Secretary of State Kurt Browning defended himself against charges that his enforcement of the state's voter registration law means he's trying to disenfranchise voters.

In an unusually testy expression from Browning, he addressed the no-match, no-vote provision for new registered voters this morning in a conference call with supervisors of elections from the state's largest counties.

"Obviously this issue has garnered a great deal of press over the past several weeks," Browning said. "I know that I have been portrayed throughout the state and the nation in the media reports as suppressor of voters, and that is not the case."

could thwart thousands from having their vote count. State election officials have notified more than 800 people in the Tampa Bay area and a total of 10,400 statewide who recently signed up to vote that they aren't yet qualified because of discrepancies between their signup forms and state records. The would-be voters must clear up the discrepancies or their vote on Election Day won't count."

Now criticism is rising among some county election supervisors, who are elected by local voters. They think Browning, a former Republican elections supervisor in Pasco County, issued orders that don't provide enough latitude to ensure the widest voter participation.

"I think the state has gone way beyond the intent of the law," Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark, a Republican, said Friday in a tense conference call with Browning.

chronic problems with Florida's election system add risk to this strategy for the Obama camp. As of earlier this week, some 5,000 newly-registered voters had their registrations thrown out due to the state's controversial "no-match" rule.

The state's massive disenfranchisement of ex-felons -- a key factor in Gore's loss in 2000 -- was eased with new rules by Gov. Crist that allowed 112,000 ex-felons to vote, but as of late September only 9,000 ex-felons had registered because the changes were poorly publicized.

And then there are the ongoing snafus like the 3,500 missing ballots in Palm Beach County last month which reversed a judicial election and led citizens to call for the removal of the county elections supervisor.

Wingnuts go 3-for-3 with the Zell Corporation

The boss man will be mighty proud of the The Orlando Sentinel editorial board, who "think [sic]: Keller, Mica and Brown-Waite are best picks in Districts 8, 7 and 5".

And just for grins, a Zell Corporation employee chips in with this today: "Grayson launches new attack ad vs. Keller but facts aren't black and white"; Scott Maxwell made his bid for a bonus yesterday with this: "Orlando aviation hero Joe Kittinger shares his POW bond to John McCain".

A Commie thing?

A Commie thing: "In food crisis, Cuba limits sales so all can eat". And Milton and Ayn would do what?: Have the wealthy purchase what they want, and let the poor fight to the death over the scraps?

Sign wars

Daniel Ruth: "Political Sign Snatching Is An Old Tradition". See also "Election battle is fought at grass-roots level - with yard signs".

Cuba

"Democrats suggest it was Bush's decision in 2004 to further tighten sanctions against the island that has given them what may be their best shot ever at unseating Miami's three Cuban-American members of Congress. For the first time, they say, there is an opportunity to compete for votes among an electorate once considered diehard Republican." "Bush Cuba policy up for test at polls".

On a separate note, Guillermo I. Martinez reminds us that Fidel never went away: "Hurricanes propel Castro back to power".

"Hispanics with similar views turn away en masse"

"The man who once took a big political risk by joining with Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy to propose a comprehensive immigration reform bill that was embraced by Hispanics is now struggling to win these same voters, and falling perilously below the level of support that helped lift President Bush to the White House. The candidate who won nearly 70 percent of Hispanic voters in his last bid for Senate in border-state Arizona is watching a first-term Illinois senator run away with those voters. The pro-military, anti-abortion candidate is seeing Hispanics with similar views turn away en masse." "McCain missing the mark with Hispanics".

Free trade

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board: "Heads in shells over Florida turtle exports"

Asian appetites for turtle -- the Chinese alone consumed some 20 million last year -- have endangered or driven extinct 75 percent of their native species, outstripped efforts to farm select varieties and sent markets searching worldwide for easy chelonian bounty.

They've found it in Florida -- the state's native soft-shelled turtle, common throughout the peninsula's freshwater rivers and lakes.

Unfortunately, the Asian markets are too fond of the fare.

Turtle biologists called for a catch limit of no more than one turtle per collector per day. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's staff recommended no more than five turtles per day. But a hue and cry from commercial turtle harvesters -- "We're just trying to make an honest living" -- found a sympathetic ear in the commission, which imposed an emergency order limiting individual catches to five per day and limits for licensed commercial harvesters of 20 turtles per day while the various parties hash out a compromise in the next year.

Certainly not a bunch of Uncle Cooters appointed by recent governors to make sure Florida's good ol' boys can filch whatever they want from the swamp without the law on their backs.

Free to choose

"More than one in five Big Bend [the 10-county North Florida region] residents under 65 were without health insurance in 2005, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released Thursday." "Ailing Big Bend".

The solidly red Big Benders have exercised their majestic "freedom to choose" not to have health insurance. They have "chosen" not to work for unionized companies that force them to have health insurance, thereby depriving them of the "choice" to go without insurance for their children. They support candidates and political parties that would never

When these "choosers" get sick, I hope they "choose" to have someone other than their fellow taxpayers pay for their medical bills.

Plus, they're real cheap

Bill Maxwell reminds us that, way back when, "adjuncts made up about 40 percent of the nation's college professors. Now, they account for a whopping 70 percent." "Adjuncts' academic freedom snuffed out".

Token Zell Corporation moderate ...

... has a hissy fit:

Will Florida women continue to let Charlie stack the Court so the state can curtail their reproductive rights? Will anyone be bamboozled by Crist's pro-public-education rhetoric, when Justices Canady and Polston have pushed Jeb Bush's school voucher programs? Will Florida families let the guv pack the Supreme Court with justices who may give us other Terri Schiavo fiascos with a different outcome-taking away their right to make their health and end-of-life decisions?

Never a dearth of morons with check books

"Bush attended a fundraiser at the home of Sergio Pino, a South Florida developer and entrepreneur, where he raised more than $500,000, according to Republican officials." "Bush raises $500,000 in S. Florida".

Where're the "beans"?

Just when McBush needs a shot in the arm in the I-4 corridor, the Tampa Trib breathlessly trumpets: "Obama fundraiser, convicted of fraud, spills beans" With a headline like that, you might expect to read 'bout them spilled "beans" and stuff - read it, there ain't any "beans".

When you are getting your derriere handed to you in the polls ...

... just have your wingnut surrogates make things up, and get the Zell Corporation to publish it for you: "Obama no friend of Israel".

"Leeway"

"Bargain sales prices could now equate to bargain property taxes as well for home buyers. With foreclosures and pre-foreclosure sales flooding South Florida's real estate market, state tax officials gave local property appraisers more leeway Friday in setting tax values." "Florida officials give property appraisers leeway".

Less juice

"Hurricanes, crop diseases and disappearing grove land have contributed to huge production drop-offs in the past few years. In turn, consumers have been paying record prices for orange juice." "USDA: Florida orange crop smaller than last year".

This were'nt exactly ...

Florida's best day: "crowd members shouted obscenities at reporters in a press area during Palin's speech, and that one crowd member shouted a racial epithet at a black sound man". "'Kill Him' Yell At Clearwater Palin Rally Being Probed". For a little fun with wingnuttery, take a look at some of the comments to this Tampa Trib story:

- "If Obama is elected we will have people swinging from trees and scratching their armpits forever. Do you really want that? They will run wild as they will think they can do anything because the president is Negro."

- - [in response to the above comment: "With Obama president we will not have to work as the rich are going to be paying for everything, right? We can just sit had home like mindless zombies and collect a govt check."

- "A Negro woman driving a brand new BMW went in and noticing the display bought all McCain memorbelia. My friend mentioned she must be quite a fan of McCain and the Negro woman shot back 'hell no, I wouldn't vote for that honkey if he was the last man on earth. I am buying all this stuff to throw away and nobody will be able to buy it.' That's how the majority of Negros think and they don't even know what the issues are. Doesn't quite make sense voting for someone just because they are Negro."

- "(This comment was removed by the [Tampa Trib]site staff.)"

- "washington times [sic] is one of the most liberal newspapers in the country. They are not a credible source of information".

- "Wake up America!!!....Reverend Wright...Bill Ayers....This guy is a bad character and is not who he pretends to be....Obama is NOT Presidential material!!!! Just listen to what he says when the cameras are not on.....giving money to ACORN ...accepting money from ACORN....Marxism failed in Russia and we dont need it here!!!!"

Gasbag

Why does the The Miami Herald demean itself, and publish fools like Jonah Goldberg? "Rattling off gasbaggeries". He might start with himself.

Another thing Palin don't read: the lyrics

"McCain, Palin seem to mistake song's meaning". "Pop lyrics again snare the GOP".

Schlep, Baby, Schlep!

"Obama, long the favorite of the youngest votes, now leads 72-year-old Republican John McCain by 7 percentage points among the 60-plus age group. The oldest voters were about equally divided in last month's poll." "Poll: Florida's senior citizens swinging toward Obama".

Polls: Obama's Florida lead grows

Strategic Vision poll: "A presidential poll released today shows Democratic nominee Barack Obama beating Republican nominee John McCain in Florida 52 percent to 44 percent."

The poll, by the Republican firm Strategic Vision, gives Obama one of the largest leads he has enjoyed to date, 8 points.

More voter registration fraud allegations

"A nonprofit group has provided 35 possibly fraudulent voter registration applications to Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark, who notified prosecutors Thursday."

The first batch of 21 applications was delivered to the election supervisor's St. Petersburg office Sept. 26. A group called Work for Progress collected them, said Clark spokeswoman Nancy Whitlock.

The Denver group was founded earlier this year to recruit people to work for progressive causes, according to its Web site.

Whitlock said she contacted Work for Progress and was told they were aware of the problem and had fired the person responsible. But on Oct. 3, Whitlock said another batch of suspect applications was received.

who said her voter ID came in with incorrect information about her. The complaint did not make clear whether she had any contact with ACORN. The woman, Felicia Gibson, said in her complaint that she received her information with an incorrect date of birth, and a fraudulent signature with her name spelled wrong. Gibson could not be reached for comment Thursday. Another came from the Broward County supervisor of elections.

Brian Kettenring, head organizer of Florida ACORN, acknowledged problems that had resulted in the dismissal of some employees. But Kettenring said ACORN -- required by law in most states to turn in every card collected -- flagged those with problems to alert elections officials.

"A lot of the news reports you're seeing are really about problems that we caught, we flagged and we turned in," he said.

This is Florida, after all ...

"Floridians look poised to pass a constitutional ban on gay marriage next month but seem less enthralled with other amendments that range from offering tax breaks for public marinas to raising taxes for community colleges." "Florida voters leaning toward ban on gay marriage, poll shows".

Laff riot

Ros-Lehtinen and the Diaz-Balarts are runnin' for cover:

Campaign representatives for the three Miami-area Republicans said Wednesday they did not know about Bush's visit until they were contacted by The Miami Herald, and that they would not attend due to prior commitments.

''We have a full campaign schedule,'' said Carlos Curbelo, a spokesman for Reps. Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart. Among the prior engagements: taping debates for Univisión and WFOR-CBS 4. A spokesman for Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who has not agreed to further debates, said she planned to be in the Keys on Friday, ``visiting with constituents.''

"Don't forget the extra stamp"

This could be a huge issue - "Absentee voters: "

Don't forget the extra stamp.

Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 presidential election are so long and weigh so much that mailing them back to elections supervisors requires extra postage in many counties -- and costs as much as $1.17 in Osceola.

Orlando resident Shirley Jordan said she mailed her absentee ballot for the primary election last month without reading the instructions, thinking that voting by mail was foolproof. Then, she said, her son got an absentee ballot. On studying the instructions for his ballot, she said she learned the postage required was 59 cents instead of a regular 42-cent stamp.

"My concern is that my first absentee ballot I mailed in didn't count" because I didn't put enough postage on it, she said. ...

The U.S. Postal Service generally returns mail with insufficient postage to the sender. But in some cases [but not all], elections offices have arranged to cover the additional expense.

A record 95,000 Orange County residents, or about 16 percent of registered voters, have requested absentee ballots. Orange Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles said the enclosed instructions make clear that 59 cents of postage is required. He said the cost is not on the envelope because he buys those in bulk and mailing costs vary, depending on the election.

Welcome to Florida

"The U.S. Secret Service is looking into reports that a crowd member yelled, 'Kill him!' while Gov. Sarah Palin was talking about Sen. Barack Obama during her Clearwater rally Monday." "'Kill Him' Reports Being Probed".

"Distressed

"What percentage of today's home sales in the Tampa Bay area are distressed sales? By distressed, we mean properties owned by the bank or being sold for less than mortgage value by delinquent homeowners. You might be surprised by September's numbers: About a third of Hillsborough County's home sales are either bank sales or short sales. In Pinellas it's 22 percent, in Pasco 29 percent." "Home sales data show distressing trend".

Never mind

"Man to be taken off death row".

"The most hostile state to new voters in the nation"

"Common Cause, ACORN and other civil rights groups have dubbed Florida, "the most hostile state to new voters in the nation," and they cite a "no match, no vote" law as Exhibit A."

Passed by a Republican-dominated Legislature in 2005, the law requires people who register to vote to supply a driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number. State officials try to match the information with a federal or state database.

If the information doesn't match, would-be voters are notified by mail and given a chance before Election Day to fix it. If it's still not fixed, voters are given a provisional ballot at their precincts and told to return two days later with the proper verification.

Lawmakers say it was necessary to prevent fraud. Critics say it was designed to protect the Republican majority. They point out that Asian names can be confusing, that Hispanics often use different surnames, that blacks use non-traditional spellings, and that the system invites data entry errors by harried clerks.

How they handle Florida's new "no match, no vote" law could provide them [SOEs] their greatest challenge, however. To cut down on fraud, the law requires new voters to supply their driver's license or Social Security numbers. If they don't, or the numbers don't match official records, they can't vote.

Those undergoing the rigors of "no match, no vote" have till two days after the election to convince officials of their eligibility. But it's possible some might not manage it if, because of other obligations, they can't make a follow-up visit to the elections office.

We hope it won't come to that. If it does, Florida again may have to answer to angry voters and, potentially, an outraged nation.

From the "values" crowd

"Florida citizens who suffer from developmental disabilities are enduring heartbreaking cuts in services that will force many into group homes and institutional care settings. It is a heartless situation that state lawmakers cannot allow to stand."

Because the Legislature has failed to own up to the real cost of providing care for the developmentally disabled, thousands of Florida families are losing services that have allowed them to keep their relatives at home.

As a result, the lives of many disabled people will be uprooted. And Florida taxpayers will have to pay more money, not less, for their care.

It is as if Tallahassee has abandoned all logic.

Step ...

"... and fetch it", and the media will be all over you:

Don't tell Jamila Clark she is the wrong age and race to support Republican John McCain's run for president.

The 18-year-old black woman fiercely defends her conservative views in impromptu debates not only with left-leaning peers at Lake-Sumter Community College, where she is trying to organize a campus Republican club, but also with family. ...

I know my history," Clark said during breakfast with her grandmother Catherine Walker-Spencer, whose car sports a "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican" window sticker.

"'Number of uninsured people is going up steadily'"

"Twenty-four percent of Floridians younger than 65 are without insurance, compared to the 17.2 percent nationwide. The survey also shows that blacks and Hispanics are without insurance even more: 26.7 percent of Florida blacks younger than 65 don't have it, and neither do 38.6 percent of Florida Hispanics." "Percentage of uninsured under 65 high in Fla.".

"If Central Florida were a state, "

the seven-county region's 22.9 percent uninsured rate would have been fourth-worst on the U.S. list, behind only Texas (26.3 percent), New Mexico (24.2 percent) and Florida itself.

"It's clear that the number of uninsured people is going up steadily," said Paul Duncan, chairman of the University of Florida's Health Services Research, Management and Policy Department.

Florida Republicans: Bushco dead enders

"Bush -- whose popularity is low but who remains a formidable fundraiser -- will attend a fundraiser at a home in Coral Gables to benefit the Congressional Trust 2008, a joint account that benefits congressional candidates nationwide through the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Republican National Committee." "Bush swooping in to attend GOP fundraiser in Miami".

Don't worry ...

... be happy: "Crist: Florida banks sound; economy will 'turn around'".

Amendment 2

See "Updated: New ads rolling out today in Florida against proposed marriage amendment" and "Amendment 2 opponents debut TV ads".

This just in from the Zell Corporation

Scott Maxwell:

Kittinger sure does like McCain's choice of running mate. He met Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin when she arrived at Orlando International Airport a couple weeks back. In fact, after all these years, Kittinger isn't sure he'd still rush out to OIA every time McCain called. "But," he said with a laugh, "I went to see her."

Whatever

"Wachovia overtakes Bank of America as Florida's largest bank".

Will at least one of these "Once-swaggering investors" ...

... please jump out a window? "Once-swaggering investors now shuddering as $8.3 trillion in wealth evaporates in a year".

"Resegregation"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The achievement gap between black and white students has been well documented, but the resegregation of Pinellas schools puts the problem in stark relief. It demands prompt attention from educators, families and business leaders." "Black & white".

"Business leaders"? Heaven help us.

Better luck next time

"Campaign volunteer Jim Piccillo of Land O'Lakes was tapped to make the big introduction of Sen. Joe Biden."

But as Piccillo welcomed "the next vice president of the United States," the name that slipped out was "John McCain." What happened? "A brain fart," said Piccillo, 34, a former mortgage company executive.

Beware "deed enforcers"

"Lewis Laricchia has more than one fight on his hands. He's running for state representative in District 56, but for several months has also battled his homeowners association over the right to display campaign signs on his car." "Candidate clashes with deed enforcers ... again".

On a separate note: "Johnson campaign signs violate Tampa sign ordinance".

Poor Mike

"Fasano has raised more than $560,000 in his race against Taylor, who has received $75,000, mostly in-kind help from the Florida Democratic Party. Before his primary election victory, Taylor was hit by attack mailings by a medical lobby that backs Fasano." "Mailing from shadowy political group blasts Fasano's record".

"Renewables"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "With high gas prices and energy a defining issue for the nation and for Florida, you would think state utility regulators would move at all speed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. But the latest proposal for renewable energy, while better than goals put forward earlier this year, is a swing and a miss. The Public Service Commission needs to get serious." "Florida, get serious about renewables".

Yesterdays news

- "'I guess when you vote with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time, your best hope is to attack your opponent 100 percent of the time,' Biden told thousands of rowdy Barack Obama supporters at the University of South Florida Sun Dome." "Biden stirs rowdy crowd in Tampa". See also "Biden knocks 'angry' McCain at USF".

- "In a glossy new campaign mailer, the Democratic congressional candidate accuses his opponent -- U.S. Rep. Ric Keller, R-Orlando -- of infidelity and betraying a platform of 'all-American family values.'" "Keller-Grayson congressional race gets personal".

- "State Sen. Gary Siplin faces campaign-finance complaint".

- "Chris Chiari says he has learned from the mistakes he made in his first attempt to unseat state Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff [R - Rubio]. And the 34-year-old president of a financial and business consulting firm, who lost the 2006 race for the District 91 position by more than 4,000 votes, is back for a rematch." "Race pits Bogdanoff against '06 challenger".

- "Attorney Alan Grayson states his case against Iraq war, fraud".

"Tampa Bay area Democratic leaders expect record support for Sen. Barack Obama in November, and they want to seize on that enthusiasm as a way to get more local Democrats in office." "Obama inspires Tampa Bay 'Vote Local' campaign".

The key to Florida remains the Tampa Bay region, where Obama currently holds a 48%-44% advantage. The other regions of the state fall into their generally predictable patterns, with Obama holding a wide 61%-33% lead in Southeast Florida and McCain running ahead in North Florida (58%-37%), Central Florida (51%-43%) and Southwest Florida (55%-40%).

Obama runs stronger among Democrats, women, those under 50, blacks and those who have never served in the military, while McCain is stronger with men, Republicans, those over 50, whites and military veterans.

Obama has a 50%-41% lead among independent voters, while McCain has a 49%-44% among Hispanic/Cuban voters.

Interestingly, despite the fact that he trails, McCain has a higher favorable rating with Florida voters than Obama (47%-46%), and Obama's negatives have increased slightly over the past two weeks.

Good riddance

"Palin Mania"

Florida's Palin crowd sad to see her leave

How to feed hungry Palin supporters

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The fourth-largest county in America’s fourth-largest state cannot afford to pick up roadkill." "Stench of roadkill wafts over county".

"Another huge surge"

"Amid an intense presidential campaign, Florida Democrats Tuesday touted voter registration figures showing 'another huge surge' in party ranks that gives Barack Obama an edge in a tossup swing state." "Surge in voter registrations excites Florida Democrats".

Hispanic vote

"With supporters of Barack Obama and John McCain fighting for every voter this campaign, naturalized citizens of Hispanic descent are a growing target - particularly in swing states such as Florida, where Hispanics make up 11 to 14 percent of the people who go to the polls. ... Overall, the Hispanic vote seems to be coalescing behind the Democrats." "Latino Voters Key In Florida Race".

Mail ballots

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "Here are the seven words every Floridian needs to hear when deciding whether to vote absentee: Don't do it unless you have to."

In fact, voting absentee is the riskiest method, not the safest. The error rate for absentee ballots is three times higher than for optical-scan ballots cast at polling places. Many absentee ballots are thrown out because the voter's signature doesn't match the signature on file or the voter simply forgets to sign. With an absentee ballot, the voter also never gets a chance to correct an error. The machines, for example, reject ballots with two choices in the same race.

All politics is local (usually)

Bought and paid for: "State Rep. Robert Schenck's campaign war chest is overflowing with cash but few of the dollars are coming from his people in his own district. The Spring Hill Republican collected $9 out of every $10 from outside Hernando County, according to a St. Petersburg Times analysis of the latest campaign finance reports filed Friday."

"The bulk is arriving in maximum $500 checks from Tallahassee, the state headquarters for lobbyists, consultants and political committees. The cash is fueling the first-term lawmaker's re-election campaign, but it could prove a liability. Democratic challenger Jason Melton is making it an issue." "Democratic challenger criticizes Schenck's outside contributions".

Let's pretend it won't happen

"The global financial crisis threatens to unravel Florida's property insurance system if a major hurricane hits during the last two months of this hurricane season." "Florida's inability to borrow spells trouble for catastrophe fund".

Just a little thing ...

"Newly registered voters in Hillsborough County are getting voter information cards with a different look from years past."

A redesign launched last year no longer includes polling place addresses on the voter information cards that many people carry in their wallets.

Instead, that detail is included on an accompanying letter outside the detachable card. The new cards also feature Elections Supervisor Buddy Johnson's name and the voter's party affiliation more prominently than the old ones.

But some voters complain cards without a listed polling place are likely to create confusion or suppress voter turnout.

At a community forum Tuesday night, Johnson heard some pointed questions about the card's redesign. He relented, suggesting the matter could be studied again and perhaps changed.

Better late than never

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board says how the SOEs

handle Florida's new "no match, no vote" law could provide them their greatest challenge, however. To cut down on fraud, the law requires new voters to supply their driver's license or Social Security numbers. If they don't, or the numbers don't match official records, they can't vote.

Those undergoing the rigors of "no match, no vote" have till two days after the election to convince officials of their eligibility. But it's possible some might not manage it if, because of other obligations, they can't make a follow-up visit to the elections office.

We hope it won't come to that. If it does, Florida again may have to answer to angry voters and, potentially, an outraged nation.

At least he didn't accuse him of "palling around with terorists"

"Alan Grayson just made it personal. Want proof? Just check your mailbox."

In a glossy new campaign mailer, the Democratic congressional candidate accuses his opponent -- U.S. Rep. Ric Keller, R-Orlando -- of infidelity and betraying a platform of "all-American family values." The mailer reprints an article that appeared in the online edition of Harper's Magazine in November 2007.

Keller responded that Grayson has "reached a new low in gutter politics" and called the Harper's story "nothing but a collection of false rumors." Neither Keller nor his staff would respond to direct questions about the story.

The Harper's piece alleges that Keller cheated on his first wife with a staff member, Danielle "Dee Dee" Michel, whom he hired when she was 23 after he was elected in 2000 and married in 2005. It also notes that Keller placed her in plum positions in his office and on his campaign.

First, Keller announced he would run for a fifth two-year term -- breaking a pledge to serve only eight years. Then, in early 2007, the Orlando Republican joined Democrats in opposing a White House plan to send 20,000 more American troops to Iraq.

Both decisions enraged supporters, and Keller is now apologizing for his vote against the surge. But he says voters should disregard his term-limit pledge because his experience means he can do more for his district.

Whatever

"Department of Corrections officials are now using laptops to track sex offenders out on probation, a system officials hope will be more efficient." "Fla. improves technology to track probationers".

ECOs

"A Florida law requiring 'electioneering communications' groups to register with the state is facing a federal court challenge." "Groups to sue over Fla. 'electioneering' law".

"Safeguard Our Seniors"

"Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink kicked off her new 'Safeguard Our Seniors' task force Monday, pledging to find better ways to protect the elderly from financial fraud." "State kicks off task force to protect seniors from fraud".

Imagine that, "the bill has stalled in Congress"

"'U.S. immigration law intolerably discriminates against gay and lesbian Americans by denying them the same rights received by heterosexual couples,'"

said U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D- Boca Raton, a co-sponsor of the Uniting America Families Act. "This is offensive and unacceptable."

Advocates say the act would grant immigration benefits to same-sex couples so that they could stay together in this country. But the bill has stalled in Congress.

Depends on who gets the "million dollars"

"Homeowner associations are shouting the message: We want tougher regulation and we want it now. But the million dollar question is: will Florida lawmakers listen?" "Homeowner associations want state protections from legislators".

Old rules

"Rabbis explain how to avoid making etiquette errors on holiday:" "Yom Kippur etiquette can trip up Jews and non-Jews alike".

"Miami's golden age"

"Campaigns to save two long-neglected icons of Miami's golden age of the '50s and '60s, the Marine Stadium and the giant Coppertone Girl sign that hung downtown for almost 50 years, got a significant official boost Tuesday." "Two Miami icons closer to being saved".

Class size doesn't matter?

"The weak economy could lead Florida's public schools to put more students in each classroom." "Economic woes could mean more pupils in each class in Treasure Coast schools".

"The weakest in the nation"

"Seven environmental groups vowed to fight efforts to include nuclear power in the definition of renewable energy. In a teleconference Tuesday environmentalists denounced the recommendations of the Public Service Commission's staff to give utilities until 2041 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. That target is 'the weakest in the nation,' ...". "Environmental groups oppose calling nuclear energy 'renewable'".

"Voters to decide whether colleges can request special tax"

"Residents in some Florida counties might be asked to pay higher taxes if they approve an amendment giving cash-strapped community colleges permission to ask their local communities for help."

Right now, the state's 28 community colleges get their money directly from the state Legislature based on the number of students as well as state-set tuition. Tuition costs about $2,200 for a full-time student taking 15 hours.

Some colleges say the money is inadequate, and they need support from their communities to boost their budgets. The state's poor economy has led it to cut funding in recent years, while a record number of people are turning to community colleges for job training, officials say.

Wow!

"Sarah Palin led a glitzy, private reception and fundraising dinner here Monday night, raising an estimated $1 million amid a crucial, two-day Florida campaign swing." "Sarah Palin wows 1,000 at private party". See also "Sarah Palin makes stop in South Florida amid support, protest".

"Palin lived up to her 'Barracuda' nickname Monday morning in Clearwater, ripping Barack Obama as an unpatriotic tax raiser who is friendly with terrorists and does not support American troops abroad." "Palin goes on attack in visit to Clearwater". See also "Updated: Palin stopping in Jacksonville, Pensacola today", "Palin warns: It may get 'kinda rough'", "Republican vice presidential nominee stops in Southwest Florida for fund-raisers, public speech/a>", "Palin to participate in rally in Jacksonville", "Hockey mom Palin goes on attack at hockey rink" and "Campaigns get rougher, await debate" ("Palin is on a two-day campaign swing aimed at firing up Republicans and raising as much as $3 million.")

Kudos to the Orlando Sentinel's Jim Stratton for explicitly calling Palin out on her lies:

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, launching a two-day swing through Florida, is sharpening her criticism of Democrat Barack Obama, telling several thousand supporters in Clearwater this morning that Obama would raise their taxes to pay for "almost a trillion dollars" in new programs.

Obama has said he would cut taxes for everyone making less than $250,000 a year. A handful of independent reviews have concluded his proposals offer more tax relief than those of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

Palin, appearing at a waterfront park, also resurrected Obama's ties to William Ayers, a university professor who during the Vietnam era was a founder of a radical group that planned bombings of the U.S. Pentagon and Capitol. Obama, who was a child while Ayers was with the Weather Underground, has acknowledged that Ayers is an acquaintance and denounced his activities.

The Maitland housewife asks ...

"Could we really be saying goodbye to Tom Feeney and Ric Keller, two birds of a feather who may get booted out of Congress together?" "Feeney, Keller face expulsion from the nest".

"The Battle for Florida"

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain both promise to spur the nationwide economy and to pull the big growth state of Florida out of its doldrums. Yet they offer very different remedies. Here's a look at what they want, how they differ and the choices they pose for voters on Nov. 4." "The Battle for Florida: Obama vs McCain". See also "Housing" and "Everglades".

Water

"Billions of gallons drain away amid push for more water restrictions".

"Hispanic evangelical voters"

"They lean right on abortion and marriage, left on immigration and the economy."

This election season, Hispanic evangelical voters are caught in a moral tug of war that has their Republican loyalties slipping, religious leaders say.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric in the GOP has estranged many in the fast-growing group of conservative Latinos, said the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. That leaves significant numbers facing a dilemma, he said: "Will I walk into the voting booth as a Christian or Latino?"

The shift could boost Sen. Barack Obama's chances in Florida, historically home to a large Republican Latino base. That has both campaigns trying to lure Hispanic evangelicals in South Florida.

Alligator Alley

Poor Chain Gang Charlie Charlie ...

So many decisions. Can't we just do things the way we used to do? What's an empty suit to do?

"Sack Of Chad"

Daniel Ruth: "Right about now it would be understandable if Buddy Johnson's Democratic opponent, Phyllis Busansky, was becoming more annoyed than Sarah Palin finding herself stuck in an elevator with Katie Couric at the National Press Club."

After all, Busansky has raised about $132,000 in her quest to unseat Johnson, yet her opponent continues to enjoy more public exposure than Hannah Montana, and much of it at public expense.

At this point in the campaign season, if you are a registered voter, a nonregistered voter, a rabid badger, or even if you are dead, chances are you've received mail from Buddy Johnson, Hillsborough County supervisor of elections, reminding you that he is Buddy Johnson, Hillsborough County supervisor of elections

Thank goodness "Jeb!" eliminated the intangibles tax

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "With state and national economies reeling and many Floridians in an angry mood about property taxes, some of the services that citizens have taken for granted will be provided by cities, counties and school districts may be reduced or even eliminated." "Community-based budgeting".

Deep thinkers: "Florida officials: Sell state jet to save big money".

Hey, we found the memo?

"Thieves break into rental car of Sen. Mel Martinez".

Never mind

"Florida's popular class-size law may be put on ice, thanks to a weakening economy and a statewide budget crisis. Despite strong public support, a broad consensus is forming that the goal of limiting class size is simply too expensive during the current economic crunch." "School class-size rules may be relaxed in Florida's budget crunch".

Bright Futures

"Florida's community colleges are increasingly becoming the beneficiaries of the state's Bright Futures Scholarship program as students seek alternatives to jampacked universities and take advantage of a recent change in state law." "Bright Futures Scholarships give two-year colleges a boost".

CD 13 Poll: Buchanan ahead

"Overall, Buchanan had a 49-33 lead over Jennings in the poll. Independent candidate Jan Schneider had 9 percent, mostly from strong Hispanic support, and independent candidate Don Baldauf had 3 percent. Six percent of voters polled said they were undecided. The telephone poll surveyed 900 adults in the congressional district last week and has a margin of error of 4.1 percent. It was conducted for television stations in Tampa and Cape Coral."

What is it with the PBA?: "The Florida Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Rep. Vern Buchanan in his re-election bid, his campaign said Monday." "Poll: Buchanan in Dist. 13 lead".

'Ya think?

"Teachers work more for less".

Shocking!

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea "plans to install a cluster of electrified artificial reefs off the beach and run a low-voltage current through steel frames to stimulate the growth of corals, creating habitat for fish, crabs and other marine creatures. Shaped like airplane hangars, the six undersea structures each would stretch 6 feet along the ocean floor. Two buoys with solar panels would deliver electricity through insulated cables."

"Coral reefs, often called the rain forests of the ocean, have been battered by global warming, pollution, overfishing and ship groundings. Hoping to reinvigorate its reefs, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has approved a $60,000 contract with Global Coral Reef Alliance of Cambridge, Mass., which has constructed electrified reefs in Mexico, Jamaica, Indonesia, the Maldives and other countries." "Lauderdale-by-the-sea will try electricity to stimulate coral growth off South Florida coast".

Prepare for the absolute worst, hope for the best.

Officials are painting a perfect storm scenario that could produce a nightmare on Election Day, Nov. 4: huge voter turnout, a surge in registrations, the first big election using paper ballots, and, oh yeah, an exceptionally long ballot, particularly in Broward.

Combine that with all the people waiting to show their ID's, along with South Florida's history of election day foul-ups, along with the huge number of senior voters and potential first-time voters, and it's easy to see how we are smack in the middle of the election's cone of uncertainty.

A record number of first-time voters, many younger than 30, crowd the polling places for an opportunity to be part of the election process.

Today is the deadline for voters to register or change their addresses in time for the Nov. 4 election. The number of applications in the last week has been overwhelming and unlike any other buildup to a recent presidential election.

But some experts fear that Palm Beach County, and other counties around the state and nation, will struggle to process so many new registrations in only 29 days.

Opponents say the law discriminates against black and Hispanic voters, who often have nontraditional spellings of names that can be entered differently in various databases.

"Someone registers 29 days before the election, counties are overloaded with paperwork, and because someone incorrectly enters data into a computer, that person will not be able to cast a vote and will be handed a provisional ballot," [Pamela Goodman, president of the Palm Beach County chapter of the League of Women Voters] said.

in stark contrast to another presidential swing state, Ohio, which just passed a law allowing voters to register and cast a ballot on the same day.

"Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing, under the Help America to Vote Act (of 2002), if Florida could actually be a state to enable voters to do the same?" Goodman said. "We're not, unfortunately. We're one of the most voter-suppressed states in the country."

Obama-Biden

"Biden cancels Monday and Tuesday campaign events after mother-in-law's death". See also "Biden, Palin plan Florida visits" and "Palin, Biden return to Florida".

"Veteran Democratic strategist Karl Koch remembers the 1996 presidential campaign, when he could count the paid staff in Florida for Clinton-Gore on one hand — five." "McCain, Obama step up strategies in Florida".

Laff riot

"Citing the worsening economic climate, Associated Industries of Florida -- one of the state's largest business-lobbying organizations -- threw its endorsement to Republican John McCain for president Friday." "Florida lobbying group backs McCain".

Charlie soils himself

"As Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin arrives in Clearwater this morning for a blockbuster tour of Florida, she will be flying around with Gov. Charlie Crist, while scooping up campaign cash and enthusiasm for the Republican presidential ticket." "Palin in Florida at critical time for McCain". See also "Palin arrives in Clearwater", "Sarah Palin to hold rallies across Fla. this week" and "Sarah Palin's task: Regain lead for McCain in Florida".

"Key bloc"

"In 2004, there were 4 million foreign-born Hispanics citizens of voting age. Today, that number is more than 5 million, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data by the nonprofit Pew Hispanic Center."

These new voters are especially important in swing states like Florida and New Mexico, said Jeffrey Passel, the center's senior demographer. ...

Overall, the Hispanic vote seems to be coalescing behind the Democrats.

Hispanic registered voters supported Obama over McCain by a 66 percent to 23 percent margin in a nationwide survey conducted by the Pew center in June and July. The survey found that Latino voters have moved sharply into the Democratic camp in the past two years, reversing gains made by the GOP earlier in the decade.

this year marked the first time that more Hispanics are registered as Democrats than Republicans. At least part of that comes from new citizens. Still, recent polls show McCain ahead among Florida Hispanics overall, making support from new Hispanic citizens in the Sunshine State all the more crucial for Obama.

After the Miami citizenship ceremony, Panama native Graciela Hidalgo stood with her 11 year-old son Jesse waiting to sign up with the Democrats. Hildalgo, 46, has lived in the United States nearly half her life but waited to become a citizen, first because she had arrived illegally and later because she was too busy working and raising her son.

She said she was most worried about the economy, the Iraq war and, to a lesser extent, immigration.

"I would have liked Hillary," Hidalgo said wistfully of Hillary Rodham Clinton, "but McCain for me is not an option. He's all war, war, and the Republicans haven't done much."

Those new Florida citizens interviewed who did support McCain tended to be older and to come from communist Cuba or socialist-leaning Nicaragua and Venezuela, where their experiences made them more sympathetic to the Republican candidate, a former Vietnam prisoner of war.

"An ounce of decency left?"

This is an interesting local story we've been following. The The St. Petersburg Times editorial board takes it up again this morning: "Do the old bulls on the Hillsborough County Commission not have an ounce of decency left?" "They get the award for nerve".

The Zell Corporation ...

... keeps pimping this story: "McCain leads in Florida, Chamber of Commerce poll shows".

School of hard knocks

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: universities' "complicity in getting students hooked on credit cards is unseemly, but not at all unusual. Universities throughout the state and the nation cut ... deals with credit-card providers, either directly or through alumni or booster groups that serve as middlemen." "We think: Deals between universities and credit card companies need controls".

''I-4 is a little bit of South Florida, a little bit of North Florida, a little bit of Yankee transplants, and a little bit of old South rednecks,'' said Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker. ``It may be the best microcosm of Florida.''

During three days of interviewing voters in 10 communities along I-4, The Miami Herald found rampant financial worries, widespread anger toward the current administration -- and a fair number of the fence-sitters that both campaigns seek.

"So far ..."

Aaron Deslatte: "Although Florida has weathered the storm so far, state money managers were anxiously waiting on Washington, too."

For three weeks, locals and the state have been virtually shut out from bonding on the financial markets. Interest rates for governments to borrow money soared from 1 percent to 8 percent in two weeks, state officials said.

"The municipal market for all practical purposes is frozen. It's closed," Ben Watkins, Florida's bond finance director, told Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet last week.

The state's holdings in troubled Wall Street institutions such as AIG and Washington Mutual were showing more than $1 billion in unrealized losses last month, although the state's credit rating is excellent.

Florida has $21 billion in variable-rate debt, but only about $100 million in short-term securities that could suffer near-term losses.

"Obama has been working harder than John McCain"

"Need evidence that Barack Obama has been working harder than John McCain to stir up energy and excitement in the Sunshine State? Consider the emissaries that the campaigns have dispatched for Florida campaign events over the last couple of weeks."

McCain-Palin surrogates in Florida: Lt. Col. Orson Swindle, former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer and retired Air Force Col. Tom Moe participated in a three day veterans bus tour for McCain two weeks ago.

Obama-Biden surrogates (partial list): Bill Clinton; Michelle Obama and Jill Biden; former New York Mayor Ed Koch; actor Forest Whitaker; actor Cynthia Nixon; retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Gration; former White House antiterrorism adviser Richard Clarke; Miami Heat basketball player Alonzo Mourning; NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing; actor Tyler Perry[*]; Bronx borough president Adolfo Carrion; Grammy winner Olga Tanon.

"That dream has been shattered"

"A shake-up on Wall Street and financial traumas across the country once again have made the economy the dominant issue of a very close presidential campaign. Florida once represented an escape from such troubles, a low-tax refuge where people of modest means could find their piece of paradise at a relatively low price. That dream has been shattered." "How plans by John McCain, Barack Obama affect Floridians".

"A new set of challenges"

"Optical scanners and paper ballots, while upgrades to Florida's previous voting systems, come with a new set of challenges for voters and poll workers. The first big test will come Nov. 4." "New voting system not quite goof-proof".

From the Zell Corporation

Some idiot named "Charles Lehmann" writes in a Zell Corporation outlet this morning that the Employee Free Choice Act is "un-American and an invasion of our privacy." "Free Choice Act: Democrats put workers' rights at risk".

Might this be the same idiot who resigned as Palm Beach County's tourism chief in the wake of a "$1.5 million embezzlement scandal"?

Lehmann, 55, faced criticism from county commissioners after a $1.5 million embezzlement scandal at the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2006. Donna Duffer, an ex-employee, stole the money over three years without anyone noticing.

Lehmann survived the scandal while other tourism officials, including visitors bureau head Warren "Mac" McLaughlin, were forced out. Deputy County Administrator Verdenia Baker called Lehmann's departure a "mutual agreement."

Wink-o-matic on way to Florida

Just a regular "hockey mom", Palin "has a series of fundraisers Monday and Tuesday with a goal of collecting $3-million in Florida. The fundraisers are Monday at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, the Naples home of Republican donor Jack Donahue, reportedly at $10,000 per person" "Palin will vacuum up cash".

The wingnuts can't seem to get enough: "Large demand for Sarah Palin rally in Pensacola". Palin appears unable to refrain from brain dead smears: "Palin defends terrorist comment against Obama"

Brings her "Obama hangs with terrorists" show to Florida

Get your red hot Diaz-Balarts here! ... Cheap

"Medley defense contractors who've gotten millions of dollars in earmarks from Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart have contributed heavily to his and brother Mario's political campaigns and causes." "Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart's earmarks raise eyebrows".

More: "The contest between incumbent U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez has drawn national attention because it is expected to be close, and because it is colorful. ... Diaz-Balart has aired a television spot that links Martinez to a documentary film called Cocaine Cowboys. The Martinez campaign has labeled the Republican attacks sleazy." "Economics may decide matchup in heavily Hispanic District 21".

Earth to Mike: the Orlando Sentinel "liberal"?

Zell Corporation employee Scott Maxwell snarks that the Orlando Sentinel editors are "most likely to get their 'liberal media' credentials revoked:"

That'd be the Sentinel's editorial board, which has now endorsed Republicans in all six of the legislative races in which it chose sides.

Man, if people start noticing that -- along with the fact that we've endorsed only one Democrat for president in the past 40 years -- they might stop calling us 'liberal.'

'Ya think?

The Tallahassee Democrat: "Voters must vote to matter".

Amendments

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board:

Six constitutional amendments are up for consideration. All but one, the gay marriage ban, are less controversial than three proposals that were benched this summer by the Florida Supreme Court because of misleading ballot language. (Those had to do with a so-called "tax-swap" plan and a pair involving school vouchers.)

Amendment 2

"Would constitutionally banning gay marriage threaten benefits for thousands of Floridians — gay, straight or even siblings living together — who depend on their domestic partnership to pay for health care? Amendment 2 supporters say no way. Amendment 2 opponents say absolutely." "Ban may go beyond gays".

"Really complicated"

"Last year, Gov. Charlie Crist signed off on a gaming compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe. Now Florida's Supreme Court has ruled that Crist lacked authority to do that. So ... now what? Now the issue of tribal gaming gets really complicated." "Decision Complicates Seminole Gaming Pact".

Register

"One More Day To Register For November Election".

About John

The The St. Petersburg Times gives us this fairy tale: "John McCain's Pensacola proving ground". But how did McBush become a pilot in the first place?:

Despite graduating in the bottom 1 percent of his Annapolis class, McCain was offered the most sought-after Navy assignment -- to become an aircraft carrier pilot. ... After four abysmal academic years at Annapolis distinguished, according to his own books, by mediocrity and misdeeds, no one with a record resembling McCain's would have been offered such a prized career path.

It's a no glow

"Florida Power & Light's effort to persuade regulators that nuclear power is a renewable energy suffered a blow Thursday when the staff of Florida's Public Service Commission recommended against including nuclear in the state's portfolio of green energy." "Nuclear energy is not renewable energy, PSC staff says".

"Worried Republicans"

Randy Schultz: "According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Republican Party of Florida held an emergency meeting last Tuesday after new polls showed Sen. Obama leading in Florida. Here's a suggestion for those worried Republicans: Tell the GOP nominee to show Floridians that, when it comes to the state's insurance crisis, he gets it." "How to take Florida by storm".

"Florida is the only state in the nation ..."

"Florida is the only state in the nation with an archaic law designed to give the legislature the ability to discriminate against Asian immigrants. But voters could change that on Nov. 4 by approving a constitutional amendment placed on the ballot by lawmakers to strike that law." "Symbolic amendment eradicating discriminatory law likely to fail".

While were at it, you'd think our courageous legislators could make time to get rid of this obviously unconstitutional crap:

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to copy, print, publish, or otherwise use the flag or state emblem of Florida, or the flag or emblem of the Confederate States, or any flag or emblem used by the Confederate States or the military or naval forces of the Confederate States at any time within the years 1860 to 1865, both inclusive, for the purpose of advertising, selling, or promoting the sale of any article of merchandise whatever within this state.

(2) It shall also be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to mutilate, deface, defile, or contemptuously abuse the flag or emblem of Florida or the flag or emblem of the Confederate States by any act whatever.

Have another beer ...

Kingsley Guy:

Here's a suggestion for Gov. Crist. When the next spot opens on the Florida Supreme Court, appoint Butterworth. You reached across party lines to name him head of DCF and he didn't fail you, so why not name him to the state's high court? There's no one in Florida in terms of knowledge, temperament and integrity, who's more qualified.

"A lying, fibbing, prevaricating pinhead"

On September 27, Daniel Ruth asked "just how sleazy is Florida U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Where's Mine?", and proceeded to give an answer: "Just A Poor Lamb Who Lost His Way". Ruth wrote that Tommy "is playing his constituents for chumps in claiming that simply because he was a new member of the U.S. House, he didn't grasp rules of ethics, the insidious influence of lobbyists and, more pointedly - a simple understanding of right and wrong. That would be a bit like a hooker insisting she didn't understand her end of the deal after the money's been paid.".

Today, he tells of "an obviously piqued and perturbed Pepper Pennington [her real name] who pugnaciously propagated a pejoratively passionate passing shot over [the] column about her boss, Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Pawn."

"After reading your column, I planned on giving you the same treatment that you extended my boss and call you a vulgar name," a fairly peeved Pepper Pennington puckered. "But I stopped because I feel so sorry for your miserable existence and the shame your family and colleagues must feel for being associated with you."

Say, that was mighty piquant of Pepper Pennington, who is the press apparatchik for Feeney's re-election campaign, which has been dogged by a scandal involving the congressman accepting a $20,000 golf treat to Scotland courtesy of none other than the now imprisoned lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The term that so appalled Pepper Pennington was the suggestion in the column that Feeney, R-Panhandler, was simply a lying, fibbing, prevaricating pinhead.

Feeney has taken to the airwaves in his Oviedo-area district to pout that his glomming on to Abramoff's frequent flier card was nothing more than a "rookie mistake" made by a newbie congressman unfamiliar with the bizarre rituals of Washington.

To which one can only say to Pepper Pennington: Piffle!

By the time Feeney had landed in Washington, he had served in the Florida Legislature since 1990, including a term as House speaker, in addition to serving as Jeb Bush's running mate during his ill-fated 1994 gubernatorial race.

Rookie? This dope was about as much of a political rookie as the Mayflower Madam.

The Zell Corporation's Maitland Housewife ...

... doesn't think much of Buddy Dyer: "Gambling Buddy steps up to fiscal roulette wheel -- with your money".

Whatever

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board looks for something, anything to cheer about: "There is no questioning the success — and humanity — of Florida's Save Haven Law. The statute allows for babies less than a week old to be taken anonymously to any hospital emergency room, staffed fire-rescue station or staffed emergency medical service station. The mother then has 30 days to change her mind." "Nebraska's broken safe haven law needs to follow Florida's lead".