He's Gone

"Gov. Bush Resisted Appeals To Run".

And Then There Were Four

"The eleventh-hour entries of a former governor's son, LeRoy Collins Jr., of Tampa, a suburban Orlando businessman, William McBride, and a Pinellas County developer, Peter Monroe, posed no obvious primary threat to the biggest if most controversial name in the race, Katherine Harris."

No sooner had the dust settled, with a noon deadline for filing paperwork, than the Longboat Key congresswoman began gathering limited support from some party leaders. Other big names remained silent or dismissive of her chances of unseating Democrat Bill Nelson.

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Orlando, quickly endorsed Harris and promised to campaign for her. Other Republicans were more circumspect. "We'll let nature take its course for a while and see how that goes," said Al Cardenas, the still-influential former state party chairman.

Party Chairman Carole Jean Jordan said she has been a longtime supporter of Harris but would not say whether she could win against Nelson.

Hours before Friday's noon filing deadline, North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who leads the committee that helps Republicans run for Senate, said that if Harris wins the primary in September the Republican Party would support her.

Going Up

"State Farm wants to hike insurance premiums an average of 70 percent, and Allstate Floridian plans to shed policies as both companies get ready for hurricane season." "Insurers set to squeeze even tighter". See also "State Farm asks for steep rate increases" and "State Farm hiking rates; Allstate shedding policies".

Dems "Licking Their Chops"

Multiple headlines about Dems "licking their chops".

- "Democratic U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Robert Wexler were automatically reelected when they failed to draw challengers. Other incumbents dug in for competitive contests." "Democrats lick chops, see GOP weak"

- "With fields set, the party trains its sights on congressional seats held by Bilirakis and Harris. The field is set for the busiest round of congressional races Tampa Bay has seen in ages, and the specter of an unpopular president looms large." "State Democrats start licking their chops".

Token Mica Challenger

"Unopposed in 2005 after weathering a challenge in 2002 from millionaire Wayne Hogan, Mica will be opposed in the Nov. 7 general election. A primary will be held Sept. 5 in races with three or more candidates. Chagnon, answered the call to oppose Mica, but no one answered his phone number listed on the Department of Elections Web site. A local Democratic leader also had no contact information for Chagnon, an unsuccessful candidate for Palm Coast mayor in 2003." "Rep. Mica confident as campaign begins".

How Much Is That Lobbyist In The Window?

"A federal judge Friday refused to block a new state law banning gifts to legislators and requiring that lobbyists disclose who pays them and how much." "Judge refuses to block lobbyist law". See also "Judge's ruling crushes lobbyists' challenge" and "Lobbyists fail to stop law making them disclose pay".

Here's the kicker: "Judge: Lobbyists must file financial info by Monday".

Voucher Madness

"McKay Scholarships, one of Florida's three voucher programs, are named for former Senate President John McKay, who sponsored legislation that created them. Since 2000, students with disabilities have used McKay scholarships to attend private schools. This year, about 16,000 students are getting them."

But the state never required sufficient financial and academic oversight for schools taking McKay vouchers. Post reporters have found home-schoolers misusing McKay vouchers for which they didn't qualify. Non-existent oversight and resulting scandals also have been a problem for schools taking vouchers paid for by corporate donations, for which the donors received a dollar-for-dollar tax break. About 14,000 low-income students are getting corporate vouchers this year.

Lax standards pose a fundamental legal problem for the voucher programs. The state Supreme Court this year ruled that the third voucher program - the governor's so-called "Opportunity Scholarships" used by about 700 students whose schools repeatedly scored an F on the state's FCAT-based grading system - is unconstitutional. The justices based their finding, in part, on the Legislature's failure to hold private voucher schools to the same standards as public schools.

Dual FEA Endorsement

"After throwing millions of dollars and all its might into trying unsuccessfully to elect Bill McBride governor in 2002, the Florida Education Association is playing it safer in this year's governor's race. The state's largest union on Friday decided to endorse both Democrats, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa and state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua." "Teachers endorse Smith, Davis". See also "Teachers union backs both Democrats".

"The Cuba pretext"

"A bill to allow natural gas (and by extension, oil) drilling within 10 miles of Florida's coastline soared through a House committee this week en route to a full floor vote. Congress barely needs an excuse these days to break its decades-old ban against drilling in coastal waters. This week, Cuba provided it." "The Cuba pretext".

Energy

"With high prices at the gas pumps, Florida's candidates for governor all say everyone needs to put less in the tank with three of them touting a long-term strategy of shifting to crop-based alternatives to pure gasoline." "Candidates on the future of fuel".

Uncertified Machines

"Five counties received new touch-screen voting machines that weren't certified for use in Florida because they were upgraded without approval from state officials, officials said. The Diebold Election Systems machines were delivered in Volusia, Polk, Leon, Putnam and Glades counties with memory, processor, display and other improvements. The devices are similar to those previously certified, but still require more scrutiny before they could be used in elections." "Uncertified vote machines sent to five Fla. counties".

Pruitt Pandering

Pruitt is a miserable failure, even at pandering:

Early this year, incoming Senate President Ken Pruitt sent out a fund-raising letter promising to use his "influence" as chairman of the Rules Committee to push "The Boy Scouts and Pledge of Allegiance Protection Act."

However, the effort to put protection for the pledge in the state constitution died in Pruitt's own Rules and Calendar Committee when the legislative session ended last week. Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, never brought the matter to the Senate floor — despite his claim in the letter that he wanted "to force liberals in the Florida Senate to take a stand one way or the other."

Nukes

"Florida, Southeast region targets in push for nuclear power plants".

Public Records

"But this is a measure pushed by the National Rifle Association, the same group that convinced the governor and the Legislature that requiring gun range owners to comply with state environmental laws is tantamount to trashing the Second Amendment. The governor has a chance to avoid making a mockery of federal constitutional rights and Florida laws regarding open government -- again. He should veto this problematic bill as soon as it hits his desk." "A troubling public records exemption bill threatens to become law".

Remember When Newspapers Had Clout?

Brian Crowley puts his foot in his mouth: "Remember When Unions Had Clout?"

"South Florida's very own 'Welfare Queens'"

"There were Floridians -- many of whom drive posh cars and vote Republican -- who found themselves in long lines at an ice and water distribution point because the local Publix had no power to operate, much less having shelves stocked with ice and water. ... but there may be legitimate reasons even for Lexus drivers to wait in line for emergency supplies." "Storm Season".

Bousquet Hearts Bense

"Despite Bense's stated intentions to leave politics and reconnect with his family, they may not last. He's at or near the top of any list of potential lieutenant governor running mates for Charlie Crist or Tom Gallagher." "Bense's humble leadership makes him anything but 'nobody'".

The Republican U.S. Senate primary seemed to dissolve into a welter of confusion Thursday as several potential candidates considered last-minute challenges to the one whom top Republicans don't seem to want: Katherine Harris.

Several possible opponents were expected to jump in, or were considering jumping in, against Harris by today's noon deadline.

It appeared the makeup of the primary would be decided this morning in the state Division of Elections offices in Tallahassee, where candidates go to qualify.

Chapter 119

"Public Access Laws Took Hit In Session".

"Harris Recasts Herself"

"Slighted by Republican leaders for months, Katherine Harris now hopes to turn the snub into a positive by proclaiming herself an independent-minded candidate who isn't afraid to take on her own party." "Harris recasts herself as loyal but maverick GOP candidate".

In related news: "Conservative Bloggers Voice Frustration With Harris and Jeb Bush". See also "Harris Hits Campaign Trail".

Publicity Stunt

"Crist claims gas price-fixing scheme in suit".

African-American GOoPers

The Pulse has "a quick look at who Attorney General Charlie Crist and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher are touting among African-American backers:". See also "African-Americans for Crist".

Condemnation Restricted

"A bill that will immediately limit the ability of local governments to condemn homes and other property for private redevelopment projects became law Thursday with Gov. Jeb Bush’s signature." "Bush signs bill that limits local condemnation power". See also "Protection For Private Property Comes At Taxpayers' Expense".

Foster Teens

"More foster teens may get monetary assistance after they turn 18 and foster parents could see more money each month as part of legislative changes approved this session." "New laws to benefit foster children".

Thanks Diebold

Volusia keeps trying to do the right thing:

A funny thing happened when Volusia County elections officials fired up their new touch-screen voting machines -- they discovered the equipment wasn't certified by the state.

Diebold Election System shipped upgraded models -- 210 of them -- not yet verified by the Florida Division of Elections. The main difference is the upgraded models shipped here include a plug for a printer, when one becomes available.

While Volusia officials want printers to provide a permanent record of the votes that are cast on the machines, any election held on noncertified machines could prove to be a legal nightmare.

To Replace Harris

"After months of speculation, Manatee County Republican Party chairman Mark Flanagan announced he will run for Congress."

Flanagan becomes the fifth Republican to announce intentions to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Longboat Key.

Longboat Key businessman Vern Buchanan, State Rep. Donna Clarke, State Rep. Nancy Detert and former Sarasota Republican Party chairman Tramm Hudson also have filed to run for the seat. Three Democrats have filed to run: Christine Jennings, Mike LaFevers and Jan Schneider.

Insurance

"Insurance reforms no escape from rising premiums".

Klein Goes National

"State Sen. Ron Klein has been chosen by Democrats to give the party's national response to President Bush's weekly radio address Saturday. The selection of Klein is another indication of how serious the national party is in the effort to help the Delray Beach Democrat oust incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw." "Sen. Klein to handle Democrats' response to Bush talk".

"Environment Weathered The Session"

"As usual, lawmakers this year attempted some end runs around resource protections and they got away with a few. " "Environment Weathered The Session".

Sales Tax Exemption To Get Boot

"Taxpayers in eight states without an income tax could soon lose the ability to deduct state sales tax from their federal income tax returns." "New tax law could end sales tax exemption".

FCAT Follies

"Two state senators and the state Department of Education have settled a lawsuit over the disclosure of information about workers hired temporarily to grade the FCAT." "Temporary FCAT workers' records will be disclosed" See also "FCAT suit settled on workers' credentials". See also "Dems settle in FCAT lawsuit", "FCAT grader to release scorers' credentials" and "State to disclose data on FCAT graders".

FEA Endorsement Today

"Jim Davis and Rod Smith, are anxiously awaiting Friday's expected announcement of an endorsement by the Florida Education Association, which represents 129,000 teachers and school personnel." "School Grades". See also "FEA Machinations".

Bense

This Bense love fest is getting a bit tiresome (e.g., today's "Citizen Bense" ("Speaker has priorities right")). Bense would have jumped in if there was any reasonable chance of overtaking Harris; there wasn't, and he made a cold calculated political decision.

"You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine"

"Principal won't permit student's anti-Bush song".

Where's Me?

In "No leverage" today, the Orlando Sentinel editorial board bemoans current policy toward Cuba:

With all the battles that Florida's members of Congress have waged to protect the state's economy and environment from the dangers of offshore drilling, it is both disturbing and ironic that Cuba is planning to invite rigs into its own waters just 45 miles from Key West.

But the United States' 43-year-old economic embargo of Cuba -- which has failed to dislodge dictator Fidel Castro -- leaves Washington with almost no leverage to persuade Havana not to drill. ...

If it had economic ties with Cuba, the United States would be in a position to negotiate protections for Florida. Ultimately, such ties might encourage the oppressed Cuban people to overthrow their dictator and his failed system.

"FCAT servants"

"A governor who is more out of touch with reality than Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining.'"

Indeed, Bush's quest for relevance comes from a governor who presides over a state where the public education system traditionally has placed somewhere between Freedonia and the Joad Chair of Dust Studies at the University of Dogpatch.

Jeb Bush, alumni of the snooty-poo-poo Phillips Andover Academy, wants to require 17-year-olds who can't even figure out what direction the brim of a baseball cap is supposed to face to select a "major" course of study.

How rich is this?

Perhaps a Florida high school education might be ... useful if students weren't subjected to crowded classrooms being taught by undervalued teachers.

Maybe, just maybe, the state's youth might actually discover some educational relevance if teachers were simply permitted to - here's a heretical thought - teach, instead of being little more than FCAT servants.

You could make an argument that Bush's preoccupation with insisting teenagers whose idea of fashion is walking around with their underwear hanging out over their jeans now hunker down in selecting a potentially life-affecting field of academic pursuit reveals a governor who is more out of touch with reality than Jack Nicholson in "The Shining."

Shameless

"Republic has admitted hiring former City Commissioner Ray Liberti and, without disclosing it, paying him between $5,000 and $8,000 a month since November 2004 to promote the company's business. The arrangement was in place while West Palm Beach had a contract with Republic to oversee the biggest construction project in its history: the $120 million City Center, a library/city hall complex on the downtown D&D site at Clematis Street and Dixie Highway. Republic stood to earn about $4 million as the project manager. Mr. Liberti voted to hire Republic and regularly praised its performance." "For West Palm, firing Republic is just a start".

FCAT Follies

"From a May 2 Palm Beach Post article: 'As many as 1,200 Palm Beach County high school seniors may not graduate this month because they have not passed the reading or math portions of the 10th-grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.' That's a whole high school full of kids, folks. Some of them won't get diplomas even though they've passed all the courses required to graduate."

That's an insane policy. On what basis does the state decide that the FCAT is a better measure of achievement than four years of classes and grades? How does it help any kid to take away his or her diploma?

There's an easy fix. Just give Florida's public school students the same kind of breaks the state gives to voucher students who attend private schools.

Armed and Dangerous

"After getting death threats as secretary of state in the 2000 election, she got a concealed weapons permit." "Harris aims to renew permit".

When the Florida Senate rejected two constitutional amendments on education in the closing days of the recent legislative session, it didn't just hand Gov. Jeb Bush a stunning setback.

It also raised questions about the future direction of the Florida Republican Party.

That year, "we were all drinking the Kool-Aid," said Sen. Dennis Jones, of Seminole, who helped pass the vouchers program as speaker pro tem in the House in 1998, though he has never favored vouchers. He was one of the four GOP senators to vote against vouchers last week.

But don't think for a minute that [Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach] is any less a Republican. For instance, the longtime supporter of vouchers voted for another bill (which also failed) to expand vouchers through corporate contributions. She also supported the governor's initiative to give teachers bonuses based on their pupils' FCAT scores (another bill that died). On the other hand, she demonstrated independence again in voting against a measure (that passed) to authorize cities and other entities to co-sponsor charter schools.

No Bense

"In a blow to Gov. Jeb Bush and Republican leaders that could echo across state and national politics this fall, House Speaker Allan Bense said Wednesday that he would not challenge Katherine Harris for the party's U.S. Senate nomination." "Bense rejects pleas by Gov. Bush, others to enter Senate race". See also "Bense won't run for Senate", "House Speaker Won't Enter Senate Race Against Harris", "GOP can't elude Harris vs. Nelson", "Bense ends suspense, won't try Senate bid" and "Bense decides against run for Senate".

It is hard not to enjoy the moment; so let's do:

Republicans will be left with Harris, who Bush says, and polls indicate, cannot win. She may have name recognition and celebrity, but she's also controversial, and the odd campaign she has run so far leaves even supporters with little confidence.

The Republican base may back her, as it backs the president. But Harris, like George W., isn't winning over anybody else. And her association with a defense contractor who pleaded guilty to bribing California Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham is going to haunt her throughout the campaign.

The mystery is why the Republican Party in Florida, which controls both chambers of the Legislature, and the national party, which all but begged Bense to run, can't come up with an alternative to Harris.

It is remarkable that as dominant as Republicans have become in Florida they could not do better than Harris, a caricature whose role in the 2000 recount as Florida's secretary of state turned her into a polarizing figure.

A Very Weak Bench

"At least three Republicans, all from West Central Florida, said Wednesday they are seriously considering running against Harris: state Rep. Dennis Ross of Lakeland, LeRoy Collins Jr., the son the late Gov. LeRoy Collins, and Peter Monroe, a developer from Safety Harbor who in the early 1990s headed the Oversight Board of the Resolution Trust Corp., which handled failed savings and loans." "GOP can't elude Harris vs. Nelson".

Laff Riot

Always on message:

Despite his own plummeting poll numbers and the sixth-year jinx that besets the party in power, President Bush confidently predicted Wednesday that "a strong and positive agenda" will keep Republicans in control of Congress next fall.

In a morning round-table meeting with seven Florida reporters, the president also said he would like to see Gov. Jeb Bush stay in politics. He said his younger brother could "be a great president," but that the governor probably hasn't decided what he will do after leaving office next January.

Privatization Follies

"Two legislators on Wednesday requested an independent inquiry into the handling of a $364,400 data-sharing contract at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, sent a letter to Florida's auditor general asking that the office launch an audit to determine whether an FDLE manager acted properly in steering work to an Ohio firm he once helped as a consultant." "Lawmakers question FDLE deal".

GOoPers "Managed to Make the Crisis Worse"

"Florida lawmakers entered the session vowing to help working people find affordable housing. Amazingly, they actually managed to make the crisis worse." "Crisis mismanagement".

Democratic Dream

One can dream:

After years of electoral futility, Florida Democrats are optimistic they can level the state's political field this November.

Their statewide candidates are considered strong and potentially appealing to independents and moderate Republicans. The GOP, meanwhile, must cope with President Bush's low approval ratings, congressional scandal and angst about rising gas prices and skyrocketing homeowners insurance.

It's still money that matters in politics, though, and Republicans have plenty to go around. Some Democrats are worried it could cost them a rare opportunity to win legislative and Cabinet seats.

Class Size

"This year's education increase creates some good will. And Gov. Bush's imminent departure removes a class-size opponent whom many voters didn't trust. So there's an opportunity for Rep. Rubio and others to offer a genuine, generous compromise that voters might accept. It could include increased teacher pay, very small classes in lower grades, and reasonable caps - with some flexibility - in higher grades. It would help if Republicans quit pushing vouchers, which voters see as an attack on public schools." "Class-size compromise".

Quick Death

"An awful plan to sell off national forestland deserves a quick death in Congress." "No deal".

Comparing Teacher Salaries

This is getting silly:

State education officials want the federal government to compile comparative teacher pay numbers across the nation, but a teachers union spokesman dismissed the idea as public relations spin to make Florida’s salaries look better than they are.

"They are seemingly cherry-picking statistics to make Florida look better," said FEA spokesman Mark Pudlow.

He questioned why income tax, which Florida doesn’t have, was considered but not sales and other taxes. Florida also looks good in the study because it pays 100 percent of contributions to the teacher pension plan, but the comparison fails to include pension payout, he said. That’s area in which Florida trails other Southern states, Pudlow said.

It's unacceptable that Florida, the fourth-largest state in the nation, ranks 47th in per capita school funding. The state can, and must, do better.

Mixed Results

"Environmentalists: Session good, bad".

Crist Dances

"Crist and his campaign workers handed out red roses to the women. At one point he began salsa dancing with a woman. Then another. And another. And another." "Crist takes gubernatorial campaign to Little Havana".

Condos

"Legislative bills on condos seen as a mixed bag".

Drilling

"Florida lawmakers in Congress plan to fight a proposal to open up most of the U.S. coastline to natural gas exploration." "Coastal drilling bill advances". See also "House panel OKs drilling near shores of Florida", "House panel moves to lift offshore drilling ban for gas" and "House panel moves to lift offshore drilling ban for gas".

Franking Abuse

Credit Scott Maxwell:

A full year after Ric Keller first refused to answer questions about a taxpayer-funded mailing -- even enlisting the help of a deputy general counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives who said Keller was not required to respond -- his office finally had a change of heart. Keller chief of staff Bryan Malenius said last week that Keller's 2005 mailing ("FROM THE BATTLE FRONT . . . Congressman Ric Keller is Supporting our Troops and First Responders!") was sent only to men over age 30 who voted in the 2004 election, as well as a "handful of constituents" who had contacted Keller before then. Sorry, ladies. The mailing cost you $30,042.18. So now you know. And to think it only took us 12 months, and approximately as many column items, to get that information.

Federal prosecutors said in court documents this week that a Republican congressman allegedly working on behalf of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff targeted Sen. Mel Martinez in his influence efforts.

Martinez was secretary of Housing and Urban Development when Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio, chairman of a housing subcommittee, met with Martinez in "early 2003" to "influence decisions and actions" for Abramoff's Native American clients, the court papers said.

Martinez quit the HUD post that December to run for a Senate seat. Ken Lundberg, spokesman for Martinez, said the senator did not recall the meeting that is described vaguely in the court documents or any other meeting with Ney.

"The senator has no recollection of any specific meeting" or request, Lundberg said.

Painful Picture

"Jeb!", Dubya and Representative B are pictured "together" here: "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

Privatization Follies

"A Democrat running for attorney general on Tuesday again called for an investigation whether the privacy of state workers was compromised when their personnel files were shipped to India in an outsourcing deal backed by Gov. Jeb Bush." "Inquiry urged into privatization".

527 Muggings

"By refusing to limit donations, the Legislature has accommodated a system that lets big money exert undue influence over voters through deceptive saturation advertising. Federal law allows scant scrutiny of '527' groups such as the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and MoveOn.org. The Legislature's failure to take adequate action means that intricately woven, interdependent groups financed by deep-pocket contributors such as home builders and sugar growers, like those linked in Post stories to incoming Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, will continue to plague Florida politics." "A more public mugging".

How Rich Are They?

"A federal judge in Tallahassee is expected to rule before Monday on a request by Book and other lobbyists to block enforcement of a new state law forcing them to disclose what they're paid to ply their trade with politicians." "Lobbyists fight to keep pay quiet".

Lame DUck Offers His Two Cents

"Bush participates in emerging issues forum".

Klein Goes After Shaw

"Democratic congressional candidate Ron Klein and surrogates of Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw engaged in some oil wrestling Tuesday. Klein, a state senator from Boca Raton, stood beneath a bridge named for Shaw and accused the 13-term incumbent and President Bush of favoring the 'wants of Big Oil' over consumers squeezed by soaring gas prices." "Klein tussles with Shaw camp over oil".

It Ain't Me

"Board chairman: Blame hurricanes, not Citizens".

Drug Testing

"The new procedure, which include steroid testing, aims to clean up the department's image." "Corrections to start random drug tests of workers".

Don't Count on a Veto

"The names of those packing heat in Florida should not be a state secret. Yet the Legislature overreacted to a single incident and passed legislation that would mean concealed weapons permits are no longer public record. There is no justification for keeping the permits secret, and Gov. Jeb Bush should veto the bill." "Gun permits shouldn't be secret".

Grad Rates

"The state's universities want to improve their graduation rates." "Tracking grads".

"Unfinished business"

"Florida lawmakers took some welcome steps in their legislative session to spur the growth of high-wage jobs in the state. But in a year when billions more dollars flowed into state coffers, they could have -- and should have -- done more." "Unfinished business".

Bush Demands Firing

"In a sign of his unease with the Martin Lee Anderson case, Gov. Jeb Bush demanded that a sheriff fire a captain who supervised the boot camp where a boy allegedly was suffocated by guards." "Gov. asks for dismissal of camp's ex-supervisor".

McCollum

"Former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum formally announced his bid for state attorney general Tuesday, setting up a four-candidate race to secure the Republican nomination. McCollum spent 20 years in the U.S. House, was a Navy judge advocate and was one of the congressional managers of the impeachment proceeding of former President Clinton. He says that gives him the statewide notoriety to push through the crowded primary and past the lone Democratic candidate." "McCollum to run for attorney general".

"Former Longwood congressman Bill McCollum was endorsed Tuesday by Florida's Fraternal Order of Police in the crowded Republican primary for state attorney general." "McCollum Cops Endorsement". See also "McCollum Wears the FOP's Badge".

Gallagher

"Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher asked a judge Tuesday to let the state take full control of three troubled insurance providers which would allow for liquidation of the companies' assets to pay outstanding claims." "Gallagher asks judge to order Poe companies into liquidation".

Ask A Teacher

"A report released Tuesday by the Department of Education says -- for the first time -- that teacher salaries exceed the national average. But teacher representatives say the new calculations are a ploy manufactured to boost the recruiting effort." "Teachers dispute salary report".

"The Worst President In History?" in Florida

"Bush Stumps For Prescription Plan". See also "Bush visits Orlando to trumpet Rx plan".

He wasn't alone: "Protesters rally outside private fundraiser attended by Bush".

Land Deal Off

"A Bush administration proposal to sell almost 1,000 acres in the Ocala National Forest is dead, according to U.S. Rep. Ric Keller and environmentalists who blasted the idea as a shortsighted solution to raise money for rural counties." "Land sale in forest is off, Keller says".

"Jeb!" Strides World Stage

"Governor sets 2nd trip to Haiti".

Love For Sale

Back at it:

Invitations are already going out for a Republican Party of Florida fishing tournament June 8-10 at the Ocean Reef Club resort in Key Largo. Potential contributors, who are instructed to don "neat boating and casual wear," can troll the Atlantic Ocean alongside the likes of House Speaker Allan Bense and his slated successors, Marco Rubio, Ray Sansom and Winter Park's own Dean Cannon.

Just a few days later, the three speaker-designates are slated to host a Tallahassee fundraiser for nine of their colleagues, including Republican Reps. Sheri McInvale of Orlando, Pat Patterson of DeLand and John Quinones of Kissimmee.

Harris Watch

"It's becoming apparent that the GOP machine would rev up full tilt behind much favored lawmaker Allan Bense." "As filing deadline looms, Republicans look to Bense"

See also this inaptly titled piece, "Bense would have not-so-secret weapon in race against Harris", is about how difficult it is for panhandle politicians to win statewide races in Florida.

Good Luck

"FPL's request to recoup hurricane repair costs from its customers should be reduced, the staff of the Public Service Commission recommended." "Regulators: FPL request is too high".

On the day Katherine Harris made it official that she is a candidate for the U.S. Senate, her colleagues in the Republican Party made it clear they are ready to work for somebody else -- someone they believe can actually defeat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

The man of the hour: Allan Bense, 54, an affable, get-along politician from the Panhandle who is finishing out his term as speaker of the state House of Representatives.

The loudest voice Monday against Harris' troubled campaign came from the most important Republican in Florida: Gov. Jeb Bush.

"I just don't believe she can win," Bush said.

The man whom House Speaker Allan Bense considers a father figure believes Bense will challenge U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris in the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate, he said Monday.

The prediction by Charles Hilton, a Panama City businessman and Panhandle political force, came the same day Gov. Jeb Bush told reporters Harris cannot defeat Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in November.

Hilton said that after talking with Bense on Monday, he thinks Bense's passion for challenging battles will drive him into the race.

President Bush arrived here Monday to face an awkward political situation about which his brother is mincing no words: the candidacy of Representative Katherine Harris for the United States Senate.

White House aides said Ms. Harris, a Florida Republican, would be on hand to greet Mr. Bush when he landed in Tampa on Tuesday morning en route to a talk about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.

"The Worst President In History?" Visits Florida

In the same week Princeton historian Sean Wilentz asks whether Dubya is ""The Worst President In History?" (he writes that "Bush's presidency appears headed for colossal historical disgrace"), the Preznit pays Florida a visit. "Protesters rally outside fundraiser attended by president". See also "President To Visit Sun City Center Today".

"Sold His Office" Allegations

"Federal law enforcement authorities on Monday branded former [WPB] City Commissioner Ray Liberti as a betrayer of the public trust whose bold actions were more despicable than other politicians who have been prosecuted." "Liberti 'sold his office,' U.S. attorney charges". See also "City official quits amid corruption probe".

The PBP urges officials to "Start shaking all the trees after Liberti's fall", noting that "There are other examples of what at least seem to be ethics violations. In March, The Post reported that the wife of County Commission Chairman Tony Masilotti made $1.3 million on a Martin County land deal that he lobbied the South Florida Water Management District to complete. Commissioner Masilotti lied to the paper about how his wife got the money - he first said that she inherited it. He also lied that he did not benefit - money from the sale went for certificates of deposit in his name."

13th Congressional District

"Democrat Christine Jennings and Republicans Tramm Hudson, Nancy Detert and Vern Buchanan all secured their place on the Sept. 5 primary ballot in the 13th Congressional District on Monday." "Four Down, Four To Go".

Smith Gets Another One

"Rod Smith is gaining ground in winning one of the biggest prizes in Democratic politics: the endorsement of the Florida Education Association. United Teachers of Dade, the largest affiliate in the statewide union, is expected today to announce it is endorsing Smith, a state senator from Alachua, for governor over U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa. That follows the Broward Teachers Union, the statewide union's second-biggest affiliate, throwing its support to Smith last week." "Another big teachers union to back Smith".

Love For Sale

"U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw raised more than $800,000 at a Fort Lauderdale fundraiser headlined by President Bush Monday evening and picked up some presidential praise that sounded like an endorsement of his campaign to be chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee." "Money and presidential praise for Shaw". See also "Bush helps raise $800,000 for U.S. Rep. Shaw in Fort Lauderdale" and "Bush gives fundraising hand to vulnerable Shaw" ("Shaw, considered one of the most vulnerable congressional incumbents in the nation, got a personal boost from the president.")

"Jeb!" Strides World Stage

"The White House announced Monday night that Gov. Jeb Bush will lead a delegation to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to attend the inauguration of President René García Préval." "Jeb Heads To Haiti".

"Voting machine sale in question"

"A member of Congress has asked the Bush administration if it reviewed the purchase of a U.S. supplier of voting equipment by a Boca Raton company that once had controversial connections to the Venezuelan government." "Voting machine sale in question".

Small Insurers

"A new insurance law is likely to help small insurers weather the 2006 hurricane season." "Law helps small insurers".

Lobbyist Fever

"Nine of them, retained by Miami-Dade's Expressway Authority at a cost of more than $350,000, help kill county lawmakers' plan to prohibit such expenditures." "Agency thwarts lobbyist ban - with lobbyists' help".

No Fault Veto Urged

"Now that the Florida Legislature has voted to extend the state's automobile no-fault insurance law, the American Insurance Association has recommended to Governor Jeb Bush that he should use his 'veto pen' on the law and allow it to sunset as scheduled in 2007, according to Cecil Pearce, AIA Southeast Region vice president." "American Insurance Assoc. Urges Gov. Bush to 'Veto' No-Fault Law".

Crist Coalition

"Crist announces women 'coalition'".

Troxler

"So, they didn't fix that insurance thing. Florida is still in a lot of trouble." "Florida's insurance solution: free puppies for everyone!".

Hollow Words

On the heels of state law enforcement officers being screwed in the session, we get these empty words form the head of the Florida Republican party:

"Floridians owe all of our law-enforcement officers a debt of gratitude," Bush told a crowd of several hundred uniformed officers gathered in the Capitol Courtyard. "It is with some sadness and also joy that we are here to celebrate the lives of some great Florida heroes."

Session Review

"The Legislature smartly rejected Gov. Jeb Bush's efforts to gut class size limits and protect school vouchers, took a stab at the insurance crisis - and named an official pie." "Of sweet defeats and key lime pie". See also "Lawmakers Didn't Duck Session's Toughest Tasks".

Session News

"In its 60-day session that ended after midnight Friday, the Florida Legislature tackled some of the state's most complicated issues, like insurance reform, which is among major legislation headed for the governor's desk. Lawmakers also handled some simpler tasks like designating a state pie, and left many bills to die, at least until next time." "Measures going and not going to the governor". See also "Bill To Limit Trees In Front Of Billboards" and "Lawmakers fail to pass anti-bullying bill".

Lobbyist Accused

"For 35 years, lobbyist Arthur I. "Buddy" Jacobs has worked to score bigger budgets and more power for Florida's prosecuting attorneys. Now the most visible ally of the 20 state attorneys has been accused by federal prosecutors of living lavishly while failing to pay his federal income taxes for seven years." "Lobbyist accused of federal tax fraud".

Lame Duck

"Bush, the first Republican governor in Florida to win re-election, had a longer honeymoon than most governors, as GOP legislative leaders looked to help him out. But as his eight years in office progressed, Bush found some of his proposals faltering in the Legislature, especially in the Senate." "Bush hasn't won all battles".

Voucher Madness - Class Size "Begging"?

"As Gov. Jeb Bush failed to pass two of his key education goals during his last legislative session, other Republican leaders were already considering the future of school vouchers and how to reduce the financial impact of the class-size amendment on the state budget." And here's a less than impressive insights from incoming Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami; he

predicted that not only will voucher protection plans resurface, but also that Floridians will be "begging" lawmakers to weaken the class-size standards approved by voters in 2002.

"There will come a time when class size is not implementable," Rubio said Friday, the last day of the 2006 legislative session. "It will lead to chaos and then they'll be begging us to change it."

Rubio and Webster agreed, however, in predicting that there will be more legal challenges to Florida's voucher programs and to the state's new free pre-kindergarten program, which uses tax dollars to send 4-year-olds to private schools, including religious ones, as well as public pre-K classes.

"A 'Major' Mistake"

The Harvard Crimson Weighs In: "If you think the end of freshman year seems too early to pick a major, how does ninth grade sound? Fourteen-year-old Floridians will have to make that decision if Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida House get their way. But like a rosy pharmaceutical commercial in which the narrator speaks a bit too fast, the prescription of high school majors—in Florida or anywhere else—relies on a dangerous misdiagnosis and comes with several unnoticed side effects." "A 'Major' Mistake".

DOC Scandals

"[T]hey had all signed a little form pledging loyalty and acknowledging their duty to be the good guys. They just didn't remember it - which may be one reason the Department of Corrections has been rocked by so many scandals recently." "DOC will have oath and code".

Boot Camps

"Boot camp death has unexpected effect on legislative agenda".

Big Of 'Em

"Florida lawmakers have taken a much-needed step in addressing the horrific crime of human trafficking that for many years has received little attention. The measure now on its way to Gov. Jeb Bush's desk will make it so those who would hold others in modern-day slavery will not find it so easy to escape prosecution and severe penalties." "A Tough Stand On Human Trafficking".

Imagine That

The minimum wage didn't hurt job growth:

Campaigning against a higher minimum wage for Florida in 2004, business interests led by the state's chambers of commerce and its tourism industry predicted that bumping the wage to $6.15 an hour, from the federal standard of $5.15, would lead to job losses and hurt the state's economy. The Florida Retail Federation's Rick McAllister predicted the wage "could have a billion-dollar inflationary effect on the state." The Orlando Chamber of Commerce dangled the threat of outsourcing and lawsuits as a result.

There was, in fact, an inflationary effect -- on voodoo economics, as there always is when two or more business interests swarm in defense of poverty wages.

Florida voters didn't fall for it as 72 percent approved a constitutional amendment requiring the higher wage -- and annual adjustments in line with inflation. On Jan. 1, the wage rose to $6.40 an hour. It's still well below the federal wage's peak, in 1968, of $9.12 (in 2005 dollars), or the minimum wages of Washington and Oregon, which are at or above $7.50 an hour. But it's better than the current federal minimum, which has been steadily losing worth since it was last raised in 1996.

And those voodoo predictions? The numbers are in. The voters were right. The nay-sayers were wrong. A Florida International University and University of Chicago study released this month concludes that despite the higher minimum wage, Florida continues to lead the nation in job growth after a year of higher minimum wage, while the state's unemployment rate fell almost a full point during the period, or by 200,000 jobs. The number of private businesses also increased, countering claims that businesses would rather flee the state than pay the higher minimum wage.

Solid job creation is not in and of itself proof of economic health if the jobs are at the lower end of the scale -- as many of Florida's new jobs are: The retail sector's average weekly wage is a paltry $504, and the leisure and hospitality sector (all those tourism-related jobs the state's economy depends on) offers an average wage of $372, which grew only $3 for most of 2005. With inflation, workers in that sector saw their wages fall.

About Time

"State finally providing money for classroom construction".

Green Projects

"Lawmakers and lobbyists who focus on environmental issues often disagree, but they concur on one point: while this year's legislative session is over, the real work begins now." "Green projects get $330 million in legislative session".

From The "Values" Crowd

"While lawmakers debated whether to spend hundreds of millions for cutting edge research, they quibbled over spending $15 million to allow the children of legal immigrants and state workers to be covered by the state's KidCare program, which provides low-cost health insurance for families who can't otherwise get it. 'Unexplainable, indefensible,' said Karen Woodall, an advocate for children and poor people at the capitol. 'The money's there.' They also rejected an effort to force big employers to provide more health coverage." "Capitol health debate came to spending millions for research vs. money for poor".

Looking For Work

"A federal judge in California ruled last week that day laborers have the right to look for jobs on public sidewalks - a decision with significant implications for cities throughout South Florida. ... The message that all South Florida cities should take from Judge Marshall's ruling is this: Don't even think about pulling people off the sidewalks, unless you have provided them an alternative gathering place. Even then, you must mind their constitutional rights. Urinating or littering may be reason enough to arrest someone, but just being a worker looking for work is not." "Looking for work is not a crime".

Whatever

"Michael Peltier: There's no need for Jeb to discuss his legacy" ("The fate of some of the governor's initiatives won't be realized until after he's gone.")

Desperate

The Shaw folks are getting desperate: "Commentary: Klein draws flak from GOP over lobbyist's dated address".

HD 67

Jeremy Wallace:

Richard J. Jackson, a Manatee County Democrat, has filed paperwork to run for the state Legislature against his insurance agent, state Rep. Ron Reagan. ...

Jackson, who did lobbying work for the Manatee County School District, said the one-party domination is not working and Democrats need to have a role in setting policy.

Kelo

"The measure, which Gov. Jeb Bush says he will sign, allows cities and counties to use eminent domain only for clearly specified public purposes such as schools, roads and other infrastructure." "Kelo-proofed".

Gov. Jeb Bush went into his last regular session as governor with a wide-ranging political agenda, insisting this was "not a year for legacy."

He was right.

The state's only two-term Republican governor -- one of the most popular politicians in recent Florida history -- was handed the biggest defeats of his eight years in office by a Republican-led Legislature already looking beyond the Bush era.

Two of the governor's "legacy" initiatives -- taxpayer-paid vouchers for children in failing public schools and a constitutional amendment that would ease class-size restrictions approved by voters four years ago -- suffered humiliating defeats.

Insurance Flop

"Financial, political pressures stymie real insurance solution". See also "For cheaper insurance, first make it more expensive".

Privatization Follies

"Critics and legislators, however, say the case raises the appearance of favoritism and disregard for Florida's competitive-bidding process." "FDLE worker's ties raise concerns".

The Session

Troxler argues that some of the biggest news is what didn't happen in the session: "Key lime pie aside, sometimes the big news is what didn't happen".

Overviews of the session: See "'Great Session' Leaves Dregs", "Session Serves Up Tax Treats, Key Lime Pie, Motto", "Legislature steers cash to [Broward] county", "Central Florida fared well during legislative session", "Broward projects in state budget", Palm Beach "County's satisfied with share of state cash", "Palm Beach County nets $226 million", "Lawmakers Pruitt, Negron help push Treasure Coast projects forward" and "Lawmakers herald increase in education spending".

A review of what happened by subject matter:

- "Crime and Punishment/Public Safety".

- "Education".

- "Environment".

- "Higher education".

- "Privatization".

- "Other issues".

Women Lead State Parties

"For the first time in state history, women lead both of the state's major political parties." "Face off: The women behind Florida politics".

Harris Watch

"Gov. Bush and other Republicans think House Speaker Allan Bense should challenge U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris in the GOP primary. Bense is considering the idea." "Bense suggested as Harris challenger".

Claims Bill

"The Florida Legislature has once again denied a request to pay a financial claim for Minouche Noel, the 17-year-old Broward County girl who is paralyzed due to doctors' errors." "Legislature still won't pay claim for medical care". See also "Paralyzed teen's claims bill ran into stone wall in Senate".

Boozy Finish

"As midnight loomed, lawmakers' speeches grew giddier and less comprehensible as staff watched on closed-circuit television from their offices, many rolling their eyes. Bense, R-Panama City, said he was unaware that the white cups cluttering the chamber contained alcohol, but conceded that the carousing is a tradition. 'I didn't see it,' said Bense, who lingered outside Clyde's after his party. 'I was in my office. I can't control what members do, and I'm focused on session. And I don't think, if it happened, it's the first time it happened.'" "Boozy celebrations mark session's wrap-up".

More Exemptions

"An open-records advocate laments a "tsunami" of exemptions enacted this year." "Lawmakers draw veil over more records".

"Fat Cats Prevail"

"[A] promised next step toward limiting campaign contributions from those same lobbyists stumbled in the Legislature. A grand scheme to virtually eliminate super-sized contributions of tens of thousands of dollars to state lawmakers crashed this week, leaving behind a limited tweak that satisfied few lawmakers." "Push to limit contributions abandoned until next year".

More bluntly, "Fat cats prevail":

They just couldn't do it. The Republican leaders of the Florida House just could not bring themselves to slow the flow of special interest money into slush funds controlled by dozens of legislators. By failing to embrace Senate President Tom Lee's reform effort, they demonstrated they are more beholden to the influence peddlers who pay for their travel and fancy meals than to the Floridians they allegedly represent.

McDonald's Next

"The Coalition of Immokalee Workers' one-story office on Main Street is easy to miss, but its dusty mural-covered walls belie a media savvy and organizing muscle rarely seen these days in small-town America." "Workers' coalition takes fight to fast-food giants".

March

The Tampa Trib's William March reviews. some of the weeks political developments.

Marlins Lose

"Bad clock management, bad luck and clever opponents helped doom the latest plan in the Legislature to help build a $430 million Marlins baseball park with tax subsidies." "Marlins bill ran out of time". See also "Clock runs out on the Marlins' stadium money".

Florida's Levees

"South Floridians are very familiar with what can happen when a levee crumbles in the face of a major storm like Hurricane Katrina. If the lake's dike is as susceptible to breaching under a similar onslaught as New Orleans' levees were, we are all in trouble." "Ensure integrity of Okeechobee's dike".

"Election-year bombast"

"Cuba wants to drill for oil off its "north slope," which presents potential problems for South Florida's environment. Rather than election-year bombast, however, this mushrooming dispute requires diplomacy." "Cuba mulls offshore oil drilling".

GOoPer Hypocrisy

For budding GOoPer candidates, Scott Maxwell

has done you the favor of compiling a few key positions that Jeb Bush and other leading Tallahassee Republicans seem to be using this year with great regularity. Feel free to adopt them as your own.

As a Florida Republican, you believe big government should keep its hands off local government -- unless local government is doing something you don't like. See for example: Efforts to control school-start dates, local school boards' budget process and to prohibit roadside-beautification efforts near billboards.

You believe that government should be run by the people -- unless the people are doing something you don't like. See for example: Efforts to overturn voter amendments on class size, high-speed rail and term limits. (Note: You may have to be flexible on efforts to thwart the voters' will if you happen to be up for re-election.)

You believe it is imperative to follow the guidelines of our Founding Fathers (quote them often, mind you) in keeping branches of government separate -- unless one of the other branches is doing something you don't like. See for example: school vouchers. Courts rule them unconstitutional. You decide the courts don't know what they're doing.

That's all you have to do: Follow these three easy steps -- except, of course, when there's something about them you don't like.

With The Knuckledragger Out Of Office ...

Florida can move ahead on stem cell research. "Make stem-cell push in '07" ("A majority of state senators support embryonic stem-cell research. Gov. Bush does not.").

Only Money

"Congressional candidate Nancy Detert has her once-missing campaign money back and ready to help her try to win a seat in Congress."

The Federal Election Commission notified the Venice Republican that she is allowed to re-accept the $94,000 that her campaign treasurer reportedly stole and took to South America. Nine days after he left, Detert's campaign treasurer Randy Maddox returned with $67,000. His parents gave Detert another $27,000 to make up for the amount that the 42-year-old Maddox said he lost while in Argentina.

The Amendment Thing

"After years of proposing constitutional amendments, lawmakers show restraint, adding just three proposals." "Session makes amends for past".

Lynn's GOP loyalty Tested

"By voting with Democrats and other moderate Republicans, Lynn helped block Bush-backed proposals for ballot measures to scale back the class-size amendment and protect school vouchers in the state constitution. The votes, along with an ongoing fight over Senate leadership, has created a level of disarray among Republicans unprecedented during Bush's tenure." "Session tests Sen. Lynn's GOP loyalty".

Regional Planning

"Preserving open space, protecting environmental quality must not take back seat to traffic relief, home building and economic development if this initiative is to succeed in making Central Florida a place people will relish living in. Regional planning has achieved some success at that in other areas of the country. Portland, Ore., relied on regional regulatory power to manage growth and sustain a higher quality of community. The Salt Lake City area chose a voluntary cooperative model similar to Central Florida's and recently forged agreement for a commuter rail system to serve its region of nearly 2 million residents. In both cases, no priorities were higher than preserving open spaces and protecting the environment. It should be so here in Central Florida, with 3.5 million residents or twice that number." "Regional challenge: To stay green as we grow".