Central Florida Rep. Adam Putnam was elected Thursday to the No. 5 slot in the U.S. House Republican leadership, boosting his career at a young age and giving Florida a key voice in the top circles of Congress.

known for his youthful appearance and red hair ...

Putnam has been seen as a rising star in the party since he was first elected in 2000. He was best known for his first four years in office, however, as the youngest member of Congress.

The Wrong Horse

"South Florida Republican lawmakers were fast out of the gate last month in backing Rep. Roy Blunt -- a show of support that could complicate several members' attempts to secure committee chairmanships, as Blunt Thursday lost the race for the U.S. House's second most powerful post."

Those signing up to boost Blunt included Miami Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a front-runner for the House International Relations Committee; Rep. Lincoln Díaz-Balart, a Miamian who hopes to lead the House Rules Committee, and Rep. Clay Shaw of Fort Lauderdale, who is in a competitive race to chair the House Ways and Means Committee.

Hill in Tampa

"Sen. Hillary Clinton will hold a fundraiser for the Florida Democratic Party on Feb. 23 in Tampa." "Clinton Will Stump For State Party".

"Unintended Side Effect"

"Gov. Jeb Bush said Thursday he would look into an apparently unintended side effect of the new Medicare law that has some severely ill people without coverage for their life-threatening diseases." "Medicare shift leaves some patients in lurch".

"Jeb!" MIA on Oil Drilling

This is too polite:

Sens. Nelson and Martinez suggest allowing limited exploration, but farther from Florida's coasts than anything currently proposed. Their plan is boosted by their single, bipartisan voice, but it is anything but a sure bet. Today's political climate is increasingly receptive to environmental compromise for the sake of expanding domestic energy supplies.

If the governor adds his voice to their plan, as he should, its chances of success would climb significantly. His response so far is measured, but hopeful.

Dem Debate

"The Palm Beach Democratic Party organized Thursday's debate between U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa and state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua." "Debating Democrats direct all their criticism at GOP". See also "Democratic governor competitors rip into GOP".

To Put It Bluntly

Mike Thomas: "A tax cut Jeb announced with much fanfare this week is a shell game being played with your money for political gain." "What's about $250 million to Jeb Bush?" The Sun Sentinel editorial board puts it this way:

The hurricanes that battered Florida last year will pay off handsomely for politicians, but not for homeowners.

Here's why:

Floridians spent lots of money for all sorts of items to safeguard their properties against the storms. That spending spree boosted Tallahassee's tax take by an extra $3.2 billion.

Lawmakers eager to look good before next fall's elections now plan to generously give Floridians $1.5 billion dollars worth of tax cuts. The biggest chunk will come from a property tax rebate that will put an extra $155, on average, back into homeowners' pockets.

What the politicians ballyhooing this tax cut won't talk about is the $1.36 billion deficit at Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

State government is swimming in money. You can almost hear the self-congratulatory whoops from Tallahassee as lawmakers look for ways to turn a $5.8 billion windfall to their political advantage.

To legislators, it seems like a feel-good story. But there's a lot in Florida to feel bad about. This state is replete with low-paying part-time jobs. Nearly 20 percent of residents under age 65 lack health insurance. An additional 10 percent rely on Medicaid and other government programs. The number of children living in poverty continues to grow. The state ranks 47th in educational spending, 48th in graduation rates and 29th in teacher salaries.

The Florida Dubya (Dubya Dee)

"The appellate ruling pushes the ex-Florida Senate president [The appellate ruling pushes the ex-Florida Senate president closer to a 31/2-year prison sentence handed down in 2003.] closer to a 31/2-year prison sentence handed down in 2003." "Court affirms Childers' bribery conviction".

Not Fade Away

"Marriage Amendment Falls Short - For Now".

Whatever

U.S. Education Secretary Margaret "Spellings and Gov. Jeb Bush attended the National Education Data Summit where they urged educators to adopt a data system to better measure where students are doing well and where they're falling behind." "U.S. education chief: Improve tracking of students' progress".

I Believe It ...

"Bush plan would diversify state's sources of energy".

FCAT Follies

"The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is a valuable measuring stick, but the state should stop using it to hand out financial bonuses to schools that get good grades or improve, said a private group headed by a former Democratic legislative leader." "Group calls for end of FCAT financial incentives".

Joint and Several Liability

The Tampa Trib editorial board notes that, "as the state's trial lawyers point out, why should an innocent person bear the cost of his injuries? The lawyers make a persuasive argument for retaining what's left of joint and several liability in Florida." "Speaker Bense's Tort Reform Push Lacks Insight From Prior Changes".

More From The "Values" Crowd

"Bush sent lawmakers a proposed budget that again doesn't include money to boost the staffing levels." "Rise in nursing home aides not in Bush's plan".

Initiatives

Only a couple made it:

Just two of four dozen filed citizens' initiatives will appear before Florida voters in November, having been approved by the Florida Supreme Court and obtaining the required 611,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

One of the measures, which would create an independent commission to draw legislative and congressional districts, faces stiff opposition from lawmakers and the governor. ...

Bush supports the other citizens' initiative, one that would require lawmakers to fund anti-smoking ad campaigns aimed at youngsters.

Continuing Saga

"A yearlong battle may not keep touch-screen voting machines without paper ballots out of Volusia County after all. A plan to put a disabled-accessible, all-paper ballot voting system in place for this year's elections appeared to be in deep trouble Thursday following a state announcement that it cannot yet certify some of the necessary equipment." "Volusia County touch-screen voting in limbo".

"Stifling citizens"

"The Legislature seldom likes dealing with citizen initiatives to amend the Florida Constitution. Many lawmakers display irritation with voter efforts to "meddle" in state business. They don't directly blame voters, of course -- that would be political suicide. So they gripe about "special interest groups" who promote citizen-backed amendments and "activist courts" that hold lawmakers' feet to the fire in honoring voters' wishes." "Stifling citizens".

Nelson Wipes the Floor With Harris

"Sen. Bill Nelson raised twice as much money during the final three months of 2005 as Rep. Katherine Harris did, but her finance chairman said Wednesday that recent high-profile GOP endorsements should bolster her fund-raising efforts. Nelson, D-Fla., raised $2 million during the final quarter for a total of $10.2 million for the year, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission. Harris, a Republican from Sarasota who plans to challenge Nelson's reelection in November, raised just over $1 million in the quarter and more than $2.3 million for the year." "Nelson raises twice as much as challenger Harris in quarter". See also "Nelson Leads Harris 8 To 1 in Money", "Harris' Senate bid struggles to raise money" and "Harris lags well behind Nelson, in money raised for Senate race".

"Gay Marriage" Ban Flops

"Backers of a proposal to change the constitution to ban gay marriage fell short Wednesday as the deadline passed for garnering enough support to get the amendment on this year's ballot." "Gay marriage ban not on ballot".

"Drilling Deal" Proposed

"Florida Sens. Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson announced Wednesday they would support oil and gas exploration in a small portion of the eastern Gulf of Mexico in exchange for a permanent drilling ban in most of the region." "Bill would permanently ban drilling in most of east gulf". See also "2 senators propose drilling deal", "Fla. senators' proposal limits offshore drilling" and "Senators seek broader protection from offshore drilling". The SPT's argues that the "Legislation introduced by Sens. Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez would keep drilling farther from our beaches than any proposal so far." See also "Great if it works".

GOoPer Cat Fight

"Gallagher's stock trades fuel intra-party fight".

Scripps Threats

"Apparently, state legislators can't stand by during The Scripps Research Institute site debate. So they resort to empty threats, the latest from House Speaker Allan Bense, R-Panama City." "More static on Scripps".

Imagine That

"Charter schools don't cure all ills".

Bankrolling the Family Man

"[A] 527 group called the Conservative Education Network began running pro-Tom Gallagher radio ads three months ago". The Buzz tells us who they are:

The Conservative Education Network raised $80,250, nearly all of it in big soft-money denominations of $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. The leading donors were South Florida insurers that are part of Richard Parrillo's United Auto personal-injury insurance empire. (United Auto's lobbyists before the Legislature and the Cabinet, Mike Colodny and Fred Karlinsky, are supporters of Gallagher's campaign). Other leading CEN contributors are part of Joe Anderson's road-building firms, including Anderson Columbia of Lake City and Suwannee American Cement of Branford. Those firms are also supporters of Gallagher's bid for governor.

Death Penalty

"Bush acknowledged Wednesday that Florida's death penalty is likely on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court can rule on issues raised by two death row inmates whose executions were blocked in the last week." "Death warrants on hold".

Privatization Follies

Troxler: "If this jail is run like a business, customers should worry".

"Selective Aim"

"Getting more folks involved in democracy is always a noble idea. But if that's really the goal, you'd assume that the state would also be passing out voter-registration forms in more of the offices it actually runs." Good point. "What kind of registration efforts are in place, for example, at the state's Health Department offices, which serve tens of thousands of people? 'Nothing at all,' said Health Department spokesman Fernando Senra. So what's the difference here? Well, the Health Department serves many poor people. And minorities. In other words: a lot of Democrats.". "Taking selective aim at new voters".

"Jeb!" Snookered by TK

"Did Gov. Bush help FSU recruit a top high school player?" ("What Wetherell didn't tell Bush is that Rolle [the recruit] also was being heavily recruited by Miami and Florida.")

Good Luck

"Make shareholders pay some FPL upgrade cost".

Crist Supporter Predicts Crist Will Win

"Veteran Strategist Stipanovich Handicaps Republican Primary For Governor" (via The Buzz).

Broward GOoPers Heart Chain Gang Charlie

"Following the lead of local parties in Pasco and Pinellas counties, the Broward Republican executive committee is throwing its support to Charlie Crist. We assume George LeMieux, the Crist campaign's chief of staff and former Broward GOP chairman, may have been helpful with this." "Broward REC Backs Crist".

Silly Ric

"To U.S. Rep. Ric Keller, getting $2,000 in freebie parking at Orlando International Airport last year is no big deal: 'It's silly to think you're going to buy a congressman or a senator with free parking.'" "Freebie math".

The losses can help Gallagher defend against charges of insider trading or at least against charges that he profited from his conflicts. But they may also take some of the swagger out of claim to be the only "businessman" running for governor.

Jebbie's Tax Scheme

"Gov. Jeb Bush proposed $1.5 billion in tax cuts, including spending $500 million to give all resident homeowners a $100 check." The Dems respond:

U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, a Tampa Democrat, called the tax cuts "another election-year gimmick."

Davis said the extra money should be spent on building new schools rather than on tax rebates and sales tax holidays.

"How about a holiday from school overcrowding? How about a year-round holiday from traffic congestion?" he said.

State Sen. Rod Smith, an Alachua Democrat, said money from the state's budget surplus should be used on school construction, Everglades reconstruction and bailing out Citizens Property Insurance, the state insurer of last resort, so homeowners won't have a surcharge on their insurance policies.

Where's "Jeb!"?

"Florida Sens. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, and Mel Martinez, a Republican, said they would unveil legislation today that would end annual battles over offshore oil and gas drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico." "Nelson, Martinez ready offshore oil bill to protect Florida waters".

No Soft Money

"Florida Senate President Tom Lee said Tuesday that his campaign for state chief financial officer will not use about $1.1 million in soft money left in a fund he created to aid Senate colleagues facing re-election two years ago." Lee "said his decision, however, would not preclude him from creating a new 527 committee to support his CFO race and denied that it was prompted by Johnson's demand during a Capitol news conference Friday." "Sen. Lee says he won't use soft money for CFO race". See also "Lee won't shift $1-million fund", "Cabinet candidate won't use `soft money'", "Lee says he won't use 'soft money' in CFO campaign" and "Lee Answers Rival's Call".

Confidence

"Buoyed by low unemployment and a rising stock market, the confidence of Florida consumers reached a six-month high in January, but economists warned of an imminent decline as the housing market cools." "Study: Florida consumer confidence hits six-month high".

Gay Bashers Pushing Time Limit

"Groups seeking to place proposed constitutional amendments before Florida voters this fall have until 5 p.m. today to get enough signatures validated." "Gay marriage ban drive faces deadline".

The Candidates

"Florida's Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates offered mainly rhetoric Tuesday at a gathering of newspaper editors and reporters, but provided some insight about the issues likely to dominate the race to succeed Gov. Jeb Bush." "Governor hopefuls offer sketchy plans".

Nelson Explains Himself

"Although he has said he won’t vote to confirm Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, did not join Sens Ted Kennedy and John Kerry last night in trying to set up a filibuster of Alito. Nelson, who is facing re-election in 2006, joined 18 other Democrats in voting to end Senate debate on Alito." "Nelson Opposed Alito Filibuster".

Disappointing Editorial

The Tallahassee Democrat keeps the gloves on in this soft editorial about Pruitt: "Ill-advised". This from the Tampa Trib is no surprise: "Bush's Financial Aid Package Boosts Students Most In Need".

Whatever

"Southwest Fla. residents grade President Bush".

Team Teaching

"Educators anticipate a co-teaching ban, which was supposed to begin in the fall, to be overturned in the legislative session that starts in March." "Legislators expected to toss ban on team teaching in classrooms".

Villalobos

"Republican Alex Villalobos, a moderate in an increasingly conservative Legislature, is close to becoming the first Cuban American to lead Florida's Senate, but a few hurdles lie in his way." "Villalobos' rise to top in Senate faces tests".

Gallagher Makes Trial Lawyers An Issue

"The race for governor, he says in nearly every speech, is a contest among 'three lawyers and one businessman.' ... 'I do love at least one lawyer,' he tells crowds, introducing his wife, Laura, a lawyer. He sometimes adds that she's 'one of the good ones.'" "Gallagher Positioning Himself As Champion Of Tort Reform".

"[A] last big tax cut to ... bankrupt the state"

More "irresponsible tax cuts" from "Jeb!" The Sun Sentinel editorial board::

It's not the state's money, it's your money. You'll probably hear that on Wednesday, when Gov. Jeb Bush is expected to propose the largest tax cut in Florida history. It's the same argument his brother used to justify irresponsible tax cuts at the federal level. ...

The governor is clearly counting on people's personal self-interest to gain support for his plan.

But self-interest can be measured in many ways. Perhaps your own personal self-interest is best served not by a tax cut but by having schools that actually educate your children, by having a transportation infrastructure that can get you to work in a reasonable amount of time, or by having an opportunity to buy a home that can be made affordable only through government subsidies.

Think about that, Governor, before you go off half-cocked with another shallow attempt to buy votes for Republicans by hoodwinking the public into mistaking what is in its own self-interest.

Jeb Bush couldn't retire to his empty-nester Miami condo without a last big tax cut to cement his legacy and bankrupt the state for his successor.

And so he announced a whopper last week. But here is what he didn't mention: He is paying for the first year of his tax cut with a tax increase.

Here are the numbers: His tax cut amounts to $1.5 billion this year. Meanwhile, he wants to increase your taxes this year by -- my goodness, what a coincidence! -- $1.5 billion.

A Fine Man

Scott Maxwell: "Central Florida lost one of its most passionate liberals during the weekend, when former Orange County Democratic Party leader Irby Pugh lost a battle with cancer. Pugh, a lawyer, was an unabashed partisan who wasn't afraid to pick fights or speak his mind. In one of his more memorable appearances in recent years, he attended a debate between Democrat Buddy Dyer and Republican Charlie Crist, who were both running for attorney general at the time. Pugh asked both candidates if they could explain how they did on their Bar exams. An unamused Crist responded that it took him three times to pass, telling Pugh, "You may have known that when you asked that question."

Troxler

"Walking the line between education and legislation".

Polk County Dems Energized

"The appearance of the two top Democratic candidates for governor at last week's Polk County Tiger Bay luncheon seemed to invigorate local Democrats". "Candidates for Governor Energize Democrats".

"Lexus dealerships, country clubs and Neiman Marcus"

"Rumor had it that what Evers meant was to get more Republicans registered, presumably because they are more likely to hunt and fish. If the bill is motivated by cliches, then why stop there? Why not add businesses that are likely to have a Republican clientele: Lexus dealerships, country clubs and Neiman Marcus?" "Fishing for votes".

And The Lesson Is ...

precisely what, Mr. Keller? "Keller: Lessons from the border".

Boyd and Miller

"Concern about federal spending and the ongoing lobbying and congressional scandals are among the topics Rep. Allen Boyd, Jr., D-Monticello, discussed Monday as President Bush prepared to deliver his State of the Union address today." "Boyd weighs in on issues". See also "Miller backs Bush on several issues".

$630 Million ... Kinda Steep

"Stressing the ongoing need to diversify the state's economy and create more high-tech, high-paying jobs, Gov. Jeb Bush on Monday said he will ask the Legislature for $630 million to pay for business startups and bolster growth of technology industries." "Bush wants $630 million to pay for business startups". See also "Governor seeks $250 million to lure biotech".

Not Just a UUnion" Thing

"Jeb!" "can't dismiss competitive teacher pay as simply a union cause. People who teach for a living usually are driven by their desire to help children, but they are not immune from market forces. College students looking for greater pay often refuse to consider teaching. For those who do teach, Florida offers salaries that are roughly $6,000 less than the national average. Closer to home, Georgia pays $5,000 more." "Welcome, teachers".

While Jebbie is incapable of figuring it out - perhaps its an Andover Thing - "union causes" and the "public interest" usually coincide.

It Must be A Communist Plot

"A student is ending his fight with the Palm Beach County School Board over being told he must stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, but the battle isn't over for Cameron Frazier. Frazier is aiming instead at eliminating the state law that requires local school officials to make students stand." "Pledge lawsuit targets state law".

Castor Lookin' Good

Internal Castor Poll

"Castor begins with 46 percent of the vote to 29 percent for state Senate Democratic leader Les Miller. The remaining three candidates are virtually irrelevant as they divide 8 percent among them - Scott Farrell and Al Fox win 3 percent each with 2 percent for Michael Steinberg. In a head-to-head contest between Castor and Miller, Castor wins 50 percent to 35 percent for Miller."

Gay Vote

"With an estimated one million (overwhelmingly Democratic) gay Florida voters, Rod Smith and Jim Davis can't afford to take the gay vote for granted. On Saturday, both Democratic gubernatorial candidates will speak at the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual; $ Transgender Democratic caucus in Tampa, along with state Democratic chairwoman Karen Thurman." "The Gay Vote".

The Buzz says Davis has the inside track.

Government Handouts

"Years after Florida's first effort to jump-start venture capital investment in the state fizzled in controversy, Gov. Jeb Bush will arrive in Tampa today to announce a new proposal aimed at pumping $75-million into start-up companies." "Bush wants funds for start-ups".

Such Problems

"Lawyer's Rolodex just too powerful".

"California Model"

"Surprisingly, after years of ignoring problems, the Legislature named a bipartisan committee to study migrant farmworker issues. Even more surprising, the Joint Legislative Committee on Migrant and Seasonal Labor actually may produce reforms." "Use California model for Florida ag reforms".

Note: the "Californial model" also includes collective bargaining rights for farmworkers; will that be part of the Florida migrant worker package too? But wait a minute, don't the 1968 revisions to the Florida Constitution already make collective bargaining a fundamental constitutional right for all Florida workers, including migrant workers? (Answer: yes it does, the Florida Legislature just hasn't gotten 'round to passing a law implementing those constitutional rights, so they are in a state of limbo; someday maybe).

"Push for litigation 'relief' never ends"

"The sideshow over the Legislature's lawsuit reform proposals grabbed more attention last week than the actual proposals. That tells Floridians something about the need for this legislation, drafted to address a problem that exists mainly in lawmakers' and lobbyists' minds." "Sideshow politics".

Outsourcing

"Franklin Sands dabbled in a lot of businesses during his working years, from costume jewelry to casinos, so he knows something about making a deal. Now, as a legislator, Sands wants to test some of the savings Gov. Jeb Bush and his department heads claim to have reaped with the state's 'outsourcing' contracts." "Legislator questions outsourcing".

"'A Powder Keg Ready to Explode'"

"For seven years, Florida taxpayers pumped more than $100 million into the Florida Civil Commitment Center, a facility set up to treat the mental disorders of the state's most dangerous sexual predators." "'A Powder Keg Ready to Explode'". See also "Lack of care, lack of rules".

Gift Ban

Stop whining:

For so long, wining (whining) and dining were integral to making things happen in Tallahassee. Powerful lawmakers and moneyed lobbyists met over drinks at Clyde's or intimate dinners at the Silver Slipper. The lobbyists, as a matter of form, picked up the check.

Then, as if by magic, legislators decided to give up this perk. All of a sudden it seemed to dawn on them that what had been tradition had become corrupting, and they passed legislation banning free trips, gifts and meals.

But rules that on the surface seem straightforward raise lots of questions. Do lawmakers have to pay for munchies at receptions? Are there any gifts they can accept? Are all expense-paid trips totally out of bounds?

The general rule for lawmakers is and should be that they pay their own way. That's how they can cure the appearance that politicians are for sale.

GOoPer Business Savvy

"Yet, lawmakers, who are Citizens' ultimate watchdogs, failed to fix the company. Instead, they sat on their hands while Citizens dumped its red ink on Floridians by surcharging every policyholder in the state." "Red Ink".

"A stick of partisan dynamite"

"Ken Pruitt's sophomoric diatribe against "anti-God, left-wing liberals" may not violate Florida Senate ethics rules, but it sure casts his impending presidency in a different light. A chamber that prides itself on relative comity and moderation could be putting a stick of partisan dynamite at the rostrum." "Pruitt's puerility".

No Problem ... Next Question

"Crist said the economy is on fire and he predicts there will be no slowdown at all." "Crist isn't worried about economy".

Off Topic

From Mr. Ruth:

Do you think it's remotely possible the Sun Tzu of the Potomac could be any more condescending toward the body politic?

Does the Caesar of Kennebunkport honestly believe the people of this nation are that stupid, that vapid, that dense they don't clearly recall the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, the smoldering Pentagon, the hole in the heart of Pennsylvania?

I Think GOoPers Call it "Flip Flopping"

He was against wingnuts, now he is one:

He was a Republican who opposed taxes but talked about raising sales taxes in the 1980s to pay for fighting crime. He proclaimed himself "pro-choice" in his 1994 campaign for governor, saying in a tape-recorded interview with newspaper reporters, "I'm pro-choice. . . . I don't like abortion . . . but I do believe that government should stay out of people's lives. . . . The choice is one that individuals should make along with their doctor. It shouldn't be a government choice."

When asked about school prayer in 1994, Gallagher said, "That would be a nice thing, but it causes a tremendous amount of problems, as to whose prayer and what prayer, and what denomination. So when you end up with those kind of conflicts, it would be better just to allow silence, and each pray in their own way."

Former state Sen. Curt Kiser of Clearwater, now a Tallahassee lobbyist, was Gallagher's 1994 running mate. They were running against Jeb Bush, who was campaigning to the hard right. Attorney General Jim Smith also was on the ballot. Kiser says he and Gallagher ran to the middle.

"Absolutely. No question about it," says Kiser, who is supporting Gallagher this year. "We prided ourselves in 1994 as the more moderate voice."

Kiser says he has been surprised to hear Gallagher talk about problems with "activist judges" and notes that Bush, who lost the general election in 1994 but won in 1998 and 2002, has not pushed for an amendment banning same-sex marriage as Gallagher is doing.

When You Don't Pay 'Em, They Won't Come

"Schools prepare for likely teacher shortage". And, when, in response, the GOoPer "proposal's biggest chunk of money - $188 million - would be spent to buy a laptop for each of Florida's 164,000 public school teachers, a proposal that sounds like a 21st-century 'chicken in every pot.'" "Better Pay Over Laptops".

Let's face it: "Jeb!" is constitutionally incapable of simply paying teachers more.

The McInvale Legislative Agenda

Now we know why McInvale switched parties. She will finally be able to muscle her legislative agenda through the House: "A bill she is sponsoring that could make it possible for people to keep their dogs with them while they eat outside at some restaurants passed its first House panel." "McInvale switch has a few hitches".

Not Likely

"Can Rubio close the gap between the Capitol and the dinner table?"

"Lingering Contradiction

Bush "opposes embryonic stem cells on moral grounds. How far the governor would go to let his personal religious convictions set back science and its economic potential in Florida is the lingering contradiction of his foray into biotechnology." "Biotech's embryonic stage".Earth to "Jeb!"

"'Gov. Jennings' would have been fine by Bush".

Not A Particularly Apt Analogy

Mel "Martinez criticized 'the Bush administration' for allowing Cuba to field a team in the World Baseball Classic, even though Cuba has said Cuban players who live in the states, such as Hernandez, won't be allowed to represent their native country. While the issue isn't exactly akin to the war in Iraq or Medicare reform, it marked an unusual instance in which Martinez was at odds with Bush. In a news release, the Florida Republican called it 'a disappointing reversal' and subsequently went so far as to compare it to playing ball with a segregated team from South Africa." "[A] baseball stink".

More From the Values Crowd

This speaks volumes about "Jeb!"'s economic priorities

In the late 1990s, two studies, from Harvard and the University of California at Berkeley, showed the link between health and income levels. The greater the wealth disparities, the worse the health and life expectancy at the poorer end of the spectrum. A joint study just released by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Economic Policy Institute ranks Florida's gap among the worst in the nation and growing.

There isn't just a health care crisis in this state. There's an ideas crises, though all legislators would have to do is look north and borrow.

The ID Thing

"The school districts choose their books from a state-approved list that includes 'Biology: Dynamics of Life,' which on page 388 briefly touches on intelligent design under the subheading "Divine Origins." "Teachers Opt For Texts Without Intelligent Design".

Yuck

"St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker is raising his profile. After Baker's overwhelming re-election win in November, a writer (and friend of Baker's political consultant Adam Goodman) wrote a column in the New York Sun touting Baker as a national model for Republicans because of his ability to win big among African-Americans." "Baker's Future".

GOoPers Have "No Appetite" For Their Own Agenda

"Asked last week if he thought lawmakers would consider placing such an amendment on the ballot themselves if the petition drive falls short [even though the Florida Republican Party has poured $150,000 into the effort to get a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage or the 'substantial equivalent'], Republican House Speaker Allan Bense didn't hesitate. 'No,' he said flatly. 'I don't have an appetite for that in the Florida House.'" "".

Scripps

"Gov. Bush said last week that he will let the public know his thoughts on sites for The Scripps Research Institute. If, as the governor has said countless times, the site decision is local, his thoughts should not come as the final word." "What Jeb needs to say".

Gruesome

"Senate President Tom Lee defended his visit to Florida's death chamber last week to watch the scheduled execution of convicted cop-killer Clarence Hill, who was spared by a last-minute U.S. Supreme Court stay. Policy, not politics, inspired the trip, said Lee, who is seeking the GOP nomination for chief financial officer." "Innocent bystander".