The commission said that Florida House Victory, a fundraising committee set up by House Democrats in 2003, may have committed 209 violations of election law. The charges could trigger at least $200,000 in fines against those who ran the committee, which has since been shut down.

The commission decided against making the same charges against a similar Senate Democratic organization, saying most of the potential violations committed by Florida Senate Victory were too old to prosecute, falling outside a two-year statute of limitations on election-law violations.

Commissioners also concluded that the Florida Democratic Party itself did nothing wrong when it received nearly $739,000 from Florida House Victory.

House and Senate Democrats initially broke their fundraising efforts away from the state party in 2003 but did not register with the state as political committees until July 2004. Maddox himself warned the House and Senate fundraising committees in an August 2004 letter that both groups ''should be closed immediately'' because of potential violations of law.

State law caps contributions to candidates, and political committees that support candidates, at $500 from each individual donor. But Florida House Victory accepted donations far in excess of that amount, in one case taking a $50,000 check from the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association.

Between July 2004 and December 2005, Florida House Victory accepted more than 200 contributions over the limit, including $10,000 from Florida Power & Light, $25,000 from Miccosukee Indian Gaming and $10,000 from Disney Worldwide Services as well as checks from insurance companies, unions, phone companies and other utilities.

Florida's Crumbling Infrastructure

"Bridges Need Millions For Maintenance". Perhaps Florida can get other states - via federal grants - to subsidize Florida's fiscal irresponsibility?

Circular Firing Squad

"Five Florida Democrats in Congress are threatening to have their own party investigated for possible voting-rights violations if the state is stripped of delegates to the Democratic National Convention next year. The lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa, sent out the warning in a letter this week to Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. ... Along with Nelson and Castor, the letter was signed by Reps. Kendrick Meek of Miami, Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston, and Alcee Hastings of Miramar." "Primary Sanction Plan Voids Rights, State Democrats Say". See also "Fla. Democrats warn of voting rights probe if state sanctioned", "Primary dispute heads for showdown" and "Florida jostles for position in race for the White House".

Senior Vote

"Although most older voters in both parties remain undecided about whom they want in the White House, Hillary Clinton gets the highest marks among Democrats on core senior issues, according to a survey released Thursday by AARP in Florida." "State's seniors lean toward Clinton, Giuliani, survey says".

Gambling

"Crist wants legislators to vote on a gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe, but faces even odds of getting it passed." "Crist is gambling on Seminole deal".

Elián 2

The Judge lifted a gag order in what has been

Two men, one a Coral Gables businessman, the other a farmer from central Cuba, squared off publicly for the first time Thursday to make their case why each should be the one to raise a 4-year-old girl.

On one side: Joe Cubas, 46, a nationally known sports agent, investor and real estate developer who is the girl's foster father.

On the other: Rafael Izquierdo, 32, a malanga and plantain farmer and sometime fisherman who is the girl's birth father. ...

''You'll see when he's allowed to go on Spanish- and English-language radio and enflame this community -- and we have seen it before,'' Kurzban told the judge. "There is a potential for this to turn into another Elián González case.''

Bushco Hood Ornament Speaks

"In a likely preview of the Republican response to the upcoming report on Iraq by Gen. David Petraeus, Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow contends that the just-released National Intelligence Estimate report supports GOP arguments against withdrawal of U.S. forces. The report, released Wednesday, is being used as ammunition by both sides of the argument on whether it is time for U.S. forces to get out. It suggests that the fragile Iraqi government has made measurable progress, but that it still cannot function without outside help. It also concludes that Iraq’s sectarian groups have not reconciled their differences and al Qaeda in Iraq remains deadly. " "Putnam: NIE Supports Remaining In Iraq".

Daily Naugle

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Broward County tourism officials couldn't possibly have anticipated that their worst nightmare in 2007 would be Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle. The mayor seems determined to alienate every gay and lesbian potential visitor to Broward with his contemptible anti-gay campaign."

Now a group of narrow-minded clerics and medical professionals has latched onto the mayor's cause. They held a press conference Tuesday to rail against public and promiscuous sex. We can all agree that such activities are to be discouraged, but this sanction applies equally to heterosexuals. Mr. Naugle and his clerical backers are specifically targeting gays and lesbians with their unwarranted criticism and, often as not, half-informed comments. The mayor apparently enjoys playing the provocateur. He refuses to let it die, as it should.

"System of grading schools is flawed"

The Tampa Trib editors write that "evidence is mounting that Florida's system of grading schools is flawed, and state officials need to scrutinize how FCAT scores are used to determine the letter grade each school receives once a year." "Florida's School Grading System Needs A Turn In The Spotlight".

Whatever

"Crist listens to public's ideas suggestions".

Flip-Flop

"A plan for one of the biggest overhauls of the property tax system in Florida history is faltering even before it reaches voters. Three months after approving the tax reform plan, a growing number of Florida legislators, including the second-highest-ranking member of the Senate, are withdrawing support. Sen. Lisa Carlton, R-Osprey, on Thursday told a Sarasota audience that she is "leaning no" on the Jan. 29 constitutional amendment, concerned the proposal does not go far enough to fix Florida's property tax problems. And she is not alone." "Local lawmakers desert tax plan even before vote".

Murder-suicide

"The Orlando Sentinel has confirmed that one of three men found dead in an east Orange County home in an apparent double murder-suicide is a prominent political consultant. Ralph Gonzalez was found dead at his home at 2420 Hickory Oak Blvd., his father Rafael Gonzalez, 69, confirmed. Gonzalez is the former head of the Republican party in Georgia and the president of Strategum Group, an Orlando political consulting firm that represents Republican candidates, including many in Central Florida such as state Rep. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando." "Prominent Republican party consultant one of three men found dead".

Other clients include: state Rep.Dean Cannon, Tom Feeney, Sheri McInvale, John Quiñones, Dave Weldon, and Tom Lee.

"Low Blow"

"Florida State University has long been the leader in granting tuition waivers to state employees in classes not otherwise filled by regular tuition- paying undergraduates. It's a natural, given FSU's location as the hometown of many thousands of the 138,571 men and women statewide who carry out and enforce all state programs, services and responsibilities. But this excellent educational bonus and significant employee benefit has been deleted for undergraduates, effective immediately and through the spring of 2008. Abolishing the tuition waivers is part of FSU's answer to the recent gubernatorial dictate to all 11 public universities to cut back their budgets from 4 percent to 10 percent - exact figure pending."

The temporary abolition of this program is a low blow to state employees.

They have already suffered the indignities of the Legislature's idea of appreciation to the people who perform the work lawmakers dictate as essential: a $1,000 bonus that, after taxes, translated to $673 and doesn't even increase their base pay. State employees are getting no annual pay raise whatever this year, adding insult to injury in a state that's infamous as being dead last in the nation in a per-capita ranking of government salaries.

Editing Wikipedia

"In April this year, someone using a computer owned by the Legislature removed an entry on the page for Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs. Anyone who drops by the page now will not learn that Constantine was arrested on a DUI charge in 2004. 'I don't even know what Wikipedia is,' Constantine said Thursday. 'I'm surprised I can even pronounce it.' He said no one in his office told him about deleting negative information on the Internet. 'I can't hide it and I don't try to hide it.'" "Wikipedia work on taxpayers' dime?".

Both Ends Burning

"The sugar industry, long a lightning rod for environmental lawsuits, is threatening to go to court itself in a move that could result in growers arguing both sides of a complicated federal pollution case."

Growers, along with the South Florida Water Management District, already are appealing a federal court ruling ordering water managers to obtain federal permits for the controversial practice of pumping polluted farm runoff into Lake Okeechobee to boost water supplies.

But in a filing Thursday, the Florida Sugar Cane League warned that if the appeal fails, growers intend to turn around and sue their current legal partners. The goal: Forcing the district to pull federal permits not just for the three huge lake pumps but for every water-control structure -- hundreds of gates and pumps in 16 counties.

Take the "Time to Read It"

"What's the rush? Lawmakers could easily buy themselves the time they need to do a good job of addressing PIP reform -- including fraud -- by extending the current system a few months or a year. Drivers, insurance companies and regulators could continue under the current system while a new one is devised -- and make ready for an orderly transition instead of hastily adjusting to a new law before they've really had time to read it." "Personal Injury Protection reform can wait; renew law". See also "Don't dump PIP".

Thanks Charlie

"The 41-year-old Republican is the youngest current [Palm Beach] county commissioner by a decade. He grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and has lived much of his life in a political climate. During law school at the University of Maryland at Baltimore, Kanjian worked for a government consulting firm run by Adm. Daniel Morgan, who was chief of staff during Vice President George H.W. Bush's term. Gov. Charlie Crist sought Kanjian out as a candidate to replace former Commissioner Warren Newell, who faces up to five years in prison." "No room for cuts in mental-health services". See also "Newell's ex-partner resigns from company".

GOPers Divert Tobacco Money

The Palm Beach Post editors reminds us that "the state almost ruined what Gov. Chiles won. Republicans, who have dominated state government since 1999, diverted the tobacco money and cut the anti-smoking program from $70 million to $1 million. The sharp decline in teen smoking stalled." "Getting what Chiles won".

All About Iowa

"Sorry, all you political junkies in Florida, New York, California, Michigan and any other state maneuvering to have more say in picking the presidential nominees." "All eyes still on No. 1, Iowa says".

No "Sexually Explicit Photos" So Far

"A House review of some e-mails former U.S Rep. Mark Foley sent and received through his congressional account [by the House Office of the Chief Administrative Officer] revealed no sexually explicit photos, but the investigation continues into his lurid Internet communications with male teenage pages, The Associated Press learned Thursday. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said this week its investigation into whether Foley tried to seduce underage boys has been hindered because neither Foley nor the House will let its investigators examine his congressional computers." "No graphic photos found in Foley e-mails".

Kumbaya

State Senators Jeremy Ring, D-Parkland and Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton think its time for Dems to act like Dems in the state Senate. Ring observed at a meeting of the Broward Democratic Party, that

"last year was a nice year. It was kind of Kumbaya. We worked kind of well together," Ring said. "No more. We've got to stand up now. We've got to stop being this Kumbaya." ...

Ring and Deutch are both freshmen, elected to the Legislature last year without holding any other elected offices. Both are in Democratic districts -- Ring in Broward and Deutch in Broward and Palm Beach counties -- unlikely to see serious Republican challengers in future elections.

SW Florida Takes a Hit

"The last year of suffering in the real estate market has slowly percolated to nearly every industry in the region. Welfare caseloads are creeping up. Pawnbrokers have been so inundated with used construction equipment sold to pay the bills that many have stopped buying. "Help Wanted" signs, once commonplace, are disappearing from store windows. And for the first time since most anyone can remember, Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties -- bastions of the 2-plus-percent unemployment rate -- are seeing a measure of joblessness rivaling the state average." "Many kinds of pain as housing woes hit all sectors".

Budget-cutting

"Miami-Dade County commissioners targeted cash reserves and administrative costs for budget-cutting." "Fight to stave off cuts begins".

"Twice the Demand ... Half the Money"

"Social workers, probation officers and juvenile judges all recognize the pipeline from dependency on the state as a parent to delinquency. The Florida Department of Children and Families too often feeds Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice."

Of the five largest states, Florida has twice the demand for child welfare services but spends half the money. "We see more children in Florida on a monthly basis," Mr. Zychowski said, "than any other state."

Pinellas County Property Appraiser Jim Smith

"With a grand jury meeting today to continue its probe of the indefensible private land deal between Pinellas County Property Appraiser Jim Smith and the county government, the evidence only mounts that Smith used his elected position for personal gain and that county officials responded to the pressure by improperly giving him preferential treatment at taxpayers' expense." "Time for Smith to go".

Laff Riot

Scott Maxwell notes that, you may "not paying much attention to all the water-cooler talk that continues to have Charlie Crist's name pop up as a potential White House running mate in 2008."

But ya know, no matter how remote the chances of that are, here are two words that may strike fear in your heart and force you to pay attention to the possibility: "Governor Kottkamp."

"Democrats said they would fight the national party"

"Florida Democrats said they would fight the national party and carry on with the Jan. 29 presidential primary."

Three days before a showdown with the national party, defiant Florida Democrats vowed Wednesday to push ahead with a January presidential primary that flouts party rules.

The national Democratic Party's rules committee is set to take up on Saturday Florida's decision to host a Jan. 29 primary. The vote violates a party rule that permits only four smaller states to vote before Feb. 5.

The national party suggested this week that Florida Democrats instead stage their own election, called a caucus, after Feb. 5. The national party said it would spend about $800,000 on the vote.

But state party Chairman Karen Thurman said Wednesday that Florida Democrats believe any approach other than a Jan. 29 election would disenfranchise voters.

Lethal Injection

"Lawyers for a Death Row inmate are allowed a behind-the-scenes look at a mock execution, the Florida Supreme Court ordered Monday. The court rejected Attorney General Bill McCollum's attempt to thwart a ruling by an Ocala circuit judge granting the walk-through and inspection of the execution chamber by lawyers for convicted killer Ian Daco Lightbourne. Lightbourne is challenging Florida's method of execution, lethal injection, which his lawyers say should be ruled unconstitutional." "Justices OK mock execution viewing".

Ten Years

"Ten years ago this month, a very happy Gov. Lawton Chiles announced this state's multibillion-dollar settlement with the tobacco industry, calling it "the straw that broke Joe Camel's back." It's true, you don't see Joe Camel's face leering from Florida billboards anymore. But 10 years later, tobacco remains the No. 1 killer of Floridians, and the battle to keep children from starting to use tobacco and to help adults stop continues. Still, there have been victories." "The 10-year war".

"Protecting insurers ahead of children's health"

"When Bill Clinton signed the State Children's Health Insurance Program into law 10 years ago, it was the biggest expansion of federally supported health care since Medicare was created in 1965."

It's been successful, enrolling 6.6 million children and slowing the overall increase in uninsured Americans (now at 46 million). But it's not yet been as successful as states would like: In Florida, where children with family incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty rate qualify, the 253,000 enrolled in Healthy Kids (Florida's version of the children's program) as of January ... represent 40 percent of those eligible. The national rate of those covered is around 70 percent.

Congress just re-authorized the children's health program for the next five years, increasing funding by as much as $35 billion (according to the Senate version of the bill) or $50 billion (the House version). President Bush is threatening to veto the legislation (his budget proposed just $30 billion for the program). His administration issued rules late last week that undermine the intent of the law by circumventing congressional authority and imposing seemingly insurmountable restrictions on states that wish either to expand coverage or reach out to those who are eligible but haven't yet enrolled. Bush's approach adds up to a dirty war on the children's health insurance program.

"More Time"

"The federal government has given Florida more time to negotiate a gaming agreement with the Seminole tribe, and it appears the talks could bring table gambling such as blackjack and baccarat along with high-end slot machines to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Tampa." "State Gets Extension On Casino Negotiation".

And here we go again: "Crist suggested Wednesday that potential revenues from a deal on Las Vegas-style gambling could be funneled into state education coffers." "Crist floats idea of earmarking gambling revenues for education". Troxler: "Casinos are no way to balance budget".

Byrd

"It should come as no surprise that just a few months after the Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Institute and Research Center beat back attempts by lawmakers to cut its budget in half that its finances are again threatened." "State Has Too Much Invested In Alzheimer's Center To Kill It".

"Florida's first black governor?"

"Crist was endearingly described Wednesday as Florida's first black governor and, at a gala held by the state's black lawmakers, praised for his commitment to leading in a way that represents everybody. The appearance of the Republican - and white - governor at a legislative black caucus event was a striking contrast to the relationship his predecessor, fellow Republican Jeb Bush, often had with the organization." "Crist praised as governor for all by black lawmakers".

Early Shot at Clemency

"A Hudson man serving a mandatory 25-year prison term for trafficking in painkillers has been granted a waiver allowing him to appear before the state Board of Executive Clemency. ... Traditionally, inmates must serve one-third of their time before becoming eligible for the clemency process; this week, the clemency board approved a waiver allowing his case to be heard as early as the board meeting Sept. 20." "Chronic Pain Sufferer To Get Early Shot At Clemency".

Allen Update: "Of all people"?

"State Rep. Bob Allen apologized to a handful of black residents Tuesday night, saying comments he made to police following his arrest on charges of soliciting prostitution were never meant to be racist."

"If there is one thing I hope, it's that you know that is not me," the embattled legislator said during a meeting of the North Brevard branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

"I really do apologize if it sounded that way."

The group's local president, Bill Gary, and others in the audience shook Allen's hand and wished him well.

"I've known Bob for at least eight years and he has always supported our activities," Gary told the small gathering.

"Of all people, I was surprised when I saw that characterization in the paper. ...

He reiterated his desire to stay in office and fight the charges.

"I am an innocent man," he said.

Allen is expected to appear in court for the first time Monday, where his attorneys will argue that the charges should be dismissed and the legislator's taped statements suppressed."

"Mr. Allen stated that he wanted to lure (the officer) with him and ultimately get to the guard shack entrance to the Space Center where there was security," Lau wrote. "Mr. Allen claimed he was in fear of (the officer) which is the reason he wanted to have (him) get in the car with him so that Mr. Allen could drive to the security gate."

That route cuts through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The nearest KSC gate is about eight miles from the park along a paved two-lane road lined with native Florida brush and wetlands. The Titusville Police Department is about the same distance away.

Toxic Algae Blooms

"Next to hurricanes and high gas prices, red tide may be the biggest threat to Florida Gulf Coast tourism. The toxic algae bloom can swiftly turn sandy beaches into a putrid expanse of rotting fish that causes beach visitors to flee and coastal businesses to collapse. One estimate puts its annual economic toll at $82 million a year." "Taking The Fight To Red Tide".

No-Fault

"The curtain appeared to be drawing to a close on Florida's no-fault auto insurance law Wednesday as state Senate leaders showed little enthusiasm for a proposal from House Republicans that would cap attorneys' fees while trying to eliminate fraud and reduce medical costs from car accidents." "Deadlock leaves no-fault insurance hanging".

In the meantime, "think you're confused about pending changes in Florida's auto insurance law? The state may be as perplexed as you are." "State reverses itself, says drivers will still need insurance". See also "Don't change your insurance just yet".

The Palm Beach Post editors: "House Republicans in Tallahassee acknowledge that they don't have a perfect plan for continuing Florida's no-fault auto insurance system. But they do have a plan." "A spark on no-fault".

Whoopee

"Overall, 63 percent of [Palm Beach County] property owners will see their taxable values lowered on their 2008 bill, with the average drop about 7 percent, according to figures from the Property Appraiser's Office." "Property taxes to drop by average of 7% in Palm Beach County".

Obama's "Sensible" Approach to Cuba

"The easy out in dealing with Cuba is to throw up an ideological wall and isolate yourself from practical politics. That's pretty much been the standard approach from the United States for almost 50 years. Sadly, hardships continue for Cubans while the U.S. and Cuba spar like a dysfunctional odd couple."

Presidential candidate Barack Obama offers a different approach, and a sensible one:

Reach out to Cuba to "advance peaceful political and economic reform on the island." The plan calls for concessions on both sides.

It not only would empower the people of Cuba, but also allow the U.S. to have better leverage once Fidel Castro yields power. And that, based on growing speculation about his failing health, may have already happened.

What's Next? Banning Budweiser?

"A state appeals court has struck a blow for drivers of pickup trucks against Coral Gables, otherwise known as 'The City Beautiful.'"

"Perhaps Coral Gables can require that all its houses be made of ticky-tacky and that they all look just the same, but it cannot mandate that its people are, or do," Senior Judge Alan Schwartz wrote for the panel.

The court said it was OK to ban commercial trucks from city streets overnight, but not those used as personal vehicles.

Coral Gables is known for strictly regulating the appearance of businesses and residences to create an upscale image.

Spencer Kuvin said the truck ordinance was driven by discrimination, not aesthetics.

It Gets Weirder

"Florida Republican strategist Roger Stone issued a statement today in response to allegations that he crank-called New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's father" Read his story here: "Stone speaks out against Spitzer".

Petition Procedures

"Leaders of the slow-growth Florida Hometown Democracy petition drive want a judge to strike down a new law that gives voters 150 days to revoke signatures from petitions after signing them. The revocation law passed the Legislature in the spring with support from major business groups." "Hometown Democracy sues to block petition law".

Whatever

"Florida's Commission on Open Government met for the first time Wednesday to begin its quest for ways to keep public records and meetings in the 'sunshine.'" "Open government panel begins work". See also "Panel weighs public access issues".

Who Reads Books?

The Orlando Sentinel editors point out that an Associated Press-Ipsos poll suggests that the "composite" person who reads books more often than others" is "a white, liberal Democratic woman from the South, West or Midwest who doesn't attend church."

Ready to be "Run Over"

"Florida’s lone member on a panel of Democrats that will decide what to do about the Sunshine State’s earlier-than-allowed presidential primary says he’s braced for the worse."

He doesn’t expect the national party’s Rules & Bylaws Committee to have much sympathy for Florida when they meet Saturday in Washington, partly because Michigan is now talking about moving up its date—like Florida, against party rules – which further infuriates South Carolina, New Hampshire and Iowa.

“With the Michigan announcement they (committee members) really don’t have much of a choice,” said Katz. “They can’t just slap us on the wrist.”

He expects that the committee will quickly declare Florida’s Democrats as not complying with primary-calendar rules with their plans fora Jan. 29th primary, and impose a tough penalty.

"We're cheap and we're proud of it"

"Charles B. Reed is former chancellor of the State University System of Florida and is currently Chancellor of the California State University System. This is a speech he gave Monday to the LeRoy Collins Institute, a nonpartisan organization that promotes creative solutions to major issues facing Florida and the nation. The institute, located at Florida State University, is affiliated with the SUS and collaborates with the state's public universities." Read it here: "Florida's ex-chancellor speaks: the full text". See also "College try" ("Rankings, Reed spare no criticism of Florida").

Delightful

"Roger Stone, the Florida-based Republican operative who helped shut down the 2000 presidential recount in MIami-Dade, is accused of leaving an anonymous, nasty phone message for the father of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, according to today's New York Times." "Stone accused of threatening pop of NY gov". More from the NYT (via Naked Politics): "Politics Seen in Nasty Call to Spitzer’s Father" (the phone message: "There is not a goddamn thing your phony, psycho, piece-of-shit son can do about it. Bernie, your phony loans are about to catch up with you. You will be forced to tell the truth and the fact that your son’s a pathological liar will be known to all.").

Cuba Travel a Flashpoint for Dems

"One day after Democrat Barack Obama called for lifting limits on family travel to Cuba, rival Hillary Clinton expressed support for current restrictions." "Candidates bring Cuba into race". Hill as well as "Republicans criticized Obama's proposal."

"We're in a very critical moment where many of us are hoping that we will see a transition as opposed to a transfer of power. Frankly I think his comments are ill-timed," said Florida Sen. Mel Martinez, chairman of the Republican National Committee. "It shows that he either didn't think it through very well or simply hasn't had enough experience on these tough foreign policy problems."

Another Band-Aid

"With Florida facing its worst state-budget crisis since the 2001 terrorist attacks, Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday that Las Vegas-style slot machines may be the answer." "Governor may bet on tribe's casinos". See also "Best bet for the state" (editorial), "Crist makes a bet on education", "Crist may bet budget on gambling", "Crist pulls for Indian slots to lift education" and "Crist Rolls Dice on Budget Fix".

Citizens

"An outside auditor has told state-run Citizens Property Insurance it needs to add almost $300 million to reserves, thanks to hundreds of hurricane claims reopening two years after the fact." "Citizens told to increase reserves".

Obama's Southern Strategy

"Obama predicted that black voter turnout would swell by at least 30 percent if he wins the nomination, giving Democrats victory in Southern states that have voted Republican for decades." "Obama Says He Can 'Redraw The Political Map'".

Nutrition

"Students who have never seen a cucumber or strawberry. Principals searching for loopholes in the state's new physical education requirement. School vending machines filled with candy and other calorie-packed treats." "State educators update Crist on school nutrition". See also "Educators seek support in pushing nutrition, fitness".

"Calendar revolt"

"It looks like Michigan will move its 2008 presidential primaries to Jan. 15 or earlier, becoming the first big state to leapfrog ahead of Florida’s Jan. 29 date. The Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries are also likely to come before Floridians go to the polls." "Rust Belt calendar revolt".

What's Next? Batista Boulevard?

"Part of Le Jeune renamed for Díaz-Balart".

"Cheney/Satan '08"

"Cheney/Satan '08. Democrats: Hard on Fetuses, Soft on Terrorists Jan. 20, 2009 - The End of an Error" "Bumper Stickers Crop Up".

Cat Fund

"Don't look for the federal government to fix the insurance crisis in Florida, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson warned in a blitz of the region Tuesday." "Nelson says look to state for relief on insurance".

"Tobacco Wars"

"Ten years on from Florida's landmark tobacco settlement, key players in that $13 billion deal Tuesday reflected on the achievement, lauded current efforts and insisted that much work remains." "Advocates remember tobacco wars".

Setting Tuition

"It shouldn't have come to court action, but if it takes a lawsuit to determine who sets tuition in Florida's public universities, then so be it. Florida residents ought to pray that the plaintiffs, led by former Gov. Bob Graham and ex-U.S. Rep. Lou Frey Jr., win the legal action. There's no sense in having the Legislature set tuition for the state's public universities and colleges." "Board of Governors should set tuition at public universities".

Allen Update

"Apologetic Allen disputes allegations of racism".

Oops!

"The unions representing Jacksonville's police officers and firefighters Tuesday condemned Florida House candidate Lad Daniels for an advertisement that they say wrongly implied their support of him." "Daniel campaign ad draws fire from unions".

So much for razor-sharp political instincts. Really now, if Rubio were any slower on the uptake, he'd make Elmer Fudd look like Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Of course, with Allen added to the mix we're looking at a perfect storm of dumber than a storm drain of denseness.

It was bad enough that a public official had been popped on a charge of soliciting another man for prostitution. Well, there goes the family values plank.

But Allen had to take an already nightmare of a public relations problem and make it even worse by claiming his fear of large black men forced him to offer to pay $20 to perform a sex act.

What to call this declasse sleaziness? The "Mandingo" defense? Good grief!

Surely Allen had noticed the presence of black men in the park while he was cruising through it. If he was so scared of large black men, why would Allen then have parked his car and made several visits in and out of the men's room?

Maybe the patently insane "The large black guy made me do it!" alibi was an effort by Allen to throw Rubio off the hunt. And maybe it worked, but only for a little while.

Finally, more than a month after the arrest, Rubio stripped Allen of his post as chairman of the House Energy Committee and canned him from the Environment and Natural Resources Council. ...

And it took Rubio more than a month to figure out Allen was more dead meat than Barbaro?

It's altogether possible Rubio's assertion that his colleague now is less effective than the Roundheads in the Florida Legislature may be just a pinch too subtle for Allen to grasp.

Perhaps it's time for more directness from Rubio, maybe something along the lines of, "We hate you. Go away. Never darken our door again."

A Fine Idea At The Time

"There are a bunch of reports that Michigan is poised to set its primary for Jan. 15 - both D and R." "So much for Fl's status as first mega state primary".

As Gary Siplin Looks On

"Investigators say Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty used state resources for the political campaign of a friend, but they do not seek sanctions against him. Instead, Florida's top government watchdogs end a four-month inquiry of McCarty's involvement in a Leon County judicial campaign satisfied with his public apology and concluding there was no repeated wrongdoing. Chief Inspector Mark Perez noted that though state law provides criminal penalties for campaigning on government time, 'there was no clear, established pattern of misuse of state resources for political activities that warranted a criminal referral.'" "Slap on wrist for McCarty". See also "Investigation of insurance commissioner ends".

Recall that "Last year, state Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, was convicted of grand theft for having legislative employees work on state time during his 2004 reelection campaign."

"First-class ego, third-class brain"

"He's seen as the fiscally conservative alternative to the Republican governor, a potential candidate for governor himself, a politician brimming with 'ideas,' not the least of which is eliminating property taxes. Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson sounds an awful lot like Marco Rubio (right down to the "tax swap") and as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes, their brand of activism is part of a trend. Of course, like Rubio, Richardson has his critics. "First-class ego, third-class brain," reads the headline on a recent [Cynthia Tucker] AJC column. " "State speaker's agenda fuels his public profile".

Another Special Election

"Lake Mary state Rep. David Mealor said Monday that he is resigning his seat in October to pursue the vacant post of chancellor of the state's community-college system. The Republican lawmaker, who had one year left in his term, said he has not yet formally applied for the chancellor's position. Mealor said he thought it was important to announce his plans now to allow his successor to be chosen by voters in a special election that could coincide with Nov. 6 elections in Central Florida." "Lake Mary lawmaker will resign to seek community-colleges post".

PIP

Alex Sink: "Crucial to act before PIP law sunsets".

Good Luck

"Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is calling for 'unrestricted rights'' for Cuban Americans to visit and send money to family in Cuba, just days before his first pilgrimage to Little Havana as a presidential candidate. President Bush clamped down on family travel and remittances to Cuba in an effort to squeeze Fidel Castro. The policy has become a flash point in the Cuban-American community, which traditionally leans toward the GOP." "Obama to talk on Cuba issues". See also "".

Whoopee!

"Undecided voters keep GOP hopefuls coming to Florida".

"Nothing to be proud of"

The Sun-Sentinel editors assert that the latest measure of Florida's academic performance is "nothing to be proud of"

"We're Number 48!"

Not exactly an inspirational cheer. Instead, it means you have a long way to go to be successful. Which is the story of Florida's ACT scores.

While scores on the ACT college entrance exam improved minimally on a national level, Florida's scores dropped slightly to 19.9. Only two states — Mississippi and South Carolina — and the District of Columbia scored lower. ...

Florida may have to keep suffering the embarrassment of being two states from the bottom.

A Quick Read

Scott Maxwell: "Coming soon to a bookstore near you: A book written by one of Orlando's newest authors, Mel Martinez. Staff members in the U.S. senator's office confirm that the freshman Republican, Cuban refugee and chairman of the Republican National Committee is writing an autobiography.".

Political Pressure?

"A week before she is to preside over one of the most controversial child-custody trials held at Miami's juvenile court, the judge at the center of the dispute vehemently defended herself Monday against allegations she might be susceptible to political pressure."

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri B. Cohen, who has been on the bench since 1992 -- mostly in dependency court -- will decide whether a 4-year-old girl will return to Cuba to live with her birth father or be raised in the Coral Gables home of the foster parents who have cared for her the past 16 months.

Reacting to an e-mail sent last week to the attorney for the girl's birth father, the judge insisted in a hearing Monday that she would hear the case impartially, and would rebound and find a new legal challenge if the outcome of the case proved unpopular. Cohen is up for reelection in 2008. ...

In the e-mail to attorney Ira Kurzban, Andrew Lagomasino, the father's therapist, suggested the father's legal team consider finding someone to write a letter to the editor to ''generate community support'' for the father's side.

''I have thought of some creative things to see if we can show the judge that she won't be defeated in the election if she sends [the girl] back to Cuba,'' Lagomasino wrote in his e-mail.

Jason Dimitris, the Department of Children & Families' chief of staff, who is spearheading the state's case against the father, gave Cohen a copy of the e-mail, calling it ''very disturbing to us.'' The DCF is seeking to prove the birth father is unfit to raise the girl.

Religious Schools

"Central Florida's population is growing, but its parochial-school enrollment is not. Mirroring a trend in public schools, enrollment is decreasing at many religious-based private schools. And it's not just Roman Catholic schools that are struggling. Lutherans, the second-largest group educating parochial-school children, have seen declines as well. The reasons range from flights by families to suburbia, the rising costs of tuition and demographic shifts. For Catholic schools, the loss of nuns as teachers has added to the costs of education." "Enrollment drops at religious schools".

Gambling

"The governor's office and the Seminoles say they're making progress on talks to let the tribe offer higher-stakes games." "Still no deal on Seminole gambling". See also "Gaming talks to keep going".

Running Government Like a Business

"Two of Venice's top managers received pay raises while other employees lost their jobs and community groups lost their city funding during a budget session Monday." "Venice gives out raises and pink slips".

"Time is of the essence"

"Warning that 'time is of the essence' for state employees to make insurance choices, attorneys for the Department of Management Services asked an appeals court Monday to let the state change companies for vision coverage." "State, insurer wrangle over changes in vision-care contracts".

"Merit" Pay

"Despite legislative insistence that high-performing teachers will be rewarded for their efforts, like it or not, the education establishment - teachers, administrators and union representatives - sees it as divisive and a poor substitute for higher base salaries." "Educators wary of bonus plan".

Meet The New Boss ...

"Jeb Bush used to take flak for appointing folks to environmental boards whom critics said were no friends of the environment. Things like that tend to happen when you appoint developers to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission -- a group that's supposed to protect animals from development. But now comes Charlie Crist."

Charlie is supposed to be Jeb-lite -- the softer side of Republicans; a guy who hugged as many trees as he did babies during the campaign.

So, now that Crist has had a chance to fill a few posts on the wildlife commission, let's check in on the board's makeup. ...

[I]t seems safe to say that, despite all the hype, Crist isn't undoing everything his predecessor put in motion.

"Bigwig"

"Property taxes are sure to be on the agenda when Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio makes his first visit to the region since the state Legislature passed sweeping tax reforms. Rubio, R-Miami, considered a catalyst in the property tax crusade, is scheduled to speak to Sarasota Tiger Bay at noon on Thursday." "Bigwigs are set to talk in Sarasota".

Well, Sometimes Florida is ... Painful

"Drugs for pain surge in Florida".

"We're cheap, and we're proud of it"

"When Charlie Reed left as chancellor of Florida universities for a similar job in California a decade ago, he exited with his reputation for blunt talk firmly intact. Florida has a motto: 'We're cheap, and we're proud of it,' Reed said then. On Monday, Reed was back in the state where worked for 27 years. His long absence has not tempered his criticism of the system he once headed. He chastised state leaders for keeping tuition too low and for meddling in how universities are run, steps he said have consigned campuses in Florida to mediocrity." "Ex-chancellor Reed pulls no punches".

The U.S. senator's campaign quickly said that's not the case, but the e-mail underscored the underwhelming feeling among some Florida Democrats still waiting to be wooed for their primary vote.

State lawmakers hoped moving Florida's primary up six weeks to Jan. 29 would give voters better access to candidates and provide a boost to the economy from the millions the campaigns would spend.

But it's had almost the opposite effect among Democrats so far.

"Merit Pay"

"Merit" Pay:

Unions hate it. Teachers scorn it. Administrators find it a hassle.

The disdain is so complete that some of those who benefit from the extra money -- teachers and administrators -- are asking lawmakers to ax the program when they meet in special session next month to deal with budget shortfalls.

Even if teacher bonuses survive, legislators and school officials expect that school districts from the Panhandle to Miami will opt out of the newest bonus program.

Merit-pay backers point out that top executives get bonuses for improving company performance, and top athletes for scoring more points.

"Florida took everything that the nation learned over the last 20 years that was bad [about merit pay] and put it into law," said William Slotnik, executive director of the Community Training and Assistance Center, a Boston nonprofit that studies teacher compensation.

Some Call it "Flab"

"Next up is state government, which must cut its budget by about $1 billion in September because revenues in the state's sputtering economy are coming up short. Once again, citizens are learning that when forced to do so, government managers can find plenty of fat to cut." Check out what The Tampa Trib editors identify as "flab" produced by the powers that be in Tally: "Budget-Cutting Exercise Shows Florida's Got Flab In Its Budget".

Florida's Financial Outlook Dim

"There isn't much good news to report on Florida's financial outlook."

In the long term, it's difficult to be optimistic that elected leaders will discover the backbone they haven't found yet to begin significant reforms of our antiquated tax system, which is excessively dependent on revenue from sales taxes. ...

the conundrum that Florida now faces - between an economic downturn and property-tax "reform" that undoubtedly will result in reduced services - may finally convince policymakers that meaningful tax reform is essential to the long-term well-being of the Sunshine State.

Huh?

"Florida drivers are likely to see momentous changes in less than six weeks, barring last-minute action by the Legislature. For one thing, most of us may no longer have to carry auto insurance." "Floridians may see 'momentous changes' in car insurance in 6 weeks".

Is This "Journalism"?

The first sentence of the Orlando Sentinel's front page article noted above, "Teachers slam state merit-pay program" reads as follows:

As appealing as teacher-bonus pay might sound ...

A Story Rush Limbaugh Won't Mention

"While more than 30 other states have taken steps to monitor the legal sale of heavy-duty painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin, Florida has stalled - and that has black market dealers and addicts flocking to the state, authorities say." "Lax oversight has addicts flocking to Florida for painkillers".

Gambling

"Crist and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are down to the "nitty gritty" issues as they push to have a deal in place this week giving the tribe Las Vegas-style slot machines and potentially other gambling options, according to an attorney for the Seminoles." "Gov. Crist, Seminole Tribe down to 'nitty gritty' on Las Vegas-style slot machine plan".

Slacker?

"In the 7 1/2 months since he took office, Crist has taken all or virtually all of 19 weekdays off in addition to having most weekends off." "Taking off".

Dopey Dinerstein

"Democratic state Rep. Susan Bucher's challenge of Democratic incumbent Arthur Anderson for the nonpartisan elections supervisor's job creates a dilemma for Dems." Meanwhile, Dopey Dinerstein weighs in:

County Republican boss Sid Dinerstein, meanwhile, took delight in Democrats opposing each other and played up the fact that Anderson is black and blacks are a key Democratic constituency.

"Arthur Anderson is, one, an incumbent Democrat and, two, the single highest elected minority in Palm Beach County, and I think (Bucher) and the Democratic Party should have thought twice before going after him," Dinerstein said.

Dinerstein didn't know whether any Republicans would run for the seat.

"If I had a qualified, viable Republican, I'd certainly want to run that person," Dinerstein said. "On the other hand, if (Anderson) were a registered Republican, we'd be protecting him."

And Then There Were Five

"Add another Democrat to the list of 2008 candidates looking to challenge U.S. Rep. Ric Keller, R-Orlando. Attorney Alan Grayson said in a phone interview Wednesday that he is "probably going to do that" and promised a result unlike his 2006 campaign." "And now there are 5 Democrats to challenge Keller".

"Unintended consequences"

"Society needs strong laws and severe punishments for sex offenders whose crimes against young and vulnerable victims do devastating damage. But unless lawmakers are mindful of unintended consequences, the laws they write can make problems worse by punishing the wrong people in the wrong way." "Fix sex offender law to focus on the adults".

Whatever

"Greer, who heads Florida's Republican Party, recommended last week that the state send its entire delegation to the party's national convention next year in Minneapolis. The state's GOP executive committee went along, even though the national Republican Party has warned Florida it may lose half of its delegates after the state bumped up its 2008 presidential primary to Jan. 29." "Sticking up for Sunshine State voters.".

A Hillsborough Thing

"In June, four commissioners voted to do away with the county Environmental Protection Commission's oversight of wetlands, saying it duplicated similar monitoring programs by state and regional agencies. Since then, letters, e-mail messages and calls have poured into commissioners' offices, with many of those blasting the vote and urging commissioners to retain some or all of the EPC's wetlands responsibilities." "Wetlands Issue May Ripple At Polls".

More from Hillsborough County: "A Snide Remark And Deserved Rebuke".

"Fiasco"

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editors: "At one point, leaders with the Department of Children & Family Services envisioned a communications network that would keep tabs on every child through every stage of progress through the foster-care system. But after 13 years and $190 million, the state finally pulled the plug this month on HomeSafeNet, the 'fiasco' of a computer system that never worked as planned. HomeSafeNet is being replaced with the Florida Safe Families Network, using roughly $42 million in machinery from the old system." "Keeping track".

"When man and nature collide"

The Orlando Sentinel editors:

As development continues to encroach on the habitat of bears and other creatures, people need to learn to coexist with wildlife -- and officers need to know what to do when man and nature collide.

Something went wrong last week in Tivoli Woods, a southeast Orlando subdivision. Police officers who responded to a call about a nuisance bear ended up using a Taser on the animal. In the end, the bear was killed.

The bear didn't have to die.

McInvale

Scott Maxwell yesterday:

There still seem to be more questions than answers surrounding last week's indictment of former state Rep. Sheri McInvale. What we know is that the arrests involve accusations that she misused public money in connection with mailings -- though if prosecutors are going to start getting zealous about that, there should be a whole mess of local politicians sweating their shorts. So the jury's still out on that one. Still, one noteworthy observation about this case is that neither political party jumped into the fray with indignant accusations about the other.

From the "Values" Crowd

"There are at least 500,000 children in Florida without health insurance. Sadly, they are lost in a bureaucratic maze of inefficiency called KidCare."

It was embarrassing that lawmakers refused to address these issues last session, and they refuse to deal with them in next month's special session. Thankfully, Florida's Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has taken the lead. A task force she appointed found that some problems aren't so tough to fix. But she's not going to wait for the Legislature; she wants to start making changes in the next 60 days.

Now those schools -- along with community colleges and universities -- are being asked to slash millions from their budgets because of a dramatic projected drop of $1.5 billion in sales taxes and other revenues. And they won't know exactly how much until the Legislature meets next month to slice $1.1 billion from the $71.5 billion general fund budget.

You Go, Girl

"Sink identified a variety of middle management jobs from her department with no impact to the public, and other privatized positions that would cost taxpayers significantly less if they went on the state payroll." "State identifies $52 million in easy cuts to fix finances".

Greer is as Dumb as a Sack of Hammers

Scott Maxwell: "At a recent Mitt Romney campaign appearance, Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer told the crowd that, 'Any Republican, any day of the week, is better serving in office than a Democrat.' Now, ignoring questions about folks like Mark Foley, it's kind of amusing to note what Greer did next (without any apparent sense of irony): praise Charlie Crist for his concerted efforts to put partisan politics aside."

Whatever

"Giuliani plans second date to woo Pinellas".

"But now comes the reality check"

Mike Thomas: "It's no wonder Charlie's positive poll numbers exceed 70 percent."

But now comes the reality check. Now we see if those numbers are sustainable or, like the inflated 2005 housing prices, destined to deflate.

Florida's phenomenal job growth is slowing and unemployment is rising. Tax revenues are evaporating. State agencies are coming up with 4 percent cuts in their budgets, and being told to prepare for cuts of up to 10 percent.

Soon you will be hearing about poor sick kids being turned away at hospitals and criminals being turned loose in the streets.

Charlie's promise to support smaller K-12 classes, a hugely expensive proposition, will collide with deep cuts in the education budget.

You have not heard a lot about all this because it's still in the mulling-over phase. But soon enough, the blood will flow in Tallahassee.

And the bleeding could continue through much of Charlie's first term.

Rare is the political leader who can dissociate himself from a bad economy.

And then there's a tax amendment on the ballot next year that could cripple local budgets. Charlie backs it, which will put him at odds with police, firefighters and teachers.

All this does not bode well for his popularity. And that is his force field.

His political support is like Lake Okeechobee, wide, shallow and vulnerable to drying up fast.

The politicians in Tallahassee are not loyal to him. They are only mindful of his poll numbers.

The Democrats slap him on the back like he's one of them, which he practically is. But ultimately they want his job, which means when weakness shows, the bayonet goes in.

Last week the Democrats e-mailed out a column written by Republican fundraiser Sam Rashid calling Charlie a shameless shape-shifter willing to assume whatever form is necessary to promote himself.

If Charlie's poll numbers go down, conservative bayonets also come out, probably paid for by Big Sugar.

Charlie has no core support. His base is his approval number.

And if that takes a big hit, he could become a very lonely governor.

"Politicians sweating their shorts"

Scott Maxwell: "There still seem to be more questions than answers surrounding last week's indictment of former state Rep. Sheri McInvale. What we know is that the arrests involve accusations that she misused public money in connection with mailings -- though if prosecutors are going to start getting zealous about that, there should be a whole mess of local politicians sweating their shorts. So the jury's still out on that one. Still, one noteworthy observation about this case is that neither political party jumped into the fray with indignant accusations about the other. And there's a good reason for that. Because, in their case, prosecutors have cited alleged incidents in 2005, when McInvale was a Democrat, as well as 2006, the year she switched parties to become a Republican."

Restoration

"On Saturday, Evans and dozens of other people who have been convicted of less-serious felonies, joined in a workshop to start the process to restore their civil rights. The workshop, at the Greater Union First Baptist Church in DeLand, was aimed at helping ex-felons restore their right to vote, serve on juries, run for public office, start a business and qualify for better jobs." "Workshop helps ex-felons restore their civil rights".

At Least They Get The Summer "Off"

"Many Florida teachers are losing a layer of legal protection that some say they wouldn’t teach without. As part of sweeping budget cuts, the Florida Legislature eliminated the state Educators Professional Liability Insurance Program, which protects teachers if they lose a lawsuit or face a hefty settlement." "Fla. teachers lose liability insurance".Allen and Siplin

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio was right to strip state Rep. Bob Allen of his leadership position and remove him from serving on any legislative committees. Yes, Mr. Allen deserves his day in court for his misdemeanor arrest on sex-solicitation charges. But Mr. Rubio correctly surmised that the arrest and Mr. Allen's racially charged comments afterward destroyed his effectiveness. If only the state Senate would show such common sense. Sen. Gary Siplin was convicted of a felony -- using taxpayer money to pay campaign staffers -- and is allowed to serve while he appeals. Not only did he keep his committee assignment, he was named vice chairman of the Education Appropriations Committee." "Embarrassment 2".

The No-Fault Mess

"Crist and state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink have stayed out of the fray. There's little for the different interest groups to gain by tangling with the Legislature when there is no clear solution or agreement and the competing interests are numerous. Consider:"

• Chiropractors, doctors and pain-treatment centers want to keep much of the current personal injury protection system, called PIP. For a decade, they've fought plans to cap fees and the number of treatments, which have helped jack up costs.

• Big auto insurers, led by State Farm and Allstate, have fought to kill PIP, saying there's so much fraud in places like South Florida that some call Broward County's seat ''Fraud Lauderdale.'' Scrapping the system, they say, will lower rates by as much as 16 percent and could help more people buy affordable insurance.

• Trial lawyers also have resisted capping their fees to limit lawsuits. The end of the no-fault system helps some attorneys if more people will need to go to court -- and therefore hire a lawyer -- to prove who's at fault.

• Health insurers, consumer groups and hospitals want some replacement system so they don't have to pick up the cost, especially for expensive emergency-room care. The trial bar has also pushed to replace PIP.

"My Lai? Isn't that stretching it a little?"

"The story the Department of Corrections secretary cited in an ethics lecture for his wardens and top administrators this month was one in which he took no pride. In fact, he wasn't even there - McDonough was still at West Point when the history-making horror stories of the My Lai massacre and its aftermath occurred." "Bill Cotterell: It starts at the top".

Trimming The Fat

"A key piece of Florida Forever is quickly going broke. Armed each year with $105 million, the state program buys forests, beaches and critical wildlife habitat to keep them from being developed into homes and businesses. The system, set up by the Legislature, was supposed to run through the end of this decade, but the cash isn't likely to last that long. In fact, inflating real-estate costs have made state officials dip so deeply into future funding that as little as $30 million of the expected $315 million in funding through 2010 remains uncommitted to deals." "Land-preservation fund runs low".

Huh?

"So to pare back costs, lawmakers in May rightly decided to limit the grants to homes valued at $300,000 or less, down from $500,000. But they also decided to give the perks only to people who live in coastal communities. In other words, residents of inland counties such as Polk, which was hit by three hurricanes in 2004, will again be forced to subsidize coastal residents from the sidelines." "All Floridians Deserve Access To Home-Inspection Program".

Once Every Four Years

"Democrats preach virtue of labor unions".

Jenne's Jam

"Jenne's justice-will-prevail-attitude that played so well in the days following the shooting death of Wellington resident Chris Reyka belies a dark side of the once-legendary lawmaker, according to federal prosecutors. By the end of the summer — possibly as early as this week — a federal grand jury is expected to indict the former state political heavyweight for using his powerful position as Broward County's top cop for his personal gain." "Looming legal difficulties tarnish Broward sheriff's polished image".

Goin' Down

"19.9 -- The average 2007 ACT score in the state of Florida. ... The figure is one of the lowest in state-by-state comparisons. Only South Carolina, Washington, D.C. and Mississippi pulled lower test scores than the Sunshine State." "The Slant "Stat" on ACT scores".

WTF?

"When Wal-Mart talks, we should listen".

GOPer Outreach

Bill Cotterell the other day:

The most important thing to come out of the state Republican Party meeting last weekend was not the decision to send a full delegation to Minnesota next year and dare the national party to enforce rules that penalize Florida for throwing an early presidential primary. ...

So the more important news out of Orlando was GOP Chairman Jim Greer's creation of three "outreach coalitions" to target African-American, Hispanic and Jewish voters next year. Separately, the party is also running a voter-registration drive among women.

Hmmm, you think they might be expecting to run against a woman for president? Or possibly see a black candidate on the Democratic ticket?

Bad Timing

"County health care district weighs spending up to $2 million on a PR campaign." "Not the time to be splurging on a PR campaign".

Loophole

"Companies paying vast sums for property have found a loophole that costs the state millions by helping landowners avoid Florida's real-estate tax. Most home buyers don't spend enough to benefit from the loophole. State legislators facing a $1.1 billion budget deficit would be foolish to let the loophole stand. As The Post's Jeff Ostrowski reported last Sunday, three separate landowners selling their property for a combined $600 million didn't pay the 0.7 percent documentary stamp tax. On transactions that big, the savings are significant - as is the loss to the state treasury. The loophole on just those three deals cost the state $4.2 million. The Department of Revenue says it's impossible to know how much the loophole has cost statewide." "Close this tax loophole".

The Greatest Generation

The Palm Beach Post's George McEvoy wrote yesterday about his "personal hero, one I didn't tell anyone in my family or my circle of friends about - Moe Fishman." "Meet my hero Moe, Young Communist".

A Better Question

Randy Schultz on Florida's effort to pass a national catastrophe fund: "The biggest political problem with such legislation has been geography. Why should residents of Iowa or Montana or Illinois or Pennsylvania pay to bail out those stupid people in Florida who live in a dangerous place?" "Can Florida sell the nation on insurance?".

A better question might be "Why should residents of Iowa or Montana or Illinois or Pennsylvania pay to bail out those stupid selfish people in Florida who live in a state without the political spine to raise enough revenue to maintain a decent infrastructure and otherwise take care of itself when bad weather strikes?"

Return the Gift

"It is not often that a local government tries to turn down $10 million in federal construction money."

But then it is not every day that an Alaska congressman surprises a Florida community with the gift of a highway interchange that just happens to abut the property of a major political fund-raiser.

The money for the interchange was the work of Representative Don Young, the Alaska Republican who was chairman of the transportation committee before the last election.

Officials of Lee County considered the project a low priority, environmental groups opposed it and the Republican congressman from the district never asked for it.

But the interchange, on Interstate 75 at a place called Coconut Road, would be a boon to Daniel J. Aronoff, a Michigan real estate developer with adjacent property who helped raise $40,000 in donations to Mr. Young at a fund-raiser in the region shortly before Mr. Young inserted an earmark for the project in a transportation bill.

Allen Update

Don't you love it when right-wingers rely on what they consider to be mere legal technicalities (like Miranda) to avoid sex charges.

"Attorneys for state Rep. Bob Allen will argue in court Friday that statements the lawmaker made and charges against him should be tossed in the prostitution solicitation case. Allen's defense team filed motions asking Brevard County Circuit Court Judge Oscar Hotusing to dismiss charges against the two-term legislator and suppress evidence -- including statements Allen made after the arrest saying he was intimidated by 'a stocky, black man.' His attorney Greg Eisenmenger said Titusville police did not read Allen his Miranda rights before questioning him after the arrest and continued to interview him after he asked for attorney Philip Lupo." "Miranda issue in Allen case".

Cheap Shot

One could say that this correlates with Florida's shift from a Democratic state to a Republican state, but that would be a cheap shot. "A look at the increase in childhood obsesity".

FCAT Follies: Another Jebacy Biting the Dust?

"With Jeb Bush gone and his handpicked commissioner of education forced out by Gov. Crist, it might be possible to reform a system that since 1999 has pretended that a simple A through F grade could provide a meaningful picture of a school." "End simplistic system of grading the schools".

"Republican and Democratic lawmakers still disagree over whether the FCAT is the best way to hold schools accountable. But they are beginning to agree on one thing: To really measure the education that Florida students are getting, more benchmarks may be needed - especially for high schools, which have struggled to attain passing grades from the state." "Legislators Evaluate FCAT's Limits".