[T]he two leading Democratic candidates for governor tangled Friday over issues such as how to stabilize the state's wobbly insurance market and whether Florida should have an earlier presidential primary.

With the rules limiting the discussion to one-minute answers and 30-second rebuttals, the Tiger Bay Club of Orlando forum wasn't a place for Jim Davis and Rod Smith to debate in-depth public policy.

"I'm Rod Smith, and I'm going to summarize my life in the next 59 seconds," Smith joked as he began.

But the forum did offer a glimpse at some of the differences emerging between Davis, the U.S. representative from Tampa, and Smith, the state senator from Alachua.

Cuban Vote

"The two Republican candidates for governor trotted out their Hispanic endorsements Friday, aiming at South Florida's predominantly Republican Cuban-American community, a key voting bloc in GOP primaries."

Crist, the state attorney general, took his statewide bus tour to Orlando to stand with Cuban-American U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez in his hometown. They plan to campaign together in Miami today.

"I believe in this guy, and I want him to be the next governor of Florida," Martinez said.

Gallagher arranged for Al Cárdenas, the Cuban-American former chairman of the Florida Republican Party, to tout his campaign Friday in a conference call with reporters. No matter that Cárdenas had already declared himself for Gallagher weeks ago.

Gallagher, the state chief financial officer, also released a list of 200 members of the ''Hispanics for Gallagher'' team, led by U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami. Among the Cuban Americans on the list: state Reps. Anitere Flores and David Rivera, and Miami-Dade school board Chairman Agustin Barrera.

"Huge Mistake

"A new Florida law will stop nearly all academic trips to Cuba from state universities and community colleges - a huge mistake with an island on the verge of historic change." "More Isolation Wrong Way To Make Cuba Better Neighbor".

State Takeover

"A proposed rule change that would prohibit counties from testing their voting equipment without state approval will be argued Monday, a measure that could create some discomfort among Florida's independently elected elections supervisors." "Showdown Monday on testing of vote machines". See also "Vote security: Who's in charge?" and "State slates hearing to limit checks on voting equipment".

Bus Tour

"Advocating big property tax cuts and big pay raises for some teachers and touting an endorsement by Sen. Mel Martinez, Charlie Crist barnstormed through Florida this week in hope of cementing himself as the front-runner in the Republican governor's primary." "Crist Tours State, Rolling Out Economic, Education Plans". See also "Crist's Tour On A Roll".

The Convention Thing

"GOP's Choice: Cleveland Vs. Tampa".

CFO Candidate

"A Tallahassee investment counselor running for chief financial officer said Friday the state should set up a special property-insurance fund to cover damage from monster storms like Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina. Republican Milt Bauguess said the private insurance market should cover risks from Category 1 through Category 3 hurricanes. Those in Categories 4 and 5 would be covered by the state fund, Bauguess proposed." "CFO candidate offers insurance overhaul". See also "Unknown CFO candidate frustrated in getting out message".

Stillbirth Births?

"Parents of stillborn children will be able to get a certificate of the child's birth under a bill Gov. Jeb Bush signed Friday. Florida is now the 14th state to offer certificates of stillbirths to mothers who carry their children at least 20 weeks and deliver them." "Parents of stillborn can get document of birth".

Crist's Plan

"The state's best teachers could make more money quickly, every school would have a reading coach and principals would have more say in running their schools under an education plan Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist unveiled Friday." "Candidate for top state post touts school plan". See also "Crist Rolls Out Economic, Education Plans".

Bush Praised

"Black legislators praised Gov. Jeb Bush on Friday for signing a bill creating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys." "Council to focus on black men".

Growth Planning

"Local governments shouldn't count on slipping by Florida's growth laws - unless they want to find their development opportunities severely curtailed." "Agency Shows Some Muscle".

Abramoff

"Ex-Abramoff partner: shooter in Boulis murder died 3 years ago".

Charlie Gets Silly

Charlie sometimes says the stupidest things:

It's candidate Charlie Crist's most powerful promise, toward the end of each stump speech: He will make sure his bill to crack down on violent criminals becomes law because he "will sign no other bill" until that one reaches his desk.

So does that mean no other bill will become law in a Crist administration until his "anti-murder" bill is passed?

Not necessarily. Under the Florida constitution, unlike the federal constitution, a bill that clears the legislature automatically becomes law without the governor's signature at most 15 days after it is delivered to him. A governor can kill a bill with a veto, but his inaction has the same practical effect as a signature.

But Crist said he would not veto bills solely to keep his pledge; merely refuse to sign them. "We'll let them become law without a signature," he said.

Bad Money

"State Sen. Rod Smith is returning campaign donations from a close friend whose prison-snacks business was raided by the FBI this week. ... Crist and Gallagher were also returning the money, their campaigns said Friday." "Senator vows to return donation".

"Politically connected Republican"

"R. Alexander Acosta, a politically connected Republican who grew up in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, was tapped Friday by the White House to serve as the top federal prosecutor in South Florida after holding the post for a year on an interim basis." "South Florida man keeps job as U.S. Attorney".

Jebbie "Naive"

"The governor has walked a proverbial tightrope ever since he abolished state affirmative action programs and replaced them with his One Florida Initiative,"

which Bush believes will encourage greater minority participation in government contracting and higher education through race-neutral efforts.

On that score, Bush may be a bit naïve. By itself, increasing the amount of scholarship and loan monies for any student whose parents do not have four-year degrees won't close the noticeable achievement gap between black, Hispanic and white students. Race neutrality, without more targeted efforts, alone won't noticeably improve black academic achievement.

Residency

"In a letter made public Friday night, Bush asks attorney general and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist to give a legal opinion on [Charlotte] County Commissioner Devos' request that she continue to serve while living outside her district." "Bush is perplexed by Devos dilemma The governor seeks a legal opinion on her service and residency.".

Harris

"In her four years in Congress, dozens of aides, including four chiefs of staff, have resigned. Two campaign managers have quit her Senate race." "Harris loses chief of staff, says he'll still help in race".

"Backroom Negotiations"

"A rift is emerging in Florida's once-united congressional delegation over a contentious election-year offshore drilling debate, with Democrats grousing about being left out of 'backroom negotiations' that are occurring among Republicans." "Drilling talks split Florida's D.C. delegation".

She's Not A "Bribe-Taker"

"Amie Parnes: Sen. Nelson disavows 'bribe-taker' mudslinging".

Gallagher

"A state worker has run his rental properties for 11 years. A law school professor says it doesn't look good." "Gallagher employs subordinate".

Cheap

"State knows what works but prefers what's cheap".

What A Deal

"The Scripps Research Institute on Friday formally asked for more time to spend the $369 million the state offered to help lure the biomedical company to Palm Beach County." "Scripps requests extension to 2014".

From The "Values" Crowd

"Jeb Bush today signed a bill into law that repeals the remaining tax on drinks bought at bars and restaurants. The Legislature had repealed parts of the tax in previous years. Restaurants and bars have long complained about the tax because owners say it costs them more to collect and remit than it brings in for the state." "Alcohol drink tax repealed".

Johnson Country

"Randy Johnson may have been snubbed by the GOP's top dogs in Tallahassee, but his campaign said today it's picked up some pretty substantial support in another part of the state." "Is Jacksonville Johnson Country?" See also " Johnson builds support in Jacksonville".

Funny

"Campaign Karma".

Who Is Number Two?

"Attorney General Charlie Crist is shaping a formal, in-depth system to consider and screen applicants to be his lieutenant governor. The candidate and his aides won't talk much about it, however." " The Search for No. 2 Begins".

Donations Returned

"Two candidates for governor are returning donations from a prison contractor whose Gainesville offices were raided by the FBI. Democratic state Sen. Rod Smith said Thursday that he will send $2,500 back to American Institutional Services. Republican state Attorney General Charlie Crist said he will return $500. His GOP rival, state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, is considering what to do with a $500 donation from AIS President Edward Dugger." "Campaign donations returned after FBI raid". See also "State, federal agents raid prison commissary company", "Donor Raid Troubles Candidate", "Prisons inquiry affects Smith" ("The gubernatorial candidate says he will return contributions from a friend whose business was raided by the FBI.")

More Harris Woes

"The chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris announced his resignation Thursday, becoming the latest in a long list of staffers to leave the Sarasota Republican." "Harris' chief of staff quits". See also "Harris Is Losing Another Key Aide".

Fred Barnes Hearts "Jeb!"

Bill Cotterell on the puff piece in the right wing Weekly Standard: "Bush named best governor in U.S.".

Whatever

"Gov. Bush backs president's work, power".

Emasculating SOEs

"Months after a maverick elections supervisor irritated a leading voting-machine company and state officials by conducting unorthodox tests on voting equipment -- and finding security problems -- the state wants to make it harder for counties to check voting machines. The state is proposing rules that require all 67 election supervisors in Florida to get approval from the state Division of Elections before testing their voting equipment for any problems, including whether or not it has security flaws or if the vote-counting software is working correctly." "Machine testing targeted".

Missed Votes

"Missed Votes In U.S. House Haunt Davis Campaign".

Promises, Promises

What will Charlie promise next?

Few Republicans have ever lost votes by promising more tax cuts, and GOP gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Crist followed that well-worn path Thursday by proposing billions of dollars in tax cuts that would dramatically alter the money flow for education.

His announcement led to the harshest intra-party sniping yet, with a supporter of Crist's Republican primary opponent, state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, calling Crist's plan "shallow" and "the mark of someone not ready to be governor."

Mel Hearts Charlie

"At high noon today, Charlie Crist is expected to roll out a big gun in his fight with Tom Gallagher for the crucial Hispanic vote in the Republican primary contest for governor. Mel Martinez, the first Cuban-American elected to the U.S. Senate, will endorse Crist at the Orange County Administration Building, where Martinez served as county chairman from 1998 to 2001." "Martinez to endorse Crist in GOP race for governor".

Hurricane Damage

"Windstorm insurance companies would have to cover water damage caused by hurricanes under a proposal Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis plans to release today, part of a multipronged proposal to solve the problems facing hurricane insurance customers in Florida." "Davis: Repeal law on hurricane water damage".

Predictable Response

"The state's warehousing of about 2,000 kids a day in its 26 detention centers has been noted in report after report, courtroom after courtroom."

Those centers, according to the state Department of Juvenile Justice official in charge of them, need at least $19 million worth of repairs. But two years ago, the state spent just $200,000. "Palm Beach," DJJ Assistant Secretary for Detention Ken Pifer said, "is a big problem." ...

Predictably, the state's response has been to deny the problems, downplay their severity and squash any public scrutiny of them.

Concealed Weapons Concealed

"Gov. Jeb Bush signed a bill Wednesday that exempts concealed weapons permits from the public records laws." "Concealed Guns Get New Wrap".

Condo Veto

"He says a measure that would have let 80 percent of the owners dissolve an association had insufficient safeguards." "Bush vetoes condo dissolution bill".

"One Bradshaw, not two"

"he wife of the Palm Beach County sheriff should not be on the Palm Beach County Commission. Dorothy Bradshaw, who is married to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, revealed this week that she might run for the District 6 seat of Tony Masilotti. He decided not to seek reelection after The Post reported that he helped his wife make $1.3 million from a land deal in Martin County, and then lied about it." "One Bradshaw, not two".

Veto Urged

"Consumer advocates on Thursday urged Gov. Jeb Bush to veto a bill that would weaken oversight of the sale of discount medical cards, a rapidly growing market that some say too many people confuse for an insurance plan." "Consumer advocates urge veto of discount medical card bill".

Negron: McCollum Too Old

"Speaking after a meeting with The Palm Beach Post editorial board, Negron said his 61-year-old opponent represents the politics of the past. He suggested that McCollum's losses in previous statewide elections are evidence that Republicans are looking for new leaders. 'He's from another era, another generation of Florida,' said Negron, who is chairman of the House appropriations committee." "Negron says he's 'new generation' GOP".

Free Enterprise

"Scalpers see benefits in new bill".

Slosberg

"Palm Beach County's Health Care District board is healthier now that self-destructing state Rep. Irv Slosberg has been thrown off the dais. Say this about Slosberg: He did what many can't -- unite the County Commission. Commissioners, on a 6-0 vote, took a rare step in tossing Slosberg as their appointment, four months shy of the end of his term." "County Politics".

U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, D-Tampa, has widespread support among environmental groups as he completes his fifth term in Congress. A lobbyist for Audubon of Florida used to work for him. The executive director of 1000 Friends of Florida has contributed $150 to his campaign.

Activists are more ambivalent, however, about Rod Smith, a state senator from Alachua County.

The distinction could be an important one, since Davis and Smith share similar views on issues such as education and taxes.

Tampa Protests?

Tampa GOoPers are "miffed that people keep bringing up that 500,000 people showed up at the GOP convention in New York in 2004 to march in the streets protesting against President Bush's war in Iraq. Even though the New York cops agreed with the half-million figure, Austin demurred, insisting the actual numbers were just a few thousand and those people were merely in a bad mood. The number is important because by 2008, should the civil war in Iraq devolve into an even bigger debacle than it is now, with more U.S. troops coming home in body bags, the numbers of protesters showing up in Tampa for the Republican Convention might make New York look like a spin around the maypole." "Martial Law A Marketing Gambit".

GOoPers, Running Government Like A Business

"Given the series of scandals that have rocked the Florida Department of Corrections, it's hard to understand why new prisons chief James McDonough would justify the outrageous practice of giving prison bureaucrats lavish housing at bargain-basement rents." "Fair Rents For The Big Houses".

That's Our Mel, The Bridge Builder

"Florida's senators split on the measure, with Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Orlando, voting in favor of bringing the measure up for a vote and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Tallahassee, voting against it." "Gay Marriage Amendment Fails In Senate".

Telephone rate bill

"Bush signs telephone rate bill".

"You're a liar! You're a liar!"

"'You're a liar! You're a liar!' Aaronson told Slosberg a few minutes after Slosberg had finished a Democratic state Senate candidate debate with Ted Deutch before a small nonpartisan group at the South County Civic Center west of Delray Beach. That was only the preview for a raucous Slosberg-Deutch debate in the same auditorium Wednesday night before a partisan audience of more than 500, with three sheriff's deputies on hand for crowd control." "Slosberg trades barbs with Aaronson, Deutch".

So Obvious ...

even Jebbie gets it:

Bush, who misses no chance to take cheap shots at the courts when they rule against him, actually made the most sense. As Sen. Fasano yelped for the state to appeal, the governor said, "Individuals do have the right ... not to say the Pledge of Allegiance. I think that's constitutionally clear. I don't know why you wouldn't want to do it, but I don't think we need to spend a lot of time and energy on this."

Free Enterprise

"Ticket scalpers won't be outlaws".

"Manatees lose their status"

"State fish and wildlife commissioners on Wednesday approved a controversial measure to remove manatees from the state's endangered species list, voting to downgrade the animal to threatened." "State votes to downgrade manatee, eagle endangerment levels". See also "Manatees lose some protection", "State shuffles animals on protection lists" and "Manatees lose their status as 'endangered' in state".

Here's A Dumb Question

Why don't we simply use the pre-existing evacuation plan instead of scrambling to throw a plan together now that the hurricane season has already started?

Instead we read this today: "Federal, state and local officials are working to devise an evacuation plan in case the dike around Lake Okeechobee ruptures during a major hurricane." "Leaky dike a concern for storm season".

Is it possible that the patron saint of hurricane disaster response didn't have a plan for the dikes around Lake Okeechobee rupturing?

In the meantime, this isn't promising: "With hurricane season here, work to shore up Lake Okeechobee dike is halted" and "Sand problems halt Lake O dike repairs".

"Smith's Faith"

The Buzz: "It seems Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith is on the defensive because in May he sent his son-in-law, a Lutheran minister, to represent him at a Miami-Dade Christian Family Coalition’s Pastors Appreciation Prayer Breakfast. Suffice it to say, the group is not a bastion for Democratic primary voters. Smith has sent out a letter to explain". Read the letter here.

Laff Riot

"Ten Reasons Katherine Harris Thinks She Will Win".

See also "Senate Contender in Florida Presses On" ("Undaunted by a run of horrific poll numbers, staff turmoil and public doubts from leaders of her party, Representative Katherine Harris is thinking confidently beyond November.")

"Davis and Graham"

"Jim Davis sure is wringing everything he can out of Bob Graham. Davis' campaign first announced it had snagged Graham's endorsement more than a year ago, marking one of the first significant developments in the Democratic primary race for governor. The campaign then had the former Florida governor and U.S. Senator introduce Davis to thousands of Democratic activists in a speech at the state party's convention last December. And just last week the campaign put together a press release naming Graham Davis' campaign chairman. They're not done. In a new letter being distributed by the campaign, Graham is urging potential donors to contribute to Davis' campaign 'as much as you can up to the $500 limit today.'" "Davis and Graham".

"Everything it wanted"

"It may have been the rockiest session in memory for the National Rifle Association, but the powerful pro-gun group still got almost everything it wanted. Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday signed a package of six NRA-backed bills passed this spring by the Republican-controlled Legislature, including a measure (HB 687) that makes personal information about people who carry concealed weapons exempt from the state's public-records laws." "Bush signs 6 pro-gun bills".

Nelson Backs Off Aide's Remark

This was expected: "Nelson raps aide for "bribe-taker" comment". But check out the audacity of this from central Florida's pipsqueak oil drilling fanatic: "Rep. Dan Mica sent Nelson a letter Wednesday calling for him to reprimand McLaughlin ... ."

Drug Abuse

"Bush touts successes in fighting drug abuse".

Low-Balling Pre-K

"Florida voters wanted to give 4-year-olds a 'high quality' prekindergarten, but lawmakers are still playing low-ball. After being created last year on a shoestring budget, the universal pre-K program won't even keep pace with inflation in its second year. In budgetary terms, this new child is suffering from neglect." "Doing pre-K right will cost more".

Silly or Desperate? ...

you decide:

Carole Jean Jordan, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, today sharply criticized local Congressman Jim Davis of Tampa for missing a key vote on national security at a time "when our men and women are fighting overseas."

Pick Your Poison

"We elected the wrong Bush brother".

"Republicans For Davis"

"From the Davis campaign today: "Tampa Bay area Jim Davis supporters spoke out today against Republican attacks on the Democratic frontrunner for governor. As further proof of Davis’s solid support in the state’s largest media market, his champions included Republicans, Independents, and other non-traditional Democratic voters." "Republicans For Davis".

Teacher Crisis

"Studies show that about 7,000 Florida teachers quit the profession last year. About 40 percentof all teachers leave in less than five years." "Why teach here?". See also "Recruiters try to woo teachers at state job fair in Tampa".

Whatever Works

"Democrat Alex Sink, a candidate for the Cabinet post, is drumming up traffic for her new campaign web site by asking e-mail recipients to try to win a dinner with her." "Spam Plan".

Whatever

"Gov. Jeb Bush expected to meet with President regarding line-item veto".

No Shortage of Demagoguery

Troxler:

Political consultants warned Wednesday that the nation faces a critical shortage of demagoguery later this year, given the rapid pace at which America's elected leaders have been squandering the supply.

"It's only June, and we've already been through immigration, flag burning, the estate tax and gay marriage," warned Roger Ailment, president of the National Association of Yahoos and Know-Nothings, in the keynote speech of the group's annual convention.

From The "Values" Crowd

"A reef conservation group that has repeatedly asked state officials to take action on a sewer pipe discharging partially treated waste near an ailing stretch of coral reef is invoking the Endangered Species Act and asking the federal government to help." "Group points to new shield for coral in reef-revival attempt". See also "On World Oceans Day" ("Of the 48 continental states, only Florida boasts tropical coral reefs. And as we observe World Oceans Day today, it should not go unmentioned that they are in danger, deserving much greater protection than governments at all levels afford them.")

Road Rage

"Attorney General Charlie Crist takes his run for governor on the road today, starting a three-day bus tour with 14 campaign events scattered across the peninsula. The tour is set to start this morning in downtown Fort Lauderdale with a rally at Esplanade Park and continue with events in Naples, Punta Gorda, Sarasota and St. Petersburg." "Crist to embark on 3-day statewide bus tour".

GGoPers Late To The Game

"Florida agriculture officials were caught off guard by the quarantine, which also puts stricter guidelines on shipping of the fruit that can be sold. It’s not clear how long the rule will last." "Gov. Bush to push USDA to alter citrus ban". See also "Gov. Bush calls citrus shipping ban 'overkill'".

Go Gators

"Thinking about environmentalism is one thing. The University of Florida is thinking bigger and putting its ideas into practice. As The [Palm Beach] Post reported, UF is integrating zero-waste initiatives in everything from cooking to cars to facilities, part of a master plan aimed at the emerging concept of sustainability. Other state universities are pursuing "green" initiatives that go beyond hybrid vehicles and reclaimed water. But the state's flagship university intends to be the leader. President Bernie Machen's declaration that UF will become the nation's most sustainable university is consistent with the nationwide Top-10 aspirations UF set in hiring him three years ago." "Orange, blue and green".

We Had Resisted ...

but since Scott Maxwell (in his new blog) didn't, here it is: "Harris's tight clothes and, um, lollipop".

Insurer of Last Resort

"Two struggling Florida insurance companies don't have enough available cash to cover claims if a large hurricane hits and may have to have their policies placed with the state's insurer of last resort, the Tallahassee Democrat has learned. Robin Westcott, assistant general counsel for the state Office of Insurance Regulation, said officials 'have concerns' about 'a couple of companies' but declined to name them or provide the number of policyholders who might be involved." "Two insurers may give up policies".

"Dark day for Florida citrus"

"The federal government will ban the shipment of fresh citrus from Florida to states such as California and Texas this fall in a bid to contain the spread of citrus canker. Florida's citrus growers and agriculture regulators, who had lobbied against such a ban since it was first proposed several weeks ago, said Tuesday that they were stunned by the decision. With millions of dollars' worth of fruit shipments at stake, 'This is a dark day for Florida citrus,' said Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association in Maitland. 'We're extremely disappointed.'" "Feds ban Florida citrus sent to 6 states".

Chamber Poll

"A Florida Chamber of Commerce poll shows Charlie Crist leading Tom Gallagher 42 percent to 23 percent in the Republican gubernatorial primary. The recent poll, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, included 800 likely Republican primary voters in Florida. Polling was conducted from May 23 to 25, and the margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points." According to this poll,

President Bush has a favorable rating of 79 percent and an unfavorable rating of 17 percent.

Masilotti

"Dorothy Bradshaw, the wife of Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, said Tuesday she's considering a run for the western District 6 seat on the county commission after being encouraged by some Democrats to enter the race." "Sheriff's wife may run for Masilotti's seat".

Mixed Reviews

"A++ Plan getting mixed reviews".

The Education Governor

"Florida received an overall grade of 'F' in the first-ever study to evaluate states' academic standards for teaching kindergarten to 12th-grade world history. These standards are what a student is expected to know in the subject." "Study: State flunks test of teaching world history".

Too Little, Too Late

"The state will better be able to monitor the finances of voucher-taking schools and will now have the authority to end payments if officials suspect fraud or abuse. Schools participating in the Corporate Tax Credit vouchers also will have to administer standardized tests to voucher students, although those scores will be given only to a third-party group for program-wide evaluation and will not reflect how any particular school is performing. The new law also requires criminal background checks for teachers and other workers at voucher schools, although it does not require academic standards for teachers. Public schools, in contrast, are all graded annually, with each school's average scores available on the Internet. And public school teachers must all be certified." "Gov. Bush signs bill strengthening oversight of school voucher programs". See also "Bush signs bill giving new vouchers to kids in stricken program".

Wildlife Protection

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is named that way for a reason. Its mission is to protect the state's most vulnerable residents.

It must remember that mission today, when it considers two measures that could decide the fate of two gentle species: the manatee and the gopher tortoise.

Florida's history in handling man's invasion of the gopher tortoise habitat is especially cruel. The commission permits builders to either crush the creatures to death, or bury them alive, subjecting them to slow, torturous deaths.

Not only is the practice unspeakably barbaric, the commission's own biologists recognize that the tortoise's numbers are declining. Since 1991, state officials have allowed builders to entomb or kill 71,000 tortoises, and more than two-thirds of their habitat has disappeared since Florida's colonization.

Jennings Hearts Lee

"Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings endorsed Senate President Tom Lee for chief financial officer on Tuesday, a move that could help the Brandon lawmaker, especially in Jennings' hometown of Orlando. Lee is battling state Rep. Randy Johnson of Celebration in the Republican primary for the Cabinet post. Jennings' support, which includes her agreeing to serve as honorary chair of his campaign, comes three weeks after Gov. Jeb Bush endorsed Lee." "Jennings backs Lee for state finance post". See also "Toni for Tom" and "Lieutenant governor backs Lee in Republican primary for CFO".

For more on the race see "Candidates For CFO Offer GOP Voters Marked Contrast".

Davis

"Davis, running to replace Gov. Jeb Bush, has missed more congressional votes than all but one of his colleagues. But being there would not have changed the results." "Davis has skipped a lot of votes, says it doesn't matter".

Smith 527

"A political committee using what critics call a loophole in campaign finance laws is targeting likely Democratic voters by mail and telephone to promote gubernatorial hopeful Rod Smith."

The group, funded largely by developers and a prison contractor who donated $30,000, is trying to acquaint voters with the state senator, little known outside his North Florida district, before the Sept. 5 primary.

Floridians for Responsible Government Inc., headed by an Orlando developer and close family friend of Smith's, raised $90,000 in March and paid for the mailings and automated phone calls, called "electioneering communications" under state elections laws.

Florida GOoPers Say Raid OK

"Ginny Brown-Waite, Ric Keller, Cliff Stearns and several other House Republicans from Florida are taking the rare step of opposing their leaders over an FBI raid on a Democratic congressman's Capitol Hill office in a corruption investigation. Their criticism reflects a concern that House Speaker Dennis Hastert and others are setting a double standard as well as a new independence as political trends threaten the GOP's hold on Congress this fall." "House Republicans defend FBI's Capitol Hill raid".

More on Pennington

Yesterday, we noted this story about Roger "Rocky" Pennington, a well-known campaign consultant for the Republican Party of Florida, and his inaptly named "Committee to Restore Integrity in Politics"; here's more from the Buzz:

As the Buzz reported earlier this year, the 527 committee was accused by Lakes Wales Sen. J.D. Alexander of funding recorded phone messages attacking his vote on a controversial phone rate bill. Alexander said it was retribution for his decision to join other GOP senators who defected in February from backing Sen. Alex Villalobos for Senate president in 2008. Viallobos said at the time he knew nothing about the calls and that he had never worked with Pennington.

Wexler

In a follow up to yesterday's piece on Wexler's travels, the Palm Beach Post has this today: "Wexler addresses costs, defends Kazakhstan trip as important".

Jenne

"Sale of condo not reported on Broward County sheriff's tax filing".

Voucher Madness

"About 700 students who received unconstitutional vouchers can transfer to an another taxpayer funded program that pays for private schooling under a bill Gov. Jeb Bush signed into law Tuesday." "Bush signs voucher bill".

Senate Dem Office Controversy

This is getting Messy:

Republican Party of Florida lawyers visited the Senate Democratic office this month to review receipts of the office's checking account, a possible prelude to more investigations into Democratic political committees.

The Republicans' attorneys reviewed the use of $50,000 given in 2004 to the Senate Democratic Office by Florida Senate Victory, a Democratic political committee.

Slosberg

"Slosberg ousted from health district board".

Expensive Convention

"GOP convention could cost Tampa $124 million". See also " GOP Convention Sticker Shock" and "A worthy prize" ("Tampa needs to watch costs as it pursues the 2008 GOP convention.")

"Race wide open"

"Polls consistently show Davis with a comfortable lead, but neither candidate is well-known, and undecided Democrats outnumber the committed. That makes the race wide open." "Governor Choices Stump Democrats".

A debate in Orlando this Friday: "Democrats to go head-to-head".

Expensive GOoPers

"Hosting the Republican National Convention in Tampa could cost about $124 million, with about $85 million coming from public sources." "Costly Taxpayer Tab For GOP's Convention".

Manatees

"[T]he FWC must keep in mind the continuing rapid pace of development in Florida that makes it harder and harder for the state's unique fauna and flora to survive in substantial numbers. In all cases, science, not special interests, should guide commissioners." "Let science govern choices on species". But see "In Saving Florida's Wildlife, Action More Important Than Lists".

Storms

"Ronda Storms' nemesis - Hillsborough County's gay community - has set up shop in her political back yard and plans to hold some in-your-face events designed to derail her run for state Senate." "Gay Political Activists Target Storms' Bid For State Senate". See also "Florida Gays Flex Political Muscle".

Church-run day cares

"But in Florida, health and safety regulations for home-based care centers fall far short of the rules imposed on for-profit child-care centers. And state law gives the Department of Children and Families little power to do anything about problems in church-run day cares, a weakness grimly illustrated in the death of 2-year-old Zaniyah Hinson in 2001." "For the children".

Rod's Rainmakers

"South Florida is the biggest prize in Democratic primary politics, and Rod Smith today handed another Miami lawyer a top slot in his campaign by naming Daniel Ponce his finance chair. Ponce is a Democratic fundraiser who used to be special counsel to former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham (who's backing Jim Davis in this year's Democratic gubernatorial primary). The announcement comes not long after Smith made Chris Korge, another Miami lawyer and Democratic fundraiser, his general campaign chair. " "Smith's Rainmakers".

Gross

"Because of a bad ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency, the state can dump polluted water into clean water."

The change could be a setback for efforts to clean up the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee and the east and west coast marine breeding grounds that receive the lake's dirty overflow. With its ruling, the EPA also perpetuates threats to water supplies for the lakeside towns of South Bay and Pahokee. In 2000, The Post reported that chemicals added to treat the water create health risks for pregnant women.

Predictably, a spokesman for the South Florida Water Management District hailed the change because it would reduce the agency's costs and bureaucracy for managing flood control in the Everglades ecosystem. Because of the ruling, the district could send dirty water from urban canals into the Everglades or Lake Okeechobee, or dump polluted lake water into the cleaner St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.

CFO

"The Florida Professional Firefighters ... voted to endorse Republican state Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Celebration, for chief financial officer. Meanwhile, Democratic CFO candidate Alex Sink is touting her redesigned website that is supposed to enable her to directly organize and interact with voters." " Firefighters for Johnson, Sink's Site".

Travel Habits

"A study that looked into congressional travel habits found that members of Congress traveled far and often. Though it wasn't necessarily against the law, it gives a look at how things work in Washington." "Florida Lawmakers Singled Out". See also "Wexler's travels include $29,951 Kazakhstan trip", "Group scrutinizes Congress' 23,000 trips for $50 million" and "Congress traveling well -- on private tab".

Education Bill

"Florida high school students will be the first in the nation required to declare majors and minors like college students, as part of a sweeping education overhaul bill that Gov. Jeb Bush signed Monday." "Gov. Bush signs education bill". See also "Jeb puts seal on a massive education-reform package", "Bush signs education bill requiring high school majors", "Bush signs education bill" and "Bush signs bill requiring ninth-graders to pick majors".

Whatever

"Governor calls for increase in ethanol imports".

Jenne

"The Broward County Sheriff's Office is carrying a heavy burden these days. Sheriff Ken Jenne has been under state and federal investigation for more than a year. Citizens are right to ask whether the agency can continue to function effectively amid the distractions and embarrassment of the ongoing inquiries." "Ken Jenne".

Vetos

"Editorial: Bush veto pen strikes deep".

Masilotti

"County Commission Chairman Tony Masilotti tried to insert a Wellington businessman into a deal to provide county land for a nonprofit children's shelter, officials said Monday." "Official: Masilotti backed businessman in shelter land deal". See also "Mega-money. Masilotti. So maybe...".

2000

"Nearly six years later, the two most famous women from Florida's 2000 presidential recount broke bread in the same ballroom Monday and showed that the electoral cliffhanger still can elicit frustration and differing recollections from some of its key players. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris, responding to an audience question at a Forum Club of the Palm Beaches luncheon, defended her handling of the recount when she was Florida's secretary of state and chided Palm Beach County for not completing its hand tally on time. Her remarks didn't go over well with Palm Beach County's own recount celebrity, former elections chief and butterfly ballot designer Theresa LePore, who was part of the audience of about 400." "Harris, LePore still split in recounting ballot battle". See also "Memories of 2000 election lingering".

Missing Kids

"Florida has a skyrocketing total of foster kids who have vanished".

"Worthless"

"Despite the state's burgeoning Hispanic population, an education think tank gives Florida an F when it comes to teaching students about the history of Latin America -- or any other civilization."

The failing grade comes because the state's standards for teaching world history are so vague, concludes the study by the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, which didn't hesitate to castigate the state.

"Florida's approach is so superficial that it is, for all intents and purposes, worthless," said the report, which was released Monday. "There's nothing glowing in the Sunshine State's standards, and little worth redeeming."

Silver Springs

"Adding 11,000 homes, shopping centers and a golf course near Silver Springs could mean the end of the ecological treasure." "Save the springs".

Harris Explains

"Katherine Harris thinks she knows why she's been shunned by her party leadership and shirked by big donors, and it has nothing to do with political platforms."

"Perhaps in some elite circles, the reason I have not gotten more support ... is because they don't believe I can be controlled," Harris said Monday during a speech to the nonpartisan Forum Club of the Palm Beaches.

Harris, a two-term congresswoman who as secretary of state gained national notoriety for her role in the 2000 presidential recount that handed the race to George W. Bush, said she would not "kowtow" to the administration or her party.

Young Wingers

"The Florida Federation of Young Republicans' weekend straw poll. This is the same group that Tom Gallagher won over big in April. Supposedly more than 100 members participated in the non-binding popularity contest, which is widely seen as a crucial barometer of, well, the people participating." " Joe Negron, Will McBride Win...".

"Stealth Smith Support"

"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith may have found a way to overcome the narrow fundraising lead of Democratic rival Jim Davis of Tampa: benefactors pumping money into a virtually anonymous separately operating political committee. A slick flier touting Smith's "Experience, Vision, Guts" hit Democratic households across the state. The flier, which stresses Smith's legislative successes including fighting Republican efforts to weaken the class size amendment, came not from the Smith campaign, but from a group called Floridians for Responsible Government. It was created in February by Michael Spellman of Ocala, a longtime family friend of Smith's and former top fundraiser for 1998 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Buddy MacKay." "Stealth Smith Support".

FCAT Follies

"Poor FCAT reading scores for 10th-graders confound teachers".

Nickle and Dime

"Here's another of those situations in which it's smart to pay a little more now to avoid much higher costs later. But Florida state government, which has taken over financing of the state's judicial system, doesn't seem to understand that. ... In a nutshell, lawyers are leaving state attorneys' and public defenders' offices in droves. The reason? They don't get paid enough to cover the high cost of living, especially in South Florida, plus payments on their law school loans, which can run as high as $700 a month." "Courts".

Jeremy Wallace

"Election advisers say it's best to drive voters batty".

"Onerous Rules" Challenged

"Filing a lawsuit is usually not the optimal remedy to a problem, but the League of Women Voters of Florida was right to challenge the constitutionality of a truly objectionable provision in an election law approved by the Legislature in 2005." "Voter registration drives targeted".

Slosberg

"Democratic state Rep. Irving Slosberg's tenure on the Palm Beach County Health Care District board has roughly paralleled his fortunes with the local Democratic establishment. Both are in jeopardy." "Controversies open Slosberg to attack".

Graham

Former Senator Bob

Graham can't resist a quick analysis of Florida politics. He predicts Democrats will do well, aided by GOP infighting and the "stunning development" of Gov. Jeb Bush and other top Republicans unsuccessfully trying to force Katherine Harris out of the Senate race.

"My goodness," says Graham with mock seriousness. "Republicans have been acting -- dare I say it -- like Democrats."

"Foul Ploys"

"How many lawmakers would openly file a bill to help a single lobbyist dock his boat at his house? Or reverse a whistle-blower's lawsuit to help a major bank? Or rewrite bidding rules to enrich a single business? This past legislative session, the answer was none. But during the closing weeks of the session, lawmakers quietly pushed amendments onto other legislation that would have accomplished exactly those goals and many others that probably never would have been filed as stand-alone bills." "Last-minute legislative amendments face scrutiny as fair play or foul ploy".

Insurance

"Insurance worries create opportunity for change".

"Jeb!" Watch

Moffett: "Gov. Bush continues to deny the story that he will become commissioner of the National Football League when he leaves office next year, but I think we all know that denial is always the first affirmation in matters of personal ambition. Jeb calls play, but ready for audibleAn intersection of sports and politics only guarantees that there will be no straight answers".

Global Warming

"[A] recent survey finds that, at least in Florida, public opinion matches the broad scientific consensus: Anglers and hunters, a conservative constituency, overwhelmingly agree that global warming is an urgent problem requiring immediate attention. The survey, a scientific, nonpartisan poll commissioned by the Florida Wildlife Federation, finds that nearly three out of four hunters and anglers want immediate action on global warming. Another 63 percent say the country is on the "wrong track" in meeting America's energy needs." "Global warming is too big for politics".

Watering Down Manatee Protection

"The state wildlife commission will decide this week whether to revise the legal status of gopher tortoises and manatees, two species that have suffered over the past few decades as people crowded into Florida." "State agency to consider whether to move manatees off endangered list". See also "State should keep manatee status, fix listing rules".

Cheap Housing

"Higher-ups are paying as little as $150 a month for housing on prison grounds. Some say those officials shouldn't be getting such discounts." "Prison bosses' cheap rent: perk or fair practice?".

Crist Strong In Tampa Bay

"With the September primary election less than 95 days away, Tampa Bay Republicans have given home town candidate Charlie Crist, the front runner for governor, a strong show of support, according to a poll of voters in the six-county area." "Tampa Bay Favorite: It’s Crist By 20 In GOP Primary".

John Edwards

George Bennett notes that the "latest potential 2008 White House seeker to come through Palm Beach County: 2004 Democratic Veep nominee and "Two Americas" riffmaster John Edwards, who visited about 50 party activists Thursday at the Gunster Yoakley law firm in West Palm Beach.". "Commentary: Known names in both parties shun Masilotti commission seat".

Falling

The PBP reports that "FCAT reading scores for 10th-graders in two of three local school districts have not fallen as fast as the rest of the state." "As 10th-grade scores lag, sophomores wail: Reading makes 'em weep".

"Potential that they may profit personally"

"In a state fueled by booming land development, hundreds of public officials from top state leaders to small-town mayors make critical government decisions about roads, schools and growth while also managing their personal land deals and investments -- with the potential that they may profit personally." "Lawmakers as landowners". See also "Weak law, vague forms leave taxpayers in dark" ("State ethics panel is unable to check out officials' assets unless a complaint is filed.")

AFSCME

"AFSCME goes with a joint endorsement of Democratic gubernatorial candidates Jim Davis and Rod Smith." "Joint AFSCME Endorsement".

Too Moderate?

"Both sides of the gay marriage ban issue have criticized Sen. Bill Nelson for his moderate approach to the issue." "Both sides chide Nelson for his same-sex stance".

"An unhealthy obsession with control"

"Campaigning in staunchly conservative Brevard and Indian River counties Saturday, Davis said Florida voters should loosen the Republican grip on Tallahassee because it has created 'an unhealthy obsession with control.'" "Davis asks voters to divide state's power".

Teacher Pay

Troxler: "Until now, Florida's teachers have overwhelmingly opposed change. It will be interesting to see, once a sizable chunk of them are getting that extra 5 percent or better, how unified that opposition remains." "Changing the way we pay teachers". See also "While Imperfect, Teacher Pay Plans Get Conversation Started".

"Jeb!" Watch

Houston Chronicle: "Jeb Bush silent on political future".

Ombudsman Fired

"Less than two years after naming him as the nation's first condominium ombudsman, Gov. Jeb Bush has fired Virgil Rizzo and replaced him with a Department of Health attorney with no known condo law experience." "Bush fires condo watchdog who became thorn in the side". See also "Bush names health department attorney as new condo ombudsman".

Charlie Walks Fine Line

"The GOP gubernatorial candidate blames his opponent for the state’s ills, but sidesteps his own role as a Cabinet officer."

His attack, long anticipated, sought to impugn the man sitting to his left, Tom Gallagher, his opponent in the GOP primary and one of Citizens’ creators. Today, Crist continues his critique, saying he would like to "blow up" Citizens in a taped interview for Political Connections that airs at 11 a.m. on Bay News 9.

"I didn’t create it, my opponent did," Crist said in the interview. "I think, you know, casting blame is difficult to do, but the problem is that Citizens is a disaster. I don’t think there is any question about it."

But as Crist levies his attacks, he breezes past two key points:

Attorney general since 2003, he has been a member of the Cabinet with the same level of responsibility for insurance oversight as Gallagher, the chief financial officer. And his one specific idea for shoring up Florida’s insurance market — requiring companies writing auto policies to offer homeowners — has been rejected as unworkable by politicians and industry leaders alike.

Running Government Like A Business

"As a regional director in Florida's prison system, Richard Dugger lives in a state-owned, 4,498-square-foot home with a vineyard. His rent is $150 a month and he pays another $100 for utilities. Two other regional prison directors and several other high-ranking officials pay similar rent for housing on prison grounds that state law says is reserved for wardens, guards, medical personnel and other employees who must quickly respond in a riot, escape or other emergency." "Prison housing criticized".

"Jeb!" Jobs

"Though it drew no definitive conclusions, a report by North Carolina health officials has strengthened the hypothesis that exposure to pesticides helped to cause severe deformities of three babies born to migrant farmworkers who worked for a Florida-based tomato grower." "Pesticides in the fields, defects in workers' babies".

Jenne

"As debt rose for Jenne, assets fell by more than $400,000". See also "Sheriff Jenne should step aside".

Good Luck

"On Wednesday, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, meeting in West Palm Beach, will decide whether to "downlist" the Florida manatee from endangered to threatened. The commission decided against this in 2002, after public outcry and statistics showing that the manatee population still is endangered. Nothing has changed about the need for protection. But the boating groups that want free rein to speed on the state's waterways and developers who want to build docks and condos in manatee habitat have become even more powerful." "Manatees still aren't safe". See also "Manatees 'endangered' no more?"

"Jeb!" Will Get Right On It

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board observes in "Global opportunity" that

The effect of global warming on Floridians - hurricanes and rising sea levels that will devour parts of our state - will be intensely local. But the global economic and leadership opportunities it offers our state are profound.

The message two noted climate scientists - Peter Webster and Judith Curry of Georgia Tech - shared with Gov. Jeb Bush and gubernatorial candidate and attorney general Charlie Crist last week was simple: Global warming poses a threat to Florida more than to any other state and most nations.

Achievement Gap

"No ultimate plan exists to close the learning achievement gap because there is no simple explanation for why some children are more likely to score lower on school achievement tests -- and not just the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test." "Bridging the achievement gap".

CD 8

"Republican U.S. Rep. Ric Keller can't bank on another landslide election victory this year. Times have changed." "District 8 may pose challenge for GOP".

Identifying Contributors

"Davis certainly isn't the first candidate to do this. Gov. Jeb Bush, for instance, used variations such as 'info requested' for more than 1,100 contributions during his 2002 re-election campaign, though he also raised far more money than Davis has so far." "Davis requests contributors' IDs, but that won't suffice".

McBride

"GOP Hopeful Not Throwing In The Towel". See also Scott Maxwell's "Offering an alternative".

Grayson

Scott Grayson, has just jumped into the CD 8 race, "but before Grayson can even get a shot at the favored Keller in this Orlando-centered, Republican-leaning district, he would have to first get through a Democratic primary. And that may be a challenge.""Railing Against The War".

Easily "Wowed"

"Florida's attorney general wows GOP voters on his trek across the state." "Crist steps up gubernatorial campaign".

CD 13 Forum

Daryl Lease's observations on the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club CD 13 candidate forum in Moderating a divisive debate", beginning with the Democrats and Christine Jennings' remarks:

, the I'm a politician," she said as she was warming up to the liberal-or-conservative query, "so I've learned to talk out of both sides of my mouth."

She went on to explain that, "I feel like I am an independent, although I am a registered Democrat. I am a moderate conservative because I'm a fiscal conservative, and I am a moderate liberal because I believe in the social programs that have made America great."

Her Democratic opponent, Jan Schneider, said she doesn't care much for labels, particularly since the reviled tax-and-spend liberals are now pretty much indistinguishable from borrow-and-spend conservatives.

Schneider said she's much more centrist than she was in her run against Harris two years ago -- because of her concern over the national debt. "I'd love to be an Eleanor Roosevelt liberal," she said, "but times have changed."

Undermining Harris

"Headlining Broward's Lincoln Day dinner, Karl Rove continued to undercut Katherine Harris Friday. 'There's still a primary fight out there,' Rove said, noting three little-known Republican candidates. 'I would like to see Republicans work their will.'" "Rove And Harris".