did little to settle nerves.

"It would make a lot of the members feel a little bit more comfortable if they had the ability to conference," said Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Oviedo. "Don't get me wrong. Larry Cretul is a good man. I trust him. But I still believe there's a need for a conference.

"This has all just come out," Adams said. "People are looking at the (House) rules and saying, 'Where does this put us?'"

Blood in the water

The Palm Beach Post editorial board argues that "Sansom not gone enough"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board:

Florida will be better off with someone other than Ray Sansom as House speaker, someone who can devote their full attention to the state’s pressing issues. But the Destin Republican’s announcement on Friday that he is temporarily giving up one of the state’s most powerful political offices as he faces a state grand jury investigation does not go far enough. Now Republicans must move quickly to select a permanent replacement to ensure that the House has clear leadership and that Sansom cannot pull any strings.

"An unassuming real estate agent "

"A conservative who serves as a deacon in his Baptist church, Cretul is expected to continue the House's right-of-center approach to issues such as gambling and fiscal policy. He has kept a such a low-profile that many members say they know little about him." "New speaker a quiet conservative". See also "Sansom's departure thrusts House Speaker Larry Cretul into spotlight", "Speaker pro tem takes the reins with a 'steady hand'" and "Who's in charge of the House?".

"Nest-feathering was finally called to account"

Scott Maxwell writes that, "in a state where political profiteering had become so commonplace that it almost seemed acceptable, Ray Sansom reminded us there are lines you cannot cross." Maxwell continues, asserting that

no matter what else Sansom said in his own defense, the facts showed two things: 1) He helped funnel millions of dollars to a small college; and 2) The college then offered him a $110,000-a-year paycheck.

That's why he had to give up his speakership -- and why he needs to give up any delusions of returning to the post.

Because it doesn't matter what else a grand jury or ethics commission find. Those two facts will remain the same. And Sansom will remain too tainted to serve as leader of the Florida House.

It's worth taking a moment to look back at how we got here.

in recent years some of the financial arrangements have been brazen.

Sen. Mike Haridopolos, a Merritt Island Republican slated to become Senate president, earned $38,000 a year from Brevard Community, where he did not have to teach but only produce a book on the Legislature.

He has since got himself a nifty $75,000-a-year job at the University of Florida as a part-time lecturer.

Former House Speaker Marco Rubio of West Miami took a part-time job at Florida International University for $69,000.

And Sen. Evelyn Lynn of Ormond Beach helped create a reading center at Florida State University, and then took a $120,000-a-year job overseeing it, which she gave up once her employment hit the newspapers.

"The online tourism-tax debate"

"Counties and cities all over Florida are waging a war against online hotel-booking companies like Priceline and Expedia, alleging the companies are bilking them out of millions in tax dollars. In January, Broward County became the latest Florida government embroiled in a legal battle over whether online hotel-booking companies owe tourism taxes. As much as $200 million could be at stake statewide, according to Broward's attorney in the case." "Florida counties battle online companies over bed taxes".

Voucher fraud

"Academy High in Coral Springs claimed the right to taxpayer money for students with disabilities who had already graduated or withdrawn, the state said." "Coral Springs school accused of fraud over vouchers".

Supreme Court

"A diverse group of four nominees was chosen from eight applicants interviewed Friday for a fourth Florida Supreme Court vacancy in less than a year. The panel recommended Circuit Judges James Perry and Debra Steinberg Nelson of Sanford, Judge Alan Lawson with the 5th District Court of Appeals in Daytona Beach and Dan Gerber, an Orlando attorney, to Gov. Charlie Crist, who is seeking a replacement for Justice Charles Wells, who is retiring in March." "Panel chooses 4 applicants for Fla. Supreme Court".

Bailout blather

The St. Petersburg Times Dan DeWitt: "generally, too much money seems to be going to existing government programs Democrats have long backed, and not enough to building the foundation for a new economy, which I thought this bill was supposed to be all about. It was almost as disappointing as seeing Republicans sideline themselves with their intractable demands for lower taxes — and watching Brown-Waite join them." "Brown-Waite makes good points against the bailout".

Nah ... only real estate agents need apply

"Can a teacher be a mayor?".

"Proteacher, promilitary and proenvironment"

Steve Bousquet wants you to know that Charlie is a "deft" fellow:

Crist now leaves behind a state budget document that has one number written all over it. The number is 2010, when Crist would be up for re-election as governor as the guy who "saved" teacher bonus pay, body armor for Florida National Guard troops, and the Florida Forever land-preservation program.

By erasing just those three cuts, Crist can clearly be seen as building a political foundation to lay claim to being proteacher, promilitary and proenvironment.

"It's easy to go out and demagogue these issues and pander to folks. But the Senate and House are constitutionally required to make this work," said Sen. J.D. Alexander, the Lake Wales Republican and chief budget writer in the Senate.

Alexander considers himself and fellow senators as friends of the environment. They decided a one-year moratorium on Florida Forever purchases was prudent in a recession and felt they had a deal with Crist's staff.

"We don't do deals," Crist said.

Miami

"Miami Commissioner Spence-Jones announces reelection run".

Madoff

"A local accountant who collected tens of millions of dollars from friends, colleagues and fellow church members and invested it with Bernie Madoff tried explaining what went wrong Friday afternoon. " "How to waste $1 million".

"Not in the public interest"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida has a proud history of strong open-government laws. But they haven't always kept pace with progress. Consider, for example, the city council members who text or e-mail each other during meetings to skirt open communication. That's not in the public interest." "Digital age Sunshine".

Left behind

"Three Miami-Dade schools labor unions are voicing opposition to a bill that would require Florida school districts to pay teachers first. Their qualm: The proposed legislation ignores 'essential' school-district employees, including bus drivers, maintenance workers, police officers, accountants and technical staff." "Dade schools works outraged over 'Pay Teachers First' bill".

State farm

"State Farm's threat would hurt 800 agents".

"The Legislature and the governor and the country seem to be for cleaner energy, and you can't say clean energy and - because you don't like nuclear - exclude it from the discussion," said commission member Nancy Argenziano, a former legislator. "I am in favor of sending it over to the Legislature. That is their policy call. Not ours."

She's wrong. Booting this question to the Legislature will enmesh it in politics. When Gov. Crist asked the PSC to create Florida's energy portfolio, it became their policy call. They should have made it by declaring that nuclear is not renewable and recommending to what extent, if any, it could be considered clean.

"Hey, guess what, Charlie?"

Scott Maxwell: "Did you see what Charlie Crist said of the federal stimulus money he wants?"

"I'm not a big-government fan, but there are times when government needs to help." Hey, guess what, Charlie? That position makes you pretty much like every other schmoe in America. Nobody likes government -- until they need it. (Kind of like lawyers.) Crist isn't alone. In fact, it's amazing how many blowhard politicians and business execs -- who used to blather on about personal responsibility and the evils of government handouts -- now have their own hands out in Washington.

Laff riot

"Tribune: Greer, Crist Try To Bring Moderate Tone To National Party".

Geniuses

"Florida leaders counting on more than $3.5 billion from a massive federal stimulus package to shore up the state's education budget learned Thursday there could be a catch."

The state may not qualify for the money because the Legislature has cut its schools budget too much.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an $819 billion economic-recovery plan Wednesday. Under that bill, money in a special "state stabilization fund" would go only to states that could fund schools for the next two years at the levels they had in the 2005-06 school year.

But the state is below that threshold. In fact, school funding coming directly from the state is now lower than it was in the 2004-05 school year. With Florida's budget shortfall for next year ballooning toward $4 billion, it's not clear it could meet that requirement.

Sansom death spiral

"Updated: Ray Sansom stepping down as Florida House speaker".

"Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom, who has been attacked for taking a job a state college after getting it extra millions in funding, said Friday he's temporarily leaving the post to focus on his legal issues." "Fla. Speaker Sansom temporarily quits post". See also "Sansom out as House speaker", "Embattled Florida House Speaker Steps Down", "Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom quits post under pressure", "Sansom out" and "Amid criminal probe, Florida House speaker quits -- for now".

More: "Read the announcement from Rep. Ray Sansom (.pdf)", "Hangar was key for developer's jet business", "Gaetz: Sansom 'apologized for any pain'", "Sansom: I will be cleared", "Gaetz: Sorry for 'Boy Scout' Sansom" and "Fla. House Speaker Ray Sansom steps aside".

Stoopid

"ACORN calls Florida Chamber leader's comments "silly partisan fabrications"".

Depends on what you mean by "top-tier"

"Maybe Mel Martinez's Senate seat is radioactive. How else do you explain why so many top-tier candidates — Jeb Bush, Alex Sink, Bill McCollum — are taking a pass on the extraordinary opportunity of an open U.S. Senate seat?" "Uncertain times, wild card Crist keep Senate seat cold".

Jebbie's privatization flop

"A Medicaid privatization program former Gov. Jeb Bush touted as a national model for improving care while limiting state costs is foundering, with nearly a quarter of the participating doctors leaving over payments and the inability to treat patients as they see fit." "AP: 25 percent of doctors leave FL Medicaid pilot".

The "Obama effect"

Beth Reinhard:

Political blogger Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post also sees an ''Obama effect.'' He recently included Kendrick Meek, the black Miami-Dade congressman who boldly entered Florida's Senate race, in a list of younger politicians with if-he-can-do-it-why-can't-I ambitions.

Obama's presidency changes everything. And nothing. Walking down to the National Mall before the inauguration, I passed a black man in ratty clothes, pressed up against a doorway. He was urinating on the sidewalk.

In Florida, the latest report by the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys found that the unemployment rate among black men was twice the rate for their white counterparts and that black males were twice as likely to drop out of high school.

The council's chairman, Christopher Norwood, wrote: ``The crisis of African American males in Florida is imminent; we cannot dispute the alarming rates of avoidable health diseases, high incarceration rates, low educational performance, rates of child abuse and neglect, low economic opportunities and many other negative outcomes. It is depressing at best.''

T. Willard ["I love 'Jeb!'"] Fair, of the Urban League of Greater Miami, said he worries too much is being made about Obama's potential impact on the black community.

Failed policies

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board writes today that: "The 2008 election was a popular repudiation of failed policies. Wednesday's vote in the House is the first of what ought to be a series of legislative repudiations." And then there's the Zell corporation: "The Senate must do better than the House's irresponsible stimulus plan".

At last

"You would think a City Council seat that pays $3,000 a year would be a footnote to an historic election year like 2008."

But on Thursday, two candidates vying for the Temple Terrace City Council found themselves in the media spotlight because they did something that Hillsborough County's Supervisor of Elections — under the management of Buddy Johnson — didn't do.

Eighty-six days after Election Day, with a clutch of reporters and TV camera operators surrounding them, Mary Jane Neale and David Penoyer counted votes.

A fine idea at the time ...

"Florida's aerospace agency flounders".

The best he could do?

"The Republican senator who chairs the committee making budget decisions says it's time to start slashing overhead. Sen. J.D. Alexander, of Winter Haven, is calling for more cuts in recurring expenses than Gov. Charlie Crist proposed in his budget recommendation last week." "Florida GOP leader says annual budget cuts needed".

Yachts

"Klein, Wasserman look to stimulate yacht-repair industry".

State farm

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Don't allow companies to cherry-pick lucrative policies " "State Farm looks to leave -- and to stay". The Tampa Trib editors add this: "State Farm Ignores Slogan". The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Florida shouldn't let State Farm walk out so easily, and state must recognize it still has insurance woes to fix".

"Simply acting as a concerned black parent"?

"A lawyer from the Florida Attorney General's Office says Orlando Commissioner Daisy Lynum misused her position and should be fined $10,000 by the Florida Ethics Commission. But Lynum's attorney said she's innocent, and was simply acting as a concerned black parent -- not a city commissioner -- when she called the police chief during a late-night traffic stop involving her son." "State seeks $10,000 ethics fine for Orlando commissioner Daisy Lynum".

Pathetic

Someone named Beth Kassab, a loyal Zell corporation employee, who is no doubt proud of her master's embarrassing history* wants you to know that: "Union proposal is bad for everyone".

- - - - - - - - - -
* See ""Where's E. W. Scripps when you need him?"", "Ignorance", "Oh ... The Horror", "Orlando Sentinel embarrasses itself", "The Orlando Sentinel editors are at it again", "Send in the scabs", "Picking scabs, part two", "Scab 30" (scroll down) and "Oh ... The Hypocrisy".

Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "When are public officials going to realize ethics are not a gray area? When are they going to realize the public doesn't want elected officials splitting hairs over what is legal and ethical and what isn't? And when are those same officials going to just realize if something doesn't pass the smell test, don't do it? Which brings us to Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter." "Old votes by Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter come back to haunt her.".

Whoopee!

"Deutch wants to take budget committee meetings to the people".

Redistricting rules

"The Florida Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for a 2010 ballot amendment designed to end political gamesmanship in drawing district boundaries, in what could be the first step to reshuffling the state's Republican-dominated political landscape." "GOP could have weaker grip on redrawing districts". See also "Florida Supreme Court OKs ballot questions to alter method for redistricting".

Stiffing taxpayers

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Broward Commission stiffs taxpayers to help bail bondsmen." "Lobbyist win is loss for public interest".

BTW

"Exxon Mobil shatters US record with $45.2 billion annual profit despite year-end oil plunge". Meantime, "Economy shrinks at 3.8 percent pace, worst showing in quarter-century". See also "Disney to cut 400 jobs at ABC" and "Florida jobless rate hits 1992 level".

Good luck

"A South Florida senator wants Florida public schools to ditch the wait-until-marriage message that's long been the basis of many sex-education classes." "Delray Beach senator wants new sex-ed policy in Florida schools".

A fine Florida export

"Ag-Mart, the Florida-based produce firm that has been charged with pesticide-related infractions in Florida and North Carolina in recent years, has now been handed a $931,000 fine by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for similar offenses." "Ag-Mart fined $931,000 in New Jersey".

'Tis the season ...

"Tax season starts now: Florida IRS offices to open".

From the "values" crowd

"The Brevard County Housing Authority board today plans to consider cutting back a housing voucher program that helps people pay their rent, as part of its effort to a solve funding shortfall." "Housing vouchers face cuts".

Out with the old ...

"The Volusia County Council broke with the past Thursday, naming a new firm for the first time in 10 years to be what one council member called the county's 'eyes and ears' on Capitol Hill. The council named Washington, D.C.-based Van Scoyoc Associates as its federal lobbying firm after hearing from six candidate firms in a five-hour hearing replete with talk about federal appropriations and first-name references to members of the Congress." "Volusia chooses federal lobbyist".

"Warehoused"

"Students at DeLand High School are being warehoused in an old gym when their teachers are absent because there is not enough money for substitutes." "In Volusia County, when teacher is out, so is class".

Daytona Beach

"Anticipating tough times ahead, officials announced priorities like fixing the city's aging underbelly and using the right tools to generate jobs at a meeting Thursday." "Daytona sets priorities".

"Uncharted territory"

"Week by week, the numbers that measure the economy get worse, heading toward uncharted territory." "Jobs, housing take more hits".

Not so super

"NFL, Tampa sell 'Super' in a recession".

Because the Zell Corporation says so

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Gary Siplin's bill would disenfranchise Orange County voters".

No friends

"Supervisor of Elections Kim Weeks enthralled Flagler County voters last fall, but she isn't making any friends at City Hall in Flagler Beach." "Election supervisor, city at odds".

But Iorio, who surprised her staff by announcing her interest in the seat Tuesday, still could make a formidable candidate.

She's never lost an election and has been highly successful as a Hillsborough County commissioner, supervisor of elections and mayor. She listens to citizens, pays close attention to details and works for pragmatic solutions.

Iorio is not afraid of the tough task. ...

Iorio balances vision with fiscal restraint. ...

Of course, all the qualifications and appeal in the world don't mean anything if a candidate can't raise truck loads of money. So Iorio doesn't have much time to dawdle. If she does run, there is still much to learn about her positions on national and international issues.

But we know this: She is the kind of smart, articulate and battle-tested candidate both parties should be seeking.

Why worry?

"Florida lawmakers split mainly along party lines Wednesday on a massive economic recovery package intended to help soften the economic downturn for workers and businesses nationally, while plugging gaping budget holes in the Sunshine State."

The U.S. House approved the $819 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 244-188, without a single Republican voting for it. ...

Rep. Allen Boyd of Monticello was one of only 11 Democrats who voted against the bill, and the only one from Florida. ...

# $1.46 billion for highways and bridges.

# $285 million for transit capital.

# $196 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

# $36.9 million for the Fixed Guideway Modernization program. ...

# $600 million for NASA science and aeronautics programs.

# $1.4billion for Pell Grant recipients.

# $29.9 million for Head Start.

# $105 million in child care and development block grants.

Wake me when we get the check

"FPL could face $1 billion in fines".

"Crist's vetoes signal call to reason on state budget"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board:

The Legislature took a hatchet to the budget earlier this month, chopping out about $1.2 billion from public schools, health care and other sources, and borrowing heavily from trust funds to balance the rest. Gov. Charlie Crist wielded his veto pen like a scalpel this week, restoring $365 million in programs for the most vulnerable Floridians, and throwing a protective fence around the state's landmark environmental preservation fund.

The vetoes carried a strong message of compassion in difficult economic times.

Obama Admin to have the final say

"Offshore fish farming would be allowed in the Gulf of Mexico under a plan approved Wednesday by the agency that sets the body of water's fishing rules."

Fishermen complained that making the Gulf the first federal waters off the U.S. to allow the farming would cause pollution and drive them out of business. Supporters, though, say the farming would give the country a bigger piece of a multibillion-dollar industry.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted 11-to-5 in favor of allowing the farming. One member involved in aquaculture research abstained. The U.S. Commerce Department has final say on the rules.

Good luck with that

"Two state lawmakers -- [State Sen. Alex Villalobos, a Miami Republican, and state Rep. Luis Garcia, a Miami Beach Democrat] -- came together on Wednesday to unveil a bill that would protect teacher raises."

The proposed ''Pay Teachers First'' legislation would also:

• Ensure that teachers receive larger percentage pay raises than administrators,

• Cap salaries for administrators -- except superintendents -- at twice the average salary of a classroom teacher, and

• Allow Florida voters to oust local school board members by petitioning for a recall election.

"Overdue"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "State Farm’s decision to stop selling property insurance in Florida does not create a new crisis. It brings more urgency to a festering problem and forces Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature to refocus their efforts." "Property insurance overhaul overdue".

High tech layoff

"Citrix Systems Inc. of Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here. and Jabil Circuit Inc. plan to reduce their work forces by a combined 3,500 to cut costs as the recession hurts demand for technology products. Software maker Citrix said it will cut 500 jobs, or 10 percent of the total global work force. The company employs 1,800 people in South Florida." "Citrix to lay off 500 workers".

"The system is nearing a meltdown"

"State courts won a temporary reprieve during the latest round of budget cuts, but the system is nearing a meltdown as it struggles with more than 4 million new cases a year, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Peggy Quince said Wednesday. " "Florida courts dodge budget-cut bullet".

Another fine Jebacy

"A Medicaid privatization program former Gov. Jeb Bush touted as a national model for improving patient care while decreasing government costs is floundering as nearly a quarter of the participating doctors have quit over payments and the inability to treat patients as they see fit." "25 percent of doctors leave Fla. Medicaid pilot".

Untapped

"In 2005, an estimated 22,000 needy students left $24 million in Pell grant money untapped, according to the board's staff analysis. Students from families with incomes below $40,000 a year are eligible." "Needy Florida students passing up Pell grants". See also "Students shun application forms, pass up $24 million in aid".

Sea cows

"Manatees' record numbers not likely to renew 'endangered' debate". See also "".

Just sayin' no

"Boyd won't seek Senate seat". See also "Attorney General Bill McCollum won't run for Senate", "2 Big Names Won't Enter Senate Race", "Boyd, McCollum bow out of 2010 Senate race" and "Updated: Bill McCollum, Allen Boyd won't run for U.S. Senate seat".

"Many Iraqi refugees are about to make Florida their new home"

"Iraqis displaced by the U.S.-led war are among new groups of refugees who will increasingly be resettled in communities throughout Florida and the country, a United Nations official said Wednesday." "Florida prepares for Iraqi refugee influx".

Laff riot

"Charter school backers say more students needed".

Blast from the past

"The Rev. Al Sharpton will join the families of two teens who were killed in a Miami shooting last week to launch a national drive against the 'stop snitching' culture." "Al Sharpton visits Miami over shooting".

Funny how that works

"Mental-Health Care Demand Up as Funding Drops".

Not so sweet

"Analysis of U.S. Sugar land buy criticized". But see "Study: Sugar land lease in line with market rates".

A Palm Beach thing

"Unqualified is the new qualified".

Never mind

"Tax-break 'portability' didn't spark housing, state says".

Poor Buddy

"Condo foreclosure costs Buddy Johnson $415K". The The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "Johnson's abuses still mounting".

State farm

"Some Florida residents aren't waiting for State Farm Florida Insurance to tell them their policies won't be renewed." "Hunting for insurance after State Farm bombshell". See also "State Farm plan has broad impact".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "State Farm wants it all; Florida should say no".

This, from the Maitland housewife: "Sorry, Charlie, State Farm needs to stay". The Zell corporation offer this: "State Farm's withdrawal from Florida isn't the end of the world". The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Florida shouldn't let State Farm walk out so easily, and state must recognize it still has insurance woes to fix".

Dirty little fingers

"The council decided to bid out the contract after the firm that had held it for 10 years was bought by another group, and key lobbyists who had worked with the county moved to new firms." "Volusia plans to hire new federal lobbyist".

"I am analyzing it, and that's where I am right now," Iorio said in an interview. "I have not ruled it out."

If she ran, Iorio would enter a Democratic primary which already has two prominent, announced candidates - U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach - and more expected.

Lipstick on a pig

At least Florida's not at the absolute bottom of the economic barrel.

"For months Florida led the country in lost jobs while South Florida witnessed the greatest decline in home prices compared with other major urban areas. But statistics show the state and region escaped being ranked at the bottom as 2008 ended."

The state ranked second in the United States for job losses in 2008, while the fall in South Florida's home prices turned out to be only the fourth-worst in 29 major urban areas.

Meanwhile, the state's consumers showed a slight increase in confidence, even as the country as a whole saw a drop.

• Florida lost 255,200 jobs last year, more than any other state except California, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Sunshine State would have come in first, but California had a particularly miserable December, while Florida's job losses were statistically unchanged from the previous month.

• South Florida home prices fell 28.7 percent for the 12 months ended in November, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index. Finishing worse were Phoenix (down 32.9 percent), Las Vegas (down 31.6 percent) and San Francisco (down 30.8 percent).

• A University of Florida survey found that consumer confidence rose one point,to 68, in December, while a national study showed a drop.

Sansom update

"Attorney General Bill McCollum gave Northwest Florida State College trustees a quick course in Florida's 'Government in the Sunshine' law Tuesday, asking Panhandle prosecutors to look into whether officials of the Niceville campus evaded the statute to meet with House Speaker Ray Sansom." "McCollum reminds NFSC trustees of 'Sunshine' laws".

"The investigation into House Speaker Ray Sansom's dealings with his local college continues as the attorney general calls one meeting involving the college trustees 'very questionable.'" "Florida House speaker probe now involves trustees". See also "College In Sansom Inquiry Chastised About Meeting".

"The heavyweight bout for City Hall's future has begun."

"The speakers at Miami's Grapeland Water Park pumped out the Rocky III theme song, Eye of the Tiger. A moment later, Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez took the stage, announcing his candidacy for Miami mayor. ... Sanchez will face another sitting commissioner, Tomás Regalado, in this fall's mayoral race. Lesser-known candidate Juan Miguel Alfonso has also filed." "Joe Sanchez launches campaign for Miami mayor".

Goose stepping ...

... like they always do: "South Florida Republicans remain leery about President Obama's proposed economic stimulus, despite a personal plea from the new leader." "S. Florida Republicans resist stimulus plan". See also "State and federal Republican legislators take opposite sides on stimulus".

Were these cuts ever anything but veto fodder?

"Risking the wrath of legislators, Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday used his line-item veto power to reverse $90.9 million in spending cuts and $273.6 million in diversions from trust funds." "Governor restores funding for education, public safety". See also "Gov. Crist says no to $90 million in spending cuts", "Crist restores cuts, mainly to land buying program", "Crist restores millions in cutbacks" and "Crist Vetoes $365 Million In State Spending Cuts".

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The vetoes may incur the wrath, or at least the collective frustration of many lawmakers, but they also should cause many to shift gears slightly, considering options such as ratification of the Seminole Indian Gaming Compact that he says will yield $137.5 million in recurring funds this fiscal year, and other modifications such as a cigarette tax and enforcing sales tax collections on internet sales that might help bail out the ship of state." "With all due respect: Vetoes send essential signals".

He did - "Crist is wise to be suspicious of the Legislature's plan to suspend Florida Forever funding this year. This looks to be not the temporary measure backers claim, but an effort to kill the state's highly successful land acquisition program altogether." "Governor Should Veto Florida Forever Suspension".

Hillsborough blues

"Prior to Barack Obama's win, Hillsborough went Democratic for president only twice in 40 years, for Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Bill Clinton in 1996. Before wins in November by County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and Elections Supervisor Phyllis Busansky, there was only one Democratic commissioner, Kevin White, and one countywide elected official, Clerk of Court Pat Frank." "New Hillsborough Chairwoman Sees Democratic Resurgence".

'Ya reckon

"Crist said Tuesday that a former staffer in his office might have violated state ethics laws when he shepherded a $500,000 grant to a Panhandle sports-medicine clinic -- and then went to work for the clinic to administer the grant." "Crist: Ex-aide's job may flunk 'smell test'".

A generous B-minus

Scott Maxwell "tapped a group of local officials -- whose grades for [Charlie] averaged out to a B-minus". Some of the details follow:

*Casino revenue: A. While some politicians were pounding their fists about gambling that is already here, Crist struck a deal with the Seminoles to cut taxpayers in on the action -- and ultimately may get his way.

*Civil rights: B. Helped restore the civil rights of felons who had paid their debt to society but needs to follow through. Also, he's tried to have it both ways on gay rights.

*Corruption: D. None personally. But the governor's refusal to criticize House Speaker Ray Sansom's efforts to funnel money to a college that then offered him a six-figure paycheck sets a bad example.

*Education: D. Crist simply hasn't done much on this front. And as funding and graduation rates lag the nation, complacency -- or, even worse, further cuts -- simply isn't good enough.

*Elections: A. He got rid of controversial touch-screen machines, extended voting hours and presided over a presidential election that went as well as any in recent history -- even with a historically high turnout.

*Environment: B. ... .

*Health care: B. His Cover Florida plan may not be comprehensive. But he took a significant first step toward addressing one of the nation's most pressing problems.

*Insurance: D. ... .

*Statesmanship: A. Crist does not demonize his opponents. And he's willing to hear criticism. Other politicians should take lessons from him on this front.

*Social services: C. When budget cuts have come around, he has offered only minimal protection to the state's most needy residents -- particularly neglected children and the elderly.

*Taxes: C. Crist demonstrated his campaigning prowess and clout by successfully championing a tax cut. But it was so small for individual homeowners, the impact was barely felt -- while the cost to local government and services certainly was.

*Transportation: C. ... .

*Travel: F. For a while, it seemed like grade-schoolers on field trips were spending more time in Florida's Capitol than Crist. And when he wasn't chasing his vice-presidential aspirations across America, he and his entourage were racking up a $430,000 travel bill during a European trade mission.

*Budget: Incomplete. It's this last one that really could make the difference. Depending on whether Crist makes the tough and courageous decisions to protect what's really important, possibly at the expense of special interests, he could raise his whole midterm grade to a B. Maybe a B-plus.

Telegram for General Holder

The Miami Herald editorial board: "It is time for a reality check in the terror-conspiracy trial of the Liberty City Six, formerly called the Liberty City Seven. Federal prosecutors in Miami on Tuesday began questioning more than 200 prospective jurors for a possible two-month trial in the case, which has been rejected twice by previous juries. It is not too late for prosecutors to make a level-headed judgment: Stop the charade and negotiate a plea deal the defendants can accept -- and that ends this case." "Another bite of the apple for government".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The Bush administration said it broke up a terror cell. Looks more like entrapping a club of delusionals." "The Entrapment Six".

A "muddle"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The 90 exemptions to the open meetings law and the 970 exemptions to the public records law have replaced transparency with muddle." "Florida has chance to rediscover open government".

On the Court

"Ricky Polston has been formally invested as a Florida Supreme Court justice. ... Polston, of Tallahassee, began hearing cases shortly after Crist appointed him in October to replace Kenneth Bell, who resigned to return to his hometown, Pensacola." "Polston invested as Fla. Supreme Court justice".

"Uptick since Obama's inauguration to deport Haitians"

"Advocates for Haitian immigrants say there has been an uptick since Obama's inauguration to deport Haitians without a criminal record, many of them married to U.S. citizens or who have American-born children. The numbers provided by immigration officials Monday (41 Haitians deported since December) do not show an uptick. Just business as usual. It's no secret that the Bush administration played politics with the Haitian diaspora wracked by four deadly storms last summer." "Deportations slide under Obama's radar".

Poor Gus

"DJJ spokesman Frank Penela characterized the FDLE review as routine in cases where an employee is dismissed for misuse of computer equipment." "FDLE analyzing Barreiro's state computer".

So he was fired for "misuse of computer equipment"? How's that?

The Harvard of East Orange County

"In-state undergraduates living on campus can expect to pay as much as $1,000 more to attend the University of Central Florida next year, according to rough estimates that take into account rising fees, a potential tuition hike and the higher price of room and board." "UCF cost climbs $1,000".

A lawyer thing

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "William Abramson's attorney acknowledged Tuesday that it might be 'absurd' if the Florida Supreme Court allowed his client, a lawyer who can't practice law, to serve as a circuit court judge in Palm Beach County. Then Mark Herron asked the justices to do just that." "Abramson's impossible case".

USF

The Tampa Trib editors: "The University of South Florida will seek approval Thursday from the state Board of Governors to develop a pharmacy degree program. Given the state's financial woes - USF has already had to cut its budget by about 15 percent in the last year - this may seem a bad time for the university to be adding programs. But the governors should see that the degree program would, at little cost, invigorate the state and local economy, bolster Tampa's evolving reputation as a medical education center and further strengthen the region's appeal to research firms that provide high-paying jobs." "USF Pharmacy School Is Right Prescription".

A bit much?

"Two new electric vehicles may not go on high-speed chases, but they're good for patrolling." "Dade City Police Turn Green With Vehicles".

"Still, the oceans are suffering"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The nation's fisheries are overseen by regional management councils. Their record of creating sustainable fisheries for commercial and recreational purposes has improved over time as science has come to play a larger role in managing them."

Still, the oceans are suffering. Temperatures are gradually rising while the oxygen content of oceans is dropping. Many fish species are so depleted that they are off-limits for harvest for long periods.

As wild fish dwindle, entrepreneurs are expanding the aquaculture industry. But fish farms present their own risks, which explains the opposition to an aquaculture management plan being voted on today by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

See 'ya

"State Farm, which the state turned down for higher homeowners rates, is getting out of the property insurance business in Florida, leaving 1." "State Farm drops Florida property insurance". See also "State Farm pullout leaves Florida policyholders scrambling".

Gelber announced his candidacy Tuesday morning during a news conference at his Miami Beach home. He is the second major Democrat to get in the race for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Mel Martinez in 2010. U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek declared his intention to run earlier this month.

Depression? What depression?

"FPL Group is one company whose profits are up |".

Sansom death spiral

"A grand jury voted Monday to investigate House Speaker Ray Sansom's dealings with a state college that hired him in a $110,000 job and his involvement with a Panhandle developer who sought state help building a hangar where he could park his jets." "Sansom's involvement with state college to be examined".

"The 21-member panel concluded that Sansom's relationship with Northwest Florida State College warranted a criminal investigation after reviewing the facts outlined in a series of stories by the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau." "Grand jury launches criminal investigation of Sansom".

Bill chimes: "Attorney General Bill McCollum this morning criticized a college board of trustees meeting House Speaker Ray Sansom helped set up as 'very questionable' and has sent the information to two state attorneys, including one already leading a grand jury probe into Sansom's dealings with the school." "McCollum: Sansom's college meeting 'very questionable'".

"Short-sighted, monetarily irresponsible decisions"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Mercifully, the last vestiges of the special legislative session that closed a $2.3 billion deficit in the state budget are coming to an end. Mercifully, because in his review of the Legislature's spending package, Gov. Charlie Crist appears primed to make the same kinds of short-sighted, monetarily irresponsible decisions that marked the actions of the House and Senate." See what they mean here: "Crist is preparing to save the wrong projects from the trash".

V day

"Crist this morning will reveal his vetoes to some $1.8 billion in spending cuts the Legislature made two weeks ago." "Crist vetoes coming today".

Waiting on (two) funerals

The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Is Fidel Castro still alive? Or was his latest photo op really photo shop?"

Over the past week, the ailing Castro's health or, better said, his status among the living, became grist for the rumor mill again. The guessing was partly due to his long absence from public view and partly spurred by suggestive comments by allies in the Americas, including Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.

More than Castro's condition, the speculation spoke to the counterproductive flaw in U.S. policy toward Cuba. Simply put, it is a policy waiting on a funeral.

'Ya think?

Them libruls on The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: are at it again, saying krazee kommie stuff like this:

But it isn't reasonable to tell unemployed workers that every penny of their unemployment benefits should go to maintaining their health coverage.

"Another multimillion-dollar blow"?

"Tax assessments on primary homeowners in Florida will basically be capped in 2009 -- unless local governments raise their millage -- state officials have announced. That could be good news for strapped homeowners, who may not see higher tax bills. But it also may deal another multimillion-dollar blow to local governments already struggling with declines in tax revenues used to provide basic services such as fire and police protection, libraries and garbage pickup." "Tax cap on homestead property may be win-lose".

Mel and the "values" crowd at it again

"A children's health care bill that set congressional Democrats against President George W. Bush's administration in 2008 now appears headed for passage with Florida's two senators splitting their votes. Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson expects to vote for the State Children's Health Insurance Program bill. Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, according to a spokesman, has not firmly decided but voted against the bill in 2008." "Children's Health Program Back".

Yaaawwwwnnn ...

"Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is hoping the federal stimulus package helps ease the pain of foreclosures and budget cuts in the Sunshine State." "Crist holds town hall meeting". See also "Economy dominates town-hall meeting with Crist" and "Orange lawmakers hear pleas to spare funds".

5k

"A council of Volusia County city mayors decided Monday to spend up to $5,000 to help bus residents and officials to Tallahassee on April 1 to lobby against further budget cuts to public education." "Mayors OK $5,000 for Tallahassee trip".

Crisis

The Palm Beach Post editorial board:

After a decade in which the shortage of physician specialists in Palm Beach County emergency rooms progressed from problem to crisis, an imperfect but acceptable start on a solution was near. But now the hospitals don't want to pay. And no one can make them pay.

Seiler

"Lauderdale campaign money: Jack Seiler on top".

"The state is ready to go with new auto-emission standards"

"Florida's top environmental regulator said Monday the state is ready to go with new auto-emission standards now that President Barack Obama has signaled that he will approve an identical plan for California." "DEP chief: Florida ready for tougher emissions standards".

Stop the madness

"A third trial is starting in Miami for six men accused of plotting with al-Qaida to destroy Chicago's Sears Tower and bomb FBI offices nationwide." "Jury selection begins in Fla. terror retrial".

Hmmm ...

"Crist has asked for an Inspector General's inquiry to see if the director of a new space-tourism medical program got his job after setting up the $500,000 in state grants to create it." "Crist calls for inquiry into director of space-tourism medical program".

Woe is me

"State lawmakers, Palm Beach County commissioners commiserate on budget woes".

Nothing sacred

"The nation's economic fallout has hit both the sacred and secular worlds of Central Florida. Many local churches now are struggling with the same money issues that confront businesses: budget crises, salary reductions and staff layoffs." "Local churches hit hard by tough economic times".

Biomass mess

"The newly seated grand jury will investigate how the aborted Biomass Gasification & Electric Co. energy project wound up being planned for Tallahassee's south side, State Attorney Willie Meggs said Monday." "Grand jury to probe biomass deal".

Welcome to Florida

"Authorities say eight illegal immigrants from Haiti have been arrested after they came ashore on a boat." "8 Haitian immigrants arrested on Fla. beach".

Will the rest of the nation ...

... subsidize the political spinelessness of the geniuses in Tally. Charlie sure hopes so.

"If Gov. Charlie Crist's wish comes true, Florida will enjoy a multibillion-dollar rush of federal dollars in the coming year -- staving off slash-and-burn budget cuts that could decimate schools, social services and other programs." "Crist counts on federal relief to rescue Florida".

Strange bedfellows

"Advocates of a blackjack deal with the Seminole Tribe are running into an old adversary of gambling interests: the Florida House."

Despite heavy lobbying from Gov. Charlie Crist, an unusual bipartisan coalition is forming in the House to defy the governor and block the so-called Indian compact, at least in its current form.

Socially conservative Republicans, loath to see new forms of gambling take root, are locking arms with pro-gambling Democrats who don't want Indian resorts to get a business edge over South Florida's pari-mutuel racetracks.

The result is a political environment that's delaying action on the compact and threatening its completion, much to Crist's chagrin.

Have-a-blanket ...

... now find an overpass. "Broward public housing full; need may rise".

Sansom death spiral

The The Palm Beach Post's Michael C. Bender has penned one the best pieces we've read so far on the Sansom scandals

He begins: "It was the final days of last year's legislative session and after six weeks of brutal budget cuts, the Florida House was in disarray."

Democrats effectively slammed the brakes on the process by requiring that each word of every bill be read out loud. Republicans retaliated by refusing to put Democratic bills up for a vote.

Throughout the 15-hour ordeal, at least one lawmaker kept his emotions in check and focused on finding a solution.

"The guy that kept trying to resolve things in an adult manner - not trying to cut a deal and willing to apologize for the conduct of some members of his party - was Ray Sansom," said former Rep. Jack Seiler, D-Wilton Manors, who coordinated the Democratic filibuster. "He's a quality guy."

Today House Speaker Sansom, R-Destin, is in damage control mode once again. This time it's the biggest political challenge of his 20-year career: restoring his image as an honorable public servant.

Huh?

"Even with Florida's 11 public universities laying off staff and limiting enrollment, the state will spend more than $90 million this year to help residents attend private colleges." "Funding private tuition with slim public dollars".

"As teachers worry about their students ..."

"The bad budget news has cast a cloud over many schools as teachers worry about their students and their jobs." The

educators and education advocates are pushing the Florida Legislature to find new sources of money for public schools, and they'll stress that point at upcoming rallies. These advocates don't doubt state revenue has taken a nose dive. But they argue lawmakers could make changes that would give state coffers a boost for years to come -- and their failure to do so will harm the state's public-education system.

Canary in the coal mine

"As the recession deepens, pet owners throughout South Florida are being forced to give up their beloved four-legged family members." "Hard times leave pets homeless".

Tuff jobs "Forecast"

"Forecast: Even more will be out of work in 2009".

Nelson at work

"Recognizing public disgust, lawmakers including Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., have introduced a bill to require greater disclosure of bailout money and make it illegal to use it use for bonuses, lobbying and corporate retreats. Too bad such laws can't be retroactive." "End rewards for failure".

South of the border

"President Evo Morales took a major step toward creating a socialist state that empowers the indigenous majority when 60 percent of Bolivians approved a new constitution on Sunday, according to unofficial results."

As president, Morales has indirectly ''nationalized'' foreign companies by sharply raising their taxes and used the windfall to establish pensions for the elderly and sharply increase state spending on public works.

Morales, 49, has allied with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Cuba's Fidel Castro -- all in the name of giving the poor a greater share of the political and economic pie -- while expelling the U.S. ambassador in September and kicking out Drug Enforcement Administration anti-drug agents this week.

The new charter enshrines greater government control of the economy and limits the size of new landholdings in an attempt to redistribute land to peasants.

It gives special rights [sic] to Indians, who would be guaranteed a certain number of seats in Congress and on the Supreme Court and would have to approve exploration of minerals and natural gas on their territories.

scared many descendents of the Spanish who colonized this country nearly 500 years ago.

''The new constitution will divide the country by giving special rights [sic] to some people,'' Gerardo Zevallos, a 59-year-old architect, said after voting. ``People like me will become second-class citizens. This is an act of revenge.''

''We're being discriminated against,'' said Aurora de López, another light-skinned voter.

Tourism cash

"Although the start of the state Legislature's annual 60-day session is a little more than a month away, it's already clear the tourism industry's agenda will be dominated by issues of money -- both preserving what it already has and fighting for more." "Florida's tourism industry ready to protect its share of tourism tax".

"Some of the proposed reductions ... are foolish"


The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board writes today that "With billions of dollars leaking from the state budget, many of the spending cuts being considered by legislators seem harsh but inevitable. But some of the proposed reductions and trust-fund raids are foolish and deserve protest." "Injustice after rape".

"Governing by anecdote"

Bill Cotterell: "It's easy to place the blame when governing by anecdote".

Glowing green?

"Florida's utility regulators have crafted their vision of Florida's green energy future without answering the billion-dollar question: What is green energy? Months of intense lobbying and public hearings on how and when Florida's energy companies should go green ended on Jan. 9 with the state's Public Service Commission deciding not to decide whether nuclear power is green enough to be part of the state's mandate to reduce greenhouse gases." "Agency passes nuclear debate to state".

Energy and Climate Commission

"The Florida Energy and Climate Commission holds its second meeting this morning to discuss, among other things, a carbon cap-and-trade system for Florida." "Commission to discuss carbon cap-and-trade system for Florida".

Off Topic: The rich are different

"What is it in John Thain's psyche that made the former Merrill Lynch chief think it was okay to dole out billions of dollars in bonuses just as his teetering firm was being bailed out through a merger with Bank of America with taxpayer help? " "Wizards of destruction".

"Party-affiliation card"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "State Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek, withdrew his proposal Thursday to make the Broward sheriff a nonpartisan position but, to borrow a cliché, the cat was already out of the bag. The secret is out. The nonpartisan election of a sheriff is such a sensible idea that last week's rejection should be seen as a temporary setback, not a fatal blow." "No room for politics in sheriff's office".

Beware secret shoppers

"A secret shopper fraud scheme could leave people's finances in ruins, warn South Florida law enforcement agencies. The scheme involves a letter purportedly from a company in search of people who will test out customer service at a money-wiring service, authorities said. The letter could come with a check for as much as $2,900 to be cashed and used in the wiring exercise. But it's a bad check that could wreak finacial havoc." "Officials warn Floridians of secret shopper fraud scheme".

Financial literacy

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker and City Council member Karl Nurse have a capital idea: establish a program that teaches low-income residents financial literacy while helping them open bank accounts." "Bank on a better future".

Disease-resistant

"At the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Sugarcane Field Station in Canal Point in the heart of western Palm Beach County's sugar cane region, the goal is to develop disease-resistant varieties that produce lots of cane with a high sugar content." "Scientists cultivate disease-resistant sugar cane".

Cuba

Oscar Espinosa Chepe, "an economist and independent journalist in Cuba" has this today in the The Miami Herald: "Carried by a wave of popular enthusiasm, led mainly by the youth of America, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States when he took office on Tuesday. That historic event smashed the prejudices that had existed in that nation for centuries and created great expectations worldwide regarding the colossal challenges facing mankind." "As we Cubans rejoice, let's lead our own change".

The Job.

The Meeting.

The Building.

The first topic has gotten the most attention. The second is the most comical. Yet the third might end up being the worst.

Leon County state attorney Willie Meggs plans to impanel a grand jury Monday that will hear two citizen complaints alleging Sansom violated state ethics and corruption laws by using his office to benefit a Destin developer and to win a lucrative community college job. Meggs expects the panel to decide Monday if it wants to investigate, he told the Herald/Times.

the Florida Commission on Ethics is considering an an official misconduct complaint against the speaker. The Clearwater man who filed the complaint, Dave Plyer, said he was told Friday that the complaint was found ''legally sufficient'' and now is under review. The commission, which met Friday, must then decide whether there is probable cause to continue hearing the complaint.

A third investigation, by Sansom's own House Rules Committee, is continuing to examine allegations that the speaker "damaged the integrity of the House.''

And Attorney General Bill McCollum has said he is looking into a potential violation of the state's open-government laws relating to a meeting Sansom held with college officials.

"Miracles are still for sale ... if you know whom to call"

Carl Hiaasen: "Florida schools are confronting nearly $480 million in budget cuts because Republican lawmakers would rather invest in new asphalt than in your children."

That's because kids, unlike road contractors, don't give thousands of dollars to political campaigns. Consequently, money for new highways and roads will survive this year's sweeping budget axe, while money for education has been marked for radical amputations.

If I were a school superintendent or college president faced with such brutal cutbacks, the first thing I'd do is pick up the phone and offer Ray Sansom a job. He's the new speaker of the House, and he can magically make money appear out of nowhere, even in the hardest of times.

Change

Myriam Marquez: "Will an Obama administration blow up Cuba policy and push for open trade, and allow American tourists to travel there like they can in China and Vietnam, both human rights abusers? Or will President Barack Obama only tinker around the edges, keeping the embargo but restoring family-friendly travel policies for Cuban Americans?"

This is a relief:

The most important factor in any policy change isn't the Cuban exile vote, which Obama didn't need to win in Florida.

What Washington worries about most -- whether there's a Democrat or a Republican in the White House -- is another rafter crisis.

Anytime a new U.S. president has tried to be bold, the Castro regime has done something to further strain relations.

For now, just having Obama as president sends the strongest signal ever to ordinary Cubans about democracy's promise.

"Parents across ... the state are starting to stir"

"Outraged by statewide cuts in public-school funding, and fearing the loss of clubs, art classes and electives, parents across South Florida and across the state are starting to stir." "'Angry moms' speak up over school cuts". See also "video", "YouTube video of 'Florida Funding Funeral'" and "Sunny Crist faces glum cuts".

The The Palm Beach Post editorial board wants Charlie to "Veto Florida Forever cut" ("With property values down, land-buying money would go further than ever. Gov. Crist should veto the $4 million cut. The program is called Florida Forever, not Florida For A While.")

Spare us ... the "Obama did a Charlie!" crap

The hubris coming outa Tally these days is too much to bear. The latest, via the The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board:

The Charlie Crist administration was quietly taking a bow Wednesday when President Obama signed three executive orders opening public access to records and documents, reversing restrictions that had been put in place during the previous administration.

"Political corruption is becoming a signature commodity"

Dan Moffett: "Political corruption is becoming a signature commodity in Palm Beach County. Boise has potatoes, Roswell aliens and Palm Beach crooks and scoundrels in high places. It's reached the point where it makes sense to measure candidates' ankles when they file to run." "Moral-less on the homeless".

Musta ran outa shells

"With nine people wounded, two fatally, police called it one of the largest mass shootings in Miami history. A mystery gunman who unleashed a hail of bullets on a street dice game underscored on Saturday the same themes woven through much of Miami's urban violence." "Manhunt continues after mass shooting".

RPOFer hypocrisy, Part 398

Scott Maxwell: "It's amazing how flexible some of these folks' morals can be when they actually need the money." "Double-dealing: Sin-stained cash OK for GOP but not you".

Senate race

Adam Smith: "It's an axiom in Florida politics that if you want to win a statewide election, you have to win the Tampa Bay area. "

So the strongest statewide candidates tend to come from this swing voter mecca, or at least somewhere on the Interstate 4 corridor. ...

Democratic Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio expresses zero interest, and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer doesn't seem to be doing anything but encouraging the floating of his name. More and more Democrats doubt that U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello, ultimately will give up his influential perch in Washington, though there's chatter about former gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith of Alachua sniffing around for some race in 2010.

1998 gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Rick Dantzler, D-Winter Haven, says he may run for the strongly GOP U.S. House district held by Republican Adam Putnam (who is expected to run for agriculture commissioner in 2010) but he is also keeping an eye on the Senate race.

More

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "There's growing bipartisan support for the notion that Florida's mechanism for funding public schools isn't sufficient. In Seminole County, the longtime Republican stronghold north of Orlando, there is talk about raising property taxes for schools. The state Board of Education has suggested it would appeal to the Legislature to improve schools' fiscal future. ... As public education weathers severe spending cuts and searches for more revenue, taxpayers need to feel confident that public money is spent efficiently and that as much of it as possible reaches the classroom." "More for classes; less for offices".

To be a lawyer

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Even those who claim to oppose 'judicial activism' should hope that the Florida Supreme Court liberally interprets the state constitution and rules that someone who can't be a lawyer can't be a judge."

In December, after two recounts and two court rulings, William Abramson defeated incumbent Richard Wennet in the race for a Palm Beach County circuit judgeship. One day after an appeals court upheld his 61-vote win, however, the Florida Supreme Court suspended Mr. Abramson from the practice of law for 91 days, starting Jan. 2. The six-year term of the seat began Jan. 6.

RPOFer flip-floppery, Part 952

Aaron Deslatte: "Crist, who said repeatedly earlier this year he wasn't 'warm and fuzzy' about a smokers tax, sounded less hostile last week -- after Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, and even House Speaker Ray Sansom, R-Destin, had indicated Florida may need the revenue in this bleak budget year." "Florida should hurry if it wants cigarette-tax hike".

That's a relief ...

The Zell corporation wants you to know that "We take pains not to let ourselves become a tool for the union" representing teachers.

Should Detroit bail out Tampa?

"The city has a big plumbing problem, and a hefty price tag to go along with it. Miles of water and sewer pipes throughout Tampa, many dating back nearly a century, have reached the end of their life and will need to be replaced in coming years. By modest estimates, the price tag for fixing the system tops more than $200 million." "City Turns To Feds For Help With Plumbing".

InSync (not)

"Fla. Cuts, Fed Plan Not in Sync, Critics Say".

That glowing debate

The Daytona Beach News Journal has a guest article by Braulio Baez, a former chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission in response to "several points" in a recent The Daytona Beach News Journal "editorial on the safety, costs and value of nuclear energy." "Delaying nuclear power plants will hurt state in long run".

Now that the election is over

Mike Thomas: "All Crist accomplished by suppressing premiums for Citizens policyholders was to make their day of reckoning more painful." "Economic reality catching up with Crist's insurance pipe dream".

Off topic: "I hope he fails"

Leonard Pitts is pissed: "Far-right Obama critics get a reply".

Falsification

"If a car dealer offers to fudge the credit application on your new or used car to make sure you qualify for the loan, you'd better think twice. You could get burned." "Falsifying of auto loans 'widespread'".

But I thought Chavez was "evil"?

"Colombia, Venezuela form $200M fund to boost trade" ("As he arrived for the meeting, Chavez was asked about his alleged support for leftist rebels who have been trying to overthrow Colombia's government.")

Real men don't need AK47s

"Wildlife officials say two men putting up a fence in Martin County on Florida's east coast fended off and killed a 30-pound bobcat with a hammer." "2 Fla. men kill attacking bobcat with hammer".