goes, it's indispensable. If the industry is to stay put (when it could easily migrate to South America), the council and the fern industry should treat their workers as the indispensable adjuncts of that industry, rather than as disposable, replaceable slaves. "Farmworker housing".
Domestic Partner Registry
"Palm Beach County soon may become the fifth Florida government to offer a domestic-partnership registry, which would grant some legal recognition to gay and lesbian couples as well as straight couples who choose not to marry." "Palm Beach County to discuss domestic partner registry, benefits".
GOoPer Money Men
The usual suspects:Two South Florida attorneys will play prominent fundraising roles for Florida Republicans as they aim to defend the governor's mansion in 2006 and challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson for reelection.
Jim Blosser, a founding shareholder of Blosser & Sayfie, has been named a finance co-chairman for Florida Victory 2006. As a co-chair, he and Jim MacDougald, president of St. Petersburg-based MacDougald Management, will assist Republican Party of Florida finance chairman Al Austin in the party's fundraising efforts to support general election campaigns for state and federal party nominees.
Blosser's law partner, Justin Sayfie, will also help out, focusing on identifying and recruiting contributors and fundraisers age 40 and under. "Two Locals Join GOP Fundraising Team".
"Lobbyist disclosure"
"Although Florida has one of the largest lobbying corps in any state capital, whose members report spending much less than their counterparts, many critics push for tougher lobbyist disclosure laws." "Push for lobbyist disclosure renewed".
"A flirty, vacant, beauty-queen wannabe"
"Appearance - not issues - dominating her campaign for Nelson's Senate seat":If Katherine Harris has any hope of beating Sen. Bill Nelson, she may need an extreme makeover.
The Republican congresswoman's poll numbers are poor, her appearance continues to be a distracting issue and a large number of voters already have a set image in their minds about her. Those are some of the reasons Republican leaders in Washington tried to find someone to run against her.
So is it true that she can't beat Nelson, a noncontroversial Democrat who has enjoyed a reputation as a moderate?
Never say never. But many political experts believe the only way she could win is if voters see her as a successful congresswoman with something substantive to say on issues - rather than the caricature her critics see: a flirty, vacant, beauty-queen wannabe who used her role in the 2000 presidential recount to get to Capitol Hill. "Harris has ground to make up".
Rubio
"State Rep. Marco Rubio, one of Miami-Dade County's fastest-rising political stars, will be designated the next speaker of the Florida House on Tuesday, making him the first Cuban American in state history to rise to the influential post." "Cuban American's rise a first in state politics".
Health Savings Accounts
Cotterell:Basically, you get much lower premiums in a health savings account and the state chips in a defined amount. You can put in more, up to specified pre-tax limits for single or family coverage, and the pot grows while you and your dependents stay healthy.
But your deductibles are a lot higher when you have claims. They are $1,250 a year for single people and $2,500 for families. Let me guess, an outside company that has made political contributions to "Jeb!" will be paid a fee to administer the "accounts".
Black College Enrollment Falling
"New figures show fewer black students are attending Florida universities than in the past seven years, ammunition for critics of Gov. Jeb Bush's 5-year-old policy excluding race in admissions decisions." "Black enrollment still falling at universities".
Abused Kids
"In 2002, Florida was among the three states with the highest "child maltreatment" rates. Only slightly more than half of the 254,856 investigations of child abuse or neglect were completed. More than 100,000 kids are abused, abandoned or neglected in Florida every year. More than 4,000 of them are re-abused within six months. What is the state going to do about that?" "No help for abused kids".
"GOP's storm warning"
"GOP's storm warning":[Y]ou might be surprised how many savvy Republicans are worried.
Even before the federal response to Hurricane Katrina prompted a torrent of criticism directed at President Bush, some of Florida's most prominent elected Republicans and strategists privately fretted about the environment for the next election. ...
Republicans are setting the table for Democrats to shift Florida's political landscape dramatically. Anything but certain, though, is whether Democrats can take advantage.
"The stars are aligned," said Democratic consultant Robin Rorapaugh. "But Democrats need a candidate with a message." There's much more in this lengthy Adam Smith column published yesterday.
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