• The market value of your home is down.

• Your tax bill pretty much is as ugly as it used to be.

• Your insurance bill is even uglier than your tax bill.

• Even though you're paying the same, municipalities are cutting services anyway.

• So is the state, which is expected to decide at next month's special legislative session to cut the budgets for the public school or university your child attends.

• Despite falling housing prices, homes still are too expensive for middle-class workers.

High taxes and high insurance rates have hobbled all but the high end of Florida's real-estate market. When GOP leaders such as Gov. Crist, Rep. Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, promised to fix those problems, they were promising to fix what was fundamentally wrong with the state's economy.

They didn't keep that promise.

The GOPers' Turn

"Democrats are not the only ones who have a problem with Florida's primary date: Republicans are planning to punish the state, too. Florida and four other states - New Hampshire, Wyoming, Michigan and South Carolina - could see at least half their delegates blocked from the Republican National Convention next year in St. Paul, Minn., because they moved up their primary dates in violation of party rules, which require that they be no earlier than Feb. 5." "GOP also ready to swat Florida over primary".

'Glades

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Federal funding for the Everglades Restoration agreement hasn't paid off. It was supposed to be a partnership, and a historic one at that. Unfortunately, the seven-year effort by the federal and state government to restore the Florida Everglades has proven to be anything but." "U.S. isn't holding up its end of Everglades restoration deal".

Buddy Johnson "Inept, dishonest and political"?

"A Brandon man who wants to be Hillsborough County supervisor of elections described the current officeholder as "inept, dishonest and political" in announcing his own bid for the job Wednesday. Lee Nelson, 30, a Democrat who works in information technology, said he plans to restore honesty to the supervisor's office. He accused current Supervisor Buddy Johnson of losing votes, moving polling places without telling voters and surrounding himself with a partisan 'cabal.'" "Elections official under attack".

"Foley Factor"

"The Senate still may be out of town, but the Mark Foley scandal is never out of mind. That's why U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, drew such quick criticism from influential members of his own party. This week, Sen. Craig became the latest GOP lawmaker to make life easy for comedians by giving them one-liners every time he opens his mouth. Sen. Craig's defense that his arrest - for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer in a Minneapolis airport bathroom - resulted from a big misunderstanding is undercut by just one line in the officer's arrest report: 'I was able to see Craig's blue eyes as he looked into my stall.'" "Foley Factor kicks in".

Raw Political Courage

"Crist and his top lieutenant slip the surly bonds of Tallahassee today and head south to promote the space industry." "Crist to promote space industry".

No-Fault

"While there's still no plan to include any discussion of Florida's no-fault auto insurance when the Legislature meets next month in a special session, one more proposal to revamp the law is in the works. Sen. Bill Posey, a Republican from Rockledge who has led the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee since the beginning of the year, is drafting a bill that's very similar to one he introduced during this year's regular legislative session." "Sen. Posey aims to revamp no-fault law". In the meantime, "End of no-fault could means millions of uninsured vehicles".

Thompson

"Almost candidate Fred Thompson had scheduled a fundraiser for this afternoon at Baker Hostetler in Orlando, but it's been postponed at least until the 18th. There's Buzz that it's another sign of disorganization with the Thompson team ... The actor and former Tennessee had planned a busy Florida day, including meeting with Charlie Crist, but it had to be re-scheduled. 'The toughest part was contacting all the people excited about coming,' said Orlando lawyer Tico Perez, noting a flood of enthusiasm as word spread Thompson was coming." "Thompson fundraiser delayed". On a separate note: "Todd Harris joining Thompson". See also "Harris To Head Thompson Press Shop".

Charter Schools

The Miami Herald editors: "The number of charter schools that serve both general education and niche markets is quickly growing. Market is the operative word: Private charter-school owners and operators look to profit by running schools using state tax dollars. For these and other reasons, charter schools need more oversight than they now receive. In particular, the niche schools' performance in their specialty areas needs a rating system. Like public schools, charter schools administer the FCAT and are graded on students' test scores. But their specialized instructions aren't tested." "Sharpen line between church and state".

Rules, Whay Rules? "Administrators, teachers, parents and students at Osprey and Sawgrass charter schools became vigilantes of sorts, opening their doors for classes Wednesday and bucking a Brevard County School Board decision that demanded the sister schools close." "Schools defy order to close".

GOPers Back Out

"Univisión planned to air the first presidential debates in Spanish on Sept. 9 and 16, one for Democrats, the other for Republicans, trumpeting a national coming-out party for Hispanic voters. Except Republican candidates aren't coming. Only Ariz. Sen. John McCain agreed to participate in the event at the University of Miami. So much for Sept. 16." "GOP no-shows prompt cancellation of debate".

Hang Tuff

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Despite threats from national Democratic and Republican leaders to punish Florida for its early presidential primary, state party leaders owe it to voters to stick with the date set by the Legislature." "Don't back down".

See 'Ya

"One of Florida's top Democratic fundraisers has angrily snapped shut his heavy checkbook because the Democratic National Committee has pledged to penalize Florida for holding an early presidential primary. Jacksonville trial lawyer Wayne Hogan called DNC Chairman Howard Dean on Tuesday to cancel an event that Hogan had planned to host to raise money for the national party." "Democrats feel wrath of a top Florida fundraiser".

Wikpedia

"Dyer bio takes center stage in cyberduel".

Everyone Except the 911 First Responders

"Rudy Giuliani has formed a National First Responders Coalition, led by Howard Safir, who was one of Giuliani's police commissioners while he was mayor of New York. One of the national co-chairs in the law enforcement division is veteran Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger." "First Responders for Rudy". For a look at Giuliani's nonexistent cred with real firs responders, go here.

Tuition Increase

"Florida's community colleges have asked lawmakers to consider a tuition increase for the spring semester." "Community colleges seek spring tuition hike". On a related note, "Chairman wants to spare student financial aid from budget cuts".

Those Greedy Public Employees

"The state will not offer supplemental vision coverage next year for employees." "DMS drops supplemental vision plans for state employees".

Kucinich

"Leaders of the national Democratic Party 'owe something to Florida' and should work out a compromise to prevent such a key state from losing all votes at next summer's nominating convention, presidential contender Dennis Kucinich said Wednesday." "Kucinich: Democratic Party owes Fla.".

Brown-Waite Speaks

"U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite has called on the White House to give a true assessment of the war when it issues a much-anticipated report in September from the top U.S. commander in Iraq." "She talks about the Iraq war, taxes and other issues".

'Ya Think?

"If Florida government is truly to become the people's government, the pollution by politics of the business of government must become less of an expectation and more of a curiosity - unwelcome, but rare." "Efficiency partners".

"A Nobler Outcome"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Reports out of Tallahassee show legislators taking aim at Medicaid payments to nursing homes and for maternity stays in hospitals, along with other services designed to relieve some of Florida's more vulnerable populations. That's wrong, but easily remedied. Lawmakers can trim more bureaucratic fat. They can take on more powerful, private interests. They can push themselves to a nobler outcome." "Spread it around". See also "House, Senate budget writers say they won't cut Medically Needy" and "Budget Crunch Jeopardizes Services For Severely Disabled".

More: "Budget plans would release some prisoners", "Crist: Leave schools alone", "State lawmakers face big budget woes", "Lawmakers consider tuition increase in response to budget crisis", "Just plane common sense" ("Here’s one possible budget cut that you won't see happening this year: reducing the size of the state's airplane fleet.") and "Visit Florida sweats possible cuts to budget".

Another Delightful Jebacy

"Florida's SAT college entrance exam scores remain some of the lowest in the country, despite a record number of high school seniors taking the test this year, according to a College Board report. ... Overall, the class of 2007 averaged the lowest math and reading SAT scores since 1999." "SAT scores lag behind national averages in Florida".

Early Primary

"Florida's Democratic congressional delegation dug in its heels Tuesday in support of the state's early presidential primary, despite Saturday's decision by the national party to dismiss the results at the 2008 convention. The Jan. 29 primary violates Democratic party rules that allow only four smaller states to vote that early. In an effort to spread out the primary calendar, the national party has urged Florida Democrats to organize another vote after Feb. 5. No way, said Florida officeholders in Washington, who are threatening to take the national party to court." "Primary election dispute leaves voters in confusion".

"Florida Democrats may face a big legal hurdle in challenging national Democratic Party moves to strip the state of delegates to the party’s national convention next year—a 1981 Supreme Court case that backed national parties’ rights to set rules for choosing delegates to their national conventions." "Hurdle For State Dems: 1981 Case Upheld Parties’ Rights On Convention Delegates". See also "Dem Delegation Reinforces Lawsuit Threat". More: "Congressional Dems dig in" and "War among Democrats intensifies".

The editors weigh in: "National parties should back off, fix primaries". See also "Screamin' mad" ("State Democrats' anger justified").

More from the national media: Time has this: "Will Dean's War on Florida Backfire?" and RealClearPolitics has this "Florida and the DNC, Continued" (via Naked Politics).

Meanwhile, the "GOP plans to penalize Florida for holding early presidential primary": "The Republican National Committee plans to penalize Florida and at least three other states holding early primaries by refusing to seat at least half their delegates at the party's national convention in 2008, a party official said Tuesday."

From the "Values" Crowd

There are

a record 47 million people in the United States who did not have health insurance last year, even as the poverty level continued to decline, according to U.S. Census Bureau reports released Tuesday. That was a jump of 2.2 million from the previous year. ...

In Florida, for the first time in at least 20 years, 21.2 percent, or more than one of five residents, were uninsured in 2006. That made it fourth in the nation in the rate of uninsured. Texas led the nation with nearly 25 percent, compared with the national average of 15.8 percent.

One census report also showed that the nation's official poverty rate dropped from 12.6 percent in 2005 to 12.3 percent last year - 36.5 million people. The Census Bureau called that decrease the first "statistically significant" drop since Bush took office in 2001. The rate was 12.7 percent in 2004 but the bureau indicated the drop between 2004 and 2005 was not "statistically significant."

But a separate report that looked more closely at state and local estimates put the national rate at 13.3 percent. In that report, Florida ranked 26th among the states, with a poverty level of 12.6 percent.

Feeney's "Shameless Symmetry"

The St. Pete Times editors: "If U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, has failed to burnish an image as a congressional influence peddler, it is not for lack of trying. Apparently not content with the outrage over his lavish 2003 Scotland golf trip on the dime of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Feeney is now paying for his legal defense with $5,000 from a businessman seeking a NASA contract. Call it shameless symmetry." "Feeney sinks further into ethics swamp".

Kottkamp Finds Something to Do

"Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp was appointed Tuesday to head a new state cabinet that will help agencies coordinate children's needs." "New panel to coordinate state agencies to benefit state's youth". See also "Crist introduces Children's Cabinet".

"Firewall"

"A Washington Post political blog reported a couple of hours ago on a slide presentation given to Rudy Giuliani volunteers that identified Florida as Giuliani’s 'firewall' in the early primary season." "Is We Is, Or Is We Ain’t, Giuliani’s Firewall?" See also "Is Florida Giuliani’s Firewall? Maybe, maybe not".

Poor Vern

"The pressure is building on Rep. Vern Buchanan. Defenders of the Iraq war have poured $300,000 into a TV ad campaign in Buchanan's congressional district urging Congress not to 'give up' on the war. And on Tuesday, about 200 anti-war activists took to a community center in Newtown, hoping to persuade Buchanan to vote for legislation to begin bringing home U.S. troops." "Buchanan faces big pressures over Iraq".

Edwards and Kucinich

"Edwards and Kucinich were in Central Florida to address union members and officials from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. It was a friendly crowd for both men, who, like other Democrats, have positioned themselves as champions of blue-collar and middle-class workers." "Edwards, Kucinich pitch Dems as champions of working class". See also "Orlando leftovers", "Edwards: Americans should sacrifice their SUVs" and "Edwards, Kucinich try to woo union support".

Alarming

Mile Thomas yesterday: "An alarming number of people in Florida and Orlando will lose their homes in the next two years. It's time for state officials to get involved." "State must help deflect disaster in foreclosures".

That "Green" Thing Annoys the GOPers

"As the Florida Legislature looks for ways to cut more than $1 billion from the state budget, it seems everything will be scrutinized -- even Gov. Charlie Crist's personal effort to curb global warming. Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, on Tuesday questioned state environmental officials on the installation of a $172,000 hydrogen cell system at the governor's mansion." "Senator raps governor for his eco-spending".

Daily Naugle

"Mayor Jim Naugle's series of controversial comments about homosexuality cost him his seat Tuesday on the board that promotes Broward County to tourists. County commissioners accused him of jeopardizing the area's multibillion-dollar tourism industry. They said Naugle forced them to take the unprecedented step of stripping him of the job when he ignored warnings to stop his attacks." "Anti-gay remarks cost Naugle his seat on tourism board".

Weird

"Michael Duga -- Taravella High grad, aide to a former U.S. senator, longtime political wonk -- got tangled up in a bizarre political web this week." "Political hotshot finds himself in hot water".

Transportation Policies

"If Gov. Crist wants to go green, state transportation policies are not supporting that goal." Read what the Palm Beach Post editors mean here: "Stop outbound money train".

Now's the Time To Buy

"After years of paying top dollar for environmentally sensitive land, Florida wants to jump into the buyers' real estate market." "Low land prices lure Cabinet".

Not "On Your Side"

"Nationwide Insurance is further withdrawing from the Florida property market, announcing plans to drop another 40,600 policies starting next year, focusing on insuring cars instead." "Insurer drops more policies". See also "Insurer will drop 40,600 policies".

Those Greedy State Employees

The Tampa Trib editors can't bring themselves to support an employee "perk": "Given that Florida State University plans to freeze enrollment next year because of state budget cuts, it's entirely reasonable that the university would stop allowing state employees to take some classes for free." "A Perk Florida Can't Afford".

Wow! How Impressive!

"Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has named a 58(!) member Florida Business Leaders for Rudy committee." Some on this list of heavyweights include, beginning with the Bernsteins(?), the following luminaries:

- Richard Bernstein - CEO, Richard S. Bernstein & Associates

- Robert Bernstein - President, Spectrum Health Solutions

- Robin Bernstein - CEO, Richard S. Bernstein & Associates

- Perry Birman - President/Owner, American Built-in Closets ...

- Don Cerenzio - Agent, State Farm of Winter Park ...

- Ralph E. Rodriguez - President/Owner, Floor Prep Inc ...

- Eric Teuber - Owner, Little Folks Shop Inc

- Michael Edward Velilla - President/Owner, Tampa Sedan & Limousine

- C.C. Winn - Owner, No Ordinary Kleaning

"Property tax cuts a disappointment"

"Property taxes are falling for many — but not all — Floridians, although the reductions often are not as much as expected. The Legislature's passage of a tax rollback in June had property owners expecting a windfall or at least a decrease, but they are now learning that the benefits can vary due to a variety of factors, including local market conditions, state and county tax officials say." "Florida property tax cuts a disappointment to many residents".

And then there's this: "Many would be better off with Save Our Homes, analyses show." "Exemption might not be so super".

Poor Charlie - Steve Bousquet writes that: "For months, Gov. Charlie Crist has utilized his knack for compressing complex issues into crisp sound bites to create high hopes that insurance rate relief was on the way and property taxes would 'drop like a rock.' ... The first-year governor is now acknowledging he may have promised too much." "'Rock' puts Crist in a hard place".

Charlie has a "knack for compressing complex issues into crisp sound bites"? C'mon, Mr. Bousquet, you can do better than that.

Elian 2?

"The boy, now 13, was the first witness to testify Tuesday at a rancorous custody trial over the fate of his 4-year-old half-sister. The case pits the girl's father, Rafael Izquierdo, a Cuban farmer, against the girl's foster parents, Coral Gables couple Joe and Maria Cubas." "Child custody case: Brother tells of mom's violence". See also "Brother of girl in Cuban custody case accuses mother of abuse".

The Miami Herald editorial board:

The case of the 4-year-old girl whose mother, Elena Pérez, brought her to Miami from Cuba only to become unable to care for her and her half-brother is heartbreaking. The Department of Children & Families, which says its job is to maintain the ''integrity of the family,'' seems to have forgotten that role in this case. On Monday, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Jeri B. Cohen reminded DCF of its duty -- and rightly so -- by rejecting the agency's claim that the father's desire to raise his daughter was child abuse. That's preposterous -- and Judge Cohen was justified in saying so. ...

The DCF position in this case is a departure from its norm: It is recommending that the foster family get custody on grounds that Mr. Izquierdo is unfit. Besides rejecting part of DCF's abuse claim, Judge Cohen warned that the law does not seem to support DCF's claim that the father abandoned the girl by not objecting when her mother brought the girl to this country. Then there is the documents blunder. DCF and the juvenile-court clerk's office can't find the paper showing that Ms. Perez formally gave up custody of her daughter.

Another sign how things have changed in the last year in Tallahassee: The two Democratic state senators [Nan Rich and Frederica Wilson] sitting on the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee expressed deep misgivings Monday about a proposal from a Republican administration to hire 651 more state workers to take over duties now performed by private vendors.

"Florida's dismal finances"

"Florida's dismal finances will generate cuts in every area of spending, including the state's biggest ticket items - education and health care - top budget officials said Monday." "Budget cuts to touch most areas". See also "Housing slump may force Florida to make $2 billion in budget cuts".

There is some good news: "Another departure from the policy mantra of Gov. Jeb Bush is buried in the billions of dollars in proposed budget cuts state lawmakers began sifting over Monday. The Agency for Health Care Administration wants to end a pilot program called Senior Care that aimed to hand over elderly Medicaid patients in Seminole, Orange, Brevard and Osceola counties, as well as the Pensacola area, to managed care companies. Killing off the project would save the agency $332,000 -- a pittance of the $685 million in cuts it’s proposing as lawmakers approach a September budget-cutting session." "More of Jeb's Legacy Threatened".

And You Thought This Year Was Bad

"Florida's budget woes got worse Monday as state economists warned that revenues will fall short by $2.5 billion next year unless lawmakers severely cut spending on the state's $71 billion budget." "More budget cuts loom". See also "State's $1 billion shortfall just the beginning of red ink", "State's Finance Picture Dim, Economists say" and "Florida's fiscal outlook bleak" ("The fiscal picture is getting gloomier and budget cutting will have to stretch longer, into next spring, lawmakers learned Monday.")

"So what?"

Adam Smith may have a point: "Sure, the DNC promises to strip all of Florida's 210 delegates to the presidential election."

So what? These days, conventions rarely are more than giant commercials anyway. Once a Democratic nominee emerges, he or she will take over the party and make sure Florida has a full presence at the national convention in Denver.

Besides, that Jan. 29 ballot in Florida includes a crucial property tax initiative loathed by most Democratic leaders, who want serious voter turnout to defeat it. Crying about a meaningless presidential primary sure won't help that cause.

"Why worry about how to select delegates at this point? This is how Democrats will lose, when the party activists worry only about how to get to the convention instead of how to get voters out to vote," Miami-Dade Democratic state committeewoman Cindy Lerner said in an e-mail Monday.

State Democrats should crow about Florida getting an early voice in the presidential nomination. To candidates tempted to skip the Sunshine State because no delegates are at stake, Florida Democrats should loudly question whether any candidate can pretend to be viable in the general election without fighting hard to win over Florida Democrats on Jan. 29.

Florida Republicans, who know a thing or two about winning, are essentially in the same boat. They broke their national party's rules, too. But you don't hear them threatening lawsuits and moaning about lost delegates.

"Curveball"

"Florida elections officials have thrown a curveball onto the state's political playing field -- campaigns can't poll voters about issues."

For starters, it means political campaigns pushing ballot initiatives, such as one to change Florida's property tax structure, are forbidden from surveying voters to find out how they might fair at the polls. ...

"Truthfully, no one ever posed the question before, but the law is very clear," said Sterling Ivey, spokesman for the Department of State. ...

There are plenty of ways around the law: other entities, such as issue-oriented electioneering and advocacy groups can pay for polls, Ivey said.

She Even Used That Icky "Union" Word

"U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton brought a populist, pro-labor message to Central Florida on Monday, telling about 700 union members that the country can't afford another Republican presidency." "Presidential hopefuls reach out to machinists union".

Credit where credit is due: "Huckabee takes his turn with union crowd".

Allen Update

"State Rep. Bob Allen won a small victory in court Monday when prosecutors agreed not to use controversial comments he made after his arrest on charges of soliciting prostitution because police didn't read him his rights. But Assistant State Attorney Pat Whitaker said there still is enough evidence to convict Allen. And, even if the lawmaker is acquitted, some said the statements would haunt him for a long time, possibly ending his political career."

In the taped statement that was tossed out Monday, Allen said he was just playing along because he was intimidated by the undercover officer, who he described as a "stocky black guy," and that he thought he was going to be robbed.

Byrd

"The Byrd Alzheimer's Center could have a tough battle ahead to keep its funding this year, if Monday's talk in the Senate was any indication" "Alzheimer's Research In Budget Cross Hairs".

'Ya Think?

"Rubio: Insurance reform, tax cut fall short" ("Insurance reforms and property tax cuts approved by the Florida Legislature this year have fallen short of expectations, House Speaker Marco Rubio conceded Monday.")

Ahem ... Could it be Politics?

"A judge criticized state child welfare officials Monday for saying a Cuban girl at the heart of an international custody battle would be irreparably damaged by being taken from her foster parents and returned to her father, because she'd formed a bond with them." "Judge criticizes Florida over Cuba custody battle".

Challenging "Chain-gang Charlie"

"James McDonough is one of the longest serving top state officials in Florida, having been the so-called Drug Czar for most of the Jeb Bush administration and now serving as secretary of the Department of Corrections under Gov. Crist. He is also a man who has the wisdom and the gumption to try to lead the leaders, coming up with proposals such as this week's suggestion that his agency can save 10 percent by moving thousands of state inmates from prisons to work release, substance abuse and education programs."

In a report Saturday in the Sarasota Herald Tribune, Mr. McDonough said he realized this would be a shift from more than a decade of hard-line policies - including those emanating from the governor's own "chain-gang Charlie" years. In the 1990s, then-state senator Crist lead lawmakers in mandating that all inmates serve 85 percent of their sentence, and promoted work on roadside labor crews.

But the governor said last week that he respects Mr. McDonough's "excellent judgment" and would like to see what offenders would be under consideration, and whether they would indeed pose little threat to the public.

This is an open-minded view not reflected in the Senate where criminal justice committee chairman Victor Crist (no relation to the governor) reacted more negatively.

Florida's Booming Economy

"The slump, the worst seen in 16 years, is predicted to worsen. Sales of existing homes dropped for a fifth straight month in July while the number of unsold homes shot up to a record level." "Home sales, prices tumble".

Whoopee!

"Selecting a new U.S. attorney for the north and central Florida region should proceed as planned, despite U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' resignation, say lawyers familiar with the process." "Resignation is unlikely to affect Florida appointment".

HD 51

"Republican Bruce Cotton, who last year lost a primary against Dottie Reeder, is running again for state House District 51, against incumbent Democrat Janet Long." "Bruce Cotton v. Janet Long".

Those Greedy, High Paid Public Employees Are Never Satisfied

"Longtime Florida Highway Patrol troopers continue to leave the agency in droves for higher-paying jobs as police officers, deputy sheriffs and even federal air marshals." "Low pay drives troopers to the exits".

We Luv Our Unions

"Some [Tampa] city council members want to put some muscle behind defeating January's referendum on a homestead superexemption. At a recent city council budget workshop, Councilwoman Mary Mulhern suggested that the police and firefighter unions work to persuade residents to vote against the measure. Mulhern said she wants to turn to the unions to lobby against the referendum. 'We need to get that message out to the voters.' ... Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena likes Mulhern's idea." "Council Members Want Unions To Fight Superexemption".

Is This Really A Mystery?

"A former U.S. Marine shot and killed two political consultants before killing himself last week but investigators still cannot say why, the Orange County Sheriff's Office announced Monday."

Forensic evidence identified Jason Drake as the killer of Republican strategists Rafael "Ralph" Gonzalez and David Abrami, sheriff's Cmdr. Joe Picanzo said.

"What prompted him to go in and commit that crime remains undetermined and may never be known," Picanzo said. "We have had so many different and conflicting statements from people." ...

"All three associated socially and professionally to some degree," said Picanzo, who did not know how the three met.

Gonzalez, 39, was the president of Strategum Group and a former head of the Republican Party in Georgia. He managed U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney's 2002 campaign and the 2003 Orlando mayoral campaign of advertising executive Pete Barr.

Abrami, 36, an attorney who previously worked with Orlando political consultant Doug Guetzloe, had a room in Gonzalez's house. He graduated from the University of Central Florida and Washington & Lee University School of Law and clerked for a federal judge in Alabama before practicing antitrust law in Atlanta, according to his online resume.

Stupid Is ...

Pamela Hasterok: "Hoard $20 million and lose $20 million and what do you get? Half a million children with no health care."

It didn't have to be that way.

If only Florida lawmakers had spent $20 million this spring to fix the problems with the state's complicated system for insuring children from working class families, so many more could see a doctor today. If only legislators had committed to ensuring health care for our children, more kids could receive the hospital treatments they need.

But that's not what happened.

Pressured by the HMOs that provide health care to children whose families earn too much to receive Medicaid, the Senate killed a bill that would have made it easier to cover children and keep them insured. Had the state been spending what it should to guarantee health care for children from lower income families, it wouldn't have to return $20 million to the federal government this year.

That makes $140 million since 1998 Florida has been forced to give back in matching money for children's health care.

So, no surprise, almost one in five children in Florida doesn't have health insurance.

Yet the state's top brass won't do anything about it.

"Complex and convoluted"

"The head of Florida's housekeeping agency said Monday taxpayers often lose money on major purchases because state rules are so "complex and convoluted" that companies don't want the bureaucratic hassle of selling to government agencies." "DMS chief pans purchasing rules".

Whatever

"Florida's fat, but neighbors are fatter".

Wingnut Backlash

"A cultural action organization, Florida Family Action, is urging people to call and write Gov. Charlie Crist to oppose a compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to allow slot machines at seven tribal gambling sites. The Orlando-based group's email implies Crist broke a campaign promise to oppose expansion of gambling in Florida ('Ask Gov. Crist to keep his promise not to expand gambling in Florida,' the email header says). Florida Family Action's leader, John Stemberger, is a prominent social conservative who supported Crist's Republican opponent, Tom Gallagher, last year." "Anti-gambling group targets Crist".

Daniel Ruth has a little fun with the issue:

Alas, the idea of people having a good time rubbed House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Jimmy Olsen of the Apalachee Parkway, the wrong way.

And in a finger-waving commentary published in a recent edition of the Florida Baptist Witness, Rubio fretted that entering into a revenue-generating deal with the Seminoles "is flawed and more importantly morally indefensible."

Oh really?

Couldn't one argue more pointedly that what is really morally indefensible is Florida sanctioning its own daily bolita game, as well as scratch-off gaming cards, in addition to also condoning dog racing, horse racing and jai-alai, while suppressing the Seminoles' lawful right to conduct their own gaming?

Rubio also clucked that while increased crime, drug use and divorce have not increased with enhanced gaming in Broward County, "I say, give it time." Fun guy.

So in addition to being the Speaker of the Florida House, is Rubio also the Karnack the Magnificent of Tallahassee?

All kinds of folks want better schools, more cops, smoother roads, cleaner air, sweet lollipops and warm puppies all the while cutting taxes.

So how do you pay for all of this stuff if you don't want to play roulette footsie with the Seminoles?

Ask Marco Rubio - God's handicapper.

Laff Riot

"'I think frankly Gonzales did get a raw deal,' said Stafford Jones, chairman of the Alachua County Republican Executive Committee. Jones described controversy over the termination of several U.S. attorneys as 'probably one of the biggest scams perpetrated on the American people that I have ever seen.'" "Area experts divided over Gonzales' term". Expert?

"A man in a purple moon suit"

"When an inmate receives a lethal injection in Florida, a man in a purple moon suit leans over to listen for a heartbeat and feel for a pulse as witnesses watch and wait. After a few seconds he nods, triggering an announcement that the execution has been completed. The man is a doctor and the attire shields his identity — not just from the prisoner's family and friends, but from the American Medical Association. Its code of ethics bars members from participating in executions, as do those of the American Nurses Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Florida Medical Association." "More medical help sought at Fla. executions to ensure 'dignified and humane deaths'".

"Not So"

"Once again, Florida's two U.S. senators are working to keep Congress from opening Florida's coastline to offshore oil drilling. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, said he thought the idea had been 'put to bed' last year when Congress passed a measure blocking drilling within 240 miles of Tampa Bay. Not so." "Offshore drilling threat re-emerges".

Mahoney Mum

"Several local Democratic elected officials are already lining up behind Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. But freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney isn’t making any endorsements." "No presidential bandwagon for Mahoney". See also "Mahoney won't back candidate until he's wowed".

Insurance

"Southern governors met on Sunday at a renovated casino hotel in a city nearly devastated two years earlier. On the agenda: their states' continued struggles to find, keep and encourage insurers that will sell affordable homeowner policies." "South's governors echo Florida insurance woes".

Those Greedy Rank-And-File Public Employees

"State employees in Florida have received their now-infamous $1,000 so-called bonus instead of any raise in their base pay this year, nor have past years been anything for them to cheer about."

Yet here in the capital city, local government's top officials are thriving, with county pay raises for its top 10 highest paid employees jumping from 32 percent to as much as 82 percent in the last five years and city pay hikes for its most highly paid players jumping from 11 percent to nearly 35 percent in that same time frame.

This, even as rank and file county and city employees can anticipate a 2.7 percent increase for the upcoming fiscal year, starting Oct. 1.

Hmmm

"Divvy up Florida's electoral votes?" More: "A simple reform: Count all votes".

Little Leagues Beware

"The question of whether Florida parents can sign away their children's rights to sue sports, amusement and water parks may soon become an issue for the Florida Supreme Court, state lawmakers or both." "Florida high court may take up children's rights to sue".

Brain Trust

"Leaders from around the state met in Largo Sunday to discuss long-term goals for Florida's future." "Leaders discuss Florida's goals".

"Political or public-relations mileage"?

"Florida's suddenly teeming with government officials wanting to be the state's next green giant", but the Orlando Sentinel editorial board notes that

exactly how government leaders move forward will tell their constituents all they need to know about whether they're genuinely committed to tackling global warming, or just want to gain some political or public-relations mileage by riding the wave to go green that's been sweeping the country.

We won't guess how individual members of the League [of Mayors] will proceed, though its resolution that "encourages Florida cities to strive to meet" green goals sounds a bit like "Let's win one for the team! -- without getting the players to sign a playbook showing them how.

When Castro Dies

George Diaz: when Castro dies

Cuban-American exiles will want to dictate the future of the island. Those who stayed behind will want no part of that agenda. The United States may also try to reach out to help chart a post-Castro renaissance, but only if concessions are made from the new regime in regards to human rights and other freedoms. Raul Castro, Fidel's brother and the de facto leader of Cuba, doesn't seem to be in the mood to make any conciliatory gestures at this time.

It will be a bit of a political chess game to see who blinks first. Presidential candidate Barack Obama called for a softening of the hard-line position against Cuba in an op-ed piece in The Miami Herald. That pretty much threw away 27 electoral votes should he emerge as the Democratic nominee.

But at least Obama has the conviction to move the conversation in a different direction "to advance peaceful political and economic reform on the island." It is a significant philosophical shift, away from a 45-year-old embargo that has failed to weaken Castro's grip on the island.

A softer touch may be a more pragmatic road to travel, but you'll never get past the roadblock of hard-line Cubanos sipping their cafe con leche in Little Havana. They take meticulous notes on such matters, and anything short of Death to Castro makes you a liberal swine.

Usually, expressions of common sense don't merit praise for courage. But politicians from both parties have been so intimidated by the Cuban exile community's hard-liners - and so willing to pander to them - that reasonable policy has become a refreshing departure. No other Democrat in the field has broken with the Bush administration's position, nor is one likely to. Front-runner Hillary Clinton issued a statement in response to Sen. Obama that reiterated her commitment to the status quo.

"Rip-Off"

"Let's get right down to it: Title insurance in Florida is a rip off. It costs too much for what the consumer gets, accounting for an average 14 percent of the consumer's closing costs in property transactions. Yet insurers face little risk considering only 3 cents of the premium dollar is ever paid out for losses. Consumers would get a better deal at the craps table. State regulators are reviewing the title insurance industry, as required by law, and have had to subpoena companies to get them to fully cooperate. Despite the secrecy, regulators have managed to uncover some startling details. The most obvious problem is that the business isn't really competitive, with just five companies writing 90 percent of policies sold in the state. Consequently, industry profits were up 386 percent from 1995 to 2004." "Put an end to title insurance rip off".

Reaping the Whirlwind

"Sen. Mel Martinez has seen his public-approval ratings droop back home in Florida. And President Bush, already mired in an unpopular war, faces open rebellion within his party over his attempts to turn undocumented immigrants into a legal work force. Their cause — a comprehensive overhaul of immigration laws — has sparked a political backlash that has divided the party, forced Congress to shelve the bill and jeopardized Republican attempts in Florida and elsewhere to reach out to Hispanic voters." "Sun-Sentinel: Immigration overhaul weighs heavily on Republicans".

No Ties

The Miami Herald's "Political Beat": "new gift laws forbid the governor from accepting gifts of any value from anyone who lobbies his office, including other government agencies", even a $14.99 education-themed tie. See also "Governor doesn't accept his gift tie".

Florida's Booming Crashing Economy

"Boom of condo crash loudest in Miami".

"Reaching for the gambling Kool-Aid"

Randy Schultz yesterday: "Uh-oh. One little financial thirst, and Gov. Crist already is reaching for the gambling Kool-Aid."

Twenty-one years ago, Florida voters approved a state lottery, supposedly to "enhance" education without raising taxes. It was a false promise then, and it remains a false promise.

In 1986, education made up almost 62 percent of the state budget's general fund. The lottery began operating in 1988. Since then, the percentage of general revenue for education has declined steadily, to 52.4 percent. As added money came in from the lottery, the Legislature decreased the share from taxes. School districts didn't use lottery money for "enhancement"; they had to use it for everyday bills.

In 1997, during a statewide classroom shortage, the Legislature allowed the use of lottery money for construction and created Bright Futures scholarships, also financed by the lottery. With only above-average grades and minimal test scores, high school seniors can get 75 percent of their tuition paid at state universities. Higher-scoring students get 100 percent.

By law, 50 percent of annual lottery sales goes to payouts, 38 percent goes to education and the rest goes to run the Lottery Department. The Department of Education decides where that 38 percent will go. In 1998, less than 10 percent of lottery money went to Bright Futures. This year, it's 25 percent, or almost $370 million. Public schools receive less lottery money than they did before Bright Futures. And schools get nothing from Bright Futures.

If gambling were the answer, Florida wouldn't rank somewhere between 45th and 48th in per-pupil school spending. If gambling were the answer, universities wouldn't be freezing enrollment, and community colleges wouldn't be turning themselves into four-year diploma mills.

Yet Gov. Crist apparently clings to the fiction that more casinos will fix things. He's wrong from a financial standpoint and a moral standpoint.

No-Fault

Mark Lane is "Finding fault with no-fault".

"Elian repeat unlikely"?

"Cuban father wants daughter, 4, returned from adoptive parents in Miami" See also "Elian case looms over custody battle" and "Custody battle over Cuban girl heats up but Elian repeat unlikely".

Yesterday's News

Some of the salient political news and punditry from yesterday:

- "Republicans have dominated Florida's delegation to Congress in recent years largely because the GOP has guarded a near-stranglehold on seven of eight U.S. House seats in Central Florida.
But after sweeping to power in 2006, Democratic leaders in Congress waant to expand their majority in 2008 by targeting tougher races nationwide -- including three Republican incumbents in the Orlando area."

To do that, groups such as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for months have combed Central Florida looking for recruits and fundraisers. They've had some success, including finding an insider in the space industry to run in Brevard County. But actually winning these elections is another matter. Veteran lawmakers hold all three seats. Rep. Dave Weldon of Indialantic first was elected in 1994. Rep. Ric Keller of Orlando and Rep. Tom Feeney of Oviedo won their seats in 2000 and 2002 respectively. Their Democratic challengers have limited, if any, political credentials. The difference in experience gives the incumbents a historic advantage in exposure and fundraising. With more than a year before the 2008 general election, here's a breakdown of the emerging campaigns in each race.
District 8