"The Last Key Staff Members"

March and Epstein write about how "[t]he last key staff members on Katherine Harris' U.S. Senate campaign are expected to leave this weekend, including her political consultant, press spokeswoman and campaign manager." "Harris May Lose More Staff". See also "Harris' key staffers reportedly ready to quit Senate campaign".

Where Was Mel?

After "Karl Rove's Florida Frankenstein" shamelessly exploited the Schindler-Schiavo tragedy for rank political gain, we read this: "the Schindler family, which drew some of Washington's most powerful politicians to its cause a year ago, had only one senator [Sam Brownback] on hand Thursday while launching the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation." That's our Mel, conveniently disappearing, comfortably slipping into his role of "Mr. Cellophane".

Huh?

This certainly was different, but it kinda works alongside the GOP effort to recruit more minority support: "Capitol news conferences don't usually start with a former NAACP president leading a blue-and-gray squad of Civil War re-enactors in a chorus of 'Dixie,' followed by a Rebel yell." "Rebel sons rally for Confederate tags". See also "Florida group seeks Confederate heritage license tag" and "Sons of Confederate Vets seek Florida tag".

We know that old soldiers never die, but will someone tell this headline writer - "Vets urge state tag with flag of South" - that this is not a veterans group; last I looked. there are no surviving civil war "vets".

Session News

Developments in the session from the Tallahassee Democrat; see also the PBP's "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 25, March 31" and the AP's "The day in Tallahassee, Friday, March 31, 2006".

Specific issues: "Homestead-tax caps advance", "Bills Try Different Approaches To Providing Insurance", "Bills seek to limit wine shipping", "Local and state governments square off on taxes, spending", "House pushes property tax reform plan", "Proposal zeroes in on tax disparity", "Developer-exploited tax reform bill languishes in Legislature", "Tax plan may save you cash" "Property-Tax Relief Proposed", "Housing help for teachers" and "Counties could get more judges".

And this apparently is not a joke: "Child-care centers may get ratings".

"Too devious"

The OS editorial board think "Jeb!" is being a little "[t]oo devious" with his latest attacks on the class size amendment, arguing that "sooner or later, Gov. Jeb Bush and Republican lawmakers will get the message that voters knew what they were doing four years ago when they approved the caps and wrote them into the state constitution." "Too devious".

More From The "Values" Crowd

"Advocates who work with families to get children insured ask: Instead of cutting KidCare spending to match enrollment, why not try to boost enrollment to match the budget?" "Lawmakers Plan Cuts To KidCare Program". See also "Budget debate includes question of KidCare spending".

The Faith Thing

"Rep. Katherine Harris is forthcoming about religion. Sen. Bill Nelson, whose re-election she is challenging, is publicly reticent. It's clear, though, that religion exerts an unusual influence on both candidates in Florida's U.S. Senate race. Their associations suggest religion is a driving force in their public lives." "Senate Rivals Both Live By Faith".

Man In The Middle

No matter how hard he tries to disappear, Florida's "reactionary ogre" finds himself in the middle of things:

Finding compromise is even more difficult when two of the major Senate players -- McCain and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. -- are both eyeing a run for president in 2008. Frist has proposed a measure more in line with the approach sought by GOP conservatives.

Nelson compared McCain and Frist to "two dogs circling around, looking at each other" in the immigration debate. Martinez took up the theme in his own remarks, noting that his attempts to broker a compromise make him feel like "I'm the guy in the middle of that circle."

Let The Sunshine In

In "No more secrecy", the DB N-J editorial board blasts the continual erosion of exemptions to Florida's public record/public meeting laws: "exemptions all have one thing in common: They shut the public out of the public's business. Keeping the sun shining on government should be a priority for Florida lawmakers, and saying no to these bills should be an easy decision.".

"Hopelessly addicted to campaign money"

Bousquet contends that "lawmakers won't face the reality that they are hopelessly addicted to campaign money for their re-elections, political parties and slush funds known as CCEs." "Legislators keep feeding an addiction".

Citizens

AP: "Citizens insurance plans to ask for increase in rates for condos".

FDLE Scandal

The pressure continues to build on the head of Jebbie's private police force, including this from the RD editorial board: "Bush, while expressing dismay over Mr. Tunnell's e-mails, has nonetheless stood by him in the wake of the disclosures this week. But for such a high-level law enforcement position, the public's confidence is what matters most." "Judgment impaired".

Bean Counters

When "state budget writers in the Florida House of Representatives" get involved in Everglades issues, you know that this will not end well for the River of Grass: "Is Florida spending its money wisely on Everglades cleanup? Top state budget writers in the Florida House of Representatives say they aren't certain -- and they want the Legislature to hire experts to help them find out." "Officials ask if 'Glades cleanup cash is wisely spent".

Convention Babble

Daniel Ruth ruminates on the GOP convention in Tampa: "Grand Old Idea Just Ignores Simple Reality".

Smith Style

A nice AP piece on Rod Smith, pointing out that Rod "has a folksy charm and an appeal that could win over some Republicans, conservative Democrats and independents who have supported Republican candidates in recent years." "Background and style help Smith in governor's race".

I Am Shocked

"The state's consumer advocate on Friday challenged Florida Power & Light Co.'s request for a $1.7 billion storm surcharge for the last two years' hurricanes, saying the company overstated costs and failed to maintain its poles." "Florida's Public Counsel wants FPL hurricane surcharge slashed".

Kids "In The Hall"

Dirty underwear:

A state senator on Friday retracted comments she made the day before claiming that Democratic senators and trial lawyers offered to steer $10,000 in campaign cash if she voted against repeal of a controversial liability law.

After receiving a call from Senate Democratic Leader Les Miller, State Sen. Larcenia Bullard said she never intended to implicate her Democratic colleagues in the accusation when she described the pressure she was under to vote against the bill.

Bullard repeated her allegation, however, that "trial lawyers" had offered her money, but she refused to say who made the offer or provide any other details to substantiate it.

"I did not say the leadership of the Democratic Party offered me $10,000," Bullard said Friday. "I'm not going back on what I said about the trial lawyers. It was overheard by other people."

Bullard refused to elaborate, except to say the offer was made in the Capitol "in the hall."

Merit Pay Mess


"Whether the Legislature passes its own version or E-Comp survives in its present or modified form, Florida would become the national leader in linking teacher merit pay to test scores." "Lawmakers trying to revamp state's merit pay plan for teachers".

Input Sought

"U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, D-Tampa, will hold a meeting Monday to talk about the U.S. Department of the Interior's plan to expand drilling for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico." "Davis Seeks Feedback On Drilling Proposal".

Good Question

"Who does consumer bill really help out?"

Privatization Follies

"The Florida Department of Corrections is killing two no-bid contracts with a private company, together valued at $84-million, after months of criticism and a scathing audit." "Two no-bid corrections contracts canceled".

Bashing Baxley

The PBP editorial board reminds us that "it was just a year ago that state Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, then chairman of the House Education Council, was pushing his misnamed 'academic freedom bill,' claiming that college students were being harassed and discriminated against because of their professors' liberal bias. The bogus legislation failed."

Not surprisingly, Rep. Baxley also was the House sponsor of the legislation to dictate that Terri Schiavo's feeding tube be reinserted. He had claimed that conservative students especially needed protection from rampant abuse of their right to express political or religious views, yet refused to provide even one credible example. He had said that he would wait for this report before refiling his legislation. Clearly, a law is not needed. But the case for true academic freedom cannot rest, because some ideologues never learn.

McInvale Rewarded For Party Switch

"Dining alfresco with your dog came a step closer to becoming reality in Florida on Thursday after Rep. Sheri McInvale's bill cleared its final House committee with bipartisan support." "Dog dining bill clears House committee".

"Major triumph for Gov. Jeb Bush and the business lobby"

"In a major triumph for Gov. Jeb Bush and the business lobby, the Florida Legislature on Thursday repealed a 33-year-old law that allows a court to shift the damages in a liability lawsuit from a guilty party who can't pay to a deep-pocketed defendant who can." "Big business gets liability wish". See also "Repeal of lawsuit doctrine passes".

Budget Blues

"What's it going to be, Florida? Big money for schools? Big tax cuts? Or both? Those are questions the state House and Senate are starting to fight over as the Legislature enters its final five weeks. The first salvo came Thursday, when House and Senate budget committees approved dueling spending plans." "Schools, taxes divide House, Senate budgets". See also "House, Senate panels approve state budget".

Earlier 2008 presidential primary?

"Holding the 2008 presidential primary earlier would give Florida clout now enjoyed by smaller and less diverse states, says a legislative leader." "Next speaker wants a primary role for state". See also "Earlier primary touted as aid to Florida" and "Earlier Primary Being Floated".

Unemployment Up

"Florida’s hot jobs market slowed in February, leaving 3.2 percent of the state’s work force hunting a paycheck." "Florida's unemployment rate rises to 3.2 percent in February".

"Growth Junkies"

"Growth junkies ruining state; voters should decide land use".

FCAT Follies

"Senate Democrats are threatening legal action against the Florida Department of Education if it does not release information about the temporary workers hired to grade the state's high stakes assessment test taken each year by public school students." "Senators seek details on FCAT graders". See also "Senate Dems want FCAT graders' identities".

FDLE Scandal

"FDLE to be replaced in boot camp inquiry". See also "FDLE replaced in camp investigation" and "Camp faces independent review".

The fallout: "FDLE Commissioner Tunnell's Conduct Calls For His Resignation".

Session News

"Legislature 2006: Developments from day 24, March 30". See also "Tallahassee ticker".

Poll

"Poll: Bill Nelson Beats Anyone, But Jeb".

Public Money - Politician Speech

A recurring issue:

County officials can spend taxpayers' money and staff time campaigning for or against political causes such as creating a county mayor or allowing Ruskin to become a city, according to the county attorney.

A four-page memo released Thursday by County Attorney Renee Lee says a 1991 Florida Supreme Court case has "clearly established" that counties can use public money and staff "to educate and advocate a position" on such issues.

What Did Pruitt Do For The Money?

"A Hutchinson Island real estate broker has asked the state Division of Real Estate to audit the firm that paid Sen. Ken Pruitt $56,966 in 2003. The firm, CarMac Realty, is based in the West Palm Beach suite of political consultant Randy Nielsen and is owned by Nielsen partner Richard Johnston. Neither Johnston nor Pruitt would disclose what Pruitt did to earn the money." "Audit of payment to Pruitt sought".

"A strategist's nightmare."

"If the goal is to convince voters this fall to give up on school class size limits they set in 2002, Florida lawmakers might want to begin thinking in terms they understand best. How would they conduct the political campaign? The offer on the table, to trade class size for a mandate that 65 cents of every education dollar be spent in the classroom, is more than a hard sell. It's a strategist's nightmare." "Class size considerations".

Citizens

"Two Colorado whistle-blowers filed a lawsuit against Convergys Inc. on Wednesday, claiming the company violated Florida's public records laws by refusing to hand over documents related to the outsourcing of state employee records." "Convergys sued by whistle-blowers".

Save Our Homes

"State lawmakers today are scheduled to consider an added break for homeowners: Let them carry the tax value of one home to another home, even if the new one is more expensive." "Tax Value Would Move With You".

"The Save Our Homes tax cap was a bad idea that resulted in gross inequities in Floridians' tax bills. But instead of fixing it, pandering lawmakers want to make it portable, bringing less tax revenue in to Tallahassee." "Save our state".

Whatever

"Florida bill forbids marriage under age 16".

Whoopee

"For the first time in more than 10 years, Florida legislators are poised to increase travel-expense allowances for state employees." "State employees likely will have more travel expenses covered".

Schiavo

"Terri Schiavo's husband and parents disagree as much a year after her burial as they did while she lingered for years in a nursing home bed. New books out this week elaborate on their conflict." "Schiavo divide carries on in dueling books".

Phone Rates

"A handful of legislators want to reverse a law passed three years ago that allows telephone companies to increase bills by up to 20 percent without a public review.""Florida legislators want repeal of 2003 phone rate hike law".

"Jeb!"'s FCAT Poison Pill

FCAT follies:

And speaking of FCAT formulas, state grades based on the FCAT also have had their share of arbitrary changes. For example, in calculating school grades for 2004, the state lowered the amount of progress the worst readers needed to make to get a good grade. As a result, 191 schools that would have received B's received A's instead.

Why would the state want more A schools in 2004? Election year. Governor's brother on the ticket. Enough said.

Those are just a few of the examples. Florida tweaks the FCAT grading system nearly every year. And this is the second time Florida has sought changes so that more schools can pass under No Child. ...

Won't it be bad for Gov. Bush if FCAT-based school grades suddenly fall? Oh, wait. The new, lower school grades won't be issued until the summer of 2007. By that time, Gov. Bush will have been out of office for about six months.

See, Gov. Bush leaves office and, suddenly, school grades go down. That won't look too good for the next governor, will it?

Crist Wakes Up

"State Attorney General Charlie Crist wants to know if the three companies authorized to sell voting machines in Florida have conspired to keep new machines out of the hands of a maverick elections supervisor in Tallahassee." "Crist goes after voting firms". See also "Attorney general subpoenas voting machine companies".

In the meantime, "Diebold to discuss selling needed voting equipment".

Is Anyone Surprised?

"Senate President Tom Lee, who last year twice started probes into questionable behavior by senators, has opted not to begin an inquiry into the home-purchase and consulting deal of his slated successor, Sen. Ken Pruitt." "Senate president holds off inquiry into Pruitt".

This From A Man Without Credibility ...

"As the Senate takes up immigration reform, Cuban-born Mel Martinez tries to serve as a broker to hammer out a compromise between the factions in his own party." "Sen. Martinez appeals to GOP hearts, minds".

"Out-of-touch state lawmakers"

"A measure that would strip local governments of their ability to protect wetlands reveals just how out-of-touch state lawmakers can be." "Bill Would Bulldoze Wetlands, Local Rules"

GOoPers To Florida?

"Boosters Woo GOP Convention".

Not Old Enough To Vote

"Lawmakers should find money for children". "Funding the future".

Lawsuit Deform

"In a session marked by sharp tongues, party line-jumping and political gamesmanship, backers of lawsuit reform scored a major victory Wednesday in the Florida Senate. The chamber refused by a 22-18 vote to soften a bill that would make it more difficult to collect damages from multiple defendants in negligence cases. " "Senators Block Amendments To Lawsuit Reform Legislation". See also "Lawsuit reform close to approval", "Senate debates limiting how much big business can be forced to pay in injury suits" and "Florida Senate begins debate on limiting liability in lawsuits".

"Oh, how the glamorous have fallen"

"Our Katherine of Arc: How far she has fallen":

After watching Katherine Harris in action lately, I don't think we should let her pick any more presidents.

Oh, how the glamorous have fallen.

I recall the 2001 Florida inaugural ball, watching Republicans celebrate President Bush's 1-0 victory at the Florida Department of State.

Katherine was the star, radiant in her black gown, the object of a thousand whispers and turned heads.

This is how she was introduced: "In France, there was Joan of Arc; in Crimea, there was Florence Nightingale; in the Deep South, there was Rosa Parks; in India, there was Mother Teresa. In Florida, there was Katherine Harris!"

A lesser woman would have been embarrassed.

Troxler

"You can shuffle taxes, but there still is no free lunch".

Session News

- "A look at some of the things going on in and around the Capitol today" "Upcoming".

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 23, March 29".

Fundraiser Complaint

"A Palm Beach County Republican activist filed a campaign-finance complaint Tuesday against six Democratic state legislators, including three from Broward." "Complaint filed over fundraiser".

"Republicans are nervous"

"If Democrats are enthused, Republicans are nervous. Many GOP insiders view Sink -- with her personable style and strong qualifications as a former Florida president of Bank of America -- as the Democrats' best chance to steal a statewide office this year." "Democratic women spice up politics".

"That should outrage the people of Florida"

"Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is supposed to be the insurer of last resort for Florida homeowners who can't find private carriers to provide windstorm coverage. But it turns out that homeowners with houses insured for more than $1 million have been turning to Citizens because they've been able to get better rates from the company than from private carriers willing to provide coverage. That should outrage the people of Florida." "Millionaires Should Not Bank On Citizens For Insurance Coverage".

"Good Ole Boys

"Justice demands that FDLE conduct itself with objectivity, regardless of whether the target of an investigation is a career criminal or wears a badge.". "No time for buddies". See also "E-mail impropriety" ("Guy Tunnell's flippant remarks and inability to distance himself from the boot-camp investigation raise serious questions about the FDLE chief.")

Just Trust Us

"First Amendment advocates were fuming Wednesday after the Republican-led House refused to give the public greater access to government records that detail how the state recruits big business, often with millions of dollars in taxpayer money." "Business records to stay private". See also "Open records backers lose twice" and "House advances renewing shields for deals".

Voucher Madness

"Virtually every parent in the state could receive a taxpayer-provided voucher to send their children to private school under a plan approved by a Senate committee Wednesday. The plan would also override the state constitutional ban on the use of public money for religious instruction. While Democrats howled that the proposal would kill the public school system and require the state to fund Taliban schools in Florida, the lukewarm endorsement from Republicans to Gov. Jeb Bush's proposal portends future failure for the effort." "Jeb plan: vouchers to nearly everyone But panel's tepid support signals trouble for his effort". See also "New school voucher amendment is unveiled" and "Senate panel approves voucher plan".

While Mel Is Washing Dubya's Car ...

Mark is cleaning his pool: "Democrats say Foley is Bush's yes-man".

Seminole County

"Seminole Democrats have a new face. Literally. It belongs to Carol Cox, who's emerging as a new spokeswoman for liberals throughout Central Florida. She has managed to break into Central Florida's well-worn punditry scene ... This weekend marks Cox's biggest coming out to date when she and her party host Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, a possible presidential candidate. The event will certainly boost the party's bank account and profile. But as for translating that into votes for Democrats in a Republican county, Cox said, 'The good news is that the only way we can go is up.'" "Donkey in elephants' world".

Jebbie AWOL

"Why oppose oil and gas drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico? Let us count the reasons. It would: (1) jeopardize Florida's environment and tourism industry; (2) produce relatively little energy; and (3) increase the threat of global warming. Still, if Congress doesn't stop it, the Bush administration plans to open the Gulf to drilling in an area a mere 100 miles from the Florida Panhandle." "Administration pushes Gulf drilling".

"Try again, for the voters"

"Florida needs [a redistricting] commission because now the Legislature draws the districts, meaning that politicians choose the voters they want. In addition, because Florida gains congressional seats every 10 years from population growth, influential legislators can draw a congressional district for themselves. That happened in 2001 with Tom Feeney, who was House speaker and now represents the Orlando-area seat he insisted on before the statewide map could be finished. Republicans crafted the other new seat in Miami-Dade County for then-state Sen. Mario Diaz-Balart." "Try again, for the voters".

Jebbie's "Privatization Disaster"

This may be "Jeb!"'s signature failure (although there are many to choose from):

"There would be no greater tribute to our maturity as a society," Gov. Bush said outside the Old Capitol in Tallahassee at his second inauguration in January 2003, "than if we can make these buildings around us empty of workers."

With 11,000 fewer state government workers than when he took office in 1999, Gov. Bush proclaims his private-is-always-better-than-public plan successful. In fact, his privatization scheme has rewarded campaign donors, reduced services and worsened quality.

The most expensive confirmation of the privatization disaster is Convergys, hired Sept. 10, 2001, to handle all personnel services that human resource departments historically have provided - payroll, benefits, job advertising, résumé-collecting. As a Convergys lobbyist steered nearly $1.2 million to the state GOP, the Cincinnati-based company was heralded as able to do with only 550 employees what 900 state employees had, saving the state $93 million in operating costs. In fact, Convergys' seven-year, $262million contract secretively grew to a nine-year, $350 million contract, while its projected savings shrank to $25 million. Worse, its service has been abominable.

GOoPers To Roll In PC Cash

"A House panel rejects the Democrats' demand for an outright ban on political committees exempt from the $500 contribution limit." "GOP takes hard line on soft money".

GOoPer Hubris

"It's not certain that Gov. Bush and Republican legislative leaders will be able to get class-size repeal and 'the 65 percent solution' on the November ballot as a constitutional amendment. It is certain that continuing to take school money from South Florida would make already dubious voters in the state's most populous region even less likely to back GOP-sponsored amendments that deal with education." "How not to win votes".

It is a claim that Republican Rep. Katherine Harris makes at nearly every stop: Her Democratic opponent, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, is so liberal and antibusiness that the National Federation of Independent Business rates his voting record a zero. ...

The National Federation of Independent Business, which lobbies for businesses interests in Congress, is aligned with the Republican Party, and its priorities match those of the White House and Republican congressional leadership. Many of its leaders have served in the Bush administration or with conservative interest groups.

Its vice president for politics, for instance, is Lisa Goeas, wife of Republican pollster Ed Goeas - who until last week was one of Harris' top three political advisers.

Your vote is not safe.

So warned author and political activist Tom Grayman III on Sunday night, armed with tales of disenfranchisement past and present as he spoke to a crowd of about 80 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

The answer to Florida's election chaos in 2000 — the electronic voting machine — does not reassure the author of "Ghosts of Florida: Making Elections Fair for Blacks", an account of how he believes some groups are repeatedly stymied in their attempts to vote.

Pruitt

Yesterday's PBP story on Pruitt is making the rounds: "State Sen. Ken Pruitt in 2003 and 2004 received a discount worth $8,345 from a Royal Palm Beach home builder who partnered with and retained lobbyists, possibly a violation of the state law that banned lawmakers from taking gifts of more than $100 from people or entities with lobbyists." "State senator's home discount under scrutiny".

The Gun Thing

"The fast-moving Florida Legislature takes up one of the most heavily lobbied issues of its 2006 session this week in a showdown between the influential gun lobby and powerful business interests." "Legislature considers guns at work".

Arrogation

"Republican legislators file numerous bills taking away authority from counties, cities".

Mehlman

"During his speech to the Sarasota Republicans, Mehlman warned the party faithful not to grow complacent and let Democrats regain control of politics in Washington, D.C. Mehlman said that would mean higher taxes, more government and more activist judges being appointed to the federal courts." "GOP is doing a good job, Mehlman tells Republicans at dinner".

"Travesty"

"It's a travesty that the very people who form the backbone of a community -- teachers, police officers and other middle-income workers -- can't afford a place to live in much of Central Florida." "An affordable home".

Privatization Follies

"[T]here may be nothing worth privatizing after Bush. And how do we know the next governor won't dominate the efficiency council the way Bush has had whatever he wanted from the Legislature for nearly eight sessions?
" "Legislature may regulate privatization".

"Save Our Homes"

"It's a cry that's echoing in Tallahassee this spring, as state legislators consider whether to promote changes in a property tax system many observers say has been disfigured by the very cap that keeps taxable values on homes from increasing more than 3 percent per year, even as market values make near double-digit leaps." "Taxes keeping some families from moving up".

Miami Scandals

From yesterday's MH: "Scandals a news experience for Miami's mayor".

"Free ride courtesy of Florida taxpayers"

"Drawing on the strategy he used to court the Scripps Research Institute, Gov. Jeb Bush's $630 million economic-development package would give top science researchers a free ride courtesy of Florida taxpayers. University labs also would reap a financial windfall." "Bush plan targets biotech industry".

"Privacy Lost"

"Lawmaker crossed, so privacy lost".

Sancho

"Following criticism of their products, vendors of the ATM-like voting machines no longer want to do business with the elections supervisor in Leon County." "Elections chief irks voting-machine firms".

Your vote is not safe.

So warned author and political activist Tom Grayman III on Sunday night, armed with tales of disenfranchisement past and present as he spoke to a crowd of about 80 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

The answer to Florida's election chaos in 2000 — the electronic voting machine — does not reassure the author of "Ghosts of Florida: Making Elections Fair for Blacks", an account of how he believes some groups are repeatedly stymied in their attempts to vote.

Pruitt

Yesterday's PBP story on Pruitt is making the rounds: "State Sen. Ken Pruitt in 2003 and 2004 received a discount worth $8,345 from a Royal Palm Beach home builder who partnered with and retained lobbyists, possibly a violation of the state law that banned lawmakers from taking gifts of more than $100 from people or entities with lobbyists." "State senator's home discount under scrutiny".

The Gun Thing

"The fast-moving Florida Legislature takes up one of the most heavily lobbied issues of its 2006 session this week in a showdown between the influential gun lobby and powerful business interests." "Legislature considers guns at work".

Arrogation

"Republican legislators file numerous bills taking away authority from counties, cities".

Mehlman

"During his speech to the Sarasota Republicans, Mehlman warned the party faithful not to grow complacent and let Democrats regain control of politics in Washington, D.C. Mehlman said that would mean higher taxes, more government and more activist judges being appointed to the federal courts." "GOP is doing a good job, Mehlman tells Republicans at dinner".

"Travesty"

"It's a travesty that the very people who form the backbone of a community -- teachers, police officers and other middle-income workers -- can't afford a place to live in much of Central Florida." "An affordable home".

Privatization Follies

"[T]here may be nothing worth privatizing after Bush. And how do we know the next governor won't dominate the efficiency council the way Bush has had whatever he wanted from the Legislature for nearly eight sessions?
" "Legislature may regulate privatization".

"Save Our Homes"

"It's a cry that's echoing in Tallahassee this spring, as state legislators consider whether to promote changes in a property tax system many observers say has been disfigured by the very cap that keeps taxable values on homes from increasing more than 3 percent per year, even as market values make near double-digit leaps." "Taxes keeping some families from moving up".

Miami Scandals

From yesterday's MH: "Scandals a news experience for Miami's mayor".

"Free ride courtesy of Florida taxpayers"

"Drawing on the strategy he used to court the Scripps Research Institute, Gov. Jeb Bush's $630 million economic-development package would give top science researchers a free ride courtesy of Florida taxpayers. University labs also would reap a financial windfall." "Bush plan targets biotech industry".

"Privacy Lost"

"Lawmaker crossed, so privacy lost".

Sancho

"Following criticism of their products, vendors of the ATM-like voting machines no longer want to do business with the elections supervisor in Leon County." "Elections chief irks voting-machine firms".

Florida's tax on investments, the so-called intangibles tax, looks almost certain to be abolished this election year, even though its removal will touch only the wealthiest 1 percent of households in the state, state records show.

Gov. Jeb Bush and leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature bristle at those who label the move a millionaire's tax break. But erasing the tax is clearly seen as a key finishing touch to the governor's closing months in office.

Has Katherine Become Unbalanced?

This is starting to get sad.

U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris slogged through another political morass Saturday when she suggested that one of her most senior advisers [Adam Goodman] had fed embarrassing information to the press. ...

Asked whether Goodman was still with the campaign, she said: "He is, is, uh . . . heh . . . no comment."

The candidate's words became puzzling when Harris phoned the Orlando Sentinel an hour later with a different story.

She said Goodman was still with the campaign and said "it was wrong" of her to say he leaked information.

The episode illustrated how chaotic Harris' campaign has become and overshadowed the story she had hoped to get out.

She had been well-received at the gun show ... .

"Private Rights"

"The Legislature is considering several bills to strengthen private property rights, part of the backlash to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed a Connecticut city to seize private property for redevelopment." "Private Rights, Public Good".

Perhaps It Was A Political Stunt?

"Gov. Jeb Bush's vision for a Florida plan to aid Haiti included efforts to improve security, host political reconciliation talks, prepare for disasters and develop the impoverished nation's economy. But a year after the governor's Haiti Advisory Group recommended assistance to Florida's Caribbean neighbor, the state has made little progress toward those goals, some Haitian Americans say." "Gov. Bush's plan to aid Haiti fails to draw wide support".

His Failing? A "quest to ensure valid elections"

Leon SOE Ion

Sancho's insistence on quality also has angered several Florida officials, including Gov. Jeb Bush, and has already cost his county more than a half million dollars

No Fault

"The clock is ticking on what to do about no-fault auto insurance".

"How in the heck can they get away with THAT?"

"There are 40 members of the Florida Senate and 120 members of the Florida House. Not one of them was defeated in the last election. Zero.
"

Here's why this is so important. When politicians cannot be defeated, then their decisions can be made without regard to public opinion or even public interest.

That's the answer to the age-old question: "How in the heck can they get away with THAT?"

Laff Riot

"In putting together its education budget, the House has agreed to spend $150,000 on a University of Florida graduate program in political campaigning -- expanding it to include more emphasis on ethics." "Ethics and more".

Ag Fight

"Agriculture's Representatives Keep Up Fight In Legislature".

While You're At It, What About The Turnpike?

"The Johnnie Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute needs a new name." "Rename Byrd Alzheimer's Institute".

"Surplus options"

"Over the next six weeks, Florida lawmakers flush with surplus tax dollars will be juggling two weighty political issues: whether to send it back to property owners or increase aid for school districts." "Lawmakers weigh surplus options".

GOoPer Tiff

"A top Republican senator recently raked one of the state's biggest business groups over the coals, marking the latest flare-up in a feud about who will assume the Senate presidency in 2008." "Tensions ease in political tiff".

Pruitt In More Hot Water

"State Sen. Ken Pruitt in 2003 and 2004 received a discount worth $8,345 from a Royal Palm Beach home builder who partnered with and retained lobbyists, possibly a violation of the state law that banned lawmakers from taking gifts of more than $100 from people or entities with lobbyists." "Pruitt's house deal tests gift law".

Dare We Call It ...

"incompetence", a Bush family trait:

Florida's homeowners insurance crisis has just ratcheted up another notch. The revelation that the state-run Citizens Property Insurance is hemorrhaging even more money than expected makes it even more imperative that Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature make this their top priority. Yet they are distracted by tuition vouchers and tax cuts even as Floridians can't find coverage and those who have it are facing hundreds of dollars in state assessments on top of huge increases in their premiums.

While the governor and state lawmakers are busy micromanaging the high school curriculum and limiting civil liability for businesses, where is the urgency to address the state's most pressing concern? Bush has no plan of his own to deal with the insurance crisis. The House and Senate bills are, to be kind, works in progress and a long way from reaching the full chambers. One-third of the legislative session already is over, and there is every indication that insurance will be one of the last bills passed in the hectic final hours. That's no way to address a crisis.

Cerabino

"A PAC by any other name is still the same".

Sure

"Foley, others say FEMA must face day of reckoning".

Working The GOP Base

"The roughly 100 people packed into a fairgrounds building for a concealed carry handgun class looked up blankly Saturday as U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris entered." "Harris campaigns in Central Florida".

Not The Best Way To Be Remembered

"'How do you forget a man named Tramm Hudson,' Armey joked. 'Sounds like something I should get on and ride.'" "Armey Helps Hudson Net $150K".

"Thanks to the property tax cap known as Save Our Homes, people who have lived in their houses a long time get a huge discount on their tax bill." "Your neighbor's tax bill".

GOoPers "Will now have to find a way to keep a straight face"

Scott Maxwell:

Bad news for Republicans: They will now have to find a way to keep a straight face while arguing that there should be no more unneeded changes to the state's constitution -- while also trying to change the constitution to ban something (gay marriage) that's already prohibited.

More bad news for Republicans: Some may have to consider the possibility that the state Supreme Court -- the one they called radically liberal in the Terri Schiavo case -- might actually be making rulings based upon the law.

"Florida had to stick its head pretty far in the sand"

To Put It politiely, and the TD editorial board always does,

Florida had to stick its head pretty far in the sand to buy the idea championed by Gov. Jeb Bush, a relative novice to government when he first came into office, that privatization would save the day - and fast.