More than just a sex scandal, Foley's resignation offers serious political ramifications that could put Democrats in control of the U.S. House for the first time in 12 years.

Democrats demanded a preelection investigation into what Republican leaders knew about Foley's conduct with pages, when they knew it and what action they took.

Republicans joined Democrats in a 409-0 vote to send the matter to the House's ethics panel but would not commit to a 10-day deadline Democrats sought, saying the matter was too important to rush.

The chairman of the House Page Board, Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., released a statement saying he was made aware of the e-mail exchange in late 2005, investigated the matter and believed no impropriety had occurred. He said Foley told him he was a "mentor" to the page

The news emboldened Democrats that they could gain the 15 seats they need to regain the House majority they lost in 1994. The Florida district's Democratic nominee, Tim Mahoney, has been running a credible campaign, raising more than $700,000 and airing TV ads for nearly a month, according to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The committee said it is too late under Florida law to remove Foley's name as the GOP nominee on the Nov. 7 ballot, a circumstance that would greatly improve Mahoney's chances of being elected.

But Forti said lawyers hope they can replace Foley's name on the ballot. At a minimum, he said, party officials can designate an alternate candidate who would be credited with all votes cast for Foley on Nov. 7. "It's a very Republican seat," Forti said, adding that Republicans "can move forward" when they have a new candidate.

Florida GOP Chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan said in a statement that executives from each county in Foley's district "will meet to choose a replacement on the ballot."

State Rep. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, quickly emerged as a Republican contender for the seat in Congress abruptly vacated Friday by Mark Foley.

Close to midnight Friday night, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi asked her colleagues to support an investigation into the emails that would also examine when Republican leaders knew about Foley's activities. House Majority John Boehner referred the inquiry to the House ethics committee.

Who Knew?

The list of who knew, to some degree, about this and sat on their hands, is growing; it now includes: House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill), House Majority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and the St Petersburg Times

House Majority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) told The Washington Post last night that he had learned this spring of inappropriate "contact" between Foley and a 16-year-old page. Boehner said he then told House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.).

The page could not be reached for comment. He told the St. Petersburg Times in November that he had stopped e-mailing Foley.

Efforts to reach the boy were unsuccessful, but he told the St. Petersburg Times last November, "I thought it was very inappropriate. After the one about the picture, I decided to stop e-mailing him back." The Times didn't publish the comments until Friday.

U.S. Rep. Mark Foley's campaign Thursday called the disclosure of a series of e-mails between the congressman and a 16-year-old former congressional page a "political attack and ... the worst kind of character assassination."

But the campaign of Foley's challenger, Democrat Tim Mahoney, denied he was behind the release of the e-mails and said the issue should be "a matter for the appropriate authorities to investigate." ...

Mahoney's spokeswoman, Jessica Santillo, said the e-mails were not part of the Palm Beach Gardens Democrat's "campaign communications."

"The seriousness of these allegations goes far beyond the tit for tat of a political campaign," she said in a statement. "This is a matter for the appropriate authorities to investigate. I believe Mr. Foley deserves the benefit of the doubt until these allegations are proven to be true or false."

Kello said "there is not anything inappropriate about" the e-mails and noted that only one side of the e-mail conversation has been presented.

Poll: GOP Leading In All Cabinet Races

"Republican candidates have padded or maintained their leads in all three Cabinet races, according to a new [Mason-Dixob] poll that credited higher name recognition among the GOP contenders."

At the same time, there are enough undecided voters for the races to go either way.

The chief financial officer, attorney general and agriculture commissioner join the governor as the Florida Cabinet, sharing executive branch power on issues including insurance regulation and land conservation.

The new Mason-Dixon Polling & Research poll shows that in the race for CFO, Tom Lee, the Republican senate president from Valrico, leads Alex Sink, the Democratic bank executive from Thonotosassa, 40 percent to 34 percent, with 26 percent undecided. ...

n the race for attorney general, former Republican U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum of Orlando leads Democratic state Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell 44 percent to 35 percent, with 21 percent undecided.

McCollum improved on his lead of 38 percent to 33 percent in July.

In the race for agriculture commissioner, incumbent Republican Charles Bronson maintained his lead over Democratic challenger Eric Copeland, a Miami tax lawyer, 39 percent to 31 percent, with 30 percent undecided.

Klein Internal Poll

"A poll sponsored by state Sen. Ron Klein shows he has advanced steadily in his race against U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw." "Poll puts Klein, Shaw even".

Money Bags

"U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, leading his Republican challenger by miles in the polls and millions in the bank, says he will do everything he can to help fellow Democrats below his name on the Nov. 7 ballot."

But some strategists, elected officials and activists are anxious about whether the party's only statewide officeholder in Florida is spreading the wealth. Nelson, who surpassed U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris by 18 points in the latest Mason-Dixon poll, had $12 million socked away as of mid-August, compared to Harris' $2.2 million.

Meanwhile, two Democrats immersed in competitive statewide races -- Alex Sink for chief financial officer and Walter ''Skip'' Campbell for attorney general -- are barely keeping up with their Republican opponents. The Democratic contender for governor, Jim Davis, has $411,455, while Republican Charlie Crist boasts $2 million plus the multi-million-dollar advantage of his state party's coffers.

Two Guesses ...

And the first doesn't count:

Two South Florida Democratic lawmakers turned up the heat this afternoon on the Florida Department of Corrections, demanding to know why it hasn't imposed fines on a controversial prison health contractor.

Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres and Sen. Walter ''Skip'' Campbell of Tamarac, who is running for attorney general, released a letter they sent Wednesday to DOC Secretary Jim McDonough demanding to know why Prison Health Services has not faced fines.

CD 13

"Add U.S. Sen. John Kerry to the list of big-time politicians coming to town hoping to influence the race to replace Katherine Harris in Congress." "Political bigwigs coming to town".

Death Penalty

The left wing nuts at the "American Bar Association issued a 403-page report that reprehended Florida's handling of the death penalty." "Bid to halt execution says death penalty is flawed".

Poor Tampa

"Although Florida Republicans were supportive of Tampa's bid for the GOP convention, none of the state's high-wattage political stars stepped forward to lead the effort." "Minnesota's GOP stars did more than Florida's". See also "Disappointing, but not devastating" ("Losing the 2004 Republican National Convention to New York City was not a particular surprise with the scars of 9/11 so fresh. Losing the 2008 GOP convention to the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a bit harder to swallow, but Tampa Bay should not be too hard on itself.")

On The Air

"It's already bankrolled a trio of TV ads touting its gubernatorial nominee, and now the Republican Party of Florida has begun airing television on behalf of its candidate for chief financial officer, too. The GOP is paying to re-air one of Senate President Tom Lee's spots from the primary, which touts his efforts to clamp down on lobbyists and fight phone rate hikes and includes a promise to 'continue Jeb Bush's brand of leadership.'" "GOP Puts Lee Back on the Air".

The Right To Bribe

"A new lawsuit filed Thursday seeks to overturn Florida's tough ban on gifts and freebies to state legislators. Lobbyists argue that the law is unconstitutional." "Lobbyists oppose ban on freebies to state legislators".

Affidavit? What Affidavit?

Charlie has a new buddy, "Clif Curry, the former president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and classmate of Crist's at FSU who was mentioned in the Sept. 17 Times article as a Tom Gallagher supporter who acknowledged getting the affidavits in which Crist denied paternity of Rebecca O'Dell Townsend's baby in 1989. Curry said he shared the documents with others, but did not give copies to reporters." "Talk About Party Unity".

Republicans Heart Stuart in CD 8

"Keller's people [claim they] aren't surprised by Stuart getting endorsed by Republicans and former Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood and former Mayor Bill Frederick." "Keller's folks not surprised". See also "2 big-name Republicans endose Democrat Stuart".

"Paying people in power can pay off"

"For a demonstration of how paying people in power can pay off, the best current example is Florida's largest developer, the St. Joe Co. ... It is no surprise that Gov. Bush loves the $46 million deal. So does state Rep. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, a budget commission member. As for taxpayers, they wind up like those wetlands on the airport site: bulldozed." "From pulp to politics: St. Joe still cashing in".

"Was that all just politics?" Yes

"The rejection also spurs questions about Attorney General Charlie Crist's recent claim that new evidence helped identify the suspects. Was that all just politics?" "Too many questions". See also "Permalink">Crist says case solved; panel says it's not".

Waiver War

"Court lets lawyers bypass lawsuit cap". See also "Doctors may ask you to cap your claim" and "Doctors, lawyers may wage waiver war".

Barack's Back

"Obama, who was the keynote speaker at last year's state Democratic Party convention, will headline $1,000-a-head reception for gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis and the party on Oct. 6 in Coral Gables." "Barack's Coming Back".

Ag Debate

"The contenders for Florida commissioner of agriculture and consumer services took turns Thursday laying out their vision for helping the state's farmers, growers and ranchers stay in business."

Republican incumbent Charles Bronson, a former two-term state senator from a Kissimmee ranching family, faces Democrat Eric Copeland, a South Florida attorney, tax consultant and political newcomer.

They outlined their ideas to about 300 agriculture-industry officials at a luncheon and candidate forum sponsored by Farm Credit and the Agriculture Institute of Florida.

Davis Endorsement

"Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jim Davis picked up an endorsement this morning from the National Jewish Democratic Council." "Jewish Group Backs Davis".

Whatever

"Gallagher's wife to be spokeswoman for gay marriage ban".

Graham Hearts Mahoney

"Graham makes appearance in Mahoney's House campaign".

The "Liberal" Thing

"Florida Republican leaders don't think Democrats are pod people. They want you to believe they're something much more ominous - liberals."

Consider Tom Lee, the normally affable and contemplative Senate president and GOP nominee for chief financial officer. He noted that Democrat Alex Sink has "donated not thousands, but hundreds of thousands of dollars of her own personal money over the past decade to the most liberal causes and candidates in America."

These include U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney of Georgia, Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, longtime Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel and (deep breath, pause for effect) New York's junior senator, Hillary Herself. ...

Probably no other word in American politics has done such an about-face. Originally, a "liberal" was one who had a decent respect for human rights. George Washington believed Jews and Catholics should be allowed to be citizens, which made him something of a brougham liberal in the era before limousines.

"Two-hundred years later, the transmutation of the word, as the alchemist would say, has become one of the wonders of our time," Tom Dewey remarked. The New York governor and mob-busting prosecutor would probably be considered too liberal - like Gov. George Pataki and ex-Mayor Rudolph Guiliani - to run for president in today's GOP.

"Jeb!" Watch

"You're traveling through another dimension; a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind. It's a journey into a wondrous land where the surname Bush is glorious, and whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead -- your next stop, Florida."

As for Jeb, I'm not ready to count him out for '08. There's a vacuum developing in the party among mainstream conservatives who aren't crazy about Arizona Sen. John McCain or trusting of Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Jeb doesn't have to get in early; he's someone who can wait until the fall of '07 and assess his chances then. Of course, Jeb's future is not just hurt by his brother but also by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

At some point the country is going to say: "Enough with the political royal family stuff!" Clinton, Bush, Clinton, Bush -- or worse, Bush vs. Clinton -- is probably too much of a soap opera even for this country.

But if Republicans never nominate Jeb for president, it's going to be a waste of talent. It's kind of like Bo Jackson's brief football career. If Jackson had only focused on one sport, he could have been the greatest that ever played. Instead, he's a trivia question for sports junkies. Of all the Bushes that have run for office, the only one that seems like a natural is Jeb, and he'll probably be the only Bush to not ever seek the presidency.

Sweet!

"Kottkamp gets new house; home builder gets new House seat".

Tsk Tsk

"Katherine Harris touts her passing of a law to help the poor own their own homes, but she fails to mention how a former staffer benefited from the act -- and government figures show she exaggerated the program's reach." "Harris' account of law she pushed is at issue".

"Hot Lips Houlihan"

"Democratic candidate Dave Patlak has hardly any money, name recognition, or chance of beating Republican U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. But he does have 'Hot Lips Houlihan.'" "Campaign camouflage".

Davis released a new education plan Wednesday called "Achieve Florida." In it, he proposes replacing the A through F school grading system that is a staple of Gov. Jeb Bush's A+ program by labeling schools excellent, achieving or needing improvement.

FCAT scores remain a factor, but are joined with broader measurements, such as class size, graduation rates and parental involvement. Instead of rewarding the highest achieving schools with financial bonuses, Davis proposes sending more resources to underachieving schools to help them improve.

He already has proposed diverting the bonus money for A-rated schools to help fund an across-the-board teacher pay increase.

Harris Continues To Lag In Poll

"A new poll shows an old story for Katherine Harris. She still trails incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson by 18 points - almost exactly the position she was in more than a year ago." "Harris Trails Nelson 18 Points In Poll". See also "Poll: Nelson still has big lead over Harris", "Nelson leads Harris by 18 points in new poll" and "Harris adds GOP votes but has long way to go".

Here's one way to put it: "Harris closing gap in Senate race".

Harris Finances

"With five weeks remaining until the election and the Longboat Key congresswoman way behind in the polls, her campaign now refuses to talk specifics on whether she has spent that much or her fundraising strategy in what many political observers believe is a lost cause." "Harris silent on strategy to finance campaign".

Jebbie's "Lucrative Goodbye Gift for a Close Corporate Friend"

"As Gov. Jeb Bush prepares to leave office, his Transportation Department has worked out a lucrative goodbye gift for a close corporate friend. As proposed by the state Department of Transportation, a legislative committee on Tuesday approved an unusual $46-million land purchase from St. Joe Co. It's unusual because the appraisal of the land's value hasn't been done yet." "Bush's $46-million favor to St. Joe". See also "Appearances".

Sorry Charlie

"A nonprofit that rewards police tipsters denied an award in the long-unsolved killings of two civil rights activists, fueling criticism that the reopened investigation by Attorney General Charlie Crist’s office did not solve it. ... Crist spokeswoman JoAnn Carrin said criticism that the announcement was politically motivated was 'ridiculous,' and Crist took up the case long ago after the couple’s daughter Evangeline Moore contacted him." "CrimeLine decision could cast doubt on cold case conclusion". See also "Central Fla. panel decides reward not merited in slayings of civil rights activists".

Gun Nut

"Democrats have unearthed a 13-year-old vote by Charlie Crist they plan to use to attack the Republican gubernatorial nominee's record on public safety, a centerpiece of his platform."

As a state senator in 1993, Crist was the only legislator who voted against a bill that raised the fee for criminal background checks for gun buyers from $5 to $8. Some of the money might have been used to buy bulletproof vests for police.

"Inexcusable," the Florida Democratic Party said, calling Crist "the only lawmaker to vote against bulletproof vests for police."

Democrats controlled both chambers of the Legislature at the time. The bill passed the House 115-0 and the Senate 36-1, and Crist cast the lone dissenting vote.

No Tampa GOP Convention

"Tampa loses race to host GOP convention". See also "Tampa's Out But Not Down" ("Just remember, there's always 2012.")

McCollum Flip-Flops

"Fending off criticism that he is ducking his lesser-known opponent, Republican attorney general candidate Bill McCollum on Wednesday agreed to at least three formal debates before Election Day." "Attorney general rivals will debate".

CFO Debate

"Republican Senate President Tom Lee and Democrat retired banker Alex Sink faced each other Wednesday in the season's first debate between the two candidates for Florida chief financial officer." "Rivals for CFO job tout talents". See also "Lee and Sink spar at CFO forum".

Charlie Wants $30-million

Gross:

Chasing that lofty $30-million fund-raising goal, Charlie Crist is on a feverish pace all over the state. He is going to nightly fund-raising receptions where donors must give or raise at least $10,000 to the Republican Party to get in the door. For $50K, donors get to attend a VIP reception and be photographed with the Republican nominee.

McCollum Defends Role As Anti-Clinton Wingnut

"McCollum stands by impeachment". See also "How hot was it?", "McCollum: No regrets about his role during Clinton's impeachment", "McCollum: 'I did my duty'".

Charlie's "Election-year Conversion"

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist continued his crusade against rising property taxes Tuesday, while his Democratic opponent Jim Davis said Crist is experiencing an election-year conversion after years of inaction as a GOP leader." "Hopefuls spar over property taxes". See also "Property tax promises: Davis' is vague; Crist's is fraught with glitches".

CD 13

"Republican Vern Buchanan is flexing his financial muscle early, putting major pressure on Democratic rival Christine Jennings and national Democrats who also covet the 13th Congressional District seat. Buchanan's first ad campaign after the primary has been a mega-buy on cable and network television, estimated to have cost more than $400,000 in just a week. That's more money than Democrats running for Congress in this region typically spend on an entire two-year campaign." "Campaigns examine impact of shower of negative ads".

In the meantime, Jeremy Wallace reports that "More Republicans supporting Jennings": "Others quoted in the WSJ article include Bruce Bartlett, a former Treasury Department official for George H.W. Bush, and MSNBC talk show host Joe Scarborough. Neither Barlett or Scarborough talked specfically about Jennings like Fein [a conservative attorney with ties to Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon], but they still spoke about why they wanted Democrats to win in November.".

From The "Values" Crowd

"For the fifth straight year, the number of Americans without health insurance increased in 2005, reaching a total of 46.6 million, according to a report by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Economic Policy Institute." "Health care quality rises, participants fall".

The Best They Can Do?

"RPOF: Where was Jim?".

Shocking News

"One of the Florida's largest business organizations has weighed in with endorsements in statewide races and, no surprise, gave a clean sweep to Republican candidates. Associated Industries of Florida's two allied companies, which get involved in political activities, gave the nod to Charlie Crist for governor, Tom Lee for chief financial officer, Bill McCollum for attorney general, and Charles Bronson for agriculture commissioner." "AIF Likes GOP".

Insurance Crisis

"A regional crisis in property insurance".

HD 86

"With a win in the four-way Democratic primary, Delray Beach lawyer Maria Sachs' path to Tallahassee is clear. Sachs faces write-in candidate Kathleen Faherty-Ruby in the Nov. 7 general election to replace Rep. Anne Gannon, D-Delray Beach, who declined to seek reelection to the state House District 86 seat so she could run for Palm Beach County Tax Collector. The district in southern Palm Beach County runs from Hypoluxo Road to Glades Road." "Sachs faces nearly absent opponent".

SOE Sued

"Saying it was stymied in a request for vote totals from the 2006 primary, The DeLand-Deltona Beacon has sued Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall." "DeLand paper sues elections supervisor over poll records".

Poll Context

"Crist's 15-point lead is almost three times as big as the edge incumbent Gov. Jeb Bush had at the time over Democrat Bill McBride. Bush was up just 49 percent to 43 percent, according to the Sept. 25, 2002, Mason-Dixon poll. Davis' gap is actually identical to the one that was separating Bush and Democrat Buddy MacKay in September 1998. That Mason-Dixon survey put Bush up 52 percent to 37 percent." "Poll Perspective".

The Money Thing

"More campaign money helps win races but not always".

As Knuckledraggers Move On, ACLU Expanding In Florida

"In what could be taken as another sign that Gov. Jeb Bush is leaving office, the American Civil Liberties Union announced Wednesday that it is expanding its operations in Florida." "On Your Left!".

Lay Down With Dogs ...

"In an election season rife with anti-incumbent sentiment, Democrat Busansky has not had to lift a finger to tie her Republican opponent to the current Congress or to the White House. With approval ratings for President Bush hovering around 40 percent and for Congress a dismal 27 percent, most Republican candidates in competitive races are keen on emphasizing their independence." "Bilirakis' presidential ties could benefit foe".

Foley Spending Big Bucks

"Foley's third ad of the year could be considered tame in what has become a combative race. The latest ad describes Mahoney's campaign with adjectives also used in several of Foley's other spots, but most of the air time is used to promote Foley." "Ad watch: Mark Foley".

Shaw Desperate

"Giuliani: Shaw strong ally in terror fight". See also "Shaw-Klein congressional race revives debate about future of Social Security" and "Former mayor of NYC stumps for Shaw, GOP" ("Giuliani campaigned for U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, whose race against Democratic state Sen. Ron Klein is being watched nationally.")

'Glades

"It didn't take a 200-plus page study by the National Research Council of the National Academies to tell Floridians that the joint federal-state government effort to restore the Florida Everglades is in trouble. " "Environment".

Green Vote

"Environment Florida wants candidates, especially in the 9th Congressional District, to back its platform." "Conservation group woos congressional hopefuls".

A new poll in the Florida governor race shows discouraging news for Democratic candidate Jim Davis, the congressman from Tampa: a 15-point gap between himself and Republican Charlie Crist, the state's attorney general, and a relatively little-known name among Florida voters.

The poll shows Crist and his running mate, Jeff Kottkamp, leading Davis and running mate Daryl Jones by 51 percent to 36 percent, with 11 percent undecided and other candidates totaling 2 percent. ...

Republicans exulted over the new Mason-Dixon Polling & Research survey, done for the Tribune and other Florida news agencies.

Say Anything

"In the rush to tell voters he will ease their pocketbook pain, Republican Charlie Crist has proposed a tax cut that faces strong opposition from his own party, is fraught with glitches, and could take years to achieve." "Crist for new tax break, Davis not". See also "Crist pledges property tax cut", "Hopefuls spar over property taxes" and "Crist proposes property-tax relief strategy".

The Black Vote

"There are few black Republicans — less than 1 percent of all Florida voters, according to state election records. So by necessity, Crist must either peel black Democrats away from Jim Davis, the Democratic nominee, or somehow persuade them to stay home on Election Day." "GOP sees opportunity to pick up black votes in race for governor".

Lawson On Board

"In the end, state Sen. Al Lawson's decision to endorse his party's ticket for governor came down to personal loyalty, differences in education policy and worries about big money pouring into the other party." "Lawson makes his choice for governor".

Unity

"On Tuesday, the two men appeared together for the first time since that debate Aug. 23. Their show of unity came three weeks after Davis won the primary and as news surfaced that a Mason-Dixon Polling & Research poll showed Davis trailing Republican nominee Charlie Crist by 15 points." "Davis, Smith Display Democrats' Unity". See also "Smith joins Davis, pledges his support", "Smith pledges full support for Davis campaign", "Old rivals Davis, Smith join forces", "Smith joins Davis on campaign trail", "Smith declares he's '100 percent' for Davis", "All Smiles in Gainesville" and "With party unity on line, Smith backs Davis '100%'".

Who Is Todd Wilder

Yesterday the Hiami Herald reported about the newly created Coalition for Bipartisan Progress:

The new committee could hurt Davis more than help Crist, who boasts a substantial fundraising edge. Last week, Crist picked up $1.2 million, while Davis collected $148,000.

The group is registered with the state as an "electioneering communications organization," or ECO, which can collect "soft" money not limited under state law. The ECO can run ads that promote Crist -- coordinated with his campaign -- or tear down Davis.

Crist supporters reached out to Smith's troops, including his political director, Todd Wilder, immediately after the election.

"They basically gave me a chance to stay in the game, because I couldn't support the other guy," said Wilder, a Democratic strategist and one of the pro-Crist committee's founders. "I think Charlie Crist is making a genuine attempt to reach out to Democrats."

Citizens

"Citizens CEO Ricker resigns". See also "'Overworked' Citizens CEO to step down" and "Citizens' transition may hit bump in Legislature".

Chicken

"Bill McCollum, a former congressman from the Orlando area who is running for state attorney general, agreed to speak to the Dade County Bar Association at a luncheon today along with Democratic rival Walter 'Skip' Campbell, but made it clear he wouldn't debate or take any questions." "McCollum won't debate before Dade Bar". In the meantime, "McCollum's ad angers opponent".

Go Figure

"In the chamber's poll [mentioned above], 47 percent of respondents said Florida was headed in the "wrong direction" and 39 percent said the 'right direction.' Nevertheless, Gov. Jeb Bush - whose name Crist continually invokes - remained popular, with a 63 percent approval rating." "Crist Leads Davis By 15 Points, Poll Shows".

Which brings us to this: "When Crist Says 'Stay the Course'". More on "staying the course" from Bob Butterworth:

Butterworth likes Crist, but he said the Republican risks defeat when he talks of staying the course on Gov. Jeb Bush's education policies like vouchers and the FCAT. "Charlie is going to have to get out of that, or he's going to lose this race," Butterworth said. "I think it's Charlie's race to lose."

Ten Bucks

"$10k gets you a photo with Charlie Crist".

Paper Ballots Ruling Appealed

"The state agency that oversees elections is appealing a Sarasota judge's decision to allow voters there to choose whether the county should have a voting system with a paper record in 2008." "Paper ballot question for Sarasota appealed". See also "Paper trail dust-up".

No Comment

"Jeb Bush on Monday urged families to spend more time together at the dinner table, a small gesture that he said can make a big difference in combating drug and alcohol abuse." "Bush promotes family life".

'Glades

"Dwindling federal support for the Everglades rescue mission is tipping the scales in favor of reserving water, the River of Grass’ lifeblood, for farms and urban developments, according to a landmark scientific report." "Report: Political climate threatens to doom Everglades restoration".

HD 52

"The House District 52 race between Republican Angelo Cappelli and Democrat Bill Heller may be the most competitive in Florida, and the state GOP wants in. During the first two weeks of September, the party gave Cappelli $25,000, boosting his take during the reporting period to $65,500. The health care industry also gave big to Cappelli, a St. Petersburg native and bank trust adviser." "Cappelli gets major push from state GOP".

A Miami-Dade Thing

"Miami-Dade government just can't seem to shake the discomforting revelation of one County Hall scandal after another." "County scandals keep on going. . . and going".

Desperate

"The Buzz has learned that Vice President Dick Cheney will be campaigning in Sarasota on Oct. 6 for Republican House candidate Vern Buchanan." "The VP is coming".

Whatever

"Bush's dream? A world record".

Bushco Reacts to Chavez

"A state legislator [Rep. Adam Hasner] wants Citgo, Venezuela's government-owned oil company, kicked off Florida's Turnpike in retaliation for comments that county's leader made about President Bush at the United Nations last week. ... Hasner, R-Delray Beach, also sent a copy to the president's brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush." "Lawmaker angry with Chavez wants Citgo off Turnpike". See also "Gas Attack".

More From The "Values" Crowd

"DCF's shameful failure".

Yet Another Crist Ad

"The third Crist TV spot paid for by the Florida Republican Party is a variation of its previous ad, which also ridiculed Davis as a 'liberal Washington politician.'" "AD WATCH: Governor's Race". See also "Ad watch: Rising property taxes".

Land Purchase

"DOT will buy 4,000 acres from St. Joe".

Harris Has The The South Asian Vote Locked Down

"A series of blog-site postings this month suggests someone is responding to negative comments about the Republican Senate candidate and refuting them with short blasts of pro-Harris material. The messages bear different e-mail addresses, but they share the same internet protocol address, the 11-digit string that identifies the computer or network creating the message. And that address seems to located in western India." "Katherine' Harris' secret pal?".

Considering Crist has been on TV steadily since May and has run statewide several times before, this is pretty encouraging for Davis. Crist has not yet reached the key 50 percent mark.

The Bendixon & Associates poll shows 56 percent of independent voters have a positive opinion of Crist while 46 percent have a positive opinion of Davis (42 percent didn't know enough to answer about Davis, while 27 percent didn't know enough about Crist). Among Republicans, 71 percent backed Crist-Kottkamp, while 65 percent of Democrats backed Davis-Jones. Crist had the support of 45 percent of independents, compared to 37 percent for Davis.

Among Hispanics, 43 percent backed Crist and 36 percent Davis. Among African-Americans, 61 percent backed Davis, 13 percent Crist, and 27 percent were undecided.

From Inspector Clouseau to Sleazy Hack

A Sleazy Political Stunt in Two Acts:


Act I - Inspector Clouseau Pretends To Solve A Case

"Crist stands by claim he solved 1951 civil rights slaying". This, despite the fact that a "retired law officer's claim that he was the anonymous tipster who cracked a 1951 slaying has cast further doubt on whether Attorney General Charlie Crist's recent investigation turned up anything new in the deaths of civil-rights pioneer Harry Moore and his wife. W.J. 'Buzzy' Patterson said the information he provided was nearly 30 years old and had been included in two previous probes of the infamous Christmas night bombing." This is on top of the criticism from "Ben Green, a Florida State University professor who wrote a book about the slayings, [who] says Crist found nothing new and exaggerated the evidence against the four." "Ex-cop's claim casts more doubt on Crist probe".


Act II - Sleazebags Arrive With Cameras

"Republican Charlie Crist's campaign for governor is seeking to use Evangeline Moore, daughter of murdered civil rights leader Harry T. Moore, in a television campaign commercial, even though according to friends, Moore doesn't want to be involved in the race."

Last week, the campaign sent a camera crew to the home of Moore, age 76, near Washington, and taped her for more than an hour, friends said.

Moore told William E. Gary and others she thought she was taping a "thank-you" message to Crist. ...

[However] Darryl Rouson, former head of the NAACP's St. Petersburg chapter, confirmed that the [real] purpose of the trip was to film a campaign commercial, and that he was present for the taping.

Jebbie's 527

"A new nationwide report shows Florida is near the top in overall spending by so-called "527 organizations'' this fall -- part of a trend that finds these tax-exempt groups shifting from national issues. The study by the Center for Responsive Politics shows these murky organizations -- which typically feature feel-good names but are often responsible for the nastiest mudslinging -- have spent the most in California, New York, Illinois and Florida campaigns so far."

Maybe it's no surprise, then, that even Gov. Jeb Bush has launched one of his own. An early, $100,000 installment to his Foundation for Florida's Future Action Fund, an arm of a similarly named charitable organization he already established, came from The Villages and its developer, Gary Morse. The Villages also has given $550,000 to Bush's other nonprofit group.

Bush, though, isn't saying what kind of activity he plans for the political committee. Campaign television spots and mailers are typical spending.

Why does he have a 527?

"I don't know. I don't know yet," Bush told reporters last week. "It's just intriguing for you all. That's why we're doing it."

Asked if TV ads might be coming, Bush dodged but didn't rule anything out.

"The great thing about America is, you can ask, and I don't have to say," he said. Then the governor added this postscript:

"Vague enough?"

GOP Robots

"Christian conservative leaders hope to make sure 'values voters' feeling abandoned by Republicans in Congress don't stay home on Election Day." "Conservatives try to deploy 'values voters'".

McCollum Can't Make Traction

"In a little-watched statewide race, attorney general candidate Bill McCollum is in many ways running against himself. So far, voters are split. With 44 days until Election Day, McCollum is in a virtual tie against a relatively obscure Democrat, state Sen. Walter 'Skip' Campbell, according to early polls." "Being known hasn't helped".

Gambling on Gaming

"Republican Charlie Crist and Democrat Jim Davis will spend the next seven weeks trying to show how each is the better choice than the other for governor, but one group in Florida has already decided the pick between them is a win-win: the gambling industry. The odds have never been better for the casinos and parimutuels in Florida, as Gov. Jeb Bush prepares to leave office in January, taking his staunch antigambling stance with him." "Gaming industry bets on Davis -- and Crist".

Ahem ... Charlie, You Had Your Chance

"Tapping into the growing anger of residents and business owners over rising rates, Charlie Crist and Jim Davis are touring the state with plans to fix the property-insurance system." "Insurance front and center in the race for governor". See also "Candidates' promises to fix insurance mostly empty".

Randy Schultz argues "at this point, neither candidate for governor deserves your vote, because neither candidate has spoken directly and forcefully enough about the state's insurance crisis. The latest dodge came from Attorney General Charlie Crist." "Crist, Davis not tackling insurance".

Is there some reason Davis is not seizing this issue? Cristy has been in the cabinet for years and has sat on his hands. He's had his chance to lead and failed.

Kootkamp's Answer Makes Him "Sound Like an Idiot"

Scott Maxwell on Uber-GOoPer Kottkamp's response to his confederate flag problem:

What Kottkamp said when reporters asked him last week about the bill -- a bill that he co-sponsored, mind you -- was: "I don't even remember the flag being mentioned."

Ummm.

Here are some of the headlines that ran in newspapers around the state back in 2001: "Flag bill outrages black caucus." "Black legislators ask speaker to kill flag bill." "Latest flap over flag raises new tensions."

But nowadays, Kottkamp has amnesia. In fact, he told the St. Petersburg Times last week, "I don't think there was anything to do with flags in that bill" -- the one known as the "flag bill," you understand.

In readying himself to deal with this issue, now that he's running for lieutenant governor, Kottkamp could have prepared answers that made him sound steadfast, remorseful or even conflicted.

Instead, he chose an answer that makes him sound like an idiot.

Racial Issues

Fine, let us put race issues on the table and consider the RPOF record of abject failure: "From old votes on compensating wrongly jailed men, to jobs at 'whites only' country clubs and claims that Islam is a cult, racial and ethnic issues have become almost daily discussions in the campaign to become Florida's governor." "Governor candidates delve into racial issues".

CD 13

"Still trying to repair fractures from one of the roughest Republican primaries in the country, congressional hopeful Vern Buchanan on Saturday turned to one of his biggest political allies for help. U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Orlando, was the star attraction for what Buchanan had billed as a 'unity rally' to help refocus Republicans on helping him win the general election for the 13th Congressional District seat in November." "Buchanan calls for GOP unity".

Shaw Whines

"Democrats relying on Mediscare strategy".

Unity ... Finally

"The Buzz has learned plans are under way for Rod Smith and Jim Davis to appear together at an event next week, possibly Tuesday in Gainesville. The meeting would mark the first time they have been together since the Aug. 23 debate in Tampa." "Finally, Davis and Smith To Put on 'Unity' Face".

Charlie Running, Hiding From His Base

"Crist distances himself from controversial minister".

GOP Convention

"GOP organizers working to bring the 2008 Republican National Convention to Tampa have pulled out all the stops in their effort to lure the biggest pep rally in politics to Florida two years from now, said Sharon Day, Florida National Committeewoman and a member of the selection committee." "Florida leads in national convention bid promoters say".

Another Nutty GOP Idea

"Local school districts are right to be concerned about a new state commission created to oversee charter schools. After all, parents don't look to Tallahassee bureaucrats when these taxpayer-supported schools fail; they want answers from school board members. The creation of the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission could enable charter schools to get around tougher local rules. The last thing the state should do is make it easy for charters with weak finances and questionable academic credentials to skirt local review." "Keep a close rein".

GOP

"Republican activists gathered in Orlando for their party's quarterly meeting this weekend, cheering on their candidates - and also quietly buzzing about another looming election. The next GOP chairperson will be elected in Orlando early next year, and it's unclear yet whether current chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan will seek another term." "GOP looks to the election after the election". See also "The next GOP chair", "GOP hopefuls rally troops in Osceola", "GOP leaders energize the base" and "GOP showcases Crist, Harris, other statewide candidates".

Jebbie Drops the Ball Yet Again

"Six years ago Florida voters put in the state constitution a mandate to connect Tampa, Orlando and other major cities with rapid rail. Two years ago Gov. Jeb Bush and the state's chief financial officer, Tom Gallagher, led a successful campaign to repeal the bullet train amendment. Today Bush and Gallagher are preparing to leave office, having done little to address the looming I-4 problem that casts a cloud over the economy of our region. " "As Wider I-4 Nears Capacity, Economic Growth Could Stall".

Here's Another Fresh RPOF Idea

"Cutting taxes is back as centerpiece of Republican Party's agenda".

Charlie Crist - ECO Creature

The Orlando Sentinels takes a look at electioneering-communications organizations (ECOs), and finds Charlie Crist up to his neck in the "best-funded ECO" and a net of other intertwined ECOs

an Orlando Sentinel analysis of contributions and expenditures of Floridians for Truth and Integrity in Government -- the best-funded ECO, with more than $3 million, which is aligned with Republican gubernatorial nominee Charlie Crist -- found it intertwined with seven other ECOs through transfers of money among the groups.

The Byzantine money trail connected two groups -- teachers and the Florida Chamber of Commerce -- in an alliance that seemed incongruous at best. The chamber, after all, supports vouchers for private schools and opposes the 2002 constitutional amendment limiting class size. That's the polar opposite of the teachers unions' position.

But Teachers United for Better Schools -- which received $250,000 from the chamber-backed Partnership for Florida's Future -- is not a union group. It claims 22 members donating $5 apiece -- many of them educators -- and is led by Ira Paul, a Miami Lakes-Hialeah high-school math teacher. It received an additional $50,000 from a political committee backed by developers, raising its total contributions to just over $300,000.

Paul's group actually supports vouchers and weakening the class-size amendment. More important, Teachers United also supported a chamber-favored candidate -- Miami-Dade School Board member Frank Bolanos, who was running against Republican incumbent Sen. Alex Villalobos.

Jebonomics - Low Wage Economy, Escalating Costs

Mike Thomas won't blame Jebbie for it, but he concedes this much:

Florida isn't cheap anymore.

We were a Wal-Mart state. Now we're a Target state. We're headed toward a Nordstrom state.

And lots of families can't afford it.

Our home prices now exceed the national average, which also means higher property taxes and rents.

On top of that are skyrocketing property-insurance rates and gas prices, which make getting around in Sprawlsville quite expensive.

Our escalating cost of living is clashing with our low-wage economy.

This stops some families from moving here, squeezes some families out of Florida altogether and pushes others into cheaper outlying areas. They are being replaced by empty nesters from up North and young singles. This is why you see school enrollment flat or declining in more expensive urban areas.

The percent of managers, scientists and engineers in our work force is actually declining.

Sink Surging

"Alex Sink, the Democratic candidate for chief financial officer, just had another impressive fund-raising spurt. In the first full week after the Sept. 5 primary, she raised $187,896, scoring $500 checks from 225 contributors. Sink donors include former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, assorted labor unions, and the Hamilton Forman-Austin Forman real estate empire in Fort Lauderdale." "Alex Sink, All the Way to the Bank".

Lee is going to have to do better than this: "Lee: Sink's a liberal".

CD 16

"Foley In A Tough Campaign?".

Money Race

"These numbers bring Crist's totals to $15.1 million, compared to Davis' $4.7 million. The Davis camp dismisses the lop-sided comparision, saying only that Crist is going to need every penny." "Florida GOP: Cash keeps coming but we need more". See also "Tax dollars at work" and "".

GOTV

"GOP GOTV".

Davis Moves North

"Jim Davis and Daryl Jones began a two-day tour of North Florida on Saturday, appearing before large crowds in Pensacola and Panama City before splitting two football towns (Davis in Gainesville and Jones in Tallahassee)." "Davis-Jones Begin North Florida Swing". See also "Davis set to 'fight for change'" ("n Pensacola on Saturday morning, Davis and his running mate, Daryl Jones, stirred the pot of discontent while speaking to more than 200 supporters at Granny Cantrell's Whistle Stop Cafe.")

The Gay Thing

Yesterday, Steve Bousquet wrote that "though Linn has already spent $1-million of his $16-million fortune on his campaign, it's tempting to dismiss him as a hopeless gadfly." However,

if the Crist-Davis race gets very tight, Linn has the potential to be a spoiler and siphon votes away. Crist is more likely to lose votes to Linn than Davis, because Reform Party candidates and their supporters tend to lean Republican.

Linn knows he has to draw attention quickly. He's chasing publicity.

On Orlando radio station WFLA-AM 540 last week, Linn told host Bud Hedinger he would "put my hand on a stack of Bibles" to say Crist is gay.

"His sexual preference is not to women," Linn said.

Hedinger sounded speechless. "A bombshell," he said over the air.

Linn claimed to know this because he and Crist were in the same 1985 class of Leadership St. Petersburg, a Chamber of Commerce program. "We discussed it," Linn said.

Linn repeated the statement in interviews with the St. Petersburg Times, and said if Crist were to win, he would be subject to extortion and blackmail.

3 Homes for Kottkamp

In this piece on Crist's attack ad, we read this: "Crist does not own a home, although his Republican running mate, Jeff Kottkamp, owns three." "GOP ad targets Davis' record".

Crist Wimps Out ...

in the Bushco tradition: "Organizers of a health care conference say Republican candidate Charlie Crist strung them along for months and then backed out at the last minute, forcing them to pull the plug on Monday's event at the University of Miami." "Crist cancels Miami appearance".