The computer-assisted survey of 600 likely Democratic primary voters found 21 percent for Davis and 20 percent for Smith, with 59 percent undecided.

Jim Davis is opening up a lead in the still unpredictable Democratic gubernatorial primary, while on the Republican side Charlie Crist barely looks like he's in a race, a new St. Petersburg Times poll finds.

Strong home-base support in the Tampa Bay area is giving U.S. Rep. Davis a 35 percent to 21 percent statewide lead over state Sen. Rod Smith. But with 44 percent of the Democrats surveyed undecided, that primary could go either way.

"You really can't call it, but you would much rather be Jim Davis at this point," said pollster Kellyanne Conway, noting that either Democrat could break out in the coming weeks.

In the Republican primary between two seasoned statewide candidates, Attorney General Crist leads Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher 50 percent to 26 percent. To have a shot at winning the nomination, Gallagher would need to win over all of the 24 percent of Republicans who said they were undecided.

Martinez Under Investigation

"U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez acknowledged Friday that the Federal Election Commission is auditing his 2004 campaign records. In a statement, the Republican said his campaign is "cooperating fully with the FEC" in an ongoing review of the campaign's financial records." And isn't this, well ... so very Mel:

Martinez attributed potential problems with the report to the campaign's success.

Blah, Blah, Blah

This tired AP piece - which is nothing but a GOP campaign release - is still making the rounds: "Florida has had economic growth and education gains and is safer than it's ever been, Gov. Jeb Bush said Thursday, but if voters choose a Democrat to replace him the state will only go backward." "Bush touts GOP gains, urges support for Republican replacement".

And is a column about how Jebbie thinks the "GOP must stay true to its issues" really worth a Bill Cotterell column?

"Rodriguez-gate"

"The Katherine Harris supporter who said the campaign prompted her to ask rival Republican Will McBride why he changed his name from 'Rodriguez' is actually part of the congresswoman's campaign staff." "Rodriguez-gate goes on". See also "More heat from McBride question".

Trib Endorses Campbell in Primary

Not that Skip needs it: "Campbell In AG Primary".

Cops Like Randy

"The International Union of Police Associations’ Florida Local 6000 today endorsed state Rep. Randy Johnson for chief financial officer." "Police union endorses Johnson" "".

Nelson's Fault

"Rep. Harris blames Sen. Nelson for home insurance problems".

"Stream-of-consciousness"

"On Friday, Harris evoked her father and her childhood in Bartow during a 20-minute talk that was part stump speech and part stream-of-consciousness discussion of virtually every major issue facing America today. ... 'There may be some very liberal Democrats in Polk County, like Ted Kennedy,' she said, before trailing off into another thought." "Harris Finds Support, Sympathy Near Childhood Home".

Judicial Oversight

"Judicial Elections Oversight Lax".

AG Poll

"The same McLaughlin & Associated poll that shows the Democratic gubernatorial primary in a deadheat [(see above)] also reports that the attorney general's race is close. State Sen. Skip Campbell, D-Tamarac, is ahead of former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum, R-Longwood, 28% to 27% with 45% still undecided, Campbell's campaign is happy to report." "Poll: Tie in AG's race too" "".

Too Quick To The Checkbook

"A judge has disqualified a second candidate in a Miami-area state House race, saying that the Republican contestant, Juan Enrique Planas illegally wrote a check on his campaign account before he was registered as a candidate." "Judge throws one Planas out of Miami House race; the other Planas remains".

Publicity Stunt

"GOP discusses successes, goals at summit".

Shell Game

"Here's a new development in the arcane world of Florida's campaign finance laws that may make it a bit harder to keep track of where all the money in state elections is coming from."

Bottom line: An ECO can run a negative ad, and when someone goes to look at where the money came from, all that's listed is a contribution from a CCE with a name like Floridians Who Like People. You would then have to go back to the second organization and trace the source of its money to figure out who bankrolled the ad. That's not an impossible task, but it does help disguise who is behind some of these organizations.

HD 91

"The two Democratic candidates vying to unseat Republican Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff in Florida House District 91 have something else in common: They were both Republicans, one as recently as last year." "Ex-Republicans seek Democratic nomination for District 91".

Chamber Members Heart "Representative B"

Ah yes, those delightful chamber of commerce types: "U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris came out on top in the 2006 Osceola Hob Nob sponsored by the chamber of commerce. She picked up 39 percent Thursday night, besting Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson who got 36 percent. Orlando attorney Will McBride got 15 percent, Leroy Collins Jr. collected 8 percent and Peter Monroe got 3 percent." "Harris wins! (A straw vote, that is)".

For more on the sunny, charming folks at the chamber see this recent story: "Proctor asks county to sever ties to Chamber".

Miami Politics

"In Florida's toughest state Senate race, unknown operatives are adopting an old telephone scam called "spoofing" to nettle Hialeah state Rep. Ralph Arza."

Arza, a top advisor to state Senate candidate Frank Bolaños, said he has received several dozen phone calls from confused voters in and around the West Miami-Dade district who said his telephone number appeared on their caller IDs -- probably after they were called with anti-Bolaños propaganda.

The technique is called spoofing because it allows someone to pretend they're calling from someone else's phone. It uses simple telecommunications technology to change the name and number displayed on someone's caller ID. It's used by some police departments and private investigators, as well as in telemarketing and credit card scams.

Custin, a top Villalobos strategist who's married to the senator's legislative aide, called Arza a "sissy" for complaining about him, but wouldn't address the nature of the accusation.

"Arza blaming anyone on anything related to the Bolaños versus Villalobos race is like Castro calling someone a communist," Custin said.

The attack on Arza is the second time the spoofing technique has been used in the race. In July, Bolaños supporters received calls that appeared to come from Bolaños' cellphone. His wife also has been targeted in third-party anti-Bolaños mailings adorned with rattlesnakes.

A flier against Villalobos paired the senator with serial killer Ted Bundy.

"Snowball's chance in hell"

"John Crotty recognizes that his hopes of winning the Democratic gubernatorial primary are slim. 'Snowball's chance in hell,' is how the workers compensation lawyer describes the likelihood that the virtual unknown will best Democratic front-runners Jim Davis or Rod Smith in the Sept. 5 election." "Getting water message out is Crotty campaign's sole goal".

SD 16

"As rates rise, no candidate, including Frank Farkas and Kim Berfield, wants to be seen as too close. " "Ties to insurers are targeted".

Lt. Guv Bense>

"House Speaker Allan Bense said Friday that he's not 'out shopping my name around' to be considered a running mate to Attorney General Charlie Crist in the governor's race, but added that 'if my country or state asks me, I'll never turn them down.' Bense surprised many supporters of Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher two weeks ago when he came forward to endorse Crist." "Bense open to invite to be Crist's running mate".

Smith Turns Up Heat

"Democratic governor hopeful Rod Smith criticized the recent spotty congressional attendance record of his primary rival, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa, during a Thursday appearance at Century Village of Boca Raton."

Appearing before a crowd of about 150 Democratic Club members, Smith was asked by a woman in the audience to differentiate himself from Davis, a former state representative who was elected to Congress in 1996.

Smith, a state senator and former prosecutor from Alachua County, mentioned his experience in Florida and said he'd be a more "effective" leader.

"I really think you need to look at our records: Who goes to work? Who does their job? Who shows up for every vote? Who shows up for every tough vote?" Smith said.

All By Herself (Except for Bill)

"Although the Florida League of Cities promoted its forum as one of the first to bring together all of the candidates for senator and governor, the nonpartisan group didn't invite any of the three Republicans challenging Harris on the Sept. 5 ballot. They did invite Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, who is unopposed for the Democratic primary." "Harris To Be In 1-Person Candidate 'Showdown'".

In the meantime, "Former staffers open up on chaos of campaign" ("Harris has run through a lot of employees during her run for the U.S. Senate.")

New Ad

"In the Democratic candidate for governor's two prior ads, [Smith] was yelling over the din of a campaign rally and yelling over the din of a helicopter. In the new ad, Smith talks at a reasonable decibel level directly into the camera about stem cell research" "Rod Smith tones it down". See also "Smith unveils TV ad favoring stem cell research".

Representative B's Aide

"A close friend and aide to Katherine Harris is serving a sentence for having stolen money from his former employers. Jordan, 42, is a longtime friend of the Longboat Key congresswoman and began working as her volunteer driver and personal assistant in March -- about a month after he got out of jail, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office." "Harris aide serving theft term".

Silly Publicity Stunt

"The ideas, more than 1,100 in all, run from profound to practical to downright silly, like putting a 5 cent deposit on cigarettes to prevent people from tossing their butts." "Legislative leader gets ideas aplenty". See also "Republicans laud next House speaker's idea-raisers".

Style

"Davis Sharpens Style, Takes on Tallahassee".

Johnson

"Randy Johnson, a Republican state representative who wants to be the state's chief financial officer. Johnson brought his "Blue Tarp Tour" to the Majestic Beach Towers Resort recently as part roundtable, part campaign stump and part therapy session." "Blue Tarp Stumper Is After Insurers". See also "What the Chief Financial Officer does".

Lee

"Senate President Relies On Record".

Bauguess

"He has virtually no campaign money, no statewide name recognition and little, if any, support from his party. But Milt Bauguess has something he says Floridians want in their chief financial officer, particularly in the midst of a property insurance crisis." "GOP Underdog Says He'll Address Insurance".

Tuition Increase?

"Budget recommendations could increase state university spending by 15 percent, but the Board of Governors did not make a decision on raising tuition for students." "Budget increase urged for state universities". See also "University board wants budget increase", "Board delays vote on tuition increase", "7% university tuition increase on hold" and "Board delays vote on tuition increase".

Imagine That

"Paper: Insurers are big donors to state candidates".

Judicial Races

"The Florida Family Policy Council, which is affiliated with Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family, wants aspiring judges to answer the group's questionnaire. Such questionnaires are nothing new. This newspaper, along with other organizations, distributes questionnaires with the idea of offering voters information about a candidate's qualifications and his or her thoughts on what qualities make a good judge."

The council, though, wants to put candidates on the record about how they would rule on - big surprise coming - same-sex marriage, abortion and vouchers to attend religious schools. Council President John Stemberger, a lawyer who is promoting a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida, said at a news conference two weeks ago: "It's clear that certain judges may not like this. The public is demanding it." ...

The council got excited this week when the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee issued an opinion saying that trial-court candidates - appellate judges and Supreme Court justices are appointed - "may respond to questionnaires on such subjects as same-sex marriage, parental notification of abortion and whether the candidate agrees with certain court decisions." But the candidate must state that "his or her answers do not constitute a promise to rule in any particular way on a case" and there is an "obligation to follow binding legal precedent."

Despite that opinion, voters should be wary of any judicial candidate who comments directly on issues or cases. That would be like a politician pandering for votes, and good judges don't pander.

"Floridian of His Century"

"The University Press of Florida has just published a lively account of the Collins years by Martin Dyckman, the longtime Capitol reporter and recently retired editorial writer of the St. Petersburg Times. 'Floridian of His Century' captures the turbulent era 50 ago, when Collins was precisely the right man for the time." "LeRoy Collins followed his conscience »".

Party Time

"City officials across Volusia County will be doing more than just going to workshops when they attend the 80th annual Florida League of Cities conference in Jacksonville, which began Thursday and runs through Saturday. Officials from across Florida will be spending their time at a number of after-hours private parties sponsored by companies that do business with local governments." "Leaders plan to mix parties with business".

HD 85

"State Rep. Shelley Vana's bid for a third term is being challenged this year in the Democratic primary by a suburban Lake Worth businessman hoping to pull off an upset." "Newcomer hands Vana challenge in House 85 primary".

HD 90

"Four political newcomers are vying in a sometimes mean-spirited race to replace term-limited state Rep. Irving Slosberg, D-Boca Raton. Harvey Arnold, 71, former president of the United South County Democratic Club; Leonard Turesky, 57, an insurance executive; Sheldon "Klassy" Klasfeld, 53, a teacher; and Kelly Skidmore, 43, former top aide for state Sen. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, will be on the Sept. 5 ballot for the District 90 Democratic primary. " "Newcomers in House race hash out insurance, health care".

"Every girl's crazy about a sharp dressed man"

"Without a question, the Florida Elections Commission needs to open a formal investigation into this shady shopping spree. White may think he's making a good first impression with voters, but what they see is a candidate who bends the rules and misuses campaign money for his own vanity. White's credibility is hanging by a thread." "The Guile of Kevin White's Style".

Cretin Unmasked

Kudos to the Miami Herald for tracking down the GOPer cretin who attempted to inject racisim into the GOP Senate primary:

"Eddie," the Katherine Harris staffer who allegedly planted a racially loaded question about whether candidate Will McBride’s real name was Rodriguez, apparently made two mistakes at Friday candidate forum:

1) Failing to tell supporter/plant Jackie Brownhill to hush up about the Harris campaign as the source of the question.

2) Passing out a business card with the name A. Edward Mehnert III to people at the event. The card was shared with the Miami Herald.

Lee's Slush Fund

"Tom Lee is sitting on $1.18-million. And everybody seems to have an idea about what he should do with it. The money, tucked away with a committee known as FLUST (Floridians Uniting for a Stronger Tomorrow) was raised as a part of his bid to become state Senate president. The Valrico Republican is now running a competitive primary race against Rep. Randy Johnson of Celebration to be the state's next chief financial officer. He could use FLUST money in his CFO race, but has said he won't. It's common for senators to use their political committee money to help fellow incumbent senators win competitive races. And Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Dunnellon, sent Lee a letter asking him to do just that." "Give up the money, Tom Lee's peers say".

Housing Crisis

"Working class can't afford housing in Charlotte County".

Low Turnout Expected

"Florida Secretary of State Sue Cobb said Wednesday that she's worried voters aren't paying much attention to the Sept. 5 primary election when they can choose nominees for governor as well as a Republican Senate contender." "Secretary of State concerned about poor turnout". See also "Low voter turnout for September primary a concern".

Kids Insurance

"The percentage of uninsured children dropped 20.5 percent nationally and 13.3 percent in Florida, according to the study. The nation still has about 8 million uninsured children, however, including more than 600,000 in Florida." "In Florida, more kids' health is insured".

Dumb

"So does that mean Bolanos would be in favor of a piece of legislation pushed by State Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla this past spring? The Miami Republican sponsored a measure that would have blocked retailers from renting or selling to a minor any video game that depicts killing, maiming or sexually assaulting another human being if the violence was depicted in a heinous, cruel or depraved fashion."

Interestingly enough, guess who led the charge to help kill Diaz de la Portilla's bill? That would be the Florida Retail Federation, which said that such overregulation wasn't needed and said the bill would be unconstitutional. The federation this past month donated more than $100,000 to Florida's Mainstreet Merchants, which then gave $93,500 to Citizens for Conservative Values, one of the third party groups dedicated to electing Bolanos and defeating incumbent Sen. Alex Villalobos.

More Charlie

"The commercial starts with Crist talking, then flashes to a photo of Crist and Gov. Jeb Bush, followed by a montage of Crist talking to sheriff's deputies and police officers, then a jail door slams shut. The ad finishes with Crist surrounded by a crowd of people, including children." "Adwatch: Charlie Crist's race for governor".

About Tom

"Tom Gallagher has prowled the halls of Florida government for 32 years, tackling more bureaucracies and delving into more issues than almost anyone." "Calculating His Choices".

Money for Nothing

"State Senate candidate Randall Terry earned $10,000 last year for roughly two months of work as the spokesman for Terri Schiavo's family, according to a financial-disclosure form filed with the state Division of Elections." "Activist got $10,000 for Schiavo work". See also "Terry was paid spokesman".

Note The Proximity To Election Season

"Florida Republican Party leaders will converge in Orlando today for what GOP officials are billing as a 'statewide policy summit.'" "GOP brings 'policy summit' to Orlando".

Smith Ad

"Rod Smith focuses on homeowners insurance in his second advertisement. Like his first ad, this one tries to create a real-time effect, showing the candidate jog from a helicopter, its blades still twirling, toward a gaggle of supposed reporters. He has to speak above the engine's din as the wind whips his hair." "Ad Watch: Rod Smith".

Klein-Shaw

"Shaw, Klein trade jabs in Social Security ring". See also "Shaw starts TV campaign focused on Social Security" and "Shaw ad moves him away from Bush on Social Security".

Stumblin' Charlie

"Charlie Crist campaigns for governor saying that he will continue to use the FCAT if he is elected because it is a vital measure of student and school performance. But Florida's attorney general, a former education commissioner, was unable to answer basic questions Wednesday about the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, including when it is given and what it takes to pass." "Crist trips on knowing FCAT dates and scoring".

Preening

"Should a candidate seeking to govern a county with 1-million people, a billion-dollar budget and the power to seize a person's property need to be told not to use campaign contributions to buy himself Italian suits?" "Preening on campaign's tab".

Insurance Becoming Key Issue

"Forget about the orange. In this election year, the symbol for Florida is a blue tarp." "Political Insurance Policies". See also "What voters want is policy on insurers" ("Of all the crises in Florida, none can make candidates squirm more than being asked about homeowners insurance.")

Surely a Mistake

"Not quite. But King's opponent Randall Terry does a pretty good imitation of the former president in a recorded campaign phone call that is going out to 43,000 homes on Thursday." "Clinton supports Sen. Jim King?".

"Bumbling Harris"

"It's gotten so that weird Harris tales are hardly news anymore. They're the proverbial plane-lands-safely story. I mean, if she started running a strong and competent campaign, now that would be unusual and newsworthy. So to put this in perspective, how about a quick game? In each instance, see if you can identify the one thing that Harris has not done in this campaign."

According to a recent chronicling of her former staffers' horror stories, Katherine Harris did all of the following:

A. Throw a stack of papers at a campaign manager.

B. Become so obsessed with Starbucks coffee that she insisted the coffeehouses' locations be mapped out along her campaign route.

C. In response to arriving late to a campaign rally, screamed, cried and told another campaign manager that he'd "ruined her life."

D. On two separate occasions was forced into "Come to Jesus" meetings by top advisers, who insisted that she stop berating her staff.

The false one: D -- The Palm Beach Post, which collected the vignettes, said Harris' top advisers forced her to attend at least three such meetings.

Futures Not Bright

"Without more of a commitment from the Legislature, the 11 public universities have little option beyond tuition and fees for meeting their growing staffing, technology and enrollment needs. The Legislature financed only $55 million of the Board of Governors' $88 million request to cover enrollment growth this year, for example, when student numbers will surpass 300,000. Each tuition increase, however, means more pressure on Bright Futures, which pays tuition for students who attend state universities." "Bright Futures at risk if budget future is bleak".

McBride Financial Picture Still A Mystery

"McBride's staff said the Republican candidate's campaign had been granted an extension until Aug. 4 but could not explain why the Senate office did not have a document indicating that. Late Wednesday, the campaign offered a copy of the financial disclosure and a certified mail receipt showing it had been sent." "Senate hopeful's report overdue".

Hillsborough County

"Political candidate Joe Redner wants to reunite with the man who threw a chair at him on a local TV show - this time in a boxing ring."

Republican and Internet talk show host Tony Katz declined Wednesday, but he said he would participate in a chair-throwing contest with Redner.

Katz chucked a high stool at Redner on Saturday during "The Bleepin Truth," a political debate show that airs on Tampa Bay Community Network. The chair hit Redner on the back, forearm and head.

Exposing The Chamber

Now here is a politician (chairman of the Leon County Commission) who recognizes that the Chamber of Commerce is little more than a right-wing pressure group:

Bill Proctor is asking the county to re-evaluate its relationship with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce because of its opposition to the county's proposed health-care plan for the uninsured.

Stolen Laptop

"A laptop computer used by the Department of Transportation to combat fraud was stolen in Doral last month, putting the sensitive personal information of almost 133,000 Florida residents at risk." "Theft of government laptop in Doral puts 133,000 Florida residents at risk". See also "Stolen laptop had data on 133,000".

Hispanic College Enrollment

"Colleges gaining Hispanic flavor". See also "State campuses swell with Hispanics" and "Hispanic student numbers grow".

"Nothing Noble"

"It has long been the general rule of thumb for the state's judicial candidates that they should keep their opinions to themselves. That is a policy that has largely served the public well - but it is about to change."

[S]pecial interest groups, particularly those such as the Christian Coalition that are looking to remake the judiciary into a force for conservative politics, have been hectoring judicial candidates to share their views on such sensitive matters as gay adoption and slot machine gambling. There is nothing noble in this effort. It is an attempt to inject the same kind of acrimonious partisanship into our local judicial races that exists in nominations to the U.S. Supreme Court. Judicial candidates should not take the bait.

An opinion released Monday by the Florida Supreme Court's Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee expressed the view that it would not be a violation of the state's Judicial Canons for candidates to participate in issue-oriented voter surveys. But that doesn't mean they should.

Whatever

"Bush is about to climb back onto the campaign stump." "Bush Hits the Trail". See also "Bush campaigns to preserve agenda as vote to replace him nears".

CD 11

"Democrats running for the District 11 congressional seat being vacated by Jim Davis appealed for the backing of gay and lesbian voters Wednesday in a forum held by a group seeking to advance rights for those groups." "Candidates lobby gays for support".

Smith Team

"Democratic candidate for governor Rod Smith announced campaign teams in a pair of Central Florida counties [Wednesday]. Among the more well-known names on his Volusia and Polk steering committees are state Rep. Joyce Cusack, D-DeLand, and Daytona Beach Mayor Yvonne Scarlett Golden (Volusia), and former Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Rick Dantzler (Polk). " "Smith Supporters from Volusia to Polk".

Nelson Stays Out of It

"Democrats in the Senate Wednesday called on their colleagues to back Ned Lamont, the Greenwich, CT. millionaire who defeated Sen. Joseph Lieberman in the primary - a win that Democrats say underscores voter unrest with the war in Iraq."

But Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, himself up for re-election and eager to hew to the center, is staying out of the fray. A spokesman for Nelson said he's focused on his own campaign in Florida.

That brought a retort from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which sent out press releases asking whether Democratic Senate incumbents and candidates would "support fringe candidate Ned Lamont or the 2000 VP nominee, Joe Lieberman."

But left out of the stream of press releases from the committee - at least as of mid afternoon - was Nelson, whose chief Republican opponent, Rep. Katherine Harris, is running 30 points behind and has encountered resistance from her own party.

Daily Slosberg

"The race to replace state Rep. Irv Slosberg in District 90 has turned sour, filled with name-calling, an ethics complaint and accusations of dirty campaign tricks. Slosberg is running for state Senate, and the five contenders for his seat are all Democrats, including a write-in candidate whose place on the ballot blocks non-Democrats from voting in the primary." "Name-calling, ethics complaint mark District 90 race, now for Democrats only".

NRA Hearts King

"The National Rifle Association gave another Republican some protection on his right flank today by endorsing Sen. Jim King of Jacksonville. King, like previous NRA-endorsee Charlie Crist, is facing a primary challenger who is campaigning to the right of him. In King's case, it's anti-abortion activist Randall Terry. " "NRA Comes to King's Defense".

Gallagher, whose fundraising and poll numbers have remained stagnant, is taking the advice seriously but has not made up his mind, his advisors said. What is clear is that Gallagher did not expect such a ferocious challenge from his affable opponent, Attorney General Charlie Crist, who has surged ahead in the polls by studiously avoiding conflict.

Gallagher has complained to friends that when Crist is forced to take a position, he often cribs Gallagher's policy proposals: "He uses my words and ideas and says it better than I do," a frustrated Gallagher told one friend.

Gallagher's campaign said Tuesday that the candidate is considering all his options:

"Tom is evaluating -- with his family and his friends -- what is best for him and what is best for the Republican Party," said Gallagher spokesman Alberto Martinez.

Rod's Sugar

"Big Sugar is investing big money on behalf of Democratic state Sen. Rod Smith's campaign for governor." "Sugar growers finance attack on Davis". See also "Political Advertisement Paid For By ... ?"

"The mailer to South Florida voters, paid for by a sugar industry-backed group called Florida's Working Families, rips Davis for missing last month's vote in Washington condemning the terrorist attacks against Israel. Smith told The Miami Herald's editorial board that the missed vote was fair game, considering that Davis has racked up the second-worst attendance record in the House of Representatives since he began campaigning in early 2005." "Permalink">Smith describes anti-Davis mailing as fair game". See also "Political 'scare' tactic condemned", "Smith won't reject anti-Davis flier", "U.S Rep. Schultz calls on Smith to denounce false flyer" and "Ad attacking Davis called unfair".

Heard That Before

"Secretary of State Sue Cobb and her elections chief said Tuesday the state's new voting machinery is ready to run the Sept. 5 primaries with none of the foul-ups that have clouded recent Florida elections." "State set for primaries".

Crist's Conservatism

"Charlie Crist is OK with civil unions for gay couples, he does not have a problem with embryonic stem-cell research, he does not talk much about his faith because it is a personal issue and while he does not want people to get abortions, he will not seek to ban them." "Crist's conservative focus is on economy".

Harris Follies

"Rivals of U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris stepped up their attacks on the Republican front-runner Tuesday, with one saying Harris owes him an apology and another saying she is mangling facts."

LeRoy Collins Jr. blasted Harris for a fundraising mailer rife with statements that Collins and others describe as outright lies.

In the June mailer, titled "Campaign 2006: Fact and Fiction," Harris makes a series of claims about why she can beat Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson.

The mailer states, for example, that Florida Republican Party Chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan "has officially endorsed" Harris. But in May, Jordan wrote Harris urging her to drop out of the race. And in a statement released last week, Harris herself said Jordan "cannot endorse a candidate" with the primary race on.

The fundraising letter also stated that Gov. Jeb Bush had "pledged to back Katherine Harris' campaign." But Bush has publicly said Harris can't win and pushed -- unsuccessfully -- for House Speaker Allan Bense to challenge her.

Finally, Harris' fundraising letter cites a Zogby International poll that shows her trailing Nelson by only 3.9 percentage points. That poll, however, is at least 10 months old.

Since early this year, a series of independent polls have shown Harris trailing Nelson by more than 20 points. Most recently, she has been down by more than 30.

While Collins was asking Harris to correct the record this week, Orlando lawyer Will McBride was demanding an apology from her.

McBride's demand came in the wake of a candidates forum last week in Pinellas County, where a woman wearing a "Harris for Senate" sticker asked McBride why he had changed his name from Rodriguez.

McBride said he had done no such thing and asked the woman why she had asked. The woman, McBride said, told him a Harris campaign staffer had instructed her to ask. ...

Harris spokeswoman Jennifer Marks said Tuesday that no one currently with the campaign had planted the question about McBride's name.

But when asked if it had been planted by someone who used to be with the campaign, she said, "I don't have any additional comment on it."

Davis Ad

"Ad Watch: Jim Davis".

Villalobos

"The primary race between state Sen. Alex Villalobos and challenger Frank Bolaños remained nasty, although a suit seeking to kick Bolaños off the ballot will be dropped." "Election lawsuit about to be dropped".

In other news about the race, not all Bushco-knuckledraggers have abandoned Villalobos: "one major organization, long in Bush's camp, said Tuesday it would like to keep Villalobos in the Senate: Florida Right to Life. 'Senator Villalobos has consistently voted to protect the rights of the unborn, the elderly and the infirmed,' said Carrie Eisnaugle, chair of the organization's political action committee." "Family Feud". See also "Fla. Right to Life: Vote Villalobos".

Where Was Charlie?

"National insurance companies often carve out their Florida business into a separate company, insulating the parent company from losses in the hurricane-prone state." "Candidates decry 'pup companies' that offer insurance in Florida".

So nice to read that Charlie, "Crist: Large insurers shouldn't spin off Florida companies". Charlie, where were you, say 12 months ago on this?

Shameless

More shameless hypocrisy.

It’s rare to hear anyone who works for Gov. Jeb Bush – whether on staff or contract – argue against privatization. It’s especially rare when it’s the governor’s own lawyer.

But when it comes to voter registration, it turns out, only the state gets it right.

"The private entities are always going to exploit the public system for (their) private gain," attorney Pete Antonacci, who’s defending the state in an elections lawsuit, told a federal judge last week.

Come again?

Casino Suit Reinstated

"A lawsuit challenging voter approval of a state constitutional amendment permitting slot machine gambling in two South Florida counties was reinstated Tuesday by an appellate court. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled 2-1 that a favorable popular vote does not automatically validate a defective constitutional amendment except for minor, technical defects." "Appellate court restores suit against slot machine vote".

McCain for President Campaign Appoints Florida Head

"As McCain gears up for the 2008 election, having a friendly Republican in the Governor's Mansion could help him win the state's 25 electoral votes." "McCain backs Crist for governor".

Trial Lawyers

"Two new 'ECO' electioneering committees are up and running -- courtesy of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. You have to believe the committees are poised to have an impact in legislative or statewide races. The groups are 'Floridians for a Stronger Florida' (how original!) and Florida Consumer Alliance. The chairman of both groups is Gary Farmer of Weston, a member of the academy's executive committee." "Floridians for a ... what?"

Johnson

"For Johnson, endorsements prove elusive".

Sink

"Democrat CFO candidate Alex Sink has picked up the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which claims 30,000 members and retirees in Florida and 1.8-million members nationwide. This is the third major labor endorsement for Sink, who also has the Florida AFL-CIO and the Florida Education Association on her side. Sink has no primary opponent; she'll face the winner of the Republican CFO primary in November." "Sink wins SEIU Endorsement".

Daily Slosberg

"State Rep. Irv Slosberg on Tuesday unveiled his own amateur hurricane recovery system dubbed 'Slosberg Emergency Management Aid,' complete with a fleet of trucks filled with ice, as he stumps for votes in an increasingly bitter state Senate race." "State Senate candidate reaches out to storm-weary voters with ice-filled trucks". See also "Foe rips Slosberg's storm aid trucks" (" The trucks drew immediate criticism from Slosberg's rival in the primary, Ted Deutch, and an expression of concern from Palm Beach County's top emergency manager.")

"Making a Killing"

"It's hard to look at the insurance company profits, and the industry's political influence in Tallahassee, and not conclude that insurers are making a killing with the complicity of politicians. The meager reforms from the Legislature seem to validate the conspiracy theories." "Insurance".

Shaw, Klein Differ on Windstorm Issue

"Congressional candidates have different approaches to reducing hurricane insurance premiums." "Shaw, Klein differ on windstorm coverage".

"Election-year chicanery"

Jebbie is at it again.

As Floridians face skyrocketing premiums, thousands of policy cancellations and a threatened state economy, Gov. Jeb Bush's insurance-crisis committee held its first meeting Tuesday.

One of the first things it will do is take aim at the Democratic plan for relief. ...

House Minority Leader Dan Gelber accused the agency of "election-year chicanery" on an issue that polls show four out of five Floridians identify as the state's most pressing issue. ...

Just Read It

"Blue-collar vs. blue blood" ("'We would have handled this the same for everyone,' Jupiter Island Public Safety Director Bill Mason told The Post four months ago. Right. Everyone who lives on Jupiter Island.").

Bushco Steps up Harris Investigation

"Federal investigators want to question two more former staffers of Rep. Katherine Harris as part of a growing federal inquiry into the relationship between the congresswoman and a defense contractor." "Katherine Harris ex-aides added to investigation".

Wingnuts Win One

"Judicial candidates often recoil when asked for their opinions on hot social issues, fearing that they will violate rules that forbid them from appearing biased. An opinion released Monday frees them up to express more of their judicial philosophies." "Opinion lets judges share theirs".

CD 13 Internal Poll

"In the Republican primary to succeed Katherine Harris in Congressional District 13, Tramm Hudson is touting an internal poll showing him with a 12-point lead. The Tarrance Group, Hudson's pollster, surveyed 300 likely GOP primary voters Aug. 2-3. They found Hudson backed by 45 percent, Vern Buchanan backed by 23 percent, Nancy Detert by 10 percent, Mark Flanagan by 8 percent, Donna Clarke by 7 percent, and 18 percent undecided. The margin of error was plus or minus 5.8 percent." "Trammpling Vern Buchanan?"

The group, All Children Matter, supports candidates nationwide who favor using public voucher money to send poor children to private schools.

It also opposes voucher opponents, like Villalobos, who was instrumental in killing a plan this spring to save the state's Opportunity Scholarship Program. The plan, the legacy of Gov. Jeb Bush, was ruled unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court.

Villalobos' opponent, School Board member Frank Bolaños, supports vouchers.

All Children Matter is just one of a number of groups and committees weighing in on the race, which is one of the hottest and toughest legislative campaigns in the state.

Bolaños supporters include powerhouses like the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Bush fundraisers.

With Gov. Jeb Bush expected publicly to endorse his opponent soon, state Sen. Alex Villalobos has the state's second-most popular Republican in his corner: gubernatorial frontrunner and current Attorney General Charlie Crist.

Or does he?

Crist, asked about Villalobos this morning, offered tepid-at-best praise for the Miami senator, who happens to be Crist's Miami-Dade honorary campaign chairman.

No

"Can growth pay for all of Crist's promises?".

Rod Smith Bio

"Of all the candidates for governor, Rod Smith's path to politics seems the least likely. The only child of a poor Oklahoma farmer, Smith grew up working with his father picking winter vegetables such as peppers and eggplants. He worked on his family farm through law school and embarked on a legal career helping workers, including police and firefighters, organize into unions." "Rural Route To The Top".

Davis Goes Condo; Things Get Nasty

"Jim Davis campaigned for governor at four heavily Jewish retirement condos Monday, the same day an attack ad questioned his support for Israel. He faces Rod Smith in the Democratic primary Sept. 5." "Broward retirement homes host gubernatorial hopeful Davis".

"The Democratic campaign for governor took a nasty turn Monday as an obscure political group bankrolled by a giant sugar grower attacked U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa for missing a congressional vote supporting Israel in its burgeoning war against Hezbollah." "Mailers attack Davis for missing pro-Israel vote".See also "Group's flier attacks Davis on Israel", "Democratic gubernatorial contest gets testy" and "Campaign for governor takes negative turn".

Who is behind the attack piece?

Sugar growers sure seem to be doing a lot to get Democrat Rod Smith elected governor.

First, the industry steered thousands of dollars in contributions directly into Smith's campaign account -- including at least $14,000 from employees, family members and affiliated companies of the state's two largest growers, U.S. Sugar Corp. and Flo-Sun/Florida Crystals.

Then, U.S. Sugar and a pair of subsidiaries plowed $205,000 into a separate political group that paid for mailers and phone calls on Smith's behalf.

And now this: U.S. Sugar and a subsidiary pour $100,000 into another group that attacks Smith's rival in the Democratic primary, Jim Davis.

Candidate Website Reviews

"The Tampa Tribune reviewed 79 Web sites of the candidates for major local and statewide offices. The search uncovered what was useful and what was not, what was quirky, comedic and downright mean."

Most Engaging Web Site: Jim Davis, Democratic candidate for governor. Davis has the most blog-friendly Web site of any candidate running for major office. With polished Web pages, viewers can scroll through an up-to-date campaign blog, post pictures to a photo blog or register as a guest blogger.

This could pioneer the 21st century town hall, drawing debate from voters of every political persuasion to measure a candidate's worth. That doesn't happen for Davis. The blog entries have generated few public comments. His opponent in the Democratic primary, Rod Smith, has drawn several comments on each of his blog entries, but most are from people friendly to the campaign and devoid of any serious questions.

Most Useful Web Sites: Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher, Republican candidates for governor. Most casual Web surfers wouldn't dream of spending THAT much time analyzing the policy papers and political agendas of the gubernatorial candidates. But they're there if you want them, on issues ranging from the economy to education to consumer advocacy. Leave time for lunch.

Both sites are remarkably similar in what they offer, including streaming audio and video, as well as pages to help visitors register to vote. Links are easy to find, though Crist's page is too busy.

Both candidates lose points for posting no blogs, a regular feature in about every campaign Web site for major office. But the amount of information available qualifies each site as a destination for the politically committed.

Best Home Page: Walter G. "Skip" Campbell Jr., Democratic candidate for attorney general. Once you get past the unfortunately long Web address (the URL in geek-speak), Skip Campbell's Web page will have you enchanted for at least a few seconds. ...

Best Advertisement For a Webmaster: Katherine Harris, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Harris' blog hasn't been updated since May 29, the date it launched ("Please check back within a few days"). Her events calendar contains only one listing, Election Day, Nov. 7 ("Details: Get Out and Vote").

Showering Cash

"Florida's teetering property insurance industry got what it wanted this year from the state: new power to raise consumer prices. The Legislature crafted the industry incentives as insurers poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into election campaigns of lawmakers, state political parties and candidates for statewide offices." "Insurance companies shower Fla. politicians with donations to get rate hikes".

Building the Base

"Bush administration prepares shift to reunite Cuban families".

Issues That Move The GOP Faithful

"Gallagher discusses gay marriage, abortion, adoption and adult billboards." "Ad Watch: Tom Gallagher".

Too Much Bob?

"In leaning so heavily on Graham, Davis also has ignited criticism that he can't stand on his own. It's hard to image a candidate squeezing more mileage out of a single supporter than Davis has from Graham. Since Graham publicly endorsed him a year ago, the Davis campaign has plastered Graham's name on news releases, fundraising letters and mailers. Davis named Graham his campaign chairman, and he had Graham introduce him to the crowd at last year's Florida Democratic Party convention." "Smith criticizes Davis ads that rely on Graham".

"427 percent to Custer"

"There are reasons why politicians sometimes avoid appearing in public with their opponents, and not wanting to be confused with playing the part of Homer to Marge Simpson certainly is one of them."

That may explain why U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson might well prefer scooping his eyes out with a spoon rather than be caught dead on the same dais with his likely Republican opponent, Katherine Harris, R-Nurse Ratched.

A former colleague who has since joined the ranks of flackdom was distressed to discover Nelson had not committed to a candidates forum this week during a Florida League of Cities convention in Jacksonville.

Apparently, neither had Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist, of whom it could be guessed that he would rather eat cold peas than share much more time in the same room with his gubernatorial opponent, Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, R-Torquemada.

After all, both Nelson and Crist lead their closest rivals something on the order of 427 percent to Custer, the black plague and Anne Boleyn.

McCain Hearts Crist

"McCain backs Crist in governor's race". See also "McCain and NRA endorse Crist".

Mel's Money

"In the complaint, filed with the Federal Election Commission, the group accuses Bacardi of improperly helping Martinez by using its corporate offices for the fundraiser, serving $500 in refreshments and tapping a company vendor list to solicit donations. Under law, companies cannot directly help federal campaigns. The watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, also alleges the Martinez camp masked donations from Bacardi executives by not properly disclosing their occupations on filings with the FEC." "Watchdog group targets Martinez".

Cuban Commandos

"The commando attacks of this paramilitary, anti-Castro, anti-communist group are fewer these days, and their weekly clandestine training sessions at a secluded camp near the Everglades are temporarily on hold. But Alpha 66, a Cuban exile group that has supported an armed overthrow of Cuba's Communist regime for 45 years, is preparing for its next fight with the great expectation that the Cuban people will rise up against their government." "Anti-Castro Alpha 66 still fighting for Cuba".

Ganging Up on Representative B

"But even in Republican-dominated Collier, Harris still had to deal with sniping from her three largely unknown rivals for the GOP nomination during a candidates' forum sponsored by the county's Republican Party. The trio contended Harris has no chance of defeating Nelson." "Rivals confront Harris at forum".

But Harris is not above taking a cheap shot or two:

A simple sorry won’t be good enough for this one, says Will McBride, a Republican running for the U.S. Senate.

The Tampa-born McBride is still steaming over a question at a candidate’s forum Friday in Pinellas County from a Katherine Harris supporter. She asked him why he had changed his name from "Rodriguez."

Jackie Brownhill, the woman who asked the question, was wearing a Harris for Senate campaign sticker on her lapel. When McBride said he confronted the woman later she said “the campaign asked me to ask you.”

McBride said his name has always been William Richard McBride, as it states on his birth certificate. He said Harris should be embarrassed by "this kind of dirty politics."

The Lame Duck ...

keeps on waddling: "Jim Davis, Rod Smith and Alex Villalobos be warned: Gov. Jeb Bush could be gearing up for campaign season. The Foundation for Florida's Future -- that's the nonprofit group Bush put together to promote his policies -- recently spent $126,750 on 'media production,' according to records disclosed on its website. It's the largest single expense the foundation has incurred since Bush revived it last year." "Bush's Foundation is Stirring".

Volusia Political Money Down

"With four weeks left before the Sept. 5 primary, campaign contributions for Volusia County races are far off the pace set in recent high-profile local races." "County political coffers pinched".

From the "Values" Crowd

See "State's universities want to hike tuition 7%" and "DCF to cut jobs in statewide overhaul".

"What happened to Gallagher?"

Mike Thomas asks: "So what happened to Gallagher? Well, Charlie Crist happened for one. It has been said he has the brains, as well as the weight, of the Straw Man. Crist obviously has been off to see the Wizard. He has outfoxed, out-hustled and outmaneuvered Gallagher." "Wily old pro Gallagher gets outfoxed again".

Money to Burn

"Charlie Crist is launching his sixth television spot in the Republican primary for governor, an ad that highlights the tough-on-crime campaign themes that are central in his stump speeches." "Pass the Remote".

Gun Votes

"NRA Endorses Crist -- Is Smith Next?".

Sugar

"The current farm bill has widespread support among U.S. agricultural producers, including Florida sugar cane growers, who strongly favor extending it for another five years. But everything from the recent suspension of World Trade Organization talks to the federal budget deficit and midterm elections will influence whether that extension occurs, sugar growers learned from a variety of politicians and experts Monday during a conference in Asheville, N.C." "Lawmakers, experts don't see big changes in sugar policy".

Big Dog Backs Klein

"Klein looks to ex-President Clinton to boost campaign".

Insurance Crisis

Poor "Jeb!"

Even as Gov. Bush pushed the state deeper into the insurance business, he fretted about pushing the state deeper into the insurance business. His worry would make sense only if there were a functioning insurance business in Florida.

"Troubling"

"In a troubling sign for a campaign entering the final stretch of a tough primary, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith is switching TV advertising firms."

It's the second time in a matter of weeks that Smith has switched firms handing his crucial TV campaign, and the latest move comes amid decidedly mixed assessments of the effectiveness of Smith's first TV spots.

"I don't think much of those ads Smith has," Annette Bassow, a retiree in Broward County, said Monday of a commercial featuring Smith talking about rising insurance rates beside a loud helicopter. "He was shouting too much."

The Smith campaign is bringing on board Washington-based media consultant Dane Strother to replace Stan Adkins of Coral Gables, who worked on Smith's first state Senate race and has limited experience handling major statewide campaigns. Adkins replaced another high-profile national media consultant, Saul Shorr of Philadelphia.

Johnson Out At Home

"Celebration Rep. Randy Johnson is having a hard time finding any home cooking in Central Florida as he tries to win the Repubican nomination for chief financial officer. Johnson's rival, Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon, picked up endorsements Tuesday from nine Orlando-area elected officials, including House Majority Leader Andy Gardiner and Orange Coiunty Property Appraiser Bill Donegan." "For Johnson, No Place Like Home".

Bolaños

"A citizen named Robert Gomez plans to drop his lawsuit to knock Frank Bolaños off the Sept. 5 ballot, according to attorney Ron Meyer. The suit was to be heard today. ... Meyer said he's still pushing two other lawsuits filed on behalf of Rep. J.C. Planas against opponents Juan E. Planas (aka "JP") and Carla Ascencio-Savola. Those cases are to be heard Wednesday. The Bolaños injunction was to be heard today. For more on Villalobos-Bolaños race read today's story." "Bolaños wins one in court". For more on those other lawsuits see: "3 candidates face legal challenges".

Broward

"It's too easy to note Tony Masilotti's eight-year record as a county commissioner and conclude that many of his constituents will be better off if he continues to skip meetings and shirk his duties." "Masilotti AWOL, again".

Zogby International surveyed 1,007 registered voters July 31 through Aug. 3 for The Miami Herald and found that while Smith has narrowed the gap in the Democratic primary, 58 percent of the likely primary voters remain undecided and Davis still leads by five percentage points. The margin of error for the poll is 4.5 percentage points.

Crist continues to hold a huge advantage over Gallagher, 41 percent to 21, with Gallagher narrowing the gap in North and South Florida but losing heavily in the Republican-rich regions of Central Florida.

"Three out of five Democratic voters are just absolutely clueless about who they're going to vote for in the race for governor," said John Zogby, president of Zogby International.

"Davis' 'Quiet' Diligence"

"As he travels the state in the month leading up to the Sept. 5 primary, Davis highlights a clutch of hotter issues from his nearly 10 years in the House, often his leadership in the congressional battles over Terri Schiavo and offshore drilling."

His rival in the Democratic primary, state Sen. Rod Smith, paints Davis more as a patron of lost causes. Over Davis' objections, the House voted to send Schiavo's case to federal court and passed an offshore drilling bill in June that awaits final negotiations with the Senate.

So far, voters are being asked to look at a few congressional issues and decide whether they see Davis' glass as half full or half empty.

But Davis, 48 and the primary front-runner, has amassed a much deeper record since first being elected to Congress in 1996. A moderate Democrat who has spent his time on Capitol Hill in the minority, Davis' record is often qualified with ifs, ands or buts that nevertheless flesh him out.

Smith "A Go-To Guy"

"In six short years in the Florida Legislature, Rod Smith developed into a go-to guy on critical legislation affecting everything from schools to the court system to the controversy over Terri Schiavo."

His rapid rise in the state Senate was not surprising given that Smith is bright -- he served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Law. As a glib-tongued trial lawyer, he starred in floor debates. And he arrived with the reputation of being one of the state's top prosecutors, having sent Gainesville serial killer Danny Rolling to Death Row.

But what is remarkable is that Smith, who is running for the Democratic nomination for governor, excelled in a legislative arena dominated by Republicans.

Lawmakers and lobbyists say no one can dispute the fact that Smith has been an impact player in Tallahassee.

Hispanic Vote

"None of the candidates for governor - not Republicans Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher nor Democrats Jim Davis and Rod Smith, is expected to come near Jeb Bush's appeal to Hispanic voters." "No Jeb? Hispanics wait to be wooed".

Jeremy Wallace

"Right to life group endorses Harris; Detert questions photo".

Cashing In

"It was early 2001, and Florida public universities' presidential-salary one-upmanship had not yet run amuck. The presidents "have done an outstanding job this year," said then-Chancellor Adam Herbert, as the Board of Regents that ran the state university system approved the presidents' 2 percent to 3 percent raises, translating to salaries from $174,100 for Anne Hopkins of the University of North Florida to $247,900 for "Sandy" D'Alemberte of Florida State. And perhaps it's pure coincidence that after Gov. Jeb Bush and the Legislature replaced the regents that year with governor-appointed boards of trustees at each of the 11 universities, the presidents suddenly began cashing in." "University chiefs' raises outstrip schools' quality".

Insurance Crisis

"It's not a good idea to create another state-run insurer of last resort, this time for businesses. A reinsurance program is the prudent step." "An insurance solution". See also "State plan saddled with risk", "State-run Citizens Property Insurance now a troubled giant, "Michael Peltier: State seeks insurance solution" and "Insurance" ("Florida businesses say they can't get coverage.")

Evangelicals Staying Home?

"Tom Gallagher insists he can still pull off a comeback win in next month's Republican primary for governor with his anti-abortion and pro-family views."

But the potentially powerful voting bloc of evangelical Christians that Gallagher is trying to drive to the polls is showing little interest in the race, many of its leaders say.

"I just don't hear a lot of buzz," said Bill Stephens, executive director of the Christian Coalition of Florida. "I really think there is not one person out there really coming across as the shining candidate [that] values voters get behind."

Combined Net Worth

"$3,813,997 Combined net worth in 2005 of Florida's four top candidates for governor, Republicans Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher and Democrats Jim Davis and Rod Smith." "Quality of life index".

"A Modest Start"

"Designed to help restore the Everglades, the reservoir is part of a $1.5 billion state-financed program to speed up the $10.5 billion state-federal Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. That partnership has been problem-plagued, with restoration projects slowed by Congress' delays in providing money and undermined by Gov. Bush's water managers reneging on promises to clean water flowing to the Everglades. But state and federal officials were united at the reservoir groundbreaking. A respected Audubon of Florida lobbyist, Charles Lee, injected a note of reality into the celebration, calling the reservoir 'a modest start.'" "Big reservoir, bigger job".

Hillsborough County

"A Jerry Springer moment hit community television this weekend when a chair was hurled at Joe Redner."

Redner and Tony Katz have exchanged verbal jabs before on "The Bleepin Truth," a political debate show that airs on Tampa Bay Community Network. But their mutual dislike for each other turned physical Saturday when Katz threw a high stool chair at Redner.

The chair hit Redner on his back, forearm and head.

"That is assault!" Redner yelled repeatedly.

The whole thing was caught live on TV.

"I was kind of just stunned," said Redner, a Democrat who is running for a Hillsborough commission seat.

Not the Smartest Guy ...

in the room:

[A]fter eight years of a governor who prides himself on knowing as much as possible about as many different issues as possible, the leading contender among those seeking to replace him is content not to delve into the details of public policy.

Whether this is good or bad depends on whom you ask.

"Charlie Crist is not a policy wonk but is a skillful politician with a political IQ that rivals Bill Clinton's," said Albert Martinez, spokesman for Gallagher, Crist's opponent in the Sept. 5 Republican primary.

Bundling

"For many political donors, giving the $500 maximum contribution to a candidate for governor just isn't enough. So they give more, through a practice known as bundling." "Tactic gives candidates bundles of cash".

Florida's Gay Caucus

"State's gay caucus organized, growing".

Jebbie Endorsement

"Gov. Jeb Bush waded into the crowded Republican primary for state House District 107 by endorsing Robert Fernandez, a Miami attorney who once worked as deputy general counsel for Bush." "Political beat".

Reform Party

"Willing to bet $1 million that Florida is ready for its first third-party governor in 90 years, Reform Party nominee Max Linn formally began a 94-day campaign Sunday with a comic-strip analogy." "Reform nominee kicks off campaign". See also "Gubernatorial candidate says he wants reform".

Well, it hasn't happened. Crist and Gallagher have barely nicked each other and - fortunately for Republicans and unfortunately for Democrats - political observers increasingly doubt they will. With polls showing Crist way ahead of Gallagher for the Republican nomination, the question is whether Gallagher, 62, wants to start slugging hard or maintain good will for the future.

"If Gallagher's going to win this thing, he's going to have to go negative," said Republican pollster James McLaughlin, who is connected to neither campaign and doubted Gallagher would go negative. "My guess is he's just trying to make himself viable for the future."

Gallagher still has $3.6-million in the bank. But the evidence of an erosion of financial support, coupled with Gallagher's continuing slide in the polls, have led to speculation of a possible exit. The campaign says Gallagher will keep up the fight, but a key adviser, Tom Slade, told the Times an internal campaign poll this weekend will decide Gallagher's next move, which sounds as if an exit strategy may be under consideration.

Dem Mo?

"Momentum continues to love all in the Democratic primary for governor."

Both U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and state Sen. Rod Smith say their financial reports for July show their campaigns are hotter than a pistol fired on the Fourth of July at the equator.

"The Devil Wears Prada"

"Working for Katherine Harris was like working for Meryl Streep's super-demanding, hypercritical boss-from-hell character in the movie The Devil Wears Prada, said another former campaign aide." "Ex-Harris aides provide peek into campaign".

"State Failures"

"The price of home and condominium insurance has soared to dizzying levels. Insurers have dumped longtime customers and slashed coverage for others. The state's home insurer of last resort now is the biggest property insurer in Florida." "State failures leave policyholders without a net".

A Possum Thing

"If the road to the Governor's Mansion runs through this tiny Panhandle town, only one of the four major candidates for the job paid the full toll Saturday at the 37th annual Possum Festival." "Candidates follow possum trail to court rural voters". See also "Candidates in touch with marsupials".

Cheney Clones

"An anticipatory buzz fills the room. Six crisp American flags, erect as soldiers, line the dais. More than an hour before the vice president's arrival, the GOP faithful stand at the ready." "Cheney generates money, enthusiasm for GOP faithful".

McInvale Gets Her Payback

"A pair of 30-second spots featuring state Rep. Sheri McInvale, the Orlando lawmaker who switched to Republican from Democrat earlier this year, began running on area cable stations Friday. The first ad is a biographical spot, with McInvale introducing herself as a 'fifth-generation Floridian' who attended Edgewater High School. The ad shows McInvale in several parts of her district, including Thornton Park and Eatonville. ... The second ad is a Spanish-language one, and it includes Rep. John Quinones, R-Kissimmee, singing McInvale's praises. There is also a version for Spanish-language radio. And the Republican Party paid for all of it." "Converted GOP lawmaker gets lots of party help in campaign".

GOP To Falter Without Cuban Boogeyman?

"Some suggest that Republicans may have a challenge firing up their Cuban-American base once Fidel Castro is out of the picture." "Cuba without Castro holds risks for GOP".

Sad Metaphor

"Last week's episode involving a portable fan at a campaign forum can be seen as a metaphor for the race between Crist and Gallagher for the Republican nomination for governor. Crist doesn't overlook the small stuff. By breezily toting a fan to a sweltering community center in Polk County on Tuesday night, he looked better prepared in a race that so far has generated more hot air than real substance. Gallagher, in a freshly starched white shirt, was caught off-guard. In the heat of the moment, a politician with more than three decades on Florida's political stage lost his cool." "On campaign trail, the snit hits the fan".

SD 16

"A Pinellas-Hillsborough district may provide the state's most competitive Senate race."

Street by street, door by door, fundraiser by fundraiser, [Frank] Farkas, Kim Berfield and Charlie Justice are battling for what has been called the most competitive state Senate race in Florida.

They are hearing from voters who are fed up with skyrocketing property insurance, feel trapped by property taxes and are vocal on issues ranging from schools to Terri Schiavo.

But the race in this Pinellas-Hillsborough district is unique: No other Senate race in Florida features three House members running against each other.

CFO, AG Fundraising

"The latest fundraising reports show Democratic CFO candidate Alex Sink leading her field in July money-raising and Republican Bill McCollum outraising Skip Campbell in the attorney general race." "New CFO, AG Numbers".

The Judge Thing

"Crowded field jockeying for Broward Circuit judge positions".

From the "Values" Crowd

Those smiling faces at the Chamber of Commerce are at it again: "The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce called Saturday for the removal from the November ballot of the half-percent sales tax for health care for the uninsured." "Sales-tax increase concerns Chamber".

Abruzzo-McCarty Shennagians?

"The miscalculations of the county's Democratic Party also are apparent. The Democrats believed they had an opponent for the commissioner in first-time candidate Joe Abruzzo, 25, of Boca Raton. But Mr. Abruzzo abruptly pulled out of the contest and entered the House District 86 race shortly before the qualifying deadline. The Democrats had no time to find a replacement. Mr. Abruzzo has insisted there was no collusion with Commissioner McCarty and that his decision was based on his own assessment. Whatever the reason, Mr. Abruzzo did a disservice to voters by withdrawing so late." "It's McCarty, in a slide".

HD 24

"The Democratic primary for Florida's 24th congressional district pits Andy Michaud, a well-financed veteran of two election campaigns, against Clint Curtis, an underfunded political newcomer. But less than three weeks before early voting begins, it's Curtis who is out pressing the flesh, making stump speeches and pushing for donations. Michaud, meanwhile, has been missing in action. Curtis, a Titusville computer programmer, says his opponent in the Sept. 5 Democratic primary is ducking him." You will recall Mr. Curtis:

Curtis claims Feeney asked him and his former employer, Yang Enterprises, to create a software program in 2000 to rig elections.

In 2004, Curtis testified before a congressional hearing in Ohio about the alleged incident and submitted to a lie-detector test that, he said, proved he was being truthful.

CNL Wingnuttery

Consider whether you want to patronize "CNL Hotels & Resorts Inc." in light of this bit of wingnuttery:

Political fallout from Orange County's passage of a fair-housing ordinance that protects gays and lesbians from discrimination hit Mayor Rich Crotty's re-election campaign with the recent defection of a prominent supporter.

Crotty said Tuesday that the county's decision to include sexual orientation in its protected classes of residents prompted Tom Hutchison, chief executive officer of CNL Hotels & Resorts Inc., to defect from his campaign steering committee.

Hutchison's e-mail to Crotty argued that the mayor's recent "position (actually lack thereof)" of "favoring the absolutely ridiculous vote on legal protection for equal housing for gays" prodded him to "withdraw my name from any further association" with the campaign. "I am not interested in supporting candidates with seemingly zero Christian biblical principals on the issues regarding the alternative gay lifestyle," it concluded.

Neighbors

"Orlando -- Democratic candidate for governor Jim Davis and about 50 of his supporters opened a campaign headquarters Saturday afternoon. The office is in a five-story building on East Colonial Drive next to Orlando's Vietnamese district. It is just blocks from the Orlando headquarters of Rod Smith, Davis' opponent in the Democratic primary. Smith opened his office two weeks ago." "Davis opens campaign office".

"Voters Shift Balance"

"Not long ago, your vote [in Tampa or Orlando] did not matter as much."

When retirees ruled, before young working families flocked to Florida, when Hispanic mostly meant Cuban-American, and South Florida "condo commandos" could deliver Democratic Jews to the polls by the thousands - back then, a person in Tampa or Orlando might have been forgiven for thinking his vote hardly counted.

No more.

These days, some people in once-dominant centers of geography and ethnicity are complaining or growing anxious at the dilution of their influence ... .

Love For Sale

"Lobbyists had a captive audience with Rep. Connie Mack in late March when they provided a private jet so the Fort Myers Republican could fly to Naples for a campaign fundraiser." "Private flight with lobbyists just a perk?"

Too Kind

In the media's drive to appear "balanced", as opposed to simply reporting the facts, media assessments of our education governor have been far too kind; at least some of the independent numbers are mentioned in this piece today:

The percentage of high-school sophomores with proficient reading scores has dropped during the Bush administration -- 33 percent when he was elected, as high as 37 percent in 2001 and now just 32 percent. ...

Independent studies of Florida's graduation rate found it continuing to lurk near the bottom of national rankings, estimating that roughly three of five students ultimately earn a diploma.

Average scores on the SAT, the almost universally used college-entrance exam, have dropped a point since Bush took office, but that is partially explained by his administration's push to encourage more middle-of-the-pack students to take the voluntary test.

Bush acknowledged the disappointing progress among high-school students, but said he expects improvement over the next few years. Before the end of the decade, children who started school under Bush's programs will be graduating.

The amount of per-pupil spending in Florida remains mired in the bottom tier. Education Week, using 2002 data, the latest available, ranked the state 47th in terms of per-pupil funding that was adjusted for regional differences. ...

Florida remains below the national average in starting teacher pay and average teacher pay, although Education Week ranked Florida 21st nationally in terms of starting pay and 29th in average pay.

Despite the passage of the class-size amendment, which calls for the state to bear the cost for implementing, the burden of paying for public schools have steadily shifted away from state government to local taxpayers. What this means is that school districts are relying more and more on growth in property taxes to pay for education.

In 1999, the state spent $6.77 billion on day-to-day operations of public schools, while local districts spent $4.28 billion. This year local districts will spend $8.36 billion, while the state will spend $9.89 billion.

When asked about this shift, Bush said: "Does it matter to a school administrator or teacher where the money comes from? It's irrelevant."

Democratic legislators say it is important, because instead of directing more state money to education the shift enabled Bush and the Legislature to cut taxes at the state level instead of boosting money for schools.

What Up Bill?

"Sometimes you have to wonder what team Sen. Bill Nelson is playing for. He was one of only four Senate Democrats on Thursday to support a bill aggressively pushed by the Republican leadership in Congress that would have given a huge estate tax cut to America's richest families. Fortunately, the bill - which cynically also included an increase in the minimum wage - ultimately failed. But Nelson's vote almost handed Republicans a significant political victory. And had the bill gotten the 60 votes it needed, the country's tax burden would have been further shifted away from our most affluent citizens." "Bill Nelson, friend of the rich". See also "Nelson's record may appeal to conservatives".

Ell Tee Gossip

"Like love-struck schoolgirls scrawling imaginary married names into their spiral notebooks, there are two or three dozen starry-eyed Florida politicians dreaming about how their names would look followed by these words: Lieutenant Governor." "Who's No. 2? Gov. wannabes keep us guessing".