"Obviously what the governor did is what's in the governor's best interest . . . but I think it's about as far away from his Republican base as he could be," said Debbie Cox-Roush, chairman of the Hillsborough party.

"I believe we had candidates that would have served Florida better in Washington. That's about as diplomatic as I can be."

Cox-Roush and other leaders of the party organizations in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties had backed former U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis of Palm Harbor for the appointment.

Rubio, who's appealing to conservatives in his challenge to Crist in the GOP Senate primary, called the appointment "disappointing."

"George is a talented political operative and the governor's best friend, but that doesn't make him the right choice to represent Florida in the Senate," he said.

the state’s Democratic party chairwoman, criticized the choice in a statement released on Friday: “This glaring example of political cronyism is the last thing Florida needed while we face these tough economic times and the Congress is tackling critical issues such as health insurance reform and global warming. In appointing LeMieux, someone who has made millions over the past several years selling access to Crist to the highest bidders among Tallahassee’s special interests, Charlie Crist once again put his own political ambition above doing what is right for Florida.”

While LeMieux has steadily avoided discussing the clients he represented at Gunster Yoakley, he had to disclose on a Senate questionnaire last week that he had a consulting business, MTC Strategies, named after each initial of his three boys. Federal election records show he earned $150,000 in consulting fees in the past 13 months from the Republican Party of Florida.

LeMieux wouldn’t discuss what he did to earn that money.

LeMieux said he’s representing the Florida Department of Transportation in negotiations with Florida East Coast railroad and he’s negotiating the Seminole Tribe of Florida gambling agreement on Crist’s behalf for free.

But Republican operative Roger Stone, who has campaigned publicly against the choice of LeMieux for the Senate, questioned whether LeMieux was really working pro bono. Stone pointed to a Herald/Times blog report showing that 71 percent of the $912,000 the Seminoles directly gave to the Republican Party since 1996 was donated since Crist took over party fundraising after he won the 2006 Republican governor’s race primary.

"The pattern of giving and the flow of money to LeMieux are deeply concerning,” said Stone, who has done political work for South Florida pari-mutuels opposed to the Seminole compact. “I don’t see how you can be an objective negotiator with the tribe when it appears as if he was paid by the Seminoles using RPOF as a pass through.”

An analysis of Crist’s Senate campaign documents shows Gunster Yoakley and its clients accounted for $142,250 in contributions.

"I'm practically speechless," longtime Republican strategist J.M. "Mac" Stipanovich said after hearing George LeMieux beat out eight other finalists to be appointed Florida's next U.S. senator. "George LeMieux is a great guy and very capable.

"But you've got a list that has a former U.S. attorney (Roberto Martinez) who was the go-to guy of three governors; you've got the mayor of a major city, a chancellor and university president (John Delaney); you've got a guy who won repeated statewide elections (Jim Smith); you've got a guy who served decades in Congress (Mike Bilirakis and Clay Shaw). And you pick George?"

"Maestro" dropping the ball?

"LeMieux, Crist's former chief of staff, served as the governor's lead negotiator with the tribe." "Casino deal still not reached".

An honest editorial about the LeMieux pick

Most of the editorial commentary about Crist's self-serving LeMieux pick has been (predictably) tame.

Fortunately the The Palm Beach Post editorial board has supplied a little honesty to the discussion: "The honest thing would have been for Gov. Crist to appoint himself to Mel Martinez's former Senate seat. The governor's choice of his stunt double should fool no one."

With this choice, the governor showed that what matters most is that nothing disrupt his plan to flee Tallahassee - and the hard decisions that would lie ahead in a second term - for a Senate seat that he can use to promote himself while he decides whether to run for president. The governor has attempted to cover his retreat by saying that he wants to bring Florida-style solutions to Washington, but that's no more believable than the idea that anyone but Mr. LeMieux was in contention.

Though Mr. LeMieux will serve only through next year, key legislation could come before the Senate. President Obama and Democratic leaders still promise a vote on health care reform. Gov. Crist used the word "cockamamie" to describe the health care negotiations, but this state has more at stake than most because Florida has the highest percentage of residents over 65. Will Mr. LeMieux vote based on what is best for the state, or will the governor tell him to be obstructionist and play to the president's critics who favor ex-Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio in the Republican primary? ...

With Florida at its most fragile since World War II, it is infuriating to have a governor who so clearly places his future above the state's.

"Only everything"

Mark Hohmeister: "What do the voters want? Only everything".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Regulators clamped down last fall on shady sales practices for privately run Medicare health insurance for the elderly."

New regulations for the plans, known as Medicare Advantage, banned unsolicited phone calls and door-to-door sales. They stopped agents from churning up commissions by switching customers to new policies. Meals tied to marketing activities also are now forbidden.

But customers and advocate groups say the plans' confusing nature still leaves room for pitches bordering on the deceptive, and abuses still crop up.

Seniors report being pressured with unsolicited phone calls or home visits that are clearly prohibited. Some have signed up for plans that didn't include their longtime doctors or hit them with unexpected costs, things they learn weeks later.

Dean

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "State Sen. Charles Dean is running out of alibis." "Senator, it's time to pay your fees".

The panel, created by Gov. Charlie Crist and state lawmakers last year, voted 6-2 to recommend that the Public Service Commission adopt a goal-setting procedure based largely on a long-used method favored by the utilities.

Gambling

"Facing a Monday deadline, state leaders and the Seminoles appear closer than ever to getting a gambling deal authorizing the tribe to operate blackjack and slots in exchange for money dedicated to state schools." "Seminole Tribe, state close in on gambling deal". Related: "Lawmaker: It's up to Crist to cut Seminole gambling deal".

Charlie "mending fences"?

The Hill writes that "in an effort to win friends among conservatives he has alienated, Crist has interviewed more than half a dozen potential successors eager to fill out the remainder of Martinez's term."

They range from close allies like former chief of staff George LeMieux to political veterans like ex-Rep. Clay Shaw (R) and hard-line conservatives, including state Sen. Daniel Webster.

Ten candidates remain in contention, with political observers seeing three as true entries on the shortlist. Former U.S. Attorney Bob Martinez, LeMieux and former Attorney General Jim Smith are the inside favorites, sources said.

LeMieux, who is rumored to be aiding the selection process behind the scenes, could cause some controversy, given his close ties to Crist.

Picking him, said Orange County Republican Party Chairman Lew Oliver, "would only be, from a perception perspective, only slightly less damaging than appointing himself."

Smith has run into trouble lately because of his past as a lobbyist after he left office. And few know Bob Martinez (no relation to the senator), making some conservatives nervous.

So far, at least four candidates — Reps. Bill Young and Lincoln Diaz-Balart, former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings and businesswoman Susan Story — have taken their names out of contention even after Crist asked them to submit questionnaires.

A Zell thing

After slamming labor law reform a few weeks ago, Zell Corporation employee Beth Kassab tiptoes around corporate excess this morning in "Darden board pay reflects new reality".

Hey, it works for Walmart-China

"Inmate labor -- a cheaper solution?".

Florida's "'radical left-wing fringe'"?

"The head of Florida's most powerful business group [the august Barney Bishop] said Thursday a 'radical left-wing fringe' of voters is stopping the state from cashing in on offshore oil drilling." "Drilling debate gets heated".

Crist claims he "govern[s] most of the day"

"So far, Crist has largely ignored new media, at least in comparison to his opponents."

Yes, Crist's Senate campaign has set up Twitter and Facebook accounts, but Crist, 53, who admits to not being a fan of e-mail, lacks the personal touch Meek, 42, and Rubio, 38, give theirs. And Crist's YouTube channel isn't nearly as extensive as his younger opponents' channels.

But there's still a year to go before the primary and a little more than 14 months to the general election, so he has time.

"I'm a traditionalist, but I think that we'll continue to move forward and as new opportunities to communicate develop, we will develop with them," Crist said. "When you're governor of a state the size of Florida, I don't have time to be tweeting all day. I need to govern most of the day."

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"The University of Florida plans to use federal stimulus money to hire up to 100 new professors, helping replenish the faculty after a year of cuts." "Stimulus cash to bring in up to 100 professors".

"PSC's lobbyist wrong to party with FPL exec"

The Miami Herald editors: "PSC staff lobbyist Ryder Rudd says he visited the Palm Beach Gardens home of Florida Power & Light Vice President and General Counsel Ed Tancer in May during a Kentucky Derby party. He said he and his wife were there 'briefly,' only as part of his job to collect information about industry issues." "Public Service Commission inquiry is right on".

SLAPP

The Palm Beach Post editors: "To shut up the critics, Mr. Reily filed a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. It's the sort of frivolous lawsuit the Legislature won't tolerate against doctors or hospitals but allows developers to use against average Floridians. Once the defendants have to hire attorneys and spend money, the theory goes, the public protests will end." "End these frivolous lawsuits".

Have another beer ...

"Boyd: Business can help solve problems".

'Glades

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Both sides declared victory after Wednesday's ruling that the South Florida Water Management District can issue bonds to buy a large portion of U.S. Sugar's land." "Victory for the Everglades".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Ky. military contractor accused of threatening witnesses amid investigation of faulty repairs".

Stop the madness

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The federal government's case against Youssef Megahed always hinged on the suspect math that one plus one equaled three. This week, having overcome two attempts by federal authorities to jail or deport him, Megahed was back where he belonged — at the University of South Florida completing his degree in engineering." "Object lesson in the rule of law".

Chamber slime

"The Florida Chamber of Commerce's Partnership for Florida's Future elections group has begun running this ad warning about 'the greedy personal injury trial lawyers and illegal aliens (who) sue our hospitals... schools and law-enforcement officers.' Add to that a fourth victim, the ad says: candidate John Thrasher, 'the conservative champion.'" "'Illegal aliens' now part of tough Senate race". Related: "New TV ad blasting Thrasher".

Thanks, Mr. Obama

The Tampa Tribune "The need to curtail nutrient pollution can be seen almost every rainy season, when runoff causes algae blooms in water bodies throughout the state, including Tampa Bay."

The blooms often deplete dissolved oxygen levels to the point that aquatic life cannot survive, creating dead zones. The pollution kills fish and renders water bodies unsafe for swimming or drinking.

So it is encouraging to see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finally is taking steps to limit the nutrient pollution that flows off farmlands and neighborhood lawns or leaches from septic tanks.

"Investors should cover more of top FPL salaries and bonuses"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "As air conditioners churn across the state and bills spike during the summer, no one wants to hear that Florida Power & Light wants to increase its rate by 30 percent -- especially not in a recession with statewide unemployment at historic levels. Add to that angst the fight FPL waged to keep confidential the names of executives receiving top pay and benefits, which has resulted in an unnecessarily nefarious tone to the rate-increase discussion." "FPL customers need relief".

Big of us

"Immigration officials have released the two Haitian parents who lost their baby girl when a boat carrying migrants trying to get to the United States capsized in May off the coast of Palm Beach County, according to an advocacy group for Haitians." "Migrant couple who lost child released".

State Rep. Jennifer Carroll of the Jacksonville area. A conservative African-American Navy veteran, Carroll would surely earn Crist a huge burst of glowing national attention for looking like a new breed of Republican. But Carroll is no stand-out in the Legislature (and she once claimed an MBA from a diploma mill called Kensington University that was later ordered closed). She could be a risky, unpredictable choice.

Huh?

"Klein tells tele-town hall he’s 'not quite there yet' on supporting Dem health care bill, public option". See also "Sun-Sentinel: Klein holds town hall hearing on health care".

"Florida GOP chief threatens legal action against stealthy 527 group"

"Florida Republican Chairman Jim Greer is blasting a racially-tinged mailer in a special state Senate election that warns that Black Panthers and "armed thugs" might try to intimidate voters."

The crux is a shadowy, so-called 527 organization called the "Conservative Voters' Coalition" that is sending out absentee-ballot requests, claiming to be a Republican organization, and warning the Black Panthers, MoveOn.org, and ACORN might get involved in the District 8 primary on Sept 15.

The direct-mail piece warns voters that "armed thugs may try and scare you away from the voting booth."

Greer calls the mailer a "clear violation" of the state law requiring groups to get permission from a state party's executive committee before using its name or symbols, and warned that the party "is exploring all available legal options to ensure that eligible voters are not misled or disenfranchised by the activities of you or your organization."

But the GOP had to send the letter to a 27-year-old Florida State University graduate student named Erin Di Cesare -- because thanks to a federal court ruling throwing out the state's electioneering communications law, there is no requirement that the group disclose its donors.

Di Cesare is a registered Democrat who is listed as chair for the 527 group. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Her lawyer, David Ramba, said this week he doesn't know who was financing the mailers and called Di Cesare -- who has no listed phone number -- a "front" for the real orchestrator.

"I don't know who she's fronting for," Ramba said, adding "It's a clean mailer. It's legal."

Florida Division of Elections spokeswoman Jennifer Krell-Davis said her agency had been sent the mailer but that it didn't appear to break the law because it doesn't use the exact depiction of the elephant symbol on file with the state.

"The one on the mailer is poorly drawn and has a checkmark in the middle of it with the words 'Conservative Voters' Coalition' surrounding it," she told the Sentinel.

Entrepreneurs in action

"Phone giants, utilities, tobacco companies and a sugar giant led the charge among industries that spent about $108.7 million on Florida lobbyists this spring. ... Not surprisingly, the spending often coincided with big political wins." "Industries spent $108.7 million to lobby state lawmakers".

Empty suit

"U.S. Rep. John Mica continued his campaign against a proposal to reform health care, telling a group of business people and government officials he objects to the creation of more bureaucracy."

His solution?: "His solution to soaring health-care costs and lack of access to care and insurance is to "address liability" through tort reform and reduce Medicare fraud." "Mica continues campaign against health care reform plan".

"Florida's 32-year-old ban on gay adoption"

"A Miami appeals court that will help decide the fate of Florida's ban on adoption by gay people grilled lawyers on both sides of the dispute Wednesday as it grappled with a thorny question: Does the law protect children from a risky lifestyle, or merely punish a group disliked by lawmakers?"

During oral arguments before the Third District Court of Appeal, an attorney representing the Department of Children & Families defended Florida's 32-year-old ban on gay adoption by insisting the state has a sensible interest in protecting children from social ills that are more common among gay men and women.

"There is evidence that homosexuals have higher rates of mental disorders, suicide and domestic violence,'' said Timothy D. Osterhaus, deputy solicitor general for Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, who is representing DCF. "This is a plausible rationale.''

And in comments outside a Florida International University courtroom, where the arguments were held, John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council, declared it was good public policy to promote the adoption of vulnerable children only by households headed by married mothers and fathers.

"We should focus on what is best for kids, not on what we can get by with,'' said Stemberger, who was heckled and interrupted by activists as he answered questions from the press.

DCF is appealing a November ruling by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman that declared the 1977 statute unconstitutional.

'Glades

"A judge signed off on water managers' plans to borrow money to buy U.S. Sugar lands for Everglades projects, but he capped the amount. " "Sugar deal OK'd with limits".

Sorry, second homers

"An appeals court Wednesday rejected a constitutional challenge to the Save Our Homes property-tax cap, ruling against a group of Alabama residents who own second homes in Florida." "Court nixes challenge to tax cap".

Gambling

"The Seminole Tribe of Florida is inching closer to completing a gambling deal with the state that would allow it to keep the slot machines and card games at its Hard Rock casinos in return for $150 million in annual payments to the state." "Deal seems closer in gambling negotiations".

Poor little rich boy

"The CEO of the state's largest utility wrapped up three days of testimony on a proposed $1.3 billion a year rate hike insisting that residential electricity rates will go down. Armando Olivera, Florida Power & Light Co.'s CEO, said the utility needs the rate hike to preserve its credit rating or customers will pay more in the long run. ... Late Tuesday, Olivera defended his $3.6 million annual salary package after an attorney for the Florida Retail Federation questioned his earnings compared to those of executives of other Florida companies who earn far less." "FPL: Rate increase will save customers money in the long run".

Cotterell: RPOFers are "tactically wrong"

Bill Cotterell: "Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer and Gov. Charlie Crist are legally right about the state GOP not having to publicly disclose details of charges made on the party's now-canceled credit cards. But they're tactically wrong. "

In any big organization, there are always going to be a few bucks misspent. If you could get detailed monthly bills, you might find that somebody spent a lot on liquor but wouldn't know if they were alone or picking up a tab for a business reception. Or you might learn that somebody (oops!) used the corporate card to buy "Girls Gone Wild" videos.

That can be explained and reimbursed (the GOP is doing youth outreach and spring break is important Florida research, right?). But it's not worth taking the hit for refusing to disclose, as the Democrats are sure to remind us over the next 14 months.

I asked Crist at the meeting "what would be the downside" of showing not just how much the party paid American Express, but what charges were made. As if wanting it both ways, he said "I don't know" two or three times, slowly, as if thinking about it and then cheerfully asked, "What would be the downside of showing your credit card bills?" ...

Meanwhile, look for the Democrats to remind everybody, as often as possible, that they leave home without it. And we might, now and then, hear Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink mention, as she runs for governor, how she has opened "Florida's checkbook" so the public can track every expenditure.

Get off your a** Charlie

"Like an unwieldy 'cash for clunkers' car lumbering down the highway, Florida has been slow in spending federal stimulus money on roads and bridges. ... Florida has been so slow in spending $1.4 billion on transportation projects that it ranks last in the nation, according to a powerful congressman — U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, the Democrat from Minnesota who chairs the committee on transportation and infrastructure." "Florida: Stimulus cash will flow soon".

Say anything

These geniuses will say anything:

Strongly conservative speakers blasted congressional efforts to reform health care at a Wednesday night forum in Jacksonville that reflected the increasing anger and ardor the debate has attracted in recent weeks.

A boisterous crowd of about 350 people jammed the Morocco Shrine Auditorium for the event, sponsored by the group Americans for Prosperity[*]....

Robert Sanchez[**], policy director of the Tallahassee-based James Madison Institute, told the audience that one of the House bills would add $1.6 billion to Florida's Medicaid bill, a figure that comes from a recent newspaper report that has since been discredited.

Asked about the remark afterward, Sanchez said, "All I'm saying is I saw a report that it would raise Florida's Medicaid costs."

As Charlie campaigns ...

"It's like sipping through a straw to put out a raging fire."

The fund that Florida uses to pay unemployment benefits officially ran dry this week. A victim of under­funding, it became overwhelmed by the prolonged recession and the pressure to meet benefit needs brought on by the state's 10.7 percent jobless rate.

Deep thinkers

"City of Ocala officials are asking the state for some help in their efforts to create and retain jobs in the aftermath of mortgage lender giant Taylor Bean & Whitaker's closing and the elimination of 1,000 jobs on top of the area's already double-digit unemployment rate." "Ocala seeks state's urgent help on jobs".

Developers whine

"All summer, Tom Pelham has been Public Enemy No. 1 for developers unhappy with his interpretation of a law passed this year designed to ease regulation of growth."

He has said it did not eliminate local rules requiring that builders pay for road improvements.

On Tuesday, Pelham, Florida’s secretary of the Department of Community Affairs and Gov. Charlie Crist’s top growth-management expert, confronted his critics in a workshop at the Quorum Hotel.

FCAT follies

"The amount of time high school teachers spend preparing students for the FCAT won’t change this year despite a law that lowers the weight of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in determining a school’s grade." "Teachers continue FCAT focus despite law change".

Bill?

Pam Hasterok: "Even U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson isn't sure what a public health care option is or what it would do."

It wouldn't be socialized health care like European countries have, he told a meeting of political leaders and business people here this week.

Other than that, it could be anything.

"It means different things to different people," he said. "What do you think it means?"

No wonder we're all so confused.

No wonder Nelson, who sits on the committee writing Senate health care reform, doubts whether Congress can pass a bill at all.

It ain't me ...

"An attorney for former House Speaker Ray Sansom has filed a second motion seeking dismissal of the official misconduct and perjury charges against the Destin Republican, arguing that he was not responsible for alleged misappropriation of $6 million for an airport hangar project." "Sansom's attorney files for dismissal of official misconduct, perjury charges".

At least they aren't "tax" increases?

Jim Ash: "The reality of a $7 billion state budget shortfall is about to come crashing down on Florida's 18 million motorists."

Can you spell "regressive"?

Lawmakers decided this spring to balance the budget with the help of $800 million in increased fees that will apply to just about everything that has to do with driving, fees that take effect Sept. 1. Driver license renewals, annual vehicle registration fees, license tags, titles, all will be affected.

Whoopee!

"The Florida Energy and Climate Commission is set to make a recommendation on conservation and efficiency goals for the state's major electric utilities." "Fla. energy panel considers conservation proposal".

FCAT follies

"A well-intended effort by state lawmakers to push back the FCAT is raising concern over an unintended consequence: The high-stakes exam is scheduled to coincide with Easter and Passover in 2011." "FCAT set for holiday period".

A state Republican Party meeting last weekend in Orlando showed what Crist is up against.

The county chairmen's caucus passed a resolution giving Crist a recipe for his appointee: someone who favors the "sanctity of life" and opposes any further economic stimulus package, President Barack Obama's health care reform initiative, the cap-and-trade legislation on energy and global warming, and marriage rights for same-sex couples.

At the Orlando meeting, judging by lapel stickers and shows of support, "If you didn't know any better and walked in, you would have thought it was a dead-heat race," said Pasco Chairman Randy Maggard.

That could be a problem for Crist, who will "want some continuity between the perspective of the person he appoints and himself," said University of Florida political scientist Richard Conley, a Republican.

"The base, the party activists, want one thing, but successful statewide tend to be more center-right than the base of the party wants. I don't think it's a winning situation," Conley said. "I don't see there's any benefit."

Who will Gov. Charlie Crist name to the U.S. Senate?

No announcement is on Crist's schedule for today, but the governor said Tuesday he expects to name an interim replacement for retiring U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., by week's end. Candidates and others say they expect Florida's newest senator to be announced even sooner, by Thursday.

Who will get the nod is anybody's guess, although it will come from a shortlist of eight applicants. Crist said Tuesday he hasn't narrowed that list, which doesn't feature a clear front-runner or household name in Florida politics. Each choice carries risks and rewards.

'Glades

"By opening more former Everglades land to new industry, Palm Beach County commissioners Tuesday decided the lure of jobs was worth a likely legal fight with environmentalists. The commission voted to change its development rules and allow industrial uses on 318 acres south of South Bay owned by sugar giant Florida Crystals. The land is part of hundreds of thousands of acres of former Everglades that was drained to make way for agriculture." "Palm Beach County gives Big Sugar, new industry a boost in Glades".

"Wish list"

"For the first time in 20 years, the governor and Cabinet on Tuesday approved a priority list for the nation's largest environmental land-buying program without any new money to pay for it." "Cabinet OKs Florida Forever wish list".

Raw political courage

"Crist comes out against FPL rate hike".

"A little less hogwash"

Geoff Chiles: "As I sat down to read my morning paper last week over a bowl of cereal, I caught a story in the Tallahassee Democrat that turned my breakfast sour."

As I read the headline — "Crist touts gains in Fla. education" (news article, Aug. 19) — I was initially excited and interested in reading about how education has improved in Florida, because that's the goal of my organization [Worst To First], too. The Lawton Chiles Leadership Corps and Worst To First are pulling together people from all over Florida to improve the way we educate our kids, and we appreciate the work that people all over Florida are doing to reach that goal. ...

So I did a little more research and found an article from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy Web site that did a better job of explaining the Education Week rankings.

So to the governor, I want to say: I look forward to having a little more milk in my cereal and a little less hogwash.

Recent news reports and comments by state legislators maintain that, as the St. Petersburg Times put it, "Florida ranks No. 10 among states in education quality, according to the latest annual report card from the highly regarded Education Week newspaper."

A State Board of Education member echoed the point last week when he "pointed out Florida's ranking as 10th in the country for quality of education by Education Week."

So after recording dismal rankings among the states for years in comparisons of education success, how is Florida suddenly 10th best in the nation?

Unfortunately, it's not.

Health care fight

Bill Cotterell: "Hundreds of Tallahasseeans jammed City Hall to ask their congressman and two local doctors Tuesday night whether the government can fix the nation's health-care system — or really needs to."

This doesn't precisely qualify as going out on a limb: U.S. Rep. Allen

Boyd restated his opposition to the main House health-care bill in its current form, saying a successful plan [1] must preserve patient choice of doctors, [2] extend coverage to most of the 48 million uninsured, [3] restrain growth of medical costs and [4] not raise the federal deficit.

Florida below average

"SAT scores out: State average below nation's".

"Florida's shame -- nutrient-loaded rivers green as grass"

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Florida's current standard states, "

"In no case shall nutrient concentrations of a body of water be altered so as to cause an imbalance in natural populations of aquatic flora and fauna." Yet the Florida Deptartment of Environmental Protection noted in a report last year that half of the state's rivers and most of its lakes had poor water quality, largely attributed to nutrient overload. The state's 2009 report indicates that 900 square miles of Florida's estuaries (25 percent of the total) are impaired. Inland, Lake Okeechobee is a seething mass of blue-green algae much of the year. Last month, Christopher Point Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River, looked like split-pea soup from an algae bloom fueled by nutrient pollution. So much for the standard, a vague guideline, lacking enforceable numeric limits.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, long aware of Florida's nutrient poisoning, left the job of controlling it to the state. Late in the last decade, the agency gave Florida regulators a 2004 deadline to set quantifiable nutrient limits. The state dawdled, though it spent tens of millions of dollars to determine the effects of nutrients on aquatic life. The EPA didn't press further. The agency under George W. Bush instead directed Florida and other states to prepare plans for controlling nutrients, without deadlines, clearly an industry-friendly stall. ...

For 10 years now, Florida regulators have fiddled as a favor to growers and developers while more fresh waters turned putrid green and coastal tides reddened with fish-killing algae. Governors and lawmakers, favoring commerce over conservation, have been complicit. The EPA had the authority under the Clean Water Act to enforce limits, but sat on its hands. The travesty won't end right away. It will be more than a year (October 2010) before freshwater nutrient limits are finalized, and a year after that before rules are in place for coastal waters. After that, Floridians shouldn't have to wait for conservationists to sue to have those rules enforced. A developer seeking a wetland destruction permit ought to be told in plain numbers up front how much nutrient pollution will be allowed in the stormwater runoff from the development. And the closer to zero the better.

In a state much favored with surface water, it shouldn't require citizens suing their government to assure those waters run clean. Florida's commerce can prosper without destroying its springs, lakes, rivers and estuaries. That is the point of the federal law, after all.

Entrepreneurs in action

"When Florida Power & Light chief Armando Olivera was asked Tuesday whether he and company executives would be willing to give up a pay raise to help struggling consumers with their bills, he offered a short answer:"

"No," he said, "because that would be short-sighted."

Olivera, who as FPL's CEO is paid $3.6 million a year, told state regulators that although the economy is tight, executive pay is crucial to the successful operation of the company and the pay packages offered by FPL are justified.

No wonder Olivera is so smug

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Ryder Rudd may or may not deserve to be fired as a utility regulator for ethical reasons, but he deserves to be fired for sheer stupidity. ... Mr. Rudd is an analyst and lobbyist for the PSC. Over the weekend, he telephoned some of the commissioners with a little problem."

Mr. Rudd has been working on two big issues involving FPL: the rate request and the company's natural gas pipeline. A hearing on the pipeline was held last month. In May, however, Mr. Rudd had attended a Kentucky Derby party at the Palm Beach Gardens home of Ed Tancer, FPL's top lawyer. Mr. Rudd lives in Tallahassee, but, as he told The Miami Herald, he had been traveling in the area and stopped "briefly" at the party. Why? "I do as much information gathering as possible. It was a good opportunity to meet people who are pushing some of the issues I'm following."

It might have been a good opportunity to drink a mint julep. It might have been a good opportunity to pick Mine That Bird in the party pool and make a killing on the 50-1 shot. But "information gathering"? Mr. Rudd sounded like former Florida political diva Katherine Harris. After the Orlando Sentinel caught the U.S. Senate candidate in April 2006 having a $2,800 dinner with a man seeking a government contract, Ms. Harris said that she would reimburse the restaurant $100 for her "appetizer and beverage."

"Just the tip of the cessberg"

Scott Maxwell:

I used to think our state capital was a cesspool.

But now I'm beginning to think that a cesspool would look like DeLeon Springs compared to the mess of special-interest-funded pay-for-play that envelops our state capital.

Sansom, you may remember, lost his speakership after it was revealed that he'd funneled money to a community college — which then rewarded him with a six-figure job.

But it turns out: That was just the tip of the cessberg.

Perhaps just as stomach-turning as the spending has been the feigned outrage.

Gov. Charlie Crist, for example, called Sansom's expenses "unbelievable" and "an embarrassment."

Either Charlie has no shame, or he's still jet-lagged from last year's $430,000 European vacation. You remember that "trade mission," right?

So we have the guy who racked up a $1,300 mini-bar bill expressing disgust about another guy who spent $839 at Starbucks.

Mickey's a Republican

"The recession may have scaled back the number of zeros on some checks, but the usual suspects are still busy on the campaign trail, with the bulk of dollars from big local companies going to the Republican Party of Florida, which has controlled the governor's mansion and the Legislature since 1999."

In March, [Walt Disney World] hosted a fundraiser for Adam Putnam, the Republican congressman from Bartow who is running for commissioner of agriculture against Lake County Republican state Sen. Carey Baker. Scott Maddox, the former leader of the state Democratic Party and ex-mayor of Tallahassee, is the Democratic candidate.

Putnam's campaign records show he took in $39,000 the day of the fundraiser, including $500 checks (the maximum contribution allowed to a candidate from an individual or company) from a number of Disney executives, including President Meg Crofton.

Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger described the company as an "early supporter" of Putnam.

So far Disney has given $500 to Sink and $5,000 to the Florida Democratic Party. Disney has not yet contributed directly to McCollum, but has given more than $78,000 to the Republican Party of Florida.

Universal Orlando — through its companies and Universal City Development Partners — has given more than $130,000 toward 2010 races, including $118,000 in meals, rooms and tickets to the Republican Party for an event in February and $1,000 to McCollum. Universal also gave $5,000 to the Democratic Party and $500 to Sink.

"Turnout was about 4.7 percent"

"Bernard wins with 60.5 percent in state House 84 special election".

Another blow to what's left of Florida journalism

"Creative Loafing, the snarky alternative newspaper chain, will soon be in the hands of a New York-based private equity firm. Atalaya Capital Management, the New York investment firm, blew away the only other bidder for Creative Loafing in a Tuesday morning auction in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tampa. Atalaya bid $5 million for Creative Loafing, its six weekly newspapers and several Web sites." "Creative Loafing's publisher may lose chain of weeklies today".

'Ya think?

Michael Putney: "You can't call for 1,700 county employees to lose their jobs and the remainder to take a 5-percent salary cut when your employees are getting fatter pay checks." "Roll back outrageous pay raises".

Cretul, an Ocala Republican who took over for Sansom in February, merged two powerful budget-writing committees into one smaller one headed by Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, who appeared to be the big winner in the power shuffle.

Cretul also eliminated four committees and reduced the number of lawmakers on each committee, which critics said reduces the number of House members in the decision-making process.

Planas said he planned to file a complaint against the speaker, claiming the changes violated House rules because the membership had voted for a committee structure with two separate budget chairmen. Planas said Cretul was acting like Sansom by "bending the rules to consolidate his power.''

U.S. retirement visa?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "As envisioned by its advocates, a new U.S. retirement visa would be available to foreign retirees who buy a home for at least the median value in the community where they would be living. They'd have to pass a security check and agree not to take a job. They'd need to document sufficient assets, and health insurance, to avoid burdening U.S. social safety-net programs." "Roll out welcome mat".

Best of all, they can't vote.

As time goes by ...

"The nine finalists [to replace Martinez] are Bilirakis; Shaw; Frey; former Secretary of State Jim Smith; state Rep. Jennifer Carroll of Jacksonville; former state Sen. Dan Webster of Winter Garden; University of North Florida President John Delaney; George LeMieux, Crist's former campaign manager and chief of staff; and former U.S. Attorney Roberto Martinez of Miami." "Quest to fill Martinez's seat continues".

"Blow for economic populism"?

Mike Thomas: "In the latest blow for economic populism, the Public Service Commission is demanding the state's two biggest electric utilities hand over the salaries of top wage-earners." "We have right to know salaries of top utilities' executives". See also "FPL hands over executives’ salaries to state — but you still can’t see them".

"Drained"

"With the number of out-of-work Floridians hitting levels not seen since 1975, the state's savings account to pay unemployment compensation claims officially ran dry Monday." "State to borrow to pay benefits Unemployment compensation account drained".

"Sparks flew"

"Sparks flew during the first day of hearings on Florida Power & Light's proposed rate increase Monday as state regulators ordered a conflict of interest investigation into their own staff and FPL turned over confidential documents detailing what it pays 400 top executives." "Politics roil Florida Power & Light rate hearing".

"Stealthy ... Conservative Voters' Coalition"

"A stealthy group called the Conservative Voters' Coalition is sending out absentee-ballot requests that claim the Black Panthers, MoveOn.org, and ACORN might get involved in the state Senate District 8 primary on Sept 15."

The direct-mail piece that started arriving in mail boxes late last week warns Republicans that "armed thugs may try and scare you away from the voting booth."

The mailer pictures President Barack Obama and makes the accusation that he "let the Black Panthers get a free pass for intimidating voters on Election Day" and asks "Is this the change YOU want to believe in? Violence and intimidation at the voting booth."

There are five GOP candidates in the primary, including former House Speaker John Thrasher and state Rep. Stan Jordan, but only one is black: Jacksonville City Councilman Art Graham, who told the Jaxpoliticsonline.com blog that he did not feel the people behind the mailer "give the voters enough credit."

The lobbyist who helped set up the so-called 527 group is Tallahassee lawyer David Ramba, who registered its paperwork two weeks ago with the IRS and does political work for a number of Republican legislators.

Ramba would only say he was hired to create the group by a Florida State University adjunct instructor named Erin Dicesare, who would be listed as its chairperson.

RPOF cat fight

"Patrick Castronovo, a Lauderdale Lakes committeeman, made a motion to hold a straw poll to choose between two Republican candidates for Senate in 2010 -- Gov. Charlie Crist and the more-conservative former Florida House speaker, Marco Rubio. But he was immediately drowned out by Broward GOP Chairman Chip LaMarca, who pounded the gavel."

The discussion devolved into boos and shouts at times as activists argued about whether to hold a straw poll in the future. Some members walked out in disgust.

Castronovo tried to speak again but was drowned out at times as other participants yelled "motion to adjourn."

"How about a Republican not a RINO [Republican In Name Only]!'' yelled out one woman."

"A tactic that pits hard-working people ... against one another"

Raymond T. Edmondson Jr.: "Editorial writers and columnists elsewhere in Florida have lambasted public pension benefits in recent months, declaring that public pension plans are a relic of out-dated economic models and provide overly generous benefits. The standard argument is that taxpayers are footing the bill for lavish retirement benefits for public employees who are living high on the hog at taxpayer expense."

Portraying government employees as the "haves" and private sector employees as the "have-nots" is a creative, but inaccurate, twist on historical reality. This strategy is a sad new chapter in the painful story of an excruciating economic downturn that has negatively affected every citizen. It is a tactic that pits hard-working people on both sides of the pension net against one another to nobody's advantage, and a more balanced view of the facts is in order.

Congressman "no"

"U.S. Rep. John Mica gave a mostly anti-health-care reform telephone audience what they wanted to hear Monday night." "Mica against health-care bill but says reform needed".

RPOFer "leadership"?

"Florida lawmakers should open the Gulf Coast to offshore oil drilling to help fund schools, State Sen. [and alleged academic] Mike Haridopolos believes." "State senator backs drilling off Gulf Coast".

Federal handout, please

"The state is seeking $270 million in federal aid to help pay for the planned SunRail commuter train that would run through Central Florida." "Sentinel: State asks feds for $270 million for commuter rail".

Florida public employees handling massive food stamp increase

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Number of Florida households on food stamps as of July: 1.1 million. Increase in caseload from August 2008: 37 percent." "ACCESS to food stamps".

Get a lawyer!

"A complaint [with the IRS] was filled out anonymously and a copy was provided to the Times/Herald on Monday, alleging Sansom violated tax law by using party funds for personal items such as plane tickets to Europe for his family and not declaring it as income." "IRS gets anonymous complaint about Ray Sansom's spending".

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Florida Republican Party leaders with an instinct for self-preservation ought to not only turn in their party-issued American Express cards but also call their tax attorneys." "Donors deserve to know what parties spend".

Fixing a Jebacy

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Sometimes it pays to get mad. In 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection reported that half of the state's rivers and more than half its lakes had poor water quality."

But the agency had been foot-dragging for years on setting limits on the nutrient runoff from agriculture and sprawling cities with fertilized landscaping and septic systems. So when it looked like the DEP wasn't going to react responsibly to its own report, it was the last straw for five environmental groups.

They sued the DEP and the federal Environmental Protection Agency in the Northern District of Florida. Now comes a consent decree from the EPA in a court settlement. The EPA agreed to define the limits for nutrient poisoning that triggers huge algae blooms that choke off all marine life in lakes, rivers and estuaries. The final deadline for the EPA to offer the numeric limits is October 2010. The DEP will have to enforce those limits.

"Backlash"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Several Miami-Dade commissioners are demanding drastic cuts to Mayor Carlos Alvarez's budget amid revelations he gave generous raises to favored staffers while pushing for unprecedented job and salary cuts throughout the rest of County Hall." "Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez feels backlash over raises". The Miami Herald editorial board: "Miami-Dade staff raises obscene".

Times are tuff

"Bronson man accused of stealing from piggy bank".

Get real

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "You can almost hear the cacophony of surprise, at least, if not disappointment and ire."

Property owners around South Florida are receiving so-called TRIM notices telling them what they are being billed on their property taxes. Many expected a reduction in taxes, given that the values of their properties have dropped like a rock, so to speak. ...

Before you venture out to a city hall budget hearing, be forewarned: Be prepared, as a citizen, to give up a service or a convenience in return for a lower tax bill. We can't have it both ways.

Debate in Tally

"The debate over national health-care policy comes to the shadow of Florida's Capitol tonight, with a key congressman and two local physicians taking part in a panel discussion. " "Health-care debate comes here".

Evil labor unions

The Florida Chamber of Commerce The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Once again, it's safety last".

Raw political courage

"The six leading mayoral candidates say they would follow in Mayor Rick Baker's footsteps and continue to make education a city priority. And they want your help." "Candidates pledge to aid schools".

Never mind

"Wrongly incarcerated man denied compensation".

Now some members of Congress want to adopt the same concept to address the nation's 40 million to 50 million people without health insurance.

But an initiative that lasted a brief six years in Florida offers a cautionary tale.

In 1993, Gov. Lawton Chiles oversaw creation of a network of regional "Community Health Purchasing Alliances" aimed at helping small businesses and the self-employed buy coverage from insurance companies at reduced cost.

The alliances, known as CHPAs (pronounced chip-ahs), were nonprofits started with government seed money, much like the cooperatives that some U.S. Senate Democrats are championing as a potential compromise in national health care legislation. As with Florida's health alliances, the co-ops would aim to expand coverage without having the government become a direct competitor to the private insurance industry.

Within the first year of the Florida program's existence, participating employers saw their premiums drop an average of 25 percent. At the CHPAs' peak in 1998, more than 91,000 people - half of them previously uninsured - got coverage through the alliances.

Hampered by lawmakers' refusal to let them negotiate rates, and unable to help small businesses pool their resources effectively, the alliances weakened as insurers withdrew. The alliances also faced resistance from insurance brokers, who made lower commissions on products sold within the CHPAs than elsewhere.

While much uncertainty exists about how health co-ops would work on the national level, critics fear that, like the CHPAs, they would be too weak to provide a counterweight to the powerful for-profit insurance industry.

RPOFers in foreclosure

"State Rep. Erik Fresen's Miami home is in foreclosure because he stopped making payments to his mortgage company more than a year ago."

Fresen faces the threat of losing his home, a possible damaged credit rating -- and the potential that the messy foreclosure lawsuit could create ammunition for opponents of the up-and-coming Republican.

In his push to become House speaker, Fresen, 33, faces Republican Rep. Chris Dorworth of Orlando, who has financial problems of his own. Dorworth faces a $2.7 million judgment over a failed business deal and his home faces the threat of foreclosure.

"Reality check"

"A reality check for those who believe that an inland port would produce jobs to save the Glades communities comes in the state's objections to a proposal by Florida Crystals." "Port dream a pipe dream?".

If this were a union representative ...

... he'd be in the hoosegow before the screen door hit him on the ass.

A review of campaign contributions does not reveal any payments from state Rep. Ray Sansom, who charged more than $170,000 on his Republican Party of Florida-issued American Express card during 2006-08.

The ousted House speaker's spending included plane tickets to Europe for his family and items from Cole Haan, Kenneth Cole and Harrods -- items that would be hard to justify as party expenses.

Rubio campaign changes

"Brandon Patty will be joining the Marco Rubio U.S. Senate campaign next week as Campaign and Political Director, while former Rubio field director Jessica Corbett leaves to take a job at the state party. Patty was special Assistant to Gov. Bush in "06, was northeast Florida field director Mitt Romney’s campaign". "Marco Rubio's new campaign director".

"Tallahassee can't continue to nickel-and-dime education"

The Miami Herald editors: "It would have been much worse this year were it not for the federal stimulus money that poured into schools to keep teachers in classrooms. But that rescue won't last but another year."

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature need to find a secure funding source that shows Florida values education. The recession can't be an excuse to gut schools again. When the state was enjoying the high-rolling years of real estate exuberance, Tallahassee ignored Florida voters who passed class-size restrictions and mandated quality education.

Now the argument is that there's not enough money to keep the state's commitment to voters. That's a cop out.

All politics, all the time

"An attorney representing the mother of the 17-year-old girl who ran away from her Muslim family in Ohio and showed up in Orlando as a convert to Christianity said Florida Gov. Charlie Crist issued an 'unfortunate' statement that politicized a family issue."

In a statement released in the wake of a judge's order to keep 17-year-old Fathima Rifqa Bary in custody of a foster family in Florida while her family is investigated by state law enforcement officers, Craig McCarthy accused the governor of taking sides before evidence has been submitted.

"The governor's unfortunate decision to make a public statement taking sides in the Rifqa Bary case before any evidence other than allegations has been presented underscores the need to return this case to the child's home state of Ohio," McCarthy said in the statement. "Governor Crist stated that he was 'grateful' that the judge ruled a specific way and in support of his 'administration's position.'

Where's Blago when we need him?

Charlie seems unable to make a decision.

"Gov. Charlie Crist on Sunday announced three more candidates for retiring Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez's job. According to a statement from Crist's office, former U.S. Reps. Clay Shaw, Mike Bilirakis and Lou Frey have been asked to fill out a questionnaire for the position."

Shaw lost a fierce, costly bid for a 14th term representing his Broward and Palm Beach County district to Democrat Ron Klein in 2006.

Bilirakis served 12 terms in Congress until he was succeeded by his son, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, in 2006.

Frey served as a state chairman of Bob Dole's presidential campaign. In recent years, he joined former Gov. Bob Graham in lawsuits challenging the Florida Legislature's authority over tuition and fees at state universities.

OPS

Bill Cotterell: "As all state employees know, OPS work carries no fringe benefits — no vacation time, sick leave, health insurance, pension benefits or holiday pay. It's second-class state service. And OPS workers can be fired or reassigned without so much as an explanation." "Flu and storm seasons show second-class status of OPS".

Coral "comeback"

"In the Florida Keys, staghorn, elkhorn coral making a comeback".

FPL follies

"When Florida's largest electric utility goes to state regulators Monday to ask for permission to dramatically raise rates, it will have recent history, powerful supporters and financial clout on its side."

FPL's timing is awkward: The state economy is in tatters, unemployment stands at 10.7 percent and consumer pocketbooks are stretched thin. On top of that, just last week FPL flouted the commission's unanimous decision to force the company to disclose how much its top executives make. The utility said it will challenge the ruling in court.

"I definitely have a high interest in politics," she said Saturday during a state Republican Party [of Florida] conference. "I love Sarah Palin. I think she's amazing."

Florida exit polls showed Obama won 61 percent of voters aged 29-and-under compared to 37 percent who went for Republican John McCain. Since the election, 40 percent of new voters under the age of 35 have been gravitating to the Democratic Party compared to 23 percent registering GOP, according to the Democratic Party's data through June.

"[E]xperts say the GOP has good reason to be worried"

"The Cuban-American's impending departure could leave no Hispanic Republicans in the Senate and three in the House - compared to 21 Democrats in Congress - and a sense that the national GOP is at a major crossroads with the nation's fastest-growing demographic group." "Martinez departure part of GOP schism".

Genius

"Crist calls Obama health care plan 'cockamamie'".

Fun with ECOs

Aaron Deslatte: "Voters who live in the sprawling state Senate District 8 that stretches from Jacksonville down to Daytona Beach are getting a fresh taste of free speech. TV ads paid for by two now-unregulated elections-communications organizations, or ECOs — Conservative Citizens for Justice and Stop Tax Waste Inc. — are attacking former lobbyist and state House Speaker John Thrasher as he attempts to rejoin the Legislature."

One ad blasts Thrasher for his spending and travel while in office (he retired in 2002); another raises old ethics violations.

The groups behind the ads are at least partially funded by trial lawyers bent on taking out Thrasher in a Sept. 15 special primary, in which he faces state Rep. Stan Jordan and others.

But thanks to a federal court ruling earlier this year that tossed out the state law requiring these groups to disclose who finances their ads, voters are left to their own devices to try to find out which interest groups are behind the mudslinging. ...

Here's the best part: Thrasher's backers have their own stealthy committee, the Committee for Responsible Representation — a Newberry organization with ties to Alachua County Republican Chairman Stafford Jones. The group has put out its own ad blasting cigar-smoking trial lawyers for the attacks against Thrasher.

"Home values down but spending stays high"

"Get ready for higher taxes".

Three more wannabes

"Days after he said the list was closed, Gov. Charlie Crist has announced three more candidates for Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez's job. According to a statement Sunday, former U.S. Reps. Mike Bilirakis, Lou Frey and Clay Shaw will be considered." "Fla. Gov. adds 3 to list of Senate candidates".

RPOFers cut themselves off

"State Republican Party to cut up American Express cards". See also "Chairman Jim Greer cuts spending for GOP" and "Times' editorial: RPOF should show donors the money".

"Cowardice and homophobic rage"

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Thirty-two years ago, the Legislature made Florida the only state to ban adoptions by all homosexuals. Legislators acted not because of research showing that gays and lesbians would be bad parents but out of cowardice and homophobic rage." "Repeal gay adoption ban".

Time for the RPOF "to back-fill with the substance"?

Take a look at what passes for RPOFer "leadership" these day:

On health care, Crist said, "What's going on in Washington is nuts."

"The prosperity we enjoy as a country is not because of government," he added. "It's because of free enterprise, and entrepreneurship and hard work."

He said the Republican Party is the one that wants to keep spending down and taxes low.

"It's why we're going to do so damn well next year and win," Crist said, the first of two times he punctuated his remarks with mild profanity. He ended his speech by saying, "God bless you, God bless Florida, and let's win these damn races."

Several party leaders mentioned the health care debate as a key to rebuilding enthusiasm for Republican candidates.

"This August has seen an emotion, a passion that cannot be contrived, that cannot be manufactured by any political party," said U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, who is running for agriculture commissioner. "It is raw emotional reaction to something that is wrong for America."

Now the party needs to tap that emotion, he said.

"It gives us this window of opportunity to say, first of all, 'See? I told you so,'" Putnam said, adding that Republicans can then discuss the differences they have with Democrats.

"We have their attention. Now we to back-fill with the substance of who we are and what we believe," Putnam said.

"[P]olitics had nothing to do with it"

"Michael Rudisill has been out of law school for less than eight years."

And yet, thanks to Gov. Charlie Crist, the 33-year-old is now Seminole County's newest judge.

He will be serving in the 18th Judicial Circuit , which handles everything from felony crimes to child-custody cases -- all of which are life-altering matters, and some of which Rudisill's own résumé shows he has absolutely no experience dealing with.

How could such a thing happen?

Because what Rudisill lacked in experience and qualifications, he made up for in political connections -- to everyone from high-ranking members of the Republican Party to members of the judicial nominating commission that recommended him. ...

Now, just in case you're starting to think that some of this looks just a wee bit political, don't you worry. Because Crist's in-house lawyer assured the Sentinel that said politics had nothing to do with it.

"Grow up"

Randy Schultz: "In Florida, we've got our vital signs reversed, and not in a healthy way. We're near the bottom in education spending, and last week we got two unpleasant firsts. Between 2008 and 2009, according to the University of Florida, the state lost population for the first time since World War II. Then came news that Florida ranks first in the rate of home foreclosure." "How will Florida grow up?".

"It's been a hot August"

"It's been a hot August for Florida members of Congress who spent their summer recess listening to constituents about health care, but several say the sometimes raucous outpouring of public emotion is useful." "Health debates 'useful,' despite rancor".

"Florida's latest cultural clash"

Mike Thomas: "Fathima Rifqa Bary is playing a familiar role in Florida's latest cultural clash, a symbol who personalizes a much broader conflict." "Anti-Muslim bias obvious in girl's case".

"Liberty City 7"

"Acquitted 'Liberty City 7' member talks about case".

"Call it the Crist magic touch"

"Perfectly understandable, you might assume, that Florida would be souring on the president, given that 23 percent of the home loans in the state are either past due or in foreclosure. But consider this: Gov. Charlie Crist enjoys a 60 percent approval rating in the same poll — 66 percent among Republicans, 54 percent among Democrats and 63 percent among independents. Call it the Crist magic touch." "Obama setting up shop".