Eight years ago Kelvin Haywood needed surgery for a dislocated spine after being choked unconscious by an inmate at the state hospital where he works. He's still being tested for HIV and hepatitis after being bitten on his upper arm by another inmate a year ago.

His pay for dealing with dangerous inmates: $24,000 a year. ...

Haywood, 47, is among thousands of low-paid state workers with dangerous jobs and has little hope of a raise this year. That's in a state that spends less per capita on its work force than any other, according to a recent study by the Pew Center on the States and Governing.

"A travesty," responded state Rep. Lorranne Ausley, who blames much of that poor ranking on former Gov. Jeb Bush. "All they did was take away all the protections for state employees. There were two years during the Bush administration where they got no raises at all." ...

Elva McCaig of Milton has been a licensed practical nurse for more than eight years at a Panhandle prison where she earns less than $30,000 annually and must use vacation time and spend her own money to maintain her professional credentials.

And to make things even more difficult for some workers, new hires are often paid more because starting salaries have increased since many long-time employees were hired. Those increased salaries weren't given to those already working.

"It does seem like a slap in the face when you have to train somebody with absolutely no experience that makes more money than you do," [complained yet another whining state employee.]

Jeez, I wonder why is the hotel worker unionization rate* is so low in Florida?

"The leader of a ring that grossed $50 million by employing illegal workers in hotels in Central Florida and other Southeastern states was sentenced to three years in federal prison this week. ... Up to 40 Central Florida properties paid workers hired through Adelco subcontractors such as ISS International. They included Disney's Swan and Dolphin hotels, Best Westerns, Holiday Inns, Radissons and Hilton Garden Inns. Most of the workers were eastern Europeans, but some were Mexicans, court records show." "Employer of illegal workers gets 3 years".

No mention in the articles as to whether any of the Best Westerns, Holiday Inns, Radissons or Hiltons are in any trouble over their involvement this massive racketeering scheme of exploiting workers. Perhaps these fine, rock-solid U.S. corporations simply thought they were merely lucky to acquire a compliant work force uninterested in wage increases, benefits of any kind and ... God forbid ... unionizing and bargaining collectively.

Likewise no mention of how many other risk-taking, hard charging John Wayne-type entrepreneurs with job-creating businesses like Adelco and ISS are supplying hotel housekeeping, security, food service and front desk employees to the Florida tourism market. Similarly no discussion in the article as to whether these illegals were under the ridiculous (after all, this is the United States of America) impression that they might be deported if they had the temerity to ask about being paid more than minimum wage (assuming they were paid the minimum).

Of course, all that is beside the point because - as the traditional media tells us - these (exploited) foreign workers are simply doing the work that U.S. workers who have been "fattening up" on "overly generous" compensation packages would never do - to wit, jobs compensated at or below minimum wage (something illegals of course can't complain about) without health insurance, retirement benefits, vacation, sick time, and all those other benefits lazy Florida workers expect from their masters employers.
- - - - - - - - - -
* The same question could be asked of other industries, including residential construction jobs, semi-skilled jobs in commercial construction, agricultural work, and the myriad other jobs being performed by exploited illegal workers.

Florida bucks

"Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama each raised more than $1 million in Florida last month -- about twice as much as Republican John McCain -- despite rising frustration among Democratic voters over whether they would get to help pick their party's nominee." "Democrats outraised McCain in Florida".

Where Jebbie's grand jury?

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Much as the Federal Reserve improvised to avert a Bear Stearns collapse, Florida's State Board of Administration - the governor, attorney general and chief financial officer - made up the rules as they went along, including a decision to freeze the pool's deposits. To avoid that white-knuckle improvisational approach in the future, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has proposed that the Legislature authorize a more in-depth analysis of what went wrong in the first place. Then the Legislature would implement reforms to make sure that it doesn't happen again in any of Florida's 30 investment funds containing $184''billion overseen by the State Board of Administration."

Most of the proposals are nuts-and-bolts stuff. But anybody whose goal is to improve oversight of the funds also has to deal with a couple of political issues. One is that shortly after Gov. Bush left office in January 2007, he became a consultant to Lehman Brothers, which then sold Florida a lot of the bad investments.

Ms. Sink, a Democrat, doesn't deal directly with that link. Instead, she proposes that Florida "determine if there is a basis for a lawsuit regarding investments sold to the state by investment firms." In an interview, she noted that Lehman Brothers "had decided late in 2006 that they didn't feel confident about these investments, but the next thing I know, Lehman is selling" Florida the same investments.

Another political issue is that the person in charge of approving investments was Coleman Stipanovich, a former Jeb Bush campaign manager and brother of Florida GOP lobbyist Mac Stipanovich. Any probe of what happened should include thorough questioning of Coleman Stipanovich, who has been forced out. But he hasn't been questioned under oath, and Ms. Sink said it "hasn't been discussed."

Still, the CFO's call for more disclosure by fund advisers and for setting rigorous qualifications for those seeking Mr. Stipanovich's former job clearly and appropriately are inspired by questions surrounding the Jeb-Lehman Brothers-Stipanovich association. More nuts-and-bolts fixes would add financial professionals to the SBA and otherwise improve the quality of investment advice, and require better auditing.

It all depends on what your definition of "first reported" is?

"The wife of a top aide to Gov. Charlie Crist resigned her new state job on Friday, just two days after the hiring was first [sic] reported by The Miami Herald [and seven days after the hiring was "first reported" by this website in 'Charlie's Angel']." "Controversial Crist appointee steps aside".

Sales tax exemptions

"Eliminating sales-tax exemptions could add $12.3 billion to state revenue, but experts say it's more complicated than you think."

''You will hear about the need for strong economic development,'' says [Tallahassee lawyer who has been a member of both Florida tax commissions, Martha] Barnett. ''These are very legitimate arguments.'' Equipment for new businesses and goods used for research and development are among the exemptions.

Bob Graham, the former governor, is not so sure about business exemptions. ``I think they should have to prove that the exemption is really necessary for their competitiveness.''

"Ridiculous"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "State lawmakers have a full plate this year balancing the budget and righting Florida's economy. They should not be wasting their time on silly legislation or secondary matters not thought through. That's why it was good to see several bills dismissed so early this session that were either premature or outright ridiculous." "It's silly season at the Capitol".

No go on re do

"A federal court Friday rejected an appeal aimed at making the Democratic Party count Florida's votes at its presidential nominating convention." "Court rejects appeal to count votes". See also "Court Dismisses Fla. Challenge" and "Court tosses appeal to force DNC to accept Florida delegates".

Good luck

"Jim Hannagan is not politically connected or active in the local Democratic Party establishment." And with all due respect, it shows: "His strategy: Get 1.5-million Democrats throughout Florida who voted or are registered to vote to sign petitions Hannagan will deliver to the DNC. So far, volunteers in Pinellas, Leon and Duval counties have collected about 7,000 signatures in 12 days, Hannagan said." "Delegate fray stirs grassroots petition effort".

At this rate, they'll get the 1.5 million sigs in about 875 days.

Pave it over

The Tampa Trib editors: "Facing a $4 billion budget shortfall, some lawmakers and special interest groups are quietly eyeing growth management laws as sacrificial lambs, wrongly figuring that fewer regulations will jumpstart Florida's sluggish home market and economy. It would be a colossal mistake to slash growth reforms that require roads, schools and water resources be created concurrently with new subdivisions." "Relaxing Growth Controls No Fix For State's Money Crunch".

Great work if you can get it

GOP "State Sen. Evelyn Lynn, who last year helped Florida State University get $1 million to set up a literacy center in her home district, was later hired to run the place for $2,300 a week -- the equivalent of almost $120,000 a year." "State Sen. Evelyn Lynn runs center she helped fund".

Welfare mothers

"CSX would be off the hook for any accidents it caused to passenger trains, under a deal moved forward by a House committee Thursday." "State House Panel Advances $491 Million CSX Deal".

Welcome to Florida

For decades, many innocent dupes "have bought Central Florida swampland from a variety of sellers, not all of them honest." "Internet deals mire unwitting buyers in inaccessible Green Swamp land".

"Greasy"

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editors: "Florida lawmakers found a greasy way to celebrate Sunshine Week, the celebration of open meetings and open records that Gov. Charlie Crist declared 'vital to establishing and maintaining the people's trust.' Thirteen House Republican leaders -- and only Republicans -- gathered in secret at a colleague's Tallahassee house to share pizza and swap ideas about state business, including gambling, taxes and fees, and their legislative agenda." "Secret-pizza government".

Tax swap math

Mark Lane does the math:

The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission voted Monday to put a tax swap on the ballot. Florida would trade in required local effort and replace the money with a penny increase in the state sales tax and some cleaning up, adjusting and expanding the sales tax.

This would give property tax payers a big cut -- how much depends on where you live -- but 25-40 percent would be in the ballpark.

Now, put down those noisemakers.

Remember this is a tax swap, not a tax cut -- assuming everybody still wants to have a public school system.

The one-cent sales tax increase won't come close to buying out the required local effort.

Here's the math in big, round estimated numbers.

Cost of giving up required local effort: $9.3 billion.

Money raised by increasing the sales tax by one cent: $3.3 billion.

I got out my calculator and discovered a gap of $6 billion. That's the part that would need to be found by fixing sales-tax loopholes.

Those commie teachers' unions

"Ninety-two percent of Brevard Public Schools teachers who took part in a poll organized by the teachers union voted to reject the bonus money. More than 2,700 of Brevard's 5,000-plus teachers participated in the poll." "2nd thoughts".

Another disgruntled former employee

"The former president of The Greenbrier, who resigned after less than a year at the famed resort, has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Florida-based railroad giant CSX Corp., claiming he was forced out of his job for trying to end "fringe benefits" enjoyed by CSX executives." "Former Greenbrier president sues Fla.-based CSX over departure".

The debate over Florida's future rages on

"Crist may share NAACP's view on school pants bill".

First off, I have not endorsed any of the three incumbents in South Florida, nor will I, and I do not support their re-election campaign. I am supportive of the Democratic candidates who are running against them. I have never said otherwise.

Second, I have a national role as one of three co-chairs of Red to Blue Program. All candidates, from Florida to Alaska, have criteria that have to be met to get on this targeted list. Let me guarantee that if they fulfill those criteria, these three Democratic Candidates will be part of our Red to Blue Program ... period, end of story. We have three co-chairs in order to be able to spread the workload among us. It makes much more sense to have someone from outside of one's own region to be able to make the hits necessary.

But at the same time I am a representative of the 26th Congressional district of Florida, and I think it is absolutely my responsibility to work with my Republican colleagues."

"It's less about legacy and more about who is the most qualified to represent our interests and to bring back the funds that are needed to support South Florida," Gomez said.

This year's election is in part the natural evolution of a community that has become increasingly diverse.

Newer immigrants who arrived on rafts or smugglers' boats and retain family ties to Cuba have less in common with the early wave of elites who fled Cuba by plane in the 1960s and have been stalwarts of the Republican Party. U.S.-born Cuban-Americans still virulently oppose the island's communist government, but many rank bringing it down below other domestic and foreign issues.

The personal histories of this year's challengers illustrate this shift.

Like the Diaz-Balarts, their families arrived in the first wave but from more modest circumstances.

We don' need no stinkin' government regulation of entreprenurship

"Florida won't require toilet paper in restrooms" ("HB437, also would have required that restrooms have soap, be lighted and ventilated and have running hot and cold water.")

Whatever

"Florida delegate solution still not in sight". The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Democrats gave up too quickly on a mail-in revote for Florida's presidential primary. Party leaders and the two presidential contenders took a can't-do approach to the plan, making mountains out of any possible bumps in the road. That just adds to their obligation to agree in short order on another way to ensure Florida's Democratic voters are represented as the party nominates its presidential candidate." "Find a solution".

Property-tax swap

"The loudest opponents of the property-tax swap going before voters in November are lobbyists for major corporations and future legislative leaders who would be stuck with the plan's heavy lifting: $9.6 billion in sales tax increases, budget cuts and other revenue hikes."

But while some legislators fret and big business twists arms to kill the plan, one of the most influential voices in Florida politics says the proposal is a good idea.

''I like what I've seen thus far,'' Gov. Charlie Crist told The Miami Herald on Thursday after spending most of the week saying little about the proposed constitutional amendment approved Monday by the state Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.

The plan would not just be the biggest tax reform the state has seen, he said, it would produce deep savings for all property owners by eliminating the state-required schools tax -- 25 percent of their annual bill.

Not only will businesses save 25 percent on their own tax bills, the amendment would put a 5 percent cap on annual tax assessments for non-homestead properties -- something long-sought by business.

The current cap is 10 percent, approved Jan. 29 by voters.

He said arguments about a sales-tax increase being ''regressive'' and hurting the poor weren't accurate because of the savings people would see on their property taxes.

''We have people in Broward County living in, shall we say, very modest homes paying $1,000 in property taxes,'' he said.

``And here they would pay an extra $50 in sales taxes a year. That's a good deal.''

Florida lawmakers are proposing replacing a portion of school taxes generated by the property tax with an increase in the sales tax, among other schemes. Any such change would have to be approved by voters.

It's not difficult to imagine a campaign to begin eliminating the property tax built around the notion of "fairness"--when, in fact, increasing the sales tax to make up for lost revenue would significantly shift the tax burden from the wealthier to the poorer, on whom the sales tax takes a bigger bite of income. There's nothing fair about that.

"Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society," Oliver Wendell Holmes said. The tax radicals don't think that far ahead. To them, taxes are, to the extent possible, what other people pay.

- House GOP: Democrats’ job-killing tax hike

-Associated Industries of Florida: Gelber is a tax-and-spend liberal

GCutting education

"Lawmakers will target specific education programs rather than making an across-the-board cut in next year's budget". "Senate leader: Cuts to Florida education will not be universal".

"New tax breaks to wealthy racetrack owners"

"While its leaders decry expanded gambling in Florida and warn of billions in state budget cuts, a measure pending in the Republican-led state House would give new tax breaks to wealthy racetrack owners and could lead to off-track betting parlors." "Legislation would let dog race gambling expand".

Those crazy librul judges

"Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis told lawmakers this morning that a suggested 10 percent budget cut _ $42. 1million _ to courts throughout the state would effectively paralyze the judicial system."

"When you ask a branch to commit suicide, we cannot. It may be murdered by others and we may not find justice but the judgment must rest on the plates of those public servants who have been elected to maintain Florida as the bright shining star that it is," Lewis told the Senate Civil and Criminal Justice Appropriations Committee

Charlie steps up to the plate in desperate times

"Chances of making teenagers pull up their pants, at least in school, sagged like oversized jeans Thursday as Gov. Charlie Crist told NAACP leaders he sees no need for outlawing fashion trends." "Crist voices opposition to baggy-pants bill".

Selling Florida

"Desperate to generate more money for road projects across the state, Florida transportation authorities are moving ahead with a plan to lease Alligator Alley to a company that would have the power to set the tolls it charges. If ultimately approved, the deal could lead to increases in the tolls drivers pay on the 78-mile portion of Interstate 75 that links Sunrise in Broward County with Naples." "Alligator Alley may be up for lease".

Lock 'em up

Tiny rays of common sense:

Chronically ill or dying inmates could be released from prison early to help the state cut $214'million from criminal and civil justice programs as lawmakers begin to slash about $2.7'billion from this year's budget.

Some prisoners behind bars for driving with suspended driver licenses, most of them suspended for financial reasons such as not paying child support, were included in the cost-cutting proposals given to the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Committee on Wednesday.

Some non-violent offenders also could get out of prison early under the proposal by Monica David, chairwoman of the Florida Parole Commission.

Sen. Alex Villalobos objected, saying early release would violate the Florida Constitution. He said the legislature is prohibited from repealing or amending laws affecting "prosecution or punishment for any crime previously committed."

"The fact is that this is not an option, as far as I'm concerned," said Villalobos, R-Miami.

Committee Chairman Victor Crist said he was unsure ...

Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil said Wednesday that he removed an early-release proposal from his list of suggested budget cuts at the request of Gov. Charlie Crist, who had appointed him.

Big of him

"Crist met Thursday with Alan Crotzer, who spent 24 years in prison for crimes he didn't commit, and assured him lawmakers would pass his $1.25 million claims bill and that he will sign it with the exonerated man at his side." "Crist assures Crotzer of pending compensation".

Housing

"Builders and other interest groups got behind a bill that increases funding for affordable housing to counties that lower impact fees." "Bill would increase funding for affordable housing".

Raw political courage

"Ask the Governor: Income tax ruled out by Florida constitution".

Planned Parenthood

"Local Planned Parenthood clinics had enough problems that the agency's national parent organization this month pushed for the temporary shutdown of the group's medical and counseling services, present and former agency officials said Thursday. Representatives from the national office inspected Planned Parenthood of South Palm Beach and Broward Counties several weeks ago and uncovered deficiencies with the clinics' conditions and medical operations as well as policies and procedures, board chairman Alex Arreaza said." "Planned Parenthood sought closures of S. Fla. clinics".

"Supportive relationships"

"With a simple title of 'alimony/supportive relationships,' a bill to add just 31 words to Florida law quickly turned into a complex divorce-court battle of the sexes Wednesday in a Senate committee."

The four male senators favored the bill. Three female senators, who were outvoted, opposed it during a session of the Children, Family and Elder Affairs Committee.

The bill requires that judges, when they initially calculate and award alimony payments, must consider if a recipient is being supported by another to whom she is not related, such as a boyfriend.

"It's just a coincidence," said T.K.

"At a time when Florida's universities are facing millions of dollars in budget cuts, Florida State University has hired a prominent state senator to coordinate a new reading program in her home county. Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, is being paid $120,000 a year to work on a program she helped create and fund. Lynn also happens to be chairwoman of the Senate's Higher Education Appropriations Committee, with great influence over university budgets." "Senator's job at FSU raises ethical concerns".

Some might call it "corporate welfare"

"The House infrastructure committee's 8-2 vote would make the state pay for damages or injuries on the commuter rail even if Jacksonville-based CSX's trains cause the harm." "House panel approves CSX 'no-fault' bill".

Scam

"South Florida legislators are seeking state penalties for a growing Internet phone scam." "Lawmakers: Caller ID should be real".

'Til June

"In a seasonal outlook Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that dry conditions will continue through June in much of the state, including around Lake Okeechobee." "Drought may endure through June".

"Soft extortion,"?

"Florida's 11 university foundations have chipped in tens of thousands of dollars over the past two years to help boost the annual salary of the state university system's chancellor from $231,750 to $361,725."

The donations, which are called voluntary but are based on the number of students at each university, also have paid for an additional $69,025 in annual benefits for Chancellor Mark Rosenberg. The benefits include a car allowance, travel and a retirement allotment.

Legislators, some of whom already want to dismantle the board to which Rosenberg reports, are questioning the donations that go to the board's foundation to help pay him.

"Soft extortion," one lawmaker called them.

Concealed weapons

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Senate committees this month advanced one of them, Senate Bill 1616, which would make it easier for the state to revoke concealed weapons permits of people who are determined to be mentally incapacitated after the license has been issued. A House committee this week approved a companion bill, HB 1407." "Helpful gun idea, at last".

From the "values" crowd

"Florida already requires ultrasounds on any women seeking abortions in the second or third trimester. The bill (HB 257) would require ultrasounds before all abortions, and compel abortion providers to tell the woman she has the option of viewing the sonogram. The woman wouldn't have to view the image under the legislation, which passed the committee with a 10-6 vote. It has one more committee stop before the House floor." "House panel considers ultrasound requirement before abortions".

Undo

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "As part of the constant effort to deal with Florida's property insurance crisis, the Legislature this year must undo a little of what the Legislature did last year." "Reduce the public risk from hurricane claims".

It should come as no surprise that state Democrats, who couldn't find their keister with the help of Sacagawea, Magellan and Charles Lindbergh, failed to figure out a way to re-enfranchise nearly 2 million voters who were told their Jan. 29 primary ballots were worth less than the opinion of Donald Trump's minions on "The Apprentice."

Might this story actually have legs?

Charlie Crist nominated a non-lawyer 34 year old (spouse of Charlie's newly appointed General Counsel) who seems to be little more than a tanning bed attendant to be the well-paid chair of Florida's Public Employees Relations Commission. Background and more links: "Charlie's Angel" and "'Charlie's Angel' and her 'virtually blank' resume".

The latest: "'She'll bring in a new general counsel at a salary exceeding $100,000, and I understand it'll be a tax attorney who doesn't know anything about labor law," [incumbent PERC Commissioner and Bush appointee Charles] Kossuth said. 'So the state will be spending $200,000 on two people that don't know anything.'" "Governor defends his choice for board".

For background and additional links to Charlie's

"Jeb!" dead enders won't go away

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Florida's school voucher experiment hasn't done much for public education. It has stirred controversy."

For the most part, vouchers aren't popular. Serious concerns remain about the quality of education offered at many of the schools that accept the taxpayer-funded "scholarships."

Yet they continue to be a high priority for lawmakers pandering to far-right splinter groups.

The Legislature is considering a bill that would triple the money dedicated to a particularly insidious form of voucher -- a corporate income tax credit that launders taxpayer money for use in private, often religious schools (82 percent of the schools accepting these vouchers are religious).

"Snake oil"?

Mike Thomas: "Want your property taxes to really drop like a rock? Forget Amendment 1. The real deal will be on the November ballot. I don't quite know what to think of this amendment proposal. It has the potential to do wonderful things for this state. But it also has the potential to wreck it. Here is why:" "New tax cut: Real reform, or latest snake oil?".

Meanwhile, "Opponents of a measure aimed at cutting property taxes 25 percent have launched a quiet campaign hoping to thwart its placement on the November ballot." "Critics challenge tax-cut proposal".

Wouldn't wanna to have too many hospitals would we

"The chairman of the top House health care committee said he isn't very interested in acting this year on a plan by Gov. Charlie Crist to make it easier to open new hospitals. Crist has said one of his top health care priorities this year is to open up the process by which hospitals get the OK to start up. The current "certificate of need" process that hospitals must go through is costly and keeps new services from being made available, the Republican governor argues." "Gov. Crist's plan to open more hospitals meets met with legislative resistance".

A Tampa welcome

"Obama's pastor planning Tampa visit".

Employers agin' the NRA

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Employers tell their workers what to do all the time when it comes to the workplace. Some prohibit them from wearing T-shirts or don't allow them to stage a political protest. They should also be allowed to tell their employees they can't keep guns at work, even if the guns stay in the parking lot. Yet gun lobbyists are trying to push through a state law that wouldn't allow businesses to ban guns in their parking lots as long as they are locked inside a vehicle and the gun owner has a concealed-weapons permit." "Our position: Legislators shouldn't fall for supposed compromise on gun bill". The Sun-Sentinel editorial board asks "Is the guy in the next cubicle packing heat?"

Chapter 119

"Sen. Dave Aronberg said he's just trying to ensure the safety of emergency medical workers who fear being threatened after responding to a call."

But to open-government advocates, Aronberg's bid to make private the home addresses of EMTs and paramedics (SB1660) is among about 50 bills filed this legislative session that threaten to erode a key right of Floridians.

"Where's the justification?" said Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation, which tracks public-records bills in the Legislature, noting that individuals' addresses are readily available on the Internet.

Can't argue with that

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Legislators need to keep their pants on".

USF

"Supporters of a proposed University of South Florida campus in Lakeland took their pitch Wednesday to Gov. Charlie Crist, who last year vetoed state money to kick-start the project." "It's now or never, backers of USF campus in Lakeland tell Gov. Charlie Crist".

Rolling the die on gambling

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Before the Legislature expands casino-type gambling across the state, the South Florida pari-mutuels need to demonstrate that gambling's a business that can meet its promised potential. The caution flag needs to go up on a state Senate bill to allow all Florida pari-mutuel locations to operate video-lottery terminals. The idea has been around for years, but lawmakers never gave it much support. That is, until the state economy hit a severe slump and now lawmakers are desperate for revenues." "Be wary of expanding gambling".

Media transfixed ...

... on drunk whore's Florida connection.

Kondo Kommandos beware

"A newly released, bipartisan legislative report could lead to extensive changes in state laws protecting the millions of owners in Florida condo and homeowner association communities." "Legislative report: Get tough on condo, homeowner associations".

"All-but-irrelevant"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida's budget crisis may destroy drug treatment in Florida. But if lawmakers respond thoughtfully, the crisis could end up making the state's drug-treatment efforts and criminal justice system more effective. Across-the board cuts to treatment's already inadequate funding would render it all-but-irrelevant." "Cutting Drug-Treatment Programs Will Prove Costly To Taxpayers".

As Charlie campaigns ...

"Dynegy Corp. is planning to build a huge coal plant about 80 miles north of Tallahassee, in Blakely, Ga. Should this plant be built, it will adversely impact the health of huge numbers of people, not only in southwest Georgia but also in the Florida Panhandle." "Gov. Crist, help stop the new Georgia coal plant".

He said it

"Don't want to fork over $1,000 or more to see Hannah Montana in concert or another hot act? Then stay home. That's the advice of the Florida Legislature, where a bill to crack down on ticket scalpers was rejected by the House Agribusiness Committee on Wednesday."

"Isn't this just free enterprise? People just have to pay the price or decide they don't want to go that bad," said Rep. Ralph Poppell, R- Titusville.

Florida's booming economy

"The main culprit: the high cost of living, demographers say." "High costs driving down South Florida's population". See also "Growth rate slackens in Florida, area".

Crist named Sara Gonzalez earlier this month to take over the state office responsible for hearing state worker complaints and watching over Florida's public employee unions.

Gonzalez, the wife of Crist's recently hired general counsel, Jason Gonzalez, was working as a physician's assistant at a dermatology office in Tallahassee. Her appointment as the new chairman of the Public Employees Relations Commission breaks with a 33-year-old tradition of having an attorney in charge of the office.

Sara Gonzalez said Tuesday that her ''job application'' and her husband's job with Crist are ''two totally separate matters.'' She said there is nothing in state law that requires the chairman to have a law degree and pointed out that her husband does not directly supervise any state employees who are allowed to take job disputes to the commission.

''I was appointed to this position because the governor values my private independent management experience,'' said Gonzalez, who said she oversaw eight employees at Dermatology Advanced Care.

''Governor Crist prioritizes integrity, honesty and character when making appointments,'' Isaac said. "Sara is no exception, and the governor is confident she will serve the people well.''

Crist said Wednesday he was comfortable with the hire.

He says: "She's honest, she's smart, she's got an advanced degree, new blood.''

"Overpaid teachers"? Where?

"Central Fla. county wants money back from overpaid teachers".

Wake me when its over

"Desperate to make Florida's Democratic primary vote count, two top state Democratic senators issued an appeal Wednesday to the campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to seat some or all of Florida's delegates."

In proposing their new plan, Sens. Steve Geller and Jeremy Ring said that, at the least, half of Florida's delegates should be seated, based on the Jan. 29 vote. That would give Obama 42 delegates and Clinton 63.

The other half of the delegates would be awarded on the following proposed bases, which could essentially give Clinton a net of 18 delegates:

• An even 50/50 split.

• A proportional share based on the total popular vote received nationally, excluding Florida and Michigan, after the last primary vote June 3.

• A proportional share based on the total delegate counts nationally, excluding Florida and Michigan, after the last primary vote June 3.

A top strategist for the Hillary Clinton campaign, meanwhile, warned that it is "goofy" and "dangerous" for the Democratic National Committee to snub Florida and Michigan — two swing states with 44 electoral votes — by not letting them vote in Denver this summer. Senior campaign adviser Harold Ickes said in a conference call that the Clinton campaign still holds out hope for new primaries, rejected by the Florida party on Monday but still possible in Michigan.

Charlie don't surf

"Republican presidential contender John McCain has built a reputation of reaching across the aisle, but a new Miami Herald poll shows that most Florida Democrats aren't grabbing hold."

Eighty-one percent are unlikely to support the presumptive GOP nominee in November, according to the statewide survey of 600 Democrats.

An even larger majority -- 87 percent -- say their decision wouldn't change even if McCain picked Republican Gov. Charlie Crist as his running mate.

Pollster Tom Eldon said President Bush's low standing with Democrats is weighing McCain down.

Voucher madness

"A bill that would more than double the number of needy children given vouchers to go to private schools at public expense advanced Wednesday in the Florida Senate." "Bill would more than double voucher program for poor children".

The bill sponsor? Rocket scientist Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, with the support of former Gov. Jeb[!] Bush's "Foundation for Florida's Future [sic]".

When in doubt, go with the most regressive tax ...

"If voters in November decide to cut school property taxes by $9.6 billion, the next speaker of the Florida House said Tuesday he might raise the state's 6-cent sales tax by two pennies or even more to make up the difference." "Florida tax-trade proposal: If property taxes are cut, raise sales tax by 2 pennies".

"Economists estimated that doing away with the required local effort will create a $9.3 billion hole in education funding. The sales tax increase would generate between $2.3 billion to $4 billion. Lawmakers would have to raise tax collections by repealing some of the sales tax exemptions or imposing taxes on services because the proposal would require them to fully fund schools." "Sales tax plan would cut property taxes but fall short of paying for schools".

"If voters pass the sweeping property-tax cut headed for the November ballot, it could cost you more to hire a lawyer, get a haircut, or go to the opera or racetrack." "If property tax falls, new taxes likely would rise".

Frenzy

"Lawmakers seek to calm 'FCAT frenzy' in schools".

Wrongfully imprisoning some folks OK?

"A House council passed two bills Tuesday, one that will compensate a man for being wrongfully imprisoned for more than 24 years, and one that will automatically compensate anyone without a felony conviction who is wrongfully convicted."

Alan Crotzer seeks $1.25 million in compensation for the nearly quarter century he spent behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. In 1981 he was convicted of two brutal rapes and robbery, crimes that DNA evidence ultimately cleared him of. ...

Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, said she's been working for two years on a global bill to automatically compensate those who are wrongfully incarcerated.

The bill (HB 1025) would give those exonerated up to $50,000, capped at $1.5 million, for each year they've been imprisoned. But it would not compensate anyone who has a prior felony.

"We are not taking away the claims bill process," said Bogdanoff, of those with prior felonies who still seek payment after being wrongfully convicted. "Not everybody who has a five-page rap sheet should be compensated."

Still, there were detractors who said the bill would be fine without that provision.

"Any person who has been wrongfully committed ... that person has the right to be compensated like everyone else," said Rep. Curtis Richardson, D-Tallahassee, who sponsored a defeated amendment that would have deleted the "clean hands" provision.

That's our Buddy

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson has every right to seek a 'greenbelt' tax reduction on nearly 20 acres he owns off Thonotosassa Road near Plant City, but the huge tax break he wants for the property raises questions about his political acumen." "Hosting Cows For Tax Shelter Political Liability For Elections Boss".

Old grudges

"Lawmakers are considering a plan that would slash future funding for the Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Disease Center & Research Institute." "Byrd Center Funding At Risk".

Whining

"Part-time residents warn that without more significant changes, more and more Northerners will choose to spend their winter in other Sunbelt states. States including Arizona already are lobbying hard for them, noting that both classes of taxpayers operate on a level playing field." "Tax idea a start, part-timers say".

"A Sack Of Anvils"

Daniel Ruth on the Judge and the Stripper: "For all you budding, glad-handing, aspiring trough feeders, let this be a sobering lesson." "A Wise Man Knows When To Run Away".

Safety net

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "People who are homeless are more likely to spend time in prison -- often for petty crimes such as loitering. A study from the University of Texas put the estimated taxpayer cost at $14,480 a year for one homeless person, taking into account anything from jail time to mental-health and substance-abuse services." "Our position: By creating a safety net now, taxpayers can avoid large costs later".

Flexibility

"School districts could gain flexibility to deal with class-size changes in mid-year, under a bill that cruised through a House council Tuesday." "Dems support class-size change".

Glowing approval

"Florida Power & Light Co.'s request for two new nuclear-power units at its Turkey Point plant in Dade County on Tuesday cleared a major hurdle toward state approval." "Request moves forward for new nuclear-power units".

DCF

"Helping former foster teens get their own records and making the state's child welfare agency more open when it comes to its investigations is part of a bill being considered by legislators." "Official wants some DCF records opened".

Disabilities Awareness

"Dozens of people with disabilities from around the state gathered in the Capitol on Tuesday to increase legislative and public awareness of their needs and abilities." "Crowds gather at Capitol for Disabilities Awareness Day".

Trimmin' the fat?

"Bradford County is studying the possibility of opening its courthouse only four days a week and taking more sheriff's deputies off the streets, Commissioner John Cooper said." "Fiscally constrained counties look to state for promised funds".

Band power

"Bowing to band boosters - the world's most powerful lobby, one senator joked - lawmakers backed away from mandating physical education for every Florida middle schooler." "Art and band parents beat back physical ed requirement for middle schoolers".

Trash talk

"The Florida Capitol buzzes about bio­fuels and climate change, but two Pinellas County lawmakers just want the state to do a better job taking out the trash." "Capitol casting its eyes on recycling".

No bullies

"Named the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act for a boy who committed suicide after being harassed, the bill (SB 790, HB 669) has been unsuccessful the last few years. It requires all 67 school districts to establish an anti-bullying, anti-harassment policy or face losing funds geared at making schools safe." "Proposed law would require statewide reports about school bullies".

Suspended

"Florida insurance regulators moved Wednesday to suspend American General Life Insurance from doing business in the state, in part as a result of a congressional member having her application rejected." "State want to suspend American General over life insurance". See also "State wants to suspend American General over Wasserman Schultz life insurance request".

Cloudy day

"Former state Sen. Les Miller of Tampa told his colleagues on a powerful tax panel Monday that he and another panel member had chatted recently about tax reform in an airport. Miller's admission of the conversation in a public meeting has raised a serious question: Did he and colleague Nancy Riley of Clearwater violate Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law? " "Did tax panelists' airport chat break rules?".

Stoopid

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Crist should know better. He has been involved in Florida politics long enough to know that the Legislature's 20-year binge of anti-crime laws and new prison construction is wasteful and counterproductive. Yet the governor last week vowed to stay the course with crime-and-punishment policies that are costly and inefficient." "Prison policies in need of an overhaul".

"Facing strong opposition, Florida Democrats on Monday abandoned plans to hold a do-over presidential primary with a mail-in vote and threw the delegate dispute into the lap of the national party." "Florida Democrats abandon plan for mail-in primary redo". See also "Florida Democrats scrap revote idea", "State Dems scrap second vote", "Party leaders abandon mail-in", "Florida Nixes Mail-In Revote", "Florida Democrats scrap revote on Obama-Clinton" and "Florida Democrats nix primary 'do-over'".

With this, Florida Democrats "threw the delegate dispute into the lap of the national party." "Florida Democrats kill plan for primary revote by mail".

"Thurman said the party would focus on appealing its loss of delegates to the Democratic National Committee's Rules & Bylaws panel." "Florida Democrats try to find compromise to seat delegates".

A side show: "Even as state party leaders nixed plans Monday for a Democratic primary revote, a pair of Hillsborough County party officials pressed forward with a court challenge. A three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments that Florida Democrats have been unfairly stripped of their voice in choosing a party nominee. The judges offered a skeptical ear as to whether they have any role in settling the matter". "Florida Democrats' delegate battle aired in court". See also "Appeals court hears Fla. arguments".

Raw political courage

"Florida voters will have a chance in November to approve an across-the-board property tax cut averaging 25 percent, which would dwarf two other tax relief measures enacted over the past year." "Panel puts 25 percent property tax cut on November ballot".

"Voters will get to decide in November if they want to cut their property taxes by an average of 25 percent and swap them with a penny sales tax increase, state budget cuts, closing sales tax loopholes, or relying on growth." "Florida residents to get say on property taxes".

"One of the biggest tax cuts in state history is headed for the November ballot, after a powerful state commission voted Monday to put an amendment before voters that would scrap most of the portion of local property taxes that goes to schools." "Property-tax proposal could give South Florida big savings". See also "Florida to vote on property-tax cut in November" and "Voters to decide record tax cut".

The St. Petersburg Times takes a detailed look at the issue with this "special report": "The next round of cuts".

"Economists estimated that doing away with the required local effort will create a $9.3 billion hole in education funding. " "Sales tax plan would cut property taxes but fall short of paying for schools". At least Floridians don't have to pay that oppressive intangibles tax any more.

Gay clout

"From mounting a major offensive against Fort Lauderdale's mayor to winning county protections for transgender residents, South Florida's gay community wants politicians to know: We're here. Get used to it." "Gay political clout growing".

Gotta problem with that?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Two Polk County lawmakers who support CSX Transportation's plan to sell the state 61 miles of track for commuter rail and move its Orlando freight yard to Winter Haven stand to benefit financially from the deal hatched largely in secret over the last few years." Who are these bright lights?: State Senator J.D. Alexander, R-Winter Haven, the "president and chief executive officer of Atlantic Blue, a land management company that recently bought a warehouse and distribution business along the CSX line", and House Speaker pro tempore Marty Bowen, R-Haines City" "Yet Another CSX Complication".

Class size

"A ballot proposal that would have loosened class size reduction requirements failed Monday, but the state's tax commission agreed to keep it alive for a possible revote next week." "Proposal to loosen class size limits fails, will be reconsidered".

"Prudent response"?

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Faced with a historic decline in tax revenue, a prudent response by the Florida Legislature would be to rely on every available option to mitigate the pain: responsible spending cuts, modest use of reserves and new revenue. Instead, the focus so far is solely on cutting spending. If legislators are so determined to slash their way to a balanced budget, they should show Floridians soon what that spending plan would look like and give everyone time to digest it."

While House Republicans are repeating tired antitax rhetoric, their Senate counterparts sound more candid. Senate budget chief Lisa Carlton, R-Osprey, has distributed charts that show what a $2.6-billion spending cut could look like. It would not be pretty. Distributing the pain proportionately, education would be cut by more than $1.4-billion and health and human services would be cut by more than $680-million. These are hypothetical, but they offer a serious look at the devastating consequences of a narrow-minded approach to balancing the budget.

Perhaps this sort of clear-eyed approach will jolt legislators into reality. If they are so determined to avoid raising new revenue, they should draft spending plans as early as possible that detail exactly how deep the cuts would have to be to balance the 2008-09 budget. Let those gutted budgets sit out in the sun for a week or two for all to see.

That should be enough time for Floridians to smell something rotten in Tallahassee and demand better.

Spineless

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Crist should know better. He has been involved in Florida politics long enough to know that the Legislature's 20-year binge of anti-crime laws and new prison construction is wasteful and counterproductive. Yet the governor last week vowed to stay the course with crime-and-punishment policies that are costly and inefficient." "Prison policies in need of an overhaul".

Good luck

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Today is Florida Forever Day in Tallahassee, but there's nothing permanent about Florida Forever. So, environmental groups are urging Gov. Crist and the Legislature to reauthorize the state's land conservation program, which is set to expire in 2010, for another decade. " "Extend Florida Forever".

Who knew?

Joel Engelhardt: "Palm Beach County residents and politicians may have thought that they still had some control over whether the Everglades Agricultural Area will be converted into a major rock-mining region, but the state acts as if the shift is inevitable." "Everglades mining on fast track".

Bioscience dreams

"Though Florida has been aggressive about recruiting research institutes with state dollars, it has several hurdles to overcome before private investments start flowing freely, experts agreed during a bioscience conference Monday at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce." "Private investment still distant for state biotech".

Bushco pigs

"The Palm Beach visit is expected to raise about $762,000 from 49 donors, an RNC official said. Bush is expected to raise about $685,000 earlier in the day in Jacksonville." "Bush expected to drum up $1.4 million in Florida tour"

It will be "a historic and ominous" day

Mike Thomas writes that "those who run the business side of newspapers are slashing bodies, slashing news pages, slashing travel, slashing just about everything they can slash."

In the golden years, back when we operated on a 25 percent profit margin, firing up the First Amendment lawyers wasn't a big deal. We filed lawsuits just to prove a point.

Those days will end.

Our cash-strapped corporate offices will ask whether it is worth $10,000 to see a report from the Mayor's Task Force on Wastewater Tertiary Treatment Options. ...

Not helping matters is the incredible shrinking newsroom. Newspapers have fewer reporters, meaning it's hard to spare any for a treasure hunt in the governor's filing cabinet. And the Watergate generation that reveled in such stuff has been taking buyout packages. ...

As we grow weaker, this will embolden the forces of secrecy.

They will put up more roadblocks and try to pass more laws sealing records. They will not let us see the report put out by the Mayor's Task Force on Wastewater Tertiary Treatment Options.

Nobody will notice the day we walk away from that fight. But it will be a historic and ominous one.

All is forgiven

The wild eyed liberals on St. Petersburg Times editorial board endorse a Black Republican who all-of-a sudden realized he was a Democrat: "Rouson for state House District 55". A little background here: "Florida Black Republicans".

"Restitution proposal mocks the wrongly imprisoned"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "It took Florida many years to admit that it had mistakenly incarcerated several men for crimes they didn't commit. The advent of DNA evidence forced the state to face that reality, and they finally approved a law that gives inmates access to scientific testing that might help establish innocence. But the state is still dragging its heels on the issue of restitution, forcing each exonoree to go hat in hand to the Legislature. Wilton Dedge, who spent 22 years in prison for a rape he did not commit, had to make the rounds in 2005. Allen Crotzer, exonerated in 2006 after being cleared of two rapes and an armed robbery, did the same in 2006 and 2007 -- and still hasn't been compensated." "Piling on injustice".

"I just don't see that happening," veteran Democratic consultant Dave Beattie said. Even if Florida Democrats never have their 210 delegates restored, Beattie said Democrats will vote for the Democratic candidate in November.

Recession? ... what recession?

"There's a flurry of activity in Palm Beach's stratospheric mansion market. " "Palm Beach mansion market remains hot".

Delegate dance

"Florida Democrats today likely will put an end to the idea of a mail-in presidential primary as party leaders struggle to find a fair way to seat delegates at the August convention. The campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama stuck to their positions Sunday on the issue. The Clinton camp continued to push for another traditional statewide primary vote, or counting the results of Florida's unsanctioned Jan. 29 vote. And Obama aides said they are willing to hear ideas for a solution but not if it's honoring the Jan. 29 vote." "Florida Dems set to nix mail-in vote; now what?".

Stop the presses - Bill Nelson in a controversy? "Amid intense national attention over Florida's Democratic National Convention delegates, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has become the face of the state's Democratic Party. But his appearances in the press, particularly on cable television, have rubbed some Democrats the wrong way."

Throughout the controversy, Nelson has maintained adamantly that his stand is not motivated by his support for Clinton, who won Florida's uncontested primary, but out of his desire to make sure that Florida's voice is heard at the convention.

But members of the delegation have been frustrated with Nelson's out-front posturing in numerous interviews.

The exchanges "spoke volumes about Sen. Nelson," said a Democratic congressional staffer who asked not to be identified. "He engaged in free-wheeling, self-dealing behavior and got caught with his pants down. He told the press that he had a done deal on a new Florida vote without even talking to any members of the Florida delegation, and in fact, the entire Florida delegation was opposed to him.

"He tried to do something on his own, and it blew up in his face," the staffer said. "I think right now there is significant resentment against him by the other Florida Democrats on the Hill."

Nelson's recent behavior "validated his reputation as not being a team player," the staffer said. "He's never been inclusive or seemed to reach out to other members to work on Florida-specific issues. He always flies solo. It's not a warm relationship between the House Democrats and Senator Nelson."

As Florida's deficit explodes ...

... the talk of tax cuts is unceasing: "Florida's best chance of voting on another property-tax revision this year happens Monday, when the state tax panel that has the ability to put constitutional amendments directly on the November ballot votes on three proposals."

If the 25-member Taxation and Budget Reform Commission approves any of the three ideas and voters agree, it would become the largest tax change in Florida history since legislators passed the failed services tax 20 years ago.

Each of the plans would reduce property taxes by at least a third for all property owners, and save taxpayers statewide between $7 billion to $8 billion a year. The lost revenue would be replaced with either a half-cent or one-cent increase in the sales tax and a requirement that the Legislature make major budget cuts to accommodate the tax relief or find new taxes to make up the difference.

''Florida's economic foundation and its economy for the foreseeable future is facing its strongest challenge in over 50 years,'' TaxWatch warned in an analysis released late Friday. Instead, TaxWatch said the panel should encourage the gradual phase-out of school property taxes because doing it all at once -- with no guarantee that the Legislature would come up with replacement money -- could threaten the state economy and put school funding at risk. TaxWatch called the idea "a dangerous proposition.''

Whatever

"Rubio still considering mayor's race".

Hispanic GOTV

"Hispanic leaders and Broward County elections officials have started a campaign designed to increase the number of Latino voters. It will be gearing up later this month." "Campaign aims to increase Broward County's Latino vote".

Gambling

"A monorail ride would link a gambling and entertainment hub to Palm Beach International Airport under a venture floated by top county officials and the Rooney family, owners of the Palm Beach Kennel Club. But it will happen only if the Florida Legislature expands gambling at the dog track. The politically connected Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Yonkers Raceway casino and harness track in New York, has missed several opportunities to expand its Palm Beach County gambling franchise. But in a year when property tax cuts and a poor economy have emaciated the state treasury, the dice may be loaded in gambling's favor." "Slot machines getting boost in Palm Beach".

Idiot warning

"President Bush will be in Palm Beach County for about three hours to attend a Republican National Committee reception in the town of Palm Beach. Air Force One is expected to land at Palm Beach International Airport in the late afternoon and leave in the early evening. For security reasons, the White House and law enforcement agencies do not publicize specific schedules or motorcade routes." "Bush to make stopover in Palm Beach".

"Development in exchange for cash"- is that something new?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Mr. Pelham suggests a system built on "a glorified impact fee" that would require developers to pay for public transit as well as roads. But allowing development in exchange for cash has huge implications, which Mr. Pelham acknowledges. Rather than force the issue this session, he is calling for a year to study what could be the most significant growth management change since the Growth Management Act of 1985." "A better way to give growth power to citizens".

Retro

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "lawmakers want voters to rescind an amendment that reduced the size of our elected Cabinet system and another that changed the way State University System is governed. This retro legislation is being advanced by Sen. Lisa Carlton, a Sarasota-area cattle and citrus grower who apparently believes she was also elected to ride herd over the university system." "Upending BOG".

Pit bulls

"Responding to growing concerns about dog attacks, a Florida lawmaker wants to give local governments more authority to target dangerous breeds with tighter controls and bans." "Legislation would allow local governments to ban pit bulls".

Off topic

"President Bush clueless about the economy".

Tuff guys

"Florida's budget crisis has taken center stage this legislative session. A potential $2 billion budget deficit has pushed the property insurance issue off the radar screen. Still, at least some issues surrounding property insurance are expected to get a hearing. Sens. Jeff Atwater, R-Palm Beach Gardens, and Steve Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, who co-chaired the Select Committee on Property Insurance Accountability, recommended Thursday to Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, that a number of issues be considered. Almost all amount to a continued get-tough approach with insurers." "Lawmakers want to keep up get-tough approach on insurance".

Sentinel editors mad as a wet hen

... about those greedy public employees: "A proposal to stop elected officials from milking the system doesn't go far enough." "An Orange County political appointee is now going to triple dip".

Do the editors have any idea at all as to how a DROP plan works?

Sisser

"Never say Rick Sisser holds a grudge. The longtime Miami-Dade lobbyist is on the host committee for a fundraiser this month for State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle -- who was already the top prosecutor when Sisser was arrested on cocaine possession charges in 2003. The charges were dropped when he completed Miami-Dade's Drug Court in 2004, a monitored rehabilitation program, though he spent four nights in jail that December when he flunked a drug test and missed a court appearance." "Once-troubled lobbyist to host fundraiser".

Swing states

"General elections come down to a handful of swing states, which are highlighted with their electoral votes below, but those states might fall differently in November. One result: Democrats might not need to win Florida. ... Crist on the ticket could take it out of play. But Democrats are looking stronger than they have in years, having picked up a Cabinet seat, two congressional seats and nine state House seats since 2004." "The new swing states".

by next January, Iraq certainly would be a more hospitable place than Tallahassee.

The state Capitol is in what former pilot McCain might call a flat spin, rupturing billions of dollars, going down so fast even Crist may not be able to bail out in time.

This is not his forte. Charlie is a campaigner, not a leader.

He is a political savant. He is Bill Clinton, minus the understanding of what he is talking about.

In Tallahassee, money traditionally has been the root of all popularity. And the lack of it has been a curse that has plagued far stronger governors than Crist.

This is why he spends so much time on the campaign trail with John McCain.

Wouldn't you?

"Unspeakable, heretical"

Adam C. Smith says "it's time to broach an unspeakable, heretical suggestion in this state: Maybe, just maybe, Democrats can continue snubbing America's biggest swing state and still march into the White House."

Sorry to say it, folks, but Florida may not be center of the political universe this year.

"We've been the target for so many years it's very tough for people to think we might not be,'' said Robin Rorapaugh, a veteran Democratic consultant based in Broward County. "But it is still very much up in the air as to Florida being a targeted state. Part of it is who becomes the nominee, and part of it is balancing the cost of starting a campaign from scratch here."

And part of it is the national electoral map that looks a whole lot more hospitable for Democrats than it did in 2004 or 2000. ...

The standard Democratic path is to count on some 15 thoroughly Democratic states like New York and California to deliver about 200 electoral votes, and then focus on winning enough swing states to reach the winning number of 270. One Democratic governor once derided the strategy as competing in 16 states and "then hope for a triple bank-shot to win Ohio or Florida."

But the map is changing. Not only are big swing states such as Ohio looking more Democratic-leaning than they have in years, but a host of formerly red states from Virginia to Colorado look ripe for Democrats to pick off.

The Obama campaign is even talking up their ability to win such solidly red states as Kansas and North Carolina.

Raw political courage

"State officials estimate Florida's prisons will swell to 100,000 inmates by year's end, with about 20 percent serving sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. Each prisoner costs more than $19,000 a year to incarcerate, and at the current pace, Florida will have to build two prisons a year through 2013 to keep up*." "Crist says he smoked marijuana, but supports Fla. drug law as is". The word "dunce" comes to mind:

Crist said he wants to keep the laws the way they are. ''It's important to make sure that we do what the first order of business is, and that is to ensure domestic tranquility -- make sure that our people are safe -- and that means locking up bad people,'' he said.

What about nonviolent drug offenders?

They were thoughtfully put in place [sic]. And I know there is a budget crunch. But I don't want to sacrifice public safety,'' Crist said.

Decisions, decisions ...

"State legislators have begun looking at what state programs to cut, and the list is long, wide- ranging and growing."

A few likely losers: hospitals, nursing-home providers and anyone scraping by to help the 2.3 million on Medicaid; public defenders, prosecutors and judges who say they're in crisis as crimes and court filings increase and staff sizes decrease; teachers, who will see lawmakers try to weaken the class-size caps amendment.

Possible winners: Road builders and rail-line companies stand to earn billions in economic-stimulus money if the Senate gets its way. Private prison operators and prison construction companies [thoughtful RPOF contributors all] stand to gain as the state prison system -- now near capacity -- builds two lockups yearly for the next five years as the incarcerated population nears 100,000.

Who knew?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board:

Last week Tennessee Republican Lamar Alexander offered a proposal that could have rolled back protections against drilling in waters off Florida and other coastal states. Florida Democrat Bill Nelson parried the measure by winning approval for his own proposal to reaffirm drilling limits.

The oil and natural-gas industries, and their pals in Congress, have long eyed the eastern Gulf of Mexico. But Florida's environmentally fragile and economically vital Gulf coast could be devastated by a major oil spill from a rig too close to shore.

In 2006, Mr. Nelson and Florida's other senator, Republican Mel Martinez, agreed to open millions more acres in the Gulf to oil and gas drilling. In return, they secured a buffer that would keep rigs at least 125 miles off Florida's shores until 2022. That deal might have begun unraveling if the Senate had passed Mr. Alexander's proposal instead of Mr. Nelson's.

There are bound to be more attempts to blow up the 2006 deal ...

And Florida wants to do a Dem primary re-do by mail ballot?

"Just nine days before the primary election, the U.S. Postal Service has lost more than 1,100 absentee ballots for the state House District 55 race. Pinellas elections officials said they delivered the 1,117 ballots to the Clearwater Bulk Mail Unit on Monday. Postal officials confirmed the ballots were received but say they have no record of what happened to them after that." "1,117 absentee ballots for House race are lost".

The ballots for the March 25 primary in the House District 55 race were delivered to a postal center on Monday, but officials don't know what happened to them after that.

The mailings were meant for residents who requested absentee ballots. Replacement ballots have been mailed.

The seat was vacated in February when Frank Peterman Jr., a Democrat from St. Petersburg, was appointed to lead the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The loss of the ballots concerned Democratic party leaders.

replace Peterman; no Republicans are running. Two of the candidates - attorney Darryl Rouson [who just switched from Republican to Democrat] and St. Petersburg City Council Member Earnest Williams - have argued bitterly during their campaigns for the seat.

- This whole thing is just a gag, right? Somebody's lame idea of a joke?

- Does anyone in their right mind believe that Florida could conduct postal balloting without a major screw-up or scandal?

- Isn't there any sort of plan to protect against fraud and ballot-stuffing?

Lights, camera, wingnut

Poor little Marco, he's worried that no one will remember him: "House Speaker Marco Rubio's power may be waning as he moves toward the end of his two-year term as presiding officer. But the conservative West Miami Republican has set the table this week for what could be his last best shot at major property tax reform. Rubio has moved a potentially pivotal Taxation and Budget Reform Commission meeting set for Monday from a state building far from the Capitol into the House of Representatives main offices." "Marco Rubio trying one more time to push his tax plan".

RPOF "leadership" in an election year

"More and more Floridians are buying shoes from zappos.com and flowers from proflowers.com. And it's all tax free. Proponents of collecting taxes on Internet sales say the state could rake in $2-billion annually and plug gaping holes in the state budget. But proposals to collect such taxes appear doomed again because too many Republicans consider them tax hikes, which won't fly in an election year." "Internet tax balloon still tethered in Florida".

Stupid RPOF tricks

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Florida's shortage of physicians and nurses is so severe that patients in need of critical care have been dumped to hospitals in other counties. ... Getting rid of hospital regulation with those kinds of shortages would not spur healthy competition, as Gov. Crist contends. It would leave more Floridians competing for riskier health care." "Keep hospital regulation".

Who elects these fools?

"A resolution sponsored by Florida GOP lawmakers calls for adding Venezuela to the U.S. list of nations that sponsor terrorism" "Fla. GOP lawmakers urge declaring Chávez terror sponsor".

Whatever

"A former pro wrestler is out, a New York City political consultant is in, as Christine Jennings' campaign manager. Jennings said Friday she has hired Lonny Paris to oversee her 2008 campaign against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, who narrowly defeated her for the 13th Congressional District seat two years ago. Parris succeeds Mitch Kates, who resigned. In a previous career, the 6-foot-6 Kates performed as 'Jason the Terrible' on the professional wrestling circuit." "Jennings gets new manager for campaign".

It is that time of year ...

... when the corporate media wants you to know how very special they are: "Sunshine week". See "Sunshine Week illuminates free-speech issues". See also "Agencies find a path around data disclosure".

Florida's "new darling of the homosexual extremists" is impressed with himself: "AG helps keep state in the Sunshine".

Links to our traditional media's at once self-serving and self-righteous editorials follow: "Sunshine spoken here", "Open government finds allies", "Sunshine Sunday calls attention to Florida's open records and public meetings laws", "Our position: Several measures before lawmakers could help or hurt openness" and "Holding public officials accountable".

A real editorial board chimes in: "Florida's open-meeting and open-record laws are windows that reveal how well or how poorly government runs. Some want the windows shut for fear the public will find out too much. Some want them opened wider. Too often, the windows are shut." "Keep Florida in the 'sunshine'".

That's our Buddy ...

"Something doesn't smell right about Buddy Johnson's cattle operation. The Hillsborough County elections chief bought a piece of property last year for $800,000. He subdivided the 20 acres into six lots, plunked down some cows and applied for a huge tax break, calling it agricultural land. The county property appraiser should take a hard look at this one." "Tax deal smells wrong". More from our Tampabay Democrat: "Hillsborough SOE, Buddy Johnson (R), Uses Cows to Avoid Taxes".

Feel the luv

Daniel Ruth writes that "one of the real fringe benefits of this work is the occasional pat on the back for a job well done from yet another satisfied customer".

"Let's hope the next heart attack rids this world of yet another liberal fat slob," recently wrote what could best be described as a - fan.

In fact, the above missive was only slightly less heartfelt than the generous note I received recently from an obvious groupie who whimsically wished I would be infected with cancerous tumors and die a long and painful death.

It's that sort of love that gives me the strength to carry on.

Consider this online response to a recent column about musician Dan Penn, posted by di4blues: "Do you dismiss all music, you don't know about?"

Actually, the answer to that is yes. It's one of the perks of being - picky.

Ouch!

Another recent column, which concerned a Lakeland speech at Christian Southeastern University by former Gov. Jeb Bush, who secretly cut a $491 million deal with CSX Transportation that could carve up the city with additional freight lines, encouraged this reader reaction.

"Anyone who would pay to hear that moron speak probably has to attend speaking events, since they probably can't read," wrote tampaguy69. Ouch.

Then there was this from drdneast: "As I recall, Bush carried Polk County quite handily during his two elections. Due in part no doubt, to all of the evangelical Christians that populate the area. Well folks you got exactly what you deserved."

Seems our "legislators" overreacted a bit

"It might be a problem in professional sports, but steroid use is nearly nonexistent among Florida high school athletes, a pilot testing program shows." "Tests show steroid abuse rare in state's high school sports".

The statistics suggest ...

"A pair of South Florida congressmen are urging the Federal Aviation Administration to take immediate action against a flight school that has been involved in three fatal crashes since October. U.S. Reps. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, and Robert Wexler, D-Delray Beach, said they wanted the FAA to prioritize its review of Kemper Aviation of Lantana." "Congressmen call on FAA to act against flight training school".