Although Sink has promised to scale-back the wholesale privatization of state services that has gone on under Bush -- antagonizing the workers' union -- she also skipped the organization's endorsement meeting earlier this summer. 'I guess she took our endorsement for granted,' Martin added.

Babcock

"A developer agreed to limit sprawl on a huge conservation project in exchange for the Sierra Club agreeing to not demand lower density levels on the purchase." "Land deal demand dropped".

Smith's Small Liability?

"Smith's small-town sensibilities could be big-time liabilities for him in the Sept. 5 primary against a congressman from Tampa, Jim Davis. With a smaller political base and fundraising network, Smith is the underdog at a time when Democrats are desperate for victory in the GOP-dominated capital."

As he campaigns for governor of the nation's fourth largest state, Democratic state Sen. Rod Smith often jokes about his stagnant hometown of Alachua, population 6,098.

"When someone got pregnant, someone else left town," he says.

His statewide bus tour this week showed that his small-town, North-Central Florida roots are a large part of his popular appeal -- and his potential undoing.

He's a different kind of Democrat, supporters say, who can win over parts of the state where other Democrats have failed. From the Gadsden County Courthouse to the Live Oak train depot to a Pensacola diner that vows "no grits, no glory," supporters gushed over his folksy demeanor and sensitivity to small-town and rural issues.

GOoPer Ads

Gallagher: "Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Gallagher promises higher pay for teachers, more power for principals and an emphasis on math and science in his latest TV ad focused on education." "Gallagher's latest ad focuses on education". See also "Gallagher's New TV Ad".

Crist: "The radio ad is the first by any major candidate for governor to air in Miami-Dade County and is meant to introduce voters to Crist. By airing it on Spanish-language radio first, Crist, who has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, is marching ahead with his strategy to reach out to Hispanic voters in Miami-Dade who will be a decisive bloc during the GOP primary" "ADWATCH: A Miami Herald look at candidates' campaign ads this political season".

One Last Shot

"The final day of Rod Smith's bus tour brings another jab from the Jim Davis campaign. It asserts Smith voted with other lawmakers to "raid" $20-million from the hurricane catastrophe fund in 2001, resulting in higher insurance rates." "Davis: Smith raided CAT fund". See also "Davis slams rival's voting record" ("Davis said Thursday that his rival for the Democratic nomination for governor has voted wrong on environmental issues and has been too helpful to the insurance industry.")

See "Rod Smith vs. Jim Davis" ("During Rod Smith's three-day bus tour, his Democratic primary rival dispatched daily e-mail attacks. Here are Jim Davis' accusations and Smith's responses").

'Glades

"Huge reservoir to restore flow to the Everglades".

Reform Candidate

"St. Petersburg's Max Linn, president of Florida Citizens for Term Limits, filed papers Thursday as a Reform Party candidate for governor, and will get help from former campaign staff of one-time Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and presidential contender Ross Perot." "Reform to the Max". See also "Pinellas activist joins governor's race".

Vocal Bishop

"Opening a window into how he intends to lead Southwest Florida's Catholics, Bishop-select Frank J. Dewane said Thursday he would not deny Holy Communion to pro-choice politicians, but would continue the church's fight against abortion." "New bishop plans to be vocal politically".

"Towns blight themselves by legalizing discrimination"

"It's a distasteful trend. States and towns across the country are manipulating the law to go after illegal immigrants."

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 57 pieces of legislation have passed in more than two dozen states (out of 500 introduced) to restrict or cut off employment, health, housing and other benefits to illegal immigrants. Towns are rewriting trespassing, rental, code enforcement and permitting ordinances to literally exclude illegal immigrants from town and declare themselves -- as one small Cape Cod, Mass., town did -- "not a sanctuary for illegal aliens."

Next Monday, the City Council in Avon Park, a town half-way between Orlando and Lake Okeechobee, is scheduled to vote on just such a far-reaching ordinance, the culmination of a debate that has triggered national publicity and ugly reactions, none of those flattering to the American ideals of inclusion and fairness. Antagonism against illegal immigrants shrouds itself in righteous language: "They" should play by the rules, "they" are destroying the fabric of American life, "they" are taking jobs away from Americans. But it's racial and ethnic prejudice, an attempt to use legalese to discriminate against the country's growing Latino population, and to use illegal immigrants as the emotional wedge.

"Family Man"

"Republican Tom Gallagher poked fun at his own gubernatorial campaign themes Thursday during an appearance at Tallahassee's Tiger Bay political club. Gallagher, who has anchored his candidacy on pro-family issues and draws a contrast with rival Charlie Crist, who is unmarried and childless, introduced himself to the crowd this way:"

"In case you missed it, I'm Tom Gallagher. I'm married. And I have a 7-year-old son. As a married man with a 7-year-old son, I'm a father."

On The Attack

"Republican Tom Gallagher, stepping up his campaign to be Florida's next governor, went on the attack Thursday, deriding primary opponent and front-runner Charlie Crist for providing 'bumper sticker answers' to Florida's insurance crisis." "Gallagher goes on attack".

Smith and Jones

"State Sen. Rod Smith on Thursday wrapped up a three-day, 1,129-mile bus trip across the state that was intended to raise the profile of his gubernatorial campaign by winning the support of a former Senate colleague, Daryl Jones of Miami. Jones' endorsement is significant in that he is seen as a potential running mate for Smith, an Alachua County lawyer and lawmaker who is running in the Sept. 5 Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa." "Smith ends state tour with big endorsement".

Partisan Hacks

"For the Republican Party to attempt to buy seats on the Pinellas School Board is offensive enough if big money alone were the issue. But its $50,000 down payment this summer comes in school elections that, by state constitutional mandate, are nonpartisan. ... If political parties can dump $50,000 into low-budget races in which all other contributions are limited to $500, then the parties will hijack nonpartisan school elections. That's not what voters intended, and lawmakers shouldn't allow it." "Partisan interference".

Smith Mailer

"New in mailboxes in Florida Thursday was a full-color, four-page mailer from the Florida Democratic Party promoting Rod Smith's candidacy, asking 'Are you ready for a straight-talking Governor who gets the job done?'" "Smith: 'Straight-Talking Governor'".

Preclearance

"The provision naming federal 'preclearance' jurisdictions - including Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough and Monroe counties in Florida - requires those jurisdictions to prove to the Department of Justice that any change to redistricting, annexation, at-large elections, reregistration requirements, polling place changes and new rules for candidate qualifying doesn't have a discriminatory purpose or effect before the change can be implemented." "Voting Rights Act affects five Florida counties".

GOoPers In A Stem Cell Bind

"President Bush's veto this week of legislation to expand federally supported embryonic stem cell research has exposed a rift in the Republican Party and provided fresh grist for Florida's political campaigns, especially the governor's race and a high-stakes South Florida congressional contest." "Governor hopefuls divided on Bush's stem-cell veto".

"Rep. Clay Shaw and his Democratic opponent disagree on many issues. But they both decry President Bush's veto of a bill to expand federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research." "GOP congressman unhappy over stem-cell research veto".

Daily Slosberg

"Accusations flew in a state Senate race Thursday, with a political consultant saying candidate Rep. Irving Slosberg had taken too much credit for hurricane relief and Slosberg countering that the consultant was simply upset at not being hired." "Slosberg rapped on Wilma claims".

Could It Be Politics

"After the House speaker doles out $638,000, the Senate leader holds staff merit increases to $115,000." "Lee tighter on Senate bonuses".

Jebbie Isn't "Going to Protect Florida"

The Palm Beach Post: "The deal Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., negotiated to protect the state's coastline from oil and gas drilling could offer many of the protections in a bill the state's other senator, Democrat Bill Nelson, filed in February. But Sen. Martinez threw away guaranteed protection through 2012, banking on the hope that fellow Republicans who are tight with the energy industry won't hijack his deal".

A better strategy would have been to not make the deal in the first place. A moratorium on offshore drilling remains in effect until 2012, though some central Gulf areas could open next year. If Sen. Martinez had not acted, the moratorium would remain. Now, all the balls are in the air again. Despite Sen. Martinez' "hope" that Republican leaders won't sell out Florida, Rep. Pombo could trade paradise for rigs in closed-door negotiations.

President Bush and Gov. Bush aren't going to protect Florida. The president consistently backs the energy industry, and Gov. Bush has treated Rep. Pombo as Florida's ally. Since Sen. Martinez has rolled the dice, it is his responsibility to see that they don't come up snake eyes, leaving Florida the loser.

Huh?

"When Randall Terry came to Tallahassee this week to file papers to run for the state Senate, he brought what might seem unlikely friends -- two write-in candidates for the same seat." "Candidate brings write-ins for GOP-only vote in state race".

Realtors For Gallagher

"Tom Gallagher's gubernatorial campaign announced backing today from '160 Floridians who will make up the Gallagher Realtors and Homeowners Association.'" "Gallagher Rolls Out Realtor Backing".

"Cash Cows" Splintered

"Florida's Republican fundraising machine has been splintered by the divisive governor's race but backers vow to piece together another united front after the primary."

The two-way split in the Republican race for Florida governor has separated the monolithic money machine of the friends and fundraisers of Gov. Jeb Bush, effectively dividing the fundraising base that served the governor and the president for years.

Florida's big-name donors, whom President Bush named his Rangers and Pioneers because they collected $100,000 or more in his campaigns, have lined up against one another as Attorney General Charlie Crist and Chief Financial Tom Gallagher battle it out in the Republican primary.

Harris Probe Widens

"The former head of Katherine Harris' congressional office staff expects to speak to federal investigators soon concerning the investigation of a congressional bribery scandal, a former Harris aide said Wednesday." And, instead of flat out denying that Harris is a target (as had been the case until yesterday ("Harris: I'm Not Under Investigation")),

in a statement issued late Wednesday, the Harris campaign declined to provide specifics about the investigation.

Fred Asbell, who quit in June as chief of staff of Harris' congressional office, says he will speak voluntarily to Department of Justice investigators soon, said Ed Rollins, former consultant to Harris' U.S. Senate campaign.

Smith on Wheels

"Smith Takes Message To Voters With Bus Tour". See also "Smith's speedy tour is all about the wheels".

"Floridians face insurance crisis"

"The news didn't come out of the blue, but it undoubtedly left more than a million Florida homeowners red in the face and fuming. State Farm, Florida's largest private home insurer, will be allowed to impose a statewide average rate increase of 53 percent for new and existing policyholders, effective Aug. 15 and Nov. 15, respectively." "Rate revolt".

Even Republicans Don't Like "Jeb!"

"A new Gallup poll asking Americans theirs views of 25 leading candidates for president in 2008 found that one of the Republican frontrunners, Sen. John McCain, is judged "unacceptable" by 41% of those in his own party. Interestingly, the Republicans with the highest "unacceptable" ratings are Vice President Cheney (61%) and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (52%)." "Gallup: 4 in 10 Republicans Find McCain 'Unacceptable'".

Gallagher To "Protect the American Dream"?

"Just hours before Republican Charlie Crist filed his candidacy papers for governor Wednesday, a political advocacy group supporting rival Tom Gallagher urged that he run as a Democrat because of his support for the state's class-size amendment. 'Charlie Crist has been either weak or missing in action on property insurance reform and tort reform and he has embraced the Democrats' plan for class-size reform but refuses to specify how he would pay for the $25 billion price tag,' Mike Hanna of the Coalition to Protect the American Dream said in a statement." "527 Alert!".

Irv Loses It

"During his candidate interview with the Voters Coalition, state Rep. Irv Slosberg waved his checkbook in the air and declared that his money would win him the District 30 state Senate seat, several board members said. Turned off by the display, the Voters Coalition on Wednesday handed its endorsement to Slosberg's Democratic primary opponent, Ted Deutch." "Voting Coalition endorses candidate on merit, not money". See also "Knock, knock. Who's there? Politics." ("Slosberg and the Area Agency on Aging are fighting about door hangers.")

"Ted Kennedy Republican"

"Filing his candidacy papers in Tallahassee, Republican Randall Terry took aim at incumbent Sen. Jim King on paper and in person Wednesday. Terry, founder of the anti-abortion group, Operation Rescue and a central figure in the Legislature's 2005 fight over Terri Schiavo, described himself as a 'Ronald Reagan Republican,' while calling King a 'Ted Kennedy Republican.'" "King-Size Opponent". See also "Candidate Randall Terry pins Senate campaign on Web videos".

"Wrongheaded"?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board:

An extraordinary alliance of development and conservation interests came together this year on an equally extraordinary purchase plan to preserve nearly 74,000 pristine acres in Southwest Florida.

The plan and the remarkable ecosystems comprising the area known as Babcock Ranch could crumble, however, if another conservation interest, the Sierra Club, stubbornly and wrongheadedly persists in contesting it.

Fed Cash

"Bill OKs $1.2 billion for Indian River, Lake O projects".

Villalobos Opponent Pulls Fast One

This has Bushco written all over it:

In one of the state's most closely watched political races, the conservative challenger to moderate Miami Sen. Alex Villalobos just received a prized campaign gift from a supporter: a legal maneuver ensuring that only Republican voters will decide the election.

On Wednesday, a school assistant principal named Alejandro Rizo filed to run as a write-in candidate in the general election in November -- after the Sept. 5 primary pitting Miami-Dade School Board member Frank Bolaños against Villalobos.

As long as no Democrat -- or anyone else outside the GOP -- was running for the seat, Democrats and independents would have been allowed to vote in the Republican primary, opening the election to all the 209,000 registered voters in the West Miami-Dade district.

But now that there is a write-in candidate -- whose name won't even appear on the ballot -- only the 98,000 registered Republicans will have a say in a closed primary.

Rizo is such a supporter of Bolaños that he gave Bolaños a campaign check and sent an e-mail Wednesday to his Republican friends boasting of "my humble contribution."

A Little Late

"Bush appointed a 15-member committee Wednesday to make recommendations on how to curtail increases and remove inequities in Florida's property taxes." "Governor's panel to study inequities in property taxes".

Day Two

"Day two of the Smith bus tour means day two of the Jim Davis attack campaign. Today, Davis' campaign calls the state senator a flip flopper on the Rodman Dam, saying he sponsored a bill creating a state reserve around the dam but pointing out he is now against that." "Davis hits Smith on Rodman Dam".

"State lax on treatment for troubled girls"

"State leaders have acknowledged the need to help girls. Making good on their promises will require a bigger immediate investment -- but over time will save Florida money and, more importantly, lives." "Quick with lockup".

Crist Files

"Crist files papers in governor's race". See also "Crist officially throws his hat in".

Candidate Probed

"Kelly Skidmore, the lone woman vying to replace term-limited state Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, has come under scrutiny by state officials months after the House Rules and Calendar chairman punished six Democratic state legislators who lent their names to her Tallahassee fund-raiser." "Candidate for Slosberg seat under probe".

Harris "Back on the Job"

"U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Longboat Key, was back on the job Tuesday, just a day after having surgery to remove a mass on her ovaries. Harris was one of 236 members of Congress to vote on Tuesday for a constitutional amendment that would have banned gay marriage. The amendment failed, because it didn’t get the required two-thirds vote needed for a constitutional amendment. Among those that voted against the measure were the other two members of Congress from this region. Rep. Jim Davis, a Democrat who represents much of Palmetto and central Bradenton, voted against the measure. So too did Rep. Mark Foley, a Republican who represents most of Charlotte County." "Permalink">Harris supports marriage amendment; Foley, Davis oppose it".

Orange Grower Tax

"Tax on orange growers raised 19 percent to pay for advertising".

Secret Docket

"If it was annoying to learn about a secret court docket in Palm Beach County, it is encouraging to learn that the system is doing something about it. On June 25, The Post reported that 42 cases had not merely been sealed but had been closed off from public record. This wasn't the usual practice of keeping certain information within a court file private. This was failing to disclose even that cases had happened. Earlier, The Miami Herald had reported on a similar docket in Broward County that included judges' divorce cases." "Too hidden, too long".

Johnson

"Johnson: Public needs more input in premium hikes". See also "Johnson riding insurance issue in race for CFO".

Guilty Plea

"A former campaign worker admitted Wednesday that he emptied congressional candidate [for the GOP nomination in the 13th Congressional District] Nancy Detert's campaign account and fled to South America." "Ex-worker admits he stole from Detert's fund".

Smith and Sugar

"Big Sugar has helped Rod Smith's bid for governor in a big way. But the industry's largess may prove to be a headache. A political group formed to promote Smith's candidacy received $295,000 from U.S. Sugar Corp. of Clewiston and its subsidiaries, according to federal tax records. But the money could damage his already shaky standing with some environmentalists, loyal primary voters who deride the sugar industry as a major polluter of the Everglades." "Sugar dollars pour into pro-Smith group".

The FCAT Issue

"Candidates for governor find it's unwise to get too close to, or too far away from, Bush's education record."

The Democrats - U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and state Sen. Rod Smith - slam virtually every change Bush has made to Florida's school system, but reserve special scorn for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Smith says the governor's "maniacal commitment" to the FCAT is burning out teachers and thinning out curriculum. Davis calls it a "political weapon."

Meanwhile, the Republicans - Attorney General Charlie Crist and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher - praise Bush's policies and promise to keep using the FCAT to grade schools, retain students and reward teachers.

Both approaches carry big risks.

A St. Petersburg Times poll found more Florida residents say the FCAT has hurt public schools than helped, 42 percent to 37 percent. Even among Republicans, a lukewarm 44 percent said the FCAT was helping compared to 33 percent who said it was not.

On more specific questions, strong majorities, even among Republicans, opposed using the FCAT to penalize schools, retain students or determine which teachers deserve bonuses. The poll, conducted in March, had a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

Probe Widens

"Justice Department officials have requested records from the Senate campaign of U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris as they continue investigating the dealings of a defense contractor involved in a wide-ranging congressional corruption case. Harris acknowledged the Justice Department action Tuesday after her campaign was asked about it earlier in the day. It was not clear if federal prosecutors issued a subpoena or sent a letter to the campaign in search of information, and a Harris spokeswoman would not elaborate." "Justice seeks Harris records". See also "Justice requests Harris' records".

However, and for what it is worth, "Harris: Feds say she's not a target of probe". See also "Harris: I'm Not Under Investigation".

Medicaid

"Nursing homes fail to receive reimbursement for Medicaid residents." "Jeb should reverse veto to help elderly".

Gallagher a Hit

"Gallagher, delivering an expanded version of his stump speech, won repeated applause from the crowd as he talked insurance, education and tort reform. And laughter answered his story about how his Catholicism and his wife's Baptist tradition have played out with their son Charlie, who was baptized Catholic but attends a Baptist church." "Gallagher a Hit at Hillsborough REC".

Attack Dog

"Tom Gallagher, along with GOP primary opponent Charlie Crist, has signed the non-attack campaign pledge, but that doesn't mean their friends have." "Stemberger on the Attack".

Priceless

"Speechwriter Jennifer Hickey is leaving U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris' congressional office."

[This] an email she sent around to friends and colleagues Tuesday announcing her departure.

Value of "George Harris Legacy Loan" to Senate campaign: $10 million

Value of "refurbishments" to Capitol Hill residence: $100,000

Value of Handing in my Resignation Letter: Priceless

In her email, Hickey said Harris doesn't even know she is leaving since the congresswoman is home recovering from surgery.

Gallagher Files

"Three lawmakers filed paperwork for Republican Tom Gallagher to enter him in the governor's race Tuesday, adding the state's chief financial officer to the official list of candidates seeking to succeed Gov. Jeb Bush." "Gallagher files paperwork for governor's race". See also "Gallagher officially in the race", "Conservative legislators give Gallagher boost", "Gallagher files qualifying papers for governor" and "Gallagher's bid for governor is official".

Spendthrift

"Republican Katherine Harris is spending money as fast as anyone in the nation as she runs for U.S. Senate, but she's still playing catch-up. By dipping into her own fortune, Harris has spent $2.1 million over the past three months on her campaign -- about a million more than she raised. Polls show she still lags about 30 percentage points behind incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, who has $12.1 million in contributions. Harris put big money into early television commercials, beefed up fundraising efforts and has spent more on political consultants as she looks for ways to rebound from the poll numbers." "Katherine Harris spends $2.1 million over past 3 months".

Schiavo

"A state board says a Schiavo nurse violated confidentiality by giving TV interviews. The governor's attempt to save the nurse's license has raised questions of appropriateness." "Bush again in Schiavo dispute".

Smith Moves North

"The first day of Smith's three-day, 1,100-mile bus tour focused on an area that was once heavily Democratic, but where Republicans now dominate. It's also an area where Smith, a former prosecutor who was raised on a farm, believes he can win the conservative vote back." "Smith campaigns in conservative Panhandle".

In response, Bense embarasses Himself: "Rod in Bense country. Bense not happy".

Insurance Rates To Skyrocket

"State Farm, one of Florida's largest insurers, will raise property insurance rates by an average of 52.7 percent this year under a plan approved Tuesday by state regulators." "State Farm's property insurance rates will jump by more than 50 percent". See also "State Farm rate increase OK'd".

Incompetence

"If the state doesn't lower the rate of people who are either improperly denied food stamp assistance or underpaid, or those who are paid too much, the state could face fines, federal administrators have warned." "Feds keep eye on food stamp program".

Charter Schools End Run

"Under a new Florida law, if school districts want to retain their constitutional duty to "operate, control and supervise all free public schools" within their counties -- including privately operated charter schools -- they will have to apply to the State Board of Education. The law, signed last month by Gov. Jeb Bush, assigns the responsibility to approve charter schools to the 'Florida Schools of Excellence Commission.' That panel, to be appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, is unlikely to be a politically independent judge of the quality of charter schools -- even with new accountability standards that are a part of the law. The justification for the end run around the constitution is based on the false allegation that school districts are biased against charter schools." "Public duty".

Florida Failing Kids (Part I)

"As the rate of girls entering Florida's juvenile justice system escalates, programs to help them continue to lag far behind, according to a new study released Tuesday." "Help for delinquent girls criticized". See also "Florida justice system harsher to underage girls, study finds".

"Hard Heads"

"Across Florida, politicians are spreading the word that the state needs to harden itself against hurricanes. Unfortunately, that message hasn't gotten through the hard heads of a few important people. Those would be most members of the Florida Building Commission, which determines construction codes. Meeting last week in Hollywood, the commission by a vote of 15-3 kept in place a storm code exemption for Florida's Panhandle. The commission ignored the state's insurance commissioner, the state's planning director who also supervises the emergency management staff and hurricane safety advocates in general." "End costly storm break".

Gimmick

Volusia County "Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall made the right call in prohibiting a possible County Council candidate from using the name Jeff "AxTax" Davis on the ballot." "Ax the gimmicks for voters".

W.D.

"State asks court to reject Childers' appeal".

Florida Failing Kids (Part II)

"In a 24-page report released Tuesday, the Virginia-based National Coalition for Child Protection Reform blasted Florida's child welfare system for wrongly removing thousands of children from their parents, flooding an already weary social service system and causing life-long trauma to children." "Report: Too many kids being taken into foster care".

"Voucher Myth"

"The U.S. Department of Education, meaning the Bush administration, last week turned an important study comparing public and private schools into a case study on how to bury bad news."

First, it's instructive to explain why the Education Department considered the study to be bad news. Ironic as it may seem to those who haven't followed the Bush administration, it's not because public schools performed poorly. It's just the opposite. The study, conducted for the Education Department by the Educational Testing Service, concluded that public schools stack up well against private schools.

That's "bad news" to the pro-voucher Bush administration and explains why the Department of Education sat on the study after receiving it last year, added weasel words to water down the conclusions and then released the report with zero fanfare on a Friday afternoon in mid-summer when the Middle East was going up in flames.

Insurance Games

"Florida property buyers spend more each year for title insurance than doctors do for medical malpractice, but the title game has gone largely unnoticed in Tallahassee. As a new state study reveals, the result is that consumers are forced to pay inflated rates for a product that is not really insurance at all." "Title insurance games".

Negron Out

"State Rep. Joe Negron dropped out of the race for attorney general on Monday, effectively handing the Republican nomination for the post to former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum."

Negron, of Stuart, is the third Republican to abandon the attorney general's race in a month, including Treasure Island state Rep. Everett Rice. All said they were overwhelmed by McCollum's high statewide name recognition.

McCollum, who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2000 and 2004, will probably face Democrat Walter "Skip" Campbell, a Broward County state senator, in November. Campbell is running unopposed for his party's nomination.

Negron's announcement, on the first day candidates could qualify for the ballot, surprised McCollum, Campbell and political observers.

Democrats Qualify

"Both Democratic candidates for governor formally qualified Monday, turning the occasion into a mini rally as the Tallahassee press corps looked on. Republicans Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher plan lower-key announcements as early as today." "Democrats officially in governor race". See also "Campaigns begin officially as candidates qualify", "Davis, Smith file, address campaign differences".

Poor Mel

"A group called Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund began airing a radio ad in Orlando today questionning Sen. Mel Martinez’s commitment to Florida’s beaches and tourism industry." "Ads criticize Martinez".

Flip-Flop

"The announcement comes the same week Harris lost much of her core campaign staff for the second time since getting in the race last summer. Her campaign manager, Glenn Hodas, resigned after three months on the job, saying Harris was uncontrollable. Hodas said Harris "hasn't kept any of her promises," about her behavior, including those "not to have tantrums, not to berate staff, not to micromanage and nitpick, and not to get flustered on inconsequential details," the Palm Beach Post reported." "Harris Retracts Donation To Fix House".

Dem Debate

"The Florida Democratic Party today announced final plans for its Jefferson-Jackson weekend in Fort Lauderdale. Taking center stage is an hourlong televised debate between Jim Davis and Rod Smith." " Round 1 - Davis and Smith debate".

In the meantime, "They quickly made it clear there will be much bickering between now and then. Immediately after officially entering the governor's race, they attacked each other's stances on environmental issues and punched holes in each other's plans to make homeowners insurance more affordable." "Democrats snipe as race begins".

Ruth on Harris

"Because of Harris' self-inflicted wounds, what began as a long-shot quixotic quest for the U.S. Senate quickly degenerated into a national punch line that has devolved into a sort of twitching animal one cannot resist poking with a stick." "It's Never Too Late For Dignity".

Kreegel

"The personal, intra-Republican fight between a Punta Gorda lawmaker and a Palm Beach political consultant flared up again last week with a direct mail attack hitting Charlotte and Lee county mailboxes." "Mailed fliers target politician again".

Harris Home

"Harris home after surgery for mass on ovary". See also "Harris' Prognosis Positive After Surgery" and "Harris campaign solicits sympathy cards".

To Replace Harris

"Longboat Key businessman Vern Buchanan dropped $250,000 of his own money into the race for Congress and is likely to put even more of her personal fortune into the race. Campaign finance disclosure reports released this week show the Republican was far ahead of his four Republican opponents in fundraising but still put in the donation." "Buchanan uses his own money to fund campaign".

Same Old, Same Old

"Local and statewide federal incumbents far out-raised their challengers in the past three months, according to campaign-finance reports filed this weekend." "Incumbents winning battle for funds".

Smith on Tour

"The least-known of the four major candidates for governor, state Sen. Rod Smith, will begin a statewide bus tour today from Pensacola to Miami." "Democrat Smith to kick off state bus tour today".

Irresponsible

"As a consequence of the commission's irresponsible decision, more insurers could drop at-risk Panhandle customers, leaving them to the state's insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance. A devastating hurricane in the area could yet again put Citizens in the red as happened after our state's intense hurricane activity over the last two years. In that case, just as in 2005, Citizens would need a bailout from taxpayers and Citizens' other customers in the rest of the state." "Building group must take off blinders".

Five Gears In Reverse

After uncritically repeating Jebbie's ridiculous self serving blather about the crime rate, someone is finally calling him on it:

The problem of violent crime requires careful analysis from officials -- not shameful political responses like the one offered last week by Gov. Jeb Bush.

Mr. Bush credited gun owners for helping lower crime statewide. Said the well-known firearms advocate: "Law-abiding citizens that have guns for protection actually probably are part of the reason we have a lower crime rate."

Your evidence, governor?

Well, he was just expressing his opinion, backpedaled his spokesman.

Sarasota GOoPers to Endorse Harris?

"State and national Republicans may have been slow to support U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris, but Republicans in her home county aren't giving up on her. On Thursday, Eric Robinson, the vice chairman of the Sarasota County Republican Party, said he will push a vote to endorse Harris over the three Republicans running against her in a Sept. 5 primary." "Local GOP may endorse Harris".

That Explains It

"It is one of the more flabbergasting characteristics of life in Florida. Whether it is explained by apathy, workloads or cynicism, not enough folks stand up and speak for themselves." "Insurance".

Housing Crisis

"Among the findings of the $100,000 study: About 90 percent of households can't afford to buy a home at the current median sales price of $392,900; the gap between the median price and the ability of a typical household to pay is $209,000; 70 percent of large employers have difficulty hiring and retaining employees because of the housing crunch, which pushes some people to Martin and St. Lucie counties." "".

"A Modest Change"

"For years, most campaigning Democrats have held Florida's gay community at arm's length, acknowledging common interests privately but rarely publicly. On Saturday night, several leading Democrats running for state office spoke, patted shoulders and shook hands with more than 100 gay Democrats on a fourth floor roof of the Doubletree Hotel, signaling a modest change in the way Democratic candidates are treating the state's gay community." And give Rod Smith credit for this line:

"I don't know if it's just my North Florida twang, but I was asked when I came in here today, 'How comfortable are ya?' Well, I hope you won't quit me," Smith said.

There was a silence after that remark, which references a line from Brokeback Mountain, the movie about two cowboys in love. Then the crowd roared.

Dozier a GOoPer "Hero"

When the Rev. O'Neal Dozier called Islam "a cult" and derided Muslims as "terrorists," he damaged his relationship with Gov. Jeb Bush, whose office urged Dozier to resign from the Broward County Judicial Nominating Commission.

Dozier's comments also likely tarnished his image among high-level Republican politicians who in recent years increasingly sought his blessing to sway black voters from their historic allegiance to the Democratic Party.

say he has sealed his credentials as a strong Christian leader whom Republican officials must continue courting. ...

Dozier, who twice last year advised President Bush at the White House -- to discuss Social Security and AIDS in Africa -- still has clout in Republican circles. His standing is such that the leading Republican gubernatorial candidate, Attorney General Charlie Crist, whom Dozier supports, has not repudiated him.

Crist's deputy press secretary, Erin Isaac, said her boss does not agree with Dozier's comments on Muslims but is "happy to have his support." ...

"I think it's going to make him stronger," said Carolyn Kennedy of the Broward Republican Executive Committee, a member of Dozier's church. "People know he's not wishy-washy."

Kennedy, membership chairwoman of the Jerome E. Gray Republican Club, insists Dozier is not politically dead.

"Absolutely not," she said. "In some eyes he's a hero."

Silly

"Few other Florida governors have made foreign trade such a priority. Since taking office, Bush has visited nearly 30 counties from Peru to Thailand on trade missions attended by nearly 1,700 business leaders who the governor's office estimates have come away with nearly $705 million in new business." "Michael Peltier: Jeb travels to Britain to stir up trade as primaries intensify".

With all due respect, these boondoggles are excuses for Jebbie and "business leaders" to share face time in return for campaign contributions - and what evidence is there other than Jebbie's "say so" that these trips actually resulted in "$705 million in new business"?

Housing Crisis

"Among the findings of the $100,000 [Palm Beach County] study: About 90 percent of households can't afford to buy a home at the current median sales price of $392,900; the gap between the median price and the ability of a typical household to pay is $209,000; 70 percent of large employers have difficulty hiring and retaining employees because of the housing crunch, which pushes some people to Martin and St. Lucie counties." "Take the lead on housing".

Running Government Like A Business

"In a letter last month to Florida DCF Secretary Lucy Hadi, a federal administrator warned that a preliminary audit covering October 2005 through January 2006 indicated that Florida could be headed for the worst food-stamp error rate in the nation." "State food-stamp errors mount".

Such a Nuisance

"Gov. Bush and the Republican-led Legislature often treat the state constitution as a nuisance, particularly when the issue is education. Most recently, Gov. Bush signed a constitutionally questionable law taking control over charter schools away from local school boards." "Sue over charter schools".

Randall Terry

"Randall Terry, an anti-abortion activist who became a national figure in the 1980s with his in-your-face tactics, came to Tallahassee last year to try to prevent the death of Schiavo, a brain-damaged woman whose husband had removed her feeding tube. Jim King, a longtime Republican lawmaker who didn't think the state should get involved in such a personal matter, helped block Terry's efforts. From that, a political campaign began. But as Terry tries to unseat King this summer in a Senate district that includes parts of Volusia and Flagler counties, the race is shaping up to be about more than the Schiavo ordeal." "Veteran lawmaker, activist battle for GOP vote".

Taking Responsibility ...

for one's actions - another empty GOoPer mantra: "In pleading guilty to taking $130,000 in kickbacks last week, former Department of Corrections Secretary Jim Crosby said he is being treated for alcohol abuse. He also said he doesn't expect pity - it's not like he got drunk and accidentally shook down a company doing business with the prisons. It may be an act to shave a year off of whatever sentence he gets by going into rehab." "'Macho' drinking hurt DOC".

Harris

"The senate candidate is having a cancer check. Doctors say she could be campaigning again within 10 days – or, if the news is bad, 4 weeks." "Katherine Harris Surgery Today".

Corps Reform

"A bipartisan Senate proposal to overhaul the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deserves approval to eliminate some of Congress' most nefarious pork-barrel spending and improve the process that determines which projects are worthwhile. The Corps builds and maintains the nation's navigable waterways, flood-control programs and environmental restoration projects like the monumental Everglades replumbing." "Corps overhaul is good for Florida".

Florida National Guard Stretched Thin

"With equipment shortages, the Florida National Guard is scurrying to stay prepared to handle multiple storms at the same time during the hurricane season." "Guard low on relief trucks ".

All of this confronted Gallagher's supporters during Wednesday's 7 p.m. campaign conference call. And what they wanted to know was: Can anything stop Crist?

"Absolutely," said David Johnson, a Gallagher senior campaign strategist. "This campaign is just getting started. We made a decision to hold fire until after July 4th."

Johnson said Crist, Florida's attorney general, is vulnerable on a host of issues. But Johnson declined to get specific about Gallagher's campaign strategy. ...

One political observer close to Bush said Gallagher's best chance of winning may be to "really go murder on Charlie" but worried that doing so would help the Democratic nominee in November.

"Jeb!"'s Role in 2000 ...

One thing is for sure, Jebbie and his Chief of Staff were focussed on something other than the people's business.

"Some dramatic new details about Jeb Bush and the final weeks of the 2000 presidential election in Florida are coming out in the new book One Party Country: The Republican Plan for Dominance in the 21st Century, by Tom Hamburger and (former St. Petersburg Times reporter) Peter Wallsten."

It seems Gov. Bush was a lot more worried about Al Gore's Florida prospects than the Bush-Cheney campaign team in Austin, Texas, and became mighty frustrated that Karl Rove wasn't listening to him seriously enough and taking his advice on Florida strategy.

"Something's got to give," Jeb Bush said at one tense meeting in the governor's mansion with Bush-Cheney strategists, including Ken Mehlman and Chris Henick. "You guys are not listening."

From the book: "In the final week, Jeb took matters into his own hands, ordering the state Republican Party to commission its own poll using his campaign's Washington firm, Public Opinion Strategies. The new poll showed that Gore had pulled ahead by at least one percentage point. Even among white males the Texas governor was struggling. Sally Bradshaw, Jeb's chief of staff, took the results to her boss.

"What do we do with these numbers?" she asked.

Jeb directed Bradshaw to call Austin immediately. But instead of moving swiftly to deal with the apparent erosion of support, Rove and his brain trust were furious that Jeb and his team had done a poll on their own. Campaign officials believed their numbers were better. The conversation grew so tense that at one point Bradshaw called Rove a jerk.

Harris

"Few doubt Harris will forge on after surgery, exodus of staff". In the meantime, Harris' "3 rivals struggle to be noticed".

Black Caucus

"State Sen. Rod Smith and U.S. Rep. Jim Davis brought their campaigns for the Democratic Party nomination for governor to Lakeland on Saturday where both spoke to the state convention of the chapter presidents of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida." "Black Caucus Focuses on Voting Issue".

The Education Governor

"About 40 percent of Florida’s high school students don’t graduate with their class, according to a new national study that also concluded state graduation rates are lower than education departments have claimed. The report called Diplomas Count, partly sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, found that Florida is grossly behind the rest of the nation when it comes to graduation rates." "Florida graduating only 57.5 percent of high school seniors".

Drilling

"Brent Batten: Drilling deal not getting any sweeter".

Multilingual Ballots

"Goodman: We should vote non, nein, nyet on multilingual ballots".

Gallagher Endorsement

"Calling Hialeah Florida's most conservative city and home to the largest Cuban community, Tom Gallagher's gubernatorial campaign was ecstastic Saturday to announced it had won the endorsement of city's mayor Julio Robaina." "Hialeah's Robaina Endorses Gallagher".

Gay Dems

"Gay and lesbian Democrats sometimes face a difficult position when trying to promote political issues of personal interest: They know some in their party aren’t on their side, and they believe Republicans use the issues to divide voters." "Gay Democrats seek to become an influential force in politics". See also "Gay Caucus Meeting Draws Top Democratic Candidates" and "Gay caucus talks strategy" (Alan "Boyd, D-Monticello, said he attended the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender conference because the group represents a well-organized voting bloc that can help Democrats win the House.")

Where Was Jebbie?

"The Lake O dike: 20 years of warnings".

Private Sector Pay

"Space Florida's first president could be paid as much $370,000 a year, in the stratosphere of state pay, if preliminary discussions about salary are approved." "Space board debates pay for president".

Pathetic

"Democratic strategists say the young Republican congressman from Polk County is vulnerable on the issues, but so far no one wants to run against him." "Virtually Unchallenged, Putnam's Power Rises".

Campaign Stunt

"Two years ago today, President Bush came to Tampa to announce a $30 million initiative against human trafficking, casting our city as a hot spot in the selling of human lives. Yet two years later, not a single local trafficking case has been made." "Bush's Anti-Slavery Initiative Falters In Quest For Freedom".

Florida AWOL On Insurance

"Since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, here is what Florida has done for the property insurance industry:"

The state created the hurricane catastrophe fund, which helps insurers pay claims in a bad storm year.

The state allowed insurers to form state versions, known as "pups," of their big-dog companies. Allstate Floridian, for example, can claim that it needs a huge rate increase to make up for storm claims, even as Allstate is bragging about how much money it's making.

The state created a system of arbitration for rate increases, rather than let the insurance commissioner decide. The companies win almost every time.

The state refused to create an Office of Public Counsel that would represent consumers during rate requests. The state has such an office for utility rate requests. For the most part, the state relies on the insurance industry for information when deciding what premiums should be. An Office of Public Counsel, staffed with trained specialists, could challenge the industry's numbers.

The state refused to enact a "loyalty clause" that would have prevented insurers from dropping policies if a customer had paid premiums for three years and done nothing to breach the contract with the company.

And, of course, the state negated that appeals court ruling the industry hated.

A Political Issue

"A storm is coming -- a storm of insurance cancellation notices and rate increases for Florida property owners, and candidates for statewide office are hearing about it across the state." "Homeowners' insurance can be affordable".

Disney Hearts Charlie

"At least half a dozen high-ranking Disney World executives have contributed the maximum $500 to the Republican candidate's campaign, according to election records. The group -- which includes Al Weiss, the president of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, and Lee Cockerell, the park's executive V.P. of operations -- combined to give $3,000 to Crist in a single day last year, according to Crist's finance reports." "Crist, Smith enjoy Disney backing".

Phosphate

"For almost 50 years, the phosphate industry went largely unchallenged. Now, criticism is growing." "The Phosphate Debate".

The Rats Who Jumped Ship

Jeremy Wallace counts the losses

Here are some of the top level advisors in her campaign office who have quit during the last nine months:

From the campaign:
Ed Rollins, political advisor
Ed Goeas, pollster
Adam Goodman, media consultant
Jim Dornan, campaign manager
Jamie Miller campaign manager,
Nancy Watkins, campaign treasurer
Timothy Beall, assistant treasure
Morgan Dobbs, communications director
Megan Ortagus, field coordinator
Chris Ingram, communications director
Mike Miller, campaign finance director
Anne Dunsmore, national fundraiser
Leah Pitts, deputy finance director of operations
Fred Piccolo Jr, travel assistant

Her congressional office has also had major turnover. Here are top level staff members who have quit since the start of last year:

Fred Asbell, chief of staff
Chris Battle, chief of staff
Sally Tibbetts, district director
Kim Hutchens, district director
Kara Borie, press secretary
David Kinkade, press secretary
Garrison Courtney, press secretary