He wagged his finger at attorney Rob Wheeler, the clemency expert in Crist's office. He shouted "Point of order!" after catching Crist on a parliamentary mistake. He "yielded myself back my time," the way they talk in Washington.

When McCollum accidentally referred to Crist as "Mister" (Mr. Chairman, presumably), Crist shot him an icy glare and said: "It's ... Governor."

There's more at work here than a clash of philosophies.

By taking a hard-line stand on this one issue, McCollum may have just inherited the mantle of the anti-Crists, conservatives who think Crist has moved too far to the left too fast.

Stem Cell Retreat

"Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, wants to turn scientists using federally approved embryonic stem-cell lines into criminals. Gov. Crist backed off campaign promises to support embryonic stem-cell research. Supporters and opponents have competing, longshot petitions to change the state constitution. Money for adult stem-cell research already is available. Approving more and nothing else would be a waste." "Non-debate on stem cells".

MacManus Again

"The argument goes like this: Ex-felons who are denied their civil rights after completing their punishment are disproportionately black. In the general population, blacks generally vote Democratic. Therefore allowing ex-felons to vote means more votes for Democratic candidates such as Gore and MacKay."

As to whether restoration of voting rights would have helped Democrats, the Palm Beach Post's Brian E. Crowley reports that "Political expert Susan MacManus, who has studied Florida politics for decades scoffs at the idea that ex-felons will be flocking to the polls." For some reason, Crowley neglected to mention that MacManus, according to this Columbia Journalism Review piece, is a mere "Sunshine State educator posing as an objective source".

In addition to the Columbia Journalism Review piece on "Political expert Susan MacManus", "Not Enough Sunshine in the Sunshine State", you can read more about the MacManus' GOP connections at Media Matters, "Sign of the Times? NY Times, St. Petersburg Times misrepresented political ties of individuals praising Jeb Bush's handling of Schiavo case"; see also "GOPundit", and this blog post "Who is Susan Macmanus?"

Its no surprise, then, that MacManus would contend that the disenfranchisement of felons would have had no effect on recent close contests in which GOPers "prevailed", particularly the 2000 selection of Dubya; MacManus says:

"I don't think, for many people in that situation, there is going to be much interest in voting," said MacManus, a political science professor the University of South Florida.

MacManus said finding a job, a place to live and the other necessities of life will take precedence for ex-felons. And those who do register to vote may not be overwhelmingly Democratic.

"No one really knows," said MacManus. "There is an assumption that because many ex-felons are African-American, low-income, low education, they must be Democrats."

She said these are stereotypes about black voters that border on racism. And she said there is no empirical evidence about ex-felons' potential as voters.

One 2002 study done by researchers from the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University concluded that Gore and MacKay both would have won if ex-felons had been allowed to vote.

In an article in American Sociological Review, Minnesota's Christopher Uggen and Northwestern's Jeff Manza, wrote, "If disenfranchised felons in Florida had been permitted to vote, Democrat Gore would certainly have carried the state and the election."

The researchers used a number of statistical variables to match ex-felons' characteristics with those of the rest of the population nationwide. Using this information, they arrived at conclusions about likely voter registration and voting habits.

They then examined the history of close presidential races and U.S. Senate races around the country. Gore lost Florida by 537 votes. Using their most conservative formula for the number of ex-felons who might have voted, the researchers said Gore would have won by more than 30,000 votes and, in a best-case, by as many as 80,000 votes.

In the 1988 MacKay race, he was "likely to have prevailed ... if felons had been allowed to vote," their article said. MacKay lost by nearly 34,000 votes. The researchers say with ex-felons voting he would have won by more than 11,000 votes.

Creole Ballots

"After years of prodding by South Florida's Haitian community and its advocates, Broward County Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes plans to provide Creole ballots by the 2008 general elections." "Elections officials aim to lure more Haitian-American voters to polls".

100 Days

"Effervescent by nature, Gov. Charlie Crist has had plenty to smile about during his first 100 days in office, which will officially end Thursday." "Crist's first 100 days marked by victories".

Tax Cap

"An initial state constitutional proposal from House Republican leaders to roll back and cap local government taxes and cap state revenue quickly drew fire from the Washington, D.C.-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities." "What happens in Florida could come down to the Senate."

Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, said he thinks a rollback and cap is likely.

"The question I can't answer is, how far we'll roll it back," Baker said. Maybe two or three years, he said.

But Sen. Jim King, R-Jacksonville, said he would prefer to set public benchmarks so voters could judge local increases and act accordingly. He's reluctant to set caps.

"Though we may figure out a way to do it fairly," King said, "I, personally, am not that crazy about that idea."

Anderson

"During Friday's hearing in a Senate committee chamber, Anderson and Jones frequently stepped outside as enhanced video of Martin's caught-on-tape beating and possible asphyxia at the hands of seven guards played over and over again. Department of Juvenile Justice lawyers said the agency wouldn't defend itself, allowing family attorney Benjamin Crump to call witnesses who portrayed the department and the boot camp as ineffective and cruel. A former inspector general for the department, Steve Meredith, said agency staffers kept use-of-force reports from him for years. Meredith is suing the agency, saying he was fired for speaking out about Martin's death." "Weeping parents testify in boot-camp case". See also "Officials hear testimony on $5M payout for boot camp family", "Boy's death warrants payout, officials say", "Boot camp video used in legislative hearing" and "State Hears From Family In Boot Camp Death".

Sewage

The Palm Beach Post editorial board argues that "new DEP Secretary Michael Sole should end the department's old routine, so popular under Gov. Bush, of denial, delay and inaction on pollution problems." "Sewage problem blooms".

"Unabated Coastal Construction"

"Insurers envision disaster for state due to unabated coastal construction".

Vanished

"Four years after Franklin Weekley vanished at a state institution for disabled people, his family has asked Gov. Charlie Crist to find out what happened." "Plea to Crist: Help us find our son".

Living Under a Bridge With State Approval

"Five convicted sex offenders are living under a noisy highway bridge with the state's grudging approval because an ordinance intended to keep predators away from children made it nearly impossible for them to find housing." "With no place else to go, Miami sex offenders live under bridge". See also "Law leaves nowhere to go but below bridge for sex offenders".

"Storm Brews"

"Storm brews over large FAU severance for chief fundraiser".

"Presumed Bogus"

"Presumed bogus: Job at law school".

Hastings

"Rep. Alcee Hastings is asking federal officials to give Florida victims of Hurricane Wilma another three months to find housing before they have to vacate their FEMA-supplied trailers." "Reprieve sought for Wilma victims".

State Fights Judge's Order

"Prosecutors pursuing a network of steroid sellers will seek to reverse a judge's order that they notify tens of thousands of people whose medical records were seized from Orlando pharmacies as part of the nationwide investigation." "Florida fights to access Rx records".

Gallagher

"Former Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher's battle against ethics charges has yet to be resolved, but court filings show that Gallagher's legal team continues to negotiate a settlement with the Florida Commission on Ethics instead of fighting the charges in court." "Gallagher ethics battle still not settled".

Posada

"A federal judge on Friday ordered Cuban militant Luis Posada Carriles set free on bail pending trial on charges he lied in a bid to become a U.S. citizen, and the government immediately asked that he remain jailed." "Government objects after bond granted to Cuban militant".

Okeechobee High School Gay Club

"A club that promotes tolerance of gays must be allowed to meet at Okeechobee High School while a lawsuit is pending, a federal judge ruled Friday." "Gay school group can meet". See also "Gay-Straight group can meet as lawsuit advances, judge rules" and "Gay-Straight Alliance can have club at school".

"Political Animal"

"This week's National Journal profiles female members of Congress with children, including Broward's very own, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat whom the publication calls a "political animal."'Member moms'".

Race for Argenziano's Seat

"The race for Nancy Argenziano's state Senate seat is revving up even before she officially quits the job for the Public Service Commission."

Republican Richard Corcoran, the former chief of staff to House Speaker Marco Rubio who quit last month to seek the seat, reported Friday raising $185,000 in 17 days before the end of the fundraising quarter last week. ...

If Argenziano does step aside, Corcoran will face at least two other Republicans he knows well – current House Speaker Pro Tem Dennis Baxley of Ocala and state Rep. Charles Dean of Inverness.
Both lawmakers are currently banned from raising money during the session, but Baxley claimed to be in "full campaign mode" this week.

Meanwhile, Baxley's son, Damon, was in Tallahassee this week to meet with future House speakers Ray Sansom, Dean Cannon and Will Weatherford to seek their blessing as he readies to run for his dad's House seat.

"Hulking, Menacing-looking" Republican

Daniel Ruth: "Imagine the stark raving fear the hulking, menacing-looking Pinellas County Republican Party Chairman Tony DiMatteo must instill as he bears down upon teenage boys and/or buffet tables." Ouch.

As luck would have it, DiMatteo was found after the Giuliani event at a buffet table backstage doing damage to a Cuban sandwich.

The chairman defended taking time out from organizing a visit by a major presidential candidate to hassle three boys [holding signs "advocating such radical concepts as peace and family values" just before Giuliani spoke about "the need to respect contrary points of view"] by arguing the campaign rally was a private function, even though it was being held on public property, inviting anyone from the general public.

Deutsch

"Where in the world is Peter Deutsch?" "Israel, according to the National Journal. According to a story in the newsweekly, the former Broward congressman, his wife and two teenagers have settled in Israel, 'where they have repeatedly extended what they expected would be a stay of a few months.'"

TaxWatch

Florida Taxwatch, a"budgetary watchdog group resumed its campaign Friday to collect billions of dollars of taxes on mail-order, Internet and other remote purchases Floridians make from out-of-state companies. Florida TaxWatch, which is largely supported by business interests, has campaigned for several years to get Florida to join the Streamlined Tax Project, a compact among 21 states and about 1,000 companies that have agreed to voluntarily collect tax on their behalf for out-of-state sales. Six more states are scheduled to join next year." "TaxWatch resumes push to tax Internet, catalog sales".

Empowered Dems

"There are no partisan labels on Tuesday's ballot for the [Sarasota] City Commission, but that doesn't diminish what is at stake for the two major political parties."

For county Republicans, the pressure is on to slow an advancing Democratic tide, not just in the city but in all of northern Sarasota County. For Democrats, the test is to make sure internal Democratic feuding doesn't cost the party one of its most recognizable elected officials in the region.

So important is the battle between Mary Anne Servian, a Democrat, and Richard Clapp, a Republican, that even state party leaders are wading into the conflict, helping raise money and organize get-out-the-vote efforts.

Poll

"Florida's homeowners are now concerned more about property taxes, insurance and crime than they are about education, but they are not convinced a state House proposal to replace property taxes with a sales tax increase is a good solution." "Poll: Taxes top concerns of homeowners".

New Rules

"Florida's Cabinet yielded to Gov. Crist and passed a compromise plan that will enable many ex-convicts to regain rights more quickly." "Felon rights on faster track". See also "Many Felons To Regain Rights", "Felons rights restored", "Felons regain civil rights", "Felon's rights proposal approved", "Board: Restore felons' rights", "Florida felons will have civil rights back sooner after vote" and "Thousands of felons to regain civil rights".

"The new clemency rule for felons' restoration of civil rights creates three levels of offenders and expedites the process for those convicted of less-severe crimes." "New rules for restoring felons' rights". Here are the "New Clemency Rules".

The initial editorials appropriately chastise our knuckle dragging AG: Attorney General Bill McCollum's "obstinate stand is troubling. As the state's leading legal advocate, McCollum should be more concerned with fairness than political gamesmanship." "The rights thing". See also "Decent, realistic change on rights" ("As expected, Attorney General Bill McCollum opposed the changes and resorted to the scare tactics of the past as he drew images of criminals working at various jobs. Naturally, he called Crist's position 'liberal.'")

Mel's Priorities

"U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez helped the Republican Party raise a whopping $2.3-million at a Los Angeles fundraiser headlined by President Bush and hosted by Bush Pioneer and investment banker Brad Freeman." "Martinez helps Republicans bring in some cash".

"Major metro areas in Florida are losing steam"

"Major metro areas in Florida are losing steam as growth engines, census data confirm, while cities in Texas, Utah and North Carolina are taking off."

Population experts say the reason is simple: A number of the fastest-growing metro areas are more affordable places to live than Sunshine State cities.

"People don't think of Florida as low cost anymore," said Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida. "The state used to be a one-way ticket. Now, waves are coming in and going out. Still, with all the waves of movement, Florida is still a robust state and will be for years to come."

Orlando's urban corridor, stretching from Sanford to Kissimmee, saw growth go from 3.6 percent in 2005 to 2.8 percent last year. The metro area added just 53,376 residents in 2006, compared with 70,136 in 2005.

Other major Florida cities saw even more tepid population change in the census count from July 1, 2005, to the same period in 2006, with a growth rate of less than 2 percent in Tampa and under 1 percent in South Florida.

Stifling Dissent

"A Republican presidential contender was coming to his school, and 16-year-old Darshan Shah thought it would be good to have "the other side" represented, too."

So Shah and two friends made signs to hold up at Wednesday's appearance by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. One said "Give Peace a Chance." Another read "Obama '08." But the one likely to set people off referenced former GOP U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, who resigned after suggestive e-mails between him and male pages were released. The sign said "Giuliani + Foley = Republican Family Values."

Pinellas County Republican Party Chairman Tony Dimatteo confronted Shah and his friends about 10 minutes before the rally started. Give up the signs, he said, or be kicked out.

They gave up the signs.

"That's disrespect for my guest," Dimatteo said Thursday. "You don't come into my house and disrespect my guest."

Anderson

"All the claimants, defendants and witnesses will line up this morning and wait for the first round in the $5 million compensation claim for the parents of Martin Lee Anderson, who sued the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice in the 14-year-old's death." "Compensation hearings start today".

Hispanic Vote

This piece in the New York Times yesterday has some interesting insights on the Hispanic vote: "Richardson’s White House Bid Not Yet a Hit Among Fellow Hispanics".

Single-gender Schools

"A bill pending in the state Senate is not racially specific, but some think its promotion of single-gender schools could improve the lives of many black boys." "Backers Hope Bill Aids Black Students".

Whatever

"Crist to throw out first pitch for the Devil Rays".

Secret Suits

"The Florida Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that judges and clerks can no longer hide divorces or other civil lawsuits from the public, saying the practice threatens to 'undermine public trust in our courts.'" "High court prohibits lawsuit secrecy". See also "Florida Supreme Court approves emergency rules on secret records" and "High court: No hiding cases".

Answers Please

"Dec. 15 is the deadline under state law for a group of experts in education, social services, public health, mental health, employment and law enforcement to release 'a systematic study of the conditions affecting black men and boys, including, but not limited to, homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rates, poverty, violence, drug abuse, death rates, disparate annual income levels, school performance in all grade levels including postsecondary levels, and health issues.'" "Deliver answers, not numbers".

Another Jebacy on the Way Out

"Florida Department of Children & Families Secretary Bob Butterworth announced plans Thursday to tear down the centralized management structure that former Gov. Jeb Bush fashioned for the social-services agency." "Butterworth unveils DCF reorganization".

Inventions

"Four bills would set aside $10 million in state grant money and $50 million in tax credits to help public universities get their inventions to market." "Campuses may get money to sell ideas".

Guns at Work

The Miami Herald editorial board: "What should a business owner do when an employee shows up threatening to shoot co-workers with a loaded AK-47 assault rifle stashed in his car? Amazingly, the Florida Legislature is considering a bill that would render an employer powerless to defend workers by banning guns from the workplace. That is just plain wrong. Lawmakers mustn't let this dangerous, nonsensical bill become law." "Leave guns, assault weapons at home".

'Glades

"It should have done it far earlier, and it probably was done in reaction to the drought. But the South Florida Water Management District's decision to halt using the Everglades as a source for new or additional water supplies was very smart. For one thing, it contains water where's it's most needed -- for the Everglades wildlife" "A spigot running dry".

Oops!

"When [Giuliani] spoke at St. Petersburg High School, U.S. Reps. C.W. Bill Young and Ginny Brown-Waite both appeared on stage introducing Giuliani."

Having the two as endorsers would be a major coup for Giuliani, who despite his lead in the polls has lagged behind opponents Mitt Romney and John McCain in building a Florida organization.

The two weren’t listed as endorsers in the campaign’s press release about the event, but some members of the press and public got the impression they were supporters. One senior staffer said after the event that the dozen or so elected officials who appeared on the stage were endorsing Giuliani, without singling out any exceptions. ...

In fact, Young hasn’t endorsed anyone in the race yet, and Brown-Waite has signed on to back Mitt Romney, spokesmen said.

Ethanol

"The Department of Energy's Web site provides a handy tool (afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/) that lets consumers find out precisely what service station in their neighborhood supplies their favorite fuel. The results are disheartening. Just 12 stations sell ethanol in Florida". "Oil vs. ethanol".

Relocating Mobile Homes

"The bill would force municipalities to pay the cost of relocating mobile homes and their owners if a park closes to make way for a new development." "Towns rip legislative plan that requires them to relocate mobile home residents".

What's Wrong With Marion County?

The Buzz observes that "it's no small thing that every Republican on the Marion county commission is backing Dennis Baxley, who also picked up a couple constitutional officers. Today's endorsers:"

Stan McClain, Chairman of the Marion County Commission
Charlie Stone, Vice-Chairman of the Marion County Commission
Jim Payton, Immediate Past Chairman of the Marion County Commission
Andy Kesselring, Marion County Commission
George Albright, Marion County Tax Collector
Jim Yancey, Marion County Superintendent of Schools

Mayfield

"State Rep. Stan Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, made his first committee appearance Thursday since recently being diagnosed with cancer in his esophagus." "Rep. Mayfield, fighting cancer, returns to committee".

Prostitution Bill

"A panel on Thursday approved a bill that would grant immunity to prostitutes for testifying against owners of strip clubs and 'massage' parlors about the illegal acts the women have committed on the property. In addition, prostitutes who cooperate could get one-third of the proceeds of any forfeited property." "Prostitution bill draws some fire". See also "House bill addresses crimes of prostitution".

Stadium Financing

"The Marlins, who are preparing for tonight's home opener, don't expect the state to decide whether to pay $60 million to help finance a new stadium until the legislative equivalent of the ninth inning." "Stadium financing decision has ways to go".

GOPer Mud Fight

The GOPers are going at it over Charlie: "Chris Timmons' assertions that Gov. Crist 'has no basic principles' and 'has flipped a finger at conservative ideas and values' are unjustified and irresponsible." "Crist doesn't fail GOP".

Robot

"The Florida Republican's new job is to jump on anything that makes Democrats look bad and exploit it for maximum effect. As chairman of the Republican Conference Committee, Putnam is the face and voice of House Republicans. His agenda: to aggressively display the flaws of the new majority, to convey the ideas of the Republicans, and to work his hardest to help his party win back the House in 2008." "Rep. Putnam Stays on Message".

Crist appears to be facing opposition from a fellow Republican -- an Orlando politician who seems as if he has been running for one office or another since before the Civil War began.

That would be Bill McCollum.

McCollum's latest job, you see, is serving as Florida's attorney general. Because, after serving in the U.S. House and then feeling called to run for the U.S. Senate (and losing) and then running for the Senate again (and losing), McCollum settled on being the state's top cop.

And now that he's there, McCollum isn't taking kindly to all this liberal, bleeding-heart talk about second chances and civil rights.

Even before Gov. Charlie Crist and the three Cabinet members met Thursday to consider loosening the rules for felons seeking to get their civil rights restored, the governor's office had issued a news release declaring victory.

'The rule was approved by a 3-1 majority," the news release said.

The Session

"Upcoming at the Capitol" See also "2007 Legislature roundup" and "Tallahassee Ticker". Bill Cotterell writes that "Now, the fun really starts in lawmaking".

Giuliani

"Giuliani met briefly with Gov. Charlie Crist and said he hoped to have the governor’s support, but Crist has been noncommittal." "Giuliani Woos Crist, Takes on Environment". See also "Giuliani leaves short of one key vote: Crist's", "Giuliani stumps in Tally", "Giuliani takes early swings for president", "Giuliani faults oil reliance in capital visit", "Rudy's Pinellas friends (updated)", "Giuliani wooing voters", "Dueling McCain, Giuliani endorsements", "Giuliani: Expanded Gulf of Mexico oil drilling needs discussion" and "Giuliani travels state for support".

The wingnuts ain't impressed with Rudy: "Rep. Dennis Baxley, who did show up, called Giuliani 'a great American hero,' but said he's not the right candidate. 'He's just not going to be able to pass the smell test when it comes to the values issue.'"

In that connection, does Rudy really want to affiliate himself with a person whom the esteemed RNC chair considers

"the new darling of the homosexual extremists"?

"World-class Education System"?

"Florida's high-stakes standardized test -- the centerpiece of an education overhaul under former Gov. Jeb Bush -- would be revised in the next several years under a sweeping proposal now moving in the Florida House."

The proposal would add social studies, including history, to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. It would push back the testing dates of the FCAT to at least March for the writing portion, and to April for math, reading, science and, eventually, social studies. The tests are now given in February and March.

The legislation would also kick-start an effort to replace the Sunshine State Standards -- the material students are supposed to learn and then be tested on -- with a new set of ''world-class'' standards that would have specific goals for each grade.

Huh?

"House Republicans unveiled a plan Tuesday that could limit the state's power to oversee community growth." "Control of growth at issue".

Jebbie's Bogus Privatization Rationale

Recall Jebbie's drive to reduce the size of Florida's (supposedly) bloated government workforce.

Shrinking state government is key to the Bush legacy, as he made clear at his second inaugural in January 2003.

"There would be no greater tribute to our maturity as a society than if we can make these buildings around us empty of workers," Bush said.

who do you think was at the bottom? You guessed it.

The Stephens Media analysis pegged the per-capita government salary cost at $36.32 for Florida, last in the nation. We had 11 employees per 1,000 population - ranking just above Nevada and Illinois, who tied at 10.

And we're well below the national averages of 14 full-time equivalent positions per 1,000 population and $56.01 payroll cost per resident.

Florida used to compile this data for itself. The Annual Workforce Report, issued by the Department of Management Services, listed Florida 48th in state employees per resident and last in per-resident payroll costs for 1998, the year that ex-Gov. Jeb Bush was elected.

Bush knew what to do with any statistics that didn't back up the Republican credo that government is always bloated and overly expensive. He quit gathering them - and happily went about privatizing and downsizing.

Fortunately, Bush didn't get his older brother to make the Census Bureau quit letting facts get in the way of a good mantra. So we know Florida is far below the national averages in size and cost of government.

State Song

The Miami Herald editors:"State Sen. Tony Hill, D-Jacksonville, is right: It's time to retire Old Folks at Home, Florida's state song since 1935." "Find a new state song".

"Property Tax Mess"

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editors: "If people trust the Florida Legislature to make decisions for their cities on how many police officers, street repairs or parks they can afford, then the Florida House Republican plan to eliminate local residential property tax and increase sales tax is the right formula. But take a closer look at what this plan could bring." "State's property tax mess requires broad reform". See also "With half the session gone, legislators have done little on property tax reform".

You Go, Bill

"Florida attorney general orders Lauderdale condo to allow Jewish mezuzahs on doors".

"Stealth Lobbying"

"State Sen. Victor Crist, who's seeking to replace the board of the troubled Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority, complains that companies that do business with the authority are lobbying behind the scenes to stop him" "Victor Crist complains of stealth lobbying".

Gift Ban

Aaron Deslatte: "Gift ban kills the mood again" ("More than a year after lawmakers passed a ban on all gifts from lobbyists, there is still a fog around what is and isn't allowed.")

McCain

"State Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale is backing GOP presidential candidate John McCain." "Bogdanoff Signs With McCain".

<Voucher Madness

"Legislation that passed a House council Wednesday would amend two voucher programs." "The Voucher Bills". See also "Foster kids, delinquents may get vouchers".

Optical Scanners

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Optical scanners would give Florida a chance, for the first time, to have a uniform voting system that voters can trust. That's an idea worthy of lawmakers." "Florida needs a uniform voting system".

Tax Breaks

"A plan to give a total of $540 million in new tax incentives to Florida's professional sports franchises, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Devil Rays and Lightning, passed a House councilon Wednesday. The proposal would give each franchise an extra $2 million a year for the next 30 years." "Tax Breaks Pushed For Pro Teams". See also "Lightning tax rebate clears house panel".

License Plate Wars

"Rep. Alan Hays just learned the awesome power of a troop surge." "Supporting our troops".

"Shocked, Shocked"

Daniel Ruth:

Shocked, shocked is what the buffet line of pols in Tallahassee was to discover that auto insurance companies engage in discriminatory class warfare, profiling in setting premium rates.

Nooooo! An insurance company preying upon consumers? Really? Incredible!

Alas, a study conducted by the state Office of Insurance Regulation found that there are auto insurers in Florida who actually charge lower premiums for educated, white collar and/or professional workers while charging draconian higher fees to blue collar workers on identical vehicles.

You know, most of us slugs understand that the beautiful people may get the better table in a chichi restaurant or perhaps gain admission well ahead of the great unwashed at some tony saloon - because, well, they are so beautiful.

But really now, how does it compute that simply because someone went to Harvard, or is an orthodontist, they somehow can handle a car better than a minimum wage bus boy with a General Educational Development diploma?

Immigration

"U.S. Cities' Growth Spurred By Immigrants".

Klein

"Freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein raised nearly $600,000 during the first quarter of 2007 and has about $500,000 in cash on hand for his 2008 reelection bid, top aide Brian Smoot estimated [yesterday]." "Klein Kash".

Still Waiting

"In 1982, Crotzer was sentenced to 130 years in prison on rape, robbery and kidnapping charges after three men broke into a Tampa home. He maintained his innocence but was convicted. DNA evidence irrefutably exonerated him, and he was released in January 2006." "Freed Prisoner Still Seeking Justice". See also "Finally free, but seeking compensation".

Hurricane Ratings

"Floridians buying a home have something new to ask: What is the hurricane rating?" "Office approves structure ratings".

Poor Henry

"A pastor who spent more than four years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from a national organization of black Baptist churches he headed lost his bid Wednesday to head the group's state chapter. The Rev. Henry Lyons was wildly popular before his conviction and still is highly regarded by many, but his support was not enough to fend off the Rev. James Sampson of Jacksonville, who was announced the new head of the Florida General Baptist Convention, a chapter of the National Baptist Convention USA, which claims to represent 7.5 million members of black churches nationwide." "Black Baptist group rejects former leader". See also "Lyons loses bid for old job".

Finally

"Flanked by leaders of agencies involved in mental health and fighting crime, Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis announced an effort to help people with psychiatric and drug problems avoid winding up behind bars." "State aims to help mentally ill inmates".

Global

Jeremy Wallace: "Sarasota’s place in voting infamy is going global now." "How do you say iVotronic en francais?".

Sand Tubes

"Working against approaching deadlines, the House's chief environmental committee powered through bills Wednesday to allow more beach armoring and reduce gambling-ship sewage." "Sand tubes approved in House bill".

DJJ, DCF Changes Promised

"Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Walt McNeil, along with Gov. Charlie Crist, Wednesday outlined how the department is changing its direction to offer better services to Florida's youth." "McNeil promises changes to Fla. Dept. of Juvenile Justice". See also "DCF pledges more care, less cover-up".

Creative

"Attorney cites presidental recount decision in murder defense".

Vaccine

"A House panel voted to recommend a vaccine for human papillomavirus to parents of adolescent girls but stopped short of requiring them to decide for or against inoculation before their daughters enter seventh grade." "House Panel Supports HPV Vaccine Campaign". See also "Bill won't require teen cervical cancer vaccine", "Bill approved to recommend, not require, cervical cancer vaccine" and "Panel recommends vaccine".

Restraints

"A measure vetoed by former Gov. Jeb Bush that would have required booster seats for young children stands a chance to pass -- and get signed." "New child-restraint bill gets boost".

Dean, R-Inverness, said he would not resign from the House before the end of the session unless a special election is called sooner than anticipated. State Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Crystal River, still has two years left in her term in District 3, but is expected to be appointed to the Public Service Commission. ...

Argenziano, who did not attend Dean's announcement news conference, said she will vote for him if she gets the PSC appointment. ...

State Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, and Richard Corcoran, former chief of staff for House Speaker Marco Rubio, are also planning to seek the Senate seat if Argenziano goes to the PSC.

Restoration

Yet again, "the measure probably won't be as broad as Crist promised during his campaign." "Crist may adjust felon-rights plan".

"Crist is ready to push through a comprehensive plan that seeks to cut down on the time and paperwork that ex-convicts need to get their civil rights restored."

But even Crist acknowledges the proposal is a political compromise that doesn't go far enough.

Under a draft of the plan, felons would be divided into three categories upon their release: nonviolent offenders, criminals who haven't committed murder or sex crimes, and those who have committed the more heinous acts.

The nonviolent offenders, who account for 80 percent of the crimes, would be eligible for the swiftest restoration of their rights to vote, sit on a jury or obtain occupational licenses, according to a draft The Miami Herald obtained under the public records act.

Those who remain crime-free for 15 years after they're released are eligible for a speedier restoration, regardless of their past crimes. All groups must pay any restitution and court costs after completing their sentences.

Developers and GOPers at it Again

"Conservative House leaders today roll out a complex proposal late in the legislative session that critics worry would strip the Department of Community Affairs of much of its power to regulate growth." "House bill may loosen DCA control over growth issues".

Side Effect

"Real-estate brokers in Central Florida say the Legislature's ongoing effort to overhaul the property-tax system is having its own dampening effect on a housing market already staggering from a glut of inventory." "Tax uncertainty deals new blow to housing sales".

Upcoming

"Upcoming at the Capitol". See also "2007 Legislature roundup".

Consequences

"A year or two from now, you could be bouncing over more potholes, seeing city buildings screaming for repairs and wondering why fewer police cars are on the roads. If you're living in an apartment or your first house, you're going to be especially perplexed if you see your property taxes climbing even as city services are dwindling. That's a likely scenario throughout Florida if the deep property tax cuts being threatened in Tallahassee become reality, local government officials warn." "Tax reform might hurt hometowns".

Good Luck

"From last place to first in civics?". See also "Graham urges civic duty".

Vets

Steve Otto: "Veterans Want Answers About Health Care".

Usurping Local Control

"Under Gov. Bush, state officials had an invitation from Palm Beach County to study the future of the Everglades Agricultural Area."

They accepted before they declined.

Now, the Legislature appears intent on overriding the county's modest effort to perform a far less ambitious study. Overreacting to a county moratorium on approvals of rock mining, the House will consider a bill that would usurp local control.

Good Work

... if you can get it: "Departing FAU fundraiser gets $578,000 in severance pay after 1 year on job".

Impostors

"The bills (HB 1049, SB 426) would prohibit a musical act from performing under the original group's name unless it included at least one member who recorded music with the original group or it identifies itself as a 'tribute' act. The measures would not apply to groups that hold the legal rights to an act's name but don't have any original members." "Bills aim to silence impostors performing as original groups".

Climate Change Workshop

"The workshop was the first of four 'conversations on climate change' planned this year for the state's top officials. It featured impassioned pleas from several top scientists who talked about rising seas and a warming atmosphere, the economic impacts and potential ways the state could affect the outcome." "Florida puts focus on climate outlook". See also "Experts paint grim future with warming" and "Cabinet warned of global warming".

"If global warming continues at the rate of acceleration currently experienced, Palm Beach County could disappear within less than a century, a climate change expert told the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday." "Could global warming wipe out county? Palm Beach County's shape puts it at risk, expert says".

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board:

In the first of a series of Cabinet workshops on the issue, scientists told Gov. Charlie Crist and members of the Cabinet on Tuesday that the severity of social and economic consequences will depend on how the Sunshine State anticipates and responds in advance of the worst repercussions of climate change.

Failure will make Florida an exposed straggler, left to react to circumstances beyond its control and spend considerably more in the long run. Coastal communities forced to spend multimillions to erect bigger, stronger sea walls; the loss of some beachfront property; adverse impacts on forests and crops; insurance rates that continue to soar, and refusal by private insurers to insure the most vulnerable areas.

Florida, whose long coastlines, rich agriculture and tourism-based economy make it extraordinarily sensitive to changing weather patterns, is not a leader so far in initiatives related to global warming. California, for example, already has adopted aggressive measures designed to reduce carbon emissions over the next several years.

But can Florida adequately reposition itself to help reduce the worst consequences of this global crisis and adapt to changes that are irreversible?

Enough Propaganda

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Referendums should be treated like any other political endeavor. Governments don't tell voters whom to choose for city council or state Legislature, and they should not tell voters which issues to support or reject either." "Over the line".

New Deadline

"A group challenging a shorter deadline for submitting citizen-initiative petitions was undecided Tuesday if it would appeal a court ruling upholding the new limit, about six months earlier than the old one." "Appellate court affirms Feb. 1 petition deadline".

Privatization Follies

"The state may turn over construction and control of the highway to a private company that would recoup its costs through tolls. In turn, the state and drivers get a billion-dollar road project built in a third of the time." "I-595 may become privately operated road with tolls for express lanes".

Workin' Hard for Bushco

"U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez will attend a Republican fundraiser with President Bush tomorrow night at a private home in Los Angeles. It'll be one of his first duties as general chairman of the Republican Party." "Martinez goes to Hollywood".

Why Is This An Issue?

"Last year, after 24 years, six months and 13 days, he was let go. DNA evidence proved he didn't commit the crime. Today Crotzer's married and says he's OK, but freedom hasn't been easy. He works as a custodian for the park's department in St. Petersburg, but wants more for himself and his family. He wants an education. And he wants more than an apology for the years he lost in prison. " "State Owes Innocent Inmates Compensation For Time Served".

Yesterday's News (and Punditry)

- "Turning South Florida into Silicon Valley".

- "Regulate Cable TV At State Level To Accelerate Local Competition".

- "Insurance Profiling Faces Ban".

- "Crist fills three state positions". See also "Disabled's Advocate On Inside Now".

- "Senate slow to act on property taxes". See also "Commission urged to take broad look at Florida's tax structure".

- "Wetlands Bill May Draw Crist Veto".

- "Moldy Logic On Wet, Dry Feet".

- "State Lawmaker Back From Serving In Iraq".

- "Elections need paper trail, Nelson says".

- "Lawmakers may lower local hurdles to new mining". See also "With mining legislation, economy could override ecology".

- "Crist Eyes Solar Panels In Governor's Mansion".

From Quinnipiac: "Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has opened double-digit leads over top 2008 Democratic presidential contenders in Florida, beating either New York Sen. Hillary Clinton or former Sen. John Edwards 50 – 40 percent, and topping Illinois Sen. Barack Obama 52 – 36 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

This compares to a 47 – 42 percent Giuliani lead over Sen. Clinton in a March 7 survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University.

Privatization Follies

A "Jeb!" hangover: "Strapped for money to build new roads, House Republicans want to lease new highways to the private sector. It's billed as a bit of innovation, but this is a one-way street lawmakers should avoid." Little seems to have changed from the "Jeb!" era: "The bill, HB 7033, is loaded with provisions that favor private firms over the public interest." "Transportation".

Upcoming

"Upcoming at the Capitol". See also "After 'halftime,' lawmakers face a hectic second half" and "Legislature".

GOPers Fight for the "Working Stiff"

"Who says the Florida Legislature doesn't look out for the working stiff?"

A bill (SB 2356) that so far is breezing through the Senate would stop employers from banning guns in their parking lots. Imagine the persuasive power of a worker (particularly if he is disgruntled) mentioning that his AK-47 is only a few steps away when asking for - no, demanding! - a raise.

Actually, there is nothing funny about this bill and a similar one (HB 1417) in the House. It's just another audacious power play by the National Rifle Association to prove it can make the Legislature do almost any stupid thing the bullying gun lobby wants.

Property Tax Reform

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "A property tax reform plan offered by Senate Democrats last week includes intriguing ways to provide relief, but it's not the complete answer Floridians are clamoring for." Some fear "that lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist won't be able to put together an effective plan by session's end. Or, worse, that they will agree on one that is politically palatable but chock full of unintended consequences later on." "Legislature 2007".

"Political Pragmatism and Moderation"

"Lift travel restrictions to Cuba, re-establish diplomatic relations and create a national dialogue between exiles, dissidents and the Cuban government:"

These are the tools a majority of Cuban-Americans surveyed support in their quest for change on the island, according to a Florida International University poll released today.

The survey reflects a trend toward political pragmatism and moderation as newer waves of Cuban migrants with strong ties to their homeland arrive in South Florida, said FIU researchers who conducted the poll last month of 1,000 Cuban-Americans in Miami-Dade County. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percent.

CD 13

"Instead of just being a tussle between Sarasota County residents Vern Buchanan and Christine Jennings, the battle has spilled over, pulling in members of Congress from around the country who are unfamiliar to area residents." "Sarasota election is still echoing".

"GOP field fallow"

"The 2008 elections may be a long way off, but there’s lots of action in three of Palm Beach County’s congressional districts. Freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein has already raised at least $400,000. Three Republicans who want to challenge freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney have raised $100,000 apiece. And a potential Democratic primary foe of U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler has taken out ads blasting Wexler on Iraq." "2008 congressional races heat up". See also "Klein makes hay; GOP field fallow".

"Not an empty promise"?

"Under Gov. Bush, DCF spent hundreds of thousands of dollars defending an indefensible case. Gov. Crist has expressed a willingness for the state finally to do right by Marissa. By fast-tracking the payments to the Amoras this year, Gov. Crist would demonstrate that his was not an empty promise." "Talk for a little girl, but not nearly enough walk".

Big Beach Changes

"Chasing the tracks of hurricanes, an Alabama company promises Florida's beach residents protection from nature's constant attack." "Beaches could see big changes".

"Their Sinclair Moment"

"The crusading journalist Upton Sinclair stunned the nation in 1906 with his book The Jungle, which exposed deplorable, dangerous conditions in the slaughterhouses of Chicago. Later that year, Congress acted, and the rules it set in place forever changed the way Americans thought about meat, and the safety of their food supply. But fruits and vegetables never got their Sinclair moment." "Tomato growers push for tougher food-safety rules".

"Pigeonholing Students"?

"In crafting new programs and curriculum for high schools and colleges, lawmakers are trying to transform the state's economy."

"It's not to make education a slave to industry," Gaetz said. "It's to make sure students who graduate can move on to good jobs. ...

Even Florida education leaders who support the legislative proposals concede there must be a careful balance between what is best for students and what is best for Florida's economy.

Emphasize the needs of industry too much, and you run the risk of pigeonholing students and depriving them of a broad, liberal arts-type experience that includes not just science and vocational training but history, civics, literature and the like.

"Boon for utilities, developers and other big landowners"

"Amid all the property-tax changes that lawmakers are considering this spring, one little-noticed plan is drawing criticism from Florida property appraisers as a potential boon for utilities, developers and other big landowners." "Property appraisers: Bill helps developers".

And, as we read yesterday, this little gem is already in place in Dade: "Some Miami-Dade property owners saved big on their tax bills through a process marked by quick public hearings and secretive evidence." "Owners find fast way to tax breaks".

Kidney Failure

"South Florida has the nation's highest rate of children with kidney failure, doctors say, about eight new cases per million population, or about 24 cases a year, compared with a national average of six cases per million. ... The disease may be more prevalent in South Florida because of the large immigrant population, high premature birth rate and growing number of children who are overweight or obese -- all risk factors for kidney disease." "Kidney failure rate soars among S. Florida's children".

"But they fail to mention ..."

"In the midst of the debate over how to cut property taxes, state lawmakers relish pointing fingers at local governments for reaping the benefits of the housing boom without lowering taxes."

But they fail to mention that the state has enjoyed its own enormous windfall from a little-known real estate tax, and it has never moved to slash it back.

The culprit: Documentary stamp fees. Income to the state from the stamps grew 266 percent, to $4 billion, between 2001 to 2006.

The tax is collected every time someone closes a real estate deal or refinances a mortgage in Florida, at a rate of 70 cents on every $100 of real estate value. As low interest rates fueled a refinancing boom and property values increased, the state has been raking in money. The tax on a $250,000 home: $1,750, paid as part of closing costs.

But rather than lower the tax to ease the burden on property owners, legislators used the ballooning ''doc stamp'' account to pay for programs.

Evading the Moratorium

"Under Florida's swamps, forests and cane fields lie crucial materials for the construction of roads, bridges, houses and shopping centers. And a fight has begun in the state Legislature over how -- and whether -- to extract them. Hoping to tap vast underground deposits of limestone and sand, state legislators have proposed bills that would overturn Palm Beach County's moratorium on new limestone mines and set up a commission to find ways to extract more of these construction materials from other parts of the state." "Tallahassee lobbyists target Palm Beach County's moratorium on limestone mines".

Reckless?

McCollum speaks: "Proposal on felons' civil rights is reckless".

"While Florida Talks"

"Florida is finally, officially taking global warming seriously. Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet, with the leadership of Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, will hold a series of meetings beginning Tuesday on how to position Florida in a globally warming world -- and what to do about it. The Cabinet summoned a list of experts for guidance in a state precariously vulnerable to one of global warming's most immediate threats: rising sea levels. But while Florida talks, California already has leaped farther ahead than any other state -- and most other countries -- to battle global warming." "Florida's warming".

District 69 GOPer Scramble

Jeremy Wallace: "A day after former Sarasota County School Board member Laura Benson, a Republican, filed to run again for the House seat, word came that another Republican is getting in the race."

Benson, who lost to state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, in 2006, was hoping for a clean shot at the District 69 seat, which had been held by Republicans for the last six years. She said that given 18 months to build a campaign -- and raise money -- she could retake the district for Republicans.

But Alexandra Miller, who lost her bid for the Sarasota County hospital board last year, had a different idea.

Another "Jeb!" Hangover

Sounds like yet another "Jeb!" hangover: "A bill scheduled for debate this week in a Florida House council could open the door for longer school days, more foreign-language classes and increased emphasis on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test." The legislation is devoid of standards or funding:

The bill is broadly written and says the new standards should "prepare Florida's students to compete globally with students around the world."

It leaves many of the specifics to be sorted by the state Board of Education, which would seek recommendations from a 12-teacher panel and a team of national and international education experts from think tanks such as the Hoover Institution.

At the request of former Gov. Jeb Bush, the Hoover Institution evaluated Florida's K-12 system last year and called for expanded state voucher programs, tougher reading and math standards and the removal of voter-approved limits on class sizes.

The report, Reforming Education in Florida, guided House staff as it drafted the current bill. The editor of the report, Paul Peterson, also served on Gov. Charlie Crist's transition team.

Federal Regulation

"In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Congress is considering an array of plans that could bring the embattled property insurance industry under federal rules. State regulation has dominated since the nation's birth." "Insurance frustration may open door to federal regulation".

Getting Rid Of Those Burdensome Paperwork Requirements

"State agriculture officials can hire legions of inspectors, and the Legislature can write volumes of new laws, but the abuse of pesticides will remain a threat to farmworkers and consumers until growers improve their record-keeping."

Administrative Law Judge Lawrence Stevenson made that clear last week when he threw out dozens of state complaints against Ag-Mart that cited violations of pesticide use in Florida fields. Judge Stevenson said he could neither sustain the complaints nor absolve Ag-Mart because the company's records left him unable to tell whether rules were broken. The state doesn't require accurate documents, so companies don't keep them. "These cases demonstrate a gap in the enforcement mechanism of the Florida Pesticide Law," the judge wrote. "It does no good to know when pesticides were applied to a field if there is no way of knowing when workers first entered the field or harvested tomatoes after spraying."

Judge Stevenson dismissed 85 percent of the state's charges and about $100,000 in fines, but he was able to uphold a dozen violations, and recommended that Ag-Mart pay $11,400. Florida law is so weak that Ag-Mart's reduced fine will go down as one of the largest ever. Why should any company think twice about breaking safety rules and cutting corners when the penalty for getting caught is petty cash?

McCain, Obama Interviews in Jax

"Two presidential hopefuls, U.S. Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., visited Jacksonville last week. McCain spoke to about 400 people during a stop Wednesday at Fleet Landing, a retirement community, and answered questions of local and regional significance. Obama was in town Friday at a private fundraiser at the Avondale home of Jacksonville attorney Steve Pajcic." "Visiting Senators McCain, Obama answer queries".

Wetland Protection

"Lawmakers, urged on by developers, are proposing to strip local governments of their power to protect wetlands, environmentalists and critics warn." "Bill would threaten wetlands, critics say".

The draft proposal, reviewed by the American Civil Liberties Union, could give as many as one million Floridians newfound rights to vote, serve on a jury and obtain occupational licenses with one hitch -- they pay their court-ordered financial obligations before their rights are restored, not after.

That hitch has riled civil rights advocates, who have long sought the change. Argues ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon: Most felons are already locked out of jobs because they don't have their civil rights. To require them to pay their court-ordered fees before they can get the jobs to repay their debt is a ''backwards'' way of approaching rights restoration, he said.

In an e-mail to hundreds of allies across the state on Saturday, Simon warned that Crist's proposal ''continues to perpetuate a system that disenfranchises people of limited financial means.'' He urged people to petition the governor and Cabinet and ask them to reconsider the plan before it votes on it on Thursday.

May We Suggest the Bush Family Family Favorite, "My Pet Goat"

"As a tribute to Jeb Bush's emphasis on reading, the Governor's Mansion has a new formal library dedicated to the state and its authors. Got any books you'd like to donate?" "Florida by the book".

"Oceana is our friend"

"Municipalities are balking at a proposal by lawmakers that restricts influencing of voters on the public dime." "Curb cities' tax-paid activism?".

Florida's Booming Economy

"The 2001 state law that reformed the payday-lending business in Florida is being ignored by some of the companies it was designed to regulate." With the challenges to

Florida's authority, the state should revisit its payday-loan law, says Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who, with the governor and other members of the Cabinet, oversees financial regulation as the Florida Financial Services Commission. ...

State regulators have already assessed more than $1 million in fines against nearly 50 payday lenders for various violations of the 2001 law. Still, it's not clear whether the law has altered Floridians' borrowing habits in a meaningful way.

The state's payday-loan industry has boomed in the years since the law took effect. Outlets have grown almost fivefold, from 252 in 2003 to 1,200 in 2006, and consumers took out 4.3 million loans for more than $1.6 billion in 2005 alone, according to a study by the Center for Responsible Lending.

The 600,000-plus borrowers in 2005 averaged more than seven loans each during the year.

"Downside"

"Crist looks intent on making the regulatory board overseeing Florida utilities more consumer friendly. But a downside of the move for the moderate governor is that he could get a more conservative state Senate in exchange. Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Dunnellon, is among six finalists who were steered to Crist last week for selection to the Public Service Commission. Argenziano, like Crist, has earned a reputation for being willing to play hardball with Florida electric and phone companies. She's seen as the governor's likely pick. But a front-runner to succeed her in the state Senate, if she goes to the regulatory panel, is Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who last week pumped $100,000 of his own money into the campaign account he just established for a possible Senate run." "Dominoes may fall to right of consumer-friendly pick".

Hiaasen: Charlie's DEP to OK Business Using Florida as a "Sewer"

Carl Hiaasen writes this morning that we may have to say "goodbye to the days when you dipped a toe in a lake to see if it was warm enough for a swim."

Soon that toe will be the only part of your anatomy that you'll dare immerse in certain waters, and only then if you're not especially worried about arsenic, cyanide or fecal bacteria.

Florida's Department of Environmental Protection is steaming ahead with plans to reclassify state waterways for the benefit of corporate and agricultural polluters.

Rather than requiring paper mills, phosphate mines and ranches to clean up their effluent, the DEP has devised a ranking system that could forever surrender some of the most damaged rivers, lakes and canals to those who are using them as a sewer.

The Rev. Henry J. Lyons is Back

"He is seeking to head a Florida Baptist group again. Now his candidacy is in churches' hands." "Prison in past, Lyons hears God's call to lead".

Affordable Housing

The Palm Beach Post editors say there is "another way Florida can provide more affordable housing: 'Scrap the cap' on the state's affordable housing trust fund." "No ceiling on trust fund".

No Surprise

Randy Schultz: "Everyone knows how the property insurance industry has played the market in Florida: dropping policies it doesn't want, refusing to cover what it doesn't want to cover. Now, though, suspicions are rising about the medical malpractice industry. What a surprise." "New insurance target draws the state's eye".

"Stopgap"

The Miami Herald editorial board:

A bill that would allow the University of Florida to charge a ''fee'' on top of tuition has worthy intentions, but it is at best a stopgap approach. Florida universities need a better long-term plan for funding and teaching students who will keep this state competitive in a globalized world. The state-university system also needs to improve access for students with financial constraints.

Giuliani

"America's mayor and presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani is planning a stop in St. Petersburg Wednesday, according to Pinellas Republican chairman Tony DiMatteo. DiMatteo said Giuliani is to appear at St. Petersburg High School at 2:30 p.m. for what's being billed as a town hall meeting." "Giuliani to host town hall meeting". See also "Giuliani pressed over former partner during South Florida stop".

Excercise

"Crist, lawmakers pushing for mandatory elementary school phys ed".

RNC In Action

Aaron Deslatte: "Barack Obama's Friday stop in Tallahassee did draw the ire of national Republicans. The Illinois senator told a crowd inside a fundraiser at the Challenger Discovery Center that, 'I was a constitutional law professor, which means unlike the current president I actually respect the Constitution.' Minutes after the comment started showing up on Web sites, the Republican National Committee pointed out that Obama's campaign had made the same mistake in literature from his 2004 primary. He was never a professor at the University of Chicago. The university's law school lists him as a senior lecturer on leave. And the school's online biography of Obama looks like it hasn't been updated in some time." "Obama's fuzzy faculty status".

Richardson

Adam Smith defies "anyone to name a Democrat better equipped to take Florida than New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson." "Richardson knows governors, not senators, win race". See also "President Bill Richardson?" ("a tax-cutting, NRA-supported progressive Democrat who can make a strong case in the conservative Panhandle; and the first Latino presidential nominee sure to energize the crucial Hispanic vote in South Florida and Central Florida.")

"Hard Time"

"Home for the Passover and Easter holidays, lawmakers may have a hard time showing constituents progress on the hot topic of property tax cuts." "Lawmakers a long way from tax cut consensus".

PIP

"If current no-fault insurance law isn't replaced or extended, Florida drivers may need to buy extra coverage to be sure medical payments are covered in case of accidents." "Florida drivers face changes as PIP could expired".

Mark Lane

Mark Lane the other day on the early primary "Florida pandering not easy".

"Carbon Fee" Proposal

"It may not happen during this congressional session, but one of these years, the bill for combatting global warming is going to come due. FPL Group, owner of Florida's largest utility and a company with billions at stake in the debate over controlling green house gas emissions, wants the federal government to set a price on polluting sooner rather than later. The company released a plan Friday promoting a 'carbon fee' that would be tacked on to fossil fuel charges based on the amount of carbon dioxide released from burning them." "FPL suggests carbon fee to control gas emissions".

Mulligan

"Negotiators for teachers and the School Board in Seminole County are heading back to the bargaining table next week to rethink a merit-pay plan that has caused a wave of discontent among classroom instructors."

Negotiators meeting Tuesday could dump the controversial Special Teachers Are Rewarded bonus plan, which the School Board approved in a unanimous vote last month under pressure from the Florida Department of Education. Last week, the state Legislature agreed on changes to merit pay, which Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law Thursday.

Whining Zone

A Young Republican whines about Charlie:

Where will the leadership of the state's conservative movement come from? Who will keep the momentum going? As Reagan said in another era, this is a time for choosing. Who will push for new ideas and new ways to achieve a conservative dream for Florida, a state with a vibrant and inviting economy, low taxes and superb schools? It won't be Charlie Crist, who seems content with co-opting Democratic issues to achieve short-term political victories and press praise.

Republicans must get a bit of that old rebellion back and move beyond Crist's genial smile, handsome face and good hair. Rubio is bright, talented, ambitious and bold. He has the stuff to lead a new generation of conservative dreamers. Will he take up the challenge? His actions by session's end will be the answer.

Lipstick on a Pig

Jebbie acolyte, Mike Thomas thinks "Jeb!"'s charter schools program - demonstrated by the Orlando Sentinel in a series last week to be "Missing the Grade" - simply needs a little tweaking: "Charter schools: Good idea, but tighten rules".

The St Pete Times' editorial board thinks the problem is a bit more severe than Thomas puts it: "A decade after creating its first publicly funded charter school, Florida has turned a worthy educational experiment into a blank check for eager entrepreneurs. As a new report by the Orlando Sentinel suggests, the push for quantity has supplanted the pursuit of quality. And the students are the ones who suffer." "Charter schools run wild". See also "Way too loose".

Lunsford

The Tampa Trib had this the other day: other day"Lunsford Ponders Book Deal, Politics" Linda Fiorilli at Political Safari notes that "he’s a Democrat, but the GOP seems to like him better, according to some officials of both parties quoted in the Trib’s story." Fame Comes Calling For Mark Lunsford.

Guns

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "A business decision".

Just Tax It

The Tampa Trib editors: "Every time they have been asked, Florida voters said they don't want casino gambling in this state. But in 2004 they were tricked into answering a different question."

Now the only option is to tax it and not take at face value future attempts to change the state constitution.

The question in 2004 seemed straightforward, and many voters missed warnings in the press about the unstated implications. Voters were asked to allow some slot machines at a few pari-mutuel tracks in just two counties if voters in those counties agreed.

In a close vote the measure passed. Bingo! As soon as one county, Broward, voted for the local slots, the result was a statewide winner for the Native-American tribes who weren't mentioned in any of the ballot language. Under federal law, the reservations qualify for whatever gambling is allowed elsewhere in the state.

Now all Florida can do is grab some of the pot for the state.

Hill

"Presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton called Saturday for stricter home loan standards during a small [Orlando] gathering." "Clinton talks mortgages".

At the same time, The Buzz reports that she "raised $1.3-million in Florida Saturday, including $900,000 for events with producer Timbaland and Chris Korge. That apparently comes close to Bill Nelson's $1.4-million record for federal money raised in Florida in a quarter post-McCain-Feingold. Hillary raised nearly that in a single day." "Hillary's huge haul".

"Sad and Dreary"

Steve Otto: "when I remember the Florida I grew up in, with its seemingly plentiful springs, lakes and streams, and then I think of 'sad and dreary' in the song's chorus, it all seems to fit." "'Sad, Dreary' Commentary On Change".