The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will put an immediate stop to the matching money McCollum thought he was entitled to when his Republican rival Rick Scott, a multimillionaire who is financing his own campaign, exceeds the state's $24.9 million spending cap. Scott has rejected the spending limits under the so-called ``millionaire's provision.''

McCollum has received $1.7 million in state public financing because he has agreed to limit his campaign spending, and will continue to be eligible to receive public financing from another provision of the law. But the court injunction blocks the state from giving him the dollar-for-dollar match of everything Scott spends above the spending cap.

The court's ruling comes at a time when McCollum is trailing Scott by 11 percentage points in the latest polls and the GOP gubernatorial primary is only weeks away. The latest finance reports show that McCollum has only $800,000 on hand for the Aug. 24 primary.

Interim Secretary of State Dawn Roberts said she was deciding whether to appeal the ruling to preserve the so-called Millionaire's Amendment. The law was designed to keep wealthy candidates from using their personal resources to defeat less well-heeled opponents.

McCollum, the state attorney general who is trailing in his fourth statewide race, said he, too, is weighing his legal options. But, he immediately pounced on Scott.

Greer hoards RPOFer papers

"When Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents raided the Oviedo home of ousted Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer in June, they not only handcuffed him and hauled him to jail, they also found boxes filled with party records."

On April 20, the party demanded that Greer turn over all records in his possession that were "in any way relating to any of the matters set forth in your complaint in this case."

He turned over 160 pages, according to state-party pleadings, withholding most of the party paperwork found by FDLE agents at his home. ... Also among the party paperwork FDLE agents found at Greer's home were:

•Records comparing the party's actual spending in 2009 to its budget.

•Records of the party's cash position.

•Records of the party's base operating expenses.

•Records related to air-charter company Baer Air.

•Consultant contracts.

•Crist for U.S. Senate expenses for the third quarter of 2009.

•Crist call sheets from Feb. 3, 2009.

•A state-party letter Greer wrote Crist dated Jan. 5, 2010.

In addition, agents also found a $4,150 bill from GrayRobinson, the law firm that Greer hired to set up Victory Strategies. The firm says it was never paid.

Fl-oil-duh

"Federal officials predicted Friday that most Gulf Coast beaches have seen their last major oiling from the BP spill, and South Florida and the East Coast should be spared any impact because the crude never reached the powerful loop current. A new analysis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed most surface oil in the Gulf had degraded to a thin sheen. What remained on the surface and below was hundreds of miles from the loop current, which scientists feared could have carried the oil through the Florida Keys, up the East Coast and possibly toward Europe. NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco said a strong eddy is preventing oil from reaching the loop current." "South Florida, East Coast likely spared oil impact".

See also "Poll: Voters want say over offshore drilling", "Debris in relief well sets back work on gusher".

Chiles has some explaining to do

"In the governor's race, "

former health care executive Rick Scott, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink are essentially in a dead heat.

With Scott as the GOP nominee – and his nearly $30 million ad blitz has vaulted him into the lead in the Republican primary – he gets 29 percent, Sink 27 percent and independent Bud Chiles 14 percent.

With McCollum as the Republican nominee, McCollum gets 27 percent, Sink 26 percent and Chiles 14 percent. Scott leads McCollum by 11 percent in the GOP primary.

"Effectiveness of Crist's centrist style"

The Orlando Sentinel reports that "Gov. Charlie Crist, who fled the Republican Party for life as an independent, remains the frontrunner in Florida's race for Senate, leading former House Speaker Marco Rubio by 5 to 6 percentage points, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll."

The poll shows Crist with 37 percent, Rubio at 32 percent, and Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene, one of two Democratic contenders, at 17 percent. Crist leads Rubio 39-33 percent if U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is the Democratic nominee.

In that scenario, Meek gets 13 percent of the vote.

Perhaps its population growth in The Villages?

How Florida has managed to stay blue is a mystery with numbers like this: "Florida voters disapprove of the new health care law by a 53-to-36 percent margin, roughly the same as their 56-to-34 percent disapproval in June. Nationwide, opposition to the landmark health-care law declined over the past month, to 35 percent from 41 percent, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll released Thursday. Fifty percent of the public held a favorable view of the law, up slightly from 48 percent a month ago, while 14 percent expressed no opinion about the measure, according to the poll." "Poll: voters down on Obama, drilling, health care law".

BICPAC kerfuffle

"Democratic state Rep. Kevin Rader fired back at primary opponent Pete Burkert, noting that BICPAC helps pro-Israel candidates from both parties." "Rader PAC contribution sparks feud with Burkert in Democratic Senate primary".

RPOFers look to increase Senate lead

"While the political spotlight remains on the close and dramatic contests for the governorship and the open U.S. Senate seat, a number of intriguing contests are shaping up for Florida Senate seats in both primaries and in the general election. ... While Republican control of the Senate does not appear to be in any peril, the Democrats have fielded some solid candidates and have a chance at knocking off a few incumbents. But the reality is, the Republicans have an excellent chance at increasing their majority."

- "SD 2: Greg Evers Has Strong Financial Advantage".

- "SD 4: Handily, Four More Years for Don Gaetz".

- "SD 6: Interesting Dem Primary gives Bill Montford the Edge".

- "SD 8: John Thrasher Facing Challenges on Two Fronts".

- "SD 10: Smooth Sailing for Incumbent Ronda Storms".

- "SD 12: Jim Norman and Kevin Ambler Square Off in Conservative Showdown".

- "SD 14: Dems Hope to Knock Off Steve Oelrich".

- "SD 16: Jack Latvala is Back; Looks Poised to Pick Up a Seat for the GOP".

- "SD 18: Joyner a Lock for a Second Term".

- "SD 20: Alan Hays Looks Ready to Join the Senate".

- "SD 22: David Simmons Headed Back to the Legislature".

- "SD 24: Despite Staying with Crist, Altman Should Survive Challenge from the Right".

- "SD 25: Three House Reps Battle it Out to Take Atwater’s Seat".

- "SD 26: No Opposition to Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos".

- "SD 27: Interesting Primaries for Dems and GOP to Replace Dave Aronberg".

- "SD 28: It's Easily Another Cup of Joe … Negron".

- "SD 30: Maria Sachs Faces No Opposition for Ted Deutch's Old Seat".

- "SD 32: Ring Should be King for Another Four Years".

- "SD 34: Incoming Democratic Leader Nan Rich Gets Another Term".

- "SD 35: Gwen Margolis the Front-Runner Over Kevin Burns to Replace Dan Gelber".

- "SD 36: Miguel Diaz de la Portilla Battles Julio Robaina in Miami-Dade".

- "SD 38: $576K in the Bank Makes Anitere Flores Candidate to Beat".

- "SD 40: Rene Garcia Looks to be Headed Back to Tallahassee".

"Four spouses with mirror ambitions"

"Behind the candidates' nasty accusations are four spouses with mirror ambitions. They are their husbands' ultimate political accessories, the lapel flag in human form: slim legs, coiffed hair, dazzling smiles, a walking thesaurus of their spouses' winning attributes. Carole Crist. Mei Greene. Leslie Meek. Jeanette Dousdebes-Rubio." "The women behind the men who would be Florida's senator".

Is nothing sacred?

"Floridians beware, especially you party-hardy Conchs: Under a little-known law, your local bar could be closed the next time a hurricane comes." "Bars could close in Florida for next hurricane".

Yaaawwwnnn

"The Republican contest for Florida attorney general features three conservatives with solid resumes, but little name recognition or star power. The low-budget, under-the-radar primary defies prediction, political observers say, as the state GOP tries to keep its eight-year grip on the attorney general post now held by gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum." "Florida attorney general's race: GOP's Holly Benson, Pam Bondi, Jeff Kottkamp fight to stand out". See also "Wide-open, three-way Republican primary for attorney general" and "Ex-prosecutor giving two veteran politicians a run in GOP race for Fla. AG".

There he was just a short time ago envisioning himself sitting in the Governor's Mansion, whiling away the days signing death warrants, schmoozing the Florida Legislature and whirling around in amazement every time someone uttered the words: "Oh Gov. McCollum!"

Instead, in less time than it takes for an American Idol contestant to get the heave-ho, Florida's attorney general, the man who would be king, is facing the prospect his political career will wind up on a pile of tea bags.

Little wonder then that Bill McCollum is angry, Elmer Fudd-like vewry, vewry angry.

McCollum has now entered that stage in the Republican gubernatorial campaign in full pout ...

Another fine Jebacy

"Florida has third-highest uninsured population in nation".

Today's Q poll

Today's Florida Q Poll:

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist leads the three-way race for the U.S. Senate seat with 37 percent, followed by 32 percent for Republican Marco Rubio and 17 percent for Jeff Greene, the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. If U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek wins the Democratic primary, Crist's lead would be 39 percent to 33 percent for Rubio and 13 percent for Meek.

The three-way race for Governor is a squeaker between Democrat Alex Sink, the State Chief Financial Officer, and either of the Republican candidates, retired health care executive Rick Scott or Attorney General Bill McCollum, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University survey finds. Scott gets 29 percent to Sink's 27 percent with independent Bud Chiles receiving 14 percent. If McCollum wins the GOP primary, he would get 27 percent to 26 percent for Sink and 14 percent for Chiles.

In the Senate race, Crist's lead is based on getting half the independent voters, about 20 percent of Republicans and about 40 percent of Democrats. His 53 - 37 percent voter approval of his job as Governor probably is a factor in his lead.

Crist's margin in the general election matchups compare to a 37 - 33 - 17 percent lead with Meek in the race and 40 - 33 - 14 percent with Greene running in a June 9 poll. ...

The dead heat in the governor's race stems largely from a drop in the numbers for Scott and McCollum as they bombard each other with negative television ads. In June, registered voters gave McCollum a 37 - 29 percent favorable rating. Now it is 43 - 27 percent unfavorable. Scott's rating has gone from 31 - 22 percent favorable to a 29 - 30 percent split during the same period.

Sink gets a 25 - 15 percent favorability, with 58 percent who don't know enough about her to form an opinion, little changed from June 9.

"When candidates throw mud at each other, they can't avoid being splattered also. That is what has been happening and the beneficiary of the millions spent on negative ads Attorney General Bill McCollum and Rick Scott have been airing at this point is State CFO Alex Sink. Whether that will remain the case once the Republican nomination is settled we'll see," said Brown. "Chiles remains in the mid-teens, and a factor in the November election."

Sansom too good for a jumpsuit

"The specter of once-powerful Ray Sansom wearing a jail jumpsuit and picking up roadside trash scuttled a proposed plea deal with the former House speaker, court testimony revealed Thursday."

A rare glimpse into settlement negotiations involving the ex-lawmaker emerged during a combative all-day hearing in which lawyers for Sansom and two co-defendants are trying to have veteran State Attorney Willie Meggs thrown off the case on the grounds of prosecutorial misconduct.

The rejected agreement would have required Sansom, Destin developer Jay Odom and former college president Bob Richburg to admit to misdemeanor charges, pay fines and participate in a sheriff's work program for at least a month.

Meggs, the top prosecutor in North Florida's six-county Second Judicial Circuit, testified that the three men would have all been required to plead guilty to the attempted official misconduct for their role in inserting $6 million into the state budget to pay for a combination emergency operations center and airplane hangar to house Odom's jets.

The defendants also would have had to repay the state $310,000, the amount officials paid to hire an architect to design the building.

And he would have required them to spend from one to six months on a sheriff's work detail, picking up trash along roads while dressed in striped inmate outfits.

Entrepreneurs in action

"The Florida attorney general is investigating two companies accused of bilking people who wanted to get work cleaning up oil in and around the Gulf." "Florida goes after Gulf oil spill scams".

Imagine, never again having to wait in a doctor's office

"A proposed constitutional amendment that would have blocked the state from starting a health care program similar to President Barack Obama's federal plan was removed from the ballot Thursday by a judge who said its wording would confuse voters. Circuit Judge James Shelfer said Amendment 9's wording could even make voters think they would never have to wait in a doctor's office if the measure passed."

Three constitutional amendments proposed for the 2010 ballot have now been removed from the ballot by judges, including two by Shelfer, who was appointed to the bench by former Gov. Jeb Bush. Shelfer also removed from the ballot Amendment 7, a measure dealing with how lawmakers draw districts for Congress and the Legislature.

"Political bloodbaths"

"A notable handful ... have turned into full-fledged verbal smackdowns, with opponents slinging more mud than a tractor pull." "Candidates get nasty in bitter election battles"

E-Verify for state employees

"With immigration emerging as one of the chief issues in the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination -- and trying to catch up with front-runner Rick Scott -- Attorney General Bill McCollum sponsored a motion at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting for state offices to use E-Verify to ensure that no illegal aliens are hired." "Cabinet Unanimously Backs E-Verify to Stop State From Hiring Illegal Aliens".

"But that would tick off campaign donors"

Scott Maxwell points out why pols don't like to talk about the employers who exploit illegal immigrants ('ya know, pay them less than minimum wage under the table and stuff like that)*:

If they were, they would be forced to admit that the root of the problem is businesses that hire illegal immigrants.

But that would tick off many of the campaign donors.

So instead, they opt for an easier route. They demonize the people who come here looking for jobs instead of cracking down on the companies that provide them.

Nowhere is that more evident than right here in Florida.

Just a few months ago, legislators trotted out a joke of an immigration bill.

The bill would have forced employers to electronically verify the immigration status of their workers, which sounds good until you realize that legislators wanted to exempt the entire private sector.

Think about that for a moment.

Do you really think that the majority of the illegal immigrants in Florida are toiling away as, say, code inspectors and environmental engineers on the state payroll?

CD 17 Herald endorsements

The Miami Herald endorsements in CD 17: "Ten people seek to replace him -- nine are Democrats. The winner of the Aug. 24 primary will face attorney Roderick Vereen, running without a party affiliation, in November. The most viable candidates are Marleine Bastien, 51, executive director of the Haitian Women of Miami, Shirley Gibson, 67, Miami Gardens mayor, and state Sen. Frederica Wilson, 68. Each has unique talents."

Predictable

As we noted yesterday in "And so it begins", the Orlando Sentinel was formally beginning its attacks on Alan Grayson. Predictably, here's today's Sentinel editorial: "Alan Grayson's gall".

In the meantime, Sentinel readers should prepare themselves for a stream of stories about how wonderfulness of one Daniel Webster, the "revered pro-family leader" who will be Grayson's likely challenger.

Fl-oil-duh

"Democrats Face Blowback on Oil 'Spill Bill'".

See also "Feds, farmers create habitats for migrating birds", "Partisan bickering delays oil spill legislation", "US gas stations: Stay BP or change name to Amoco?", "Less oil on surface means less work for fishermen" and "Past problems for company at heart of oil spill".

Confused voters

Thomas Tryon: "After the fiasco that accompanied the 2000 presidential election in Florida, the state standardized many aspects of voting. ... Despite the steps toward consistency, elections in Florida are still confusing, even for experienced voters and those of us who cover political races and candidates." See what Tryon means here: "Elections still have their share of confusion".

Florida leads the way in foreclosure filings

"A RealtyTrac report shows Florida leading the way in new foreclosure related filings over the first six months of 2010. Business & Political leaders say letting taxes increase in 2011 when benefits expire could worsen foreclosures and kill economic growth." "Expiring Tax Benefits Could Worsen Foreclosure Rates".

"Party money smacks of king-making deal"

"A football star got stopped just short of the goal two years ago, but the Florida Republican Party still thinks it can win a House seat in a heavily Democratic district that includes the state Capitol."

The state GOP's $25,000 contribution, and staff support, for candidate Kirk Headley-Perdue has drawn a protest from her opponent, Ann Yarko.

Yarko — a conservative activist and Florida State University communications-political science student taking a break for some real world experience — says the party money smacks of the kind of king-making deals that helped lead to the downfall of former state GOP Chairman Jim Greer. Party headquarters says it's just making its best bet in the District 9 race.

Yarko wrote to the new chairman, state Sen. John Thrasher when she learned that the party provided the money — matched by $25,000 from Headley-Perdue — along with more than $3,000 worth of administrative support. She urged him to "let the Republican voters" decide the nomination.

What's wrong with Palm Beach

Joel Engelhardt: "Observers of the Palm Beach County Commission can be excused these days if they're confused. Democrats act like Republicans and Republicans act like Democrats." "Palm Beach County: Where R's and D's and D's are R's.".

"Wrongheaded and unconstitutional"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The ruling by a federal judge temporarily preventing key parts of the controversial Arizona immigration law from taking effect highlights the constitutional problems with the state's approach. Judge Susan Bolton explained that the law intruded on federal authority over immigration matters and put legal immigrants at risk of being subject to unjust arrest and detention. This should cause Florida politicians who would like to bring something similar here to rethink their strategy. Arizona is appealing, but this draconian approach to illegal immigration is not only wrongheaded but unconstitutional." "Ruling confirms flaws of Ariz. law". See also "Rep. Ritch Workman Determined Florida Will Have Tough Immigration Law". The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "Roadblock in Arizona".

Meanwhile, the "federal injunction blocking key portions of Arizona's immigration law hasn't deterred Republican legislators and candidates who want to bring a similar measure to Florida." "Arizona immigration battle shapes Florida political fights".

Dem AG race "is a true tossup"

"For two months a year, they sit six feet from each other on the floor of the Florida Senate, battling the Republican majority in the state Legislature. Now, two rising stars in the Democratic Party – Sens. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres and Dan Gelber of Miami Beach – are seeking the party's nomination for what is arguably the second-most powerful post in Florida government: attorney general, Florida's chief legal officer." "Florida attorney general's race: David Aronberg, Dan Gelber not so far apart". See also "Democrats' stars Aronberg, Gelber getting heated in Florida attorney general race".

The lawsuit is one more hit for the embattled Republican Party of Florida, whose chairman, Jim Greer, quit amid a credit card spending scandal earlier this year. If convicted, Greer faces up to 75 years in prison for theft, fraud and money-laundering charges stemming from accusations that he created a company called Victory Strategies to funnel party donations to himself. Greer has pleaded not guilty.

Rothstein and his firm gave generously to politicians and candidates on both sides of the aisle as a way for him to boost the legitimacy and image of himself and his law firm. Rothstein regularly hosted lavish political fundraisers. Photos showing him with politicians -- including one in which he embraced Gov. Charlie Crist -- were auctioned off by the bankruptcy estate earlier this year.

In April, Berger Singerman sent demand letters to dozens of political groups, politicians and candidates seeking repayment of about $650,000. The Republican Part of Florida is the first to be sued, but may not be the last.

Money talks

"Two wealthy newcomers to Florida politics who are self-financing their campaigns have taken double-digit leads in the state's Republican gubernatorial and Democratic Senate primary races, according to a poll released Thursday."

Former hospital operator Rick Scott was favored by 43 percent to 32 percent who preferred Attorney General Bill McCollum in the Republican gubernatorial race, according to a Quinnipiac University poll of 760 likely GOP voters taken July 22-27. Scott maintained a double-digit advantage he had compiled in an early June survey.

Meanwhile, billionaire businessman Jeff Greene shot ahead of U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek in the Democratic Senate race. Greene was favored by 33 percent of 782 likely Democratic voters to Meek's 23 percent and former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre's 4 percent. In a June poll by Quinnipiac, Meek held a 2-point edge.

The margin of error was plus or minus 3.6 percentage points among Republicans and 3.5 percentage points among Democrats.

Scott calls McLaughlin poll "trash"

"The rock-'em, sock-'em campaign by Rick Scott and Bill McCollum is driving up the negatives of both GOP gubernatorial candidates, a new poll reports."

As if that weren't bad enough, the poll itself has been called into question for its financial ties to the McCollum campaign.

The July 25-26 telephone survey of likely Republican voters found that Scott's negative numbers climbed to 37 percent while McCollum's negative rating moved up to 43 percent.

The poll by McLaughlin & Associates also indicated that the race may be tightening, with Scott leading McCollum 37 percent to 33 percent.

“The results of this poll show a dead heat, with the candidates statistically tied within the margin of error," said Timothy Stapleton, executive vice president of the Florida Medical Association, which commissioned the poll.

The FMA, which endorsed McCollum earlier this month, noted that 30 percent of respondents are still undecided in the contest, even though Scott and McCollum have spent millions on TV advertising in the past 90 days.

"Most disturbing to Rick Scott has to be the fact that as the story of his real record gets out, his negatives continue to rise," the McLaughlin analysis states. "Among undecided voters, Rick Scott has a net negative rating of only 16 percent favorable to 43 percent unfavorable." ...

Scott campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Baker declined to comment, except to call the McLaughlin survey "trash ... coming straight from McCollum."

Indeed, McLaughlin received $1.39 million from the Florida First Initiative between July 15 and July 28. Florida First is a 527 campaign fund linked to McCollum.

Scott goes into hiding

"Scott has agreed to two limited TV debates with McCollum, but balked at going on live TV statewide for one hour -- free of charge -- to debate his Republican opponent unless the location was moved away from McCollum's Orlando base to one of Scott's choosing. McCollum agreed to the move on Wednesday, but Scott insists on a public venue that organizers say they can't provide. The flap over the only statewide TV debate comes as Scott also is passing up invitations from newspaper editorial boards for interviews." "Scott, McCollum clash over statewide debate". See also "Scott Holds the Remote -- Won't OK TV Move".

Meek hits the road

"From the place where he started his petition campaign in Orlando to the Wausau Possum Festival, from Pensacola's beaches to an early voting date in his hometown of Miami, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek plans an 11-day statewide bus tour in his U.S." "Meek to begin campaign tour in Orlando".

Country clubbers tap McCollum

"The Florida Chamber of Commerce endorsed Attorney General Bill McCollum in his bid for governor. Another business group endorsed both McCollum and his GOP primary rival Rick Scott."

With the two leading Republican candidates for governor peddling their economic plans, Attorney General Bill McCollum on Wednesday received an endorsement in his bid from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. ...

Also Wednesday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce donated $500,000 to the Florida First Initiative, a political committee affiliated with McCollum that has been attacking his rival, Rick Scott, in television ads, the News Service of Florida reported. ...

McCollum has pledged to lower corporate taxes, reduce regulations and revise state laws governing civil suits. ...

Another business group, Associated Industries of Florida, announced Wednesday that it would co-endorse McCollum and Scott.

And so it begins ...

... the The Orlando Sentinel has overtly begun its campaign against Grayson, attacking his 21st Century use of the franking privilege to send a DVD to constituents, as opposed to the usual newsletter. Even though "Grayson isn't the first lawmaker to use taxpayer money to send a DVD", the Sentinel "journalists, right outa the RPOF talking points, derisively call it a "stunt".

According to the Sentinel, "the 90-minute disc features video highlights from his first term in office, including one of him grilling Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and another in which the Orlando Democrat preaches on the need to teach schoolchildren about the U.S. Constitution."

It's a stunt that drew howls from Republicans, who complained that Grayson was abusing the congressional privilege of franking that allows lawmakers to send taxpayer-paid newsletters and other mail to residents.

"This is an outrageous abuse of taxpayer dollars, and it goes to show that Alan Grayson is completely out of touch with Central Florida," said state Rep. Kurt Kelly of Ocala, one of seven Republicans looking to unseat Grayson this fall.

"This is just ridiculous behavior. What congressman would do this in the face of a huge budget deficit?" he asked.

Grayson said he doesn't see the video as self-promotional and that its intent was to show residents how the sausage is made in Washington.

Rubio losing money race

"Rubio collected $4.3 million from April 1 to June 30, a record for a U.S. Senate candidate in Florida. But he spent $4 million during the same period."

Rubio needs a better return on his fund-raising investment -- $1.7 million last quarter in direct mail, phone calls and online outreach — or he'll risk being outspent by Gov. Charlie Crist, who left the GOP to run with no party affiliation.

Since Rubio started raising money in February 2009, he's spent 63 percent of every dollar he's collected.

If he continues on that pace, he would need to raise $6.2 million in the third quarter of the year just to match the $8.2 million Crist had in the bank as of June 30.

Much of the Rubio's spending last quarter was directed at pushing Crist out of the Republican primary, a Palm Beach Post analysis of Rubio's expenditures show.

DWS goes after Teabaggers

"South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will help lead a nationwide Democratic campaign this fall that will try to tie Republican candidates to extreme elements of the Tea Party movement." "Florida's Wasserman Schultz leads Democrats' campaign to tie GOP to Tea Party".

Never mind

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board happily overlooks that Republican Dorothy Hukill "backed offshore drilling, sponsored the bill shielding gerrymandered districts and weakened growth-management laws." "For Florida House District 28".

Fl-oil-duh

"A University of Central Florida economist says that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has delayed the Sunshine State's recovery from the Great Recession by at least a year." "Economist: Spill will stall recovery by a year".

See also "Oil spill roundup: Wed., July 28", "Feinberg to oil spill task force: BP has done some things well, but 'data isn’t one of them'", "The 10 lessons in the 100 days of the Gulf oil spill", "Local governments: We want more say in oil cleanup" and "Crews take step toward readying permanent well fix".

Entrepreneurs in action

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "In what U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder described as 'the largest federal Medicare fraud take-down in history,' hundreds of federal agents swept five cities, including Miami, earlier this month to arrest 94 people accused of stealing $251 million from taxpayers by submitting bogus Medicare reimbursement claims." "Keep up the fight on bogus claims".

RPOFers prepare law like Arizona's

"South Florida immigrants viewed with relief a federal judge's decision Wednesday to block provisions of an Arizona law that would step up enforcement against people suspected of being in the country illegally. Others saw the injunction as a Band-Aid that could slip off as the legal battle between the federal government and state procedes, and while Florida legislators prepare laws similar to Arizona's. " "Arizona immigration ruling provides relief to some in South Florida, but hope to opponents". Related: "Democrat Sink’s careful reactions to Arizona law, federal suit and today’s injunction".

Meanwhile, the RPOFers scramble for the gutter: "Republican guv hopefuls Scott, McCollum criticize injunction blocking Arizona immigration law".

West=teabagger=RPOF

"Allen West is the darling of the tea party movement in South Florida. He's raised truckloads of campaign cash for his campaign. His name is constantly invoked at Republican gatherings." "Despite odds, challengers don't shy from taking on Ron Klein and Allen West".

Off topic

"Civil Rights Panel To Pursue Scourge Of Anti-White Racism".

Jebbie holds a press conference

"Now that Jeb Bush has taken himself out of the 2012 presidential sweepstakes, the former Florida governor is delving more deeply into humanitarian endeavors." Jebbie

is honorary chair of the Volunteer USA Foundation, which is developing a National Disaster Recovery Fund.

The fund, according to Volunteer USA President Liza McFadden, "will provide long-term support to fill gaps where insurance and FEMA funding don't exist."

The states of Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi have joined as partners in the fund, which "will allow faith and community-based non-profits that have track records of sustainable efforts helping communities rebuild to compete for funds," McFadden said. ...

Bush is working alongside Wal-Mart CEO Bill Simon, who serves as chairman of the fund.

Thrasher opens mouth, inserts foot

Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher "took aim at Democrats Meek and Grayson on Wednesday for missing the vote [to continue the funding of American military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan], ignoring Republican Young, who missed the vote because he is recovering from back surgery." "RPOF Chairman Thrasher Takes Aim at Meek, Grayson for Missing Military Funding Vote".

"Difficult to implement and of uncertain benefit"

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy:

Florida policymakers are embarking on another in a long series of K-12 education reform efforts likely to be difficult to implement and of uncertain benefit.

The next steps planned in Florida's accountability-based education strategy will result in new standards, new tests, and renewed attempts to base teacher pay on student test scores.

Questions exist not only about the strategy itself, but also about whether schools are funded well enough to make the kind of performance gains being sought.

Buzz continues about Haridopolos taking on Nelson in 2012

http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/">Sunshine State News reports: "Having written a letter on national issues to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson earlier in the month, incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, announced Wednesday that he will conduct a tour of hospitals and health-care facilities across the state, addressing health-related issues, including Medicaid. ... Just as he had in his letter to Nelson, Haridopolos continued to address federal issues -- taking aim at new health-care laws backed by President Barack Obama. ... Haridopolos also looked to brandish his conservative credentials by praising free-market solutions for health care." "Mike Haridopolos Puts Health Care on Center Stage".

Running mate race

"In the next few weeks, the candidates for governor face a decision fraught with danger: choosing a running mate for the obscure position of lieutenant governor. ... McCollum and Tom Grady? Scott and Paula Dockery? Sink and Rod Smith?" "Florida gubernatorial candidates looking at running mates".

Greer talks

"'I just hope that you-know-who drops dead'". "Jailhouse recordings show a different side of ex-Republican party of Florida chairman".

That optimistic portrait is painted by Sink, the state's chief financial officer and Democratic candidate for governor, in the energy policy she released Tuesday.

Sink said the Gulf oil disaster underscored "the economic threat we face if we continue our over-reliance on oil,'' and she scolded the state legislature for allowing Florida to lag in renewable energy production and manufacturing.

If elected, she said, she "will move our state decisively toward a more reliable, clean, and job-generating energy future.''

Sink proposes a combination of fiscal incentives, policy shifts and regulations to broaden Florida's market for alternative fuels.

Sink's energy plan pushes in directions that Gov. Charlie Crist and others have sought but failed to achieve from the reluctant Republican-led legislature.

McCollum sticks his hypocritical hand in your pocket

Scott Maxwell: "There's only one thing more annoying than the constant barrage of ugly ads you see each campaign season — and that's knowing you helped pay for them."

That's right. You may be sick of watching Bill McCollum and Rick Scott beat the tar out of each other. But you're still helping fund the battle whether you want to or not.

That's because McCollum decided to stick his hypocritical hands in your pocket.

Yes, the same guy who's fighting health-care coverage for the uninsured recently filed paperwork requesting nearly $1.3 million in public money to finance his attack-based campaign.

Fl-oil-duh

"As the Obamas plan a family vacation to the oil-plagued Florida Gulf Coast, tourism leaders hope they pack their swimsuits." "Will president take a swim during visit to Gulf Coast?".

See also "Oil-spill claims: Losses caused by public perception of oil rather than actual oil may also be covered", "Exxon Valdez expert Riki Ott tells Florida to dig in for a protracted legal, environmental battle", "Travel group seeks $500 million for Gulf tourism", "Fla. tourism official: hold media 'accountable'", "Give sea turtles a chance", "Oil spill response winding down" and "100 days of oil: Gulf life will never be the same".

And then there's this: "A tow boat slammed into an abandoned well north of a bay already hit by crude from the Gulf oil spill, sending a plume of oil and gas spewing into the air". "Tug hits well near Gulf, sends oil spewing".

"McCollum tries to set the record straight"

"Attorney General Bill McCollum tries to set the record straight when it comes to his views on an Arizona-style immigration law in Florida." "Arizona-Style Immigration and the McCollum Conundrum".

Boyd, Lawson pissing match

"In separate meetings with the Tallahassee Democrat editorial board, the Democratic primary opponents accused each other of trying to mislead voters."

Lawson said Boyd's television advertisements in their Democratic primary race for the Big Bend seat in the U.S. House unfairly allege that he "took $3 million from insurance companies" while voting in the Legislature for bills that led to insurance rate increases for homeowners and medical patients. Lawson said his earnings over nearly 30 years may have approached that amount, but that he sells life insurance — not property and casualty policies — and that rates are set by the Office of Insurance Regulation, not the Legislature.

Lawson countered with accusations that Boyd has amassed $3 million of his own in a re-election fund built largely by corporate political-action committees and lobbyists, including oil interests. Lawson said BP is among supporters of the 2nd District congressman, who voted in favor of oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Ties to big-money South Florida interests"

"As U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek continues his unexpected battle against billionaire Jeff Greene for the Democratic nomination in Florida’s U.S. Senate race, Democratic candidates — nine total — are duking it out in the race to claim Meek’s congressional seat. And, as new campaign finance reports reveal, the leaders in that race have numerous ties to big-money South Florida interests." "In race to replace Meek, vested interests spend heavily".

"Attack after attack"

"Down now even in his own polls, Bill McCollum launched attack after attack against primary rival Rick Scott on Tuesday, hoping something — anything — can convince Republican voters that the TV image of Scott won't be what Floridians get as governor."

Among a volley of accusations at two separate Pinellas County events, McCollum said Scott plagiarized from McCollum's economic and jobs plan and is peddling an unrealistic and potentially devastating plan to cut the state Department of Corrections by almost 40 percent, or $1 billion. He also continued to pound Scott over his time as CEO of Columbia/HCA, saying Scott profited hundreds of millions of dollars by defrauding taxpayers through Medicare and Medicaid.

Tuff guy

"Trailing badly in the polls behind health-care executive Rick Scott in the fight for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Attorney General Bill McCollum sought to reinforce his crime-fighting credentials". "Bill McCollum Back to Basics, His Law Enforcement Base, to Salvage Gov. Campaign".

RPOFer laff riot

"In the hotly contested Republican primary for attorney general, it doesn't take much to start controversy."

Seeking to deflect Bondi's criticism of his connections to the trial bar, Kottkamp [who briefly worked for Morgan & Morgan] cited an e-mail written last fall by Billy Howard, 43, a member of the Morgan & Morgan firm, who once dated Bondi.

In the e-mail, Howard suggested that Bondi hire the firm if she wins the race.

"Told me at church today she will use us for consumer protection if she wins,'' Howard wrote on Nov. 22, 2009. "She plans to announce this week I think, but u would know more than me as usual.''

Both Howard and Bondi now insist such a conversation never took place.

Grayson opposes "tax cuts for the rich."

The right-wingers at the Sunshine State news"Heading into the fall elections, congressional Democrats appear ready to let the Bush tax cuts expire at year end. That's going to be a tough sell on the campaign trail, even as populist Democrats try to fashion themselves as newborn deficit hawks. A one-year extension of the cuts would 'cost' the federal government $115 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Or, viewed from outside the Beltway, an extension of tax relief would save U.S. taxpayers $115 billion."

Turning supply-side economics on its head, the Democratic majority [in DC], as of now anyway, insists that higher taxes will right the fiscal ship.

Toeing the party line, Rep. Alan Grayson, a freshman Democrat facing a tough re-election fight in Florida's 8th Congressional District, stridently maintains that the Bush-era reductions were "tax cuts for the rich." He opposes any extension.

Delaying EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Standards

"Only weeks after reports surfaced that Florida U.S. Reps. Ander Crenshaw, R-Jacksonville, and Allen Boyd, D-Tallahassee, were attempting to introduce a rider that would essentially delay the EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Standards from taking effect, rumors of another rider have begun to circulate." "Environmental group alleges that another nutrient standards-blocking rider is in the works".

Two peas in a pod

"The detail from the campaign's 800-page report is a reminder of how close Greer and Crist were." "Crist campaign buys furniture and office gear from former GOP Chairman Jim Greer".

Republican lobbyist at work

"A 19-year-old Florida State University student says a Republican lobbyist conned him into sending mailers attacking Democratic congressional candidate Joe Garcia."

The fliers, which try to tie Garcia to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, were sent by a political group recently formed by student Matthew Slider. But Slider said he never saw the fliers featuring Garcia's picture over a Cuban flag with the universal "no'' symbol over it.

Slider had declined to comment on the mailer last week when a story first appeared in The Miami Herald.

Then, over the weekend, he sent out a sworn statement saying he had been tricked by Tallahassee lobbyist Evan J. Power into believing he was helping the campaign of Luis Meurice, a lesser-known Democrat also running for the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.

"Certainly this makes me look like an idiot,'' Slider said, adding that he felt badly that mailers with "racist overtones'' were sent out under his name. ...

Power did not respond to the Miami Herald after he had asked that the newspaper e-mail questions. He told the Naples Daily News that someone had hijacked the group's name and that he was just as surprised as Slider to see the mailers. ...

Power is also the ex-boyfriend of Erin Di Cesare, a former FSU student with no political background who was set up to front another political group that sent racially tinged attack mailers in 2009.

Class size

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board thinks the "Class size price too steep".

From the "values" crowd

"Volusia slashes school budget again".

The "McCristums"

Nancy Smith says,"take away those mostly physical differences and what you’ve got are Gov. Charlie Crist and Attorney General Bill McCollum -- the McCristums -- in so many other ways two peas struggling for political survival in the same illuminated pod. Bill and Charlie, Charlie and Bill. Year after year together. At least, that's the perception. And let’s face it, these two epitomize how perceptions get to be perceptions."

Smith puts it this way:

- Both are career politicians with law degrees

- Both will make wildly outrageous, impossible statements

- Both seem to adjust their ambitions upward every 2-4 years

- Both use their offices to further their campaigns

- Both are severely ethically challenged

- Both have a Jim Greer problem

On the road

"On the fourth day of Rick Scott’s tour across the state of Florida, he made several stops in Jacksonville and surrounding areas, culminating in a Sunday visit to First Baptist Church." "Rick Scott offers stump speech rhetoric at Jacksonville barbecue". Related: "Should the GOP be afraid of this man?".

"Aronberg rejects Gelber's call for 11 debates"

"With less than a month until the primary election Aug. 24, Greenacres' Sen. Dave Aronberg shot down the idea of holding 11 debates with Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, his rival for the Democratic attorney general nomination." "Dem AG Candidates Joust Over Debates".

Passing the buck

"School burden is shifting in state".

Surge in "no party" voters in Brevard

"The latest voter registration numbers in Brevard County indicate a surge in 'no party' voters, a number that surpasses registering Democrats and nips at the heels of newly registered Republicans." "No-party voters step up in 2010".

Country clubbers flex

"The lead group fighting the proposed "Hometown Democracy" amendment collected a stunning $4.7 million between April 1 and July 16 compared to $138,573 for the group that put the measure on the ballot in November." "Hometown Democracy opponents raise nearly $5 million".

Scott does not believe in global warming

"Scott omitted the fact that he continues to leave the door open for offshore oil drilling -- despite a shift in public opinion that prompted top Republican state lawmakers to abandon the idea. ... Scott said he supports the development of alternative energy, but gave no details about what he would do as governor to boost the industry. Asked if he believes in global warming, Scott said no. "I have not been convinced,'' he said." "Rick Scott sidesteps oil drilling stance".

McCollum's "murky political committees"

"With the fate of Florida’s public campaign finance law before a federal court, Republican Bill McCollum’s campaign continues to work the margins with millions of dollars swirling around and passing between murky political committees." "With Public Cash in Doubt, McCollum Works Money Margins".

Teachers pull their weight ...

"Florida inched closer to winning millions of dollars in federal grant money for education. ... The competition, called Race to the Top, is part of the federal stimulus plan. It awards money to states that commit to four areas of education reform: raising standards, using data, improving teacher quality and turning around chronically failing schools."

Before Florida applied for the second round, Crist assembled a group of superintendents, school board members, teachers, union representatives, parents and business leaders to find consensus.

The working group, chaired by Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, developed a new application that found universal support.

Florida's new application includes several controversial reforms, including merit pay for teachers. Previous proposals to base a portion of teacher pay on student test scores have been unpopular among educators. This plan, however, goes beyond test scores, taking into account poverty, language barriers, parental involvement and other factors that influence student achievement.

... Union haters foam at the mouth

The union haters on The Orlando Sentinel editorial board, who one suspects have never attended a union meeting of any kind, are not loathe to attack anything any union ever does; here's yet another example: "The teachers union has made clear its self-interest in suing to block class-size referendum." "Looking out for No. 1".

Jebbie's dead hand

"Among those on the bus with Scott are Arlene DiBenigno, an adviser to former Gov. Jeb Bush and current Gov. Charlie Crist who also worked on John McCain’s presidential campaign, and Donna Arduin, who helped shape Bush’s economic agenda and now is doing the same for Scott." "On the Bus: Outsider Scott Has Insider Team".

Teabaggers = GOPers

"The 2012 presidential race may be two years away, but that’s not stopping tea party activists around Tampa, host city for the Republican National Convention, from getting prepared for it, even as they are fully engaged for the mid-term elections in November."

Just across the bay in St. Petersburg, Largo, Clearwater and other locales, the Pinellas Patriots, an area tea party organization, hope to steer their country toward what they feel is the right track.

"This is going to be a great opportunity," Eileen Blackmer, an organizer for the group said. "We’ll be meeting with party officials when they come here.” Members have already met with several notables this year, including former House Speaker and potential presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, who gave out his personal e-mail address for people to send him their thoughts and ideas directly. ...

They’ve additionally met with mid-term election hopefuls such as Florida Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum. “The great part about this is that we don’t have to go to them, a lot of them are coming to us,” Blackmer said, adding that she expects even more courting from GOP candidates during the convention.

Karena Morrison, coordinator for the Abigail Adams Project of Florida, a national, nonpartisan voter education project started by the Homemakers of America and affiliated with the tea party movement, looks forward to the Republicans coming to town and all the media focus that comes with it.

"Campaign roundup"

"McCollum down in his own poll; Bondi wins straw poll, Benson nabs endorsements from former GOP chairmen". "Campaign roundup". See also Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

Earth to Rubio ...

"Rubio calls for cutting the size of the federal workforce ... Rubio also condemned the $787 billion stimulus -- despite having also earlier said that he would have accepted unspecified portions of the money so Florida would not be in worse financial straits." "Marco Rubio calls for federal layoffs". See also "Looking to Cut Fed Spending, Marco Rubio Hopes to Halt Obama's Economic Program".

Never mind

"A new report warns that failure to extend higher matching rates for Medicaid could be a blow to the financial recovery for many state budgets. States received higher matching rates for Medicaid starting last year as a part of the federal stimulus. But that higher rate is scheduled to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts. The National Conference of State Legislatures on Tuesday released a budget update that shows there could be budget gaps in 25 states if Congress lets the higher matching rate expire. Congress has been split over the extension because it would add to an already growing federal budget deficit." "Stimulus flameout could impact more than two dozen states" ("The report, however, does not include any data for Florida. Florida appears to be the only state that did not give any information to NCSL")

Uphill walk for Bud

"In a state with no mountains, Lawton 'Bud' Chiles III spends every day walking uphill."

Chiles, the 57-year-old son of a Florida political icon, is waging a low-budget, grassroots campaign for governor that faces almost certain failure.

He has abandoned the party of his late father — legendary Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles — to run as an independent, a move that has irked more than a few party officials.

They worry that Chiles, who inherited much of his dad's face but not all of his homespun charisma, will steal votes from Alex Sink, throwing the race to the Republicans. Chiles doesn't buy it.

Little-known rivals

"Politics watchers around the nation are anticipating the November rematch between U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, and Republican Allen West. But before they can square off in the general election for a U.S. House seat, both face Aug. 24 primaries against little-known rivals." "Klein, West both face primary opponents who want U.S. exit from wars now". See also "U.S. House of Representatives, District 22: The job and the candidates". See also "Despite odds, challengers don't shy from taking on Ron Klein and Allen West".

Ambler gets Trib endorsement

The Tampa Tribune editorial board endorses Ambler again' Norman in the District 12 Senate Republican primary. "Ambler gets nod in state Senate race". Related: "Longtime Republican allies face off in bitter state Senate primary".

Meek on the air, plans bus tour

"Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek launched his first television ad Monday -- an attack ad against rival Jeff Greene." "In his first TV spot, Kendrick Meek takes aim at Jeff Greene". See also "With Obama White House Cautiously Behind Him, Meek Unleashes First TV Ad". Related: "Greene goes double-negative on Meek in Dem Senate primary ad war".

"Looking for some mojo in his campaign against a Palm Beach billionaire, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is launching a 10-day bus tour that will start in Orlando next Wednesday." "Meek organizing 10-day bus tour".

That's especially true with Florida Republicans. Gubernatorial front-runner Rick Scott has zero allegiance to the state party leadership or its favored political consultants and lobbyists-fundraisers who are doing all they can to beat him.

GOP chairman John Thrasher has rebuked Scott for criticizing the way rival Bill McCollum failed to aggressively pursue alleged mismanagement by former party chairman Jim Greer, who now faces criminal charges. Incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, both of whom stood by Greer for months and worked with McCollum and Thrasher to give Greer a secret severance package, have funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to political committees to defeat Scott. ...

Then there's the Democratic Senate primary between U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami and real estate mogul Jeff Greene of Palm Beach. The White House, the state party and the Democratic National Committee are all officially backing Meek.

Meek has already said he would be unlikely to endorse Greene in the general election, and the nomination of Greene could make longtime party stalwarts receptive to backing, at least tacitly, nonpartisan candidate Charlie Crist.

"Anti-incumbency wave"

"So fearful are they of an anti-incumbency wave sweeping the nation, many candidates seeking re-election are going to great lengths to downplay their experience in public office. They minimize their years in office and instead highlight their business experience. Others have banned the use of the word 're-elect' in their campaigns." "Incumbents worry about voter anger".

"Freedom", RPOFer style

More "freedom", RPOFer style"A public-interest group warns that food inspections at Florida hospitals, nursing homes and day-care centers will be less rigorous under a new state law."

The Center for Science in the Public Interest says that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and the state Department of Health were stripped of their inspection authority and mandate at those facilities.

The change was contained in House Bill 5311, which was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist last month.

"Florida politicians were clearly not thinking about their young children or their aging parents when they passed this bill," Sarah Klein, a staff attorney at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, told Food Safety News.

"These consumers -- and anyone who is immuno-compromised -- are already at greater risk of being hospitalized from food-borne illness. Ending food safety inspections in the kitchens that feed those populations is like taking seat belts out of their cars and hoping no one has an accident," Klein said. ...

Meantime, and ironically, the Institute of Medicine -- the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences -- is urging the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to delegate more food facility inspections to the states.

Today is deadline to register

"Today is the deadline to register to vote in primary elections. Primary election day is Aug. 24, but early voting runs from Aug. 9 through Aug. 21." "Today is the last day to register to vote in primary elections".

Scott's $25 million blitz

"Does Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott measure up to his $25 million television advertising blitz up close and in person?" "Bus tour draws voters hoping to see beyond the TV image of Rick Scott". See also "Rick Scott takes bus tour to Sarasota, Villages".

Get a job

"George P Bush, son of Florida governor Jeb Bush, is beginning to spread his political wings as the third generation of the Bush dynasty." "George Bush the Third: the new kid on the block".

Fl-oil-duh

"Could American take over Britain's BP?".

"Like crabgrass sprouting in the spring"

"Like crabgrass sprouting in the spring, as the election season approaches campaign signs take root in lawns, road rights of way and almost any vacant piece of land throughout the region." "Campaign signs: Annoying eyesores or barometer of support?".

From the "values" crowd

"Spending, job cuts reality for Volusia schools".

Another fine Jebacy

Stephen Goldstein last week: "Elected officials come and go. But their policies, good or bad, may affect us for years."

Once again, Jeb Bush has failed the Florida Governor's Assessment Test (FGAT). Four years after he left office, we're reeling from the $1.5 billion cost of the biotech boondoggle he foisted on us. He promised us a silk purse of an investment, but he's stuck us with a sow's ear.

In 2003, Jeb became obsessed with luring California's Scripps Research Institute to Florida. He called it "a seminal moment in our state's history" — the magic wand that would make us a world leader in biomedical research and development and jumpstart our economy. He hurriedly called a special session of the Legislature and made it pass a one-time $310 million gift for Scripps from federal stimulus monies that were allocated for Florida. Palm Beach County anted up about $269 million to pay for land and buildings for Scripps.

Of course, some of the $310 million could have been used to offset a $40 million cut for state universities and the end of enrollment in the Healthy Kids children's insurance program that same year. But Jeb was quoted saying, "There is no better way to spend the one-time federal economic stimulus money than by investing in a project that spurs targeted economic growth. This investment will return more growth and revenues down the road." Shades of Bernie Madoff, he estimated the state return on its investment at 44.8 percent.

Estimates of the Scripps Florida economic miracle were predictably pie-in-the-sky.

"Not leaving anything to chance"

"It's not often that obscurity is an asset in a high-profile, statewide election. "

But that appears to be the tactic both Democratic candidates in the race for governor are using.

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the frontrunner in the Aug. 24 primary, is biding her time while former Columbia/HCA CEO Rick Scott and state Attorney General Bill McCollum sling mud at one another in the Republican primary.

Both Sink and Moore consider the South Carolina primary an object lesson.

"I don't take any election lightly," Sink said. "My name will be on the ballot for the primary. All we have to do is look and see what happened in South Carolina. So we're not leaving anything to chance."

Moore, an independent-turned-Socialist-turned-Democrat, said, "It's not as Don Quixote as it seems. My rationale is Alex Sink is actually a relatively unknown person. She's only run for statewide office once. I've been on the ballot twice in Florida. And, she's not that exciting. She's low-keying it. She's not anywhere. A lot of people don't even know who Alex Sink is."

Four years ago, Sink ran for office for the first time as a virtual unknown in the race for chief financial officer.

The best they can do?

"The 11th Congressional District that includes most of Tampa and snakes through St. Petersburg and Bradenton is a Democratic stronghold. But the race for the seat held since 2006 by Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, has drawn four Republicans and one Democrat."

None of the challengers has held office. But one, Eddie Adams Jr., a Republican, twice has lost to Castor.

Does Scott measure up?

"Does Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott measure up to his $25 million television advertising blitz up close and in person?" "Rick Scott: Meeting the man behind the image". Related: "GOP Governor candidate Rick Scott explains space options, jobs plan".

Meek has yet to catch fire among voters

"Senate candidate Kendrick Meek remains question mark to many Democrats". See also "Meek wants muscle in message".

Fl-oil-duh

"Tropical Storm Bonnie packed less punch than expected, but it still caused delays in BP's effort to permanently plug the damaged oil well in the Northern Gulf." "Dud of a storm delays BP's fixes".

See also "As ships return to oil spill as 'Bonnie' breezes past, new concerns arise on micro-droplets oil plumes", "Ships head back to oil well, ready to resume work", "Pensacola hotels post gains despite oil spill", "video", "" and "".

Attendance counts

"The GOP primary race to succeed term-limited state Senate President Jeff Atwater in District 25 is, at least in part, a contest between styles of leadership. State Rep. Carl Domino of Jupiter trumpets the fact that he has attended all the 'delegation meetings' convened during the past several years where Palm Beach County residents met with local legislators. He says his opponent, state Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale, attended fewer than half. " "Bogdanoff, Domino vie to succeed Atwater in Senate District 25 GOP race".

Movin' South

"More Corporate Relocation Inquiries Landing in Palm Beach".

RISEP report on economic stimulus investments

From the Research Institute on Social and Economic Policy: "This [.pdf] report is the third in a series that looks at the opportunity landscape in Florida before the recession, and how economic stimulus investments should be targeted towards making quality of life opportunities accessible to all communities, particularly communities of color. This installment focuses on the impact of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and its efforts to rehabilitate foreclosed and abandoned housing for the benefit of neighborhoods and residents, and the importance of creating job opportunities in local neighborhoods to fully address the economic crisis." "Recovering from Crisis: A review of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Florida’s economic recovery".

Boyd makes no apologies

"U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, who switched his vote on national health care, told Big Bend Democrats on Saturday he makes no apology for supporting the final package." "Democratic voters meet candidates".

"A few of W.'s friends"

TPM: "From reprisals to racist and homophobic slurs, what a few of W.'s friends did with their power."

The Federal Air Marshal office in Orlando has been plagued with scandal over the past few years, most famously for a Jeopardy-style game supervisors played with derogatory categories for African-Americans and people they thought were gay.

With the special agent in charge of the office, Bill Reese, announcing his retirement this week -- presumably due to allegations of discrimination and impropriety, although TSA officials say it's because of personal reasons -- we thought we'd recap some of what's allegedly been going in the office.

"What the whole appellate court structure is about"

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: "At least two high-profile people recently have been freed from prison after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the law covering honest services fraud, the same law used to send three former Palm Beach County commissioners to prison."

Conrad Black, the media mogul with a Palm Beach home, was granted bail while he appeals his 2007 conviction. A federal judge also ordered the release of Kevin Geddings, the former North Carolina lottery commissioner convicted in 2006. Geddings is seeking to have his conviction vacated in light of the Supreme Court ruling. Prosecutors actually support his release.

In last week's column, I asked whether ex-Commissioners Mary McCarty, Warren Newell and Tony Masilotti had been treated unfairly or "unethically," since they had been imprisoned based on a statute the Supreme Court now has called into question.

Whether what happened to them is unfair or unethical, though, is separate from the question of whether it was legal. The law was fully in force when the three went to prison. Obviously, it was legal to use it.

The fact that people can go to prison for acts that suddenly no longer are crimes is awful but inevitable. At least in this country, we try to perfect our system, which is what the whole appellate court structure is about.

'Glades

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "It's another ambitious land purchase that promises to aid the massive restoration of the Florida Everglades. This one, though, seems simpler and more doable. Unlike the state's ongoing efforts to purchase 73,000 acres of U.S. Sugar property south of Lake Okeechobee, the purchase proposed by the federal government appears to pass muster as a more straight-forward deal. It should be pursued to improve both Florida's natural habitat and the water quality flowing into Lake Okeechobee." "New Everglades restoration deal helps Lake Okeechobee".

Going negative

"Once the friendliest contest around, the Democratic primary race for attorney general is turning negative as the primary nears." "Democratic attorney general contest turns negative".

The "age" thing

"Candidates hope voters look past young age".