The oily plunge that presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain and Gov. Charlie Crist took into the eastern Gulf of Mexico last week was not nearly so awkward, it turns out, as their attempts to swim back to shore. The waves of Florida offshore oil drilling politics are knocking them all over the place.

Let's pretend 2000 never happened

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "It is neither coincidence nor an indication that they have nothing better to do with their silver-haired years than discuss democracy and the future of the United States of America that Bob Graham, R. Fred Lewis and Sandra Day O'Connor share a passion for invigorating civics education once again." "Keepers of the flame".

Might that be the same "addled and uncertain Sandra Day O'Connor" who, as Jeffrey Rosen wrote for the New Republic joined in Bush v. Gore?

The unsigned per curiam opinion in Bush v. Gore is a shabby piece of work. Although the justices who handed the election to Bush--O'Connor and Kennedy--were afraid to sign their names, the opinion unmasks them more nakedly than any TV camera ever could. To understand the weakness of the conservatives' constitutional argument, you need only restate it: Its various strands collapse on themselves. And, because their argument is tailor-made for this occasion, the conservatives can point to no cases that directly support it. As Justices John Paul Stevens, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Stephen Breyer wrote in their joint dissent, this "can only lend credence to the most cynical appraisal of the work of judges throughout the land."

"The process favored those with money or political connections"

"It has taken Gov. Crist about 14 months to correct an injustice that his predecessor fostered during eight years in office."

Crist has lifted Florida from the ranks of a half-dozen states that still have on their books discriminatory, Reconstruction-era laws written to oppress minorities. During two terms, Gov. Bush kept Florida stuck in the past, even though a task force he appointed recommended an updated approach. Only a few thousand felons had their rights restored annually during the Bush administration, and the process favored those with money or political connections.

Gov. Bush's ideological wrongheadedness denied tens of thousands of Floridians a fair chance at rehabilitation. Under Gov. Crist, that damage is being corrected.

He "removed size as a factor"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "State Rep. Frank Attkisson insists he doesn't fancy himself a modern-day Ben Cartwright, the master of the Ponderosa ranch immortalized in the old Bonanza TV show. Sure, the 11 acres he owns in Osceola County has some cows on it. And, sure, Juda Attkisson, the lawmaker's wife, did ask about getting an agriculture exemption on the property and was told the family homestead was too small to qualify as a cattle business. Mr. Attkisson insists none of that had anything to do with him proposing and driving through a law that removed size as a factor in determining whether a property owner can get a lucrative tax exemption." "We think: Attkisson was wrong to push through law easing ag exemptions".

"No consolation for the average Floridian"

"Gas Thursday morning was selling at $4 a gallon for unleaded regular at a station on U.S. 1 and I-95."

Prices ranged between $4.05 and $4.12 a gallon between four stations on LPGA Boulevard. The June 23 average price in the United States, according to the Department of Energy, was $4.31. Prices could be higher. Motorists are paying $8.76 per gallon in Britain, $9.02 and $9.85 in the Netherlands.

That's no consolation for the average Floridian, who, according to the Department of Transportation, logs about 150 miles a week just to go to work and back. At a conservative $4 a gallon in a car that gets 20 mpg, that comes out to at least $120 every four weeks, not counting trips to the grocery store and elsewhere. With the average car payment at $378 over 55 months, that adds up to $500 a month.

Goin' a courtin'

"Presidential rivals John McCain and Barack Obama on Saturday vied for the support of Hispanics, beginning a four-month courtship with a pivotal voting constituency by vowing to remake immigration policy." "McCain, Obama court Hispanic voters".

Quince

"Peggy Quince said she'll focus on budget problems, bias, mentally ill prisoners and foster children after receiving the gavel Friday as the first black woman to head Florida's court system." "Quince taking gavel as Fla. chief justice".

You could pay a consultant $10,000 ...

... for the same advice. But the brain trust on the The Orlando Sentinel editorial board gibes it to 'ya for 'nuthin: "We think: Getting involved in politics expands influence" "We think: Getting involved in politics expands influence".

Black Jack's stool pigeon gets his payback

"A federal judge in Miami on Wednesday cut in half the prison term of a onetime business partner of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, rewarding Adam Kidan for cooperating with federal and state investigations. U.S. District Judge Paul Huck agreed to reduce Kidan's 70-month sentence for fraud to 35 months based on requests from prosecutors." "Businessman's prison term cut in half for Boulis cooperation".

"Sitting back and blaming the Democrats is not leadership"

Poor Ginny:

In campaign appearances her challenger in the Republican primary on Aug. 26, Jim King of Land O'Lakes, calls her support for drilling "an election year epiphany."

It's Brown-Waite's second such shift in positions this election season. King noted last fall that she supports the Fair Tax initiative after initially resisting.

But the energy issue is where King makes the loudest noise. The 53-year-old long-shot candidate is distributing fliers at area gas stations that detail his energy plan and airing radio advertisements that criticize Brown-Waite's inaction.

"America needs an energy policy now," the ad states. "Simply sitting back and blaming the Democrats is not leadership.

How much pain is OK ...

... Mr. McCollum?: "Florida attorney general: Constitution doesn’t require totally painless executions".

And they haven't even endorsed him yet?

Here's a sweet headline from the geniuses at the The Tampa Tribune:

McCain Backs Gun Decision, Obama Straddles Issue

Guns, guns ...

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Gun decision still allows for reasonable controls".

Chaos again?

Elisa Cramer is concerned: "I want touch-screen voting back. I voted Tuesday on the new system - optical-scan ballots - and I am convinced: Come November, there will be chaos in Palm Beach County. Again." "Dart pierces voter confidence".

Flippity floppity

"Senate Republicans are backing away from the idea of drilling in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida's coast as Congress prepares to go home for Independence Day and face voters angry over gasoline prices." "Republican senators back away in push for drilling off Florida's Gulf Coast".

"Backing away"?

Will the Mel lovers on Florida's editorial boards remember this when comes to endorsement time?: "A Republican proposal to lift federal bans on oil drilling would not affect Florida's Gulf coast but could impact its Atlantic Coast, U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez said today." "Martinez: No drilling in the Gulf".

Pandering prevails

"If American oil companies are allowed to drill in the Gulf of Mexico, when will they be permitted to engage in offshore oil exploration in Cuba?"

That's one of the questions some analysts are asking after Sen. John McCain and Gov. Charlie Crist recently suggested lifting the 26-year-old moratorium on drilling off Florida's coast.

American oil companies have long had their eyes on Cuba's offshore potential. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that Cuba could have somewhere between 4.6-billion and 9.3-billion barrels of oil as well as even greater quantities of natural gas. That's about half the size of the estimated resources in the Gulf of Mexico.

"It's ironic that the Bush administration won't allow American companies to exploit those reserves — just because it's Cuba," said former U.S. Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, who is leading a project at the Brookings Institution in Washington looking at U.S. policy toward Cuba.

RPOFers working the I-4 corridor

"Orange County Republicans have announced what they're calling 'an unprecedented and groundbreaking new slate of Hispanic Republican candidates' for office this year. The party is touting eight Hispanic candidates ... Democrats, on the other hand, will have only incumbent Darren Soto". "Orange County Republicans put 8 Hispanics on ballot".

Diaz

"This week, Diaz, who is in the midst of his second term, was named chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a high-profile national role that allows him to push the agenda of America's cities in Washington. At the top of that agenda: how man-made climate change will affect the country's urban centers." "Miami's mayor goes green, takes on national role".

OK ... now get to work

"In the ornate chambers of the Florida Supreme Court, Peggy Quince today will move to the chief justice's center seat. And history will be made." "New Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Peggy Quince makes history". See also "Chief Justice Quince sworn in as first black woman to head branch of Florida government".

So much for abstinence

"The number of people older than 50 infected with HIV is rising across the state and the nation, say experts who worry seniors think they are not at risk for the virus." "HIV/AIDS cases rise in older people".

As always, toeing the Chamber line

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Don't expect Florida to push the legal limits of gun restrictions."

Tuesday, an unnecessary, pro-gun law takes effect that allows employees who have a state concealed-weapons permit to keep guns in their cars that are parked at work, even if the employer has prohibited guns on the privately owned property.

Now that gun possession at home is protected, perhaps state lawmakers will find the courage to rethink the wisdom of arming every workplace.

The federal law makes it clear that an ordinary person may keep an ordinary gun, loaded and ready to use, in an ordinary home. Many tougher questions remain about what extraordinary circumstances require additional restrictions on this fundamental constitutional right.

Whatever

"Antigay signs are free speech".

All hat, no cows

"Hillsborough Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson has won most of an agricultural 'greenbelt' tax exemption he sought after leasing his property to an exhibitor of cows for $20 a year." "Cows help out elections chief".

And then there's Fla ... duh

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board writes that "almost half the states are now telling the Bush administration to keep their grant money that goes to abstinence programs for teens. Florida is among the top participants, still, in the $50 million federal program (Florida has received $1.9 million in federal grants this year)."

Unlike Florida, "many states are smartly saying forget it, partly because they have realistic doubts about the effectiveness of abstinence education, and partly because they have to put in some state money to get federal grants for a program that, in truth, has failed." "States getting realistic about abstinence; time for feds to do the same".

Idiot

"John M. Taylor's name will not be on the ballot, but his fingerprints are on John Nicolette's campaign to unseat County Commissioner Ted Schrader."

Taylor, a recently minted Republican who has supported Nicolette, qualified Friday as a write-in candidate for east Pasco's District 1, a move that will allow only Republicans to vote in the highly contested race between Schrader and Nicolette.

That means the 170,000 Democrats and other voters will have virtually no role in deciding the next commissioner. The winner of the Aug. 26 primary will appear on the November ballot next to a space for the write-in candidate. No Democrat is in the running.

"I just think that Republicans should vote for Republicans," Taylor said Friday.

Whatever

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Business should get out front on alternative energy sources".

Pinellas County pass

"When the Jim Smith land deal exploded into view last summer, conventional wisdom was that the scandal would overshadow Pinellas County's 2008 elections."

But on Friday, as qualification for the ballot closed, just two candidates linked to the controversy remain: County Commissioner Karen Seel and property appraiser candidate Pam Dubov, who worked for Smith.

But don't mess with Columbus Day

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board write that "was really discovered by the native tribes that lived here before Juan Ponce de Leon showed up in 1513." "Who discovered Florida license plate inappropriate, historically incorrect".

"$1.75 billion" just sounded ... you know ... better

"The $1.75 billion deal for taxpayers to buy out U.S. Sugar Corp. and clear the way for Everglades restoration could come with a long-term price tag that is twice as high." "Cost of U.S. Sugar deal could reach $3.5 billion over 30 years". See also "Water district confident it can handle debt of U.S. Sugar deal".

Another Yawner

"Crist announces 'green' aviation effort at climate conference".

GOPers can't get their pandering stories straight

"Lifting a ban on offshore drilling will not bring down gas prices or solve the nation's addiction to oil, Republican California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday, rebuking a proposal supported by his party's presidential nominee as well as his host, Gov. Charlie Crist."

Politicians have been throwing out all kinds of ideas in response to skyrocketing fuel prices, from rethinking nuclear power to allowing offshore drilling, Schwarzenegger said at a climate change summit hosted by Crist.

"But anyone who tells you that [offshore drilling] will bring down our gas prices immediately or anytime soon is blowing smoke. America is so addicted to oil that it will take years to wean ourselves from it. Finding new ways to feed our addiction is not the answer," he said.

The comments highlight the distance between Schwarzenegger and Republican nominee John McCain on energy policy. The governor spoke at an energy panel with McCain in California on Tuesday, but he didn't mention drilling.

Crist recently changed his mind [(called a "flip-flop when a Dem does it)] to support offshore drilling. The Florida governor has been mentioned as a possible running mate for McCain but says his change on the issue comes out of concern for Floridians' pocketbooks.

Readmitted

"Seven percent of Florida patients hospitalized for certain conditions get readmitted within 15 days — a problem that shows institutions should do better at preventing tens of thousands of complications, including infections, health officials said Thursday." "Too many ailing Floridians have to return to hospitals, officials say".

How convenient

"U.S. Sugar Vice President Malcolm "Bubba" Wade Jr. resigned Tuesday from the South Florida water management board poised to vote on a $1.75 billion land deal with his company." "U.S. Sugar VP quits water district post".

Sickening

Mike Thomas displays more Jeb-worship since, well ... his last column about how "Jeb!": "You could fit Charlie's entire brain in Jeb's cerebellum. Jeb thinks more before 8 a.m. than Charlie does in a month." "Charlie's luck trumps Jeb's brainpower in Big Sugar deal".

"A bigger empty suit than Gen. Halftrack ... Barney Fife - with a tan"

Daniel Ruth: "When one of the biggest political albatrosses around Charlie Crist's neck is the perception he's a bigger empty suit than Gen. Halftrack, you would think the governor would take great pains to avoid making Dan Quayle look like a Renaissance scholar by comparison."

Instead, there was the governor of Florida the other night, appearing before the annual Flag Day Dinner, an event put on by California's Orange County Republicans, deftly managing in the space of a mere nine minutes to come off as Barney Fife - with a tan.

... he was beckoned to Orange County because he is one of John McCain's potential vice presidential running mates.

You have to wonder whether, if McCain had supported Americans wearing their underwear on their heads, Crist would have shown up in Orange County with a pair of Fruit-of-the-Loom boxers hanging down around his ears.

It's one thing to be shot in the foot as ill-informed, ill-prepared and ill-suited to be vice president. It's quite another pull the trigger yourself.

"Not Politics"

"One aide was shocked that there was no booing when the governor mentioned offshore drilling during his opening remarks. The governor does not support offshore drilling, he supports researching the possibility of offshore drilling, the aide said. As for accusations and speculation that Crist's flip-flop on offshore drilling was timed to impress Republican John McCain, Crist said he had no communication with McCain before his offshore drilling comments." "Everglades deal 'not politics' Gov. Crist says".

Those wild eyed liberals ...

... on The St. Petersburg Times editorial board are at it again: "the court's conservatives, joined by the more moderate Justice Anthony Kennedy, also said the right to possess a gun for lawful purposes is not unlimited." "Sensible gun ruling looks to Founding Fathers".

"Florida is already gun friendly, so the U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday bolstering individual gun rights likely will not have an immediate impact on state gun laws. It could, however, affect a federal court case involving a controversial new law allowing people to keep guns in their cars at work." "New gun rights could affect concealment law". See also "Judge refuses to block Florida voter law", "Businesses up in arms over employee gun law" and "Guns Are Coming To Work" ("A federal judge declined on Wednesday to stop Florida's new guns-at-work law from taking effect on Tuesday.")

"$72-billion package"

"Lawmakers have approved nearly $75-million for construction at Tampa Bay area veterans hospitals and at MacDill Air Force Base, part of a $72-billion package being debated in Washington." "$75M okayed for vets' health".

Ever thing is just fine

"Turnover doesn't bother chief justice".

"IF Florida really is in play"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "IF Florida really is in play. Democrats at their big gala in Hollywood this month were saying Obama can get to 270 electoral votes without Florida, but that there's no way John McCain can do it without our 27. Right now, you'd have to figure McCain wins the state but Obama will have money and ground game like we've never seen." "Yes, he can — IF he can meet a few challenges".

Make up your mind, Mr. McFlip-flop

"Even though he created a stir last week by advocating ending a moratorium on offshore oil drilling, John McCain supports continuing the current ban on drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, his campaign advisers said this week." "Tribune: McCain Supports Limit On Drilling".

Jebbie's dead hand

"The announcement Wednesday gives Gov. Charlie Crist only his third opportunity to make an appointment to the seven-member panel that oversees public schools and community colleges. Crist last year replaced one of former Gov. Jeb Bush's appointees but reappointed another, T. Willard Fair, now the board's chairman. The remaining members also are Bush appointees." "State Board of Education member resigns".

Florida for sale

"The Florida Department of Transportation on Wednesday reissued the request for qualifications for a lease of Alligator Alley." "FDOT restarts bidding for Alligator Alley lease" See also "Florida reissues request for Alligator Alley lease proposals".

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "U.S. Sugar land purchase will be worth it". The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "THE U.S. SUGAR DEAL: It's just jaw-dropping and it won't be easy".

Whatever

"The Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, a pet project of Gov. Charlie Crist, got under way Wednesday, with speeches and panels on a host of climate-related issues at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami." "Crist: Florida can lead the nation in green technology". See also "Gov. Crist wants Florida to be green leader".

Bad veto?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "By vetoing this bill, Crist didn't protect anyone from Rubio's friend, as news reports suggested. He simply made clear that when it comes to deciding how DOT should spend billions of taxpayer dollars, elected representatives should butt out." "Crist's Veto Of Turnpike Bill Will Raise Costs Of Food, Gas".

Oh no!... the French!

"The high-tech company that makes Florida's 16 million driver licenses is up for sale and critics are concerned about one of the suitors, Safran SA, a conglomerate that is 30 percent owned by the French government." "Sale of company that makes Florida driver licenses raises privacy concerns".

"Hispanics Discovered Florida"

"A license plate that touts 'Hispanics Discovered Florida' may soon join the 109 specialty tags drivers can choose from. The idea to celebrate the contributions of Hispanics came from National Hispanic Corporate Achievers, a Longwood group that sponsors minority job fairs. The plate would become a fundraising tool to support job and mentorship programs." "Proposed license plate: 'Hispanics discovered Florida'".

one of the most memorable parts was the ad blitz Crist ran that featured an empty chair in Washington. The chair zipped throughout the nation's capital, accusing Davis of being an absentee congressman.

And whenever Crist would get the chance, he'd purse his lips and tell his opponent: "Jim, as you know, you can't govern from an empty chair."

Crist used that ad to get 52 percent of the vote.

And he hasn't been seen in his own elected chair ever since.

OK, so that's an exaggeration. But it's safe to say that our governor has made far more news in recent months for angling to be John McCain's running mate than for doing anything to help Floridians. In fact, it was trying to suck up to McCain that prompted Crist to change [sic] his oil-drilling stance.

Guns, guns, guns on the roof ...

"A federal judge in Tallahassee will hear arguments in a case challenging a new Florida law that allows guns to be kept locked in cars parked in lots owned by businesses. The hearing is set to begin Wednesday afternoon, just six days before the new law's July 1 effective date. The law prohibits businesses from banning employees and customers from having guns in their cars." "Federal judge to hear challenge to Florida's guns-at-work law".

"A vote for Satan"

"Bill Keller hosts of a live television program on the Internet, and his tax-exempt status as a church prohibits him from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office. But in one broadcast, Keller said a vote for Romney was a vote for Satan." "IRS investigates St. Petersburg televangelist who criticized Romney". See also "IRS investigates televangelist".

Zell says "jump!"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board responds with this: "We think: Obama's decision against public financing is hypocritical".

Actually, Zell doesn't need to "say" anything.

Take your ball ...

and go home: "How many hard-core Hillary supporters will defect?".

"Shades of brown"

"With his green reputation showing shades of brown, Gov. Charlie Crist Tuesday pulled off the biggest environmental achievement of his political career."

Crist, a Republican, said it was "just a coincidence" that news of the state's pending purchase of U.S. Sugar came a week after he shook a political powder keg by announcing his willingness to reexamine the federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling.

The Florida Democratic Party, meanwhile, issued a news release asking whether Crist wanted to buy 300 square miles in the Everglades to open it up for drilling.

"After last week, any environmental initiative pitched by Crist now must be received with guarded skepticism," party spokesman Mark Bubriski wrote.

Last week, Crist said he supported a plan from Republican presidential candidate John McCain to let states decide whether to lift the offshore drilling moratorium.

He said studying the Everglades for drilling is not an option.

But if he has switched positions on offshore drilling because he said it might help cut gas prices, could pressure at the pump reach such a point that drilling the Everglades would be viable?

Environmentalists said Crist's announcement helped solidify a pro-environment reputation that he has been crafting since taking office last year.

A week after reversing his long opposition to offshore oil drilling, Charlie Crist may have repaired his image as Florida's "green governor" Tuesday by shrinking the sugar industry's damaging footprint in the Everglades.

For Crist, the move had an immediate payoff, with environmentalists roundly praising a governor they had blistered just days earlier.

But whether it burnishes his reputation enough to win him a vice-presidential nomination, or helps Republican John McCain carry Florida in November, remains a question as densely tangled as the swamp itself. ...

And his allies said the U.S. Sugar agreement deserves to be viewed as what Allison DeFoor, an environmentalist and former GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, termed "an historic environmental deal."

You previously opposed oil drilling off Florida's coasts, but reversed yourself because oil prices were too high. You now say you oppose drilling for oil in the Everglades.

My question is this: at what point must gas prices reach before you will reverse yourself and support drilling for oil in the Everglades?

Follow up: please don't say you will never support drilling for oil in the Everglades, because that is precisely what you said about drilling for oil off Florida's coasts, because you said the same thing with respect to drilling off our coasts.

Just askin'."Crist coup applauded, except oil jibes".

Tele-what?

"The McCain campaign Tuesday night called 50,000 Democratic and independent voters who live in Broward and Palm Beach counties for a ''tele-townhall meeting'' with the presidential candidate. About 4,500 people participated." "McCain hosts tele-meeting with S. Florida voters".

"Incomplete"

"[A]fter a year of trying to stoke a statewide dialogue on global warming and attempting to make Florida a national leader in alternative energy, what has been done? The governor convenes his second Climate Change Summit Wednesday in Miami and the report card is largely incomplete." "Crist's green plan a work in progress". See also "Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's second climate change summit seeks solutions" and "Crist's credentials as 'green governor' are a bit yellowed at 2nd summit".

Lockin' up the knuckledraggers in CD 16

"Congressional District 16 candidate Tom Rooney has picked up the support of the House Conservatives Fund, a federal political action committee that supports Republican candidates committed to economic and socially conservative issues." "Palm: Rooney gets House Conservatives Fund endorsement in District 16 race".

In a sign that Democrat Barack Obama will be competitive in the nation's largest swing state, he is beating Republican John McCain comfortably in South Florida and has a slight edge among Hispanics, according to a new Miami Herald poll.

Obama is ahead 46-30 percent over McCain in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties in the survey of 807 people conducted by Zogby International. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

''Obama's 16-point lead in South Florida could springboard him to make it a competitive race statewide,'' said pollster John Zogby. ``I really think Florida is in play.''

Until the tide started to turn against the Republican Party in 2006, Hispanics in Florida have long favored the GOP.

''That shows the depth of anger that Hispanics are feeling toward the Republican Party,'' Zogby said. ``If Democrats walk away with 65 percent of the Hispanic vote in Florida, that will be almost insurmountable for the Republican party.'' ...

Democrats point to signs that the Hispanic community's political stripes are changing. A protest Saturday outside Obama's speech in Miami drew only about three dozen people, mostly older Cuban-Americans. The group attacked Obama for surrounding himself with two high-level advisors who helped send Cuban rafter Elián González back to his father in Cuba.

When the custody battle raged eight years ago, Cuban-Americans rose up in droves. ''We understand the Elián González issue is something that passed, and that it was not Obama's fault,'' said Ramón Saúl Sánchez of the Miami-based Democracy Movement, who tussled with the federal agents who seized Elián from his relatives' home in Little Havana. ``People are giving more weight to other issues, like lifting the travel ban.'' ...

Obama has called for lifting the Bush administration's restrictions on Cuban-Americans who want to visit family on the island. McCain has criticized Obama for wanting to ease sanctions and for his willingness to meet with the Cuban government in the hope of sparking democratic reform.

''A lot of Cuban Americans are very disappointed with President Bush,'' Sanchez said. ``If McCain says he's going to follow the same policies as Bush, that says a lot.''

Buoyed by enthusiasm among Democrats and public concern over the economy, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has captured a sizable lead over Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) at the opening of the general election campaign for president, the Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll has found.

In a two-man race between the major party candidates, registered voters chose Obama over McCain by 49% to 37% in the national poll conducted last weekend.

Luvin' that "Bush legacy"

Joel Engelhardt: "State Rep. Gayle Harrell, a Republican from Stuart running for Congress, says her stand on torture at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq reflects the views of her district."

"When I see our people having their heads cut off," Rep. Harrell told The Post Editorial Board last week, "what we did at Abu Ghraib is minor, very minor."

Americans didn't just parade naked Iraqi men in front of female jailers and force them to perform degrading sexual acts. They set out to break those men by forcing them to violate centuries-old cultural taboos. Imagine the outrage here if Arabs forced U.S. prisoners to urinate on the American flag.

Rep. Harrell is one of three Republicans running in the Aug. 26 primary to challenge U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens. It was a safe Republican seat until the downfall of Mark Foley in 2006. Now, it's a local stage in the national debate over the Bush legacy. The three GOP candidates - Rep. Harrell, former Palm Beach Gardens City Councilman Hal Valeche and former Army lawyer Tom Rooney - cling stubbornly to the Bush approach, although, to his credit, Mr. Rooney breaks with the pack by opposing torture.

This election - surprise, Democrats - is shaping up to be the battle Democrats wanted. The three Republicans who want Rep. Mahoney's seat refuse to run away from the Bush legacy. At the top of the ticket, Sen. McCain, despite his efforts to stop it, is letting himself be defined that way as well.

Deflated

"Rising gas prices, the falling real estate market and deep state budget cuts have not only brought South Florida's economy to a crawl, they've deflated the once sky-high approval ratings of Gov. Charlie Crist, according to a new Miami Herald poll." "Hard times in state deflate Crist's approval ratings".

Round 2

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "One Terri Schiavo case should be more than enough for Florida." "Schiavo II? Please, no".

Plagiarism

"A Republican congressman has apologized for posting a speech on his Web site without acknowledging that it was largely written by a fellow Republican from Georgia. But Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., says he did nothing wrong in delivering the heavily borrowed address at a University of West Florida graduation in 2004." "Florida congressman defends giving borrowed speech".

"$1.75 billion deal"

"Crist and other state leaders signed off this morning on the outlines of a $1.75 billion deal that will give United States Sugar Corp. six years to end its operations while handing taxpayers control over 187,000 acres in the historic northern Everglades." "Crist, U.S. Sugar tentatively sign off on $1.7 billion deal".

Mike Thomas: "Everglades deal's impact would be huge - for all of us". See also "Crist unveils $1.75 billion deal for U.S. Sugar buyout", "Gov. Crist announces sugar, Everglades deal" and "Clewiston: The town U.S. Sugar built".

"Trial run"

"A new era in Palm Beach County elections begins today as voters mark paper ballots and slip them into optical scanners." "Optical scanners get a trial run in West Palm Beach today".

Loophole

"Loophole allows candidates to cherry-pick voters by using write-in candidates to close primaries".

RPOFers paint themselves into a corner

"Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic, called for a series of 10 public debates on Amendment 5. The proposal, put on the ballot by the Tax and Budget Reform Commission, would wipe out the required county property tax levy for schools and make future legislative sessions come up with replacement revenues to support education." "Sen. Haridopolos calls for public debates on 'tax swap' amendment".

Lecture

"The United States and the international community are not succeeding in Afghanistan and the Taliban is extending its reach to urban areas, a peace advocate warned Monday." "FSU hosts human-rights lecture series".

Fight

"A broad coalition ranging from hospitals and nursing homes to banks, retiree advocates and schoolteachers is lined up to oppose the $9 billion-plus property tax swap on the Nov. 4 ballot known as Amendment 5." "Many lining up to fight 'tax swap' idea with summer blitz".

Wingnut loses "bid to seize the life savings of a Guatemalan dishwasher"

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "After nearly three years of misguided prosecution and wasted tax dollars, the federal government finally appears to have lost its bid to seize the life savings of a Guatemalan dishwasher."

On Monday, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled that U.S. District Judge James Cohn of Fort Lauderdale was wrong when he ordered Pedro Zapeta to forfeit $49,000 of the $59,000 he had tried to carry aboard a flight to Guatemala in September 2005. Robert Gershman, the dishwasher's West Palm Beach attorney, had argued that Judge Cohn's penalty 18 months ago was excessive - a "cruel and unusual" punishment for Mr. Zapeta's failure to fill out a form and declare the cash.

"It was no accident"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "When the qualifying deadline ended Friday, nearly one-fourth of the Florida Legislature's membership was re-elected with no opposition. It was no accident. In fact, it was almost by the cynical design of our current political system." "Editorial: Gerrymandering discourages good citizenship".

Byrd

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "It's good to see former state Speaker Johnnie Byrd and other directors of the Alzheimer's center come to their senses." "With USF Affiliation, Byrd Center Can Focus On Alzheimer's Research".

Green scam

"The environmentally conscious customers who gave Florida Power & Light $11.4 million for green energy did not get their money's worth, according to a state report released Monday." "State scolds FPL, finds green program misleads".

"Nearly 39,000 Florida Power & Light customers gave the company $11.4 million over four years to develop green energy, but a report released Monday shows that most of the money went toward administrative and marketing costs" "Report: FPL green energy program misleading".

"Competitive congressional races"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "The election's not just about John McCain and Barack Obama. But who can remember more competitive congressional races in Central Florida -- contests that also, invariably, can help tip the next president's legislative agenda in Washington?"

Reps. Tom Feeney, Ric Keller and Ginny Brown-Waite all stand to sweat the Florida summer more than usual, facing what should be determined challenges led by former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas and former opponents Charlie Stuart and John Russell, respectively. And Rep. Dave Weldon's departure from the House has state Sen. Bill Posey leading a crowded seven-candidate field wishing to succeed him.

Just who holds those and other House seats can help fuel or trip Mr. McCain's or Mr. Obama's widely divergent goals on offshore drilling, public financing of campaigns, health care and taxes. Or voting on those district seats for some can turn into referendums on the incumbent representatives' records on regional economic development or their peccadilloes; say, on Mr. Feeney's connection to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Mr. Keller's vow not to run for re-election this time, or Ms. Brown-Waite's view of Puerto Ricans.

"'Vicious' Obama bloggers"

"Though not affiliated with the Clinton campaign, Slater was part of a vast army of volunteers who showed all of the resolve of their favored candidate."

But, of course, resolve didn't win Clinton the nomination, and when Clinton dropped out of the race, Slater channeled her intensity into something unexpected: The 51-year-old from Aventura left the Democratic Party, registered as an Independent and declared her support for Republican Sen. John McCain.

"McCain has always been a liberal Republican," said Slater, who made time to blog, unpaid, while getting a master's degree in accounting from Nova Southeastern University. "Why do you think the conservatives are not happy with him being the nominee? He is not your run-of-the-mill Republican."

"Supporters go through a grieving period, but then they'll realize McCain is much worse," said Jon Ausman, a Democratic National Committee member and super delegate who endorsed Clinton but supports Obama in the general election. "I think they'll come home. This is very normal."

To some former Clinton supporters, McCain doesn't seem so bad. He has long been considered a maverick who has spent much of his political career at odds with some in his party on things like stem cell research and campaign finance laws.

Slater said she prefers McCain to Obama because McCain has more political and governing experience. She said she's bothered by the fact that some of Obama's short time in the U.S. Senate has been spent running for president. (She said she's also turned off by "vicious" Obama bloggers.)

"Political gimmick"

Fred Grimm: "Floridians can rightfully complain that a proposal to reverse the coastal drilling ban by John McCain and his vice presidential wannabe, Charlie Crist, amounts to a political gimmick." "Energy-greedy Floridians say no to oil wells".

Off topic

"Ivy Leaguers and other top law students were rejected for plum Justice Department jobs two years ago because of their liberal leanings or objections to Bush administration politics, a government report concluded Tuesday."

In one case, a Harvard Law student was passed over after criticizing the nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. In another, a Georgetown University student who had previously worked for a Democratic senator and congressman didn't make the cut.

Even senior Justice Department officials flinched at what appeared to be hiring decisions based - improperly and illegally - on politics, according to the internal report. ...

Democrats quickly seized on the report to bludgeon the Bush administration for playing politics with a department sworn to uphold the law fairly.

"This is the first smoking gun," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee. "We believe there will be more to come. This report shows clearly that politics and ideology replaced merit as the hiring criteria at one of our most prized civil service departments."

"National catastrophe fund"

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Nobody knows what the final monetary toll will be for the floods that have devastated the Midwest. But one thing is for sure — the disaster shoots a hole in the arguments from folks who say a national catastrophe fund would just be a big giveaway for disaster-prone coastal states, like Florida." "Natural disasters are hardly just a Florida problem".

"More ballot choices empower Florida voters"

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "In Florida -- as in other states -- the presidential race is likely to grab the most attention. But the ability to choose in most local and state races gives voters an opportunity they don't always have. That should count as the first win of this election season." "Crowded fields for election".

"Florida loses ground in science, technology index"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Last week, a respected economic-development think tank issued a report that should be a stark warning for Florida policymakers — and an incentive for local and regional officials — to accelerate their job-creation efforts."

The California-based Milken Institute's 2008 State Science and Technology Index, released Thursday, ranks all 50 states according to their ability to leverage their science and technology assets to achieve economic growth.

For the Sunshine State, the news was fairly gloomy. The institute ranked Florida 37th overall, down from 32nd in 2004 and 29th in 2002.

Despite efforts to become a center for biotechnology, Florida received mediocre grades in the five measures of economic competitiveness: research and development inputs; risk capital and entrepreneurial infrastructure; human capital investment; technology and science work force; and technology concentration and dynamism.

Florida's performance is particularly disappointing because of the professed commitment by political leaders to sharpening the state's competitive edge.

"A horribly bleak picture"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "'Florida 2060: What's At Stake For Wildlife?', which is expected to be completed later this summer, paints a horribly bleak picture:"

If current development patterns continue, 2.3 million acres of black bear habitat will be lost - an area the size of the state of Vermont. This would cripple the species, which is already being squeezed by development.

In addition, 2.1 million acres of land where wild turkey roam will be transformed into subdivisions and other development, and 700,000 acres of gopher tortoise habitat would be bulldozed over.

This possibility raises some alarming questions that the report's researchers and authors want the public and elected officials to think about:

How will humans' need for more drinking water affect animals and fish? How will state and local workers be able to conduct environmentally important controlled burns of preserved lands surrounded by development?

And how will wildlife react to encroaching development and the loss of their homes? In one instance, for example, the report predicts that interaction between humans and black bears will increase dramatically - 33,800 complaints by 2060, compared to just 1,334 in 2005.

Perhaps most important, though is this the way we want Florida to look like in 50 years? The answer should be a resounding no.

Hate groups

"Hate groups busier after Obama's victory".

Flobama

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board this morning: "Sen. Barack Obama should be careful not to write off the Sunshine State."

Right now, Floridians are getting a mixed message. Obama recently beefed up his Florida campaign with a volunteer training program held in Tamarac. The event drew more than 3,000 "fellows" from across the country, 400 of them in Florida.

But the Obama campaign is also considering routes to the White House that don't include Florida and Ohio, two states that were pivotal in the past two elections. If the presidential primary fiasco proved anything, it's that one shouldn't dis Florida.

Law games

"Six of Florida's seven Supreme Court justices filed written loyalty oaths last year after conservative activists challenged their authority to sit on the bench."

One of the ring leaders is a controversial Coral Gables attorney who wears his born-again Christianity on his sleeve ...Jack Thompson is facing a 10-year disbarment for professional misconduct and the Florida Supreme Court is supposed to have the final say.

But Thompson is arguing that the justices don't have the power to punish him because all of them except Chief Justice Fred Lewis failed to properly file written loyalty oaths when they came to the bench years ago.

Thompson cites federal mandates and a 1983 Florida law that requires notarized forms — and he is adamant that the oversight is more than a harmless glitch. Years of Supreme Court rulings could hang in the balance, Thompson insists.

"New gas powered generating plant in Palm Beach County"?

"The Public Service Commission today begins weighing Florida Power & Light's request for a new gas powered generating plant in Palm Beach County, a decision that will be watched closely by customers far to the north in Brevard County." "Public Service Commission weighs energy upgrades".

"Once their debt's paid, restore without wait"

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "Crist's promise to take action alienated some of his hard-line conservative supporters who appreciated the old 'Chain-Gang Charlie' image -- the same people who backed plans pushed by Gov. Jeb Bush and the Republican-dominated Legislature to further restrict the participation of low-income and minority voters."

Under the Bush administration, elections officials conducted questionable voter-roll "purges" that may have stripped voting rights illegally from thousands.

That recent history threw Crist's position on civil rights into sharp contrast. Some Floridians wondered whether the candidate's sentiments were anything more than campaign rhetoric.

But nearly eight times as many are still waiting. And the wait could get longer, thanks to budget cuts at the Florida Parole Commission, where clemency applications are processed. Those who have committed crimes considered severe must go through more extensive processing, but that is taking more time than it should. An estimated 2,500 await that review.

Crist agreed to the tiered plan to win approval of his rights-restoration plan from the state Cabinet (which also acts as the state Clemency Board) but it should be clear now to reluctant Cabinet members Attorney General Bill McCollum and Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson that giving former offenders their basic rights poses no threat to Floridian society.

There's a simple way to eliminate the backlog -- and avoid the other glaring problem with Florida's plan.

Just don't LUI

"A candidate vying to represent a large section of Miami and Miami Beach in Tallahassee was arrested over the weekend on a charge of driving under the influence, according to Miami-Dade County corrections records. Christopher Norwood, 35, an attorney and community activist running for the state House seat in District 109, was booked into the county jail Sunday morning" "State House candidate held on DUI charge".

Perhaps we should cut staffing levels?

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "DCF didn't do enough, and a toddler is dead".

Safe haven

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Eight years later, 100 babies ... have been dropped off, no questions asked, at fire stations and hospitals across the state under the 'safe haven' law that Murman and Grant sponsored in 2000." "8 years later, 100 babies saved".

That's our Bill

"Attorney General Bill McCollum is taking aim at a proposed constitutional amendment that could force lawmakers to more fairly draw the political boundaries of legislative districts." "Attorney general takes issue with proposed redistricting amendment".

"I have no doubt he will significantly increase African-American turnout across the country. It was 60 percent in 2004, and I would expect it to be 72 percent this year,'' said David Bositis of the Joint Center for Political and Economic studies, one of the country's foremost experts on African-American voting trends.

"In most cases that's not necessarily enough for him to carry a state, but Florida is one of those places that a big African-American turnout certainly has the potential to put him over the top," said Bositis, putting Virginia and North Carolina in the same category.

About 12 percent of the Florida electorate is black, but African-American turnout is inconsistent. In 2000, when Al Gore barely lost the state and the White House, black voters accounted for 15 percent of the overall vote. In 2004, when John Kerry lost Florida by 5 percentage points, that number was 12 percent.

Despite a massive mobilization effort by political groups working independently of the Kerry-Edwards campaign but in hopes of helping the ticket, African-American turnout in Florida was just 61 percent. Overall turnout was 74 percent.

Republicans aren't writing off Florida's African-American vote and have a potentially strong messenger in Republican Gov. Charlie Crist. Dubbed Florida's first African-American governor, Crist has been lavishly praised by African-American leaders for his accessibility and for embracing some of their top priorities.

Charlie AWOL yet again on the "Green" thing

"When Gov. Charlie Crist announced a plan last summer to fight global warming, he called for aggressive steps to reduce pollution from power plants, cars and trucks. But nearly a year later, he is preparing to sign an energy bill that takes a more cautious approach to the contentious issue of climate change." "Energy bill stops short of Crist's goals".

While Charlie embarrassed himself on the national stage, a fellow RPOFer was at work:

What Crist will probably not mention at his Climate Change Summit in Miami, however, is that members of his own party quietly sabotaged one of the top three proposals in the Republican governor's energy plan during the final minutes of legislative debate because of pressure from the auto industry.

State Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, a self-des- cribed free-market Republican and skeptic of global warming who chairs the House Energy Committee, blocked Crist's proposed new auto efficiency standards.

Executive order needed

"Crist is to be congratulated for helping 115,000 ex-felons get their civil rights restored."

But there is more to be done. Hundreds of thousands of ex-felons are waiting for the return of their basic rights of citizenship, and Crist could provide additional relief just by changing a few executive branch rules. ...

Crist could speed this along by issuing an executive order directing state agencies under his control that civil rights restoration should not be a consideration in employment or occupational licensing. He could also urge Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson to do likewise within the agencies under their supervision.

"Forecast calls for more Gore"

Mike Thomas gives us a good read this morning:

If the sea level rises as much as now predicted, sometime before the end of the century we will have few if any beaches, just waves crashing into dikes. And then in the next century, we really start going under.

We are on our way to becoming a much bigger and more vulnerable New Orleans.

The process is well under way, and I really don't see any Kyoto-style treaties or Charlie Crist news conferences on global warming saving us.

"Many of the best political minds in Florida"?

"McCain's co-chairs are Crist, somewhere on his list of potential running mates, and U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, a friend and political ally."

"This team consists of many of the best political minds in Florida," said Buzz Jacobs, McCain's southeast regional campaign manager.

"Worth watching"

Scott Maxwell has a few "Races Worth Watching":

- "U.S. House District 8: Careful what you promise

Republican Ric Keller signed a promise to leave Congress after four terms. But politicians in Washington break promises as often as old dogs break wind. Both stink. And so there are a slew of challengers trying to deny Keller his fifth term in this Orlando-centered seat. Republican Todd Long wants to paint Keller as a do-nothing who voted against the surge in Iraq. And Democrats Alexander Fry, Alan Grayson, Mike Smith, Charlie Stuart and Quoc Van are all hoping to capitalize on anti-Republican sentiment. Keller may have his hands full. But he also has incumbency, influential friends and a GOP-leaning district in his favor."

- "U.S. House District 24: Dems salivate over link to scandal

Republican Tom Feeney couldn't have a better district if he drew it himself -- which he kind of did. He was state House speaker the year the Legislature added the new district right around his Oviedo home. Consequently, he has won election with ease three times in a row. But now he has competition from four opponents, including a formidable challenge in former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, a Democrat who is hoping to capitalize on the 'change' theme. National Dems are also eyeing this seat, trying to link Feeney to disgraced uber-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. But Feeney hasn't been charged with a thing, is a darling of party leadership and a heck of a campaigner."

- "State Senate District 19: Rocky year, safe district

Democratic state Sen. Gary Siplin (above) had a rocky couple of years. He has had trouble getting many significant bills passed and spent much of the past year fighting charges that one of his Senate staffers improperly worked on his political campaign. But he was ultimately vindicated of wrongdoing by the courts. And many of his constituents stood behind him. He's still ripe for opposition and has plenty of it, including respected Republican Belinda Ortiz [?]. But this district is so Dem-stacked, Mother Teresa would have a tough time if her name were on the ballot with an 'R' next to it."

Laff Riot

The New York Times asks this about Chain Gang Charlie: "Is He the Ticket?" (via Naked Politics).

You might call it "pusillanimity"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "No one knows exactly how many oil and natural-gas deposits lie off Florida's coastline. But calls by President George W. Bush, Sen. John McCain and Gov. Charlie Crist to allow more drilling have turned up a lot of jellyfish. Out with the calls for more drilling went the backbones of Florida's formerly drilling-averse Republican congressional delegation." "Orlando's delegation isn't showing backbone on drilling".

"Crist is clearly gambling"

"Although some polls show that $4-a-gallon gas may be softening Floridians' opposition to oil exploration off the state's shoreline, Crist is clearly gambling by endorsing McCain's position."

"It's a puzzle to me that he took a chance on this," said Kevin Wagner, a Florida Atlantic University political scientist. "It makes you think he's playing for the No. 2 chair [as McCain's running mate] even though there's a lot of evidence that suggests he won't get it."

McCain's call for more oil-drilling -- echoed by Crist with a "Floridians are hurting" populist shading -- comes soon after a Florida visit by the Arizona senator. During the campaign swing, McCain was forced to explain his vote against Everglades restoration and opposition to forming a national catastrophic fund for hurricane recovery -- both of which Crist supports.

They like me ...

"Barack Obama was warmly welcomed by the nation's mayors in a packed Miami ballroom as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee vowed Saturday to have the federal government help rebuild cities he said have been neglected during the Bush administration." "Obama gets warm welcome at mayors conference".

Jed

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court Jed Pittman is ending a long, distinguished career on a very sour note over the most basic job responsibility: showing up for work." "Clerk Lets Down Residents, Tarnishes His Reputation".

No Rangers?

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Seems like there is still a $2.5 million funding gap to close by July 1, or else the very valuable Road Rangers program will be forced to cut night and weekend patrols". "Somebody, please help us keep Road Rangers".

Union volunteering to take pay cut should "dial back the rhetoric"?

The Palm Beach Post editors have been in lockstep with their newspaper company brethren in bashing public employees, particularly. Indeed, the Post editors have been leading the way in attacking firefighters, who they have variously described as laying back "on the couch, finishing off a six-pack of beer and a pack of cigarettes and having a heart attack" all on the public's dime. Them lefty editors want you to know these "Firefighters have sweet pay plans [and 'outlandish benefits'], mostly because of politically connected unions".

So you know it was tuff for them to concede this:

Last week, Martin County firefighters made a grand gesture: They will give up cost-of-living increases that are part of their contract to save the county more than $1.5 million. It was a good and generous thing to do.

But then the president of the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Martin County followed up with harsh criticism of County Administrator Duncan Ballantyne and demands that no staff be cut from the fire-rescue department.

In these tough financial times, firefighters would do better to dial back the rhetoric as they try to find solutions that keep them employed. ...

Martin's fire-rescue department paid more for overtime per firefighter last year than either Palm Beach or St. Lucie counties - a whopping $2.3 million. County officials complain that the huge overtime payments, particularly for higher-ranking fire and rescue officers, are increasing retirement costs and fear the constant overtime could lead to employee burnout.

to avoid longer response times to fires and medical emergencies. ... [and] to hire enough workers to safely staff emergency vehicles and reduce the amount of overtime they are forced to put in. they are forced to put in.

firefighters would do better to dial back the rhetoric as they try to find solutions that keep them employed.