state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua is getting sick of U.S. Rep. Jim Davis' broad-brushed bashing of "those politicians in Tallahassee" or "this crowd in Tallahassee" or the "failure of leadership in Tallahassee."

Gift Ban Clarified.

"If it isn't free for everyone else, you have to pay for it. If a lobbyist wouldn't give it to you if you weren't a lawmaker, you can't have it. And if you can't figure it out, don't eat or drink, just 'pop in' and leave." "Memo interprets rules on lobbyists' gifts". See also "Gift ban rules dominated by don'ts", "Leaders clarify lobbyist limits" and "Legislators detail rules on gift ban directive".

Bousquet writes that "Free lunch will be a rarity".

"Stabbing the backs they're more accustomed to scratching"

"Florida lobbyists are preparing to assault a new ethics law requiring them to reveal how much money they make. The Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists has quietly collected more than $90,000 in cash and commitments this month to finance a potential lawsuit against lawmakers. If they sue, it would raise the odd specter of the city's 2,000-plus lobbyists stabbing the backs they're more accustomed to scratching -- with the upcoming legislative session looming.". "State lobbyists bristle at ethics-law provision". See also "Lobbyists might sue over new ethics law".

New Vision

Panel maps new vision for Florida high schools.

More From The "Values" Crowd

"Funding cuts make getting aid a challenge". "Child-care benefits now harder to obtain".

"Three sentences"

"Three sentences could cost the Pensacola News Journal millions and have spurred gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith to file needed legislation to make it harder to bring some invasion of privacy lawsuits against newspapers." "Press Freedom Bill Deserves Passage".

Another "Failing Grade"

"Florida once again earns failing grade on anti-smoking initiatives." "Health".

"Voter Disgust"

"Will voters' disgust hurt GOP at the polls?"

"I'd say the winds are blowing in the Democrats' favor right now, but I wouldn't predict a huge turnover," he said. "One of these days, Republicans are going to get tossed out for the same reasons that Democrats did in '94, which is arrogance. They've shown plenty of it. At some point, people are going to say, 'This is crap. Let's try something new.' But I don't know if (this year's scandals are) the trigger point."

Still More From The "Values" Crowd

"The animals have been on the endangered species list since it was created. A state report says that should change, possibly freeing boaters from some regulations." "Manatees' label in doubt".

Lotsa Crap Jobs

Unemployment may be down, but

[t]he numbers can be deceptive, however, because they don't include the chronically unemployed who have dropped out of the job market, and many of the new jobs are low-paying and lack benefits, said Florida AFL-CIO spokesman Rich Templin.

Bense's (Business) Agenda

"House Speaker Allan Bense's top priorities in 2006 is also a priority of the business lobbies that are stalwart supporters of Republican legislators. It is repealing the age-old doctrine of joint and several liability, in which deep-pocket defendants can be liable for damages in a case based on their ability to pay, not based on the extent of their liability." "Bense Fine-Tunes His Agenda".

GOoPers Embarass Themselves

"The state GOP today called security to eject reporters
listening to Gov. Jeb Bush tout his party's accomplishments in Tallahassee. The unusual scene - five hotel security staffers and a sheriff's deputy escorting reporters away from where they could hear the governor - occurred in the middle of a speech in which Bush exhorted party activists to spread the word of Republican successes in Florida." "Free The Lake Buena Vista 4".

More Troopers Please

"The FHP is badly shorthanded, and it has been that way for years. It only has 1,700 troopers to patrol nearly 11,000 of highways and state roads around the clock. More troopers are badly needed to ensure safety because Florida's traffic-death toll broke a record with 3,471 killed during 2005." "Ignoring the danger".

"Anyone Can Win"

More Vantage Point Strategies poll results (.pdf):

In the Republican primary for governor, Tom Gallagher leads Charlie Crist, 28 percent to 23 percent, with 49 percent undecided. That can't be called a lead for Gallagher because the poll of 330 likely GOP voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.5 percentage points.

The story is much the same on the Democratic side, with one big difference: the undecideds (or "unsure" in Vantage Point's survey) are a whopping 75 percent. Jim Davis scored 14 percent and Rod Smith 11 percent in this poll of 331 likely Democratic voters.

Davis leads by double digits over Smith in the central region of
Florida by 9 points in the key 2004 presidential "battleground" counties. In his hometown media market of Tampa, Davis leads Smith by 25 points. He also does particularly well among working men, and those men under the age of 55 years old. Democratic men who voted for John Kerry for President are also strongly behind Davis. In looking at the ideology breakdown, Davis beats Smith by 9 points among Democrats who say they are "somewhat" liberal. Finally, Davis moves out to a six point advantage over Smith among those Democrats who have voted in every general election for the past five cycles.

Rod Smith is doing well in north Florida but there is a high undecided figure there also (82%). He leads Davis by six points in "swing" state senate districts across the state as well. Smith also earns high marks among those Democrats whose family income is higher than $75,000 a year. The most interesting figures in the cross tabulations for Smith are that the race is tied among "conservative" Democrats and that Smith narrows the Davis advantage to just four points among hard core Democratic primary voters (those Democrats who have voted in every primary for the last five election cycles).

Klein vs. Shaw

"[D]uring his 25 years on Capitol Hill, Shaw has faced strong Democratic challengers before and always come out ahead. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report recently described the race as leaning toward Shaw. (It rates each congressional campaign as either a tossup, leaning Democratic or Republican, or likely Democratic or Republican.)" "Backing helps Klein challenge Shaw".

Tax Holiday

"A plan by state Republican lawmakers to create an unprecedented weeklong sales tax holiday is misguided. So is a Democratic counterproposal to give every Florida homeowner a $100 'rebate.'" "Lawmakers Should Take A Holiday From Creating Tax Holidays". See also "Shortsighted politics" ("But don't worry, snake oil will always be cheap and bountiful. In Tallahassee, they're giving the stuff away.")

"Tallahassee's no-new-taxes attitude"

"Millions in federal mass-transit money is financing commuter rail and other projects in other states. This year, Florida lawmakers get yet another chance to stop turning their backs on that money, which this region needs." "New attitude, new cash" ("Tallahassee's no-new-taxes attitude is impractical because Florida is a net donor of state gas taxes to the feds.")

In Crist Country

"Republican candidate for governor Tom Gallagher showed strength in Hillsborough County on Thursday when he announced a local campaign team including important legislators and party activists." "Gallagher Gathers Support".

"Republican Tom Gallagher took his gubernatorial campaign to his opponent's home turf in a two-day bus tour focused on getting the conservative vote." "Gallagher seeks votes in foe's territory". See also "Gallagher Reaches For East Hillsborough" ("Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Gallagher announced Thursday that state Rep. Trey Treviesa of Brandon will serve as his campaign director for Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Polk counties.")

Religious Conversion

Political expediency?

During a 1994 gubernatorial run, Gallagher described himself as "pro-choice." This campaign he is against abortion and he told the pastors he considers life to be from conception to natural death.

"A society that does not look at life as a sacred thing and doesn't do everything they can to protect it ... is a society that's going to crumble so we need to do everything we can to foster life and not have abortions. That simple," he said.

Gallagher, however, backs the death penalty.

Laura Gallagher said that the change in her husband is real and shouldn't be seen as politically motivated.

"Another insurance shock"

"A state fund backing up homeowners insurance may well go broke and must be replenished through increased premiums." "Another insurance shock is forecast".

"Short-sighted" GOoPers

"But although Secretary Colleen Castille says the DEP would work with other state agencies to promote conservation, the state still places too little emphasis on this crucial component of a comprehensive energy policy. Indeed, three years ago it rejected a sensible proposal that it adopt nationally recognized energy efficiency standards for 10 categories of products sold in Florida. Such a policy would have made the state less susceptible to energy shortages in times of emergency. State officials should reconsider their short-sighted decision." "A comprehensive strategy is needed, but officials must proceed carefully."

Blame the Media

"Intense media coverage of employee misconduct in the Florida Department of Corrections created a “perfect storm” that created an unfair impression of the agency, Deputy Secretary Laura E. Bedard said Thursday." "State prisons department: Misconduct allegations are exaggerated".

"[H]is record in Tallahassee"

"If Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's last name was Smith, his record in Tallahassee would make him a very strong candidate, but Americans don't like dynasties, and he has said he won't run." "My last prediction".

Gift Ban

"Leaders in the House and Senate are expected to soon issue guidelines regarding the gift ban, which went into effect Jan. 1. It has already caused House Speaker Allan Bense to cancel the semiannual Speaker's Ball because of uncertainty about how the ban applies to charitable events, Bense spokesman Towson Fraser said Thursday." "New ban has lobbyists wary of charity tourney".

But Will They Deny Him Communion?

"Florida's Roman Catholic bishops urged Gov. Jeb Bush on Thursday to reconsider the death warrants he signed for a pair of convicted killers scheduled for execution in the next two weeks. ... 'Reflecting on the continuous exposure to violence in society, which hardens the hearts and minds of even our youngest members, we reiterate our plea for respect for life, even for those who are guilty of violence,' the bishops said in a public statement." "Catholic bishops ask Bush to withdraw death warrants".

Nelson on Alito

"Nelson, who voted to confirm Chief Justice John Roberts, remained mum as to whether he would vote for Alito, but he said through a spokesman that he had worries about some of Alito's answers 'on matters such as privacy and eminent domain, especially because of the judge's record of ruling in favor of the government over the average individual.'" "Sen. Nelson voices concerns on Alito". See also "Nelson remains undecided on Alito" and "Alito visits Sen. Nelson; gets backing from Martinez".

And this ought to have Nelson quaking in his boots: "'We call on Senator Nelson to uphold the dignity of these proceedings and support this highly qualified nominee,' said Al Cardenas, who heads a group called Progress for America which has launched a website supporting Alito. (http://www.JudgeAlito.com)."

Martinez on Alito

This is a hoot: "Martinez: Why I'll vote for Alito".

Vantage Point Strategies Poll

GOP consultants Vantage Point Strategies have released a poll of 800 "likely" gubernatorial voters were polled; the margin of error is 3.5%. The poll has the Democrats leading on a generic ballot by five points, which is described as something that "should be troubling for Republicans.":

A generic Republican gubernatorial candidate leads in the north and southwestern parts of the state but is trailing a Democratic candidate by 20 points in the southeast. The partisan regions are even more revealing - a generic Democratic candidate in Kerry 2004 counties leads by 31 points while the Republican candidate only leads by 12 points in strong Bush 2004 counties.

There is a serious gender gap with the generic Democratic candidate winning by 11 points among women over the Republican candidate and only trailing the GOP candidate by just one point among men. Voters 55 and older are also more likely to support a Democrat for governor with the margin being 43% Democrat vs. 32% GOP. This is a key factor because older voters make up a disproportionate amount of the electorate in a non-presidential election year.

A key ideological breakthrough for Democrats is the following: more than two-thirds (67%) of self-described conservative Democrats say they would back a generic Democratic gubernatorial candidate. In addition, just over half (52%) of all conservatives say they would support the Republican candidate and more than a quarter (26%) will support a Democrat. This defection could pose major problems for the GOP if not confronted by the fall elections given that conservatives make up approximately 57% of all Florida's likely voters in this poll.

Davis Unconventional

"Critics dub Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis dull and predictable. But bashing a big and ostensibily popular tax break - and also the alternative version backed by many legislators in his own party - does not seem so conventional to us." "Davis' Tax Attack". See also "Democrat Davis calls GOP tax break a gimmick".

Indeed, some editorial boards see Davis' point: "perhaps it makes more sense to address a more long-term obligation, such as paying down Florida's $22.5 billion debt. That could take some pressure off state finances if the revenue stream starts drying up in the years to come, as expected. Allocating the additional funds to a sales tax rebate might sound good come election campaign time this fall, but it's just not smart policy."

While the various proposals to spend the surplus are irresponsible, "the Democrats at least are being fair ... by making the benefit equitable. [Republican] Rep. Negron would disproportionately reward wealthier Floridians — the $5,000 break would apply to multiple purchases — who already have gained the most from the persistent cutting of the intangibles tax. The point of the back-to-school holiday and last year's hurricane-supply tax break was to help the cash-pinched middle class." "Wrong ideas competing for state's budget surplus"

Angling For Votes

"First there was 'Motor Voter,' which allowed people to register to vote when they get their drivers licenses. Now get ready for 'Shooter Voter.' At the request of the National Rifle Association, Florida legislators will consider a proposal that would allow people buying hunting, fishing and trapping licenses or permits to register to vote at the same time." "Bill aims to sign up voters".

GOP Infighting

"Broward County's Log Cabin Republican President Jack Majeske said he has collected signatures from around the state on a grievance against the state GOP, complaining the party wasted money and violated its own rules by giving $150,000 to a group seeking to ban same-sex marriages." "GOP activist in feud with party".

Another Catastrophe

"Floridians, already cash-strapped by expensive home insurance, pricey gas and high mortgage payments, now face the strong possibility of having to patch the hole in the state's hurricane catastrophe fund." "As hurricane fund goes broke, Floridians face another bill".

"Jeb!" MIA

On Wednesday, Congressman Robert Wexler

sharply criticized Gov. Jeb Bush for rejecting suggestions that Florida cover low-income Medicare beneficiaries who are denied drug coverage or charged exorbitant rates because of the new prescription drug law.

"I am deeply disappointed, profoundly disappointed, that my own governor... has not followed the lead taken by other governors across the country, Republicans and Democrats, in seeking to protect at-risk Floridians," Wexler, D-Delray Beach, told a gathering of predominantly Democratic congressional staffers at a workshop.

Bush, who is traveling this week in Ecuador and Peru, could not be reached for comment.

The Amendment Thing

"Out of frustration with lawmakers' inertia in most cases, grass-roots groups as well as well-financed special interests took to organizing petition drives that led to some good ideas with onerously high-tax price tags - plus some reforms that are just plain odd or inappropriate." "Reform excess".

Class Size

"Florida school boards are holding off on plans to sue the state, hoping key legislators can pass a law overriding the Board of Education's ban on pairing two teachers in a classroom to help meet class-size caps." "School boards won't sue yet over co-teaching ban".

"Florida's students are falling further behind"

"It doesn't take an electron microscope to see that Florida's students are falling further behind in vital science skills." "Tough love".

Shaw Sell Out

"Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, covets the chairmanship of the powerful tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and could get it, providing he backs the right candidate for leader." "Shaw passes on reform".

Wild Beasts

"Gift ban or not, the fund-raising goes on. In Tallahassee Tuesday night, Republicans held the third annual 'Wild Beast Feast,' a soft-money extravaganza at $1,000 per person featuring venison, quail, rabbit and other gamy delights. The money is for House Majority 2006, a party-controlled account used to re-elect House Republicans." "The 'Wild Beast Feast'".

"At Odds On Higher Education"

"State education leaders say they can agree on one problem: Florida's growth means someday community colleges and universities won't be able to keep up with demand. But not all agree on the best way to fix that." "State Leaders At Odds On Higher Education".

"State space-related spending"

"Gov. Bush wants to commit $55-million next year to luring NASA and space tourism projects." "State space-related spending would soar".

"Trouble in paradise"

Marianne Means: "Despite [Florida's] conservative reputation, however, there is trouble in paradise." "As Florida goes, so goes the nation?".

GOP Leadership Vacuum

"Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow spent last weekend on the phone gathering support for his next move up the Republican ladder, a bid to take the No. 5 leadership post in the House." "Rep. Putnam sees opportunity in GOP shake-up". See also "Putnam Sees Chance in Shake-Up".

The Law Be Damned

"That ban on letting lobbyists be members of Florida university boards? Sure, the Legislature passed it last year. Gov. Bush signed it into law. And as Post staff writer Kimberly Miller reported Tuesday, some registered lobbyists even honored it. The five who have continued as university trustees, with Gov. Bush's blessing? Well, what's a little disregard for ethical standards among friends?" "Graduate, lobbyists".

Laff Riot

"It's Official: Storms To Run For Senate".

Scripps

"The Scripps Florida debate has split Palm Beach County into competing camps. Eastward Ho! vs. westward expansion. No-growth vs. pro-development. County commissioners against one another." "Scripps Project".

Dem Debate

"U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and state Sen. Rod Smith, vying for the Democratic nomination for governor, debated Tuesday night in Miami -- but not about each other's positions on the issues." "Democratic debate focuses on GOP rivals".

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis on Tuesday blasted a new Republican sales tax break proposal as a gimmick that ignores Florida's unmet needs in education and other areas.

The target of the Tampa congressman's criticism is the biggest one-time tax break in state history. It would eliminate the statewide 6 percent sales tax on the first $5,000 on most items in the first week of August.

Republicans, counting on an expected windfall of more than $3-billion in unexpected tax receipts for next year, are pushing the election-year tax break as a way to spur the state economy and show their willingness to limit state spending.

Klein

"State Sen. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, said Tuesday he will push a measure that will make Florida's insurance commissioner -- who oversees the insurance industry and approves rates -- an elected rather than appointed position." "State senator wants state insurance chief to be elected, not appointed".

Privatization Follies

"Lawyers for state employees urged Attorney General Charlie Crist's office Tuesday to make Convergys warn tens of thousands of state workers that their confidential personnel data - including Social Security and bank-routing numbers - may have been illegally sent to computer companies in India, China and Barbados." "Crist urged to warn workers".

Energy

"More gas pipelines and a renewed look at nuclear plants are needed to shield Florida residents from hurricane fuel shortages and to meet burgeoning energy demands, state officials said Tuesday." "State agency unveils plan to meet energy needs through pipelines, nuclear plants". See also "Easier power plant OK's urged".

It Never Ends ...

for the wingnuts.

Fine, Now Pay For It

"If the Florida Board of Education has its way, high school will be a very different place in the future. Retention and promotion would disappear, replaced by the idea that the key goal is graduation, not getting through four separate years. Students would choose four-credit "majors" in high school, rather than take a disjointed series of single-credit classes." "State board's plan would make high school more like college".

Crist Endorsements

"The Florida Nurses Association, the largest statewide organization of registered nurses representing more than 11,000 nurses across Florida, endorsed Charlie Crist today. ... The announcement follows the endorsements of 36 of Florida’s Legislators, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police and the Pasco and Pinellas Republican Executive Committees." "Nurses Back Crist".

Four Year Degrees from CCs?

"Board of Governors Chairman Carolyn Roberts has protested for months that community colleges should have limited access to granting bachelor's degrees, but her concerns went unheeded by a task force voting today on recommendations that include giving more power to colleges seeking four-year degrees. Roberts, who co-chaired the task force, wrote a stinging rebuttal to the recommendations meant to guide higher education in Florida saying they don't follow the group's actual discussions and include proposals that were never brought up during the task force's six meetings." "Education panel's direction irks Board of Governors' chair".

Petition Drives

"Despite millions of dollars and pedigreed political backers, groups trying to ban gay marriage, increase anti-tobacco spending and strip redistricting power from state lawmakers are facing a new legislative roadblock" "Petition drives facing deadline".

Scripps

"Gov. Bush met with representatives of Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Deerfield Beach, as The Post reported Sunday, because he got a call from Republican patron Ned Siegel, a Boca Raton developer. Before Mr. Bush was governor, his company was involved in the sale of the former IBM campus in Boca Raton to a group that included Mr. Siegel and Mark Guzzetta, at whose wedding Gov. Bush was best man. While Mr. Siegel and Mr. Guzzetta no longer own the property, they are using their connections with the governor to put Scripps there." "Avoid Scripps favoritism".

Who Pays?

"Real estate, insurance, law and agriculture industries all donate heavily to the candidates for governor." "Money from industries fuel gubernatorial runs".

Supply and Demand

"Florida should spend $30 million on new teacher-recruitment efforts as it tries to meet the challenge of hiring nearly 32,000 new teachers for the coming school year, the State Board of Education decided Tuesday." "Money to lure teachers sought". See also "State Board Unveils $57.3 Million Plan To Lure Teachers".

Botched

"Florida's Agency for Healthcare Administration does not see a crisis. Those who can't get their medicines would disagree. The problem is urgent. A national remedy is needed -- now. Gov. Jeb Bush should ensure beneficiaries get drug coverage now, and bill the federal government later." "Medicare's botched drug benefit roll-out".

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

"Twice during the 1990s, Tallahassee debated whether to allow the breakup of large school districts. The state constitution provides only for countywide systems, and growth has created some of the largest districts in the country. Miami-Dade County has 364,000 students, and Palm Beach County is at 180,000. As happened in 1995 and 1997, there is a move to break up those districts. Since many of those behind this push weren't around the last two times, we'll explain once more why it wouldn't work." "School-district breakup? Go to back of the class" See also Mark Lane's "Breaking up is hard to do. Want three school districts?"

A 2005 law banned legislative lobbyists from serving as university trustees in Florida, but a few have kept their positions on the influential boards with the approval of Gov. Jeb Bush.

At least five lobbyists registered in 2005, including Al Cardenas, former chairman of the Florida Republican Party and a top lobbyist in Tallahassee and Washington, continued to serve under the governor's interpretation that the law applies only to future appointees.

the law, which amended a statute on standards of conduct for public officers, mentions no grandfather clause for board members and instead states that no trustee "shall have or hold any employment or contractual relationship as a legislative lobbyist."

In Bush's signing letter on the bill, he said a legal analysis by the governor's executive office and the legislature agreed that the language banning lobbyists did not apply to board members at the time.

A request for the legal analysis from The Palm Beach Post was not filled, and Bush spokesman Russell Schweiss said the decision to grandfather in members was reached based on communications with the House sponsor of the bill, Rep. Dudley Goodlette, R-Naples.

Goodlette could not be reached. Rep. David Mealor, R-Lake Mary, who cosponsored the House's bill and is chairman of the Colleges and Universities Committee, did not return phone calls.

Imagine That

"The health-care and insurance industries pumped almost $1.5 million into Florida's Republican Party even as Gov. Jeb Bush and the GOP-controlled Legislature launched dramatic changes to the way the state cares for poor, elderly and disabled patients, campaign finance reports show." "Debate boosts state GOP".

When At First You Don't Succeed

Jeremy Wallace: "On Saturday, Harris is holding a second campaign "kickoff" event, five months after her initial campaign kickoff. This time, Harris will be in Orlando and have the leader of the Florida Republican Party, Carol Jean Jordan, publicly endorsing her."

Ladies Man

"From a White House Christmas party to this morning's Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast in St. Petersburg, the couple is being spotted more and more: Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist and Katie Pemble, the chief operating officer of the Bank of St. Petersburg." "Florida's Most Eligible Gubernatorial Candidate".

Proposed "State rebate to cover small business employees"

"Too few small businesses can afford to buy health insurance for their employees. That puts these companies -- the backbone of Florida's economy -- at a competitive hiring disadvantage. Lack of affordable insurance also leaves hundreds of thousands of working Floridians cut off from the preventive care that can keep them healthy. They end up in hospital emergency rooms, so sick they can't work, incurring huge bills they can't pay." "Healthy idea".

Walmart

Troxler: "They haven't given up on fight against Wal-Mart" in Tarpon Springs.

The Med Mal War

"In November 2004, Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment limiting lawyers to no more than 30 percent of the first $250,000 of a payout and no more than 10 percent of anything above that." "New Malpractice Fee Tactic Riles State Medical Group".

Here's An Idea

Possible identity theft legislation:

If Florida lawmakers prohibited homeowners from locking their back doors or installing intrusion alarms, burglars would find it very attractive here. Sound ridiculous? Maybe not. Florida is a hot spot for identity theft and credit card fraud, yet there is little consumers can do to protect themselves.

Recognizing that shortcoming, the Legislature will consider a bill (HR 37) this year that would allow Florida consumers to lock their credit records and be notified if anyone is trying to gain unlawful access.

Called a "consumer credit report security freeze," the process would allow Floridians to close their personal credit records to identity thieves. It would work this way: Individual consumers could send a certified letter to credit reporting agencies asking that their file be closed to outside scrutiny. The consumer would be given a unique identification code that would be needed to open the file.

The "Education Governor" ...

claims that the

statistics speak for themselves, said Bush, who is trying to preserve his legacy as Florida's "education governor" during his eighth and final year as the state's chief executive.

Thousands more African American and Hispanic students are reading at or above grade level than four years ago, he said.

In the 1998-99 school year, 60,000 African-American students attended an "A" or a "B" school. That number grew to nearly 275,000 in 2005, according to the Florida African American Education Alliance. And the dropout rate among black students has decreased by nearly 50 percent since 1999.

"We're challenging the status quo and implementing fresh, bold, new ideas in education," Bush said.

With 600 fewer African-American freshmen enrolled in Florida colleges and universities this year because of his One Florida Initiative that banned affirmative action, Gov. Bush last week announced special programs aimed at increasing those numbers. After six years of denial, the governor says he'll push the Legislature for an additional $52 million in need-based financial aid money. His new interest comes better late than never, given the 1.6 percent drop in black student enrollment from last year.

continued to play the symbols by appearing with students from historically black Florida A&M University to announce his executive order to fix his executive order. It speaks well for FAMU that its students demonstrated such grace, since Gov. Bush helped ensure that others could not be present. FAMU students were prominent in the massive 2000 protests in Tallahassee telling him that One Florida would do what it's done to black enrollment. The black freshmen who were enrolling at 17.6 percent statewide at the time of his anti-affirmative action dictate have dropped to 14.1 percent.

He at least could drop the pretense that he was doing it all for their benefit, but the governor typically refuses to blame One Florida, pointing to the increase in overall admissions and Hispanic student enrollment. That argument ignores the state's growth, its burgeoning Hispanic population and the fact that the black population also has continued to rise.

CFO

State Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon,

is the runaway fundraising leader in the race for state chief financial officer, with $936,771 raised. ...

Alex Sink, of Tampa, so far unchallenged in the Democratic primary, also has fundraising clout as a former high-level banker and longtime fundraiser for Democratic candidates. She pulled in $237,295 in the last quarter of the year, bringing her total to $429,830.

Sink, meanwhile, has hired Jacksonville lawyer Chris Hand, formerly a spokesman and speechwriter for Sen. Bob Graham, as campaign manager.

State Rep. Randy Johnson, of Celebration, running in the GOP primary against Lee, trails in the race with $104,325 raised in the last quarter of the year and $370,827 overall.

More From The "Values" Crowd

"'I believe we must always follow the available facts to a more complete picture of guilt or innocence,' [Virginia Gov. John] Warner told The Washington Post." Unfortunately,

That attitude has been shockingly rare. In Florida, where DNA testing has cleared five inmates and evidentiary reviews have resulted in the release of more than 20 Death Row inmates, the Legislature has tried to restrict DNA testing in old cases and wanted to let law-enforcement agencies destroy DNA samples.

Scripps

"Amid all the other news about The Scripps Research Institute, a significant exchange of letters two weeks ago has reshaped the debate, opened the way for a significant expansion of the site competition and made it as likely as ever that Palm Beach County will lose Scripps." "Scripps: Done deal to done in?"

"Blunt Support"

"While some Republican leaders in Congress have been calling on their colleagues to stay quiet about their choice for a new House majority leader, it hasn't stopped either Harris or Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fort Pierce, from declaring their support for U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo." "Blunt support".

Quacking Like A Lame Duck

"Moderate GOP senators stand in way of citizens' vote on voucher amendment". "Bush voucher legacy may die".

Abramoff

"The South Florida Congressional delegation got a clean bill of health when it came to whether they had received any tainted campaign contributions from disgraced Washington D.C. lobbyist Jack Abramoff who recently plead guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and fraud in Washington and Miami." "U.S. Rep Ros-Lehtinen says, 'we need to clean up our own act or the voters will clean it for us'".

Updated and Corrected: Ricker's "Watchdog" piece - declaring that the "South Florida Congressional delegation got a clean bill of health when it came to whether they had received any tainted campaign contributions from disgraced Washington D.C. lobbyist Jack Abramoff" - was revised and changed when it ultimately appeared in the Miami Herald:

The South Florida Congressional delegation got an almost clean bill of health on the question of whether they had received any tainted campaign contributions from Washington, D.C., lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who recently pleaded guilty to federal corruption and fraud charges in Washington and Miami. ...

But U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, a Republican from Palm Beach County, received $2,000 from two Indian tribes once associated with Abramoff. Foley did not return the money, according to spokesman Jason Kello.

(On Friday, meanwhile, a group that Republicans condemned as partisan called on Mario Diaz-Balart to give back campaign money from Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, who has been implicated in the Abramoff affair. A spokeswoman for Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., on Friday said he would donate to charity $2,500 received in 2004 from Ney's political action committee. Ney has not been charged, and he has denied wrongdoing.)

Voucher Madness

This from Miami Herald editorial board today: "Gov. Bush should explore other ways of funding vouchers, including through private donations, and of promoting more education competition in the state. He should be mindful that the crux of the court decision was that public-to-private transfer of funds is wrong because the state has virtually no say in regulating private schools." "Drawing a line on tuition vouchers".

School "districts of haves and have-nots"

"[I]t's wishful thinking to suggest that Florida's education problems would improve by shrinking the size of its school districts. Rather, the law of unintended consequences would create districts of haves and have-nots." "Slicing Up Big School Districts Won't Solve Education's Problems".

Health Insurance Costs

"Nearly two years after Florida lawmakers passed a wide-ranging law aimed at making health care more affordable, businesses and families continue struggling to find ways to pay for insurance. That has led to businesses dropping health coverage or shifting more costs to workers. It also has meant hospitals continue to get stuck with the bills for people who show up in emergency rooms without insurance." "Lawmakers, businesses want health-insurance costs addressed".

Sounds Like a Flop to Me

"[O]nly 844 employees opted for the low-cost, high-deductible plan. That's about 1 percent of all state employees with health coverage." "Insurance plan shows potential".

Campaign Finance

"Goodbye, freebies; is the soft cash next?"

Gelber

"State Rep. Daniel Saul Gelber, D-Miami Beach is in the spotlight this week in the Watchdog Report. Gelber, a former federal prosecutor has been a rising star in the Democratic Party. He is slated to be minority leader in the Florida House in 2006. He represents House District 106, which is northeast Miami-Dade and he is termed out in 2008.".

After a series of closed-door huddles during the past week involving lawmakers and, separately, the governor and his advisers, what's emerging as a likely solution is a plan to ask Florida voters in November to change the state constitution and allow taxpayer dollars to flow to private schools.

Political polls have shown lukewarm support for vouchers. The proposed amendment likely would drive Democrats -- the idea's fiercest opponents -- to the polls during an election year with an open governor's race and U.S. Senate contest at stake.

The bottom line is this: The measure could lose and damage Republican political fortunes, as well.

"Gallagher's reckless assault on the courts"

"Tom Gallagher's strategy to win the Republican nomination for governor is clear. The state's chief financial officer is renouncing his moderate record and embracing social and religious conservatives in a bear hug, calculating they will push him past Attorney General Charlie Crist in the primary election. Those voters will have to judge for themselves whether Gallagher's flip-flops on abortion rights and school vouchers are a genuine conversion or a cynical political strategy. But his rush to the right could have real consequences, particularly for our legal system and the courts." "Reckless rhetoric".

Positive Attitude

"Success is relative - especially when it comes to Florida Democrats. New fundraising reports once again show Republicans dramatically outraising Democrats in Florida - five to one in the governor's race - but that's not stopping many Democrats from crowing about their recent money-raising." "For Democrats, fundraising numbers are worth a cheer".

Hubris

Unbelievable:

While the fallout from members of Congress flying all around the globe continued to make news last week, Tom Feeney was, well, flying around the globe.

Yes, the Oviedo Republican who may have taken two international trips in violation of House rules spent Monday night in Beijing's five-star China World Hotel. ...

And there are still questions about who paid for Feeney's other big trip -- one to Scotland, where he played golf and was accompanied by Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist in the middle of the biggest corruption scandal to hit Washington in years. ...

The truth of the matter is that, in a pre-Abramoff world, no one would have paid much attention to this trip.

But things have changed. Feeney hasn't.

Forget McInvale

"Democrats were stung last week when state Rep. Sheri McInvale of Orlando, who has long quarreled with a number of party leaders and activists, decided to abandon ship and become a Republican."

But Democratic activists have taken some solace in the fact that one of the party faithful who had decided to challenge McInvale in 2006 -- even before she jumped to the GOP -- is off to a surprising start.

Scott Randolph, an attorney and environmental activist, raised $20,000 during his first quarter of fundraising, according to campaign-finance records filed last week. That's almost exactly as much as McInvale raised during the same period, despite the advantage of incumbency.

McInvale's account may shrink a little bit, too. The day she switched parties, she pledged to send a letter to all of her contributors offering them a refund. Randolph did his part to help, sending those same contributors a letter of his own urging them to take her up on the offer.

State Rep. Sheri McInvale continued to receive attention for dropping her Democratic ties and becoming a Republican last week. On Friday night, the Orlando public-relations exec showed up on Fox's Hannity & Colmes.

Gay Marriage and More

Credit Mike Thomas for recognizing that the Florida Republican party's anti-gay marriage amendment does much more than (unnecessarily) prohibit "gay marriage":

So it is not surprising to see the Florida Republican Party support an amendment for the November ballot that would ban gay marriage. Actually, it goes beyond that. It also would stop gay couples from going steady, getting pinned or even making plans for brunch next week.

Wasserman Schultz

"South Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz testified against Judge Samuel Alito's record on privacy at Supreme Court hearings." "Wasserman Schultz blasts Alito's record".

Martinez Caught With Hand In Cookie Jar

The "Cellophane Man"

wants to make it crystal clear to his constituents that he is not interested in any campaign donation that has even a hint of impropriety in this matter," spokeswoman Kerry Feehery wrote in an e-mail.

just hours after the liberal group Campaign for a Cleaner Congress held a conference call with reporters to urge that the Floridians who had received contributions from American Liberty and Ney's campaigns return or donate the funds to charity.

Choice Politics

The way the law works now, pregnant girls may petition a judge to bypass parental notificatioon. " judges must rule on bypass petitions within 48 hours of the time they are filed, and grant them if the girl proves at least one of three conditions: She is mature enough to make the decision on her own; one or both of her parents or a guardian has abused her; or the notification is not in her best interest.

But Rep. John Stargel, R-Lakeland, said the best-interest standard is too vague, allowing judges to grant waivers if a pregnant teen fears her parents won't, for example, pay for college or car insurance. He said that was not the intention of Florida voters who overwhelmingly approved a 2004 constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to enact a notification law.

"It leaves it wide open for the judge to make the determination that any negative consequence to the minor eliminates the parents' right to know under the Florida Constitution," Stargel said.

He is drafting legislation that would give judges more time -- possibly seven days -- to consider and issue orders in bypass requests. He also wants to tighten the best-interest standard to ensure waivers are granted only to girls who face personal harm if their parents learn of their pregnancies.

Abortion-rights advocates warn that lawmakers would tinker with the statute at their own peril. They note the law was carefully crafted to conform to U.S. Supreme Court guidelines after Florida's original notification law was struck down as unconstitutional.

Bill March ...

rounds up the week's political developments in "Feeney Says He'll Give Away Lobbyist's $1,000"

Wilma

"Almost three months after Hurricane Wilma hit, there are still no conclusive answers as to what can be done to better protect the electrical grid or to restore power at a much faster pace." "Utilities".

Northwest by Southwest

Buddy Nevins writes that ""Panhandle, Broward appear promising for Democrat Davis".

In the meantime, Rod goes to Sarasota:

During a speech in Sarasota this afternoon, Smith told a Democratic Club that the state is overemphasizing the state standardized test, the FCAT, to grade schools and students. Children in the third grade shouldn’t have the pressure of being “branded a failure” as early as the third grade when FCAT testing begins.

Smith, a state senator from Alachua County, went on to say that the state has to raise teacher pay, scrap any private school voucher programs and fund the class-size reduction amendment that voters passed years ago (the Legislature has balked at funding the program, saying Florida can’t afford to do it). With a $68 billion state budget, Smith said it’s not a lack of funding that is stopping the Legislature and the governor, it’s a lack of commitment to education in Tallahassee.

Although Davis represents parts of Manatee County in Congress, that relationship hasn’t translated into an advantage in neighboring Sarasota County. Smith has won over key Democrats in the region including Sarasota Mayor Mary Anne Servian, Sarasota City Commissioner Fredd Atkins, former state Rep. Shirley Brown, and former county Democratic Party Chairman Harold Miller.

Charlie's Broward Crew

"Republican Attorney General Charlie Crist got a big head start in snaring those Broward GOP votes when many county Republican pooh bahs joined his race for governor. Fort Lauderdale lawyer Ed Pozzuoli, former Broward GOP chairman and former Broward chairman of Bush-Cheney 2004, was named Crist's Broward chairman this week."

Moreover, "Crist's Broward organization also includes state Rep. Susan Goldstein of Weston as honorary chairman. Some of the co-chairs are Joe Cobo of the Broward Hispanic Coalition; Rev. Dr. O'Neal Dozier, a key adviser to Gov. Jeb Bush on African American affairs; Linda Gill, owner of hotels and a fixture in the Fort Lauderdale business community; Kevin Tynan, former chairman of the Broward GOP and a Bush appointee to the South Broward Hospital District board; and Dr. Alan Mendelson, a South Broward ophthalmologist and fund-raiser in the medical community." "Crist's crew".

"Save Our Homes"

"A Florida law that helps keep property taxes in check has kept some stuck in homes. A proposal would let you take your cap with you." "Renovation time for 'Save Our Homes'?"

Committee Assignments

"House members from Florida hoping for a chairmanship next year include E. Clay Shaw Jr. of Fort Lauderdale on the Ways and Means Committee; Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Miami on the Rules Committee; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami on the International Relations Committee; and John Mica of Winter Park on the Transportation Committee." "Majority-leader pick to determine fate of Floridians' committee bids".