Nearly four in 10 Floridians think the state will be a less desirable place to live in the next five years. Fifty-two percent said local government is not doing a good job at managing growth. And the insurance crisis ranks just behind quality education as a top concern.

Executive Appointments

"Executive Office of the Governor appointments announced this morning include:"

- "George LeMieux, Chief of Staff: Mr. LeMieux has been the Chief of Staff for the Crist-Kottkamp Campaign and currently serves as Transition Executive Director.He served as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Attorney General for the State of Florida from 2003 through 2006."

- "Arlene DiBenigno, Deputy Chief of Staff: Ms. DiBenigno has been the Political Director for the Crist-Kottkamp Campaign and currently serves as Transition Appointments Director. She formerly served in two senior-level positions in the Office of Governor Jeb Bush. From 2000 through 2002, Ms. DiBenigno was External Affairs Director where she managed the scheduling, community and outreach operations for Governor Bush. From 1999 to 2000, she was the Appointments Director ... ."

- "Eric Eikenberg, Deputy Chief of Staff: Mr. Eikenberg currently serves as chief of staff to U.S. Representative E. Clay Shaw, Jr. of Florida."

- "Jim Rimes, Deputy Chief of Staff: Mr. Rimes most recently served as Director of Operations for the Crist-Kottkamp Campaign and currently serves as Transition Operations Coordinator."

- "Lori Sellers Rowe, Deputy Chief of Staff: Ms. Rowe served in the Office of the Attorney General in the roles of Director of Multi-State Litigation, Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Executive Deputy Attorney General from 2003-2006."

- "Paul Huck, General Counsel: Mr. Huck joined the Office of the Attorney General in 2003, serving as the Regional Deputy for South Florida and later as Deputy Attorney General."

- "Kamilah Prince, Director of External Affairs: Ms. Prince most recently served as the Community Outreach Director for the Crist-Kottkamp Campaign and currently serves as Transition Deputy Appointments Director. She served several years under the Bush administration in a number of positions."

Now That The Election Is Over

"Parents should not put too much stock in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test as a diagnostic tool, Education Commissioner John Winn said Monday as the state released another batch of FCAT questions and answers." "Leader: FCAT's value is limited".

CD 13 - Game On

"A few hours after the state officially declared that a Republican newcomer won a Sarasota area congressional seat, the Democratic challenger went to court seeking a new election."

The lawsuit kicks off what promises to be a lengthy legal challenge, which could continue past January when the new Congress convenes.

the undervote rate in Sarasota of nearly 14 percent dwarfed the undervote rate in the other four counties comprising Congressional District 13, where it ranged from 2.2 to 5.3 percent. Sarasota was the only county Jennings won.

will likely end up before the state Supreme Court soon, could become a national test case on the validity of ATM-style voting machines. Unlike the disputed 2000 elections in which state election laws were under scrutiny, the Election Systems & Software iVotronics are on trial. Miami-Dade and Broward counties also use the iVotronics.

U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello, who appeared with [Jennings Lawyer] Coffey, said the "U.S. House will be watching" because ultimately the House has the authority to decide "who it seats to represent a particular district."

Jennings’ motion for discovery in the case could contain a bombshell: It requests access to the iVotronic touch-screen machines at issue in Sarasota, and a full copy of all software source code from Electronic Systems & Software Inc., the manufacturer. ESS and other manufacturers have zealously guarded such code, citing competitive issues.

What Special Session?

"The state Legislature may delay a planned special session to deal with skyrocketing homeowners insurance." "Leaders defer special session till '07". Meanwhile, "Democrats call for special session".

See also "No insurance session in '06", "Citizens hits customers, with Legislature's help" and "Special Session Needed To Rein In Citizens' Latest Rate Increase" and "Florida's bargain" ("When it comes to the insurance industry, the Legislature has given and given. It's time to demand a little back.")

Earlier Florida Primary?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board asserts that it "would be counterproductive to make presidential primaries any earlier." "Don't start stampede". For background see yesterday's "State lawmakers tout early presidential primary".

And So It Begins

"New Legislature convenes today, with insurance top of '07 agenda". See also "Next wave takes reins in state House, Senate".

More From The "Values" Crowd

"Stop rationing state's social services".

New Rules

The Senate is considering a proposed rule, one "requiring that chamber wrap up business by 6 p.m. each day, instead of the current 7 p.m. The rule change also gives Senate President-designate Ken Pruitt direct control over the Senate's floor calendar for the day, instead of a rules committee." "State Senate to vote on shortening their workday".

Whatever

"New House speaker is a rising star in state GOP". See also "State House leaders Rubio, Gelber are friendly rivals" and "New House speaker aims to be a uniter".

Scripps

"The Scripps Research Institute won't ask county officials for any more money to build its campus at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter." "Scripps to OK price of $186.7 million". See also "Palm Beach County's price tag for Scripps start-up: $340 million".

Isn't This Obvious?

"If Florida -- or other states -- intend to take peoples' lives, they should do everything within their power to ensure a fair trial and adequate representation. " "If the state must kill".

'Glades

"Projected costs for a state Everglades cleanup initiative may have nearly doubled to $2.7 billion in the approximately two years since Gov. Jeb Bush announced it, according to a report." "Everglades project may cost double projected $1.5 billion".

Socialization?

"After making a dramatic decision not to award a $707 million contract for prison health care, the Florida Department of Corrections spent its first day Monday managing the job itself." "DOC begins managing health care".

No Loss

"State Rep. Kendrick switches to GOP". See also "House Republicans gain one seat back" and "Another Democratic Lawmaker Joins the GOP".

Byrd

"Byrd the bully needs to back off".

Johnson

"Randy Johnson, the former Central Florida state lawmaker who lost a Republican primary contest for chief financial officer, will be helping Gov.-elect Charlie Crist's transition team by overseeing the state's Office of Insurance Regulation." "Johnson Back on Insurance".

Side-By-Side

"Well, it may be only temporary, but State Sens. Alex Diaz de la Portilla and Alex Villalobos will be sitting side by side when the Florida Senate holds its reorganization session on Tuesday morning. Diaz de la Portilla, a Miami Republican, was one of the key senators who helped orchestrate the battle to push aside Villalobos for the 2008 Senate presidency and replace him with Sen. Jeff Atwater. " "DLP and Alex side by side?"

"Off-Color Banter"?

"The line between friendly, off-color banter and offensive speech might depend on who's talking and who's listening -- but two Miami-area legislators aren't taking any chances.After their former colleague [Republican] Ralph Arza crashed and burned for leaving crude messages on another legislator's voice mail, state Reps. [Republican] Juan Zapata and [Republican] Julio Robaina say they're minding their verbal p's and q's." "Political beat".

Last time I looked, using the "n" word is a bit more than "friendly, off-color banter" and/or a mere "crude message"

Sink Inaguration

"Chief Financial Officer-elect Alex Sink, the first Democrat to win a Cabinet seat in eight years, has tapped a long-time friend to be the volunteer chairman of her inauguration. Sink's choice is Jeff Sharkey, a lobbyist who helped organize former Gov. Lawton Chiles' two inauguration celebrations." "Sink Taps Sharkey".

According to exit polls, Crist got the support of close to one in five black voters in Florida - 18 percent. The previous high in exit polls for a Republican running for governor or president in Florida was 14 percent, by Jeb Bush in his 1998 race for governor.

•Crist's name is better known after years as a statewide officeholder.

•Crist has been behind civil rights initiatives, chiefly the decision to reopen the case of martyred civil rights pioneer Harry T. Moore.

•Davis was criticized for voting against compensating two black men who were wrongly convicted of murder.

Opinions differed on whether the results signify a temporary shift in the normally Democratic tendencies of black voters or a long-term trend.

Another Fine "Idea"?

Mr. Rubio has another fine "idea" (one which Florida based political consultants and pollsters will no doubt love): "Incoming state House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, this week is expected to unveil a plan to move Florida's March presidential primary closer to the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary."

Incoming state House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, this week is expected to unveil a plan to move Florida's March presidential primary closer to the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary.

Rubio and others have decried Florida's later primary date, saying it excludes the mega-state from playing a significant role in choosing the Democratic and Republican nominees.

"Florida voters deserve a greater role in choosing our nation's leaders," Rubio said.

Florida's last presidential primary occurred in March 2004, six weeks after New Hampshire's. It also came after 28 states and the District of Columbia held caucuses or primaries and the nominations of President Bush and Democrat John Kerry were virtually certain.

Rubio earlier this year talked of moving Florida's primary to a week after New Hampshire's. He includes the proposal in his book, 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future, expected to be released today at the state Capitol.

State law in New Hampshire protects its right to have the nation's first presidential primary, scheduled for Jan. 22, 2008.

Backing Rubio's proposal are two lawmakers already tapped as future speakers, state Reps. Ray Sansom, R-Destin, and Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. Incoming Democratic leader Dan Gelber of Miami Beach also is on board.

Now That The Election Is Over

Now that the election is over we learn that, in a September 14 2006 document

Projected costs for a state Everglades initiative have exploded to nearly $2.7 billion from $1.5 billion in little more than two years since Gov. Jeb Bush announced it, water managers have estimated in internal documents.

The jump includes huge cost increases for expanding Everglades filter marshes, restoring coastal wetlands near Miami and creating reservoirs in Broward County. Those estimates have more than doubled since 2004, partly because of the region's escalating construction costs and shortage of skilled labor, according to the South Florida Water Management District's projections.

The increases also reflect the need to build the district's city-sized reservoirs to withstand hurricanes, plus the addition of more than $500 million in marsh, canal and pump projects that originally weren't part of the initiative.

The new totals are labeled "projected" in a detailed, 39-page staff presentation dated Sept. 14, which The Palm Beach Post obtained last week. But district Executive Director Carol Wehle said the figures are really "worst-case scenarios" that the staff prepared at her direction, based on "absolutely everything that could possibly go wrong."

"The state of Florida is going to shoulder probably, eventually, all of the burden for Everglades restoration because the federal government is doing nothing," said McCarty, a Delray Beach bond trader. He said he wouldn't be shocked if the larger restoration costs $16 billion to $20 billion.

Neverending Story

Darryl Lease laments that, at least in his neighborhood, "The campaign continues".

Rubio Waffling on Restoration

"Incoming state House Speaker Marco Rubio predicts Charlie Crist will face 'resistance from some in the Legislature' if he seeks to make it easier for former prison inmates who have completed their sentences to automatically regain their voting rights. But the Republican from Miami declined to take a position himself on the issue, saying that as House speaker he wants to avoid stifling debate." "Rubio gives list of likely hot debates".

Will media darling Rubio allow the issue to come to a vote, or will he permit (direct) that the issue be killed in committee?

Low Hispanic Turnout

Southwest Florida "Hispanic advocates have begun brainstorming why voter turnout remains scant in Spanish-speaking community and what can be done about it before the 2008 presidential election." "Spanish speakers no-shows at polls".

South Florida Rules

"The new honchos will be House Speaker Marco Rubio of West Miami, House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, Senate President Ken Pruitt of Port St. Lucie and Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller of Hallandale Beach." "S. Florida legislators picked to lead state Senate and House".

The Saga Continues

"A senior executive with U.S. government-run station TV Marti has been indicted for allegedly accepting more than $100,000 in kickbacks from a company doing business with his employer. A federal grand jury indicted Jose M. Miranda on charges that he took bribes from Perfect Image Film and Video Productions, a vendor doing business with the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, prosecutors said." "Government media executive accused of taking kickbacks".

Dent to be Challenged

"Although [Sarasota County] Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent still has two years remaining on her current term, both Republicans and Democrats are already scouting for challengers to take on the woman at the center of the 2006 recount controversy.
" "Dent may face a challenge in 2008".

Priorities

"Florida's university presidents were standouts in national salary rankings made public today, including recently retired Lynn University President Donald E. Ross, whose compensation package equaled about $1.3 million." "Higher ed pay soars in Florida".

Bush League

"The Florida Board of Governors cheated the University of South Florida last week by slashing funding for a key biotech initiative that will create hundreds of high-paying jobs in Tampa. The cuts were made to appease politically powerful interests at Florida State University." "USF's Biotech Initiative Damaged By Intrastate Rivalry".

"Unearned Income"

"Unearned income"; a SW Florida thing:

In Collier, only about 53 percent of income comes from work. Almost 45 percent comes from dividends, interest and rent. Those percentages are mirrored on a smaller scale in Sebastian-Vero Beach, another of Florida's affluent retirement meccas.

It's also true — to a lesser degree — in Lee County. There, 27 percent of income comes from "unearned sources" and 61 percent from work.

Brain Trust

"Crist meets new and old governors at a retreat" "Ten newly elected governors, including Charlie Crist of Florida, joined 14 incumbents at a biennial gathering in West Virginia to discuss common problems and issues.".

And On Top Of That ... He's Black

"After a checkered career that has seen both disgrace and redemption -- impeachment and removal as a federal judge followed by election to Congress seven times -- Rep. Alcee Hastings is poised to claim a position of considerable clout. At 70, the Miramar Democrat may well become the next chairman of the House Intelligence Committee when Democrats take control of the U.S. House in January. But an ever-widening chorus of critics is slamming the possibility that an expelled federal judge with millions of dollars in legal debt could be tapped to lead the committee that oversees U.S. intelligence programs." "Hastings, in line for key House role, faces critics" See also "Black lawmakers' clout will be unprecedented".

But that's precisely what happened on Election Day, as Democrats in Florida and across the country gained ground among Hispanic voters. If the trend continues, it could have far-reaching political implications.

Martinez World

In Martinez world, the solution to all things is to reach into the wingnuttery play book (something "Karl Rove's Florida Frankenstein" is perfectly willing to do) and veer even farther to the right. "Republicans can regain control of Congress quickly if they start running conservative campaigns immediately to counter liberal policies that Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi is sure to pursue, the new head of the national GOP said Saturday." "Martinez tells state GOP to buck up".

Much of that strength would come from Democrats, he said. Despite referencing the current high level of partisanship, Martinez took multiple shots at the now majority party in congress.

"I gotta tell you, the greatest thing in the world is watching the Democrats trip over each other in the first few days," said Martinez, referring to their difficulty in setting a leadership team.

Something's Rotten In Sarasota

The Sarasota-Herald Tribune conducted an unscientific survey of Sarasota County voters, whose

the combined experiences provide insight into the 18,000-ballot undervote that has called into question Sarasota County's election results in the hotly contested race.

The undervote in the race between Jennings and Republican Vern Buchanan has come under close scrutiny because Buchanan won by 369 votes. Because voters in Sarasota County favored Jennings, the 18,000 missing votes may well have made her the winner.

The vast majority of voters interviewed by the Herald-Tribune reported one of two major problems.

Either they couldn't find the District 13 race as they scrolled through their voting screens (about 36 percent) or their votes for either candidate did not initially register on the ballot summary page (more than 62 percent).

Sarasota's "Mysterious Outcome Has Crystallized Concerns"

"Long after it is decided whether Vern Buchanan or Christine Jennings will serve in Congress as Florida's District 13 representative, the bizarre 2006 vote in Sarasota County could continue to influence elections across the state and nation."

The mysterious outcome has crystallized concerns about electronic voting, which has been widely adopted in the aftermath of the landmark 2000 presidential election.

Many states were already moving toward requiring paper records of electronic voting, and demands for those records -- if not an outright return to paper ballots -- are likely to grow, analysts say.

The recent Sarasota County experience handed powerful ammunition to critics of e-voting systems, who have gained traction in the movement to require an election paper trail over the past two years or so.

Greer

"Despite losing control of Congress and gains made by Democrats in two Florida congressional seats and one Cabinet post, Greer said the outlook for the state party is bright. The GOP still controls the state Legislature, Crist won the governor's race and U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., has been chosen to take over the Republican National Committee." "Crist names James Greer GOP state chairman".

What Will Villalobos Do?

"[M]any observers will be watching for signs of a Republican fissure caused by the return of Miami Republican Sen. Alex Villalobos."

Villalobos withstood a fierce primary battle in which Gov. Jeb Bush and likely 2008 Senate president Jeff Atwater, R-West Palm Beach, were among those working to defeat him. He had been stripped of his majority leader post last spring after voting against Bush on ballot initiatives aimed at preserving school vouchers and scaling back class-size standards.

For a time, Villalobos was seen as possibly leading a handful of Republican senators into a coalition with the 40-member Senate's 14 Democrats, threatening Pruitt's control.

Now, Villalobos assures, that isn't going to happen.

"Sen. Pruitt is Senate president," Villalobos said. "I'll let him determine whatever committee assignments he has for me and where I can serve best." ...

"There are some hard feelings," he acknowledged. "But I continue to plan to watch out for the needs of my district. And I think my situation has convinced other senators that you can stand up for what you believe in."

Restitution

"Families of executed men awarded frozen Cuban funds".

Baker in Crist Mix

"Mayor Rick Baker was elected just last year to a second four-year term, but may not finish it. Gov.-elect Charlie Crist says Baker is on his radar screen for an administration job, possibly as head of the Department of Education or the Department of Community Affairs." "Crist Eyes Baker For Administration Job".

Yet Another Difference ...

between the GOP and the rest of us:

Attorney Greg Schell, who has struggled more than two decades to improve the lives of the state's farmworkers, envisions a new dawn over the fields of Florida.

"This could change the world," he says.

Schell is speaking of the Democratic Party reclaiming Congress and what it could mean to key immigration legislation blocked for years by conservative GOP leaders in Washington.

Politics Not A Factor?

"Crist is trying to make sure his administration represents a strong mix of ethnicity, race and gender, as well as a geographic balance so that the whole state is represented, said George LeMieux, who served as Crist’s chief of staff on his campaign and in the attorney general’s office."

Politics also won’t be a factor, LeMieux said.

"There's no screen, there’s no 'Only Republicans need apply' or only this group or that group. He's looking to all Floridians and people who bring a variety of experiences,” LeMieux said. “There’s no litmus test. As long as the person has integrity, as long as the person has ability and as long as they have a good experiential base."

Foley

"Former Rep. Foley at dad’s grave: 'I disappointed him so much'". See also "Foley surfaces at burial for father" and "Foley finds supporters at father's funeral, says he 'disappointed' him".

More Byrd

"Byrd's Rancorous Politicking Will Bruise Alzheimer's Center".

Tax Reform

he Sun-Sentinel editorial board argues that Florida's "entire tax structure cries out for a comprehensive overhaul, and that must come from the Legislature. And it must come soon, before there is any more tampering with the Constitution." "Taxes".

Siplin

"When Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee for this week's organizational session of the Legislature, convicted felon Sen. Gary Siplin will be among them. After renewing his oath of office, the Orlando Democrat also looks like he will have ample time to get comfortable. Because of Senate rules and the transition to new committee assignments, there's not much chance of Siplin leaving for a while." "Convicted felon Siplin can't vote, but he is working on re-election".

Charlie's Travels

"Governors new and old mix at training retreat".

A Hollywood Thing

"Keith Wasserstrom and his associates had big plans to profit as a result of the controversial sewage treatment deal that has since resulted in his arrest on corruption charges and suspension as a city commissioner."

After persuading the City Commission to hire Schwing Bioset, they hoped to sell the process to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, other communities across the nation and even Israel. Records, e-mails and sworn statements collected by prosecutors show the Wasserstrom team set out to undercut rival firms and promote their own case.

Wasserstrom and his partners talked of arranging "dirty tricks," applying "political pressure" and assuring they had the "inside track." Beyond touting Schwing Bioset during commission debates, Wasserstrom opened doors at City Hall, strategized on how to win over city officials, passed information to his business partners and had some opponents investigated, the records show.