Jebonomics

"Potential in Jeb plan to steer students to blue-collar futures".

Session News

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from day 46, April 21". See also "Capitol Roundup".

- "Tax relief 2006".

- "Agencies may face eight-year review cycle".

- "Bill removes travel as insurance factor".

- "House panel OKs class-size weakening". See also "Class size benchmark may be put off another year".

- "Bill Passed In House Gives Immigrants' Children Tuition Break"

- "Legislature passes sales tax holiday".

- "Lawmakers torn on Citizens storm tab".

- "Bill outlaws lying during investigations".

- "House passes bill to end time limit on DNA tests". See also "House OKs bill to boost DNA evidence testing".

- "A proposal to create special tax district to benefit Broward's seniors may not happen unless lawmakers reach a compromise." "Deal may save seniors tax bill".

- "Legislature struggles with teacher bonus plans".

- "Hurricane Sales Tax Break Sent To Bush For Signature".

Scripps

Neverending story:

Florida will find out on Monday just how serious Scripps is about staying in Palm Beach County.

Scripps lawyers and County Commissioner Burt Aaronson will sit down, in public, for one last stab at a contract to move the project to Jupiter.

"Dynasties...not royalty"


"The magazine found 'some Florida Republicans now fear that their party has moved so far to the right that a loss of power is inevitable' and offers us a few sample quotes". "JebQ"


"The piece also draws such conclusions as, given Bush's conservatism that 'if Jeb Bush were president right now, the world would look about the same as it does now.' And that the governor's road to the White House is blocked -- perhaps permanently -- by his lineage, since this nation is 'into dynasties...not royalty.'" "Jeb and GQ".

"[T]he gloves have come off"

"[T]he gloves have come off in a fight for the surplus in education construction funds." "State Is Right To Put Extra Dollars Toward Public School Construction".

Imagine That

"The Senate unanimously approved a plan Friday for making state agencies justify privatization projects." "Senate wants privatization justified".

One might ask why this took 7 years?

"Could not make the leap"

"Guy Tunnell could not make the leap from small-county sheriff to statewide office. His successor must have better judgment and more self-control." "Restoring FDLE's image".

In the meantime "Ex-Pinellas sheriff gets in line for top FDLE post" ("Of several potential candidates contacted by the St. Petersburg Times, some of whom have made short lists in the past, only Rep. Everett Rice, R-Indian Shores, a former Pinellas County sheriff, has publicly expressed interest. Rice is running in a highly competitive race for state attorney general.")

"Rapidly growing furor"

"Jeb Bush and state lawmakers face a rapidly growing furor over the death of a 14-year-old boy at a juvenile boot camp, with about 1,500 demonstrators accusing authorities Friday of a cover-up, and Florida’s chief law enforcement officer resigning under fire." "March on Capitol shows growing furor over boot camp death". See also "Boot camp death spurs Tallahassee rally; Sharpton, Jackson attend", "2,000 protest in march on Capitol" and "Students planned sit-in with precision".

In the meantime, Jebbie is lost, as the PBP editorial board explains:

Bush met on Thursday with the parents of Martin Lee Anderson, the family's lawyer says, the governor did not actually apologize but was "apologetic" for the 14-year-old's January death following a brutal mugging by guards at a Panama City juvenile boot camp.

That's a slight improvement but continues the four-month pattern in which Florida's top elected official has not given the scandal his full attention. His meeting with the family came only after a daylong sit-in by students outside the governor's Capitol office. Their peaceful but pointed protest highlighted the lack of a prompt and complete investigation despite a reluctantly released videotape that destroyed attempts to deny that the beating took place.

The governor who once considered ordering state troopers to kidnap Terri Schiavo was silent when a medical examiner's autopsy ridiculously blamed the teen's death on the benign sickle-cell disorder. There's been no push from the governor for release of the results of a second, February autopsy, which apparently shows that the teen died as a result of the beatings.

Gallagher Internal

From The Buzz yesterday, the "Gallagher gubernatorial campaign is touting to key supporters an internal poll astonishing in size. In a memo from consultant David Johnson, the campaign says it surveyed - get this - 3,000 likely Republican voters.":

Interesting media market numbers:
Tampa Bay: Crist 43% Gallagher 21%
Orlando: Gallagher 30% Crist 27%
Miami/FTL: Gallagher 35% Crist 24%
Jacksonville: Crist 30% Gallagher 28%
Mobile/Pensacola: Gallagher 31% Crist 23%
Ft. Myers/Naples: Gallagher 28% Crist 27%

Gettin' Higher ...

"Thought your insurance couldn't get any higher? If only. The state-run insurer of last resort wants a third rate increase." "Citizens surprise: 3rd hike planned".

Even Spookier Than Her Husband

"Lynne Cheney, the wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, told north Florida Republicans Friday they need to work to help re-elect GOP members to Congress, win the U.S. Senate race in Florida and keep Republican control of the governor's office." "Hundreds turn out for fundraiser with Lynne Cheney".

"A Dogpatch John Kerry"

Ronda Storms will not enjoy reading this in the Trib this morning

And here's a Dogpatch John Kerry moment for you.

Commissioner Ronda Storms, who first proposed imposing the 60 percent approval threshold, now dithers whether she would support her own idea.

How … liberal.

Immigration Issue

"Across Florida and across the nation, immigration reform dominated the public discourse during the two-week congressional recess that followed contentious discussions at the Capitol - a debate that galvanized immigrants and led to rallies nationwide." "Voters give politicians earful on immigration".

Guy Tunnell abruptly ended his controversial run as head of Florida's Department of Law Enforcement on Thursday, days after sources said he made off-color remarks comparing black leaders who were to attend a Capitol rally to Osama bin Laden and Jesse James.

Tunnell submitted his resignation to Gov. Jeb Bush hours after The Miami Herald requested he comment on whether he likened U.S. Sen. Barack Obama to terrorist leader bin Laden and the Rev. Jesse Jackson to outlaw James during a meeting of Bush's agency heads Tuesday. One person in the room and another source who spoke with an agency head told The Miami Herald about his remarks.

"He is a dedicated law enforcement officer who leaves behind an agency that is second to none," a governor's press release stated.

Klein

"Senator drawn by campaign".

Migration

"From 2000 to 2004, the number of people moving to Florida from within the United States made the Sunshine State the national leader in population gain from domestic migration." "Florida the state Americans dream of".

Conundrum?

"Florida's education commissioner wants lawmakers to pit college students against kindergarteners, but the fight is gratuitous. With a $4.8-billion budget windfall, the state can easily serve both." "A contrived conundrum".

Session News

"Legislature 2006: Developments from day 45, April 20".

Ronda Storms: Personification of the Florida GOP

"The two Hillsborough County Commissioners' longstanding feud turned ugly and public Thursday night. Castor accused Storms of lying, and Storms implied Castor has no integrity. Both are seeking higher office." "Storms, Castor Trade Insults At Meeting".

Tax Cuts Going Down?

"Remember those hefty tax cuts -- as much as $2 billion -- Gov. Jeb Bush and lawmakers wanted to give all Floridians this year? Don't spend the money just yet." "Poof! A $100 tax rebate vanishes". See also "Legislative leaders axe Bush's proposed tax cuts, shift money to schools".

As well it should

"Terri Schiavo Case Is Emerging As Factor In Race For Governor".

Privatization Follies

"With a prosecutor calling him a bigger crook than some inmates in the privatized prisons he used to oversee, Alan Duffee got nearly three years in federal prison Thursday and was ordered to repay more than $224,000 he admitted siphoning out of state funds." "Ex-prison privatization chief sentenced".

But don't expect this to get very far: "Senate plan gets tough on privatization".

Ploy

"Katherine Harris mailed a lot of dollar bills to potential supporters of her Senate campaign. Quite a few came back to her with donations attached." "Dollar ploy teases Harris donors".

Sit In

"Gov. Bush meets with students demanding action in the case of a teen who died at a boot camp." "Sit-in carries on at Capitol". See also "Boot camp beating triggers sit-in at Gov. Bush's office" and "Students protest boot camp death".

FCAT Follies

"As with so many other dealings between the state and the private sector under Gov. Jeb Bush, we are asked to take that on faith." "Who's grading all-important FCAT? It's a state secret".

Competitive Races

Via The Pulse:

The Hotline, providing a daily fix for political junkies everywhere, came out Wednesday with its list of the top 50 seats in the nation that could change hands, ranked by the probability that will happen. There's good news for Democrats in their bid to retake the House: 37are now held by Republicans.

Four districts in that "top 50," all held by Republicans, are in Florida:

--Near the top at #6 is Clay Shaw, a 26-year incumbent from Fort Lauderdale facing Democratic St. Sen. Ron Klein. Each side has a ton of money for this race.

--At #36 is Ric Keller of Orlando, who has won his last two races easily. This time he faces Democrat Charlie Stuart.

--There’s a surprise at #39, with Mark Foley of Fort Pierce facing a challenge from Democrat Tim Mahoney. Foley, who has considered a Senate race, has $2.4 million in his account. Mahoney has $302,821.

--Another possible switch at #42 is the district that Republican Katherine Harris is giving up to run for the Senate. Her departure has lured several candidates from both parties.

The Cook Political Report in Washington ranks the Shaw-Klein race as easily the most competitive in the state, and says three others have the potential to be competitive: Keller-Stuart, the Harris district and another open seat where Republican Michael Bilirakis of Tarpon Springs is retiring.

Bailout

"No Free Lunch: Will Taxpayers Be Handed $1 Billion Tab To Bailout Citizens?"

Session News

- "Coming Up at the Capitol".

- "Legislature 2006: Developments from Day 44, April 19". See also "Capitol Digest" and "Legislative news briefs".

- "The sinkhole reform bill includes some good provisions for driving down costs, but shouldn't limit homeowners' ability to sue their insurance company." "Settling sinkhole claims".

- "Lawmakers set to pay $1.1 billion for class size building".

- "If Senate goes along, tax on bar drinks will vanish".

- "Workers could keep guns in cars under bill approved by Senate panel".

- "Committee plots repeal of some citizen initiatives".

- "Senate eyes high-school steroid tests".

- "House considers license discount".

- "'Virtual' schools ready to click in Senate".

- "Lobbyists rally over housing aid".

- "The full House on Wednesday passed its bill that makes peace disturbances at military funerals a first-degree misdemeanor. It comes with a possible $1,000 fine and a year in prison. " "House passes disturbance bill".

- "Lawmakers move to keep autopsy photos confidential".

- "NRA bags 110-6 'shooter voter' win in House". See also "Voter registration bill passes House".

- "Bills would assist affordable housing, but repeal of spending cap unlikely".

- "A key House committee chairman from St. Petersburg sounded the death knell Wednesday for a bill that would allow high-interest car title loans that Florida banned six years ago." "Return of title loans appears squelched". See also "Entitling big debts" ("Florida would be nuts to allow title-loan sharks to again prey on the poor.")

13th Congressional District

"Trippi Touts Schneider's Chances in 13th District".

LOL

"After months on the defensive - her Senate campaign battered by staff defections, upside-down poll numbers and financial woes - the Sarasota congresswoman is calling Sen. Bill Nelson a 'liberal.' It's a theme that echoes ex-Sen. Connie Mack, R-Cape Coral, and Gov. Jeb Bush, who won in 1988 and 1998, respectively, by tagging Democrat Buddy MacKay 'liberal' in both races." "Harris drops L-bomb on Sen. Nelson".

"As she tries to rev up her campaign with a North Florida tour, Harris says her opponent is 'all talk and no action.'" "Harris calls Nelson 'an empty suit'". See also "Harris steps up attacks on Nelson" and "Harris raps Nelson's business record during Gainesville walk".

Gotta Love It

"Sen. Alex Villalobos of Miami cast the deciding vote Wednesday that effectively killed a reincarnated measure by a Republican rival, Sen. J.D. Alexander of Lake Wales, to make it harder for petition gatherers to get their initiatives to the ballot. Villalobos joined with three Democrats to defeat the proposal on a 4-4 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee -- a vote that disappointed the Florida Chamber and other business lobbyists who say it's too easy for special interests to change the Constitution." " The Senate Power Struggle, Cont.".

Charter Schools

"Charter school check: State's getting closer".

Now That's A "A Real Republician"

"A supporter of Rep. Randy Johnson bought billboard space a few blocks from the Capitol for a sign touting the Celebration Republican's bid for chief financial officer. Problem? The ad misspelled Republican -- adding an extra `i.' And it didn't mention Johnson's name. ... The billboard, at a busy Tallahassee intersection, carries a photo of Johnson and calls him 'A Real Republician for Florida's Chief Financial Officer.'" "I Before E Except After C".

Shalala

"A handful of University of Miami students were on the eighth day of a hunger strike Wednesday in support of campus janitors striking over alleged unfair labor practices, and threatened to continue protesting until the university met their demands for the workers." "Students, janitors continue hunger strike at University of Miami".

Choice Politics

"U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks ruled this week that West Palm Beach infringed on the free-speech rights of protesters when it enacted an ordinance creating a buffer zone around an abortion clinic. If West Palm Beach still wants such a law, the city will have to craft a new one that can satisfy the court." "Protect everyone's rights".

Zero-Tolerance

"A poorly defined and overused zero-tolerance policy, meant to deter violent crime in Florida public schools, has resulted in thousands of students being funneled into the juvenile detention system for minor offenses, according to a study being released today." "Zero-tolerance policy for schools blasted in report as overreaching".

"Don't hang up on low-income Floridians"

The DB N-J editorial board:

Lawmakers cut a deal three years ago with Florida's big phone companies. The companies could raise basic rates for home service if they cut access charges for long-distance lines, which was supposed to lower residential long-distance charges. More importantly for low-income families, companies promised to increase the number of people eligible for the heavily discounted Lifeline service -- a trifling commitment, given that the state and federal governments pick up most of the tab for Lifeline.

Yet neither promise bore fruit.

Big Question

"Florida voters may be asked this fall to overhaul the state's Constitution, under a far-reaching proposal that is gaining steam in the Legislature."

Republican legislators backing the effort say it is aimed primarily at eliminating errors and repealing provisions already rejected by the courts. But they also have agreed to remove a handful of constitutional amendments approved by voters and transform them into state laws -- which means they could be altered or repealed by legislators at a later date.

House Republicans want to repeal the 2004 amendment that set a minimum wage in Florida, as well as one that declared English the official language of the state. Both the House and Senate versions also would strike from the Constitution three controversial amendments dealing with medical malpractice that voters approved in 2004 as well as an amendment pushed by animal-rights groups that prohibits the confinement of pregnant pigs.

The proposal to edit the Constitution is ready for a vote by the entire House. On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved its own version of ''streamlining'' the Constitution. It will take a three-fifths vote in each chamber to put the 150-page rewrite of the Constitution before voters in November.

"Major problems"

"So what might the major fields of study be? Each school district will develop its own list. If the goal is to prepare Florida's high school students for the real world - or at least Florida's version of the real world - here are some possibilities ..." "Major problems with school majors".

"Laws can't make people ethical, ex-legislator says"

"Florida is following a trend in Southern legislatures by adopting stricter ethics laws, but that won't guarantee more ethical lawmakers, a national expert said today." "Expert: Values drive actions".

Brilliant

"Florida's crowded universities would lose $283 million in construction money to help ease crowding in public schools, state lawmakers are proposing in Tallahassee." "Budget plan displeases universities". See also "Universities may get less money than thought".

Tampa Protest

"Immigrant Groups Try For Protest In Tampa".

"Jeb!" In Iraq

"Gov. Bush details recent Iraq trip". See also "Gov. Bush Helps Pitch Iraq Policy".

Voucher Madness

"Two separate plans to save a school voucher program ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court passed through Senate committees Tuesday. Gov. Jeb Bush's proposed amendment to protect Opportunity Scholarships, which are for students at repeatedly failing public schools, was approved 5-3 by the Senate Education Appropriations Committee but only after its sponsor removed contentious "65 percent solution" language and also broadened its reach to potentially include all children in Florida." "Senate committees move along voucher proposals". See also "Senate panel OKs voucher bill; amendment pending".

Davis

"Davis Trying To Raise Profile".

Session News

- "Coming up at the Capitol".

- "Legislature Day 43: April 18 developments". See also "Legislative news briefs", "Capitol Digest" and "Capitol Roundup".

- "Pinellas senators stall NRA's voter bill".

- "Wetlands deal preserves local control".

- "Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee considers SB 2012, which includes the proposals to strip judges of the powers cited above. These changes should be removed from the bill, leaving intact judges' ability to help vulnerable Floridians, those suffering from mental disabilities." "Keep judges' powers".

- "Proposal to require career choice by 8th grade faces major, minor doubts".

- "Foreign students plead their case".

- "Panels Approve Antibullying Measures".

- "Bill banning dumping from gambling ships dies".

- "Counties deplore move to let cities trump regulations". See also "Bills Allow Cities To Opt Out Of County Planning Laws".

- "Budget windfall to help cover insurance gap". See also "Tallahassee mulls two plans to deal with Citizens' deficit".

- "Hurricane supply tax break is likely".

- "Lawmakers' proposals show pledge's still in hot seat".

- "Agricultural development proposal advances".

- "Gas station generator bill fails to satisfy senator". See also "Villalobos says gas-pump generator plan a bad deal".

- "Voter-approved class-size caps set to get $1.1 billion infusion".

- From the believe it or not files: "Lawmakers are debating a bill that would prohibit trees from getting in the way of billboards.". "Palms may take a bow for billboard views".

Harris Slipping

More on the Rasmussen poll: "Poll shows Harris slipping".

Wingnuts Declare Nelson A Liberal

"New Study Offers Look At Nelson’s Senate Votes".

Huh?

The SPT's editorial board:

Six years ago, the Florida Legislature struck a blow for the working poor by capping the interest allowed on car title loans. Now state Rep. Chris Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, wants to invite the predatory lenders back to the state by increasing the interest they can charge by fourfold - to a maximum of 132 percent over six months.

Smith, who sometimes champions causes of the under class, makes an odd argument for encouraging the risky loans. "We've got to stop pushing paternalistic views of, "We're not even going to give you this option because we know better than you,' " he said.

So consumer protection is paternalistic to Smith. That would explain why he sponsored a bill (H.B. 1109) that even his hometown police department warned against.

Easy Tax Target

"As a politician, if you're going to push for a new tax, it's safer to try to levy it on people who can't vote for you, making tourists an easy target."

When the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature talks about taxes, it's usually to say how bad they are and to question how much they can be cut.

But lawmakers from gridlocked Central Florida say the region is being cheated out of transportation dollars, and the search for money for roads has given rise to an oddity: a proposed tax increase with Republican support.

Hatchet Man?

"Little brother could play a role in passing the word to Rumsfeld." "Bush the elder's task: fire Rummy".

All Is Forgiven

"Last year, the confirmation didn't even get to the committee level, because the Senate refused to confirm him. Members cited Levine's aggressive role in the 2003 fight over medical malpractice insurance. While working for Gov. Jeb Bush, Levine sent an e-mail to GOP supporters suggesting opponents be found to run against Republican senators who opposed Bush on the issue." "Health official snubbed last year is nearing confirmation".

I'll Go With Thurman

"Excerpts from state Democrat chairwoman Karen Thurman's response to state GOP chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan". "Thurman V. Jordan". See also " Jordan V. Thurman"

The Bush Economy

"$4 a gallon may only be a year away." "Gas prices back at $3 again".

Choice Politics

"A city law requiring abortion protesters to obey a 20-foot buffer zone violates free-speech rights, a federal judge ruled." "Judge: West Palm Beach abortion law violates free speech".

'Glades

"An 11th-hour change to a long-planned Everglades restoration permit could undo the project's benefits. Before that happens, the South Florida Water Management District can undo the change." "Stay clear on Everglades".

Siplin

"State Sen. Gary Siplin denied any wrongdoing Tuesday after his arrest last week on charges of using employees on the state payroll in his Senate re-election campaign in 2004." "Legislator Denies Theft Charge Stemming From 2004 Campaign".

Rearranging The Deck Chairs

"Double F schools could change staffs".

The Other Castor

Betty Castor

Betty Castor, the 2004 Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, recently e-mailed supporters a "mid-session update" chiding the GOP-controlled Legislature for failing to spend more on teacher salaries or fund embryonic stem-cell research and warning people to keep tabs on the proposed constitutional amendment to permit private-school vouchers.

Congressional District 11

"Hillsborough County Commissioner Kathy Castor, the Democratic frontrunner to succeed Jim Davis in Congressional District 11, reports raising a $207,000 ion the first quarter of the year. That leaves her with about $506,000 in her account - more than twice that of her main rival, Democratic state Sen. Les Miller of Tampa." "Another $207,000 For Castor".

"Thoughtless" Sums It Up

"Many lawmakers promised to make affordable housing a top priority when the legislative session began in March. But now, with less than three weeks left in the session, lawmakers gutted the bill designed to relieve the crisis." "Thoughtless raid" ("Legislators have hijacked dollars that should go to housing").

A Schiavo Thing

"Talk about strange bedfellows. Rightmarch.com, an arch conservative group whose priorities include standing behind Tom DeLay, is helping state Sen. Les Miller, D-Tampa, in his Congressional campaign. The group not only is endorsing Miller, but its political action committee gave his campaign $100." Miller is an innocent man; read why in "Thanking Tom DeLay and Les Miller".

Money Race

Some surprises, some disapointments in "The Money Chase". See also "Feeney, Keller lead foes in fundraising" and "Foley maintains money edge in House race".

Reverse fundraising: "Rep. Detert: Manager took $94,000". Apparently it is a trend with GOoPers: "Miami senator's ex-aide charged with grand theft" ("David Carcache, a former aide to Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, was charged in February with forging the senator's signature on eight checks and other charges, including five counts of grand theft.")

"A Fla(wed) Party"

In "A Fla(wed) Party", Hotline asks: "Are Dem donors that un-excited about Davis or Smith (and that convinced of Crist's victory) or is the party infrastructure broken?" "Charlie, Tom, And Hillary".

More GOoPer Incompetence

"It's becoming a cruel annual tradition: Thousands of disabled Floridians languish on a waiting list for services they can't afford, while the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities sits on tens of millions of dollars. It's the same this year." "Wrong kind of 'savings'".

Who Is Grading The FCAT?

AP reports that "two state senators say it's the public's right to know who grades the test and what qualifications those graders have." "Lawmakers may sue over FCAT graders".

Session News

"Legislators saving biggest issues for last as session enters final weeks".

Goodness Gracious

"Legislative leaders take a new approach to class size reductions: stop resisting it and start paying for it." "Class-size amendment may finally get funding".

However, as the PBP editorial board observes,

Legislators used to argue that they didn't have enough money - even as they gave tax cuts to Florida's wealthiest residents. Now, while still cutting taxes for the wealthy, they have switched to the not-enough-time excuse.

If there's not enough time now to build the necessary classrooms, it's their own fault. Gov. Bush and the Legislature had enough time and money. They simply chose not to comply with the amendment. Why not? They were angry at an amendment they saw, correctly, as a rebuke for a pattern of shortchanging education. And as former Senate President Jim King, R-Jacksonville, told The Post, they always figured that Gov. Bush would find a way to repeal or gut the amendment. Said Sen. King, "That was a political decision that was made."

Now, the very legislators who shortchanged schools pose as saviors for the districts. "Counties all over the state are having to borrow money" to comply with amendment, Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie lamented. The districts are being forced to build "with gun to head," complained Rep. Marco Rubio, R-Miami. They are the incoming Senate president and House speaker, respectively. So the future leadership is just as dismissive of what the constitution requires.

I Am Shocked

"Study backs environmentalists' suspicions that chemicals from sewer pipes and coastal runoff may be harming coral reefs." "Evidence surfaces linking decline of coral reefs to sewer pipes, runoff".

Home Rule

"A bill advancing rapidly through the Legislature is the top priority for the Florida League of Cities, which argues that municipalities need more self-governing power in the areas of land use, land development and annexation." The SPT's editorial board argues that "this is a bad bill that could shred safeguards against parochial decisionmaking." "Cities' power grab".

Tourist Tax

"Car-rental tax would tap tourists to pay for mass transit in Florida". This is one tax the wingnuts really hate. See also "Legislation" ("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").

Byrd Might Have Had A Point ...

with that "sheep" comment, but he probably should not have been the one saying it:

Here in the capital, memories are still fresh of the reign of House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, whose effrontery could be breathtaking even in an environment of very secure egos.

He called his own colleagues "sheep," for example, suggesting House members couldn't think for themselves. That went over well.

Is the Governor's Race Over?

Steve Bousquet writes:

Republicans face the worst political climate they've seen in years. The powerhouse Bush machine is sidelined or divided in Florida, and it's entirely unclear whether either of Jeb Bush's would-be successors, Attorney General Charlie Crist or Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, can rev up the conservative Republican base. Despite that, the Democrats determined to take back the governor's mansion are sucking wind financially compared with Crist, who has raised $8.8-million, and Gallagher, who has raised $6.6-million.

[A]n awful lot of veteran Democratic donors quietly describe the gubernatorial contest as a foregone conclusion: Gov. Charlie Crist. Many of them are not so horrified by that prospect.

Such longtime Democratic money-machine trial lawyers as Gary Pajcic of Jacksonville, John Morgan of Orlando, Fred Levin of Pensacola of Steve Yerrid of Tampa are helping raise money for Crist (and in some cases Democrat Rod Smith, too).

"There's a gut feeling a lot of people have that this is just a Republican state," lamented Screven Watson, a longtime Democratic strategist advising Rod Smith. "I don't agree with that, but a lot of your business community believes that." Watson said he expects that view will change as the gubernatorial choices come into focus.

Cotterell

"Be fair about special-risk retirement".

"Hands off the constitution"

"The observation that 'Nobody's life, liberty, or property is safe while the Legislature is in session' may sound like an exaggeration. But if you define liberty as the ability of voters to have a direct voice in governing themselves, the statement has never been more fitting. Lawmakers are currently proposing three constitutional amendments that would take power away from the people by creating insurmountable hurdles to Florida's ballot initiative process. These measures would make it virtually impossible for citizens to have a direct impact on statewide policy." "State to the people: Hands off the constitution".

PBC Dems

"Despite last week's filing of another slender financial report by the Palm Beach County Democratic Party, Chairman Wahid Mahmood says the money will start flowing soon. During the first three months of 2006, the party took in a scant $7,941, with more than two-thirds coming from Mahmood himself. The party raised $106,736 in 2005 — but less than $20,000 after July 1." "County Dems bring in less than $8,000 in first quarter".

Finally

"Bush had hoped to make it more difficult to remove a feeding tube from patients who have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. He threw in the towel this week after failing to find any member of the Florida Legislature to sponsor his proposal. ... the message finally sank into a governor whose determination had long since become stubbornness. " " The governor relents -- finally!".

No-Fault

"Some insurers want Florida to repeal no-fault. Doing so, however, would push many more cases into crowded courts and drive up the costs of litigation. While drivers might save some money from not having to buy personal injury protection, known as PIP, other costs might rise - such as those for bodily injury and uninsured motorists. Innocent victims with no health insurance might be stuck with bills they can't pay. Also, according to testimony before the Legislature, the rate of uninsured drivers has decreased from 31 percent in 1992 to about 6 percent." "Keep no-fault insurance".

Save Our Homes

"Some folks have noticed that families living in identical houses in Florida pay wildly different tax bills. Some of the families with the low tax bill have noticed that they can't take it with them. Yes, and as Annie sang, the sun will come up tomorrow. The oddities of Florida's property tax are intentional. It is supposed to tax new buyers more than old settlers for comparable houses. It is supposed to keep people living where they are. It was redesigned that way when voters approved Save Our Homes in 1992." "Save Our Homes unfair? Dig deeper".

Training Session

"Long frustrated over the image of being too soft on national defense, Democrats are trying to fight back by giving better training to candidates for Congress, including those running for seats that represent Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties." "Session teaches Dems about defense issues".

In the closing three weeks of the Legislature, the Republican governor will be pushing hard to get two of his top initiatives through a Florida Senate more difficult to navigate than usual.

A lingering struggle over who will lead the Senate following the 2008 elections has divided the 40-member body into rival camps. Meanwhile, Bush's bid for constitutional amendments keeping alive private-school vouchers and easing the state's class-size standard are heading for Senate showdowns.

Perhaps He Shared "Devious Plans" on His "Stealthy Visit"

"Wearing an armored vest and helmet while flying on a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter, Bush visited seven military bases in Iraq and Kuwait as part of the Pentagon-sponsored mission at the request of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld." "Gov. Bush stealthily visits Iraq for Easter".

"The crisis at hand"

"Florida's insurance market is facing a crisis, perhaps greater than after Hurricane Andrew. Lawmakers are scrambling to find short- and long-term fixes." "The crisis at hand: covering Fla. homes".See also "Legislative Proposals".

What's Wrong With Jax?

"N. Florida city leads in state's murders".

Harris Fundraising "Exceeds Expectations"

She's bouncing back, sort of:

Katherine Harris has reported raising a bit more than $1 million in the first three months of 2006, despite problems that have plagued her campaign since late February.

That's about the same amount the Republican congresswoman from Longboat Key raised in the final three months of 2005.

The amount falls far short of the money being raised by her prospective opponent, Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat seeking re-election in November, but it may exceed the expectations of some Republican Party insiders.

Gift Ban

"The Capitol cafeteria is reporting longer lines. House members and staff are kicking into a petty-cash fund to buy lunches most days. And a Wednesday-night pickup basketball game, featuring legislators, staff, lobbyists and the occasional reporter, also has become well-attended." "Sales plummet in Tallahassee since gift ban".

Soft-money Loophole

"Some Florida lawmakers are talking tough about campaign finance laws."

But they skip one detail in their news conferences: The biggest soft-money loophole is getting even bigger, courtesy of a law the Legislature passed last year.

On Jan. 1, the amount the Democratic and Republican parties can give to a candidate for a statewide office soared - from $50,000 to $250,000.

And there's plenty of money to dole out. Florida is one of 13 states with no caps on how much donors can give to political parties, so big contributions are pouring in.

"All In The Family"

"The list of budding Florida political dynasties already includes such names as Bush, Castor, Bilirakis, Meek, Diaz-Balart. Add another: Thurman. Macky Thurman, the 28-year-old son of state Democratic chairwoman and former U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman of Dunnellon, has filed to challenge Republican state Rep. Larry Cretul in House District 22. Cretul won the district, which includes parts of Alachua, Marion and Levy counties, against Perry McGriff by 35 votes in 2002." "All In The Family".

"Legacy spending"

"Saving's smart; investing's farsighted" "Legacy spending".

Privatization Follies

"Two state senators seeking information on the temporary workers who grade parts of Florida's high-stakes school exams are fuming after being told it is a 'trade secret.'" "FCAT graders' names, abilities a 'trade secret'".

"Big-city dreams coming from small-town minds"

"Jeb Bush craves the high-paying jobs and cluster companies that would come with the biomedical company [the Burnham Institute.]"

The problem, though, is that we have big-city dreams coming from small-town minds.

Burnham, you see, is one of the nation's leaders in stem-cell research, some of which involves embryos. It's pioneering research, supported by a majority of Americans, that's meant to help fight diseases such as Alzheimer's.

But Jeb Bush is no pioneer. Not on this front anyway. He was quoted in BusinessWeek saying: "I don't believe the state should provide a financial incentive to support any research related to the killing of embryos."

Bush's office also put out word that "no state money will be used to fund embryonic stem cell research under his watch."

So Bush wants the institute's scientists in Florida -- as long as they leave their stem cells in California?

Maybe. Bush's office wouldn't say for sure. Spokesman Russell Schweiss said only that "logic" suggested Burnham does stem-cell research elsewhere and wouldn't need to do it here.

But even if Bush finds some loophole in his own morality code -- giving money to a leading stem-cell researcher while opposing stem-cell research -- why would a company like that want to come to a state like this? ...

Sure, there's room for debate. But it's a little strange to preach the gospel of biomedical economic development while standing in an anti-stem-cell pulpit.

Save Our Homes?

"Scrap Save Our Homes 2".

GOoPer Silliness

"Is Farkas questioning Crist's qualifications too?"

The most competitive and widely watched state Senate race in Florida this year is the race to succeed St. Petersburg Republican Jim Sebesta. Democratic state Rep. Charlie Justice will face either Republican state Rep. Kim Berfield of Clearwater or Republican state Rep. Frank Farkas of St. Petersburg, who are in the midst of a tough primary.

Farkas, however, may find himself in an awkward position as he proclaims his strong support for Charlie Crist's gubernatorial campaign and fends off Berfield. One of Farkas' main criticisms of Berfield is that someone like her, without a family, business experience, or her own home, has a harder time understanding issues critical to voters. That happens to be one of the main points Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Gallagher uses against Crist.

"It makes no sense"

"At a time when Florida is flush with money, it's tough to see a program that provides affordable health insurance to low-income children go begging for resources. But that's what's happening with KidCare and it makes no sense." "KidCare Program Deserves More Support".

MDs Running Amuck In Tally

Never enough:

Two weeks ago, the Florida Legislature approved what business lobbyists once dubbed the "Holy Grail" of attempts to make Florida's courts go easier on businesses.

But the push to make it harder to file and win lawsuits hasn't ended with the elimination of joint and several liability, which will help shield corporations from being hit with large judgments. A host of other measures designed to restrict how lawsuits work and to limit jury awards are marching through the Legislature.

The two most hotly debated bills revolve around the long-running effort by doctors, hospitals and other health-care providers to limit medical-malpractice lawsuits

The Florida Medical Association's top priority is a bill (HB 1561) that would require out-of-state doctors to obtain expert-witness licenses before they can testify in a medical-malpractice trial. The proposal also would give the Florida Board of Medicine, a 15-member panel appointed by the governor, the authority to punish doctors who give "misleading" testimony.

Dem Fundraising Mess (Continued)

After the Miami Herald broke the story yesterday, in "Democrats violated caps on donations", the story is making it 'round the rest of the state, primarily via this AP piece: "Democratic groups may have violated cap on donations".

Session News

- "After Easter, session's pace turns frenetic". "It's time to get down to business".

- "Final three weeks of session will be busiest for legislators".

- "Public Schools".

- "Higher Education".

- "Taxation and Budgeting".

- "Hurricane / Insurance".

- "Lawsuit Caps".

- "Crime and Punishment/Public Safety".

- "Environment".

House District 38

In

District 38, the race to replace term-limited Rep. Fred Brummer, R-Apopka, also looks to be tight.

Democrat Bob Sindler raised almost $42,000 over the past three months. He has now raised $65,000 altogether for his bid to reclaim the House seat he held until 1998. ...

But Republican Bryan Nelson, an Apopka insurance agent whom GOP leaders have been helping raise money, collected another $14,000. His haul included checks from Tallahassee power brokers such as the Southern Strategy Group lobbying firm and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Nelson has now pulled in more than $75,000 overall.

9th Congressional District

"In the 9th Congressional District, fundraising is still lopsided in favor of state Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who is running for his father's seat, but Democratic opponent Phyllis Busansky almost matched Bilirakis' total for the first quarter of 2006." "Bilirakis Keeps Cash Lead …".