GOP lawmakers lambasted the governor for using them as a prop in his independent U.S. Senate campaign. Democrats, including Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, and Crist feigned outrage that lawmakers would be so rude as to not place a constitutional ban on near-shore oil-drilling before voters this fall.

The ensuing political theater gave almost everyone what they wanted. Except for voters, who appear to favor the idea of voting to ban oil drilling – already barred under state law -- come November.
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"Today, I'm calling this legislature the Do-Nothing Legislature. And I'm going to give them hell for it," Crist told reporters shortly after lawmakers adjourned the session in just over two hours.

"To have the Legislature disrespect them so much and to thumb their noses at the people in this way is absolutely astonishing," the governor added.

Open mouth ...

"Rick Scott's statewide bus tour stumbled Friday as he endured tough questions about the fraud at his former company and appeared to misstep on volatile questions from voters."

The bumps in the road for the bus tour began the night before at a stop in the Villages, when someone asked what Scott would do as governor to keep Obama off the Florida ballot in 2012, suggesting he was born outside the country. Scott appeared surprised and responded, "I'll have to look into it.''

Asked Friday whether he thought Obama was a citizen, he said, "I assume he is or he wouldn't be president.'' Moments later, a campaign spokeswoman clarified: "He's not a birther.''

In Clearwater, Scott talked to Sean O'Flannery, a high school government teacher, about the difficulty of judging schools statewide, because what works in one place may not in another.

"And also a school's color,'' Scott said. "If you're 70 percent African-American, you are going to deal with different issues.''

McCollum's campaign and Democrats seized on this. A McCollum spokeswoman said his comments "suggest he believes minority students shouldn't be held'' to the same standards as others, an insinuation Scott adamantly rejected.

"Greene is fabulously wealthy"

"Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene is fabulously wealthy, that we know. But the depth and scope of the billionaire's fortune was revealed Friday when he filed his financial disclosure form, only a short while before the deadline. The 56-page document shows a dizzying and diverse array of investments, from real estate to stock and government bonds." "Extent of wealth emerging".

Related: "Five years ago, the Summerwind, a three-story, 145-foot luxury yacht owned by Senate candidate Jeff Greene, dropped anchor and plunged into controversy over severe damage to a coral reef system officially recognized by the United Nations as one of the world's most irreplaceable treasures. " "No love in Belize for candidate".

Amendment 3 goes down

"A judge Friday removed from November's ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would have given an extra property tax break to some homeowners, saying its ballot title and summary are misleading. Tallahassee Circuit Judge John Cooper said Amendment 3's ballot language did not tell voters that the exemptions were available only on property bought on or after last Jan. 1. He said voters who bought property earlier might think they were eligible for the exemption." "Fla. judge takes property tax measure off ballot".

Scott shatters Crist's record

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott has shattered Gov. Charlie Crist's record for spending on a Florida election, reporting Friday that he burned through $22.6 million — almost all of it his own wealth — in his first three months as a candidate."

It took Crist two years and hundreds of personal appeals to donors to raise and spend $19.8 million en route to winning the Governor's Mansion.

Scott's $218 million in personal wealth has turned the tables on what had been a forgone Florida political conclusion: that longtime Republican stalwart and state Attorney General Bill McCollum would be the standard-bearer for the GOP in the fall elections.

McCollum on Friday reported raising just more than $1 million in the last quarter, while he spent $4.3 million in a futile effort to keep pace with Scott.

The veteran Florida politician's campaign is down to its last $540,000, though McCollum accepted $1.26 million in public funding this week.

But with a double-digit deficit in the polls, he was already in trouble. Even that lifeline of public financing made available to match his own fundraising comes at a price: Halfway through Scott's six-day bus tour across the state, he has blistered McCollum as a career politician with his head at the taxpayer trough.

McCollum, Scott's "deceptive pandering"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Attorney General Bill McCollum claims his opponent in the Republican primary for governor, health care executive Rick Scott, has plagiarized parts of his economic plan. But both men are rehashing the same tired and outdated plans for reviving Florida's economy. Their promise to cut corporate income taxes and property taxes — and still invest more in education to spur economic development — is deceptive pandering that even the Republican-led Legislature hasn't stooped to in recent years because it knew it couldn't deliver. Neither can McCollum or Scott." "Scott, McCollum offer plans that don't add up".

Fl-oil-duh

Update: "Bonnie fizzling in the Gulf".

Mark T. Brown, professor of Environmental Engineering Sciences and director of the Center for Environmental Policy at the University of Florida writes that "few have noted that BP, like Exxon and other oil companies implicated in past spills, will likely pay nothing for perhaps the most important consequence of its mishap: Damage to hard-to-quantify but essential natural benefits provided free of charge by a healthy Gulf of Mexico. " "The oil spill's hidden toll".

See also "Tropical Depression Bonnie could draw oil up from the depths to form new slicks", "Some areas of the Gulf reopened" and "USF Scientists: Oil Plumes Below Gulf Surface Are From BP Spill". The Sun Sentinel editors: "Tropical system brings more uncertainty, worry to Gulf coast".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Technician: Deepwater Horizon alarm system purposely disabled".

Charlie's Rothstein blues

"Another year, another opportunity to raise money. That's Gov. Charlie Crist. Sadly, though, this year's birthday celebration won't include one of Crist's richest and most colorful pals who a) isn't rich anymore, and b) can't make it to the party. Yes, the governor turns 54 Saturday, and he and his wife, Carole, are using the occasion to beat the drum for more campaign cash. " "Birthday Boy Charlie Crist Needs $100,000: Scotty, Come Back ..." ("Call this party the 2nd anniversary of Rothstein's $52,000 'cake'").

Cleaning up the Legislature's mess

"Gov. Charlie Crist issued an executive order that allows Floridians who had exhausted 79 weeks of jobless benefits to be eligible for up to 20 more weeks." "Aid for the long-term jobless".

"The starring role some thought was his destiny"

"Night after night for two years, Rep. Kendrick Meek forcefully built a case that Democrats had a better vision for the country. The effort helped craft a message his party used in November 2006 to regain control of the House after 12 years of Republican rule."

Now Meek is trying to make the argument for himself. He wants to jump from representing a Miami congressional district in the U.S. House to representing the state in the U.S. Senate.

Those late-night speeches helped edge him in that direction. Most of America was asleep or getting its political fix from Jon Stewart, but Washington noticed.

"It established his reputation as a fighter," said Rep. Adam Putnam, a Florida Republican.

Nancy Pelosi, who became House speaker in the Democratic takeover, heralded Meek as emblematic of a wave of young leaders, and he quickly ascended the ranks, gaining a prestigious seat on the Ways and Means Committee.

But Meek, 43, has never fully assumed the starring role some thought was his destiny.

False choice

"Who's more likely to be the champion of the common man? A multimillionaire businessman or a politician who began more than two decades of public service in 1981?" "Multimillionaire Candidate May Have Less Disconnect than Career Politician".

More Rubio teabaggery

"Tying Gov. Charlie Crist to Democrats on Capitol Hill, Republican gubernatorial candidate Marco Rubio said Florida and America are 'paying the price for a lack of leadership.' ... And challenging backsliding Republicans to stand up for free-enterprise principles, the former Florida House speaker said, 'We don't need two Democratic parties.'" "Rubio Links Crist and Democratic Agenda".

"Bits and Pieces"

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

More entrepreneurs in action

"Burned in Ponzi scheme, Nadel victims have their say".

What goes around ...

"A feud over Florida’s multi-million dollar anti-smoking ad campaign has been settled. St. John & Partners Advertising and Public Relations has withdrawn its legal challenge to a decision by the Department of Health to choose Coral Gables-based Alma DDB, a part of the large advertising firm DDB, to handle the contract. ... Alma DDB’s relationship with tobacco companies went beyond ties to its parent company. Additionally, one of the top executives at Alma DDB had listed on the company website that he once worked for British American Tobacco." "Fierce battle over state's anti-smoking ad contract ends quietly".

Wingnuts run wild

"A failed effort to fast-track Arizona-style immigration bills by state Rep. Kevin Ambler during this week’s special session has the legislator critical of his colleagues and House leadership."

Ambler — who is also a candidate for the District 12 Florida Senate seat — voted against adjourning the special session called by Gov. Charlie Crist to discuss an amendment to ban offshore oil drilling, losing to a majority of House members who closed the session without a vote on drilling or any other issue.

"Great Recession paradox"

"When Jeff Greene, a k a the Meltdown Mogul, recently brought his Democratic campaign for the United States Senate to a poor Miami neighborhood rife with the kinds of subprime mortgages that he became a billionaire betting against, did he: "

A) Arrive in a Cadillac Escalade S.U.V., before stumping for energy conservation;

B) Tell the crowd that he was “fed up and frustrated” with Washington while suggesting job-creation ideas previously proposed by Washington politicians;

C) Receive a raucous welcome as an outsider who could turn Florida around.

The answer? All of the above, of course.

Call it the Great Recession paradox. Even as voters express outrage at the insider culture of big bailouts and bonuses, their search for political saviors has led them to this: a growing crowd of über-rich candidates, comfortable in boardrooms and country clubs, spending a fortune to remake themselves into populist insurgents.

Desperate

"Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) endorsed New York congressional candidate Chris Cox Wednesday. Cox is locked in a Republican primary in New York’s 1st Congressional District. Cox, who is largely self-funding his bid, is the son of New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox and the grandson of former President Richard Nixon." "Jeb Bush backs N.Y. Republican Chris Cox for Congress".

Class size lawsuit

"The Florida Education Association, the statewide union, has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of a proposed amendment on school class sizes. ... The complaint contends the amendment cannot be lawfully submitted to voters because the ballot summary is misleading." "Education union files suit against class-size amendment". See also "Teachers union files suit to take class-size amendment off ballot".

FCAT Follies

"State slaps an extra $11.7 million fine on contractor that missed FCAT deadlines".

Fly me to Havana

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "It's possible to go to Cuba, but it sure isn't easy."

Travel restrictions, a relic of the Cold War confrontation with the communist island, tightly limit access. The policy is supposed to isolate Havana and encourage democratic reform.

Rep. Kathy Castor is right that a more open approach may bring more success. The Tampa Democrat is so far the only member of Congress from Florida to support a bill to allow free travel to Cuba.

Florida's influential Cuban-American lobby has long lobbied hard against any softening in policy. But the bill is getting broad support elsewhere, including backing from Republicans in 11 states.

Opening travel is a good idea, we think, for many reasons. It would be economically beneficial to many states, including Florida and especially Tampa.

CD 12

"Jobs, government belt-tightening and alternative energy are top priorities for candidates seeking the District 12 Congressional seat."

The district, which encompasses most of Polk County, a part of eastern Hillsborough County and a sliver of western Osceola County, is represented by Adam Putnam, a Republican, who is running for state agriculture commissioner.

District 12 is a mix of suburban and rural areas, mostly occupied by a conservative base with a strong Republican presence.

The race has five candidates: two Republicans, two Democrats and one from the Tea Party.

Yaaawwwnnn

"More jobs, tax cuts key for three Republicans in House District 83 race".

"Why would McCollum interfere"?

Steve Bousquet: "Bill McCollum is in the fight of his life in a Republican primary for governor against Rick Scott, the guy with the checkbook on steroids."

McCollum needs every last Republican vote he can find, especially in a big place like Hillsborough County.

So why would McCollum interfere in a Republican primary for a Tampa state Senate seat and distort the record of one of the candidates, Rep. Kevin Ambler?

He wouldn't, his campaign says, insisting that McCollum has done nothing of the kind.

But it looks different to Ambler.

See for yourself.

The concert pianist agin' the attorney

"Two political newcomers are vying to challenge Republican incumbent Gus Bilirakis in November for the District 9 congressional seat. Retired concert pianist Anita de Palma is running against attorney Phil Hindahl in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary. " "Rookie Dems vie in District 9".

Castor breaks ranks

"U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, is signing onto a bill that would lift decades-old travel restrictions to Cuba, becoming the first member from Florida to do so."

"Now is the time to remove the obstacles and hassles that have prevented Cuban Americans without direct family ties and other Floridians from traveling to Cuba, and for our region to reap the benefits that freedom of travel can bring,'' Castor said of the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, which was authored by Rep. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass.

But her position puts her at odds with what has been the standard line among Florida's congressional delegation.

"Jeb Bush Quietly Raises His Profile"

The best news for Dems in quite a while is that the man who makes "people cringe" "has been slowly, quietly, but certainly raising his profile. He gave a feisty interview to a New York Times political writer in June in which he said his older brother probably would not respond to President Obama's continued attempts to draw contrasts between his own administration and the previous one. Jeb defended his brother and predicted only one term for President Obama, who he compared to 'Hubert Humphrey on steroids.'" "Will Jeb Bush Set Sights on the White House?"

David Letterman:

The brother of former President George Bush, Jeb Bush, is running for president. Yep, and the campaign slogan is, 'I'm going to finish what my brother started.' So Jeb Bush is running for president. I don't know about the rest of the country, but thank God, ladies and gentlemen, the comedy recession is over!

"Bizarre attack ad"

"A Florida State University student heads a group that sent out a mailer faulting a congressional candidate for the Gulf oil spill because he once worked for the Department of Energy." "Student's bizarre attack ad targets Democrat Joe Garcia".

Fed tax credit helping

"Tax credit spurs boom in home sales".

Tea Party = Chamber = Rubio

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is backing Marco Rubio's bid for the Senate, pledging to help the tea party-favored candidate emerge from a tight three-way race in Florida."

The organization plans a Saturday rally in Orlando to announce Rubio, a former state House speaker, as its latest candidate to benefit from some $75 million the business group plans to spend on political campaigns this fall. The organization declined to detail how it would help Rubio but it is already airing ads aggressive against Democratic Senate candidates in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Fl-oil-duh

"The nation's biggest travel trade group said the BP oil spill will cost the tourism industry between $7.6 billion and $22.7 billion, with most of the economic damage falling on Florida's shoulders." "Florida may lose billions in tourism".

"Work to permanently choke off the oil well that had been spewing into the Gulf of Mexico was at a standstill Friday after ships around the site were ordered to evacuate ahead of the approaching Tropical Storm Bonnie." "Oil spill work on hold as Bonnie approaches".

See also "Some areas of the Gulf reopened", "Brewing storm races toward BP's leaky well; Spill chief says capped well holding up, will remain in place during storm", "Feds Open 26,000+ Miles of the Gulf to Fishing", "No oil tax relief expected in Palm Beach County" and "Warnings and watches posted from Palm Beach County down through Keys for Tropical Storm Bonnie".

"The Legislature's neglect"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "With Congress finally passing the federal extension to unemployment compensation benefits and the president expected to sign it, about 250,000 Floridians whose benefits had run out over the past couple of months will soon be tossed a financial lifeline. But some Floridians will be needlessly left behind because of the Legislature's neglect."

During Tuesday's special session debacle, Democrats pleaded with Republican leaders to consider the issue and were disregarded. Getting something accomplished would have ruined House Speaker Larry Cretul's Crist-bashing party. The Ocala Republican blamed Crist for wasting taxpayers' money on a worthless special session. Now lawmakers may have to return to Tallahassee — and cost taxpayers — again.

HD 85

"Two political newcomers are vying to win the Republican primary next month and seize a chance to oust Democratic state Rep. Joseph Abruzzo from his District 85 seat."

The candidates, both steeped in religious schooling, have different views about several issues, with the clearest difference on the controversial issue of illegal immigration.

Tami Donnally, a religious school administrator in Greenacres, said she would support state legislation similar to Arizona's new immigration law, which will require police, while enforcing other laws, to check a person's immigration status if there's a reasonable suspicion that they are here illegally.

"If you're stopped for something, you have to produce paperwork," she said. "That makes sense to me."

Her opponent, D.J. DeRenzo, said he wouldn't support such a law in Florida.

Herald AG endorsements

The Miami Herald editorial board makes its attorney general recommendations. See also "Republican AG Candidates Set to Debate July 31" and "Dave Aronberg, Dan Gelber Talk About Everybody's Business".

Bought and paid for

"Senate President Jeff Atwater of North Palm Beach, Republican candidate for chief financial officer, announced Thursday that he has more than $2.1 million in the bank for his campaign. He now enjoys a healthy financial advantage over his Democratic rival in the CFO race, former Rep. Loranne Ausley of Tallahassee." "Atwater Holds Strong Financial Advantage vs. Democrat Ausley in CFO Race".

"Bizarre foam"

"Beyond the fish kill: St. Johns River now also plagued by bizarre foam". In the meantime, the Teabaggers struggle to find the word "foam" in the U.S. Constitution.

"One of the most flawed candidates in history"

"With a new poll showing Bill McCollum's hopes fading in the Republican primary for governor and Rick Scott inundating him with a tidal wave of television ads, McCollum is fighting back with his best weapon – attacking the Medicare fraud history of Scott's former hospital company."

McCollum strategist Shannon Gravitte said ...

"It's inconceivable that Florida Republicans would elect a man whose claim to fame is having orchestrated the largest taxpayer ripoff in history," ...

"The only people celebrating if Rick Scott emerges from this primary are the Democrats, who will face one of the most flawed candidates in the history of Florida politics."

Live and in person

"Republican Rick Scott seemed to push the right buttons Thursday, appearing before about 300 Sarasota County GOP activists, calling for tougher immigration laws, a smaller state government and turning Florida into a hub of job creation." "Scott No Longer Just on TV, But on Campaign Trail".

Wingnuts run wild

"Opponents to the 'Health Care Freedom Act' says court has no authority to change wording." "State offers compromise move to keep Amendment 9 on ballot".

Entrepreneur in action

"Sarasota man found guilty of $37 million Ponzi scheme".

Will Rubio disavow Teabaggers?

TPM: "Remember back in the day, one of the reasons Trent Lott got into trouble after his Strom Thurmond comments was that it turned out he had long-standing ties to a neo-segregationist group called the "Council of Conservative Citizens", the successor group to the White Citizens Councils from the Civil Rights Era. "

Well it turns out that the good folks from the CofCC have been setting up shop at Tea Party events down in Florida. And now a prominent leader of the Florida CofCC is lambasting the Tea Party for not embracing the NAACP's claim the Tea Party is a racist group.

Of course the Tea Party is racist, crowed a blog post on the Council's website yesterday -- and it would be proud of its racism if it weren't wussy.

The post was written by James Edwards, a radio show host and author of Racism Schmacism. ...

Edwards is right. The Tea Party is hiding the truth about itself: Racist groups are quietly welcomed at its starchy street fairs, even right here in Florida.

Last January, a state chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens (CCC) set up shop at a Tea Party rally in Invernness, Citrus County. Senate candidate and Tea-Party darling Marco Rubio headlined the event, while the CCC handed out pamphlets and swag.

The rich are different

"Belize said Jeff Greene's [145-foot luxury] yacht damaged a coral reef, racking up $1.87 million in unpaid fines." "Jeff Greene denies his anchor damaged reef".

Perhaps she has a point

This is off topic: "A legislative candidate from Wisconsin can't use a profane, racially charged phrase to describe herself on the ballot, an election oversight board decided Wednesday."

Ieshuh Griffin, an independent running for a downtown Milwaukee seat in the state Assembly, wants to use the phrase, "NOT the 'whiteman's b----.'"

But the state's Government Accountability Board voted to bar that wording, agreeing with a staff recommendation that it is pejorative and therefore not allowed.

State law allows independent candidates to have five words describing themselves placed after their names on the ballot as long as it's not pejorative, profane, discriminatory or includes an obscene word or phrase.

Griffin, who is black, argued her case to the five white, retired judges on the board that regulates elections. She said the phrase was protected free speech.

"Say it ain't so"

Bill Cotterell: "What's this? Political people playing political games in an election year? Say it ain't so."

Tuesday, the serious thinkers of the Florida Legislature convened a special session at the behest of Gov. Charlie Crist. So did about 140 other House and Senate members.

Crist wanted a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot to ban offshore oil drilling. The Republican leaders of the Legislature wanted a new governor but, since that can't happen until January, they settled for kicking Crist around for a couple of hours before wandering off.

Each side got what it wanted.

Gay hater

"Conservative Christian activist Jack Thompson -- who once had to prove his sanity to the Florida Supreme Court -- isn't crazy about Robert Kuntz's candidacy for Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge. Thompson is fuming that Kuntz, 50, an attorney who is an elder at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church in Palmetto Bay, sought and accepted an endorsement from Unity Coalition, a local Hispanic gay-rights group." "Activist rips judge candidate over endorsement".

Republicans Rick Scott and Bill McCollum are scheduled to pour more than $34 million into television ads — mostly bashing each other — through this week. But a new poll out Wednesday suggests both men's attacks are breeding explosive levels of voter dissatisfaction about Scott and McCollum.

The two candidates are squaring off in a bare-knuckles Aug. 24 primary that has seen each side accuse the other of profiting from abortions and trying to one-up each other on cracking down against illegal immigration. Scott's adds sneer that McCollum is a "career politician"; McCollum's say Scott was involved in "the biggest Medicare fraud in American history."

The Democratic firm's survey suggested that 23 percent of the overall electorate had a favorable impression of Scott, while 41 percent had an unfavorable one.

The voter snapshot was even worse news for McCollum. The poll found 16 percent of the electorate viewed the 20-year Longwood congressman and sitting state attorney general favorably, while a whopping 51 percent had a poor impression of him. The survey's margin of error is plus or minus 3.26 percentage points.

527 attack

"Buoyed by another $140,000 this week from Freedom First Committee (state Sen. Mike Haridopolos’ 527), Florida First Initiative released Tuesday a new television ad attacking his rival, Rick Scott, on his tenure as CEO of Columbia/HCA, the largest for-profit hospital chain in the U.S. Florida First Initiative has associations with Scott’s opponent, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum." "New 527 ad attacks Rick Scott’s past as CEO of Columbia/HCA".

More Pruitt?

"Ken Pruitt: Maybe Soon, Right Back Where He Belongs".

"Cretul was especially callous"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "If what was on display in Tallahassee Tuesday qualifies as leadership then Florida is a rudderless ship in perilous seas. In just two hours the Legislature convened, decided to not even debate Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed constitutional amendment banning oil drilling 10 miles off Florida's coast and adjourned."

House Speaker Larry Cretul was especially callous in brushing aside Senate President Jeff Atwater's attempt to add economic relief to the agenda. Instead, he created six committees to study economic relief proposals and then appointed some of the House's least experienced lawmakers to chair them. What does this say about Mr. Cretul's concern for Panhandle residents who have seen their tourist season fizzle because of the oil churning in the Gulf?

Bad stocks

"When he was a state legislator, Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek failed to disclose his stock ownership in a medical-waste company that eventually went bankrupt and whose officials were accused of cooking the books. Meek's campaign said the stock was worthless when he left the board of Miami Lakes-based Med/Waste in 2000." "Kendrick Meek failed to disclose stock".

"Partially plagiarized"?

"With one month left in the costly and caustic Republican gubernatorial primary, the leading candidates both tramped across voter-rich Miami on Wednesday, with Rick Scott rolling out his long-awaited economic plan and Bill McCollum dismissing it as 'partially plagiarized.'" "Bill McCollum, Rick Scott duel in Miami-Dade". See also "Will voters be buying Rick Scott?".

Fl-oil-duh

"Crist signed an executive order Wednesday that could give homeowners and businesses in the Florida Panhandle stronger footing to seek financial relief from plummeting home values as a result of the BP oil spill." "Crist orders 'interim' valuations of property affected by BP spill". Related: "Gov. Crist signs executive order to help property owners send tab to BP", "Crist orders counties to reconsider property tax bills in wake of oil spill" and "Crist wants damage estimates".

See also "For oil spill victims, fair compensation requires a crystal ball", "Storm system unlikely to pose big threat; heavy rain forecast", "Report critical of the BP claims process", "Oil spill workgroup leaders not from Panhandle", "Storm system may hit us, then impact oil-spill cleanup" and "Ships ready to leave leaky well as storm brews".

Brown-Waite at the trough

"Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite raised more than $120,000 in the months before she made the surprise announcement that she wouldn't seek re-election because of health reasons."

Brown-Waite's impending retirement didn't curb her campaign spending, either.

In the first three months of the year, she spent more than $65,000. Those disbursements included $24,500 spent on voter surveys and direct mail. In the second quarter, she spent more than $30,000 on fundraising consultants.

Dave Levinthal, spokesman for the nonpartisan watchdog group Center for Responsive Politics, said Brown-Waite's actions may have been legal, but they didn't follow the spirit of campaign laws.

"It seems to be a legitimate question to ask why someone would be spending time and resources fundraising when, in their mind, they're no longer a candidate," Levinthal said. "It's definitely not typical to conduct a campaign that way."

Campaign finance records show Brown-Waite used her campaign credit card liberally, paying for airline tickets, expensive dinners in Vail, Colo., and a night at the swanky Ritz Carlton hotel in Washington D.C. Since January, her campaign charged nearly $8,500.

He "received a check the next day"

"When a Democratic National Committee member sent an e-mail asking whom he should support in the Democratic Senate primary, at least one result came quickly."

The DNC member, Jon Ausman of Tallahassee, received a check the next day from the campaign of billionaire candidate Jeff Greene, hiring Ausman for political consultation and strategy.

Six days after that, Ausman announced his endorsement in another e-mail: He was endorsing Greene.

He signed the endorsement e-mail as a DNC member but didn't mention that he was being paid by Greene. He says he provided 35,000 e-mail addresses in exchange for the money.

Federal handout, please

"Florida's citrus industry didn't get much help from the Legislature or Gov. Charlie Crist this year. Growers are hoping for better results in Washington, D.C." "Florida Citrus Industry Looks to Capitol Hill for Help".

Blah, blah, blah

"With the House and Senate adjourning instead of forwarding a proposed constitutional amendment banning oil drilling in Florida waters, candidates for statewide office promptly offered their opinions on the Legislature’s quick session." "Charlie Crist, Statewide Candidates Sound Off on Short Legislative Session". See also "Who's to blame for session meltdown?".

River talk

"Roundtable discussion of St. Johns River pollution receives mixed reviews".

Unemployment comp fix

"State Rep. Kevin Rader, D-Bonyton Beach, is making good on the vow he made Tuesday to pressure Gov. Charlie Crist to address a Florida statute snafu that will prevent some unemployed Floridians from receiving recently extended federal unemployment benefits." "State Rep. Kevin Rader formalizes his appeal to Crist for Florida unemployment fix".

"Millionaire's amendment" appeal

"Republican candidate for governor Rick Scott submitted his appeal brief to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta at noon Tuesday, claiming that the federal district court's argument was flawed when it upheld the Florida law on public campaign finance in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the 'millionaire's amendment' as an attempt to level the playing field." "Rick Scott files legal challenge to public campaign finance law".

Circumventing voting rights

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The public’s deep distrust of government helped fuel Amendment 4, the so-called 'Hometown Democracy' initiative on the November ballot. St. Petersburg is only feeding that distrust with a deceitful maneuver designed to circumvent residents’ voting rights if Amendment 4 becomes part of the Florida Constitution. City officials should work to defeat the amendment on its merits, not design a sneaky way to circumvent it." "A deceitful ploy".

A Hillsborough thing

Howard Troxler: "Joe Redner at 70 radiates health and serenity. And why not? He put his demons behind him years ago; he presides over a diversified business empire. He seems to be a happy man. Of course Redner is most known for his marquee, world-famous business, the Mons Venus nude-dancing club on Dale Mabry Highway." "Once more unto the breach for Joe Redner".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Craigslist scheme preying on unsuspecting Florida renters".

A special session called by Crist lasted just 49 minutes in the state House — from 12:02 p.m. to 12:51 p.m. — before legislators beat a path out of Tallahassee without any hearings or votes, despite objections from Democrats and state senators from both parties.

On a patch of grass behind the Alden Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, representatives from business and environmental interests gathered Tuesday after the legislative special session had ended to blast state lawmakers for their inaction.

"The Florida Legislature today, in an act of cowardice, decided to ignore the people of Florida and, moreover, they said we cannot trust the people of Florida," said Fred Jackalone, director of Sierra Club Florida.

Jackalone blames the oil industry for having a "big foothold" in Tallahassee.

Robin Grabowski, executive director of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, said she is disappointed Florida residents won't get a chance to voice their opinion on drilling off the Florida coast.

When Florida's legislators quickly gaveled in and gaveled out their special session Tuesday, they also walked away from an opportunity to deliver tax breaks and economic relief to businesses struggling in the oil-ravaged regions of the state. ...

They ignored a request by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink to streamline the claims process and require BP to respond to claimants in 15 days, just as insurance companies do after a hurricane.

And they rejected calls from legal experts who want the state to strengthen the laws detailing BP's responsibility for paying for its pollution and economic damages.

Sink, a Democrat and candidate for governor, accused lawmakers of being "tone-deaf'' and "twiddling their thumbs.''

Cretul said Crist's "surprise proclamation" allowed "too little time for reflection and review" of the proposal - which is nonsense.

The task was profoundly simple: Approve a referendum to prohibit drilling in state waters - three to 10 miles off the coast - and let voters decide.

Last year, Cretul and his fellow House leaders didn't worry about allowing time for reflection when they launched a surprise late-session plan to allow drilling off our beaches. The proposal was devised by the oil industry and railroaded through the House with virtually no public discussion. Fortunately for the people of Florida, the state Senate refused to go along.

And yet Cretul now has the gall to attack Crist because he wants to give citizens a voice on the critical decision.

Poll shows Crist ahead

"Public Policy Polling (PPP) released a poll Tuesday showing that Gov. Charlie Crist, an independent candidate in the race for the U.S. Senate election, is the clear leader in the race. Crist came in with 35 percent support, while former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the likely Republican candidate, pulls second at 29 percent and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, a Democrat, places a distant third with 17 percent. Libertarian candidate Alex Snitker is fourth with 4 percent. The poll found 15 percent undecided." "New Poll Finds Charlie Crist Leads Marco Rubio in U.S. Senate Race".

Tea-foolery

"Organizers expect a big turnout at a rally to oppose the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico." "Rally opposing drilling moratorium scheduled".

May God have mercy ...

"Prominent conservative media critic Dan Gainor has offered $100 to the first member of Congress who punches 'smary [sic] idiot' Alan Grayson (D-Fl.) in the nose, reports Media Matters." "Right-Wing Media Critic Offers Cash For Assault On Congressman Alan Grayson".

"The oiliest things in Tallahassee"

Scott Maxwell: "The oiliest things in Tallahassee have always been the politicians. And there ain't a well cap big enough to stop all the hot air, hypocrisy and money-wasting that were oozing through the capital this week."

Bold leadership for tough times.

Still, they had to offer some sort of explanation for why they weren't doing anything. And heaven knows the last thing they wanted to do was tell the truth — that many of them still want to drill, baby, drill.

So instead, they decided to trot out an allegedly philosophical objection — that a constitutional ban on drilling was unnecessary because drilling is already banned in this state.

It sounded good … if only they hadn't argued precisely the opposite a few years ago. That was back when some of these same guys they were fighting mightily to constitutionally ban gay marriage … even though that, too, was already banned by state law.

Renewable energy hopes

"Senate President says he is still hopeful that renewable energy legislation can be considered this summer." "Light has not yet gone out for renewable energy supporters".

Fl-oil-duh

"Scientists huddled Tuesday to analyze data from the ocean floor as they weigh whether a leaking well cap is a sign BP's broken oil well is buckling. They aren't sure whether the leaks mean the cap that stopped the flow last week is making things worse. Meanwhile, as Floridians see their white sand beaches getting fouled by the spill, many are angry at their Gulf Coast neighbors for allowing offshore drilling." "Is well cap making disaster worse?; Resentment, oil wash ashore in Florida".

See also "Pressure readings still not perfect for Gulf oil well", "Relief tunnel should reach Gulf well by weekend", "A Coast Guard lab blasts tar balls to smithereens to see if they're from BP's spill or a ship's bil", "Will tourists return to Panhandle when oil stops?", "BP's altered photo distorts spill center activity" and "Messy cleanup of BP oil spill damages the Gulf".

Rubio opposes unemployment comp

"Joining his party leaders -- and clashing with his senatorial opponents -- Marco Rubio opposes extending unemployment benefits for jobless Americans."

Florida's unemployment rate may be stuck in the double digits, but Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio is standing with his party leaders in Washington in opposing the extension of unemployment benefits for millions of jobless Americans.

For Republicans to use the jobless as pawns in a partisan fight over deficit spending only made life more difficult for struggling families and ignored economic realities.

Unemployment rates decreased a bit in Florida and 38 other states in June, but other economic indicators suggest the nation is far from out of the woods. New residential construction declined in June nationwide, and recent earnings reports from banks and several big companies have been disappointing. In Florida, the unemployment rate has dropped for the third straight month, but more than 1 million residents are searching for work and the BP oil spill has created further uncertainty.

Entrepreneurs in action

"Palm Beach County firm and president charged in time-share fraud case".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Rick Scott, hoping to take the Republican nomination for governor away from Attorney General Bill McCollum, took what looked like a step in that direction Tuesday, getting a warm reception in his first appearance before the Hillsborough County Republican Party." "Local GOP activists like Scott's message".

Tell that to my kids

"Cutting class sizes isn't worth expense".

The four-day special session called by the governor begins at noon Tuesday and is expected to end a few brief hours later. But while the Republican-led Legislature prepared to squash the governor's plan and rob him of a victory he can use in his bid to win the U.S. Senate seat, they may take a political hit in the process.

Protesters from oil-ravaged regions of the state are heading to the Capitol Tuesday and dozens of business owners, restaurant workers, defense industry contractors and hotel operators from Northwest Florida plan to sit in the House gallery as lawmakers reject the drilling ban. ...

But according to recent public opinion polls, Crist appears more in line with the public than legislators. A poll released Monday by Progress Florida, a liberal group supporting the oil ban, showed that 71 percent of Florida voters want the chance to vote on the issue and 50 percent of those surveyed oppose drilling within 10 miles of Florida's coast.

Mike Haridopolos, Incoming Senate president, R-Melbourne, supported more drilling before the BP spill and pushed to lift the ban in state law. Now he has switched positions. How can voters be sure he won't switch again after the election? ...

Dean Cannon, Incoming House speaker, R-Winter Park, was a strong drilling advocate and passed a bill last year to lift the ban in state law. He says he won't try again. So why does he oppose allowing voters to decide whether to put the ban into the Constitution?

Myriam Marquez: "The poisoned atmosphere in Tallahassee after Crist left the GOP to run as an independent will only get worse this week." "Call for ban on drilling reeks of opportunism".

Latest polling

"An upcoming survey of the Florida Senate race by Public Policy Polling (D) finds that if Gov. Charlie Crist were to win -- after he left the Republican Party to run as an independent -- his constituents would want him to caucus with the Democrats. Furthermore, this opinion is even stronger among those who actually plan to vote for him. ... The TPM Poll Average, which does not yet include this PPP survey, currently puts Crist ahead with 36.6%, Republican Marco Rubio at 32.6%, and Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek at 14.7%." "PPP Poll: Crist Voters Want Him To Caucus With The Senate Dems".

"The dirt is flying"

"The dirt is flying in Florida's race for governor. Floridians can't watch television for very long this summer without seeing GOP primary opponent Rick Scott tear down Bill McCollum, and vice versa." "Dirty diapers, huckster, political ads go negative in race for Fla. governor".

Rubio opposes Unemployment extension

Florida's Teabaggers are in a dither. They can't find the words "unemployment compensation" in the U.S. Constitution

"Florida's unemployment rate may be stuck in the double digits, but Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio is standing with his party leaders in Washington in opposing the extension of unemployment benefits for millions of jobless Americans."

Democrats are seeking to turn the unemployment benefits debate into a wedge issue against Republicans, who in turn hope to capitalize on the growing concern about the federal government's debt and spending.

Rubio picked up the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business and met with a group of small business owners Monday at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company.

The two leading Democrats in the race, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and businessman Jeff Greene of Palm Beach, favor extending jobless benefits.

"He's reading right off the hard-right song sheet,'' Meek said of Rubio.

Greene criticized Republicans for giving the wealthiest Americans billions of dollars in tax cuts, and then obstructing assistance for the unemployed.

HD 90

"It's a fight for the old stomping ground for both candidates in the Democratic primary for state Rep. Kelly Skidmore's District 90 seat. And the two aren't playing nice." "Slosberg-Klasfeld fight for House District 90 Democratic primary getting nasty". See also "State House, District 90: The job and the candidates".

Fl-oil-duh

"Ever since the cap was used to bottle up the oil last week, engineers have been watching underwater cameras and monitoring pressure and seismic readings to see whether the well would hold or spring a new leak, perhaps one that could rupture the sea floor and make the disaster even worse." "Feds look past oil leaking from BP's cap".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The eye of the oil spill: Major cleanup and legislative issues remain.". More: "BP Continues To Test Well Cap, Seepage Found To Be Unrelated", "Coast Guard Taking Lead in Florida Oil Spill Operations", "U.S. keeps pressure on BP over oil spill seepage" and "In Fla., resentment washes ashore along with oil".

"Sink is running under the radar"

"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink is running under the radar while Republican rivals Bill McCollum and Rick Scott bloody each other for the right to face her Nov. 2." "Alex Sink Banks on Women's Vote in Gubernatorial Race".

Charlie blames the GOPers

"While no real legislative action seems likely to come of the special session, the showdown has become a signal event in Mr. Crist's campaign for the U.S. Senate and in his transformation from a rising Republican star to a political free agent." "In 2010 Florida Senate Race, Charlie Crist Uses GOP as New Foil". Related "The Resurrection of Charlie Crist".

"Florida remains the Deepwater Horizon of Medicare corruption"

Carl Hiaasen: "South Florida remains the Deepwater Horizon of Medicare corruption in the United States, and the gusher is getting worse. No other place even comes close to matching the number of crooked health-care businesses, or the immense dollar amounts that wind up in the pockets of criminals." "Medicare corruption gusher worsens".

How convenieeent

"Among the property owners taking part in a groundbreaking, $89 million sale of development rights to further restoration of the Everglades is the huge and, in political circles, well-known Blue Head Ranch. The 68,000-acre ranch, along Fisheating Creek in rural Highlands County, is owned by a corporation run by state Sen. J.D. Alexander, R- Lake Wales, chairman of the Legislature's powerful Ways and Means Committee." "Senator's family key in $89M deal to protect Everglades tributary".

Amid mounting bitterness between the independent governor and Republican legislators, a special session prompted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will open Tuesday. But rather than focus on a referendum to ban offshore drilling in the Florida Constitution, as the governor wants, the gathering is likely to be a gripe session with most of the rhetoric aimed not at BP or the oil industry, but at Crist himself.

He wants to use Tallahassee politicians as a foil, and lawmakers appear to be playing into his hands. Crist, who quit the GOP and launched an independent run for the U.S. Senate, is eager to condemn legislative inaction as more proof that partisan politics is a dismal failure.

"They put the interests of special interests or their party ideology ahead of what's right for the people,'' Crist said. "They've lost their way. They've completely lost their way, and the people know it. And if they go down this path, they'll demonstrate it in regrettable glory.''

"Jeb!" exposes his wingnut underbelly

"Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will be in Louisville for a July 26 fundraising event to benefit Republican U.S. Senate nominee Rand Paul." "Rand Paul getting fundraising help from former Florida governor Jeb Bush".

'Glades restoration

As the Teabaggers frantically try to find the word "Everglades" in the U.S. Constitution, "The federal government says it will announce a major restoration project for a portion of the Florida Everglades. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is scheduled to announce details Monday in Kissimmee. It says the project will restore and protect wetlands and improve water quality in the northern Everglades. Officials say it will provide habitat for rare and endangered species." "US set to announce Everglades restoration project". See also "Deal to be announced today to preserve nearly 26,000 acres of Everglades".

'Ya reckon?

Scott Maxwell: "Is FCAT a failure? Yes".

A "clumsy exchange"

"Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene had just finished a meeting on the Space Coast, when he was stopped by a reporter."

The governor was calling for a special session to ban offshore oil drilling, and Greene was asked if he supported a constitutional prohibition of the practice.

Greene said he opposed drilling, but he wouldn't address the constitutional question.

Then he said he hadn't given it much thought. Then he said, "I can't see why I'd be against it."

Greene turned and spoke briefly with an adviser. Then he offered up a clarification.

He was "definitely in favor" of the constitutional ban, he said. It was the best way to protect Florida's beaches.

The clumsy exchange crystallizes the challenge facing Greene.

"Hard-knocks campaign for Meek"

"It's been that kind of hard-knocks campaign for Meek, who got into the race 18 long months ago, before any other major candidate."

Who would have expected what happened next?

Marco Rubio became a Republican phenomenon, Gov. Charlie Crist reinvented himself as an independent, and a little-known Palm Beach billionaire named Jeff Greene became a Democratic contender.

A shoe-leather campaign that collected 125,000 voter signatures hasn't taken Meek farther than a distant third place in the polls, behind Crist and Rubio, and with Greene closing in.

So five weeks before the primary, the Miami congressman finds himself shoring up support in his own backyard. His seven stops on Sunday included a gospel music-infused church in Lauderdale Lakes, a Miami union hall, and heavily Democratic condominiums in Aventura, Sunrise and Deerfield Beach. Vouching for Meek at most of the stops was Debbie Wasserman Schultz, his popular Democratic colleague representing South Florida in Congress.

AG

"Dave Aronberg, Dan Gelber Find Failings in Federal Immigration Policy".

Luvin' the billionaire

"As part of his outreach for contributions and counsel as an independent U.S. Senate candidate, Gov. Charlie Crist recently had a tete-a-tete with New York billionaire Tom Golisano" "Crist Cozies Up to New York Billionaire".

Teabaggers = RPOF = McCollum

Will Florida's traditional media ever get around to asking Billy what he thinks about the Teabaggers? After all, he is the Teabagger fav:

"Bill McCollum may not be the flashy politician that a lot of people are looking for right now, but he's the consistent conservative," said Everett Wilkinson, chairman of the South Florida Tea Party. "He's shown his leadership."

As Grayson yawns ..."Bruce O'Donoghue of Winter Park — one of the leading candidates trying to unseat Democrat firebrand U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson — told the Orlando Sentinel that he's the victim of a former employee who embezzled from his company."

O'Donoghue is one of seven Republicans in the Aug. 24 Republican primary in Florida's 8th Congressional District. The winner will face Grayson and Florida Tea Party candidate Peg Dunmire in the general election.

Fl-oil-duh

"BP now faces a Herculean task of cleaning up the region's oily mess. While BP has hired thousands of people to boom, skim and burn large amounts of crude, the bulk of an estimated 200 million gallons of oil that spewed into the water is actually beyond human reach. As a result, the ultimate cleanup will be left to nature and to colonies of oil-chomping microbes." "Nature's burden: Clean up bulk of spill".

See also "Gulf forecast: Cloudy with a chance of tar balls", "RICO law made to combat Mafia used in BP lawsuits", "Where will spilled Gulf oil go? Three months later, officials and residents are still asking" and "Seep near oil well prompts demand for BP monitors".

"Only thing missing is a No. 1 foam finger"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Some candidates cling to the idea that businesses will flock to Florida if only it had a tax climate even more favorable than it already does. Rick Joyce, the former president and co-CEO of Dixon Ticonderoga, and Republican candidate for state House, crowed that "exceptionalism" is being No. 1, not No. 5, though it isn't helping Nevada all that much. The only thing missing is a No. 1 foam finger." "Tax cut sound bites".

If the Republican-controlled Legislature rejects Gov. Charlie Crist's call for a constitutional amendment banning offshore oil drilling in Florida waters, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said Democrats will be handed a golden political opportunity.

RPOFer/Teabagger Simpleton

"Florida GOP Senate candidate Marco Rubio is out with a new web video laying out the argument that his recently released '12 simple ideas to grow the economy and create jobs' are smart simply because MSNBC host Rachel Maddow disagrees with them." "Marco Rubio: If Rachel Maddow Says I'm Wrong, Then I Must Be Right".

Jefferson-Jackson

"State Democrats rally around candidates". See also "Democrats raise $700K for state party at Hollywood dinner".

Jeb-worship

Mike Thomas, who always has had "A Bush of his own", parrots Bushco talking points yet again this morning in "Is FCAT a failure? No".

Mikey's "evidence"? Well, you know, those mystical, unidentified "piles of data". For a related story, with a privatization kicker, see Michael Mayo's "Test company deserves 'F' for this year's FCAT".

"Cristophobia"

Thomas Tryon: "Republicans in Florida's Legislature have developed a bad case of Cristophobia."

This "disease," based on my observations and according to the definition I've conjured up, has observable and well-defined symptoms, including:

Obsessive and long-lasting reactions to Charlie Crist's exit from the Republican Party and his independent run for U.S. Senate.

Anxiety over Crist's prospects of winning the Senate race.

Compulsive attempts to undermine almost anything Crist does as governor.

Petulant acts of retribution -- even when they may lead to alienation and the potential for severe loss.

Cristophobia is not a disease, of course; it's a political disorder.

Make it Sink's special session

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board write that "it would be unconscionable for Mr. Crist and the Legislature to ignore Floridians facing a crisis on par with a major hurricane. Now. In this session."

Yet consumed by his desire to keep Mr. Crist from scoring a political triumph with his constitutional drilling ban — something he knows Mr. Crist would hawk in his independent run for U.S. Senate — Mr. Cretul signaled he won't entertain other drilling-related business. At least not till he and Senate President Jeff Atwater convene when they're good and ready — perhaps in September — another special session addressing remedies for the spill.

Mr. Cretul says the remedies issues are too complex to successfully address in a special session next week. But he, other lawmakers and their staffs have had months to devise plans dealing with the Gulf disaster. What have they been doing since it began way back on April 20? Or since early June when oil starting soiling Florida's beaches?

Ms. Sink's include providing tax rebates for residential property owners hit by the spill. Temporary tourism tax incentives applied to coastal businesses harmed by the spill would help. Mr. Gaetz would allow coastal Northwest homeowners to revise tax bills to account for depressed property values due to the spill.

Lawmakers have the ability to help thousands of Floridians. Now. But that presents a problem for Mr. Cretul, who believes that allowing Mr. Crist's constitutional amendment to collapse without other bills blocking the view is what's best for Florida.

Scott

"Candidate Scott stumps door-to-door in Broward".

"Streamlined voting stacks races on ballots "

"'Be careful what you wish for ...' The old proverb has come to mind more than once for Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall as her office prepares for an Aug. 24 primary that will include more than 100 different ballot scenarios. "

Two years ago, McFall lobbied Volusia's cities to switch to even-numbered election years, and most signed on, creating up to $300,000 in savings for the cash-strapped local governments while also promising higher voter turnouts now that they'll be paired with races for governor, Congress and others.

But there's a price to that kind of efficiency. Adding cities to ballots already crowded with federal, state, judicial and county races is stretching resources thin -- while threatening to test the patience of voters.

Fl-oil-duh

"BP will continue running tests on the gusher in the Gulf, which has been temporarily plugged by a containment cap." "Plug still working, but tests continue".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The presidential commission investigating the BP oil disaster needs to work fast over the next six months to answer three critical questions: What caused the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig to explode and sink in April, unleashing hundreds of millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico? How competent is the oil and gas industry to drill in deep water? And what tools and regulatory authority does the government need to make drilling safer and to better respond in a crisis?" "Panel investigating BP needs to work fast".

See also "For US, ongoing battle against changing oil 'Blob'", "Oil is plugged, but for how long? No sign of leaks, but data puzzles scientists", "Fail Whale: Giant Oil Skimmer Won't Work In Gulf Spill Cleanup", "Scientists get another day to study Gulf spill cap" and "".

Don't forget the RPOF's pre-spill drilling fervor

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Legislative leaders such as incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos and incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon didn't want the session because it will highlight their pre-disaster fervor to allow drilling within 3 miles of Florida beaches. In 2009, they almost got the Legislature to approve drilling. That near success and the suspicion they'll bring it back when the current disaster subsides provide the best case to put anti-drilling language into the state constitution. The deadline to make this year's ballot is Aug. 4. Making it, especially in the face of GOP resistance, is doubtful." "The eye of the oil spill: Major cleanup and legislative issues remain.".

Special session doublespeak

Howard Troxler writes that, "if the Legislature really thinks the right thing to do about the oil spill is 'nothing,' then by all means, do it."

Of course, doing nothing this week means no immediate help for the Panhandle and Floridians already hurt by the spill. Maybe later, the Legislature says.

It also means not using the opportunity to talk about alternative energy or Florida's energy future. We have been bizarrely paralyzed on this subject for years.

Most of all, it means Florida voters will not get to vote in November on whether to amend our state Constitution to ban drilling in Florida waters.

Because that would be "smoke and mirrors," and a waste of time, and all that.

One House member, a Republican from Oviedo named Sandy Adams, even announced she is filing a motion to censure (that is, formally reprimand) Crist for calling the session. Her idea was trumpeted by the House Republican office via a news release.

Adams (who, as it happens, is running for Congress) wants Crist rebuked for "the unnecessary spending of taxpayer dollars for a special session set solely to enact a redundant constitutional amendment banning an activity already banned by Florida law," the GOP statement said.

Well.

There's Amendment 9, for one. That's the one that declares that laws such as the big federal health-care reform, often called "Obamacare," will not count in Florida.

Not only is Amendment 9 constitutionally dubious, it is an entirely political gesture, intended to whip up the faithful in November.

Also, the Legislature is using this November's ballot to hold an unusual, non-binding, "advisory" referendum to ask Floridians …

Do you think the federal budget should be balanced?

I am pretty sure the answer is going to be "yes." Did they need to call a statewide election for it? Or were they just slapping another bumper sticker on the ballot?

"Out of bounds"?

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "State Sen. Dave Aronberg's attempt to tar his opponent in the Democratic primary for attorney general with the BP oil spill is out of bounds." "Candidate's cry of BP link out of bounds".

The trend is clear

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Florida homeowners are caught between a rock and a hard place. Despite not suffering from a severe storm since 2005, and regardless of reforms intent on stemming rate increases, consumers across the state are still suffering insurance premium shock."

The trend is clear. Gov. Charlie Crist may have vetoed legislation last month that would have made it easier for insurers to raise property insurance premiums, but as homeowners' policies come up for review, the rates just keep going up. And more increases could be on the way.

Foreclosures

"Foreclosures remain a big part of South Florida's housing market, but some analysts say the outlook might be improving." "Broward foreclosure rate dips; PB County rate flat".

No rush

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Arriving in mailboxes near you: ballots for the Aug. 24 statewide primary election. But that does not mean it's time to vote. The early arrival of ballots should signal voters that it is time to educate themselves so they can vote responsibly, and they should avoid rushing to return them." "No rush to return mail ballots".

Yaaawwwnnn

"A merit-pay plan for teachers proposed by gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum on Friday is not too different from one rejected by Gov. Charlie Crist this year." "McCollum proposes merit-pay plan for teachers".