Dara Kam writes that "it appears political moderation in the state is out the window for the next two years." "Haridopolos touts most conservative Fla. Senate ever, claims mandate". See also "Mike Haridopolos Lauds More Conservative Senate".
"Mike Haridopolos, the incoming state Senate president, says Tuesday's election was a mandate to move the Senate more to the right. ... he'll also give a green light to lawmakers seeking stricter abortion laws and other social changes, the Merritt Island Republican said. 'I feel that the Senate was not as conservative as it should be,' said Haridopolos, arguing that Tuesday's election sweep by Republicans gives the Legislature a clear mandate to continue moving to the right." "Senate chief sees mandate to turn right". Related: "With Republican dominance, how long till push for Arizona immigration law here?".
"If only it were that benign"
The Orlando Sentinel editors write that, "because the election gave them the two-thirds majorities in each chamber needed to override vetoes, Mr. Cannon and Mr. Haridopolos appear confident they can undo a veto they say is keeping lawmakers from exercising more authority over rule-making. If only it were that benign." "An unneeded session".
The usual suspects
Putnam's buddies: "It includes former U.S. Rep. and ex-CIA Director Porter Goss and former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense. Others named Friday are former Ambassador to the Bahamas John Rood and Tracy Duda Chapman, senior vice president of A. Duda & Sons, a major farming and development company." "New Fla. ag commissioner names transition team".
Woulda, shoulda, coulda
"10 things Sink should have done".
Bald lies
"A look back at the facts about Rick Scott's successful gubernatorial campaign through the notepads of PolitiFact Florida." "Scott: The truths, half truths and lies".
Which will make it tough for him ...
"Rick Scott likely to find governing isn't simple".
Rubio would add $3.5 billion to the deficit
"When Rubio engaged in an amusing series of videos with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow about tax cuts and the deficit, we gave her a Mostly True for saying Rubio's economic proposals would add $3.5 billion to the deficit." "A fact-checking review of Rubio's rise".
Fasano to be purged?
"Wednesday felt much like Christmas morning for Bill Bunting as the Pasco Republican state committeeman basked in the glow of GOP victories. Bunting celebrated in Miami with Marco Rubio, the Republican U.S. senator-elect."
Bunting took several shots at state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, for supporting Gov. Charlie Crist as a no-party candidate for the Senate seat that Rubio won easily.
Both Fasano and Crist are GOP outcasts in Bunting's eyes. Late in the election Crist said if elected, he would have aligned himself with Senate Democrats.
"I said to Marco, 'Stand true to your values,' " Bunting said, in a telephone interview. "They're not the Mike Fasanos of the world," Bunting said about Rubio and his supporters, such as the East Pasco Tea Party. "They will listen" to the concerns of everyday Americans.
About Fasano, Bunting said, "He's just like Charlie Crist; you can't trust him.
He's a disgrace."
"Bunting sets sights on Fasano".
No thanks
"Glimpses from the trail with Rick Scott".
More "managed care"
"Republican state Senate leaders want to revamp Medicaid by limiting lawsuits and getting patients into managed care." "Florida Republicans already pitching Medicaid overhaul".
"Chad shadow"
"Chads' shadow hangs over Sunshine State a decade later". "Sorry Anniversary: Florida's 2000 Election Debacle".
Calls for Thurman's head
"Discouraged, disgusted and restless, some Florida Democrats want party Chairwoman Karen Thurman's head on a platter." "Is Party Over For Karen Thurman?".
Dumb and dumberer
"Incoming Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, tapped Rep. John Legg, R-Port Richey, as speaker pro tempore on Friday, and named Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, as House majority leader." "Dean Cannon Unveils Speaker Pro Tempore and Majority Leader".
"Red tide"
"A red tide swept over Florida and most of the nation this week as Republicans romped in an Election Day repudiation of Washington that trickled down to Tallahassee, leaving Democrats singing the blues." "Weekly Roundup: Republican Romp, but Scott by Just a Hair".
Thank you, Mr. Obama
"After years of sluggishness, Southwest Florida's labor market appears to be showing improvement." "A shift for the better in Southwest Florida jobs".
They're crooks? Who cares?
The elections biggest winners include the "Republican Party of Florida. A former House Speaker charged with grand theft. A former state party chairman charged with fraud. A scandal over credit card spending. Divisive Senate and gubernatorial primaries. So what?" Much more here: "Who's biggest loser?".
Feds to save Manatees from Floridians
"The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said Friday that restrictions for water activities will go into effect from Nov. 15 to create the refuge, which includes all of the Kings Bay along the Gulf coast. The area is home to more than 600 manatees." "Wildlife officials create manatee refuge in Fla.".
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