• 1,740 people contributed to the Florida Democratic Party in the three months that ended June 30, compared to 224 to the Florida GOP. It's the first time since 1996 that Democrats outraised Republicans in that fundraising period.

• The latest voter registration statistics show that Democrats accounted for 39 percent of the new voter registrations in Florida since the last election, while Republicans accounted for 25 percent.

• Mini rebellions against the state Republican leadership are popping up in local parties across the state. For months, vocal party activists have bashed state Republican Party chairman Jim Greer over spending, over his effort to muscle Marco Rubio out of the Republican Senate primary, and for allegedly "purging" conservative activists and Ron Paul acolytes from local parties. A "Recall Jim Greer" group recently formed on Facebook.

What's going on with the long-mighty Florida GOP?

RPOFer "Quitter"

If anything, this is too polite:

More: "Crist, Palin are “quitters” according to new Democratic web ad".

Bushco's Florida legacy

"Florida jobless rate jumps again" "". See also "Big Bend unemployment rises", "Marion unemployment rises to 12.6 percent" and "Jobless rate surges in Miami-Dade".

More: "State economists predict six months more of recession", "State economists say turnaround will take longer" and "State economists consider possibility of 12 percent unemployment next year".

Time to say "no"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "It is bad enough that Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature let developers off the hook in the future for paying for road improvements to handle the traffic their projects generate. Now the developers want to wiggle out of agreements they've made to pay for road projects. It's up to local governments to say no." "Make developers pay". Related: Tim Nickens: "The strangulation of Florida".

Raw political courage

"Sen. Martinez to support Sotomayor for Supreme Court".

'Glades

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Federal money is beginning to flow and projects stalled for years are moving. Only now a bureaucratic snafu threatens to stop the work before it begins." "Work out Everglades glitch".

Ahem ..., he's presumed innocent

"The images still haunt James Richardson. It's been more than 40 years since his seven children died from insecticide poisoning and he's spent more than 20 of them in prison, charged in their deaths."

He still tears up anytime the children are mentioned. So much time has passed. Witnesses have recanted their story against him and a baby sitter confessed to nurses before her death. Two subsequent investigations still couldn't say whether Richardson is guilty. A 1989 investigation commissioned by then-Miami state attorney Janet Reno said Richardson was "probably wrongfully accused" and ruled not to retry the case.

Yet the 73-year-old Richardson has never been found innocent either.

Back in bidness

"Fla. defense contractor reopens after federal raid".

A little context, please

Douglas C. Lyons: "Somewhere deep, deep, deep in the bowels of the nation's capital, [frothing at the mouth wingnut] Grover Norquist is doing a slow burn. Florida recently hiked its tobacco taxes, a feat some political observers are calling the biggest tax increase enacted in the state in quite some time."

It wasn't supposed to happen. Norquist, the founder of the influential [radical right wing] Americans for Tax Reform, thought he had a deal — if not a promise. On Feb. 16, 2009, 32 of Florida's [Republican] elected officials joined other state leaders from across the country to throw their lot in with Norquist by pledging to oppose and vote against "... any and all efforts to increase taxes."

Gov. [Republican] Charlie Crist heads the list. Attorney General [Republican] Bill McCollum signed the pledge, too, as did House Speaker [Republican] Larry Cretul and Senate President [Republican] Jeff Atwater.

The others who have pledged allegiance to oppose taxes include state Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, the next likely House Speaker, and state Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, the next in line to lead the Florida Senate. I can't forget the 14 [Republican] lawmakers who chair major legislative committees that influence everything from child welfare services to highway construction.

Rail

The Miami Herald editors: "This new project isn't off the drawing board yet, but already it's estimated to cost $11 billion overall -- almost double what the fast train in 1999 was projected to cost. There are promises that private partners will be found to cover the costs of operation and maintenance. All of this may work this time around -- but taxpayers should not be stuck with a project if ridership estimates are irrationally overzealous (as they were in 1999) -- or if the deal hits taxpayers for operations and maintenance. The decade-old rail deal began as a partnership that morphed into a taxpayer burden." "Bullet train risk".

The best we can do?

"FAU President Brogan, previously the state's lieutenant governor, will be the Florida university system's new chancellor." "FAU president named Florida university system's new chancellor". See also yesterday's "The fix appears to be in" (scroll down).

Wimp

William March:

Crist said earlier this week that he might take a position by the time the confirmation hearings ended Thursday. Then on Thursday, he said he wasn’t ready to say whether he would or wouldn’t vote to confirm her, and said he felt no pressure to do so. Some members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he noted, are still undecided even after spending weeks studying the question and sitting through the hearings.

That wasn’t good enough for Crist’s opponent in the GOP Senate primary, Marco Rubio, who announced Thursday on MOP that he opposes Sotomayor.

“If you want to serve as U.S. senator, people deserve to know where you stand on the issues,” Rubio said in a news story his campaign distributed, which reported that Rubio had taken a stand and Crist hadn’t.

Democrats jumped in, too.

“Why won’t Crist say where he stands on Sotomayor?” asked state party spokesman Eric Jotkoff. “One only has to look at his schedule to see that Crist is focused on everything but governing Florida.”

Getting them brown people fighting each other

"Are immigrants to blame for black unemployment?"

"Targeting Florida"

"The volunteers, now known as Organizing for America, are once again targeting Florida as a battleground. The group has held several meetings hoping to persuade neighbors to call their congressmen and urge their support for healthcare changes." "Obama group targets Fla. to push health care reform".

Dead firefighter
"Firefighter case could cost Orlando $1 million or more".

"Howdy Doody" rakes it in

"The Republican Party of Florida so far this year has spent over $146,000 on staffing, phones, fundraising mailers, office supplies and other campaign expenses on behalf of U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam's campaign for state agriculture commissioner. The only problem: He has a primary challenger who hasn't gotten nearly as much party help." "Florida GOP comes to Putnam's aid in primary with Baker".

Tuff

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Many Floridians -- many Volusia County voters -- who approved a constitutional amendment to reduce government revenue and supported lawmakers who rained tax cuts on constituents are likely among those now complaining about the $75 fee they'll have to pay for their child to play sports. But the fee is a direct consequence of some of the same voters' decisions." "Pay to play".

"A handful of gimme and a mouthful of much obliged"

"How is federal stimulus money really affecting Florida? ... Additional stimulus dollars that Florida is seeking to build high-speed rail, primarily to link Tampa, Orlando and Miami." "Florida's stimulus money".

Yet the whining from the no-taxes-under-any-circumstances (except cigarettes) crowd continues. The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Funding formulas stiff Florida" Winger "Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, says Florida will continue to be stiffed as long as Washington relies on old formulas that favor Rust Belt states."

Here's the reality: "Southern states have been benefiting from Northern taxes for years. If they start another War Between the States, the Federal gravy train might suddenly stop at the Mason-Dixon line."

Studies by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation have consistently shown that [Southern] states receive far more from the Federal government than they pay back in taxes. That's an irony that could lead to some Blue State bitterness: They love to preach about fiscal responsibility and lower taxes, but they keep dipping their beak into the Federal trough.

Huh?

"Crist appointed a Tallahassee public-relations executive [the familiar Alia Faraj-Johnson] and a South Florida lawyer [the unfamiliar Brian Seymour] to the state Elections Commission on Thursday." "Crist appoints two to Elections Commission".

Curious as to what qualifies these folks - Jebbie's former flack (Alia Faraj), and a "shopping center" attorney (Seymour) - to interpret and enforce Florida election law?

Spineless

"Republican Charlie Crist says he's too busy governing Florida to take a stand on Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor and other federal issues. But his leading rivals for the U.S. Senate accused him Thursday of ducking tough questions, noting that the governor keeps making time to attend out-of-state fundraisers to pump up his record-setting campaign account."

For example, on "Saturday, he is scheduled to attend a reception at the Sag Harbor home of Jill Zarin, a friend of his wife and a star of The Real Housewives of New York City reality TV show." "Times: Crist says he's too busy to weigh in on Sotomayor nomination".

We like our Kosmas, thank you very much

"The bad economy hasn't affected the fundraising prowess of U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas. The freshman Democrat from New Smyrna Beach raised more than $360,000 this spring, with help from unions, aerospace companies and financial firms. That's double the $169,000 haul of fellow freshman Democrat Alan Grayson of Orlando and more than triple the $97,000 raised by U.S. Rep. John Mica, the nine-term Republican from Winter Park." "Kosmas' contributions double Grayson's total, triple Mica's".

Florida yet again a national laughingstock

First Bill Posey and the "birthers"*, now this.

Bill Cotterell reports that "25 Republican legislators have co-signed House Memorial 19, a nasty note to Congress saying the feds have it all backward. Like Moe Green dismissing Michael Corleone in "The Godfather," the memorial says, "Hey, you don't buy us out, we buy you out." The states don't work for Washington, the legislators say; Congress and the president work for us."

Nice idea, though it didn't work out so well at Appomattox (or when Moe Green lay down on that massage table in the movie). But rapidly expanding federal involvement in the auto industry, banking and finance, national health care and the issuance of strings-attached stimulus money have rudely awakened the somnolent state legislatures.

"I'm a man of faith, and when I placed my hand on the Bible and took an oath to God to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the state of Florida, that meant a lot to me," said Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples. He devised HM 19 with Reps. Scott Plakon of Longwood and Ritch Workman of Melbourne, and more Republicans piled on.

They started a Web site, FLfreedom.org, and spread the word on Facebook. Since the Fourth of July weekend, Hudson said, they've gained 1,800 social network friends for their "Don't Tread On Me" memorial....

First-term Rep. John Tobia, R-Melbourne, is another co-sponsor of the memorial. He teaches government and said the nation would be a lot different if presidents and Congress had always respected the states.

"If Congress adhered to the 10th Amendment, we wouldn't have the bank bailouts," Tobia said. "We wouldn't be going through what's probably going to be the failure of the stimulus packages." ...

You can imagine the attack ads, especially if Obama's policies are popular "... and did you know that, when President Obama was trying to save the nation, our opponent supported a resolution to restart the Civil War?"

Please, Mr. Obama, please help us

Floridians want the rest of the nation to bail us out of our public finance irresponsibility: " In a few years, high-speed trains may be zooming past slow-moving traffic on congested Florida expressways as they travel from Tampa to Orlando -- and eventually Miami -- at 150 and 180 mph, speeds comparable to small private aircraft. Bullet trains may come to Florida -- and it's a big if -- the Florida Department of Transportation persuades the Obama administration to award the state $2.53 billion in federal stimulus money for development of a high-speed rail system." "Plans outlined for high-speed Florida train".

RPOFer self-immolation party

Paul Flemming on the RPOFer "Urge to purge".

SD 12

"Three Republican state senate leaders, including the future senate president, have taken sides with Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman over state Rep. Kevin Ambler in the Republican primary for a Tampa Senate seat." "3 GOP senators backing Norman in primary".

HD 26

"Longtime Volusia County educator Tim Huth has opened a campaign account to run in 2010 for a state House seat that will be vacated by Rep. Pat Patterson, R-DeLand. Huth this week became the first Democrat to take the initial step toward seeking the House District 26 seat, which Patterson will leave because of term limits. Republicans Vince Champion and Fred Costello of Ormond Beach opened campaign accounts earlier this year." "Educator Tim Huth to run for state House".

Another RPOFer Yawner

"Diaz-Balart: Here's how to create jobs".

Never mind

"With questions swirling a day after the federal raid of Conax Florida Corp., U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young on Thursday withdrew support for a $4 million funding request for the defense contractor. The move puts some distance between Conax and Young, who has secured $28.5 million in federal 'earmarks' for the company since 2005." "U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young withdraws support for Conax's latest federal contract".

"Florida should declare war on exotics"

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Sen. Bill Nelson wants to ban Burmese pythons and track down snakes that have escaped into the wild -- a quest that's drawn keen mockery from Web sites like Politico, which posted his quest in its 'Lighter Side of Politics' column with the snippy kicker 'How long until PETA responds?' But Florida's Democratic U.S. senator is right to take this seriously, as is Gov. Charlie Crist -- who issued a news release about the issue Wednesday." "Snakes alive".

Raw political courage

"Crist urges senators to push for carrier dredging".

Where the sun don't shine

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board reminds us that "in Florida, the commissions empowered to nominate candidates for vacancies on state courts operate behind closed doors. Their process is more like picking a pope. An exception has been made for the commissions from Florida's constitutional guarantee of open government. But given the state's long and proud history of government in the sunshine, Floridians have a right to expect better.
" "Pick judges in sunshine, not secrecy".

Whooppee!

Paul Flemming: "During the three months ended June 30, Democrats out fundraised the Republican Party of Florida for the first time in the decade-plus since records started being kept electronically by the state."

By my reckoning — which includes all positive additions to the bottom line — Democrats took in $1.23 million in the second quarter of 2009. The Republicans in the same period raised $1.17 million.

"The outpouring of support from grass-roots donors once again shows that Democrats are organized and energized to elect proven leaders," said FDP Chair Karen Thurman.

I'm not raining on anyone's cash parade, just pointing out two things.

For the year, RPOF has raised $5.3 million to the FDP's $2.47 million.

And though members of both parties are often guilty of acting as if dollars (whether as taxes or contributions) are limitless, that's not so. Any chance the RPOF second-quarter number was reduced by a very big straw sucking cash out of the finite pond of political giving? U.S. Senate candidate Charlie Crist is the true victor of quarter two, siphoning a record $4.3 million for his own campaign.

Cuts

"South Florida's largest and most powerful environmental agency is thinning its management ranks in its largest staff shake-up in years. The South Florida Water Management District -- the largest of Florida's five water management agencies and the one charged with leading the multibillion-dollar Everglades restoration for the state -- will merge two of its five major departments, combining water resources and regulation with government and public affairs." "South Florida Water Management District to trim some management jobs".

"The fix appears to be in"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The fix appears to be in for Florida Atlantic University president Frank Brogan to be named today as the next chancellor of the state university system. The field of finalists is predictably weak and shrinking, given the continuing cloud over the governing structure of the system and the state's lack of commitment to investing in higher education." "Brogan as chancellor".

New fangled arm twisting

"Obama supporters mobilize in Florida to press lawmakers to back health reform".

Amtrak

"Amtrak released a long-awaited report to Congress on Thursday that outlines options for restoring passenger rail service through north Florida." "Amtrak considers return to North Florida".

NASA

"Senate confirms retired astronaut Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden as new NASA administrator".

St. Pete follies

"Overnight, roughly 900 Scott Wagman for mayor signs were suddenly everywhere — medians, next to sidewalks, curbs — and residents were not too happy about it." "Wagman signs cause a stir".

Kosmas

Scott Maxwell wants you to know that Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas "got busted skipping a meeting of the House Financial Services Committee to attend a fundraiser hosted by special interests." See the original story here: "Rep. Suzanne Kosmas Skips Hearing For Fundraiser".

Sansom saga

"A small victory for Sansom, Richburg and Odom".

'Glades

"Everglades and FPL managers are evaluating a compromise so the power company can add much-needed transmission lines in West Miami-Dade." "Everglades land swap may be key to FPL plans to expand in West Miami-Dade".

Amendment 4

John Hedrick, a "point person" for the Sierra Club on the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment: "Amendment 4 corrects power failure".

Stim "paying off"?

"Florida's approximately $15 billion, three-year take of federal-stimulus spending is already starting to pay off, agency heads told Gov. Charlie Crist Wednesday." "Agencies: Stimulus paying off".

What's the problem?

"Despite the recession, the number of millionaires in the Miami- Fort Lauderdale area continues to grow -- almost 7 percent between 2007." "Number of millionaires in South Florida rises".

"Why is Florida abdicating its responsibility"?

"Crist keeps hailing the federal stimulus package as a magic job-saver -- on Wednesday he pointed to $2 billion of the money helping 26,000 teachers stay employed in Florida."

The governor's pronouncement came a day after President Barack Obama pledged $12 billion for the nation's community colleges. It's a wise investment that would help prepare a new workforce during the next decade just as new technologies offer opportunity.

True, these are extraordinary times. The current hardened recession has prompted local and state governments to look to Washington to save the day. But the federal government already is facing a whopping deficit as it funds two wars, tries to fix the banking mess and Detroit auto catastrophe and ventures into healthcare reform.

The question for Mr. Crist, who is running for the U.S. Senate, and for the Florida Legislature, which has given fiscal conservatism a bad name as it squeezes public schools, colleges and universities to the brink of mediocrity, is:

Why is Florida abdicating its responsibility to fund public schools to ensure quality education mandated by the state's constitution?

Just plain "mean"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Lists like the one rating Orlando the third 'meanest' U.S. city for the homeless get noticed, no matter how arbitrary or unfair they might be." "Orlando third "meanest" city & Racial testing gap".

Amendment 4

"Letting voters decide on changes in comprehensive land-use plans will not kill jobs or force a referendum on every new growth opportunity, supporters of a "hometown democracy" amendment said Wednesday." "Supporters say Amendment 4 won't kill jobs".

Heatin up

"Herald/Times video: Marco Rubio swipes at Charlie Crist".

Keep the spikes up next time, Debbie

"U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz sprained her ankle and fractured her left leg sliding into second base during a softball game in Washington." "Congresswoman injured during softball game".

"Wise Latina woman"

The Saint Petersburg Times:

The phrase "wise Latina woman" has become inextricably linked with Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. The jurist again faced tough questions Wednesday about the meaning behind those words, which she used in a 2001 speech to law students at the University of California at Berkeley. In her speech, Sotomayor seemed to suggest that a "wise Latina woman" might reach better conclusions than a white man.

Earlier this week in response to criticism, Sotomayor said the remark "was bad, because it left an impression that I believed that life experiences commanded a result in a case. But that's clearly not what I do as a judge."

We asked some local Hispanic women how they interpreted the "wise Latina" remark and the debate around it.

Delusions of grandeur

"Crist: Florida a role model for national health care reform". See also "Crist says his little-sought health plan should be national model".

"Out-of-sight raises the city has been giving its unions"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board loses it this morning: "With the local economy gasping, property values plummeting and the city of Tampa dealing with a $52 million budget deficit, it is outrageous Tampa unions refuse to forego raises."

Mayor Pam Iorio, who has resolved not to award any city employees pay increases, has declared an impasse in the city's negotiations with the police, fire and general employee unions.

The mayor should hold firm. And Tampa City Council, which ultimately will decide the contracts, must finally put an end to the out-of-sight raises the city has been giving its unions, particularly fire and police. ...

Not giving the union raises would save the city $12 million ...

That cost is a pittance compared to the sacrifices being required in the private sector, where pensions are rare and many companies have stopped contributing to workers' 401k accounts during these hard times.*

In contrast, the unions enjoy a generous pension ...

Whoopee! A name change

"In an effort to make Hillsborough County stand out among Florida counties seeking to lure new high-tech businesses, the Interstate 4 Economic Corridor is going by a new name – the I-4 Green Tech Corridor." "Interstate 4 corridor slated to go 'Green'".

"The bullet train may be back"

Pamela Hasterok: "That woebegone plan for a train to zip commuters from Orlando to Tampa and travelers from Miami to Jacksonville at 120 miles per hour re-emerged this week after five years in cold storage. The Florida Department of Transportation applied for $2.5 billion in federal stimulus money to restart the train line voters approved in 2000. The money would go toward building the original first leg between the Orlando airport, the convention center and Tampa, with a stop in Lakeland." "Bullet train lives again, sort of".

Charlie goes Jindal, Palin and Sanford on us

"Saying 26,000 teacher jobs have been saved, Gov. Charlie Crist touted the federal stimulus package Wednesday -- but he said he won't support another multibillion-dollar spending plan from Congress." "Gov. Charlie Crist: Stimulus is working, more help not needed".

Meantime, "Federal-stimulus dollars continue to flow into Florida".

We special

"Seeking to cut costs in hard times, the Legislature banned most out-of-state travel by state employees. But the travel restriction doesn't apply to lawmakers themselves, dozens of whom are headed to national conferences this week and next at public expense." "As state workers stay grounded, Florida lawmakers hit the road".

The Brogan "myth"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: The Palm Beach Post editorial board:"Mr. Brogan's supporters, though, cite his political background and argue that it would help him in Tallahassee. That's a myth. Take FSU. Despite friends in key places and a former House speaker as its president, FSU's budget has been shredded."

Still, if Mr. Brogan got the job and got Mr. Rosenberg's deal [$416,353 in salary and benefits], he would get a nice raise and wouldn't have to worry about all the hard decisions ahead for FAU in these tough times. But the system would be getting a leader who as education commissioner stressed charter schools and vouchers over public schools and said this of creationism: "We understand that evolution is a widely accepted theory. I think there is another belief out there, and it can be taught.''

Florida's university system needs a fundamental change in governance more than a new chancellor. Still, the system's figurehead should not be someone who was complicit in doing the system fundamental harm.

Sentinel editors at it again

The Chamber of Commerce stenographers comprising the Orlando Sentinel editorial board continue to slam state employees, writing today that "it's a good time to be working for the state of Florida."

You wouldn't know it talking to state employees, who fret that they haven't had a pay increase in a couple of years and they're being asked to do more with less. Join the crowd.

What also hasn't increased in the past few years for state workers is the monthly premium they have to pay for health care, which has held steady since 2006 at the laughably low price of $50 a month for individuals and $180 a month for family coverage, or $2,160 per year. It's even better for thousands of state employees who get free health care, as do hundreds of employees in the Legislature, including your part-time lawmakers.

Compare that to the national average for a family's yearly premium last year, which the Kaiser Family Foundation put at $3,354, a nearly 13 percent increase from 2006. Using the negative math of today's economy, state employees came out way ahead.

Graham back in action

"Former Florida senator and governor Bob Graham will be one of six Democratic appointees to a commission set up to investigate the causes of the nation’s financial collapse. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced their six appointments to the 10-member Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission today, including former California Treasurer Phil Angelides as chairman." "Bob Graham appointed to financial crisis panel".

Oh no ... an evil "double dipper"!!!

"Elections chief Lennard sworn in, becomes latest 'double dipper'".

"A lot of 'splainin' to do"

"Senator Ricky Ricardo? Coburn evokes Lucy show". Perhaps Florida's hard charging political "journalists" will ask Charlie if he joins Senator Coburn in this sentiment?

Don't hold your breath.

Maddox

"Scott Maddox files to run for agriculture commissioner".

Sink staffs up

"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink is filling out her campaign's inner-circle and, unusual for many recent Democratic campaigns in Florida, it's chock full of operatives with Sunshine State campaign experience."

The latest hire, not yet publicly announced by the campaign, is campaign manager Paul Dunn, who most recently ran U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas' successful challenge of Tom Feeney in the Orlando area. Dunn also ran the successful minimum wage ballot initiative in Florida in 2004 and worked on a redistricting effort in 2005.

Dunn joins a team that includes veteran pollster Dave Beattie of Fernandina Beach, whose many Florida clients range from Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio to Sen. Bill Nelson; media consultant Rich Davis, who grew up in Gainesville and worked at the state party in the early 1990s; and general consultant Marc Farinella, a Melbourne resident who worked with the Bill McBride and Rod Smith gubernatorial campaigns.

"Government on the cheap"

Scott Maxwell: "But while we're pointing fingers, let's save one for ourselves."

Because this, my fellow Floridians, is also what you asked for: government on the cheap.

Florida ranks near the bottom third of the United States when it comes to child-welfare spending.

Per child, we spend less than 50 cents for every dollar the top-ranked states spend, according to the most recent statistics from the national advocacy group Every Child Matters.

And the starting salary for caseworkers in this state is woefully low.

Not everything is quite so dire. We rank as high as middle-of-the-pack for things like children living in poverty.

But overall, Florida's low rankings are about what you'd expect from its spending.

Not everything can be fixed with money. But when we have workers handling the cases of 50 children — when the recommended maximum is 15 — it's obvious we're understaffed.

So let's get back to the caseworkers.

The average starting salary is about $31,000.

Think about that for a moment.

Whenever a politician is asked about some quarter-million-dollar salary of a government or nonprofit CEO, we usually hear: "Well, we have to pay people what they're worth."

So is that what our abandoned children are worth?

Thirty-one grand a year? For someone with a college degree? Many of whom sleep with beepers?

Poor Vern

"During his re-election campaign, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan rebutted allegations of business and campaign improprieties made against him in nearly a dozen lawsuits and said he would be vindicated in court. He may yet be, but more than a year later, the cases filed against the Longboat Key Republican by former workers and a business partner, and the four countersuits filed by Buchanan's companies are active and threaten to linger into 2010, when Buchanan will likely seek a third term." "Lawsuits against Buchanan may linger into 2010".

Stickin' with Obama

"Broward’s Democratic members of Congress are almost perfect – in their support of President Barack Obama’s agenda and in support of their party unity. A CQ analysis shows they almost never depart from the party line. The county’s lone Republican in Congress, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, is far less devoted to his party’s position when it’s time for him to vote. And he supports Obama’s position on issues fairly often." "Broward's Democratic congressmen stick with their party and the president".

Another RPOFer billionaire

"A Deerfield Beach man has mystified state and federal officials by forming 160 political action committees in the past year -- groups with names like the Florida Billionaires Political Committee and United States Former Vice Presidents Federal PAC. Josue Larose is a political unknown, as of now, anyway. He is running as a write in for state Senate District 28 against former state Rep. Joe Negron and two-time state House candidate Bill Ramos in a special election on Aug. 4 to replace state Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie." "Man behind Florida Billionaires Political Committee running in 3 races, formed 160 PACs".

HD 84

"The race for the seat of former State Rep. Priscilla Taylor is taking shape with three candidates vying for Taylor's unexpired term in House District 84. Riviera Beach Councilman Cedrick Thomas, Delray Beach City Commissioner Mackenson 'Mack' Bernard and West Palm Beach business consultant James Henry 'Hank' Harper Jr., all Democrats, have qualified to run in the special election and will have six weeks to campaign before the Aug. 25 primary." "Another candidate jumps into race for House District 84 seat".

SD 12

"Three Republican state Senate leaders, including the future Senate president, have taken sides with Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman over state Rep. Kevin Ambler in the Republican primary for a Tampa Senate seat. Norman and Ambler are both running for the District 12 seat now held by Victor Crist, R-Tampa, who faces a term limit next year. Norman got the endorsements of Sens. Mike Haridopolos of Merritt Island, who will be Senate president after the 2010 election; J.D. Alexander of Lake Wales, a key member of the Senate leadership team; and Don Gaetz of Niceville." "Senate leaders pick Norman over Ambler in District 12 race".

Yaaawwwnnn

"GOP activist files Sink ethics complaint".

'Glades

"Water managers may offer Everglades restoration land, other tracts as collateral to finance U.S. Sugar deal". See also "Sides argue pros and cons of U.S. Sugar deal to judge".

Another go

"State Has New Plan to Buy CSX Line in Orlando".

Sotomayor's Margate connection

"When Sonia Sotomayor visits her mom, which is often, it usually doesn't take long before they end up at Floresther Rios' condo. 'She goes right to the kitchen, and goes right for the Cuban coffee,' Rios said Wednesday. ... This is where the woman poised to become the next U.S. Supreme Court justice comes to keep it real: with her mother, Celina, and her mom's tight circle of friends in the Palm Springs III senior community." "Michael Mayo: Supreme Court nominee keeps it real with South Florida family, friends".

Sharks, panthers

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Move to protect sharks, panthers in South Florida".

Endorsement fight

"Rubio on Tuesday picked up the endorsement of former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey Tuesday."

Meanwhile, Crist has tapped into Rubio's Miami turf, picking up endorsements from U.S. Reps. Mario and Lincoln Diaz-Balart and from Miami Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

Cuba

"West Palm Jews visit to aid brethren in Cuba".

Off topic

"A bill to tax and regulate marijuana in California like alcohol would generate nearly $1.4 billion in revenue for the cash-strapped state, according to an official analysis released Wednesday by tax officials. The State Board of Equalization report estimates marijuana retail sales would bring $990 million from a $50-per-ounce fee and $392 million in sales taxes." "Report says California pot tax would raise $1.4 billion".

Snake handlers

"State authorizes python hunting in South Fla.".

Thrasher collected $268,645 in little more than a month. That is more than all other legislative candidates in Volusia and Flagler districts combined to raise between April 1 and June 30, newly filed reports show.

Thrasher and three other Republicans have opened campaign accounts for the 2010 race to replace Sen. Jim King, who cannot run again because of term limits....

Thrasher received contributions from a wide range of businesses and groups in the district and other parts of the state.

Luv 4 sale

"The top five money raisers in the House and Senate so far are all Republicans and, with the exception of incumbent Dean Cannon, all are chasing open seats." "Republicans Rivera, Diaz head list of top legislative fund-raisers so far".

Sole tries to cover Charlie's a**

Michael W. Sole is secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, good little soldier that he is, attempts to rehabilitate Charlie's green reputation ""

I am shocked(not)!

"Former lieutenant governor and education commissioner Frank Brogan moved a step closer Monday to becoming the state university system's next chancellor. " "FAU's Brogan a finalist for chancellor".

"'Convergys redux'"

Bill Cotterell: "DOE slow to act on ID threat".

Game on

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "It's easy to become cynical about such early fundraising and the vast amounts. But the mechanics behind the messages are important in such a large state, and when voters remain so tuned out for so long. The antidote to letting special interests run the show is for everyday citizens to get involved — early — and begin studying the issues and the candidates — the constitutional amendments, too — to understand what's at stake." "Take an interest".

Wingnuts gone wild

"Heritage Foundation: Justice is not a popularity contest, Judge Sotomayor". But see "UF experts defend Sotomayor’s experience comment".

"Florida should examine use of informants"

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "When the state seeks to convict someone of murder and sentence that person to death, courts have a duty to demand credible evidence that demonstrates guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In the Florida case of Herman Lindsey, who's spent nearly three years on death row, that didn't happen." "A snitch in time".

Surgeon general

"Obama taps former FAMU trustee to be surgeon general".

Them entrepreneurs are at it agin'

"Reaching higher up the supply chain than ever before to investigate gasoline price gouging, Florida regulators Monday announced a $2.3 million settlement with the Wall Street firm Morgan Stanley Capital Group." "State reaches settlement in gas price-gouging case".

.Underfunded candidates like Rubio don't need more money now. The need an argument. A bulletproof argument from a plausible candidate is worth tens of millions of dollars in any primary, overwhelming a financial advantage of any magnitude. While frontrunners confuse high-dollar fundraising for actual grassroots support, a conclusion that headlines like The Hill's do nothing to discourage, smart underdogs would do right to focus on building an impregnable message advantage. Because that's the part that counts for 90% in any electoral victory.

John McCain's campaign was defunct and broke at this point in the race, without money to pay a pollster. Mike Huckabee had no money. Meanwhile, Rudy Giuliani spent $60 million plus to win a single delegate, attending fundraisers when he should have been in New Hampshire. A leading Republican strategist recently told me that he wonders whether money doesn't wind up making our campaigns worse while the lack of money makes them better and more focused. Look at McCain with no money, vs. McCain with money (pre-implosion and general election).

Crist's fundraising aside, he's still a relatively popular governor with 100% name ID, and so still the "man to beat." But fundraising trophies don't make it so. Complacency is his biggest enemy.

Crist's campaign is the antithesis of Rebuildness. Of Crist's $4.3 million how much was online? How much came from donations of $100 or less? How many people have signed up on his e-mail list since he announced? How many of his supporters would crawl on glass to see him win?

In running a campaign, that latter kind of support is the kind I want, and I think Rubio has it.

And not only that, but he's a particularly strong and plausible kind of grassroots candidate. He's no Mike Huckabee or Ron Paul. Had Crist not stepped in, he'd be considered a top recruit and a rising star. Rubio would easily beat Kendrick Meek in a general election.

We have two uniquely talented people running for Senate in a seat we will probably hold in Florida. Instead of elbowing one aside, we should be grabbing the popcorn and watching this one go the distance.

The primary will be close. Among voters who know both, Crist and Rubio are tied. Crist's money will not buy him more name ID or goodwill; only his bully pulpit as Governor can do that, and he's surrendering it. Meanwhile, Rubio's talents as a candidate, his crossover potential[?], and his appeal to grassroots conservatives mean he has nowhere to go but up. I still think Crist narrowly wins absent a massive screwup, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. Recent elections have not been kind to moneyed "frontrunners."

"Bewildering"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The search continues for what might be one of the most bewildering jobs in all of Florida government: chancellor of the State University System."

Now one of the front-runners is Frank Brogan, one-term lieutenant governor to Jeb Bush and currently president of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton....

Mr. Brogan, a former Martin County superintendent of schools and one-term commissioner of the Florida Department of Education, holds a master's degree in education. It is a modest credential that cannot help but put him at a disadvantage on a national stage where strong academic achievement is traditionally expected of higher-education leaders.

His lack of a terminal academic degree won't hurt the genial Mr. Brogan a bit in the Legislature, however, and that's where the battles are currently being waged on behalf of Florida college students and our economic viability.

"Sansom has disgraced his role as legislator"

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "the public documents that have already come to light establish that Sansom has disgraced his role as legislator. "

A grand jury indictment spells out the details: Sansom was awarded a high-profile job at the state college after he secured millions of dollars in state funding in 2008 -- including $6 million for a building at Destin Airport, which e-mails indicate was to be built on land owned by North Florida businessman Jay Odom, and leased back to him for use as an airplane hangar. At various times, the building was purported to be an emergency-operations center or classrooms.

Other e-mails uncovered in the House's own investigation suggest that Sansom and former Northwest Florida State College President Bob Richburg were eager to keep the deal from becoming public. One e-mail -- from Sansom -- details the duties and salary of the job he expected to fill at the college. Other messages suggested they use private (nonstate) e-mail addresses for further correspondence.

Stephen Kahn, the special investigator for the House, laid out three actions -- taking the $110,000-a-year job at the college, scheming to insert the hangar facility into the state budget and working to cover his tracks -- that suggest Sansom abused his power as a legislator.

The Zell Corporation ...

... wants you to know: "Tough times? Florida state workers keep perks". By the way, "state workers haven't received an across-the-board pay raise in three years. And as vacant positions go unfilled, they're being asked to shoulder a bigger workload for the same pay."

'Ya think?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Stop trash talking, and start recycling".

Mel needs to go back to slip-and-fall cases

The genius who made his fortune on third-tier slip-and-fall cases is now lecturing us on Honduran politics. "Foundations of democracy being dismantled".

"Quest for rapid growth proved fatal"

"BankUnited's founder and top shareholder Alfred R. Camner parlayed a tiny thrift into Florida's largest bank. His big bet on risky mortgages and a quest for rapid growth proved fatal." "Founder's big risks behind BankUnited's troubles". More: "Alfred R. 'Fred' Camner" and "How the old BankUnited fell apart".

Layoffs

"Florida's new fiscal year brings 159 layoffs of state employees." "Updated: Budget director: State-worker layoffs at start of fiscal year will likely mean fewer later".

"Up in smoke"

"Smokers who relied on Indian reservations as a cheaper source of cigarettes saw their discount go up in smoke July 1, when the tribes started levying the state's $1.34-a-pack tax." "Florida Indian tribes levying cigarette tax".

For the first time since Republicans took control of the Legislature, the state Democrats raised more money than the Republicans in the second quarter of a year. The party raised $1,196,529 compared with the Republicans' $1,160,064.

Florida's Democrats have been looking for things to turn around since . . . well, you can take your pick: Since they lost control of the Legislature in 1996. Since they lost control of the governor's mansion in 1998. Since the 2000 presidential election drama.

And although they finally won a state race when Alex Sink became Florida chief financial officer and gained a handful of legislative and U.S. House seats, that turnaround never happened. Despite Barack Obama winning the state in 2008. Despite a growing advantage in number of registered voters.

Things were so bad in 2005 that the IRS slapped a lien on the state party for back taxes and it had less than $100,000 in its bank accounts.

So maybe, just maybe -- if candidates appear and run and elections actually get contested -- Florida could find itself with a fully functioning two-party system next year.

The kind where competing candidates actually show up places and ask us to vote for them.

It's a wild thought, but it's possible. In fact, reading between the lines in this quarter's reports, it looks like the smart money already is on that happening.

Absence of honor

The The Orlando Sentinel editorial board is at it yet again this morning (emphasis supplied):

In this economy, employees — even union workers — are making concessions, not padding their benefits. Unions, on the other hand, historically fight government mergers and consolidations.

Will he ... or won't he?

"So far, even with other statewide races crowded with candidates, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp is the only big-name Republican talking seriously about running in the GOP primary for attorney general." "Kottkamp eyes GOP attorney general race".

Sore loserman

"Republican message needs an upgrade, Jeb Bush says".

The rudderless RPOF

Jane Healy: "Who exactly are Florida Republicans? Are they Gov. Charlie Crist, who had a chance to remake the state Supreme Court with a Republican bent but instead appointed a Democrat as the last of his four appointments? Or are they more aligned with former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, a conservative challenging Crist for the nomination to the U.S. Senate?"

Who knows? The Florida Republicans right now really don't have a head of the party to set the direction. They did when Jeb Bush was governor. Much of Bush's support, after all, came from Republicans and some independents. But Crist, whose approval ratings are every bit as high as Bush's, gets much of his support from Democrats.

So is Florida Republican Chairman Jim Greer the real head of the party, the one to lead the 2010 candidates to victory? Not quite. Greer talks a good game about uniting the party, but his main thrust seems to be getting Crist elected and perhaps getting himself named head of the national party.

Without a head of the state party, the most likely situation for 2010 is every candidate for himself or herself, without anyone at the top pulling them along. This is no small issue, with four open Cabinet seats, including governor, up for grabs.

Amendment 4

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "after overcoming enormous hurdles, including several perniciously erected barriers by legislative lackeys of Florida's growth machine, [Amendment 4] has made it to next year's general election ballot as Amendment 4."

The change in the state constitution would, in essence, give voters direct veto power over every major land use change approved by local governments.

We will not support Amendment 4, though our sympathies lie with its authors' intention to restore sanity to Florida's comprehensive planning and loosen developers' steely grip on this state. Amendment 4 is unlikely to achieve those goals. It instead could make a bigger mess of community planning. It would reduce what has at least been a negotiated permitting process between developers and professional public planners to an up-or-down gamble between developers and their opponents, with too many of Florida's natural assets and the livability of Florida communities at stake.

And then there's the sheer volume of requests for comp plan changes, many of them routine and all very technical, that voters would have to consider on their general election ballots. For example, Volusia County had five proposed comp plan documents pending state review through the first half of this year, but it had 17 in 2007, when the economy was better. DeLand had five pending through June, and 10 overall in 2007. Trying to determine which comp plan change would be beneficial to a community and why would be confusing to many voters.

Mike Thomas gets Sicko on us

"Hope and pray that you don't get sick".

SunRail revival

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Commuter rail could still come to Central Florida, and that's a good thing. Rail supporters and CSX revived negotiations last month after learning the project might qualify for funding under the federal stimulus package. That would lower the state's contribution. Now both sides need to redraw a fundamentally flawed deal that favored the for-profit rail carrier at taxpayers' expense." "Hopes for rail renewed".

Why?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board is opposed to anything its rank and file employees don't get - after all, the editors don't want their workers to ... you know ... figure out they're not getting benefits that unionized employees (e.g., most state workers) are getting:

Next year the Legislature should take the reform a step farther and put tighter restrictions on the so-called DROP program, which allows veteran employees to bank their pension payments during their last five years on the job.

Enjoy

"RPOF accused of 'witch hunt' purges".

Dunn it is

"The Buzz is Paul Dunn, who managed Suzanne Kosmas' successful campaign against Tom Feeney, will come on board soon to help lead the team that also includes pollster Dave Beattie, media consultant Rich Davis, and consultant Marc Farinella." "Alex Sink hires campaign manager".

Suit against Progress Energy proceeds

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Last week's ruling by federal regulators that environmental groups could challenge Progress Energy's plans to build a nuclear plant in Levy County underlines one of the roadblocks the United States faces in addressing climate change." "Getting to a clean energy future".

"Game-changer"?

The Hill: "Crist’s $4.3 million effort for his new Senate campaign is the biggest game-changer among several early announcements, and probably will remain so when all financial reports are received in the coming week."

Crist was expected to raise big money for his campaign, but his total far outpaced anybody’s estimates and makes him an even bigger favorite than he was before.

Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), meanwhile, raised $1.2 million and has put together a respectable $3 million for the race. But if Crist is even close to maintaining his current pace, it will be difficult for Meek to gain much traction.

Former state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) also saw his stock slide in a big way, with his $340,000 quarter dwarfed by Crist, who already led in primary polls by upwards of 30 points.

Secret secret

Aaron Deslatte: "Judiciary out of reach of open government".

"Utter hypocrisy"

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: "The Legislature never tires of meddling in public education. "

The latest example is the decree that school board members cannot make more money than a starting teacher in their district.

I'm not a big fan of big paydays for public officials. And how much of a hardship is it if part-time school board members are restricted to the pay of a full-time teacher?

But I have problems with the Legislature's decree. Start with its utter hypocrisy.

Byrd

"Controversy after controversy led the Legislature to cut off funding last year." "Byrd Alzheimer's center facing financial crisis".

Laff riot

"Barney T. Bishop III: Don't miss chance to drill and boost economy".

"Florida's traditional yet short-sighted program"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "While it may seem a long way off until another legislative session enlivens the capital city, for champions of serious prison reform as it relates to mental illness and substance abuse, the education of lawmakers and support of the public cannot resume too soon." "Try again".

"Mighty moth"

"Compared to kudzu, the infamous vine that ate The South, Old World climbing fern may be an obscure pest plant. But they're a lot alike. ... But a new weapon -- in development for a dozen years by federal researchers in Fort Lauderdale -- shows significant promise to beat back an invader so aggressive it would cover a third of the wetlands between Orlando and Naples if left unchecked." "Mighty moth may become Everglades' new weed eater".