This year's hopefuls are again making the rounds in Little Havana and on Miami's Spanish-language radio, mixing criticism of Fidel Castro's Cuban regime with scathing comments about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

But this once fail-safe plan has become more risky as Florida's increasingly diverse Hispanic community no longer guarantees a monolithic vote. Of the state's estimated 3 million Hispanics, Cubans represent a third. Puerto Ricans and Mexicans, more traditionally Democratic voters, make up another third, and Central and South Americans round out the group.

"Staunch Republican" Kills Self After Allegations He Abused His 12 and 15 Year Old Daughters

St. Petersburg City Council Chairman, and "staunch Republican" John Bryan "suicide came after news spread Friday that authorities were investigating allegations that he had sexually abused three girls, including two of his adopted daughters, ages 12 and 15." As an aside, Bryan was the "former finance chairman for U.S. Sen. Connie Mack, Bryan ['a fierce ally of Mayor Rick Baker'] helped push Baker's agenda through the City Council." "Scandal and suicide". See also "Councilman resigns, then apparently commits suicide" and "Tribune: St. Petersburg Councilman Resigns, Commits Suicide". More at Blast Off.

Two-Bit Hypocrite

"Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's suggestion this week that it's 'unsettling' to have the Government Accountability Office weigh in on the Iraq war is earning her some blogging brickbats."

Ros-Lehtinen has been a consistent supporter of the war effort; the GAO report suggested the Iraqi government has failed to meet a majority of political or military goals. ...

Think Progress, a project of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, writes that the Miami Republican has "had no problem citing the work of the GAO...or enlisting the GAO's resources to pursue her agenda. It's only when she doesn't like the agencies' conclusions that she finds fault with the work of the office."

GOPers Back Themselves Into A Corner

You reckon politics had anything to do with the special session postponement?

Republican House and Senate leaders postponed a special session this week after they could not agree on budget cuts, but officials in both chambers said Friday that the delay offers possible political benefits for each chamber.

Senate Republicans get more time to present the case for their unpopular plan; House GOP leaders get to work on a compromise and avoid pairing ugly fights with costly budget cuts.

Democrats say the majority party is just delaying the inevitable.

Secret Plaintiffs

"The 4th District Court of Appeal Friday refused a Palm Beach Post request to disclose the names of two plaintiffs seeking to delete sections of a grand jury report that criticized a 'pay to play' atmosphere in the city of West Palm Beach." "Court rejects request to reveal pay-to-play plaintiffs". More from the Palm Beach Post editors: "Court dragging its feet on West Palm corruption".

Swamphens

"State officials have shot more than 800 swamphens in the past 18 months, determined to wipe out a bird that has been rapidly spreading through wetlands" "Wildlife officials gun down exotic purple birds".

Voter Registration Law Challenged

Naked Politics reports: "The Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law, the same group that raised questions about Florida's efforts to purge felons from the voting rolls, today said that it has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to reject recent voter registration law changes. The organization is asking the federal government to reject the 2007 law, which softened a 2005 law that imposed fines on third party groups who register voters if they do not turn in registration forms within a certain time period. Lawmakers changed the 2005 law because the federal courts ruled it unconstitutional. Any changes to Florida voting rights law must receive 'pre-clearance' from the federal government because five counties remain subject to federal scrutiny because of past discrimination complaints. The Brennan Center argues that DOJ should reject the new law because they contend it will adversely impact the registration of black and Hispanic voters. ... Go here to read the letter to DOJ: Download brennan_center.pdf" "Feds urged to reject Florida voter law".

"A 'more realistic' approach is needed"

"Crist's plan to fix Florida's billion-dollar budget crunch was dismissed Friday by top lawmakers and program advocates, with one leading legislator [Sen. J.D. Alexander, chairman of the budget committee overseeing general government spending] saying a 'more realistic' approach is needed. Environmentalists, road builders and -- perhaps most ominously for Crist -- influential lawmakers criticized his bid to patch the $1.1 billion budget hole with cuts, shifts in funding -- and more spending." "Lawmakers say Crist's budget cuts won't fly".

Putting The Reins on CRAs

"Anxious educators predicted 'catastrophic' consequences Friday if a new Florida Supreme Court ruling upends a construction-financing scheme that school districts throughout the state have relied on for nearly 20 years." "School leaders alarmed over ruling".

The deep thinkers on the Miami Herald editorial board think the ruling is wonderful:

The Florida Supreme Court this week put the reins on Community Redevelopment Agencies, known as CRAs, leaving their supporters reeling in surprise. There are 178 CRAs created by local governments in Florida to revitalize blighted areas. The agencies collect a portion of the property taxes within defined tax-increment districts to spend on improvements there.

The CRAs' record is decidely mixed. Some -- in Miami Beach, for example -- have wrought wonders. Others, like Miami's CRA, which has been hampered by conflicting agendas, have yet to live up to their promise. With the court's ruling, the CRAs, which are governed by boards made up of elected officials, will now have to be more accountable. This is a good thing, even if it makes CRAs' jobs more challenging.

Opponents of Orlando's planned downtown venues may have cheered Thursday when the Florida Supreme Court ruled voters need to approve certain methods of paying for public projects, but they'd be smart not to schedule the victory party just yet.

That party could turn into a wake for revitalized downtowns all across Florida, not just Orlando. It could make it harder to pay for new roads and build town centers. It also would require taxpayers who don't directly benefit from improvements to pay for them. ...

The biggest blow delivered by the ruling will be to Florida's schools -- especially in growing counties such as Orange, where a form of what's called "tax-increment financing" has been used to build more than $1 billion worth of classrooms.

Dodd on Cuba

"On the eve of a presidential forum targeting Hispanic voters, Democratic candidate Chris Dodd seeks to one-up his more popular rivals by coming to Miami today to demand an end to the trade embargo with Cuba. The stance, guaranteed to kick up a backlash among hard-line Cuban exiles, puts the Connecticut senator at odds with the Republican field and most of the Democrats. When Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, announced in Miami two weeks ago that he favored allowing Cuban Americans to freely visit and send money to family on the island, he said he supported the embargo because it would serve as leverage against the repressive regime." "Dodd wants to end Cuba embargo".

No-Fault

"Florida's no-fault auto-insurance law is set to expire Oct. 1, and the Legislature is not expected to renew it. If the law expires, what would it mean to motorists?" "What no-fault means to you". The Sun-Sentinel editors: "Lawmakers have enough ideas to craft a solution — albeit an imperfect on — to PIP".

Giuliani A Regular Rocket Scientist

"Touring Giuliani says Florida is crucial in '08". More on the man who married his cousin here: "Giuliani stresses national security, electability".

Crotty Free to Run Against Keller

"The episode, which helped launch a regional effort to bolster ethics and disclosure rules, traces back to a prayer group that Orange County Mayor] Crotty and Carter attend together. It was at those weekly gatherings that the two first discussed investment opportunities for the mayor."

The ethics complaints lodged last year by Michael Slonecker alleged Crotty broke state conflict and gift-ban laws and abused his official duties by allowing top staff to give Carter favorable treatment while the two were in business.

But an ethics investigator determined Crotty did not have a conflict of interest when he voted on an unrelated business project involving Carter, citing in part the fact that business trusts were involved and no direct contract existed between Carter and Crotty.

The ethics panel's report also said Crotty did not misuse his office when a controversial supermarket project pushed by Carter received favorable regulatory treatment from the mayor's top staff despite objections of residents and district Commissioner Teresa Jacobs.

Slonecker argued that the Carter project in question, a Publix supermarket in Horizon West, was allowed to violate county development codes -- rules Crotty is bound to enforce as mayor.

But when [County Commissioner] Jacobs questioned why the codes were being ignored, Crotty's top staff told her that she could not bring the issue to a vote. That spared Crotty from disclosing his ties to Carter, Slonecker said.

The Ethics Commission and its investigators disagreed.

HD 34

"We have five finalists for the House District 34 seat being vacated by [term limited] Republican David Mealor. Republicans Chris Dorworth and Allen Roosa, Democrat Stephan Bacallao, and independent candidates Francisco Denis and Joe Rosier met Friday’s 5 p.m. qualifying deadline in Tallahassee. ... A little history — all but one of the candidates have run for the District 34 seat in the past and lost to the eventual winner. Roosa ran against Mealor and lost in the 2004 Republican primary. Mealor then defeated Bacallao in the general that same year." "House District 34 has its horses".

'Glades

"Nelson, joined by an influential Senate colleague, embarked Friday on a two-day tour of the Everglades, a visit intended to provide a scenic backdrop for ripping Bush administration support of the famed wetland." "Nelson visit highlights Glades restoration".

The Jenne Mystery

Steve Bousquet: "In a maze of elaborately built schemes involving secretaries, a developer friend, his former law firm and consulting businesses - all of it concealed from the IRS -- Jenne sold his office and his integrity for about $84,000. The way this once-savvy Democrat trashed the dream job that Gov. Lawton Chiles gave him nine years ago raises a basic question: Why would someone throw away so much for so little?" "For once, Broward sheriff can't get even".

The Absentee Ballot Thing

"A state probe found no criminal wrongdoing took place during the March election, in which ousted [Riviera Beach] Mayor Michael Brown claimed newly elected Mayor Thomas Masters used illegally obtained absentee ballots. ... [Masters campaign manager Richard] Giorgio said Friday that the FDLE investigation vindicates his consulting firm and the Masters campaign. ... The report proved that voters who did not request absentee ballots received them, especially after being visited by Masters or his campaign workers." "State finds no crime in Riviera vote".

Whatever

"Republican Reps. Mack, Bono announce their engagement".

Mack Challenger

"Cape Coral businessman Jeff George announced Friday he was running for U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV's seat in Congress. The announcement was made at the Islamic Center for Peace in Fort Myers. Running as an independent, George said he is gathering petitions to qualify for the November 2008 election." "Cape businessman to challenge Mack".

Gambling

"Crist is nearing completion on a deal to give the Seminole Tribe of Florida the first Las Vegas-style table games in the state, along with slot machines, in return for up to $200 million a year that would be earmarked for education." "Vegas games a step closer". See also "Seminoles up the ante in bid for expanded gambling rights", "AP Newsbreak: Indian gambling deal could net $1 b over 5 years" and "In the cards: Vegas slots?"

Say Anything

"In his quest for the Republican nomination for president, Rudy Giuliani is blessed by his reputation as the mayor who cleaned up crime and stood tall after 9/11 in New York City, but cursed by his past stances for gun control, gay rights, abortion rights and protection for illegal immigration. So when he spoke to a crowd of Pinellas County Republicans Friday night, he wanted to shore up his credentials as an authentic Republican."

What better way to do that than by bashing “the media”? ...

“Don’t let the media convince you of what they would like anyway, and that is the Republicans can’t win in 2008,” he said.

“The media,” he said, want a Democrat to win, and of course, any Democrat would be in favor of “appeasement and retreat” in the face of terrorism, and “more government spending, higher taxes, more government regulation, more government control, socialized medicine,” and opposed to cutting taxes as a way to pay for repairing the nation’s crumbling infrastructure.

Stop The Madness

"As it stands, it's anyone's guess why 4,450 teachers and 190 administrators received the $2,100 bonuses from the state-financed MAP program, which relies on a complex formula of student test scores and job evaluations to reward educators. The teachers and administrators didn't apply for the bonus. They only discovered it when the money showed up in their bank accounts. " "Merit-Pay Plan Flunks Test".

The Ghost of FDR?

"Crist wants to protect K-12 education, the medically needy and prisons by cutting higher education and juvenile justice and raiding trust funds, according to budget recommendations released Thursday." "".Crist tips his hand

William March:

The governor has released his recommendations for budget cuts to offset an expected shortfall in state revenue. In a letter to Senate President Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio, Gov. Charlie Crist said he hopes his plan will “facilitate the process for agreement between the Senate and House,” which yesterday called off the special session that was supposed to start on Sept. 18 because of a lack of agreement.

Crist has weighed in, saying he wants cuts to be both targeted and across-the-board. Why am I not surprised?

His favorite ice cream is vanilla and chocolate. As the going gets tough, it seems Charlie only gets more delusional.

At a recent meeting of the Florida Association of Realtors, Crist said our budget woes would be over if voters approved an amendment referendum next year cutting property taxes.

"Florida's going to have a sonic boom when this happens," he said. "You're going to be busier than you've been in your life."

The man is on laughing gas.

The budget crisis only confirms what critics have been saying about the January referendum -- and what Crist has been denying. It would gut education spending.

At some point people will start seeing Charlie's skinny hide beneath all those beautiful invisible clothes.

Oh, well, if all else fails in this budget crisis, at least we have a fallback position: roulette wheels.

Big of 'Em

"Man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 24 years regains right to vote".

Dissing the Hispanic Vote

"This Sunday, the nation's Hispanics will have a chance to see Democratic presidential candidates face off in the first-ever national debate in Spanish. Only one thing will be missing: Republican contenders. That's too bad for Republicans and for the GOP."

Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Tom Tancredo and just-declared candidate Fred Thompson seem to be vying to see who can come up with the toughest anti-immigration rhetoric. The political calculus: They must appeal to a narrow part of the GOP that opposes comprehensive immigration reforms. In a debate, the candidates would have been grilled by Univision hosts on the topic. Saying anything that could be interpreted as pro-immigration could hurt them in early-primary states like Iowa. Some critics could also object to them debating in Spanish.

Is Keel Hauling Next?

"Prison boss proposes chain gangs and tents to save money". See also "Tents urged for some inmates".

The Gambling Thing

The Orlando Sentinel editors:

It's the sad truth, but it is in Florida's best interest for Gov. Charlie Crist to strike a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to allow Las Vegas-style gambling at tribe casinos.

That's because Mr. Crist's effort, though distasteful, is Florida's best chance to control the spread of gambling.

We remain adamantly opposed to gambling. But in 2004, gambling supporters duped voters into believing a constitutional amendment to allow Las Vegas-style slot machines would limit them to South Florida. Nothing could be further from the truth. Under federal law, sovereign tribes, no matter where their casinos are located, can offer the same types of gambling allowed by the state.

Legislators made matters worse in 2005 when enacting the amendment. They showed horrible judgment by allowing Broward County pari-mutuels to offer what's called Class III slot machines, where gamblers bet against the house rather than bingo-style slots, where players compete for lower stakes.

That mistake opened the door for Florida's Seminole tribe to acquire high-stakes gambling. Now the Department of the Interior could grant the tribe the right to have Vegas-style slots or go even further and allow other high-stakes games, such as roulette and blackjack.

The Legislature's folly leaves Florida in an untenable situation.

"Unacceptable. Unacceptable. Unacceptable."

"Florida Sen. Nelson proposed Senate legislation today setting up a system of regional primaries with specified dates, to take effect during the 2012 election cycle. His bill wouldn’t affect this year’s dilemma surrounding Florida’s early primary and the Democratic National Committee’s position that Florida’s primary in effect won’t count. But in a Senate floor speech, Nelson said the current situation is 'Unacceptable. Unacceptable. Unacceptable.'" "Nelson Proposes Regional Primaries for 2012 Election". See also "Nelson proposes new primary law".

"'Bombshell'"

"A surprise Florida Supreme Court ruling could . . . jeopardize billions of dollars in public-school funding across the state."

In a unanimous ruling, the high court said Thursday that any plan to use so-called "tax-increment financing" to pay for development projects would have to be approved by voters, instead of just a local governing board. The ruling stems from a fight in Escambia County, where the county wanted to use the financing option to widen a road along Perdido Key.

Such financing works by committing a portion of future property taxes to pay off bonds issued to widen roads, build sidewalks or make other public improvements [including schools].

The court also makes clear it isn't invalidating the use of tax-increment financing or previous projects approved without public votes. It just means future tax-increment projects must be voted on first.

Still, "that's a bombshell," said veteran development lobbyist Wade Hopping, a former Supreme Court justice. "That will certainly cause some consternation."

Sleepy's Dad to Get a Pass?

"A state panel might rule today whether there is evidence that Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty broke ethics laws when he doubled a $100,000 investment in a land deal with a developer and friend who had business before the county. If the Florida Commission on Ethics finds no probable cause to further investigate Crotty's deal with real-estate broker Daryl Carter, it closes a dark chapter in Crotty's long political career. If it opts to probe further, Crotty could face fines if he's found guilty. Last month, Crotty said a state ethics staff prosecutor told him that he would urge the full ethics panel to rule that no probable cause exists. If that plays out, the probe would end." "Crotty could face ethics panel's findings on land deal today".

Jenne Fallout

"It is a coincidence that the Broward County Charter Review Commission has convened in the same year that much discussion has erupted on changing one of the county's most powerful posts from elected to appointed. The discussion, of course, is about the position of sheriff, just vacated by Ken Jenne as part of a federal plea deal involving corruption charges." "Time for overhaul?".

Whatever

"Ask The Governor: Is there a better way to help ex-cons return to society?".

Exit Exams

"Scoring well on Florida's high school exit exam does not necessarily mean a student is ready for the demands of work or college, but the state uses its standardized test more effectively than others around the nation, according to an education think tank report released Thursday. Of 23 states with exit exams, only six say the test is used to measure knowledge and skills needed for college while nine cited work readiness as a purpose, according to a report by the Center on Education Policy. Florida is in neither group." "Florida's high school exit exam praised, criticized".

Please Subsidize Us

The rest of the nation is uninterested in bailing Florida out: "Opposition grows in Congress to national disaster insurance fund".

Early Primary Mess

Might there be a solution to the early primary mess? "Unable to persuade the national party to accept Florida's early presidential primary, Florida Democrats are considering late caucuses — so late that the results likely would not matter — to get themselves out of the bind. A May date for caucuses to assign Florida's delegates to presidential candidates would comply with the Democratic National Committee's schedule, thereby releasing the candidates from their pledges to avoid Florida and allowing them to visit freely in advance of the Jan. 29 primary." "Late caucuses may end state Democrats' bind". More: "State Democrats not ready to discuss deal on primary". More: "Friday Dem primary meeting postponed — UPDATED", "Line In Sand Has Democrats Hopping" and "Late caucuses may end state Democrats' bind".

Daniel Ruth yesterday: "Dean and his pinched apparatchiks have punished Florida Democrats after the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to move the state presidential primary to Jan. 29. And thus, because of a Republican initiative, Florida's primary votes won't count in the selection of a Democratic standard-bearer at the party convention next summer in Denver."

Because of Dean's ego trip to hell, millions of Florida voters will be disenfranchised in a state already the envy of Venezuela when it comes to treating ballots with all the attention to detail of the body count in a James Bond movie.

If you didn't know any better, you'd think the DNC had been taken over by Katherine Harris in drag.

But here's the best part.

You know the DNC has become a party of sniveling tattletales more interested in counting strawberries than winning elections when the biggest profile in courage in this mosh pit of political preening is Tampa political consultant Vic DiMaio.

DiMaio, a pleasant, understated, mild-mannered chap who is more likely to be confused with a lost beagle rather than Karl Rove, has sued the DNC, challenging the party's authority to strip Florida of its 210 convention delegates.

For a man who makes his living working for Democrats, suing Big Daddy could have potential negative consequences on a career, so either Vic DiMaio was willing to put principle ahead of pragmatism or he's insane. We'll see. ...

Whatever DiMaio's motivations, taking on the snooty mandarins of his party laid bare the dark underside of the Democrats, which might otherwise be described as the politics of weenies.

After the DNC decision to give Florida a giant electoral wedgie, all the first- and second-tier presidential candidates including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden and Chris Dodd fell over themselves like paparazzi trying to get a shot of Paris Hilton to sign a pledge promising their campaigns would boycott the state.

So these candidates who love to brag about their vision, their boldness, their bravery, their independence, their Churchillian leadership all buckled at the knees like a death row inmate being

So who's right? The Republicans, with their glacially impervious confidence that Florida is too important to snub at the national convention? Or the Democrats, with their loud and public sniping at each other?

What's going on now probably won't affect who carries Florida in 14 months.

But it's just so typical of each party.

Climate Change

"Crist met with capital area religious leaders Thursday to get their perspective on climate change and how the state can work with them to protect the environment." "Crist, religious leaders discuss climate change".

Saving Money on Teachers' Salaries

"'Virtual classes' catching on in Florida's elementary, middle and high schools".

'Ya Think?

"Lawmakers have come full circle after devoting more money to high-tech voting machines following the 2000 election debacle in Florida. They now say a return to the paper trails of old is the key to an honest vote, exasperating state election officials." "A return to paper trails of old?".

Testy

"Hollywood Mayor Mara Giulianti verbally jousted with a state prosecutor while testifying Thursday in the corruption trial of suspended City Commissioner Keith Wasserstrom, a longtime political ally. For about 90 minutes, Giulianti gave tart and testy responses when questioned about her role when the commission voted in 2004 to give an $18 million contract to Schwing-Bioset, a sludge company financially connected to Wasserstrom and the mayor's son. Giulianti, who is not charged with any wrongdoing, was called to the stand by prosecutors to help their case against Wasserstrom." "Hollywood mayor testy as witness in commissioner's corruption trial".

"Corporate Shill" or "Misinformed Crank"?

Robert Moore, a professor of anthropology at Rollins College writes that

a year or so ago this guy named David Horowitz shows up on [the Rollins College] campus and lectures us all on why colleges and universities are too liberal and need to stop being that way.

Now some critics have accused [corporate shill David] Horowitz of being a corporate shill. This is rather harsh. I prefer to think of him as a misinformed crank. At any rate, he is wrong to say that academics are too liberal. In fact, we are just liberal enough.

If we define liberal as "open-minded" or "tolerant of others' ideas," then academics need to be somewhat liberal. We need to be open to ideas we don't agree with -- until those ideas have been proven false. If we were to accept even those ideas that are demonstrably false, then we would be too liberal.

Another Florida First!

"Florida would be the only state without a requirement for drivers to have bodily injury liability coverage if the present no-fault insurance system expires, the state's chief financial officer said today." "Florida may be only state without injury insurance requirement". More: "Crist rejects appeals for PIP session".

Giddy Up

"A state law that severely limited the ability of South Florida horse racing tracks to simulcast events from other parimutuel facilities is unconstitutional, the Florida Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday." "High court overturns simulcast restriction".

A quick handshake"

"More than 1,000 people lined up around the block before dawn Thursday and a festive fan base happy to pay $24.95 for a slim book and a quick handshake." "Bill Clinton's visit to Coral Gables bookstore charms loyalists".

Good Luck

The Sun-Sentinel editoral board yesterday:

In the past, Crist has considered tough choices before changing his mind and settling on a more suitable option. The hope here is that he can muster another such performance for higher education and develop a more fruitful funding policy for Florida's colleges and universities.

Pinellas Rot

The St. Pete Times editorial board: "After hours of talking and hand-wringing Tuesday, Pinellas County commissioners finally got around to firing someone for the county's egregious behavior in a recent land deal: County Attorney Susan Churuti. Yet they did so reluctantly, and only after several officials, particularly County Commissioner Susan Latvala, were either dismissive of the grand jury's critical report on the purchase of Property Appraiser Jim Smith's land or blamed others for their own dismal failure to do their job." "Rot in Pinellas goes deeper than Churuti".

Brown-Waite Challenger

"Jim King says he has had enough of the way the U.S. Congress neglects national security and the troops who are in the thick of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. So, the Land O'Lakes Republican has filed to unseat U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite in District 5, which stretches from Pasco to Levy county. It's nothing personal, King says, nor is it a partisan issue. But King, a veteran who served in Afghanistan in 2001, believes Brown-Waite is part of a body that is not doing its job." "Land O'Lakes vet hopes to unseat Brown-Waite". Meanwhile, "Brown-Waite bashes the Bush administration for a "let them eat cake" mentality".

Laff Riot

"Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, on Thursday defended his acceptance of $5,000 for his legal defense fund from an Oviedo businessman hoping for a NASA contract." "Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, on Thursday defended his acceptance of $5,000 for his legal defense fund from an Oviedo businessman hoping for a NASA contract.".

Jennings

"EMILY's List, the pro-woman, fund-raising powerhouse, has endorsed Sarasota Democrat Christine Jennings in her bid for a 2008 re-run against Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan." "Jennings Gets EMILY's Nod for Re-Run".

The boycott was thrust onto the Democratic field by four smaller states determined to protect their exclusive rights to hold presidential primaries in January. Florida pushed its way to the front of the calendar anyway, bumping up its primary from mid-March to Jan. 29.

The repercussions could be steep: The Democratic National Committee won't count Florida votes at the 2008 convention unless the state party schedules an alternative election. Worse, virtually all of the Democratic candidates said they would skip campaigning in Florida and any other states that break party rules.

Michigan's governor signed a law Tuesday leapfrogging its primary to Jan. 15, subjecting the state to the same party backlash.

National Democratic Party leaders are so upset that Florida moved its primary to January that they are demanding all its presidential candidates not campaign here. But Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards et al. can keep raising money in the Sunshine State.

So the party isn't interested in Floridians' votes, just their money. Sadly, that's just the kind of integrity Americans have come to expect from the major parties.

Don't take this pledge too seriously.

Three days after signing a pledge not to campaign for Florida's presidential primary, the leading Democratic candidates are moving forward with their campaigns here.

Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are scheduled in Miami this weekend. Then, Clinton has five events in Florida next Monday. Obama's campaign has fundraising stops scheduled for Tampa and St. Petersburg later this month.

But how is this possible? Didn't the candidates pledge to honor a national Democratic edict to punish Florida for moving its primary to Jan. 29?

Not quite.

The Daily Naugle

"A group of Christian clergymen flocked to the side of Mayor Jim Naugle on Tuesday, saying the depth of sexual sin in Broward County necessitates an old-fashioned spiritual revival. The church representatives said the gay community misunderstands Naugle's stance toward them. He is here to help, they said." "Clergy back Fort Lauderdale mayor, say sinful Broward needs religious revival" ("We love the homosexual people," said' the Rev. O'Neal Dozier, of Pompano Beach. 'We find them to be precious people. We want them saved.'" You remember Dozier.).

Charlie Shows His Colors

"Looking to plug a $1.1 billion hole in the state budget, Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday that he is considering lots of options -- including turning the state lottery over to private vendors. The Republican governor also said the state might draw more money into the treasury by allowing private companies to build, service and maintain some Florida roads in exchange for a share of toll revenue." "Crist suggests taking lottery, roads private". See also "Crist open to possible sale of Florida Lottery".

"Republicans, who control both legislative chambers, have been more willing than Democrats in the past to privatize public services including prisons and the state's personnel operation." "Crist says selling lottery, roads may be money source". Selling off Florida's infrastructure; another fine GOPer idea.

The Dem response is less than impressive: "'I give the governor credit for outside-of-the-box thinking,' Geller said. 'This could be the largest contract in state history.' Geller is considered the Legislature's leading expert on gaming laws. Lottery privatization was discussed earlier this summer at a meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, Geller said." "Crist says privatization of lottery worth considering"."

Jenne Out

"After months of uncertainty, Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne has stepped down after admitting that he abused his public trust, accepted tens of thousands of dollars from BSO contractors and lied on his federal tax returns." "U.S. Attorney: Jenne lost sight of his duty to public". See also "Broward sheriff Jenne resigns, to take plea in corruption probe", "Broward sheriff quits, plans plea deal" and "Sheriff's resignation is 'end of an era in Broward politics'".

The Miami Herald editors: "Whether you love him or hate him -- and there are plenty of people in each camp -- Sheriff Ken Jenne's resignation and admission that he abused public trust yesterday brought a sad and sorrowful end to an extraordinary career. During his 34 years in public office, Jenne was an unusually innovative, forceful and powerful leader. This is why his guilty plea to mail fraud and income-tax evasion charges is such a great personal tragedy for him and his family -- and a loss to the community. Nevertheless, Jenne has only himself to blame." "Ken Jenne's exit in Broward County".

Loopholes

"Florida may be losing about $60 million in property-tax revenue a year to people who claim a homestead exemption even though they may not live in the state, according to an analysis by the Orlando Sentinel. The review of property-tax records found that owners of more than 30,000 homes and condos across the state received the lucrative tax break for residents despite having out-of-state mailing addresses." "Nonresidents enjoy tax break that may cost state millions".

Tuition Hike?

"Several university student leaders Tuesday told Gov. Charlie Crist they could accept a tuition increase if it's used for such purposes as reducing class size and offering more need-based financial aid, but the governor remained cool to the idea." "Crist still cool to tuition hike". See also "Students tell governor tuition hikes are OK -- if the money is spent wisely".

Bidding War

"Just as Fred Thompson is about to enter the presidential race, Rudy Giuliani is trying to take some of the wind out of his sails in the Tampa Bay area, recruiting Al Austin of Tampa, one of Florida’s top Republican fundraisers, for the Giuliani campaign." "Austin, Sargeant Join Giuliani Campaign". See also "Tampa Bay fundraiser backs Giuliani".

Kreegel Update

"A state panel has cleared the Florida Home Builders and a Republican consultant of breaking elections laws when they attacked fellow Republican Rep. Paige Kreegel in his 2004 primary. The Florida Elections Commission found 'no probable cause' last month that the Home Builders, longtime lobbyist Richard Gentry, or GOP political consultant Randy Nielsen violated elections law when they blanketed Kreegel's Charlotte County district with mailers in 2004 accusing him of being 'arrested' for disorderly conduct. The mailer also accused Kreegel, a primary care physician, of being sued multiple times for malpractice and by an exotic dancer who claimed he got her pregnant. Kreegel sued the same cast of figures for defamation in 2005, and filed the elections complaints last year." "Home Builders, consultant, cleared of elections charge".

That isn't the end of it: the defamation suit continues. Lucy Morgan has more: "State agency rejects 2004 elections complaint".

What Were They Thinking?

"Last month, the Legislature’s HR office wanted to post a link on its internal Web site for lawmakers and their staffs to buy discounted Universal theme park tickets.
The deal teased 'Save Big on Universal Orlando Resort Tickets,' -- $48 tickets for adult state workers, instead of the gate rate of $71.36. 'Employees can purchase tickets online and print them at their desks,' the resort’s brochure states. Only problem: it’s prohibited by the gift-ban." "That pesky gift ban strikes again".

Flip-Flopping

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Start fretting. The commission's management plan calls for reducing manatee mortality rates by minimizing threats, including those attributed to watercraft. But if the commission significantly lowers its patrols of the manatees' waters, it will be increasing the threat to them. If it can't enforce the plan, it should put off adopting it -- until the day that it can." "Not part of the bargain".

Whoopee!

"Many electric bills to be slightly lower next year".

"This is hardly a Whopper of a gesture"

"Florida farmworkers have won agreements with McDonald's and Taco Bell to ensure that tomato pickers get a fair wage. Now, Burger King should follow its rivals. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers, which has led the effort to pressure fast-food restaurants on the issue of pickers' earnings, has scheduled demonstrations at Burger King's corporate headquarters in Miami from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. The company announced in February that it would not agree to the penny-per-pound program that Taco Bell and McDonald's have approved. Under the deal, the restaurants pay the extra penny for tomatoes and for suppliers to pass it on to the pickers. The extra cent is enough to give them a living wage." "Have this one their way".

Privatization Follies

"Jane Johnson, who took over in April as director of the state Agency for Persons with Disabilities, told lawmakers the program is "fundamentally flawed." Johnson said the state has little control over the costs of the program, with many spending decisions being made by private contractors." "State's disabled citizens facing care crisis".

Dead Enders

"A CQ Today vote analysis shows President Bush's legislative success rate declining in the Democratic-controlled House and Senate, but it shows two Florida Republicans are among his staunchest supporters. According to the story, Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, was one of the top 10 Republicans "most frequently voting with Bush" on legislation in which the administration took a firm position. Feeney's rate: he voted with Bush 95.9 percent of the time. In the Senate, Florida Sen Mel Martinez - who heads up the GOP's national party - placed 10th in the list of Republicans most frequently siding with Bush. His rating was 90.4 percent" "Feeney and Martinez, sticking with the president".

Nearly one of every four Floridians under age 65 -- 3.6 million men, women and children -- are uninsured.

"Unsavory"?

"Republicans rose to power in Florida by pushing tax cuts, smaller government and promising to get tough on criminals. But the party could be poised to throw out that playbook as lawmakers try to fix the state's worst budget crisis since 2001. Gov. Charlie Crist and the Republican-controlled Legislature are considering measures that could result in higher fees and property taxes for many Floridians, a larger state work force and even the early release of some inmates." "State faces unsavory cuts".

"A downward economic spiral driven largely by a depressed housing market has slowed the pace of tax collections, leaving a $1.1-billion paper deficit in the current budget year. As a result, lawmakers must reduce the $71-billion budget, an exercise that may soon become almost routine." "Sides gird for Fla. budget fight".

"State agencies have proposed more than $1 billion in spending cuts as lawmakers prepare to trim the budget later this month. But some of the so-called cuts would simply shift responsibilities - and spending - from one agency to another, or from the state to local governments or other entities." "Local governments irked as state 'cuts' land in their laps".

"When the state budget ax starts swinging in Tallahassee this month, where it will fall on public schools will be up to four key Northeast Floridians." "Education budget ax honed".

Another Education Jebacy

"Florida's high schools can't get their ACT together. And their SATs are stagnant."

High school students performed worse this year than last on the American College Test, the second straight year of declines. The results place Florida 48th among the states.

On the other major college entrance exam, the SAT, Florida's scores stayed the same as last year. But the average score of 1,472 ranks well below the national average of 1,514.

That's not exactly progress.

Take Note Bob Allen

"When you don't come clean with the very people whose trust you seek, is living a lie really worth all the prestige, all the stature, all the power if, in the end, it all winds up - literally - in a toilet?" "Some Honesty, Some Integrity Would Be Nice".

DJJ

"State and federal experts meet in Fort Lauderdale today to discuss ways to reform Florida’s juvenile detention system." "Experts discuss juvenile detention overhaul".

"All isn't lost"

"The refusal of property insurers to cut consumers reasonable discounts on their wind policies after assurances that they would following this year's special session on insurance has been followed by a purge of those consumers. Nationwide Insurance announced last week that it will dump more than 40,000 policyholders. About a month ago, State Farm said it would toss 50,000. Allstate Floridian began shaking 106,000 policyholders loose in the spring."

Particularly galling are some of the companies' rationales. Nationwide says the potential of the state getting hit by a catastrophic storm was a factor that forced its hand. Huh? The state this year offered insurers abundant, cheap reinsurance, which backs them in catastrophic storms. Available at less than market prices, it was supposed to provide them savings that they could then pass on to their customers.

Why all isn't lost, according to Ms. Sink, is that several new operators are jockeying in Florida to acquire the business that some of the larger carriers eagerly jettisoned. Ms. Sink, too, was cast off by USAA.

"A legislative-sponsored demolition derby"

"With new proposals circulating in both the Florida House and Senate, lawmakers have no excuse to let the no-fault automobile insurance law expire and chaos ensue. If lawmakers have any doubt about their obligations, they need only look at the growing confusion and alarm among motorists in the state. With the law set to expire Oct. 1, motorists are being dropped into the middle of what amounts to a legislative-sponsored demolition derby." "On fixing no-fault, no excuses".

"Once again Florida tops the list in an unflattering way"

"Florida tops list of reported food-borne illness outbreaks. Once again Florida tops the list in an unflattering way — this time for outbreaks of food-borne illnesses recorded at restaurants throughout the state." "With Florida's high ranking in food-borne illness, greater care is a must".

"Will legislators spare schools? Not a chance"

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Republican leaders say that if Floridians pass tax 'reform' in January, the Legislature absolutely will find $1.42 billion a year for the next five years to make up for what proposed property tax cuts would take away from Florida's students. Weigh that promise against what Republican leaders now are saying about how they will deal in a special session two weeks from now with a $1.1 billion deficit in this year's budget. Education's share of the cuts has been estimated at $415 million to $700 million. Will legislators spare schools? Not a chance." "If schools must get cut, cut bogus bonus money".

Sink

"The state's chief financial officer will be the keynote speaker this month during Lake County Democrats' sixth annual Claude Pepper Dinner. Alex Sink, whose banking career spanned nearly 30 years, including seven as the head of Bank of America, was elected Florida's chief financial officer in 2006. She is responsible for monitoring the state's fiscal health, managing more than $74 billion in tax revenue and overseeing departments that regulate securities and insurance." "State finance chief to speak at Dem dinner".

Gettin' "Nosy"

Bill Cotterell yesterday:

This is the time of year when Florida government, along with people like me, get nosy.

The last chance for thousands of public employees to file their annual financial-disclosure forms is [Tuesday]. Actually, the deadline was July 1, but the law allows employees until Sept. 1 before fines kick in - and since that was a Saturday, and because the offices of the Florida Commission on Ethics are closed [Monday], the effective date will be Tuesday.

Scheduling Bottleneck

"The road to the [Dade County] mayor's calendar evidently runs through The Miami Herald. In a recent report, People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality and the NAACP's Miami-Dade chapter complained that County Mayor Carlos Alvarez had repeatedly ignored their requests for meetings. In response, Alvarez sent an e-mail to The Miami Herald saying he would meet with the groups." "Group finally gets through to Alvarez, with some help".

The celebration of Labor Day is muted this year for most workers. Union membership is down, pay is flat and pensions are rare.

The one place unions are strong, pay is up and pensions are fat is public service. Local, state and federal employees now receive raises and benefits that are the envy of most taxpayers who pay for it all.

Most private employers have replaced costly pensions with investment accounts, such as the 401(k), because pension plans paid from future profits have proved disastrous.

Indeed, generous union-won pensions helped drive steel companies and airlines into bankruptcy. Now the auto industry is fighting for its life with a pension yoke around its neck. Consider that General Motors now pays four pensions for every worker on its payroll. Ford carries a similar burden, which adds about $1,700 to the cost of a new car.

What seemed smart corporate strategy in the 1950s and '60s became a crushing burden as payrolls were cut, ranks of retirees grew and foreign competition increased.

Pensions, and the unions that advocate them, are fading away everywhere except in government. ...

Government perks need to be brought in line with what is offered in the private sector. The new theme for Labor Day should be the protection of the most vulnerable worker, the privately employed taxpayer.

Sitting at home on the couch, finishing off a six-pack of beer and a pack of cigarettes and having a heart attack? It's considered an on-the-job injury for firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement and corrections officers.

And taxpayers are paying the medical bills.

Dr. David Perloff, a Broward County cardiologist who handles many of the sheriff's office's heart-related claims, said there is no definitive study that proves a link between law enforcement and heart-related illnesses, he said.

"Unfortunately, the legislature and the politicians and the lawyers and the union have basically legislated and created that this exists without any true data to that effect," Perloff said. "It puts us in a very bad position."

The law makes it harder for doctors to argue that a heart-related condition existed before the employee took the job. Perloff said the legislation has driven up costs because in many cases the department is also paying health insurance premiums to cover employees for heart-related illnesses. But when those illnesses arise, the insurance company argues that they are covered by workers compensation, he said.

"The municipalities say we are losing money here, we are going to have to cut services," Perloff said. "Everybody is more and more overworked. You have more and more people underpaid. And more stress. So who is winning? Nobody is winning from the heart-lung bill."

Steve Delai, deputy chief of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, said that during the past three years the department has paid an average of $750,000 a year in medical expenses and lost time related to the heart bill.

The sheriff's office says the heart bill has caused its long-term liability costs to soar. Its liability is estimated at $12.8 million - an amount that may not actually be spent each year, but must be included in the budget.

we still have too many poor working families -- few of whom have healthcare insurance -- and our middle class is losing ground as well. It is too expensive for teachers, store clerks, mechanics, etc., to live here, period.

"Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. ...

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

Backlash

"Dissension and bitterness surfaced among Florida Democrats on Sunday in the wake of pledges to boycott the state's primary campaign by the leading presidential candidates."

Several leading Florida Democrats said the boycott, stemming from Florida moving up the date of its presidential primary, is likely to hurt Democrats' chances in Florida during the 2008 election.

At least two - both South Florida state senators - announced they are withdrawing their support for presidential candidates because of the boycott.

"I do not intend to support any candidate in Florida that won't campaign here in Florida," said Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller of Hallandale Beach, who said he's canceling plans to endorse John Edwards next week.

The candidates "slapped the voters of the state in Florida in the face," Geller said.

Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Parkland, said he's withdrawing his support for Barack Obama.

"When you're coming for our money, not our votes, I resent that, and I think the voters resent that," he said.

No Free Ride

"Some predict 2 million without car insurance after PIP's death" "State may get more uninsured".

AARP Speaks

"AARP, which represents nearly 3 million seniors in Florida, became the first non-partisan group to weigh on [and express disappointment with] the decision by Democratic presidential candidates to boycott the state." "AARP chides Democratic candidates".

Jebbie's education Legacy

"Universities find it's tough to hire and keep administrators amid questions and battles. The state university system faces cuts of between $100-million and $232-million when lawmakers meet for a special session this month, and control over tuition and other university governance powers is in legal limbo." "This deans' list shrinks to budget woes".

Yawn ...

"South Florida employees of all ages try to strike balance on the job".

'Glades

"The state left Palm Beach County to deal alone with rock mining last year, when Jeb Bush's administration reneged on a promise to plan the future of the Everglades Agriculture Area after sugar cane. The eagerness with which growers are embracing mining shows that the post-sugar cane era is here. The planning needs to catch up." "Mines in the Everglades? Let's take another look".

Just Cut 'Em

"What happened in California, Colorado and other states suggests that dramatic plans to cut taxes end up with less-than-dramatic results as governments find alternative ways to raise money and citizens settle on what level of reduced services they're willing to live with." "History shows way on taxes".

From the "Values" Crowd

"The state agency set to remove manatees from the endangered list plans to slash 90 positions from the division that enforces the boating speed zones designed to protect manatees. Manatee patrols would be just one casualty of severe cuts to the law-enforcement staff of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wildlife officers also search for missing boaters, arrest poachers, stop speeders driving through panther habitat and ticket anglers who violate fishing rules." "Job cuts could slash manatee patrols".

Laff Riot

Charlie's big promises:

Gov. Charlie Crist had promised that tax bills would "drop like a rock," but as Martin County Property Appraiser Laurel Kelly has put it, "it's more like a pebble."

"I saved $21. I'm so happy with the legislature because I can now afford to buy one more Mountain Dew a month," Martin County Commissioner Lee Weberman said. "We were promised substantial tax relief, and once again it's a promise they didn't deliver."

Yes, this is ridiculous and patently unconstitutional. Yet a spokesman for the agency says it stands by its warning. "We believe very strongly that the Florida statute does not allow issue-based polling by committees," Sterling Ivey said. He also noted that the way the law reads indicates that political parties and candidates are also barred from polling the public on issues. ...

Obviously, this is a glitch in elections law that has to be fixed as soon as possible, maybe even in the upcoming special session. Asking likely voters about their views on issues is a staple of modern political campaigns. It is also a form of political activity protected by the federal and state Constitutions.

Brains Might Be Helpful

"Charlie Crist has made politics look easy. The most affable politician was following Jeb Bush, one of the most arrogant. On his way to winning last year in a landslide, Gov. Crist said all the right things about lowering taxes and insurance premiums. After taking office, it would be easy: Follow through on those promises; actually listen to good bipartisan advice on issues such as the environment, education and child protection that Gov. Bush had approached with ideological rigidity; and rely on an ample budget. But what looked easy now looks hard. Beginning this month, Gov. Crist faces problems that affability alone won't solve." "Sorry, Charlie: New act needed to solve state's problems". See also "Conundrum" ("The tension's mounting, as the Sept. 18 special legislative session draws nigh and state agencies, as well as an array of Floridians who carry out various public-private programs mandated by state law, are scrambling to live under an across-the-board 10-percent spending cut that may simply not be feasible in many instances.").

"His Sister Is A Thespian In New York, and His Brother Matriculated"

"We're almost a year away from the 2008 elections, and it's not easy to contemplate how ugly things may get, judging from what seems to be a trend toward political mud-slinging. But make no mistake: Politicking in Florida's past was not a polite preoccupation. If it's any comfort, the nagging negativity of some campaigns today is small, rotten potatoes compared with the senatorial slugfest that shook Florida in 1950." "Legendary Senate race kicked off in O-town".

Political Opportunism Coming Home to Roost

"Gov. Charlie Crist and state lawmakers made a promise two months ago that if voters approve a property tax-cut plan on Jan. 29, the politicians would protect schools from billions of lost education money."

Now as Florida's economy cools and legislators prepare to cut up to $400 million from education, the politicians are realizing they're going to have a hard time keeping their word -- so they've come up with a different promise.

It goes like this: If the tax-cut amendment passes, it will revive the housing market and re-ignite the state economy, which will mean bigger tax collections for schools.

''Our greatest opportunity to increase revenues . . . is to reduce property taxes,'' Crist said last week. He believes the amendment to super-size homestead exemptions and phase out the Save Our Homes tax-cap system will put more money into consumers' hands and ``kick-start the economy.''

Trouble is, nobody knows if the tax-cut amendment will re-start anything, and that uncertainty is clouding prospects for the amendment, which needs 60 percent of the vote to pass.

''I'd be very skeptical,'' said Tony Villamil, a Miami economist who was the chief of former Gov. Jeb Bush's council of economic advisors. ``It may help on the margins, but there aren't any economists who will be predicting this will re-ignite the real estate market.''

See 'Ya

"Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards angered Florida Democrats on Saturday by pledging to skip campaigning here and in other states that break party rules by holding early primaries." "Candidates vow to avoid Florida over early vote". See also "Most Democratic candidates to boycott". See also "Top Democrats skip out on Florida", "3 more pledge to skip Florida", "Democratic Candidates Say They’ll Boycott Florida Primary", "Dem Prez candidates won't campaign in Fla - wonder if they still want our money?", "Democrats boycott Florida race" and "Nearly every Democratic presidential hopeful will boycott Florida".

"Tom Vilsack and Tommy Thompson have come and gone. John McCain went from front-runner to runner-up. And Fred Thompson is finally getting in. The 2008 presidential campaign is barreling ahead at breakneck speed -- but often in unexpected directions, as with Saturday's decision by most Democratic candidates to halt campaigning in Florida." "Florida's early primary runs into a few more hurdles".
On the lawsuit: "Local Democrat Sues DNC In Primary Date Fight". See also "Nelson’s View Not Altered By Lawsuit".

The Palm Beach Post editors say: "Call the parties' bluff".

Florida's Rock Star

"Congresswoman Kathy Castor returned to Tampa for the August congressional recess glad to be home and eager to discuss what she's been up to since leaving for Washington in January."

She's a particularly busy freshman. She appears to be a favorite of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and with the Democrats in control, received two plum committee assignments.

The Rules Committee has given her insight into the legislative process and kept her focused on particular bills; the Armed Services Committee, and particularly her position on the terrorism subcommittee, has opened her eyes to how scary the world can be.

"Headed down a nastier road"?

"Could the fight over the growth-slowing Florida Hometown Democracy amendment be headed down a nastier road. Last month, veteran Tallahassee political lawyer John French created a group called Save Our Constitution. The committee, which also lists Associated Industries of Florida president Barney Bishop as its chair, hopes to utilize a new state law that lets groups blanket voters who signed a signature petition with mailers and phone calls to get them to revoke their support.
Their target: Hometown Democracy, which wants to force developers to essentially take their projects before local voters for approval." "Hometown Democracy draws a potent foe".

"Musical chairs"

"This week House leadership released its 2006-2008 seating chart, and there aren't many surprises unless your name is JC Planas. The Miami Republican now sits on the fourth row, stuck between a disgraced Republican and a Democrat. The new seating has fueled speculation that Planas has fallen out of favor with his Miami Dade County delegation colleague, House Speaker Marco Rubio." "Florida House does musical chairs -- again.".

Sink Sees "Bigger Picture"

"After enduring years of Republican domination in Florida politics, Democrats have a foothold in the Capitol with Alex Sink as the state's chief financial officer." "Top Florida Democrat sees the bigger picture".

And It Gets Worse

"With much fanfare, the state created the My Safe Florida Home program more than a year ago. It developed at a snail's pace, left tens of thousands of homeowners on a waiting list for almost a year and began operating under an illegally awarded contract. " "Few see benefits of hyped program".

"Money will flow"

"One of the more active state lawmakers this summer has been Sen. Mike Haridopolos, the young Indialantic Republican who fronted the Senate's property tax negotiations with the House and appears to have the votes to become Senate President in three years." "Haridopolos: money will flow for property tax debate".

Beware of Political "Creativity"

"Welcome to budget-cutting Tallahassee style, where the economy is limping, the state revenue is $1.1 billion short of its current spending plan, and nervous agency chiefs are getting creative." "Lawmakers get creative with plans to trim budget".

"Corruption Trial"

"Suspended City Commissioner Keith Wasserstrom, whose role in an $18 million sludge contract led to calls for tougher ethics rules, heads to trial this week." "Hollywood commissioner faces corruption trial".

"Running away from the immigration debate" and the Hispanic Vote

Beth Reinhard: "A history-making presidential debate in Spanish at the University of Miami among GOP contenders had to be called off this week when seven of the eight candidates cited 'scheduling conflicts.'"

At least Rudy Giuliani's sock drawer will be organized, and Mitt Romney's hair will be clean. (Maybe they have more important things to do on Sept. 16, but their lack of specificity leaves them open to jest.)

Besides, all eight of the Democratic candidates managed to squeeze the Univisión debate into their equally chaotic schedules. They will face off on Sept. 9. ...

''This shows the lack of priority Hispanics play in the Republican agenda, bottom line,'' said Miami political consultant Fred Balsera, who worked on Hispanic outreach for Democrat Jim Davis' campaign for governor in 2006. ``They're very good at putting out paid messages to Hispanics, but they don't want to answer difficult questions when the cameras are rolling.''

Sure, that's Democratic spin. But at a time when South Florida voter registration statistics show the GOP losing ground among Hispanics, at a time when the heated debate over immigration left some Hispanics with a bad taste in their mouths, why would the GOP let the Democrats have the spin room at the debate all to themselves?

The only Republican candidate who agreed to the debate was John McCain, who also happens to be the only Republican who championed legislation that would have allowed illegal immigrants to earn citizenship.

''I don't think that's a coincidence,'' said Joe Garcia, chairman of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, who helped pull the Democratic forum together. ``Why else would the candidates say no to television cameras when they are usually like moths to flames?''

Giuliani and Romney representatives dismissed the idea that they are running away from the immigration debate. It will be up to Hispanic voters to decide if they are running for their votes.

Whatever

"Cardenas: Thompson To Make Race More “Competitive”".

"Let's Not Forget"

George Diaz: "In budget pinch, let's not forget Alzheimer's fight".

"Florida's 'Forgotten Coast'"

"Here in the heart of Florida's ''Forgotten Coast,'' the same political battles that have polarized the country and the rest of the state can also be found: worries about the war in Iraq, concern over a lack of health insurance for many people, and a belief that property taxes are too high."

''We're taxed to death, we have no voice in government, we're told what to do and how to do it and when to do it, and I think we need to go back to freedom of the people,'' said Dolores Roux, the owner of Dolores Sweet Shop in downtown Apalachicola. ``I don't think you should have to pay taxes on your home, period.''

But despite her anti-government fervor and her reluctant belief that the war in Iraq is necessary, Roux is solidly backing Hillary Clinton, saying that she likes her stands and that ``she doesn't get ruffled.''

Roux has no plans to support any Republican candidate, proclaiming proudly: ``Southern ladies don't vote Republican.''

On the surface, this is solid Democratic territory: nearly 5,500 registered Democrats to just 1,500 Republicans.

But come Election Day, it's not easy to predict how these Democrats will vote.

A majority of Franklin County voters have twice gone with President Bush, but other GOP candidates haven't fared as well. GOP winners such as Jeb Bush in 2002, Mel Martinez in 2004, and Bill McCollum in last year's attorney general's race failed to carry the county. Democrat Bill Nelson crushed Katherine Harris in the U.S. Senate race, but Republican Charlie Crist beat Jim Davis by 127 votes.

"The heart of a political conundrum"

"Up from the St. Johns River and the few Victorian homes with carriage steps lining brick streets, a little modern shop called deSigns lies at the edge of a spotless downtown and at the heart of a political conundrum: why so many Deep South Democrats vote like Republicans."

The best answer: That's their tradition.

And in a place like Palatka and Putnam County, insulated from the high-growth coast and major media markets, tradition trumps political party whether you live off Cracker Swamp Road or work on St. Johns Avenue. ...

Judging by the barbershop banter here, Floridians feel fatigued with the war and empty political promises, concerned about the economy, nervous about the effects of the Legislature's proposed property-tax cuts, split on what to do about immigration, and focused more on local affairs than on the Washington races.

The Florida Democratic Party is taking note. It's planning to seriously target the Palatka-based legislative seat drawn and held by the GOP, hoping that a win in Putnam County will help Democrats learn how to overturn years of Republican gains not just in Tallahassee, but all across Florida and the Deep South.

The Democrats' candidate to succeed termed-out state Rep. Joe Pickens is a Dunkin' Donuts shop owner, accountant and former county commissioner, Linda Myers. The key to a win: being a good neighbor, not a partisan.

Poor Fred

"Rich Crotty was looking forward to the meeting he had scheduled last week with Fred Thompson -- right up until the moment Thompson canceled it."

Crotty needn't feel insulted, though. It wasn't just him. Thompson canceled his whole trip to Central Florida, including a fundraiser that local supporters, such as lawyer Tico Perez, had planned.

The scuttled trip to Orlando seems symbolic of the actor-turned-U.S. senator's probably-maybe-he'll-let-us-know-soon presidential campaign.

'Ya Think?

"Lake County commissioners in the coming weeks are going to get a recommendation from the School Board to double the impact fee on a new house from $7,055 to $14,646." "Those cashing in on growth must pay for it".

A Mixed Bag

"The annual Labor Day report on "The State of Working Florida" looks at the performance of Florida's economy with a focus on how working men and women are faring in employment, wages, benefits and other aspects of work life. This year's report finds that employment and wages have improved, while benefits for Florida workers continue to lag behind most other states." "A Snapshot of Florida Workers".

The "Ultimate Goal"

Pam Hasterok:

Even though the proposed amendment allows homesteaded homeowners to keep Save Our Homes' 3 percent cap on their assessment, lawmakers' ultimate goal is to get rid of it.

They want to entice voters to give up the yearly cap in return for exempting a much larger portion of their homes' value from taxes.

All homeowners who live in Florida more than half the year can claim a $25,000 exemption. Under the constitutional amendment, the owner of a $200,000 home could claim a $150,000 exemption. The owner of a home between $201,000 and $500,000 could receive an extra 15 percent off.

Only homeowners who have the Save Our Homes cap could keep it. Anyone buying a home would automatically receive the super-exemption.

Remember Janet

Randy Schultz: "When Alberto Gonzales was in the spotlight this year for the firings of eight U.S. attorneys, people had lost their jobs. Yet from what Mr. Gonzales said, all responsibility rested with anyone except the man who had been running the Justice Department." "In Gonzales vs. Reno, the integrity won".

Gambling

"As lawmakers prepare for a special session in a few weeks to cut more than $1 billion from the state budget, Gov. Charlie Crist and some lawmakers say an agreement allowing the Seminole Tribe to expand its casino games could help ease the state's financial woes." "Can gambling close the gap?".