It's showing up in the form of conservative primary challengers against candidates blessed by the party establishment - a strange phenomenon in a party known for tightly controlled, wait-your-turn politics.

Some Republicans fear the divisive primaries could leave GOP voters divided and dispirited, or push to the party so far right it alienates mainstream voters.

"If you tried to devise a strategy for destroying the Republican Party in Florida, you couldn't do much better than this," said retired University of South Florida political scientist Darryl Paulson, a Republican and a former Heritage Foundation fellow.

"The kind of narrow appeal they're offering would almost guarantee Republicans would become the minority party in Florida," Paulson said. ...

The Florida Democratic Party, considering Rubio easier to beat than Crist, regularly sends out news releases highlighting attacks on Crist by Rubio or by other conservatives.

•State Sen. Carey Baker of Eustis, challenging U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow in the primary for state agriculture commissioner, casts his race as a conservative "battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party" like Rubio's - even though Putnam has an established conservative reputation.

•Conservatives, including Rubio backers, have challenged the leadership of state GOP Chairman Jim Greer, a Crist ally.

•A tea party organizer, Orlando lawyer Fred O'Neal, has formed a political party he says will target Republican state legislators who voted this week for the SunRail project involving a state deal with CSX railway. They back SunRail opponent Sen. Paula Dockery of Lakeland, who is challenging Attorney General Bill McCollum for the GOP nomination for governor.

•In the wake of a November visit to Florida by rightist talk-show host Glenn Beck, tea party activists inspired by Beck have filed to run in primaries against two of the state's most strongly entrenched GOP Congress members, C.W. Bill Young of St. Petersburg and Ginny Brown-Waite of Brooksville. Neither are known as moderates.

"A drool of rednecks"


Daniel Ruth: "This is just swell. Just perfect. "

Florida routinely ranks somewhere between Dogpatch and Haiti when it comes to our educational system, and now a drool of rednecks may well win the opportunity to officially advertise the state's ignorance on yet another specialty license plate. Yee-haw!

A few days ago a federal judge — and by the way, irony abounds here — ruled in favor of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, allowing the group to pursue a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to permit a "Slavery! It's a Pip!" specialty license plate.

The Sons of a Parallel Universe sought relief in the courts to have their "Slavery! Yes!" specialty plate after the Florida Legislature refused over the past two years to consider approving the application, motivated perhaps by the idea that it is probably not a good idea when you are trying to attract investment and tourism to be seen as promoting a racist symbol of oppression and violence.

Entrepreneurs in action

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Republican State Rep. Carl Domino "has made it his business to see that the Legislature takes away $20 million it put up this year for one of Mr. [John] Textor's new ventures."

Other people think that Mr. Textor fairly oozes credibility. As The Post reported last month, key lawmakers helped Mr. Textor bypass normal review procedures in his quest to obtain $20 million from the state to open an animation/computer game studio in St. Lucie County. Meanwhile, honchos in that county and in Port St. Lucie chipped in another $51 million in incentives, including about $20 million in federal stimulus money. In return, Mr. Textor promises to create at least 500 jobs at an average annual salary of almost $65,000.

Rep. Domino says Mr. Textor has glommed whatever credibility he has from hanging around with the right people — big-time Hollywood producer/director Michael Bay (Transformers), former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino — and by schmoozing with politicians such as Gov. Crist and Reps. Kevin Ambler, R-Tampa, and David Rivera, R-Miami. Those three helped Mr. Textor bypass the usual state reviews; he helped them with fund-raisers.

The documents Mr. Textor used to persuade legislators of his credibility are not yet public. State law allows — requires, actually — a period of confidentiality, so more businesses will feel comfortable applying for economic development aid.

Rep. Domino also says that Mr. Textor is coasting on the reputation of businesses that he either is not actually affiliated with or which had their successes before his affiliation. Rep. Domino says he has seen no evidence that Mr. Textor ever has created the kind of jobs he's promising now.

After all, he is black

What is it with West central-Florida? Background: "Derrick Brooks for state Senate?" Related: "'After All, He Is Black'".

At the federal trough

"Florida lawmakers invested in commuter rail this week, believing the support would help the state win a slice of federal stimulus money set aside for rail projects. But the competition is stiff." "Florida, others battle for federal rail grants".

Reflected glory

"Crist will hit the road next week amid much fanfare on a multi-media-market bill-signing tour."

Is this a bold, progressive and long overdue vision?

Or is it a wildly expensive boondoggle — the ground transportation version of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal?

Time will tell. But if rail becomes a reality, one of the people who deserves a share of the credit is an obscure second-term state representative from Cape Coral named Gary Aubuchon.

Judge Steven Leifman, "hero"

Fred Grimm: "It shouldn't require a hero to fix this."

Judge Steven Leifman certainly qualifies for the appellation, leading (or, more accurately, dragging) Miami-Dade away from ineffective, costly, cruel policies that turned the Miami-Dade County jail into the nation's second-largest mental-health ward (after the Los Angeles County Jail).

Judge Leifman spoke at a symposium Wednesday morning about considerable progress that Miami-Dade has made these past few years, diverting the mentally ill, many of them serial recidivists, out of the criminal justice system.

Daily Rothstein

"The disbarred Fort Lauderdale attorney faces another accusation of fraud, this time -- for legal malpractice against a high-profile car dealer." "Car dealer Ed Morse sues Scott Rothstein for malpractice". More: "Scott Rothstein, former partners sued for legal malpractice".

Award for Teaching Excellence from the Florida Education Association

"Fla.'s teacher of the year started on 'Miami Vice'".

"Just what is a Haridopolos?"

Bill Cotterell puffs a little Haridopolos this morning: "Senate Republican caucuses are well-scripted testimonials, and the Merritt Island lawmaker’s installation last week as the chamber’s next leader had the customary effusive flattery from fellow members and aw-shucks humility from the man whose name was spoken 24 times when the roll was called."

A Haridopolos is a son, husband, father, Christian and politician who wants to restore the values of Ronald Reagan to Florida government, he said with a big smile never leaving his face. ...

This is a man who named his youngest daughter Reagan.

Manatees

"Manatees dying at a record pace".

"Facebook Turns Unfriendly"

"Florida's judges and lawyers should no longer 'friend' each other on Facebook, the popular social networking site, according to a ruling from the state's Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee." "Facebook Turns Unfriendly For Florida Judges, Lawyers".

Sounds like a plan

"The Florida high court has been asked to launch an investigation into why several people have been wrongfully convicted in the state." "Petition calls for creation of Florida innocence review board". See also "Petition notes 11 convictions reversed through DNA testing".

A report released Thursday by the Advancement Project also calls for expanded early voting to prevent the long lines many voters faced last year when they cast ballots before Election Day.

If the numbers or names don't match, applicants can verify their identities by presenting their licenses or other documents to local elections officials. People can verify their information before Election Day or cast a provisional ballot that would be counted if they clear up ambiguities up to two days afterward.

The advocacy group successfully blocked implementation of the law in 2007, adding 16,000 voters to the rolls. Last year, the law prevented 11,000 applicants from becoming registered voters. Another court challenge is scheduled for late January.

Flip flop

"Environmental activists say U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio has changed his position on cap-and-trade solutions to global warming." "Marco Rubio accused of switching stance on global warming".

Imagine that

"Teachers union alleges bus safety problems, corruption".

"The countdown is particularly ominous"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The clock is ticking on east-central Florida's water supply. The countdown is particularly ominous in Volusia and Flagler counties, which draw their drinking water from a vast underground reservoir that seems unconnected to other groundwater supplies in Florida." "Greater focus on conserving water vital to region".

"Floridians can only hope"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Floridians can only hope that the cadre of federal agents that descended on Tallahassee this week will stick around a while."

Just a few years after politicians began exploiting a giant loophole in campaign finance laws to create and abuse political slush funds, it's about time somebody showed up to ask tough questions — with subpoena power.

Housing outlook

"Fortune magazine is out with its 2010 housing outlook. Could be quite a jolt for folks who think the market is improving, especially here in South Florida. The magazine quotes Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Economy.com, as saying foreclosures will continue to play a major role in the downturn. Zandi says prices will fall by another 5 or 10 percent nationally and by as much as 33 percent in Miami." "Top economist says S. Fla. home prices to tank in 2010". Related: "Loan modifications remain out of reach for most".

Greer "under fire"

"Republican Party of Florida chairman Jim Greer got a strong vote of confidence Thursday, but the rebellion against him continued to fester, with a longtime party fundraiser calling for his resignation."

The 25-2 vote came at the party's quarterly executive board meeting in Tallahassee, considered friendly turf for Greer. He has spent months deflecting criticism of lavish spending, hardball political tactics and favoritism in statewide primaries for governor and U.S. Senate.

Republican National Committeeman Paul Senft called for the vote "in the interest of party unity and for public clarification [that the board has] full confidence in our duly elected chairman, Jim Greer.'' The motion, quickly passed with no discussion, appeared to have been sprung on the board. ...

But fresh signs that Gov. Charlie Crist's hand-picked party chairman is under fire include a circulating petition calling for a meeting next month to recall him from office, and a letter from longtime GOP fundraiser Al Hoffman saying Greer should resign.

A good neighbor?

Paul Flemming: "Denied a statewide average 47-percent rate hike, State Farm intends to pull out of the state, dropping a million policyholders. It's still working with state regulators about how that should happen. Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty continues to say he thinks State Farm will stick in the state." "The (not technically) State Farm bill is back".

Rail

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Leadership won the day in Tallahassee with Tuesday's passage of the rail funding bill. That leadership will keep Florida in the running for $2.5 billion in federal stimulus money for a high-speed rail project and create new jobs." "High-speed rail is on fast track".

Flip-floppers and hypocrites

"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio says that as governor he would have accepted some of the federal stimulus dollars he so often criticizes, and Gov. Charlie Crist says that makes Rubio a flip-flopper and a hypocrite."

The flip-flop charge is, at least, suspect.

Rubio has indeed been a staunch critic of President Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus package, which he contends has done little to create jobs and much to expand the federal government's debt load. But the Miami Republican has never criticized Crist for accepting stimulus money -- only for campaigning for it.

HD 58

William March: "Crist has issued an executive order setting a special election Feb. 23, 2010, to replace Mike Scionti in state House District 58" "Crist sets Feb. 23 election to replace Scionti".

Trib'seditors ...

... are now experts on Miranda? The Tampa Tribune editorial board, whine that "The Florida Supreme Court [hardly a bastion of liberalism] went out of its way to avoid the plain meaning of the standard form and instead parsed words in favor of the defendant.". "A 'quite fantastic' Miranda challenge".

The Saint Petersburg Times editors have a different perspective: "Whatever the motives of the Tampa police, the Miranda warnings given to Powell were incomplete. To allow this lack of precision would only encourage other law enforcement agencies, particularly those that find Miranda a nuisance or barrier to police work, to similarly obscure the wording. The Florida Supreme Court's ruling should be affirmed." "Keep police warnings clear, complete".

Daily Rothstein

"Lauderdale police chief's friendship with Scott Rothstein under scrutiny".

"If that's what you think, you're not paying attention"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "In the middle of an economic meltdown that has left a glut of hundreds of thousands of houses in Florida and brought growth to a standstill, you might think governments would stop clearing the way for developers to turn more rural land into new subdivisions." "Get real on growth".

Maxwell waxes

Scott Maxwell: "We need more like Sen. Paula Hawkins".

Rail fallout

Mark Lane: "This is a big victory for Gov. Charlie Crist. And victories make you look good. Right?"

Well, normally yes.

Except that the more conservative Republican primary voters who already distrust Crist see this as a vote for more big-time stimulus spending, to which they are vocally, sign-wavingly opposed.

Angry partisans tend to be more motivated to show up in lower-turnout primaries than contented middle-of-the-roaders, so don't expect Crist ads to be trumpeting his SunRail victory -- at least until the general election.

SBA

"Whether Florida's $150 billion in investments should be watched over by trustees with more financial expertise who can devote more time to the job will be an issue for the Legislature next year." "Dispute Over State Fund Heads to Legislature".

'Glades

"Wading birds' rebound is boon for Everglades".

Mendelsohn has pleaded not guilty to a 32-count indictment. Federal prosecutors said they plan to add more charges and defendants before the case goes to trial in May in Fort Lauderdale. ...

In the last three days, investigators from the Internal Revenue Service and FBI and a Department of Justice prosecutor questioned at least seven senators -- including Senate President Jeff Atwater -- and at least three Senate staff members. Some sources say more than 10 current and former senators have spoken with investigators.

"Can't risk the riff-raff showing up on your beach"

Mark Lane: "Imagine -- and this is a pleasant thing to imagine -- that you own land next to a beach. A beach house or a condo unit."

Imagine further that after a hurricane washed away nearby shoreline, the state and county came in and pumped a bunch of sand and created a wider beach in front of your erosion-threatened property.

What would you do?

Why sue everyone involved, naturally. And take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. You can't risk the riff-raff showing up on your beach.

That's what a half-dozen Walton County property owners did and the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case last week. The outcome could have big effects on beach renourishment projects. It could even change customary rights to beach access.

"Fireworks"

"The intra-party Republican fight in Florida between Gov. Charlie Crist and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio is full of fireworks."

Stuart Rothenberg, editor and publisher of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report, said, "The Republican Party's long had different wings on cultural issues, but that's a very different kind of fight than the GOP experienced in New York 23 and that the party's having in Florida right now, where economic issues, such as taxes and spending, are crucial to the bitterness.

"First New York 23, and now Florida, are unique in the level of animosity that's built up, not over social issues but over fiscal matters," Rothenberg added. "I don't think we're going to see that many GOP splits elsewhere, because on issues of taxes and spending, most Republicans are on the same side of the ball."

The AFL-CIO deal

"Inside his spacious Capitol office, Senate President Jeff Atwater lost his cool as he worked feverishly to save major rail projects and keep a special legislative session from becoming a political disaster."

The union guarantee couldn't be added to the bill without setting up a showdown with the House, which refused to legislate union protections. Atwater wanted a side agreement to save the jobs — in the hope it would placate the state AFL-CIO enough to win over a few Senate Democrats.

One of the most even-tempered people in the Legislature, Atwater "lashed out" in a phone conversation with state Transportation Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos — according to Senate Democratic leader Al Lawson, who was in Atwater's office at the time. Kopelousos herself was weary of endless negotiations, and her cell phone mailbox was full and couldn't accept Atwater's frantic messages.

"You will do this!" Atwater told Kopelousos, according to Lawson's recollection. "What are you trying to do? I've given everything I had on this. Day and night, I haven't been sleeping, and you are screwing me around. … If you don't do something, I'm going to lose this whole deal."

Kopelousos did write a letter to Atwater, released Wednesday, in which the Department of Transportation commits in writing to "(1) eliminate the signal work from the scope of the current contract, (2) separately procure the signal work and (3) require that the bidders for the signal work be 'rail employers' under the Federal Railroad Retirement Tax Act." ...

With the letter — and what the AFL-CIO says are much larger verbal assurances from the DOT on union jobs on South Florida's Tri-Rail system — the union withdrew its opposition to the rail legislation Tuesday afternoon.

Redistricting kerfuffle

"The Legislature again may ask the Florida Supreme Court to keep off the 2010 ballot two citizen initiatives designed to limit gerrymandering in congressional and legislative redistricting, a pair of House and Senate leaders said Wednesday." "Fla. redistricting proposals may get new challenge".

Floridians seek yet more federal help

"Floridians are watching closely to see whether lawmakers debating a longer life for some popular tax breaks agree to extend the federal income tax deduction for sales taxes."

Under legislation drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee, the sales tax deduction would be extended to 2010 at a cost of $1.8 billion. That’s important to residents of Florida and other states that don’t collect state income taxes.

The House approved the extenders package 241-181 Wednesday, but prospects in the Senate are unclear. The lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee who deal with taxation also deal with health care, and they’re focused on that debate.

Senate legislation to extend the tax breaks could be lumped into a massive package of spending bills, particularly because of interest in extending the current rate for the estate tax. But extending tax breaks also could be pushed into next year.

Yee Haw!

"Wildlife officials say an endangered whooping crane was fatally shot in western Indiana during its migration south."

The agency says the bird and its mate were among 19 whooping cranes migrating from their summer grounds in Wisconsin to Florida.

Agency official John Christian says that killing one of only about 500 whooping cranes left in the world "shows a lack of reverence for life."

Cuban smuggling ring

"Authorities dismantle Cuban smuggling ring in Fla.".

Daily Rothstein

"Who killed attorney Melissa Britt Lewis?"

Plantation police say she was strangled by the ex-husband of one of her colleagues at the Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler law firm. Tony Villegas has been sitting in the Broward County Jail for the past 21 months, awaiting trial for first-degree murder.

On Internet message boards though, there's an outspoken chorus of doubters and conspiracy theorists who question whether Lewis' March 2008 death may be part of something larger. Lewis' boss, now disbarred attorney Scott Rothstein, has been charged with running a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme out of the now bankrupt firm — a scandal that has rocked Broward County's political, legal and nonprofit communities.

For years, Tony's ex-wife, Debra Villegas, had been at Rothstein's side, rising from a paralegal job to becoming chief operating officer of his 70-attorney law firm.

Plantation police are standing firm that they have arrested the right person in Lewis' murder. Alberto Ribas, the prosecutor on the case, said he cannot discuss a pending legal matter.

However, one of Tony Villegas' attorneys said the federal charges against Rothstein have the defense team re-examining the murder case. If convicted, Villegas could face the death penalty.

SunRail

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "On board with SunRail". See also Pamela Hasterok's "All aboard: Rail rolls ahead".

Nelson at work

Jim Saunders: "In another boost for the proposed SunRail commuter-rail system, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said Wednesday that federal budget negotiators have agreed to set aside $40 million for the project. ... The state also is expected to spend $432 million to buy the route from CSX." "Nelson: U.S. Senate to provide $40 million for SunRail start". The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Rail legislation will put economy back on track". More: "SunRail may get development rolling".

'Ya reckon?

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Florida's signature fish, red snapper, has been overharvested for years in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Grouper hasn't fared a whole lot better. But recent changes to the law governing federal fisheries have had the salutary effect of improving at least the red snapper's recovery." "Protect Florida's fish".

Imagine that

"The Florida Legislature's vote to launch the SunRail commuter system this week was an act steeped in political calculation, with congressional, gubernatorial and even U.S. Senate aspirations on the line." "Amid dealing on SunRail, many had eye on 2010 elections".

"Too good to be true"

Joel Engelhardt: "An obscure municipal finance director has found a way for cash-strapped cities to pay for projects and suffer none of the consequences normally associated with spending."

Instead of investing the city's long-term reserves the old-fashioned way — in safe, low-interest-bearing accounts — Mr. Sherman advocated lending money to another arm of the city at a higher rate of return. There's no cost to such a loan, Mr. Sherman explained to city commissioners in September. It's just unused money that could be invested anywhere or anyhow the city chooses.

Yeah, right. If this approach is so good, why isn't every city doing it? ...

It sounds too good to be true because it is.

Call the approach championed by West Palm Beach's Randy Sherman "free money."

"Politicians around money are like Tiger around cocktail waitresses"

Mike Thomas: "Thank goodness the anti-spending, anti-government conservatives in Tallahassee overcame liberal opposition so we can build our socialist commuter train that will run on $100 stimulus bills shoveled into the firebox by AFL-CIO engineers." "Cavemen, just wait: SunRail will succeed".

Knuckle-draggers

"County GOP chairman blasts his own party for rail spending".

"Misstep from 'an overzealous mom"?

Florida Republican State Senator Ana Maria Monte "Flores chalked it up as a misstep from 'an overzealous mom.' 'She’s not familiar with all the rules,' Flores said." "State Senate campaign asked donors to pre-date checks before start of fundraising ban". Ahem ... ain't she a lawyer?

Silly unions

Alleged journalists Josh Hafenbrack and Aaron Deslatte, employees of the scab supply store a/k/a The Orlando Sentinel, want you to know,"Here's what the AFL-CIO got: Eight jobs protected?"

Putting aside the blatant misrepresentation, so what if it was only "one" job that was saved? Isn't that what union members want their unions to do for them ... save their jobs?

Hafenbrack and Deslatte apparently think it is perfectly OK for this rail work to be done by contract employees without health insurance or pensions, who take their sick kids to public hospital emergency rooms for "free" medical care.

This is not a joke

"When Secretary Linda South took over the Department of Management Services, she called ex-Gov. Jeb Bush's mammoth personnel outsourcing project 'a big ugly pig.'"

Wednesday DMS signed a five-year, $248 million renewal of its contract with Convergys Corp. with a promise of system improvements and $45 million in savings.

Enforcement power

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: "Detailed news reports this year on the apparent abuse of travel money by state officials might have made voters' blood boil. But until a citizen took the initiative to bring a formal complaint, there was not a thing the Florida Commission on Ethics could do about it." "Enforcing ethics".

Slots

"When Las Vegas-style slots and blackjack arrived at the Seminole Tribe's Florida casinos in 2008, the tribe's successful gambling empire was poised to become an even bigger powerhouse." "With Vegas-style slots, Seminole casinos are on a roll".

Foreclosures

"Florida surpasses Calif. in foreclosure rate; now only Nevada is worse". See also "After brief respite, Southwest Florida sees a rise in foreclosures" But see "Tampa foreclosure pace improves for second month".

Eggelletion to plead

"A suspended South Florida politician is expected to plead guilty to a money laundering conspiracy. Josephus Eggelletion is scheduled to change his plea Thursday in federal court in West Palm Beach." "Suspended politician to plead guilty to conspiracy".

AFL-CIO compromise

"An important move came early Tuesday afternoon when the Florida AFL-CIO said it had reached a compromise with transportation officials in a dispute about protecting rail-worker jobs -- a major issue for many Democrats. 'It was a key to whether this legislation was going to pass,' said Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee." "Senate backs SunRail project".

"Another key was winning the eleventh-hour endorsement of the AFL-CIO, which had opposed SunRail and the surrounding legislation as a thinly veiled attempt at union busting. Talks between bill sponsors and union leaders went on for weeks and culminated in what AFL-CIO President Mike Williams called a compromise as the Senate took to the floor."

Details were sketchy, but the deal revolved around the union getting some assurances that up to 200 jobs held by its members would be protected when the state buys the tracks SunRail will run on from the CSX railroad company in Jacksonville.

"They had a greater degree of comfort," Senate President Jeff Atwater said of the union.

Between the union backing off and the high-speed-rail push, SunRail proponents were able to pick up 11 votes compared with the previous regular session. They also got more help from the governor, who personally lobbied senators during the week to get their support for the bill.

Meek-Ferre

"Seeking a foothold in the U.S. Senate race, long-shot Democratic contender Maurice Ferre on Tuesday sided with his party's most liberal wing and said he opposes President Barack Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan. Ferre's main rival, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami, was among a minority of Democratic members of Congress who publicly praised the president's plan last week." "Ferre, Meek at odds on Afghan plan".

Never mind the treason

"Confederate forces have charged into federal territory and are hailing as victory a recent U.S. District Court's decision in their struggle to get a specialty license plate pushed through the Florida Legislature."

- "When, therefore, Texas became one of the United States, she entered into an indissoluble relation. All the obligations of perpetual union, and all the guaranties of republican government in the Union, attached at once to the State. The act which consummated her admission into the Union was something more than a compact; it was the incorporation of a new member into the political body. And it was final. The union between Texas and the other States was as complete, as perpetual, and as indissoluble as the union between the original States. There was no place for reconsideration or revocation, except through revolution or through consent of the States. ...

Considered therefore as transactions under the Constitution, the ordinance of secession, adopted by the convention and ratified by a majority of the citizens of Texas, and all the acts of her legislature intended to give effect to that ordinance, were absolutely null. They were utterly without operation in law. ...

The authority for the performance of the first had been found in the power to suppress insurrection [to wit: secession and military action in support thereof] and carry on war; for the performance of the second, authority was derived from the obligation of the United States to guarantee to every State in the Union a republican form of government. The latter, indeed, in the case of a rebellion [to wit: secession and military action in support thereof] which involves the government of a State and for the time excludes the National authority from its limits, seems to be a necessary complement to the former." (Texas v. White, 74 U.S. 700 (1868))

- "Persons who play only a peripheral role in a conspiracy to levy war are still considered traitors under the Constitution if an armed rebellion against the United States results. After the Civil War, for example, all Confederate soldiers were vulnerable to charges of treason, regardless of their role in the secession or insurrection of the Southern states. No treason charges were filed against these soldiers, however, because President Andrew Johnson issued a universal amnesty." (Law Encyclopedia: Treason)

"Scam capital"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "South Florida is scam capital".

"Is that leadership?"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "As speaker of the Florida House last year, Marco Rubio supported rail as an economic investment. As a U.S. Senate candidate now, the Miami Republican waffles. The Legislature approved a revised rail package Tuesday. Gov. Charlie Crist, Rubio's Senate opponent, supports it. Rubio won't say where he stands. Is that leadership?" "Which is it, Marco?". Related: "Crist uses special session bill to criticize Senate opponent".

Foreclosures skyrocket

"The November tally is a 15 percent increase over November 2008. The region is on pace for nearly 97,000 foreclosure filings this year, up from 75,000 in 2008." "Foreclosure filings skyrocket in South Florida".

Daily Rothstein

"Rothstein's investors scrutinize banks |".

"Empower Ethics Commission"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "After three tries, the Florida Supreme Court finally granted Gov. Charlie Crist's request for a far-flung statewide grand jury investigation of corruption and ethics violations in local and state governments. It's an effort bound to garner headlines and draw much attention to the problems of keeping government officials on the straight and narrow."

But lawmakers shouldn't wait on the grand jury's report. Friday, the state Ethics Commission said it would ask the Legislature for greater power to investigate wrongdoing by public officials, and greater penalties for those who violate the state's ethics laws.

It might seem incredible, but under current law the commission has no power to initiate investigations on its own. It must wait for a complaint to be filed by a citizen -- who risks personal liability if the allegations can't be proven. Giving the commission authority to launch an inquiry on its own would allow it to more quickly respond to breaking scandals.

The commission is also seeking an increase in the maximum fine it can impose -- from $10,000 to $100,000 -- and a lessening of the burden of evidence required to prove a case.

McCollum desperate

"The Bill McCollum for Governor campaign announced today that Kristy Campbell has been hired as communications director. Campbell, 28, most recently worked for former Gov. Jeb Bush’s two non-profit public policy organizations: the Foundation for Excellence in Education and the Foundation for Florida’s Future." "Former Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney staffer joins McCollum’s gubernatorial campaign".

"Sweetheart deal"?

Frank Cerabino suspects that "somewhere in the recesses of CSX's Jacksonville corporate office is a secret laboratory that distills batches of stupid potion — a bevy that has proven to be a real thirst quencher in the Florida Legislature."

For how else can you explain the magical ability of a company that made $1.3 billion profit last year to routinely persuade the Florida Legislature to act as its wholly owned charity, handing over hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in exchange for … oh, let me calculate this … nothing.

Yes. It's got to be a potion.

Lawmakers or zombie-bots?

Here's the latest spell.

The Florida Legislature is in special session, allegedly to vie for $2.5 billion of stimulus money to build a high-speed rail in Florida. CSX doesn't have anything to gain by high-speed rail, but it would like its legislative zombie-bots to partner up in a 61-mile commuter rail line called SunRail in Central Florida.

And so after what must have been a round of group chug-a-lugging, Florida legislators moved ahead on SunRail, making their offer to CSX:

The state's taxpayers would pay CSX $432 million for 61 miles of track. It plans to operate SunRail's commuter trains on this track between DeLand and Poinciana. CSX would be able to continue to run its freight trains on the track .

And that's not even the stupidest part of this proposed deal.

Dan, it's a just a union thing

Dan Moffett is confused as to why Publix "is opposing an effort to treat Florida farmworkers fairly. Publix has taken a hard line against the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a farmworker group [i.e., "union"] that wants to improve conditions in the fields and increase tomato pickers' pay with a penny-a-pound pass-through plan."

The idea is for the state's largest tomato buyers to pay an extra penny per pound, with the extra money going to raise pickers' wages above the poverty level.

Publix, a huge buyer of Florida tomatoes, has refused to participate in the plan, claiming that the company has no business getting involved in pay issues on the farm. "Publix has made it a practice not to intervene in labor disputes between a supplier, its employees and their union," says company spokeswoman Kim Jaeger. "Publix does pay fair market value for tomatoes; it's just not our place to determine what that rate should be, which is why this is a labor dispute that should be settled between the workers and the growers. We urge them to come to an immediate resolution."

If this sounds like a prepared statement, that's because it is. Publix has been saying the same thing for many months. Meanwhile, some of the country's most prominent corporations and competitors — McDonald's, Subway, Yum! Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), Burger King and rival grocer Whole Foods Market — have been signing on to the plan.

The extra penny has done nothing to hurt their business. Customers don't notice it. What they do notice, however, is companies that are trying to do the right thing. A social conscience is good for business, as Publix should know.

In September, one of the nation's largest food service firms came on board. The Compass Group, which buys 10 million pounds annually and sends them to schools, hospitals, airports and prisons, agreed to pay 1.5 cents per pound more for the tomatoes it buys.

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis hailed the agreement as "a huge victory" for farmworkers, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said it was an "expression of the value of farmworkers in our agriculture system as a whole." Both secretaries also commended Compass for adopting a strict code of conduct to monitor farmworkers' safety and expose human slavery.

The Immokalee coalition has worked with federal officials to prosecute cases against growers who have held foreign workers captive. The coalition has collected some honors of its own in recent years, from human rights groups, including the Robert F. Kennedy Justice Center. Everything Floridians have come to know about Publix suggests that the company should be participating in the farmworkers' initiative. Frankly, you'd expect Publix to be leading it.

The best they can do?

"Brevard state Sen. Mike Haridopolos was formally designated Senate president for the 2010-12 term late Tuesday, promising to bring 'economic climate change' to Florida government in difficult budget times." "GOP names Haridopolos next Senate president".

Remember Tri-Rail

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Backers of the proposed Orlando-area SunRail commuter system wanted the public to think this week's special legislative session was about larger rail issues. Don't be fooled."

The bottom line of the bill that passed the House on Monday and the Senate on Tuesday is that it allows SunRail to move forward. The favorable spinoff for South Florida is that the bill carves out money to sustain Tri-Rail, the West Palm Beach-to-Miami commuter line. The bill also fixes rail firmly in Florida's future by setting aside $60 million a year for a rail authority. And it puts Florida in the running for federal stimulus money to pay for high-speed rail, a potential $2.5 billion boon to be handed out early next year.

LeMieux wants to "Protect America's Future"

"The political transformation of George LeMieux took another turn Tuesday as lobbyists and corporate interests lined up to fill his newly created political action committee with donations."

Florida's new U.S. senator attended a fundraiser at Charlie Palmer Steak on Capitol Hill where guests handed over checks worth up to $5,000 for Protect America's Future PAC.

Corporate interests on the host committee included CitiGroup and Honeywell International as well as the law-lobbying firm GrayRobinson.

LeMieux, 40, has drawn notice for creating the PAC because he is a temporary lawmaker — appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist to fill out the final 16 months of retired Sen. Mel Martinez's term — but it signals his future political ambitions.

Moody Bible Institute's finest

"Lithia dentist Marc Johnson, a newcomer to politics, is challenging state Rep. Rachel Burgin in the Republican primary for her east Hillsborough County state House seat, saying voters in the district never had a legitimate say on their representative."

Burgin replaced state Rep. Trey Traviesa, who was heavily favored to win re-election in 2008 but dropped out shortly before the election - too late for another Republican or prominent Democrat to file.

Two county Republican Party officials picked Burgin, then a Moody Bible Institute student and Traviesa's legislative aide, as his ballot replacement. She won easily in the heavily GOP district.

Johnson said Burgin, 27, "has good intentions at heart, but it doesn't seem she can identify with the issues of homeowners and families."

Johnson, 40, grew up in Brandon and attended the University of South Florida and Boston University dental school. An Army Reserve major, he served three months in Iraq. He and his wife, Sandra Johnson, a high school special education teacher, have two young daughters.

Insurers run amuck in Tally

Jim Saunders: "Less than six months after Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a similar bill, Florida lawmakers Tuesday announced a proposal that would lift regulations on property-insurance rates."

Under longstanding law, state regulators review rate proposals and determine how much companies should be able to charge. But the proposed bill would do away with upper limits on rates.

Crist vetoed a similar deregulation measure in June that would have applied to large insurance companies. The new proposal also would apply to smaller carriers, who have become more prominent in recent years as large companies have dropped hundreds of thousands of policies to reduce financial risks.

In his veto, Crist pointed to the possibility of homeowners getting hit with major rate increases.

Mike Williams, president of the state AFL-CIO, announced in an email message that a deal had been struck. Though he included no details, Williams said:

"The Florida AFL-CIO has achieved compromise with the Florida Department of Transportation and South Florida Regional Transportation Authority regarding HB 1B that addresses our serious objections and concerns voiced at the start of special session concerning job preservation and passenger safety on Florida's railways. After long negotiations and discussions with Senate leadership and Senate Democrats, the primary concern of the Florida AFL-CIO, the preservation of the existing high quality rail jobs. Our goal of stopping the displacement of federally-qualified railroad workers from Florida's passenger and freight railroads will not be compromised as experienced rail workers will continue to maintain Florida's railways."

Rubio

"As speaker of the Florida House, Marco Rubio voted for a controversial SunRail commuter rail project and published a book of policy ideas touting investments in rail, highways and transit as huge job creators." "Candidate Marco Rubio takes middle road on Florida rail projects". See also "Rubio declines answer on rail".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Rail: The time is now". The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Senate's turn to improve rail bill".

"State Sen. Al Lawson, Florida's longest-serving legislator, said Monday he is not interested in switching his political sights to a race for chief financial officer next year." "Lawson won't enter race for CFO".

SBA

"McCollum and Sink, along with Gov. Charlie Crist, make up the board that manages investments for the state. Sink thinks the board should be expanded by at least two members — including one who has investment experience. McCollum opposes the expansion and instead suggested expanding the advisory council that makes recommendations to the board." "Sink, McCollum differ on Fla. investment board".

Rivera in hot water?

"Florida House budget Chairman David Rivera may have violated a fund-raising ban during a legislative session by passing out envelopes with suggestions for donations Friday at a campaign event." "Fund-raiser says her event sought money for Miami Rep. Rivera during session".

Medicaid delays

"Doctors and advocates suing the state used Florida officials' own words against them during opening arguments of a trial Monday by playing video clips of top health officials lamenting health care delays for Medicaid patients." "Attorneys: Fla. officials lamented Medicaid delays".

"No hope"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Tony Masilotti, Warren Newell and Mary McCarty won't be at the U.S. Supreme Court today, and the court should give them no hope of getting their freedom earlier than expected." "Uphold honest services law".

"Cleaning polluted surface waters no 'burden' to Florida"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Too few Floridians are aware of the deadly nutrient overloads in Florida's surface waters. Those nutrients ] primarily nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn and farm fertilizers and sewer plant discharges ] reduce dissolved oxygen and make the water cloudy, preventing sunlight's penetration. This encourages algae blooms harmful to aquatic plants and animals, coral reefs and drinking water supplies. " "Nutrient overload".

Choosing or changing positions based on what's politically popular is nothing new for Crist. Whether it's abortion laws, oil drilling or even the politicians he associates with, Crist can be a political chameleon. ...

So far it has worked for Crist. He has won his last three statewide races - education commissioner, attorney general and governor. Next year, though, could be problematic. ...

It doesn't help that his credibility has been hurt. ...

"Charlie has given everybody multiple reasons to question everything that comes out of his mouth, whether it's true or whether he'll change his mind from one day to the next," said Brett Doster, a Republican strategist who worked for Crist's 2006 primary opponent.

Doster also knows Crist has a history of political shifts.

"He's lived his political career in the ambiguous zone," he said.

For example, while campaigning for governor, a Roman Catholic priest asked Crist if he would sign the same bill passed in South Dakota attempting to ban abortion. Without hesitation, Crist said "Yes I would." Minutes after he left the event, he clarified his remarks to say only if there were exemptions for rape and incest victims. He later said he would rather change hearts, not laws.

"I don't change my stripes from day to day," Crist recently told a Republican crowd.

But two years ago, when Crist's approval rating was high among Democrats and Republicans alike, he didn't sound so firmly conservative. He was asked what the word meant, and said, "I don't know. It doesn't really matter to me, if you want to know the truth."

"Justices hear beach restoration suit"

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Florida municipalities spend millions of taxpayer dollars a year to restore beaches and protect coastal property that is so critical to the state's tourism economy. But a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court could throw sand into the gears of those efforts, if justices put the narrow interests of a few waterfront property owners ahead of the interests of the general public in Florida." "High Court hears beach restoration lawsuit".

Unions at it again

Zell Corp employees*, Josh Hafenbrack and Aaron Deslatte: "Lawmakers are considering providing a financial lifeline to South Florida's Tri-Rail and building SunRail, a new commuter train through Orlando. But labor groups have raised strong objections to the deal because the railroad jobs wouldn't be in union hands."

"In union hands"? That sounds so icky, ... just like you'd expect from the virulently anti-union Orlando Sentinel** and the timid employees ("journalists"?) that work for it.

Hafenbrack and Deslatte continue:

Two senators to watch: Sens. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, and Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, rivals for attorney general in 2010. Neither can afford to lose labor support, a crucial constituency in low-turnout Democratic primaries. But both say they are open to voting for the rail package if the right deal comes along. ...

In addition to Aronberg and Gelber, Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, is a key Democrat who is running to replace Robert Wexler in the U.S. Congress -- with labor's backing. Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, and Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami Gardens, also are running for Congress.

"I think the union issue is the key," said Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale. "That union support or nonsupport is huge because everyone from South Florida is running for higher office."

Even if the Senate adds pro-union language -- and wins over Democratic supporters -- that sets up another question: Will the House, which is more conservative and openly hostile to Big Labor, go along? On Friday, House Republican leaders shot down Democratic attempts to add pro-union language to the bill. A final vote -- without the union protections -- is scheduled for today.

"Men must be left without interference to buy and sell where they please and to discharge or retain employees at will for good cause or for no cause, or even for bad cause, without thereby being guilty of an unlawful act per se. It is a right which an employee may exercise in the same way, to the same extent, for the same cause or want of cause, as the employer."

- Payne v. Western & Atlantic R. Co.

"Florida's at-will employment doctrine may be ‘cold-hearted, draconian and out-dated,’ but it is the law of Florida."

- Zombori v. Digital Equipment Corp.

Nelson goes "viral"

"Video blooper may tell why Florida senator has gone viral".

LeMieux and Crist's "tired scare tactics"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Arizona Sen. John McCain should know better. So should Florida Sen. George LeMieux and Gov. Charlie Crist. They are among the politicians using tired scare tactics to build opposition to the cuts to Medicare's growth in the health care reform proposals before Congress." "Medicare tall tales".

Them greedy public employees

Bill Cotterell: "When the state makes a deal with its employees, how long should promises be kept?"

Dismal state revenue collections and the political impossibility of an election-year tax increase will make Florida legislators scrounge for every dollar they can find next spring. Among other things, they'll consider making all state employees pay for health insurance.

This idea comes up from time to time, but it got legs last week when the St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald bureau reported that 27,479 employees have state-paid coverage. The next day, the News Service of Florida noted that Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander, R-Winter Haven, believes it's time to end that particular perk.

The Times/Herald story added that legislative leaders (that is, Republicans) who oppose extending Medicaid benefits to more poor people are, themselves, eligible for taxpayer-paid insurance.

about 16,900 of the employees who aren't paying premiums were forced from Career Service to the Selected Exempt Service in 2001 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush's "Service First" personnel reforms.

That's right: Larding the freebies upon five times as many employees was just one more of those liberal giveaways dreamed up by that old big-government guy, John Ellis Bush.

In return for paid-up premiums in SES, the formerly Career Service employees lost protection against arbitrary firing, demotion, reassignment, transfer or other personnel actions — in fact, they gave up all job security. They also lost overtime pay, potentially worth far more than they saved on insurance.

useless as it is to repeat, the state's Annual Workforce Report says the average personnel-systemwide salary ($38,313) is 3.78 percent below the average wage in Florida for all industries. That includes Career Service, SES and Senior Management Service.

And there isn't any big, bloated state bureaucracy. Florida ranks last in its ratio (118 per 10,000) of employees to residents and last in per-resident cost ($36) of state personnel.

Words mean things

"The state's highest court, in its September 2008 ruling, said authorities needed to expressly convey the right to have an attorney present during questioning. The Tampa police's warning 'suggests to a reasonable person in the suspect's shoes that he or she can only consult with an attorney before questioning,' the opinion stated."

"Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene"

McCollum's chief of staff, Joe Jacquot, 39, will argue the state's case in Washington. He is asking the court to determine that the spirit of the warning is more important than the actual language.

Daily Rothstein

"A decade before Scott Rothstein befriended Gov. Charlie Crist and others in high places, he had cozied up to local cops."

That long-standing relationship was highlighted last week when federal authorities charged Rothstein with masterminding a $1.2 billion investment scheme -- including using some of that money to shower on police officers.

Federal prosecutors say Rothstein and other co-conspirators used funds illegally obtained from the Ponzi scheme to hire local officers to provide security for his law firm and Fort Lauderdale waterfront home.

Rothstein, 47, provided "gratuities to high-ranking members of police agencies in order to curry favor with such police personnel and to deflect law enforcement scrutiny of the activities of [the law firm] and defendant Rothstein,'' according to the charges filed against the now-disbarred lawyer.

"Rewind button"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Florida Power & Light Co. President Armando Olivera wants his company to be part of improving the Public Service Commission's image." "FPL hits rewind button on request for rate increase".

Gun control

Andrew Marra: "Gun control: Massacre in Jupiter points out holes in system".

"He was definitely nudged"

"Jim Chitwood, the man state Rep. Ray Sansom replaced at Northwest Florida State College, insists he wasn’t pushed into retirement by former college President Bob Richburg. But he was definitely nudged." "Before Sansom's college hire, exec given 'phased departure'".

A university town thing

"Survey says two-thirds of Leon residents want health reform".

Nobody's perfect

"Congressman Alan Grayson has risen to national prominence by blasting Republicans and mocking their legislative ideas. But lately the outspoken Democrat from Orlando is turning his frustrations toward his own party and President Barack Obama." " Grayson finds fault with Obama".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Report: Medicare fraud runs rampant in Miami-Dade".

Rail

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The state's transportation future will be shaped this week by one clear, difficult choice. If modern passenger rail service is to come to Florida any time soon, the Legislature must pass a new law in special session that sets up a statewide structure to oversee and help pay for regional and city-to-city trains." "Decision point on commuter rail".

From the "values" crowd

"Opening arguments are expected in a class-action lawsuit that accuses Florida of not living up to federal Medicaid standards."

The lawsuit, being argued in Miami, claims 390,000 children didn't get a medical checkup in 2007, and more than 750,000 received no dental care.

"This is what it's all about. A year ago everyone thought the conservative movement was dead, and now it's reborn."

Haridopolos hasn't stopped promoting himself since he was elected to the House in 2000 at age 30.

Though he's never had a serious Democratic opponent, he runs a virtually continuous campaign, with TV advertisements and e-mail blast lists for of everyone from schoolteachers to GOP club members — a tactic he says he learned from Bill Clinton.

Initially, veteran lawmakers derided him for his big hair and eager-to-please partisan edge – and cast him as an opportunist when he walked into an open state Senate seat with the death of Brevard Sen. Howard Futch in 2003.

"The bottom line is, if you've had a challenge and you've had to listen to both sides and are competing for the independents, you have to be a little more moderating about it," says Sen. Nan Rich, a Weston Democrat slated to serve as minority leader beginning in 2010.

"Certainly, Haridopolos hasn't had to [moderate]." ...

Before lawmakers redistrict again in time for the 2012 elections — an effort he will preside over — Haridopolos expects a new crop of more-ideological Republicans to win office in 2010 and help him reshape the Senate.

Most cut their teeth in the more-partisan Florida House — like former state Rep. David Simmons of Longwood, who is vying to replace Sen. Lee Constantine, R- Altamonte Springs.

All told, three to four Senate districts in South Florida, two in Tampa and Constantine's in Central Florida are likely to elect Republicans who are more conservative than their term-limited incumbents. Haridopolos is committed to raising $12 million to make that happen.

That could trigger a seismic shift in the Legislature, where the more-moderate Senate has resisted the House over issues from school vouchers to the state's class-size amendment, the attempts in 2005 to keep brain-damaged Terri Schiavo alive and limits on personal-injury lawsuits.

Entrepreneurs in action

"As feds closed in, Allen Stanford scrambled to keep fraud secret, money flowing".

Thomas channels "Jeb!"

Mike Thomas: "Tougher FCAT is coming, and it's just what we need".

Bar killin' time

One Mickey "Larkins, vice president of the Florida Bear Hunters Association, plans ... to convince the FWC to open a short black bear hunting season."

"Instead of political correctness, let's have political fairness," he said. "The situation needs to be fair to the landowners, the animal rights group, and the animals themselves. We need to remember that everyone can't be satisfied. If we allow the bears to continue to populate with no control, they will continue to be hit accidentally on the roads, too."

Another hunting season supporter, outdoor writer Scott Ellis, suggested the state could hold a lottery for 10 bears to be killed each year. At $500 a bear, the state could make money.

The rich are different

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Crist, who is paid about $133,000 a year, plans to add his wealthy wife and her two daughters from a prior marriage to his state health-insurance policy on Jan. 1, a spokesman for the governor confirmed. The daughters attend private school in New York and live with their father, but are eligible under the governor's policy as dependents of his wife". "Health-care hypocrites".

Makeover

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Florida Power & Light Co. President Armando Olivera wants his company to be part of improving the Public Service Commission's image. " "FPL hits rewind button on request for rate increase".

WTF

"The daughter of Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria has received more than $56,000 in taxpayer money to teach sheriff's deputies how to testify in court."

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw signed a contract with Michelle Santamaria last year, after she proposed the classes for deputies and sergeants. The office had never offered training in court testimony, Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw and both Santamarias said Jess Santamaria's position as a commissioner had nothing to do with his daughter's contract.

"Involvement? Absolutely not," Jess Santamaria said. "My daughter is very independent. She has credentials that could qualify her for everything and anything."

Michelle Santamaria, a former prosecutor with the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office, said she came up with the idea to start a company, called Testifying Made Simple, while working as a prosecutor. She left the job after securing the contract with the sheriff's office.

'Glades

The Miami Herald editorial board: "As projects go, the Tamiami Bridge, while not cheap at $81 million, is modest compared to, say, the $515 million stadium for the Marlins or even its adjacent parking garage, now priced at $135 million. Then there's the Miami Seaport tunnel, which rings up at around $1 billion for construction."

But the bridge's significance is huge in proportion to its cost or even size at only one mile long. Even though it's not the 11-mile skyway once envisioned, it will nevertheless raise Tamiami Trail's roadbed in one section to allow water once again to begin flowing south to Taylor Slough and into Florida Bay in Everglades National Park. After its completion in 2013, the slough will again be replenished in a way it hasn't known for 85 years, when the Trail was built.

The bridge is a key component to completing the complex Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which the state of Florida and the federal government agreed to fund jointly in 2000.

In fact, the bridge -- or some other remedy to restore the sheet flow -- was first authorized by Congress in 1989. After years of lawsuits, cross-agency squabbling, design revisions, cost cutbacks and other delays, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and other notables joined in the bridge groundbreaking Friday.

"Terribly overbuilt"

Jane Healy: "If you thought that development pressure was on the wane because Florida is terribly overbuilt, with one of the nation's highest foreclosure rates, think again." "Foes target growth laws months before session".

Why?

Howard Troxler: "Here is the question of the hour, the week, the month and maybe the year in Tallahassee:"

Why are our governor and the bosses of our Legislature suddenly all hot and insistent that what Florida needs most is ... commuter rail?

Why are we suddenly willing to spend something like $1.2 billion of your money, my money, state money, local money, federal money?

Why are they suddenly crying that we absolutely must say yes, so we can chase billions more in President Barack Obama's "stimulus" money that they previously despised?

Why are they promising the magical creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs (if that promise has not been exaggerated into millions by now) through massive spending?

Why have they called the Florida Legislature into an extraordinary session on short notice, demanding that this deal be passed right now?

Mass transit. A billion-plus dollars. Stimulus money. Job creation though big spending. Who are they — the Democrats in Congress?

Here is the why.

It is about benefiting a big, powerful company, namely the CSX Corp., with one of the sweetest sweetheart deals ever proposed in Florida.

The rest is window dressing.

Flat out "hypocrisy"

"From the campaign trail, Republican Gov. Charlie Crist condemns federal spending."

In radio ads for his U.S. Senate race, he tells President Obama, "Enough is enough."

But in Tallahassee, Crist is the leading supporter of the special session bill aimed at securing $2.5 billion in stimulus money for the state to build a bullet train. That money would be in addition to the $5.2 billion in stimulus funds propping up the state budget Crist approved in May. ...

For Florida Republicans, who have controlled the state House, Senate and governor’s office since 1999, the federal stimulus plan has proven to be a thorny issue in a high-stakes political year that includes open races for U.S. Senate, governor and all three Cabinet jobs. Doubly so when it’s for the creation of public transportation, a campaign promise of Democratic President Obama’s and not a typical Republican issue.

Latin America

Andres Oppenheimer: "Latin America's honeymoon with Obama may be over".

"This trust fund has been raided"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "It's almost irrefutable that the most meaningful thing Florida policymakers can do to help fire up the economy is get the housing market moving again. Residential housing is overbuilt in many areas, and folks are on the brink of foreclosure in others or already out of their homes."

That's why this year, the work of the Sadowski Housing Coalition deserves renewed appreciation by and support from the Legislature.

This once nationally recognized program, a trust fund founded in 1991, has operated smoothly in all 67 Florida counties for years, helping with down payments or closing costs that will get a family into a first home. It also helps with rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing, which is meant to keep low-income elders safe in homes that probably are long paid for but that they cannot afford to keep up.

In recent years, however, this trust fund has been raided by lawmakers who put the money to other uses — even though the funding is "dedicated" to housing and comes directly from a natural, related source: doc stamps on all real estate transactions.

Courtesy of the "values" crowd

"At a trial beginning Monday, a federal judge will decide whether Florida's insurance program for needy children passes federal muster." "Federal trial will decide changes in Florida's child Medicaid program".

Ever the partisan hack

One would think former Jax Mayor John Delaney would pull the manhole cover over his partisanhead and settle back into the sewage after his "appointment" as President of University of North Florida. Instead of at least pretending to be an "academic", Delaney continues with his partisan games.

"Five months after former State Attorney Harry Shorstein of Jacksonville and two other prosecutors were named as finalists for U.S. attorney, there has been no nomination by the White House."

Shorstein, a Democrat, said the White House was aware of Republican opposition from Jacksonville to his potential nomination and that much of that opposition has been funneled through the office of Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla. A former chief of staff to Gov. Charlie Crist, LeMieux was appointed to the Senate by Crist after Martinez stepped down. ...

University of North Florida President and former Mayor John Delaney, who wrote a lengthy letter to the nominating commission opposing Shorstein, said he talked with LeMieux after he took office in September. Delaney, a longtime political opponent of Shorstein, said the senator had concerns about some of the same issues Delaney raised in his letter: mainly the controversial Shorstein-led grand jury investigation of former State Attorney John Tanner in Flagler County. Tanner, a Republican, lost re-election last year. ...

Delaney also said LeMieux told him he wasn't blocking Shorstein's potential nomination, despite speculation that has circulated across the state to that effect. Last month, LeMieux procedurally halted the appointment of President Obama's ambassador to Brazil, at least temporarily, using a Senate rule that allows one senator to block nominations and legislation.

LeMieux spokesman Ken Lundberg denied that the senator is holding up the U.S. attorney nomination. Lundberg confirmed that LeMieux met with the White House counsel to gather information about the potential nominees because he wasn't part of the interview process. That was the extent of his involvement, Lundberg said.

Nelson spokesman Dan McLaughlin said he doesn't know the reason for the holdup.

Never mind the "verification" part

"Florida's efforts to track how much money is flowing into the state capital to influence state laws and other public business is missing a major step: verification." "State fails to verify lobbyists' pay".

Daily Rothstein

"Attorneys sorting through the books of disbarred Florida lawyer Scott Rothstein have uncovered handsome salaries for the disgraced attorney and his partners." "Disgraced attorney collected $35 million in 2008". More: "After law school, Rothstein was 'always looking for more,' ex-friend says".

Blackjack!

"Virtual blackjack hits Broward pari-mutuels".