Sink has $5 million on hand, Scott $224,000

"In the first glimpse of fundraising after the primary election, Democrat Alex Sink has taken a large lead over Republican Rick Scott, her wealthy opponent for governor."

Sink, Florida's chief financial officer, announced a $525,000 haul during the 10-day period after the Aug. 24 primary, while Scott raised $43,000 — less than several down-ballot candidates. The figures show Sink with about $5 million on hand, compared with $224,000 for Scott.

A former health care executive, Scott and his wife poured $50 million of their own wealth into his primary battle with Attorney General Bill McCollum. In the days since, he has said he is reluctant to spend more on the general election.

If fundraising totals remain paltry, it could mean Scott will have to devote more personal resources to the race. But several key supporters cautioned not to read too much into the totals.

"Rick Scott raises just $43,000 after primary; Alex Sink pulls in $525,000".




Playin' it safe

Beth Reinhard: "Has Florida ever produced a pair of low-talking, say-almost-nothing candidates for governor like Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink?" "In 'Muzak' race, candidates stick to script".




Lay down with dogs ...

"GOP raises $2 million while embracing Scott candidacy".




Bondi runnin', hidin'

"Tampa Republican Pam Bondi is staying close to home when it comes to debating her Democratic opponent for Florida attorney general."

Bondi last week challenged Democratic nominee Dan Gelber to two debates, but has agreed to only one, which would be aired in Tampa, her home base, and further up I-4 in Orlando.

Gelber, meanwhile, says that's not enough, especially in a state with 10 different media markets and 11 million voters.

Gelber was the first to agree to the Tampa/Orlando televised debate and had agreed to five more debates across South Florida before Bondi issued her challenge. He also committed to a statewide debate being taped at the University of Florida on Oct. 5, and he's trying to schedule debates in Jacksonville, Pensacola and on the Spanish language network, Univision.

"How many debates are enough is up for debate".




No blond jokes

"Report: Playboy model tried to open jet's door after takeoff".




The best they can do

"U.S. Senate nominee Marco Rubio served up red meat for Florida's Republican faithful at the party's annual Statesman's Dinner Friday night in Orlando." "Marco Rubio Wows GOP Crowd".




"Marketing company managing pregnancy clinics?"

Tuesday, the Florida Independent"examined at length a Florida taxpayer-funded network of Crisis Pregnancy Centers that we found was distributing medical information that was, in the best case, biased, and in the worst case, wrong."

The Florida Pregnancy Care Network manages 55 of these state-funded pregnancy clinics, but according to Department of Health information, another 17 are handled by The Uzzell Group, a Tallahassee-based marketing and advertising firm. Why is a marketing company managing pregnancy clinics? The firm wouldn’t answer our questions.

"Advertising agency manages 17 state-funded pregnancy clinics".




Entrepreneurs in action

"A bid dispute threatens to prevent the December launch of a database meant to prevent 'doctor shopping.'" "Florida's drug tracking database on hold".




"I am shocked, shocked"

"Ethics commission, however, says no further action is needed against attorney who went to work for Rothstein law firm." "Former agency official may have broken "revolving door" law".




Editors stride world stage

It is always less than informative to see what the employees of a middle tier newspaper company have to hear about world events: "Venezuela's land grab".




Big of him

"Crist says that he's still on call as governor".




"How quickly a politician's fortunes can turn sour"

"Even in the best of times, being lieutenant governor can be a lonely existence."

And these can't possibly be the best of times for Jeff Kottkamp. It's a vivid reminder of how quickly a politician's fortunes can turn sour in Florida.

Kottkamp is a lame duck and not of his own choosing, because Gov. Charlie Crist opted to run for a U.S. Senate seat.

Kottkamp ran for attorney general and lost the Republican nomination to Pam Bondi, so he must soldier on having been repudiated by the voters in his own party. That can't be fun.

Then there's the fact that Kottkamp isn't even on speaking terms with Crist any longer. When Kottkamp makes an appearance, he's not there standing in for Crist — he's there on his own, as if he's an island unto himself.

"Life goes on," Kottkamp says.

"Lt. Gov. Kottkamp perseveres as time in limbo as No. 2 nears end".




Stop the madness

"Fourth gay Floridian emerges as adoptive parent to child".




Good luck with that

"Florida Innocence Commission seeks to prevent wrongful convictions".




Gelber wants Corruption Task Force

"If he's elected attorney general, Sen. Dan Gelber pledged to form a public corruption unit to monitor government and get rid of the bad apples in the state's barrel." "Dem AG Candidate Dan Gelber Calls for Public Corruption Task Force".




New Sunshine State News Poll

"Republican Marco Rubio, garnering surprising strength among independent voters, holds a double-digit lead over his two chief rivals in Florida's U.S. Senate race, a new Sunshine State News Poll reports." "Marco Rubio Holds Double-Digit Lead in Senate Race".




Silver lining

"Florida's faltering economy has hit a wide variety of businesses and special interests, leading to a decline in lobbyists at the state level." "Fewer Lobbyists Don't Mean Less Influence in Tallahassee".




Class size amendment language OK

"A circuit court judge ruled Friday that Florida voters should have the right to determine class sizes in their public schools. Judge Charles Francis agreed with the state's argument that the summary and title on Amendment 8 accurately describes the proposal's intent to make class size requirements flexible." "Class size ballot proposal upheld". See also "Judge keeps class-size amendment on the ballot; teachers union to appeal".