Obama allies had long suggested the best Clinton could hope for was a deal to evenly divide Florida's delegates to the nominating convention. Now, though, Sen. Bill Nelson and key players in Congress and on the Democratic National Committee are raising the possibility of allocating a portion of Florida's delegates based on the results of Florida's Jan. 29 primary, which could shrink Obama's overall delegate lead to anywhere from a handful to roughly 20 delegates.

"Florida can be in play in November, and we need to get this situation resolved," said Allan Katz of Tallahassee, an Obama supporter, superdelegate and DNC member. "If the Obama campaign is willing to make a small concession in order to get (Florida represented), it's not my decision to make, but it's something I would probably encourage."

Neither campaign has officially embraced the idea, and Obama supporters on Friday were skeptical the Clinton campaign wants to resolve Florida's Democratic primary problem. But the idea could provide a path to ending the dilemma before the national convention in August.

The talks are occurring mostly among Democrats in Florida's congressional delegation.

It's deja-vu all over again. The Sunshine State continues to live up to its legend. Butterfly ballots, hanging chads, and now primary do-overs — there's not enough muck in the 'Glades to keep fueling the state's burgeoning reputation for messing up presidential elections.

Fortunately, cooler heads in the Democratic Party are prevailing in debunking the idea of a do-over by mail. The proposal is simply lose-lose: It falls far short of resolving the problem of a nasty nomination fight, and it once again reinforces the image of a state that can change the nation's course — for the worse.

Imagine ... tax cuts?

"Monday could be a momentous day for those seeking to change Florida's property tax system. The powerful Taxation and Budget Reform Commission will decide if proposals for what would amount to the biggest property tax cuts in Florida's history will go before voters in November." "Panel faces historic tax-cut decision". See also "State panel imagines new ways to tax".

"Canaries in coal mines"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "You've heard about canaries in coal mines whose deaths warn miners of potential danger. Florida has birds in Florida Bay whose deaths are warning of environmental collapse and the need for action." "Dying bay, dying birds; save them, save the state".

Whoopee!

"Now 36 state agencies, the 11 state universities and the universities' Board of Governors all have open government contacts." "Goals being met _ and more _ at Office of Open Government". See also "Audit: Agencies want to provide records, but sometimes slip up".

Stripper tales

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The allegations made by New York stripper Christy Yamanaka against 2nd District Court of Appeal Judge Thomas E. Stringer Sr. warrant a careful look by authorities." "Judge's conduct needs scrutiny".

Kenny Boy

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Historically, Florida legislators have loved meddling in education matters, but none has come close to the ignoble deeds proposed by the current leadership, most specifically Senate President Ken Pruitt." "Pruitt proposal encourages political meddling in schools".

Another Jebacy

"Two new appraisals of the route for the proposed Orlando commuter rail likely will spark more debate over the contested project. Florida transportation officials have said the $491-million deal benefits the state because major freight improvements also will be done instead of paying for the market value of 61.5-miles of railroad. But early appraisals suggest the Central Florida route is worth less than the value of the 2006 deal." "Appraisals add fuel to CSX commuter rail debate".

Stoopid Jebbites

"The fence was the idea of a statewide Domestic Security Oversight Council that included staff from former Gov. Jeb Bush's office." "$700,000 fence was waste of money, Florida agency head says".

Quince

"As a child, Peggy Quince went to segregated schools in Virginia. This summer, she will become the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court." "Quince makes history in Supreme Court". See also "Quince to be Florida's first African-American female chief justice".

But what would the insurers say?

"After hearing 24 hours of testimony during two months, a state Senate panel formed to drill into last year's insurance reforms offered a grab-bag of ways to hammer down premiums Thursday. The list includes making it easier to prosecute Florida insurers for antitrust violations, lifting the $100,000 cap on fines the state can impose on companies that don't comply with investigations and scaling back allowable insurer profits. But even the panel's co-chairman had doubts that the tough medicine prescribed could pass in an election-year legislative session." "Florida Senate panel unveils ways to reduce insurance premiums".

Long odds

"House odds long on Senate's video lottery legislation".

War on drugs

"Though he has admitted to smoking marijuana, Gov. Charlie Crist said he still favors Florida's tough drug laws and doesn't support legislative plans to review whether to lessen penalties for some crimes such as non-violent drug possession." "Crist wants to maintain drug penalties".

"Speaking in dungs?"

Daniel Ruth: "These Poor Souls Never Had A Prayer".

Gasbaggery

"Officials with Citizens insurance — the state-backed insurer of last resort for property owners unable to find other coverage — faced hours of grilling Friday from House Insurance committee members and its chairman, Rep. Don Brown, R-De Funiak Springs. The workshop meeting, with no votes taken and no bills under scrutiny, was called by Brown, a long-time critic of Citizens." "Citizens insurance officials questioned while under oath". See also "Citizens Insurance Scrutinized".

Off topic

"Office Depot CEO earns $17.8 million during difficult 2007".

Panthers

"Although at about 100, the number of panthers is more than three times what it was in the early 1980s, state officials still grapple with tough questions about how to preserve and protect the big cats. Last year, 15 panthers were killed in collisions with cars, and one has been killed, so far, this year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission." "Officials proclaim day of the panther".

Even as it was unveiled, skepticism was rampant.

Republican Gov. Charlie Crist said he would designate state personnel to verify voter signatures [so non-Democrats won't cast any ballots] for a "mulligan" re-vote in early June, if necessary. But the speaker of the Florida House said no taxpayer money can be used, in any way, for a privately run election that Democrats said would cost the party $10 million to $12 million. ...

No way to run a party

Thurman said she was not planning to lobby for support, just waiting for responses over the weekend. When asked if she thought there will be a re-vote primary, she sighed heavily and paused.

"I don't know," she said. "I have a feeling that it's probably getting closer to 'not' than 'yes.' "

All nine Democratic members of Florida's U.S. House delegation opposed it. ...

Leon County Elections Supervisor Ion Sancho said "there is no way" county supervisors can be involved. Sancho said he spoke with Florida Democratic Party officials, who were considering not verifying voter signatures on ballot envelopes, since those signatures are in county elections offices.

A poll of Florida Democrats who voted Jan. 29 showed 59 percent supported a mail-in revote. Under the state party plan, a company that conducts elections would run the revote. Ballots would be mailed to Florida's 4.1 million Democrats. The party also would open 50 offices statewide to distribute replacement ballots, collect them and take in-person votes. The cost, $10 million to $12 million, would be paid by private donors.

It's not hard to foresee challenges with this plan, especially with its untested format and tight time frame. It wouldn't work without the cooperation of Gov. Charlie Crist and his secretary of state.

Critics have warned of disenfranchising people in a mail-in revote, such as those who have moved. Yet the alternative some support, a deal to split the state's delegates between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama, would disenfranchise everyone who voted Jan. 29.

If party bigwigs veto the mail-in plan, it's incumbent on them to come up with another approach soon that doesn't cheat Florida.

RPOFers "Pit the poor against the desperate"?

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "It started out bad, and it's getting worse: This week, the projected hole in Florida's budget grew to more than $3 billion. The Legislature's response started out bad. It shouldn't get worse."

The shortfall includes $1 billion from the current year's revenues -- lawmakers were already negotiating over a proposal that would trim more than $500 million from that budget -- and $2 billion from the 2008-09 budget. Lawmakers won't try to find more cuts for the fiscal year ending June 30, so they'll have to make up a gap of about $3.1 billion from next year's budget.

Early in the decade, lawmakers approved billions of dollars' worth of special-interest tax cuts that diverted money into the pockets of the wealthy. Plugging some of the myriad exemptions in the sales-tax code could produce hundreds of millions of dollars. Rolling back a tax break that benefited investors would be even better, putting billions back into state coffers. Finally, lawmakers could close corporate income-tax loopholes that allow companies to short-change the state.

Instead, they're pitting the most vulnerable sectors of Florida's population against each other: Should they enact cuts that reduce the number of nurses in Florida's hospitals and put elderly nursing-home residents at greater risk of abuse? Or should they take away money that would be used to provide schoolchildren with up-to-date textbooks and functional computers?

And instead of talking about reclaiming revenue from the wealthiest, lawmakers are exploring the idea of extracting more revenue from low-income Floridians in the form of expanded gambling -- ignoring the vast body of research showing that such a course brings misery (and increased social cost) in its wake.

Put the needs of Florida's working families, seniors and children first, and stop pandering to the powerful elite.

Didn't I vote on that already?

"Voters would get a chance to second-guess themselves about the state's education governance under a Senate proposal to reorganize the State University System." "Resolution would give Legislature power to set tuition". See also "" and "".

Double or nuthin'

"Over the heated objections of religious conservatives, the Senate voted Thursday to allow slot machines at every race track and jai-alai fronton in Florida, although the bill's fate is far from certain." "Senate OKs slot machines at race tracks, jai-alai frontons". See also "Gambling Bill Wins Approval". See also "Slot machine bill passes Florida Senate".

"Sweetheart deal"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The reason Gov. Charlie Crist should kill the state's sweetheart deal with CSX Transportation is not because the Tampa Bay region wants Orlando to forget about building a commuter rail system, as some would suggest. The reason Crist should end this deal is because he believes in good government and considers himself the governor of all Floridians." "Crist Should Kill Secretive CSX Deal To Send Signal About Transparency".

Charlie's angel

Last week, Charlie announced the following appointment as one of three commissioners of the Public Employees Relations Commission for a term beginning April 7, 2008, and ending January 1, 2012:

Sara H. Gonzalez, 34, of Tallahassee

The public policy of this state, and the purpose of this part, is to provide statutory implementation of s. 6, Art. I of the State Constitution, with respect to public employees; to promote harmonious and cooperative relationships between government and its employees, both collectively and individually; and to protect the public by assuring, at all times, the orderly and uninterrupted operations and functions of government. Nothing herein shall be construed either to encourage or discourage organization of public employees. This state's public policy is best effectuated by:

(1) Granting to public employees the right of organization and representation;

(2) Requiring the state, local governments, and other political subdivisions to negotiate with bargaining agents duly certified to represent public employees;

(3) Creating a Public Employees Relations Commission to assist in resolving disputes between public employees and public employers; and

(4) Recognizing the constitutional prohibition against strikes by public employees and providing remedies for violations of such prohibition.

In no event shall more than one appointee be a person who, on account of previous vocation, employment, or affiliation, is, or has been, classified as a representative of employers; and in no event shall more than one such appointee be a person who, on account of previous vocation, employment, or affiliation, is, or has been, classified as a representative of employees or employee organizations.

works as a physician's assistant with something called "Dermatology Advanced Care".

"During Jason’s 10 years in private practice, he has gained insight and expertise that will serve our state well," said Governor Crist. "He has developed outstanding legal skills as he has represented both private businesses and state and local governments."

Gonzalez has been an attorney with Ausley and McMullen P.A. since 1998 and is currently general counsel to the Republican Party of Florida. He has served on various judicial nominating commissions and is a member of Leadership Tallahassee Class XXI. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance and a law degree from the University of Florida.

This would never happen at Gulliver Academy

"Four eighth-grade boys were rushed to the hospital Wednesday after they drank too many Redline Energy Drinks to help them be more alert for the FCAT. The boys suffered racing heart beats, light-headedness and were sweating profusely." "Let Kids Be Kids, Even During FCAT".

"Slight delay"

"Crist's sweeping proposals to cut greenhouse gases, limit carbon emissions and vastly increase recycling hit a road bump Thursday. But the committee's chairman said it was just a slight delay even as proposed changes offered by interest groups came and went." "Environmental reforms see slight delay".

"Tiptoeing out on that limb"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board:

Trusting it's safe to step out on a limb a few inches, we'd like to credit the majority of Florida legislators who stayed away from the private prescreening of a movie Wednesday night — an event that wasn't open to the public and press.

It was a documentary by pop-culture, self-described intellectual Ben Stein called "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," with a plot that challenges mainstream science with regard to evolution.

But the evening at downtown's IMAX Theater, which was rented out to Mr. Stein's group for $940, was a bust, with only about 100 people attending the movie. And most of those weren't lawmakers who were (tiptoeing out on that limb now) ...

Off topic

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Firing prudence".

While Florida burns ...

... our hardworking geniuses in Tallahassee focus on Florida's most pressing needs, like this: "Sensing an opportunity to send a message to teens walking around with their underwear showing -- and with nobody else willing to act -- state lawmakers leaped into the breach. They were so eager they didn't even bother to wait until the tail end of the session." See also "Bill raises punishment for excessive speed" and "'Swanee's' Swan Song?" ("After winning unanimous approval from a House committee Thursday morning, legislation establishing a new state song received a much colder reception on the Senate side.")

The stakes? Nothing less than Democrats winning or losing Florida in November, said state Democratic chairwoman Karen Thurman.

''There's no authority under Florida law that would allow county supervisors of election or the state to verify signatures in an election of a state party,'' said Sterling Ivey, a spokesman for Florida's secretary of state and Division of Elections.

Obama's campaign spokesman called the mail-ballot revote effort a "Clinton production" that would require a civil rights review from the Justice Department to be considered legitimate.

"The people designing the likely mail-in plans here are Clinton supporters," said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe. "So I think everyone has to be very cautious about that."

Under a draft version of the mail-in election plan obtained by the Herald-Tribune, all of the state's 4.2 million registered Democrats would get a ballot and a prepaid return envelope in the mail two weeks before the June 3 election.

Also, the party would create 50 regional voting offices throughout the state that would be open every day for two weeks before the election to allow voters to cast ballots in person or get replacement ballots.

The estimated cost of the plan is $10 million to $12 million.

Though he had not seen the plan, Plouffe said, there are legal issues, security questions and funding concerns that remain unresolved in what would be Florida's first-ever statewide mail-in election.

Brilliant mistake

"Among the losers as Florida lawmakers cut the state's budget Wednesday: troubled teenage girls in the Tampa Bay area." "PACE program for troubled girls takes budget wallop".

"House Bill 195 and Senate Bill 532"

Troxler: "The government is the servant of the taxpayers, not their master. And yet increasingly, Florida cities, counties and school boards spend public dollars to try to sway election results." "Stop using our money to sway our vote".

How long is "Forever"

"Florida Forever, the state's land-buy program, runs out in 2010. On Tuesday, a House council tried to figure out how to continue its aims when money is tight." "Lawmakers try to save land-buy program in lean financial times".

Directly to jail

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "With the sentencing Friday of a bit player in the Tony Masilotti corruption scandal, the scorecard is complete. Two ex-Palm Beach County politicians, Masilotti and Warren Newell, and two enablers have been sentenced to prison. Several others who may have helped them, though, remain free. Former Commissioners Masilotti and Newell are serving five-year sentences. The enablers are lawyer Bill Boose, sentenced to two years, and developer Daniel Miteff, sentenced on Friday to five years. But what about those other insiders who helped make the deals happen but faced no charges? When he sentenced Boose in January, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Ryskamp wondered aloud why justice had not been brought to bear on them." "In the corruption saga, plea deals were worth it".

Finally

"In a scenario that many Americans never imagined -- or understood -- Puerto Rico is poised to play a crucial role in choosing the Democratic presidential nominee." "Puerto Rico becomes player in Dem primary".

Imagine that?

"Hillsborough, the largest district to enact merit pay, has discovered that teachers in the most affluent schools are the ones benefiting the most." "Merit pay plan's unintended lesson".

What a deal

"It would link Orlando's sprawling suburbs, ease traffic on bottlenecked Interstate 4 and spur an economic boom in Central Florida."

At least that's what Orlando-area lawmakers said Wednesday about the CSX rail project, a proposal that calls for the Florida Department of Transportation to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to buy miles of train tracks for an expansive commuter and freight rail system.

The $491 million project has raised red flags for critics who ask why the state should dole out so much taxpayer money to benefit a for-profit company. Others are leery about a provision in the deal that would make the state - not CSX - liable for train accidents, even those the company causes while using the rail line.

We're Number One!

"Florida No. 1 for mortgage fraud in 2007 for 2nd straight year".

Ouch!

Daniel Ruth: "Are you beginning to get the sneaking suspicion that when it comes to figuring out elections, Idi Amin was a paragon of democratic fair play compared with the Bowery Boys meet-Freedonia's Rufus T. Firefly overseeing the Florida Democratic Party presidential primary food fight?" "What Could Possibly Go Wrong?".

Brain trust

"The Council of 100 has been advising Florida's governor since 1961. Its members today include Raymond James Financial chairman Tom James, OSI Restaurant Partners chairman Chris Sullivan, and Phil Handy, chief executive of Strategic Industries LLC, who once led the state Board of Education." "Group: Lay Off Higher Ed".

Free dunce caps and popcorn

"Supporters of an 'academic freedom' bill permitting students and teachers to challenge evolution teachings in Florida's new science standards brought actor-activist Ben Stein to the Capitol on Wednesday for a private screening of his new film before an audience of state lawmakers."

Few lawmakers were among about 100 people who showed up for the private screening of Stein's film.

Organizers refused to let reporters or uninvited spectators into the theater, which was rented for two hours at $940.63, but insisted that no discussion of pending legislation would occur.

We don't need no stinkin' gov'ment handouts

"Roughly a third of the jobs at U.S. Central Command will be eliminated under a review started by outgoing Adm. William Fallon, military officials said." "Outgoing admiral eliminates 1,100 jobs at U.S. Central Command".

Budget blues

"After slashing $512 million from the existing state budget on Wednesday, lawmakers today begin the painful process of cutting as much as $3.7 billion from next year's nearly $70 billion spending plan." "Lawmakers look to next year's budget cuts". See also "Legislators cut into current budget".

Open for bidness

"Five regional legal offices the state has created to represent poor defendants in special circumstances can stay open, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The justices reversed a judge's ruling that the offices, which opened their doors in January, were unconstitutional because they are headed by appointed rather than elected officials." "Justices OK new state legal offices for poor defendants".

Big of 'em

"Giving the wrongfully incarcerated an 'automatic trigger,' a House council approved a bill Wednesday that would give $50,000 a year to those who have been mistakenly imprisoned." "House council OKs bill to compensate wrongfully convicted".

The rules are different here

"Authorities say a Tampa Bay-area father and daughter duped thousands of British citizens into making $70 million in bogus investments." "Fla. father-daughter accused of $70 million stock fraud scheme".

Facing tight deadlines for a do-over election, Florida Democrats are rushing to deliver to the national party as soon as Thursday a plan to vote again -- by mail -- in the presidential primary.

State party officials have been working since last week on a way to satisfy the Democratic National Committee and get Florida's 211-vote delegation to the party's nominating convention seated next summer. The DNC stripped Florida and Michigan of their votes for jumping ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline allowed by party rules for those states' primaries. ...

After a meeting in Washington with Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and the state's congressional Democrats, the Floridians issued a unanimous statement that said:

"Our House delegation is opposed to a mail-in campaign or any re-do of any kind."

Nelson supports the mail-in idea. Another thing that all sides agree on is that it would be politically disastrous for Florida -- a state with 27 electoral votes -- not to be represented at all in the Democratic National Convention.

Sue the bastards

"Crist urged Florida auditors Tuesday to investigate whether the state should sue private security firms for selling weak investments that have jeopardized nearly $2 billion in local government tax collections. Crist said he was frustrated that state officials have not determined the merits of a lawsuit over the sales, mostly mortgage-backed securities that have since been downgraded." "Crist urges probe of security firms".

"A gloomy Legislature"

"State government will eliminate about a half billion dollars in planned spending this fiscal year under a bill passed by a gloomy Legislature on Wednesday and sent to Gov. Charlie Crist. The governor is expected to sign the cost-cutting plan, and although he has veto power over individual line items, he has said he isn't likely to use it." "Legislature sends smaller current year budget to governor".

Perhaps the dunce will get a radio show

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Earth to Naugle: your bile-spewing rants against one particular group in your city ... were only humiliating and insulting." "Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle gone in one year and counting".

"We need to be pessimistic."

Jebbie's legacy:

On the eve of a House vote to cut more than a half-billion dollars out of Florida's recession-ravaged budget, state economic forecasters Tuesday lowered their estimate of general revenue collections by nearly $3 billion for the next 15 months.

"We are way far away from being out of the woods, or even knowing where the edge of the woods is," House economist Don Langston said during a daylong meeting of the Revenue Estimating Conference. "We need to be pessimistic."

Budget blues

"Voting along strictly partisan lines, the Florida House this morning approved shrinking this year's budget by more than half a billion dollars. Democrats objected that the $512 million in cuts would hurt education, health care and public safety." "House cuts $512 million from state budget".

The best they could do?

"Supporters of an 'academic freedom' bill permitting students and teachers to challenge evolution teachings in Florida's new science standards brought actor-activist Ben Stein to the Capitol Wednesday for a private screening of his new film before an audience of state lawmakers."

Stein, a conservative commentator on CBS best known for his role in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," scheduled meetings with House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, and other legislators to endorse bills by Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, and Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Brandon.

A fine idea at the time

"The number of homeowners insured by state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is expected to grow despite efforts to turn over policies to the private market. And though its surpluses are expected to increase, Citizens could see a loss six times as great if a major storm hits the state, Citizens Chief Financial Officer Sharon Binnun said Tuesday." "Citizens' Insured Risk Swells".

Insurance

"Crist's proposal to provide health insurance for the state's 3.8 million uninsured has prompted at least one other plan this session, but neither lawmakers nor health care advocates are convinced that either will work."

In February, Crist unveiled a plan that would have private insurance companies work with the state to provide basic, low-cost coverage plans to residents at about $150 a month.

At the time, the idea was met with interest from businesses but raised questions from insurance carriers who worried that there would be little incentive to vie for business under the plan.

AWOL

"The chairwoman of a U.S. House subcommittee Tuesday criticized the governors of Alabama, Florida and Georgia for not testifying at a congressional hearing on the Southeastern drought." "Governors decline to testify at congressional hearing on drought".

The FCAT bureaucracy

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "It's testing week in Florida schools. Contrary to what the state or your child's school may have you believe, revealing the contents of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test does not endanger national security. It may even help it, considering that better-educated students strengthen national security. The FCAT bureaucracy disagrees." "To boost scores: FCAT transparency".

"Shortcomings, shortsightedness and revenue shortfalls"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Our state is in fiscal distress because of an array of shortcomings, shortsightedness and revenue shortfalls. But nursing homes are caught in a double bind: They are required by laws that emerged out of the wisdom of previous legislative sessions to provide certain levels of minimum care per patient." "Handle with care".

On to important business

"Full Senate takes up bill on droopy drawers". See also "Florida Senate panel waters down fines in red-light-running bill" and "Florida legislators consider bill to ban school bullying".

And Mel says he's also "the new darling of the homosexual extremists"

"He is Florida's ultimate conservative, a small-framed, earnest family man who campaigned on fighting terrorism, pedophiles and child pornographers." "Attorney general refocuses job".

Democratic leaders appeared to agree that a mail-in vote is the state's only option for a voice in the Obama-Clinton race.

The Barack Obama campaign continued to express opposition to a revote, as questions arose over whether the mail-in primary would be technically feasible, legal and reliable.

Opponents say it's not.

Let's pretend

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida has been boasting of robust population growth and an economy strong enough to be adding thousands of jobs each week. Actually it has been losing jobs since September, latest estimates show. The implications are troubling for everyone, especially those investing in Florida's growth or lured to Florida in search of a job." "Florida Needs Sharper Estimate Of Economic Future And Growth".

Medicaid fraud

"Legislative leaders agreed Monday afternoon to postpone a decision — at least temporarily — on saving $340 million next year by freezing annual increases to Medicaid providers, according to the Florida Health Care Association." "House stalls Senate Medicaid bill".

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The Legislature is in budget-cutting mode and, unfortunately, Florida's most vulnerable are at risk. Medicaid serves poor children, the disabled and elderly. The federally supported program is targeted because it is one of the state's biggest expenses. So, not looking at Medicaid spending would be ill-advised. The trick is to find cost savings without cutting critical services." "Budget cuts put elderly, poor at risk".

"As if he had given himself a wedgie"

Daniel Ruth hits another homer (read the whole thing here): Ruth writes that "it was a royally annoyed Jeb Bush who showed up in Lakeland the other day, which was sort of odd."

After all, the former governor was about make a very nice chunk of change off a bunch of unsuspecting marks, who had coughed up $300-a-pop to listen to a bunch of twaddle about how wonderful the Bush Junta years were for the state.

was in a sour mood, as if he had given himself a wedgie, after a bunch of nosy reporters started asking the Diocletian of the Apalachee Parkway why he treated his eight years in office as if his reign was one giant Skull & Bones meeting.

The Infamous Scribblers [a/k/a stenographers], as George Washington once referred to journalists, peppered Bush with questions about his hatched-in-secret plan to buy up 61 miles of CSX Transportation track in the Orlando area for $491 million, which would then enable the company to enhance its freight line traffic through a new Polk County hub.

Simply because the governor sold Lakeland down the river in backroom negotiation leading to a $491 million door prize to CSX, what business was it for anyone in Lakeland to ask him about it, merely because he happened to be in Lakeland to stuff a speaking fee into his smoking jacket?

But as the questions persisted, The Brother Who Should Have Been President Instead Of The Bush Family's Answer To Tommy Smothers grew agitated, insisting his Love Potion No. 491 Million to CSX was not cooked up in secret at all.

After all - he knew about it. How much more transparent could things possibly be?

Now Bush's footsie-wootsie with CSX is coming under increased scrutiny from the press, as well as the Legislature, which has questioned the enormity of $491 million in corporate welfare to a company with the wherewithal to pick up its own tab.

It was no small irony that Bush was in Lakeland to appear at the faith-based Southeastern University to speak on leadership, although this would have been like inviting Hugo Chavez to deliver remarks on the Bill of Rights.

Bush spent eight years posing for holy pictures as governor, treating the state's open government laws like they were broccoli on his father's dinner plate.

When he was asked what he thought would be the fate of the CSX lap dance during this legislative session, the Eddie Haskell of political dynasties sniffed: "I don't care."

Some things never change.

"We deserve an A-plus in self-delusion"

Despite the frequent old style media man-crushes on Jebbie (read Mike Thomas) some media outlets persist in getting it right.

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "If there were a direct correlation between the Sunshine State's extraordinary emphasis on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and where we stood in national rankings of educational quality, then surely we'd be among the leading states in terms of learning."

That's not the case. In FCAT's 10th year, the tough truth is that Florida, the fourth-most-populous state in the nation, consistently remains among the lowest states in most frequently cited measures of educational performance and quality.

Not this year or last, but year after year after year.

no state that ranks near the bottom in high-school graduation rates and per-student funding for public education can sincerely lay claim to a world-class system of schools. So let's stop fooling ourselves.

If the FCAT is Florida's best measure of support for public education and student achievement, we deserve an A-plus in self-delusion.

Super Buddy

"Dyer rescues terrier from jaws of pit bull"

Whatever

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Legislators should do more to lure Space Coast investments" "Our position: Legislators should do more to lure Space Coast investments".

The "values" crowd in action

The Tampa Tribune editorial board reminds us that "in January, Florida cut $75 million from the Medicaid fund that supports nursing-home care for the poor. Now lawmakers are considering a $139-million cut."

"During tight economic times, Florida should stand strong for the most frail and vulnerable among us - those in nursing homes, children in need of protection and the severely developmentally disabled. If we can't do that, Florida doesn't just have a fiscal crisis. It has a moral crisis as well." "Keep Promise To Nursing Home Patients".

Water managers

"After decades of appointed water management district boards, some lawmakers say it is time to make them elected positions." "Lawmaker: Water managers should be elected".

Trust us

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board lets us in on a coupla legislative secrets today: "The Florida Constitution only requires two duties of the state Legislature: Produce an annual, balanced budget. And conduct business openly."

Unfortunately, those two charges sometimes come into direct conflict, especially when budget negotiations get down to the wire. As the state House and Senate prepare to "conference" on more than $500 million in cuts to the current year's spending plan, even legislators are complaining that they're not sure what the plan, rushed through legislative committees on its way to the floor, contains. And if lawmakers can't keep up, what hope do members of the general public have?

"You figured out how to cut this pie in secret," growled House Minority Leader Dan Gelber, a Democrat, last Wednesday, at the start of floor debate over the House's version of cuts. State Rep. Shelley Vana, D-West Palm Beach, said she requested explanations of some of the proposed cuts, and only received bare line-item listings.

Water war

"Finally, Congress will hear from representatives of Florida's Panhandle seafood industry about a decision that affects the industry. They and U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Panama City, will testify before the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment on the impact of a Georgia-influenced decision to cut water flows to Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay. Two weeks ago, U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne ended negotiations among Florida, Georgia and Alabama and announced that his agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would settle the three-state water war." "Florida won't get cut out".

Guzzle

"Public servants with gas guzzlers? It doesn't add up".

Scripps

Joel Engelhardt: "Doug Bingham, chief operating officer of The Scripps Research Institute, says that everything is going according to plan. Scripps Florida has met all of its benchmarks. Researchers are making scientific progress. Officials at Scripps headquarters in California are pleased with scores generated on federal grant applications, scores that forecast a rush of hard-to-get federal money. Mr. Bingham, however, won't specify what benchmarks, what progress or what scores. Announcements will be forthcoming. Trust us. I hope that trust is justified, because there's a lot at stake. ... Mr. Bingham says the model is working. All the milestones are being met. Since the public has so much at stake, however, it would be nice if he could spell out exactly why he is so optimistic." "Is Scripps money paying off?".

South Florida elections

"Voters go to the polls today to cast ballots in 19 municipal elections in Palm Beach County, including key races in Boca Raton and Wellington, and opposite ends of Broward County today for races in Pompano Beach and Miramar." "Elections taking place throughout South Florida".

The end of an "era": "Palm Beach County touch-screen voting machines get final use today in 19 municipal elections" and "Touch screens on way out after votes today".

Pumping sand

"Alligator Point property owners have rejected a proposed sand-pumping project that Franklin County officials said was needed to protect homes and a county road." "Residents reject sand pumping in Alligator Point".

Can you spell H.I.P.P.A.?

"The medical records of some Central Florida Regional Hospital patients were sold last month at a Salt Lake City surplus store for about $20, a newspaper reported." "Florida medical records sold at surplus store".

"Polluting incinerators in disguise"?

"Environmental groups said Monday that proposed "plasma arc" plants that can convert garbage into gas that is burned to produce electricity really are polluting incinerators in disguise." "Environmental groups cast doubts on 'clean' plasma-arc power plants".

DCF

Bill Cotterell: "What is undoubtedly the most exhaustive search of personnel records in Florida history is turning out pretty much as you might have expected."

DCF Secretary Bob Butterworth ordered the inspection last month following the arrest of Al Zimmerman on charges of offering two teenage boys money to pose for pornographic pictures. It was discovered that Zimmerman, who had been the agency's main public spokesman in Tallahassee, didn't have an original job application on file and, although his job references were vouched for, his background had not been properly vetted.

But Zimmerman had been hired before DCF began fingerprinting and running complete background checks on all employees. And although one of the boys had been in DCF care, Zimmerman was a front-office worker and not a direct-care employee.

AWOL

"Heralded by lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist as potential saviors in the property tax crisis, some members of the Taxation and Budget Review Commission are facing a far simpler challenge of showing up for meetings." "Tax commission members missing work".

Hillary's army

"The quandary over the Florida and Michigan Democratic presidential primaries was the leading topic on the Sunday morning political talk shows, but with no apparent progress." "Do-Over Spurs Talk, Talk, Talk".

"Govs. Jon S. Corzine and Ed Rendell are ready to help raise money for new Florida and Michigan Democratic Party primaries. Corzine, the New Jersey governor, and Rendell, the Pennsylvania governor, both support Clinton." "Corzine, Rendell willing to raise money for Fla., Mich. revotes".

"Dean: Bring me a vote plan". The empty chair chimes in: "Crist: DNC should accept Florida delegates".

Rick Hasen: "Worries About a Florida Primary Do-Over Through Vote By Mail". See also "Mail-in ballot gathers steam for Florida Democratic primary re-do"" and "Dean: Bring me a vote plan".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "If Democratic Party won't seat delegates, it should pay for mail-in vote". See also "Democrats still at odds over Florida delegates".

"Florida voters would be headed to the polls Tuesday if their Legislature had not changed the state's presidential preference primary date 10 months ago." "Election change benefited GOP, but Democrats bummed".

DROP it

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Elected and other top officials are abusing state's DROP program".

Title-lending

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The fight to stomp out predatory lending has always been difficult -- the minute lawmakers target one form of usury, another springs up to take its place. Florida is learning that lesson well: The state has already taken on abusive practices tied to the title-lending industry, which writes loans at triple-digit interest rates secured by borrowers' vehicles. Payday loan companies that also charge huge interest rates are also proliferating, despite state attempts to regulate them." "Florida's debt traps".

The house that "Jeb!" built

"Legislative leaders agreed this afternoon to postpone a decision -- at least temporarily -- on saving $340 million next year by freezing annual increases to Medicaid providers, according to the Florida Health Care Association. The Senate included the proposal, over the strong objection of Democrats and nursing home providers, as part of a package of more than $500 million in budget cuts to the current state budget." And this is a particularly nice touch:

Lawmakers expect more bad news tomorrow when state economists are expected to predict that tax collections are $900 million less than previously expected. Legislative leaders were expecting to reduce the approximately $70 billion budget next year by $2.5 billion, but the cuts may have to go even deeper ... .

Marco, why not try the Marine Corps

"As his popularity appears to plummet, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez could face a challenge from Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, who's not ruling out a run for mayor and whose poll numbers suggest he would be a strong candidate. 'I haven't made any decisions about anything,' Rubio said Friday when asked if he would challenge Alvarez. 'I'm just so focused on being speaker. To start answering questions like that invites lots of other questions.' But Rubio acknowledges he has been asked to run by supporters, who have been bolstered by a new survey from Florida International University's polling institute suggesting Alvarez is at his politically weakest point." "Rubio backers urge run for Dade mayor".

And they will ...

"Businesses hope to feel the love from legislators".

Stoopid man

"A local state lawmaker who is pushing Florida to adopt an 'academic freedom' law -- one that would protect teachers who are critical of evolution -- has invited members of the Florida House to a private screening of the movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. The controversial documentary, staring Ben Stein, is supported by the Discovery Institute, which advocates for Intelligent Design and has been pushing for academic freedom laws to protect those who share its views. The invitation to see Expelled on Wednesday was sent to all members of the House by Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, according to his legislative aide." "Ben Stein's 'Expelled' stirs up Florida's anti-evolution forces".

Pain? No gain (at least for Mr. Happy Face)

"With Florida government facing a $2.5-billion budget deficit next year, a major philosophical split has emerged among Republicans in Tallahassee. Gov. Charlie Crist wants to minimize spending cuts by raiding the state's $5.5-billion piggy bank, where multiple pots of cash are stored, mostly for emergencies or for specific uses." "$5.5-billion temptation".

"Unless more money is found"

"Environmental groups say that unless more money is found, the Marion County property and others could be lost to development. The groups want the state to buy additional land for conservation as soon as possible, especially since many landowners are eager to sell in tough economic times." "Advocates ask state to buy up acreage".

CRAs

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Cities and counties in Florida have a valuable tool for rebuilding struggling urban neighborhoods. They create so-called 'community redevelopment areas' and funnel the taxes generated as the place rebounds back into the community - paying for new roads, street lights, parks and other improvements that continue the cycle of attracting new investment. It is a public-private partnership with a distinguished record in Florida. Cutting it even in healthy times would be self-destructive. Doing so in a down economy is flat reckless." "Urban tax plan works; save it".

Unions are the root of all evil

The Palm Beach Post editorial board wants everyone to know that they can bash unions with the best of 'em:

Enter the firefighters union with the bright idea of shifting the burden to the sales tax. House Bill 891, sponsored by Rep. Shelley Vana, D-Lantana, and its Senate companion, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, would require a county commission to place the matter before voters. But this proposal would be more about helping a politically powerful union than promoting good government.

Firefighters work hard to elect friendly candidates. For sponsoring the wrongheaded bill, Rep. Vana undoubtedly will receive their support when she runs this fall for the Palm Beach County Commission. There also will be something in it for Sen. Fasano. There isn't much in it for anyone in Florida who isn't a firefighter or a politician.

Dawson

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Florida needs the best from its legislators, and the burden is even higher for lawmakers like Dawson, whose district includes a larger number of poor and working-class citizens who rely on government services. Dawson has proven to be a fighter, but if her health is that much of a concern, she'd do her constituents, and more importantly herself, a favor by resigning from office." "Mandy Dawson".

Just keep your hands off my intangibles ...

"For six years, state legislators abruptly turned on their heels when they saw Brenda Olsen of the American Lung Association in the Capitol. Now, with the state facing a more than $2 billion budget shortfall, Olsen's push for Florida to increase its notoriously low cigarette tax by at least $1 has gained some allies." "Legislators may raise state's low cigarette tax".

But as three Miami Democrats look to unseat three of her South Florida Republican colleagues, Wasserman Schultz is staying on the sidelines. So is Rep. Kendrick Meek, a Miami Democrat and loyal ally to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

That wasn't the case just two years ago when the pair flouted a long-standing Florida delegation agreement to not campaign against colleagues and vigorously backed Ron Klein in his winning bid to oust veteran Republican Rep. Clay Shaw.

This time around, Wasserman Schultz and Meek say their relationships with the Republican incumbents, Reps. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and his brother Mario, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, leave them little choice but to sit out the three races.

''At the end of the day, we need a member who isn't going to pull any punches, who isn't going to be hesitant,'' Wasserman Schultz said.

The decision comes as Democrats believe they have their best shot in years to defeat at least one of the Cuban-American incumbents with a roster of Democrats that include former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez, opposing Lincoln Diaz-Balart; outgoing Miami-Dade Democratic party chair Joe Garcia, opposing Mario Diaz-Balart; and businesswoman Annette Taddeo, opposing Ros-Lehtinen.

But Wasserman Schultz and Meek say their ties to the three Republicans are personal as well as professional: Both served in the state Legislature with Mario Diaz-Balart and say they work in concert with all three on South Florida issues.

Wasserman Schultz has also played a leading role in persuading the new Democratic majority to sustain the economic embargo against Cuba and has established close ties to the staunchly pro-embargo U.S.-Cuba Democracy political action committee, which has contributed thousands to Wasserman Schultz and Meek's campaigns.

said the lack of support from top Democrats could make donors leery.

''Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a favorite of leadership, somebody on the move,'' Rothenberg said. ``When somebody like that doesn't want to be a major player in taking on a Republican, that's a signal.''

The chickens are a comin' home to roost

Jim Ash writes that "Florida's budget crisis looms like a dark cloud." "Tempest brewing: Cuts only first drops in budget storm".

Floridians for whatever reason trusted "Jeb Bush And His Amen Chorus Of Goose-Stepping Legislators" with the awesome responsibility of governing Florida. What Floridians got was "policy" representing the worst possible combination of wingnut "ideas" and country club greed. We are now paying the piper.

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board:

A glimpse from the opening scenes of this farce: Gov. Charlie Crist delivered a don't worry, be happy State of the State speech that was out of touch with reality. House Speaker Marco Rubio held a surreal news conference to brag about plans to eliminate a form used in real estate transactions to save $11-million, a tiny fraction of the budget cuts. Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and some of his colleagues publicly insulted university chancellor Mark Rosenberg because he has dared to speak the truth about the consequences of starving higher education. Their attempt to blame him for the Legislature's failings was shameful.

The linguistic gymnastics to justify cuts that could be mitigated by raising revenue or using a portion of state reserves are absurd. Rep. Ray Sansom, R-Destin, repeatedly insisted there were no budget cuts at all, just spending reductions. What a relief to community college students who cannot get the classes they need or to judges struggling to keep their courtrooms operating. Sen. Durell Peaden, R-Crestview, tried a different approach. He called the Senate's cold-hearted plan to take $316-million in Medicaid money away from hospitals and nursing homes a rate freeze, not a cut. Either way, services would have to be cut or more costs would have to be shifted to paying patients. ...

House Republicans are not interested in fairness. They are on a path that would inflict as much pain on as many Floridians as possible and starve this state of the revenue it needs not to flourish but to merely aspire to mediocrity.

Trifecta! Charlie's empty chair, suit and head

"In 2006 Crist pounded gubernatorial rival Jim Davis for missing votes in Washington ("Jim, as you know, you can't govern from an empty chair")."

Florida Democrats are throwing it right back at him, with a new Web site www.emptychaircharlie, mocking the governor's official schedule that showed him taking off more time than he worked in the first six weeks of the year.

When the party blasted out an e-mail noting that Crist's schedule showed him doing little on Thursday except campaigning in South Florida with McCain, the Governor's Office added some gubernatorial duties to his official schedule - "work and call time" in the afternoon and national media interviews in the morning.

But, really, who is he fighting for?

The “People’s Governor” has sold the press and the public on the notion that he’s a can-do executive who can unite Florida. His daily flurry of news releases and staged appearances — some of them are even in Florida — create the impression that he’s hard at work doing the people’s business.

Don’t confuse activity for accomplishment, however. If you follow the money, you’ll see where Crist’s true allegiances lie.

Miami-Dade Democrats

"Miami-Dade Democrats are slated to elect a new leader Monday to replace party chairman Joe Garcia, who resigned last month to run for Congress. The candidates are Bret Berlin, the local party's state committeeman; Daisy Black, former president of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida; and North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns." "Miami-Dade Democrats to elect new chairman".

From the "values" crowd

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Florida figures prominently in the new Pew Center on the States study, which shows that one in every 100 American adults is in prison or jail. Between 1993 and 2007, Florida's inmate population grew to 97,000 from 53,000. Growth like that has made the U.S. No. 1 in the number and percentage of people behind bars. Why isn't everyone horrified?" "Be smarter on crime". The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Too many Americans locked up".

The Oregon way?

"Sen. Bill Nelson believes that the only practical way to settle the state's delegate mess is to hold a second Democratic presidential primary by mail, his chief of staff said Saturday. ... Nelson's office has been speaking to party officials in Oregon about how they handle voting by mail and it's encouraged by what they've heard, Mitchell said. It's still unclear where the money would come from to pay for the vote." "Sen. Nelson sees vote-by-mail as option to solve delegate mess". See also "U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson supports mail-in primary for Florida", "U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Gov. Crist propose plan for primary re-vote" and "Mail-In Vote Possible For Fla.". But see "Why a mail re-do election likely won't happen".

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Now is not the time for Florida to hold another primary for the Democratic presidential nomination." "Second Primary For Democrats No Solution To Nominating Mess".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "If Democratic Party won't seat delegates, it should pay for mail-in vote". Randy Schultz:

Flori-duh: The state so dumb (but nice), they have to vote twice.

Flori-duh: Vote early, vote late, vote often.

Flori-duh: Mulligans, they're not just for golf courses anymore.

Pruitt's vindictive folly

The Miami Herald editorial board: "This is the latest chapter in an old story, the power struggle between legislators and independent boards about who should run state universities. Sen. Pruitt's proposal is a bad idea, and the timing is worse." "The power struggle in higher education".

More than a resume item

"The state commission that has the power to put amendments on property taxes and sales taxes in front of voters in November has 51 ideas waiting for a vote -- and one problem: committee members who aren't showing up."

According to commission attendance records, members who have had the most no-shows include Lee County Circuit Court Judge Bruce Kyle, who has attended 18 percent of the meetings; Miami lawyer Roberto ''Bobby'' Martinez, 29 percent; Mark Bostick, president of Comcar Industries in Winter Haven and Alan Levine, outgoing president of the North Broward Hospital District, 53 percent, and Miami attorney Carlos Lacasa, 59 percent.

Pander bears

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida lawmakers have been more restrained than most in the fray over illegal immigration, a problem best solved at the federal level. Yet state legislators feel pressure from constituents to do something - anything - to express their displeasure with Washington's inability to craft comprehensive reform. Still, it's important for lawmakers to recognize the limits of what Florida can do to address illegal immigration without creating a climate of discrimination. One of the top proposals this year is a simple - and reasonable - measure to make businesses seeking state contracts use the federal E-Verify system to check the immigration status of new hires." "A Reasonable Step In Immigration Reform".

Never mind

"Gas guzzlers are tops with officials".

If you can stand ...

reading that self-important bow-tied dope: "Lifting the embargo may not free Cuba".

Nutball haven resorts to ...

... dare we say it ... "trial lawyers"?!: "Villages settles lawsuit, will fund $40 million in recreation upgrades".

The voting thing

"With the presidential contest in full swing, voting reform advocates and Florida election officials are trying to develop a better way to monitor election results. State officials agree that Florida's current audit provisions, adopted last year, don't go far enough. But they are wary of too hasty an overhaul during an election year already complicated by a move to the statewide use of optical scan voting equipment." "Better audits are sought for voting". See also "Machines not ready for revote by June 10".

The real maestro

Adam Smith: "Amid the budding presidential primary fiasco, it's easy to overlook this trend: "

For the first time in at least a decade, Florida Democrats no longer look like an endangered species. The latest sign of a Democratic pulse came with a special election late last month in which Tony Sasso became the first Democrat since 1996 to win a Space Coast legislative seat.

It's the ninth Republican state House seat Democrats have picked off in two years, unheard of in modern Florida. The count stands at 41 Democrats, 77 Republicans, with two open seats expected to remain Democratic.

Have river, will drain

That's our green guv for 'ya: "Crist needs to call halt to reckless policy of draining area rivers".

Of course, Charlie's too busy smilin' to actually ... you know ... do sumthin.

Gay Dems

"Gay Democrats gathered Saturday for a conference whose cost was subsidized by U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D- Delray Beach. Attendees heard from a slew of supportive Palm Beach County officials: state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D- Greenacres; state Rep. Susan Bucher, D- Royal Palm Beach; West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel; and U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D- Boca Raton. Several local candidates stopped by. But there weren't any openly gay elected officials or candidates from Palm Beach County. Cross the county line into Broward and there are a half dozen openly gay elected officials in local governments". "Gay candidates focus on wider agenda at Democratic Caucus meeting".

Here's an idea

"Orlando Sen. Gary Siplin persuaded an appeals court last year to overturn his 2006 grand-theft conviction. Now the Democratic lawmaker has a new crusade in the Legislature. Siplin is sponsoring legislation that would allow courts to seal records of as many as three arrests on a person's criminal history, provided he or she was not found guilty of the crimes." "Bill would seal more arrest records".

Imagine that ... politics

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "In the special election to replace state Rep. Frank Peterman, nearly 25,000 registered voters will have no say. For all the talk about voter empowerment in the capital these days, you can lay this one at the feet of the partisans in the Florida Legislature."

In the District 55 race, a woman with no political experience and a personal grudge against former St. Petersburg NAACP president Darryl Rouson filed at the last minute as a write-in. Rouson is a former Republican, and she apparently believes that keeping independents and Republicans away from the polls will hurt him (though the assessment may be politically naive).

Wiggle

"With eye to costs, lawmakers open to wiggle room in class-size law".

Running government like a business

"At the same time state lawmakers are pushing to shake up Florida's university system, some Republicans are questioning why the person who runs that system is getting an extra $200,000 on top of his annual state salary." "Lawmakers question chancellor's bonus pay".

One man's "debate"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The immigration "debate" is never short on hyperbole. Still, the protesters at Jupiter's El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center last weekend took distortion to a new level."

About 100 people came from around South Florida to demonstrate against the labor center. They were angry, vocal, and generally off-base. ... How about blaming American consumers for demanding cheap goods and services? One protester called the center a "Taj Mahal" where workers enjoy extravagant amenities. Folding chairs, Styrofoam cups and mass-produced coffee is extravagance?

Leading the protesters was state Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart. She is running for the congressional seat of Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens, and has chosen immigration as the issue on which to demagogue.