State law caps contributions to candidates and political committees that support candidates to $500 from each individual donor. But two political committees set up to help elect Democratic legislators accepted donations far in excess of $500, in one case taking a $50,000 check from the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association.

Florida House Victory and Florida Senate Victory, each of which registered at the time as a political committee. The two committees weren't created until 2003, when legislative leaders decided to break fundraising operations away from the Florida Democratic Party.

"We did not put the money in the party because I had some difficulty with the leadership of the party," said state Sen. Les Miller, a Tampa Democrat, who along with Rep. Chris Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, was in control of fundraising for Democratic campaigns in 2003.

Smith said many donors didn't want to give money directly to the Democratic Party, so legislative leaders needed another way to accept the contributions.

While Smith and Miller approved setting up Florida Senate Victory and Florida House Victory in April 2003, the leaders listed in IRS records were Jeff Ryan, a longtime fundraiser for the Democratic Party and brother of state Rep. Tim Ryan, and Joe Perry, now a top fundraiser for Sen. Rod Smith, a candidate for governor.

Rep. Smith said he didn't even know that Florida House Victory had registered with the state as a political committee in summer 2004. Smith maintained that everything that was done was "run by the attorneys."

But one of those attorneys, Mark Herron, said he told Ryan in July 2004: "You guys need to shut this thing down." When asked why he gave that advice, Herron bluntly replied: "Because it was operating contrary to the requirements of Florida law." ...

Ron Meyer, a lawyer for Florida Senate Victory, blamed everything on a change in state law and a mix-up with state officials. He said the organization did not plan to give money to candidates even though it registered as a political committee. Meyer said the group only registered because of a 2004 law that changed which groups needed to file with the state. Meyer said that because Florida Senate Victory did not give any money to candidates between July 2004 and February 2005, it wasn't breaking the law when it accepted contributions above $500.

Double Dipping?

"Pros, cons of limiting legislators' other jobs". For a different take, see "State Lawmakers Don't Need A Raise".

"Florida's dawdling demands court oversight"

"Florida's governor went to Washington two months ago to convince his brother's administration that the state, not a federal judge, should have the last word on Everglades restoration per the 1994 Everglades Forever Act. It's a wonder Jeb Bush, blood or not, wasn't laughed out of town." "Everglades cleanup".

Angst Ridden Charlie Apologizes

"After being chastised by a circuit judge for meddling in a whistle-blower lawsuit, Attorney General Charlie Crist apologized on Friday but defended himself by calling the case a matter 'of great public concern.'" "Judge gets Crist's apology and defense". Here's what the fuss is all about:

Leon County Circuit Judge Thomas Bateman removed Crist's office from the case April 5, a day after lawyers for the office asked for more time to investigate the case even though they had asked a different judge in an emergency hearing a few days earlier to unseal the case, which had been filed Jan. 5. State law requires whistle-blower, or qui tam, cases to be sealed for 90 days after they are filed to allow prosecutors to investigate before tipping off defendants and others.

AG says public angst forced his hand in Convergys case

Diebold Flip-Flop

"Diebold Election Systems said Friday it will sell voting machines to Leon County, enabling the county that includes the state capital to come into compliance with federal voting law." "Vote machine firm relents, will sell to Leon County". See also "Sancho cuts a deal". In any event,

this latest turn of events in no way addresses the overarching problem at the root of Mr. Sancho's headaches: state laws that put too much control of a constitutionally protected right in the hands of private companies and have weakened the vote verification process.

And there is no evidence whatever that state officials think that's a problem.

Session News

- "As usual, much work remaining in final weeks of Legislature".

- "Housing idea aids public workers".

- "Outlook dismal for 'sunshine' as lawmakers try to block light".

- "Developers Want Counties Out Of Wetlands Decisions".

The Trial Lawyer Thing

"Trial Lawyers, Crist And Gallagher".

GOoPer Fight Threatens Vouchers

"Republicans in the Florida Senate are split over the man they want as their leader in two years and the resulting acrimony has paralyzed the chamber to the point it threatens to quash Gov. Jeb Bush's legislative priorities."

The fight is over which South Florida lawmaker will be in charge of the 40-member chamber beginning in November 2008, assuming Republicans keep a majority -- Alex Villalobos or Jeff Atwater.

Bush is strongly pushing government-sponsored vouchers for private schools and supports an amendment that would erase a limit on public school class sizes. Both are endangered because of the disagreement. ...

"Bills have been held up and people have been pressured," said Villalobos, a 42-year-old Miami attorney who was slated to become president until he was challenged in February by Atwater, who appears to have enough support to win the post.

Vote "Changing"

"When legislators push the green button on their desk to cast a yea vote or the red button for a nay vote, it might appear to most people that the legislators have cemented their stance on a bill. But appearances can be deceiving in the Florida Legislature." "Can I change my vote? How lawmakers sometimes flip-flop (unofficially anyway)".

"Republican dragon slayer"?

"To Florida Democrats frustrated by years of losing statewide elections, Rod Smith's campaign for governor presents the candidate as a Republican dragon slayer. The claim is true but misleading, a closer examination of Smith's electoral record shows." "Smith's Claims True, But ...".

Lay Down With Dogs ...

and you get primary opponents like this:

Randall Terry, a leader of the fight to keep Terri Schiavo alive, vowed to oust from power the legislator he blames most for the severely brain-damaged woman's death last year.

But Terry's challenge to former state Senate President Jim King -- one of the most powerful players in state politics -- is off to a slow start.

Campaign-finance reports released this week show that King, whose district stretches from Daytona Beach to north of Jacksonville, is out-raising Terry nearly 7-to-1, with total contributions of $290,015 compared with Terry's $43,130.

But Terry -- as well as political analysts -- warn that it would be a mistake to write off the longtime anti-abortion activist, who returned to prominence a year ago during the protracted battle over Schiavo.

More From The "Values" Crowd

"Health efforts for poor could lose state funds".

GOopers Ain't Green

"Quick. Name a Republican environmentalist."

Federal Republican legislators were ranked on key environmental issues in the House and Senate in 2005. Among them were the Endangered Species Act, oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and increasing fuel economies in cars.

Most scores were closer to the bottom, including those of the Florida delegation.

Republicans pride themselves on pointing out stellar performers in the past, chiefly Teddy Roosevelt, who founded the National Refuge system 103 years ago.

"Pruitt did not return phone calls for this story"

"Florida International University officials have been quietly trying to sell 26 environmentally sensitive bayfront acres to developers to raise $100 million, and they apparently enlisted incoming Senate President Ken Pruitt in their efforts." "Pruitt was recruited to help FIU sell sensitive land".

Kissimmee River

"The state says it has enough land to restore the Kissimmee River. But will the state have too many people to restore the Kissimmee River?" "Development could ruin revived Kissimmee River".

The company had refused to sell after Sancho conducted tests that showed Diebold memory cards had security flaws. When two other vendors certified in Florida declined to sell to Sancho, the county missed the deadline for the Help America Vote Act, which requires voting machines for the disabled in all voting locations. That resulted in the county losing more than $500,000 in grant money.

Crist wants to know if the trio, which has sold voting machines to every Florida county for the past three years, privately reached an agreement to withhold their gear from Leon County [a potential antitrust violation]. That’s what prompted Crist to seek copies of documents related to the sales of e-voting machines in Florida since 2003.

Jim the Populist

"U.S. Rep. Jim Davis is seeking to replace Gov. Jeb Bush with the same message Bush used when he won the office in 1998: Government is not addressing the state's problems and should listen to Floridians to find solutions." "Davis Vows Populist Approach".

"Florida's windfall"

"As of Wednesday, Florida lawmakers have about $1 billion more to spend next year than they did when they started work on the annual budget. Meanwhile, Florida residents have more than $1 billion in unmet needs. State leaders have consistently ratcheted down spending for education, health care, environmental protection and other priorities. Even worse, they've ignored direct voter mandates." "Florida's windfall".

Student Walkout

"Waving Mexican flags, dozens of students at two Palm Beach County schools walked out of classes on Thursday to be part of the national debate about legalizing undocumented immigrants." "Dozens from two PBC schools walk out of classrooms to protest immigration reform".

Money Races

"A South Florida contest matching Democratic state Sen. Ron Klein of Boca Raton against U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, has the two contenders with $2.5 million -- sixth in the nation. And the race to fill Harris' seat, where four Republicans and three Democrats are vying, has yielded $2.2 million, eighth among money-raisers nationwide." "A 10 Spot".

Name-Dropping and Drop-Kicking

"Rep. Joe Negron, the Stuart Republican running for attorney general, has fired off a campaign update in which he rivals a Page Six columnist in his name-dropping ability."

Finally, Negron abandons the name-dropping for drop-kicking -- with Republican rival Bill McCollum of Longwood on the receiving end. Negron gigs McCollum for touting that he led all attorney general candidates in fundraising the past three months.

"We are well on our way in the fundraising department," Negron said. "To date, I have raised a total of $1.4 million; Bill McCollum has raised $600,000. Cash on hand is the most important measure of financial strength in a campaign. I have more than $1.2 million; Bill McCollum has less than $400,000."

"Fox's Fix"

Even Fox News is ganging up a bit on Representative B:

Fox reporter Steve Brown said Harris has encountered “political friendly fire,” including: recent calls by the The National Journal for her to drop out; Gov. Jeb Bush’s concerns about her focus; telephone surveys for state House Speaker Allan G. Bense; and polls showing her trailing Sen. Bill Nelson.

“Right now the Nelson campaign has no interest in interrupting Republicans and conservatives roughing up one of their own,” Brown said.

Harris dismissed the concerns. "Clearly, nationally, we’re having a … few hiccups and bumps in the roads, but we’ll get there.”

"Eminent overreaction"

"Florida doesn't have a property rights crisis, but that's not keeping some lawmakers from trying to put excessive limits on eminent domain law." "Eminent overreaction".

Here's An Idea

"There has never been a better time to address more than $27-million in outstanding claims bills pending before the Legislature. The state is awash in unexpected revenue, and these are one-time expenditures."

It is a matter of fairness that the state compensate victims of public sector negligence and wrongdoing in accordance with agreed upon settlements and court awarded judgments. But the Legislature has been dragging its feet for years.

The state's Byzantine system for paying the claims of people injured on public property or by public employees is in desperate need of reform. The state's sovereign immunity law caps the amount that a public entity - even a public hospital - has to pay at $100,000 per person at fault and $200,000 per incident. But that cap hasn't been raised since 1973. Any award or settlement above those limits has to be approved by the Legislature through a claims bill.

Norquist's Nose

"Some people just can't keep their noses out of other people's business. And there's no bigger nose among the nosy than that of Grover Norquist, the anti-tax zealot who heads Washington-based Americans for Tax Reform. Norquist's latest target, as if it were any of his business, is a proposed $2 surcharge on rental cars being considered by the Florida Legislature." "Transportation".

Voucher Madness

The Tampa Tribune editorial board shows its stripes with "Time To Revive Vouchers And Hold Private Schools Accountable".

More From The "Values" Crowd

"When lawmakers rolled into town for the Legislature's spring session, affordable housing for Florida's workforce was hot talk in the capital. When they rolled out of town for a spring holiday break this week, affordable housing didn't look quite so affordable after all. Separate budgets adopted by the House and Senate last week came in roughly $395 million shy of what a coalition of lobbying groups say is available -- and needed -- to offset mushrooming housing costs pricing some Floridians out of the market." "Housing grants lose steam in session".

Leaving Florida Empty-handed

"Bush and the Seminole Tribe of Florida had been discussing a compact to allow the tribe's casinos to operate the same types of slot machines as the pari-mutuels. An agreement with the state could give Tallahassee a share of the casinos' take. The two sides couldn't come to terms, so the tribe will now deal with the federal government. A pact with Washington, however, could leave Florida empty-handed." "State, tribe end gambling talks".

Troxler

"House can put crowning touch on state political cleanup".

Cotterell Excuses Nevins

Cotterell writes today: "Having sometimes apologized for things I've said or written, I feel bad for Buddy Nevins. He's one of the best political writers in Florida. But the South Florida Sun-Sentinel recently took Nevins off his beat because of what I'm sure was meant as a casual ice-breaker at the start of a speech to a Broward County Republican gathering." "Writing news and opinion is tricky".

Background on Nevins' removal: "GOoPer Nevins Gets The Boot". Here's the Sun-Sentinel's explanation: "Journalistic independence key to credibility" (The Sun-Sentinel has "decided to move Buddy [Nevins] off the political beat permanently because ... his independence has been compromised.")

There's a bit more to the story than Cotterell allows, quite a bit more. Check out The Daily Pulp, which has been on to Nevins for months, particularly with "The Party's Over" and "Onward Cristian Soldier".  See also "A Kane or a Crutch?" and " What Was He Thinking?"

A national Republican polling firm did a survey in Florida last week testing how state House Speaker Allan Bense would fare against Bill Nelson in the U.S. Senate race.

The outcome of the poll isn't known publicly.

The fact that it was done suggests Bense may be considering entering the race, or that an interest group with money to spend wants to find out how he would do.

Budget "Windfall"

"Cash Crush":

Florida lawmakers were handed a nearly $1 billion windfall Wednesday by state economists, boosting the prospects of big election-year tax breaks and help for homeowners staggered by rising insurance costs.

The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference upgraded Florida’s expected cash flow by $960 million, crediting the gain to rising tax receipts from a still potent housing market.

Session News

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 37, April 12".

- "DNA dads"

- "Legislation would give housing aid to government workers such as teachers, police".

- "Proposal would save 'Holy Land' theme park $300,000 in property taxes".

McInvale

Fundraising in Rep. Sheri McInvale's bid for re-election:

In her first quarter as a member of the GOP, McInvale raised a little over $31,000, a haul that included checks from prominent Republicans such as Orlando lawyer and pundit Tico Perez, Orange County GOP Chairman Lew Oliver and state Rep. Adam Hasner of Delray Beach. It's hardly an overwhelming amount for McInvale, who has raised about $62,000 overall, but then again, the state GOP also spent more than $6,000 of its own money last month to send out pro-McInvale mailers.

On the Democratic side, environmental lawyer Scott Randolph added another $24,000 to his account, helped in part by donations from a number of labor unions. And while the $44,000 he has raised overall isn't as much as McInvale's, his campaign was quick to point out that he now has nearly same amount in the bank as the incumbent.

Randolph, though, still has to get through a Democratic primary, where a new entry to the race, Eben Self, raised $20,000 in a just over one month of fundraising. An attorney in Maitland, Self raised more than half of his money from lawyers and law firms -- which comes after McInvale had a highly publicized run-in with the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers over her support for lawsuit restrictions.

A third Democrat in the race, Alex Rodriguez-Heuer, hasn't raised any money so far.

Crist Threatened With Sanctions As "Non-party Interloper""

When politics and law mix, the results can be ugly:

A judge has threatened to sanction Attorney General Charlie Crist for getting involved in a politically charged case about a government whistle-blower and a troubled privatization venture.

Circuit Judge Thomas Bateman III's strongly worded order came after Crist got an emergency hearing on a Saturday before another judge and had the whistle-blower's sealed lawsuit opened for the first time. ...

Bateman's Tuesday order called the attorney general a "non-party interloper" in the case, and he gave Crist's office one week to explain why he should not impose sanctions against Crist's office.

The attorney general's office "is impeding the court's ability to control the case by filing unauthorized papers" and by seeking hearings to which it is not entitled, Bateman wrote.

Bateman's sharply worded three-page order issued Tuesday effectively bars Crist's office from the case and rebukes his agency for failing to properly investigate a whistleblower complaint filed in January concerning Convergys' $380 million contract to handle the state's payroll and benefits system.

a Crist campaign adviser is a Convergys lobbyist and the company is a major donor to the Republican Party.

What A Dope

Nobody has ever accused "Bush's Mr. Cellophane" of being particularly smart, but Daniel Ruth exposes our Mel as quite the dope for his recent remarks on "Hardball". According to Ruth, "the problem with this country, as the very junior Florida Sen. Mel Martinez so astutely noted the other evening on MSNBC's 'Hardball'" is that

[t]here are just too many good-for-nothing, lazy, slob Americans sitting around eating bon-bons and refusing to get off their tushes to do an honest day's labor.

So there was Martinez last week chatting it up with Chris Matthews on the illegal immigration kerfuffle when the boychick senator related this tale of woe.

"I was talking to a fellow who said they had 250 openings of which 900 people applied," Martinez told Matthews. "Not one was an American citizen, so it just goes to show you there's a demand for a work force that is not being met."

Now if Matthews was truly playing "Hardball," he would have turned to the newbie senator and said something like, "Excuse me, but are you insane? How do you know all these 900 applicants weren't American citizens? Who was this fellow offering the jobs? What kind of jobs were these?"

But alas, Matthews was expressing less curiosity than Paris Hilton wondering what Dick Cheney looks like naked as Martinez pressed on.

"If you create a legal work force, then it's more likely that the salaries will rise, but the example I was using about this guy in Florida needing 250 workers, they were $9- to $14-an-hour jobs and he could not get Americans to apply for them."

did Florida's cub senator really mean an unemployed American would rather luxuriate in poverty than accept work which now goes to a more industrious illegal alien who will shamelessly take those $30,000-a-year-jobs?

Alas - how to put this gently - Florida's novitiate senator's office was unresponsive to a request for the name and contact information for the chap who supposedly had all those jobs that were being blown off by those Kato Kaelin-like Americans.

Jebbie Dumps Schiavo Issue

"Unable to reopen the legislative debate over Terri Schiavo, Gov. Jeb Bush is giving up on his effort to change Florida law to allow patients to reject or withdraw a feeding tube only if they put that wish in writing." "Bush drops end-of-life push".

Congressional District 9

"Republican state Rep. Gus Bilirakis reports he raised $230,000 this quarter, and Democratic former Hillsborough County Commissioner Phyllis Busansky reports raising $208,000 (including a check from former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner)." "Another $208K for Phyllis, $230K For Gus".

"'A Bunch of Garbage'"

The

company hired to grade Florida's high stakes assessment test refuses to release the identities and background of the people who score the essay portion of the exams.

CTB/McGraw-Hill, under contract with the Florida Department of Education, considers the names a "trade secret" and exempt from the state's public records law.

Senate Democrats had requested information on the $10-an-hour temporary workers hired to grade the FCAT, which is used to grade schools and decide whether students are promoted or can graduate. The exam results may soon also be used to calculate teacher salaries.

"I think it's a bunch of garbage," said Sen. Skip Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale, who requested the information along with Senate Democratic Leader Les Miller. "These people are paid by the state. They're advertised as being qualified. I think we're going to find out the state has no clue who is grading these papers."

"Love-lock"

"When it comes to toxic relationships, Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee are amateurs compared to the deadly love-lock between the Florida Legislature and the National Rifle Association." "Kiss kiss bang bang".

Central Florida Mug Shots

Scott Maxwell: "Are they ready for their close-ups? Not all mug shots make the grade".

Break Time

"The 2006 legislative recess — a five-day break for House members and a 10-day one for senators — is in full swing, giving lawmakers an opportunity to go back to their day jobs, hit the campaign trail, hobnob with constituents, hang out with family or just mellow out before the session's hectic finale." "Lee: Midterm legislative break a capital idea".

A PBC Dem Thing

Q: "Perman launched his campaign against state Rep. Richard Machek, D-Delray Beach, on Wednesday with Slosberg at his side and a consulting team that includes former Slosberg aide Desiree Morel and former Slosberg consultant Barry Epstein."

"Eight may not be enough"

"Eight may not be enough. That's what the Florida Legislature said last year when it approved a plan to extend eight-year term limits to 12 years. Unfortunately, state Sens. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, and Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, tried to ram through a new resolution last week that would rescind last year's vote, which puts the question before voters on the November ballot. The good news is that the attempt failed in Posey's own committee, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections." "Second thoughts

on 'Eight Is Enough.'".

Hidden

"The Hidden Power Of Black Republicans In Florida".

More From The "Values" Crowd

Remember this?

Faced with criticism that poor people and seniors would be hurt, Florida lawmakers and telecommunications lobbyists included a sweetener in a massive 2003 law that led to higher local phone rates.

They promised to expand the number of people who would be eligible for a program, known as Lifeline, that offers discounted phone service to low-income people. Gov. Jeb Bush even cited the Lifeline expansion as he signed the controversial measure into law. ...

But nearly three years later, a new University of Florida study and another state report show that only about 12 percent of the people eligible for Lifeline get the discounted service -- less than before the 2003 law. As a result, tens of thousands of poor Floridians might not have phones in their homes or are paying more than necessary each month.

GLBT Endorsement

"The president of the Florida GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) Democratic Caucus endorsed Jim Davis in his bid for governor, Davis' campaign announced today. ... Albetta's personal endorsement isn't the same as the GLBT Caucus' formal backing. But it's probably a safe bet that Davis, a congressman from Tampa, is now better positioned than his opponent in the Democratic primary, state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua, to win that endorsement, too." "GLBT Chief Endorses Davis".

Session News

- "Coming up at the Capitol today".

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 36, April 11". See also "Capitol Roundup".

- "Homestead hike ballot question nears House OK".

- "Environmentalists, legislators clash over water problems".

- "Child-support bill clears panel" ("House committee votes to allow man to end support if he's not the dad").

- "Bill would crack down on disqualified drivers who get behind the wheel".

- The Tampa Trib argues that the "State Need Not Be Online Chaperon" ("this isn't something that needs to be mandated by state law, especially since there is no similar requirement for more traditional matchmakers or speed dating clubs.".

- "Gun advocates, park lovers reach accord on hunting bill".

- "Wetlands 'poison pill' provisions anger some" ("Bill pre-empts more stringent local legislation").

- "Bill would sap local cable control Cities, counties couldn't grant franchises; proponents claim consumers would save".

Immigrant Rallies

"Across Central Florida, Spanish-language radio stations were the key to organizing thousands for immigration protests." "Immigrant rallies born on air".

"Countdown to Election Day"

"Florida needs to move quickly to clean up its voter registration rolls. The statewide primary is five months away. Yet officials in Tallahassee have yet to inform some of Florida's largest counties whether felons, dead people or others who shouldn't be are registered as qualified voters. Local elections supervisors cannot wait until the last minute to prepare for Election Day. Further delays will sap public confidence in the state's ability to hold elections." "Countdown to Election Day".

2008 Republican National Convention

"Hurricanes never came up when a delegation of 18 people interested in bringing the 2008 Republican National Convention to the Tampa Bay area pitched the region Tuesday to a site selection committee in Washington." "Pitch For RNC Overlooks Hurricanes".

Just Don't Mention Stem Cells

"At this year's BIO conference, Florida's governor pitched an aggressive plan to make his state a biotech hub" "Jeb Bush's Big Biotech Push".

We Can Hope

Harris Tour

"U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris will tour the state for five days next week while Congress is in recess so she can refocus her Senate campaign on issues." "Harris plans 5-day tour to promote Senate issues".

Jebonomics

"All this comes on top of the biggest jump in consumer prices in South Florida in a quarter-century. Early this year, the cost of clothes, housing and medical care in South Florida zoomed ahead of price increases for the rest of the nation." "Increase in gas prices, insurance, utilities putting strain on S. Floridians' budgets".

Harris and the National Review

Jeremy Wallace blogs "National Review: Harris Can't Win", and directs us to Harris' response. Go to NRA here, if you must.

AG Race

"Another $309,000 For McCollum".

More From The "Values" Crowd

"Farmworkers thought this year their kids would get subsidized health insurance, but the House is balking, despite a record surplus." "Despite surplus, 14,000 kids go without". See also "Immigrants' KidCare placed in limbo".

Indeed, "you have to wonder about lawmakers who would leave impoverished children responsible for their own health care -- but let big corporations skate on their responsibility to people they've injured or cheated." "Sham of fairness".

'Glades

"'Glades project gains steam with land buy".

Crist's office agreed to take up the qui tam action Monday. Politically, though, it was too late. Democrats had already bashed Crist as a do-nothing, and [whistleblower] McDowell filed an ethics complaint last month against Crist, alleging the attorney general was dragging his feet to protect Convergys because one of its lobbyists is an advisor to Crist's governor campaign. Crist denied the charge.

Crist's office has declined to take another qui tam case involving Convergys, in which two former whistle-blowers said Denver-based GDX Co., a Convergys subcontractor, gave foreign workers access to confidential state worker information -- contrary to a contract provision to keep all such data on U.S. soil. Convergys said it didn't know of the alleged act.

But Tom Lewis, head of the state agency overseeing the Convergys contract, said his investigators believe otherwise, and he proposed a $5 million fine against the company.

"There's clear evidence stuff was being done overseas," Lewis told The Miami Herald last month. Lewis, who has warned workers in writing of the possible data leak, has stressed that, so far, there have been no identity-theft claims connected to the GDX case."

Representative B's NRO Headache

"A national conservative magazine asks Katherine Harris to step aside in the U.S. Senate race. Her reply invites its founder to campaign with her." "Magazine: Harris, step aside". See also "National Review urges Harris to drop Senate bid" and "Magazine holds open exit door for Harris".

Immigration Marches

"Tens of thousands of people in Florida protested federal immigration legislation Monday, joining hundreds of thousands nationwide who called on Congress to let them pursue the American dream.". "Florida joins immigration bill protests". See also "S. Floridians join pro-amnesty immigration rallies across nation" and "Immigrants march for right to work".

Gallagher Cash

"Trailing by double digits in public opinion polls, Tom Gallagher, the state’s chief financial officer, released new fundraising figures that show Attorney General Charlie Crist has taken a $2.2 million lead in total contributions raised through March 31. A key measure of where the two Republican gubernatorial campaigns stand -- “cash on hand” -- shows Crist with about $8.3 million, 46 percent more than Gallagher’s $5.7 million." "Gallagher Fundraising Falls Short". See also "Crist leads Gallagher in fundraising battle" and "Crist's fundraising outpacing rival's".

Choice Politics

"[W]ith three weeks left in the 2006 session, it's unlikely that abortion will become a flash point this year. But Florida lawmakers have been working for many years to undermine abortion rights. They scored a victory this month when the state Supreme Court partially upheld a 1997 law requiring doctors to give patients information about the medical risks of abortion before performing the procedure. But make no mistake. Florida lawmakers are facing the same high-pressure lobbying tactics from anti-abortion groups seen in other states. They should remember, however, that although abortion can be criminalized, it won't be stopped." "Back to the alley".

Session News

"Legislature 2006: Developments from day 35, April 10". See also "Today is Day 36 of the 60-day session of the Florida Legislature" and "Legislative briefs".

"Gun bills running into trouble"

NRA agenda

Guns in parking lots. Guns in parks.

A voter registration application with your hunting or fishing license?

Prodded by the always influential National Rifle Association, some state lawmakers have this year set their sights on passing several proposals friendly to gun -- and fishing rod -- owners.

Success might be a reasonable expectation. A year ago, the NRA got lawmakers to back a proposal known as the "Wild West" bill, which allows citizens to meet "force with force" if attacked in public.

But, while some of this year's proposals have been hitting their targets and sailing through legislative vetting committees, others have run into trouble and have a long way to go before becoming law.

Siplin

"State senator charged with misusing public money". See also "Senator charged with using staff for campaign".

FDLE Meddler?

"When the son of a high-ranking state employee faced the loss of his job for his role in a brawl, Dad did what dads do: He stepped in to help his son. But this wasn't just any father. It was Guy Tunnell, chief of the state's top law enforcement agency." "Did FDLE chief meddle?"

AG Fundraising

"Four of the five candidates in the state Attorney General's race had given some idea of their first-quarter fundraising long before reports were filed Monday." "4 candidates make gains".

Poor Mel

"Martinez agenda on immigration not selling well to Florida delegation".

Chump Change

Daddy's name apparently wasn't enough: "Gus Bilirakis will pay a filing fee to run for the congressional seat now held by his father, Mike Bilirakis, after failing to collect enough voter signatures to qualify by petition." "Bilirakis Will Pay To Run".

Grover Knows Best

Grover Norquist and the wingnuts at the Americans for Tax Reform, know what is best for Floridians:

A national anti-tax group has joined the opposition to a proposal for a $2 surcharge on rental cars that would be earmarked for roads and other transportation projects.

Americans for Tax Reform, a Washington, D.C.-based group headed by Republican stalwart Grover Norquist, sent a letter to state legislators in February and followed up this month with a television ad airing in Tallahassee.

The proposal would require voters in each county to approve the surcharge by referendum, but the television spot does not mention that part of the bill. Instead, the ad presents the plan as a potential $150 million tax increase from Tallahassee.

If approved by voters, the fee could raise $40 million annually for new roads and other transportation projects in Central Florida. Local lawmakers have tried for several years to get it and were optimistic this year because of more support from South Florida counties.

Raiding Trust Funds

"The measure seeks to overturn a decision the Legislature made last year, when it placed a $243 million cap, effective next year, on the state and local housing trust funds established by the Sadowski Act of 1992. Sponsors also want all $945 million in the trust funds this year to be used for housing programs. You'd think that would be automatic, but the state has previously raided the funds for other purposes." "Legislation would increase and protect funds for affordable housing".

From The Values Crowd

"Cuts proposed in KidCare health program".

About Ion

A nice bio piece on Io Sancho in the Tallahassee Democrat today: "Sancho spends his time at the office preparing for the upcoming elections, dealing with the HAVA situation and doing interviews with media. He said he recently was interviewed by 'Rolling Stone' magazine and has been contacted about a possible appearance on Jon Stewart's 'The Daily Show.' The magazine article has not been published yet. He's also speaking out about Florida's failure to require election paper trails and what he describes as greedy voting-machine companies that put profit above all else." "Elections chief motivated by a sense of purpose".

Recharging Her Batteries

"On this overcast morning, Harris traded the campaign circuit for a quiet stroll among the placid orchids, fresh vegetables and playful dogs that crowd Sarasota’s downtown for the Farmer’s Market. For years, Harris has made the Farmers Market part of her Saturday morning ritual. She said she was determined to start her day off that way again, despite the pressure of running a statewide campaign. There were no press releases, cameras or campaign events. Not even Katherine Harris for Senate signs. Just Harris." "Harris Recharges".

No Parole

"Rep. Mitch Needelman is on a mission. He wants to eliminate the Parole Commission, with its $9.34 million budget (currently) and its 148 job positions." "End may be in sight for parole panel".

Water Wars

"Counties clash over last cheap Fla. water".

"A matter of law and death"

Has it come to this? The GOoPers that run this state want to force "attorneys to violate their professional responsibilities toward their clients."

As much as Gov. Jeb Bush and the Legislature would like to provide death row inmates with representation on the cheap, Florida courts are nobly standing in the way. The latest ruling by a circuit court in Leon County rejects an attempt by lawmakers to punish lawyers who provide their clients with legal assistance beyond a set number of compensated hours. It is a victory for due process and the proper administration of justice.

If this state has learned anything through the multiple exonerations of prisoners through DNA evidence, it is that the criminal justice system is fallible. Providing additional due process before taking a prisoner's life helps ensure that the right person was convicted and the procedure was fair.

But for years the governor has tried to find ways to handicap the attorneys who do post-conviction death penalty appeals. He and Republican lawmakers have been frustrated by the success rate of the state offices of Capital Collateral Regional Counsel in suspending executions and getting death sentences set aside due to faulty process.

Pay Raises Stalled

"Plan to give raises to state legislators stalls in election year".

"Crumbs for higher ed?"

Why do GOoPers hate higher education?

The state university system is languishing in the budget, which allocates only about half of the $80 million the 11 universities need just to pay the routine bills for the thousands of new students that are expected to enroll this fall. This is shameful and inexcusable in a budget year that is almost shockingly hearty, with more money expected to be available following this week's revenue estimating conference report.

Voucher Madness

Democratic state Reps. Irving Slosberg and Richard Machek,

accused of partisan apostasy for voting for a school voucher bill, say their recent "Yea" votes weren't what they seemed.

Slosberg, whose voucher vote could be damaging in his Democratic state Senate primary against attorney Ted Deutch, says there was a mix-up and he didn't actually vote in the March 23 roll call. ...

Machek, who may also end up facing a primary opponent, says his vote for vouchers was a tactical maneuver that doesn't reflect his views.

Both lawmakers had the House clerk change their "Yea" votes to "Nay" in the House Journal after the roll call. The 95-to-25 tally for the voucher bill during the roll call is still considered the official vote.

"If hypocrisy were a crime, Mr. Bush would be a felon"

Off topic, but I couldn't resist:

Caught authorizing classified intelligence leaks for political purposes, the White House makes this circular excuse: President Bush can't break the rules because President Bush makes the rules.

That dodge might hold up in court. But if hypocrisy were a crime, Mr. Bush would be a felon

More Bushco Hypocrisy

Our green governor: "Gov. Bush seeks end to oversight of Everglades, jeopardizing funds". The PBP editorial board puts it this way:

The federal government is sticking up for the Everglades more than Florida's governor is.

In February, Post reporter Robert King revealed that Gov. Bush was lobbying his brother's administration for help in getting the state out from under a federal court order to clean up the Everglades. Ten days ago, Mr. King reported that the governor is finding little support in Washington. It's no wonder.

This is the governor who in 2003 signed a bill that delays for 10 years the deadline to achieve final, tough standards for water entering the Everglades. Why would anyone believe that the state now could be trusted to meet those standards on its own?

Drilling

A good review of the offshore drilling situation in the New York Yimes yesterday: "Offshore Drilling Plan Widens Rifts Over Energy Policy" (Via SJ)..

Redevelopment

"Despite the Florida House's unanimous passage last week of House Bill 1567, which would limit use of eminent domain, there's hope that legislators won't indiscriminately trample current, responsible redevelopment while attempting to stomp out the possibility for eminent-domain abuse in Florida." "Protect redevelopment plans".

Flip-Flopper

"Bush and many legislative leaders unwisely resisted an obvious need -- allocating funds from a windfall in sales taxes to ease the financial crunch on insured property owners. After opposing this sensible use of dollars, Bush changed his mind last week." "State Budget".

Feds Slash HIV Funding

"HIV funding slashed 13 percent in Palm Beach County".

Road Construction Delays

"The cost of building roads has gotten so high, even dirt isn't cheap. And that spike is causing Florida and other states to delay the construction of highways, increasing traffic congestion." "Rising material costs, labor shortages delaying road construction".

Good Riddance

The Sun Sentinel has "decided to move Buddy [Nevins] off the political beat permanently because ... his independence has been compromised." "Journalistic independence key to credibility". See also "So Long, Buddy Nevins".

Kudos to The Daily Pulp, which has been on to Nevins for months, particularly with "The Party's Over" and "Onward Cristian Soldier". See also "A Kane or a Crutch?" and " What Was He Thinking?"

Harris

William March:

Despite Katherine Harris' struggles in her bid for a U.S. Senate seat, and despite the eagerness of Republican Party leaders for a different candidate, it's growing less likely as the days pass that a major GOP primary challenger will emerge.

emphasized her independence from the "Washington elites" in talks on the campaign trail Saturday and got at best lukewarm support from McCain in return.

Asked whether he supports her, McCain said, "If she's the nominee of the party, I would support her."

Asked whether she can beat Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, he said, "I think so, but I'm not an expert on the nuances of Florida Senate race in April."

News Flash: Crist Is "Anti-murder"

"Gubernatorial candidates are using the legislative session to stake out issues that will garner good press for their campaigns. Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist wants the public to know he is 'anti-murder.'" "Hopefuls back bills that yield campaign benefits".

"Windstorm of anger"

"Angered by spiraling windstorm insurance costs, Keys residents are taking their arguments to Tallahassee and Washington." "Insurance-rate hike causes a windstorm of anger and action".

GOoPer Sewage Fight

"Two Republican lawmakers from the coastal county are at loggerheads over a bill that seeks to tighten regulations over the way gambling cruise ships dispose of sewage and wastewater." "Sewage from cruises to nowhere leads to nasty political squabble".

Tourism Storm Clouds

"A lot of hotel rooms are mysteriously empty over in Tourism World. ... Could it be that after years of dramatically increasing prices, the theme parks and hotels are approaching the pain threshold beyond which tourists are hesitant to spend?" "Record tax take masks growing vacancy rates".

'Glades

"Just as progress is being realized, federal funds could now be in jeopardy. Gov. Jeb Bush, who leaves office early next year, is lobbying to cease federal court oversight that came from a 1992 settlement reached after the federal government sued the state for not abiding by its own clean water standards." "State seeks Everglades project's autonomy".

One Man's "Perspective" on Harris

"In the company of Larry King, Sean Hannity and Katherine Harris, Liza [Minnelli] came across as the most rational person on the screen."

An eerie sight the other night: On Fox News, Katherine Harris was explaining to her personal interviewer, Sean Hannity, how she intended to invigorate her imploding U.S. Senate campaign: "I'm going to put everything on the line. Everything. Not just my future and my reputation. My father's name. I'm going to take his legacy that he gave to me, everything that I have, and I'm going to put it in this race. I'm going to commit my legacy for my father: $10-million." Harris put on a brave show, but even Hannity seemed rattled by her jumpy demeanor. The left side of Harris' face was frozen in a tight grin, while the right side seemed to be twitching to free itself from something tied behind her ear.

Not Good

"Three months after Florida launched a statewide voter registration system, some election supervisors complain of problems that range from temporary shutdowns to a lack of information about dead voters and felons." "Felons, dead haunt new voter database".

"Bribe' charge defined by race, status"

Randy Schultz:

Anyone who still thinks that Palm Beach County Commissioner Addie Greene took a "bribe" for her decisive vote on Scripps hasn't been reading The Post for the past few weeks.

In February, finding herself as the swing vote on where Scripps would go, Commissioner Greene asked all the competitors what they could do for her minority constituents. The group backing the Jupiter site offered the most - $8 million to spread the Scripps-related benefits. None of that money will go to Commissioner Greene, who made no secret of asking for the contribution.

Two weeks ago, however, Post reporters S.V. Dáte and Jennifer Sorentrue revealed what looks very much like a payback to state Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, in return for a favor. Last Sunday, Tom Dubocq exposed what looks very much like an insider land deal that benefited Palm Beach County Commission Chairman Tony Masilotti's family. Unlike Commissioner Greene, the two men did not disclose any of this to the public. In fact, Commissioner Masilotti did all that he could to keep his family's deal secret. It came out only because of his divorce.

Yet of the three, only Commissioner Greene is facing an ethics complaint, most likely in the unrealistic hope of invalidating her Scripps vote and moving the site. Not only is she innocent, there's nothing the public doesn't know about what she did. But there is much the public doesn't know about what Sen. Pruitt and Commissioner Masilotti did.

Making "an unfair system worse"

The Tampa Trib editorial board:

The Florida Legislature will make an unfair system worse if it rushes ahead with short-sighted proposals to change how property is taxed.

Senate President Tom Lee should put the brakes on attempts to send any constitutional amendment on taxes to voters. Instead, he should appoint a panel of experts, taxpayer advocates and lawmakers who can compromise on thoughtful reforms that protect all homeowners, not just those who stay put.

The most dangerous change lawmakers are considering would allow homeowners to transfer existing tax shelters to newly purchased properties. Other proposals would double the homestead exemption, dictate tax rates to cities and counties, and apply a tax cap to all properties.

News Flash: Gallagher Is Married

"The man leading an effort to prevent gays from getting married made it clear he wants the next governor to be married." "Gallagher woos social conservatives".

Unintended Consequence

Ruth:

This probably was the unintended consequence of attempting to be politically cutesie-wootsie.

In response to a column this week suggesting her U.S. Senate campaign had turned into the "Weekend at Bernie's" of the body politic, apparatchiks in the service of Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Crash Cart, sent over a red and blue balloon bouquet to this space at the Ministry of Truth on Tuesday afternoon.

Oh joy.

Frankly, this space would have been more impressed had the Harris crowd sent a case of Dewar's, but it's understandable the campaign workers would want to horde all the booze they can during the coming months.

They're gonna need it a lot more than the scribbling class.

Accompanying the balloons was a brief note suggesting they represented a rebirth of the Harris campaign, said to be rising ever higher, along with the candidate's poll numbers, in her quest to unseat incumbent goody-two-shoes Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Makes Mother Teresa Look Like a Wanton Hussy.

"Conniving"

"The Florida Department of Children and Families has been called many things over the years. Add a new adjective to describe this troubled bureaucracy: conniving. With very little fanfare, and no genuine public vetting, the department reached an agreement with the federal Administration for Children and Families to change the way the state handles child-welfare services for abused and neglected children." "State lawmakers should scuttle this backroom deal".

Yuck

"Pick Tampa For GOP Convention".

"That's got to hurt"

Stebbins Jefferson:

"She's got guts and what she wants is to be a Florida senator. She made that known in 2004, when Bob Graham retired. But her party told the former Jeb Bush protégé to let Mel Martinez run. She did, and he won. They say she was promised next time around, in 2006, she could run against Bill Nelson.

"This week, Governor Bush is hinting she should pull out of the race, although the woman paid her dues big time. Now, if she can't trust her party to keep its word, she's got to feel she's being discriminated against, and she doesn't deserve it. That's got to hurt."

You Don't Think

"McCain says 2006 in Florida is important for 2008 election".