Weeks before the Bush administration releases a new offshore drilling plan for the Gulf of Mexico, a federal agency has given Louisiana authority over waters as close as 100 miles from Florida's coastline.

While the full impact isn't yet clear, the new boundaries position Louisiana as the primary stakeholder over millions of acres of waters Florida has historically controlled in the eastern Gulf, including an area south of the Panhandle, that is not currently protected from drilling.

Voucher Madness

"The Florida Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state's oldest voucher program was clear that the use of tax dollars to pay private school tuition is unconstitutional, but it left loopholes that allow other programs to continue to spend public money at private preschools and colleges." "Voucher ruling doesn't stop state money flowing to private schools". See also "Some vouchers out, but the rest?" ("Legal experts for and against school vouchers say the ruling against one program could be used to knock out two others.")

A good review of how we got to this point: "Governor's power can't save vouchers". This piece by Bousquet is good as well: "Vouchers loss tough and ironic for Bush".

This could be where we may be going next: "A day after the Florida Supreme Court struck down one of Gov. Jeb Bush's private school voucher programs, a two-pronged strategy to save it began emerging in the Republican-led state Legislature." "Legislature crafts plan to keep school vouchers". See also "Legislators want private option" ("State leaders on Friday vowed to find a way to revive a private school voucher program ").

Also, you guessed it ... an amendment: "A day after the Florida Supreme Court struck down a key part of Gov. Jeb Bush's school-voucher program, Bush said Friday that he would support a constitutional amendment to salvage the plan that gives tax money to students attending private schools." "Governor sticks by vouchers".

Twist

"A reinvestigation finds no reason to press new charges, but Bush names a special prosecutor.". "A new twist in '64 racial slaying case".

Tribune Company Loves Vouchers

Like the Tampa Trib yesterday, the Sun Sentinel editorial board laments the Florida Supreme Court's decision striking down the voucher program. "Education".

Money Race

Dems: "On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa estimates raising more than $505,000 in the final quarter of 2005, nearly doubling the $264,000 reported for state Sen. Rod Smith. All told, Davis estimates raising more than $1.6-million and Smith more than $1.3-million."

Repubs: " Republican Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher reportedFriday raising about $770,000 in the final three months of the year, bringing his combined total to about $5.29-million raised. Crist nearly doubled him in the last quarter, with $1.5-million, bringing the attorney general's overall total to $6.86-million. That's about $30,000 a day in contributions of up to $500.". "Crist surges ahead in fundraising". See also "Crist's latest fund-raising outstrips GOP rival's".

Whatever

"League of Mayors opens with excitement".

Isn't it Sad ...

that we have to hope the Florida GOP will "avoid retribution":

Tallahasseeans working in the state court system here can attest that the Florida Legislature has been known to take out its frustration over certain court rulings with passive-aggressive enthusiasm. When considering the state's budget, lawmakers find ways to withhold or delay judicial requests for additional funding for clerks, equipment, physical space or more judges.

Thursday's Florida Supreme Court 5-2 declaration of the unconstitutionality of Opportunity Scholarships - a 6-year-old "choice" program that has been used by about 700 students out of the state's 2.6 million public school students - brought about quick accusations of "activist" judges and the politicization of the court.

Dirty Money

"Add the Republican Party of Florida to the list of politicians and groups distancing themselves from Jack Abramoff. The RPOF in 2002 received $5,000 from SuncCruz Casino, formerly owned by Abramoff." "FL GOP Sheds SunCruz Money".

Baptists and Catholics

"[R]epresentatives of the Florida Catholic Conference and Florida Baptist Convention made clear their organizations don't endorse political candidates." But they do seem to like the reformed Mr. Gallagher. "Don't Let the Candidate Upstage You".

Vouchers Declared Unconstitutional

"The Florida Supreme Court tossed out the state's tuition voucher program that allows public money to go to private schools." "Court orders tuition vouchers halted". See also "High court stamps out vouchers", "State high court rejects voucher program", "Florida Supreme Court declares vouchers unconstitutional", "Florida's top court bars vouchers for F schools", "Court throws out vouchers" and "Court Rejects School Vouchers".

"Jeb!" is unrepentant about his violation of the Florida Constitution: "Bush vows to revive school vouchers after Fla. Supreme Court kills program".

A copy of the decision is here. (.pdf format). We're discussing it at FLA Politics here.

Editorial roundup: "Court backs the schools, but Jeb won't turn page", "Let state live up to its mandates for schools" and "Stop the voucher fight" ("Now that the state Supreme Court has ruled vouchers unconstitutional, it's time for lawmakers to get back to fixing public schools."). The Tampa Trib has this gem: "A Disappointing Voucher Ruling".

The "Jeb!" is the educashun guvner folks say this: "Vouchers serve purpose -- but need has passed".

More: "Ruling elicits mixed reviews locally".

Stormproofing

"Gov. Jeb Bush will call on Florida lawmakers to spend nearly $600 million to help prepare homes, shelters, and a response plan for hurricanes." "Gov. Bush wants $600M to stormproof state".

No Smoking

"Amendment to require anti-smoking spending closer to ballot". See also "Time runs out for activists seeking amendment ballots"

Harris

Harris on the hustings: "Controversial underdog Harris optimistic about bid for U.S. Senate".

Slots

"Negotiations between the state and tribes over an expansion of Indian gaming rights will soon take on new urgency, Gov. Jeb Bush said." "Bush pushes for tribe compact".

Klein Raises More than Shaw (Again)

"For the third quarter in a row, state Sen. Ron Klein raised more money than incumbent Rep. Clay Shaw in a congressional race that is shaping up to be among the most expensive in the nation." "Klein's fund-raising tops Shaw in U.S. House race".

No Sympathy Here

"The firm that helped ensure George Bush won the 2000 recount legal battle in Florida, that hired Antonin Scalia's son and produced Jeb Bush's general counsel, Raquel Rodriguez, is even getting bashed by some Republicans in the wake of the Abramoff controversy." " Greenberg Traurig's Black Eye".

The "Values" Crowd

"A proposal to prevent public universities and community colleges from using state dollars to benefit unmarried couples and domestic partners was introduced Wednesday by a Central Florida [state Rep. Larry Cretul, an Ocala Republican]." "Domestic partner benefits opposed".

"GOP Politicians Dump Abramoff Donations"

Politicians from Florida to the White House on Wednesday rushed to give away the money they had received from lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his clients as the high-rolling lobbyist pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court to felony charges.
...

Reps. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo; Ric Keller, R-Orlando; and Katherine Harris, R-Longboat Key, were among numerous GOP lawmakers who said Wednesday that they, too, will get rid of money linked to Abramoff.

[A]t least nine members of Florida's congressional delegation have received contributions tied to Abramoff since 1999, according to a study by the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington-based research group. Among the Floridians are Republican Reps. C.W. Bill Young of Indian Shores, who received $1,000 in 2002 from one of Abramoff's Indian tribe clients, the Mississippi Band of Choctow Indians, and Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville, who in 2002 received $500 from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe.

State Sen. Ron Klein, a Boca Raton Democrat running to unseat U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, in 2001, received $500 from SunCruz and $500 from Kidan, Abramoff's partner on the SunCruz deal who also pleaded guilty. On Wednesday, Klein said he had nothing to do with Abramoff or SunCruz but would donate those contributions to a hurricane relief charity.

No Florida politician is more bruised by the Abramoff scandal than Rep. Tom Feeney, the Orlando area Republican and former state House speaker.

Feeney took a trip with Abramoff to Scotland, where he golfed at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews and attended the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual parade of soldiers and bands.

Abramoff asked Feeney to join him on the trip in 2003, one year after a similar trip Abramoff took with Rep. Bob Ney, an Ohio Republican, which is now under investigation.

Slots

"Bush signed into law Wednesday a bill expanding gambling in Broward County, despite his desire to rid the state of slot machines as early as November." "Bush signs slots bill, frets on deadline". See also "Bush signs bill regulating Broward County slot machines" and "Despite opposition, slots move closer to fruition".

Cotterell

"Hate-crime laws: admirable, imperfect".

Davis

"Jim Davis met the press Wednesday, having just visited his 67th and final county on a tour of the state. The Democratic congressman from Tampa and candidate for governor seemed genuinely surprised that a dozen reporters were waiting to ask him questions." "Sitting Around with Jim Davis".

School Grades

"The state received an A for standards and accountability, the same as last year, and a B minus in resource equity, a new category that shows Florida has relatively little disparity in spending per student among districts. National averages in those categories were B minus and C plus. ... Florida was slightly below the national average of C plus in two other subjects, posting C's in teacher quality improvement and school climate." "Florida Public Schools Score Above Average In Report" (" Florida earned a C for its efforts to improve teacher quality, putting it among the lowest 25 percent of the states, and a C for its "school climate," which was judged as lacking in part because of its large schools and larger-than-average class sizes.")

"100 percent GOP assault on public schools "

"This so-called solution won't do a thing to improve education, and it won't increase the overall funding for education. It will undermine public schools and take away local control. It could lead to further privatization of education -- such as vouchers for schools that are not held to the same accountability standards as public schools." "'65 Percent Solution'".

Shaw

"U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw underwent successful surgery Wednesday for a tumor in his left lung, his spokeswoman said." "Congressman's surgery a success".

Troxler

"Longer term limit for legislators would really mean longer term".

Party Cards

"State Democrats file report for '05 credit card charges" ("Republican Party of Florida spokeswoman Camille Anderson said the party is still compiling its credit card expenditure information to be reported to the state Division of Elections.")

"Jeb!", He's "Running For Something"

Ruth spanks Bush:

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, standing ever resolute in insisting the state's public school students meet the highest standards in education, firmly believes in Darwin's theory of evolution - BUT let's not get too carried away by muddling up science curricula with all that ape stuff.

Are you beginning to understand why Florida ranks somewhere between Dogpatch and a flat-line when it comes to the quality of public education?

In a display of mealy-mouthism that would make John Kerry bow in humility, the governor answered a question from The Miami Herald about whether he believed in Darwin's theory of evolution. ...

Clearly the governor was shilly-shallying and shucking and jiving on the evolution question in order to cover his theological keister with the "intelligent design" crowd who want to inject into SCIENCE courses the notion that an unnamed master wizard like (oh, say, God?) set the forces into motion to create the universe. ...

Harris

"In newspaper after newspaper over the last few days, the message is clear. Katherine Harris is in the campaign for U.S. Senate and isn't making plans to exit." "Harris Ready For the Campaign".

Privatization Follies

"The winner of a contract for 13 southeast Florida prisons has been accused of substandard care leading to deaths." They got the contract even though, in "a yearlong investigation of Prison Health Services, the New York Times reported last February that substandard care by the company contributed to at least 15 inmate deaths in 11 Florida jails since 1992." "New inmate health care contractor's record spotty".

Amendment 3

"The amendment went too far. It cuts by more than half, for example, the fees for settlements or awards of $1 million. Given the expense that goes into legitimate malpractice cases before compensation, many firms will be unable to take such cases. Which, of course, was the point of the doctors' amendment." "Neuter Amendment 3".

Paid Up

From The Buzz:"Remember the $10,500 misappropriated from the state Democratic party money to pay for campaign finance fines for the Leon Democratic Party? It seems the state party and Leon party begin the new year square. Recently elected Leon Democratic chairman Rick Minor the other day cut a check to the state party, state Democratic chairwoman Karen Thurman tells us." " Leon's Paid Up".

Perhaps. Miami-Dade's longtime state attorney is being touted as a running mate for the two Democrats vying for the nomination for governor as they look to add geographical and ethnic diversity to the ticket. Though Rundle says she's quite content in her current role -- state attorney of the fourth-largest circuit in the country -- she did show up for the first time ever at the state Democratic party's conference in December, adding to buzz that she's looking to broaden her profile outside the county.

Both candidates for governor say it's far too early to speculate about the No. 2 job -- a decision that won't likely be made until after the September primary. But the talk of Rundle underscores one certainty: Some in the party are anxious to erase memories of the 2002 governor's race, when critics say the ticket was too male and too white. Tampa lawyer Bill McBride and his running mate, state Sen. Tom Rossin, lost that year to Gov. Jeb Bush, who was reelected by a comfortable 14 percentage points.

"She's what they need, she's what the party needs in light of our last go-round for governor," Democratic strategist Jeff Garcia said of Rundle. "It's glaringly obvious we need to branch out."

Democrats suggest Rundle has a valuable profile for the minority party: a Cuban-American woman with law enforcement credentials who has withstood tough election campaigns, winning huge majorities of the black and Jewish vote and widening her margin of victory over her opponent each time.

Cablevision

"With less cable access, door to open government closes".

Backlash

"Many Florida legislators are beginning to fear that a rising tide of fee increases steadily washing over state voters in recent months may sink some incumbents seeking re-election this year." "Legislators fear backlash over fees" ("Will rising costs hurt bids for re-election?")

No Credibility

Florida voters approved the amendment in 2002 because Gov. Bush and the Legislature were hostile to public education. Nothing has changed. The latest "'A Statistical View of the 50 United States" reported that Florida ranks 50th in per capita spending on public schools. Rather than comply with the spirit of the class-size amendment, Gov. Bush and the Legislature punished voters for approving it. Though the amendment required the state to pay for smaller classes, lawmakers instead forced districts to cut other areas, such as electives. Gov. Bush's lack of credibility doomed his efforts in the last session to get lawmakers to put repeal on the ballot. Sen. Pruitt, who will be Senate president in 2007, is in danger of falling into the same hole. The amendment mandates that by 2010, class sizes in elementary, middle and high school be capped at 18, 22 and 25 respectively. Sen. Pruitt suggests 23, 27 and 30 would be more realistic. In fact, limits that high are no limits at all.

Labor Support

This lengthy piece provides some good insights, "Candidates Battle For Labor Support":

Smith has an edge among the few unions that have taken sides.

Davis, though, also is fighting for labor support, and the biggest and most influential unions haven't chosen sides. They include the teachers union; the Association of Federal, State County and Municipal Employees; the Service Employees International Union, consisting largely of nursing home workers; and the AFL-CIO labor coalition.

Gift Ban Regrets

"A funny thing happened on the way to an all-out lobbyist gift ban: Even lawmakers who voted for it are questioning how they would do without perks and freebies they had long taken for granted." "Legislature".

65 Percent Solution

"With the "65 percent solution," state lawmakers hope voters will believe schools are getting more money and ease up on class size expectations." "Percentage politics".

Southwest Florida

Jeremy Wallace

Despite Democratic gains in voter registrations in 2005, Southwest Florida still favors the GOP when it comes to opening up the wallet.

Republican candidates for governor Charlie Crist, the state's attorney general, and Tom Gallagher, the state's chief financial officer, have combined to raise more than $260,000 in campaign donations in Sarasota, Charlotte and Manatee counties.

Crist leads the way in the 2006 governor's race, according to the Florida Division of Elections, with more than $185,000 from the area. Gallagher has brought in more than $85,000.

Meanwhile, Democrats Jim Davis and Rod Smith have combined to raise less than $40,000 from the three counties.

Whatever

"Gulf-front residents of Manasota Key have an obvious interest in ensuring the beach remains their back yard. But are they interested enough to pay for it?" "Manasota beach repair -- who pays? Some OK with fee; others want it shared."

More Tests A Comin'?

"Florida high school students may someday have to take end-of-grade tests in history, literature, biology and other key subjects -- possibly in addition to the FCAT.". "More high school tests loom"

"Lick and a Promise"

Tom Blackburn: "Here we go into another big election year. We will exercise our right to vote, and our political leaders will exercise their right to give a lick and a promise to counting our votes." "Cast ballots . . . into the trash".

"Inconsistent" Is Putting It Nicely

"How can the governor who has championed science and worked so hard to bring biotechnology research to Florida want state science standards to ignore evolution?" "Bush Inconsistent On Science Standards".

Good question: but isn't the answer obvious?

"Worried? Not she."

"Katherine Harris can boast successes despite light record". See also "Rep. Harris upbeat on Senate run" ("Worried? Not she.")

Whatever

State Rep. Dudley"Goodlette, R-Naples, cannot run for re-election in 2006 because of term limits. Saunders, R-Naples, is planning to resign in 2006 to launch a campaign for Florida attorney general. By the time 2007 rolls around, Saunders could be attorney general and Goodlette might have assumed Saunders' seat in the Florida Senate." "Future uncertain for Naples lawmakers".

Privatization Follies

"Outsourcing gets mixed reviews".

Harris ...

on the issues:

• CAFTA: A fervent backer of free trade as Florida's secretary of state, Harris was tapped by leadership in the House to round up votes in favor of the measure that cleared the chamber by just two votes.

• BANKRUPTCY: Voted for bankruptcy legislation that would make it harder for debt-burdened consumers to fend off their creditors by requiring people above a state's median income to adopt a five-year repayment plan. ...

• MINIMUM WAGE: Voted against raising the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. ...

• ABORTION: Voted to require parental consent for a minor to cross state lines for an abortion.

Lipstick on a Pig

"GOP alters tactics in class-size battle".

Big Names

"Experienced candidates make for exciting year". "Big names on tap in '06 races".

Slots

"Legislators and school boards already are talking about using the tax money from slots to build schools or add on to overcrowded schools, something the state would have to pay for anyway to comply with the class-size limits that are now part of the state constitution." "Slots' bet on schools may turn up lemons".

FCAT Foolishness

"Legislators seek end of A to F grading for alternative schools".

Boomer Vote

"A surge of baby boomers means a boom of committed voters, political experts say, and strategists from both parties will tailor messages for maximum boomer appeal." "Politicians court boomer vote".

No Brainer

Isn't it just so obvious?

In 2004, the Legislature approved some of the first measures to protect migrant farmworkers in decades.

The modest reforms toughened licensing rules for contractors and increased fines for violators. Legislators also required growers to notify farmworkers about pesticide spraying and give them information about the chemicals in use before entering the fields.

Lawmakers have three new reasons to build on the pesticide legislation of two years ago: three babies, born with severe defects to families of farmworkers in Immokalee.

Rising Tides

"A little-noticed study predicts much of Central Florida's beaches could disappear, and coastal cities could be armored behind sea walls. The study recommends that governments start adjusting building plans now to prepare for the future, but so far, the report produced by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council has been gathering dust." "A rising concern".

Calculating Hate

"The latest hate crime statistics note a troubling trend -- not necessarily the numbers themselves, but the wide disparity with which they are reported." "Hate Crimes".

This year determines the future of the last Democrat standing and the first Republican running in Florida's U.S. Senate race. It tests Republicans' hold on the governor's mansion, offering up an empty seat for the first time in eight years. And it puts the Bush brothers on the line to retain the GOP's influence in Congress and Florida.

What GOoPers Really Care About

"The new year launches the latest installment in the slow death of the state's intangibles tax and heralds its likely final demise." "Intangibles tax is slowly dying".

Voting Integrity

"Democracy demands integrity":

It seems so simple, so obvious. Elections should be fair and reliable. Voting machines should be accurate and failsafe. Elections officials should be careful and unbiased. Voters' interests should come first.

Florida residents watched all these tenets crumble over the past five years. The 2000 election scandal focused at first on flawed recount procedures, with state officials stalling and partisan operatives rioting to stop vote-verifying procedures. Soon, attention turned to the infamous "purge list" that stripped rights from thousands of voters, many by mistake.

National attention soon died down, but the problems continue. The state abandoned another voter-roll purge attempt in 2004, but the possibility of a repeat remains. Florida still clings to a lifetime voting ban for former felons who have paid their debt to society, refusing to abandon a counterproductive policy.

New Laws Take Effect

"New era dawning Jan. 1 in lobbyist-legislator relationship". See also "New law should temper 'in-kind' extravaganzas". Here's the reality:

A loophole in the state's new law that keeps lawmakers from taking gifts from lobbyists allows them to solicit big money for committees.

Looking Back

"Taxes, elections and land use set to be 2006's biggest stories". See also "2005 was deadliest year on Florida roads".

Looking Ahead

"Out with Old, In with New".

Gallagher

From The Buzz:

In the Republican campaign for governor, Attorney General Charlie Crist has been leading Tom Gallagher in money-raising and most polls. But in a pointed year-end memo to key Gallagher fundraisers David Browning and Mark Guzzetta, Gallagher's campaign manager, Brett Doster, paints a rosy picture about the state of the race, while ripping Crist as a candidate controlled by lobbyists and fundraisers like " Donald Trump and personal injury lawyers."

"We have met or exceeded all of our political and strategic goals," Doster reported. "Our candidate is in extremely good spirits, and support for our effort continues to grow daily. ... We cannot rest on our laurels, but I believe that we are beginning to see some panic from our primary opponents."

Doster on Crist: "Our opponent continues to run an issueless campaign, devoid of substance. His early efforts to claim the role of heir apparent and front-runner have come up short as the public polls have tightened."

Park Lake Five

"They are slow, so homely they're cute and their hygiene leaves something to be desired. Yet Florida's gopher tortoises are developing a national following. Credit the Lake Park Five, who gave their lives for the cause. "Growth and the gopher tortoise".

'Glades

"The state and federal Everglades restoration effort is facing a growing financial crisis that threatens to doom the 30-year project as it enters its sixth year." "Everglades restoration effort in financial trouble".

Surely He's Joking

Troxler sees the governor's race as between Jim Davis and Tom Gallagher and Gallagher will win. He also predicts Katherine Harris beating Bill Nelson. Fortunately he was only 2 for 11 in predictions last year. "This year's crystal ball may provide clearer view" Mike Thomas is a little more sanguine in his predictions:

Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher beats Charlie Crist in the Republican primary with hard-right, hardball tactics. This costs him the general election against Jim Davis, our next governor.

Bill Nelson wins re-election after Jeb Bush refuses behind-the-scenes move to get him in the race to save Republicans from Katherine Harris.

Jeb Bush succeeds in his devious plot to overthrow the class-size amendment.

Apolitical?

"The recommendation of Thomas Minkoff for a Pinellas judgeship raises the question: Is the process really apolitical?" "Judicial process, politics intersect".

Harris

"Katherine Harris learned quickly how to get things done in D.C. But moving to the Senate may take some convincing." "From infamous to influential".

Domestic Security and Florida's Economy

"As Americans increasingly lose patience with the U.S. involvement in Iraq, tolerance also is wearing thin in Florida for domestic security policies that some say inhibit international trade, tourism and global exchange among students, researchers and business leaders." "National security policy creates economic termites in Fla. basement".