"Mississippi is the only other state to forbid gays from adopting"

"A circuit judge has ruled unconstitutional Florida's 31-year-old gay adoption ban, one of only two such statewide bans in the country. The Monroe County judge's ruling allows a gay foster parent in Key West to adopt a teenage boy he has raised since 2001, but does not mean there will be any statewide change in policy." "Ban of gay adoption ruled unconstitutional".

Eeewwww!

"It's Friday afternoon, and the Hillsborough County Republican Party headquarters is buzzing." "Pick of Palin energizes area GOP efforts".

Thank's "Jeb!" - Another Privatization Flop

"Food service vendor Aramark soon will cut ties with Florida prisons, bringing to an end another privatization venture begun when Jeb Bush was governor. ... The stormy seven-year tenure between the Philadelphia-based food giant and the Department of Corrections has deteriorated in recent months. This year alone, the state fined Aramark $261,000 for violations ranging from long lines to excessive substitutions of menu items."

And thanks for these insights, Mr. Holmes:

Food in prison isn't just a necessity. Many corrections experts consider it a key to keeping inmates under control and to avoiding lawsuits alleging inhumane treatment of prisoners.

Outsourcing Made Easier

Here's an idea, send U.S. jobs to foreigners overseas, but instead of the "overseas" thing, just bring 'em here to do the job. That way we can keep them wages low."States hire foreign teachers to ease shortages".

Sure beats the hell out of that supply and demand thing

That Explains It

"Florida Gov. Charlie Crist says he was vetted extensively for vice presidential candidate".

See what happens when a candidate is "vetted extensively".

From the "Values" Crowd

Nationally, there is "a growing backlog of 750,000 unresolved disability cases — about 8,100 in South Florida and 37,500 in the state. Some injured and ill people have become homeless or bankrupt while waiting for rulings."

"Florida denies two-thirds of initial claims, records show, but judges reverse more than half of the denials. Attorneys said those incorrect rulings add to the backlog and the long waits. Florida reviewers may rush to settle cases — after years of criticism for slow decisions — and rule without all the facts because they did not request full records or doctors did not send them, attorneys said." "Applicants endure hardship while waiting for disability benefits to be OK'd".

Plenty 'o Gut, But How Much Spine?

"It's gut-check time for Florida's legislative candidates." "We think: A simple survey tests the mettle of state candidates".

Meeks gettin' Uppity

"En route to Haiti to see storm devastation, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek assailed the White House Friday for continuing to deport Haitians in the United States to the storm-wracked island."

''It's gone far beyond reason for the administration not to give Haiti some relief,'' said the Miami Democrat, who has asked the Bush Administration to grant Haitians in the United States temporary protected status to keep them here while the island nation grapples with the effects of four hurricanes.

News flash!

"Crist, Rome to host wedding reception at the Governor's Mansion". The wedding is still on ... so far.

Stevie Bousquet loves a man ...

... in a raincoat: "Column: Crist missed spotlight but won points for staying at helm".

Drill Baby Drill!

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Democratic leaders in the U.S. House yielded to relentless political pressure this week when they unveiled an energy plan that would allow more offshore drilling. But the plan's approach, overall, might be the best that backers of a more balanced and forward-looking energy policy can get."

"Florida's House Democrats deserve credit for standing together to preserve that buffer, created just two years ago in a bipartisan compromise intended to last until 2022. Florida's House Republicans and Gov. Charlie Crist were all too willing to bail out on the buffer for political expediency." "A compromise on offshore drilling could get energy policy moving".

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board has other ideas: "House Democrats oil drilling plan a sham". See also The Miami Herald editorial board: "Save Florida beaches from drilling frenzy" ("Democrats have been bullied into drafting a bill that allows gas and oil drilling 100 miles off the U.S. coastline.")

Orlando

Sentinel writer Scott Maxwell writes about what should be obvious: "The last thing this low-wage community needs is to make it tougher for hardworking people to get to work. Now, local leaders need to step up to the plate and deal with this year's funding problems as well. Because make no mistake: If routes are cut, people will lose their jobs." "Shaq throws his sizable support behind Orange sheriff candidate Jerry Demings".

Who Knew?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "As students throughout Florida settle into the new school year, the time has come for lawmakers and education policymakers to address the looming gifted education crisis." "Don't Overlook Gifted Students".

Show me the jobs

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "the region is fortunate to have the military's computer simulation and training facilities at the Central Florida Research Park."

A few years ago, the Pentagon was considering closing the facilities and transferring the work elsewhere. Government, business and education leaders from the region banded together to help persuade military planners that the facilities were a good value for taxpayers and a national-security asset.

Now the facilities are booming, adding scores of high-paying jobs and awarding hundreds of millions of dollars more in contracts. High-tech firms in the region are landing many of those contracts, and they, too, are expanding their payrolls. The industry already encompasses more than 100 firms with nearly 20,000 employees.

thousands of high paying jobs

hundreds of high paying jobs

Ain't that the truth ...

"Florida's got gas. Lots of it ...". "State: Gas prices shouldn't rise this fast".

Charlie endorses a plan ... whoopee!

"Crist has endorsed a plan to build an ethanol plant on land that the state is trying to buy from U.S. Sugar to use for Everglades restoration."

The governor said he's concerned about the fate of the 1,800 U.S. Sugar employees who depend on the company to survive. So using some of its property for ethanol production "is one of the things I'd like to see," Crist said Wednesday in an interview with the St. Petersburg Times.

Although Crist did not endorse a project by a specific company, an ethanol manufacturer backed by General Motors already has spent several months negotiating with U.S. Sugar to build a plant next door to the company's Clewiston mill.

Pants on fire

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Campaign of lies disgraces McCain".

'Ya reckon?

Sadly, theTallahassee Democrat editorial board apparently needs to remind ys of this

As a mountain of evidence all but proves, good health and a healthy pocketbook are often linked. People with financial means versus poverty dwellers are more likely to take advantage of better access to health care because they're more likely to be insured.

Not really so baffling

The Maitland housewife, who is apparently loathe to believe that his dear RPOF buds would stoop to anything to win an election - is "baffled as to why [Charlie's] administration now will risk dragging Florida through another racially tinged voting controversy. This one concerns the verification of voter registrations." "Florida's 'no match, no vote' enforcement could be too much, too late".

Compassionate conservatives

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The Bush administration is so far refusing to temporarily lift restrictions on remittances and travel to the island — an act that would allow Americans and Cuban-Americans in particular to help their relatives and friends in Cuba. " "Let Americans help Cuban people".

Florida Newspaper Companies Ask: is ObamaGone?

Adam Smith believes "Florida may be falling from Obama's grasp". See also "New poll shows McCain leading Obama in Florida".

"Three polls this week in Florida, the nation's biggest battleground state, show that vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is helping John McCain break away from Barack Obama." "Palin helps McCain's numbers in Florida".

"Earlier in the week, a Fox News/Rasmussen Reports survey said Florida was tied, with each candidate at 48 percent." "Poll: McCain opens lead over Obama in Florida".

Bottom line: it has degenerated into a racial thing: "lopsided support from working-class and suburban whites have lifted Republican John McCain to a slender lead over Barack Obama less than two months from Election Day, a poll on the presidential race said Friday."

McCain leads Obama by 55 percent to 37 percent among whites. That includes margins of 24 points with suburban whites and 26 points with whites who haven't finished college, plus similar advantages with white men and married whites.

Sarah Palin is viewed favorably by 54% and unfavorably by 42%. Biden receives favorable ratings from 51% and unfavorable ratings from 43%.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has billed taxpayers for 312 nights spent in her own home during her first 19 months in office, charging a "per diem" allowance intended to cover meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business.

[On top of that] the governor's daughters and husband charged the state $43,490 to travel, and many of the trips were between their house in Wasilla and Juneau, the capital city 600 miles away, the documents show.

The pitchforkers are a comin' ...

... after The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Suspend travel, remittance restrictions on Cuba to assist island's post-hurricane recovery." ("The United States must show compassion, and diplomatic smarts, by easing remittance and travel restrictions to Cuba.")

More: "Fla. Cubans, Haitians struggle to help Ike victims".

'Glades

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Palm Beach County commissioners have no reason today to give Florida Crystals a head start on converting land in the middle of the Everglades into an industrial center. And the South Florida Water Management District, which may pay $1.75 billion for U.S. Sugar, has no reason to encourage the idea." "Everglades, then port".

No mulligan for Feeney

"Two people stand between U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney and a fourth term: Suzanne Kosmas and Jack Abramoff. Kosmas is his Democratic opponent. Abramoff is his albatross, a convicted influence-peddler who took Feeney and seven others on a Scotland golf junket in 2003. Feeney, while insisting he didn't know Abramoff picked up his tab, ultimately repaid the $5,643 he said was his share of the trip. But for the past year, he has faced a lingering federal investigation that -- though it has produced no criminal charges -- has provided campaign ammunition for Democrats." "Ties to disgraced lobbyist Abramoff hang over Feeney's campaign".

Move along folks, nothing to see: "Envelope at Feeney's office holds flour".

Fire sale

"GOP offers access, photos with Palin for $50,000 in Calif.".

Hill

"Stumping for Obama in Fla., Clinton won't dwell on Palin", "Clinton says election isn't about Palin's gender", "In Tampa, Clinton Bypasses Palin Questions", "In Florida, Clinton beset by Palin talk", "Clinton back on road for Obama in Florida", "Hillary vs. Sarah? Don't bet on it." and "Clinton stumps in state".

Poor John

The best he could do? "McCain to stop by Jacksonville for a pancake breakfast".

More: "McCain to visit Florida next week". See also "McCain to visit Florida next week".

"Creativity"? Don't count on it

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "With the main federal trust fund used to pay for highway and bridge improvements soon projected to go broke, the pressure on Florida and other states to be more creative and efficient with transportation dollars only grows more urgent." "Transportation blues".

Take me to your leaders

Incoming House Speaker Ray Sansom, R-Destin, "named the following Republicans to leadership positions:"

* Speaker pro tempore: Rep. Larry Cretul of Ocala.

* Rules chairman: Rep. Bill Galvano of Bradenton.

* Rules vice chairman: Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale.

* Majority leader: Rep. Adam Hasner of Delray Beach.

* Deputy majority leader: Rep. Anitare Flores of Miami.

* Majority whip: Rep. Ron Reagan of Bradenton.

Whooppee!

"Florida officials convene to address gang problems".

Florida's other Senator to speak ... for a long time?

"Several senators from both parties support the multistate bill, though Florida Democrat Bill Nelson isn't among them. Nelson is hinting at a filibuster, saying he won't let Florida be 'a sacrificial lamb.'" "Congress warms to new oil drilling; Bill Nelson says he won't let Fla. be 'a sacrificial lamb'".

See also "Congress Warming to Offshore Oil Drilling Proposals" and "Senate To Vote On Drilling Next Week".

Nary a break in sight for poor Vern

"One of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's top aides resigned Monday, two days after his second drunken-driving arrest in four months. Ronald Allen Turner, 39, of Sarasota, resigned from his $92,000-a-year job as Buchanan's district director after his Saturday arrest. Turner also relinquished his post as Buchanan's re-election campaign coordinator." "Top Buchanan aide quits after his latest DUI arrest".

Just when you thought our knuckles were leaving the ground ...

... we read this: "Poll: 55% of Fla. voters support gay marriage ban".

Fortunately it needs 60%. See "Poll: Same-sex marriage ban falling short".

More money for Scripps

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "The announcement last week that The Scripps Research Institute will get $80 million over six years, to be split between its Florida and California campuses, shows why politicians threw hundreds of millions against the wall to recruit Scripps. Big federal grants are essential if Scripps is to transform Florida's economy. As envisioned by then-Gov. Bush, Scripps recruits self-sufficient scientists, whose discoveries result in for-profit ventures that bring high-paying jobs."

the editors mouth that "Scripps recruits self-sufficient scientists, whose discoveries result in for-profit ventures that bring high-paying jobs." "Signs of Scripps health".

Sounds great on paper, but they're planning to shut down the fire station down the street, and cut public transportation in the hood.

Time to buy?

Mike Thomas: "Now we have a reasonably priced market with lousy selling conditions. That translates into an excellent opportunity for those who can afford to buy. So, ever so slowly, people have started buying. ... doomsayers will point out that many of these sales are short sales or sales of foreclosed properties. Yep, they are. But that's all part of the healing process." "It's a fine time to buy a house -- really".

For that to happen, Obama must prove himself as the candidate who can transcend the everyday differences that separate blacks and Hispanics.

In Central Florida, the two minority groups have many issues in common -- discrimination, health care, public education -- but diverge when it comes to language, jobs and immigration.

Big dogs in Florida for Obama (and/or fundraising)

"Hillary Rodham Clinton makes a swing through Florida on behalf of Barack Obama on Monday. She will speak at a rally in Tampa at All Peoples Life Center, 6105 E Sligh Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. They are available today at the following locations, first come, first served: Tampa Campaign for Change Office, 817 E Washington St., between noon and 9 p.m., or the North Tampa Campaign for Change Office, 14519 N 18th St., from noon to 9 p.m." "Clinton back on road for Obama in Florida". See also "Clinton swings through Fla., campaigning for Obama".

"New York Sen. Charles "Chuck" Schumer urged Jewish voters across South Florida on Sunday to back Barack Obama's presidential bid, touting the Democratic nominee's record on Israel. Schumer, D-N.Y., visited temples and community centers in Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton and Aventura as part of a statewide strategy by Obama's campaign to reach out to the Jewish community, many of whom had supported Hillary Clinton." "Schumer visits South Florida to tell of Obama's support for Israel". See also "Democratic Caucus leader rallies Jewish voters in Boca for Obama".

Must feed campaign contributors

"Despite a rising tide of opposition on both coasts, Florida is plowing ahead with a plan to lease Alligator Alley to a private contract for 50 to 75 years to raise short-term cash for other transportation needs. The 78-mile toll road could be in the hands of private interests by this time next year. Six firms -- most of them foreign-owned that specialize in large infrastructure asset investments -- have been short-listed."

"The proposal has drawn heavy criticism from elected leaders and residents on both coasts. They view the lease as giving away a valuable state asset that currently generates $23 million a year in revenue." 'Ya reckon? Nevertheless, this

potential lease of Alligator Alley is part of a larger trend toward privatizing major infrastructure assets in the United States.

The federal highway trust fund, which pays for roads, bridge repairs and mass transit, is running multi-billion dollar deficits and on the verge of bankruptcy.

The orgy of Congressional earmarking politics has drained billions from needed construction and maintenance jobs toward lesser priority pork.

Public-private partnership

"Both Universal and Disney have made a habit of giving free rooms and suites to Republicans and Democrats to hold events there."

Fundraising records show Universal Orlando has given the Florida GOP $231,000 in free rooms and event passes in 2007-08 for conferences, fundraisers and meetings.

Universal has given Democrats $31,500 in "in-kind" contributions.

Walt Disney World has given $94,000 worth of free room and tickets to Republicans -- and $134,000 to Democrats, most of it for the party's state convention last October.

And over here, in the fiction section of the library ...

"After months of rumors he was on McCain's short list of vice presidential contenders, Crist now returns his energies to Florida where he must deliver the state for McCain and work to revive the state's economy." "Crist's task: Help McCain win Florida".

A priority thing

"During tough budget times, local governments have considered harsh measures to balance their budgets. Yet in many cases, one line item endures: their paid lobbyists." "Lobbyists spared as budgets slashed".

Palin lite: HD 56 today, then the White House

"When local Republican leaders announced Rachel Burgin [26] as their candidate for House District 56, the news was as surprising as incumbent Trey Traviesa's decision to quit the race a few days earlier."

She's new to the political limelight. She doesn't have a college degree. Although she doesn't own a home, she seeks to represent eastern Hillsborough County, where suburbanites worry about insurance rates and property taxes.

Raised in Plant City, the third of seven children, she aspired to do Christian humanitarian work but was drawn into politics when her brother, Josh Burgin, asked her to join his District 62 House campaign in 2004.

It was the summer before her senior year at Bob Jones University, a South Carolina Baptist college, and she ended up postponing the next semester as her political career gained traction.

Although Josh Burgin lost his race, Republicans took note of Rachel Burgin's grass roots effectiveness.

"She was a big part of the success that we had," Josh Burgin said. "She is a magnet for friends. She has a great way with people."

Traviesa said it seemed like she was everywhere.

"She was waving signs," he said. "She was at meetings at night. Handing out fliers. Knocking on doors in neighborhoods."

The Bush/Cheney campaign made her director of a Plant City office

Florida's "diploma" inflation

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Excluding GED recipients would lower Florida's official graduation rate. But it would raise the bar to a level of honesty that should become a national standard, and perhaps it would make state leaders finally take seriously the link between good education, a good work force and economic development." "It's about the diploma".

Run, Howdy Doody, Run!

"Incumbent Republican Charlie Bronson is leaving office, and politicos in both parties are buzzing with potential candidates for the Cabinet position." In addition to state Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis,

other potential Republican contenders include state Reps. Marty Bowen of Haines City and Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven, and U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow. Potential Democrats? The names we hear include state Rep. Loranne Ausley of Tallahassee, U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd of Monticello, and former state Reps. Rick Minton of Fort Pierce and Dwight Stansel of Wellborn.

Off topic: Palin's "qualifications"

The Palin-McCain campaign has finally selected a "journalist" with whom she will deign to respond to "questions".

The "journalist", one "Charles Gibson", recently wrote:

"Once you know about her daughter's pregnancy, once you know about her husband's political interest in the Alaska Independent Party, once you know about the special nature of their latest child, I think that's enough ..."

President Bush, in a statement, praised McCain for choosing "a working mother with a track record of getting things done."

Q: The McCain campaign claims that your success as a "working mother" is one of the reasons people should voter for the McCain-Palin ticket. That being the case, would you not agree, particularly as a conservative Christian opposed to out-of-wedlock-copulation and teen pregnancies, that you have been unsuccessful in that regard?

Bought and paid for

"Democrat Fred Taylor thought his table at the Florida Health Care Association's conference last month would be a good place to drum up support and donations for his Florida Senate campaign. After all, he's an associate member and a former nursing home consultant."

But he got a lot of "no."

Fasano, R-New Port Richey, was named Legislator of the Year at the same conference in Orlando. Nursing homes and assisted living centers also have contributed at least $10,000 to the re-election bid of Fasano, who is a member of a Senate health care committee.

While Taylor scrimps for money, Fasano has raised nearly $490,000, more than all but three other Senate candidates in the entire state.

We don' want any taxes ...

Aaron Deslatte reminds us that, although "Business and industry groups were quick to laud the plan's demise [Amendment 5] ... they have also been part of the problem, pushing lawmakers to tailor tax relief to stimulate the economy, then digging in their heels when the solution fashioned might lead to higher taxes on business services. The Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, and many other industry groups were among the earliest backers of tax cuts -- and the fiercest critics of Amendment 5." "Amendment 5's demise stalls fervor for tax cuts in Florida".

A different view: "More Property Tax Proposals Likely to Surface".

Evaporation

Tom Blackburn on "Evaporating money, middle class".

From the "values" crowd

"As many as 7,500 Floridians with developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, autism and severe mental retardation, will be impacted by budget reductions at Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities ...". "Disabled Woman Faces Severe Cuts in State Aid".

The Zell Corporation ...

... wants you to know that it's all just so much stagecraft and manipulation ... "Not so off-the-cuff: How Obama works his magic on the crowds".

They kill them union troublemakers in Columbia ...

... but the Zell Corporation has no problem with that: The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In Florida, hundreds of thousands of jobs depend on international trade. Thousands of companies in the state sell their products abroad. Manufactured goods are the top exports."

Florida already exports billions of dollars of goods a year to the three countries [Colombia, Panama and South Korea]. And history shows that when trade agreements have been approved with other countries, Florida's exports to those countries have grown.

In a compromise last year with Democratic leaders in Congress, the Bush administration agreed to require higher labor and environmental standards from Colombia, Panama and South Korea. But the leaders, under pressure from union supporters, are still balking.

With polls showing the economy is the No. 1 worry for voters, and the latest figures on growth showing that trade is a tonic, those leaders would be wise to stop stalling and pass the agreements.

Get over it

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "It's time to move on and deport Al-Arian".

Dem-world

"A once-hot race for the state Legislature so far looks like a dud. Just months ago, Democrats trumpeted the candidacy of Joseph Puglia, who is challenging Republican incumbent Robert Schenck for the seat in House District 44, which covers most of Hernando County and reaches into north central Pasco County. The state party even ranked the race near the top of its priority list and promised help. But now — two months before Election Day — the Puglia campaign is still nonexistent." "Democrats' House District 44 candidate has yet to campaign".

But Charlie and the RPOF said ...

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "When Gov. Crist criticized the Florida Supreme Court last week for tossing the tax-cutting Amendment 5 off the November ballot, he was expressing his own and the prevailing belief that Floridians are overtaxed. Not so, says a national study by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. According to the group, the local tax burden on Floridians is 47th."

The Tax Foundation study makes clear what Gov. Crist won't face. Florida doesn't have a rational tax system. Continuing to cut taxes for the sake of popularity does nothing to make the system more rational.

"Now the ground war begins"

"They watched the meteoric rise of an obscure Alaska governor and the ascendance of a presidential campaign that pundits pronounced dead just eight months ago. Now the ground war begins." "Florida Attorney General McCollum: Election will be 'knock-down, drag-out fight'".

"Prolonged impoverishment"

"The average freshman entering the University of Florida this fall had a high school GPA of 4.18 and an SAT score of 1293. That's an admissions standard that likely would have excluded many of the lawmakers and governors who are responsible for it. But the increasing exclusivity of public universities is only one of the deleterious effects of their prolonged impoverishment, and legislative leaders are still offering neither a solution nor an apology."

"The university system, which ranks last in the nation in faculty-to-student ratio and has its lowest per-student state funding in two decades, is in a financial free fall. But lawmakers don't seem to make the connection with their plodding approach to an unprecedented budgetary crisis. House Policy and Budget Committee Chairman Ray Sansom, who is line to be House speaker, seems unperturbed." "Lawmakers failing to save universities".

Alaska's Ronda Storms

Daniel Ruth writes that "it took a nanosecond after the announcement of Palin's veep pick for readers to start noting she was '...an Alaskan version of state Sen. Ronda Storms'" "Que Sarah Sarah: Facing Storms Of Missives Over Elitism And Ethics".

"Maybe Charlie should go run in Alaska"

Mike Thomas: "Life can be so ironic. Here his critics were saying he didn't have the brainpower or resume for a spot on the ticket. And now, taking his place is a former sports anchor with 20 months' experience presiding over an arctic wilderness populated by caribou, oil companies and corrupt Republicans." "Sorry, Charlie: You can't swim with barracuda".

The Zell Corporation defends Palin ...

"Jane Healy: Reaction to Sarah Palin's nomination reeked of unfairness - and hypocrisy".

... bashes unions ...

In a prominent Sunday place in the The Orlando Sentinel we get this pack of lies from derriere wipe, "Mark P. Wylie, president and CEO of the Central Florida Chapter Associated Builders and Contractors in Orlando: "The darker side of labor unions".

... and recreates McBush

The Zell corporation thinks McBush is "a POW turned political rebel", and it uses these words in a "hard new" piece, as opposed to "editorial" .

If government acted this way ...

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "When Volusia County initiated talks with Prison Health Services about taking over health care at the county's jails, it should have paid more attention to the caution flags. The company trailed lawsuits and allegations of bad care." Just read it: "Act Corp.-jail pact good; shorter leash for PHS".

I am shocked!

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The first draft of a rule that sets alternative energy goals for Florida looks to be written by the utility industry. ... The goals would rank Florida among the worst in the nation on alternative energy." "Weak backing for new power".

"Drill, Baby, Drill"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board:

McCain, who had previously opposed offshore drilling, is pushing to open protected areas quickly. Republican vice president candidate Sarah Palin told a cheering crowd last week, "The fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all."

McCain and Palin should understand that the choice is not between drilling and doing nothing. The choice is between hurtling forward with a drill-baby-drill frenzy or developing a responsible strategy that balances the risks and benefits - and sets a moon-shot goal for weaning America from foreign fuel.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has done little to advance the debate. After years of standing against offshore drilling, he jumped on the drilling bandwagon as soon as McCain did. Later he said he supports additional drilling only if it is "far enough, safe enough and clean enough," but he's made no effort to define what that means.

Florida should be willing to contribute to a comprehensive effort that helps the nation transition to clean energy sources. While allowing rigs close to shore should be unthinkable, it's worth considering the cost-benefit ratio for allowing rigs, say, 75 miles out.

But the Sunshine State cannot afford to gamble its coast for a half-hearted energy policy that will further fuel the nation's oil addiction.

What's needed is not an angry chant, but a careful and objective look at the risks and benefits.

Crist should take a cue from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who stands strong against constructing oil rigs in the sunsets of coastal states.

Whatever

After Palin's "speech", the Dems

lined up two of their top female stars, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Broward County and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, to lay out plans to counter her appeal by showcasing her conservative beliefs and her limited experience in government.

They pointed out Palin's speech was long on attacks on Obama and short on vision for foreign or domestic policy. During an election year when voters are anxious about the war in Iraq, rising energy costs and an anemic economy, Democrats contend that being an ordinary American hockey mom won't be enough. That affinity will only get her so far.

Wasserman Schultz has 9-year-old twins and a 5-year-old. But she said she has been re-elected because she represents her constituents' interests.

"Moms want to know I support the issues important to them," she said. "When you look beneath the surface issues of her being a mom, women voters across the country are going to see there's no there there."

While RPOFers pray at the alter of Palin ...

"Arrests. Threats of violence. So-called literacy tests. Those were among the obstacles a young John Lewis fought in the 1950s and '60s trying to register blacks to vote as he fought alongside figures like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for civil rights. But Lewis, now a U.S. congressman from Atlanta, told those gathered at the official opening of the Pensacola headquarters for the Barack Obama presidential campaign Saturday that they don't face those same barriers today." "Civil rights icon helps open Obama HQ".

"Oblique allusions that do not alienate swing voters"

A great one from Dan Moffett: "A large part of the game for Republicans and Democrats from now until November will be finding ways of making oblique allusions to complex issues without saying enough to alienate swing voters. Near the top of the list of complex issues is immigration reform. You haven't heard much about it the past two weeks because it is very difficult to come up with oblique allusions that do not alienate swing voters." "Invisible, like the illegals".

"Money laundering" or a "fee"

"The nation's principal organization of defense attorneys is backing a prominent South Florida lawyer against federal money laundering charges, calling the prosecution an assault on a defendant's right to counsel. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers wants the case against Ben Kuehne thrown out, on grounds it could chill the willingness of attorneys to defend known or suspected criminals, particularly in drug cases." "Defense attorney group criticizes charges against S. Florida lawyer".