The RPOF tapes

Aaron Deslatte on the secret Greer-Johnson recordings: "Greer – whose personal financial problems are detailed throughout evidence released by the state – repeatedly returns to the subject of the $123,000 in severance he maintains he was owed for leaving the party chairmanship."

House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, Thrasher and McCollum – the "four horsemen" as they are called in the recording -- all claimed the contract was never "executed."

"What do you think they're going to do about this agreement, just hope that I never bring it up?" Greer says, referring to the severance deal.

Greer tells Johnson, "I'm kind of at the point now if they'd just shut up and stop attacking you and I, I'd forget about the money …. Just go away."

Greer did not go away. After the RPOF announced in April it had forwarded the case to state investigators, Greer filed a civil suit over the $123,000 in severance, accusing RPOF leaders of signing the severance deal and then pretending they didn't. His suit is on hold while the criminal case is proceeding.

Greer then asks Johnson if they should "bring everyone down… I can't believe they did this to us," he said.

RPOF an "ugly, sexist place to work"

"Police documents released this week in the Jim Greer alleged fraud case make the Republican Party of Florida out to be a fairly ugly, sexist place to work." "FL GOP Sexism Allegations: Party Chair Talked 'Orgasms' To Female Fundraiser".

Rivera-Cancio pissing match

"A congressional rival of state Rep. David Rivera accused him Friday of lying about his ties to a businessman who facilitates trade with Cuba and called on him to resign as chairman of the Miami-Dade Republican Party."

Mariana "Marili'' Cancio publicized a video Friday on Rivera's website showing businessman Ariel Pereda standing behind him at his campaign announcement in February.

However, Rivera, a hard-line proponent of the Cuban embargo, said on Spanish-language station WQBA-1140 AM Thursday that he had not seen Pereda since 2006.

The interview followed a Miami Herald story detailing Rivera and Pereda's close friendship and political ties. Public records show Pereda chaired a fundraising committee for Rivera.

McCollum's conflict of interest

"Evidence in the state's criminal case against the state Republican Party's former chairman has Attorney General Bill McCollum's political opponents arguing that he has a conflict of interest. Florida Democrats and Rick Scott, McCollum's opponent in the GOP gubernatorial primary, are calling for an independent investigation of former GOP Chairman Jim Greer." "Independent probe sought in Greer case".

But we do think "Jeb!" was a great Guv

"Poll: 26% Of U.S. Clueless On Who We Declared Independence From".

"Likely impossible to know Scott's true wealth"

"Rick Scott reported an eye-popping net worth of more than $218 million last month in forms filed with the state Division of Elections."

But the Republican candidate for governor also has tens of millions of dollars tucked in a trust under his wife's name and in a family limited partnership. He has amassed a complicated network of investments, holdings and companies designed to shield against legal and tax liabilities, according to a St. Petersburg Times review of his financial holdings.

In fact, it's likely impossible to know Scott's true wealth. ...

Campaign spokesman Jen Baker said Scott followed the state's instructions in filling out the disclosure, noting that Democrat Alex Sink did not detail husband Bill McBride's income or stock portfolio. But, unlike McBride, Scott's spouse has been a principal contributor to her husband's campaign, funneling $2 million from her trust fund toward a 527 group promoting his candidacy.

"You can blame the Legislature"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "What little credibility the Public Service Commission had is now gone. You can blame the Legislature for depleting it."

The Legislature, you see, dominates a nominating council that sends along the names of people it wishes to serve on the PSC to the governor. And the utilities regulated by the PSC dominate the Legislature.

This week, they conspired to purge two of the remaining three PSC commissioners who had rejected the biggest electricity-rate increases in Florida's history. Weeks earlier, the two other PSC members who'd rejected the rate hike were sent packing.

Now, the nominating council's busily narrowing its list of PSC finalists, which it contends are the best qualified to regulate the utilities. But the list doesn't include the proven pair — Nancy Argenziano, who chaired the PSC, and Commissioner Nathan Skop, who would have succeeded her as chair. Both avoided scandal, aggressively pressed the utilities to make their case and, when the utilities didn't, stood up for consumers by bouncing the unjustifiable rate hikes.

Constitutional "bait-and-switch"

"A lawyer for four voters challenging a proposed state constitutional amendment on health care called it a 'bait-and-switch' today."

The ballot summary for Amendment 9 promises things not even mentioned in the amendment itself, Mark Herron said in an interview.

He filed the Circuit Court lawsuit in Tallahassee a week earlier. It seeks to remove the amendment from the Nov. 2 ballot.

The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the proposal in reaction to passage of Democratic President Barack Obama's national health care overhaul.

The amendment would block Obama's plan in Florida if it could, but legal experts and even one of its sponsors have said it can't do that because federal law is supreme over state law.

Instead, the amendment would prevent the state from passing a similar law by prohibiting Floridians from being forced to obtain insurance coverage or be penalized if they don't.

Teabaggers whine about "ticky-tack technicalities"

"The Florida TEA Party claims that two of its candidates who were bounced from the fall ballot were victims of "ticky-tack technicalities" at the state Division of Elections." "TEA Party Claims Double Standard at Division of Elections".

Rubio on the trail

"The campaign trail took former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the leading Republican candidate in the battle for the U.S. Senate seat, to Daytona on Saturday. Rubio campaigned at the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR race before heading to St." "Political Bits and Pieces".

Greene's APPCO saga

"[J]ust as the polls show him gaining on longtime Democratic front-runner Kendrick Meek, one of Greene's investments is generating some embarrassing headlines."

The APPCO saga provides voters with a mere glimpse of Greene's empire, as he has refused to release his tax returns, unlike the other candidates in the Senate race, and delayed disclosing other information about his personal finances.

"Mr. Greene's background is a mystery,'' Meek said in a recent debate in West Palm Beach. "One of the businesses that he owned went into Chapter 11 . . . jobs are being risked. . . He talks about these jobs that he creates, and that's the reason why his candidacy in this race is a big question mark.''

In recent weeks, rent, utilities and taxes went unpaid at the stores. Managers say they ran out of gas, cigarettes and beer. Repairs and landscaping were ignored.

Dozens of people are out of work while the bankruptcy filing is sorted out.

Fl-oil-duh

"A new computer model shows oil from the massive Gulf of Mexico spill has as high as an 80 percent chance of reaching the Florida Keys and Miami. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released the forecast Friday. It shows a 61 to 80 percent chance of sheen, tar balls or other oil remnants coming within 20 miles of Florida's eastern coast, from the Keys north to the Fort Lauderdale area, by the 120th day of the spill on August 18." "Computer model shows high chance of oil hitting South Florida by mid-August".

See also "Florida already uses $50 million from BP; gets promise of $2.7 million more", "Holiday brings little to celebrate on Gulf Coast" and "Florida Seafood Safe, Plentiful, Say Commercials, Grocery Stores".

"The characters, the drama, the gaffes"

Steve Bousquet: "The Fourth of July isn't just for fireworks and flying the flag. This holiday weekend traditionally ushers in the fall campaign season in even-numbered years. That makes it a good time to reflect and reminisce about elections past — the color, the characters, the drama, the gaffes." "There's no road trip quite like a political campaign, and the fun's about to begin".

"Property values plunge"

"Property values in Broward County plunged 11.7 percent last year — the third yearly drop in a row — marking one of the worst declines in history. As a result, residents face tax increases and service cuts as local leaders confront budget deficits." "Broward County property values plunge".

St. Johns river

"The St. Johns River has been surrounded by its fair share of controversy as of late, and a recently begun Seminole County construction project is only adding to it. Though many initially disapproved of the Water Management District’s approval of a permit that allowed for the removal of 5.5 million gallons of water a day from the St. Johns, the project’s latest steps have gone largely unnoticed in the local media. Much to the dismay of the St. Johns Riverkeeper, the project has been steadily moving along." "New project draws water from the St. Johns, could worsen algal bloom".

Politics giving way to reality

"As the BP oil blowout saturates Northwest Florida's already fragile economy with despair, a special legislative session in the coming weeks is becoming increasingly likely."

Republican legislators had been unwilling to agree to a special session because they felt it would give erstwhile GOP Gov. Charlie Crist a high-profile platform from which to seek a constitutional ban on oil drilling while he's running for the U.S. Senate. But it now appears election year politics are giving way to economic reality.

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"Florida to get $170.2 million to improve schools".

Innocence Commission

"Newly installed Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady hit the ground running on Friday, only the second day of his administration, by announcing the creation of a much anticipated Florida Innocence Commission." "Canady creates panel on innocence".

Campaign "trackers"

"They lurk, cameras at the ready, during every meeting of the Cabinet, three statewide candidates in their crosshairs. When Congressional hopeful Al Lawson of Tallahassee gives a speech, they're usually poised for a bone-headed remark. Even longshot gubernatorial candidate Bud Chiles drew one recently as he hunted for elusive supporters in Ybor City." "Political candidates tracked for slip-ups on video".

"No hookers ... promise"

"Crist says no hookers on Bahamas trip". See also "Docs Detail Scandal Within FL GOP -- Including Hooker Allegation".

Off topic

"Where do presidential scholars rank Barack Obama and George W. Bush among their fellow U.S. presidents?"

The answer may not surprise you: Obama comes in at number 15. Bush is 39th. ...

Bush joins such presidential luminaries Andrew Johnson, James Buchanan, Warren G. Harding and Franklin Pierce in the bottom five, with Johnson taking the honor for worst president ever.

"Crist's lucky charm"

"The nation's worst environmental disaster could be Gov. Charlie Crist's lucky charm. The once-foundering U.S. Senate candidate is sitting on top of the polls, largely thanks to round-the-clock -- and free of charge -- publicity as he monitors the Gulf oil spill." "Oil spill shaping Senate campaign".

HCR milestone

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Health care reform hit another important milestone Thursday when uninsured Floridians with pre-existing conditions could begin applying for coverage through a new government-run plan. The coverage could be a lifesaver for tens of thousands of residents who have been unable to obtain private coverage because of medical problems." "Another benefit of health care reform".

Bondi and Benson e embarrass themselves

"Locked in a tight race for the Republican attorney general nomination, former Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi and former Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Holly Benson won endorsements on Thursday and used the opportunity to pledge to continue Attorney General Bill McCollum’s lawsuit against new federal health-care laws backed by President Barack Obama. Kottkamp also picked up an endorsement and used it to stress his legal background." "Republican AG Candidates Back Bill McCollum's Suit Against Obama Health Care Laws".

Teabagger implosion

""Tea Party" spokesman resigns".

527 love

"State Sen. Mike Fasano has established a federal 527 political committee to help Gov. Charlie Crist get elected to the U.S. Senate. Helping Fasano is former Senate president -- and fellow Republican -- Ken Pruitt." "Fasano-Pruitt team up on 527 for Crist".

"States' rights", we know what that means

"Rick Scott, the billionaire, self-financed Republican candidate for governor, told a crowd of about 250 voters Thursday night that he would fight for 'states' rights' by suing the federal government to limit its influence over Florida." "Governor candidate Rick Scott tells activists he'll fight for states' rights".

"FPL rogues"

Joel Engelhardt: "FPL rogues must face light".

Gunzburger responds

"Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger ripped into Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti on Thursday, accusing him of 'corrupting and tarnishing' his office by opening a criminal investigation into her at election time. She accused Lamberti of colluding with her election opponent, former state Sen. Steve Geller, to destroy her chances of winning by opening a criminal investigation into her late husband's business dealings with Broward County." "Candidate Geller admits talks with sheriff, denies Gunzburger collusion".

Daily Rothstein

"22 former Rothstein attorneys cleared by Florida Bar".

McCollum's "almost awe-inspiring stupidity"

"Ben Smith of Politico has a real classic here."

For those who didn't know, the campaign of upstart GOP right-winger Rick Scott has been lambasting Florida AG and gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum for getting endorsed by...of all people...Rudy Giuliani. Once the patron saint of 9/11 in campaign circles, you'll be interested to know that Rudy G. is now apparently the patron saint of the "pro-abortion" and "pro-homosexual" communities.

Instead of laughing off Scott's blast, McCollum decided to return fire, and he did with almost awe-inspiring stupidity. He nailed Scott for being an investor in a Latino social networking site (Que Pasa), which happens to have gay groups among its numbers. Team McCollum decided to limn this as Scott's financial support of a "gay dating site." As Ben Smith pointed out to the staffers flogging that story, however, even the most homophobic politicos have not expressed an interest in legal prohibition of gay dating.

No matter what else Martinez may accomplish in public life, his reputation will be forever tainted by his campaign's nasty and ludicrous slurs of McCollum in the final days of this race. The slurs culminated with Martinez campaign advertisements that label McCollum - one of the most conservative moralists in Washington during his 20 years as a U.S. representative - "the new darling of the homosexual extremists" because he once favored a hate crime law that had bipartisan support. A few days earlier, the Martinez campaign arranged a conference call with reporters in which a group of right-wing Martinez supporters labeled McCollum "antifamily." Why? Because McCollum supports expanded stem cell research to find cures for deadly diseases - a position that is identical to those of Nancy Reagan, Connie Mack and many other prominent Republicans.

Greer gets election eve trial date

The court "set an October trial date for the ousted chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. The trial of Jim Greer on theft, fraud and money laundering charges is to begin Oct. 18. Greer, who has pleaded not guilty, wasn't at the hearing." "Greer theft and fraud trial set for October".

"Charlie Crist has had a solid few weeks, as polls have shown him moving into an unambiguous lead in his Independent bid for the U.S. Senate. But he got a little bit of bad news today, as the trial of his former handpicked state party chairman, Jim Greer, was scheduled for October. The trial is set to begin within two weeks of Election Day." "Greer trial to hang over Crist's head on Election Eve?"

Dems seek to cash in politically

"Former Republican Party chairman Jim Greer pleaded not guilty to six felony charges Thursday as Florida Democrats sought to cash in politically on his case."

The state GOP depicted itself as the victim of Greer's secret business dealings in the three years he chaired the party. But the Democrats gleefully posted online many documents released by prosecutors — and called Greer a "fall guy" for a "culture of corruption" among top Republican leaders.

"Since this scandal came to light, the Florida Democratic Party has warned that Republican politicians — including Bill McCollum, Dean Cannon, John Thrasher and others — were not being truthful about their roles," the party said in an e-mail to Democratic activists.

HD 33 "personal grudges"

"Florida Libertarians are making history this year with the first-ever contested primary in a so-called 'minor' party."

But the race between Franklin Perez and Ellen Paul in state House District 33 is hardly one for the civics textbooks. It illustrates how a small party can be manipulated and splintered by personal grudges.

"Smoke and money go hand-in-hand"

Mark Howard, the Executive Editor of Florida Trend writes that the "biggest issue emerging with the tobacco money":

is that since 2007-08, the annual payments have been declining — from $392 million that year to $355 million in 2009-10 and an estimated $340 million in 2010-11. That trend is national, and there are two main reasons: Fewer people are smoking (in Florida, 17.5% of adults smoke, down from 21% in 2006). More significant, more smokers are turning to cigarettes made by companies that weren’t included in the lawsuit.

Those "non-participating" companies haven’t had to calculate the settlement in their cost of doing business and can sell cigarettes cheaper. They’re taking market share from the bigger firms. In Florida, for example, the market share of Dosal Tobacco Corp., which wasn’t part of the lawsuit, has risen from insignificance to nearly 15%. Dosal, appropriately, has fought attempts in the Legislature to impose fees that retroactively sweep it into the legal settlement. The only real alternative the state has if it wants more money out of Dosal is to sue. Florida’s decision to go it alone in suing the tobacco companies — rather than join the other 46 states — worked against it here. Unlike the 46, Florida didn’t end up with provisions that generate payment from non-participating companies.

And so it goes. Cigarette makers are back in court these days defending lawsuits by individual Florida smokers that are now coming to trial — these plaintiffs once were part of the Engle class-action lawsuit. So far, the companies are losing big. As the verdicts, and potential costs, mount, it will be interesting to see whether the companies look for ways to duck the obligations they agreed to when they settled the tobacco case.

Meanwhile, our state operates in policy schizophrenia: One hand keeps tobacco money firmly attached to its budgetary lip, while the other does everything it can to quit the habit.

Crist's Dem dollars

"Crist left the Republican Party to continue his campaign for the U.S. Senate as an independent, and according to Real Clear Politics, he maintains a lead over rivals Republican Marco Rubio and Democrats Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene. Now he is not only courting but also getting Democrat dollars for his campaign." "Crist gets Broward Democrat dollars".

Right-to-Life endorsements

"Florida Right-to-Life PAC released its endorsements Thursday afternoon for the Aug. 24 primaries -- and while the pro-life political group backed some candidates, the PAC also sat out or passed on others, refusing to endorse either of the two leading Republican gubernatorial candidates."

At the federal level, the PAC backed former House Speaker Marco Rubio for the U.S. Senate. It backed Republican candidate Dean Black to take on U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown; Republican candidate Dennis Ross to take the seat that U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam is vacating; Republican candidate Karen Harrington to take on U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando, who is in a close GOP primary against U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas; and Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami to take the place of U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart who is seeking the congressional seat that his brother Lincoln is vacating.

The PAC also backed re-election efforts of two sitting Republican congressmen -- U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan. While the PAC gave high marks to Eddie Hendry, David Scholl and Steve Southerland, all running in a crowded Republican primary to take on U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, no endorsement was made. The PAC gave high ratings to two Republican candidates -- Rep. Kurt Kelly of Ocala, and former House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster -- seeking to knock off Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, but did not endorse either candidate over the rest of the field.

While giving high marks to Attorney General Bill McCollum and health-care executive Rick Scott, who are waging a fierce battle for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, the PAC did not endorse either candidate. The only candidate the PAC backed for a state Cabinet office was Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp for attorney general over former Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi and former Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Holly Benson.

McCollum and Scott blast each other

"Florida Republican gubernatorial contenders Bill McCollum and Rick Scott have been blasting each other over immigration, but joined together Thursday in criticizing President Obama’s proposed overhaul." "Rick Scott, Bill McCollum Agree on Immigration; Obama Is Wrong".

Lay down with Rothstein ...

"John McCain's campaign claimed the Arizona senator couldn't pick one of his former fundraisers — now headed to jail — out of a lineup. But new video unearthed by the campaign of his Republican primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, shows McCain standing next to convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein at events during McCain's 2008 presidential campaign." "Hayworth hits McCain-Rothstein ties" (via The Buzz). See also "The John McCain-Scott Rothstein connection".

Thank you, Mr. LeMieux

"1.3 million unemployed won't get benefits restored".

Law enforcement was snooping around. Rumors were rampant about imminent arrests. Blogs and newspapers featured fellow Republicans — former friends and fellow party leaders, for God's sake — trashing Greer and accusing him of illegal activity.

Some of his most adamant defenders had stopped taking calls, and people whispered that even Johnson was throwing Greer under the bus to investigators. So when Johnson finally phoned on March 25, the former Florida Republican Party chairman sounded wary and relieved.

"Why do you think people are treating us this way,'' Greer asked.

"They're, you know, I guess looking out for themselves,'' Johnson said.

"Well, that's why you need to get down here and stay for a night.''

"Yeah, yeah,'' Johnson responded. " . . . I'll get down there. Thanks, Jim. Kiss my godson for me.''

"You never have to worry about me," Johnson says. "People are saying, 'You shouldn't be talking to Greer.' . . . Forget that. The only person I can truly talk to and trust is you and [your wife] Lisa."

"I'm glad to hear that," Greer replies, "because people were trying to convince me last week that you had turned on me."

"That's ridiculous," Johnson said, stammering.

"A questionable strategy"

"Creating more tax breaks for businesses in the hopes that they will create jobs is a questionable strategy, despite claims from political candidates." "Tax Breaks to Create Jobs Are Questionable and Compete for Limited State Revenue".

The RPOF's "four horsemen"

"Bill McCollum and, perhaps, the three other GOP officials who helped oust Jim Greer have yet to be interviewed in the case against Greer."

Jim Greer and Delmar Johnson called them "the four horsemen.''

The sobriquet referred to a band of powerful Republican politicians who earlier this year played an integral role in the ouster of Greer and Johnson from the helm of the Republican Party of Florida: Attorney General Bill McCollum, future House leader Dean Cannon, future Senate leader Mike Haridopolos and current party Chairman John Thrasher.

The names appear numerous times in a criminal investigation that led to the June indictment of Greer but the four GOP officials were never questioned, according to evidence released this week.

The omission prompted renewed questions Wednesday about the limited scope of the investigation and the role of McCollum, the state's top legal officer who is running for governor.

Where was Bill?

"Florida Democrats joined with Republican Rick Scott in demanding Wednesday that gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum appoint an independent prosecutor to continue the criminal case against the state’s former GOP chairman, saying the current probe has forced the attorney general into a legal conflict." "Bill McCollum Role in Greer Probe Questioned".

Altered RPOFer receipts

"The office manager who reviewed credit card bills at the Florida GOP grew suspicious of Jim Greer and Delmar Johnson III, the two men who ran the party, and what they were buying."

They kept turning in receipts that had been changed or defaced, so she couldn't tell what they'd bought, Susan Wright told state investigators.

Wright was also taken aback at how often Greer wanted to fly on a private plane, she told investigators. He'd often tell staffers to book one, even if the trip was from Orlando to Tampa.

And not long after Wright took her concerns to party leaders, she was fired.

A summary of Wright's interview with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is among a pile of evidence released this week by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Peter Antonacci, a lawyer with GrayRobinson, P.A., on Wednesday said his firm had done nothing improper in the Greer case. GrayRobinson was the firm Greer hired last year to set up Victory Strategies. According to prosecution records, Greer "implied" that he wanted his involvement kept secret so the firm used its address the name of one of its clerical employees as Victory's principal contact.

Antonacci said Greer didn't spell out his motives and that the firm's work on his behalf was "routine, legal and appropriate."

Fl-oil-duh

"FFWC says it has been green lighted to implement a plan with a goal of reaching oil covered birds within an hour after they have been reported." "Plan created to recover oiled birds".

See also "BP spill nears a somber record as Gulf's biggest", "Don't weep for the oil industry", "Insurers Brace for an Oily Storm" and "Crist asks BP for $50 million more for Fla. ads".

"Another rule that protects politicians"

"Voters in a Little Havana-based district will have two choices for state senator in November ballot: the winner of the Republican primary and a blank line for a write-in candidate's name."

It's the same case in a Tampa Bay Senate district and in 10 House races across Florida. In both Senate races, only about two-fifths of all eligible voters will choose the person to represent the entire district in the Legislature.

"This is yet another rule that protects politicians from the people,'' said Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, a staunch critic of the so-called write-in loophole. "It's like an East German election. You've got one name and then you've got a line.''

Florida's Constitution says that if all the candidates for an office are in the same party and face no opposition in the general election, then all registered voters will be allowed to vote in the primary. After that provision was adopted in 1998, both political parties found an easy way around it -- recruiting write-in candidates to run as general election opponents.

The practice is accepted by the Division of Elections, which in 2000 issued an opinion saying the constitutionally required opposition doesn't have to be "viable or have a realistic chance of success.'' In 2007, a judge in Lake County upheld the loophole.

Utilities complete their PSC "purge"

"The refusal to consider reappointing two PSC commissioners completes the purge of those who opposed the rate case and angered utilities."

Two of the three remaining utility regulators who rejected the largest electricity-rate increases ever sought in Florida were given their walking papers Wednesday when a nominating council refused to interview them for reappointment to their jobs.

The Public Service Nominating Council voted to interview 18 candidates for the two positions on the state utility board -- but refused to interview PSC chairwoman Nancy Argenziano or Commissioner Nathan Skop, Gov. Charlie Crist's two appointees.

Teabagger implosion

Bill Cotterell: "'Tea Party' or 'tea party,' it matters to the GOP" (subscribers only). If you want to read Cotterell's column, you will have to register and pay for an online subscription to the Tallahassee Democrat. The Democrat is the first major Florida newspaper to adopt this new business model.

DW-S

"While U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz represents what appears to be a safe Democratic district, three Republican candidates have emerged to take on the incumbent." "Three-Way GOP Battle to Take On Debbie Wasserman Schultz".

Democratic candidate Brian Moore

"Republican Rick Scott isn't the only health care executive in the gubernatorial race anymore. Democratic candidate Brian Moore, with more than 20 years in the HMO managed care industry, is in the race, too -- promising to offer Democratic voters a choice and taking swings at state CFO Alex Sink." "Running to the Left, Brian Moore Takes on Alex Sink for Dem Gubernatorial Nomination".

LGBT voters

"Trailing behind independent Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican former House Speaker Marco Rubio in the polls and now facing a bitter contest with billionaire financier Jeff Greene for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep." "Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene Battle for Gay Floridians' Votes".

Budget Primer

"The state budget affects Florida's 18 million people every day, even though most don't often think about it. By understanding the budget and tax policy that provides the revenue for the budget, Floridians can participate in the allocation of resources to their top priorities and make a difference in the kind of state we're building and what it will be in the future. The Primer makes complicated fiscal information understandable to the average citizen. We hope it will help citizens become more engaged in the policy making process." "Primer on Florida's State Budget and Tax System Now Available".

Amendment 9

"A lawsuit has been filed to knock off the "health care freedom" amendment aimed at blocking health care reform." "Amendment 9 draws legal challenge".

Rivera

"State Rep. David Rivera's close relationship with a businessman who facilitates trade with Cuba is becoming increasingly awkward for the congressional candidate, one of Florida's most outspoken proponents of the embargo on the island. Rivera, chairman of the Miami-Dade Republican Party and House budget chief, is publicly distancing himself from Ariel Pereda, the former chairman of a political fundraising committee Rivera was associated with and principal of the Havana Group, a firm that advises companies on how to trade with Cuba." "Candidate's friendship with Cuba trade backer at issue".

On some levels, this is true.

As previously reported, Grayson's campaign has directed nearly $28,000 to a candidate and member of the newly formed Florida Tea Party — the party that has also fielded a candidate against Grayson.

The philosophy behind why Grayson — or any Democrat — would want a Tea Partyer in their race is that, when both a GOP and Tea Party candidate are in a race, the two candidates split the conservative vote, giving the Dem an edge.

Anyway, Grayson claimed he paid this Tea Partyer for polling services. But when I asked Grayson if he could give me a single example of successful polling work this unknown pollster had performed in the past, he could not. In fact, he chastised me for expecting him to know anything about the pollster's resume.

Silly me. I mistakenly thought that, before Grayson handed over nearly 30 grand, he would have asked for evidence that it would be money well spent.

Grayson is too smart to act that dumb.

There are also Grayson's odd connections to Florida Tea Party chairman Fred O'Neal and his Tea Party buddy, Doug Guetzloe. Grayson spent money buying ads on Guetzloe's radio show — a move that would probably be questionable for most anyone, considering the size of Guetzloe's audience (before his show was recently booted off the air, anyway). It becomes even more questionable when you consider Grayson is a liberal and Guetzloe is a self-proclaimed conservative.

But Republicans all over the state are trying to turn Grayson into some kind of Machiavellian genius, rigging elections from North Florida to Key West. And that claim simply lacks credibility — and proof.

In fact, the best I can gather — after interviewing Republicans, Tea Partyers, Democrats and Grayson himself — is that this issue simply isn't black or white.

LeMieux sacrifices Floridians to "score political points"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The unemployment rate in Florida and the nation remains depressingly high, few private sector jobs are being created and the Consumer Confidence Index plummeted again Tuesday. Yet Congress callously refuses to assist Americans most desperate for help."

Senate Republicans, including Florida Sen. George LeMieux, blocked a comprehensive bill last week that included an extension of unemployment benefits and other badly needed assistance. The House on Tuesday could not muster the two-thirds vote needed to quickly pass just the unemployment benefits, so it will try again as early as today. Floridians who cannot find work in this terrible economy should not be sacrificed to score political points on the federal deficit.

"'Absurd' and skewed"

"An optimistic report that foresees high-speed rail systems driving high-dollar growth and jobs in hub cities nationwide -- including Orlando -- is being assailed by one national critic as 'absurd' and skewed." "Optimistic High-Speed Rail Benefits Assailed".

"Amnesty" OK

"Amnesty may carry a negative connotation when it comes to immigration, but it turns positive when applied to taxes. At least some people think so. Beginning Thursday, the state of Florida will waive penalties on back taxes owed by businesses and individuals. During a three-month window closing Sept. 30, all applicable interest fees also will be cut in half." "Florida Gives Another Break to Tax Scofflaws".

Meanwhile, editors want to gut their pensions

What an ironic juxtaposition of stories. This from the AP: "2 Tampa officers killed in shooting".

And this from the Sun Sentinel editors: "Cities need to make pension changes", wherein they whine that "municipalities see funds dwindling and services having to be cut, they are going to have to be creative with retirement plans, and be prepared for predictable battles with unions."

Law enforcement officers and firefighters risk their lives every day; we ought to be finding ways to make sure they and their families can count on good pensions. Instead newspaper editors around the state give us a steady drumbeat of Chamber of Commerce/League of City propaganda, together with a healthy dollop of union bashing, calling for eliminating defined benefit plans and replacing them with cheap, junk 401(k) pension plans.

And then they put their blinders on, and sanctimoniously give us editorials like this:

Both men were only 31. Kocab's wife is nine months pregnant with his first child. Curtis has four young sons, the youngest only eight months old. It is impossible to calculate the number of lives that will be forever scarred by the gunman's savagery.

The tragedy underscores more than just the great dangers of police work.

It also reveals how the police are always at a disadvantage when facing thugs who have no regard for human life.

The officers seek to protect the innocent and strive to avoid violent confrontations.

Yet they sometimes must confront monsters who will kill without the slightest hesitation. And there is no predicting when a seemingly harmless encounter can turn deadly.

Crist a witness in alleged "intricate web of deceit"

"Gov. Charlie Crist and a future Florida House speaker are listed as witnesses in the criminal corruption case against former state Republican chairman Jim Greer."

Those revelations emerged late Tuesday as prosecutors released hundreds of pages of evidence and a taped telephone call related to Greer's indictment in state court earlier this month on six felony counts of theft, money laundering and orchestrating a scheme to defraud the Republican Party of Florida.

Altogether, the documents lay out an intricate web of deceit sown by Greer and his cohort, Delmar Johnson, the party's former executive director, as they created a secret agreement involving a company called Victory Strategies LLC. Prosecutors say this deal siphoned $200,000 in party donations into the shell company. They also include some intriguing political tidbits with possible repercussions on the November elections.

Crist, who hand-picked Greer for the chairmanship, will face the toughest questions as he campaigns as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate. He is listed as a low-priority witness, probably because of his close connection to Greer, and it is unclear whether he will be called to testify at trial.

Authorities interviewed witnesses who suggested Crist knew about the secret fundraising contract at the center of the investigation, something Greer's attorney has previously suggested.

Delmar cuts a deal

"The Office of Statewide Prosecution on Tuesday made public much of its case against Greer. It shows the state party struggling with dwindling donations and a chairman — Greer — who loved to spend money."

It also reveals how powerful the party chairman is. His Victory Strategies partner, Delmar Johnson III, said he knew about Greer's connection to the company but the following people insisted they did not: the party's treasurer, its top lawyer, the executive who cut the checks to Victory Strategies, and Gov. Charlie Crist. ...

Among the paperwork released Tuesday was a copy of the deal prosecutors made with Johnson, who was the state GOP's executive director until his resignation in February. Johnson owned 40 percent of Victory Strategies and pocketed $65,000, according to prosecution records.

He will not go to prison, serve probation, pay a fine or have a criminal record.

He must repay the $65,000, and he must appear anywhere, anytime the Office of Statewide Prosecution says and tell what he knows, according to the agreement.

That includes testifying before a federal grand jury, the agreement says. State party officials have confirmed that they've been interviewed by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service about party spending.

Co-conspirators?

Is this ... you know ... ethical?

John Jackson Harris, a government consultant for the GrayRobinson law firm that drew up the organizing papers for Victory Strategies, told investigators Greer implied his name should be kept from appearing on any public records related to the company.

He said the law firm used the address of its Tallahassee office and named a legal assistant there as its authorized representative so Greer's name would not appear on records filed with the state Division of Corporations.

Fl-oil-duh

"BP and the Coast Guard sent oil-scooping skimming ships in the Gulf of Mexico back to shore Tuesday because nasty weather from Alex churned up rough seas and powerful winds. The storm plowing across the far side of the gulf makes containment booms useless, even from some 500 miles away. But the rough weather also might give nature a hand in breaking down crude from the massive oil spill." "Rough seas halt skimming operations in gulf as storm slows oil spill cleanup". See also "Some 70,000 turtle eggs to be whisked far from oil", "Valdez expert: Psychological impact of Gulf oil spill won't fully emerge for years", "" and "Wind, waves from hurricane dock oil skimming boats".

What's wrong with Hillsbourough?

"Democrat John Dingfelder withdrew from the Hillsborough County Commission race Tuesday, opening up the possibility that he could be appointed to run for the same post – and avoid litigation by county Republicans." "Dingfelder drops out of race but could still be on ballot".

No-limit poker

"It's what many players have been waiting for, and it could bring the big-time pros you typically see on TV right here to your local poker room. Currently, the most a player can buy-in for a 'cash' game is $100. After Thursday, there will be no limits." "No-limit poker in Florida legal Thursday".

But it ain't a tax: "Florida's card rooms start dealing no-limit poker at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, and the state hopes to be a winner. Higher stakes generate bigger pots and more play -- all of which should add up to greater gaming revenues flowing to Tallahassee." "Big Gaming Change: Florida Has Stake in No-Limit Poker".

Senate race issues

"The race is likely to be the most-watched Senate race in the nation. Following is a look at how the four leading candidates compare on issues, contributions, net worth and more." "The Candidates for U.S. Senate in Florida - Comparison on Issues".

Entrepreneurs in action

"The allegations of wrongdoing at WellCare Health Plans Inc. continued Tuesday with the unsealing of two more whistle-blower complaints against the Tampa company." "More allegations against WellCare".

527 mess

"A Tallahassee attorney who last year asked the state for guidance on how to deal with third-party political groups or 527s as they are also known has dropped his request."

Mark Herron asked whether or not 527 groups can coordinate with candidates if the underlying law regulating these organizations is wiped out. He also asked whether ads run by 527 organizations are considered a contribution to a candidate’s campaign if the ad is drawn in such a way that it serves as a “functional equivalent of express advocacy.”

At the time Herron made his request, the state law regulating third-party organizations had been declared unconstitutional by a federal judge. During this past session legislators passed an elections bill -- HB 131 -- that includes new regulations for 527 groups. The new law -- which was written in a way to withstand a legal challenge -- would require such groups to register with the state and disclose finances if the groups run ads 30 days before the primary and 60 days before the general election.

527 organizations are already playing a heavy role in the GOP primary for governor with groups with ties to both Rick Scott and Attorney General Bill McCollum running television ads. Both campaigns have raised legal questions as to whether the other side has failed to follow election laws.

Rubio thinks Paris Hilton is a "job creator"?

"Florida Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio appeared Monday on Fox News arguing that Congress should make the Bush tax cuts permanent before the congressional recess."

In a fervent defense of supply-side economics, Rubio said that the "upper 1 percent are job-creators."

"Cap-and-trade politics"

"Calling Florida Power & Light the 'cleanest' utility 'in the nation,' a representative of the Environmental Defense Fund recently warned the City of Sarasota that ending its franchise agreement with FPL and forging its own municipal utility may not necessarily shrink the city’s carbon footprint." "Debate over cap-and-trade politics trickles down to Sarasota-FPL negotiations".

"The Legislature was foolish"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "This year's failure of the company that grades the FCAT is more proof that the Legislature was foolish to approve its teacher merit pay plan and Gov. Crist was right to veto it." "Too many tests for testers".

Yee haw!

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Monday was a very good day for the National Rifle Association and a very bad day for the sensible state and local officials in this country who want to curb the level of gun violence in their communities."

This is the first time the high court has found that the U.S. Constitution restricts state and municipal gun-control powers, and it is a hard blow to communities struggling to eradicate gun violence. Many local and state gun regulations will be fair game to legal challenges because the court majority was vague about how far the Second Amendment should be extended on gun ownership. Just as there are limits on citizens' free speech there should also be limits on gun ownership -- but what those limits can be is now pretty murky.

Back when he was the daring insurgent taking on Charlie Crist, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate was exciting, edgy, a national superstar. Now, he's the de facto Republican nominee, while Gov. Crist is all over TV talking about the oil catastrophe and other primary campaigns look much more exciting than Rubio's.

There's been little sign of the momentum that swept Rubio to the forefront, enabling him to knock Crist out of the Republican primary. He has continued to concentrate on courting the conservative media outlets, in recent days having interviews with Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Bill Bennett and the Weekly Standard.

Crist, meanwhile, has dominated much of the media coverage in Florida, first by vetoing controversial antiabortion and teacher tenure bills, and then with his high profile after the BP oil disaster.

Teabagger implosion

"Calls for candidate Peg Dunmire to quit the 8th Congressional District race have unleashed a new round of tea party infighting that threatens to dilute the movement's political power across Florida."

The Central Florida Tea Party Council, an alliance of Orlando-area tea movement leaders, last week demanded that TEA Party candidate Dunmire withdraw her bid to unseat Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson.

Tea activists Tom Tillison and Jason Hoyt cited "financial connections" between Grayson and the Florida TEA ("Taxed Enough Already") Party, which they branded "a tea party in name only."

Both Dunmire and TEA Party Chairman Frederic O'Neal denied any financial links to Grayson, who has no primary opposition.

Dunmire, a former Republican and self-described conservative, said, "I have no intention of withdrawing. I find it appalling that these supposed patriots think their intimidation tactics will make me withdraw."

O'Neal, whose party has been sued in federal court by 33 "tea" organizations and individuals over use of the name, said the attack on Dunmire is revealing.

"The way they're acting, it seems they're more afraid of Peg being elected than Grayson being elected," O'Neal said.

The Orlando dustup may be unique in the United States.

80 percent of post-conviction exonerations from Florida

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Nationwide, 245 post-conviction exonerations have been based on DNA evidence since 1989 and Florida has contributed to almost 80 percent of those cases — clearing 12 Florida Death Row inmates since 2000." "Order in the court".

Scott goes Cuban

"Visiting Cuban-American senior citizens and Radio Mambí in Miami, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott introduced himself Monday to one of the few communities across Florida that hasn't seen his $16 million media blitz." "Scott makes play for Hispanic votes".

Fl-oil-duh

"BP says the rig drilling the relief well that's the best hope of stopping the Gulf oil spill has made it within about 20 feet horizontally of the blown-out well that's gushing crude." "BP says relief well getting closer to target".

See also "Oil spill brings push for wetlands habitat", "Biologists to move sea turtle eggs east", "", "BP opens claims office in Clearwater", "Oily Panhandle fuels a boom in East coast scuba charters; BP says relief well getting closer to target, denies CEO quits", "Vice president to visit Pensacola", "Oil spill: BP's cleanup costs mount", "BP change of guard: Dudley replaces Hayward as oil spill responder", "Storm could slow oil spill cleanup from far away", "" and "Gulf's coastal wetlands surviving despite oil".

The rich are different

"Conchita, Lucia and April Marie are used to a luxurious life in an island mansion. With a $3 million trust fund from the will of an heiress, they'll never have to worry about a thing."

What sets the three apart is that they're Chihuahuas. The three little dogs are part of a bitter battle over the estate of Gail Posner, daughter of late corporate raider Victor Posner. Gail Posner's only surviving child, 46-year-old Bret Carr, is challenging her will in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, contending she was coerced into changing it by several employees while suffering from cancer and drug addiction. Carr was awarded only income from a $1 million fund in his mother's will."

"He is outraged. He feels he has been totally taken advantage of," Katzen said.

Webster hits the air

"Former state House Speaker Dan Webster [one of seven Republicans vying for the Republican nomination] will apparently be the first to hit the airwaves with a campaign ad in Florida’s 8th Congressional District. ... In the ad, Webster takes aim at Washington and invokes the names of Ronald Reagan and Jeb Bush." "Dan Webster first to hit TV in Florida’s 8th".

Gelber quits BP hos

"Democratic attorney general candidate Dan Gelber disclosed late Monday that he quit his law firm after it agreed to represent BP against oil spill disaster claims. Gelber, a Miami Beach state senator and leading voice to ban oil drilling in Florida waters, said he resigned last week from Akerman Senterfitt, the state's largest law firm, but suggested he made his decision weeks earlier." "AG candidate Dan Gelber quit law firm after it agreed to represent BP".

Clean Energy Congress at the Capitol

"With a massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico fouling Northwest Florida beaches, environmental activists, business leaders and academics convened a Clean Energy Congress at the Capitol on Monday and issued a challenge to Florida lawmakers." "Group demands special session on drilling, renewable energy".

McCollum, Cannon and Haridopolos up in a tree ...

"Attorney General Bill McCollum has conceded in paperwork that he is raising money for and helping direct the activities of at least two stealthy political groups that are spending millions of dollars to attack his gubernatorial primary foe, Rick Scott."

And the special interest picking up much of the tab appears to be doctors.

One of McCollum's groups bashing Scott on TV got much of its money from another group controlled by House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R- Winter Park. Cannon's group, called the Florida Liberty Fund, has given McCollum's Florida First Initiative $727,000 since June 9.

Over the same period, Cannon's fund accepted $500,000 from three companies controlled by two South Florida doctors, Gerald Glass and Paul Zimmerman. The same three companies also gave another $500,000 to another political fund that has steered money to McCollum, this one controlled by incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island.

dodged the requirement that he file what's called a "statement of solicitation," declaring he was in fact working with the stealthy political groups attacking Scott. He had ignored questions about e-mails showing his campaign team was working with the groups.

McCollum's campaign did not return requests for comment Monday, nor did Cannon or Haridopolos.

"Given the lengths McCollum has gone to in avoiding these disclosures, it is not surprising that they would try and sneak it through. … It has to be painfully embarrassing for the chief law enforcement officer of the state to be in violation of election law," Scott lawyer John French said.

GOPer veto stymies homebuyers

"Some frustrated homebuyers say they'll look to walk away if they don't complete the purchases by Wednesday, the deadline to qualify for federal tax credits. With the U.S. Senate unable reach an agreement to extend the deadline, 14,830 Florida buyers are among 180,000 nationwide at risk of not closing in time to receive the rebates, the National Association of Realtors said Monday." "Florida homebuyers consider backing out of deals without tax credit".

Funny how this article in Sun Sentinel neglects to mention which political party filibustered the bill.

New rules

"A raft of new rules enacted by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Charlie Crist will affect nearly everyone - college students, teachers and parents, motorists and even horse owners." "Hundreds of new Florida laws go into effect Thursday".

LeMieux opens his yap ...

... and does anyone give a damn, especially when it comes to military issues? "Lemieux to Obama: Give Petraeus what he wants".

Meek losing Dem support?

"Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek, who is running for U.S. Senate in Florida, may be pushing his electoral pursuit with dwindling support from operatives in his own party." "Florida Senate Dem Candidate Facing Dwindling Support From -- Democrats". See also "Crist gets another opportunity to take photo with Obama administration" and "Prominent elected Broward Democrats helping Crist raise money".

Crist sued over contributions

"Crist sued over GOP contributions".

Nasty in Broward

"In the political fight of her life as she heads toward fall elections, Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger is on the defense about her wealth. The multi-millionaire faces claims by her opponent that she built her fortune on the taxpayers' dime, thanks to her husband's business."

The 70-year-old widow's late husband, Gerry Gunzburger, installed his recycled plastics on bus benches across Broward, and it was fashioned into walkways and picnic tables in several major parks, including Anne Kolb Nature Center and West Lake Park, both in Hollywood, while she sat as a county commissioner. His plastic is also molded into car stops in county parking lots. The business, Better Than Wood, or BTW, was sold in 2000, and her husband died last year.

Geller said the company was a regular contractor for the county because of the political tie, even if the influence was subtle.

Gunzburger did not vote on the county contracts, and she is not accused of breaking state corruption laws. ...

In her TV ads she says Geller is a "sleazy lobbyist'' who is "attacking my late husband and my children, questioning my integrity with half-truths and twisted facts.''

The race between the two longtime South Florida politicians is the nastiest of the five County Commission seats up for election contests this fall. No Republican has entered the race; qualifying starts Monday.

Dem AG race heats up

"With less than two months to go until the primary, the two candidates locked in a tight battle for the Democratic attorney general nomination are finally starting to launch attacks on each other." "Democratic Candidates in Close AG Race Unleash Attacks".

McCollum scrapes the bottom

"Rumored Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich Backs Bill McCollum".

Meek jumps Greene

"The Meek campaign unveiled a new line of attack on Greene Monday during a conference call with women’s leaders from across the state, including Barbara Devane from the National Organization of Women; Alison Morano from the Pasco County Democrats; former Hernando County Commissioner Diane Rowden; Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, former alternate U.S. representative to the U.N. Security Council; and representatives from the Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women."

The women’s leaders praised Meek’s record on their issues and bashed Greene for having no record of public service. They also stressed that Meek has always been pro-choice, contrasting him with Crist. While Crist has been pro-life for most of his career, since leaving the Republican Party in April, he vetoed a measure that passed the Legislature that would have required women considering an abortion in the first trimester to have an ultrasound.

Talking about Meek, Devane said, “He has been an advocate for women his whole career.”

“Kendrick Meek understands the need for laws to back equal rights,” said Soderberg. “He is clearly pro-choice and understands the need for health-care reform.”

The women’s leaders attacked Greene for having no record on their issues and for his friendship with infamous Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss and former heavyweight champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson, who was the best man at Greene’s wedding. The women’s leaders hammered Greene over his personal life.

Speaking of Greene, Devane said, "He’s been a playboy in California, moving from one woman to another."

Sink fires up campaign

"Alex Sink, the leading Democratic candidate for governor, toured Miami neighborhood Liberty City on Saturday. 'It's time to fire up those emails and if you have Twitter, tweet,' Sink told a group of a little over 100 local politicians, party activists and residents who attended her rally in the African Heritage Cultural Center." "Sink: Federal government must ‘develop immigration reform policy’".

"Monuments to greed"

Michael Mayo: "Tamarac golf courses monuments to greed".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Local Republicans plan to challenge the candidacies of two Democrats running for seats on the Hillsborough County Commission in the November elections. Deborah Cox-Roush, chair of the Hillsborough County Republican Party's Executive Committee, said Monday lawyers representing the party will file litigation to block the names of John Dingfelder and Linda Saul-Sena from appearing on the ballot in November." "GOP to challenge Dingfelder, Saul-Sena commission runs".

Entrepreneurs in action

"The lawsuit claims WellCare may have defrauded the federal government, Florida and six other states out of $400 million to $600 million." "WellCare whistleblower suit claims financial improprieties". See also "Judge unseals whistle-blower complaint on WellCare".

When pressed for details, such as how his plan would affect schools and whether it would usurp local control of cities and towns, McCollum promised that he would spell it all out the next day.

He did not. Instead his campaign put out a vague press release that left as many questions as answers about a plan that, if enacted this year, would force local governments and schools to reduce spending by $3 billion.

Since then, McCollum has talked little about the tax rate freeze.

It seemed like a political mistake, pitching a far-reaching plan without having the consensus and details to sell it.

New rules

"A raft of new rules enacted by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Charlie Crist will affect nearly everyone – college students, teachers and parents, motorists and even horse owners." "New Florida laws that take effect July 1 will affect almost everyone".

More Mendelsohn

"More legal trouble has landed in the lap of Alan Mendelsohn, a Hollywood doctor and former big-time Republican fundraiser who pleaded not guilty in September to a 32-count public-corruption indictment and in June to five criminal tax charges. Mendelsohn was recently added as a defendant to a Broward civil lawsuit filed by former state Rep. Tim Ryan in 2008 involving the state senate race he lost to Eleanor Sobel. Political consultant Richard Heffley was also added as a defendant. Ryan's suit accuses a secretive electioneering group, People for a Better Florida Fund, of distorting his record." "Broward fundraiser's problems proliferate".

NASA

"Florida's Congressional Delegation Takes Bipartisan Stand Against Obama Cuts to NASA".

"Federal findings of fraud at Columbia/HCA"

"From improper billing of Medicare to paying doctors to get patients, South Florida cases played key roles in federal findings of fraud at Columbia/HCA, where Florida gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott served as CEO." "Florida hospitals' role in the ripoff". Related: "Rick Scott and his role in Columbia/HCA scandal".

Fl-oil-duh

"As the BP oil spill roils into its 11th week, the big question continues to be 'when' -- when will the deepwater well be plugged, when will the skimmer crews be able to stop crude and tar from fouling sensitive areas, when will victims get relief, when will the environment recover, when will the whole bloody mess be over? But set aside those overarching concerns for a moment, and many other questions remain unanswered ..." "Questions spill out".

"Florida to try new methods to protect shores from oil". See also "Florida braces for oil shift from tropical storm", "Slick business: Oily Panhandle fuels a boom in east coast scuba charters", "Politics of oil: Are state officials seeking office using spill to gain votes?" and "BP still using high levels of dispersants despite EPA edict".

More important things

"Still in Pensacola focusing on the oil washing up on the shores of Florida's Panhandle, Gov. Charlie Crist wasn't able to make it to his own fundraiser in south Fort Myers on Sunday night." "Crist can't make fundraiser".

"The special interest service commission"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "It's the Public Service Commission, not the special interest service commission."

But too often in recent years, the PSC has appeared to serve the wrong master — electric, communications, natural gas and water utilities, not ordinary Florida citizens.

Last year, allegations came to light that PSC aides were improperly swapping text-messaging codes with Florida Power & Light Co. officials, allowing secret communication and greasing the path for unwarranted rate hikes.

A PSC lobbyist also partied at the house of a FPL vice president, amid other instances of coziness between the commission and the powerful monopolies it's charged with regulating.

The ethical offenses have shredded the public's trust that the PSC will act impartially in critical decisions affecting consumers' wallets. So far, legislative efforts to impose tough ethical reforms on the agency have failed.

Class size deadline

"When school starts in August, all 'core' classes — math, reading, science and social studies — in all of Florida's public schools must be within the limits demanded by a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2002. That means no more than 18 students in the earliest grades, no more than 22 in the middle grades and no more than 25 in high school." "Meeting Florida's class-size law will be painful for local schools". Related: "Governor Candidates United on Class-Size Change".

Perhaps we should gut their pensions?

Bill Cotterell: "This is the time of year when a lot of state employees show how important their work is, and nobody notices. We're four weeks into hurricane season. ... the real preparation, rescue and recovery is accomplished by thousands of unheralded state employees." "State employees: unnoticed heroes of emergency operations".

Where's LeMieux?

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Extend unemployment benefits".

It's the paradox of Scott's upstart campaign: The novice candidate has touted his stature and experience as the get-things-done CEO of what was once the nation's largest for-profit healthcare company, while also trying to distance himself from Columbia/HCA's notorious legacy of fraud.

He has denied knowing frauds were taking place while he was there, and he was never charged with any crimes.

However, federal investigators found that Scott took part in business practices at Columbia/HCA that were later found to be illegal -- specifically, that Scott and other executives offered financial incentives to doctors in exchange for patient referrals, in violation of federal law, according to lawsuits the Justice Department filed against the company in 2001.

The doctor payments were among 10 different kinds of fraud identified by the Justice Department in its 10-year probe of the company, records show. Three years after Scott left Columbia/HCA, the company admitted wrongdoing, pleading guilty to 14 felonies -- most committed during Scott's tenure -- in addition to paying two sets of fines totaling $1.7 billion.

Scott declined interview requests from The Miami Herald, and though his campaign issued a statement, it did not respond to specific questions about his tenure at Columbia/HCA.

"Both candidates face long odds"

Randy Schultz: "One important question didn't come up during Tuesday's Democratic Senate debate: What are your chances of winning?"

Jeff Greene and Kendrick Meek should be glad that they didn't have to face the question. Each would have had to answer, "Slim." For all the liveliness of the 90-minute debate at The Post, both candidates face long odds.

Papers please "law may not gain much traction"

Kingsley Guy: "Is an Arizona-style immigration law in Florida's future? Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott wants one, and now Attorney General Bill McCollum, Scott's GOP rival in the primary, says he supports the Arizona law as amended. So does GOP Senate candidate Marco Rubio."

Yet, the push for such a law may not gain much traction in the Sunshine State. That's because the Arizona law isn't only about illegal immigration. It's also about violent crime related to the importation of illegal drugs across the Mexican border. Roll the clock back 30 years, and Floridians might be as vocal as Arizonans.

Dead birds

"In adddition to the more than 70 calls that have been made to the St. Johns River fish-kill hotline with reports of dead fish, area organizations have started getting calls to report another ailing species: birds." "Could pollution in the St. Johns River be leading to bird deaths?".

Grayson and the teabaggers

An extensive piece in TPM the other day: "The pieces of the Florida Tea Party puzzle are all a bit strange, and none fit together quite right."

Republicans and activists say voters are being duped by former Democrats, an anti-tax radio host and college students who took an odd alliance and made it into an official third party -- the Florida Tea Party -- to put "TEA" on the ballot for the first time this fall. State Democrats were amused by the whole thing until several links between the Florida Tea Party group and Rep. Alan Grayson surfaced, complicating everything.

TPM has tracked down all the players, from a 23-year-old who caught tea fever to a talk radio station owner who canned two Tea Party members, and one thing is clear. When it comes to tea in Florida, everyone seems to be pointing a finger at everyone else.

Florida Medical Association disses Scott

"It is hard not to read this as a high-profile rebuff to sudden GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Rick Scott. Despite (or perhaps because of?) his past as a top-level exec in the health care industry, the Florida Medical Association PAC decided to endorse his opponent, Bill McCollum." "McCollum endorsement a medical diss to Scott?"

New rules

Thomas Tryon: "Internet has changed the rules of the political game".

Barton's "obscene insensitivity to suffering"

Here's a taste of Carl Hiassen's most recent column, "Oil spill: The nightmare becomes reality": "Far from Pensacola Beach, where tears were shed last week, a certifiable idiot named Joe Barton was apologizing to BP because President Obama had pressured the company into creating a $20 billion compensation fund for victims of the Deepwater Horizon accident."

Barton is a Republican congressman whose district in Texas includes Arlington and parts of Fort Worth, a long way from the Gulf of Mexico. Although he later was forced to apologize for his apology to BP, Barton was cheered by some Tea Party bloggers and others who accuse Obama of shaking down the oil giant.

Talk about misplaced sympathy.

Being clueless is one thing. To showcase such an obscene insensitivity to suffering is something else.

With the encroaching oil slick comes a mugging for all whose livelihood depends on the robust health of the Gulf. Hotels stand nearly empty, shop and restaurant workers are being laid off, and fishing boats sit idle at the docks.

Fl-oil-duh

"Every time a relief well misses the target, its crew must back up the drill bit and try again. It's extraordinarily difficult." "Relief well far from certain to work right away". See also "Protesters join hands on Florida beaches to protest offshore drilling", "Hundreds in Palm Beach County join hands across beaches to protest offshore drilling" and "Judge who killed drilling ban a hero in Louisiana" ("In a state where the oil industry employs 32,000, some fear a moratorium on deepwater drilling will make a bad situation unbearable.")

Entrepreneurs in action

"Charges of fraud dog oil spill boom supplier".

That Libertarian Party stuff

Howard Troxler: "A paradox faces any third-party candidate for office: People don't take you seriously because not enough people take you seriously. So I feel some empathy for Alex Snitker, a Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Senate in Florida this year. ... Snitker's major policy points:"

• Replacing the federal income tax with a sales tax (that is, a tax on consumption), with no loopholes or favors. People under the poverty line would not pay the tax; everybody else would.

• A balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, although allowing a deficit by a 60 percent vote of Congress in times of war or emergency.

• An "enumerated powers" law that would basically put an expiration date on the federal government, requiring a review of whether each function is truly within the powers of Congress as listed in the Constitution. For starters, he would abolish the departments of Education, Energy and maybe Commerce.

• Term limits of 12 years total for service in the House and Senate. You could serve three two-year House terms and still run for a six-year Senate term, but that would be it — you couldn't serve longer in the House and then run for a six-year Senate term.

• An audit or even abolition of the Federal Reserve.

• Withdrawal of most overseas U.S. forces, except for bases essential to protecting shipping lanes. "I would finish up in Iraq and not leave any bases there," he said. "I would find Osama bin Laden and then come home." His rule for military intervention: when Congress declares war.

• Addressing the problem of illegal immigrants by cracking down on employers who hire them. That crackdown, along with his tax on spending instead of an income tax that can be dodged, will have a major effect, Snitker argues.

"We are hypocrites when we chastise others"

Bill Maxwell: "We Americans proudly spend a lot of time chastising other parts of the world for what we see as human rights abuses and crimes. But given our abuse of farmworker children, especially migrant children, we are hypocrites when we chastise others."

In its recent report, "Fields of Peril: Child Labor in U.S. Agriculture," Human Rights Watch shows that the United States is not protecting hundreds of thousands of children who work in agriculture.

"No gambling"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida's public employee pension fund, facing an unfunded liability after losses in the market downturn, now wants to gamble more in hedge funds and other unregulated investments. " "No gambling with pension fund".

"Weatherford has led a charmed political life"

"By all accounts, Will Weatherford has led a charmed political life. He was plucked out of general obscurity in 2006 just weeks before the election to replace longtime Republican Ken Littlefield on the ballot. His opponent in that race, a 26-year-old Democrat with no funding and a history of mental health issues, suffered a nervous breakdown during the campaign."

District 61, which encompasses much of central and east Pasco and parts of New Tampa, is solidly Republican. The district has not elected a Democrat for more than 40 years. For Weatherford, a former high school football star with monumental political connections, the first election was a cakewalk. His name wasn't even on the ballot, but Weatherford still took 60 percent of the vote. He ran unopposed in 2008.

Now at age 30, he's in line to become the youngest speaker of the House since 1957. Younger even than Marco Rubio, who was 34 when he was elected speaker. But first he must do something he's never had to do before, win a primary.

Tea party activist Kevin Wright is hoping to capitalize on anti-incumbent fever that has influenced some recent elections. He said the Florida GOP has been corrupted by "big money."

GOPer money machines

"In a campaign season of anti-establishment ferment, some of the Republican Party's best-known insiders are building an ambitious fundraising machine for the fall elections and beyond."

They started with a bang in April, cashing a $1 million check from a Texas oil magnate. After a quiet May, friends and foes are watching to see if the new organization's core group, American Crossroads, can reach its goal of raising $52 million by November.

Karl Rove, who was President George W. Bush's top political strategist, and Ed Gillespie, a former Republican Party chairman and White House aide, modeled their network on successful operations created by Democrats several years ago. ...

But eyebrows rose in political circles when the group filed its next monthly report with the Internal Revenue Service, showing only $200 raised in May.

Steven Law, a former U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawyer and now president of American Crossroads, said the group has about $30 million in pledges that Rove, Gillespie and others secured during recent trips to various cities.

"A feisty contest"

"This year's state legislative races in South Florida includes a feisty contest that could divide Broward's gay and black communities, former state legislators attempting a comeback, and a handful of tea party activists hoping to make their way to Tallahassee." "'Apprentice,' tea party members in races for Tallahassee".

"Millionaire, self-funding political candidates"

William March: "This election year is seeing a dramatic rise in millionaire, self-funding political candidates, and Florida is a center of the action."

Rick Scott, a former health care executive with a nine-digit fortune, looks like the front-runner in the Republican primary for governor. Jeff Greene, a real estate investor reportedly worth $1 billion to $2 billion, is near the front of the pack in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.

Both are newcomers to Florida politics, but they are suddenly threatening establishment political candidates, largely because they're spending millions of their money on their campaigns.

That follows the dramatic success of two wealthy, self-funded Republican primary candidates in California.

Pride parade

"St. Pete Pride parade draws thousands".

No nonunion employers, please

"A nonunion Fort Lauderdale stevedore's battle for permission to work at the Port of Miami offers a rare look at doing business on the waterfront." "Shut out of port, firm cries foul".