As he trails Republican rival Rubio by an average of more than 20 points in polls even after weeks of anti-Rubio TV ads, Crist has to answer some important questions: Is running as a no-party affiliation candidate his only chance at winning? Would his entire campaign team quit? Would most or all of his longtime Republican supporters and money-raisers abandon him?

"Charlie and I have a personal relationship, a longtime friendship and loyalty. I would not answer that hypothetical question,'' said Dr. A.K. Desai, a St. Petersburg insurance executive and top Republican money-raiser, who is helping host a Crist fundraising reception Sunday at the house of Crist's sister in St. Petersburg.

Tampa developer Al Austin, another elite GOP money-raiser, also declined to speculate on what he would do if Crist ran as an independent. "I'm going to cross that bridge if I get there. I don't know. If he ran as a no-party and kept his Republican registration, that would make it even tougher for me to decide,'' Austin said.

Remember that Kendrick feller

"Amid all the Crist/Rubio buzz, we neglected to log in Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek's latest fundraising haul: more than $1 million in the last quarter, according to the campaign, bringing his cash on hand to more than $3.7 million." "Meek adds $1M, picks up buzz".

"The zenith of their fundraising prowess"

Aaron Deslatte: "Special-interests with big issues pending in Tallahassee this session have stepped up big-time so far this year, doling out $10 million to Florida's political parties and another $14.3 million to state candidates."

Predictably, the biggest checks went to the Republicans who run the Capitol.

And that would include two Central Florida lawmakers at the zenith of their fundraising prowess. Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon have taken full advantage of their pending ascendancy to near-absolute power over their respective chambers.

Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has collected $707,000 in campaign checks over the last 15 months, even though he faces no Democratic opponent.

Cannon, R-Winter Park, is not far behind with $661,000 raised – including $400,000 in the last three months. Over $100,000 came from Tallahassee political organizations and lobbyists with business pending before the Legislature.

Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan – who has known Cannon since he clerked in Morgan's building -- threw a fundraiser at his home for Cannon on Feb. 5 that netted at least $125,000, mostly from lawyers in the Morgan & Morgan firm and their spouses.

Cannon backs off


"The House sponsor of legislation that would lift a ban on offshore drilling in Florida's state waters said Friday he was dropping the effort for this year but would try again in 2011. Rep. Dean Cannon made the announcement as a committee he chairs began reviewing a draft that had yet to be filed with just two weeks left in the 60-day legislative session." "House will wait till next year to push offshore drilling plan".

Maybe next year

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Apparently, the Republican leadership of the Florida House doesn't like legislation that would make it harder for politicians to get away with corrupt behavior." "The anti-corruption payoff: Politicians, not just the public, can benefit.".

Tax cuts - The best he can do?

"McCollum proposed trimming back the state's corporate income tax by one percentage point to 4.5 percent and exempting start-up businesses entirely for 10 years to spur economic growth. ... Some of McCollum's other strategies: lowering property taxes; exempting high-tech business equipment and infrastructure costs from sales taxes; expanding Florida's manufacturing machinery and equipment tax exemption; giving tax credits for research and development; and rolling back business regulations" "Bill McCollum unveils his economic platform".

The The Orlando Sentinel editors want more: "Killing jobs in Florida" ("Florida's legislative leaders talk a good game when it comes to being business-friendly.")

Never mind

"House and Senate leaders have nixed plans for budget talks Saturday on resolving a nearly $2 billion spending difference between the chambers." "Fla. lawmakers nix plans for Saturday budget talks". Related: "House, Senate still split on budget".

More: "Update: Budget talks suspended to negotiate differences in House, Senate spending plans".

Merit pay mess

"Only a few weeks ago, Florida's teacher unions were on the ropes as the merit-pay bill flying through the Legislature threatened to significantly reduce their influence. But in a last-ditch effort to kill the bill, they helped rev up an email and phone campaign the likes of which Gov. Charlie Crist has never experienced."

Looking ahead, though, the question becomes: Will Florida's teacher unions and the current Republican Legislature be able to agree on any kind of a plan that makes teachers more accountable?

Union officials say it can be done, but there's little evidence to suggest that either side will work hard to make that happen.

At the trough

"In spite of the worst recession in a generation and the highest unemployment in a century, Florida's healthcare companies, electric utilities, gambling interests, prison operators and tobacco companies steered more than $10 million into Florida's two major political parties in the first three months of this year."

Their goal: influence legislation and grease the cogs of the state's political machine.

The money flowed in despite a fundraising ban that prevents legislators -- but not parties -- from raising cash during the session. Republicans raised $7.6 million for the first three months of the year while Democrats raised $2.6 million. Most of the money came in prior to the March 2 start of the session.

Teabaggers want theirs

"Republican Senate primary frontrunner Marco Rubio said this week the tax cuts contained in the stimulus bill, aimed mostly at middle- and lower-income taxpayers, weren't the right kind of tax cuts to stimulate the economy." "Rubio: Obama tax cuts not the right kind".

Poor Charlie

"Romney to endorse Rubio in Senate race".

Hypocrisy 101

Mike Thomas: "Dear President Obama, Welcome to Cape Canaveral. Now give us money."

Tell U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and state Rep. Bill Posey that you'll fly them to Jupiter if they'll just come on stage, give you a big old man hug and own up to their budget-busting waste.

You will never see such conflicted Republicans in your life. The last one who did a Hug for Bucks went from being the most popular governor in America to being an unforgivable traitor.

So if you wouldn't mind, Mr. President, just fill the Vehicle Assembly Building with unmarked $20s, then be on your way. And when you get back to the White House, quit bankrupting this nation by spending billions of dollars in other states.

LeMieux complained about that this very week to our editorial board, reiterating his message that, "Federal government needs immediate action to rein in spending!''

Lottery games

"With little debate, the lottery provision was excised from an anti-illegal immigration bill in the House. ... [T]he measure would have barred illegal immigrants from winning the lottery." "Lottery line out of immigrant bill".

HD 44

"Two former Hernando County commissioners, who now find themselves on opposite sides of a battle for the District 44 Florida House of Representatives seat, are trading verbal blows over the latest campaign finance contributor list."

Democrat Diane Rowden is blasting her opponent, Republican incumbent Robert Schenck, for accepting campaign contributions from what she calls out-of-county special interests and lobbyists whose only intention is to curry favor with the two-term legislator.

Rowden said she is "humbled" by local support of her candidacy as reflected in the latest campaign finance filings.

Schenck fired back by saying he is used to this kind of attack, having endured it two years ago from his Democratic challenger Jason Melton, who ran and lost against Schenck in his re-election bid.

Hillsborough secrets

The Tampa Tribune editors: "Last month, when Hillsborough County commissioners tried to get to the bottom of accusations that Administrator Pat Bean and Attorney Renee Lee had secretly pulled thousands of the independent auditor's e-mails, it became obvious the county's public records policies were a mess." "Cleaning up messy affair with a public records overhaul".

Joblessness record

"Florida joblessness at all time high." See also "Panhandle sees job gains".

NASA

"President to NASA: Reach for the stars".

In the immediate aftermath of the veto, Crist's political mentor, former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack, resigned as chairman of Crist's campaign.

Crist began his political career as a volunteer on Mack's 1988 Senate race, and later adopted Mack's political philosophy as his own motto – "Less taxes, less government, more freedom."

The bill has become a cause célèbre among national conservative education reformers, and reaction to Crist's veto ranged from a scornful news release from Newt Gingrich to withdrawals of endorsements from legislators including incoming state House Speaker Dean Cannon.

"The point of no return for Crist"

Paul Flemming: "Will he or won't he?"

Before Thursday, that was the question in Tallahassee. Now, it remains and then some.

The immediate query was whether Gov. Charlie Crist would veto merit-pay-for-teachers legislation. On Thursday, he did, heartening teachers and angering fellow Republicans in the Legislature.

The verse may be different, but the song remains the same.

Will he or won't he run for U.S. Senate as an independent?

Falling in the polls, tacking against the initiatives of his own party (insurance deregulation is the next big conflict) and seeing poll numbers that show a glimmer of hope as an independent make it an intriguing question for Crist. ...

The real watch begins at noon on April 26. That's when qualifying for federal candidates begins. It ends at noon April 30. That's the point of no return for Crist.

He can't file as a Republican, lose in the primary and then run in the general election as an independent. He's got to pick his horse now.

Got any more "devious plans" Jebbie?

"The [vetoes] measure was a session priority for Republican party leaders, who rammed the legislation through committees and floor debates as public outcry grew."

It first passed in the Senate in a tight 21-17 vote. House leaders made a no-amendment rule to avoid a second vote in the more moderate Senate. The bill passed in the House 64-55.

The strategy aimed at ensuring the bill's passage, but may have backfired. Crist criticized the process Thursday, saying the legislation was ``sped through without meaningful input.''

Response from lawmakers was swift and mostly split along party lines.

"Disappointed'' was the word of the day for many Republican supporters. "Gloating'' was the choice for many of the bill's opponents -- from both parties.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush, who lobbied hard for the bill, was one of the many disheartened Republicans.

"By taking this action, Gov. Crist has jeopardized the ability of Florida to build on the progress of the last decade,'' said Bush, chairman of the Foundation for Florida's Future, in a statement.

Voucher madness

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Don't be fooled. The two joint resolutions before the Legislature are another attempt to allow the state government to fund religious schools, potentially even when those schools or programs exclude people based on, say, a different religion, their race or sexual orientation. Florida's Taxation and Budget Reform Commission entertained opening the state's door to state-funded religious activity in 2008 but didn't succeed." "Stealth school vouchers".

Embarrassing

"A state House committee spent the morning on a trio of measures that would tell the federal government what to do about terrorists, taxes and health care." "State House panel passes bill telling feds what to do about terrorists, taxes, health care".

Teabaggery

"South Florida Tea Party activists dodged rain showers Thursday to mark a second year of boisterous Tax Day protests, eager to build on momentum they've demonstrated in races including Florida's heated U.S. Senate contest."

As Tea Partiers across the country held similar rallies, more than 1,000 gathered outside the federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, a jazz band lending a festive air as they railed against government spending, the new healthcare law, Congress and the president.

"Change the regime. We don't like socialism,'' said tuba player Frank Hubbell, 78, of Miramar, attending his fourth Tea Party protest. ...

Though the loosely organized coalition of Tea Partiers have been difficult to define, new surveys offer a look at their demographics. According to polls, including one by the New York Times/CBS News, supporters tend to be white, well-educated, Republican, married and older than 45

FairDistricts

"GOP seeks amendment to FairDistricts ballot proposals". See also "House Panel Takes Up Redistricting".

Gambling

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Give the Florida Legislature credit. Lawmakers pushed their way into the delicate negotiations between Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe over a new gambling compact. It also took a lawsuit to get state lawmakers in the mix, and this month, the Legislature actually ended up crafting a much better deal that provides something for most of the stakeholders." "New gambling deal as a good a bet as Florida will see". See also "Senate OKs Seminole Compact".

Wackos

Daniel Ruth: "Even wackos should stand and be counted".

NASA

"Obama told anxious space workers that, despite the pending end to the space shuttle and the shelving of the spacecraft that would replace it, 'what we're looking for is not just continuing.'" "Obama at Kennedy Space Center: 'I am 100 percent committed to the mission of NASA'". See also "Obama Paints Vision for Florida and Space".

'Glades

Joel Engelhardt: "Is U.S. Sugar citrus land worthless?".

They said it

If you're going to call this "reform" (as if it is a good thing), we won't let you get away with this slip of the keyboard:

The bill would have positioned Florida as a leader in education reform statewide

"Worker-bashing is all the rage"

Scott Maxwell: "Worker-bashing is all the rage in Tallahassee."

Lawmakers, you see, are desperate to balance the budget — and yet unwilling to close tax loopholes for their special-interest buddies.

So they have set up the boogeyman of the allegedly high-paid government worker — emergency workers, teachers and parks employees who supposedly live taxpayer-financed lives of luxury.

Never mind that the average state worker makes about $35,000 a year. ...

But politicians in this state would much rather tick off working-class employees than their upper-income campaign donors. So they have decided to portray state workers as overpaid, over-benefitted leeches.

Only they're not. So says the Legislature itself.

The state's very own Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability recently released a report that said Florida trails the nation when it comes to worker compensation and that most workers make less, including benefits, than those with comparable jobs in the private sector.

So, while it may be easy to beat on the working-class Joes who serve and protect, it doesn't seem terribly accurate.

Medicaid fraud

"The House advanced its Medicaid overhaul Thursday, approving the plan that would steer 2.7 million low-income Floridians into HMOs and provider-service networks by 2015." "Florida House passes Medicaid overhaul measure". See also "House Sets Stage for Medicaid Vote".

Rebates

"Appliance rebate program starts today in Florida".

"The game is on"

The Miami Herald editors: "When it comes to the laws and enforcement of growth management, the Florida Legislature excels at playing games. Last year, in the name of fostering jobs, lawmakers adopted a bill allowing builders of large developments to evade paying for the road improvements these projects inevitably require. Now, local taxpayers must foot the bill."

This piece of irresponsible sophistry did not improve Florida's economy. The construction industry is still in the doldrums.

This year, the Department of Community Affairs, final enforcer of growth-management laws, is up for the sunset review process that state agencies undergo every 10 years. The Senate is set to reenact the DCA, meaning its budget and programs will be reinstated without change. That's the right course for the agency that stands between more sprawl and sustainable growth.

Over in the House, though, the game is on.

Marco Rubio has opened up an elephant-sized 56 - 33 percent lead over Gov. Charlie Crist in Florida's U.S. Senate Republican primary, but in a three-way general election with Rubio on the GOP line, Crist as an independent and Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, Crist has a razor- thin edge, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Veto imminent?

"With the possible exception of Terri Schiavo's fate, Gov. Charlie Crist says he has never had so many people lobbying him so passionately over one issue: How to grade and pay teachers in Florida." "Crist getting an earful on teacher tenure bill". See also "Crist veto deadline for merit-pay bill looms" and "Crist has 1 more day for veto decision".

The Tallahassee Democrat editors:

The deadline is Friday for Gov. Charlie Crist to take action on Senate Bill 6, a measure proposed by Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, that would abolish tenure among Florida public school teachers, tie student performance on standardized tests to merit pay, and expand the Legislature's control of local school districts' budgets. The bill is laden with political implications in a tough election year: Should Mr. Crist veto the bill, which passed 64-55 after eight hours in the House (its companion is HB 7189), observers think he would virtually forfeit the GOP primary against former House Speaker Marco Rubio.

All those distractions aside, Mr. Crist should veto this bill.

'Glades

"Federal and state environmental agencies were the target of a scorching ruling by a judge Wednesday in an Everglades restoration case." "Judge blames feds, Florida officials for delaying Everglades cleanup".

RPOF sees "silver lining"

"Congressman-elect Ted Deutch's victory in Tuesday's special congressional election boosts Democrats. The GOP also says it sees a silver lining." "Both parties see hope in Deutch win".

Sansom investigation heats up

"E-mails suggest a coordinated effort to slide the $6 million project through the state budget process and avoid a veto by Gov. Charlie Crist. The airport project ended Ray Sansom's political career in scandal." "Planners concealed hangar site".

"Legislators want to change that"

"[T]hey're not private citizens. They're a small but powerful group of people in an office deep within the state government called the Office of Public Counsel, and for decades, they've been an independent champion of utility customers in Florida. Some state legislators want to change that." "Legislature targets utility users' defender".

From the "values" crowd

"A budget proposal in the Florida House threatens to cut the administrative arm of Healthy Start, a move that some say could endanger the infant care program altogether." "Florida House proposes funding cuts for Healthy Start".

"Who's listening?"

Bill Cotterell: "They're all talking, but who's listening?".

Gambling

"The Florida Senate is set to vote on a new deal with the Seminole Tribe to expand gambling at its casinos in the state."

NASA

"Obama to offer hope to local space workers during KSC visit". See also "Mike Thomas: GOP wants budget cuts? Start with NASA".

"Poison pill"

"Legislature considers a 'poison pill' to nullify citizen petitions".

"Stonewalling"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "As the legislative session heads toward its final two weeks, state lawmakers are letting too many important issues slide into oblivion. First up, improving transparency in government and citizen access to records." "Quit the stonewalling". See also "Where lawmakers need to get moving".

Teabaggery

"Up to 3,000 expected for today's Tea Party rally in Tampa".

"Controversy in the Cuban-American community"

"In an event that has stirred controversy in the Cuban-American community, President Barack Obama will join a fundraiser at Gloria and Emilio Estefans' Miami Beach home." "President Obama heads to Emilio and Gloria Estefan's fundraiser".

McCollum lawsuit

"The state's House Rules & Calendar Council passed legislation today providing Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum greater authority to bring legal action against the Health Care Reform bill signed into law by President Obama as an unconstitutional mandate on states and individuals." "House council passes bill to bolster McCollum's health-care reform challenge".

Sansom special election

"Democrat: Matt Gaetz wins special election to fill seat of former House Speaker Ray Sansom".

Tuition increase

"For the second year in a row, students at state universities might be seeing double-digit increases in tuition. Part of the increase would come from additional charges the schools are allowed to impose." "College tuition costs in Florida likely to rise again".

Veto pressure builds

"In the midst of the most intense lobbying he has faced as governor, Charlie Crist faces a stark choice: sign a bill opposed by thousands of Florida teachers or veto it and alienate major forces in the business community and the Republican-led Legislature. ... Crist has cited multiple problems with Senate Bill 6 that point to a potential veto: It takes too much power away from local educators, offers vague guidance on how teachers will be evaluated and was pushed through the House and Senate with little input from the public." "More hints of a veto for tenure bill". More: "Crist lists more problems with SB 6 put still won't say whether he'll veto it", "Merit-pay mail swamps Crist's office" and "Crist: Political pressure on teacher-pay issue is most since he's been governor".

The The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Merit pay bill should be vetoed". Likewise, the reliably conservative Tampa Tribune editors joins the editorial board call to "Veto Senate Bill 6". They write that the proposed "mandate seemed based on lawmakers desire to poke the teachers' union in the eye, rather than to help schoolchildren. Teachers around the state - and not just union activists - are understandably angry and dispirited by the Legislature's disdainful treatment."

"[Volusia County] School Board to Crist: Veto merit-pay bill". See also "Crist getting an earful on teacher tenure bill". More: "Palm Beach County teachers focus on local issues for protests, but still oppose state's new law".

The RPOF base is pushing back: "Business Leaders to Crist: Back Teacher Performance Pay". See also "Bush calls Crist, asks him to sign SB 6".

Related: "Education bill a litmus test in Florida races" ("State candidates are being judged on their stance on the teacher pay bill.")

Tally update

"Chances appear better this year for abortion limits, school prayer and school vouchers". See also "Crist's two recent appointees to the PSC under consideration today".

So much for the backlash

"Republican backlash over President Barack Obama's health care overhaul had little effect in the nation's first U.S. House race of 2010. Florida Democratic state Sen. Ted Deutch handily won Tuesday's special election to replace retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler after his underdog GOP opponent attempted to make the contest a referendum on the massive health care bill. ... With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Deutch, an attorney, had 62 percent of the vote compared to 35 percent for Republican Ed Lynch." "Democrat wins Fla. US House special election". See also "Democrat wins Fla. US House special election". See also "FL-19: Democrat Deutch breezes to special election win" and "Republican concedes; Deutch keeps Wexler's South Florida House seat for Democrats".

Garcia takes another shot at Congress

"Former Miami-Dade Democratic party chief Joe Garcia resigned Tuesday from the Obama administration to jump into a hotly contested race for a congressional seat in Miami." "Garcia plans 2nd run for Congress".

Sink holds money lead

"Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum continues to close the financial gap with Alex Sink in Florida's gubernatorial race, but the Democratic chief financial officer still holds a large cash advantage."

McCollum brought in nearly $1.4 million in the first three months of 2010, the highest of any state office candidate. That leaves him with $3.8 million to spend. Over the same period, Sink brought in $1.1 million. She has a little more than $5 million in her campaign coffers.

Sink brushed off concerns that McCollum was cutting into her financial lead: "I'm still $1 million ahead of him in cash in the bank, and that's the number that really matters.''

Gambling

"A Florida Senate committee offered a last-ditch handout to Florida's ailing dog tracks and jai-alai frontons Tuesday, passing a bill to give them a tax break to make it easier to compete with the growing gambling presence of the Seminole Tribe." "Florida Senate panel offers tax break to dog tracks, jai-alai frontons".

Crist takes it on the chin

"In a mix of healthcare politics and acrimony in the state Capitol, a Senate panel Tuesday unexpectedly rejected Gov. Charlie Crist's hand-picked chief to oversee the state's mammoth Medicaid program. The Health Regulation Committee's 4-3 vote against Tom Arnold's confirmation as secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration stood out because such rejections are exceedingly rare and the career bureaucrat had few enemies in the Capitol." "Senate panel rejects Gov. Crist's healthcare chief".

Business as usual

"Florida Republicans overcame a months-long streak of financial scandals by flexing their Rolodexes, grossing over $7 million from utilities, theme parks and other interests like U.S. Sugar in the first three months of this year."

The total -- nearly three times the $2.7 million Democrats raised -- comes despite a criminal investigation into past party chairman Jim Greer, who is facing state and possible federal probes into a secret fundraising deal he made with a company he created.

Republican Party of Florida Finance Director Allan Bense called the showing a "groundswell of support" for the party. But much of the cash comes from companies and major donors with big business pending before the Florida Legislature.

More than $1.4 million came from political committees bankrolled by Realtors, doctors, cruise ship operators, bankers, dentists and dozens of other politically active organizations peddling bills during the 60-day session that began March 2.

Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has collected $707,000 in campaign checks over the last 15 months even though he faces no Democratic opponent.

House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R- Winter Park, is not far behind with $661,000 raised – including $400,000 in the last three months. Over $100,000 came from Tallahassee political organizations and lobbyists with business pending before the Legislature.

Cannon's Democratic challenger, Amy Mercado, has raised just over $22,000.

"Thrown into the hands of private, for-profit companies"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Republican leaders say they need to plan for when the federal stimulus money fades and the reforms kick in. They seek to build on a 2006 project under Gov. Jeb Bush that shifted most Medicaid recipients in five counties from a fee-for-service model to HMOs or hospital-based provider networks. The providers receive a limited payment for each enrollee based on his or her general health. ... Some of the state's most vulnerable residents would be thrown into the hands of private, for-profit companies whose first inclination far too often is to deny services to hold down costs." "Misguided Medicaid proposals".

Medicare fraud

"Medicare fraud targeted in bill by South Florida congresspeople Klein and Ros-Lehtinen".

Tea for McCollum and Dockery

"Attorney General Bill McCollum and State Sen. Paula Dockery are getting some more competition in the race for the Republican nomination for governor. Conservative Naples businessman Rick Scott said he's jumping into the contest. The businessman made national headlines recently by opposing President Barack Obama's health care plans." "Naples businessman Rick Scott enters Fla. gubernatorial race". See also "FL-Gov: Tea Party Insurgent Complicates Matters For GOP".

"Evaporated into the legislative vapors"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Senate Bill 1598 and House Bill 1211 grew out of the work of the governor's Commission on Open Government Reform, which spent more than 18 months conducting hearings, listening to concerns and studying the issues. SB 1598, sponsored by Republican Sen. Paula Dockery, appears to be headed towards passage, but its companion bill in the House, sponsored by Republican Rep. Clay Ford, seems to have evaporated into the legislative vapors." "Our Opinion: Hope for Sunshine".

Them librul judges

Kelli "Stargel, a Lakeland Republican, pushed a measure Tuesday to make it harder for a pregnant teenager to get an abortion without parental consent. Her legislation, and a companion Senate bill, takes particular aim at state court judges, who grant minors waivers from parental notice 95 percent of the time under provisions in a 2005 law." "Bill will make it harder for Florida teens to get an abortion".

That's why they call 'em "country clubbers"

Scott Maxwell: "Toni Jennings has a message for GOP leaders who have been spending someone else's money on their luxury lifestyles: Stop it."

Stop doing it. Stop trying to justify it.

In general, stop tarnishing the reputation of a party she and other worked hard to build.

"Disappointment … that's the most polite word I can use," said the former state Senate president who helped wrest power from the Democrats in the 1990s. "We said we were going to be different. And there are days when I can't tell the difference. And that's a huge disappointment."

Jennings is not alone in her frustration. A growing number of respected Republicans say they are embarrassed by this new generation of leaders who seem to play fast and loose with other people's money.

"It makes people sick about politics," said Florida's Republican U.S. Sen. George LeMieux.

A new Rasmussen poll of Florida Republicans backs that up, with many in state the GOP thinking the Justice Department should investigate.

On the road

"Six months ago, Marco Rubio had to put up with pundits speculating about when he would drop his hopeless campaign for U.S. Senate and run instead for attorney general. On Tuesday, as Rubio launched a high profile bus tour through Central Florida, he fended off questions about running for president in 2012." "Rubio touts conservative perspective at Central Florida rallies".

Orion

"President Obama is expected to announce that he plans to revive part of the Constellation program, start a new heavy-rocket project and create a $40 million initiative to help Kennedy Space Center workers find jobs after the space shuttle retires." "Obama expected to save Orion, bolster jobs at Kennedy Space Center".

"Jeb!" wins another one

"A proposed constitutional amendment allowing state money to flow to religious organizations advanced in the House and Senate on Tuesday, an effort state teacher's union argues is a means to expanding private school vouchers. Tuesday's committee votes also represented another victory in absentia for former Gov. Jeb Bush, a champion of school vouchers, faith-based programs and privatizing functions of state government." "Bill asks voters to let state money go to religious agencies".

Teabagger talk

The right wing Sunshine News whines that "America's broadcast television networks brand the Tea Party movement as an insignificant assortment of cranks and reactionaries. Members are also portrayed -- when they're covered at all -- as tools for self-serving corporate interests and racists dragooned by the Republican Party." "Network Tea Party Coverage a 'Travesty'".

"Second life"

"A seemingly dead plan to put child services groups under more scrutiny could see a second life in the Florida Legislature. Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, is pressing forward with his bill calling for referendums to retain funding for children's boards that provide a range of long-term services, from early intervention and crisis services to at-risk families and children." "Senator revives children's boards vote".

Rubio halts road trip

"Marco Rubio cut short his Florida bus tour to return to Miami after learning his father's cancer has returned." "Rubio halts bus tour over ill dad". Background: "Rubio begins shortened bus tour as Crist releases ad against him".

Obama in the house

"President Barack Obama will cap a visit to the Kennedy Space Center this week with a pair of fundraisers for the Democratic National Committee, one of them at the home of pop stars Gloria and Emilio Estefan." "Obama to raise money for DNC in Florida this week". The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Space program needs lift from the president".

Led by former Gov. Jeb Bush, the conservative side of the GOP has long sought to marginalize teachers' unions in Florida, which merged in 2000 to form the Florida Education Association.

Non-partisan but Democratic-leaning, it is Florida's largest and most politically powerful union, with about 140,000 members, including 100,000 of the state's 175,000 public schoolteachers.

Bush wanted to be known as Florida's "education governor," but his reform proposals, including private school tuition vouchers, more standardized testing and state-mandated merit pay plans, have put him at odds with the FEA. He has openly expressed his desire in the past to undercut its clout.

Sickout strategy successful?

"In the most dramatic show of opposition in the state, more than 6,300 of Miami-Dade's 21,260 public-school teachers took a personal or sick day Monday to protest controversial legislation that would overhaul their pay."

Though schools remained open and were staffed by substitute teachers, the "sickout'' -- though most teachers said they took personal days -- was large enough to disrupt the day for thousands of schoolchildren.

Later, more than 1,000 teachers gathered at Tropical Park in Westchester to drive the point home.

That Monday's protest took place in the diverse, largely low-income Miami-Dade school district -- the state's largest -- was enough to catch the attention of Gov. Charlie Crist, who has until Friday to sign or veto the bill.

"I ran to be the people's governor and it's very helpful to hear from the people,'' Crist told The Miami Herald on Monday. "It's enormously helpful.''

Tea Partiers have Crist's back on veto?

"As leader of a Tea Party group deep in the Florida Panhandle, Henry Kelley would appear to have nothing in common with a teachers union known as a loyal ally of the Democratic Party. But Kelley and the Florida Education Association agree on one thing: The teacher-pay bill known as Senate Bill 6 is a bad idea."

Kelley, who has a master's degree in finance and lives in Fort Walton Beach, said he opposes the bill because of its top-down nature: It would empower the education bureaucracy in Tallahassee, instead of elected local school boards, to write rules for a teacher-pay program.

That could be significant, because it could provide even broader cover for Crist to veto the bill: He could point out that opposition runs the gamut of the political spectrum.

Crist received a resounding welcome from child advocates at a dinner Monday in Tallahassee, and 17-year old Miami-Dade high school student Michelle Ruiz pleaded with Crist to veto the bill. The governor said his skepticism about the bill is not related to his U.S. Senate aspirations, and he had some blunt words for his critics.

"I always try to listen to the people regardless,'' Crist said, "and if they can't respect that, tough.''

Organizations and individuals that support the bill have begun bracing for a Crist veto. They include former Gov. Jeb Bush, the state Department of Education, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Industries of Florida.

Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican candidate for governor, supports the bill. His primary rival, Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, does not. Crist's opponent for the Republican nomination for Senate, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, also is a supporter [but see "Rubio now can't say if he would sign teacher bill"].

Tally Update

"2010 Legislature summary".

Grayson on fire

"U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson continues to convert his fiery partisan rhetoric and populist political stands into big campaign dollars."

The often-polarizing Orlando Democrat expects to report raising $803,000 in the first three months of 2010, a haul that will likely eclipse what all his Republican opponents have raised combined and leave him with $1.5 million in cash-on-hand. It's also enough to outpace nearly every other member of Congress for the second quarter in a row.

"Congressman Grayson is proof that you do not need to suck up to lobbyists and Wall Street to be effective," said Julie Tagan, a senior adviser. "He is the epitome of people power."

Voucher madness

"A school voucher proposal the Florida Supreme Court took off the 2008 ballot has been revived in the Legislature. ... It would repeal a ban on state financial aid to churches and other religious institutions." "Voucher amendment revived in Fla. Legislature". See also "In Tallahassee today, separation of church and state".

Rubio rolls for votes

"Rubio hopping on political tour bus to cruise for votes".

RPOFers look to gut FairDistricts

"Senate Republicans want to put another amendment before voters to either clarify FairDistricts', or to gut it, depending on whom you believe" "Senate may put redistricting amendment on ballot in addition to FairDistricts group's".

More

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Slush fund veto shouldn't be last word".

He writes phony books instead

"Amid repeated revelations of massive credit card spending by Florida Republican leaders and party staffers, here's something different: someone who did not ring up six-figure charges on his credit card. State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, charged less than $2,400 during the three months he had a party American Express -- most of it on food for fundraising events in his hometown, according to credit card statements obtained by the St. Petersburg Times." "This senator wasn't a big spender".

"Jeb!" lapdogs rush to his defense

Mike Thomas loves to publish Jebbie's press releases in the form of columns. The latest: "Jeb Bush hurt education in Florida? Hardly".

Foreclosures

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Protect homeowners' rights: Keep judges in charge of foreclosures.".

Bright Futures

The Sun-Sentinel editors: "Justifiable changes could be coming to Bright Futures".

Tea baggers hit Orlando

"Scores of American flags and "Don't Tread on Me" banners flew outside Orlando City Hall, where more than 1,000 people gathered Monday evening to oppose "Obamacare," taxes and government intervention in their lives. ... Speakers also included Dr. Jack Cassell, a Mount Dora physician who gained nationwide attention for advising patients who voted for Obama to seek care elsewhere." "Tea Party activists rally outside Orlando City Hall".

"The mess unfortunately could get considerably worse"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Cleaning up the mess at the agency that regulates the state's utilities should be easy. But because the Legislature's doing the cleaning, the mess unfortunately could get considerably worse." "Public shorted in Public Service Commission bout".

"Medicaid reform on steroids"

"A House panel voted overwhelmingly Monday to put Medicaid reform on steroids, approving a massive overhaul that over the next five years would force the state's 2.7 million patients into some form of a managed care." "Fla. House panel approves major Medicaid overhaul".

Raw political courage

"State prosecutors would get new tools to crack down on corrupt government officials who hide financial interests that result in private gain from their public jobs under a bill unanimously passed by a Senate committee Monday." "Anti-corruption bills get unanimous support in Florida Senate committee". See also "Anti-corruption bills win Senate committee approval".

They want theirs

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Keep ads, notices in papers".

Bad unions

Although the The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board has already slammed the right-wing education "reform" ("An arrogant attempt to reform schools"), and called for its veto ("Crist should veto teacher tenure bill"), the Times can't resist a shot at the teachers' union.

This morning: "As the furor over proposed education reforms continues to ratchet up, groups on both sides have taken to the airwaves."

The Florida Chamber of Commerce, a main proponent of Republican-led Senate Bill 6, is running a 30-second advertisement that blames "Tallahassee union lobbyists" for misleading citizens about the proposal.

"Tallahassee union lobbyists have been paid a fortune to bash anyone in their way, now backing a shadow group against rewarding our best teachers," the ad begins. "Fact is these reforms will not cut one teacher's pay or cut one retirement benefit."

In this item, we're going to put the claim about teacher pay to the Truth-O-Meter.

Tally update

"As legislators launch into their last three weeks of session, they will spend next week on several controversial bills ranging from Medicaid reform to abortion and even the touchy question of how far to extend the relationship between church and state." "Abortion, religion, redistricting on today's agenda in Tallahassee".

Stim

"Stimulus funding draws scrutiny".

Speaking of "dysfunctional" ...

"Q&A with Rep. Bill Posey: 'Congress Gets More Dysfunctional by the Day'".

You remember Bill: "Florida Congressman Bill Posey has only two claims to fame, but both have led to his public humiliation, because both are due to his incomparable stupidity. See, Bill Posey is the freshman Congressman representing the 15th District of Florida, and his primary accomplishment since assuming office has been to introduce H.R. 1503, which "would require future presidential candidates to provide a copy of their original birth certificate." This all made Posey the darling of the 'Birther' movement, those lovable loons who insist that President Barack Obama was not born in America." "Florida Congressman Continues To Stonewall On His Half-Alligator Genetic Heritage (VIDEO)".

The Times likes their Rubio

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio deserves credit for candidly confronting the challenge to keep Social Security solvent. The Miami Republican calls for raising the retirement age and says he's willing to consider recalculating cost of living adjustments. Those are the sorts of straight answers Floridians deserve from serious candidates." "Rubio gets serious about Social Security reform".

"Warehousing people with mental illness"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida spends more than a billion dollars a year warehousing people with mental illness in prisons, locked forensic treatment facilities and local jails." "Program would stop wasting money, lives".

Privatization follies

"A House committee is expected to act on a bill that would expand Medicaid privatization to all 67 Florida counties. ... Critics say the changes hurt the most vulnerable patients, because providers make the most money by providing the least possible services." "Lawmakers put Fla. Medicaid overhaul on fast track".

Mahoney

"A congressman who left the District 16 seat in a sex scandal has reemerged as a political money-raiser and isn't ruling out another run for office."

That, of course, describes Mark Foley, who raised money for Republican state Senate hopeful Sharon Merchant last month and is entertaining thoughts of a 2011 run for mayor of West Palm Beach.

But it also describes Tim Mahoney, the Democrat elected to Congress after Republican Foley's sexually charged Internet messages to teenage former pages drove him from office in 2006.

Voters booted Mahoney in 2008 after his own adultery and hush-money scandal. He's divorced now and doing some business consulting. And lately, Mahoney's been helping raise money for U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, and some out-of-state Dems he wouldn't name.

With Democrat Chris Craft dropping his challenge to U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, Mahoney says some people have asked him to run for his old seat.

"Running on empty"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Bright Futures scholarships were once the untouchable third rail, as far as Florida's Legislature was concerned. ... But needed reforms can be ignored no longer. The $418 million Lottery-funded program is essentially running on empty, and proposed changes to the program could save the state up to $150 million when fully implemented." "Justifiable changes could be coming to Bright Futures"."

Pray away

"School Prayer Fix Wins Broad Support From Panel".

Sunrail

"Florida has come up with a new plan to cover possible cost overruns from operating the $1.2 billion SunRail commuter train that is supposed to run through Central Florida by 2013: Take the money out of the local roads budget." "SunRail could sap funding for roads".

Throw away the key ...

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Once again, Florida Forever, the land preservation program that is one of the state's most effective initiatives, is in danger of going unfunded. Unless a powerful ally in the House comes to the rescue, it will mark the second year in a row the Legislature has failed to support the 20-year-old effort, which has protected more than 2.4 million acres of land and become a national model for conservation." "Florida Forever at crossroads".

"Don't get sick and, if you do, die quickly"

Bill Cotterell writes that "this might be the worst possible time for Florida legislators to be considering a state budget, particularly the parts dealing with state employment."

And the only people in greater peril than state employees are retired state employees.

There's a management rule that says work expands to fill the time allotted to it, and the last three weeks of a 60-day session is the time legislative leaders have devoted to budget negotiation. They did a lot of work earlier, but this time of session is like the last five minutes of a basketball game, when the outcome is really decided.

Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when the Division of State Group Insurance notifies retirees about premiums.

Among many other hard choices, the House version of the budget would eliminate the health insurance subsidies retirees receive. It's kind of like U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando famously said about the Republican approach to national health care: Don't get sick and, if you do, die quickly.

Florida has the most juveniles sentenced to life without parole

The Miami Herald editors: "Any day now the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether judges can sentence juveniles convicted of serious crimes that don't result in a death to life without parole. The decision involves two cases in Florida, which incarcerates the most juveniles sentenced to life without parole -- 76 out of 109 in the United States." "Putting the judge back in juvenile justice".

Them selfish gov'ment employees

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: "The generosity of state employees shown in their contributions to charity is extra impressive given nearly five years of no pay raises, threatened reductions to their benefits or opportunities for promotion and, perhaps above all, a chronic inclination on the part of legislators to think of state employees as problems to be dealt with rather than assets to be valued." "$2 million for others".

Flashing the party card opened limousine doors, bought gifts at Harrods in London, Toys R Us or Best Buy. It provided a seemingly bottomless coffee cup at Starbucks.

In all, about $458,000 in AmEx charges like these were racked up by former House Speaker Marco Rubio, his now-indicted successor, Ray Sansom, and the man set to lead the chamber in November, Dean Cannon, according to a Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times computer analysis of Republican Party of Florida credit card statements for a nearly two years ending in 2009.

The part-time lawmakers paid for little of it. Republican Party of Florida donors -- mostly corporate interest seeking favorable legislation from lawmakers -- picked up most of it.

The Republican Party has refused to release the billing statements, but the paperwork has leaked out amid criminal investigations connected to party donors and a civil lawsuit involving former party Chairman Jim Greer.

"Who knew one-party rule was so fun?"

Howard Troxler: "This is the big enchilada, this is the revolution. The Republicans who run Florida's Legislature have won the greatest battle in their history — unless their own Republican governor takes it away from them. Therein lies a drama of its own."

In a climactic vote held between midnight and dawn Friday, the Legislature passed a sweeping reform of public education in this state, done on the fly.

Two birds were killed with one stone: the end of tenure for Florida public schoolteachers, and a requirement that teacher pay be linked to student "progress," to be measured by Measures To Be Cooked Up Later.

Two birds? No, three — for no matter how much they denied it, this was the ultimate Republican victory over a state teachers union that has been unrelentingly Democratic, if not the alter-ego of the Florida Democratic Party.

It also was the triumph of Jebism, a process started by the former governor Bush a decade ago with his foray into standardized tests and school vouchers. Like Caesar's ghost, he never went away. He is the alt-governor, the uber-gubernator, presiding from afar.

And yet there is one tiny detail left before the victory is sealed. All eyes turn now to ...

Charlie Crist.

Is it that crazy to run against the Legislature, which fiddles this year with ideological wackiness? Which, in the face of 12 percent unemployment, passes tax breaks for yachts? Which blithely ignores the indictment of its own House speaker and a blistering grand jury report crying out for change? ...

Here was one trouble sign: Even 11 Republican members of the House, some of them in their own election battles, broke ranks and voted against the teacher bill. Here was another: The Republican leadership said there could be absolutely no amendments to the bill, nosiree — the thing was locked down and rammed through, sort of like … heck, I dunno, the health care bill in Congress.

So we have teachers vs. the Legislature, teacher unions vs. Republicans, Crist vs. the Legislature; Crist vs. Rubio, Crist vs. Bush, the executive vs. the legislative, dissenting Republicans vs. the party leadership, with the whole thing in play, hanging there, the state holding its breath while the governor makes up his mind. Who knew one-party rule was so fun?

"Rarely has so much perfume been sprayed to mask so much stench"

Randy Schultz: "Last week, after the Florida House had passed the wretched teacher merit pay bill, Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Boca Raton, called it 'transformational,' adding, 'For Florida to be economically and educationally competitive in the 21st century, then the status quo is unacceptable.'"

The comment sounded like a talking point because it was. Rep. Hasner's job is to issue such infomercials throughout the session. In this case, he was right that the merit pay plan is "transformational," but not in the way he intended. The vote transformed the Legislature into a place where party — in this case, the most politically rigid segment of the Republican Party — matters more than Florida.

For education in Florida, this legislation will help about as much as toxic waste helps property values. It was not designed by or with teachers. It was designed by ideologues who believe in testing, not teaching. It was sponsored by a state senator, John Thrasher, who's also chairman of the Republican Party of Florida and said upon taking that office in February: "Our enemy is the liberal media. And the Democrats. And that is where we will begin to refocus our efforts." ...

Rarely in Tallahassee, however, has so much perfume been sprayed to mask so much stench as with the merit pay bill. A Legislature that has lost all sense of accountability is claiming credit for holding teachers accountable. The transformation that Florida needs did not come last week.

Chamber pot

Scott Maxwell gives us "some of the highlights from the survey conducted by the Nielsen Co. for Leadership Florida" (read: the delightful folks at the Chamber of Commerce):

Asked whether Florida is better or worse off than it was five years ago, nearly three times as many people said worse (38 vs. 14 percent). ...

Less than 30 percent think government officials are doing a good job. It was slightly better for business and nonprofit leaders. But any wannabe pols should try incorporating the word "integrity" into their campaign slogans. That's the No. 1 quality people crave. (Even better, you could try demonstrating integrity … though history shows it's certainly not required to thrive in Florida politics. It can actually be a hurdle.) ...

Taxes aren't our beef. Despite what the talk-radio blabbermouths claim, most Floridians aren't mad about high taxes. In fact, more than half of respondents said they think the amount of taxes they pay is either "about right" or — get this — "too low." That jells with reality in a state that lags the nation in tax burden. In fact, in a list of things that irritate Floridians, taxes are way down the list — behind the weather.

Write those welfare checks! Not to actual people — but to corporations. Leadership Florida asked residents if they favored "corporate welfare." And folks said: You bet! by a margin of more than 2-1. Again, the economy seems to be dominating not just Floridians' frontal lobes, but temporal lobes, occipital lobes, maybe even the ear lobes as well.

The other candidate, Meek

"Meek's everyman-themed campaign to belong to the most exclusive political club in America took him last week from the Orlando sports bar to a Tallahassee food bank to a Mulberry phosphate plant. While the media obsesses over the nationally charged Republican primary between Gov. Charlie Crist and former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the leading Democratic contender for Florida's open Senate seat has been trudging across the state longer than any other major candidate."

The GOP bloodletting prompted one Capitol Hill newspaper to change the race's description from "lean Republican'' to "tossup.'' Still, Meek is expected to be overshadowed until after the Aug. 24 primary, leaving his campaign just 10 weeks to blanket the nation's fourth largest state.

Charlie ventures into teabag country

"Charlie Crist brings U.S. Senate campaign to The Villages, Tavares".

"One Florida" flop

"Ten years after Florida banned affirmative-action admissions, minority enrollment in the State University System hasn't kept pace with the number of minorities graduating from high school, an Orlando Sentinel analysis has found." "10 years in, 'One Florida' posts mixed results for minorities at universities".

Might McCollum get some scrutiny in RPOFer scandal?

Adam C. Smith: Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum is up to his neck in "the ongoing Florida GOP scandal and lawsuit over secret contracts, lavish spending and the ouster of former chairman Jim Greer ... . Among those pushing for reform and transparency in the state GOP, Attorney General McCollum appears to be close to the back row:"

• McCollum was among the last party leaders to publicly call for Greer's resignation amid allegations of financial mismanagement.

• Florida's top cop had long dismissed any need for a criminal investigation after revelations chairman Greer and executive director Delmar Johnson had executed a secret, lucrative contract for Johnson. McCollum had known about the contract for weeks, but said it was best handled internally after consulting another state party attorney. He changed his mind as the controversy failed to quiet down.

• McCollum also was aware of secret negotiations for a severance package for Greer, and Greer said McCollum specifically signed off on it.

Welcome home

1.2 million households "have been lost to the recession as job cuts and foreclosures forced families to move in together or kept adult children at home. The numbers, revealed in a Mortgage Bankers Association report last week, were gathered in a study of 80 metropolitan areas nationwide, including South Florida, between 2005 and 2008." "Foreclosures forcing Floridians to pile in with parents, relatives".

Billy games

"A seemingly innocuous bill dealing with life insurance policies suddenly morphed into a measure expanding Attorney General Bill McCollum's lawsuit challenging the new federal health-care law in a contentious House meeting ... Republican House members filed a series of last-minute amendments to give McCollum a measure that would allow any of the state's 19 million residents to join the lawsuit, leaving Democratic members of the House General Government Policy Council rattled." "Rider tacked on life insurance bill to give McCollum more ammo in suit against health-care law".

Pill mills

Palm Beach Post editors: "Police officers who kill in the line of duty go on administrative leave during the investigation. Similarly, the state should keep doctors suspected of negligently causing patient deaths from practicing." "Aim at doctors, not just pills: State should pull licenses after suspicious deaths.".

Crist says he would "understand" teacher sickout

"Miami-Dade schools officials are preparing for widespread teacher absences on Monday, a district spokesman said. Late Friday, rumors swirled that many teachers would not attend school to protest proposed legislation on teacher pay and tenure."

"Wow, wow, that's incredible,'' said Gov. Charlie Crist upon hearing of the plan.

"If that happens Monday, I can certainly understand it,'' he added. "The vast majority of what I've heard today is strongly adverse to the bill. It's been pretty overwhelming.''

The controversial bill, which flew through the state Senate last month and cleared the House on Friday, is now in Crist's hands. He has until next Friday to sign it into law or veto it.

Deutch

"The special election is Tuesday, and Democratic congressional candidate Ted Deutch holds a commanding advantage in contributions, taking in more than $1.5 million since launching his campaign last fall." "Deutch crushing opponents in financial race".

"And no one seems to care"

"Politics permeated the air in the run-up to the Republican special election primary for the District 4 state House seat. There was big money and loud signs, forums and push polls. Candidates appeared at homes and waved from street corners. There were mailings, radio ads and television commercials. The special general election to decide who will serve District 4 for the rest of this legislative session is Tuesday. And no one seems to care." "Gaetz-Fernald election sparks little interest".

FRS

"A sigh of relief could be heard from schools, county buildings, firehouses and sheriff's stations across Florida recently when a proposed bill that would have drastically altered pensions under the Florida Retirement System died in the Legislature." "Pensions dodge bullet, remain under gun".

"Frankenstein's monster"

Florida's "teachers aren't the only ones monitoring the state's political leaders."

Florida is at the center of a budding national movement to pay teachers for how much their students learn, and to fire them if students don't learn enough.

One reason the action in Tallahassee is getting so much attention: No one really knows whether merit pay works, and few states have gone as far and as fast as Florida did Thursday night and early Friday in an emotionally charged marathon House session. One legislator opposed to the measure called it "Frankenstein's monster."

"The state is getting ahead of itself. The science isn't there. The data isn't there," said Jack Jennings, president of the Center for Education Policy, a nonprofit organization in Washington that researches and tracks educational issues nationwide.

'Ya think?

Jane Healy has had an epiphany: "Whatever happened to the quaint idea that it's the legislators who are supposed to go to Tallahassee to represent our interests? More and more, it seems it's the lobbyists. Here are two questions about that:"

Question No. 1: Are taxpayers getting scammed once again?

If private companies want to pay a lobbyist to go to Tallahassee to represent their interests, then fine, go right ahead.

But that doesn't mean we should also be paying our hard-earned tax dollars for lobbyists. Aren't we already paying the salaries and expenses of legislators to represent us on important matters? Double-billing, anyone? ...

Question No. 2: Isn't there a better way?

Yes there is: Ditch the lobbyists and have legislative delegations set the local priorities. They can make those decisions before each session, when they hear the needs of all the different governments. Surely that concentrated legislative firepower would work better than having government lobbyists competing for the same money, as they do now. It's not as if they are all that successful anyway.

Estefan angst

Myriam Marquez: "Now Emilio and Gloria Estefan want to share the story of Cuba's 51-year dictatorship with President Barack Obama, put human rights at the top, give the island's 11 million people hope."

The Republicans who marched with the Estefans in solidarity with the Ladies in White two weeks ago in Miami read about the couple hosting an eye-popping $30,400-per-couple fundraiser and feel used. The nation's political divisions -- the tea partyers who call Obama a communist, the birthers who insist he was born in Kenya -- become magnified in older exiles' hearts into irreconcilable differences with the Democrats.

Will Citizens go bankrupt?

Mike Thomas writes that if Florida is hit hard during hurricane season,

this is what will happen: A number of small, startup insurance companies that now dominate Florida's market will fail. The state-owned Citizens Property Insurance company and state-owned hurricane catastrophe fund will go bankrupt.

You may or may not get enough money to fix your damaged house in what may or may not be a reasonable amount of time.

Confronted with massive damages and no money, Florida will go running to the bond market. The [right-wing] fiscal watchdog group, Florida TaxWatch, says paying off all the debt would cost about $4 billion a year for the next 30 years. The money will come from huge tax assessments on insurance policies — primarily home and auto.

Each insured household will have to cough up about $700 per year. The economic drain will cost the state about 70,000 jobs. But this is a very conservative calculation.

A teabagger would ask ...

... where in the Constitution does it give the gov'ment the power to stop me from dumping raw sewage into a stream? See "SENTINEL SPECIAL REPORT Florida's natural springs in crisis: Which ones are cleanest, most polluted?". Related from the The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Tanks for nothing" ("Florida needs an answer to its festering septic tank problem.")

RPOFers runnin' gov'ment like a bidness

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The state should be rewarding Miami-Dade for a program that has become a national model. That's not how Tallahassee works, though."

The Legislature actually penalizes local taxpayers because it requires counties to pay the state for each bed at state-run juvenile detention centers in their community -- even when they're empty. Miami-Dade has cut the detention population by two-thirds, yet it still pays the state $10 million in part for often empty beds. Talk about wasteful.

That's why Miami-Dade wants to take over running the detention center. The Legislature, which long has talked about the importance of local decision-making, should oblige. A pilot program would be ideal. What's the hang up?