House leaders are generally cool to adding a proposed constitutional amendment banning on drilling to the ballot. They point out that Florida law already bans drilling in state waters. They call the governor's move a political stunt. ...

But lawmakers also know that banning drilling is a political slam-dunk in an election year with images of oiled pelicans, tar balls and empty beachfront hotels on voters' minds.

State law already bans drilling in state waters, which stretch from 3 to 10 miles offshore. It is a policy that was long embraced by leaders of both political parties as necessary to protecting Florida's tourist economy. But during the past two annual legislative sessions — before the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion began spewing oil into the Gulf of Mexico — a push by a shadowy group of drilling interests prompted two Republican leaders to aggressively push to overturn the law. Incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, and incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, have since pledged to drop the issue for at least a year until more is known about what went wrong at Deepwater.

But that is no guarantee that the industry's assault won't resume in 2012 — particularly because its ultimate goal extends beyond tapping what limited reserves may lie under state water. The industry's greater interest lies in sending a signal to Washington that Florida is no longer a no-drill state.

"I'm going to be governor for about six more months and I think I would not be doing my duty as governor if I didn't call for this special session," Crist said.

Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla disagreed, saying "the only future Charlie Crist is concerned about is his own political one."

Yet again, Crist’s biggest friends seemed to be Democrats.

"I commend the governor for agreeing to call for a special session to ban near-beach oil drilling, despite the resistance from special interests and some members of the Legislature," presumptive Democratic gubernatorial nominee Alex Sink said, leaving little doubt there would be unhappy elephants in the room when the session is convened.

Crist risks "runaway Legislature"

Gary Fineout: Crist is "running the risk that lawmakers could return and use the four-day session to strike back at the independent candidate for U.S. Senate."

Within hours after his announcement, there were groups already starting to urge legislators to use the special session to override some of Crist’s most recent vetoes, including his veto of a property insurance bill.

Crist could also find his budget vetoes targeted. House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, initially threatened to sue over the budget vetoes, saying Crist exceeded his legal authority to wipe out mandates that were included in the state’s $70 billion budget. But a special session could give legislators a way to undo the veto without going to court. It takes a two-thirds vote in each chamber to override a veto.

An override, however, would require a handful of Democrats to vote with Republicans. Many Democrats are siding with Crist with the push for a constitutional ban and may be unwilling to go along with an override without getting something in return.

Scott, Arizona dreamin'

Beth Reinhard wonders whether"Rick Scott running for governor of Florida -- or Arizona?"

Scott, a multimillionaire healthcare executive who has never run for office before, landed on the radar screen in Florida with a blitz of television ads touting Arizona's popular but controversial crackdown on illegal immigration. ...

Then Scott used President Obama's recent speech on immigration reform to call for Florida businesses to use E-Verify, the computerized database that verifies -- with debatable accuracy -- if a job applicant is a legal resident. Scott's campaign noted that the system is currently in use in South Carolina, Mississippi, Utah and, of course, Arizona.

And this week, Scott blew up Florida politics by suing the state over its public campaign financing system, following a similar case in -- you guessed it -- Arizona. Florida's so-called "millionaire's amendment'' would allow rival Bill McCollum to subsidize his campaign with tax dollars if Scott spends more than $24.9 million of his own money.

In the Arizona case of McCormish v. Bennett, a trial court ruled that matching funds are a violation of the First Amendment. An appeals court reversed the decision, and the U.S. Supreme Court, without ruling in the case, blocked further distribution of state money to candidates.

Meek, Greene Medicare kerfuffle

"U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is trying to kill a fledgling program that the federal government claims will deflate Medicare costs by requiring competitive bids from companies that provide medical equipment like oxygen tanks and wheelchairs."

The Miami congressman's legislation -- which is backed by the medical supply industry and opposed by AARP -- has formed a new line of attack for rival Jeff Greene in the Democratic Senate primary. Greene pointed to tens of thousands of dollars that Meek has received from medical suppliers before and after he introduced the bill.

"This is yet another example of a broken political system where corrupt politicians, like Kendrick Meek, put special interests ahead of the needs and well-being of Florida's citizens,'' Greene's campaign said in a statement.

Meek said the competitive bidding program needs to be scrapped because it would allow illegitimate and inexperienced companies to get into the game. He noted the program's 2008 false start. ... Meek's office pointed to the broad support for his legislation from 252 members of the House, including 18 of the 25 members from Florida.

Scott steps in it

"Rick Scott is reaching into his corporate past to woo a key electorate in the Republican primary for governor and bolster his claims as a 'pro-life leader.' But a father says Scott has 'grossly overstepped the bounds of decency.'"

As antiabortion issues begin to dominate Scott's contest with Attorney General Bill McCollum, Scott's lack of a voting record stands in contrast to McCollum's lengthy history from two decades in Congress and repeated bids for elective office.

But as he courts core conservative voters, Scott is thrusting a Texas family's 20-year-old turmoil into an increasingly bitter dialogue on the topic of life.

The family suggests Scott is distorting its misfortune for political gain.

Wingers turn on Kottkamp

"Kottkamp is now a Republican candidate for attorney general, and he is coveting the very voters who despise Crist the most: conservative Republicans. " "Gov. Crist's rejection of GOP has complicated life for Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp".

Fl-oil-duh

Steve Otto: "You stare out across the sugary beach to the water and wonder what's coming, if anything. Remember that apocalyptic movie "On the Beach'' with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner? The world pretty much had blown itself up and a nuclear cloud was blowing slowly south toward Australia. The Australians spent their final few months whooping it up on the beach, singing Waltzing Matilda and waiting for the end to come. It's sort of like that on Florida's gulf beaches". "Column: No oil, so life goes on in St. Pete Beach".

See also "New cap, ships could contain Gulf leak by Monday; relief well done by end of July?", "Feds say new cap could contain Gulf leak by Monday" and "Value of oil skimming Gulf flotilla is uncertain".

Scott, McCollum debates set

"Republican gubernatorial candidates Bill McCollum and Rick Scott confirmed on Friday they'll hold at least two debates before their Aug. 24 primary, setting up early August showdowns that could reshape their race for the GOP nomination. The first debate will be held in Miami on Aug. 7. The second meeting, to take place Aug. 5, will be in Tampa." "McCollum, Scott agree to August debates in GOP primary for Florida governor".

Wingnut laff riot

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: "People who last year were chanting 'Drill, baby, drill' have an interesting new defense:"

Environmentalists are responsible for the BP spill because they forced oil drilling so far offshore instead of letting oil companies drill on land and closer inshore, where the technological problems of dealing with blowouts would not be as daunting.

By that logic, people who advocate for increased U.S. dependence on foreign oil would be the most blameless because they're for drilling in Saudi Arabia and other places so far away a disaster wouldn't be our problem.

Haridopolos sits on his hands

"State Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos said he came to Thursday’s Clean Energy Summit not to talk, but to listen. True to his word, he spent much of his time as moderator scribbling notes as participants discussed the economic and environmental benefits of reducing Florida’s dependence on fossil fuels — and the challenge of making it happen. For the most part, Florida policymakers seem stuck on the latter, torn between politically powerful utilities and their frustrated customers." "Clean Energy Summit: Florida lawmakers lack political will to push renewable projects". Meanwhile, "Rep. Rehwinkle Vasilinda calls for alternative energy discussion at special session".

Bud's choice

Bud Chiles is "hoping to capitalize on his family’s name recognition. But instead of tapping into the goodwill his father built up over the years in his political party, Chiles III filed as an independent. As a result, his decision to run has put his family in an awkward position: whether to back a family member who many feel has a slim chance of winning and will likely siphon votes from Democratic candidate Alex Sink, or to endorse the party Lawton Chiles helped build, after more than a decade of Republican control of the governor’s mansion." "Bud’s run forces Chiles family, friends to pick sides".

Right wing SCOTUS may put McCollum in money bind

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Floridians who doubt the necessity of the state's public campaign finance law should consider the maneuvers of Rick Scott."

Scott, in a battle with Attorney General Bill McCollum for the Republican nomination for governor, has spent more than $20 million of his personal fortune in the race, according to reports.

McCollum, meanwhile, is at a big financial disadvantage, though he's actually raised more money from contributors.

But under Florida's constitution, McCollum - and other candidates - will be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match from state taxpayers should Scott exceed a $24.9 million limit set by the "Millionaire's Amendment."

It's called that for a reason - to prevent multimillionaires such as Scott from buying elections. The amendment gives lesser-financed candidates the chance to "compete effectively," as the amendment passed by voters in 1988 states. ...

But this week, Scott sued to have the law declared unconstitutional. He argues the law has "significantly chilled" his First Amendment rights. ...

Scott may prevail because of a recent decision by the nation's highest court. Ruling on a challenge to an Arizona law that is similar to Florida's, justices stopped Arizona officials from allocating matching public funds to candidates in its public campaign finance program. The justices agreed with a lower court's opinion that the law violates the First Amendment rights of candidates relying on private money.

RPOFers have other plans for the session

"State Rep. Kevin Ambler of Tampa is drafting an Arizona-style immigration enforcement bill that he wants the Legislature to consider during its special session later this month." The geniuses running the Legislature are in a dither, with the Teabaggers nipping at their heels:

It remained unclear Friday afternoon how House and Senate leaders would respond to Ambler's proposal. Senate President Jeff Atwater did not respond to a request for comment; Jill Chamberlin, spokeswoman for House Speaker Larry Cretul said only that he is still reviewing the governor's special session proclamation.

Exports

"The federal government is touting progress made on the president’s goal to double national exports in the next five years, and a prominent Florida business advocate says that the state could be following suit if it makes the right choices. " "Florida, Nation on Track to Double Exports in Five Years".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Hillsborough County Republicans today filed the second of two lawsuits seeking to block Democratic candidates from competing for county commission seats." "GOP files 2nd suit, this time to keep Saul-Sena off ballot". See also "Lawsuit filed against Saul-Sena".

ordered lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session to vote on a constitutional amendment that would let voters decide if they want a permanent ban on offshore oil drilling in Florida waters. Although he has not had a reply from House leaders, Crist scheduled the session for July 20-23.

The early reaction was hostile. Crist's plan, said Senate President-designate Mike Haridipolos, R-Merritt Island, is a "hurried special session that will achieve nothing for Floridians. Florida already bans offshore drilling."

Senate President Jeff Atwater, R- North Palm Beach, called the proposal a "political contrivance" that doesn't address the immediate needs of Gulf Coast residents. ...

And major GOP forces are lined up against the proposal. Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, said the ban is unnecessary and doesn't address the immediate needs in responding to the BP spill. The Florida Chamber of Commerce labeled the session a "complete waste of taxpayer dollars."

Florida residents do not want near-shore drilling, but on this issue, their representatives can't be trusted.

The pro-oil lobby is strong in Tallahassee. The existing prohibition against drilling in Florida waters could easily be changed.

That's why Gov. Charlie Crist is right to call a special session to ask the Legislature to give voters a chance in November to put a drilling ban in the state constitution.

Thank you, Mr. LeMieux

"Without bill passage, millions stand to lose jobless benefits". See also "34,000 Floridians lose jobless aid amid political impasse".

Rivera solicits at FIU

"State Rep. David Rivera -- a Miami Republican and budget chief who has steered state funding to Florida International University -- solicited all 4,000 FIU employees to donate to his congressional campaign, prompting the provost to issue a campus-wide warning Thursday about using public resources for political activities."

Rivera, "the Republican front-runner in the district currently represented by Mario Diaz-Balart is expected to face Democrat Joe Garcia in the Nov. 2 general election. "

Garcia is the former chairman of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, presenting voters with a dramatic choice between two high-flying political figures.

RPOFers take it on the chin

"A judge Thursday struck down the Florida Legislature's proposed constitutional amendment concerning political districts because, he said, it is too confusing for voters to understand."

Amendment 7 was drafted by the Republican-led Legislature in response to two other proposed amendments that a liberal-leaning citizens' group placed on the ballot. Those amendments, 5 and 6, would make it tougher for lawmakers to draw political districts that favor a political party or an incumbent.

The Legislature's proposal -- which lawmakers said would "clarify'' the amendments of the Fair Districts Florida group -- created far more confusion, Tallahassee Circuit Judge James Shelfer said in a ruling from the bench.

"Meltdown In Florida"

"Greer's scandalous past tenure as state GOP chair -- leading up to his recent arrest -- is having a big effect on the state's highest-profile primary, the gubernatorial fight between former Columbia Health CEO Rick Scott and state Attorney General Bill McCollum. And its pitting party leaders against each other in some uncomfortable infighting."

It's not clear what long-term effect the Greer case will have on the politics of the race. Scott is not beating McCollum because of the Greer scandal -- he's beating him thanks to millions of dollars in primary advertising he dumped on the state while McCollum was napping. But Greer is starting to seepin to the contest as his court battle heats up -- and so far, that appears to be the catalyst for a full-on war of words among Republicans over who is lying more -- Scott, Greer or Greer's former friends.

Jeff and Lindsay

"Whereas most politicians have to live down photographs with far less photogenic felons -- Jack Abramoff and George W. Bush come to mind -- Florida Senate candidate Jeff Greene will only have to live down several recently-surfaced pictures of him hanging out over New Years with Lindsay Lohan. ... Greene was among the members of Lohan's entourage during her pilgrimage to St. Barth's last New Year's Eve." "Jeff Greene Spotted With Lindsay Lohan In St. Barth".

Your papers please ...

The Orlando Sentinel editors write that "the ruckus over the government's challenge of the law, which compels police to question the immigration status of people held in custody, isn't deterring Sunshine State Republicans, who've taken a shine to the notion and its political benefits." "Don't copycat Arizona". Related: "Sen. Bennett to file immigration bill modeled after Arizona's".

Fl-oil-duh

"A federal appeals court has rejected the U.S. government's effort to keep a six-month deepwater drilling moratorium in place. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled soon after a Thursday afternoon hearing in a lawsuit filed by companies that oppose the drilling ban. The moratorium was previously struck down by a lower court on June 22." "Court rejects moratorium on oil drilling; Crist calls special session on drilling".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Oil spews; useful info capped: Government and BP stingy with data on harm, claims.".

See also "Transferring oil from broken well an option for BP", "Under the sand, BP oil hidden from easy cleanup", "Seas calming, skimming to resume at Miss, Ala, Fla", "Property Owners in Oil Spill's Path Sue Northwest Florida Appraisers", "Costner's oil skimmer to work in fouled Gulf", "'Disgusting mess,' Naples fire officials call tar balls during Panhandle tour", "U.S. Court To Rule On Offshore Drilling Ban By Early Next Week" and "Forecast for Gulf impacting spill containment plan".

Latest poll

"Florida’s Senate race remains all about Republican-turned-independent Charlie Crist and likely GOP nominee Marco Rubio."

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Florida finds the two candidates neck-and-neck again this month, with Rubio earning 36% support and Crist, the state’s current Republican governor, capturing 34% of the vote. Prospective Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek remains a distant third, picking up 15%. Fourteen percent (14%) of the state’s voters remain undecided.

Daily Rothstein

"On the day Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein fled to Morocco last October, his law partner Stuart Rosenfeldt was paid $500,000." "Rothstein law partner was paid $500,000 the day Ponzi schemer fled".

Miss you ...

Bill Cotterell: "we're going to miss Nancy Argenziano. For almost 15 years, she's gone about her various jobs in Tallahassee with a forthright accessibility and openness that sometimes brought more attention than she wanted. She's not afraid of controversy, and sometimes she causes it, but the Argenziano attitude has a redeeming quality."

The PSC nominating commission purged Argenziano and Commissioner Nathan Skop last month, refusing to put them on a list of 18 candidates for interviewing. During the recent legislative session, the Senate denied confirmation of two other Gov. Charlie Crist appointees, Benjamin "Steve" Stevens of Pensacola and David Klement of Bradenton.

In other words, four commissioners who voted against record rate increases sought by Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy have been rejected. Two were turned out by legislators and two got the ax from a nominating panel dominated by legislators — who take campaign money from, among others, big utility companies regulated by the commission.

This sends a message with less subtlety and finesse than that bale of cow manure Argenziano, as a state house member, once sent to a lobbyist. Actually, it was more like the horse head that Hollywood mogul woke up with in "The Godfather."

The message: When FP&L or other big utilities want a rate increase, it's an offer you can't refuse — not if you like your $130,000-a-year seat on the PSC.

First, after a long and losing day of debate in the House, she impulsively stopped at a farm supply store and sent a bundle of cow manure to a lobbyist whose attitude she disliked. Later, when the lawmakers wanted to forgo their pay raise in a symbolic gesture, Argenziano futilely argued against it — bluntly telling her colleagues they had spouses and outside jobs to support them, but "I don't want to be a bag lady."She moved to the Senate in 2002, again beating an incumbent Democrat. There, she earned a reputation as a dogged, nonpartisan critic of ex-Gov. Jeb Bush's privatization efforts — especially the People First personnel deal with Convergys, when she chaired the Senate Governmental Oversight Committee.

"The paradigm has officially shifted"

"The paradigm has officially shifted. Meet Florida State Rep. Mike Weinstein (R)."

The ad in question features a lethal combination of elements: terrible dancing, dubious production value, endearingly earnest participants and a relentless and catchy hook. "Mike, Mike, Mike... Weinstein." One listen and you'll never forget the name again.

"Scott's ignorance"

Daniel Ruth on Rick Scott: "What the rookie pol has learned — or perhaps not — is that running for office is more than simply dropping gobs of money on television commercials, running around blah-blah-blahing about illegal immigrants in Arizona and telling people they need to get to work (if only they could actually find employment), when the candidate doesn't seem so inclined himself."

Indeed, Scott has even quipped that he hoped by the end of his campaign he might someday know the names of Florida's 67 counties. Why, the man is a pillar of ambition. Imagine how comforting that is to someone living in, say, Escambia County, to have a candidate for the highest office in the state who in all likelihood has no clue where you live asking you to vote for him.

At least he probably knows three counties — Collier, Sarasota and Palm Beach.

Rick Scott doesn't need to get to work. He needs to get a tutor. It is not an unreasonable expectation that anyone who wants to be governor ought to know something about the job or the state they claim they want to lead.

If Scott can even find it, sitting up in Tallahassee (which is in Leon County by the way) involves more than mouthing tea party bromides about Mexican tomato pickers. It involves actually caring about the people of the state, who are more than simply nearly 19 million potential Medicare billing statements.

Let's get back to … school?

On the road

"GOP candidate for governor, Rick Scott, stumps in Palm Beach".

Good luck

"Energy Forum Seeks Green Power Boost from Legislature". Related: "Renewable Energy Finds Political Will at 2010 Florida Energy Summit".

DROP

"Thousands of public employees across Florida have flocked to a lucrative retirement program in advance of a new law making it harder for employees to draw pensions while still working."

The Florida Legislature passed a law intended to curb the practice of "double-dipping,'' where employees collect retirement checks while working full-time after a 30-day hiatus. The new provision, effective July 1, requires people to leave their jobs for six months before returning.

But the recent surge in popularity of the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) by teachers, police officers, health clinic workers and others could be prompted by another piece of legislation that didn't make it into law thanks to Gov. Charlie Crist's veto pen.

As the spring legislative session ended, lawmakers voted to cut the interest rate applied to retirement benefits in the program to 3 percent from 6.5 percent. The bill also would have taken effect July 1, but Crist vetoed it. The interest rate cut could have saved the state $85 million this year, but many workers would have lost a chunk of the benefits they were promised.

"Scott wants to buy the Governor’s Mansion"

"Rick Scott, millionaire Republican candidate for governor, is asking a federal court to strike down part of Florida's campaign finance law that could allow his primary opponent, Bill McCollum, to keep up with Scott's heavy campaign spending." "Rick Scott sues state over campaign finance law". See also "Scott sues over public campaign money, puts McCollum on the defensive".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Rick Scott wants to buy the Governor’s Mansion rather than campaign for it. He has asked a federal court to overturn the state’s public campaign financing law so he can spend whatever he wants from his personal fortune on television ads and keep Bill McCollum from receiving public matching money. It is a cynical attempt to drown out his opponent that the courts should reject." "Scott's bid to drown out speech".

plans to put Florida Republican Party on trial, announcing this week that he basically will burn the party to the ground if that's what it takes save his client.

If Greer is a scoundrel, says Mason, then he was a scoundrel among scoundrels. He did nothing that party leaders didn't know was being done.

To prove it, he plans to drag them in for depositions. The list includes Attorney General Bill McCollum, future House Speaker Dean Cannon and party Chairman John Thrasher. Gov. Charlie Crist, who appointed Greer but has since abandoned the party, also may be called. All are running for offices.

Mason says the questioning begins in about two weeks. Their testimony could be released before the August primaries.

"Some inconvenient truths are likely to come out in depositions,'' Mason says. "I know any elected public official who throws rocks better make sure he is not living in the proverbial glass house.''

That could be a bluff. But his strategy reinforces the story line of Florida Democrats this campaign season. One-party rule has turned the Republicans into an arrogant, corrupt bunch. Greer was not some party outlier but was the epicenter of their polluted universe.

Federal investigators are doing an investigation into this, according to the St. Petersburg Times and Miami Herald. That includes the IRS, which reportedly is looking into whether former House Speaker Marco Rubio used his Amex for personal expenses, making it unreported income.

If Rubio is charged, that would end a fairy tale Senate campaign that has captured the imagination of conservatives nationwide. It also would end any hope the Republicans have of winning Florida's U.S. Senate seat.

There also was a signed severance agreement between Greer and party leaders that stated all expenses, including fundraising, incurred by Greer were "proper and authorized and otherwise ratified'' by the party.

Scott claims public funding violates his free speech

"Rick Scott, the deep-pocketed Republican front-runner for governor, is suing the state in an effort to prevent his personal wealth from helping his primary rival, Attorney General Bill McCollum."

Scott filed suit in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee Wednesday challenging part of Florida's public campaign financing system known as the "millionaire's amendment.''

The provision lets traditional candidates such as McCollum get tax dollars to subsidize their campaigns when they are being vastly outspent by independently wealthy candidates like Scott.

Scott must agree to limit his campaign expenditures to $24.9-million in the primary or else the state will give McCollum $1 for every dollar Scott spends over the cap. As Scott inches ever closer to that total, his lawsuit argues that the cap is a violation of his First Amendment rights because it restricts his free speech by benefiting his opponents' speech.

Troxler

Howard Troxler has a little fun with "Fictitious E-mails Concerning the State Pension Fund". "Dear Ash: Can I have some of the pension fund, too?".

Fl-oil-duh

"Scroll through Craigslist in cities along the Florida Panhandle and in Alabama, and dozens of ads appear with offers for expensive training guaranteed to net jobs cleaning up oil. Not all the jobs are real. Not all the training is legitimate." "Out of the gushing oil, the scammers swirl".

"Crist heads to Lake Talquin State Forest this morning to oversee the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s release of a flock of the latest victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill catastrophe." "Wildlife officials to release waterfowl in Lake Talquin State Forest".

See also "Appeals court to hear drilling moratorium case", "Beach cleaners only skimming oil off surface sand", "Holes in the safe-drilling theory" and "Nelson: BP money on the way".

Medicaid fraud

"Florida is close to a data-mining agreement with the federal government that will make it easier to combat Medicaid fraud, Attorney General Bill McCollum said Tuesday." "Agreement will help state fight Medicaid fraud".

Construction work

"Idea for new Miami Convention Center gains support".

Recycling

"New legislation aims to light a fire under Florida's lukewarm recycling efforts. Blending a market-based approach with more rigorous reporting requirements, House Bill 7243 aims to move the state closer to its 75 percent recycling goal by 2020." "Florida Tries to Grow Recycling Market".

"Algal blooms in the St. John’s River"

"Algal blooms in the St. John’s River are killing dozens of fish and possibly other animals, and some activists are pinning the blame on nutrient runoff from large companies like Georgia-Pacific and JEA. But the Environmental Protection Agency has made little headway in the effort to regulate the level of nutrients in Florida waters, and some Florida politicians have even sought to block any new controls from coming online." "Nutrient standards for Florida waters remain in limbo".

Charlie's "no Bobby Jindal"

"When Charlie Crist appeared on a Pensacola beach with President Barack Obama last month, there was no hug."

Yet the widely publicized photo op didn't mean Floridians were embracing their "independent" governor, either.

Conventional wisdom in the media suggests that Crist has raised his profile, and his popularity, amid the oily mess spewing in the Gulf. Recent polls showing him retaking the lead in the U.S. Senate race point to the governor's role in protecting Florida's shores. A cartoon in the Miami Herald even showed him walking on water while a marooned Marco Rubio looks on.

Kagan support could cost Crist

"Crist, who has long courted a reputation as a gun rights supporter, has ended up on the opposite side from the nation's top gun rights group on the Supreme Court nomination of Elena Kagan."

So far, Crist hasn't said whether he'll change his stance in favor of the nomination now that the National Rifle Association has come out opposed to it.

Crist took his stance in May, well before the NRA's announcement last week of its opposition to Kagan.

In an interview Wednesday, former Florida NRA President Marion Hammer, one of Florida's top gun rights advocates and a longtime supporter of Crist, criticized his position and hinted it could cost him support in his U.S. Senate campaign.

Republican candidate Marco Rubio opposes the nomination. The two leading Democrats in the race, Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene, favor it.

Wasserman-Rubin in a jam

"The day after former Broward County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin turned herself in to authorities to face public-corruption charges, the Broward State Attorney's Office released documents showing how she repeatedly voted for county-funded grants authored by her husband." "State: County votes aided husband".

Tracking mail ballots

"Starting this month, election offices across the state are offering free, online services that track individual absentee ballots and provide specific voters' registration status, including their local polling place." "Where's my absentee ballot? Floridians can find out online".

Budget blues

"Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, confronting the toughest financial challenge of his administration, proposed a 2010-11 budget Wednesday." "Miami-Dade budget proposal cuts 1,200 positions, holds property tax revenues flat".

Retirement flood

"State public employees flooding retirement program".

So much for independent editorial boards

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Pension plan will need creative adjustment". Ironic that: wasn't it just yesterday that the Tribune company slammed FRS in the Company's other Florida newspaper? See "Doubling down on pensions".

Meek might not be such a long shot

"Speaking to 175 supporters Wednesday night at Temple Emeth west of Delray Beach, Kendrick Meek had a message for Florida Democrats: If he's the party's Senate nominee, defeating Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio might not be such a long shot." "Meek tells west Delray crowd he can defeat Crist, Rubio".

No furloughs

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The Pinellas County School Board has better options to balance the budget than job furloughs, a shortsighted, one-time quick fix that does not address the district’s long-term problems. Furloughs are the easy way out, and the pain they would create for thousands of teachers and other workers would not result in better policy or firmer financial footing." "School furloughs not the answer".

Under the proposed law, criminal suspects and traffic law violators would need to show proof of legal residency if questioned. Insufficient documentation could result in a trip to a local federal detention center.

They raise the specter of tourism boycotts and say the state's many Latin American business partners could interpret the law as an unfriendly, or, worse, racist gesture. They also argue that overwhelmed police might have less time to pursue violent suspects and that undocumented workers could move further into secret underworlds of illegal employment.

Encouraged by the leading Republican candidates for governor, some Republican state lawmakers already are planning to draft legislation that mirrors portions of Arizona's law. The Arizona law, which takes effect later this month, has a number of offensive provisions. It requires police to verify the immigration status of anyone they stop for any other reason, and it leaves them vulnerable to lawsuits if they do not. Imagine setting such an ultimatum in Florida's melting pot and essentially requiring all minorities to carry proof of their legal status with them at all times. ...

Yet Florida's leading Republican candidates for governor, Attorney General Bill McCollum and health care executive Rick Scott, are tripping over themselves to support Arizona's law (Scott is wrongly claiming in a television ad that McCollum opposes the law).

Sea cows

"Speed zones to change in Broward waterways to help manatees".

Another fine Jebacy

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "The department's findings don't say much for the years-long efforts to 'reform' public school education with a seamless 'K-20' approach. The damning I-don't-have-a-clue-after-high-school statistic is actually worse than Florida's previous 30 percent figure, although state education officials pass that change off on the way the survey was conducted." "Education in Florida too often ends with high school".

Prosecution gives "the four horsemen." a pass

"Ousted Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer calls them 'the four horsemen.' But Bill McCollum, Mike Haridopolos, Dean Cannon and John Thrasher do not appear on the prosecution's witness list. While Gov. Charlie Crist is named 62 times in the investigative report on Greer and could be called as a witness by both the prosecution and the defense, the four top Republicans are nowhere to be found." "Apocalypse Now: 'Four Horsemen' Getting a Free Ride?".

What did McCollum know, and when?

"Greer, arrested in early June, faces theft and fraud charges and up to 75 years in jail. He is accused of bilking the party by skimming donations into Victory Strategies, a shell company he created with another party official who is now cooperating with the prosecution."

Asked what he knew about Victory Strategies and when, McCollum said he knew nothing about it prior to an internal party audit, which in mid-March revealed Greer's stake in Victory Strategies.

McCollum's recollection differed from that of former party vice-chairman Allen Cox, who told FDLE investigators that he showed McCollum a copy of the party's contract with Victory Strategies, on Jan. 9.

McCollum said he could not remember exact dates, only that "that I turned over the information when it became knowledgeable to me." [sic]

Within hours, McCollum's primary opponent Rick Scott, again leapt on the story. "These latest revelations coupled with what already had been public knowledge raises serious questions about what McCollum knew, when he knew it and why did he fail to act earlier," the campaign charged.

Crist haters run wild

"Gov. Charlie Crist angered his former fellow Republicans with high-profile -- and highly politicized -- vetoes of an ultrasound abortion bill and teacher performance pay. But eight other Crist vetoes jilted businesses or agriculture, or just contradicted previously stated positions, with potentially damaging impacts to Floridians and the state's economy." "Charlie Crist's Vetoes Hurt Florida, Economy".

Lightweight laff riot

"Marco Rubio Opposes Elena Kagan's Nomination to the Supreme Court".

"On a collision course with" Billy

"Kenneth Feinberg, the man in charge of private claims made against BP, is on a collision course with Florida's attorney general, Bill McCollum." "Case for claims puts oil czar on the spot in Fla.".

An ugly visual

"Rick Scott and Political Dancing with Hispanic Seniors in Miami".

Gambling a done deal

"It's finally, and officially, a done deal: The federal government has signed off on Florida's blackjack gambling deal with the Seminole Indian tribe."

Now ratified by the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees state-tribal compacts, the $1 billion deal authorizes the tribe to offer blackjack at five casinos in Florida until 2014. The tribe also gets exclusive rights to Las Vegas-style slot machines except in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, where voters have already approved slots.

This was the third gambling deal between Gov. Charlie Crist and the tribe since 2007. The first was thrown out by the Florida Supreme Court, the second rejected by the Legislature. All the sides finally came to a revenue-sharing agreement during the legislative session that ended in May.

Fl-oil-duh

"Mother Nature will steer oil away from Florida beaches at least for a week, but money from energy giant BP will begin flowing faster to local governments in Northwest Florida, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson promised on Tuesday. " "Nelson: BP money on the way".

See also "Tar-like balls on area beaches probably not from spill" and "BP: $1.9M check on way to Escambia".

CD 24

"Undecided leads the crowded field in the Republican primary in the 24th Congressional District that includes northern Brevard County, a candidate's survey indicates."

About two-thirds of Republican voters responding to the survey said they remain undecided in the five-way GOP primary for the congressional seat now held by Democrat Suzanne Kosmas of New Smyrna Beach.

The telephone survey of 300 likely voters in the Aug. 24 Republican primary found that 65 percent of respondents are undecided; 17 percent support Craig Miller, who commissioned the survey; and 11 percent support Sandy Adams.

Three other candidates split the remaining 6 percent. Totals did not add up to 100 percent because of rounding.

Buchanan on a roll

"A series of lawsuits that were once considered a threat to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's political career are quietly fading away, strengthening Buchanan's bid to win his third term this fall."

Heading into the 2008 election, Buchanan faced 13 lawsuits, ranging from accusations of illegal fund raising to claims of malfeasance at his auto dealerships.

But none of the suits have gone to trial, and that is among the reasons Buchanan is not facing serious opposition as he campaigns for a third term.

Five cases alleging that Buchanan's dealerships deceived customers and falsified documents to sell cars have been dismissed. Three suits filed by former Sarasota Ford employees who say they were wrongfully fired for refusing to mislead customers have been sent to arbitrators.

In yet another case, which alleges Buchanan failed to uphold a contract with a former business partner, a judge issued a key ruling in favor of Buchanan two weeks ago.

Thank you, Mr. LeMieux

"Jobless benefits running out for 147,000 Floridians this week".

Jebbie's next job?

"The person who chairs a major political party should be solid on four fronts: politics, of course; fundraising; public policy; and dealing with the media. Former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida would be a safe, blue-chip choice who would hit all four marks." "Republicans' Dilemma: Michael Steele's Replacement".

We do a agree that "Jeb!" excels at "dealing with the media". Indeed, they outright worship him. For example.

"Sprinting to Primaries"

"After a long Independence Day weekend, politicians in two of the closest races in Florida are hitting the campaign trail hard as they ramp up efforts before the Aug. 24 primaries. The close contest for the Republican gubernatorial nomination between Attorney General Bill McCollum and health care executive Rick Scott took center stage Tuesday morning." "After Long Weekend, GOP Gov, Dem Senate Candidates Sprinting to Primaries".

And so it begins

"Top shuttle contractor schedules layoffs". See also "First big layoff scheduled as shuttle program winds down". Related: "Space Coast jobs: Proposals aim for part of $40M in grants to create jobs after shuttle".

Uppity employees

The The Orlando Sentinel editorial board thinks state employee pensions amount to "beyond soaking taxpayers". They write that

The system, which includes county and some city workers, along with state employees, has features that most private-sector workers would love to have. Members can retire with full benefits after 30 years, regardless of their age. Retirees get 3 percent cost-of-living increases every year, regardless of inflation.

And unlike public employees in 45 other states, Florida's don't have to contribute a dime to their pensions. In this year's legislative session, a bill died that would have required employees to put up a measly one-quarter of 1 percent of their salaries toward their pensions. So did proposals to raise retirement ages and reduce higher payouts for some employees.

Legislators took one small step, dropping the interest rate on payouts for employees in the DROP early retirement incentive program from 6.5 percent to 3 percent a year. But Mr. Crist vetoed even that change.

Meanwhile, some cities in South Florida with their own pension systems have decided to follow the lead of private employers. They're putting new employees in 401(k)-type plans rather than more-expensive guaranteed plans. Some are upping employee contributions to their pensions, or raising retirement ages.

Not good for "Bud"

When

Lawton “Bud” Chiles, III, independent candidate for governor of Florida, filed his financial disclosure form last month, he listed his annual income as $143,000, his net worth as $1.3 million and an additional $1,763,546 in assets as of Dec. 31, 2009. But in the six months since that reporting date, his fortunes threaten to decrease sharply. The latest of several foreclosures on investment properties he owned has diminished his holdings by $150,000. And a development company he lists as a $550,000 asset is in default on an $11.5 million loan for which Chiles may be personally liable.

Blast from the past

"Saving Jeb By Smearing Columba".

"Kill one office, set up two? Ridiculous!"

"Attorney General Bill McCollum thinks the best way to move forward with job creation and business growth in Florida is to replace the state office that oversees economic development." "Bill McCollum: Replace Economic Development Office to Create Jobs".

Paris Hilton endorses Billy

Self-made man Paris Hilton Steve Forbes endorses Billy: "The top priority for Florida's next governor will be fostering an economic climate that makes it easier for businesses to grow, prosper and create jobs. Florida is suffering from one of the country's highest unemployment rates, and it will take years to replace the more than 900,000 jobs the state has lost during this deep recession."

It is for this reason, among others, that I am supporting Attorney General Bill McCollum in the Republican gubernatorial primary. His economic plan will accelerate Florida's recovery and facilitate the creation of more than half a million jobs over the next six years.

I've known Bill for many years, since his days as a congressman representing Orlando. He's an experienced leader with a fine record on the issues that matter to Florida Republicans. When he says he will cut business taxes and remove regulatory roadblocks to job creation - he's going to do it.

In contrast, it's hard to know what to make of Bill's primary opponent. Rick Scott boasts about his experience building HCA/Columbia, a massive network of for-profit hospitals that at one time employed one in every 1,000 American workers. For some reason, he doesn't like to talk about how that story ends - being ousted as CEO by his board of directors, massive federal fraud charges and unprecedented company fines totaling $1.7 billion.

At an Orlando news conference, attorney Cheney Mason said Greer committed no crime when he and former party executive director Delmar Johnson formed a consulting firm, Victory Strategies, that received $200,000 from the party.

"The civil lawsuit that was filed over that agreement resulted in an indictment," Mason said. "There will be a lot of interesting turns and twists in revealing that. The bottom line is, from what we know at this point, based on the documentary evidence, this is a significantly politically motivated prosecution."

Haridopolos and Cannon helped negotiate a severance pact with Greer, and the two legislators have helped to raise money for McCollum to pay for TV ads criticizing his GOP primary opponent, Rick Scott. ...

Mason said the prosecution of Greer was politically motivated by the conservative wing of the Republican Party of Florida, which didn't like Gov. Charlie Crist and decided to attack him by going after Crist's handpicked party leader, Greer.

"FP&L and its alter-ego henchman, AIF"

Howard Troxler: "The purge is complete. Four of the five members of our state Public Service Commission who voted against raising electric rates in January have now been canned by the Legislature. Such a housecleaning is unprecedented in the three decades since the PSC switched from an elected body. It is proof of two things:"

(1) The Florida Legislature absolutely does not care or fear what anybody thinks.

(2) The electric industry, and in particular Florida Power & Light of Miami, is able to take out any commissioner that it chooses.

To quote Michael Corleone in Godfather II: "If history has taught us anything, it's that you can kill anybody."

I even admit a certain admiration for FP&L and its alter-ego henchman, Associated Industries of Florida.

I tip my hat to them. To quote another Godfather character, Virgil Sollozzo: "My compliments."

No one will ever serve on the PSC again without this ax hanging over his or her head.

Fl-oil-duh

"As engineers bore deeper into the seafloor toward the source of the oil still spewing into the Gulf of Mexico, BP PLC is growing more confident that the relief well it expects to complete in August will succeed where all previous efforts to contain or kill the gusher have failed." "Relief well is last best hope to contain gusher".

See also "Tar balls in Texas mean oil hits all 5 Gulf states" and "Could Tropical Storm Bonnie be on her way into the Gulf?".

"Florida not serious about solar energy"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "For a state with the Sunshine State nickname, Florida has a lot of nerve. The state has enough sunshine to be a national leader in developing solar as a renewable energy source. Unfortunately, there's little political will among short-sighted state leaders to make that happen." "Solar rebates reveal a dim energy future".

Recession? What recession?

"Seeking a lift from Florida's economic doldrums? Tallahassee and Gainesville may have just the ticket. While the Sunshine State suffers from double-digit unemployment and is mired in one of the worst real estate downturns in its history, Tallahassee and Gainesville aren't feeling the pain so acutely." "Tallahassee, Gainesville Resist Recession".

Grayson, Paul work together

"In what might be the one issue that could unite anti-Wall Street liberals, angry tea partiers, laissez-faire libertarians and suspicious conspiracy theorists, Congress is close to forcing open the books of the nation's central bank."

The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which passed the House on Wednesday and offers a major overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory system, contains a provision for a one-time, limited audit of the Federal Reserve, the controllers of the nation's money supply.

Such scrutiny of the central bank's books was championed by Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, current darling of small-government advocates and a critic of the Fed and its policies for 30 years.

Paul introduced his plan for a full audit in February 2009; his efforts were soon joined by Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando ... . Grayson is widely credited with helping convince skeptical members of the majority party about the need to analyze what the central bank did with hundreds of billions of dollars in bailout funds provided to big banks during the financial system's meltdown.

Citizens

"Florida's public insurance carrier says someone fraudulently changed its address through the U.S. Postal Service. Citizens Property Insurance is trying to warn roughly 1 million policyholders and new applicants that checks and correspondence from June 14 to June 28 may not have been received. Even worse, it worries the information could be used for identity theft." "Mail for Citizens insurance fraudulently diverted".

45 jobs?

"A $10 million state economic stimulus plan created by Gov. Charlie Crist has generated just 45 new jobs in its unfinished first year. Last January, as he announced the Economic Gardening Business Loan Program, the governor expressed confidence it would produce 'a large number of new sustainable jobs' while planting the seeds 'that our homegrown businesses need to flourish.'" "Charlie Crist's $10 Million Economic Stimulus Plan Generates 45 Jobs So Far".

Prescription drug deaths far outpace those caused by illegal substances

"According to a report released Thursday by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, 5 percent of all deaths in 2009 were attributable to prescription drug use, far outnumbering those caused by illegal substances." "Report: Prescription drugs kill far more in Florida than illegal drugs, Oxycodone deaths at record high".

Fewer teabaggers this year

"Organizers estimated about 1,200 to 1,300 people came to Coast Stadium in Viera [in Brevard County] to hear speakers and speak out themselves against excessive government spending, intrusiveness, public corruption and other issues they said violate the Constitution."

That's a little less than half the estimated turnout for a similar event held July 4 last year, said chief organizer Matt Nye, who attributed the turnout to competing holiday events.

The big issues Scott said he's seen are jobs and citizens' desire for immigrants to follow the rules.

Tea partiers "believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, free market and the rule of law, which are things I also believe in," he said. ...

Vendors sold patriotic T-shirts and jewelry, and conservative political groups and candidates for local and state races or their representatives spoke with passers-by and passed out fliers.

"Companies run by friends or business associates"

"The man who oversees $134 billion of public money has recommended investing some of it in companies run by friends or business associates, and he doesn't see any conflict in doing that." "Florida pension agency head blurs line between state, personal business".

"Shifting population spurs a redistricting battle"

"Traditional bastions of GOP power – including Central Florida -- are lagging at a time when partisan anger at the Obama administration is growing and conventional wisdom suggests their numbers should be surging."

This week, a Leon County Circuit Court judge will hear final arguments in a challenge to the Legislature's amendment by the Florida League of Women Voters and the NAACP. Meanwhile, Brown, Diaz-Balart and the Legislature are suing to invalidate Amendments 5 and 6. Both court fights could go to the Florida Supreme Court in August, although they might not be resolved before election ballots get printed.

An Orlando Sentinel analysis of voter-registration data shows the percentage of new voters registering with the GOP is shrinking, compared to those choosing to be Democrats, independents or a growing number of third-party alternatives.

Central Florida, for example, no longer can be banked on as a rock-ribbed Republican bastion.

Of the 17 Republican-held state House districts located primarily in Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Brevard and Osceola counties, the percentage of registered GOP voters fell an average of 4.8 percentage points – declining from 43.5 percent to 38.7 percent -- since 2002, the analysis found.

Meanwhile, Democratic numbers inched up, from 36.4 percent to 37.2 percent. And no-party-affiliation voters grew from 15.4 percent to 18.2 percent.

The six GOP-held state Senate seats in the same area have seen Republican registration fall from an average of 44.6 percent to 40.2 percent, while the Democratic percentage has held flat at nearly 37 percent and NPAs have grown on average from 15.2 percent to 17.7 percent.

"A home invasion in broad daylight"

"Committing the political equivalent of a home invasion in broad daylight, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene stumped Monday afternoon in the needy Miami neighborhood represented in Congress by rival Kendrick Meek and his mother for almost two decades." "Senate candidate Jeff Greene invades rival Kendrick Meek's home turf".

Details from The Reid Report: "(Video) Greene in the hood: Liberty City Stack-attack, and 'you people'", "Greene in the hood (sort of) take 2 … tea time" and "Greene in the hood, take 3 **UPDATED**".

That book learnin' stuff

"High school graduates in Florida are increasingly skipping college. ... Researchers found about 35 percent of Florida's 2009 graduates had no plans to attend college, two points above the 33 percent recorded in 2008 and worse than the national average of 30 percent." "Florida high school graduates foregoing college".

The polls show McCollum chasing Rick Scott, whose singular claim to fame was building Columbia/HCA into a healthcare conglomerate that perpetrated the largest Medicare fraud in the history of Medicare.

Only in the rancid political swamp of Florida would a guy like Scott have the gall to run for office, bankrolling his run for the governorship with the fortune he accumulated while his empire soaked U.S. taxpayers for hundreds of millions dollars.

His campaign mantra, slightly paraphrased: "Hey, lighten up! I never got indicted!''

Naturally, a centerpiece of Scott's campaign is railing against healthcare reform. That's because he got filthy rich off the current system -- bloated, inefficient and highly lucrative to those who know how it manipulate it.

McCollum's biggest problem is McCollum. He is epically dull, and he just can't help it. Watching him speak has pretty much the same effect as 20 milligrams of Ambien.

Crist-Dems

William March: "You may never have heard of Peggy Land, unless you're a Tampa Democratic political insider. ... she has also been a faithful Democratic political donor - some $20,000 to the party and its candidates over the last decade or so, plus more from fundraisers in their home, and none to Republicans. So who is Land backing in the U.S. Senate race? Gov. Charlie Crist, a former Republican running as a no-party candidate."

Land isn't a big political name, but Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish is. Last week it created a shock wave when Parrish, godmother of Democratic politics in the state's biggest Democratic county, hosted a fundraiser for Crist.

A dozen other prominent Broward Democrats co-hosted, including state Rep. Ari Porth of Coral Springs - the only Democratic legislator to break ranks and back Crist openly, except Rep. Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg, a former Republican and longtime Crist ally.

"All we're doing is saying out loud what everyone else is whispering about," Parrish said. Neither Meek nor billionaire Jeff Greene, challenging Meek in the primary, can beat Rubio, she said. "So if we don't unite on someone, we'll send a right-wing ultra-conservative to Washington."

The number of Democratic insiders and major donors backing Crist so far is small, but experts say it will increase if Greene wins the primary.

RPOFers "are tripping over themselves"

Anthony Man: "As tea party activists try to figure out how to maximize their muscle in the 2010 elections, the movement is moving more indoors and concentrating less on outside sign-waving protests. ... Among the signs of strength in South Florida:"

Close to 300 people showed up last week at the first public meeting of a new Boca Raton-area branch of the tea party movement. On Saturday, a Broward tea party group joined forces with a separate Fort Lauderdale contingent, which expanded its weekly protest to three hours and a roster of dozens of speakers.

A coalition of 16 tea party groups, and similar organizations such as chapters of the Glenn Beck inspired 9-12 movement, is working to block the state's plan for the South Florida Water Management District to buy land owned by U.S. Sugar and use it for Everglades restoration.

And the tea party enjoys so much influence in the Republican Party that candidates are tripping over themselves to proclaim their allegiance to the movement.

Medicaid morons

"If you thought the debate over health care ended when the federal government approved a major overhaul to the system earlier this year, think again. Health care has emerged as a major issue in Florida's gubernatorial race, with the two Republican candidates vowing to take every action possible to stop what they call Obamacare from ever seeing the light of day in the Sunshine State."

Unless the law is invalidated by the courts or repealed, it will significantly influence any decisions made on health care by Florida's next governor.

Nowhere is that more true than for Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor and disabled.

By 2014, the law requires Florida and the other states to provide Medicaid coverage for anyone earning less than 133 percent of the federal poverty line -- which is $29,000 for a family of four.

It would be a major change for Florida Medicaid, which currently offers much lower coverage for many categories and provides no coverage for childless adults, who would be covered under the new law.

The expansion of Medicaid could substantially reduce the number of Floridians who have no health insurance -- with state officials estimating 1.3 million uninsured residents fall below the poverty guidelines in the law.

The federal government will also cover the entire cost of the expansion in the first three years, although the federal share will eventually drop to 90 percent. Proponents note that it is still a match well above the traditional 55 percent federal support for Florida Medicaid.

Nonetheless, state officials estimate by 2019 Florida could face an additional cost of $1 billion a year for the expansion -- an issue that worries legislative leaders since Medicaid now accounts for more than quarter of the $70 billion state budget. ...

Supporters of the federal health care law say it would be foolish to turn down the offer of $10 in health care coverage for every $1 put up by the state under the Medicaid expansion. ...

State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, who is running for attorney general and said he would drop McCollum's lawsuit if he is elected, also questioned the opposition to the law. "I just think it's nutty what we're doing," Gelber said, saying Florida --with its economy based largely on small businesses and with nearly 4 million uninsured residents --is the state "most poised to benefit from the law."

"Disrespect among legislators for state employees"

Bill Cotterell: "The 2010 Legislature put proviso language in the state budget forbidding government agencies from paying Bar dues for employees who are required to be lawyers. You can't be a lawyer around here without admission to the Bar, so this amounts to a $265 cost-shift to state-employed lawyers."

It's easy to have no sympathy for lawyers, who can probably afford $265 more easily than most state employees. Maybe they can work in the private sector for a firm that covers their dues, while paying them much better than the state.

But is that what we want? Is that good for the taxpayers?

It's like the 2-percent pay cut last year and the interest rate reduction on DROP accounts this year, both vetoed by the best-known lawyer working for the state. It's like the 0.2-percent pension contribution sought by the Senate or abolition of retiree health-insurance subsidies tried by the House, two ideas that failed in a year with (again) no raises.

The principle of the thing is just a basic disrespect among legislators for state employees.

Fl-oil-duh

"A massive Taiwanese oil skimmer completed a second day of tests amid rough seas, while Florida officials downplayed a study that suggests the spill could hit South Florida." "Bad weather hampers Gulf clean-up efforts".

See also "As oil gushed, BP quickly hired lawyers, scientists and experts to fight lawsuits", "Official downplays forecast of oil on South Florida beaches", "Migrating birds could fall victim to Gulf oil spill", "BP costs for oil spill response pass $3 billion" and "Drilling off Cuba could be sticky".

"Decisions by nominating council smack of payback"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Florida's utility consumers suffered a serious blow last week when the panel that approves nominees for the Public Serivce Commission rejected two worthwhile candidates with a meritorious track record."

Commissioners Nathan Skop and Nancy Argenziano, whose terms have expired, were seeking reappointment to the PSC. The PSC Nominating Council, dominated by state lawmakers, didn't even bother to show a sense of fairness in rejecting them, however. Neither one made the list of 18 applicants cleared for interviews next month.

This makes no sense at all given their credentials and experience and the absence of these qualities among some applicants who cleared this first hurdle on the road to appointment. The exclusion of Commissioners Skop and Argenziano means they won't be back after their four-year terms expire at the end of this year.

Apparently, the grievous failing of both commissioners is to possess the intelligence to make fair and impartial decisions on utility-rate cases and the backbone to resist pressure to rubber-stamp requests for increases.

What he means is that he and his fellow lawmakers want a PSC that will do whatever the utilities want.

The Public Service Nominating Council made its intentions clear by failing to nominate PSC Chairwoman Nancy Argenziano and Commissioner Nathan Skop, both of whom had dared to reject the industry's demands.

It was a disgraceful display that shows the industry's remarkable control of the regulatory system

Wingnut lies

"As Florida lawmakers prepare to introduce their own version of Arizona's strict immigration law, Republican state Rep. Ritch Workman has been championing the cause by painting the state's illegal immigrant population as the scourge of fiscal conservatism, business owners and taxpayers. ... We rate Workman's claim False." "PolitiFact: Facts don't support Rep. Workman's estimate of Florida's illegal immigrant cost".

They reveal a star-spangled cesspool.

Details about why the former GOP chairman was charged with fraud, grand theft and money-laundering reveal everything from lie-filled press conferences to details about the inner workings and involvement of one of Central Florida's most powerful law firms.

GrayRobinson — the law firm that Greer asked to set up his secret corporation — willingly provided investigators with private information about the firm's dealings with him.

Whatever happened to attorney-client privilege?

Well, GrayRobinson said it takes client confidentiality very seriously, but that Greer's partner in the deal, Republican Party of Florida director Delmar Johnson, waived that privilege.

But it seemed interesting that one guy could waive privilege for another.

I spoke to several legal experts who found it interesting too. ...

I just have trouble envisioning GrayRobinson being so willing to spill the beans about work it might have done for someone like Jeb Bush or Bill Nelson … regardless of who else said it was OK.

What we see is a firm that seemed willing to help Greer set up a secretive corporation when he was a power player — and just as willing to help rat him out after his fall from grace.

Here's the thing: Greer wasn't a public official. He ran a private, political organization.

There are, however, plenty of public officials — including house speakers past and present — revealed to have run up massive bills for questionable expenses on the party credit cards as well.

And much of that was underwritten by special interests who wanted laws crafted in their favor.

One of Jebbie's many passes

"Crist was downplaying the potential political fallout from his connections to the indicted ex-party chairman Jim Greer when he made this analogy to the Greer mess: 'Jeb's feet weren't really held to the fire when that guy at Corrections got popped.' Crist was referring, of course, to Jim Crosby, the former prison boss who's still serving time for taking kickbacks from contractors. For those who have been under a rock for the past 18 months, Jeb Bush is a strong supporter of Crist's Senate rival, Rubio." "Slapping Jeb".

Choice politics

"The story of a severely premature girl has made its way into Florida's race for governor, where businessman Rick Scott and his principal rival, Attorney General Bill McCollum, have made accusations about each other on abortion positions." "Preemie birth case ignites GOP race for governor".

"Corrupting influence of big money in Florida"

"Nothing better illustrates the corrupting influence of big money in Florida politics than the charade two Republican candidates for governor are playing to collect piles of cash from special interests."

Attorney General Bill McCollum and health care executive Rick Scott are coordinating with third-party groups, avoiding the fundraising limits and disclosure rules their own campaigns must follow. The outrage is not that they are violating any laws but that their cynical manipulation of the system is legal. The average voter will need a crystal ball to ascertain before the Aug. 24 primary exactly who is trying to influence their vote — and who these men would be beholden to if they moved into the Governor's Mansion. ...

McCollum's campaign is coordinating directly with at least two third-party groups. And those groups have already received more than $1 million from other third-party groups controlled by the incoming Republican legislative leaders, Sen. Mike Haridopolos of Melbourne and Rep. Dean Cannon of Winter Park.

McCollum racks up the wingnut vote

"Attorney General Bill McCollum has won the support of a social conservative who once blasted him as pandering to the gay community."

John Stemberger, who heads the Florida Family Policy Council, endorsed McCollum's candidacy for governor this week.

"The millions of value voters in Florida who are concerned about the future of issues related to life, marriage and family should thank Bill and (his wife) Ingrid McCollum with their support for governor," said Stemberger, who ran the successful campaign to define marriage in the state Constitution as being between one man and one woman.

Stemberger's endorsement follows that of Dennis Baxley, founder and former director of the Christian Coalition of Florida, who criticized Scott for presiding over a hospital chain that performed elective abortion

Fl-oil-duh

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida needs more than a temporary congressional deal to protect its coast from another BP drilling disaster. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, has filed a bill to make permanent a moratorium approved by Congress in 2006 that bans drilling in federal waters within 235 miles of Tampa Bay and 125 miles of the Panhandle. That ban expires in 2022. The buffer is essential to protect the state's economy, and it includes airspace that is vital for military training. Congress should make it permanent." "Florida needs a permanent drilling ban".

"Workers from all over the state are going west to look for jobs related to the cleanup of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill." "In search of oil-cleanup jobs, Floridians go west".

See also "Gusher of oil brings geyser of litigation", "Heavy-hitting Tampa trial lawyer Steve Yerrid building legal team to take on BP", "EPA chief: I wouldn't swim off Panhandle", "Hopes ride on giant oil skimmer in Gulf of Mexico" and "In Pensacola Beach, business plunges amid oil crisis".

"Details, schmetails!"

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott is ... unburdened of any detailed policy proposals or deep knowledge of Florida government."

- His take on last year's sweeping overhaul of Florida's growth management laws? "I'm not familiar with that," said Scott, a former health care executive.

- How about the state's proposed $536 million deal to buy 73,000 acres from U.S. Sugar Corp. to restore the Everglades? "I don't know all the details, but here's my impression: It's great.

- Any concerns with Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program? "Right now it's fine, but we have to look at how can we continue to afford it and if we can't how can we spend those dollars better."

Enuf' with McCollum's hackery

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Critics of health care reform such as Attorney General Bill McCollum need to quit claiming that it will overburden state finances by opening Medicaid to a flood of new poor and low-income recipients."

A recent study confirms the federal government will absorb nearly all of the cost of expanded Medicaid while giving Florida the benefit of sharply reducing the number of uninsured low-income adults and bringing an influx of billions of dollars in new federal spending.

Leading a multistate effort, McCollum has filed a lawsuit to upend the new health care reform law. Part of his argument is that the law "infringes on Florida's constitutional status as a sovereign,'' by requiring the state to expand Medicaid eligibility to people and families with incomes less than 133 percent of poverty. The suit says that Medicaid could require the state to cover 1.7 million new Floridians at a cost to the state of up to $1.6 billion in 2019.

But a report by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured offers a very different perspective, one that shows what a boon health reform is to states like Florida. The study predicts that by 2019 Florida Medicaid will cover 951,000 previously ineligible people, including nearly 700,000 who would not have had insurance otherwise. That translates into a reduction by more than 44 percent of the number of low-income adults in Florida without health coverage. Yet the cost of this will be almost entirely borne by the federal government. Florida is estimated to pay only 1.9 percent, or $1.2 billion over six years.

Welcome to RPOF-World

Randy Schultz: "A few days ago, the [Palm Beach Post] Editorial Board met with Allen West."

The retired Army lieutenant colonel challenged U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, for the U.S. House 22 seat in 2008 and will do so again in November if he wins the Republican primary. Last year, Col. West gave a stemwinding speech in which he urged people to "fix bayonets" and "take back the country." It was a YouTube sensation, and brought in lots of donations. Col. West referred to the "tyranny" of the Obama administration. So we wanted to know what he considers examples of "tyranny."

As it turns out, "tyranny" to Col. West means President Obama's criticism of the Supreme Court during his State of the Union address. It means extracting $20 billion from BP upfront to compensate victims of the company's negligence. It means the stimulus package, the financial bailout and the health care bill.

Tyranny? Elected representatives cast those votes. Most of those representatives will go before the voters and have to defend their records. Those who believe that parts of the health care law are unconstitutional will get to make their case in court. That's democracy, not tyranny. In a democracy, sometimes your side loses.

Pensions are bad things

It is only fair that nobody has a decent pension because, you know ... most nonunion employees are forced to live with cheesy 401(k) plans. So, it is only fair that we all join the race to the bottom.

That isreasoning of one John R. Smith, chairman of the South Florida business group BizPac [sic], who Sun Sentinel writer Josh Hafenbrack chose to quote in his piece attacking defined benefit pension plans:

The state's benefit package contrasts with the private sector, where many companies have cut 401(k) contributions. John R. Smith, chairman of the South Florida business group BizPac, said public pension benefits should more closely resemble those offered in the corporate world.

"There's a basic fairness [sic] in this union pension problem," said Smith. "If those of us who are paying their pensions and salaries are suffering, public employees should suffer too."