Are these two Cabinet officers using their taxpayer-funded government offices to promote themselves for higher office? (Perish the thought!)

The answer is, of course they are, though the candidates may insist otherwise.

From now through the 2010 election, every move McCollum and Sink make will be viewed through the prism of the election.

A new Mason-Dixon poll this week has McCollum leading by 40 percent to 34 percent. But among women, Sink, a woman, had only a one-point advantage, 38 percent to 37 percent, which suggests that lots of voters don't even know her gender. (The poll was of 625 registered voters with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.)

Ambler opens mouth, insert foot

"State Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Tampa, a friend of indicted former state House Speaker Ray Sansom, charged Friday that Leon County State Attorney Willie Meggs is prosecuting Sansom for political reasons."

While speaking at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club, Ambler said Sansom did nothing wrong and is "one of the most honorable representatives I've ever served with."

He said Meggs "is a Democrat who has his own agenda and political aspirations."

Ambler also confirmed he's considering running for state attorney general.

Meggs laughed off the accusation. "Does he know how old I am?" said Meggs, who's about to turn 66. "If there's an office he thinks I've got a shot at and it pays more, I hope he'll tell me about it."

No Klein

"U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, will seek a third term in Congress next year rather than pursue a U.S. Senate bid, he announced today." "Rep. Ron Klein rules out Senate bid".

PBP dance to League of Cities tune

Them libruls on the The Palm Beach Post editorial board can't abide unions: the job scared ink stained wretches argue that "Crist should veto the Firefighter Layoff Prevention Bill."

Of course, it isn't called that. It's called Senate Bill 1000. But it's an attempt by the state's politically powerful firefighters to get around any job and benefit losses that other public employees might face because of the budget crunch.

SB 1000 would let counties, if voters approve, add a penny to the sales tax to pay for fire operations. In Palm Beach County, a 1-cent increase could raise about $200 million a year, close to what is raised from a separate line item on county property tax bills that pays for fire services. Most cities charge indirectly for fire services and don't have the separate item.

The union worries that because of limitations on property-tax collections and falling home prices, counties will have to lay off firefighters or rework generous contracts.

"National GOP's decision to back Crist could cause blow-back"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "For a generation, one of the defining tenets of the Republican Party has been that Washington should interfere as little as possible in local affairs. ... Except, that is, when it comes to choosing Republican candidates."

Take Gov. Charlie Crist's announcement last week that he was seeking the Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Mel Martinez. Within hours, the Republican establishment in Washington — desperate to save its dwindling number of Senate seats — threw its support behind him.

That puts Crist in position to reap tons of campaign cash, tap into the party's other resources and improve his chances for victory.

The only problem is that former GOP Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio is also running. While Rubio has given no indication of pulling out, it's doubtful other Republicans will jump in. ...

Ironically, the national GOP's decision to back Crist could cause blow-back.

Many Republicans dislike Crist's moderate policies and may flock to Rubio, who is billing himself as the true conservative.

That could make for the tough primary that Republican leaders in Washington want to avoid ....

Earth to Charlie

"Palladino was handed her pink slip on the same day that Gov. Charlie Crist was on a four-city tour touting economic development legislation he says will rev the economy and create thousands of jobs." "Democrat: Pink slips going out to an estimated 600 to 800 state workers". Related: "UF budget holds millions in cuts, layoffs".

"A glimmer of hope"

"It may be only a glimmer of hope, but Florida received at least a little bit of good economic news for a change Friday when state officials announced the state's unemployment rate dropped slightly in April." "Fla. jobless rate eases in April to 9.6 percent".

Laff riot

"Sharon Day, Florida's national Republican committeewoman, has sent a letter to state committee members firing back at RPOF chair Jim Greer for his recent letter regarding his attempts to avoid a primary in the U.S. Senate and Florida governor races. Among her word choices to describe Greer's assertions:"

"ludicrous," "patently false," and "unfortunate".

"Engaging Cuba"

"Further signaling its interest in engaging Cuba, the Obama administration is asking the Castro government to resume migration talks that President George W. Bush suspended in 2004."

The move comes a month after President Barack Obama lifted travel and gift restrictions for those with relatives on the island and eased restrictions on U.S. telecommunications firms to do business in Cuba. And it comes as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton heads to Honduras for a gathering of the Organization of American States, where the reintegration of Cuba into the hemispheric body promises to be a hot topic.

The State Department on Friday afternoon delivered a diplomatic note to the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C., asking to resume the biannual migration talks, which were alternately held in the United States and Cuba.

[T]he overture was met with swift opposition from Florida's Cuban-American Republican members of Congress who say Havana should first show that it's willing to make a move. ...

''The administration should insist on the regime's full compliance with the migration accords before reopening formal talks,'' Sen. Mel Martinez said. 'Otherwise, this will be little more than a concession to the regime and a departure from the president's commitment to make freedom the `lodestone' of our policy toward Cuba.''

And in a joint statement, Reps. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart called the move a ''unilateral concession'' to the Cuban government.

"Dead-end scheme"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Taxpayers should be glad the state Department of Transportation didn't receive any bids from private interests to lease, operate and collect tolls on Alligator Alley."

Now it's time for state officials to drop this dead-end scheme.

Alligator Alley is a 78-mile stretch of Interstate 75 in South Florida that connects the state's two coasts. It is a limited-access toll facility - a public one - which state officials sought to lease to a private firm in exchange for upfront money that could be used for road improvements.

It is typical of a state always looking for stopgap financing schemes that will allow it to avoid confronting its shaky revenue structure.

NASA

"President Barack Obama will name former astronaut Charles Bolden as NASA administrator as early as Saturday, according to three congressional sources. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the retired Marine Corps general will be the first African-American to head the agency." "Obama picks ex-astronaut Charles Bolden to be new NASA administrator".

State employee health insurance

"The state worker's union opposes Gaetz's bill because, based on data from an actuarial firm and Blue Cross, it could cost the state health insurance program up to $18.5 million in 2010-11. Out-of-pocket costs for employees could rise 75 percent. The Department of Management Services predicted in February that the state insurance group is already facing a $450 million deficit by 2011-12." "Gaetz says health bill is good for workers".

Enter Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, a man never shy about resisting the burdens of charisma, who has proclaimed his desire to succeed Gov. Charlie Crist.

In an announcement that had all the thrilling excitement of a novena, McCollum, who will be 66 come election day next year, launched his gubernatorial bid surrounded by more middle-aged white men than the Gasparilla Krewe.

Back in the 2000 U.S. Senate race, Tom Gallagher, an infinitely better candidate with superb retail stump skills, was pressured to step aside by Gov. Jeb Bush and other party leaders to make room for then U.S. Rep. McCollum. At the time, it was felt McCollum had earned the right to run against Bill Nelson based on his leading role in the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton.

That's not a political campaign. It's awarding a nomination as if it was a Miss Congeniality contest. So McCollum won his party's sash and now Bill Nelson is in his second term as Florida's senior U.S. senator. Say, that was some keen political strategizing.

Just how pulse-challenged is McCollum? His presumptive Democratic opponent is Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also has never been confused with Charo when it came to an effervescent presence on the hustings. Yet, compared to McCollum, Sink is now being touted in some circles as a veritable Margaret Thatcher meets Cher of the 2010 gubernatorial contest.

McCollum has been marketed as a steady, experienced candidate who has been repeatedly tested in the political arena, which is a nice way of saying this chap is extraordinarily skilled at giving concession speeches.

Still, if you are a Republican power broker sitting around the men's grill contemplating your goblet of 300-year-old Glennfidditch, no doubt McCollum's jib might well be to your liking — as jibs go. After all, throughout his political career McCollum has carved out a reputation as a highly partisan conservative Republican true believer.

RPOFers spinning out of control

Paul Flemming: "Republicans are higgledy-piggledy, fighting with each other, calling for purges and filing grievances against one another."

With a blindfold on you might think they were Democrats.

Good thing they've got a governor with sky-high approval ratings or they'd be in deep elephant dung.

But with that blindfold test, Charlie Crist does little to ease confusion with the other party.

Jason Steele, chairman of the Brevard County Republican Executive Committee and a former state House member back in the Pleistocene Era (1980-82) when Democrats ruled the Capitol, says he's fighting for the soul of the GOP.

Travis Clinger, secretary of the Brevard GOP committee and 18-year-old chairman of the Florida Federation of Teenage Republicans, says Steele is a radical who's destroying the party.

This is much more than a parochial tussle among party faithful on the Space Coast.

The difference is at the heart of the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, 16 months away, between Crist and former House Speaker Marco Rubio. Rubio's running hard to the right of Crist's moderate populism. The battle applies all the way down the ballot, too.

"We need to get together or Florida will have a Sinking feeling," Steele said in a not-yet trademarked phrase.

"We're being whipped across this state in ways that you cannot believe and if we're not careful we'll go back to pre-1996 Florida," Steele said of the time when Democrats ran the show. "We have a major problem with the Republican Party. That problem is we've lost our way."

Steele sent the motion approved by the Brevard club to all 67 others in the state asking them to join the fun. So far, at least 10 have approved it and more are on the way, Steele said.

Steele sent out a news release publicizing the vote. Several outlets posted it online. Clinger followed up, identifying himself as secretary of the club and saying that the Brevard REC did not pass a resolution (it was a motion) and Steele's release was in error.

Steele is arranging an emergency meeting of the Brevard REC to remove Clinger as secretary for his perfidy.

"Mr. Steele is targeting me because I told the truth," Clinger said Thursday, unaware of the effort to purge him.

Clinger has filed a grievance with the state party against Steele, saying he violated the GOP's loyalty oath that forbids campaigning against an incumbent Republican.

Check Book Charlie in action

The "People's Governor" does a little fundraising: "Crist could be poised to sign an overhaul of Florida's growth management laws that environmental groups and counties argue would create transportation and development problems."

Charles Pattison, president of the growth management group 1000 Friends of Florida, said the bill will promote "unchecked and inappropriate" development in vast areas of the state.

With more than 300,000 vacant housing units in Florida and development plans approved for another 630,000, Pattison said he's not sure why legislators felt the need to make it easier to build more.

"It's extremely important to our industry," said Edie Ousley, a spokeswoman for the Florida Home Builders Association.

Laff riot

"The man who called Republican gubernatoral candidate Bill McCollum a 'darling of the homosexual left' in their 2004 U.S. Senate primary fight has now endorsed him." "Mel Martinez endorses onetime bitter rival Bill McCollum". See also "Martinez endorses McCollum". Background: "Karl Rove's Florida Frankenstein".

Charlie's "immediate family"?

"Gov. Charlie Crist's marriage to Carole Rome marked more than a major lifestyle change [sic]: It also meant increased security responsibilities for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement."

By law, FDLE must provide security and transportation for "the governor (and) the governor's immediate family."

In a year in which the agency has been forced to shed $18 million and 150 jobs, FDLE agents are providing protection for the first lady and her two children at a cost of about $2,500 a week, even though Mrs. Crist seldom ventures into the public eye and her two children attend school out of state. ...

FDLE declined to discuss the extent to which Florida agents are at the side of Carole Crist when she is in New York, where she oversees a family-owned, 100-year-old Halloween costume business and where her daughters, ages 12 and 10, attend school. Her ex-husband, Todd Rome, lives there, too.

The first lady also has lived since 2006 in one of the most exclusive communities in Florida: Fisher Island, near Miami. ...

The total cost of security to taxpayers so far is $57,000 through May 7. The security began last Dec. 12, when the governor and Rome were married at First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg.

The cost of protecting Carole Crist when she travels alone so far is about $38,000, and the separate costs for protecting her daughters is about $19,000

"The wrong message"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The Legislature and the board are sending the wrong message to new teachers at the very time Florida schools need the best and brightest at the head of their classrooms to build an information society." "Tests' cost too high for teachers".

Florida's newest industry?

"Terror suspects could be tried in Florida as part of President Obama's plan to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay." "Gitmo plan may mean Florida trials".

Atlas shrugs ... with a little taxpayer help

"The federal seizure of struggling Florida thrift BankUnited FSB is expected to cost the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. $4.9 billion, representing the second-largest hit to the FDIC's insurance fund since the financial crisis began felling banks last year."

Coral Gables, Fla.-based BankUnited FSB is the 34th federally insured institution to be closed this year, and the biggest. Florida's largest banking institution with about $13 billion in assets as of May 2 was sold for $900 million to an investor group led by former North Fork Bancorp Chairman and CEO John Kanas. It will reopen as a newly chartered savings bank called BankUnited on Friday, with Kanas at the helm.

The investor group includes several prominent firms: the Blackstone Group, the Carlyle Group, Centerbridge Partners and WL Ross & Co., the private-equity firm run by billionaire investor Wilbur Ross.

The new bank will assume $12.7 billion in assets and $8.3 billion of its total $8.6 billion in deposits. In addition, the FDIC and the new bank agreed to share losses on about $10.7 billion in assets.

Deposits will be insured by the FDIC, and customers can continue to use BankUnited FSB checks, ATM cards and debit cards, the FDIC said.

The failed bank's parent was BankUnited Financial Corp. It had 1,083 employees and 85 branches, all in Florida, mostly located along the state's southeast coast.

McCarty called "duplicitous and untrustworty"

"A state senator wants Florida's insurance commissioner to resign, calling him 'duplicitous and untrustworty' [yesterday] in a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist."

Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, also wrote Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty a lengthy letter demanding that he resign because lawmakers can no longer trust his word. That's after McCarty wrote a letter to Crist "essentially asking the governor to veto" a bill, which could result in higher property insurance rates for consumers who are willing to pay more, Bennett wrote.

Bennett, the bill's Senate sponsor, wrote that McCarty had told him he would neither oppose the measure nor ask Crist to veto it. He also complained McCarty earlier sent out a news release opposing the bill although his staff members testified to the Legislature that it was a public policy issue for lawmakers to decide.

"I find your professional behavior reprehensible," Bennett wrote. ...

The bill (HB 1171) that Crist has not yet acted on would allow homeowners and businesses, it they choose, to pay unregulated rates to get coverage for hurricanes and other hazards from highly capitalized national insurers.

Check Book Charlie in a gun jam

"In the latest show of the influence Florida's gun lobby holds over state politics, Gov. Charlie Crist's office has been bombarded by tens of thousands of complaints from angry gun owners. The spark: lawmakers this month took $6 million from a trust fund meant to help process concealed-weapons permits." "NRA to Crist: Leave "our" money alone".

Insurance legislation fight

"The sponsor of health insurance legislation is firing back at Blue Cross Blue Shield and consumer groups that argue his bill will inflate health care costs."

The Consumer Federation of the Southeast, Florida PIRG and other watchdog groups have joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida in calling on Gov. Charlie Crist to veto Sen. Don Gaetz's bill, SB 1122. The proposal would make it easier for medical providers to collect payment directly from insurers without joining their networks.

"SB 1122 will do nothing for consumers but is likely to raise costs," Brad Ashwell, director of Florida PIRG, said during a news conference Tuesday.

Direct payment is an incentive for luring doctors into preferred provider organizations, which pay reduced rates, Ashwell said. If insurers have to pay out-of-network providers directly - currently, insurers send those checks to patients - doctors may leave PPOs.

That could result in more out-of-network care, which is costlier for patients, who wind up liable for the cost difference between the insurer's reimbursement rate and the total bill. In-network providers, in turn, would gain leverage to argue for higher rates, the critics warned.

"I'm surprised they didn't also claim that the bill causes male-pattern baldness," said Gaetz, R-Niceville.

"Mel is going to do what’s best for Mel"

The Hill reports that "sources close to Martinez said he might very well exit early and is actively looking for jobs for his post-Senate career. They say that if a great opportunity presented itself that required him to resign early, he would do just that." "Senate GOP watches, waits as key retirement questions hover over 2010 landscape".

Negron snags "The Urkel of Tallahassee"

"McCollum backs Negron in District 28 GOP primary".

Wait till the editorial boards unload on this

This will wig out Florida editorial boards, the folks outraged that some Florida public employees actually have defined benefit pension plans: "U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson introduced a bill Thursday that would require U.S. businesses of a certain size to provide workers with paid vacation."

Citing existing practice in Europe and other industrialized regions of the world, Grayson called for Congress to embrace the measure, which would initially affect businesses with 100 employees or more.

"Why are [mandatory] paid vacations good enough for the Chinese, French, Japanese and German employees, but not good enough for us?" he said. "In other countries, it's a matter of right. In our country, it is a matter of class."

The Paid Vacation Act of 2009 would extend a benefit of at least one week's paid vacation to millions of workers who currently have none, the Orlando Democrat said. Three years after taking effect, it would also apply to companies with 50 or more employees.

"Maybe the Legislature has been infiltrated ..."

Joel Engelhardt - "Here is a unique way to think about the bill that would gut the state's growth management laws:"

If mass transit ever is going to work in Florida, the state needs traffic congestion. Senate Bill 360, expected to be signed today by Gov. Crist, at best could be said to accomplish that feat.

I wonder, though, if that's what residents want. Did Northerners flock to Florida nostalgic for the traffic jams they left behind? Maybe the Legislature has been infiltrated by no-growthers who figure that by eliminating hard-fought growth restrictions, they actually would stop growth because no one will want to live here.

"Political air war"

"Taxpayers can now easily track where state planes are flying Gov. Charlie Crist and Cabinet officers in what's become a political air war." "State flight logs go online".

Tuition increases

"New legislation will give an edge to the University of Florida and Florida State University in using tuition increases for academic improvement." "UF, FSU get extra lift in tuition increase".

The least we can do

"The Department of Veterans Affairs must do a better job of finding and testing veterans who may have been exposed to contaminated medical equipment at the Miami VA hospital, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said Thursday." "Fla. rep: Find vets exposed to unclean equipment".

Sink, the state's chief financial officer, is also expected to avoid a primary race.

"This will either be the greatest plan ever of all times or it's going to be the biggest failure of all times," said Bronson, who apparently succumbed to pressure from state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer.

Earlier this week, Greer introduced McCollum as the "next Republican governor of Florida" when McCollum announced he was entering the race being vacated by Gov. Charlie Crist. Crist is running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez rather than seeking a second term in the governor's mansion.

Bronson, a long-time Republican and former party chief, has argued that a primary excites voters and allows for the exchange of ideas.

Greer games

"While insisting that he will 'make no apologies' for taking sides in the race for governor, state GOP Chairman Jim Greer says the party is neutral in the U.S. Senate primary." "Greer says GOP will remain neutral in primaries".

Laff riot

"Secure our future responsibly".

From the "values" crowd

"As a new budget reality settles in at the state Capitol, environmental advocates wonder what the future holds for land preservation in Florida. ... as the annual legislative session ended this month, lawmakers did not approve additional money for the Florida Forever program next fiscal year, effectively suspending the program." "Budget leaves little for land-buying".

Charlie trolls for developer cash

"Gov. Charlie Crist says he will probably sign a bill environmentalists and growth management advocacy groups say will lead to more sprawl." "Crist to sign growth bill Thursday". The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Bill stacks deck to favor developers".

"Robbing Peter to pay Paul"

"Finally, it appears, the shell game the Republican-led Florida Legislature has been playing with the state budget to avoid raising general taxes is coming back to haunt them."

Lawmakers swept nearly $590 million from dozens of state trust funds to prop up their proposed $66.5 billion budget. What the unexpected outcry has laid bare is the hypocrisy of legislative leaders who have been unwilling to consider broad tax reform but are willing to renege on promises they made when imposing special taxes or user fees to finance specific government services.

Consider, for example, the gasoline taxes motorists pay every time they fill up. State law says that money is to go toward transportation. But in next year's budget, $120 million will flow instead into the general fund to pay for everything from schools to prisons. The trust fund raid will have significant repercussions for Tampa Bay, stalling improvements for Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County. And the Department of Transportation warned the raid will have a ripple effect for years as projects further down the pipeline are delayed as well, including more improvements for I-275 through Tampa.

In these tough financial times, the Legislature is engaging in a short-sighted version of robbing Peter to pay Paul. It proposes sweeping $92 million from the state's affordable housing trust funds, which are underwritten by a portion of the state's real estate transfer taxes. Those funds help subsidize low-cost apartments and help families buy homes. Aren't both still needed in this recession?

Charlie "striking a blow for recession-weary Floridians"

"Beginning a whirlwind tour of the state a week after he announced his U.S. Senate campaign, Gov. Charlie Crist signed three economic development bills at the Capitol on Thursday, saying he was striking a blow for recession-weary Floridians." "Crist signs economic-development bills into law".

Poor John

"Crist adds McCain to Senate endorsers".

Really?

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Like that old hospital adage that there is always someone else sicker than you, Floridians coming to terms with the state's patchwork effort to make up a $6 billion budget deficit can look west to see things could be far worse." "It's not so bad— we could be California".

"McCollum is flamboyantly colorless"

Mark Lane:

Regardless of whether Sink, the Democrat, or McCollum, the Republican, wins we'll see a big change in gubernatorial style. ...

Sink, who is charming in small groups, can, when facing a crowd, deliver a speech like a high school principal reading the morning announcements.

And in a state full of colorful political personalities, McCollum is flamboyantly colorless.

His monotone vocal style spans the range of emotions from grudging praise to polite but stern moral disapproval. He sometimes has the speaking style of a police officer writing out a ticket.

Charlie in campaign mode

"Questioning whether Gov. Charlie Crist is following the Florida Constitution, state Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical Wednesday about his rejection of nominees for a seat on a Daytona Beach-based appeals court." "Appellate seat concerns state justices". See also "Court skeptical of judicial rejection", "Gov. Charlie Crist asks judges to weigh in on court diversity goal" and "Florida high court hears judicial diversity case".

FCAT follies

"Third-grade FCAT reading scores drop".

Tuition

"All 11 state universities will have the power to raise tuition annually by as much as 15 percent under a bill awaiting Gov. Charlie Crist's signature. But Florida's two oldest state universities, with their vast and generous alumni bases, are better positioned than the rest to take full advantage of the new revenues — thanks in large part to a provision lawmakers added at their request." "Tuition increase would help some Florida universities more".

Woulda been fun

"George LeMieux won't seek the Republican nomination for state attorney general. The former Broward Republican chairman ran Gov. Charlie Crist's 2006 campaign. He was Crist's first chief of staff in the governor's office and had the same job when Crist was attorney general." "LeMieux won't seek state post".

A snoozer for sure

"Three Republicans just jumped into the race for Florida Senate in Broward and Palm Beach counties, part of the continuing fallout from Gov. Charlie Crist's decision to run for the U.S. Senate instead of seeking a second term."

With Crist moving, the current chief financial officer, Alex Sink, is running for governor and state Sen. Jeff Atwater is going for CFO.

That opens his Broward-Palm Beach County state Senate seat, and three Republicans — state Reps. Ellyn Bogdanoff and Carl Domino and businessman Nick Loeb — want it.

Domino and Loeb are from Palm Beach County, which has 64 percent of the district's registered Republican voters.

Bogdanoff is from Broward, which has just 36 percent of the district's Republicans.

Other factors that could influence voters: there are two men and one woman; Bogdanoff is Jewish; Domino is Catholic; and Loeb is Episcopalian but grew up with his father who is Jewish and says that heritage "is very important to me."

Cuba

Marifeli Pérez-Stable, vice president for democratic governance at the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, D.C., and a professor at Florida International University: "Moving beyond Fidel".

Florida begs for more

"It was billed as a workshop to answer questions about the Obama administration's plans to build a high-speed rail network across the country. But Florida officials Thursday turned it into a pitch for up to $2 billion in federal money to pay for a 90-mile link between Orlando International Airport and Tampa with a train capable of going at least 110 mph." "Fla. makes pitch for federal money for high-speed train".

From the "deep thinkers"

"GOP drops effort to rename Democrats 'Socialist'".

RPOFers at work

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "This year, Florida refused to set even a modest goal for renewable energy." "Pedal to conservation metal".

CFO

"With the shakeup continuing in Florida politics, state Rep. Pat Patterson [a DeLand Republican] said Wednesday he likely will run in 2010 for state chief financial officer." "Patterson may try for chief financial officer".

'Ya reckon?

"Fla. drivers among the worst in U.S.".

Water wars

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "By law, the state's five water management districts have sole authority to issue permits for developers who want to pull water from the underground aquifer, fill in wetlands or add more pollution to water bodies. The most significant of these permits -- for people who want to withdraw more than 500,000 gallons of water per day, or destroy more than one acre of wetlands -- can only be issued by a vote of the relevant district's governing board."

A last-minute amendment to SB 2080 would take these decisions away from the governing boards and assign them to the districts' executive directors. As a result, the decisions would no longer be open to public debate. And while a permit is rarely denied -- by Florida law, the availability of water cannot act as a constraint on growth -- the potential for public debate often forces concessions and conservation measures that developers wouldn't otherwise consider. Relegating these decisions to the shadows increases the likelihood of political arm-twisting by well-funded, influential developers.

The amendment's pro-development tilt is made even more clear by a provision that allows denials of permits to be appealed to the full board -- but not approvals. And governing-board members would be expressly prohibited from "intervening" in any permitting decision.

The poll, done by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research for Ron Sachs Communications, showed Crist with 53 percent, Rubio with 18 percent and 29 percent undecided among a sample of Republican voters.

Among all voters in the governor's race, McCollum led Sink 40 percent to 34 percent, with 25 percent undecided.[*]

The poll was done May 14-18, after Sink, state chief financial officer, announced her candidacy, but before McCollum, state attorney general, announced his.

It included telephone interviews with 625 Florida voters, for an error margin of 4 points. The error margin for the Crist-Rubio question, asked of 300 Republican voters, is 6 points.

Charlie burnishes his killer cred

"Last month, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist decided it was time for John Marek and David Johnston to die. Crist picked out Marek and Johnston from nearly two dozen death-row inmates whose appeals are exhausted. Exactly how he came to pick those two prisoners -- and why -- is a subject only the governor can answer." "Only Florida's governors can say how they pick execution order".

"But it didn't have to be like that"

Bill Cotterell: "Everything Charlie Crist does for the next 16 months will be viewed through a political prism, with friend and foe alike gauging how his decisions affect his chances of winning a U.S. Senate seat."

But it didn't have to be like that.

Had Crist announced last week that he was running for re-election, rather than trying to succeed U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, then everything he does for the next 16 months would be evaluated in terms of how it might affect his chances of remaining governor for the ensuing four years.

Makes all the difference in the world, doesn't it?

All due respect, historians will not list Crist on the same page with LeRoy Collins and Reubin Askew, when citing tough leadership decisions made at great personal political risk. Oh, he did the "green" thing with solar energy, worked for restoration of voting rights for convicted felons and moved the Martin Lee Anderson liability settlement. But those decisions didn't cost much — except with the farthest-right wing of his party, which wasn't wild about him anyway.

Now, as he starts his Senate campaign, Crist faces some budget choices that can cost him politically and affect state employees.

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"The Alachua County School District will use federal stimulus money to pay approximately 250 teachers on annual contracts for the next two school years." "Stimulus funds to pay teachers".

OMG ... he's a "banker"

"Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater is the first candidate to enter the race for chief financial officer, one of two statewide Cabinet seats that have opened due to the domino effect of Gov. Charlie Crist's decision to run for the U.S. Senate instead of seeking re-election. Atwater, a Republican banker from North Palm Beach, made his formal announcement Tuesday, a day after he filed as a candidate with the Department of State." "Former Senate president announces bid for CFO post". Adam Smith: "Senate President Jeff Atwater quietly announces CFO candidacy".

Crist a tax fiend!

"Gov. Charlie Crist to approve cigarette tax". So much for Charlie's brain dead "pledge" not to raise taxes.

Charlie does some fundraising

"Crist named Maryam H. Ghyabi, 50, of Ormond Beach, and Richard G. Hamann, 58, of Gainesville, to the St. Johns River Water Management District governing board, which controls water consumption permits, approves wetland permits and decides how much water the local utilities can siphon from the St. Johns River. The district includes parts of 18 counties, including most of metro Orlando."

Ghyabi is president of Ghyabi & Associates, a transportation engineering and planning firm that has been a consultant on many local transportation issues. She is a sister of Mori Hosseini, a big-time developer based in Daytona Beach. Hosseini is a Republican super-fundraiser, ranking as a “Ranger” who raised at least $200,000 for President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign. Hosseini and his array of companies frequently show up in many elected officials' campaign finance reports.

FloBama 2.0

"Obama supporters have been told that Ashley Walker will be the Florida director of Organizing for America" "Obama 2.0 hires Florida director".

"Borrowing from Peter to pay Paul"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Florida lawmakers have had the unnerving habit of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul for several years now; it's less politically costly to them than raising taxes outright to meet the obligations of government." "Trust fund safety".

"Greer is receiving well-earned rebukes"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer is receiving well-earned rebukes from Republicans across the state for throwing his support to Gov. Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate and Attorney General Bill McCollum for governor in 2010." "Let Republican voters select their candidates".

Aaron Deslatte: "On paper, there are a lot of reasons why Florida Republican leaders are scurrying to shut off potential primary campaigns for the historic number of statewide offices up for grabs in the 2010 election."

22 million of them.

That’s how much Republicans Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher spent beating each other up in the 2006 gubernatorial primary, before Crist emerged and ultimately defeated Democrat Jim Davis, who had exhausted his own $4.4 million war chest to get past a bruising primary challenge from Alachua lawyer Rod Smith.

Now, confronting a terrible economy and the first time in more than a century that all of the state's Cabinet seats are coming open at once, top Republicans -- and Democrats -- are desperate to avoid costly primary battles.

Strange bedfellows

"Blue Cross Blue Shield has joined with consumer and union groups to urge Gov. Charlie Crist to veto legislation they claim will inflate health care costs." "Insurer: Bill will increase costs". Background: "Groups want veto of bill they say would hike health care costs".

Vacancy fight

"The Florida Supreme Court will decide if Gov. Charlie Crist must make a court appointment from a list of six nominees that lacks racial diversity." "Fla. justices hearing court appointment dispute".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Even if we assume the best of intentions, Gov. Crist is wrong in his standoff over choosing a judge." "Crist vs. the constitution".

Desperate

"Orlando lawyer Will McBride said today he’s being 'pushed by friends and supporters' [???] to run for attorney general but hasn’t made up his mind."

Meantime, "McBride would not endorse Rubio’s candidacy, saying that, for now, he needs to focus on deciding whether he would run. Rubio, on the other hand, said he wants McBride’s support, especially to reach out to Central Florida’s Hispanic voters." "McBride, Rubio meet -- but there's no endorsement".

Chain gang Charlie ...

... is a moderate today: "Crist, now a U.S. Senate candidate, said Tuesday he would have made the 'pragmatic' decision to vote for the $787 billion federal stimulus bill, differentiating himself from fellow-Republican opponent Marco Rubio and the man he is trying to replace — Mel Martinez." "Crist: I'd have voted for federal stimulus bill". See also "Crist cheers fed stimulus plan".

It will be interesting to see which suit he'll be wearing tomorrow: "Crist coming to Ocala on Thursday".

Lazy public employees

"Firefighters catch suspected purse snatcher". See also "FHP trooper injured in crash".

Richardson jumps

"Former state Rep. Curtis Richardson joined the race Tuesday to succeed state Sen. Al Lawson, saying his experience in state government and rural communities best prepares him for the job." "Richardson joins the race for Florida Senate seat".

"Students willing to pay for renewables; state won't let them"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "Across the nation, scores of public colleges and universities are the beneficiaries of similar renewable energy projects as this good idea catches fire through student networks and trustees and legislators approve."

It was ablaze in Florida, too, until this spring, when the state Senate's Higher Education Appropriation Committee doused initiatives at several colleges and universities, among them FSU, UF and UCF. Actually lawmakers were determined to jack up tuition rates by double digits at public universities and didn't want the various proposals for "green fees" to jeopardize that effort. Students were told it wouldn't be fair to saddle paying parents with the extra expense (up to $30 a year). And for the students who finance their own college education? Now, now, the Legislature knows what's best for them.

All depends what you mean by "free"?

The Miami Herald editorial board: "As long as Cuba is not free, OAS should not invite its membership". "An independence day with nothing to cheer".

"Florida's Checkbook"

"Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink on Tuesday launched a Web page to open Florida's state finances to scrutiny by the public." "Sink launches 'Florida's Checkbook'".

"Floridians can get past their reactionary Legislature"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "It's easy to despair at how our Legislature slowed efforts to reduce the emissions that cause global warming. It derailed plans for a commuter train serving Central Florida. Refused to set goals reducing emissions from cars, trucks and utilities. Hammered growth-management laws. It even tried to let oil companies drill for more oil just three miles off the Gulf's shore and deepen our addiction to fossil fuels." "Get past Tallahassee".

Jim who?

"Crist distances himself from party boss Greer". Related: "Greer: RNC branding Dems socialist is 'stupid'".

Layoffs

"Downsizing its payroll in tough economic times, the Broward Sheriff's Office has told 177 employees, including 48 uniformed deputies, that they will be laid off effective July 31, the Sun Sentinel has learned." "Broward Sheriff's Office lays off 177 employees - including 48 deputies".

Another Crist flop

"Environmentalists had been fighting to make Florida the 15th state to adopt California's strict clean-air auto regulations, a proposal backed [sic] by Gov. Charlie Crist."

But earlier this month, the proposal was rejected by the legislature. Now, the new federal regulations give the environmentalists exactly what they were seeking.

"Florida is the most vulnerable state in the country to the effects of global warming," Eric Draper, a lobbyist for Audubon, said, referring to Florida's exposure to rising seas.

Have more sycophantic words ...

... ever been written? The Tampa Tribune editorial board: Charlie Crist "on virtually every policy decision seeks first to 'listen to the people of Florida.'"

Money for nothing

"Three bidders submitted their pitches Tuesday to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., to acquire the ailing thrift. The FDIC, which is overseeing the sale of the Coral Gables-based thrift, would not say when the agency will decide on a winner, or acknowledge the bidding process was under way." "Bidders line up to acquire ailing BankUnited".

Fort Lauderdale follies

"The city bungled the spending of federal money meant for poor people over the past two decades and now must pay back $2.5 million." "Feds rip Fort Lauderdale's spending for the poor, demand $2.5 million repayment".

Bogdanoff to announce

"With state Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, officially in the race for chief financial officer, state Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, said she plans to make an announcement Wednesday that she is running for Atwater's Senate district, which runs up the coast from Fort Lauderdale to Juno Beach." "Bogdanoff to announce run for Atwater's Senate seat ...".

'Glades

Eric Buermann, chairman of the South Florida Water Management District governing board:

Everglades restoration has been a priority at the South Florida Water Management District for more than a decade. That priority was underscored this month with a landmark decision by the district’s governing board to invest $536 million in the largest land buy in the agency’s history — a 73,000-acre acquisition that will provide unprecedented opportunities for preserving the River of Grass.

"Political fundraising shakedowns"

"The board that runs Orlando International Airport is considering reforms that could ban political fundraising shakedowns like those alleged at the expressway authority." "Orlando airport authority to consider fundraising reforms".

Rate increase

"Peoples Gas rates going up $2.82 a month in Fla." "Peoples Gas System rates are going up by $2.82 a month for average residential customers using 20 therms.".

Not this year.

Faster than a voter can say 2010, Florida's party elders are throwing protocol out the window and pulling out the stops on behalf of their front-running candidates.

State GOP chairman Jim Greer publicly blessed Attorney General Bill McCollum's brand-new campaign for governor on Monday -- even though another Republican officeholder, Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, is considering a bid. Bronson acknowledged that Greer is "putting him on the spot.''

Last week, Greer and national Republican leaders sought to close ranks around Gov. Charlie Crist's fledgling campaign for the U.S. Senate and squeeze out former House Speaker Marco Rubio, who has been running for the Senate for months

Democratic leaders are also plotting ways to avoid divisive primary elections, which can sap donors and bloody candidates before the general election. But some Republicans say their party's unusually aggressive moves to clear the field could backfire by alienating supporters of the less-favored candidates

Troxler

Howard Troxler wants a fight: "[P]arty chairman Jim Greer makes no secrecy of his loyalty to Crist. There was even kooky talk of invoking something called "Rule 11," automatically putting the party officially on Crist's side."

When you add all this up, it's too much. It's not democratic, small "d."

In the first place, Crist is the heavy favorite anyway. Why such heavy-handed tactics to get the result you're probably going to get regardless? All you do is create resentment among the folks being bullied.

In the second place, if Rubio somehow knocked off Crist, he would be a strong nominee. We're not talking about some fringe long-shot, but a legitimate spokesman for an important point of view inside the Republican Party.

And in the third place, this is 2009, not 1909. We made the decision to put rank-and-file party members in charge of candidates a long time ago, and it's a little late to be regretting the choice.

Fortunately, enough state and local Republican leaders have objected to slow down the Crist-by-fiat stampede. There will be no modern version of the smoke-filled room. (The BlackBerry-filled room?) Let the party's nominee be decided in the modern, democratic-small-d fashion — with the most votes.

Which editorial board wrote this?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Memo to the state's top elected officeholders: Don't forget your day jobs. The last thing the state needs amid its ongoing budget woes and lingering issues, like property insurance and health-care coverage, is a Florida Cabinet that's shifted into campaign mode when the state needs its top elected officials to govern." "Put Cabinet jobs first".

Ironic how the The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board happened to come up with essentially the same editorial. See "State's top elected officials need to pay attention to their day jobs, not their campaigns".

Good luck

"Florida's county governments and environmental groups are pushing Gov. Charlie Crist to veto a bill they say would encourage urban sprawl, worsen traffic congestion and eliminate important safeguards that normally apply to development proposals." "Bill awaiting Crist's signature would gut Florida's controls on development, opponents say".

Dems dancing in the streets

"Attorney General Bill McCollum immediately became the Republican frontrunner for governor in 2010 when he officially launched his campaign Monday in Orlando with the support of his party's establishment." "AG McCollum announces run for Florida governor". See also "Florida attorney general announces run for governor" and, "McCollum enters race for governor" "Attorney General Bill McCollum enters governor's race".

This is a bit hard to take from one of ole Billy: "Bill McCollum jumped into the governor's race Monday, sounding less like the hard-edged conservative of old campaigns and more like Mr. Bi-partisan. ... he sounded like a Charlie Crist moderate, talking about protecting the environment and seeking out diversity of opinion." This is enough to make Floridians familiar with his words and deeds retch.

After all, McCollum has soiled himself "in the most partisan fights in Congress, from Iran-Contra to the impeachment of Bill Clinton." "McCollum opens race for Florida governor with a bipartisan tone".

"Bill doesn't provide enough patient protection"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "with little fanfare, lawmakers approved a bill this session that could undermine preferred-provider networks, also known as PPOs, without providing patients with any assurance that bills for doctors' visits will be limited."

[T]here's a hidden barb for many patients who decide to seek out-of-network care (and at times, it even stings those who believe they're seeing in-network physicians.) If the PPO doesn't agree to the doctor's charges, doctors can "balance bill" the patients for the portion of the bill that insurance won't pay -- an unwelcome surprise to patients who thought their obligation was over when they paid their deductibles and co-payments.

Many states have banned the practice of balance-billing, and Florida should follow suit. The legislation approved this session takes a step in that direction, by putting a cap on the amount that most doctors can bill. ...

It's understandable that the Florida Medical Association wants this legislation. But the bill that passed the Legislature was too lopsided in doctors' favor, and doesn't do enough to protect patients from surprise bills. Floridians who depend on PPOs for their medical care deserve more certainty, and Crist can push lawmakers for a fairer bill by saying no to this one.

Courtesy of Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid

"An amendment quietly tacked onto a bill during the last days of the legislative session would strip water managers' authority to control permits, seriously altering 37 years of the state's efforts to control one of its most precious resources." "Bill aims to weaken water managers' say on permits".

Big of 'em

"New Florida law offers rebates on energy-saving appliances".

RPOFers do the NRA dance

"As more people in Florida seek concealed weapons permits, Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson wants Gov. Charlie Crist to veto a $6-million raid on a fund that pays for the program."

Bronson's request presents a timely opportunity for Crist to score political points with gun owners just as he's embarking on a race for the U.S. Senate [and Bronson considers jumping into the Governor's race].

'Glades

Mike Thomas: "We now are in the third remake of a plan to save the nation's most imperiled swamp. It's a smaller version of a smaller version of a grandiose plan announced by Charlie Crist last June." "Everglades restoration plan is sweet and sour".

Whose next, Derek Black for Gov?*

"Jim Greer may be trying to avoid divisive primaries, but the GOP race for attorney general could get Will Mcbride plenty crowded: Galvano, Grady, LeMieux, Kottkamp and - the latest name - Orlando attorney and '06 US Senate candidate Will McBride. McBride, who came in second to Katherine Harris with 30 percent of the primary vote, has been calling donors and strategists about getting in." "Will McBride looking at AG race".

- - - - - - - - - -
*Background "David Duke helps son of ex-Klan leader in fight for Palm Beach County Republican seat".

Only a "fee"

"Going up: Florida's teacher certification fees".

Floridians win one ... if only by default

The privatization wingnuts are scratching their heads: "The Florida Department of Transportation did not receive any formal bids for leasing, operating and collecting tolls on Alligator Alley."

The project has been controversial because it essentially privatizes a state-owned and -operated asset.

During the recently-ended session of the Florida Legislature in Tallahassee, a plan aimed at slowing the privatization of state toll roads, including Alligator Alley, died in the House.

The measure offered by Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, and Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, would have required certain toll road privatization bids to be reviewed by the state's Council on Efficient Government.

Space Florida

"Stung by legislative critics who threatened to halve its budget and wounded by a reputation for inertia, the governing board of Space Florida chose a new trajectory on Monday, naming industry insider Frank DiBello as interim executive director." "Space Florida looks to blue skies; names interim executive director".

SD 28

"An anticipated state Senate District 28 Republican primary between former state representatives Joe Negron of Stuart and Art Argenio of Fort Pierce has been set for June 30."

Sounds like more of the same:

Negron and Argenio, who split bitter contests for the state House a decade ago, had already announced to run for Pruitt's seat when it was scheduled to be open in 2010. They both said they have accelerated their planned campaigns. ...

Negron, who quickly received endorsements from Pruitt, former Gov. Jeb Bush and the National Rifle Association, is equally confident that his "strong conservative track record" will give him the edge.

Brilliant

"The Legislature cut enough out of the state budget to make up for the $6.1 billion shortfall in revenue predicted for this year, but it could have cut more if the state had a system to monitor the spending of its departments and agencies, Sen. J.D. Alexander said." "Alexander: Monitor Fla.'s Spending Better".

A tuff one for Charlie ...

... who doesn't want Rubio to lock down the Chamber and AIF money.

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board:

If legislators were serious about reducing workers compensation premiums, they could have followed the recommendation of Florida's official consumer advocate, and busted the cartel that files rate requests for every workers comp insurance company in the state. That practice helps pad insurance-company profits -- which average more than 30 percent in Florida.

Instead, they, along with the state's two largest business lobbies, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida, catered to insurance-company interests.

Business owners are watching Gov. Crist's bill-signing pen more closely than his senatorial campaign, awaiting his decision on House Bill 903 regarding workers compensation.

Mean words ...

The Orlando Sentinel editors are starting to sound like ... jou know ... editors:

It might come as a shock to those who didn't closely follow this year's Florida Legislature. But to those who tracked the session, our rankings — dropping a powerful House member from first in 2008 to about worst in 2009, and lifting another scraping the bottom of the barrel last year to lofty heights this year — should surprise no one.

The House's next speaker, Dean Cannon proved a huge disappointment, trumpeting the need to expand offshore drilling instead of getting Senate leaders to pass SunRail. He had his hands full negotiating the budget — all the more reason to not busy himself with dismantling growth laws. He funded local projects — what a future speaker would be expected to do.

Too bad for their constituents that fellow Republicans Dorothy Hukill, Bryan Nelson, Chris Dorworth and Pat Patterson pursued what they did. Ms. Hukill weakened growth-management laws; Mr. Nelson put off protecting the springs and pushed aside regulators' ability to protect homeowners; Mr. Dorworth helped weaken growth laws and with Mr. Patterson, tried to create obstacles to voting.

Mr. Patterson also blocked penalties for insurers that bilk seniors of their savings.

No wonder they oppose single payer

Scott Maxwell: "For all the stories we hear about cash-strapped health-care providers, running a nonprofit hospital can be quite, well, profitable. Especially in Central Florida."

Florida Hospital CEO Lars Houmann made $1.1 million, according to IRS filings for 2007, the most recent year available.

And then there's the man who runs Florida Hospital's parent company — Winter Park-based Adventist Health — where CEO Don Jernigan earned $3.5 million.

Not bad for a faith-based nonprofit.

Jernigan's compensation package for 2007 was actually more than what was paid to the top administrators of the famed Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Health System ... combined.

Local hospital officials say they simply pay their executives what they're worth and that the community receives top-notch care and philanthropy because of it.

But there are many who find such massive paychecks excessive — if not downright obscene — for companies that have philanthropic missions, as well as the tax breaks that accompany them.

"This whole concept of a not-for-profit status may be an anachronism," said Dr. Steven West, the president of the Florida Medical Association. "Most hospitals have done very well for themselves, despite their claims of poverty."

Good luck with that

"Memo to the state's top elected officeholders: Don't forget your day jobs! The last thing the state needs amid its ongoing budget woes and lingering issues, like property insurance coverage, is a Florida Cabinet that's shifted into campaign mode when the state needs its top elected officials to govern." "State's top elected officials need to pay attention to their day jobs, not their campaigns".

Rock, paper, scissors

"State Sens. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres and Dan Gelber of Miami Beach and former state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua have all been eyeing campaigns to replace Republican McCollum. They've been talking to each other, professing friendship and respect for one another and saying they hope to avoid a candidate-scarring, money-draining primary. Whether they can succeed remains to be seen." "Democratic bloodbath inevitable in Florida attorney general primary?".

Still listening

"A 'listening tour' stopped in Central Florida on Saturday to ask residents — many of whom volunteered during the primary and general-election seasons for Obama as a candidate — to bring change to their communities by rallying support and educating people about the president's plans. Kissimmee and Winter Park were among the 38 tour stops scheduled throughout the state." "Obama's still seeking change: Listening tour comes to Kissimmee".

Facebook minefield

"Saying Facebook is a minefield of potential Sunshine Law violations, Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here.'s attorney has advised city politicians to stay off of it." "Florida cities risk violating Sunshine Law by using Facebook".

See you in Havana

"What if Cuba travel, recently eased for family, was within reach for all?" "Cuba: Island so near is so far for Southwest Floridians".

King

"Sen. Jim King, a Jacksonville Republican who has served more than two decades in the legislature, has been diagnosed with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer, his spokeswoman confirmed Saturday." "Longtime Florida lawmaker has pancreatic cancer".

Gambling

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Crist's agreement called for the Seminoles to pay a minimum of $100 million per year in return for the right to operate blackjack and baccarat and other table games at all seven casinos. "

The Legislature's pact not only ups the minimum payment by $50 million per year, it prohibits blackjack and baccarat from three casinos, including Immokalee.

"I don't see any reason for doing that," said Jerry Straus, Washington, D.C. attorney for the tribe. The measure hurts the state and the Seminoles because both parties will get less revenue.

Strauss said the tribe wants to work out a deal with the Legislature, but reserves the right to go over the state's head and appeal directly to the Interior Department.

Crist needs to be open to negotiate and not let Immokalee be a deal-breaker if the Seminoles insist on its inclusion. The state can't afford an all-or-nothing gamble on this compact.

"Misguided ruling"?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "A misguided ruling the other day by the 2nd District Court of Appeal that the Pasco-Pinellas judicial circuit's electronic recordings aren't public record denies citizens appropriate access to the courts."

The opinion is important because it sets precedent in the district, which also includes Hillsborough, Polk and Manatee counties, not only for media but the public. The appeal by The Tampa Tribune came after 6th Judicial Circuit officials denied a Pasco reporter's request for an audio recording of a sentencing hearing on the grounds it wasn't a "record."

"Budgets should consider long-term stability"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "In the coming budget year that begins in September, local governments across Volusia and Flagler counties expect their financial outlook to go from bad to worse." "Tough times ahead".

Stanton catches a break

"The new city manager in this quirky little town has a lot on her mind: water rates, slumlords, gangs, a tricky redevelopment project - and, of course, the fact that when she takes a quiet moment to consider city affairs, she often glances down." "She was a man who struggled with that identity, now she's at home in her body and in Lake Worth, as the new city manager".

Hillsborough

"Religious holidays, including Good Friday, remain school days under an academic calendar the Hillsborough County School Board will consider Tuesday. ... Not every school board member is happy with that." "Good Friday remains a school day in new calendar".

To them and many pundits, Sink seems a clear front-runner - a fresh face who won a statewide race in 2006 in her first try for public office, with the demographic edge of gender plus a business background.

The surge in Democratic voter registration and turnout that helped Barack Obama win the state has Sink backers sensing a win.

But polls and political history are more sobering.

They suggest neither candidate can claim to be the front-runner in a race that experts consider a toss-up.

They expect a hard-fought slog between an interesting newcomer and a toughened veteran, who will both raise and spend vast sums.

"Alex Sink has impressed many pundits, and right now her stock is high," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato.

Florida Attorney General McCollum, meanwhile, "has not shaken his 'loser' image with the punditocracy," Sabato said.

Nonetheless, he said, "Anyone handicapping the race this early is foolhardy. I'll call it a toss-up."

in the 2004 presidential race, Orange County delivered a measly [?] 815-vote advantage to Democrat John Kerry. Last year, Barack Obama carried the county by 86,100 votes over Republican John McCain — the largest shift in vote totals in Florida. And through April, Democrats had built a 274,000-to-192,000 advantage in registered voters in Orange.

"Orange County is not a swing county anymore," said University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett. "That genie is out of the bottle as far as Republicans are concerned ... If that happens on a larger scale, it would change politics in Florida." ...

In a broad swath of 22 counties, from Flagler on the northeast to Charlotte on the southwest, Democratic "performance" — Obama's margins against McCain, compared to Kerry's against George W. Bush — improved by 340,000 votes in 2008. The Tampa-St. Petersburg and Orlando media markets showed the largest voter shift toward the Democrat of any of the state's metro areas.

2010

"Stiff competition in Florida's 2010 political races". Related "South Florida legislators may be in running for state's chief financial officer, attorney general".

Senate slog

Scott Maxwell: "It'll be Kendrick Meek vs. Charlie Crist. How do I know this?"

Because Meek has the kind of smarts and charisma voters said they wanted in last year's presidential race.

Because the other Democrat is just another cog in the Tallahassee machine.

Because the alleged social conservative in the race is an unproven lightweight.

Because the proven conservative who could win seems more interested in grousing from the sidelines than getting in the race himself.

And because people just always seem to underestimate Charlie Crist.

Rubio ready to kick and scream

Yesterday: "Republican backlash brews" and "Underdog Marco Rubio not shying from tough fight".

Myriam Marquez had this earlier in the week: "Crist's GOP tent too quick to snub Rubio".

Good luck

Troxler: "Last week, we invited your suggestions for fixing Florida's broken state Legislature. Your responses were swift, intelligent and enthusiastic — and sometimes surprising." "Readers' smart ideas for fixing Legislature".

Budget

"Florida's 2009 legislative wrap-up: Carving out a budget". see also "Proposals that didn't fly: What state lawmakers failed to pass". Related: "What you could play where, if Seminoles agree to gambling deal" and "Legislature passed bills on tobacco taxes, property insurance and health care".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: ain't happy: "Florida Legislature's leaders and letdowns for 2009".

Silly

"Democrats fear [AG] primary "Armageddon"".

Fool's gold

"As governments grapple with sinking revenues and ballooning budget deficits, the idea of outsourcing is gaining steam."

Public employee unions argue that ceding control of vital public services will mean less accountability to residents. They say contractors may not be as willing to respond to emergencies. And they worry that when the economy recovers, their cities will be understaffed because it can take time to collect bids and approve contracts.

"Nips and tucks do nothing ..."

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Florida lawmakers again refused to try to fix major flaws in how property is taxed in this state. Instead they are offering voters next year a chance to reduce a small part of the inequity for targeted taxpayers."

The Legislature is offering a constitutional amendment for voter approval in 2010 that would give a tax incentive to people who haven't owned a home in eight years. Don't ask where the eight years comes from; it's arbitrary.

It means that a qualified buyer of a full-time residence next year would get an extra property-tax exemption of 25 percent of the home's value. The break phases out over five years.

The same measure would cap increases in the taxable value of businesses, apartments and other property not eligible for a homestead exemption to 5 percent a year (down from 10), except for school taxes. The increase in the taxable value of homesteads has long been capped at 3 percent a year.

There's no need to decide now how you'll vote in 18 months, but it's not too early to think about how these nips and tucks do nothing to improve the ugly asymmetry of Florida's tax structure.

"Why Gov. Crist wants to be Sen. Crist in 2011"

Randy Schultz: "No Republican in the Senate or House, of course, mentioned the $5 billion gorilla in the chamber. Without the federal stimulus money that got all of three Republican votes in Congress - and no votes in the House - Sen. Atwater, and House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, would have had to cut $5 billion more or find that much in new taxes or 'fees' or 'surcharges.' Horrible would have looked pretty good when they finished."

The Legislature also has to replace the federal stimulus money that will stop after next year's budget. Most of the gift from Washington went for what the bean counters call "recurring expenses" - education and health care. Basically, this Legislature is borrowing from future Legislatures, meaning the taxpayers.

What does it mean to you? Florida's once-impressive financial rating is starting to look like an orange that has citrus canker. In April, the Moody's rating service placed Florida on notice for a possible downgrade. Obviously, the lousy economy was a big reason. But Moody's didn't let Florida off the hook.

Among the state's other problems: "Failure to prepare a reasonable plan to restore budgetary structural balance" and "General Revenue Fund surpluses were essentially drawn down during the course of the last three fiscal years with increasing reliance on the use of non-recurring revenues in fiscal year 2009." (That's the trust fund and reserve fund raiding we discussed.)

A downgrade would force up Florida's debt cost. Moody's offers some tips to head off a downgrade. Florida would have to shore up those reserves and craft a more realistic budget. The warnings include "increased reliance on one-time solutions to balance budget" and "lack of a reasonable plan to restore reserves." Uh-oh. That's why Gov. Crist wants to be Sen. Crist in 2011.

Huh?

"In the escalating showdown between Miami-Dade County and Wackenhut Corp., former congresswoman Carrie Meek is on both sides."

She lobbies for Miami-Dade, which is accusing Wackenhut of bilking the county out of $3.4 million. And she lobbies for Wackenhut, which is suing the county for $20 million in damages.

"An insidious effort to dismantle growth management"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "There can be no question that an insidious effort to dismantle growth management is bad for the state when both the Hillsborough County Commission and 1000 Friends of Florida are asking Gov. Charlie Crist to veto the legislation. The commission rarely stands up to developers, and 1000 Friends is a stalwart supporter of smart community planning. But they are aligned this time against SB 360, which would create more traffic jams and urban sprawl. Crist should stand up to the pressures from the development community and veto this bill, which would be particularly harmful to the Tampa Bay area." "Enough of This".

"Victories"?

"Miami-Dade legislators returned home with a long list of victories in a difficult budget year." "Lawmakers tout wins for Dade".

"Wasn't a good year for open records"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "It wasn't a good year for open records. The Legislature this year passed eight of some 50 to 60 proposed exemptions to Florida's public records law, twice as many new exemptions as last year." "Dealing in secrecy".

"Never enter a roundabout without a wingman"

Dan Moffett on driving in Florida:

# Do not make eye contact on the interstate. It will be interpreted either as a sign of aggression or of weakness, and both are potentially problematic. ...

# Do not believe turn signals. In 49 states, drivers use turn signals to indicate their intentions. In Florida, a turn signal is used as a diversion to lure competing vehicles out of position. Believe a turn when you see one.

# Do not assume the rule of law at four-way stops, and forget all you know about rules of order. Florida is the only state where it's theoretically possible for four simultaneously arriving motorists to spend eternity at a four-way stop trying to sort out who should have the right of way. Hand gestures have been known to go on for days in this high-stakes game of chicken.

# Do not attempt to understand traffic-calming strategies. It is far too technically nuanced for the layman. Engineers spend a lifetime studying where to install bumps onto a perfectly flat street and how to place concrete planters in harm's way. You can't hope to understand it.

# Never enter a roundabout without a wingman.

# Forget all you know about 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positioning. It used to refer to where the driver's hands should grip the wheel. Now, it's where weapons are most likely to be found under the seats.

# Do not believe the directions from online mapping services. Florida suffers from a shortage of distinct street names, which makes computer searches prone to large margins of error. Thousands of streets share the names of palm, flamingo, ocean, sea, etc. The difference between Coconut Row, Coconut Street, Coconut Boulevard, Coconut Avenue, Coconut Place and Coconut Terrace can spell the difference between life and death. ...

# Disregard travel distances; consider only travel times. ...

# Above all, if it gets to be too much, seek the help of a trained professional:

Call a cab.

"Glimmers"

Jane Healy: Finally, 3 glimmers of hope in taking control of growth.