Nelson's War Chest

"As Republican Rep. Katherine Harris struggles to gain traction in her campaign for U.S. Senate, Sen. Bill Nelson rakes in the cash, and state Democrats hope that will have a residual benefit for other candidates." "With big margin, Nelson's building Senate war chest".




The Best Deal?

"Last month, some Florida lawmakers -- including Reps. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, and Mario Díaz-Balart, R-Miami -- voted for HR 4761. They said it was the best deal Florida could get. But the Senate bill is better and is in Florida's best interest. We hope the Florida delegation reunites for a push in both chambers for approval of the Senate compromise provisions -- and neutralizes the threatening House bill altogether." "Best deal for Florida, given the options".




School Enrollment Drops

"School enrollment drops across Florida; educators left puzzled".




On The Road

"Traveling by RV, the candidate's campaign clan isn't tired of each other, though the toddler tunes are wearing thin." "In seat belts and at speeches, Smith's family is by his side".




"Consultant-speak"

"In consultant-speak, the phrase "you should have had me on the payroll" isn't about money, veteran political/PR hired gun Barry Epstein says. When Epstein used those words in a recent e-mail to Democratic state Rep. Irving Slosberg, he says he wasn't complaining about missing out on consulting fees from Slosberg's lavish state Senate campaign. All he was saying, Epstein told the Politics column, was that Slosberg should have listened to his advice." "Commentary: Slosberg alleges ex-flack's flap on 'payroll' reflects green, as in envy". More Slosberg: "Deception is Slosberg's".




Dodd

"Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd believes Florida is a must-win state to become president, and he made a good impression Saturday talking to party activists in his first major appearance since announcing he’ll explore a 2008 White House run." "Dodd impresses Florida Democrats as he explores White House run".




Harris Has Faith

"Before the Sunday service at a church near downtown, U.S. Senate hopeful and Republican U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris gave brief but pointed comments on issues including immigration, abortion and gay marriage. Appealing to about 200 at First Baptist Church, Harris said her views were rooted in what she described as the country's Christian origins and principles." "Harris says views grounded in faith".




Project Vote Smart

"Project Vote Smart estimates it takes just 30 minutes for candidates to fill out its nonpartisan questionnaire. The survey tells voters where candidates stand on a wide range of issues, through questions dealing with abortion, the environment, gun control and taxes. And the answers get posted online (www.vote-smart.org) in an easy-to-search format. But as of Friday, the overwhelming majority of Florida's political candidates failed to return the survey -- and none of the Democratic or Republican candidates for governor have done so." "Most candidates skip survey".




Davis (and Graham) Moves North

"Fresh off Saturday's televised debate with challenger Rod Smith, Democratic candidate for governor Jim Davis will host two more roundtables today on his proposal to alleviate the state's property insurance problems (Smith has a competing plan). Davis will appear solo at a 10 a.m. event in Pensacola and will be joined by Graham in Panama City at 1 p.m." "Bob Graham hits trail today with Davis".




Avon Park Vote Tonight

"Avon Park council votes tonight on crackdown on illegal workers". In the meantime,

activists rallied against the Illegal Immigrant Relief Act, a proposal that would make English the official language of Avon Park and impose a $1,000 fine on individuals or businesses that offer jobs, services or housing to illegal immigrants.

"Crowd protests as vote looms over immigrants".




Urban League Implosion

"Had Lois Davis, the interim chairman, thrown as much energy into saving Tampa's Urban League as she did in trashing others for its demise, the group might be celebrating its 85th year instead of closing and leaving black families in the lurch. Davis emerged from the bunker last week to announce that the league's $3-million debt would force the agency to fold. Her refusal to reach out all but killed a bailout effort, though in fairness, the problem predated her and raises a larger question: Should Tampa reconstitute its Urban League or hand that mission to some other group entirely?" "Urban League gone but still needed".




Sugar Coating

"The state report that stirred so many worries about the Herbert Hoover Dike was originally even more alarming than the version the public first saw in May. An early draft of the document called the leak-prone dike around Lake Okeechobee a 'clear and present danger' — echoing a phrase the U.S. Supreme Court has used to describe perils facing the nation during wartime. The final version released May 2 changed that to 'grave and imminent danger.'" "Dike report toned down".




Sarasota Paper Trail

"Even though a Sarasota group has collected enough signatures for a referendum to force Sarasota to change its computerized voting machines, it's far from a done deal, Sarasota Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent told Republicans last week." "Dent says initiative on ballots is flawed".




"Another Crist TV Ad"

"Republican Charlie Crist has a new TV ad that stresses his opposition to more taxes and support for Jeb Bush's education policies." "Another Crist TV Ad".




Property Tax Fix

"Property taxes are increasing much faster than personal incomes for most Floridians and solutions to the squeeze are creating clear distinctions in the race for governor."

Republican candidates Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher are campaigning hard against high taxes. Democrats Jim Davis and Rod Smith agree that reforms are needed, but are wary of hasty changes that will bring new and unpleasant side effects.

Davis and Smith are right to be cautious.

"Candidates Offer Flawed Fixes For Soaring Property Taxes".




"Too Hard To Catch"

"What's a name worth? Just ask a pair of lawmakers who recently found out how hard it is to run a statewide campaign for the first time." "Michael Peltier: Saunders: McCollum too hard to catch for GOP nod".




Yesterday's News

Some news and punditry from yesterday's papers: "Davis lagging behind GOP in fundraising but leading Smith", "Democrats clash over insurance hikes", "Sen. Villalobos' voucher snub invites payback in the primary", "Davis, Smith Duel Over Issues", "Democratic hopefuls rein in rhetoric at Fort Lauderdale debate", "Davis, Smith avoid direct attacks during debate", "Smith, Davis debate before party faithful", "Democratic candidates spar in live debate", "Debate more like a forum", "Stem Cells Split Crist, Gallagher", "Insurance financing solutions elusive", "Schools ask: Where are the kids?" and "Harris greets fans at 'Elephant Stampede'".