This latest twist in a suddenly sizzling primary race is at least the second time Rich Heffley, a powerful Republican political operative, has assisted a shadowy political group on behalf of Crist. ...

[T]he campaign for Republican Marco Rubio — a former state House speaker hoping to become the first Floridian in modern state politics to hand a primary defeat to a sitting governor - is questioning whether Heffley would have inserted himself into the U.S. Senate race without consent from Crist's campaign or the Republican Party of Florida.

"Certainly this doesn't pass the smell test," Rubio campaign spokesman Alex Burgos said.

Heffley said neither the campaign nor the party was involved - their participation probably would have violated federal campaign laws, a legal expert said.

Heffley said he is not being paid by the Crist campaign. He has received about $250,000 from the state Republican Party this year, but a party spokeswoman said it was for work related to state House and Senate campaigns, not Crist's U.S. Senate campaign.

Heffley said he helped someone else create the site, TruthAboutRubio.com, after an anonymous YouTube video surfaced last Saturday casting Crist in the role of Hitler during the collapse of the Nazi regime. Rubio quickly condemned the video, a spoof of the 2004 movie Downfall [see The Charlie Crist video Marco Rubio says you shouldn't watch].

Whoopee!

Update: It's a go: "State Sen. Paula Dockery will announce next week that she is running for governor, multiple Republican sources have told The Ledger." "Dockery to Announce Run for Governor".

"State Sen. Paula Dockery will announce a decision next week on whether to enter the governor race and won't comment on the accuracy of a news report that she'll announce she's running." "Dockery decision near".

Shoulda signed that card ...

"Miami-Dade Mayor Alvarez announces cuts for non-union workers".

Gub Candidates talk agriculture

"Voters won't cast ballots for Florida's next governor for another year, but the race to succeed Charlie Crist is already considered one of the nation's hottest. So the two major party frontrunners weren't going to miss the chance for some face time with leaders of the state's multi-billion dollar agriculture industry."

Conservative political commentator

Susan MacManus, a political science professor at University of South Florida, said national interest in the race is fueling the busy pace of campaigning by the two frontrunners.

Polls show the two candidates running closely and "it's already been tagged as perhaps the most interesting and significant (race) of 2010," she said. Florida voters' selection of Democrat Barack Obama as president last year after voting Republican in every presidential election since 1976 have "people wondering if Florida is going to stay (a blue state) or if it was an aberration.

Hurtin' gators

"Florida voters want offshore oil drilling, oppose a 'public option' for health insurance and overwhelmingly support a gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe, according to a new Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times/Bay News 9 poll."

The common link among the three issues: the economy.

A full 44 percent of Florida voters said their personal financial situation worsened in the past year. Just 7 percent said it improved, and 48 percent said it stayed the same in a state racked by record unemployment, home foreclosures and budget deficits. By double-digit margins, Florida voters also believe the state and nation are on the wrong track.

With numbers like that, oil drilling is no longer a killer in Florida politics. And even the religious right supports a Seminole gaming deal -- favored by 59 percent of voters overall -- to bolster the state budget.

Healthcare ranked as the top concern, with 39 percent of voters saying it was most important to them. The No. 2 issue: unemployment, at 19 percent.

Yet 47 percent of voters said they opposed a health insurance "public option'' proposed by congressional Democrats, who say it will increase coverage and lower skyrocketing insurance costs. Just 40 percent of Florida voters said they favored a public option.

I got mine

"In a state where 20 percent of the population is uninsured, voters are opposed to a major Democratic plan to provide more health care coverage, according to a Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times/Bay News 9 poll."

About 47 percent oppose the so-called ``public option,'' while 40 percent support the proposal to provide a government-run insurance plan.

Voters opposed the public option in every area of the state except one: South Florida. There, 54 percent favor the proposal and only 37 percent are opposed. The area with the strongest opposition: Southwest Florida, where 30 percent support the proposal and 50 percent oppose it.

The telephone survey of 600 registered voters was conducted Oct. 25-28 for The Miami Herald, St. Petersburg Times and Bay News 9. The poll was done by Schroth, Eldon and Associates, whose clients primarily are Democrats, and the Polling Co., which mainly works with Republicans. The margin of error was plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"Palm Beach County, Martin, St. Lucie get $208 million federal lift". See also "U.S. jobs report initially finds few in Manatee" and "State's Stimulus Jobs at 29,322".

"Florida's 'failing grade'"

Howard Talenfeld, president of Florida's Children First, statewide child advocates.

Florida's "failing grade" on a national report card this month should serve not as a sign of defeat but a commitment to improve the way the state serves juveniles in the state welfare system. The grade, issued by First Star, a nonprofit group that litigates and advocates on behalf of children, and the Children's Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego School of Law, ranked all 50 states on the protections of the legal rights of abused and neglected children.

Sansom

"House committee deciding on Sansom case".

Ag race

"Seven men with varying backgrounds and experience who reside across the state from the Panhandle to South Florida, have one goal, to be elected commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 2010."

And then there's the "Howdy Doody Looking Nimrod":

U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, cited obligations in Washington, D.C., and sent a 10-minute video introducing himself to the 400-plus farmers and ranchers in attendance.

"Global warming deniers' facts aren't cool"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Judging from a series of press reports lately, global cooling has returned."

A spell of global cooling would be welcome, especially in light of the past few days' record-breaking temperatures in Central Florida. A spell of honesty from deniers would be more welcome. There's always room for skepticism on global warming. Questioning the obvious is inherent to good science. Distorting the obvious is not. That's more the specialty of ideologues and pressure groups, especially those mobilizing against bills in Congress that would tackle carbon emissions and tax abusers. Coastal Floridians have a direct stake in the debate if a warmer planet's rising seas lead to the remapping of two of the state's biggest economic engines: tourism and real estate.

Brilliant mistake

"A new state law designed mainly to crack down on Medicaid fraud is having unexpected consequences by keeping some health care professionals from getting or keeping their licenses at a time when the state is suffering a shortage. A little-noticed provision in the 160-page measure is preventing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians and others licensed by the state from working in Florida if they have old felony convictions for fraud or drugs." "State law worsens medical staff shortage".

Rail standoff

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Leading state politicians say that Florida really, really wants the latest high-tech stimulus plan goodie - high-speed rail. Like a spoiled child who won't clean his room to earn the reward, however, Florida refuses to do what the state must do to get the prize. The standoff threatens a $2.5 billion project and all the jobs that would come with it." "Turn $2 into $2.5 billion".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Getting light rail out of the station".

HD 78

"Chiropractor Steven Perman, who lost Democratic state House District 78 primaries to Richard Machek in 2006 and Kevin Rader in 2008, said [yesterday] he’s running for the seat again in 2010 with Rader leaving to run for state Senate." "Will third time be a charm for Dem state House hopeful Perman?".

"Poor leadership"

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Debt collectors turn bullies" ("Poor leadership from McCollum and Sink.")

Wexler

"Wexler, D-Boca Raton, has set his resignation for Jan. 3 at 11:59 p.m. in a letter this week to Gov. Charlie Crist, who will set a special election to fill the last year of Wexler’s term." "Wexler sets Jan. 3 resignation date in letter to Crist".

"At a historical crossroads"

This by Joe Cardona in the The Miami Herald today:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos, this country's fastest growing minority group, make up 15 percent of the U.S. population. Census projects the total number of residents and citizens who identify themselves as Hispanic-Americans will double by 2050.

Locally the Latino explosion is nothing new. In Miami Dade County Hispanics are 62 percent of the population -- the majority of them of Cuban descent. Miami is to Cubans what Atlanta, Washington and New Orleans are to African-Americans. Because of the distinct and plentiful café windows scattered throughout Little Havana, we can call Miami, Café con Leche City. ...

From the inception of the Cuban Adjustment Act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966 for a plethora of political reasons, Cuban exiles have received preferential treatment over other immigrant groups. Nowhere is this difference more evident and divisive than in Miami where thousands of other immigrants also struggle to gain permanent residency or citizenship in the United States and live the famed American dream.

As Cuban Americans we now face the challenge of being the majority in Miami. With majority status comes responsibility and an obligation to care about problems and challenges faced not only by Cubans but by everyone who shares this sacred land of freedom.

Half a century into the Cuban-American experiment, we have made many contributions to the United States and find ourselves at a historical crossroads.

On Tuesday, Miami will hold an election for mayor. The two leading candidates were born on Cuban soil.

Cretul's "grandstand play"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul's call for the federal government to fine or shut down games at the Seminole Indians' casinos is highly unorthodox and a bit of a grandstand play." "Cretul rolls the dice".

Here's an idea ...

... stop voting for RPOFers. "UCF student leaders urge students to find ideas to save Bright Futures".

The The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Paying the price of delay" ("Sticker shock could have been avoided if Tallahassee hadn't put off tuition increases.")

Never mind them oil slicks

"For years, Texas has relied on scientists and technology at Texas A&M University to track oil spills, forecast where they are headed and minimize the damage they cause. In St. Petersburg, the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science operates the same kind of program. But that program relies on federal funding that has slowed to a trickle - just as Florida leaders talk seriously about opening up Florida's Gulf of Mexico waters to offshore drilling, as close as three miles off the beach." "USF program to track oil spills falters".

Raw political courage

"Lawmakers announced Friday that they will be filing a bill that would require the state to revoke or deny operating licenses for pain clinics operated by convicted felons." "Fla. lawmakers propose banning felons owning pain clinics".

RPOFer AG slugfest

"Former state Health Secretary Holly Benson made official Thursday her run for Florida attorney general, pitting herself against Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp in the Republican primary next fall." "GOP adds Holly Benson to Florida attorney general race". More: "Benson enters GOP attorney general race".

Bought and paid for

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "University of Florida scientists omitted a key fact when they weighed into the debate several local governments are having about whether to ban fertilizer in the rainy summer months. Florida's turf industry not only asked the scientists to intervene but helped pay for research by UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Such duplicity taints the research. UF must require its scientists to play it straight, including telling the public who foots the bill for researchers masquerading as independent." "In this turf war, science loses".

Biden in town

"About 150 attended the Miami Beach event, which raised funds for the Democratic National Committee. In the crowd were Miami Police Chief John Timoney, basketball star Isiah Thomas and Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. Ticket prices ranged from $1,000 to $10,000." "Biden touts accomplishments in South Florida stops". See also "Biden: Florida economy still in trouble".

Poor PSC

The Palm Beach Post editorial board:

So in this month alone, the Public Service Commission has rejected FPL's request to build a $1.5 billion natural gas pipeline to Martin County, rejected FPL's request to start collecting the rate increase on Jan. 1 even if the commission hadn't acted and rejected the company's request for a December vote. Four of the five commissioners deciding on that $1.2 billion will be appointees of Gov. Crist, who said publicly that he wanted commissioners who would reject the increase. FPL's consolation prize at the moment is a tiny rate increase for the expense of applying to build new nuclear reactors.

Zell says "jump!" ...

... and his "journalists" ask "how high, sir?" "Scott Maxwell: Grayson gets his spankin' — and it's well-deserved".

Don't forget ...

John C. Hall, executive director of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, reminds us that

Tens of thousands of people are on waiting lists for services the state agencies are supposed to provide but are not. Those include more than 20,000 seniors and more than 18,000 people with developmental disabilities who wait for community services and support. More than 17,000 people wait for substance abuse services, as do close to 400,000 adults and children with mental illness or serious emotional disturbances that need but do not get services. And at least 300,000 children whose families need financial assistance for child care services are not getting any help. ...

In the end, the governor will make his budget recommendations and the Legislature will appropriate funds as it sees fit. But before they do, they — and the public — should have budgetary information, based on independent judgment, on the programs and services needed by all people in the state. As a result, they will be in a better position to exercise their responsibility to Floridians and make Florida a better state to live in. No one should be afraid of open, honest debate.

Entrepreneurs in action

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Builder's arrest offers lessons, lost promises".

Florida Forever

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "This week, gubernatorial candidates Alex Sink and Bill McCollum seemed the last people capable of agreeing on anything, given their freewheeling attacks on each other for failing to stop rogue debt collectors from threatening Floridians."

But there they were on Tuesday, singing a duet on the need for legislators to fund Florida Forever, the state's premier land preservation program. If they can rise above their grudges and ambitions to support the critically important program, so can lawmakers.

"Economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter"

"Congratulations. The recession is over."

Uncle Sam (a.k.a. the Department of Commerce) reported Thursday that the economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the first positive upswing in 15 months.

But few are buying the argument that our economic winter has ended, particularly in Florida. Not with rising, double-digit unemployment and surging credit card defaults.

From the "values" crowd

"Florida has more vulnerable seacoast areas under construction than any other state".

Luv 4 sale

"Former Attorney General Bob Butterworth [a member of the Fort Lauderdale law firm of Atkinson, Diner, Stone, Mankuta & Ploucha] will advise FPL on its controversial request to increase base electric rates 30 percent."

FPL said Thursday it hired Butterworth for his "advice and feedback'' on the rate case. Butterworth said he initially discussed the idea of working for FPL with Eric Eikenberg, Gov. Charlie Crist's outgoing chief of staff, followed by a meeting two weeks ago in the West Palm Beach office of FPL President Armando Olivera.

the ex-attorney general asked if he could be helpful. "Eric [Eikenberg] said anything Butterworth was willing to do in both the rate case and ongoing PSC issues would be greatly appreciated,'' Isaac said in an e-mail.

FPL issued a statement saying: "Certainly there are some things we would like to have changed about the way in which we approached this case. We recognize that we have not been sufficiently sensitive to perceptions, no matter how sincerely felt, that our proposal was positive and constructive for our customers and the state.''

Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, an outspoken critic of FPL's request for higher rates, said it looked like the company was trying to buy goodwill.

Oil

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Both sides of this debate have the attention of many Floridians; but every Floridian has a stake in this debate." "Complex issue". See also "Cash cow or curse? Drilling experts offer familiar promises, warnings" and "Paul Flemming: Two sides are entrenched in oil debate".

Related: "Australia oil spill fuels debate here".

End of an era

"Jai-alai fronton closing after 48 years in Seminole".

Rail advice

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Charlotte jumped ahead of Tampa in competition for federal funds to build rail transit, but falling behind has its advantages. Leaders of the North Carolina city are generously sharing what they learned in laying an urban train line through a sprawling metropolis in love with the automobile. The most important message is: Built right, trains work." "Rail rival turns teacher".

State Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, R-Orlando, and businessman Bruce O'Donoghue sat down with GOP lawmakers and strategists from the National Republican Congressional Committee in meetings that participants described as productive -- although no verdict was reached.

"It's great to see that these folks are very serious about the direction that this country is going," said O'Donoghue, who wouldn't commit to run. "This race is going to draw national attention, and they wanted to prep me on what that meant."

The Capitol Hill meetings reflect a growing unease among national Republicans with the early field assembled to challenge Grayson, a GOP target since the wealthy attorney unseated former U.S. Rep. Ric Keller, R-Orlando, in a bruising election last year.

These include Orlando attorney Todd Long and three Tea Party activists: Dan Fanelli of Orlando, Patricia Sullivan of Eustis and Peg Dunmire.

Billy getting desperate

"Hoping to capitalize on President Barack Obama's declining popularity in Florida, Republican governor candidate Bill McCollum is trying to tie his Democratic opponent, Alex Sink, to Obama and national issues pushed by Democrats."

McCollum has pressed Sink to take stands on whether a national health care reform plan should include a public option, and on the "card-check" proposal now in Congress that would make it easier for workers to organize unions.

Those proposals, he notes, are backed by national-level Democrats and organized labor, who support Sink.

Sink has refused to take the bait, even after a McCollum backer in a duck suit showed up at a Sink news conference last week to suggest she's "ducking" questions.

She responds that McCollum is trying to divert attention from a failing state economy and that she's focusing on state issues that matter to Floridians.

Charlie desperate to kill someone

"Though Gov. Charlie Crist had signed a death warrant, court stays execution".

"The entire state economy ..."

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: A "UF survey found the confidence level among Floridians flattened off in October after rising a little in August and September. Concerns about the state's jobless rating, now at 11 percent, and pessimism about the lack of jobs and lower salaries fuel a reticence to spend, even among those currently employed."

Without robust sales over the holidays, it's not just retailers and their employees who are pinched; it's the entire state economy, which unfortunately, shortsightedly and yet historically runs off of sales tax revenues.

Without holiday sales growth, a $2.6 billion state budget deficit will be on the table for lawmakers to confront in the spring. That could mean either an increase in fees and taxes and more budget slashing. Or, more wisely, it could lead to the tax revisions that have so long been needed and so long been avoided because, quite simply, it's not easy to say it's time to expand the tax base — make it not necessarily deeper, but wider.

That is, it's well-past time to get rid of many of the sales tax exemptions on goods, to make sure that remote online sales are taxed (in fairness to brick-and-mortar merchants), and to tax certain services that in today's service-driven economy are as much a retail product as boots and bicycles.

Warning, some may find this offensive

"The Charlie Crist video Marco Rubio says you shouldn't watch".

Brown-Waite, Stearns embarrass themselves and Florida

What is it with Florida's Republican Congress-critters? They keep embarrassing themselves. First we had Brown-Waite and her chicken bones international incident. Then, we had Bill Posey and the Birthers; now this:

One professor called it spiteful.

Another said it was far-fetched.

Those were the reactions today to U.S Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's request that President Barack Obama get the permission of Congress before he accepts the Nobel Peace Prize.

On Monday, the Brooksville Republican sent Obama a letter, first congratulating him, and then requesting him to "obtain Congress' consent before formally accepting the Nobel Prize."

The letter, co-signed by Republican Reps. Cliff Stearns of Ocala and Ron Paul of Texas, cites a little-known provision of the U.S. Constitution they argue prohibits a president from accepting a gift from a foreign entity.

Thank you Mr. Obama

"Speaking to The Miami Herald editorial board, Smith expressed optimism about the future of public education in Florida -- even amid an economic downturn -- in part thanks to federal stimulus money." "Commissioner of Education discusses 'very conservative' budget proposal".

Drilling promises "landed with a thud"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Fortunately for Florida, Rep. Dean Cannon's quest to lift the state's offshore drilling ban is slowing. Credit the growing number of dubious claims for dragging it down."

The latest came last week during a hearing before the House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning, when promises about the riches drilling would produce for Florida landed with a thud.

Rubio moves North

"U.S. Senate candidate Rubio tours Northwest Florida".

Flippery-floppery

"With Congress poised to extend jobless benefits, the red ink flooding Florida's unemployment compensation system is deepening and now also spurring renewed calls for change from both Democrats and Republicans. Florida will already owe the federal government $126.9 million in 2011 and another $199.4 million the next year on the almost $500 million in loans received so far to cover benefits for the state's jobless, a new state report shows." "GOP lawmakers may be warming to changing Florida unemployment system to get more federal stimulus cash".

Stop the presses!

"Burger King profit slips for first quarter".

"The new Katherine Harris?"

Jamie Miller, a political consultant, former campaign manager for Katherine Harris’ U.S. Senate race, and former executive director for the Republican Party of Florida, asks: "Is Marco Rubio the new Katherine Harris?" (via The Buzz).

'Glades

"Growth watchdog group asks state to leash county, protect Everglades".

"Florida is worse off than most states"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "It doesn’t matter that the Great Recession may technically be over. For millions of American families facing foreclosure and unemployment, the figures showing nascent GDP growth are of little comfort. Florida is worse off than most states, with an 11 percent unemployment rate that translates into more than a million people out of a job. The state also ranks fourth in the nation in the proportion of households in foreclosure." "More help on economy needed".

Biden in PBC

"Vice President Joe Biden will travel Thursday afternoon to Palm Beach County for a Democratic National Committee event in Boca Raton, the White House announced tonight." "Biden headed to Palm Beach".

"Concocting real-estate scams"

Mike Thomas: "Developers have unlimited imagination when it comes to concocting real-estate scams." "Nothing 'new' here — just same old sprawl".

he didn't know where President Barack Obama was in his state Monday. And he laughed off a report suggesting he might be "America's worst governor.'' ...

On Monday, Forbes.com columnist Reihan Salam began a story on Crist by calling the governor "an extraordinarily gifted politician.'' But things went downhill from there, as the writer called Crist's heavy reliance on stimulus money to balance the state budget a "fiscal nightmare'' and said Crist might be "America's worst governor.''

What does Crist think of a piece labeling him a "lightweight?''

"I only weigh 165, so that's true,'' he said. "They have a right to say whatever they want. The First Amendment says so.''

The Washington Post's political blog The Fix is running a highly unscientific poll that nominates Crist as one of six choices for the nation's "most overrated'' governor. So far, Crist is running slightly ahead of Texas Gov. Rick Perry for the "honor,'' based on more than 5,000 votes.

Earlier Tuesday, Crist rejected the idea of a "public option'' healthcare plan and refused to be pinned down on whether Florida should take advantage of a proposed opt-out provision for states.

Reminded that through Citizens Property Insurance Corp., he favored a government takeover of Florida's private property insurance market, Crist said: "It is and it isn't.'' Citizens has created more competition in the private market, he said, and rates have dropped by 16 percent on average, and "we've been blessed by not having any hurricanes the last three years.''

Questioned on the public option subject a second time, Crist said: "I would prefer that it didn't pass on public option. I don't support it.''

Traditional media goes after Grayson

"The Associated Press is outraged: "'Die quickly' Democrat kicks up new controversy".

And so is the reliably anti-Grayson Orlando Sentinel: "Alan Grayson apologizes for remarks about woman lobbyist -- but he may have crossed a line".

Merriam Webster:

Main Entry: whore
Pronunciation: \ˈhȯr, ˈhu̇r\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English hore, from Old English hōre; akin to Old Norse hōra whore, hōrr adulterer, Latin carus dear — more at charity
Date: before 12th century

1 : a woman who engages in sexual acts for money : prostitute; also : a promiscuous or immoral woman
2 : a male who engages in sexual acts for money
3 : a venal or unscrupulous person

Charlie denies he's lazy

"Crist: I'm working every day".

Background: "He takes off about 10 weeks a year".

"Only Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink ..."

"The big-money battle between Florida counties and online hotel booking companies reached the apex of state government Tuesday, but there's still no solution in sight. Only Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink expressed an urgency to resolve the long-running dispute." "Cabinet discusses whether online hotel bookers are skirting tax rules".

"The unenlightened in the state capital"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board:

As the nation focuses on renewable energy, an army of lobbyists and consultants hired by a secretive oil-drilling group are joining with incoming legislative leaders to push for lifting the ban on drilling in state waters in the gulf. At the Florida Public Service Commission, the staff is inexplicably recommending leaving in place meager energy conservation targets that most utilities already have met. So in the middle of the state Tuesday, the president stood amid solar panels and envisioned a world of electric plug-in cars, smart meters and clean energy. And in Tallahassee, the PSC postponed the vote on a lousy conservation policy.

Perhaps there is still time for the progressive energy message spreading nationwide to reach the unenlightened in the state capital.

As employees take it in the shorts ...

"Orange County wants $50 million more for convention center".

Thank you, Mr. Obama

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "In Florida, we have occasional flashes of futuristic well-being even though our default position tends to be doing things the same way and hoping for a better outcome."

But ... thanks in large part to Mr. Obama, this may be changing:

# The $1.2 billion SunRail that would stop at 17 stations, linking DeLand in Volusia County to downtown Orlando and Winter Park to Poinciana in Osceola County, is expected to create 6,700 jobs from its five years of construction— if the Legislature gives it the high sign.

# The $2.5 billion high-speed rail, which is seeking federal funds, would connect Lakeland, Orlando and Tampa and could mean 23,000 construction-related jobs while stimulating the economy around the stations.

# Meanwhile, the $152 million DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, the largest photovoltaic solar plant in the U.S., is opening this week on 180 acres north of Arcadia. It's Florida Power & Light's 25-megawatt contribution to the cleanest form of energy generation known, and it too will create thousands of jobs. Those megawatts are enough to power 3,000 homes and, along the way, reduce the need for fossil fuel. When operational, it will continually and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to removing 4,500 cars from the highways every year for the life of the plant.

# Finally, President Obama on Tuesday dropped a $3.4 billion Smart Energy Grid Investment Grant on Florida, intended to spur energy-saving technologies and create tens of thousands of jobs along the way to getting 20 percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2020.

"P" for "pusillanimous"

Could this wimp - who despite his age and bellicose politics, has managed to avoid putting a boot on the ground in his family's "war on terror" - pick a less courageous time to pad his resume? His Navy Reserve unit is off to fight the non-existent naval foe in Iraq and/or the landlocked Taliban in Afghanistan.

George P. Bush, or "P" as he's known to some, is thought to be the biggest hope for a fourth generation of Bush family political leaders, with some suggesting that he might run for statewide office in Texas at some point in the next four to eight years. But, as The Daily Beast points out today, any future George P. Bush political ambitions will have to be put on hold as his Navy Reserve unit is set to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan in the coming weeks.

Another Daddy's little boy

"Pat Rooney Jr. launches bid for state House".

RPOFer blather

"Brown-Waite to Obama: Don't pick up that Peace Prize so fast".

Leadership?

"Boyd, Miller stay put on health care".

Water wars

"Lawmakers from Georgia, Florida and Alabama are putting new pressure on their governors to start negotiations on resolving a court ruling that could rob Atlanta of its primary water source." "Lawmakers urge governors to start water talks".

Outa there

"Trial lawyers’ executive director Scott Carruthers quits over racial mailer".

Effort to rebuild Haiti on the ropes

The Miami Herald editorial board: "A political maelstrom is brewing that could destroy the international effort to rebuild Haiti following a series of storms that ravaged the island last year. This menace takes the form of an effort in the Senate to remove Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis, who has managed the government capably in the 14 months since she was appointed by President René Préval." "Playing politics in Haiti".

Miami

"It's back to basics for Miami mayoral candidate Tomás Regalado".

On hold

"Taking their cue from Gov. Charlie Crist, state regulators agreed Tuesday to postpone ruling on major rate increases for Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy Florida." "Regulators postpone ruling on utility rate increases".

Meantime ...

... "Crist says he didn't know Obama was in Florida".

"Strongest position they've been in modern history"

"With almost every statewide office open in 2010, many Democrats say they are in the strongest position they've been in modern history. The state party is better organized than it's been in decades, Obama's political machine already has a dozen staffers organizing throughout Florida and the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Alex Sink, is significantly outraising the leading Republican, Bill McCollum."

Still, there are plenty of reasons to worry. In 2010 Democrats won't have George W. Bush to blame for problems facing the country. Many observers doubt infrequent or first-time voters will turn out in droves in an off-year election, as they did when Obama turned Florida blue for the first time since 1996.

"Will you really cut funding for Medicare to pay for it? How can that be good? That's really going to hurt our seniors,'' ... .

Charlie's pants are on fire

"Crist says he has shrunk state government by 10 percent since taking office. But the decrease really had little to do with him." "Gov. Charlie Crist's budget-cut claim is baseless".

Rubio "packs the room"

"Marco Rubio, the underdog gaining steam in his race against Gov. Charlie Crist for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, appealed to Broward Republicans Monday night, setting up a showdown between the two candidates in the pivotal county. The Fort Lauderdale meeting of the Broward Republican Executive Committee was not limited to its members, which allowed Rubio's supporters to pack the room. More than 300 people came to hear and cheer the former Florida House speaker." "Marco Rubio meets with Broward Republicans". More: "Rubio supporters turn Republican meeting into a pep rally".

See you in Havana

"Broward County commissioners approved seeking permission from the federal government to allow flights to and from Cuba at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport." "Broward Co. approves asking for flights to Cuba".

Dear leader

"Responding to news Monday that Democrats are considering a health care package that would let states opt out of the so-called public option, Republican Gov. Charlie Crist said he’d prefer a bill with no mention at all of a public option. 'The public option, I think, may be sort of a Trojan horse to a government take over of health care,' Crist said." "Crist would rather not have the option of a public option".

Barack "don't rattle"

"In his second trip to Florida since his election, President Barack Obama told backers at a Miami Beach fundraiser not to worry about his critics: 'I don't rattle.'" "President Obama rallies Florida Democrats in Miami Beach".

Charlie a no show at the office

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "There is a reason Gov. Charlie Crist hardly ever breaks a sweat. He's not working that hard."

No one expected Crist to be a policy wonk when he was elected governor. He has never been a detail guy, and it is not surprising that he has not been holed up in the governor's office reading policy papers. He did establish a more civil tone in Tallahassee, and even his political opponents find it hard to dislike him personally. But good manners only go so far. Voters did expect Crist to show up for work more regularly and spend more afternoons brainstorming with real experts to find some solutions to Florida's most pressing issues.

Unemployment is higher than it has been since 1975, and more people are leaving the state than arriving. The property tax structure is worse than when Crist took office, and so is the property insurance situation. The governor has been less than successful in advancing much of his agenda through the Legislature, and in his last session in 2010 there are any number of big issues he could push: ethics reform, a fairer tax system, investment in higher education, renewable energy. But that would require spending time now to develop and refine his proposals, and Crist is too busy raising money for his U.S. Senate campaign. He drops by the state Capitol today for a Cabinet meeting and a full schedule, but later in the week he's off mining for cash in Phoenix and Las Vegas and . . .

McCollum has even more time unaccounted for than Crist, with the equivalent of 42 weeks off since January 2007. Sink looks like a comparative workaholic with the equivalent of some 26 weeks off. Now both McCollum and Sink are running for governor, so expect to see their office lights on even less.

All in the Mica family

"Dave Mica: Exploration offers a safe path to more jobs and state revenues".

Prepaid pain

"Parents are getting sticker shock as the Florida Prepaid College Plan sends its rates skyward." "Parents reeling from spike in Florida Prepaid College Plan".

Never mind

"Grayson's 'K Street whore' quip draws fire".

Florida's own "Howdy Doody Looking Nimrod" speaks

"Putnam Says He Opposes Most of Democrats' Health Care Reform Plans".

Boyd's challenger

"Head of Suwannee Republicans looks to unseat Boyd".

Florida's clean-energy debate

"Obama may have little sway in state's clean-energy debate".

New house on the Row

"A federal appeals court has dismissed an appeal by a Christian fraternity that had sought to force the University of Florida to recognize it as an official organization. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling Tuesday found that the controversy was moot because the university had amended its policy and allowed Beta Upsilon Chi to register." "Appeals panel dismisses Fla. Christian frat case".

Rail

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Fund Tri-Rail, jump-start bullet train".

Stirring up a hornets nest

"Seniors don't hesitate to speak up".

Preying on children

"A teenage girl who said she feared her father would harm or kill her for converting from Islam to Christianity returned to Ohio today after running away to Florida three months ago."

Rifqa Bary returned to circumstances far different than those she left: Instead of her home in New Albany, one of central Ohio's most well-off communities, she'll be in a foster home under state custody.

Bary, 17, will also have her phone and Internet use supervised by the Franklin County Children Service Agency, under a judge's order issued earlier Tuesday.

The children's services agency had blamed Bary's use of Facebook for her troubles, saying she went to Orlando after talking to the Rev. Blake Lorenz, pastor of Global Revolution Church, in an online prayer group.

Gambling

"Crist says there is still hope for a gambling deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe despite what a leading Florida legislator said last week. 'To me, it seems so obviously the right thing to do,' Crist said. His reasoning: The tribe would contribute $150 million a year to education and create 40,000 jobs in exchange for exclusive rights to blackjack and other table games at its seven Florida casinos." "Gov. Charlie Crist hopeful for Seminoles gambling pact". See also "Crist sees hope for gambling deal".

PSC passes

"The Public Service Commission has agreed to delay decisions on two major electric utility rate cases." "Fla. PSC considering delays for rate cases".

"It's hard to get to the right of Chain Gang Charlie,'' Crist said, shortly before crushing Gallagher in that 2006 gubernatorial primary by more than 30 points.

And just like Gallagher, a lifelong moderate who had supported tax increases, gun control and abortion rights and faced constant skepticism about his conservatism, Crist's attacks on excessive spending in Washington are constantly drawing scoffs from people who well remember Crist campaigning for passage of President Barack Obama's stimulus package.

"It gets hard to pass the straight-face test with voters, and especially with you reporters," said Brett Doster, who managed Gallagher's campaign and constantly struggled to overcome skepticism that Gallagher believed what he said. "I hate to say this, but Charlie is becoming the new Tom Gallagher."

Collapsed building injures firefighters ...

... and these guys probably think their entitled to a raise or sumthin.

"Two firefighters were hurt when a Kissimmee condominium building burned Sunday night, and dozens of people were left homeless as a result of the blaze."

Several units of the Kissimmee Fire Department responded around 9 p.m. to a fire at the Villa del Sol Condominiums, said Megan Shephard, a fire department spokeswoman. The blaze was in a three-story, 24-unit building at 4103 Tropical Isle Blvd.

As firefighters checked for people inside, half of the top floor's roof collapsed

"Charlie Crist's Ponzi politics."

Forbes: "Charlie Crist is an extraordinarily gifted politician, known for his unpretentious and warm demeanor. He might also be America's worst governor. Given that there is a great deal of competition for this dubious honor, that's saying rather a lot." "America's Worst Governor?"

Drill fight

"Offshore drilling splits House".

"The most sought-after endorsement in state politics"?

Bill Cotterell:

If you don't know much about the candidates or don't feel strongly on an issue, the advice of organized schoolteachers, economic-development folks, environmentalists or a professional association can convey a sense of confidence.

That's what meets the eye in the Florida Police Benevolent Association's endorsement of Gov. Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate. There's more to it than the appearance that cops, probation officers and prison security staff support Crist — so he must be tough on law and order — although that's the message Crist and the PBA conveyed last week.

John Rivera, the state PBA president, was not immodest when he said the police and prison officers have the most sought-after endorsement in state politics.

Rubio "more confident than ever"

"Crist's loudest critics this year have come from his own party. And the frustration has manifested itself in the insurgent campaign of former House Speaker Marco Rubio, who is hoping to become the first Floridian in modern politics to defeat a sitting governor in a primary."

"I'm more confident than ever," Rubio said in an interview Friday.

Rubio's latest fund-raising report, published last week, momentarily quieted concerns about his fund-raising ability and put him in position to reach the $4 million figure strategists say he'll need before the August primary.

Meanwhile, two polls this week showed him closing the gap to 15 points behind Crist. One poll suggested he could defeat the Democratic frontrunner in the race, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, although another showed him losing.

Also growing on Rubio's financial reports is the number of contributors with ties to former Gov. Jeb Bush, still a powerful figure in Florida Republican politics: former consultant Mike Murphy, former Florida Education Commissioner Jim Horne and a host of top fund-raisers, including Sergio Pino and Norman Braman of Miami, and Duane Ottenstrouer and the Demetree family of Jacksonville.

Other Bush family friends, including Karl Rove, Harlan Crowe and Jim Blankenship, have also written checks to Rubio.

Crist has taken notice.

Atwater on rail

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Senate President Jeff Atwater's call for a special session on rail projects may be late in coming, but it shows someone in Tallahassee finally understands what it takes for Florida to win federal support for a big-ticket item like high-speed rail." "Atwater, at least, understands Tri-Rail need".

Charlie ducking The President

"Obama visits Jacksonville, Miami today and Arcadia tomorrow; don’t look for Crist this time".

Worthy Save Our Homes challenge?

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Last week, former Florida State University President Sandy D'Alemberte, a former American Bar Association president who now teaches law at FSU, tried challenging a portion of Florida Save Our Homes amendment that contributes greatly to our state's lopsided tax structure."

In arguments before the 1st District Court of Appeal here last Tuesday, he called the amendment a "house of mirrors" that didn't make our tax structure better or more fair, but instead violates federal constitutional rights of equality, travel and interstate commerce. He said the tax breaks discourage Floridians from moving to other states where they don't offer a similar incentive, but they also discriminate between newcomers and out-of-state owners of second homes here.

The constitutionality of these amendments has been challenged, rejected, appealed and, as Mr. D'Alemberte is doing, challenged again in various ways. One appeal is now in the hands of the Florida Supreme Court, and Mr. D'Alemberte has a tough challenge ahead.

But the Florida Legislature itself, if it had the gumption, could begin correcting the course of our tax structure and make it more equitable. It could begin reducing dependency on property taxes for revenue, and spreading the tax burden more fairly by extending the sales taxes to certain exempt services and to remote (online) purchases of goods, which are subject to taxes, but typically go uncollected.

Hypocrite

"Crist balks at a request to increase funding for the state parole commission, even though he has championed the streamlining of restoration of civil rights for ex-felons." "Gov. Charlie Crist's refusal to fund parole board contradicts policy".

"How much of it will be spent here remains to be seen"

"President Barack Obama is in Florida to raise money for U.S. Senate races, but how much of it will be spent here remains to be seen."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is the leading Democrat for former Sen. Mel Martinez's seat, and he trails Republican Gov. Charlie Crist by 20 points in a recent Quinnipiac University poll.

If Meek doesn't close that gap, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will likely use the money raised at Monday's fundraiser in more competitive states - especially since campaign ads are so expensive in Florida.

"Out of touch with Floridians"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "PSC staff recommendations for future energy efficiency and switching to more renewable fuels are disappointingly uninspired. It's one more indication why the embattled PSC -- after a series of scandals involving too cozy relationships by staff and commissioners with the utilities they regulate -- continues to be out of touch with Floridians." "Uninspiring energy-efficiency standards".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "A weak energy plan".

Some serious grrrl power

"U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, said seniors will be much better off under plans to reform the nation’s health care system." "Nancy Pelosi joins Wasserman Schultz to talk health care in Sunrise".

Solar

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "When it comes to solar energy, size doesn't matter. Big, sun-drenched states like California and Colorado are leading solar-energy producers. But so are small states like New Jersey, Hawaii and Vermont. Florida is sun-drenched, big -- and a laggard in solar energy. For the good of the state, and perhaps its survival as we know it, that should change more rapidly than it has even as a big new solar-power plant begins production this week on a former orange grove in DeSoto County. " "For Florida, solar is cheaper and safer than nuclear".

How Broward works

"Fundraising and personal ties keep super-lobbyists close to Broward County commissioners -- too close, say some prominent critics". "How lobbyists influence decisions in Broward".

"Gusanos"

"One of Fidel Castro's sisters says in a memoir released Monday that she collaborated with the CIA against her brother, starting shortly after the United States' failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961." "Castro's sister says she collaborated with CIA".

Rubio has cut his 35-percentage-point deficit to 15 percent, a recent Quinnipiac University poll found. Increasingly, Crist seems out of tune with the hard-edged, talk-show conservatism dominating Republican Party rhetoric nationwide.

"Marco Rubio has awakened the Republican primary voters and this is a race now," said Marian Johnson, political strategist for the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

In response, Crist has stopped ignoring Rubio - the typical approach of a front-runner - and is ramping up his campaign, pushing his conservative credentials.

He has begun running radio ads touting those credentials - ads that Rubio backers say exaggerate his tax- and budget-cutting record.

"It's going to be tricky for Crist to keep those high ratings with indies (no-party voters) if he moves too far to the right in the primary" to hold off Rubio, said Eric Schultz of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee.

Crist has long appealed to crossover Democrats and no-party voters, expanding his support. In recent polls, his approval ratings among no-party voters have edged higher than his approval ratings in his own party.

•In recent weeks, state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer, chosen by Crist for the post, has become a fountain of extreme anti-Obama rhetoric. He has claimed, for example, that health care reform could lead to "forced abortions."

•Crist will headline a Christian Family Coalition dinner in Miami in November; he recently showed up at the Apostolic and Prophetic Conference of the El Rey Jesus ministry in Miami.

•His radio ads bash Obama's stimulus spending and boast that Crist has cut state spending and taxes.

Entrepreneurs in action

"State rarely punishes rogue debt collectors".

A hug too far

"Crist's decision to embrace President Barack Obama is helping Marco Rubio build a more credible campaign in the Republican Senate primary."

Crist was never supposed to have a serious primary challenger, but Rubio is building momentum and closing a gap in polls.

Campaign season

"Since taking office nearly three years ago, Attorney General Bill McCollum has scheduled nearly a year's worth of half-days, personal and vacation days, or weekdays with no planned events. Over the same time, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink scheduled the equivalent of more than 26 weeks of half-days, personal and vacation days, or days with no listed events, according to a Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times review."

McCollum's schedule emerges as the most lax. He had 210 weekdays -- the equivalent of 42 work weeks -- in which he worked four hours or less, had nothing scheduled or took "personal'' and vacation time. Of those days, 158 were half-days in which his schedule shows events and meetings lasting four hours or less. He scheduled 86 personal days.

Serial bar flunker makes "false" claims

"In a recent Fox News interview, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist boasted about Cover Florida Health Care, an effort to provide low-cost healthcare coverage to the nearly four million uninsured in the state."

Given all the debate over the high cost of healthcare, we wondered if the plan could be as inexpensive as Crist claims. [The Miami Herald] found he was distorting the savings by mixing apples and oranges. ...

Crist is using sleight-of-hand, comparing numbers that aren't comparable.

To date, about 4,500 people have enrolled -- about 0.1 percent of the state's uninsured population.

Redistricting ... or not

"Florida is cruising toward a monumental decision in 2010 about how to redraw its political maps. Or it isn't." "Florida political parties may struggle over district remapping plans".

Delightful

"Some megawealthy flee taxes by moving to Florida".

"Voters wanted Martinez in that job, not a sidekick"

Jane Healy: "Martinez now has become a partner in a law firm, and George LeMieux, a crony of Gov. Charlie Crist, is Florida's new senator after Crist appointed him to the job. But voters wanted Martinez in that job, not a sidekick of the governor's. And as a placeholder for Crist, who is a candidate for the seat, he won't get near the respect a Florida senator deserves." "Martinez's, Palin's and Wexler's lame excuses for quitting".

"State's largest utilities are dragging their feet"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Municipal electric services, including those in Tallahassee, Gainesville and Lakeland, are innovative in actively encouraging customers to be smart about their energy use. This also reduces the costs of utility production for the cities."

Yet the state's largest utilities are dragging their feet when it comes to encouraging energy efficiency.

The Florida Public Service Commission is even being advised by its own staff to go easy on Big Energy when it comes to meeting requirements of the Florida Energy Efficiency Conservation Act. By this law, the PSC must set and review utility conservation goals every five years.

Depends what you mean by "shovel-ready"

Mark Lane: "It has not escaped the U.S. Department of Transportation's notice that Florida is pretty terrible about committing to and funding mass transit aside from buses."

If a state can't do commuter rail, how can you expect it to do high-speed rail?

Well, it's funny what a few frank words from a secretary of transportation can do. The governor and Senate President Jeff Atwater now are up for a third try at helping commuter rail. Both building the SunRail system, which would connect Volusia County with Orlando and the big world beyond, and finding a stable fund source for Tri-Rail in south Florida. A December special session could wrap it all up as a Christmas present.

And both high-speed rail and SunRail, say supporters, are shovel-ready.

"Shovel-ready" either means the groundwork is there for a fast startup or the Legislature is poised to bury these things.

One or the other.

Philosophically, Cretul opposes federal stimulus spending. And he'd prefer a more limited, narrower Seminole gaming pact than anything the tribe is remotely interested in discussing. Still, he hasn't ruled these things out, either.

If I had any idea what he will do, that would make an excellent close to this column. Still, I'm guessing that legislators will need to take their Christmas sweaters out of storage because you would not believe how cold Tallahassee can get in winter.

"Talk about a sideshow"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board this morning: "The Republican legislative caucus that approved an insurance plan in 2008 that has failed to cover a single Floridian now has another health care plan that is more politics than policy. Sen. Carey Baker of Eustis and Rep. Scott Plakon of Longwood are pushing a state constitutional amendment aimed at exempting Floridians and their employers from any potential federal mandate requiring Americans to buy health insurance."

Talk about a sideshow. ...

One in four Floridians under 65 doesn't have health insurance — the second worst uninsured rate in the nation. Yet the Legislature has yet to respond to the crisis in a meaningful way.

Last year's solution was to create Florida Health Choices Corp. to help small businesses buy employee coverage. Enrollees to date: zero. And Gov. Charlie Crist's Cover Florida program claims more than 4,000 enrollees since February — a pittance compared to the 77,000 Floridians who are estimated to have lost insurance in the same period.

"Forget the jet. Hire a makeover specialist"

Randy Schultz: "How generous that Florida Power & Light won't try to bill customers for the cost of flying executives on the corporate jet to hearings where FPL is asking to raise customers' rates, and for a new jet. FPL also won't try to make customers pay for $72 million in bonuses. The utility will ask customers for half that amount. Shareholders will pick up the rest."

Schultz continues, writing that

FPL has been off its game since 2006, when the company foolishly tried to bankroll anyone who might defeat Gov. Crist. His two appointees to the Public Service Commission are FPL's biggest critics.

Wondering about FPL, however, means wondering about the parent company, FPL Group, based in Juno Beach. Nationally, FPL Group and FPL back cap-and-trade legislation designed to reduce greenhouse gases. FPL produces only 6 percent of its energy from coal, and would benefit more than the coal-fired utilities of the Midwest. Outside of Florida, FPL Group is a leader in renewable energy, especially wind power.

Regulated FPL, though, remains the power behind FPL Group. FPL contributes 70 percent of the parent company's revenue. As growth in Florida has stalled, so has FPL revenue. Perhaps that explains the odd side businesses and FPL's clumsy campaign tactics, which include attempts to stack hearings.

Even when FPL Group in July announced a 77 percent profit increase for the last quarter, the stock price fell because FPL income was stagnant. The stock has fallen since July, even as the overall market has risen. You can see why FPL worries about the reaction if the company doesn't get all or most of that $1.2 billion. ...

Having followed FPL for two decades, I've seen the company be kind and arrogant, competent and clueless, but never desperate. The more FPL sends out its platoons of public relations people, the worse the company looks. Forget the jet. Hire a makeover specialist.

LeMieux, a man in demand

"LeMieux, who took office in September, earned nearly $2 million in an 18-month period. He was paid for work he did for companies wanting to end Florida's ban on oil drilling, large utilities seeking rate increases and vendors doing business with the state, according to a financial disclosure he filed earlier this month."

Among those who paid LeMieux's law firm for work he did were Florida Power and Light, Florida Energy Associates, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, and Mosaic Fertilizer, as well as a company run by a former top fundraiser for the Republican Party of Florida whose dealings have come under fire.

His financial disclosure form states that he performed "legal services and counseling" for nearly all of the companies listed. ...

LeMieux's financial disclosure form filed earlier this month shows that he earned $1.65 million from the Gunster law firm and an additional $150,000 from a company called MTC Strategies. The primary client for MTC Strategies was the Republican Party of Florida. ...

Others who paid LeMieux for work include The Geo Group, a private prison vendor; Centene Management Company, which provides services in the state's Medicaid program; the Land Company of Osceola County, which is involved in a large Central Florida land development, and Trigeant Holdings, which is managed by Harry Sargeant III.

Sargeant, the former finance chairman for the Republican Party of Florida, was linked to a Jordanian businessman who was indicted on charges of funneling illegal contributions to presidential candidates and Crist.

"Vicious, ham-handed attack against Argenziano by AIF"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "This week, Argenziano successfully demanded details of high FPL executive salaries and company planes -- which led to the company carving $53 million from its request for a $1.3 billion increase in the base rate."

The exchange was embarrassing for the utility and illuminating for consumers, who probably didn't realize that FPL expected to base part of its rate increase on inflated salaries and perks. But in the bigger picture, the savings to consumers from this revelation won't be substantial -- and changing the faces on the commission won't accomplish much without significant improvements in state laws.

And those will be harder to achieve. Regulated utilities pour millions into campaign coffers every election season, and have powerful allies -- as illustrated last week by a vicious, ham-handed attack against Argenziano by Associated Industries of Florida. The group bills itself as the "voice of Florida business." But it ignored the fact that Florida businesses would largely be hurt by a massive electric-rate increase, and sided with FPL in its request to raise bills across the state a total of $1.2 billion. Before AIF released the press statement blasting Argenziano, it sent a copy to FPL for editing, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Powerful allies like Associated Industries can be a boon when the Legislature is in session. And provisions that benefit utilities can be hard to spot -- such as the law that allows companies to front-load costs of new nuclear plants onto consumers, which passed with little notice in 2006.

Desegregation

In Brevard, "Redrawing school boundaries might harm legacy of desegregation".

PSC Sunshine

"Bill aims to bring sunshine into PSC hearings".

"That is how justice is supposed to work"?

Scott Maxwell: "One waited five years in prison before he was exonerated."

Another, 22. And a third, 27.

According to your governor, attorney general and state attorney, that is how justice is supposed to work.

There's no guarantee that Bennett — now 52 and confined to northwest Florida's Apalachee Correctional Institution — will be exonerated.

And in fact, not a single advocate for justice has ever argued that anyone convicted with [the rogue dog handler's] help should be set free — only that their cases be independently reviewed.

But for these three career politicians — Crist, McCollum and Wolfinger — that apparently is too much to ask.

Sea urchin comeback

"Amid 300-pound groupers, curious barracudas and a rainbow of tropical fish attracted to a new artificial reef off Key West, a tiny creature is causing a big stir among conservationists: the long-spined sea urchin." "In the Keys, long-spinned sea urchin makes a comeback".