But if the candidates don't sound like they used to, that may be because Miami's Cuban community doesn't think like it used to.

"There has been a seismic shift in the political views of Cuban-Americans," said Joe Garcia, chairman of the Democratic Party of Miami-Dade County. "The Cuban vote is becoming less Republican." ...

Among Hispanics in Miami-Dade, Republicans still outnumber Democrats 251,929 to 132,432 123,985 are not affiliated with either party. But almost 25 years after Reagan's speech, the Republican Party's once seemingly unbreakable grip on the Cuban exile community may be loosening. ...

The majority of older Cuban-American voters remain a solid Republican party bloc, but their numbers are dwindling.

"The 'historic' exiles are passing away and not being replaced in the same weight," said Sergio Bendixen, a Miami pollster working on the Hillary Clinton campaign.

Less than half of Miami Dade County's Hispanic voters are registered Republicans (48 percent), down from 59 percent a decade ago, the Miami Herald reported last month. One Hispanic group which organizes voter registration drives, Democracia USA, reports that 45 percent of the 56,000 voters it registered last year chose no party affiliation. ...

Younger exiles show less interest in Cuba and are more engaged in national issues, he says. "They give Cuba almost no importance," he said. "For them it's education, health care, and Hispanic issues such as immigration."

On top of that, new arrivals from the island are less enthusiastic about isolating Cuba, in large part because they still have relatives there.

The number of Cuban-Americans in Miami-Dade County who support dialogue with the Cuban government has risen from 40 percent in 1991 to 65 percent, according to a poll by Florida International University.

In one recent poll conducted for the Democratic Party in two heavily Cuban-American congressional districts in Miami-Dade County, voters rated getting rid of Castro sixth among their concerns. Their top priority was getting out of Iraq

FlaDems to Fold?

"Florida Democrats, unable to work out a compromise to avoid harsh sanctions imposed by the Democratic National Committee, appear ready to give in and declare the Jan. 29 presidential primary meaningless." "State Democrats backing down on primary".

Freddie Ain't Ready for Prime Time

Freddie is really grubbing For the Wingnut Vote: "On the day South Florida mourned a slain police officer, Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson stopped in Miami and stuck firmly to his guns over what he says is the unnecessary call for limiting the right to bear arms." "Thompson: No gun limits".

Freddie shares a bit more of his wingnut wisdom here: "Thompson: Reconsider automatic citizenship for everyone born here".

Freddie's knuckle dragging may be paying off - he looks to have locked down Pasco's political powerhouse: "Thompson got a strong endorsement from gun control opponent and local GOP chairman Bill Bunting during a campaign stop Friday." "Thompson Visits Pasco".

"A Screeching Halt"

"The ruling stunned government officials and lawyers across Florida, leaving them perplexed over whether all bonds would have to go out for a vote. ... 'School construction is going to come to a screeching halt,' said Wayne Blanton, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association." "Ruling imperils public projects". See also "Schools question high court's ruling".

Your Tax Dollars at Work

"In recent years, [Orange] county officials have defended taxpayer-funded trips to far-flung destinations, saying they learn important information at conferencessponsored by professional organizations"

.But an Orlando Sentinel investigation has found that those trips are only aportion of the costs: Seven county governments in Central Florida have morethan 1,000 memberships with dues of about $1.5 million annually.

Taxpayer money goes to groups ranging from big-budgeted organizations suchas the Florida Association of Counties -- Orange County's annual dues top$100,000 -- to hyper-specific groups such as the International Council ofShopping Centers, which costs Osceola $50.

Raul to Run?

"Former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez says his tenure as a radio host -- all of a week -- is over because he won't rule out running for elected office. ... Martinez, a Democrat who stepped down as the city's mayor in 2005, said he's still considering whether he wants to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Lincoln Díaz-Balart in 2008." "Martinez: Politics tops radio".

PIP

"PIP law may not disappear after all". See also "New plan resurrects form of PIP insurance in Florida".

Rail Trail

"What used to be a 51-mile railroad corridor is poised to become the East Central Rail Trail -- if the Florida Cabinet gives the nod Wednesday to spend $16 million from Florida Forever funds to acquire about 671 acres." "Trail in the making".

Gambling

"It's easy to say what should be in the casino deal Gov. Crist negotiates with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It's harder to figure out what kind of deal is possible." "Limit deal with Seminoles".

"To Do List"

Mark Lane makes a point and a list:

There are a few bitter people in Florida politics who do not love Gov. Charlie Crist.

They feel he has led a strangely charmed existence. They feel he has coasted along and avoided heavy lifting. But at a time when the Republican Party is not terribly popular, they cannot gainsay a guy whose popularity is in magical 70 percent range.

Well, new polling this week shows that unhappiness over property taxes, car and property insurance, and the need for painful new budget cuts on the state and local levels have taken their toll on the governor's popularity. Where he once had an approval rate in the mid-70s, a Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday measured his approval at a deflated 65 percent.

It might be a good idea, however, to pause a moment and put that number in perspective. A 65 percent approval rating is still 3 points higher than the highest spike in popularity former Gov. Jeb Bush ever experienced. (The so-called "hurricane bounce" after the 2004 storms.)

Crist is no longer Superman in the opinion polls, but at 65 percent, he's still Batman.

So what does he need to do to turn things around and regain his astounding powers over the minds of Florida voters? Well, in no particular order: ...

"Honorable" Liar

"A new law allows people to revoke signatures within 150 days of signing petitions. Opponents of Hometown Democracy have launched a campaign with mail, a toll-free line and Web site. They hope to convince enough people to change their minds to kill the antigrowth initiative. The clock is ticking."

The letterhead bears the name of "The Honorable John Thrasher," a former House speaker.

Writing on behalf of a group called "Save Our Constitution," his pitch is that Hometown Democracy is the work of "big developers," when they are the actually targets of the initiative.

Byrd

"Tangled politics and sticky personalities surround Florida's five-year-old Alzheimer's disease initiative, threatening its potential to yield new treatments or even a cure." "Byrd Alzheimer's Center Opens Amid Funding War".

"Merit" Pay

"The Florida Legislature's new and improved teacher merit pay plan may have passed with grudging union support, but teachers still don't like it and some school districts have declined to participate, turning down millions of dollars in state bonus money." "New, improved teacher merit pay still draws opposition".

Thank Goodness Jebbie Eliminated the "Intangibles Tax"

What's the big deal? They're just bridges:

"You'd be surprised about the number of bridges across the state of Florida that have been neglected for years," said J. N. "Junior" Tuten, the chairman of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners. "There's no money."

Good Time Charlie

"While acknowledging the need to pare back government spending, Gov. Charlie Crist said Friday he opposes cutting 90 officers from the state wildlife commission staff." "Manatee money won't go extinct". More on manatees: "Manatee's downlisting needs to be killed, not delayed".

"White activism"

"A state House candidate in the Tampa area is drawing criticism for his affiliation with a group that promotes the creation of 'white-only living spaces' and has distributed fliers criticizing the war in Iraq as only benefiting Israel."

John Ubele is running with no party affiliation for the Pasco County seat of Rep. John Legg, R-Port Richey.

Ubele (pronounced yoo-bul) is operations manager of the Nationalist Coalition. The group promotes "white activism," according to its Web site, which says the organization will "do whatever is necessary to achieve this White living space and to keep it White."

Game On

The boys are back in town:

Citing ''significant progress'' on spending cuts, House and Senate leaders Thursday rescheduled a special legislative session next month to plug a $1.1 billion hole that Florida's slumping economy has punched in the $71 billion state budget.

Goin' Down?

"While the chances of voter approval seem to be fading by the day, less than half of Florida homeowners would take advantage of a 'super' homestead exemption that Republican lawmakers put on the Jan. 29 ballot." "Study: Super homestead exemption unlikely to pass".

Big Whup ... A Consultant

"After two-plus years of reform, the state-run property insurer [Citizens] is primed to hire a management consultant to scrutinize its internal structure and customer service levels." "Citizens nears hiring review consultant".

Empty Suit Courts Florida Wingers

"At each stop in the rock-ribbed Republican areas, Thompson won the biggest cheers when he stressed the need for tighter spending and better border security, and for supporting the Iraq War."

In The Villages, Thompson won thunderous applause for saying the Senate plan to grant a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants was not only wrong, it ''welshed'' on an understanding that Congress left with Americans in 1986, when it passed a plan to legalize the status of many immigrants who were here without permission. In the Disney-built town of Celebration, Thompson said immigration law should be changed to prevent illegal immigrants from gaining U.S. residency simply because their children were born here.

But as with his opposition to what he called ''this same-sex marriage business'' and his desire to lower taxes while prosecuting an expensive war, Thompson didn't elaborate on how he would accomplish his goals. He also ducked a question on whether Congress should have intervened in the 2005 controversy over whether to insert a feeding tube into a comatose Florida woman, Terri Schiavo, and said he didn't know enough about the widely publicized case.

U.S. Attorney

"Florida's U.S. Sens. Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson have sent to the White House the names of three men as possible nominees to be the new U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida." "3 Nominated To Fill District Judge's Seat". The headline should actually read: U.S. attorney" rather than "District Judge".

Pell Grants

"One of the few pieces of legislation produced by the 110th U.S. Congress is the College Cost Reduction and Access Act -- the largest overhaul of federal education funding in six decades. Since Florida ranks fourth in the number of students receiving Pell Grants, this bill couldn't be more welcome, especially considering state officials' talk of slashing higher-education spending in Florida." "Pell grants boosted".

Manatees

"State wildlife officials postponed a vote today that would have taken the manatee off the state endangered-species list." "State officials postpone manatee vote". See also "Crist celebrates manatee reprieve".

"Setting the political table"

"Instead of Clinton fatigue, as some backers feared the former president would generate, Bill Clinton seems to set the political table for his wife in Florida." "One Clinton sets stage for another".

Probation for Nelson

"Son of Sen. Bill Nelson sentenced to probation, alcohol treatment".

Never Mind

"Presidential candidate Mitt Romney [whose Mormon church, 1978, 'prohibited blacks from becoming priests']. . . is reaching out to black movers and shakers to help boost his chances in the Jan. 29 primary."

The list includes several Jeb Bush devotees, including David Griffin, a former Florida Lottery secretary appointed by Bush.

T. Willard Fair, a Miami-Dade County activist whom Bush appointed to the state Board of Education and who remains on the board today [and who has notoriously declared his "love" of Jebbie], is one of Romney’s state finance chairmen.

Joining him is former Orange County NAACP president Derrick Wallace, a longtime Democrat who switched parties after being courted by Republicans in 2005.

Also supporting Romney, who is vying for conservative voters against former U.S. senator and “Law and Order” celeb Fred Thompson, is Leslie Steele, a former Bush staffer who served in his communications office and also as the press secretary for the Florida Lottery.

Mail Ballot?

"Democratic National Committee member Jon Ausman says that the Florida Democratic Party is going to go ahead and declare the Jan. 29th presidential primary meaningless and instead do a vote by mail process later. In a letter he sent out today, Ausman said that the party is ready to embrace a proposal that would cost $2.3 million to carry out, of which $880,000 would come from the national party." "Dems to announce vote by mail plan".

Half-Way Home

"Nearly half of Florida Democrats’ 30-day grace period to abandon the Jan. 29 presidential primary election is past with no resolution in sight, and it has the state’s sole member of the Democratic National Committee’s rules panel more than a little flustered." "Halfway to Dems primary deadline".

"Republican Party Reptile[s]"

"State wildlife commissioners agreed Thursday that owners of potentially dangerous wildlife do not have to inform their neighbors about what's lurking on the other side of the privacy fence." "Wildlife disclosure rule rejected".

Just Kill 'Em

"The Department of Corrections rejected advice by its own legal staff to use a machine that would determine if an inmate was fully unconscious during his execution."

On Aug. 15, 2006, assistant general counsel Sara Dyehouse wrote her boss about legal challenges that were delaying executions around the country. Death row inmates were alleging that the administration of the fatal chemicals "may cause 'unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain' if the sodium pentothal anesthesia has failed to produce a sufficient level of unconsciousness."

Dyehouse said some courts were requiring an anesthesiologist at the execution to monitor the level of consciousness. However, because anesthesiologists have refused on ethical grounds to participate, the executions could not proceed.

To avoid a "similar situation," Dyehouse suggested that executioners use a "bispectral index monitor," which monitors brain waves to detect consciousness.

This new protocol requires a warden from another prison to attend the execution and check the consciousness of the inmate. "The warden will call out the name of the inmate, shake him and touch his eyelids, looking for reflexes," she said.

Flip-Flop on Death

"Bizarre may be the best way to describe the 180-degree turn of Marion County Circuit Judge Carven Angel on the state's lethal injection protocols. "

In July, the judge had made it clear that he was very uncomfortable with Florida's updated execution procedures, worrying aloud over whether they comported with "evolving notions of decency." But in a ruling on Monday, he put his stamp of approval on those procedures and then went further by proclaiming that the execution of Angel Diaz was not botched.

The change of heart is hard to fathom, since to suggest that Diaz's execution was not botched is an assertion unsupported by the facts.

It took Diaz 34 minutes to die, twice the normal time. The execution team had to inject the three-drug lethal chemical cocktail in both arms before Diaz died. Later, an autopsy confirmed that the executioner had torn through Diaz's veins and delivered the chemicals to his soft tissue instead.

Even the state's own expert said in the hearing before Angel that the people who did the Diaz execution were incompetent, according to Neal Dupree, an attorney for death row inmate Ian Deco Lightbourne, who is challenging the constitutionality of Florida's lethal injection procedure.

But Angel brushed all this aside. He found that Diaz suffered no pain because he didn't scream or yell during the injections.

The judge conveniently ignored the fact that the paralyzing agent could have made any such display impossible. Had the sodium pentothal, the drug that renders the inmate unconscious and pain-free, not been fully effective, Diaz could have been in excruciating pain but would have been paralyzed by the pancuronium bromide and unable to express it. ...

If Florida is not going to end the death penalty entirely, it should at least eliminate pancuronium bromide from the injection mix. Even veterinarians won't even use that drug to put down pets, and it is a continuing puzzle why the state insists on using such a controversial and potentially cruel drug.

Backward

Elisa Cramer: "It's been less than a year since Gov. Crist signaled that he was leaving behind the state's backward strategy of spending millions to warehouse kids who get into trouble instead of helping them stay out of trouble in the first place. But how he and state legislators handle the $1 billion budget shortage will prove whether Jeb Bush's counterproductive punishment-over-prevention legacy endures." "Sentencing the state to failure".

The new Quinnipiac University poll shows that Clinton, a New York senator, holds a wide lead over her Democratic rivals. But Clinton, attacked for decades by the right, is viewed negatively by 43 percent of voters, compared to only 50 percent who view her favorably.

Giuliani's lead isn't so big, nor are his negative ratings. They're at 28 percent.

But Giuliani's multiple divorces could be a turnoff: About 29 percent of voters said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who has been divorced more than once. The number is even higher -- 38 percent -- among the Republican base of white evangelicals, who comprise 45 percent of the poll's GOP sample.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released a survey showing Fred Thompson leading Rudy Giuliani by a 27-21 spread ...

"Up until now, Guiliani has been leading in nearly every statewide poll of Republican candidates," said Marian Johnson, political veteran and vice-president of political strategy for the Florida Chamber. "Recent media hype combined with a stronger statewide campaign effort has given Fred Thompson a considerable bump in Florida, a state coveted by all GOP candidates."

GOPers Dis Hispanic Vote

Time: "To many casual political observers, it may have seemed remarkable that seven of the eight Democratic presidential candidates showed up in Miami on Sunday for the nation's first Spanish-language debate. But the more extraordinary thing is that only one G.O.P. candidate is apparently willing to take part in a Republican follow-up."

The Univision debate showed the growing power of Latino voters; it also showed how that group - which has the potential to swing electorally crucial states like Florida, Nevada and New Mexico - is trending increasingly Democratic. Univision invited all of the G.O.P. candidates to the same forum next week. But only one, Senator John McCain of Arizona, accepted the invitation and the debate has been indefinitely postponed.

That kind of snub wouldn't have seemed possible only three years ago. President George W. Bush won reelection in 2004, in part, due to historic Latino support for a Republican candidate. Fulfilling the dream of Karl Rove, his former top political adviser, Bush drew nearly 40% of the Latino vote, double that of any previous G.O.P. presidential nominee.

So why are 10 G.O.P. candidates so unwilling to face Hispanic voters this year? In one word: immigration. Most Republican platforms on the divisive issue - which are variations of beefing up border controls - serve to shore up their base, but anger most immigrant communities, not just Hispanics. "For the Republicans, if they had a debate in Spanish, on Univision, they would get as many questions on immigration and so they would have to speak about immigration in the same way they speak about immigration on CNN on MSNBC and all the other networks," said Sergio Bendixon, a leading pollster of Latino voting trends. "And that, I'm sure they have figured, would be offensive, almost insulting to most Hispanic voters and definitely to Latin American immigrant voters."

The flip side of that political calculation was apparent on Sunday night. In Miami, all the Democratic candidates rushed to show their support in answering the first question, one clearly aimed at the G.O.P.: "Do you consider that participating in a forum run in Spanish and addressed specifically to Hispanic voters is a political risk for you?" ...

Fernando Romero, president of the non-partisan Hispanics in Politics, an activist group in Nevada - which now holds an important caucus slot between Iowa and New Hampshire early in 2008 - has also seen little or no G.O.P. outreach this cycle. Romero's group last year endorsed Jim Gibbons, the successful G.O.P. candidate for governor, but this year didn't like the Republican presidential field in part because of the immigration debate and in part because Republicans have neglected the community. "They have certainly really brushed off the Hispanic vote," Romero said. "Not even one of the 10 that are running has made an effort to contact any of the Latino groups in the area."

Wingnut GOTV Tool

"Floridians have had enough of divisive politics over recent years ---- yet that never seems to stop people who have an ax to grind and plenty of money to force discussion. As of last week, it seems likely that supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage will get their issue on next year's ballot. Florida4Marriage.org, the group behind the proposal, has raised more than $500,000 (and spent most of that on direct-mail campaigns) and should have the required signatures by Feb. 1. But the group has yet to make its case for altering Florida's Constitution to defend against something that's already banned by state law." "Proposed gay marriage amendment lacks rationale".

Lexus Lanes

It is going to so nice to no longer have to drive with the hoi polloi: "Exclusive: Toll lanes on I-4 appear likely".

Bushco in Business

"The watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, is asking the federal investigators to look at why No Child Left Behind Act money is being spent on educational products sold by Ignite! Learning, a company founded and headed by Neil Bush, President Bush’s younger brother. CREW - which the GOP accuses of targeting Republicans - said its research shows that the company's products do not meet Congressional standards. It said a 3-month investigation has found that school districts - including some in Florida - are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the company's curriculum." "Crew: Investigate Neil Bush".

Wingnuts ask: "Say it's not so Charlie"

"The Florida Family Association is asking its members to e-mail and contact Gov. Charlie Crist and ask whether he devoted time on the sixth anniversary of Sept. 11 to talk to activists about offering "special legal status to transvestites in public schools." In a release that says "Say it's not so Charlie," David Caton of the group quotes a e-mail from Equality Florida members that Crist has promised to back the "anti-bullying" bill that has come up the last several years in the Legislature. They quote Crist as saying 'I'm with you, I'm with you.'" "Did Crist promise to help transvestites?"

What Next Editors, Lump Sum Bonuses?

This is no surprise: the Sun-Sentinel editors don't like "step pay" systems which reward seniority:

The big raises come for the teachers who reach Step 20 — a $9,327 raise over the previous year. If they stay another year, they get another $7,387 raise, to $70,000. Plus, the public is left to wonder if the large increases for teachers nearing retirement sets up higher pension liabilities in the future.

Teachers in the middle years get much less. At a time when teachers are gaining experience and becoming effective, everyone — particularly the union — should be working for a contract that will make it more attractive for teachers to stay, rather than backloading the raises mainly on those who have been here 20 years.

The step system also has the unfortunate result of pitting one group of teachers against another. This time around, it unfairly forced long-serving, experienced educators to defend why they were entitled to raises much higher than those for newer teachers.

School officials should drop the step system, and just negotiate fair percentage raises across the board. That's something that should be part of any future contract discussions. The school district's pay system should be more equitable for all teachers. Otherwise, you can bet more good teachers will start looking north.

"Pouring too much pollution into Everglades"

"Everglades-choking pollution that flows off sugar cane and other agricultural fields decreased this year, but not by as much as required. ... This was the first time in 11 years that the region failed to meet the 25 percent standard, according to the district." "Farms pouring too much pollution into Everglades, report says".

Whoopee

"State regulators plan to deny eight property insurance rate filings submitted by subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty said Wednesday." "State to deny Hartford rate increases". See also "State denies insurer's rate increases".

Early Show

"Curious to know what secret projects Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is angling to get in the federal budget? The Miami Republican posted them on her website. The same goes for Weston Democrat Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The two lawmakers are among just a handful in Congress who have pulled back the secrecy surrounding their attempts to secure federal funds for local projects ahead of a new ethics bill requiring that requests be revealed. The bill is now awaiting President Bush's expected signature."

Ros-Lehtinen and Wasserman Schultz each pushed earmarks for companies that contributed to their campaigns; they said the requests were unrelated to the contributions ...

Ros-Lehtinen asked for $4.5 million in the defense-department budget for STIDD Systems, a New York company that supplies the military with dive-related equipment. Campaign-finance reports show the company's chief executive officer, Walter Gezari, gave Ros-Lehtinen's campaign $2,500 in March.

Ros-Lehtinen said she would have supported the program ''regardless of any campaign contribution.'' She said the company's training facility is in Marathon and produces local jobs.

Wasserman Schultz's requests included $3 million for DME Corp., an aviation and defense product company based in Florida. Campaign-finance reports show DME president, Luis Mola, contributed $4,000 to Wasserman Schultz's campaign this year, but a spokesman for Wasserman Schultz said it was unrelated to the request, which wasn't funded.

A Hillsborough Thing

The GOPers claim to have the NASCAR vote, and are now going after the lowbrow professional wrestling crowd (not to be confused with the real sport of amateur wrestling). Hillsborough County Commissioner, wingnut "conservative" and former professional wrestler, Brian Blair, was elected with "support from key Republican party stalwarts." "Commissioner Takes His Job To The Mat". Rhonda Storms, we never thought we'd miss 'ya.

Pell Grants

"As Florida's public universities face budget cuts and tightened freshmen enrollment, administrators at the state's private colleges and universities are relishing the first federal large-scale infusion of financial aid approved by Congress." "Pell financial aid boosts private schools".

Hillbilly Heroin Junkie Calls Floridians "Delusional"

Hillbilly heroin addict, Drug-Rush

Limbaugh said [Congressman] Wexler “is talking to the relatively few number of people in his district down here and making it sound like he’s representing the United States of America. If you want to know how kooky they are, you ought to pick up any South Florida paper …. Just go to the letters to the editor, and you will swear you’re at Daily Kos! You will swear you’re at the Democrat Underground. You will swear you’re at MoveOn.org. They are deranged — and, yes, they are listening to me right now. You people down here, you are deranged. You Democrats down here are absolutely delusional, devoid of any rationality or reason.”

All Things to All People

"Crist is playing it safe, touching every base—he’ll pay tribune to a leading evangelical Protestant in Coral Ridge, and celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a liberal legislator, both Wednesday." "Crist Hedges Religious Bets".

I Believe That's Called Lying

"John Thrasher, a former state House speaker and now a lobbyist who represents real estate development interests, has sent out a mass mailing suggesting the growth-limiting Hometown Democracy amendment is actually intended to benefit 'big developers' and calling voters 'special interests.'" "".

Manatees

"Manatee advocates and Gov. Charlie Crist applauded a decision Wednesday by state wildlife commissioners to delay downgrading the status of the animal from endangered to threatened." "State wildlife commission delays manatee downlisting vote". See also "Manatee protection status kept at highest".

The Miami Herald editors: "Florida's endangered manatees got a little help from high places this week when Gov. Charlie Crist took up their cause. Citing the record number of manatee deaths -- 417 -- in 2006, the governor asked the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) to postpone a scheduled vote Wednesday on downlisting manatees' status to threatened from endangered. Gov. Crist, who recently appointed three new FWCC members, said the vote would be premature until those members become familiar with the issues, including the manatees' status." "Manatee reprieve should be permanent". See also "Happy manatees".

Wouldn't Want to Blame the "Outside Contractor"

"A major Everglades restoration project is stalled because of shoddy work managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a reservoir that could threaten an interstate and nearby communities if levee walls were to fail, state officials said Wednesday. While the corps hired an outside contractor to do the work, the agency 'was ultimately responsible,' said George Horne, deputy executive director of the South Florida Water Management District." "Army Corps' shoddy work cited in major Everglades project".

Hsu

"Florida Democrats were among the recipients of money from businessman Norman Hsu, whose sketchy background has triggered one of the largest givebacks of political money ever."

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson received $2,500 from Hsu in December 2005 -- a year before his successful re-election campaign -- and also got $5,000 from associates of Hsu. The Florida Democratic Party received $5,000 in 2004. ...

Florida Democratic Party spokesman Mark Bubriski said the $5,000 from Hsu already has been spent and will not be returned.

No "bribery, extortion or self-dealing"

WPB "Mayor Lois Frankel said Wednesday that she has fought for seven months to keep parts of a grand jury report secret to protect a former employee from 'disparagement.' The mayor, who did not identify the former employee, would not answer directly whether that section of the report cast Frankel in an unfavorable light. But she said in a hastily called news conference that after her legal battle was revealed to The Palm Beach Post through a court clerk's error, she wanted to dismiss speculation that she was hiding any grand jury allegations of bribery, extortion or self-dealing." "Frankel says secrecy request was to shield former employee, not hide any allegations".

I Knew Lawton Chiles, And You ...

Jac Wilder VerSteeg" "Lawton Chiles, who never lost an election, limited the clout of special interests by limiting donations. The best to be hoped for now, it seems, is that candidates get so much money from so many sources that they couldn't possibly pay them all back with political favors." "Hillary, you're no Lawton Chiles".

"Dangerously optimistic"?

The Tampa Trib editorial board: "Crist wants to 're-fire' the state's cooling economy by spending down state reserves and trust funds. It's a dangerously optimistic plan, given the small amount of money at his command and the weakness of the national economy. If Crist is right and home sales and sales tax collections rebound in the spring, his gamble would pay off. If he's wrong, he would put the state in a deeper financial hole just as a new round of property-tax cuts threaten to take a bigger bite out of state and local revenue. " "Blowing Savings Risky Way For Florida To Balance Budget".

DCF Case Crumbling

The state's effort to curry favor with the Cuban community seems to be crumbling: "A judge on Wednesday dealt another blow to the state's case against a Cuban father seeking to regain custody of his young daughter - dismissing several charges against the man."

But Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri B. Cohen stopped short of the father's request to throw out the entire case. The Florida Department of Children & Families wants the judge to declare Izquierdo an unfit father and allow the 5-year-old girl to remain with her foster parents.

Cohen dismissed charges that Cuban farmer Rafael Izquierdo should have sent money from Cuba to the girl's mother in the U.S. She also dismissed allegations that he should have known the mother beat the girl and her half brother and that the mother would have a breakdown months after coming to Florida. ...

Earlier in the case Cohen dismissed charges that claimed taking the girl from her foster family could potential endanger her because of the bond she formed with them.

Secrets

"He has a highly public job, wears a tie to work. He is an elected politician, so he wields some power and enjoys some measure of respect. He does this for years and years. Maybe people hear rumors about him, a whisper of hidden secrets. But nothing seems to stick, not until his world finally comes crashing down around him."

Now we have something even more sinister -- allegations that John Bryan, a St. Petersburg City Council member, advocate for the foster care system and family man, sexually abused at least one of his adopted daughters.

Bryan resigned Friday after the allegations came to light. Then he took his own life.

If the allegations turn out to be true, a question will resonate in the aftermath.

How? How does a person who leads such a public life keep something like this hidden?

"It ain't over till it's over"

"When it comes to the demise of the state's no-fault automobile insurance system,apparently it ain't over till it's over. With the looming Oct. 1 sunset of "PIP" laws mandating drivers carry $10,000 auto injury coverage (which covers medical expenses no matter who caused a crash), a flurry of last-minute, behind-the-scenes salvage efforts are under way." "Legislators scramble to save PIP".

"Beyond ironic"

"Former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez apologized Tuesday for his profane rant against the state Republican Party after it bashed Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton for attending a fundraiser at his home."

Martinez was infuriated by a Republican Party of Florida news release that described him as ''embattled.'' He was convicted on federal racketeering and extortion charges in 1991 but successfully appealed. Two subsequent trials ended in hung juries, and the case was dropped.

''I wanted to apologize to you and your readers,'' Martinez said of his obscenity-laced response to the news release. ``I was baited and I took it. There is no excuse for it. I should have known better.''

''It is beyond ironic that the Republican Party, responsible for the most corrupt administration in the history of this country, would attempt to discredit a distinguished public servant like Mayor Martinez,'' Miami-Dade Democratic Chairman Joe Garcia said in a statement.

Goin' Down?

"Florida voters are growing so distrustful of government and its promises to lower property taxes and insurance that support for a proposed constitutional amendment to create a supersized homestead exemption is dropping, a new poll shows."

The Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday shows that only 47 percent of Florida voters support the proposal, down from a 57 percent approval rating in July, and far below the 60 percent threshold needed to become law. Meanwhile, a growing number of voters oppose the measure -- 22 percent, up from the 17 percent opposed to it in July.

While 65 percent of Floridians give him high marks for his job performance, 23 percent are unhappy with Crist. That's a drop from Quinnipiac's earlier survey, when Crist drew a record 73-11 percent approval rating. 'The bad news for Gov. Crist is that his approval rating is below 70 percent for the first time in months,' [Peter] Brown said. 'The good news is he is still more popular than most governors in America and has a 64-23 percent rating from opposition Democrats.'"

"Slow down"

"Wildlife officials should hold off before deciding whether to downgrade the manatee's status from endangered to threatened, Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday." "Governor: Slow down manatee decision".See also "Endangered or not? Delay vote, Crist says". More: "Manatees, tortoises may get a reprieve". The Palm Beach Post editors: "Delay vote on manatees".

Off Topic

"Exploring the neurobiology of politics, scientists have found that liberals tolerate ambiguity and conflict better than conservatives because of how their brains work."

Analyzing the data, Sulloway said liberals were 4.9 times more likely than conservatives to show activity in the brain circuits that deal with conflicts and were 2.2 times more likely to score in the top half of the distribution for accuracy.

Based on the results, [Frank J. Sulloway, a researcher at the Institute of Personality and Social Research at the University of California at Berkeley] said, liberals could be expected to more readily accept new social, scientific or religious ideas.

"There is ample data from the history of science showing that social and political liberals indeed do tend to support major revolutions in science," said Sulloway, who has written about the history of science and has studied behavioral differences between conservatives and liberals.

Lead author David Amodio, an assistant professor of psychology at NYU, cautioned that the study looked at a narrow range of human behavior, and it would be a mistake to conclude that one political orientation was better. The tendency of conservatives to block distracting information could be a good thing depending on the situation, he said.

Uh ... Make that $2.5 billion next year

Amy Baker, director of the Legislature's Office of Economic and Demographic Research, "repeated her warnings that, if unaddressed, the state would face a $2.5 billion shortfall next year -- about 8 percent of the state's revenue." "State budget deficit may set record".

"Not so fast"

"Attorneys for a Death Row inmate asked the state Supreme Court on Tuesday to send a case back to a lower court because a judge discussed the case with the St. Petersburg Times." "Attorneys: Not so fast lifting stay".

TV Marti Batista on the Ropes

The Tampa Tribune editorial board:"Few people are watching TV Marti and fewer people seem to care. So it's time to shut down the expensive broadcaster and find fresh ways to reach Cubans with America's message of freedom." "Time To Pull Plug On TV Marti".

Early Primary

"Florida and Michigan Democratic congressmen asked national party Chairman Howard Dean on Tuesday why he has said nothing about punishing New Hampshire if it moves up its presidential primary while their states may lose all their delegates." "Fla., Mich. congressmen complain DNC is silent on N.H. primary".

Newell

"Former Palm Beach County Commissioner Warren Newell pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony corruption charge that could send him to prison for up to five years." "Newell pleads, faces prison".

"Misguided"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Crist's proposed budget cuts are well intentioned but misguided. "

He is gambling that spending more money will spur the economy and generate enough state revenues to cover a $1 billion budget shortfall. But that bet is far from certain.

Florida shouldn't stake its $71 billion budget on tax collections that may or may not materialize. Florida could be stuck with a bigger budget shortfall next year if revenues fail to rebound. Moreover, if the economy goes into a recession, as some economists predict, the odds of a rebound become worse.

We know that cutting spending is a painful proposition. After months of wrangling, state House and Senate leaders haven't been able to agree on a basic approach.

Thompson Apparently Checking Out Retirement Options In Florida

"Thompson hits Florida Thursday". Surely he will be considering a visit to one of Florida's premier "retirement communities", "The Villages".

Meanwhile, "Thompson hires Coral Gables dynamic duo", a "political consulting firm to advise him on the Hispanic community". Perhaps they can advise sleepy on how to tactfully avoid the UM-Univisión Debate.

Iraq

Ric Keller seems to be burning the candle at both ends: : "In February, Keller joined 16 GOP peers in voting against the surge, saying it would endanger more troops without any guarantee that it would help the new Iraqi government stabilize the country. But he never strayed far from his party's line, ultimately voting to fund the surge and opposing Democratic efforts to set a timetable for troop withdrawals. After hearing Petraeus, he said, he still thinks he was right, but that circumstances in Iraq have changed." "Sentinel: Hearings sway Keller on troop buildup".

"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, has put out a press release summarizing facts and figures to back up her assertion that the cost and sacrifice of the war in Iraq aren’t producing significant results. The seven-page packet of information Castor distributed in a news release all comes from non-partisan government sources including the Defense Department, Congressional Research Service and others, but the packet itself was assembled and distributed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office for Democratic members to use." "Castor Says Facts Show War Not Going Well". See also "Nelson pushes Crocker on Iran".

The words of our U.S. Senators:

"Nelson: “The situation in Iraq is still a mess, and neither Gen. Petraeus nor Ambassador Crocker could say how long they expect us to be there. I believe we need a gradual withdrawal to get our troops out of a civil war and redeploy them to go after al Qaida. That just might spur Iraq’s leaders and security forces to take more control of their own country.”

Martinez: "I’m pleased with the report we heard from Gen. Petraeus this week... It is important that we recognize that we’ve made progress, that this progress on the ground is going to allow us to bring some troops home... Now is the time to continue the fight to the enemy so that we can defeat al Qaida in Iraq and as we do that, we can make America safer here at home.

"Fleecing"

"How badly have private lenders been fleecing college students? It took 60 years for Congress to fully reform what became an $85 billion college loan industry." "It's student loan reform that will help students".

Demographics

"35% of Broward residents don't speak English at home, Census says".

Charlie Wants to cut Alzheimer's research

"The governor's office says caring for patients is more important than Alzheimer's research." "Byrd center faces cuts even before it opens".

Good Luck

"House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber wants Republicans to subpoena insurance companies to get them to explain why they haven’t delivered big premium breaks to homeowners.
The Miami Beach lawmaker just sent a letter to House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, asking him to convene the chamber’s Insurance Committee while lawmakers are in town for other meetings next week." "House Democrats want to subpoena insurers".

January 9

"Although state and national Democrats are still at odds over Florida's Jan. 29 presidential primary elections, the head of the state party says she's certain all of the Democrats running for president will be on the ballot that day. State chairwoman Karen Thurman told me Sunday night in Coral Gables that Democrats need to know they should be voting on Jan. 29 no matter what happens in the discussions with the national party." "Thurman: Democrats will vote on Jan. 29".

"The 'gambling is the work of the devil' crew"

The Sun-Sentinel editors: "The anti-gambling crusade is on again in Tallahassee. As usual, the crusaders are wrong — just as in the days when ex-Gov. Jeb Bush and his pals in the Legislature railed against the evils of gambling. This time, as Gov. Charlie Crist appeared on the verge of a deal with the Seminole Tribe on gambling at its casinos, we heard again from the 'gambling is the work of the devil' crew." "Time to get deal done with Tribe".

Mitt Who?

"The political chattering classes are starting to crackle [sic]: Mitt Romney could go up on TV soon in Florida. He might have to, now that Fred Thompson has entered the Republican race for president and is likely to pull in second to Rudy Giuliani. Despite the speculation that Romney, the former Mass. Gov., is planning a multi-market Florida TV ad buy soon, the campaign won't talk about it. Romney spokeswoman Kristi Campbell just acknowledges the obvious: "Our biggest obstacle is introducing the governor to Florida.'" "Romney's Florida campaign ad quandary".

The event marked a coming of age for the Hispanic community, whose voting population has ballooned 50 percent over the past decade. Univisión anchors Maria Elena Salinas and Jorge Ramos asked the questions in Spanish, which were translated into English for the candidates wearing United Nations-style earpieces. Their responses were translated back into Spanish for viewers.

No major gaffes occurred, but the on-air translation of the candidates' answers into Spanish was spotty at times.

''It detracted tremendously from the quality of the debate,'' said Eduardo Gamarra, director of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean studies at Florida International University. Gamarra, who led a focus group of 19 young Hispanic Democrats who watched the debate, also criticized the candidates for giving vague responses.

Stop the "Creaking"

The St Pete Times editors: "Until Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature acknowledge reality, this state's future will be awfully bleak. The cost to maintain the status quo in public education, universities, social services, transportation and other areas - forget about improvements - is too much for the antiquated tax system to handle. The latest evidence is in the struggle to cut more than $1-billion from the current state budget and in the larger shortfalls projected for the next several years." "Budget cuts won't fix a creaking tax system".

"An unforeseen consequence"

"Voters will decide if they would rather switch to a new "super exemption" worth 75 percent of a resident's first $200,000 in assessed value and 15 percent of the next $300,000. Changing the constitution requires 60 percent of the vote. The decision to put the amendment on the ballot was passed in a June special session along party lines, with one Republican voting no. Since then, business groups that generally back the Republican Party have said they will campaign for passage of the amendment. Groups usually aligned with Democrats, including unions and teachers, have said they will push Floridians to vote "no," saying the plan would cut services by cities, counties and school."

Making the political rounds at a Labor Day picnic, state Rep. Jack Seiler heard the same message from Democratic voters angered by the possible insignificance of their vote in the January presidential primary.

"They felt like there might be a problem with their vote, so they were saying they wouldn't even go to the polls," said Seiler, D-Wilton Manors.

That highlights an unforeseen consequence to the Democratic National Committee's decision to declare their members' January primary vote meaningless: The possibility of weakened opposition to the statewide referendum on the same day to dramatically change Florida's property tax system.

"I was telling them, 'Look, you need to show up and vote,' I think the DNC needs to be aware of that," Seiler said. "To them this is just about party politics. To the state of Florida, it's probably one of the most important referendums we've had in this state in years."

Bright Futures

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Crist announced last week that he wants to cut 3.6 percent overall from the state budget, but 6.2 percent from the university system's budget. This would happen even as the state devotes nearly $400 million to Bright Futures scholarships, many of which go to average and above-average students and to families that don't need them." "Before university cuts, change Bright Futures".

Privatization Follies

"Should Florida lease its lottery to a private company, then turn around and use the proceeds to buy an annuity to replace the regular payments the lottery currently provides? Major New York investment house Lehman Brothers thinks it should and is trying to sell the proposal to Gov. Charlie Crist's office as a way to help the state get out of its budget bind."

Critics, though, call it a boondoggle that would transfer billions of dollars back and forth for no apparent reason other than to generate millions of dollars in fees for the underwriters involved and as much as $1.8 billion a year in profit for the private vendor.

"It's obviously good for the private sector," said House Minority Leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. "It's a huge windfall for whoever gets it. But is it good for Florida?"

"Rare ranch sale also would leave owners acreage to develop"

"After 120 years of raising cattle on land now treasured by environmentalists, the Yarborough family is on the verge of selling a big piece of its ranch in a deal that could preserve much of the property but open a major piece for development. If approved Tuesday, the St. Johns River Water Management District will pay $30 million for 5,040 acres -- nearly 8 square miles -- of Yarborough ranch land in east Seminole County and add it to the nearby Little Big Econ State Forest. The price was reduced by nearly $15 million because the family will get to keep valuable development rights. That could lead to homes and offices on 1,349 acres of ranch the Yarboroughs will still own." "Deal would expand state forest land".

Hsu You

"Add the Florida Democratic Party and Sen. Bill Nelson to the list of beneficiaries of disgraced Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu." "Nelson shuns money, but state party balks".

"'Special-interest food fight'"

"Amid the din of dire warnings, pocketbook appeals and posturing over the death of Florida's no-fault auto insurance law as of Oct. 1, here's a number to keep in mind: $7 million. That's the bare minimum that insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, trial lawyers, HMOs, chiropractors and trade associations with a stake in the law have paid to lobbyists so far this year to make their case in Tallahassee." "Capitol View: Pricey 'special-interest food fight'".

Here's An Idea

Scott Maxwell:

Well, Republicans wised up -- partially. Instead of completely ignoring the state, they've decided to reduce the state's delegates by half. Lame, yes. But only 50 percent lame.

Democrats, however, are still threatening to ax all of the state's delegates. Now let's take a quick timeout to appreciate the full irony of this threat: Democrats -- the "Count Every Vote" party -- are talking about ignoring the votes of an entire state. Nice.

So I figure: If your party won't count your vote, join one that will.

Seriously, Democrats. March down to your elections office and become a Republican.

That way, come January, you can vote -- for the Republican you like best, the one you dislike the least or, if you wanna be sneaky about it, you can even vote for the Republican that you think would be the easiest for a Democrat to beat in November.

Whatever way you do it, your vote will count -- at least more than it would as a Democrat if the national folks follow through with their threat.

What's more, after you vote Republican, you can switch back -- and vote in the regular Democratic primaries in September.

PBC Scandal

"Powerhouse lobbyist Hugo Unruh and consulting engineer Dan Shalloway together have invested thousands of dollars in a Costa Rica cattle ranch, a business tie that Unruh never declared when he steered a lucrative government contract to a partnership that included Shalloway and former Palm Beach County Commissioner Warren Newell." "Lobbyist, engineer mired in scandal".

"Masilotti got a favor for giving up his right to argue his sentence: His brother, Paul, escaped without charges. Newell can argue that he doesn't deserve to be treated like Masilotti. But like Masilotti, Newell took the oath of office and broke it. Like Masilotti, Newell's betrayal happened not once, but three times. Like Masilotti, Newell needs to be shown the consequences of his actions. Masilotti set the standard. Five years, the maximum, is the right sentence for Newell." "Masilotti, Newell".

FYI: Masilotti is a Republican. Newell "was a longtime Republican who switched to the Democratic Party earlier this year in hopes of boosting his chances for re-election, before the federal investigation derailed his political career." "Ex-Palm Beach County commissioner Warren Newell faces 5 years in prison".

Randy Schultz: "The former Palm Beach County commissioner will be the last of four crooked county politicians sent to prison. Like Ray Liberti, Tony Masilotti and Jim Exline, Newell sold off his office. The actual charge comes in fancier language, but it means the same thing." "Can levees hold back corruption?".

"Stand up for the little guy"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida Democrats should thank Tampa's Victor DiMaio for having the guts to challenge the party's establishment and stand up for the little guy. DiMaio, a political consultant, sued the national and state Democratic parties last week for deciding not to seat Florida delegates at the national convention if the state holds its early primary as planned." "Gutsy Lawsuit For Little Guy Puts Tampa At Center Of Debate".

"Politically difficult"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "We trust state legislators will consider carefully some of Gov. Charlie Crist's suggestions for easing the state's economic stresses through a combination of spending cuts as well as spending that will stimulate the economy - or at least not be a continual drain on it. Among ideas from his agency heads that the governor is noticeably ignoring is a politically difficult yet administratively solid and financially sensible proposal to move thousands of low-risk inmates in state prisons into work release, substance abuse and educational programs." "Release to work".

"Back in business"

"Once a rising star in Tampa Bay area politics, Peter Schorsch appeared to be finished as a campaign consultant this spring."

In March, Schorsch pleaded no contest to two counts of grand theft and one count of scheming to defraud two candidates and the Greater Tarpon Springs Democratic Club.

Sentenced to house arrest, probation, community service and restitution, Schorsch was banned from working in politics while on probation. Soon he was accused of violating that, too.

But in a deal that wiped out his sentence, Schorsch last month was released from the conditions of his probation.

And he's back in business.

Schorsch, 31, of St. Petersburg, has a new company called Rogue Political Consulting.

Restoration

"Officials from the Miami-Dade public defender's, state attorney's and elections offices were on hand, as well as volunteers from the local American Civil Liberties Union and Legal Aid, to help people who have committed certain nonviolent crimes get their civil rights restored and their records sealed. It was one in a series of outreach efforts by these and other organizations being held around the state since April 5, when Gov. Charlie Crist and two other members of the Clemency Board -- Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink -- voted to revise Florida's Jim Crow-era rules and make it easier for most nonviolent felons to have their rights restored." "Felons seek return of rights at Miami summit".

Running Government Like A Business

The Daytona Beach - News Journal editorial board finds " the method surrounding the layoffs at the Clerk of Courts office [was] especially puzzling, and for many of those involved, infuriating.

The 10 clerks, some of whom worked there as long as 22 years, weren't just laid off. They were treated like employees being summarily fired. They were walked to a room outside their usual offices and told they'd lost their job. Then they were "offered" not to go back to their desks. Other clerk employees would gather their personal belongings and bring them out. No severance was offered anyone. ...

Yet those who did go back to their desks were escorted by other employees. Again, an added humiliation on top of another. The clerk's rationale -- that the method protected fired employees from being more hurt and frightened than they already were -- isn't convincing. ...

If there is a season of layoffs ahead, and there is a lesson to be learned from the experience in Flagler, it's that being laid off is traumatic enough. Managers needn't add humiliation to the fright, especially when they claim to trust their employees. Asked if she would do anything different were she faced with another round of lay-offs, Wadsworth said: "I would choose to do it in the afternoon."

reorganized at the top: Jennifer Barker, the finance director partly tasked with working out the numbers and the layoffs, was promoted to her $95,000-a-year job, with a $19,000 raise, in mid-July. It's a new position. She had been promoted to her previous job, as assistant finance director, with a $6,000 raise, in January.

"A huge pain for politicians"

"Cities and counties sell bonds to raise money. These are loans to build things such as sewer plants, roads and buildings. The governments must pledge a source of money to pay off the bonds -- such as resort taxes for convention-center bonds. But the state constitution says voters must give their approval if property taxes are used to secure such debt. This is a huge pain for politicians, in large part because voters have a history of rejecting spending projects." Mike Thomas nevertheless believes "the end result will be a more transparent use of public money. And that always is a good thing." "Court's ruling may end tricky taxing gimmicks".

Utilities are planning ahead to meet the demands of growth profits

"Utilities are planning ahead to meet the demands of growth".

Another "Surge"

"Sherry Lee, who represents CUTS - Cut Unfair Taxes and Spending - said local budget cuts and the property tax reform measure approved by state lawmakers this year have not done enough to lower residents' tax bills. Many owners are looking to the value adjustment board for relief, she said." "Tax bill challenges expected to surge".