Even as energy companies and his own administration call for more aggressive oil and gas exploration in U.S. waters, President Bush told drilling opponents in this politically crucial state Friday that they should "rest easy."
But despite the reassuring language, Bush in fact was embracing the very drilling expansion proposal that had riled environmentalists and Florida politicians of both parties.

Bush and his brother Florida Gov. Jeb Bush have been criticized in recent months as appearing to back away from their 2002 commitment to keep a large tract of the Gulf of Mexico rig-free — a pledge that came as they faced reelection battles for their respective posts. Florida had decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes.

President Bush's remarks, delivered to a crowd in Tampa before he helped raise $3 million for Florida Republicans at a Disney World resort here, underscored the pressure points of his new pledge to alleviate what he has called the country's "addiction" to oil.

Now That The Bushco Elections Are Over

"Voters anxious for a paper trail on ballots have struck a chord with Florida Secretary of State Sue Cobb, who spoke Friday in support of a uniform standard for paper ballots but also said her hands are tied." If this seems like a 180 to you, yet another GOoPer flip-flop if you will, you're right:

Cobb's comments are a departure from those of her predecessor, Glenda Hood, whom Gov. Jeb Bush replaced with Cobb in December.

Hood accused critics of touch screens, including U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, of doing a "disservice" by undermining voter confidence in the systems.

Mickey Mouse

"A national political convention in Orlando would draw tens of thousands of visitors, pump tens of millions of dollars into the regional economy, and focus the world's attention for a week on Central Florida. That's more than enough reasons for leaders of government and business in the region to come together and go after both parties' 2008 conventions." "Politically correct".

Crist

"In an anything-goes race for governor, Crist's opponents surely will find some way to make this seem like a scandal". "Crist's home sweet homestead?"

Privatization Follies

"Charles 'Chuck' Hood, the mild-mannered, low-key former businessman who inherited Miami-Dade's child welfare system in the wake of Rilya Wilson's mysterious disappearance, has resigned amid rising tensions between the state and a private foster care agency." "Dade's DCF chief resigns amid growing foster care feud".

Putting it Bluntly

"Thurman: Pruitt Corrupt":

"In Washington, two names are synonymous with corruption: Tom DeLay and Jack Abramoff. Here in Florida, corruption goes by the names Ken Pruitt and Randy Nielsen. It seems like every day we learn more about the dirty details of the Florida GOP's "cloak-and-dagger" operation -- from the million-dollar Pruitt-Nielsen lobbyist deals to the last minute coup that blocked the election of the first Cuban-American State Senate President for the sin of standing up for Floridians who voted to reduce class size against right-wing efforts to undermine their will...

Harris

Hope there wasn't too much begging, as "Harris Catches A Ride On Air Force One".

Measuring Sticks

"State education officials proposed to the U.S. Department of Education new ways to measure a student's progress. Critics call the current required methods 'rigid.'" "State pursues new student yardsticks".

Dubya Poses "Political Risk" For Florida GOoPers

Dubya

raised millions in minutes from GOP faithful at a fundraising dinner Friday, but the persisting string of Washington scandals could lower his Florida profile as midterm elections near.

Republicans in tough races, like U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris, will have to decide whether an appearance with Bush is worth the potential political risk.

The Florida elections, headed by a hotly contested gubernatorial race and Harris' bid for Sen. Bill Nelson's seat, will be the first in years without a Bush on the ballot, as the president's brother Jeb must leave the governorship in January because of term limits.

Growing dissatisfaction over the Iraq war, controversy surrounding warrantless wiretapping and the ballooning federal deficit -- among other things -- have the president's popularity hovering around 40 percent nationally, and about the same in Florida.

Imagine That

"Watch out. The Legislature is talking about insurance again." "Insurance reform plans unfriendly to consumers".

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

"[F]ive years after he first came under fire for elections violations stemming from his 1999 election to the Senate, Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, today won another continuance from the Florida Elections Commission until August." "Delay Diaz de la Portilla".

"Secret squirrel" Update

"Jeb!"

told the newspaper's editorial board said that there is "a group of secret squirrel liberals who go to some fancy resort somewhere, and they divvy up the states and the ballot initiatives. They write large checks; they launder the money through places like Common Cause, ironically."

Earlier, Bush had made similar charges before public groups, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

In a press release, Jon Goldin-Dubois, a Common Cause vice president, said, "We've been called upon to release these donors names. . . . Now let's put an end to the governor's cynical effort to distract the public from the real issue, the broken redistricting process."

And for Florida, that is precisely the issue. To allow a few partisan legislative leaders to carve up districts that favor the party in power is just wrong -- regardless of whether Democrats or Republicans are in control. The result for voters is that they often have few or poor choices in state legislative and congressional contests.

Sabato on CDs 9, 13 and 22

The Buzz summarizes Larry Sabato's analysis of several Florida races: "District 22 (Clay Shaw V. Ron Klein); District 9 (probably Gus Bilirakis V. Phyllis Busansky); and District 13, Katherine Harris' seat." " Sabato's Handicapping". Sabato's website is here.

Are The Wheels of Justice Greased?

"Florida lobbyists usually rely on schmoozing and campaign cash to win friends, but on Friday they took the unusual step of suing the Legislature to block one of the nation's toughest ethics laws." "Lobbyists sue over law requiring fee disclosure".

Bought and Paid For

"Developers are pumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into Jeb Bush's private foundation aimed at promoting his legacy as the education governor."

[S]ome observers see more than philanthropic interests at work.

"It's kind of typical campaign finance in Florida," said Ben Wilcox, executive director of Common Cause Florida, the campaign finance reform group. "You find these wealthy special interests who are giving to committees and candidates, people with power to help them. . . . They're doing it as an investment, hoping for a return on their investment."

The governor has indeed been good to the Villages. In 2003, he backed a controversial bill that helped the Villages Regional Hospital sidestep state regulation other hospitals face when wanting to expand.

The Palm Beach Post reported that Gov. Bush recently sought to end federal court oversight of the state's Everglades cleanup, a move that would be welcomed by U.S. Sugar Corp., which gave the foundation $25,000 in October. In December, Bush tapped South Florida developer Sue Cobb to be secretary of state. A month later, a company connected to her husband, Charles Cobb, chairman and chief executive officer of Arvida Corp. and the Disney Development Co., gave $10,000 to the governor's foundation.

Senate President Bennett?

"A political fight in Tallahassee instigated partly by Bradenton's maverick state Sen. Mike Bennett has put the Republican in line to be president of the Florida Senate within four years." "Bennett maneuvers for top spot".

The Davis-Martinez-Nelson Team

The Buzz notes is "not sure Mel Martinez is thrilled by the news, but Jim Davis [yester]day introduced Sen. Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez’s Permanent Protection for Florida Act in the U.S. House. The bill aims to permanently shield offshore oil and gas drilling. Reps. Hastings, Allen Boyd and Corrine Brown and are cosponsors.". " Davis Introduces Martinez-Nelson bill".

Unfortunately, the"Drilling bill [was] not received well on [the] Hill". Indeed, "No Republicans endorse a bill filed in the U.S. House, but Florida legislators remain hopeful." "Fatal blow for drilling legislation?"


See also "Senators plan to press for oil, gas drilling off Florida", "More drilling off Florida likely, lawmakers say", "Vying bills differ on how close drilling could be to Fla. coast", "Gulf drilling well-received on Capitol Hill" and "The man with his sights set on Area 181" ("A senator from New Mexico is determined to allow drilling off the Florida coast. Meet Pete Domenici.")

Orlando Sentinel Hearts "Jeb!"

"Another A+".

Nevins Compromised

The Daily Pulp has the scoop on "Sun-Sentinel political writer Buddy Nevins’ speech to local Republicans." And it ain't pretty; among other things, Nevins has compromised his ability to report on the Gubernatorial race. See "What Was He Thinking?"

That Law Stuff ... It's Hard, Ain't It Charlie

Serial bar exam failure "Charlie Crist, attorney general and candidate for governor, got a crash course in Florida tax law this week." "Crist, a renter, gets tax law lesson".

Whatever

"President Bush will lend his considerable fund-raising powers to Florida Republicans tonight and is expected to help pull in about $3 million in a few hours at a Central Florida event." "President to raise funds today".

More From The Values Crowd

Playing politics with "life":

Florida's stopgap, however, fails many poor, seriously ill Floridians. Since enrolling in Part D, an estimated 70,000 cancer patients, transplant recipients and others face an unaffordable "share of costs" for drugs that they rely on to survive. After receiving a letter from Florida's Democratic congressmen, Gov. Bush dismissed the matter on Feb. 2: "It's under review."

The governor claimed to not have the authority to issue an executive order, but he also hinted at partisanship: "You know, I find it a little ironic that many of the people who oppose policies that we've done always want me to use my executive powers that don't exist to try to solve problems. You know, there are some limitations to what you can do just by edict. We're not in a hurricane. Those powers are much broader during emergencies."

If Mr. Bush truly does not understand the emergency that these Floridians are facing, he can ask the Florida Transplant Survivors Coalition, the National Kidney Foundation, the National Mental Health Association of Florida, retirees, lawmakers and physicians. Or he can check out the hospital emergency rooms some patients are resorting to for needed medication.

On Wednesday, the Agency for Health Care Administration said only the Legislature can approve the money to help those 70,000 increasingly desperate patients. It's already been two weeks since Gov. Bush said he had "engaged the staff to give me a briefing" on the issue. The legislative session begins on March 7. By choosing to wait, Gov. Bush is gambling that those 70,000 people can hold out until then.

Another Great GOoPer Idea

"The measure offered by House Republicans would allow insurers to increase premiums by double-digit percentages without approval from state regulators." "Insurance".

To Replace Campbell

"Graber, 57, said he will hold on to his County Commission seat and title as mayor through September, when he will officially resign to appear on the Democratic primary ballot for state Senate." "Broward Mayor Graber to run for state Senate".

Wingnuts Eat Their Own

"The Terri Schiavo Foundation created by her parents and brother and sister, shot off a disappointed response to Martinez's comments the other day on "Political Connections" on Bay News 9 that he had concluded the matter should have been left to state courts:" "Mad At Mel".

Voucher Madness

"We send our children to school to learn to read, write and think, and if we're lucky, to learn the difference between intellectual integrity and dishonesty. The job gets harder when those chiefly responsible for ensuring that the educational system works at its best instead do their utmost to undermine it -- and do so through intellectually dishonest means. An example was on display Wednesday as Gov. Jeb Bush yet again distorted the meaning of public education in defense of the indefensible -- subsidizing private schools with public money and calling it "choice," and claiming to want to "save our students" while sabotaging our students' public schools." "'Save Our Students' all right, from governor's scheme".

Black Bears

"Many of the bear deaths are happening near sensitive environmental areas where explosive growth is increasing traffic." "Black bear deaths set record; road crossings under design".

Lobbyist Suit

"Lobbyists plan to sue presiding officers of the Florida Legislature today to block enforcement of a new law that prohibits them from giving lawmakers gifts, including food and drink." "Lobbyists to sue to block new disclosure demands" See also "Lobbyists want to halt gift-ban law" and "Lobbyists to sue over gift ban".

It's what she calls a "grassfire" campaign — one meant to ignite grass-roots support into an inferno of volunteers who will sweep her to victory against Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Brevard County.

It's an uphill battle — as it invariably is for a challenger facing an incumbent. Until recently, the GOP political hierarchy has been noticeably cool to a Harris candidacy. Their concern, it is frequently said, is that although Harris could easily win a primary election, she cannot attract enough independent voters to defeat Nelson.

Harris is aware of such perceptions and goes out of her way to remind listeners that she has a history of successfully bucking common wisdom and defeating incumbents.

She says the press and the pundits didn't think she had a chance when she defeated Democratic state Sen. Jim Boczar in 1994, spending $500,000 of her own money. And they wrote her off in her 1998 primary against incumbent Secretary of State Sandra Mortham.

"If we can turn out our base, we can win," Harris says.

Reports of Death Premature?

"Efforts to modify Florida's ban against gay adoption are not dead, despite a state Senate committee's decision to table the bill, the head of a gay-activist organization said Wednesday. Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, said there still is a chance that the bill will be revived later in the legislative session: 'It's not dead. It's not dead at all.'" "Gay-adoption bill 'not dead,' activist says".

It's Baaaack

Here's one way to fire up the GOoper faithful - religious school vouchers:

Bush and Republican legislative leaders said Wednesday they would try to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot that would revive one school voucher program struck down by the state Supreme Court and protect two others against a similar fate.

Passage seems certain, with the GOP holding 26 of the 40 Senate seats and 85 of the 120 House seats. Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon, and House Speaker Allan Bense, R-Panama City, are both on board, and Bush said their designated successors - Sen. Ken Pruitt of Port St. Lucie and Rep. Marco Rubio of Miami - will sponsor the amendment.

Politically, an amendment campaign would force the FEA and other pillars of the Democratic Party to devote time and money to fighting the ballot initiative. It could also help the Republicans make inroads in black precincts, where school choice polls well.

"Voters, parents, should be able to decide whether or not poor, minority or disabled students should have the same option as wealthy parents," Bush told the crowd. "I know, if presented this choice in November, that Floridians will say yes - that this is a fundamental right, that this is a civil right, that this is as American as apple pie."

Sen. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, predicted that both parties and national education organizations will make Florida a battleground if the amendment gets to the ballot.

Tuition Increase

"If approved by lawmakers it would mark the 11th year in a row that tuition for state universities has been raised". Governor says he'll lower tuition hike request". See also "Protest frivolity" ("Bush immediately backed down on his original 5-percent tuition-increase proposal for in-state students (7.5 percent for out-of-state) after students marched on the Capitol saying they didn't want to pay more.")

Keller Race Top Tier?

Good to see that

the widely read Cook Political Report has moved the Orlando Republican's re-election bid onto its list of potentially competitive races. The good news for Keller (whose announced competition includes Republican Elizabeth Doran and Democrats Homer Hartage and Charlie Stuart) is that Cook still predicts Keller will win.

Treachery

Some thoughts on why Villalobos went down:

Alex Villalobos believed that he had at least enough votes to become Florida's Senate president in 2008. When will these people learn not to trust Republicans?

Oh, wait. They are Republicans. ...

Treachery worthy of Richard III is not a new thing for Sen. Atwater. As Post reporters Dara Kam and S.V. Dáte reported last week, he was elected in 2002 after Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, and Sen. Jim King, R-Jacksonville, redrew a district to oust then-Sen. Debby Sanderson, R-Fort Lauderdale, because she had decided not to support Sen. King's ultimately successful bid to be Senate president. Sen. Pruitt, who is set to become Senate president in November, also apparently has made treachery a habit. Speculation is that — despite initially pledging support to Sen. Villalobos — he now is supporting Sen. Atwater's coup.

An interesting wrinkle: Sen. Villalobos, were he to regain the upper hand, would be the first Cuban-American to lead the Senate. Cutting off a minority at the knees is reminiscent of the Democrats' idiotic decision in 1998 to oust Rep. Willie Logan, an African-American, as party leader. Rep. Logan, proving that he could be as petty and shortsighted as his peers, proceeded to support the gubernatorial campaign of Jeb Bush — who later would outlaw affirmative action for college admissions. A slight difference is that Democrats supposedly care about minorities..

What did Sen. Villalobos do to deserve the Atwater insurgency? He didn't raise enough money for fellow Republicans, some say, but he also last year did not support Gov. Bush's efforts to repeal the class-size amendment. And, according to Post reporters Kam and Dáte, Sen. Atwater "is also likely to keep Pruitt's political consultant friend Randy Nielsen on the Republican Party payroll through at least 2009, while Villalobos has said he would not allow Nielsen to do any work once he takes control."

Troxler

"On Friday, Jan. 27, the five members of the Florida Public Service Commission received a mysterious e-mail. It urged a ruling in a pending issue in favor of BellSouth, the state's largest local telephone company. ... PSC members are not allowed to receive such information outside of public proceedings. Some past members (but none current) have been criticized for seeming to skirt that law. " "Attempt to influence PSC was an inside job".

"Short on Merit"

"Florida Education Commissioner John Winn has ordered up a teacher merit pay plan that lacks sufficient standards and doesn't come with a guaranteed way to pay for it. Such a 'performance-based' pay plan is seriously short on merit." "Winn's 'merit' pay plan too reliant on the FCAT".

Scripps

More Scripps:

The governor, who favored the Boca Raton site, warned Wednesday that "Scripps will leave" if the deal was based on "empty promises."

It was all about who was willing to pay the most for the affections of Commissioner Addie Greene, who took full advantage of her status as the swing vote. In one of the most blatant displays of pandering local government has ever seen, an unabashed Greene went with the highest bidder: FAU/Abacoa, whose backers gave just $4.5 million to offset county taxpayers' $200 million costs, but dedicated a full $8 million in public and private money for undefined economic diversity efforts of Greene's choosing. By contrast, Boca pledged $4 million for minority opportunities and Florida Research Park chipped in $2 million and promised to try to raise $3 million more.

Greene, who firmly opposed the north county site just two months ago, used the catbird seat and delivered for her largely black constituency like few local African-American politicians get to, but at a substantial cost to the rest of the county and state. Today, Florida is saddled with a problematic site plan, Palm Beach County is once again a laughingstock and state officials are scratching their heads trying to figure out what went wrong.

They can scratch all they like, but it's too late to meddle in this site decision. Bush had an opportunity to remove FAU/Abacoa from contention because it didn't meet criteria. He chose not to, letting others fight for his vision. That fight was lost, and the county has made its decision.

Those Crazy GOoPers

Scott Maxwell notes that "On Wednesday, the National Republican Senatorial Committee sent out a news release titled "BILL NELSON'S SELLOUT TO TRIAL LAWYERS." Um, wrong state to bang that drum, guys -- seeing as how your guy Mel Martinez wasn't just connected to the trial lawyers . . . he was their statewide president."

Class Warfare Anyone?

Anytime a Dem opens his or her mouth, GOoPers scream class warfare:

Bush and other speakers at the rally hammered at the argument that rich people can afford private schools and the middle class can move to better districts - and that vouchers help poor families choose better schools.

Thomas For Crist Campaign Continues

Crist surrogate Mike Thomas continues his campaign for Charlie Crist in a column nominally about Citizens Insurance:

Who was responsible for this glaring oversight at Citizens?

The insurer was the brainchild of Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who pushed it through the Legislature. Back then, he was the insurance commissioner. He claimed Citizens would hold down insurance premiums on the coast, particularly in South Florida, which serves as his political base.

He appointed the Citizens Property governing board, which made the decision not to do the study.

So what you have here is Gallagher's board making people happy by selling them discounted policies.

The man who replaced Gallagher as insurance commissioner, Kevin McCarty, knew better. He ordered Citizens to comply with the law and do a study on its rates in 2004.

Finished last year, it recommends a huge increase in premiums, particularly for those policyholders with windstorm [hurricane] policies. They could see rates go up an average of about 70 percent.

Naturally, a lot of them are screaming. It's hard to wean folks off welfare. And Gallagher, who is running for governor, is worried.

His office has questioned the increases, with Gallagher saying Citizens "should not be allowed to arbitrarily raise rates without justifying them."

That's interesting. He didn't mind Citizens keeping rates arbitrarily low.

What has Attorney General Charlie Crist, who is now one of four state officials along with Gallagher that appoints the insurance commissioner, done about the problem?

... The Gallagher release claims Crist, in November, told a DeLand audience that the state needed a new insurance commissioner. Well then, the release asks, why hasn't he done anything? And what does a "new commissioner" mean, anyway?

Contacted by Buzz, the Crist campaign declined to comment on the press release. Asked where the attorney general stood on electing an insurance commissioner, the response: "He is open to the idea and believes the people deserve a voice in the process."

Car Salesmen for Charlie

"Stung by multimillion-dollar fines and refunds for unfair sales practices, car dealers from two national chains are putting tens of thousands of dollars into Charlie Crist's campaign for governor." "Auto Dealers Steer Support To Crist".

"Truth Campaign"

"Florida would bring back the edgy "truth campaign" and other elements of a program to combat youth smoking under a $58 million proposal announced Wednesday by the state Senate's top health care budget writer." "Senator proposes bringing back anti-tobacco 'truth' campaign".

Not Quite Top Tier

"Among 36 gubernatorial races this year, National Journal pegs Florida as the 11th most vulnerable for a partisan shift." However, National Journal concludes that the "'Democratic donor base is paltry compared to the GOP base [and that] alone is the reason we can't bring ourselves to move this race into the top'". "Gubernatorial Rankings".

6 o'clock news

"Sooner or later the videotape of seven boot-camp guards reportedly kicking, hitting and choking 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson is going to make the 6 o'clock news. When that happens, Floridians whose tax dollars pay for the Bay County Boot Camp will have hard questions for state officials. The teen died hours after his arrival at the military-style facility. According to his parents, doctors found his organs so damaged that they could not be donated." "Teen's death deserves better state response".

Dean in Town

"Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean on Tuesday said the United States should reach out to Latin America with programs that encourage trade and reduce poverty. Dean spoke to a crowd of about 300 students and supporters at Florida International University in Miami." "Dean says U.S. needs to reach out to Latin America".

Whatever

"Governor wants tougher curricula for middle, high schools". "Give kids a challenge, Bush says".

Scripps

"Despite millions of dollars already spent on construction on the edge of the Everglades, commissioners voted Tuesday to move the planned Scripps Research Institute to northern Palm Beach County." "Palm Beach commission selects Jupiter for Scripps". See also "United front on Scripps clears way for success".

Is Anyone Surprised?

"Bush said Tuesday he opposes a measure that would require the state's largest companies to provide a certain amount of health coverage for their workers. ... Bush didn't elaborate on his opposition to the measure, but defended giving tax breaks to companies to move to Florida if they offer jobs that pay more than most." "Bush against bill to make big companies provide health coverage". See also "AFL-CIO, Democrats propose benefits law".

"Jeb!" Takes Fight To "Anonymous Liberals"

"The group pushing a redistricting initiative responds to Gov. Bush's assertion it's funded by anonymous liberals." "Common Cause lists big donors".

Looks like Jebbie came up empty:

if Bush was hoping to find a labor union or famous liberal stalwart like George Soros bankrolling Common Cause, this list didn't produce it. The biggest individual donor? The late George J. Finney, a retired librarian with the U.S. Information Agency, who last year willed Common Cause more than $181,000.

Bush, who repeatedly called on Common Cause to disclose its donors during the past week, told reporters he applauded Tuesday's release, but he mocked the contributions as "secret squirrel" money collected at "secret squirrel meetings."

Bush is engaging in "the height of hypocrisy" in opposing the Florida redistricting plan, Goldin-Dubois said, considering that he helped raise money for a similar effort in California backed by Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In Bush's 1998 campaign for governor, he refused repeated requests to disclose how much money people contributed to his Foundation for Florida's Future. At the time, officials said donors were promised privacy regarding their exact contributions.

"Jeb!" Folds

"The governor said he probably will recommend 'a more moderate increase' a day after student leaders held a news conference on the steps of the Old Capitol to protest his $46.7 million per year proposal." "Bush to reduce tuition hike plan".

Utah, Mississippi and Florida

Is Florida really in the same philospohical league as Utah and Mississippi? Apparently so:

State lawmakers remain reluctant to extend even limited adoption rights to gay people, forcing an advocate for the change to table her effort Tuesday.

State Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, told a packed hearing room that she did not have the votes for passage of a bill that would allow gay foster parents to adopt the children in their care. But Rich said her fellow advocates should celebrate the "baby step" of even getting the issue aired in the conservative Capitol.

Rich's bill would have provided an exception to a state law passed in 1977 that bans adoptions by homosexuals.

Florida is the only state with such an outright ban, although Utah and Mississippi have enacted laws requiring adoptive parents to be married.

"FCAT-centric"

"As if Florida's public school system isn't already FCAT-centric, the governor and education commissioner are proposing to reward teachers solely for who plays the test game better." "Plan without merit".

Trolling for Dollars

"Hillary Clinton will spend three days trolling Florida for political donations, including $100-per-person and $1,000-per person events in Tampa Feb. 25." "Jeb And Hillary".

Cognitive Dissonance

"State Rep. Randy Johnson has been raising objections about what he called the insidious influence of political soft money, but that hasn't stopped his campaign from accepting tens of thousands of dollars from such sources." "This Soft Money Foe Says He's Keeping His".

To Replace Davis

In Congressional District 11, CQ reports that "the race increasingly looks like a two-candidate contest between county commissioner Kathy Castor and state Senate Minority Leader Lesley 'Les' Miller." "CQ On Dist. 11".

"Small Government"?

"Protection for employees at work"

Ironically, this bill comes before a Legislature dominated by lawmakers who speak of small government as the ideal. Yet dictating parking-lot policy for employers smacks of Big Brother. Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, the bill (H 129 and S 206) threatens businesses with a third-degree felony -- punishable by a five-year prison term and $5,000 fine -- for forbidding guns in locked cars parked in a workplace lot.

Implicitly, the bill acknowledges the potential violence that it would invite. One provision would give firms immunity from any civil liability that results from a firearm locked in a car on private property. Still, immunity will offer little comfort to the manager who could be faced with a disgruntled and armed employee.

Good Question

"parents might want to ask their state representative or senator why the state has so much money and their local school district can't make ends meet." "[S]chool cuts".

"Red"

Mr. Putnam:

The young man President Bush calls "Red," for his crimson hair, could be governor someday, people are saying. Or U.S. senator. Or, perhaps more likely now, House majority leader - only four big steps up from the job he got by election Feb. 2 as Republican Policy Committee chairman.

"It's extraordinary. It's without precedent," says Daryl Paulson, a University of South Florida specialist in the rise of Republicans from the Sunshine State. "For someone who's been in Congress for only six years and is only 31 years old to be promoted like this, he's clearly somebody to watch."

Putnam is a classic case. He comes from Polk County, a part of Florida that voted consistently Democratic for decades and supplied some of the party's legends - governors and senators such as Spessard Holland and Lawton Chiles.

Boot Camps

"The NAACP and the Legislature's black caucus demanded the immediate closing of the remaining juvenile boot camp facilities operated by the state and said Gov. Jeb Bush should launch an independent investigation into the death of a Panama City eighth grader last month at one of the facilities." "Black caucus, NAACP want boots camps closed".

Good Luck

"The state's biggest employers would have to spend at least 9 percent of their earnings on health care for their employees, or pay the state the difference to cover workers' care, under a measure Florida lawmakers will consider this year. It's part of a national push by labor unions aimed at drawing attention to what they say is a lack of health coverage for workers from some of the nation's biggest companies." "Bill would require minimum health care spending by big employers".

Mike Thomas (The Good Tribune Co. Boy) Hates Unions

"State revisits pay fight with teachers union".

Gay Adoption

"It's hard to reckon the damage done over the years by Florida's ban on gay adoption. Passing this legislation is the first step toward making amends, acknowledging that a child's need for a stable, loving home outweighs society's need to pass judgment." "Retreat from cruelty".

Students Protest

"The Florida Student Association began rallying opposition Monday against Gov. Jeb Bush's proposal to increase university tuition by 5 percent at a time when the state is running a budget surplus." "Students protest tuition plan".

Insurance Overhaul

"Owners of Florida vacation homes could be required to play a much larger role in ensuring beleaguered Citizens Property Insurance Corp. doesn't go broke after future hurricanes. ... State Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, unveiled a proposed insurance overhaul Monday that would require nonresident homeowners to pay dramatically higher rates and assume more costs for rebuilding after hurricanes than permanent residents." "Legislator Proposes Insurance Overhaul". See also "House GOP: Floridians can't keep bailing out Citizens", "House plan: shift insurance burden" and "Florida homeowner rates could skyrocket under legislation".

She Said It

"Just back from Iraq, U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris brought her Senate campaign to an area of the state that's dominated by the military and told small groups that the United States is succeeding in the war and the troops don't want to be brought home yet." "Harris: Soldiers want to finish job in Iraq". See also "Nelson, Harris Hit Panhandle".

State Agents Seal Crosby's Office

"After asking for Crosby's resignation on Friday, Bush told reporters that forthcoming details of the investigation would prove the action warranted. He wouldn't elaborate, but state agents moved that day to seal Crosby's office." "Bush in no rush to name a successor to Crosby".

Scripps Politics

"Bush made the case Monday for putting Scripps in Boca Raton, as suitors wrapped up last-minute gifts for Palm Beach County Commissioner Addie Greene, a much-sought swing vote. At a meeting today, county commissioners plan to choose from among three alternatives to Mecca Farms: Jupiter/Abacoa (north county), Florida Research Park and Boca Raton (south county)." "Commissioners expected to choose Scripps site today". Here's the scoop:

In what should have been a straightforward analysis of sites for The Scripps Research Institute, Gov. Bush on Monday steered the Palm Beach County Commission toward the site his Republican friends like: Boca Raton.

"Numbingly shallow and heavy-handed"

The SPT's editorial board agrees that

Florida needs to reward good teaching, but the "e-comp" pay plan ceremoniously announced Friday by Education Commissioner John Winn is numbingly shallow and heavy-handed. From his office in Tallahassee, Winn would look at standardized student test scores and then name which of the state's 180,000 teachers are doing a good job.

This is supposed to entice teachers to come to Florida?

Whatever

"Bush Aims To Add 'Relevancy' To Schools".

"Didn't bother to inform the public"

"If officials in Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation don't understand anything else, they should understand that the cost of insurance is crucially important to homeowners in this state. The most blatant evidence they haven't grasped that basic point came last week with news the office didn't bother to inform the public it had approved major premium increases of rates paid by Allstate customers." "Allstate's surprise hike".

Common Cause Donors

"Common Cause pledged Monday to release the names of donors who provided $2.6 million to a campaign to change Florida's Constitution. The announcement comes after a growing assault from state Republicans, who oppose the group's effort to take legislative districting out of lawmakers' hands." "Common Cause To Alert Donors, Reveal List". See also "Common Cause Right To Reveal Donors".

Funny Guy

"Governor ready in case Cheney comes a-calling".

Migrant Housing

"A joint commission studying migrant labor in Florida made a wise decision last week to limit the focus of its upcoming legislative effort to four key issues: housing, health care, transportation and safety." "Spending To Improve Migrant Housing".

Orlando Fundraisers

There's money to be had in O'Town:

Two of the biggest names in the world of political fundraising are slated to hit town soon.

Vice President Dick Cheney is scheduled to visit March 24 (hopefully sans shotgun) to help raise money for U.S. Rep. Ric Keller's re-election. And U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton comes a few weeks earlier.

Democratic boosters Jim Pugh and Dick Batchelor are among those organizing the Clinton affair, slated for Feb. 24. Pugh said Monday that the event probably will raise money for Clinton's own campaign, while acknowledging many details are yet to be worked out. Said the Winter Park developer: "I just write the checks."

As for Cheney's appearance, the good news for Keller is that it means money in the bank, guaranteeing Keller as much as $7,500 for every "event chair" involved.

had not pledged to support the home builders' preferred candidate for House speaker in 2008, Bradenton Republican Bill Galvano, while Kreegel's leading opponent had.

"Regret" Is That The Best He Can Do?

"Nearly a year after calling for federal involvement to keep a brain-damaged woman alive against her husband's wishes, Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez has said it was a mistake to become involved." "Martinez regrets his role in Schiavo case".

All Talk ...

no action:

Florida is competing with states like North Carolina and California that are pumping billions of dollars into new university infrastructure and research. Meanwhile, Gov. Bush's budget doesn't provide a faculty raise in 2006-07, and falls $50 million short of what the Board of Governors requested to cover student enrollment statewide.

Chain Gang Charlie

"One came from a former Ukrainian government official once charged with corruption in his home country who was in the United States illegally. Another came from a businessman being investigated on complaints of deceptive advertising by the attorney general's office headed by Crist." "Candidate returns contributions from Trump fundraiser attendee".

"Jeb!" Blunders

and The Buzz is there to catch him:

"He's a good leader and a very good man," Bush said on the day he appointed Crosby (Associated Press, Jan. 6, 2003).

Added Bush: "I'm confident that Jimmy's innovative style of leadership, his ability to relate to every level of the department will be exactly what the doctor ordered." (Miami Herald, Jan. 7, 2003).

Redistricting

" As you would expect, the prospect terrifies the politicians. Their lawyers were before the high court last week asking the justices to keep the amendment, which has obtained the necessary signatures, off the November ballot. The silliest argument was that the amendment violates the single-subject rule because it applies to congressional and legislative races. At their essence, all of the arguments against the commission are political, made by those who owe their jobs to picking who will vote for them. The court should put the amendment on the ballot. More representative districts will force politicians to address a broader range of constituents, not just the reliable base. That will bring the politicians' priorities closer to the public's priorities." "Put voters on ballot".

Oh Pleeez

"Governor's race still about Bush".

GOoPer Inserts Foot

"On the 197th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday, a prominent Republican said the attacks on the state's school voucher programs helped propagate a form of modern slavery. At the American Civil Liberties Union annual meeting Sunday, Sid Dinerstein, chairman of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County, compared Dred Scott, the Virginia slave who failed to win his freedom, with parents unable to transfer their children from failing public schools to private and religious ones in Florida." "GOP leader's slavery analogy booed, criticized". See also "Republican leader, ACLU face off in Boca on school vouchers" ("Dinerstein startled some in the audience by equating the school-voucher debate with a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case about slavery").

Cotterell ...

"At times, merit pay works well".

Shaw

From the very promising looking new blog from Congressional Quarterly, CQPolitics.com: "FL 22: Shaw Slaps ‘Lobbyist’ Label on Competitive Klein"

CQPolitics.com promises "Every District. Every State. Every Day".

Paper Ballots

What is it with Tallahassee?

Volusia County leaders find themselves backed into a corner. They want to provide handicapped-accessible voting machines that produce a voter-verifiable paper record of each vote. But they can't, because Florida officials never certified a handicapped accessible machine capable of creating a paper trail.

The state's failure to find a suitable machine is baffling. Twenty-five other states require paper ballots or a valid paper record of votes cast on electronic machines -- for all voters, including those with handicaps. Florida could have made the same commitment to election integrity.

Instead, the Legislature outlawed hand recounts even in counties like Volusia, where officials insisted on retaining paper ballots. And it wrote standards for handicapped-accessible machines that stymie local officials who want paper ballots.

Why?

Oil Drilling

"Once again, outsider politicians want to allow Gulf of Mexico oil drilling that would threaten Florida's beaches. Once again, Florida politicians will have to protect those beaches. The latest chapter in this struggle matches two new loser plans against one real winner that deserves bipartisan support. ... The plan Gov. Bush proposed last year was a start. But it didn't do enough to protect the beaches. It put too much power to negotiate closer offshore boundaries in the hands of the governor and Legislature, and didn't make protection permanent. Florida's senators have a bipartisan proposal that could protect the beaches permanently — if the governor and legislative delegation add their support." "To protect gulf beaches, back Floridians' bill".

Scripps

This tripe today from a so-called "Palm Beach County business leader": "The speed required to put the project together to beat Orlando could only have been done by the private sector. When government entered the picture, misinformation reflecting the personal views of some government officials promoted a false version of the project, and unfairly portrayed the motives of some business leaders."

28 Years

"A former Stuart planner will attempt to become the second Democrat in at least 28 years to win a contested state House election in Martin County." "Democrat seeking House District 81 seat faces fight in Republican territory".

"Legacy"

"Two of Gov. Jeb Bush's top priorities take center stage this week as efforts to reform Medicaid and save his most passionate program return to the capital for what is expected to be emotional appeals." "Bush trying to leave legacy of health care, education reforms".