This is what it was like at the Republican Party of Florida under former Chairman Jim Greer, whose lavish spending and secret dealings led to his ouster and sparked a federal criminal investigation.

But it's just a glimpse from the 2,452 double-sided pages of credit card records released Friday by the party in an effort to quell speculation amid an ongoing controversy.

GOP Chairman John Thrasher released only credit card statements during Greer's tenure, even though the credit cards date back at least eight years earlier.

For instance, the records released Friday show Richard Corcoran, the former top advisor to U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio, spent less than $10,000 in two months, even though earlier statements indicate he charged more than $400,000 dating back to 2005.

Rubio, the Republican front-runner and former House speaker, called for the release of Greer's records but refused to disclose his own earlier statements.

Rubio flip-flops on "your papers please ..."

Perhaps Jebbie insisted that he do it: "Florida's Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio is supporting a controversial new Arizona immigration law, saying today he changed his position after lawmakers tweaked language in a way that critics say makes it even more harsh." "Rubio now says he approves of Arizona immigration law".

Florida's "'Drill Baby Drill' cheerleaders"

"Poll: More Fla. voters oppose offshore drilling". See also "Poll: Fla. drilling support drops dramatically", "Oil spill prompts Florida voters to oppose drilling" and "Poll: Floridians now oppose coastal drilling after oil spill".

Aaron Deslatte: "Gov. Charlie Crist declared the idea a goner. The two biggest legislative 'Drill Baby Drill' cheerleaders, incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon of Winter Park and Senate President Mike Haridopolos of Merritt Island, have 'permanently shelved' plans to push for near-shore energy exploration."

But there is still room between the polling backlash and the reality of America's long-term energy dilemma for an interesting intellectual discussion this political season about offshore drilling. Look for Marco Rubio to be one of the politicians making it.

Rubio has been cautiously less willing to back away from pushing for more oil exploration in Florida waters, contending that since other countries will still be angling to siphon off our resources, we should be, too.

Needless to say, it's a path to the U.S. Senate fraught with risk. Last week, a Mason-Dixon poll found public support for drilling had plummeted from 55 percent last summer to 35 percent, and that backing among independents and Democrats had totally collapsed.

"Republicans are now the only group to still favor drilling (57 percent), but even that support has dropped significantly," Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker noted. Still, in a three-way race, GOP support may be all Rubio needs to get past Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek in November.

The Tampa Trib editors: "If lawmakers have their way, it will be virtually impossible for state agencies to implement the rules necessary to safeguard the public and the environment. House Bill 1565, adopted by the Legislature in the closing days of the session, robs state departments of their rule-making authority and politicizes the process."

You can thank Rep. Chris Dorworth for this ploy. He is the 33-year-old Lake Mary Republican who was selected to become speaker in 2014 despite a messy financial history that includes a $2.7 million judgment on a land deal and foreclosure on his 8,000-square-foot home.

Dorworth is a chief sponsor of HB 1565, which contains a series of mandates intended to handcuff agencies that develop the rules and professional standards necessary to protect the public's health and resources.

"McCollum's worst nightmare"

"You might be wondering about that bald guy, Rick Scott, who keeps popping up on TV talking about getting elected governor of Florida."

He's a multimillionaire political rookie who could be Bill McCollum's worst nightmare as a Republican rival. Or the dream client of political consultants who stand to make a bundle off of Scott's ego and long shot campaign. Maybe both.

Well ... maybe this is worse

"A gay male escort from Miami spoke to CNN about his trip to Europe with an antigay psychologist paid by Florida [read Bill McCollum] to testify in defense of the state's gay adoption ban." "Rentboy escort: I gave `sexual' massages to antigay leader George Rekers".

Yaaawwwnnn ...

"The former governor's speech is an indication of his political re-emergence after a period out of the spotlight." "Jeb Bush endorses Rubio in Wesley Chapel speech". See also "Jeb Bush takes aim at Crist, supports Rubio during Florida west coast appearance" and "Bush backs Rubio, rips Crist in speech".

Slick

"Oil slick still no threat to South Florida".

RPOFer bottom feeders

The Orlando Sentinel editors: ""

In line to become House speaker, Republican Dean Cannon has the smarts to do great things. He was right to try reforming Medicaid. But this session, like last year's, he disappointed. He continued to champion near-shore oil drilling, tried to save gerrymandering, delayed reauthorizing the agency that regulates growth, fought renewable energy standards and was soiled by the GOP credit card scandal.

Republican Sandy Adams made people forget her record of reforming juvenile justice with a futile bill calling for congressional term limits, and by backing Republican Scott Plakon's buffoonish constitutional amendment that pretends Florida can simply refuse to follow federal law, like the health-care overhaul. ...

Republican insurance agents Bryan Nelson and Pat Patterson sought to protect their industry instead of consumers. ...

Swimming at the bottom of this pond is Republican Chris Dorworth, who's set to become speaker in 2014. He worked to make state agencies toothless, to give wealthy fans tax breaks on all-star game tickets, and co-sponsored an unconstitutional ban on abortions.

Charlie finds some friends

We suppose this is better than nothing:

When Gov. Charlie Crist flew to Louisiana on Tuesday to view the massive oil spill, he invited two Republican stalwarts from the Florida Senate to go with him.

On board the National Guard C-130 were Charlie Dean of Inverness and Durell Peaden of Crestview. Dean, 60, is a towering figure, even without the cowboy hat he was wearing that day. The former Citrus County sheriff speaks with a drawl as thick as a bowl of homemade cheese grits.

Peaden, 65, is a cherubic guy, a retired country doctor and a fifth-generation Floridian. His great-uncle was a state senator who filed a bill creating the first Department of Health — in 1893.

Both men consider themselves loyal Republicans, and both are supportive of Crist as a nonpartisan candidate for the U.S. Senate.

RPOF "lobbyist employment act"

"So much for Republican leaders’ promises to streamline government. With little debate and based on misleading rhetoric, the Florida Legislature unanimously approved House Bill 1565 last month, contending it would combat government regulation that threatened small businesses’ ability to rebound from the recession. But that was a masquerade. This bad bill is really just a lobbyist employment act." "Bill favors lobbyists over public".

Red lights

The Palm Beach Post editors: "The only good thing about the 2010 red-light camera bill, which the Legislature passed, is that it's better than the 2009 red-light camera bill, which the Legislature didn't pass. Still, this bill isn't good enough for Gov. Crist to sign." "Reject red-light camera bill: State treasury would get 44 percent of the fine.".

"Mitch McConnell's Pomeranian"

Daniel Ruth: "There are events that occur in public life, when for one fleeting moment a pol has an opportunity to stand back from all the conniving, all the spin, all the blather and simply to do the right thing."

Instead Florida's junior senator, George LeMeuix, R-Arf, when presented with just such a gift to demonstrate some chutzpah, some spine, some class, opted to revert to his role of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's Pomeranian.

It was certainly to be expected when Gov. Charlie Crist announced his decision to run for the U.S. Senate as a "No Party" candidate that his former fellow Republicans would renounce him with all the fury of Max von Sydow's confrontation with Lucifer in The Exorcist.

But of all the knives plunged into Charlie Crist's back none had to sting more painfully than the dagger wielded by the Quisling of the Potomac, George LeMeiux, who threw his support to the Eddie Haskell of the Apalachee Parkway, Marco Rubio.

Oil politics

"Drill ban could rattle Fla. Senate race".

Meanwhile, "U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, a Democrat from New Smyrna Beach, joined her House colleagues Wednesday in introducing legislation that would ensure oil companies are held accountable for paying economic damages resulting from spills." "Legislation seeks to hold oil companies accountable for spills". Back at the beach: "Floridians can expect oil sheen to creep in". See also "Oil could cause 'catastrophic' wildlife damage".

Crist update

"Seminole Tribe gives warm welcome to Gov. Charlie Crist". More: "Jeb Bush endorses Marco Rubio; GOP leaders ask Crist for money back", "Florida's natural treasures hang in balance as oil spill looms", "Oil spill puts fragile world in peril", "Oil could cause 'catastrophic' wildlife damage" and "GOP donors to no-party candidate Crist: Return our money".

Never mind the corruption

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "With the plague of official corruption that has infected Florida in recent years, it's disconcerting that a majority of state legislators couldn't agree on a series of antidotes before their regular session ended last week." "Crack down on corruption next year".

'Glades

Joel Engelhardt: "In a hole, so stop digging: Too much mining in Everglades farm belt.".

Why Crist could not win the RPOF primary

"Charlie Crist faces the toughest decision of his term as governor: whether to sign or veto a bill antiabortion advocates call the "most significant pro-life measure that's ever happened in Florida's history." "Veto choice a defining moment". See also "Abortion veto choice is defining, or redefining, moment for Charlie Crist" and "Abortion description law worries doctors, politicians".

RPOPers can't get it done

"Why the state Legislature failed to pass a law banning bestiality".

"De facto pay cuts"

"A House member whose district includes thousands of state employees urged Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday to veto "de facto pay cuts" in the state budget." "Lawmaker urges Crist to help state workers".

Will the whining ever cease?

"How Business-Friendly was the Legislature This Session?".

About that "antigay psychologist who testified for Florida

"An antigay psychologist who testified for Florida in the state's gay adoption case took a trip to Europe with a gay male prostitute from Miami but says no illegal behavior or sex occurred." "Antigay activist took trip with male 'assistant'". See also "On the web| NewTimes: Christian right leader George Rekers takes vacation with 'rent boy'".

Rubio the "frontrunner" ... except for the polls

"With Gov. Charlie Crist reshuffling the U.S. Senate race as an independent candidate, Republican Marco Rubio reaffirmed his frontrunner status Wednesday by announcing a widely anticipated endorsement from former Gov. Jeb Bush." "Jeb Bush endorses Rubio".

Sale on

"EBay pulls Crist portrait sale, then it resumes".

"Until April 20"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The chants of "Drill, baby, drill" have become just an echo in the weeks after the April 20 oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico."

"It was just a year ago, in the closing days of the 2009 legislative session, when state Rep. Dean Cannon, an Orlando Republican who is now in" line to become the next Speaker f the House, introduced a bill that would have lifted the prohibition on drilling as close as three miles to the Florida coast. Since then, the debate has been passionate and nonstop." "Our Opinion: Rethinking drilling".

Race change for Burns

"Burns drops out of U.S. Senate race to run for state seat".

Imagine that

"The Florida Senate did not reappoint Daytona State College's most experienced trustee last week, putting her future on the board in doubt and adding fuel to a political fire that has college President Kent Sharples counting potential votes against him."

Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, said she doesn't know why Bennett wasn't approved. ...

Bennett, a onetime lobbyist for Volusia County schools who will soon be retiring as an Osceola Elementary teacher, wonders whether her name was removed because she backed Sharples in a recent dispute with Trustee Forough Hosseini, who along with her husband, Mori Hosseini, have been leading campaign contributors of Crist's.

"I don't know what happened," Bennett said this week in a telephone interview. "Mr. Hosseini called me in January and told me he controlled all the boards and made sure I knew it.

RPOFers attack Crist

"Since the lifelong Republican announced last week he was running for the U.S. Senate as a nonpartisan candidate, the Florida GOP has been singularly focused on attacking Gov. Crist, casting him as a phony, a traitor who all but destroyed the state party."

The era of Crist and his handpicked former chairman Jim Greer, the party suggests, was a dark and dismal period for the GOP.

"Charlie Crist deserted the Republican Party he ruined by giving his corrupt friend Jim Greer free reign (sic) [sic] over Party spending,'' says a new website, www.CantTrustCharlie.com, unveiled by the party Tuesday. "Charlie Crist created this mess, and now he's running from it. Charlie Crist can't be trusted. You can help us defeat Charlie Crist. You can help us rebuild the Party he tried to destroy!"

Veto please

"The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is asking Gov. Charlie Crist to veto a bill containing anti-abortion amendments they say affects the health of women." "ACLU Florida asks Crist to veto abortion bill".

Special session?

"A Democratic lawmaker wants Gov. Charlie Crist to call a special session to deal with some unfinished legislative business and the threat to Florida's economy from an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico." "Gelber asks governor to call special session".

Crist surges as wingnuts whine

"A Rasmussen poll shows Gov. Charlie Crist, now running as an independent, leading Republican Marco Rubio by four points, which was within the margin of error, and Democrat Kendrick Meek by 21 points. A poll from the same company two weeks ago showed Rubio with a 7-point lead." "New poll gives Crist an upward bump in Senate race".

"Some say the state got hosed"

"The Seminole casino compact approved by the 2010 Legislature could deliver up to $1.2 billion to the state's coffers over the next five years, but the back story on the deal makes that jackpot look like an ill-gotten gain. And some say the state got hosed." "A Cancer of Cronyism? Bet on it, Florida".

Spill baby, spill!

"Lawmakers unhappy after oil spill briefings from executives", "With oil slick still offshore, a frenzy of preparations", "Oil Spill Spurring Lawsuits Across Panhandle", "Sink urges residents to begin documenting", "Scientists: Florida's West Coast Should be 'OK' in Oil Spill", "Crist urges aggressive action", "Update: Wind likely to keep oil slick from Florida’s shores until Thursday", "Impact forecast for Thursday is just the first wave in 'ginormous' disaster", "Crist makes second flight over growing gulf oil slick", "Oil slick almost certain to ride current and reach Palm Beach's shores within weeks", "Volunteers mass as Gulf oil slick nears shore".

Privatization follies

"An influential state senator who is running for governor called for an explanation Tuesday of how the Blackwater River prison privatization project was handled in the state budget." "Sen.Dockery questions DOC, DMS about budget appropriations".

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

"Along comes Sen. Mike Bennett, another political egomaniac who believes he's above scrutiny or honesty or answering for bad behavior in office -- and you know what? He almost is." "Gotta Shout It, Sen. Bennett: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire".

Disney trips

"Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp said the Republican Party paid for him to take donors and their families on special tours of Disney World amusement parks." "Lieutenant governor tied to Florida GOP-paid expenses for Disney tours".

"The anti-Crist"

"While Gov. Charlie Crist left the Republican Party to continue his run for the U.S. Senate as an independent running to the GOP’s left, Stanley left the Republicans to continue running for Congress against Ander Crenshaw from the right. With no Democrat in the race, Stanley is Crenshaw's chief opponent in the race." "The Anti-Crist: Troy Stanley Enters Stage Right".

Meek and Greene trade shots"

"While billionaire Jeff Greene has been in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate for less than a week, he has already shaped the race tremendously --forcing Congressman Kendrick Meek to focus on his new rival instead of on newly independent Gov. Charlie Crist or former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the likely Republican nominee." "Democratic Senate Primary Battle Starts Off With Attacks".

Rail funding

The Miami Herald editors: "Keep state's rail funding on track".

"Crist-crosser"

Tony Plakas: "Party loyalists from both sides label Crist a flip-flopper. However, in reality, he has been what he's always been, a Crist-crosser, hopping from liberal to conservative stances like a master at a game of political hopscotch — always landing his foot in the all-important 50 percent-plus-one square." "Charlie Crist is still a master at political hopscotch".

'Ya reckon?

"Some Republicans angry at Brown-Waite".

The best they can do?

"Tampa is vying against Phoenix and Salt Lake City to host the GOP convention, when the party's delegates will nominate a presidential candidate for the 2012 election. The event is expected to attract more than 50,000 politicians, delegates and reporters." "GOP committee to select host for 2012 convention next week".

Rumor has it that Phoenix has convinced the Governor to suspend Arizona's "your papers pleez" law in the event the GOPers select Arizona, which makes the next post particularly funny.

Wingnut laff riot

Jonah Goldberg: "On inclusiveness, GOP just can't win". Related: "Darryl E. Owens: Tea party and racism: Readers react to commentary".

Charlie portrait

"In just over a day on the auction block, Charlie Crist's portrait is getting the attention and inching its way to the dollar amount the sellers – the Republican Party of Florida – dreamed of."Bids for Crist's portrait passes $6,000 mark on eBay".

News flash: union haters attack union

This garbage from the union haters* on the Orlando Sentinel editorial board:

As lingering cash woes have derailed school budgets and left districts weighing cuts, the head of Orange County teachers union hopes to hop on the gravy train.

Union President Mike Cahill has proposed a pay hike for the post during his final term on the job. If the union board gives its OK, the $74,800 he earns could be bumped as high as $93,600.

He also wants to add generous car and clothing allowances to perks that already include a $10,000 expense account.

What? No servant to peel his grapes?

Save for mileage, such perks appear unheard of for other local union presidents. And with teachers sweating jobs and hoping for razor-thin raises, Mr. Cahill's pitch is a galling slap in the face to the teachers he serves.

Merit selection

The Orlando Sentinel editors remid us of another fine Jebacy: "Florida's appointment process is not without its flaws, largely because of changes lawmakers made under former Gov. Jeb Bush."

The rules for naming members to nominating commissions were established in 1971 to balance power between the governor and the Florida Bar. In 2001, however, lawmakers tilted power to the governor, making it easier for him to choose judges on politics rather than merit.

But those changes could be reversed, and the original system restored, through an executive order. Gov. Charlie Crist has abused the appointment process at times under the current rules, but now he's eager in his new identity as an independent to show he is above politics as usual. He could make a strong statement by restoring the original rules (and requiring the commissions to deliberate in public meetings).

The Florida Constitution empowers judicial circuits and counties to switch to appointed judges if enough supporters in the jurisdiction sign petitions and voters approve the change. Voters have rejected the idea in the past, but patience with entrenched incumbents seems to be much shorter these days.

Advocates of merit selection should mount a new round of campaigns across Florida. Voters get few choices under the elected system. They might as well get more qualified judges under an appointed one.

"The good, the bad and the ugly"

The St. Pete Times editors: "While Congress turns its attention toward banking regulation, climate change and immigration, Florida and the rest of the nation are digesting the landmark health care reforms. We sift through some of the good, the bad and the ugly." "Good, bad, ugly in health reform".

Winners and losers

Scott Maxwell: "So who won and lost in Tallahassee? Well, if you're a super-wealthy blood-bank exec who wants to keep secrets — and buy a yacht — then you hit the jackpot!" "Your quick guide to Legislature's highs and lows".

Knuckle-dragging ...

... from the Tampa Trib editors, who think the latest anti-choice bill out of Tallahassee is just dandy, even though they "recognize this bill is not about better health care, although better care is attendant to an ultrasound. The bill may have been driven by ideology, but it is about providing women with the straight facts about their condition and offers them the opportunity to make an informed choice." "Abortion bill allows choice".

Labels: "A short but sordid history under Republican governors", "Fresh investigation" uncovers "explosive allegations" against Vern

High-speed rail

"Federal lawmakers praised Florida's high-speed rail plans and state transportation officials announced plans to seek money for Orlando-Miami line." "Florida pledges to seek funds for high-speed rail".

"Left for dead"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Too bad Gov. Crist can't compel lawmakers to return to Tallahassee this week and revive legislation they left for dead." "Florida Legislature 2010: What is worth signing, worth vetoing". See also this editorial in the St. Pete Times: "Abortion law should be vetoed". More from the Sun-Sentinel editors: "Legislature wraps up session with successes, disappointments".

Tarnishing her legacy and cheating her constituents

The Tampa Trib editors: "Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite tarnished her legacy and cheated her constituents and political party last week with an underhanded move that deprives Republican voters of the right to choose her successor from a strong field of candidates." "Brown-Waite's selfish exit".

Benefits running out

"Nearly 142,000 Floridians exhaust unemployment benefits".

Budget assumptions

The Miami Herald editors: "Legislature's budget assumptions hurt public schools." "Schools funding doesn't add up".

"Veto watch"

"A property insurance bill that lawmakers jammed through the Legislature in the closing hours last week is under consideration by Gov. Charlie Crist." "Veto watch in place for property insurance bill".

No sh**

"A bill passed by the Florida Legislature in the waning days of the session that ended Friday could have far-reaching impacts for the state's groundwater supplies and millions of septic tank owners across the state." "New environmental law targets septic tanks".

Fundraising

"Meek, Rubio report fundraising spike in wake of Crist’s independent bid".

Choice politics

"The experience of a lawmaker's pregnant wife before she miscarried prompted him to oppose a law requiring ultrasounds before a woman can obtain an abortion." "Lawmaker cites wife's miscarriage". See also "The story behind a tearful appeal".

RPOFer runs wild

"During debate Thursday, a new Capitol web outfit called the Sunshine State News captured video images of Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, looking at what appeared to be a Girls-Gone-Wild-type of photo on his computer." "Lawmaker glimpsed 'beach babe' photo". See also "What was Sen. Mike Bennett watching on laptop during floor debate?".

We're not picking any favorites in the Senate race. November is a long way off and there's much we want to know from all the candidates. Ultimately, voters will decide.

But Crist's campaign is welcome in moving away from the extreme partisanship infecting politics in Florida and the nation.

That extremism is visible in the RPOF witch hunt now under way against possible Crist supporters. A memo issued last week warned Republican leaders the party loyalty oath forbids them from supporting unaffiliated candidates who run against GOP nominees, and any who do could be booted out.

That kind of lock-step rigidity is bad for the party and the state and is why Crist's independent run brings fresh air to Sunshine State politics.

And there are certain parallels. Crist, after all, had "The Hug,'' his 2009 embrace of President Barack Obama and the $787 billion stimulus package that enraged conservative Republicans. Lieberman had "The Kiss,'' his 2005 nuzzle with former President George W. Bush, whom he backed on the Iraq War to the dismay of many anti-war Democrats.

There are other similarities, too, analysts say -- a "likability'' factor, for one. But overall, the differences between the two races are greater than the similarities, Lieberman campaign operatives and political observers say, underscoring what Crist called the "uncharted territory'' of his political future.

For example, Lieberman was a nationally known Democrat running for reelection to his fourth term in a small state friendly to independents. His Republican opponent had little backing and Lieberman had a national fundraising base -- including Jewish groups and South Florida Cubans -- that kept him competitive.

Crist, on the other hand, will likely face two strong candidates: Republican former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio and Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek, though others are running, as well, most recently billionaire Jeff Greene, a Democrat.

Charlie update

"A liberated Crist hits Senate trail on his own" and "Crist moving campaign headquarters to Tampa Bay area". See also "Crist offers preview of his campaign" and "Crist, Rubio take campaigns to TV shows".

"The real endgame"

The Tallahassee Democrat editors write that "the real endgame in state budgeting comes not this month, but next year. The federal stimulus dollars will run out and, if the economy hasn't dramatically improved, those re-elected lawmakers or newly relocated officials will be hit in the face at both legislative and executive levels with the mess of unfinished business, short-sightedness, unexpected consequences and ideological traps that regrettably Florida's new cobbled-together budget represents." "Our Opinion: Session aftermath". Related: "Crist undecided on calling Fla. special session" and "Crist undecided on Fla. special session".

Wingnuttery

"Want a guide to the political issues Republican legislators care about? Look at the issues they placed on the ballot." "GOP loads up November ballot".

"Potential onslaught of black ooze"

"Favorable weather gave Florida's Panhandle a reprieve, but it's likely brief as coastal communities braced for a potential onslaught of black ooze." "As oil blob triples in size, Florida fears nightmare". See also "Spill cutoff at least week away", "Gov. Crist expands state of emergency south to Sarasota", "Florida DEP official: 'The magnitude of this spill is daunting'" and "Oil spill already hurting Panhandle's tourist-based economy".

"Jolting a race that risked becoming an afterthought"

"Florida's Democratic Senate primary just got a billion times more interesting. The last-minute entry of a South Florida businessman with a huge fortune and a colorful past has jolted a race that risked becoming an afterthought." "New Democrat for Senate pumps up race".

"Resisting the Republican reflex"

Bill Cotterell: "If this year's budget rates maybe a C-minus for state employees, sadly, next year's outlook is not so good. Crist has been fairly respectful of state employees, resisting the Republican reflex to regard government itself as bad — and, therefore, to have no regard for the people who make state agencies work. He'll be gone next session, and the revenue outlook probably won't be a whole lot better." "A state-worker scorecard".

Medicaid fraud

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Florida legislators thought they had it rough balancing the state budget this year, yet they balked at proposals to rein in runaway costs in the state's Medicaid program. As a result, they — or their successors — may someday look back on this year's legislative session as a cakewalk." "Putting off Medicaid reform compounds pain in the future".

Really?

"The good bills they passed (no, really)".

"21st-century insult"

Tom Blackburn: "John Thrasher stripped Gov. Crist's picture from the Republican Party's wall and said he will sell it on eBay. How's that for a grand gesture? It doesn't rank up there with breaking Gov. Crist's sword and ripping off his epaulets, but 21st-century insults are as 21st-century insults do."

By the way, who is John Thrasher? He is Jeb Bush's old golfing buddy, a sometime lobbyist and sometime legislator never elected by any constituency bigger than a state Senate district. Currently, for his purity enforcement (bullying) abilities, he is state Republican chairman. The man whose picture Sen. Thrasher insulted won statewide races for education commissioner, attorney general and governor, making Gov. Crist the most bodacious vote-getter the GOP ever fielded in Florida.

Disorderly we stand. When John McCain's neighbors complain that he is a left-wing commie selling out the country to the socialists, you can't tell the players even with a scorecard.

Unseemly

"Florida attorneys file oil spill lawsuits".

"A change in attitude"

The Sun-Sentinel editors: "It's not like there is a silver bullet solution to the cuts facing teachers and school staffs. If only there were. What it's going to take, however, is a change in attitude, from the Legislature to the school district and all the way on down to the taxpayer. There has to be an attitude that education — and good teachers — are a priority. Every year." "Attitude change needed towards education".

Yee haw!

"Republican women raffled off a pink rifle and took a few potshots at political foes Sunday in a feminized call to arms for Florida's 2010 political campaign."

The first annual "Real Women Shoot Back" picnic, political rally and target practice drew about 150 voters to the Coon Bottom Gun Club in the tall pine country of Gadsden County. Organizer Jenny Whitaker of the Tallahassee Republican Women's Club said the federation hoped to net about $2,500 to help GOP candidates and build the party.

Caught in the act?

This, according to Sunshine State News: "No one will argue that sitting on the Senate floor during session can get a little boring, but looking at porn is probably not the best way to pass the time. On Thursday morning, Sunshine State News captured exclusive video of Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, looking at pornographic material on his state-issued computer on the Senate floor." "Sen. Mike Bennett Caught Looking at Porn on Senate Floor".

Petty

The Miami Herald editors: "Petty politics hurts PSC consumers". See also The Tampa Trib editorial board's "Senate unplugs credible PSC".

"It's the first time I can recall a contest for Senate or governor with an Anglo, a Hispanic and an African-American," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato.

"In a three-way race, you blow up the standard formula," said Florida International University political scientist Kevin Hill.

That formula says that Democrats win southeast Florida, Republicans win northern and southwestern Florida, and the Interstate 4 corridor swing area tips the balance.

Two of this year's major candidates are from Miami-Dade County with its large ethnic populations: Rubio will be able to appeal to its large Hispanic population and Meek to its black voters. Both will be heavily funded by their respective national parties, Rubio probably overwhelmingly so.

Crist has long had a stronghold in the Tampa Bay area, anchor of the I-4 corridor.March reviews each candidate's advantages and disadvantages here:

"Unexpected consequences and ideological traps"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board reminds us that "the real endgame in state budgeting comes not this month, but next year. The federal stimulus dollars will run out and, if the economy hasn't dramatically improved, those re-elected lawmakers or newly relocated officials will be hit in the face at both legislative and executive levels with the mess of unfinished business, short-sightedness, unexpected consequences and ideological traps that regrettably Florida's new cobbled-together budget represents." "Session aftermath". See also "Florida expects $6 billion hole in budget in 2011".

More: "A session assessment: For conservatives and for Crist", "LOSERS: Fla. legislation that failed or was vetoed in 2010", "2010 session features some high-interest bills", "Who won and who lost in 2010 session?" and "Legislative session has its share or losers, winners". See also "Central Florida lawmakers stagger home from busy, emotional legislative session".

Understatement of the year: "Legislature Takes a Turn to The Right".

And then there's this: "Crist – and his veto pen – still have friends in Florida politics" and this "Session is over but veto looms".

And this: "Chances abound for Crist to call legislature back into session".

Meet Mr. Greene

"They're rich, they're running — can they win?". More on Mr. Greene: "Billionaire Candidate Has Lively Past". Background: "Billionaire Jeff Greene Shakes Up Senate Race".

Kosmas

"A bloody Republican primary could give Kosmas a better chance of winning re-election. Already, [Craig Miller, former CEO of Ruth's Chris Steak House] and [former Winter Park City Commissioner Karen] Diebel have feuded over immigration policy, with Diebel using the endorsement of former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado to label Miller as soft on the issue. Miller responded by lambasting Diebel for allying with Tancredo, who once called Miami a "Third World country."" "12 Republicans qualify to take on two congressional Democrats".

About Charlie

"If it's Rubio vs. Obama, it's Crist vs. the Legislature". See also "Florida Gov. Crist's final 24 hours as a Republican" and "Crist: Lieberman Was Right, 'I'm Much Happier Now'".

"Where was Jay Burmer when Charlie Crist needed him? . . . When asked who his campaign manager would be, the governor pointed to himself. Though Crist expects to pick up sizable contributions at a fund-raiser at his wife's Fisher Island home this weekend, his ragged campaign is a far cry from the well-oiled, party-supported machine it once was. One of the cogs in that machine was Jay Burmer, who directed Crist's campaign for education commissioner in 2000 and subsequently landed a series of political appointments."

Burmer's name popped up prominently this past week as receiving $316,000 for party consulting work during a 2 1/2-year period under the Greer regime.

It was not clear what exactly Burmer did to earn this payout, which only fueled speculation of rampant cronyism, "ghost" employment, or worse. Once an insider, ableit a shadowy one, Burmer is now being tossed like a toxic hot potato.

Drill baby ... whaaaa?

"Crist toured coastal portions of Escambia County on Saturday as massive efforts to shield Florida's delicate Gulf shoreline from the growing oil slick were hampered by high seas and troublesome winds." "Fla. prepares for oil landfall, fears worst".

"Favorable weather gave Florida's Panhandle a reprieve, but it's likely brief as coastal communities braced for a potential onslaught of black ooze." "As oil blob triples in size, Florida fears nightmare". See also "Oil spill ballooning in size", "Potential Florida impact", "Where the oil is heading", "Spill could be disastrous for Fla. economy", "", "", "" and "Gulf Coast dreads oil spill's creep to shore".

Carl Hiaasen: "Oops. That's the official position of British Petroleum."

In Tallahassee, where Big Oil's lobbyists have been spreading gobs of money, several geniuses in the Legislature will next year continue their push to permit drilling within five miles of some prime Florida beaches.

Perfectly safe, they say. Ya'll just relax.

Two days after exploding, the Deepwater Horizon went down on April 22 about 50 miles from mainland Louisiana. It took only a week after that for the first streaks of oil to reach the shore. . . .

If it had happened near Jacksonville or Daytona Beach, Naples, Sarasota, Key West . . .

Oops.

By all means, let's surround Florida -- a virtual hurricane magnet -- with drill rigs. According to the U.S. Minerals Management Service, hurricanes Rita and Katrina destroyed 113 gulf platforms, damaged 457 pipelines and caused 146 spills that dumped 17,652 barrels of petroleum.

One medium-sized blowout could trash miles of shoreline and kill a tourist season. Nothing sells seaside hotel rooms like YouTube videos of gunk-covered turtles and dead pelicans.

This is a no-brainer. Florida can't afford offshore drilling. The risk to the economy is ludicrous, compared to the relatively small amounts of oil to be found.

Teabaggers in a dither

"Ann Coulter Attacks Rove, Rubio For Opposition To Arizona Immigration Law".

Poor Marco in a bind

Myriam Marquez whines that "Poor Rubio now has been left to straddle whether he's going to keep the Panhandle excited about another Cuban American getting elected to the U.S. Senate."

It's tricky.

After all, former U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez lost his conservative street cred* when he became a key player in trying to get immigration reform passed three years ago.

betting the immigration issue in Florida won't play out like it has in the West or the Deep South -- at least among registered Hispanic voters.

Central Florida's Hispanics are predominantly Puerto Rican. They're U.S. citizens at birth. Many sympathize with immigrants, but it's not their issue.

Activists and Miami politicians like Maurice Ferre support reform that includes legalization, of course. But talk radio in Orlando was a whole other matter. Many Puerto Ricans viewed immigrants as taking U.S. benefits away from those who have that birthright.

Cuban Americans, too, are split. Many exiles say, "We arrived here legally. We are political refugees.'' And Miami's Cuban radio bears out the "us vs. them'' mentality.

That sad division among Latinos will be exploited in the U.S. Senate race.

Just watch. It's going to get hot.

Media stalkers

"The News Service of Florida Open government advocates are asking Gov. Charlie Crist to veto a bill (HB 7079 that allows people who believe they're the victim of a stalker to have their name be kept out of otherwise public records." "Open-government advocates seek veto of bill allowing records exemptions for stalked".

This is your RPOF

Randy Schultz: "One by one they preached, middle-aged white men telling the women of Florida what would be good for them. In this case, the supposed good was a law that would require any woman seeking an abortion in the first three months of her pregnancy to have an ultrasound, and require the woman to see it unless she declined in writing."

None of these middle-aged white men who pontificated late Thursday afternoon cited any evidence that the women of Florida wanted this law, or that the doctors of Florida wanted women to have it. Indeed, most of the women in the Florida Senate chamber - the venue for this testosterone-fueled display of good will - argued against the law, and then voted against it. . . .

Gov. Crist faces a tough choice. Vetoing the whole bill (HB 1143) could create licensing problems at Florida's nursing homes. Politically, the governor is proudly "pro-life." But Marco Rubio probably has the social conservatives locked up. So the governor could say this: "Every abortion is a tragedy, but as a man I believe that one group of people knows what's good for women when it comes to health care: their doctors."

"Hoping to make history"

"From earthquake fundraisers in Miami to business forums in Port-au-Prince, conversations about a homeland in crisis are giving way to a new political possibility in the United States — or a missed opportunity for the South Florida Haitian-American community. Four Haitian-Americans, all big names with deep roots in the community, are candidates in a crowded field vying for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, who is making a bid for the U.S. Senate." "Four Haitian-Americans hoping to make history in congressional race".

"Not a moment too soon"

The Sun-Sentinel editors: "This bill, unlike others that faced legislative debate, will make a difference for generations to come, and not a moment too soon. Floridians' — as with many Americans — grasp of civics leaves a lot to be desired." "Politicians put civics at the head of the class".

Following the money

Scott Maxwell follows the money:

TECO Energy, for example gave both $215,000 to the Republican Party of Florida and $125,000 to Florida Dems. The company is apparently an ardent supporter of conservative liberalism.

Other companies cutting hearty checks to both parties during the first quarter of 2010 include Progress Energy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Disney.

Disney apparently sent Mickey over to the GOP with more than $100,000 worth of checks stuffed into his oversized hands. For the Democrats, Disney must've dispatched their little-known eighth dwarf, Stingy, since the libs collected only $10,000.

Yee haw!

"Lawmakers put redistricting amendment on ballot".

"Drug nightmare"

Fred Grimm: "So much bluster, but foster kids' drug nightmare ...".

Letting the feds carry the water

"Crist will leave it to the Obama administration to run the federally subsidized high-risk health insurance plan that is to cover people unable to buy such insurance in the private market due to preexisting conditions such as cancer or diabetes." "Crist wants federal government to run high-risk health insurance pool".