"To the legions of Republicans in Florida who are claiming the 'I'm Scott Brown mantle,' let me say this: 'I know Scott Brown, Scott Brown was a friend of mine . . . you're no Scott Brown.'''

The leading candidates for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat -- Gov. Charlie Crist, Marco Rubio and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek -- are all career politicians who commit sins of omission when they distance themselves from the establishment. ...

The governor is the biggest insider of them all. Crist compared Brown's avowed commitment to "the people's seat'' in Massachusetts to his own claim to be the "people's governor'' of Florida. It's quite a leap for the sitting governor of the nation's fourth largest state, a vice presidential shortlister, and the once-presumed Republican nominee to claim kinship with a truck-driving state senator who faced a double-digit deficit in the polls. (Do they even let pickups onto Fisher Island, where Crist's wife owns a $3.2 million manse?)

SCOTUS decision helps Rubio?

Jeremy Wallace: "A U.S. Supreme Court decision is adding more tinder to the hottest political race in Florida"

The court ruling that lifts restrictions on how much money corporations and unions can spend to influence federal elections is expected to have an impact on the Republican primary race between Gov. Charlie Crist and former House Speaker Marco Rubio, and an even greater role in the general election involving the GOP winner against Democrat Kendrick Meek, a House member from Miami.

But now with companies and unions able to spend freely for one candidate or against another, analysts said Friday a huge, unpredictable element has entered the race. ...

While candidates such as Rubio could potentially benefit by the vast potential of money that can now influence races, political experts warned that the ruling could also be a double-edged sword.

Corporations and unions will be able to promote their own messages -- independently of political campaigns. In doing so, there is risk that message could backfire, wounding the candidate they are supporting.

"What's in a name?"

"What's in a name? Only the true identity of a grass-roots movement, says a federal lawsuit filed by a handful of tea-party activists against the founders of Florida's new political party by the same name."

The activists argue that registering the "Tea party'' as a political party with Florida election officials amounts to hijacking their populist uprising against the political establishment. In other words, a Tea Party with a capital ``T'' is no tea party at all.

"We don't want to become what we're fighting,'' said Everett Wilkinson, chairman of the South Florida Tea Party and a plaintiff in the lawsuit filed Tuesday in West Palm Beach. "Filing as a political party is detrimental to everything we've done.''

Orlando lawyer Fred O'Neal, who officially registered the "Tea party'' five months ago, acknowledged that he had never actually been to an official tea party. No matter. He said the "Tea'' in his party stands for "Taxed Enough Already.'' ...

The legal dispute reflects the growing pains of the crusade against big government, deficit spending, and pretty much anything on President Barack Obama's agenda. How it will influence Florida's most hectic election season in decades is a matter of dispute. Critics dismiss what they describe as a fringe movement, while tea-party supporters warn not to write them off.

Charlie's budget "short on cash and new ideas"

"Crist proposed a $2.1 billion environmental-protection budget Friday that's a reflection of the dire financial times: Bare bones and lacking new initiatives." "Charlie Crist unveils environmental budget short on cash and new ideas".

Fair Districts

"Organizers for the Fair Districts proposal have gathered enough signatures to put the measure -- to change the way lawmakers draw legislative districts -- on the November ballot." "Redistrict plan on ballot". See also "2 redistricting amendments go on state ballot".

"Paper or plastic?"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board:

Paper or plastic? For an increasing number of Floridians, the answer is "neither." Instead of carrying their purchases out in store-branded bags, they use their own shopping totes or just carry their purchases out unbagged. The result: fewer plastic bags clogging landfills or littering the landscape.

Citizens United and Florida

William March: "Under Florida law, you can contribute a maximum of $500 to your candidate for governor."

For all practical purposes, that law does not apply to real estate investor Jonathan R. Politano of Aventura, who has contributed at least $18,000 to Alex Sink, the top Democratic candidate for governor.

The limit doesn't matter to Fort Myers physician Daniel Dosoretz either. He operates a chain of radiation therapy clinics and has given about $10,000 to Sink's top GOP opponent, Bill McCollum.

Both donors control numerous corporations. Because Florida campaign finance law treats corporations as individuals, each of those corporations can give the maximum $500.

On Thursday, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling took the nation a step closer to that.

Corporations long have been banned from contributing directly to campaigns for federal offices: U.S. senator, U.S. representative and president.

They also have been prohibited from spending their money to campaign independently for a federal candidate, known as "independent expenditure" campaigns.

In strictly Florida races - for governor, the Cabinet, the Legislature and for local office - corporations can do both.

Crist copyright violation?

Steve Bousquet: "Crist's use of a video clip of U.S. Senate rival Marco Rubio prompted a state-run TV station to accuse Crist of a copyright law violation, and the video of Rubio has vanished from Crist's campaign Web site." "WFSU-TV station says Crist can't use Rubio clip on campaign site".

Yipes!

"Deutch said Senate leaders have excused all of his absences and that he had no control over the special election date, which Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican, set after U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, a Democrat, resigned." "State Sen. Deutch most-absent Florida lawmaker since his U.S. House campaign began".

'Glades

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Cleaning and storing water that flows into Lake Okeechobee from the north isn't the whole solution to Everglades water needs south of the lake. Still, it's part of the Everglades solution. In addition to being worthwhile, the idea to work with cattle ranchers and farmers might be innovative." "A partial Everglades answer: It can't replace U.S. Sugar deal, but it can help".

Sansom looking for a lawyer

"Ousted House Speaker Ray Sansom got more time Friday to find a new lawyer as he defends himself against charges he damaged the Legislature's integrity." "Sansom hearing delayed". See also "Hearings on charges for ex-House speaker postponed".

Money please, Mr. Obama

"While the White House remained mum on details of the Florida itinerary of President Obama's and Vice President Biden's visit to Tampa or St. Petersburg on Thursday, high speed rail advocates remain optimistic that the reason is to announce federal funding for a Tampa-Orlando route." "Advocates hope Obama-Biden visit is to award rail funds". See also "Will Obama bring billions for Florida trains?".

Grayson takes the lead

"[W]hen the high court cleared the way Thursday for exactly that, the fiery Orlando Democrat was ready with a raft of six bills meant to undermine the 5-4 decision and slam the door on businesses that would use the ruling to flex more muscle in federal elections." "Grayson aims to rein in corporate campaign ads".

"Real differences separate Aronberg and Gelber"

Steve Bousquet points out that "real differences separate Dave Aronberg and Dan Gelber, who are fighting for the Democratic nomination for attorney general. The contest is one of three down-ballot statewide races likely to be decided by TV ads and obscured by high-profile free-for-alls for U.S. Senate and governor."

Gelber, 49, has a much more extensive legal background, as a federal prosecutor for nearly a decade and as counsel to a U.S. Senate committee. He was a forceful House Democratic leader who helped his party win back nine seats in 2006, while offering frequent policy alternatives to the Republican agenda. Gov. Charlie Crist credits Gelber with his decision to expand early voting in 2008, a decision seen as having favored Barack Obama's fortunes in Florida.

Gelber's prosecutorial style, with an emphasis on public corruption, was on display in a recent speech to Polk County Democrats. "You give me 400 lawyers and I will prosecute Ponzi schemes. I will prosecute public officials," Gelber told them. "I am not afraid to make enemies."

If elected, he promises to immediately sue the Legislature for failing to adequately pay for public education.

Aronberg, 38, is an affable, boyish politician who represents a more diverse Senate district than his rival. He has the backing of 10 Democratic sheriffs, some in small counties not often hospitable to Democratic candidates. He also has the support of the Fraternal Order of Police.

As a senator, Aronberg has worked on privacy and consumer issues, such as his sponsorship of laws banning hidden cameras in public — the so-called "video voyeurism" law — and a requirement that companies tell customers when personal data is compromised. A former assistant attorney general for two years in the Bob Butterworth era, Aronberg emphasizes fighting consumer fraud and protecting civil rights.

"This is my passion," Aronberg says of the office. "My model as attorney general is Bob Butterworth. He was dedicated to the job. He didn't use it as a political stepping stone."

McCollum "out of bounds"

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum insists that his threat to file a lawsuit to stop federal health care reform is not about "politics." There is a great way for McCollum to demonstrate that — by dropping his plans to engage in a politically charged lawsuit."

McCollum is locked in a competitive race — facing state Sen. Paula Dockery in the Republican primary and, if successful, Democrat Alex Sink, Florida's chief financial officer, in the general election — to become Florida's next governor. McCollum has criticized Sink for her refusal to comment on the bill, but now he wants to take the campaign out of bounds by going to court. ...

[I]t's not like Florida's attorney general doesn't have more pressing concerns here. McCollum, and the state he serves, would be better off if he dropped plans to sue the Obama administration and concentrate on the many problems facing Florida. For starters, he might explain his own health care plans to the state's 5.8 million residents who don't have health insurance.

Environmentalist for a day

"Crist said he's confident that this year, House and Senate members will see the wisdom of helping preserve the features that make Florida's quality of life so desirable. " "Crist pushes to restore funding for Florida Forever".

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"A preliminary state report estimates the federal stimulus program directly and indirectly created or saved at least 87,000 jobs in Florida during the last quarter of 2009." "Stimulus saves, creates 87,700 Fla. jobs".

To which Marco and Rubio say what?

HD 73

"Another candidate for the state House District 73 seat now held by Rep. Nick
Thompson, R-Fort Myers –– who's running instead for a circuit judge post –– is in
the wings: John Schultz, a Florida Highway Patrol officer who does security for Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp." "Another candidate emerges in race for U.S. Rep. Nick Thompson's seat".

Sunshine

"Court: Alachua violated state open records law".

Gay adoption

"Foster father braces: Ruling may overturn gay-adoption ban or take kids away".

Hillsborough blues

"A Republican political consultant [Chris Ingram, a former aide to Republican U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris] has filed a state ethics complaint against Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White, charging that White violated state law by voting in a matter that affected his own financial situation." "GOP consultant files ethics complaint against White".

So when the high court cleared the way Thursday for exactly that, the fiery Orlando Democrat was ready with a raft of six bills meant to undermine the 5-4 decision and slam the door on businesses that would use the ruling to flex more muscle in federal elections.

"It's a direct threat to our democracy," said Grayson, an attorney who likes to refer to himself as "progressive." "I'm sure we'll find that corporations will reward politicians that do their bidding and punish those that don't. If this stands, we can kiss our country goodbye."

The move puts Grayson out front in the debate among Democrats about how to respond to the ruling — though it remains to be seen whether the controversial freshman lawmaker can convince Congress to support measures with names such as the "Businesses Should Mind Their Own Business Act."

RPOFers set new record

"December's unemployment rate is the highest in Florida since May 1975 when it was 11.9 percent. Florida lost 232,400 jobs as of December 2009 compared with the same month in 2008. Florida's job loss began in August 2007, tied closely to its housing boom and then bust." "Florida's unemployment hits highest rate in 34 years".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Today's release of unemployment rates for December is expected to fuel concern that Florida could soon hit 12 percent, a rate not seen since the end of World War II. So it's increasingly hard to understand why the state's Republican leaders continue to ignore the unfair advantage given out-of-state, online merchants at the expense of Florida's retailers." "Unfair tax policy hurts Floridians".

The AIF snaps ...

... and Charlie jumps: "Crist says he'll delay unemployment comp tax hike".

Daily Rothstein

"Rothstein loses fight to keep wife's photos out of auction".

"Politicians suddenly screaming bloody murder"

Scott Maxwell writes that "it's been interesting to hear from some of the politicians suddenly screaming bloody murder about" the nation's "growing mountain of red ink".

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, for instance, has decried deficit spending as loudly as any local. The Brooksville Republican even took to the House floor last month to accuse Washington of spending money "like a teenager with a credit card."

She's right. But it's curious to hear her say so, seeing as how she voted to raise the nation's debt ceiling to about $9 trillion back when George W. Bush was running the show.

In fact, every single Republican in Florida's congressional delegation — including those bellyaching about spending now — voted to raise the debt ceiling when I last wrote about it in 2006.

Perhaps it isn't the debt to which all these folks so strenuously object … as much as who's asking for it.

But hey, Republicans don't have the market cornered on debt-related double standards.

The letter "that went unheeded"

"A letter sent Thursday to DOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos puts Florida on notice that Amtrak is terminating the 2008 memorandum of understanding with the state. Without the agreement, Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman writes that Florida likely couldn't tap federal high-speed rail money. The problem is the liability clauses in the Sun Rail deal approved by the Legislature in the December special session and later signed by Gov. Charlie Crist. Amtrak raised these issues in a Nov. 30 letter to Kopelousos that went unheeded." "CSX deal prompts Amtrak threat to state".

CD 19

Learn about Congressional District 19 Democratic primary candidates Ben Graber and Ted Deutch. "Details about the District 19 Democratic candidates". See also "Democrat Deutch has huge money lead in race for Wexler’s old congressional seat".

Putnam

"Republican Adam Putnam announced 27 of 76 state House Republicans are backing him in his primary bid against state Sen. Carey Baker for the party’s agriculture commissioner nomination." "Florida House lawmakers line up behind Putnam".

No credit

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Can a Democrat get anything done in the Florida Legislature?"

Well, yes and no. Yes, she can. But no, she may not get the credit.

Back in October, Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, a Democrat who represents the Tallahassee area in the Florida House of Representatives, wrote a My View for the Tallahassee Democrat in which she stated her case for supporting the film and TV industry in Florida.

She offered praise for Gov. Charlie Crist and the film commissioner's office; the not-for-profit group Film Florida; and even Florida State University's nationally recognized film school. But she worried that the state had let its commitment to the industry — and its funding for it — lag.

"Stay tuned," she promised. ...

On Wednesday, the spotlight turned to two Republicans — Sen. Mike Haridopolos, who is next in line to be president of the state Senate, and Rep. Steve Precourt, chair of the Energy and Utilities Policy Committee. Together, along with support from House speaker-designate Dean Cannon, they announced the Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act.

Stop us if you've heard this before: The bill (HB 697) would offer media production companies up to $75 million a year in tax credits if they hire Florida workers. "This is real economic development and a proven job creator," Sen. Haridopolos said.

Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda was not asked to speak at the Wednesday news conference — hardly a surprise, considering that she is a Democrat and in her first term. But she handled it well, saying: "I'm just not sure this is the time to get into partisan politics; this is too important."

We're breathless

"Crist heads to Naples today to begin unveiling his 2010-11 spending plan in media-bite-sized chunks." "Crist to unveil spending plan". Related: "Economist: Lawmakers will continue to face steep budget challenges".

'Ya think?

"Thrasher not everyone's choice for top GOP job".

The SCOTUS decision on campaign financing

The United Citizens "decision leaves in place a prohibition on direct contributions to candidates [in federal races] from corporations and unions."

In Florida state races, corporations [and unions] can make [direct] contributions to candidates and run independent ads. About 24 other states, however, have restrictions similar to the federal one and those could be threatened as well.

President Barack Obama and top Democrats on Capitol Hill voiced strong displeasure.

"It is a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans," Obama said.

The political ads could play a major role in elections this fall and, at the outset, seem to favor Republicans. Democrats, already facing a tough mid-term election cycle, were preparing legislation to enact new restrictions.

"This is the worst Supreme Court decision since the Dred Scott case," said U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, who has filed bills to offset the changes.

Grayson took a seat formerly held by a Republican in 2008 and could be hurt by a flood of corporate money. He is one of several potentially vulnerable Democrats in the Florida congressional delegation.

The key Florida matchup this fall is the Republican primary pitting Crist and Rubio, and observers were divided over which candidate benefits more.

Rubio almost immediately heralded the decision as a "victory for those who truly value the freedoms outlined in our First Amendment." Crist did not offer reaction.

Entrepreneurs in action

"Federal prosecutors in New Jersey say a Florida man has admitted his role in a $20 million stock fraud and money laundering scheme." "Fla. man admits role in NJ stock scheme".

"That letter after his name is worth noting"

Paul Flemming: "As it is now, lawmakers can vote on bills even if they have a personal, business or family connection that would benefit them, as long as they disclose the interest within 15 days of casting the vote."

This year's version of the bill has a House counterpart, sponsored by Rep. Adam Fetterman, D-Port St. Lucie. That letter after his name is worth noting. Republicans control the Senate and House. The 2009 attempt went wanting for a House sponsor as it failed to get a single hearing. Dockery's 2008 bill had a House sponsor, also a Democrat, as both versions died without a hearing in any of its committees.

In the house

"President Barack Obama is slated to appear in the Tampa Bay area on Thursday, one day after the State of the Union address and nearly one year after he pitched his economic stimulus plan in Florida." "Barack Obama, Joe Biden slated for Tampa Bay visit". See also "Obama, Biden coming to Tampa Bay area next Thursday".

Amy Baker, head of the Legislature's Office of Economic and Demographic Research, predicted Florida unemployment figures for December — set to come out Friday — will continue to increase and that the peak jobless rate could hit 12 percent in the spring.

The November unemployment rate, slightly higher than 11 percent, means 1.1 million Floridians were out of work. If the figure rises to 12 percent, "that's highest it's been since we've been keeping records," Baker said.

Baker doesn't think the Florida economy will start to see anything like normal growth rates until the spring of 2011.

"Republicans are crowing"

"Nationally, Republicans are crowing about winning a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts. But the implications for Florida are not so clear."

But heading into the busiest election year Florida has seen in decades, the political picture is murkier in this state than it appears nationally.

If Democrats are in such trouble in Florida, why did the party register nearly 44,000 more voters than Republicans in 2009 -- including three times as many Hispanic voters? And why does the Democratic gubernatorial front-runner, Alex Sink, have $1.5 million more in her bank account than Republican front-runner Bill McCollum?

RPOFers stealing Vasilinda's thunder

"New bill aims to create Florida jobs via entertainment industry".

Thomas' man crush

Mike Thomas can't wash that "Jeb!" out of his hair: "The state's top business leaders, those who sit on the Council of 100, are recommending we bring back school vouchers. I agree. But we need real vouchers, not the flimsy ones the state gave us in 1999. "We need to be creative with school vouchers".

What will they think of next

"A bill would require Florida lawmakers to avoid voting on matters in which they would personally benefit." "Bill would curb Florida lawmakers' ability to benefit from votes".

Raw political courage

"Senate President Jeff Atwater kicked off a meeting detailing the state and the country’s dire economic condition with a stern, no-new-taxes speech as lawmakers prepare another belt-tightening budget."

Atwater contradicted questions about how to close what could be up to a $3 billion spending gap this year, saying the premise was incorrect. ...

“We should not allow the shrieking cacophony of special interests to drown out this simple fact. We have faced up to and made the difficult decisions. What we have not done and what we will not do is leave our sons and our daughters and future generations of Floridians with an intolerable burden of taxes and debt,” Atwater said, drawing the applause of the GOP members in attendance.

RPOF teabag orgy

"The day after Republican Scott Brown's upset U.S. Senate win in Massachusetts, GOP candidates in Florida all but tripped over one another to claim a spot in an anti-Establishment movement that has grown louder by the month."

Crist — a candidate for U.S. Senate — praised Brown's "courageous and articulate opposition to the Obama administration's government-run health-care scheme."

Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio — Crist's primary opponent — said Brown's win "reinvigorated those who believe Washington's endless spending and government growth are incompatible with America's proven tradition" of faith in the private sector.

Attorney General Bill McCollum, the GOP candidate for governor, got in on the act.

AIF comforts pollution profiteers

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "By the state's own measurements, 1,000 miles of its rivers and streams, 350,000 acres of its lakes and 900 square miles of its estuaries are impaired by pollutants (as reported in 2008). "

The culprits: primarily nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff from lawn and farm fertilizers; and under-treated discharges from sewage treatment plants. These reduce dissolved oxygen and make the water cloudy, preventing sunlight's penetration. This encourages algae blooms -- sometimes turning surface waters green as grass -- harmful to aquatic plants and animals, coral reefs and drinking water supplies, blooms that can cause breathing problems and skin infections for swimmers, boaters and others.

Florida's had 10 years to clean up its surface waters since the Environmental Protection Agency ordered it and other foot-dragging states to comply with federal law.

Florida's business and farm leaders are screaming. "Onerous" and "idiotic" were two descriptions of the standards offered by Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida, as reported by the Miami Herald. Industry leaders predict compliance will cost polluters $50 billion and stifle business recruitment and job growth in the state. EPA analysts estimate the cost at about $1.5 billion, not counting upgrades to public stormwater systems. But business, farm and growth interests in Florida decried the Clean Water Act before its adoption in 1972 along the same lines -- it will cost too much; now's not the time. They forget the economic losses this state incurs from pollution of its surface waters -- damaged fisheries, less tourism, health problems . . . . And they would have the public forget that years of delay compound the nutrient problems even as the construction costs to rid the state's waters of pollutants escalate.

If this isn't the time for Florida to clean up its waters, there won't be a better one. Too bad it took a lawsuit and a federal mandate to force the issue. The only idiocy here is to allow those who profit by polluting Florida's waters to perpetuate the lie that the state's doing all it can afford to comply with the Clean Water Act. It isn't, it wasn't and it won't unless made to. And that's what's onerous.

Wingnut whinges

Central Florida wingnuts are outraged believe that the tea bag victory in Mass didn't get more play in the Orlando Sentinel: "Incredulous at story play" and "A replay' of Sentinel's' election-night meeting".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Marco Rubio's campaign appearance in Tampa Wednesday was at a ribbon-cutting for Everest Online University, now finishing a building where it employs some 800 people."

But the career-education facility has a long history here, including an investigation led by Rubio's opponent in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, Charlie Crist, now governor but formerly state attorney general.

Everest is one of a number of private, for-profit, vocational education companies nationwide, which are growing fast and branching out to offer bachelor's and master's degrees.

It teaches classes in 14 locations in Florida, and the online operation claims 15,000 students nationwide.

But starting in 2005, Everest, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, was investigated by the Florida state attorney general over allegations that it misled paying students as to whether the credits they earn could transfer to other universities. ...

The school's corporate parent ended up agreeing to settlements to resolve investigations in Florida and California, paying about $100,000 in state legal costs in Florida and about $6.5 million in California.

The Mouse is a RPOFer

"Disney was especially generous to the state Republican Party, which isn’t surprising since the GOP controls both the governor’s office and the state Legislature in Florida. Disney gave $205,000 in direct contributions to the Republican Party of Florida and about $52,000 more in freebies, or “in kind” donations." "Disney World gave $550,000 to Florida politicians and political groups in 2009>".

Mica's "Lexus lanes"

"U.S. Rep. John Mica of Winter Park is trying to shake up transportation in Central Florida, from suggesting the leasing of tolls roads to even adding pay lanes to Interstate 4. ... Many motorists object to the notion, calling it a 'Lexus lane' plan that only helps rich people get where they want to go faster." "Mica: Let's consider toll-road leases, I-4 pay lanes".

Ethics rule

"Dockery hopes third time is charm for legislative ethics rule".

No joy in "America's biggest battleground state"

"Republicans throughout the country have lots of reason for optimism one day after the bombshell election in Massachusetts. But in Florida it should give people some pause to consider where the state GOP in America's biggest battleground state stands today at the start of an incredibly busy and volatile election year: A skeleton crew remains at the state headquarters in Tallahassee. And there is no consensus and plenty of internal dissension on the question of who should be elected chairman next month, John Thrasher or Sharon Day." "The Fla GOP soap opera continues".

We're sure that made them feel better

"Crist toured a facility that has become a point of entry for U.S. nationals and non-Haitian foreigners fleeing the earthquake-devastated nation." "Crist tours facility for Haiti quake survivors".

Prepaid tuition plan

"Is the Florida Prepaid tuition plan still a good investment in education?".

Daily Rothstein

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "It's awkward enough that Broward County Undersheriff Tom Wheeler finds himself under scrutiny for associating with Scott Rothstein, the disbarred lawyer accused of running a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme. Worse is his boss's very public waffling regarding a probe into whether Wheeler violated state ethics law." "Sheriff adds to awkwardness of aide's Rothstein connection, gift-reporting lapse".

How long before we hear calls for Manatee hunting?

"Record number of manatees counted".

Nelson speaks

"Mike Thomas' commentary Sunday on Medicare Advantage (Bill Nelson's Medi-scare will cost us) was way over the top, without credibility. He characterized as a flimflam my Medicare Advantage amendment to the health-care bill that would transitionally protect the benefits of nearly a million seniors currently enrolled in these plans." "Nelson responds: Amendment about fairness, not flimflam".

Politicians in this state are so scared that you might actually think for yourself — especially when it comes to development in this state — that they don't want to give you that chance.

The latest news has legislators talking about overturning a law they passed just last year — one that banned local governments from spending public money to campaign.

The law was a good one.

It is simply undemocratic for the state to use taxpayers' money for political propaganda.

And yet that was precisely what was happening.

Lawmakers "need to step up", not "get out of the way"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "With the state's unemployment rate at levels never before seen by today's workers, the Legislature is under pressure to act."

The challenge is not to be bold, which is easy, but to be correct. Promises from legislative leaders of lower taxes and fewer regulations on growth won't fix the state's immediate problems, which include falling property values, a loss of jobs, a shortage of tax revenue and a glut of houses and lots for sale.

For the Legislature to simply "get out of the way" would leave homeowners uninsured or faced with steeper increases in premiums.

Many other problems loom. If the Legislature gets out of the way of oil drilling, it risks making the state less attractive to tourists

Ineffective regulation of the building industry has sparked a grassroots reaction called Hometown Democracy. It will appear on the ballot later this year as Amendment 4, and leaders in business and government agree its requirement of a public vote on all changes to local land-use plans would be costly, disruptive and unpredictable.

In some instances Crist is right - lawmakers need to get out of the way. But to help with Florida's biggest challenges, they need to step up.

Friends in high places

"The fines facing Walt Disney World following an investigation into a fatal monorail crash at the resort last summer have been reduced by 20 percent, under a settlement Disney negotiated with federal-safety regulators." "Fines facing Disney after monorail probe lowered by 20 percent".

Grounded

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "NASA will ground space shuttles for good this year, barring an unexpected change of heart from President Barack Obama. Up to 7,000 positions at Kennedy Space Center and at least 10,000 more Florida jobs that depend on them could be lost along with the program." "Grounding shuttle could ground Florida economy, too".

RPOFers run wild

"Florida reacts to GOP Senate victory in Mass".

"The thrill is gone"

"Over the final three months of the 2008 presidential campaign, the St. Petersburg Times convened a group of undecided voters in the biggest swing region of America's biggest swing state."

In August, they started out very skeptical of Obama; in September, they were horrified by the choice of Sarah Palin as McCain's running mate; and ultimately, in late October, 10 out of 11 decided to vote for Obama.

Today no one regrets their vote; nor are they especially enthusiastic about Obama.

Pelosi quaking in her boots

"Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said Tuesday that Congress has no constitutional right to force people to buy health insurance -- and he'll sue to stop the proposal if it becomes law."

``Never before has Congress compelled Americans, under threat of government fines or taxes, to purchase an unwanted product or service simply as a condition of existing in this country,'' McCollum wrote in a legal opinion to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

was accused of playing politics by the two Democrats running for his seat, Sen. Dave Aronberg [2 Harvard degrees] of Greenacres and Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach.

"Florida has an insurance crisis -- 20 percent of our citizens have no insurance,'' Gelber said. "I have no clue what McCollum will do to solve this crisis, other than threaten to sue Congress when it tries to solve the problem.''

McCollum said it was a '"political question'' and "that's not what I'm here about today.''

"During the course of the campaign, I may well lay out something [regarding healthcare]. I may well not,'' McCollum said Tuesday. "I don't know yet.''

McCollum said he would prefer to address health-insurance problems by offering more tax incentives, reducing government mandates or by requiring more physical education in schools to keep children healthy.

Gibbons

"Former U.S. Rep. Sam Gibbons, who represented Tampa in the U.S. House for 34 years, will get a very leaked surprise birthday party on his 90th birthday today. ... If it's not a surprise, it's also not exactly a party - it's actually an invitation-only forum at the Tampa Bay History Center to discuss the impact of Gibbons' career on Tampa, said Betty Castor, former University of South Florida president." "Party no surprise for Gibbons".

As long as the defendant isn't a business

"A Senate committee passes a bill to give families of slaying victims more time to file civil lawsuits." "Florida bill would lift time limit on wrongful-death claims".

Perhaps Florida won't use it as a union busting tool this time

"President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced his plans to extend the federal Race to the Top initiative for an additional year."

The announcement might help to assuage criticism that the program currently gives states too much control. This year, only state departments of education could apply for the grant money. States then asked their school districts and teachers unions to sign on to their applications.

In Florida, most unions would not sign on, in large part because the state had set forth too many requirements.

"Race to the Top" is the latest manifestation of this inclination to blame, and punish, teachers.

Race to the Top, part of last year's $787 billion federal stimulus program, supposedly is a $4 billion reward for innovative schools. In Florida, which could get $700 million, the main "innovation" would be busting teachers unions. ...

A "Memorandum of Understanding" contains Florida's basic pitch for Race to the Top money. It talks about requiring more science and math classes. But the central "innovation" would change the way teachers are hired, assigned, promoted and paid.

And the central factor in evaluations? FCAT results. Why? Because that's what we've got. Never mind that the FCAT is too narrow and too affected by factors outside the teacher's control, including socioeconomic status and parental involvement. Moreover, the FCAT already is used to grade schools. If praying to the FCAT idol — as we've done for a decade — could produce uniformly great teachers, we'd have them now.

Supplying eyewash, the state says that teachers would be evaluated on other factors, such as evaluations by parents and students. But the FCAT remains the biggie. Add a spoonful of caviar to bucket of spit and you've still got mostly spit.

Panthers don't vote

"First Fla. panther death of '10 confirmed".

He's baaaccckkk

"Former Gov. Jeb Bush is backing Senate President Jeff Atwater in his statewide race for chief financial officer, an endorsement that’s about as good as it gets for a GOP candidate in Florida." "Jeb! backs Atwater".

Oil rigs on the horizon

"Oil drilling proponents attempted to refute one of the most potent arguments against oil drilling off Florida shores Tuesday with a new report that suggests that weapons testing and pilot training is compatible with oil rigs and pipelines." "Report claims oil rigs, military can share gulf". See also "Offshore drilling remains hot topic at Tallahassee debate".

Kosmas

"Just hours before Monday's violent terror attack on Kabul, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, and five other congressional representatives met in Afghanistan with military leaders and troops." "Local congresswoman visits Afghanistan".

Sure, schools are struggling, health care is hurting, college funding is squeezed, parks are reducing hours and layoffs are looming as the state faces a $2.6 billion deficit in the budget year that starts July 1.

No big deal — this is an election year. That makes it a perfect time for Gov. Charlie Crist and legislators to exhume the back-to-school sales-tax holiday, which was wisely buried the past two years because of budget shortfalls. Reviving it now would endear them to voters who want services but don't want to pay for them.

the two men in line to be the next leaders of the Legislature's Republican majority. They and Mr. Crist called for — what else? — lower taxes. Never mind that legislators have cut billions of dollars in taxes over the past decade, or that business was booming in Florida under the current tax structure before the nation's economy tanked.

Billy no longer "naive" about MLK Day

"Florida Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum said today his 1983 vote to oppose a Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday was a mistake."

When did he come to that realization?

“In the ’80s after the vote,” he said. “Shortly after the vote. I couldn’t tell you the exact year, but this is what? Twenty-five years later? It was very apparent to me upon reflection soon after that that it was not a good vote even though it does cost a lot of money.”

"Yes, I failed the bar exam twice; the third time I passed it," Crist said during an interview on education topics Friday. "It's not something I'm particularly proud of, but I think the lesson is to never give up."

Crist, who grew up in St. Petersburg, received a law degree from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Ala., in 1981.

Sansom's wriggling

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "No one said it would be easy to hold former House Speaker Ray Sansom and his pals accountable for misusing public money to pursue their personal agendas. Yet narrow court rulings and Sansom's stonewalling have made it even more difficult than anticipated. State Attorney Willie Meggs and state lawmakers have been creative in coping with the unexpected, and they must remain dogged in their pursuit of an appropriate outcome for taxpayers." "Don't let Sansom off the hook". Related: "Affidavits indicate Sansom's college job was supervisory" ("Sansom’s attorney, Richard Coates, told the St. Petersburg Times that Sansom 'had no supervisory authority or control over the leadership institute.'")

"Spare them the hate"

Mike Mayo "When I wrote that South Florida would be needed as a sanctuary for desperate post-earthquake Haitians in my Sunday column, I knew two things would happen:"

1) There'd be a lot of hateful comments and generalizations about Haitians.

2) People would ask, "How many Haitians are you going to take into your home?"

You didn't disappoint.

"Take your 'compassion' to Haiti, f---tard," was the subject line of one of the more literate e-mails I got.

"I know you will be taking in a few of those machete swinging Haitians into your home," wrote Richard A. "You might want to tie down a few things but I doubt if that will be much help." ...

They've been through hell on earth.

The least we could do is spare them the hate.

Veteran disability backlog

"Florida veterans are urging Congress to shorten the backlog for disability claims and to eliminate an overlap in survivors' benefits." "Florida veterans look for help".

FlaDems "pinching themselves instead of their pennies"

Aaron Deslatte: "The intra-party rebellion that ousted Florida Republican Chairman Jim Greer this month was fueled by images of limo rides, expensive meals, cocktail soirees at ritzy South Florida resorts, even cigars bought by the case."

Meanwhile, Florida Democrats are pinching themselves instead of their pennies.

Heading into a bleak election year nationally, the state Democratic Party raised nearly $6.8 million in 2009, a record total that cuts significantly into the cash advantage Republicans have historically held and helps illustrate why GOP insiders forced a shake-up within their ranks.

Democrats can thank an influx of powerful industries, such as Florida Power & Light, Progress Energy and TECO Energy, which gave a combined $400,000 in their bid to win higher electric rates and ease regulatory burdens from any renewable-energy legislation passed.

For years, big corporations such as these gave only sparingly to the minority party in Tallahassee, which relied on trial lawyers, labor unions and a handful of wealthy donors for money. But times have changed.

"Traditional donors, Realtors, attorneys have been off," said RPOF Vice Chairman Allen Cox, who is resigning after leading the charge to force Greer out. "But there's also less enthusiasm within the party. ...

Under Greer, the state GOP shifted nearly $4.3 million into its federal bank account, which is used to pay for salaries, voter registration and other organizing related to federal campaigns. That compares with $1.6 million shifted in 2005, the last time there were open races for both a governor and U.S. Senate.

Greer's critics have questioned whether the money was shifted to aid Crist's campaign. But spending from the federal account is not disclosed until Jan. 31, and Greer did not respond to a request for comment.

"That side of the house was very tightly held by Jim," said Republican National Committeewoman Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale, who is campaigning to replace Greer and blocked him last summer from steering party resources to Crist.

"We really don't know."

But GOP Executive Director Delmar Johnson said there was no help to Crist.

"There was no additional money spent to help one candidate over another," said Johnson, who is one of the 15 full-time and four part-time employees dismissed last week in advance of selecting a new chairman.

Those layoffs included gutting Greer's operations aimed at youth and minority outreach, as well as the party's field staff, efforts critics said largely failed to make up ground lost to Democrats in 2008.

Democrats amassed a 670,000-vote advantage that helped deliver the state to President Barack Obama, and have grown it to more than 700,000, while GOP critics contend there have been only token efforts to lure younger voters and Hispanics to the party.

Legal geniuses

"Sen. Mike Haridopolos quips that a proposed constitutional amendment to change how voter districts are drawn should be called `'the full employment act for lawyers,' because it will spark so many challenges in court if approved by voters."

But four politically connected law firms have already seen financial gains in the redistricting battle that will play out through 2012, if not longer. In just nine months, the firms have received more than $272,000 in taxpayer dollars.

If past redistricting cycles are any indication, the final tab will grow by millions.

Since the Senate in April retained two firms to handle redistricting matters, the firms -- whose lawyers include a former Republican Senate president and a former Republican House member -- have billed nearly $155,000.

The House has paid $117,589 to two firms retained in August, for a total of nearly $273,000 between the two chambers.

The House so far has paid over $92,000 to the Orlando-based GrayRobinson firm, which previously employed House Speaker designate Dean Cannon, who will be in charge of his chamber when districts are redrawn. Also working for the House is attorney Miguel DeGrandy, who has received more than $22,000. The former Miami state representative worked on an alliance with black Democrats to redraw districts in 1992 -- changes that also resulted in Republicans gaining seats during the 1996 election. ...

The Senate paid almost $102,000 through January to the Tallahassee firm of Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson, Bell and Dunbar, P.A.

The firm has several attorneys and shareholders, including Sam Bell, a former state representative who served as House counsel on redistricting in 1992; and Peter Dunbar, a former state representative who served as general counsel under Gov. Bob Martinez. ...

The Senate has also paid more than $53,000 to Tripp Scott, P.A., the firm of former Senate President Jim Scott, who served as counsel to the Legislature during the 2002 redistricting. He was Senate president in 1995 when the Senate and the U.S. Department of Justice settled a federal lawsuit filed by Tampa Bay residents who argued that a minority district that meandered through several area counties was unconstitutional. ...

His partner Ed Pozzuoli, a former Broward GOP chairman and friend to U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, also lobbies for Weston and Oakland Park and a number of other clients.

Teachers collectively say "no"

"Florida's application for the Race to the Top federal money is due today, but it has been rejected by many teachers' unions in the state". "Teacher unions oppose school grants".

Scarier, larger and meaner

The Miami Herald editorial board: "A hunt for Burmese pythons in the Everglades turned up an even scarier predator: the African rock python. Biologists say it's larger than the Burmese and meaner." "Glades menace".

"Only 24 to 28 percent"

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "State regulators paint a compelling picture of why Florida needs to do a better job of recycling. Imagine a four-lane highway of solid waste, 3 feet deep, from Tallahassee to Seattle — and then back again. That's how much solid waste Florida generates in a year, the Department of Environmental Protection says in a new report to the Legislature. Yet it recycles only 24 to 28 percent of it. The DEP suggests ways Florida can substantially increase that number. And several of its recommendations make sense. But together, they won't get Florida where it needs to go." "Recycling will pay off, if Tallahassee gets onboard".

Biden

"An appearance by Vice President Joe Biden and a parade marked Martin Luther King Day in South Florida." "Biden appearance and parade mark Martin Luther King Day".

But Democrat Robert Weinroth, an attorney from Boca Raton, is considering the race and spent $5,000 this month on a poll with several questions linking Abrams and Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein.

Attorney Abrams made $204,321 in 2008 while working in the three-lawyer Boca office of Fort Lauderdale-based Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler. He says he had little contact with Rothstein and no knowledge of his financial dealings. Rothstein, money-raising friend of Gov. Charlie Crist, was listed as a reference last year when Abrams applied for the commission appointment after Mary McCarty resigned in a corruption scandal.

Weinroth said an initial poll of 300 voters showed Abrams handily defeating him. But the race tightened after voters were fed information about Rothstein.

"Pundits"

The Saint Petersburg Times's Aaron Sharockman: "With Republicans Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio dominating news coverage about Florida's U.S. Senate race, Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek would like you to know he's running, too." Sharockman continues, writing that may of the "experts" are still calling the race for whoever the Republican Senate candidate might be; he cites the following (notably undated) remarks from a handful of pundits:

Congressional Quarterly lists Florida as "Likely Republican."

Stuart Rothenberg, an oft-quoted political analyst, says "Clear advantage for incumbent party," or in this case, Republicans.

Another familiar name in political speculating, the Cook Political Report, lists the Florida race as "Likely Republican."

Larry Sabato at the Center for Politics: "Likely Republican."

Ken Rudin at National Public Radio: "Republican favored."

A group called Intrade says Republicans have a 78.45 percent chance of keeping the seat.

New York Times: "Likely Republican."

At FiveThirtyEight.com, Florida ranks as 13th-most likely seat to switch hands in November.

Struggling to find the word "tossup" associated with the Florida Senate race, we asked the Meek campaign for help.

They referred us to a Jan. 6 blog post from the Wall Street Journal titled "2010 Tossups: A Rundown of the Most-Competitive Senate Races." It includes Florida among 11 other races.

"Spotlight on Meek"

Beth Reinhard: "An onslaught of attention for Miami Democrat Kendrick Meek — who represents more Haitian-Americans than any other member of Congress — comes after months of scrapping for publicity for his U.S. Senate bid." "Amid tragedy, spotlight on Meek".

The least we can do

Michael Mayo: "After Hurricane Katrina walloped New Orleans in 2005, the devastated city emptied as evacuees flocked to surrounding states. Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia — these were the safe havens that became home away from home."

Like it or not, South Florida will almost certainly be pressed into similar duty following the catastrophic earthquake that has leveled Port-au-Prince. There's sure to be a wave of Haitian immigration and emergency relocation here in coming months, legal and illegal, by every conceivable method.

How will South Florida react?

With compassion and humanity, I hope.

And with more sensitivity than Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh, I hope.

Biden

"During visits to Little Haiti and Homestead Air Reserve Base, Vice President Joe Biden promised that U.S. earthquake aid would continue 'long after it's off the crawler at CNN.'" "Vice President Joe Biden stresses U.S. aid commitment during visit to Little Haiti".

"Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver remarks at a Martin Luther King Jr. prayer breakfast in South Florida." "Biden to speak at MLK prayer breakfast".

Scrub that e-mail list

Bill Cotterell: "State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, last week received a little admonition from the Division of Elections about an errant e-mail. She has a fundraising reception set for Thursday night and, apparently, her re-election campaign bought a mailing list of University of Florida law school graduates in the Big Bend area."

It's always good to invite Gators to a party, if for no other reason than to watch them eat. And UF law grads tend to have spare change for politicians.

The problem is, at least one recipient of our lawmaker's e-mail had an address that ended with "state.fl.us." That says "state agency." ...

Reaching out is smart prior to a legislative session. She can't raise money after the session starts March 2, but Rick Minor, her opponent in the Aug. 24 primary, will be running hard.

Reaching out via state e-mail, though, is not cool. An employee — who, incidentally, is not involved in Minor's campaign — forwarded the note to the Division of Elections.

FlaDems winning fight for young and Hispanic voters

Aaron Deslatte: "Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux sent out a memo last week bragging of a"

"banner year" for registering new voters and raising cash, adding that the party rings in the 2010 election year with a sizable cash advantage over Republicans.

Democrats are reporting $1 million more in cash-on-hand than the traditionally better-funded Republican Party of Florida, as well as an 800,000-voter edge.

Though that latter figure is inflated by "inactive" voters who haven't cast ballots for years, the underlying registration lead that Democrats built over the GOP in 2008 is not weakening, according to numbers compiled by the party. Official year-end totals aren't yet available from the state.

Acreneaux's made-for-media memo called it "striking" that the party held a nearly 16-percent advantage among voters under 35.

Perhaps more importantly, Democrats appear to still be winning the fight for Hispanics.

Democrats claim that 28,000 Hispanics registered with their party last year while 9,000 filed as Republicans – a three-to-one advantage that the GOP can't possibly allow to continue if it wants to win statewide in the coming years.

"After All, He Is Black"

One wonders how many of us that voted to amend Florida's constitution to force Florida courts to follow the the SCOTUS when it comes to the Florida constitution's unreasonable search and seizure provisions are off celebrating MLK Day today.

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In an encounter with police, location can mean the difference between getting a pass and losing your freedom."

That troubling dichotomy was decried in a recent Florida Supreme Court ruling involving a Hillsborough County teenager[*]. He was convicted of resisting an officer without violence after he ran from deputies in a high-crime area and ignored their command to stop.

Talk about wrong place, wrong time. Deputies wouldn't have had warrant to stop him had he bolted in a safer — that is, wealthier — neighborhood.

In other words, running without provocation from police in [Orlando's historic minority neighborhood] is considered guilty behavior and justification for a stop and frisk. Doing so in Baldwin Park might not justify a stop.

As Justice Barbara Pariente noted on the Hillsborough case: "If this occurred several miles away, in an area where crime or drug activity was perhaps not so prevalent [i.e., a nice, safe "white" neighborhood], [he] would have been free to do the 'crime' for which he was charged and remain unscathed."

Nevertheless, the state high court affirmed the conviction. It had to. The Florida Constitution compels the state's highest court to honor the U.S. Supreme Court's stance on unreasonable search and seizure.

And a U.S. Supreme Court case in 2000 held that "headlong flight" in a "high-crime neighborhood" constituted reasonable suspicion to justify an investigatory stop.

That ruling coupled with Florida law — it's a misdemeanor punishable up to a year in jail for anyone willfully to fail or refuse to comply with a lawful police command — troubled the court enough to urge lawmakers to erase the double standard.

Lawmakers should heed the courts' plea.

The poor things

"Not as many raises for university presidents".

Lawton "Bud" Chiles III

"Forty years after the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles walked the length of the state in his underdog bid for the U.S. Senate, his son and namesake is marching on his own mission. Lawton 'Bud' Chiles III, 56, looking more and more like his famous father as he gets older, is trying to spread the message that state lawmakers are failing children by cutting education and child-welfare programs — even as they continue to lock up juvenile-justice offenders at an alarming rate." "'Bud' Chiles treks across Florida as advocate for kids' health, education".

Water-talk-secrecy

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "A federal judge's decision last summer that Georgia isn't entitled take all the water it wants to accommodate poorly planned growth in the Atlanta area was a victory for millions of people downstream in Alabama and Florida."

But a ruling last week by the same court taints that triumph because the general public is being shut out of negotiations between the three states to resolve the dispute, which centers on the Flint, Chattahoochee and Apalachicola rivers, before the order takes effect.

U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson issued an order - at the requests of the states - that allows the governments to try to hash out an agreement in secret.

It's disappointing that Florida, which prides itself on laws championing "government in the sunshine," agreed to such an arrangement.

Palin and her Chamber, Daytona 500 buddies

The folks running the Daytona 500 ought to know better. We of course expect no less from the Chamber, which is little more than a GOP front group - Palin "won't be coming to Daytona Beach specifically for the race, though. Palin will speak at a dinner for the greater Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce on February 15, the day after this year's Daytona 500." "Sarah Palin expected to be VIP guest at Daytona 500".

'Glades

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Cleaning and storing water that flows into Lake Okeechobee from the north isn't the whole solution to Everglades water needs south of the lake. Still, it's part of the Everglades solution. In addition to being worthwhile, the idea to work with cattle ranchers and farmers might be innovative." "A partial Everglades answer: It can't replace U.S. Sugar deal, but it can help".

Friend 'o Charly's

"A high-ranking Broward sheriff's official under scrutiny for his association with Scott Rothstein has a friend and patron in high places: Gov. Charlie Crist."

Tom Wheeler, second in command at the Broward Sheriff's Office, was a fraternity brother of Crist's at Florida State University in the late 1970s. Crist has helped him land at least two state jobs since 2001. During that time, Wheeler's yearly salary has climbed from $47,239 to $166,000.

Wheeler, 51, currently the Broward undersheriff, was one of the top local law enforcement officials wooed by Rothstein, a disbarred Fort Lauderdale lawyer accused by federal officials of running a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme. Wheeler took at least two private jet flights with Rothstein.

Wheeler has declined to answer the Sun Sentinel's questions about the trips and his relationship with Rothstein, who is now in federal detention.

Dems target Rubio

"Florida Democrats signaled a new strategy in the U.S. Senate campaign Friday by targeting Republican Marco Rubio, once a long-shot U.S. Senate candidate, with their second press release in as many days. Democrats had not bothered to weigh in on Rubio or his nine-year legislative record as polls showed Republican Gov. Charlie Crist would easily capture his party's nomination. But with Rubio surging in the polls, Florida Democrats broke the uneasy political alliance by settling their cross hairs on the former Florida House speaker." "Florida Democrats target Rubio at GOP threat in Senate race".

RPOFers claim HCR would be a "disaster"

"As Congress negotiates a sweeping federal health care plan, many Florida leaders are already portraying the legislation as a disaster for the state." "Health care legislation stirs again in Tallahassee".

"Jeb!" strives for relevancy

Adam C Smith: "One of the constant political undercurrents in Florida is the tension between Jeb Bush and his allies, and Charlie Crist and his."

So it was intriguing to see the governor and ex-governor at a joint appearance in Tallahassee last week for the release of a Council of 100 education report. Political observers have been speculating madly about when and if the former governor will endorse Marco Rubio in the Senate race. ...

Bush left the news conference before it ended, and brushed off a question about endorsing in the Senate race.

"I haven't thought about it too much," said Bush, whose sons are supporting Rubio. "It's way too early."

Thomas and his GOP talking points

Mike Thomas: "Understanding Sen. Bill Nelson's political scam first requires an explanation of Miami's Medicare scam." "Bill Nelson's Medi-scare will cost us".

Yee haw!

"GOP leaders: Low taxes, fewer rules key to creating jobs".

Meek gets his back into his living

"US Rep. Meek arrives in Haiti to help with relief".

"Utility snubs responsibilities"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editors

Florida Power and Light's huffy decision to halt work on capital projects in the state reeks of arrogance and dishonesty.

Stoopid

Pamela Hasterok reminds us: "As for stupid words -- recall former Gov. Jeb Bush's infamous 'devious plan' to overturn the class-size amendment -- they have a life of their own. No punishment is necessary beyond public ridicule and the offending words in quotes next to your name for the rest of your life." "Don't expect perfect politicians".

Jebbite embarrasses herself

Myriam Marquez wants you to know that unions are bad:

If anyone still questions labor unions' influence on South Florida politicians, last week's vote by the Broward School Board and Miami's special election results should diminish any doubt. ...

The nation's sixth-largest school district knee-jerked its way into a "just say no'' position. Why bother trying to elevate teacher training, improve tracking systems so that students' deficits can be tackled quickly or help poor children succeed by turning around failing schools -- the very intent of the Race money?

Broward Teachers Union President Pat Santeramo calls the whole deal a ``smoke screen'' from the state, the "loss of local control'' and ``absolutely detrimental to teachers as well as students.''

Well, the state and national PTA groups, which back the Race initiative, certainly don't think so. But the union's message seems to be: What do parents know?

Now if Florida qualifies for the federal grant money, Broward will be on the outs. The teachers will keep complaining about lousy pay, but don't judge them by what they do. They prefer pay based primarily on years served, not necessarily on work performed and results attained.

The police and firefighters unions cry the same sad song, too: They don't get paid enough for risking their lives.

vision is universal and timeless.

Bush told us that there's nothing better than deep, abiding faith, love and commitment. Unlike some politicians who pretended to feel our pain, Bush exposed his real pain and shared his hopes for his family and ours. His vision is as clear and electrifying as that day's cobalt-blue sky.

SD 20

"Gearing up for this fall's elections, Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, led local legislative candidates in raising money during the final three months of 2009. " "Hays leads area fundraising".

Census

"Florida plans census marketing blitz". See also "Florida to push minority count in US Census".