Mel Martinez ranked 9th among Republican senators in voting most often with President Bush in 2006. But Florida's other senator, Bill Nelson, wasn't too far down on the list either.

Nelson ranked 7th among Democratic senators, according to Congressional Quarterly, our sister publication which compiles the annual list. He voted with Bush 60.3 percent of the time; Martinez voted with him 92.4 percent.

CD 13 Developments

- "A top House Democrat"

Friday sent a letter to a Florida appeals court saying she is "concerned" that a lower court judge declined to give Democrats access to the software used in the contested voting machines.

"This election contest, is, of course, a case of national importance," Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Administration Committee, said in the letter addressed to the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee.

In the second move in as many days to challenge Rep. Vern Buchanan's standing as a congressman, a top House Democrat Friday sent a letter to a Florida appeals court saying she is ''concerned'' that a lower court judge declined to give Democrats access to the software used in the contested voting machines.

''This election contest, is, of course, a case of national importance,'' Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Administration Committee, said in the letter addressed to the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee.

Buchanan's camp accused congressional Democrats of improperly looking to influence the court. ... Buchanan's attorney, Hayden Dempsey, accused Democrats of trying to meddle in the courts.

GOPer Preznit Wannabees Picking Teams

Romney:

Romney has enlisted several Florida big-name Republicans in record time. In addition to Herberger, Romney has hired Sally Bradshaw, Bush's former campaign manager and chief of staff. Former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Al Cárdenas and former state House Speaker Allan Bense are members of his steering committee.

This week, Romney announced that two top Florida money men -- Mark Guzzetta and Mel Sembler -- would be national fundraisers.

John McCain has signaled he will not let Romney run of the place. When Romney was in Miami-Dade recently for the Republican Governors Association meeting, the Arizona senator quietly swept participants away to his reception. He has hired Melissa Shuffield, a former spokeswoman for Sen. Mel Martinez, and Kathleen Shanahan, Jeb Bush's former chief of staff and campaign manager.

None of the Above

"Voters would have the option of choosing ''none of the above'' under a bill proposed to avoid confusion over whether people mean to leave ballots blank, an issue at the center of a disputed congressional election. State Sen. Mike Bennett [R-Bradenton], the bill's sponsor, wants the additional option to prevent a repeat of the race between Republican Vern Buchanan and Democrat Christine Jennings." "Bill would give Fla. voters 'no choice' on ballots". William March: "Bill Would Allow Vote for ‘None of the Above’". See also "Bennett proposes 'no vote' option".

Fraser

"Towson Fraser, who spent the last two years as spokesman for former House Speaker Allan Bense, was hired this afternoon by Gov. Charlie Crist to be Crist's legislative affairs director. Fraser, a former spokesman for the Republican Party of Florida, initially stayed on in the Speaker's Office under Marco Rubio, though without a formal role." "Crist Hires Bense Spokesman". See also "Crist names former Bense aide as legislative director".

"Ideas"

"Florida House members will be expected to get right to work next week on some of the proposals from House Speaker Marco Rubio's '100 Ideas' book, according to a House Republican memo distributed this afternoon." "Florida House to Get to Work on Rubio's 'Ideas'".

Will Charlie Buck Barney?

"Crist’s campaign vow to lower property insurance rates ran smack into the real world of the insurance lobby."

"If we create more regulations, more mandates, and rate rollbacks, then we will have even fewer companies willing to do business in Florida," said Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida, an influential umbrella lobbying group that includes property insurers. ...

"We believe rates have been suppressed," Bishop said. "And we believe that rates are going to have to rise to the current level to (give incentives to) insurance companies to be in Florida."

Crist, who in his inaugural address Tuesday said that it was time "to rein in overreaching insurance companies," said he was astonished to hear Bishop’s assessment.

HD 3

"Gov. Charlie Crist has ordered a special election to fill the House seat vacated by Holly Benson, who resigned to work in the new governor’s administration." "Crist orders special election".

More Bipartisanship

Notice how Charlie is kind enough to extend bipartisanship to appointments to the state's toughest jobs, first Butterworth at DCF and now this: "Crist's appointment Thursday of Democrat Walter McNeil to lead the state's poorly managed Department of Juvenile Justice signals another effort toward bipartisanship. More important, Mr. McNeil may be the person who can move DJJ from a focus on incarceration to a focus on prevention." "A better cop for DJJ?". In the meantime, "Barreiro: 'Disappointed' but moving on" ("former state Rep. Gus Barreiro ... badly wanted the DJJ secretary job".)

Laff Riot

This is off topic, but you really need to know that"Far-left political ideologies are being promulgated through ever-increasing mediums, and recently [name of wingnut deleted] noticed that a once-vaunted American television network, The Weather Channel, had succumbed to the cancerous spread of liberalism." "Con Job at the Weather Channel".

Revolving Door

"Former Department of Children & Families Secretary Lucy Hadi is a candidate for a new position being created in the Department of Education, a DOE spokeswoman said Friday." "Former DCF secretary a candidate for education job".

New Abramoff Documents

"One-time powerful lobbyist Jack Abramoff gave a $10,000 campaign bribe to an Ohio congressman for his public words of praise for Abramoff's business partner in the purchase of a South Florida fleet of gambling ships more than six years ago." "Documents give new details of SunCruz-linked bribe to ex-Ohio lawmaker".

Miami-Dade Days

"Miami-Dade Days, the annual, corporate-sponsored event aimed to showcase the county in Tallahassee, was canceled last year over concerns about the new ban on meals and gifts for legislators. But lobbyist Bob Levy said the event will be resuscitated "carefully'' on April 17 and 18 to comply with the one-year-old ethics law." "Miami-Dade Days is back".

Iorio

Daniel Ruth "It's Incumbent Upon Mayor To Talk Potholes".

Dade DEC

Beth Reinhard details the "Not-so musical chairs at the Miami-Dade Democratic Party".

Giant Reptiles

"Florida, which had no shortage of native reptiles, is now slithering with exotic ones, particularly giant snakes. They are killing native wildlife and altering natural ecosystems." "Trying To Collar Giant Serpents". I was going to say something about "Republican Party Reptile" or P J O'Rourke, but I won't.

Florida Republicans Say "No" to Pay As You Go

"Florida Republican Reps. Tom Feeney and Dave Weldon voted Friday against a measure that reforms House budget rules and requires more disclosure by lawmakers sponsoring special-interest projects."

The pay-as-you-go budget rule - also known as pay-as-you-go - requires the House to offset tax cuts with corresponding reductions in government spending or with tax increases. Similarly, increases to government spending would have to be offset by equal cuts to other parts of the federal budget. ...

The same measure, one of five separate proposals lawmakers voted on over the first two days of the new Congress, builds on changes enacted last year to force lawmakers to disclose more about their pet projects - also known as earmarks.

While Jebbie Cut Taxes on the Wealthy ...

Florida's "Department of Children and Families is supposed to transfer [mentally disturbed inmates] to state mental hospitals within 15 days of an incompetency order. But the agency hasn't had the hospital space or funding to follow that law." Indeed, "DCF for years has been unable to follow the 15-day rule. But the problem has worsened greatly in the last two years. A waiting list for beds has grown at times to more than 300. The waiting period has spiked to an average of three months." "Behind bars, without treatment". See also "A legal labyrinth" ("Florida ranks 48th in the nation for its funding of mental health care, according to a report from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.")

On Thursday, the most powerful business lobbying group in Florida challenged Crist's inaugural pledge to roll back soaring property insurance rates.

"We believe that rates have been suppressed. And we believe that rates are going to have to rise," said Barney Bishop, Associated Industries of Florida chief executive officer.

That sets up a showdown between the normally pro-business Crist and a sector that contributed tens of millions to his election campaign. Crist received $19.6 million in direct campaign contributions, along with estimates of $20 million to $25 million in additional soft money contributions that the state Republican Party used to help support his campaign.

CD 13

"Before Sarasota Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan took the oath of office Tuesday, he was reminded to not get too comfortable -- his victory is still being contested"

As newly elected Speaker Nancy Pelosi prepared to swear into office the 434 members of the House, Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., an advocate for paper ballots, stood amid a chorus of boos from Republicans to formally note that Buchanan's Democratic opponent, Christine Jennings, is contesting the election and has asked Congress to intervene.

"The House remains the judge of the elections of its members," Pelosi replied from the rostrum, her tenure as speaker just minutes old. "The seating of this member-elect is entirely without prejudice to the contest over the final right to that seat . . ."

Republicans have warned Democrats not to pursue the contested election further, and Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, rose in response, noting that Buchanan had been certified as the winner by the Florida secretary of state.

Florida's Draft Obama Chapter

"The national movement to draft Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president now has a Florida chapter, or at least the beginnings of one." "“Draft Obama” Gets A Start In Florida". They "have started DraftObama.org At the website you will find a new 60-second commercial about the potential Democratic presidential candidate." "A Florida Draft?" See also "Run Obama Run!"

Castor Rising

"Minutes after she was sworn in Thursday, Kathy Castor, the new Democratic member from Tampa of the U.S. House of Representatives, was summoned back to the chamber to give her first speech. Usually freshmen members must wait a long time for such an event. But the Democratic leadership wanted to emphasize the fresh faces in their majority - and their promise to reform House ethics." "Tampa Bay Delegation Joins Congress".

Feeney

Poor Tom. The Orlando Sentinel editorial board:

U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney's privately financed golfing junket to Scotland in 2003 with corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff should add an exclamation point to calls to limit congressional travel.

Mr. Feeney, a three-term Republican from Oviedo, ran up a tab of $5,643 in just four days. The House ethics committee concluded that the trip violated House rules, which bar members from taking trips that are bankrolled by lobbyists or "substantially recreational."

Mr. Feeney persuaded the notoriously lenient committee to close its investigation by agreeing to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for the cost of the trip.

"Congressman Feeney, oft cited as one of the most corrupt members of Congress, violated the code of ethics of the U.S. House of Representatives, on at least one occasion, by egregiously accepting a high-priced golfing vacation from a now-convicted felon. However, Congressman Feeney owes more than just a check to the U.S. Treasury. He owes the people of Florida an explanation for why he violated their trust."

"Crist is Facing the First Challenge to His Leadership"

Just the other day, Catole Jean Jordan told The Buzz "that she's not running" for RPOF chair. "Carole Jean: I'm not seeking another term". That seems to have changed,

Jordan has distributed a letter extolling her own accomplishments -- and failing to mention Greer's name. A few of her supporters are sending out e-mail missives tearing Greer down.

Though Jordan's letter does not explicitly say she is running for reelection, it notes that the governor's choice to lead the party is only a consideration, not a mandate.

Party leaders are not pleased.

"I have always known Chairman Jordan to be a loyal Republican, and I cannot imagine her doing anything but supporting Gov. Crist's decision," said state Rep. David Rivera of Miami.

Slots

"Hundreds of slot machines were rolling last week in Broward County, where crowds thronged a new "racino" at the former Hollywood Greyhound Track, newly dubbed the Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center. At nearby Gulfstream Park, slots were introduced in mid-November and more than $77 million has already flowed through its machines." "Casino-style gamble".

See Ya

"Allstate Floridian Insurance Co. announced Thursday that more than 100,000 additional property insurance customers will be shifted into another company as part of its effort to pare back its exposure in Florida." "More than 100,000 Allstate customers to be shifted to new company".

Romney's Florida Money

"Boca Raton developer Mark Guzzetta - who raised millions for the campaigns of George W. Bush and Jeb Bush - is now a national fiance co-chair for Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romey’s nascent presidential campaign. Guzzetta is teamed with Tampa developer Mel Sembler, a former U.S. Ambassdor, who was also named a finance co-chair." "Guzzetta Joins Romney".

The Other Challenges

The AP noted the other day that, in addition to Jennings, "Three other Democrats -- Clint Curtis, who lost to U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney of Oviedo; John Russell, who lost to Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville; and Frank Gonzalez, who lost to Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Miami -- also have challenged results in their races." More on the Russell challenge:

Russell, who lost a bid to unseat the Spring Hill Republican by more than 50,000 votes, has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to order a new election in the sprawling 5th Congressional District.

He also has filed an official election contest in Congress, which convened in Washington on Thursday with Democrats in control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the first time in 12 years.

In the lawsuit, filed in the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, Russell's lawyer, Mark A. Adams, alleges that the electronic voting machines were unreliable.

"It's total rubbish," said Bill Bunting, chairman of the Pasco County Republican Executive Committee. "There's nothing to this, at all."

Bunting suggested that Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman could be the driving force behind Russell's legal challenge.

"She's never been able to get over that she was unseated," he said.

Lethal Injection Panel

"U.S. prisons chief on panel".

Fabricated Evidence

"Sen. Gary Siplin of Orlando, who's keeping his seat while appealing a felony conviction, has filed a bill that would allow a person to seek civil damages if a conviction is based on fabricated evidence. Siplin's one-page bill (SB 456) would create a cause of action for anyone 'whose conviction was based on evidence that was fabricated or deceptively manipulated by any law enforcement agency or state attorney's office.'" "Senator's evidence bill may affect his own case".

DJJ

"Crist stays in town for DJJ leader". See also "Tallahassee police chief chosen to lead juvenile justice", "Juvenile Justice gets a chief" and "Police chief to take over DJJ". The Tallahassee Democrat likes it: "DJJ's new chief".

Out In The Fields ...

"A North Carolina judge has recommended the dismissal of most violations and fines levied against the Florida firm Ag-Mart for alleged misuse of pesticides, but agriculture officials in that state say they do not agree and will continue to press their case against the produce company. ... Leo Bottary, spokesman for Ag-Mart, said that North Carolina and Florida are using the same documents to prosecute Ag-Mart and both are wrong. He said the fact that workers were on duty at the same time fields were sprayed did not mean that workers were in those fields." "N.C. judge sides with Ag-Mart".

No Blind Trusts?

"Only two of the four members of Florida's Cabinet are following the advice of the state Ethics Commission and putting their personal financial assets in a blind trust to avoid conflicts of interest. Gov. Charlie Crist and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink are setting up trusts, which will manage their money while they handle statewide matters that often directly affect the financial well-being of private companies and landowners. But Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson doesn't plan to use a trust, and Attorney General Bill McCollum remains undecided." "Fla. leaders don't all use blind trusts".

Perhaps He Will Pay Them Decently As Well?

"Corrections Secretary Jim McDonough thinks he might have found a new way to trim fat in government. The head of Florida's prison system wants his agency's 19,000 employees to get into shape by 2009 when they'll be asked to prove they're fit in order to keep their jobs." "Corrections chief to staff: Shape up".

Fidel Beats Dubya

Poor George:

A Gallup poll released last month found that 47 percent of the 1,000 people surveyed in Havana and Santiago approve of their leaders' job performance; 40 percent disapprove. Gallup researchers described the results as a "fascinating portrayal of a populace living with the paradoxes of a communist regime." Not the least of the paradoxes is that Fidel Castro's approval rating is higher than President Bush's.

Mahoney

"Mahoney focused his first few hours on the job on ethics reform, taking the forefront in the first item on the Democrats' agenda." "U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney is asked to lead ethics debate". See also "Mr. Klein and Mr. Mahoney Go To Washington" and "South Florida freshmen take their seats".

Backing The Wrong Horse

In, "Buchanan's first vote", he "voted for Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) to be the Speaker of the House".

A Tampa Thing

"Standing at city hall plaza, former Fire Chief Aria Green announced Thursday that he is running for mayor. ... Green will face Mayor Pam Iorio and Tampa police Capt. Marion Serious Lewis." "Ex-Fire Chief Enters Mayor Race".

Charlie and the Media Factory

In "Gust of openness refreshes capital", Lucy Morgan thinks Charlie might be a special guy:

t's far too early to tell what we have on our hands these days, but it would appear our new governor has at least learned from the mistakes of his predecessor.

Could we actually have a governor who intends to do things in public?

Could he actually LIKE having reporters see what he is doing?

Public-Private Partnerships

Ah yes ... the entreprenural spirit:

The manager of a FEMA-funded counseling program in South Florida inappropriately partnered with a private roofing company soliciting business in the area, a state investigation has found.

Whatever

"Translation: Good job, governor." "Governor steps up to slay slang".

Riviera Beach

"The city and its community redevelopment agency will face scrutiny by a Florida legislative committee to determine whether an investigation is needed in light of a scathing state audit of city finances, the committee's chairman said Thursday." "Legislators may open probe of Riviera finances".

Not So Ethical

Charlie's new "code of ethics",

which replaces the one adopted by Gov. Jeb Bush in 1999, has a handful of significant differences. Bush, for example, strictly prohibited all employees in his office and top agency officials from moonlighting and getting paid by someone from outside of state government. Crist's code instead says that senior employees can't moonlight "without prior approval" from the governor's general counsel.

Bush's code of ethics also "strongly encouraged" lobbyists to bring their clients if they wanted a face-to-face meeting with the governor or lieutenant governor. That wording has been stricken from Crist's code of ethics.

Another big change: Crist will allow senior employees who earn frequent flyer miles while traveling on state business to use that perk for their own personal use. Bush in 1999 banned the practice, saying instead that frequent flyer miles should be used to cut future travel costs for the state. Crist's code, however, states that senior employees deserve the perk because the state does not always reimburse them for all the out-of-pocket costs they incur while traveling.

Crist's code of personal responsibility made a substantial change in the drug testing policy for all new employees. Bush required that all new hires to senior positions in his office and in state agencies submit to a drug test. Crist's new policy states that drug testing "may" be required before an applicant is hired.

Union Bashing

The Orlando Sentinel, always looking for an opportunity to bash unions (see "Send in the scabs", "Picking scabs, part two", and "Scab 30"), gives us this headline today: "Union executive surrenders in child-molestation case".

The "union" in question, however, is the "Florida Police Benevolent Association", which has never been part of the AFL-CIO or the "labor movement" as that term is commonly understood. As Bill Cotterell wrote a while back, "The PBA, which is not part of the heavily Democratic labor federation, endorsed Gov. Jeb Bush as far back as 1994 and has always flaunted its political friendships with presiding officers and appropriations bosses of the GOP-run Legislature." Some say that the PBA is in effect a wholly owned subsidiary of the RPOF.

Heck, the Republican Legislature has gone so far as to pass legislation creating a PBA state license plate.

A more appropriate headline: "PBA chief arrested on child-sex charges".

Drug Testing

Naked Politics reports that

Crist's code of personal responsibility made a substantial change in the drug testing policy for all new employees. Bush required that all new hires to senior positions in his office and in state agencies submit to a drug test. Crist's new policy states that drug testing "may" be required before an applicant is hired.

Florida ranks 31st among the states in the likelihood that its children will perform well in school and move on to successful lives as adults, according to Education Week newspaper's annual Quality Counts report.

Undereducated parents, low family income and middling school grades are among the factors that undercut a Florida child's chance for success, according to the report. Despite improvements in recent years, the state also ranks 31st in the nation for academic achievement of its students, the report concluded.

Although Florida fourth-graders performed above national averages in reading and math on recent tests, eighth-graders trailed others from across the country. The state also lags in closing the achievement gap between poor and more affluent children, the report found.

Feeney Gets A Pass

"U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney has agreed to pay $5,643 to the U.S. Treasury to cover the cost of a golfing trip he took to Scotland with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff."

When Feeney reported his trip on congressional-disclosure forms, he said it was paid for by the National Center for Public Policy Research.

The center issued a statement Wednesday disavowing any connection with the trip, repeating what it told the Orlando Sentinel in 2005.

Naomi Seligman Steiner of the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said the ethics committee should have punished Feeney instead of just letting him pay the amount of the trip.

"It's like he robbed a bank and was just asked to give back the money," she said.

The announcement by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct came just as the new Democratic-controlled Congress was preparing ethics reforms to address the scandals that plagued lawmakers in recent years.

With Friends Like Charlie ...

Surely Charlie will get to the bottom of this and fire anyone who may have been involved: "Suspicion ran high yesterday that Rudy Giuliani's lost White House campaign playbook was swiped by aides to Florida's new governor - while the ex-mayor was helping him win election, sources told The Post."

Giuliani's aides were tightlipped about how it disappeared, but said it happened during a private plane ride on the campaign trail for 2006 candidates. They included Florida Gov. Charles Crist.

Charter Schools Cheerleading

Florida Education Commissioner John Winn spins a state study on charter schools:

Details in the report, though, leave less room for boasting. Comparative data -- which echo other independent studies -- show that academically, charter schools are more or less comparable to traditional public schools. Slightly more than half of charter schools statewide have received an A or B grade under Florida's accountability grid. And no evidence is presented to support claims that charter schools as a whole have been innovative incubators.

Regrettably, the report -- required by state law -- focuses heavily on promoting charter schools without a realistic evaluation of how to improve them, especially those that don't work. The report also fails to deal with inconsistencies in reporting data to the state about charter schools -- on financial, managerial and academic performance. ...

The tone of the state report, unfortunately, reflects an opinion that appears to prevail among the state's top education leaders under Republican Gov. Jeb Bush (who co-founded Florida's first charter school in Miami): That traditional public schools are a failure and that private entities are better -- even with limited and sometimes no accountability measures. Charters, although publicly financed, are often operated by private entities.

Orlando Sentinel Spanks Ros-Lehtinen

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "After calling for the assassination of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro on a British documentary, Miami's U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen went into spin control, claiming filmmakers had spliced clips together to get the sound bite. But the only person getting discredited here is Ms. Ros-Lehtinen." "Out of line".

South Florida Clout

"Ensconced in safe seats, Reps. Kendrick Meek and Debbie Wasserman Schultz campaigned hard last fall for fellow Democrats in hope of seizing control of Congress. Now that it has happened, the two South Floridians are in positions of considerable clout." "South Florida retains clout in U.S. House".

"Pleasing Everyone"

This says it all: "Crist starts first day as governor with goal of pleasing everyone". See also "Crist tackles first day with doors wide open", "Crist starts first day as governor" and "New governor pushes a populist theme" (Miami Herald editorial board).

Office of Open Government

"On his first full day on the job, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist wasted no time acting on one of his Inauguration Day promises. He signed an executive order creating an Office of Open Government to enforce the state's public-records laws, and ordering that bureaucratic jargon be banished from state documents." "Crist bolsters records access". See also "First action? Open up the government", "Crist Acts On Openness Vow" and "Crist Acts On Openness Vow".

CD 13

"Buchanan's swearing-in day arrives" The Sarasota Herald Tribune argues: "Let state audit resolve dispute over District 13 race". In the meantime, "Democrat Christine Jennings asked an appeals court Wednesday to overturn a ruling that denied her access to the programming code for electronic voting machines used in Sarasota County in the November election." "Democrat presses fight over touch-screen votes". Jennins' dKos post on the appeal: "The Fight Continues for FL-13's Voters: We Filed Our Appeal".

Who Knew?

The AP article quoted above reports that "Three other Democrats -- Clint Curtis, who lost to U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney of Oviedo; John Russell, who lost to Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville; and Frank Gonzalez, who lost to Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Miami -- also have challenged results in their races." See also "Congressional Democrats contesting balloting". The Russell campaign's post at dKos on this "Announcement on Contested Florida Elections".

Radio and TV Martí

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Recent experiments by Radio and TV Martí in buying time on two Miami stations are credible efforts to deliver information to audiences in Cuba. These attempts, however, must prove to be: 1) cost effective and 2) within the bounds of a U.S. anti-propaganda law." "Messages of hope and democracy for Cuba".

Rate Hikes

"A powerful seniors group appears this morning before the Public Service Commission to protest another hurricane-related hike in utility rates." "Seniors speak up about utility hikes".

FCAT

"State turns toward computerized FCAT".

All Together Now

"Incoming Reps. Ron Klein of Boca Raton, Tim Mahoney of Palm Beach Gardens, and Kathy Castor of Tampa are jointly hosting a reception for friends and family who will be swarming the Capitol for Thursday’s swearing-in ceremonies at the start of the new 110th Congress." "Democratic Togetherness".

Lyons

Tom Lyons: "Insisting on seeing an election probe through to the end always gets a candidate labeled a sore loser these days. It shouldn't. It is up to the declared losers to do it because those nervous winners never will. They want us to see voting machines as infallible and inviolable gifts from the democracy gods rather than electronic devices sold by a for-profit company intent on secrecy." "Voters' reports are still evidence".

"Merit Pay"

"Teachers and union officials from counties throughout the region knocked a state-funded performance pay plan at a workshop Wednesday." "Teachers assail performance pay plan".

Progressive Radio (in Brevard?!?)

"WFIT, Public Radio, and Democracy Now!".

Ruth On Charlie's Speech

Daniel Ruth: "caught up in the rapture of the moment, Crist invoked one of Reagan's more famous references to America representing 'the shining city on the hill.'"

Now, you could make an argument that by mentioning the 40th president, Crist should have been satisfied that he had filled his Reagan quota and moved on to other matters of state.

But no. Instead, the governor noted that if indeed America was the chrome hood ornament to be found at the top of the hill du jour, then surely, "Florida is the shining state on the mountaintop."

In political speechifying, this was one of those wonderful instances of a pol delivering a perfectly swell line that makes absolutely no sense. One could only hope for four more years of this stuff.

Was Crist suggesting that Reagan was full of beans when he waxed poetic about America merely being but a stinking shining city on top of some crummy, inconsequential hill, while Florida is a big, brassy state that serves as the wedding groom at the crest of a huuuuuuge mountain?

Anderson

"Supervise the supervisor".

Tamping Down Expectations

"One of the Florida Legislature's leaders on insurance issues said Wednesday that residents seeking big relief from skyrocketing homeowners' insurance rates shouldn't get their hopes too high." "Insurance woes won't end quickly, Posey warns".

'Glades

"Environmental preservationists decry setback at a crucial time in efforts to restore natural water flows and save what is left of the region’s dwindling wilderness." "Everglades restoration: SW Fla. Feasibility Study slows to crawl".

Mahoney a Blue Dog

"Incoming South Florida congressmen Tim Mahoney and Ron Klein are staking out their ideological positions in the 110th Congress which convenes at noon Thursday."

Mahoney, a former Republican who switched to the Democratic Party and won the District 16 seat formerly held by Mark Foley, has signed up with the Blue Dog Coalition.

Klein, who knocked off 13-term incumbent Clay Shaw in District 22, is joining the New Democratic Coalition.

The Blue Dogs, founded 12 years ago among Democrats primarily from the Old South, describe themselves as a conservative to moderate group with a passion for fiscal responsibility in Washington.

The New Democrats began 10 years ago and describe themselves as moderate, pro-growth members who seek a “common sense” approach to government.

Legislating Simplicity

"Stumped by government jargon on the campaign trail, "

Gov. Charlie Crist used his first full day in office Wednesday to target the dense language of bureaucrats and policy wonks.

He signed an executive order giving state agencies until April 3 to adopt "plain language plans" requiring the use of "clear language that is commonly used by the intended audience."

Today's Florida political news and punditry.

It "Could Have Been Written by a Democrat"

"Crist, who served in the shadows of Jeb Bush for the past six years as Florida's attorney general and education commissioner, used his 19-minute speech to outline populist themes that were short on details but so broad-reaching they could have been written by a Democrat." "Cutting taxes, insurance rates top the agenda". Charlie has figured it out: at the federal level as well, "Democrats' goals popular".

And what's this with the fighter jets? "F-15s screamed overhead, the guns sounded 19 times and, on the stroke of noon Tuesday, Charlie Crist formally became the state's 44th governor." "Crist takes oath, office".

More coverage of Crist: see "Charlie Crist sets 'people's agenda' as he's sworn in", "New governor promises a bipartisan approach", "Gov. Crist takes oath; schools and property taxes are on his agenda", "Crist promises to 'work together' at swearing in", "Crist proclaims need for transparency", "Crist takes office", "Gov. Crist Takes The Helm", "Take oath. Look ahead" and "Crist's Optimism Strikes A Chord With Audience".

The Tampa Trib editorial board is enthralled: "Crist Sets Fresh, Inclusive Tone With Promise To Put People First". Likewise with the editors at the Tallahassee Democrat: "Mr. Sunshine". See also Mary Ann Lindley's "It's Charlie Crist's time" and the St. Pete Times editorial board: "Crist's inaugural sets the right tone". More: "Lofty ideals, good politics" ("the new governor also used his inaugural address to set a new tone that, we hope, will result in more politically diverse appointments -- to agencies and boards -- than those made by the notoriously partisan Bush.")

But some note that "Playing center field could be tough position for Crist". The Orlando Sentinel editorial board seems to have had enough of Charlie's "sunny optimism and feel-good rhetoric", and, at the same time, are already missing their favored son, Jebbie:

Enough already.

It's not that we don't like optimism, and, certainly, there's a lot to celebrate in Florida's booming economy. But if any governor could benefit from a substantive, goal-oriented inaugural address, it is Mr. Crist.

After all, the rap is that he's "Good-Time Charlie," all sunshine and little substance. The governor he replaces, Jeb Bush, was known for his "Big Hairy Audacious Goals," something Mr. Crist mentioned during his speech Tuesday. So where are Mr. Crist's audacious goals?

The Media Failed Florida

Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, observes that "as accolades are heaped on our former governor, the last eight years also deserve a sober review. It needs to be said that the personal appeal and likeability of Jeb Bush has led the press and the public to overlook the extremism of many of his policies."

Simon proceeds to identfy a handful of the media's failings:

Take the Department of Children and Families, which has been responsible for lost, brutalized and murdered children in the "care" of the state and which the press referred to as a "troubled agency." This characterization created a picture of a governor who lacked ultimate responsibility for personnel decisions and the human consequences of his budget-slashing policies on the mentally ill, the disabled and children in foster care. ...

The governor left office as he entered: advocating privatization of education through vouchers to send children to private, mostly church-run schools -- though the public opposes this version of education reform, as it did when he was elected in 1998.

Bush will probably want Florida to remember him as "the education governor." But the centerpiece of his "A+ Plan for Education," the Opportunity Scholarship Program (aka vouchers), was declared in violation of the state constitution. And, arguably, the two most important educational reform measures in the state's history (the pre-K early readiness program and the reduction in class size) were adopted without his support and over his objections.

He points with pride to increased test scores as evidence of "rising student achievement" and claims that his use of the FCAT brought "accountability" to the classroom. He failed to address the abysmally low graduation rates, among the lowest in the nation, and ignored the concerns of educators and parents about how the obsession with testing has converted classroom instruction to "teaching to the test."

It will be difficult for the public to forget his disgraceful performance in the Terri Schiavo case ...

Florida has a civil and voting rights crisis greater than any other state. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have lost their right to vote and are ineligible for state occupational licenses. ...

Most abortion opponents recognize some exceptions to restrictions -- exempting rape, incest and the need to preserve a woman's life and health. But in a notorious case, a severely retarded woman, placed in the care of the state in a group home, was raped and impregnated by one of the staff. The governor prevented consideration of an abortion by sending the DCF into court to seek the appointment of a guardian -- not for the woman, but the fetus. In another case, the governor was prevented from interfering with an abortion for a 13-year-old girl and thereby forcing children to have children.

Given our former governor's youth, his name recognition (though its value may be temporarily diminished), and the war chest stored in his foundation, how the Jeb Bush years are characterized has future political consequences.

Sink Breaks GOP Hold

"Democrat Alex Sink broke the Republican hold on the state’s executive branch Tuesday when she was sworn in as Florida’ chief financial officer. Sink, a former banking executive, and newly elected Attorney General Bill McCollum joined holdover Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson to take their respective oaths of office shortly before Gov. Charlie Crist and Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp were sworn in." "Democrat Sink, McCollum join holdover Bronson". See also "Sink Party" and "Newly sworn-in Cabinet is already a bipartisan effort".

Sink to Scrutinize Privatization

The GOPers are beginning to squirm: "Sink's declared priority to scrutinize and investigate state outsourcing 'smacks a bit of partisanship,' given the emphasis that former Gov. Jeb Bush and other Republicans have placed over the years on privatizing services, said University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson, a Republican." "Sink Pledges To Keep Politics Out Of Finances".

May we respectfully suggest she take a look at this by Paul Krugman:

Florida's governor has been an aggressive privatizer, and as The Miami Herald put it after a careful study of state records, "his bold experiment has been a success — at least for him and the Republican Party, records show. The policy has spawned a network of contractors who have given him, other Republican politicians and the Florida G.O.P. millions of dollars in campaign donations."

What's interesting about this network of contractors isn't just the way that big contributions are linked to big contracts; it's the end of the traditional practice in which businesses hedge their bets by giving to both parties. The big winners in Mr. Bush's Florida are companies that give little or nothing to Democrats. Strange, isn't it? It's as if firms seeking business with the state of Florida are subject to a loyalty test.

"Merit" Pay

"Teachers across the state are up in arms over the pay-for-performance plan, which they say has been forced on them." "Critics give failing grade to merit pay for teachers".

Polar Bears

"The plight of the polar bear should concern all Floridians, whether you love wildlife or not. The U.S. Department of the Interior wants to list the bears as endangered species because their numbers are plummeting." "Distant Polar Bears Should Be Significant To Florida".

Lookin' for a Plaintiff

"To government officials, it was a simple request: A local business owner wanted to donate a monument of the Ten Commandments and place it on the steps of the Dixie County Courthouse."

The commissioners, all professed Christians, approved the gift and its placement outside the building in the center of town that is home to several government agencies, including the County Commission.

The monument, a chunk of black granite, went up after Thanksgiving. It stands more than 5 feet tall, weighs 6 tons and cost $20,000.

Word about the rock spread, all the way to Gainesville, leading atheists and agnostics there to contact the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They are threatening a lawsuit if the commission doesn't reverse itself and remove the monument.

There's just one problem: the foundation can't find anyone in this rural county of roughly 14,000 residents to participate in the proposed lawsuit.

Corporate Welfare

The St. Pete Times has no problem with a little corporate welfare: even though "the price tag to taxpayers is steep - the state, Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa would provide more than $35-million in incentives" to subsidize a for-profit company that will create (only) 165 "high-paying" jobs "Bringing bioscience to Tampa".

Huh?

Senator Mel opens his mouth ...

"There is a way to move your principles forward, without leaving bodies in your wake," Martinez said. "To get things done, you may have a Republican way of doing things, but maybe with a little contribution from the Democratic way . . . that may ultimately bring a better solution."

CD 13 Update

The Palm Beach Post editorial board takes on the most recent ruling in the Jennings - Buchanan case:

the public needs the courts to err on the side of voters, not trade secrets. Anything less does a disservice to the public and, ultimately, the machine's manufacturer, ES&S, which also makes the machines that Martin County uses. And Judge Gary's ruling relies on circular logic. Ms. Jennings hasn't proven that the touch screens failed. Thus, she can't get what she needs to see whether the touch screens failed.

The company stated in a legal brief that "ES&S has no interest in this case, other than to protect these trade secrets." That may be a good legal argument but it is bad public relations. If touch-screen voting is as reliable as ES&S and other manufacturers say it is, the company should welcome rigorous scrutiny, particularly since the court can protect trade secrets.

There's a bigger issue at work than who should be seated in District 13. Democrats in Congress, led by Robert Wexler of Delray Beach, want to require that printers provide a verifiable paper trail. Others argue for eliminating touch-screen machines entirely. With Judge Gary's ruling to keep the source code secret, ES&S may have won for the moment, but the company is losing the bigger and more important battle to reassure an already skeptical public that its product works right, all of the time.

Jordan Out

"Crist has tapped Jim Greer of Oviedo to be the next chair, and the selection of a virtual unknown at least initially miffed some grassroots activists." "Carole Jean: I'm not seeking another term".

An Okeechobee Thing

A diary at dKos today, ""Welcome to Brahman Country": Gay Hate by the Lake", dissects this story: "Club that supports gay teens meets hostility in Okeechobee".

Changin'

"Florida's new Gov. Charlie Crist chose not to keep embattled Department of Juvenile Justice leader Anthony Schembri on the job." "Crist drops DJJ chief". See also "Crist names six interim agency heads".

Another Jebacy

"Broward, Palm Beach and seven other county school boards have sued the Florida Department of Education, arguing that a new state agency with the power to OK charter schools is unconstitutional. Traditionally, only county school boards could approve charter schools, which are privately run public schools with independent governing bodies. That changed in August when the Legislature created the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission." "Broward, Palm Beach, others sue, call charter school agency unconstitutional".

"Inaugural Address"

"Crist will deliver an inaugural address that not only sets the tone for his administration, but gives the first real clue of how he intends to guide the fourth largest state for the next four years."

Internal documents from Crist's transition team, veteran observers, advocates and Crist's own campaign statements suggest the speech will have a strong environmental message and themes that range from greater support for adoption, property-insurance reforms and crime fighting.

Everglades protection and even global warming could also appear.

Crist is also likely to highlight one of his favorite themes: his family's rise to success from its Greek immigrant roots.

Whatever

Remember this tripe: "Charlie Crist repeatedly proclaimed outgoing Gov. Jeb Bush 'the greatest governor in America' and promised to carry on the Bush legacy." Today we read that there really are differences between the two GOPers:

- Where Crist is consensus-minded, flexible and sensitive to public opinion, Bush has strong opinions and is set on what he believes is right.

- Where Crist makes almost an obsession of openness to others' ideas, and speaks with self-effacing courtesy even to opponents, Bush is convinced of the rightness of his own views and tends to belittle opposing views.

- Where Bush is a policy wonk who studies the latest conservative ideas for government, Crist often takes instinctive or vague approaches to issues and looks to staff and other experts to sort out how to implement them.

"Gnawing Issues"

"Lawmakers gather in two weeks for a special session aimed at trying to curb skyrocketing property insurance rates. Voters also are demanding Crist do something about spiraling property taxes." "Crist Faces 'Gnawing Issues'". See also "Homeowners Insurance Is Top Legislative Issue", "Crist's Must-do List" and "Home Is Where The Debate Is" ("issues Floridians consider most pressing - the homeowners insurance crisis and property taxes - dominate the roster of bills filed by lawmakers for 2007.")

Meanwhile, the editorial boards can't get enough of Charlie: see "Crist Brings Eminent Team To Meet Great Expectations". And Daniel Ruth has this: "Mom's The Mother Of All Charlie Fans".

A more sober assessment: "In the weeks before today's inauguration, the governor-elect has made nuanced, careful choices about state leadership, retreating a few times when it appeared he'd made a misstep.So, even before he takes office, Crist has shown he's unlike his predecessor Jeb Bush." "In transition, Crist put service before politics: More, sir".

Possible "Mass Migration" From Cuba

"On Dec. 12 and 13, more than 500 representatives of dozens of local, state and federal agencies, including the military, met at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. They conducted a "tabletop" exercise in anticipation of a "mass migration event," or MME." "Castro's death would pose tests".

On a related note: "Cuban-Americans are spreading their wings. Many are escaping the high housing costs and traffic of South Florida for quieter enclaves in Central Florida, like Ocala. Even as the Border Patrol prepares for a wave of Cuban migrants washing ashore in Miami after the death of Fidel Castro, their predecessors are blazing a trail northward. " "Making inroads north".

Changing Times

"Since the 25-member Florida House delegation is comprised mostly of Republicans — 18 to be exact — the state will ultimately lose some sway with the Democratic takeover." "State's GOP lawmakers must contend with Democratic takeover in Congress".

"Jeb!" Watch

Yesterday's Financial Times:

the most recent rumour involves him appearing on the Republican presidential ticket in 2008 as running mate for John McCain. Bush has refused to be drawn on this, saying only that his immediate plans involve a return to the private sector, where he ran a commercial real estate company before becoming governor.

A long-standing Bush family dictum calls for family members to have achieved financial security before running for national office. Having reportedly seen his net worth shrink from $2.4m to $1.4m during his time in the governor's mansion, Jeb told reporters recently: "I gotta go to work."

Everything Is Wonderful

Colleen Castille, Jebbie's outgoing secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection claims things are just wonderful: "Let 'pay-as-you-grow' work".

Florida Fuel

"Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson won re-election calling for greater efforts to produce fuel from farm products. Mr. Bronson, an Osceola County cattle rancher, is on the right trail." "Grow fuel".

Death Penalty

"Study of death penalty high on legislators' list".

CD 13 Update

"Sarasota County voting precincts with large numbers of older voters also registered large numbers of undervotes in the disputed congressional race, according to a Herald-Tribune analysis of recently released data from the Nov. 7 election."

In precincts where the median age was greater than 65, the undervote rate in the congressional race was 18 percent, 40 percent higher than in younger precincts, the analysis shows.

The trend suggests older voters either chose to skip the congressional race in greater numbers than younger voters, or they had more difficulty casting their vote in that race.

Several experts said the trend supports the theory that poor ballot design made the District 13 race hard to see on Sarasota County's touch-screen machines and that the age of a voter compounded the problem.

Palm Beach Politics

George Bennett yesterday:

- Ron Klein challengers: As soon as U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, lost to Klein in November, Atwater became the top choice of many Republicans to try to win the seat back in 2008. His decision to stay put and pursue the 2008-10 Senate presidency shifts speculation to such Republicans as state Reps. Adam Hasner and Ellyn Bogdanoff and Boca Raton Mayor Steven Abrams. ...

- Tim Mahoney challengers: Former state Rep. Joe Negron, the last-minute Republican fill-in when cyberdisgraced U.S. Rep. Mark Foley resigned, came within 2 percentage points of defeating Democrat Mahoney in November and should decide sometime this year whether to seek an '08 rematch in the Republican-leaning district. State Rep. Gayle Harrell and Jupiter attorney Tom Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steeler-owning clan are among other potential GOP candidates. ...

- Dave Aronberg: The Democratic state senator should reveal this month whether he's running for state attorney or reelection in 2008. The hunch here is that he'll opt for the latter with an eye on the 2010 attorney general's race.

2008

A dKos diary, "Is There a Backlash To a 2008 Hillary or Obama Candidacies?", led us to this CQ piece by our old friend Craig Crawford:

True to their reputation as microcosms of the nation as a whole, Florida and Ohio are almost evenly divided into red and blue regions. In each state, maximizing turnout of the base is the key to victory for Democrats or Republicans. Clinton or Obama would generate enthusiasm among Democratic partisans, but their greatest challenge would be to avoid letting gender or race serve as a turnout booster on the other side.

Southern Ohio and Northwest Florida are rooted in Deep South social conservatism, posing the greatest threat to a Democratic ticket that includes a woman or a black. George W. Bush won re-election in 2004 largely on the strength of his successful appeals to southern Ohio voters motivated by issues such as banning gay marriage. Had he not been able to boost turnout in that region, he would not have won Ohio and would not have gained a second term.

Clinton or Obama would not have to win those regions to prevail in Florida or Ohio. But they would need to minimize the chances that Republicans could generate passionate opposition to their candidacy.

"If they get three, they will be larger than New York," said Clark Bensen, of Polidata, a political data consulting firm based near Washington, D.C.

New York currently has 29 seats, but is expected to lose at least two more seats at the next census because of its slow growth compared with other states. If Florida gets three new seats, its 30 seats would make it the third-biggest delegation after California and Texas.

Campbell Jumps Into HD 3 Special Election

Elizabeth Campbell, the retired Navy Chief who ran unsuccesfully against HD 3 Rep. Holly Benson last November, announced that she will run in the special election to replace Benson, was recently appointed by Gov.-elect Charlie Crist to be his new secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Campbell is a retired Navy Chief with over twenty-two years of distinguished service. She retired from active duty on March 31st 2006, and proudly hails from a family dedicated to service.

Masters Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Aeronautical Science, and has been working toward another Masters Degree from The University of West Florida in Political Science. Her many years experience in management and teaching, have earned her a position as adjunct faculty at Embry Riddle, where she will continue to help educate and shape the minds of students.

More "Jeb!" Editorials

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board, perhaps Jebbie's most incisive critics over the last eight years, is far too kind to him today: "Adieu to the audacious innovator".

The Sun-Sentinel is going to miss their beloved Jebbie: "Jeb Bush began his amazing run in Florida politics as the brash outsider, blessed with high energy, a conservative ideology and a blue-chip name. He ends it today as a popular two-term governor with rock-star status and a string of accomplishments." "Jeb's Legacy".

Out in the blogosphere, a lengthy diary at dKos begins with this: "'My way or the highway' King Jeb Bush leaves a legacy of damage that will shadow Florida long after his departure." "Jeb Bush, Carpetbagger".

Higher Education, Florida Style

"Nearly $9 million in Bright Futures Scholarship and Florida Student Assistance Grants went to private, for-profit colleges and universities last school year, and few of them are accredited by the group accepted as the "gold standard" in mainstream education. Among the beneficiaries:"

• A luxury spa operator boasting $397 million in revenue in 2005 to train its future employees in medicinal massage and holistic skin care. The owner just opened a facility in downtown Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

• A school where, for double the tuition of a public university, students learn formulas for mixing herbs and how to refine their "Qi," or spiritual energy, to thwart disease.

• The Sunstate Academy of Hair Design in Clearwater, which received more than $10,000 since 2001 from students whose good grades earned them state-funded college scholarships.

"The People's Governor"

"Charlie Crist has spent most of his 14-year career in state politics making people happy. Now he has to start making people mad." "For Crist, power comes with problems". See also "Crist a 'people's governor' facing tough challenges" and "New Issues Confront Crist".

And isn't this a bit premature? "Crist evolves into steady leader".

Cotterell

Bill Cotterell today: "All things considered, it wasn't a bad year for state employees. They got some new bosses. They got a 3-percent pay raise, but Gov. Bush leaves 9,787 fewer authorized positions than there were in 1999." "For state workers, 2006 was very memorable". See also his earlier column: "Is Convergys getting its man at DMS?".

Luv for Sale

"The money machine is still printing for Gov.-elect Charlie Crist, even without an inaugural dress ball to fund. Crist, after raising a record $19.6 million to win the Florida governor's race, hopes to drum up another $1.2 million for the party afterward - with enough to spare for charity." "Donors line up to give to Crist".

Whatever

"Appointments put his stamp on judiciary".

New Laws

"Repeal of the intangibles tax is among 11 laws passed by the 2006 Legislature that takes effect today." "New laws take effect". See also "Laws take effect in first week of 2007".

He Can't Help Himself

Mike Thomas shared this wisdom with us the other day: "Any other chief executive with his record of budget management, education reform, job creation, crisis management and towering poll ratings would be an obvious choice for the White House." "Mike Thomas: Next act for Jeb is prematurely bushwhacked".

Disconnect

"The results three months ago were eye-opening: Almost half of the Floridians polled said things were heading in the wrong direction in the state. Respondents to the Florida Chamber poll cited several reasons: the homeowners insurance crisis, education and the property tax pinch. Most telling was where the blame did not fall. In the same poll, Gov. Jeb Bush was showered with a favorable rating by 63 percent of respondents." "Jeb's Legacy".

Ron Reagan

On Friday,

the incoming House Speaker picked state Rep. Ron Reagan, R-Bradenton, to lead the House Committee on Insurance. The committee is charged with getting a handle on perhaps the biggest political issue of the year.

Reagan, an insurance agent for 26 years, said it's a weighty responsibility for sure, but he is excited to have a prominent role on such a critical issue.

What's The Plan, Charlie?

"Charlie Crist, who takes the oath of office tomorrow, will have to explain to hurting Floridians how he plans to bring about the lower windstorm rates that he set as his goal." "The challenges of 2007 are left over from 2006".

Solar Energy

"Ecologist Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon of Florida in Maitland, offers a theory for the seeming lack of enthusiasm for solar power: 'We are very much a crack (cocaine) addict, except our crack is fossil fuels.' But power industry and state officials said the biggest obstacles facing solar are dependability and cost." "Fla. Utilities In Dark With Solar Energy".

Movin' On Up

"Friday afternoon, Rep. Dennis Ross received a late Christmas present, or early April Fool's joke, depending on how you look at it."

Ross, a Lakeland Republican, was bumped upstairs - way upstairs - right into the Florida House leadership circle by House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Coral Gables. Ross withdrew from the speaker's race two years ago to support Rubio.

Rep. Holly Benson, R-Pensacola, was recently appointed by Gov.-elect Charlie Crist to be his new secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Benson, who had been a part of the inner House leadership with Rubio, had to give up her House seat to take the job.

It is hard to imagine Florida's political landscape without Jeb Bush. He has shaped elections and state government for more than a dozen years, through three campaigns for governor, two races for president by his brother and eight years in the Governor's Mansion. As he moves from Tallahassee and returns to private life in Miami, he remains popular among Floridians and leaves a lasting legacy.

Bush was the rare politician who relished both the rush of campaigning and the minutiae of public policy. The son and brother of presidents came from privilege but felt comfortable in Miami's inner city schools, Tampa's suburbs and North Florida's town squares. He could discuss the intricacies of economic development or education theory, and he had little patience for legislators or reporters who did not approach such issues with the same intellectual vigor.

Jeb Bush leaves office a highly successful and principled governor - a fearless change agent who challenged the status quo and demanded better from us all.

Gov. Jeb Bush exits the Florida political stage he dominated for eight years as a giant who reshaped state government largely through sheer force of will and unflagging adherence to his principles.

"Adios, MoFo."

Sadly, it takes writers outside the Florida MSM to cast a sufficiently critical eye on Jebbie's performance as Governor. This piece, a few days back from the Huffington Post, barely scratches the surface:

It's easy to assume that the only thing that blocks Jeb's glorious path to the White House is the steaming heap of politipoo left on the sidewalk by his big brother, George The Dim. But, unlike most Americans, Jeb can't blame his bleak future on George W. Bush. At least, not entirely.

Jeb's story begins with a personal get-rich-quick history of questionable Florida real estate and banking deals with questionable people that made him millions of dollars in a few short years. Read the sordid and complicated tale here.

As for his religious zealotry, we begin with the matter of the brain dead woman--no, not Katherine Harris--Terri Schiavo. Not only did he order feeding tubes to be reinserted, not only did he send state troopers to her hospital to take her into protective custody (they were turned away), but long after poor Terri was dead and buried, he ordered a state investigation of Michael Schiavo to determine whether he had behaved criminally on the day Terri collapsed. Michael was, of course, cleared promptly.

Jeb is the MVP of abortion hardball, twice trying to force mentally retarded rape victims to carry their fetuses to term. He succeeded in one case.

And then there was kooky Jerry Regier, the guy Jeb anointed, er, appointed to straighten out the Department of Children and Families after it was determined that the DCF had lost more than 500 children over a decade. Mr Regier, a former leader of the Family Research Council, had supported "Biblical spanking" that leaves bruises or welts on kids, and believed that women should not work outside the home unless forced to be financial circumstances. Just what you'd want in a guy running a department for children and families. Regier ended up quitting his job under an ethics cloud.

Gosh, there's so much more, without even asking questions like, why his media-certified oh-so-dreamy son George P. Bush isn't in the military, but I think I'd like to end with the Profile in Courage Jebby demonstrated in Pittsburgh, back in October, while campaigning for Rick Santorum. Momentarily outside the Bush bubble, he was confronted by a group of protestors, and when sarcastically blowing them a kiss didn't appease them, Jeb hid out in a subway station supply closet.

Hard to picture your next President as cowering in a subway supply closet, isn't it? Maybe it's time to borrow a Spanishy phrase used by his friend and fellow governor, Rick Perry of Texas, who's always had a way with words:

"Adios, MoFo."

End The "FCAT Worship"

To be sure, some Florida newspaper editorial boards are willing to criticize "Jeb!" on limited, select issues; for example, the Palm Beach Post today reminds us today that for all his bluster about improving education, Jebbie's

results have been extremely limited. Statistics continue to show that better reading and other improvements don't follow third- and fourth-graders up into - and out of - high school. In addition to low FCAT scores, Florida high schools have declining SAT scores and, last year, they had declining graduation rates.

But Gov. Bush clearly wants Mr. Crist to stay the course on education. Ignoring both term limits rules for appointees and the protocol that traditionally compels departing governors to let their successors fill important posts, Gov. Bush has tried to extend the terms of soulmates Phil Handy and T. Willard Fair on the state Board of Education. Their votes would ensure that John Winn, who unquestioningly adores all of Gov. Bush's policies, would remain education commissioner.

This month, Gov. Bush made a goodbye appearance before his hand-picked board. As The St. Petersburg Times reported, Mr. Fair told him: "In my judgment, there is no greater person on this Earth than you. I love you." Gov. Bush, to his detriment and the state's, always has rewarded sycophancy. The board promptly named Mr. Fair chairman and Mr. Handy vice chairman, issuing a direct challenge to the new governor.

Florida has reached the limits of what punitive testing and ideological allegiance to gimmicks such as vouchers can do. Gov. Crist should withdraw the reappointments of Mr. Handy and Mr. Fair.

Jim Warford started off as a fan of Bush's efforts to hold schools accountable. But the former Marion County superintendent changed his views after serving as chancellor of K-12 education in Bush's administration.

"What I saw was that 90 percent of the energy went to undermining our public schools with vouchers and charters," said Warford, now executive director of the Florida Association of School Administrators.

The People's Governor

Everyone is entitled to a honeymoon (if not the eight year pass the Florida media gae Jebbie), and the Charlie sure is enjoying his:

As Florida prepares to swear in its 44th governor this week, Charlie Crist wants his first days in office to be remembered for a populist tone and bipartisan harmony.

Rewarding The "Wealthiest 2 Percent"

"Getting rid of Florida's tax on stocks and other investment property was a high priority for Gov. Jeb Bush, who called it 'insidious.' As Bush leaves the office of governor behind, the intangibles tax will be going away as well, the result of one of a handful of new laws that go into effect Monday. ... people with large investment holdings will benefit from that change". "Investment tax ends, nursing home staff hours go up Jan. 1".

More: "New law gives rich cause to ring in '07" ("The tax repeal, which affects the wealthiest 2 percent of residents, is one of 11 new state laws that take effect Jan. 1.")

Spare Us

Why not point out that this argument by "Jeb!" sycophants is beyond stupid:

It's true that the number of black students enrolled in Florida universities is up by 22 percent, from 33,000 in fall 1999 to more than 40,400 this fall.

as a percentage of overall enrollment, black students now constitute less of the student body - 13.8 percent compared with 14.4 percent in fall 1999.

Sink

"In winning her campaign to become Florida's chief financial officer, Democrat Alex Sink very publicly refused contributions from insurance companies. But when she is feted in a private reception at Florida State University, hours after being sworn in Tuesday, Sink can thank some of the insurance industry's biggest movers and shakers for helping throw the party." "New leader, old friends".

DCF

"A judge who threatened to drop a mentally ill inmate at the office of the secretary of the Department of Children & Families if the agency didn't move him from jail to a hospital didn't have the authority to make such orders, the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee ruled." "Ruling favors DCF".

Lobbyist Suit Tossed

"A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit over a state law banning lobbyists' gift-giving to legislators and requiring that lobbyists disclose who pays them and how much."

U.S. District Judge Stephan Mickle denied those claims Thursday, writing that the state has "a compelling interest in imposing regulations on paid lobbyists" and that the plaintiffs "cannot reasonably argue (they) are similarly situated with other citizens who petition the government."

Lobbying firms also have no protected right to privacy under either the federal or state constitution because they give that right to people, not corporations, Mickle said.

CD 13

From yesterday: "Hours after Democrats announced they would seat Buchanan next week when Congress will swear in its new members, a Florida court threw out Democrat Christine Jennings' legal challenge to the Nov. 7 election results." "Jennings suffers a double setback". See also "Judge: Case built on 'speculation and conjecture'" and "Dems to Buchanan: Take seat for now".

Affordable Housing

"State lawmakers are expected to pick up in 2007 where they left off this year as they continue to grapple with affordable housing issues during what may be a tight budget year." "Lawmakers to address affordable housing".

Orlando

Scott Maxwell tells us who runs central Florida: "And now . . . the Top 5".

Jeff Who?

"Kottkamp known for lobbying ability". See also "New lieutenant governor holds strong reputation".

"Running Off At The Mouth"

"Politicians usually speak in assertive present and future tenses without the benefit of hindsight. At the end of a year that saw some powerful incumbents, presumed front-runners and proud candidates knocked for a loop, some of their quotes merit another look." "Running for office often meant running off at the mouth in '06".

Feeney In Action

"'This sort of spending is exactly the opposite of what Americans expect the government's response to a disaster should be,' said U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo. 'This is a national, systemic problem.'" "Florida not the only state spending grant money on puppet shows, similar activities".

Dream On

"Florida growers have no reason to wait for more research, since cheaper and less toxic products are available. Enough is already known about chlorpyrifos to discontinue its use. State regulators have an obligation to listen to scientists' warnings and ban a dangerous chemical that puts farmworkers at risk." "Ban pesticide from fields".

Palm Beach Politics

"It wasn't just mind tricks if it sometimes seemed this year that you fell asleep in Palm Beach County and woke up in Scandal City. Three longtime elected leaders resigned in 2006, a cumulative 51 years of public service among them. One is in federal prison, another could be there soon, and a third, the cause of one of the biggest congressional outrages in years, remains the focus of a state criminal probe." "2006 The year of scandal". See also "Palm Beach elections chief gets control of office funds" (" Under criticism from Republicans and a nonpartisan voters group for his use of taxpayer funds, Palm Beach County elections chief Arthur Anderson is poised to seize control of his office's finances.")

The People's Governor

"Governor-elect Charlie Crist may have capped donations for his inauguration at $10,000, but his fundraising machine really cranked up in the final days before Crist assumes office. A week ago the inaugural committee had raised just over $610,000. Now the amount is nearly twice that. New totals posted Friday night show that the committee has now raised just under $1.2 million." "Crist revs up fundraising machine".

HD 3

A dKos diary points out that Charlie's appointment of "State Rep. Holly Benson, a fellow Republican, as the next secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation [means] the District 3 seat will need to be filled by a special election." And the writer has just the candidate for the vacancy: "Run, Dee Dee, Run!".

Not Good

"'Governor-elect Charlie Crist cordially invites you to a pre-inaugural reception,' state the invitations, which include the political disclaimer of 'the Jim Greer for chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Committee.' That's news to Crist. He says he is not going and never authorized his name to be on those invitations, though he did not single anyone out for criticism." "Crist's name is on the invitation, but it's not his party".

Good Riddance

"Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Anthony Schembri will leave his position Tuesday, a spokeswoman confirmed Friday." "Juvenile justice chief to step down Tuesday".

Proposed Legislation

Busy bees:

There would be annual cost-of-living raises for teachers. And no more school grades.

Drivers could be pulled over for not wearing a seat belt, but they'd enjoy a tax refund for buying an energy-efficient car.

Voting machines would produce paper trails, and citizens could put their phone number on a no-call list for the campaign season.

These are just a few of the sugarplums included in a wish list hundreds of items long that Florida lawmakers compiled before the holiday season and months ahead of the legislative session.

While the list is expected to keep growing, chances are slim that many will become part of the Florida Statutes.