But making such an argument requires a tricky balancing act. While he touts his appeal to more-conservative voters, Smith, 56, also has to reassure the more-liberal ones who make up his party's base that he is still one of them.

By most objective measures, the odds are against him. Polls show him trailing his main Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa, although many voters are still undecided. And he's behind Davis in fundraising: $3.4 million compared with the congressman's more than $4.1 million.

Divided Florida

"A Miami Herald poll found that Florida Republicans and Democrats disagree on most issues, with the exception of funding for stem-cell research." "Florida voters deeply divided on key issues".

Cuban Influx Plans

"The United States would respond to a massive exodus of Cuban refugees by setting up long-term detention sites across the country, according to Florida's emergency plan for such a crisis." "Plans In Place In Case Cubans Start Fleeing Isle".

Money Race

"With every campaign brimming with new state matching funds, Republican Charlie Crist continues to lead in the fundraising race for governor and is pulling away from his primary rival Tom Gallagher." "Crist tops Gallagher in campaign cash; Davis leads Smith". See also "Gallagher fund raising turns in worst month yet", "Gallagher lags behind Crist in July fundraising", "Crist Campaign Has Raised $14 Million", "Fla.'s candidates release July fundraising totals".

Gallagher Last in Fundraising, Rumors Swirl

"Already lagging in the polls and facing possible ethics violations, Republican Tom Gallagher suffered another setback Friday, finishing dead last in fundraising among the four candidates for governor. Gallagher's $45,740 in so-called hard dollars raised during July trailed fellow Republican Charlie Crist by nearly $290,000 and leading Democrat Jim Davis by about $150,000. Democrat Rod Smith raised twice as much as Gallagher. Friday's news raised fresh speculation among Republican insiders about whether one of Florida's longest serving politicians will drop out of his fourth and likely last run for governor." "Gallagher trails field in race for funds". See also "Political Bottom Line".

And pieces like this are less than helpful to Gallagher's campaign: The Real Tom Gallagher".

Davis The Outsider

"It's the rhetoric of an outsider -- and it's coming from an unlikely source."

It's the rhetoric of an outsider -- and it's coming from an unlikely source.

Davis is, after all, a former state lawmaker and a current U.S. congressman from Tampa who has spent the past 17 years -- more than half his adult life -- in office. In fact, he has been in elected office for more consecutive years than anyone else running for governor this year.

But Davis, 48, sees a crucial difference between himself and the other contenders, a difference he's making the thrust of his campaign: He is the only candidate who isn't serving in Tallahassee right now.

Med Mal

"Making Florida safe for medical malpractice".

Floridians Like Dems in the Legislature

"One fascinating surprise lurks in an otherwise predictable poll by Florida United Business this week: If state legislative races were held today, more people would vote for a Democrat than a Republican. The numbers: 38 percent of the 600 voters surveyed July 24 and 25 would pick a Democrat, compared to 30 percent who would support a Republican. Another 32 percent are undecided." "New poll: Voters want more Democrats in Legislature?.

Harris Telling Stories?

Is Representative B playing fast and loose with the facts?

A document at the center of Rep. Katherine Harris' efforts to secure a $10 million defense contract for a big campaign donor has been seen by three of her employees -- despite Harris' claims it cannot be made public because it is "classified."

Former campaign manager Glenn Hodas said he was one of the three, and that none of them had security clearance, raising a question about whether the Longboat Key congresswoman is freer to share the document than she asserts -- or whether she impermissibly allowed advisers access to sensitive government secrets.

TV Time

"The two Democrats vying to replace Gov. Jeb Bush have launched new advertising campaigns aimed at introducing themselves to a huge number of voters who know little about either." "Democratic Contenders For Governor Take To TV".

Harris Predicts Victory

"Harris predicts Senate victory against odds".

"Channeling The Wrath"

"Democrats Jim Davis and Rod Smith are channeling the wrath of many South Florida parents and educators, bashing key reforms adopted over the past seven years."

Promising wholesale change, they scorn how the FCAT is used to punish or reward schools and students based on their scores. They say the state has failed to boost teacher salaries and has made a paltry financial commitment to education, including too little to meet the state's tough class-size mandate.

"We're 47th in public school spending and we're second in the nation on what we spend for prisons," said Smith, a state senator from Alachua County. "What kind of irony is that?"

"Politics of Israel"

"A new Miami Herald poll finds that more Florida Republicans than Democrats support the level of Israel's bombing of Lebanon -- a sentiment that could presage more chipping away at the Democrats' base." "Politics of Israel: More Jews to the GOP?" Much more here: "Conflict reveals partisan split" ("A Miami Herald poll found Republicans more likely than Democrats to support Israel's actions in the Middle East conflict.")

Jax Murder Rate

"Florida Highway Patrol will send troopers to Jacksonville to help curb murder rate".

Whatever

"Country crooner Jones completes trifecta with Jeb meeting".

Divvying Up Corporate Welfare

"Bush has recommended emptying a $200 million stash of state incentives to ensnare three job-generating research institutions, sending the largest cut of money to the La Jolla, Calif.-based Burnham Institute for Medical Research." "Governor wants 3 institutes to split $200 million".

Slosberg

" State Rep. Irv Slosberg turned his pockets inside out in the past month to finance his campaign for an open state Senate seat, reporting Friday that he has personally thrown nearly $1.3 million into the race. Political observers say Slosberg, who listed a personal fortune of $8.7 million in a December financial disclosure form, is on pace to spend a record amount for a state legislative primary campaign." "Senate candidate has thrown $1.3 million of his money into race".

Counterproductive Cuba Policies

"On this side of the Straits, the Bush administration and its anti-Castro allies hold tightly to their counterproductive policies." "Cuba Policy".

Three Open Seats

"Name recognition may be the deciding factor in races for two of Florida's three vacant congressional districts, where the offspring of well-known politicians will be on the Sept. 5 primary ballot."

State Rep. Gus Bilirakis is trying to keep his father's 9th District seat in the family. U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis is retiring after 24 years in Congress. Both are Palm Harbor Republicans.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kathy Castor, the daughter of former Florida Education Commissioner and 2004 U.S. Senate candidate Betty Castor, is a Democratic candidate for the 11th District seat being vacated by Rep. Jim Davis, D-Tampa. Davis is running for governor. ...

Democrats also are hoping to take the Harris seat, which had been in Republican hands before she was elected in 2002, but Paulson doesn't see it that way.

Dead Zone

"Southwest Floridians won't be watching the two Democrats running for governor on their television screens for awhile." "Smith, Davis TV ads skip Southwest".

Putnam Hypocrisy

"In early 2005, U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam criticized the executive director of a Head Start agency based in Polk County - and even called for a federal investigation - after allegations of mismanagement surfaced. One of Putnam's key criticisms was that the agency's boss accepted a free trip to Las Vegas from a copy machine supplier."

Four months later, the Bartow Republican accepted an expense-paid trip to a Missouri resort, according to a disclosure form filed by Putnam's office and recently included in a national database of congressional travel.

One of his opponents in this year's congressional election sees that as evidence Putnam is a "puppet" of a Washington culture that caters to lobbyists.

Gambling Cash

"Casino developer a big donor to ally of Crist".

Collins Drops a "Bombshell"

"U.S. Senate candidate Leroy Collins Jr. just dropped a bombshell at a candidates' forum in North Reddington Beach, asking Katherine Harris to quit the race for the good of the Republican Party amid reports about a federal investigation into a campaign contributor. ... The forum's moderator, who asked candidates to not speak ill of each other, said she was 'speechless.'" "Collins to Harris: Drop out". See also "Rival urges Harris to quit", "Harris brushes off attack", "GOP opponent calls on Harris to quit race" and "GOP rivals turn up heat on Harris".

Silly

"19 schools win appeals of state, federal ratings".

Mel's "No. 1 goal for Florida in 2006"

"Rep. Katherine Harris' U.S. Senate campaign staff may be deserting her, but she's still got a friend in Sen. Mel Martinez. In a letter addressed to 'fellow conservatives,' the Republican senator implores donors to pony up for Harris' campaign, telling them her victory is his 'No. 1 goal for Florida in 2006.'" "Martinez: Give Harris a hand". See also "Martinez backs Harris in Senate race".

Red Tide

"Red tide moving up Florida's west coast".

Campbell Screw-Up

"Democrat attorney general candidate Walter “Skip” Campbell finally collected state matching funds on Friday, but not the full $380,000 his campaign said last week he’s due. Instead, Campbell got $229,320. ... Campbell campaign manager Jeff Garcia said then that a mistake had been made in applying for the funds, and took the blame. Since, he’s wrangled with Tallahassee bureaucrats to get them to show the campaign some money." "Campbell gets matching funds".

Avon Park

"Avon Park officials, residents know debate on immigration isn't over".

HD 107

"Bush has taken sides in two other Republican primaries this fall, but this marks the only House race that he has endorsed in during this election season." "Bush endorses Robert Fernandez".

AIF Poll

"A poll shows that the candidates for governor hold big leads over their primary opponents. Even so, Davis can't rest easy." "Voters leaning Crist, Davis".

The conference call smacks of desperation from the Gallagher campaign, University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson said.

"Why hold a news conference announcing you've got the same people supporting you throughout the campaign supporting you again?" Paulson said.

Harris Problems Continue

It never ends: FBI's interest in Harris latest bad news for campaign. See also "Subpoena prompted exodus from Harris campaign", "Law firm's bill tipped Harris' staff to subpoena, ex-aide says" and "Harris campaign refuses to verify subpoena".

The campaign's response?

Four more staffers have left Katherine Harris' troubled U.S. Senate campaign, which is putting an upbeat face on the reams of bad publicity that have rolled in with renewed force this week.

"We're excited," said spokeswoman Jennifer Marks, touting the endorsement of Florida Right to Life on Wednesday.

Push Poll

"Florida Chief Financial Officer hopeful Randy Johnson accused GOP opponent Tom Lee of hitting below the belt Wednesday after learning that someone had conducted a survey aimed at alienating Republican voters by accusing Johnson of misspending campaign money. Lee, the state Senate president who has won an endorsement from term-limited Gov. Jeb Bush, denied that his campaign was involved in the survey conducted by a Texas firm that has done work for President Bush." "Johnson says foe ran shady survey". See also "Johnson Says Lee is Behind Push Poll" and "Lee's Campaign: We're not Push-Polling".

Chain Gang Charlie

"Attorney General Charlie Crist, who first earned attention for his crime-fighting proposals in the state Senate, invokes the names of three dead girls regularly on the campaign trail." "Crist's campaign focus: fighting crime".

New Smith Ad

"State Sen. Rod Smith began airing his second television ad Wednesday, probably giving him a week and a half jump on his Democratic opponent with just over a month to go before the Sept. 5 primary election. The new 30-second spot about Smith's plan to fix property insurance is using the remainder of Smith's first $700,000 television advertising purchase that started late last week in markets all over the state except for Pensacola and Fort Myers, including expensive but Democratic-voter-rich South Florida." "Smith gets the jump on Davis with ads on insurance plan". See also "Smith unveils second TV ad", "Campaign adwatch: Rod Smith for governor" and "Smith's Soft-Money Ad".

Scott Maxwell

"Brace yourselves: Candidate ads are invading your living rooms".

Medicaid Fraud

"Results of the state's dental HMO experiment for children on Medicaid are in, but they don't show if the new approach is better than the old. That's unacceptable."

Now, a University of Florida study reports disturbing results for the pilot's first year, which ended in June 2005. It found the number of poor children seeing a dentist dropped 40 percent. Only 27,000 children got dental care, a drop of 35,500 from the previous year under the old program.

Also, children received only $2.1 million in dental services while the state paid $15.3 million to Atlantic Dental, the HMO running the pilot.

From The "Values" Crowd

"In 2004, the issue of gay marriage was used as ballot bait in 11 states, drawing religious conservatives to the polls -- and the tactic worked. A gay marriage ballot question likely will be on the ballot in Florida for the 2008 elections, and candidates already are featuring the divisive issue in their ads." "Convenient target".

Broward County

"There is probable cause to believe Broward County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin broke state law by voting on grant applications for Southwest Ranches written by her husband, the state Ethics Commission said Wednesday." "Broward commissioner official faces ethics hearing over grants linked to husband".

C. F. What?

"Candidates vying to be Florida's next chief financial officer have discovered that they have some explaining to do." "Contest for state CFO (whatever that is) is a first".

Davis Takes On Tally

"The central theme of Davis' campaign is that Republican-led Tallahassee is out of touch with the state. Davis delivers that message in pungent verbal jabs, while criticizing Gov. Jeb Bush and lawmakers for not doing enough on property insurance, environmental protection and growth management. He also slams lobbyists for having too much influence on the lawmaking process." "Boasting a sharpened campaign style, Davis takes on Tallahassee".

Daniel Ruth on Smith

"Candidates Face Each Other And Anonymity".

A Cuban Preference?

"Experts say any tinkering with the "wet foot-dry foot policy" - which allows Cubans fleeing the island to stay in the U.S. only if they reach dry land - would likely destabilize an already fragile Cuban society, enrage other immigrants in the U.S., or both." "Cuban refugee policy in works". See also "Cuba after Castro", "One last Castro threat: A new wave of rafters" and "Cuban-American lawmakers voice cautious hopes".

This somehow is not particularly comforting: "U.S. ready for whatever happens, Martinez says".

Yipes! Mike Thomas will be receiving death threats after penning these words:

Unfortunately, Cuba's socialized health care is quite good. Life spans on the island equal those here. And Cuba's literacy rate tops what you'll find in Orange County high schools.

Maybe that has been Castro's secret to longevity. Yes, he's a narcissistic, ruthless dictator. But he spreads the wealth a bit more than the typical, narcissistic, ruthless dictator backed by the United States.

You Don't Think ...

"State runs prisons better than companies, chief says".

Drilling

"The 71-25 vote, with support from both of Florida's senators, was anticlimactic given sure signs over the last week that the bill would prevail. But it signaled the beginning of difficult negotiations with the House if leaders in both chambers remain at odds over the measure's scope." "Senate passes drilling bill amid promises, threats".

The Commies Are Coming!

Jebbie's surrogate sure knows how to embarass himself: "Frank Bolaños' campaign is warning Republicans in West Miami-Dade of an AFL-CIO 'cabal' that's "organizing a raiding party" to support his GOP primary opponent, state Sen. Alex Villalobos. The labor union has a more bland term for the month-long plan to walk the district and make calls: getting out the vote in the Sept. 5 Republican primary. But Bolaños spokesman Michael Caputo (no relation to this reporter) said an AFL-CIO email to members about the effort shows that Villalobos' support is more fitting for a Democrat than a Republican. He also bashes Villalobos for getting trial-lawyer and teacher-union support." "Bolaños: The blue collars are coming!"

Klein Cleared

"The Florida Commission on Ethics has dismissed a complaint against Democratic state senator and congressional candidate Ron Klein, saying the allegations by a Republican activist wouldn't constitute ethics violations if proved true." "Ethics board dismisses complaint against Klein". See also "State board dismisses Klein ethics charge".

Dear Charlie,

I have fashioned a grand new way for you to win in 2006. Using a very simple strategy, I know we can squeak out a victory in November - even if Katherine isn't in a position to count the ballots. I call the strategy "Say Anything."

My suggestion is simple. If you have any doubt about which position to take on an issue: take more than one. Just make sure you tell people what you think they want to hear. If your first answer isn't right, try again with something different. This isn't necessarily a new idea to you, but I'd like us to fully focus our campaign around a double-talking, flip-flopping strategy I like to call "Crist-Crossing."

So here's what you do: Go on TV and claim you're going to fix it. DO NOT offer any details. I repeat: DO NOT offer any details. If pressed, just copy Tom or the Democrat Party, depending on the audience.

Yours truly,

Carole Jean

Katherine Had a Secret

"U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris received a grand jury subpoena from federal investigators and concealed the fact from top campaign advisers hired to help her deflect negative publicity, her former campaign manager has disclosed."

"Yes, there was a subpoena. She didn't tell us," said Glenn Hodas, Harris' third and most recent campaign manager. He said he learned of it in June while reviewing invoices from powerhouse Washington lawyer Benjamin J. Ginsberg and confronted his boss.

The invoices, Hodas said, were for work relating to a "DOJ subpoena," referring to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The discovery culminated in the latest round of staff departures, in mid-July, Hodas said. Those resignations included Hodas and a campaign spokesman.

Smith Takes A Cuban Shot

"Amid the news of Fidel Castro ceding power, a trip to Cuba by the Democratic front-runner for governor has become fodder in the high-stakes campaign just 90 miles from the island. In 2003, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa was the first Florida congressman to make an official visit to Cuba since Castro rose to power in 1959. Davis' Democratic rival in the governor's race, state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua, said Tuesday that he would never visit Cuba while the communist dictator was in power." "Davis knocked for Cuba trip".

Cuba Fallout

"State officials are reviewing an emergency mass-migration plan should instability in Cuba grow as dictator Fidel Castro's grip on power appears to wane, Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday. 'We're monitoring carefully what's going on there,' Bush told reporters before a morning Cabinet meeting. 'There's a lot of people in our state yearning for democracy and freedom in Cuba.'" "State prepares for Cuba fallout"

Klein-Shaw

"In his 30-second television spot, Klein does not say which seat he's gunning for, nor does he name his opponent. Rather, he introduces himself and lays out his argument that 'we need a congressman who will lead, not follow.'" "State senator's campaign ads rip Congress".

State Run Insurance

"Cornered by what they call a crisis in Florida's business climate, state officials on Tuesday accepted the prickly proposition of increasing the government's role in the battered property insurance market." "State To Back Business Insurance". See also "State to help S. Florida businesses struggling with high insurance rates", "State business insurance patch near" and "Cabinet to boost business insurance".

Land Deal

"Governor's mansion land deal approved". See also "Governor, Florida Cabinet approve land swap".

"Say What?"

"When you're a public official, there's a fine line between maintaining a sense of decorum and being a "regular person" with a sense of humor and an ability to connect with your constituents. U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler recently crossed that line. Others should learn from his misstep." "Say What?"

Which Way To The Mons Venus?

"Tampa Unrolls Red Carpet For RNC Panel".

"Write-in mischief"

"A glitch in state election laws that excludes some voters should be fixed. In primary races where candidates have no challengers from another party, all eligible voters can vote. But if a write-in candidate files in that race, the rules change: Only voters registered in the candidates' party are eligible. Political operatives often use this rule to make mischief." "Write-in mischief".

Poor Tom

"Gallagher showed extremely poor judgment by buying and selling insurance stocks from the office of insurance commissioner. That his campaign expected the ethics commission to look the other way suggests a moral compass gone askew."

Under normal circumstances, his actions could result in a minimal fine, but these are precarious times for Gallagher's campaign and many more days like Friday could spell the end of his gubernatorial ambitions.

Trailing badly in the polls behind Attorney General Charlie Crist, Gallagher now has the distinction of being the first Cabinet member to face a full-blown ethics probe.

Gallagher hasn't been able to gain any traction in the race this year. Following news like this, he'll likely slip farther behind.

GOP Debate

"Tom Gallagher drew sharp differences with rival Charlie Crist as the two leading Republican candidates for governor battled Tuesday over class size, taxes, offshore oil drilling and immigration." "Republicans spar in Polk debate". See also "GOP foes spar in velvet gloves", "Gallagher points to differences with Crist", "No KO's in Poinciana" and "Crist ducks most of Gallagher's jabs during debate".

Drilling

"Last week, Senate leaders said they would kill any compromise that did not provide adequate protection for Florida. These assurances were designed largely to enlist the support of Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who vowed to undermine any drilling proposal that did not shield his state. The guarantee worked, and Nelson joined his Florida counterpart, Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, in support of the bill. Now, the Senate must persuade the House to accept its version, and Martinez took to the floor to vouch for the bill that he helped craft." "Senate votes to expand drilling in eastern Gulf". See also "Senate approves more offshore drilling in Gulf".

Davis Deltona Bound

"For the first time, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa, a Democratic candidate for governor, will visit Deltona. Davis, who is vying against state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua in the Sept. 5 primary, will meet with Hispanic residents and others Friday." "Candidate Davis will take part in 'round table'".

Ad Watch

"Ad watch: Tom Gallagher, governor's race".

A GOoPer Thing

"The practice of awarding bloated compensation packages to corporate CEOs is creeping into the world of academia, although on a smaller scale." "College salaries getting out of hand".

Babcock

"The largest single conservation land purchase in Florida history is a done deal and the state's environmental future is a little brighter because of it. Most of the historic Babcock Ranch in Southwest Florida now belongs to the public - and to the wildlife that needs it for survival." "A piece of natural Florida preserved".

Pre-K Flop

"Four years after voters overwhelmingly approved 'high-quality' pre-kindergarten classes for the state's children, Floridians are left with a litany of half measures adding up to one unfulfilled promise." "Half empty".

Otto: One Can Hope

"One of the great joys of the election process is that there is always hope."

Maybe this time, you think, it will be different. This time candidates will rise up to work for a better community.

From out of nowhere will come women and men of integrity and vision. They will be people with ideas who won't be tempted to use the politics of fear and gossip.

Yeah, you hope that.

Jenne

"Ken Jenne's name keeps popping up, and not always in the most savory places. But where is the sheriff, and why does he continue to hide from the storm surrounding him and the agency he heads?" "Ken Jenne".

GOoPer "Jestice"

"Don't let the name fool you. The Committee for Florida Justice Reform claims to be about tort reform, but new developments suggest it's mostly about trying to end Alex Villalobos' political career." And they are raising big bucks: "The Buzz learns that the committee's goal is to raise $1-million in the next seven days, and this comes just days after lobbyists flew up to Yankee Stadium for a Republican Party fund-raiser. In Tallahassee, that's called 'justice reform.'". "You Call This 'Justice'?"

Kinda makes you see Davis' point about the RPOF: "Democratic gubernatorial candidate vows to give 'adult supervision' to Legislature".

Miami-Dade

"Investigators are examining loans and other payments worth more than $475,000 made to Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose 'Pepe' Diaz." "Loans, bonuses subject of Diaz probe".

Davis Keeps His Powder Dry

"With primary rival Rod Smith already on the air, Jim Davis assured a crowd of Democratic activists during a campaign stop in Naples today that he’s 'fixin' to go up soon.'" "Davis' Guest Star".

Privatization Follies

At least some GOoPers are seeing the error of Jebbie's privatization schemes:

The head of Florida's prison system, who has been cleaning up contracting scandals for six months in the Department of Corrections, voiced skepticism about prison privatization Tuesday.

Secretary Jim McDonough said private companies are good at financing and building prisons but that his department is better at running them. The state has five privately operated prisons, and a sixth under construction, but McDonough said he doesn't see it as a growth industry.

"Katherine, though it causes us much anguish, we have determined that your campaign faces irreparable damage," state GOP Chairman Carole Jean Jordan, said in a confidential letter to Harris on May 7.

"We feel that we have no other choice but to revoke our support."

The letter, which also was signed by GOP national committeewoman Sharon Day and national committeeman Paul Senft, was first reported by the Associated Press. Party spokesman Jeff Sadosky confirmed that its contents had been reported accurately, but declined to release it.

"The polls tell us that no matter how you run this race, you will not be successful in beating (Sen.) Bill Nelson, who would otherwise be a vulnerable incumbent if forced to face a stronger candidate," the letter said.

At the same time the letter was drafted, Gov. Jeb Bush was trying to recruit outgoing House Speaker Allan Bense, R-Panama City, as a Senate candidate. Three political newcomers — retired Adm. LeRoy Collins Jr., of Tampa; Will McBride, an Orange County attorney; and Peter Monroe, a Pinellas County attorney and developer — entered instead.

Harris' campaign did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

Tom's Secret Weapon

"Terri Schiavo's father said Monday that Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist, a Republican candidate for governor, did nothing to save his daughter from dying. Robert Schindler, writing for the conservative Human Events Online, said Crist "had it within his authority to save her life, but he turned a blind eye to her suffering."" "Schiavo's father says Crist did nothing to save her". See also "The Politics of Schiavo". Here's the article: "Charlie Crist Let My Daughter Die".

On a related note, it looks like Gallagher is about to take the gay gloves off in his debate with Crist tonight: "Gallagher, who has aggressively courted the religious right in his primary campaign, concluded [Crist's] remarks are proof that Crist is 'opening the door to gay adoptions in Florida.' He then went on to say that he looks forward to discussing gay adoption and other 'important issues facing our state' at the [Polk County Republican candidates forum in Poinciana Tuesday]." "Ringside seats in Poinciana: Gallagher v. Crist".

South Florida Dems

"Nestled between Tequesta and Homestead lies the epicenter of Florida Democratic politics, a concentrated three-county Shangri-la of votes and money. Nearly one-third of the state's Democrats call South Florida home and, when energized, they can make or break a candidate seeking statewide office." "Democratic candidates court S. Floridians in governor's race".

Write-In

Abuse of the write-in process has

Miami: "Two write-in candidates facing Republican legislators [representatives Marcelo Llorente and J.C. Planas of Miami] are linked to Rep. David Rivera in yet another chapter in Miami-Dade's telenovela elections." "Write-ins add intrigue to state races".

Sarasota: "Even though a write-in candidate dropped out of the Sarasota County Commission race on Friday, Democrats who sued him and the GOP chairman aren't dropping their case yet. An attorney for the Democrats who brought the suit against write-in candidate Mike Bowers said on Monday that his clients still want to sue Sarasota County Republican Party Chairman Bob Waechter." "11th District primary pits ex-Senate candidate's daughter against legislator".

The Palm beach Post explains the problem:

Because of a constitutional amendment that took effect in 2000, partisan primaries are open to all voters if all candidates for the office are from the same party. That's fine, but the measure has been interpreted to close the primary if a write-in candidate files.

The loophole allows parties to advance favored candidates by recruiting a write-in opponent - who pays no filing fee - to shut out voters from the other party. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee found 30 legislative races in which the write-in scheme was used, with the victor claiming an average in the general election of 99.8 percent of the vote.

Recent examples of this exploitation have been egregious. In a Pinellas County primary for county commission, one man filed to run as a write-in against his own brother minutes before deadline. In 2004, Jean Enright's mother ran as a Port of Palm Beach write-in to help her daughter.

In Miami-Dade, Republican state Sen. Alex Villalobos crossed Gov. Bush on the class-size amendment and school vouchers, and the party now has recruited a write-in to run against him to close out potential supporters in the Democratic Party. In south Palm Beach County, 70,000 voters who aren't registered Democrats are shut out of races in House District 86, where write-in Kathleen Faherty-Ruby closed a field of four Democrats vying for the open seat to replace Rep. Anne Gannon, and District 90, where write-in Manuel Press did the same for four Democrats running to fill Rep. Irv Slosberg's seat.

Thousands of Treasure Coast Democrats were closed out in 2004 when Paul Andrew Smith of Port St. Lucie was a write-in against incumbent Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, in House District 81.

Every election, the write-in loophole disenfranchises more Floridians than the butterfly ballot, yet cynical partisans in the Legislature refuse to close it.

Thomas

"Some ideas for fixing state too good to be true".

Prison Woes

"Sadly, America's first national prison commission in 30 years failed to tackle, head-on, our lock 'em up culture or find ways to reduce the number of people behind bars in Florida and elsewhere. The commission's recent report is little more than a how-to manual to help wardens cope with overcrowded prisons that breed violence, disease and recidivism. What we really need is a road map to drastically shrink Florida's prison population and, at the same time, save state taxpayers a lot of money." "More cells won't fix state's prison woes".

Whatever

"Bush touts Miami port as key for international trade".

"A conspiracy that doesn't exist"

"A local military contractor's $4,000 campaign donation has become a source of controversy for a Congressional candidate in Vermont. Don Ariel, the chief executive officer of Raydon Corp., brushed off the suggestion that the company was out to gain political favor as 'election year politics.' 'There are a lot of disparate facts that are being tied together into a conspiracy that doesn't exist,' Ariel said Monday." "Local military contractor's campaign donations questioned".

CD 11

"The race for the 13th District -- Katherine Harris' seat -- isn't the only local congressional primary heating up going into the last full month of campaigning. The battle for the 11th Congressional District is also gaining steam, with racial undertones and big-name Democrats squaring off to replace Jim Davis. In all, five Democrats are running for the district, which includes more than 12,000 voters from Manatee County, but is mostly a Tampa-based district. The two biggest names are Kathy Castor, whose mother, Betty, ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004, and Les Miller, the state senator who has been a Florida legislator for 14 years." "11th District primary pits ex-Senate candidate's daughter against legislator".

"Gallagher's ethical lapses"

"The Florida Ethics Commission isn't known for being the toughest watchdog around. But even it could not let Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher completely off the hook for his serious lapses in judgment. The commission found probable cause that the Republican candidate for governor violated state law by buying stock in four companies that had state contracts or were regulated by his Cabinet office. While the timing is awkward in the middle of a statewide campaign, the findings are not as easily brushed aside as Gallagher suggests." "Gallagher's ethical lapses".

"Jeb!" Watch

The Washington Times: "Jeb Bush may get to run for president one day, but not as his brother's immediate successor. Were it otherwise, party bigwigs and money would be flocking to Florida in a way reminiscent of the 1999 procession to Texas. " "Looking at Republicans and 2008".

Silly GOoPers

"The Republican Party of Florida on Monday criticized U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, a Tampa Democrat running for governor, for voting against a measure to increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over three years." Of course, the RPOF forgets to mention that

Davis was hardly alone in voting against the package. Democrats decried it as an election-year gimmick. While the package included raising the minimum wage, it was tied to a plan to cut estate taxes, which affect only the wealthiest of Americans. Davis spokeswoman Danae Jones said Davis voted against it for that reason.

Wingnuts Going After Villabos

"As if this new committee's reason for being needed any further explanation, here's another clue: One of the first candidates to get a $500 check from the committee is Frank Bolanos, the Miami-Dade school board member challenging Villalobos in the Republican primary." "Look Who Just Launched A Soft-Money Machine".

Internal Poll

"An internal poll by the Democratic Jim Davis gubernatorial campaign shows the Tampa congressman beating state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua, 31 percent to 13 percent among likely primary voters, according to a campaign memo. When voters initially undecided are pressed, the lead is 41 - 17, with 42 percent undecided, according to the memo from pollsters Harrison Hickman and Eily Hayes." "Davis Touts Poll".

Boyd

"Boyd to discuss health care".

Klein-Shaw

"Competing TV commercials from U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw and state Sen. Ron Klein are expected to fill the airwaves over the next three months." "Klein-Shaw airwave war starting to heat up". See also "Klein TV ad faults GOP-led Congress".

Spoof

"Crist says he had no part in spoof".

"Smith: More Renewable Energy"

"On the same day that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced that California would start cutting its greenhouse gases, Democratic candidate for governor Rod Smith offered up his plan for Florida." "Smith: More Renewable Energy".

Gallagher Ad

"This ad attempts to appeal to Gallagher's Miami roots by reminding voters he was one of the first Republicans elected in Miami-Dade County since Reconstruction. In fact, he was not the first, as the ad proclaims, but the second, after John Cyril Malloy, who was elected to the state House two years before Gallagher's election in 1974. Malloy later became a Democrat, so the Gallagher campaign claims he was not a true Republican. Ros-Lehtinen, who served with Gallagher in the state Legislature, has endorsed Gallagher and has taped a second ad he plans to air in Miami later this week." "Ad Watch: Tom Gallagher's campaign for governor". See also "Gallagher's Spanish ad targets Miami market".

Babcock

"The state accepted the deed of a tract that will create an almost unbroken stretch of wilderness from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico." "State acquires ranch tract, will save wilderness area". See also "State seals Babcock deal", "Babcock Ranch plan to undergo months of scrutiny in DRI review" and "Purchase preserves remnant of Old Florida".

You Just Know They're Crummy Tippers

"In news releases and speeches, those trying to bring the Republican National Convention to Tampa boast of a potential $150 million in direct spending here."

Sometimes, the number creeps up to $180 million.

But the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau acknowledges that this often-repeated number is something the bureau just pulled off the Internet from a 3-year-old news release touting the potential impact for another convention in another city.

Drilling

"With the help of Florida's senators, an attempt to open a new section of the Gulf of Mexico to drilling cleared a major hurdle in the Senate on Monday. The 72-23 vote to end debate on a bill that would open 8.3 million acres off the western coast of Florida to drilling was hailed by the nation's oil and gas industry. It was also welcomed by manufacturers, farmers and other businesses that seek decreases in the price of energy, especially natural gas." Now comes the hard part, dealing with the House version. Fortunately, "Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Orlando, and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and several others who voted to end debate on the bill Monday, vowed to filibuster a final bill if it incorporates any of the House's provisions." "Senate paves way for offshore-drilling bill". See also "Senate bill opening Florida waters to oil drilling just a beginning" and "Senate sets stage for drilling vote".

W.D.

"W.D. Childers, who once led the Florida Senate, began serving a prison sentence for bribery, committed as a county commissioner." "Ex-Senate leader enters prison".

The GOP Candidates

See "Gallagher: Supporters tout business background; critics argue interests too personal." and "Crist: Dismissed, even ridiculed, but skillfully steering clear of conflict".

Red Tide

"A scientist is challenging a state report that says there is no clear evidence that toxic red tide is on the rise in the waters off southwest Florida. 'Red tide is more abundant,' said Larry Brand, a professor of marine biology at the University of Miami. 'You can count on it getting worse.' Brand was part of a panel that spoke Sunday to about 170 at a Sierra Club red tide community forum on St. Pete Beach. A recent study by Florida's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute found data collected between 1954 and 2006 was too scattered to show a trend in red tides." "Scientist disputes state, sees increase in red tide".

"Dirty Secret"

"There's a dirty secret when it comes to how Floridians elect their legislators: most districts are drawn to favor one party or the other. That means in many districts, one party sits the race out, or has a candidate who doesn't have much of a chance. That means the decision on who will represent many voters actually takes place in the September primary, rather than November." "With many seats safe for one party, primaries where the action is in Florida".

Lake County

"One-party system will serve no one".

Gay Vote

"Gay-rights activists said the Democrats vying to replace Gov. Jeb Bush are not their dream team, but they are a lot more sympathetic to their cause than the Republican contenders." "Democratic candidates woo gay voters".

Feeney

"Rep. Tom Feeney's path to re-election stretches from Orlando to the plush Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, according to recently released federal campaign finance reports. ... The hotel tab in Sin City covered an appearance Feeney made there as keynote speaker for an April 2005 gathering of the American Financial Services Association, said Jason Roe, Feeney's chief of staff." And isn't this special: "Feeney's campaign paid nearly $50,000 to Roe's wife, Patricia, who was a professional fundraiser in Washington."."Feeney cranks up spending".

Pre-K Flop

"As Florida ends its first year of free prekindergarten for 4-year-olds, the conflict over how to judge the results reflects the program's political heritage. Faced with full public support, lawmakers took a half-hearted approach." "Florida pre-K program rates an incomplete".

Registration Law

The Sun-Sentinel: "[T]he law never intended to stymie access to the voting booth. The measure instead was necessary to clean up lax and problematic practices, an attainable goal if third-party groups are willing to meet deadlines. As the saying goes, politics ain't beanbag." "Voting".

Now That The Election Is Over

"Local leaders and Gov. Jeb Bush's office now say they were mislead into thinking the Base Realignment and Closure plan was the last word on major changes at the state's bases. They say were surprised when a plan to move up to 3,400 jobs from Eglin to California's Edwards Air Force Base quietly surfaced this month." "Panhandle upset with president over military jobs".

"Atomic Bomb"

"Attorney General Crist’s campaign believes the findings against Chief Financial Officer Gallagher are more than enough to deflect any attack Gallagher might launch to try to overcome the enormous lead Crist has in the polls heading toward the September primary." "Does Crist Have the Atomic Bomb?".

Whatever

"President to linger in Miami area today", "President Bush arrives in South Florida for 2 days of speeches, tours" and "President's Dade stop blends politics, people".

Florida Loses Oil Fight

"Sadly, Florida has all but lost its long battle to keep oil and gas rigs far from the state's shores. Sens. Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson deserve credit for achieving a better bill in the Senate than what the House passed, but the entire Florida congressional delegation must be faulted for not demanding more in return for giving up longstanding coastal protections." "Offshore Drilling". See also "Would drilling in Gulf pay off?" ("Experts warn that the energy reserves beneath the Gulf would do virtually nothing to quench the nation's thirst for oil -- much less ease its reliance on foreign imports.")

Creative Campaigns

"Campaigns wax creative to win votes".

Revolving Door

"So the man who heads the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Florida is going to take a new job with a developer who might want to build on some Pasco County wetlands. And which agency issues permits to destroy wetlands? If you guessed the Corps of Engineers, you're starting to understand the revolving door between government regulators and those they regulate." "Regulators, developers too cozy".

Misidentification

Lineup identification errors have "spurred sweeping witness identification reform in states such as New Jersey and Wisconsin. But despite being identified by researchers as one of the top five states for convictions overturned by DNA, Florida police, prosecutors and lawmakers show little interest in taking on the police lineup issue." "Researchers: Flaws in police lineups convict innocent".

A GOoPer Thing

"The political appointee who doctored the reports resigned and took a job with an oil company. But it appears the administration may again be trying to diminish NASA's efforts to safeguard the Earth."

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's mission statement this year was subtly changed, according to the New York Times. Its mission statement had read: "To understand and protect our home planet; to explore the universe and search for life; to inspire the next generation of explorers … as only NASA can." But earlier this year the line "understand and protect our home planet" was quietly deleted.

A Miami Thing

"The clandestine group that mailed a flier morphing Republican state Sen. Alex Villalobos into Hillary Clinton has moved on to spookier personalities: serial killer Ted Bundy. Pairing the killer’s pic with the West-Dade senator’s, the latest attack mailer from Citizens for Conservative Values flogs Villalobos for being soft on crime in light of his failed bill to require unanimous jury recommendations for death sentence. Bundy was executed after a 10-2 jury vote." "Permalink">Move over Hillary, here's Bundy".

Insurance Crisis

"Double-digit premium increases have lawmakers searching for answers" "State's insurance shock sets in".

Loophole

"A loophole that's become the new darling of political consultants across the state will block more than 70,000 voters in south Palm Beach County who are not registered Democrats from electing their state House representative." "Write-in loophole excludes huge voter bloc".<

Some, including Crist, suggested the ineffectiveness of Gallagher's outreach effort was part of a possible regional or national trend, as evidenced by recent elections in other states.

"You saw what happened in Georgia last week in the primary for lieutenant governor," Crist said, referring to the defeat of Ralph Reed, onetime head of the Christian Coalition. "I'm not sure how you explain that."

Others cited the resounding defeat of ousted Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore — who took his fight to keep a Ten Commandments monument at the courthouse in Birmingham all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court — in the Republican primary for governor.

And former state GOP chairman Tom Slade, a Gallagher supporter, said, "I think the tolerance of the Republican Party for the intolerance of the Religious Right is wearing thin."

About Davis

"Over a career that has stretched from Tallahassee to Washington, Davis has been intimately involved in some of the biggest and most complicated issues of the day, from oil drilling to class-size reduction to limiting the influence of lobbyists. Yet his low-key, studious personality - all the more emphasized by patrician looks - means Davis has often gone unnoticed. He is comfortable as the wonk, toiling in the background to shape policy, sometimes, as with class size, well before it becomes a popular issue." "Jim Davis: Earnest and detailed, if not very flashy". See also "Davis fighting to be governor".

About Smith

"Over the course of 14 years of public service, and 17 years in mostly private law practice before that, Smith has earned a reputation as a passionate public speaker who can sway nonbelievers to his side." "Rod Smith: Happy to talk - at length - about his causes.". See also "Rod Smith uses charm in state race" and "Smith trying to build funding, momentum".

TV

"The Democrats have raised far less money than the Republicans to buy ads, and money is critical in a state with large media markets in Central Florida, Southeast Florida, the Tampa Bay area and the Jacksonville area." "Political experts say Democrats need to run TV ads".

"Presumed runners-up"

"Tom Gallagher and Rod Smith, the two presumed runners-up in the Republican and Democratic primaries for governor, say they shouldn't be counted out." "Presumed runners-up remain optimistic".

"'Leadership'"

"Florida got another reminder last week of how far the state must go in transforming the economy."

The Wall Street Journal, using statistics from an intellectual property consulting firm, listed what the paper called the most inventive parts of the country - places where smart, creative people are looking for the next big thing. The Journal factored out such established tech hubs as Santa Clara, Calif., the heart of Silicon Valley, and Boston. ...

This state has no private university even near the level of Stanford or MIT, and for decades the business "leadership" was dominated by companies that wanted to keep wages low.

Free Rides

"If anyone doubted that Florida's system of drawing the state lawmakers' districts is broken, a quick review of the candidates standing for election this year provides all the proof that's needed. Nearly 30 percent of the 140 House and Senate seats up for grabs this year have already been settled because only one candidate qualified to seek office. These districts were rigged to protect incumbents, with little regard to the needs of the voters." "Too many free rides".

Insurance Crisis

"Serious proposals on the homeowners insurance crisis are beginning to surface, but the candidates for governor aren't doing their part." "Insurance can't wait".

"In the 2 1/2 months since the symbolic session-ending dropping of the handkerchief, one piece of bad insurance news after another has slapped the state: double- and triple-digit rate increases; thousands more dropped policies; last-resort Citizens growing to more than 1.2 million homeowner policies and becoming the state's largest insurer. How did most Republicans respond? Stay the course. Hope for no more bad storms. The private market will work things out. Feel good about paying those whopping premiums because you're propping up the system - a system tilted in favor of the insurance industry. Ever so relentlessly, though, the anger and worry are building."

Unless something startling happens, however, no Republican will get any help on homeowner insurance from Gov. Bush. He announced in June that he would form a 15-member committee to increase competition among private carriers and thus get policies out of Citizens. But the committee won't meet until mid-August, and its final report won't be ready until February.

Maybe Republicans can seek votes from private insurers, who like the committee. One trade group praised the governor for recognizing that "risk-based pricing" will give Floridians more choices. In other words, just let the industry keep charging through the nose, regardless of whether the numbers are valid, and soon lots of companies will want a piece of that market.

So, you can see why Rep. Brown-Waite doesn't want to take such a message to voters in her district north of Tampa. You can see why Charlie Crist, the Republican front-runner for governor, has said nice things about the Democratic alternative of a statewide hurricane pool. You can see why the only Republicans who aren't worried about insurance are the ones who aren't on the ballot.

Cleland in Daytona

"Former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, D-Ga., is scheduled to give the keynote address at the sixth annual Democratic Gathering at Daytona Beach on Aug. 26." "Max Cleland, Dem candidates to attend gathering".

Tax Protesters Converge on Orlando

"Thousands of tax protesters braved the July heat Saturday to rally in downtown Orlando in support of a proposal to eliminate all federal taxes and to replace them with a national retail sales tax." "A fairly taxing debate".

CD 13

"This election season, voters' mailboxes and televisions in the 13th Congressional District have been filled with the symbols and the rhetoric of an increasingly emotional immigration debate" "Immigration top election issue".

Tread Lightly

"Democrats might want to tread lightly on those tan attacks, because on a radio show with host Jim DeFede in South Florida Friday, Crist had his own biting response." "Joke about Crist's tan, you may get burned".

Sarasota Secret Docket

"Attorney Daryl Brown's connection to a major political fundraising scandal in Florida makes the legal battle with his former law firm potentially embarrassing [(Brown was involved in a scheme that funneled illegal campaign donations from Riscorp to politicians)]. So in 2004, Brown's lawyers asked Circuit Judge Rick De Furia to seal the case from public view, a request not usually granted. Even though he had no legal justification, De Furia obliged. Court clerks then used De Furia's order to remove any mention of the case from the public docket. As far as the public was concerned, the case vanished. It is one of a dozen civil court cases in Sarasota County that have disappeared in the past five years, put on a secret docket that prevents the public from knowing the cases exist." "Civil suits disappear on secret docket".

Hispanic Vote

"Hundreds of thousands of Hispanics nationwide marched this spring to the slogan, 'Today we march. Tomorrow we vote.' But, with the Aug. 7 deadline for voter registration just days away, election-office records in the seven Central Florida counties show the share of Hispanic voters remains at about 10 percent of the registered population. As less than half -- or about 200,000 -- of the nearly half-million Hispanics in Central Florida have signed up to vote, community organizations are stepping up efforts to register voters." "Hispanics struggle to find clout at polls".

Upbeat

"Campaigning in Valrico Saturday, an upbeat Tom Gallagher brushed off the significance of the Ethics Commission finding Friday that he may have broken state ethics law. He's in the race to stay, is focused on issues that matter to voters, and will wage a positive campaign until the end, he said." "Tom 'Mr. Positive' Gallagher".

You Don't Think ...

"When you have political power, raising money seems effortless".

A Different Kind of "Pork"

"Despite facing a poorly financed Democratic challenger, Weldon's campaign spent approximately $364,000 through late June on everything from bathroom supplies to a big bash at Disney World, according to the campaign reports." "Weldon staffer fired over pork".

More Ads

"Rod Smith this weekend became the first Democratic candidate for governor to begin advertising on television, with his first commercial now on the air from Miami to Tallahassee. And more are already on the way – a series of spots that will share the unique feel of the first one." "More Smith Ads on the Way".