"I don't think the people of Florida want you to run the state of Florida the way that you ran your business,'' Sink retorted.

Later she mocked Scott's 7-7-7 economic plan, saying it was a more apt description of his seven years as a Florida resident, the 75 times he pleaded the Fifth Amendment in a lawsuit and the $70 million she expects him to spend in his quest to become governor.

Blogosphere goes off on Meek withdrawing; hedenies it

Daily Kos: "GOP fears Meek's withdrawal". Related: "Kendrick Meek: 'I'm Not Going Anywhere Except the ... Senate'" and "Wall Street Journal story about Crist/Meek deal laughable, Meek says".

Meek hammers away

"Meek was trying to reinforce his message to Latinos who, despite leaning Democratic outside of Miami's Cuban enclave, have shown skepticism toward Meek's candidacy." "Kendrick Meek courts Central Florida's Hispanic voters". As Mike Thomas recently put it, "How about a little Democratic love for Kendrick Meek?"

Sink "leads" in latest M-D poll

Bill Cotterell: "A new statewide [Mason-Dixon] poll Friday showed Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink with a slim lead over Republican Rick Scott in the race for governor."

The poll showed Sink with 44 percent support, Scott with 40 percent and 13 percent of voters undecided. Sink's lead was right at the poll's 4 percent margin of error.

[W]hen comparing two poll numbers, remember that the MoE applies to both numbers. For instance, suppose that in a single poll with a MoE of ±3%, Candidate D gets 46% and Candidate R only 42%, this will often be reported as a lead for D. However, D's support could be as low as 43% and R's as high as 45%, giving R a 2 percentage point lead. So, in order for the absolute difference between two poll numbers to be statistically significant, it must be greater than twice the MoE, which is equal to the confidence interval.

•A Sept. 23 poll by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, sometimes called the state's most reliable published political pollster, showed Sink with a 7-point lead over Scott, 47-40 percent. But over the next two days, Rasmussen Research and Quinnipiac University polls showed Scott ahead by 6 points, and CNN/Time showed Scott up 2 points.

•The same CNN/Time and Quinnipiac polls showed Republican Marco Rubio with comfortable, 11- and 13-point leads over no-party candidate Gov. Charlie in the Senate race.

But the following week, Zogby and the Republican-oriented Public Opinion Strategies, polling for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, showed Crist in striking distance, 6 or 7 points down.

Democrats licking their chops

If you're wondering how weak the GOP bench is, this should give you some insight: "Websites and organizations of every description are looking to draft former Gov. Jeb Bush and former U.S. Rep. Joe Scarborough, who now hosts a morning news show on MSNBC, into what probably will be a crowded field gunning for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. Add to those names a third. The rise of former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Republican candidate and the clear front-runner in the U.S. Senate race, has supporters pointing to his charisma and ability to run a rocket of a campaign -- and they're saying don't rule him out." "Three Floridians in 2012? Supporters Ask, Why not?".

Scott thrives in Obama years

"Rick Scott blames President Barack Obama for the nation's economic woes, but Florida's Republican nominee for governor is doing far better now than he was under the last year of George W. Bush's presidency."

That's according to Scott's last three years of tax returns, which portray a man who, like more and more out-of-work Floridians, earns no wages.

But unlike most of the state's 1 million unemployed workers, Scott earns millions from a long list of investments.

Scott's adjusted gross income in 2009 was $7.87 million, more than double what he made in 2008 during Bush's last year in office. Not only did his income grow under Obama, he paid less in federal taxes -- 13 percent -- than he did the previous year when Uncle Sam took 16 percent.

His best year was 2007, the height of the stock market, when his adjusted income was more than $13 million, of which he paid 15 percent in federal taxes.

How Scott fared in previous years is unknown, because his campaign declined to release anything earlier, unlike his Democratic opponent, Alex Sink, who disclosed her past five years of tax returns.

``We released the three years that Alex Sink has been in office,'' Scott spokesman Brian Burgess said.

But his biggest charitable [sic] deduction for a tax break in 2009 totaled more than $1 million and went to a group called Conservatives for Patients Rights, his tax-exempt political committee that fought Obama's federal healthcare overhaul.

Known as CPR, the committee helped spark the conservative tea party movement. Running TV ads across the country, the group elevated Scott's profile and included a public relations machine that eventually formed the backbone of his gubernatorial campaign staff, which includes Burgess.

Where's Dubya? Holed up

"Former President Bill Clinton is busy on the campaign trail, helping candidates in races from Florida to Washington state. His successor, George W. Bush? Holed up in Texas." "Where's President Bush?".

RPOFers afraid to debate

Aaron Deslatte: "Loranne Ausley sounded frustrated as a statewide candidate with no sparring partner."

While the Democratic nominee for chief financial officer has verbal Molotov cocktails to throw at Republican opponent Jeff Atwater – what with Tallahassee politicians being so popular these days – her target has been a hard man to find. With just over three weeks left until Election Day, the two have yet to agree on a single debate. ...

Though gubernatorial wannabes Rick Scott and Alex Sink held their first debate Friday, Scott avoided any statewide TV debates in his $75-million GOP primary, letting his acid-tongued advertising make his case to voters. ...

Pam Bondi, the Republican candidate for attorney general, called in June for a "series of debates" with her two GOP rivals. But, she's agreed to just two debates with Democrat Dan Gelber – and turned down a third that would have featured all the Cabinet races at the University of Florida.

Kosmas gets big endorsement

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "For 24th District voters, it comes down to a choice between a moderate Democrat and a now stridently partisan Republican. No matter which party controls Congress next year, we think Ms. Kosmas is more likely to get things done for her district and for the nation. We endorse Suzanne Kosmas." "U.S. Representative District 24".

Beware "hippie-type environmental activists"

"In the campaign over Florida's proposed Amendment 4 — which would change how development is controlled in Florida — each side is painting the other as iconic figures mistrusted by many Floridians: shrill environmental activists or bulldozer-crazed developers."

The images in an anti-Amendment 4 video: hippie-type environmental activists playing guitar and babbling, trying to explain their support for Amendment 4. Snippets from their messages: "Jobs will have to come to a halt"; "It's a struggle to liberate us from capitalism"; "Industry has to change; it has to scale down."

The image in a pro-Amendment 4 video: A voting booth in a clearing outside a forest is run over by a bulldozer. The message: "Rich, out-of-control developers want to crush our right to vote on new, sprawling development. … They're spending millions to kill Amendment 4."

Bill Clinton stands by Meek

"Former President Bill Clinton is set to campaign for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek on Oct. 19 in St. Petersburg. Clinton and Meek will be at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg that morning and the next day they will campaign together at the University of Central Florida." "Bill Clinton to campaign for Kendrick Meek at USF St. Pete".

The latest from teabag-world

"Ohio Tea Party Candidate Revealed As Nazi Reenactor" ("The Atlantic's Josh Green reports that millionaire businessman Rich Iott, the Republican nominee challenging Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D) in Ohio's Ninth District, has an unusual hobby: He likes to pretend he's a Nazi.")

Times endorses Crist

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board goes local: "Crist for U.S. Senate".

Shocked — shocked!

Steve Bousquet: "People in Florida are shocked — shocked! — that Rick Scott would stretch the truth in his TV ads. "

An example of the Republican nominee for governor's distortions is Scott's ad claiming that Democratic opponent Alex Sink is solely responsible for losses in the state pension fund. In fact, Sink is one of three trustees overseeing the fund and the other two are Republicans.

Challenged to defend the exaggeration, Scott told me: "She's the chief financial officer of the state. That means she's responsible for the funds of the state. This is a big deal." ...

Florida has long been an especially fertile place for mudslinging.

Rothstein

"Rothstein's right-hand woman sentenced to 10 years in prison".

Firefighters (with pensions) in action

Heroic firefighters do their jobs yet again, rescuing "two injured workers laid for hours facedown and deep inside the bottom of Hollywood's dark and empty [160-foot] water tower. One suffered a spinal injury, the other a broken hip when a scaffold they were standing on collapsed and dropped the two men about 45 feet into the cavernous bowl on Friday morning."

After nearly six hours, technical rescue workers from three agencies finally managed to bring down the two men safely. At one point, the scenario involved having two firefighters take turns hoisting the patients down the side of the tower using only ropes. ...

To rescue them, members of the team first had to climb the tower up a narrow ladder, walk across a catwalk and then scale the curve of the bowl. They had to bring up their equipment with ropes. They then built their own scaffold on top of the tower using a pulley system. They set up a ventilation system to get rid of the fumes and bring a fresh breeze into the bowl.

Driver-Engineer Aaron Caja of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department was picked to bring down Valderrabano, the one with the spinal injury. Caja strapped himself to a system of ropes that also was attached to Valderrabano, who was lying on a stretcher. The two appeared at the top about 2 p.m. and slid down the curve of the bowl. ...

"I didn't know it was going to be me until they said, 'OK, you. Get your stuff together. You are going,'" said Corolla.

The two rescuers said they had trained to do similar rescue missions but never on a water tower. They struggled to keep their adrenaline down.

Billy, "the well-heeled persuader"

"Attorney General Bill McCollum — who was a high-priced Washington lobbyist in between his bids for statewide office in Florida — may be returning to the ranks of the well-heeled persuaders." "Lobbyist McCollum?"

"Expensive, flashy but ridiculously impractical"

"If Charlie Crist were a car salesman, the $1.75 billion buyout of a sprawling sugar empire he pitched as the salvation of the Everglades more than two years ago might be likened to a Ferrari Enzo. Expensive, flashy but ridiculously impractical. One economic meltdown and three downsizings later, water managers are poised to drive off with what amounts to a Honda Civic of an Everglades restoration land purchase. Not nearly all they wanted but all they can afford." "Sugar land deal finally a lock". See also "Everglades Fight Prepares for Next Round".

Slow down

"Boaters headed south into the Indian River Lagoon or Mosquito Lagoon in Brevard County this weekend might want to be cautious of their speeds." "FWC enforcing boat speeds to protect manatees".

But now a big voting bloc – which, similarly, had backed primary loser Bill McCollum – is poised to make a remarkable conversion and embrace Scott in numbers that could prove decisive in November.

The Christian Coalition of Florida plans to blanket conservative churches with 3 million voters’ guides on Sun., Oct. 17 – the day before early voting begins in the state. The guide, which will cover the positions of candidates on abortion, gay adoption, private school vouchers and a host of other, so-called family issues, is expected to steer socially conservative voters toward Scott and away from Democrat Alex Sink. ...

"It’s disappointing, but not surprising," Sink spokeswoman Kyra Jennings said of Scott’s rising support among religious conservatives. “They seem to be putting partisan politics above ethics and integrity. We remember the issues that were brought up in the primary."

Scott has spent 12 times more than Sink

"Even as she has slid in the polls, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Alex Sink has built a $6 million war fund that will let her unleash a flurry of spending as the race draws to a close, according to her latest campaign finance reports."

Meanwhile, her opponent, Naples multimillionaire Rick Scott, hasn't slowed down. In the month after the primary, he spent $3.7 million - nearly a million dollars a week, more than 12 times as much as Sink. He has only $821,000 on hand, but could write himself a check, as he has in the past.

At a glance, the latest numbers, which are up to two weeks old, seem to echo the race for the Republican candidacy, in which Scott was able to severely outspend his opponent, party favorite Bill McCollum.

But the reality is more complex. By saving, Sink has ensured she will have money to spend as the Oct. 18 start of early voting approaches. ...

Political analysts say Sink's strategy is smart. Undecided voters tend to make up their minds shortly before voting, so political ads are most effective in the week or two before Election Day.

RPOFers in charge: poverty rises

"Each September the Census Bureau releases new statistics on poverty in the U.S. Since the recession began Florida has had the largest increase in the poverty rate in the nation. The poverty rate rose to 14.9% in 2009, while the child poverty rate rose to 21%. 2.7 million Floridians, roughly 1 in 7 people, were living below poverty levels in 2009 and 1 in 5 children in the state were living in poverty. 2.7 million Floridians, roughly 1 in 7 people, were living below poverty levels in 2009. In 2009, 1 in 5 children in the state were living in poverty." "Poverty rises in Florida".

Teabagger "'is in the catbird's seat'"

"Republican Marco Rubio 'is in the catbird's seat' in the race for Florida's U.S. Senate seat, with Gov. Charlie Crist stalled in second and Democrat Kendrick Meek lagging even further behind in third, according to a Mason-Dixon poll released Thursday."

Rubio has pushed his lead to 15 percentage points, attracting 42 percent of voters, compared with 27 percent for Crist, an independent, and 21 percent for Meek, the poll showed. Ten percent of voters remain undecided.

If Rubio can stay above 40 percent, it will be difficult for Crist or Meek to catch him, said Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker.

Ausley calls for more IG independence

"Chief financial officer candidate Loranne Ausley has called for making the state's internal watchdogs more independent." "CFO candidate Loranne Ausley calls for more independence for state inspector generals".

Good work ... if you can get it

"Barely a week after he lost the Republican primary for governor, Attorney General Bill McCollum sought legal advice on whether he can lobby the governor's office and Cabinet — the very people he works with now — after he leaves office in January." "Attorney General McCollum wanted lobbying request kept secret".

Scott has developers dancing in the streets

"Scott promises as governor to loosen regulation of business and he would start by putting a bull's eye on a state agency loathed by many developers. It's the Florida Department of Community Affairs, which reviews development projects with a staff of about 220 and a budget of $280-million. DCA was designed to bring a regional perspective to major growth decisions that affect the lives of people outside the jurisdiction of the local government that is considering the project." "Scott: Abolish planning agency". Related: "Rick Scott Addresses Fraud Issues at Forum Club Event" and "Scott tells WPB Forum Club he would freeze regulation of businesses in Florida".

"'On the campaign trail, I'll tell you the one that everybody's fed up with. It's DCA,'" Scott explains. "Rick Scott takes aim at DCA".

Yeah, Rick, my neighbors and I bitch about the DCA all the time at our backyard parties.

Foreign cash propping up RPOF candidates?

"Two $1 million ad buys by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce attacking Gov. Charlie Crist could draw the Florida Senate race into a national controversy brewing over allegations that the Chamber is skirting laws against using money from foreign sources in U.S. political campaigns."

ThinkProgress blog reported that the Chamber "has become very aggressive with its fundraising" recently through foreign affiliates that recruit foreign corporations as members, along with America companies doing business overseas.

Dues paid by those companies, often thousands of dollars per year per member company, flow back to the Chamber and into the same accounts used to fund "electioneering communications," of the kind the Chamber is using in the Florida race, the blog reported.

It said the Chamber uses political influence in the U.S. as a recruiting tool to lure foreign members, saying it can influence policy that affects trade and overseas investment.

Taliban Dan

"Alan Grayson says Dan Webster would 'force' rape and incest victims 'to bear their attacker's child'" "PolitiFact Florida Gives Grayson a 'Mostly True' on Abortion Claim About Webster".

LeMieux stabs Crist (again)

"Crist's hand-picked U.S. Senator, George LeMieux, campaigned for Crist rival Marco Rubio today and told a large crowd in this Central Florida retiree haven not to let Crist and others 'scare' them about Social Security." "Hand-picked by Crist, Sen. LeMieux campaigns for Rubio in Florida Senate race".

Can Dems head off Ginny's surprise?

"The race for Florida's 5th Congressional District pits a longtime sheriff who was criticized for how he got into the race against a longtime Republican who switched parties less than two years ago."

Incumbent Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite's surprise disclosure - after the filing deadline - that she wouldn't seek re-election because of illness made this a race to watch. She had quietly recruited Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent to run in her place.

Nugent, who defeated Tea Party favorite Jason Sager in the primary, has the clear financial advantage in the Republican-leaning district. He squares off against Land O' Lakes business consultant Jim Piccillo, a Democrat who said Brown-Waite's interference didn't stop on qualifying day. She made sure her chosen successor would be financially set, he said.

Sierra Club hoses Meek

"The Sierra Club, with more than 30,000 members in the Sunshine State, endorsed both Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running without party affiliation, and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democratic candidate -- an endorsement Meek promptly refused." "Kendrick Meek Says No to Sharing Sierra Club Endorsement With Charlie Crist". See also "Sierra Club Florida director: ‘We’re surprised’ by Meek’s endorsement rejection".

GOTV

"Florida campaigns may be waged on radio and television airwaves, but they're won or lost on the ground, by the army of paid staff and volunteers charged with making sure people vote." "Parties battle to get you out to vote".

Good little GOPer says "no"

"Rubio Alone in Rail Opposition, Citing National Debt".

Brain trust

"George LeMieux, John Mica and Mario Diaz-Balart mull over how to save taxpayer dollars". "Florida's Congressional Republicans Propose Ideas to Reduce Federal Government".

Wingnuts want to keep it secret

"Florida’s campaign finance laws are under assault this election season by conservative groups hoping to reduce government oversight on how they spend money on political ads."

Last week the Institute for Justice, which bills itself a "libertarian public interest law firm," filed suit in federal court to overturn the state’s spending limits on political ads. The suit was filed on behalf of four Sarasota-area men who oppose Amendment 4, a proposal that would require voters to approve land-use changes.

The plaintiffs argue that before they are able to air a radio ad opposing the measure "they must register with the government, appoint a treasurer, open a separate bank account, and track and report every penny that they raise and spend for their efforts," according to lead attorney Paul Sherman.

Meek laughs it off

"A Wall Street Journal Political Diary story states that Republicans are worried that Gov. Charlie Crist, independent candidate for U.S. Senate, is working on a deal with Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek to have Meek drop out of the race and presumably endorse Crist in order to beat Republican Marco Rubio, who currently leads in the polls by about a 10-point margin. Meek scoffs at the idea." "Wall Street Journal story about Crist/Meek deal laughable, Meek says".

Cumulative voting

Kingsley Guy points out that "there are ways to address the districting problem other than Amendments 5 and 6."

Among them is "cumulative voting." You may remember the concept from early in Bill Clinton's presidency when he nominated Lani Guarnier [sic]* as assistant attorney general for civil rights. Guarnier [sic] had written favorably about cumulative voting and was branded by opponents as too radical for the post, even though Illinois had once used the process to elect legislators. Guarnier's [sic] nomination went down in flames.

Under cumulative voting, representatives are elected from multi-member districts. If five seats are being contested, each voter receives five votes to use as he or she wishes. If an African-American voter wants to use all of his votes to elect an African-American to office, he can do so. If a voter wants to cast five votes for five different candidates she can do so, or split them up any way she wishes.

The Florida White House a 'comin

Frank Cerabino has a little fun this morning: "President Trump? Deal with it".

Some call this a debate

"U.S. Rep.Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, told a gathering of potential voters said the new health care reform legislation passed late last year was, in general, a valuable initiative. His GOP challenger, Joe Budd, a Boca Raton financial consultant, said 'Obamacare' was a dangerous treatment that would do more harm than good." "Congressional candidates Budd, Deutch face off in Delray over health care issues".

Wingers win one in the Florida Supreme Court

"The Florida Supreme Court will allow voters to weigh in on the state's class-size law in the November election, rejecting a challenge Thursday from the statewide teachers union that the proposal was misleading. ... The court's decision marked a victory for legislative leaders, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and some education groups that have been lobbying for passage of the tweak." "Voters to get say on class size law". See also "Amendment 8 upheld in Florida Supreme Court ruling", "Class-size amendment to stay on Nov. ballot" and "Florida Supreme Court okays class size amendment for November ballots".

More: "Amendment 8: Who’s for it? Who’s against it?"

Where's the beef?

"It's about campaign buttons, specifically an exhibit called "Buttons 'n Badges, Ads 'n Chads" opening Tuesday at the Old Capitol. Tallahassee stockbroker John Clark gathers campaign memorabilia the way some guys like model trains or baseball cards, and his trove spans about 200 years of Florida and national history." "Bill Cotterell: Collection tells of past campaigns".

Crist haters on the march

"John Rood, a former U.S. ambassador and Jacksonville businessman, submitted a series of public-records requests to the governor's office, seeking documents pertaining to, among other things, Crist's veto of Senate Bill 6 and his decision to run for U.S. Senate as a No Party Affiliation candidate." "In Records Dispute, Crist Hit With Second Lawsuit". See also "Tom Grady accuses Crist of violating open records laws in suit".

Wingnuts waste voters time with a bad question

"On the Nov. 2 ballot will be a tricky question posed by the Florida Legislature about the federal budget. Should the U.S. Constitution require Congress to balance the federal budget?"

It's a straw vote, meaning the results aren't binding. But the outcome will show, as does a straw tossed into the air, which way the wind is blowing on this important question.

Unfortunately, the question is spun in a way that guarantees an overwhelming affirmation:

"In order to stop the uncontrolled growth of our national debt and prevent excessive borrowing by the federal government, which threatens our economy and national security, should the United States Constitution be amended to require a balanced federal budget without raising taxes?"

CD12

"In the three-way race for the District 12 congressional seat, Dennis Ross has risen to the top in fundraising. By a lot."

As of last month, Ross, a Republican, had raised $810,877, with nearly $500,000 of that coming from individuals and another big chunk from political action committees.

Democratic opponent Lori Edwards has raised just $345,975, with more than half coming from PACs and a few thousand coming from the Democratic Party.

Trailing far behind is TEA Party candidate Randy Wilkinson, a Polk County commissioner who jumped from the Republican Party to enter this fray. He has raised just $41,596, according to August records, with the bulk coming from individuals.

All three say they have a good shot at the District 12 seat, located amid a mix of suburban and rural areas with a conservative base. The seat is being vacated by Adam Putnam, who is running for state agriculture commissioner.

What Planet?

What planet do the new editors of the The Daytona Beach News Journal live on? An editorial earlier this week:

President Obama has turned the ship of government hard left -- much farther left than many Americans thought he would when he campaigned as a moderate-sounding alternative to the hard-line ideologues of the right and the left.

Amendment 4 naysayers

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "No on Amendment 4". The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Amendment 4 is overreaction". See also "Hometown Democracy pits environmentalists against businesses and builders".

Related: "Godzilla and vampires get involved in ad war over Amendment 4".

Amendment 2

"A lot of people talk about supporting U.S. troops who are overseas in harm's way. Florida voters have a chance in the November election to do something tangible by approving a new property tax break for thousands of military personnel. Amendment 2 would create a new tax homestead exemption for troops serving in certain conflict areas outside the United States. If it passes, the Legislature would then decide exactly which conflict regions qualify." "Property tax break for military on Florida ballot".

"I'm the only one" was the most-used line in a debate Wednesday among the three major U.S. Senate candidates, as each sought to set himself apart from the other two on Social Security, health care, taxes and spending.

Democrat Kendrick Meek, moving away from his previous strategy of focusing his attacks mainly on no-party candidate Charlie Crist, fired in two directions.

He called Rubio a holdover from Bush-era "trickle-down" politics, and said of Crist, "You don't know where he is."

Circular firing squad

"Lawyers for ousted Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer have begun their attack on his former No. 2, Delmar Johnson III, the party's former executive director, who avoided prosecution by turning on Greer and becoming his chief accuser." "Jim Greer's lawyers attack state's prime witness".

Bought and paid for

"Democrat Alex Sink says her Republican rival, Rick Scott, is trying to buy the governor's office with tainted money. Scott's campaign shoots back that Sink has already sold out to liberal special interests."

In recent weeks, Scott has attended fundraisers hosted by Associated Industries of Florida, Florida Crystals and U.S. Sugar.

After positioning himself as the political outsider during the primary, he will attend a $10,000-per-head fundraiser this month in Naples with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a potential GOP presidential candidate.

Amendment 8 argument

"In arguments before the state Supreme Court on Wednesday, the state's largest teachers union challenged a proposal to ease Florida's minimum class-size requirements."

The Florida Education Association maintains that the summary for the November ballot doesn't fully explain Amendment 8's effect. But the legal challenge faced stiff resistance. Last month, a trial judge ruled that the state's ballot summary is fair and accurate. And on Wednesday, several justices appeared skeptical of the union's argument.

Even if the FEA loses its legal fight, union officials say they still feel confident about public opinion on the measure. A Sept. 20-22 survey by the Mason-Dixon polling firm shows only 35 percent of likely voters support the amendment loosening the class limits, far from the 60 percent required to add it to the Constitution.

Teabaggers cut checks

"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio will report raising more than $5 million in the quarter ending Sept. 30. The amount exceeds a record $4.5 million Rubio raised in the previous quarter for the most money raised in any three-month period of a U.S. Senate race in Florida. He now has raised $16 million and has $5.5 available in his campaign account." "Rubio campaign raises $5 million in 3rd quarter". See also "Rubio Breaks Own Fund-Raising Record in 3Q".

Corruption in Broward

Michael Mayo: "With corruption cases, Satz swings for fences".

Scott hiding from editorial boards

"Democratic candidate Alex Sink said Wednesday she would cut $300 million from the state budget by trimming middle managers if she is elected governor, although she would make the cuts not through layoffs but by replacing workers as they leave."

While she said she aims to ax government waste, Sink called her Republican opponent's plan to cut more money from the state prison budget "very unrealistic" and said she has no interest in cutting school spending and even vowed to spend more on pre-K classes.

Sink, who hopes to become the state's first female governor, laid out her position on those and several other issues in a nearly hour-long interview with The Palm Beach Post editorial board that was aired live on the internet and started with implicit and explicit digs at Republican Rick Scott.

"This is a long-honored tradition that we've had in this state of Florida to have candidates appear before ed boards. . . . I think it's important that Floridians are able to hear firsthand in some more depth than the 60-second sound bites what candidates' positions are on issues," she began her opening remarks.

Scott, who has spent more than $1 million a week on television ads touting his philosophy and attacking his primary and general election opponents, has not responded to repeated requests from The Post editorial board for a similar interview.

"Bits and Pieces"

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

"Dead as a beaver hat"

Mike Thomas: "'There's right and there's wrong. You got to do one or the other. You do the one and you're living. You do the other and you may be walking around, but you're dead as a beaver hat.'"

"Democrats who have embraced Charlie Crist are dead as a beaver hat."

Meek stood his ground. He gave up a safe congressional seat to do it.

Shortly thereafter, he was blindsided by billionaire Jeff Green, who tried to buy the Democratic nomination with an attack campaign. Meek clawed his way back from a big deficit in the polls and won handily.

And this is the guy whom a number of Democrats want to step aside for Crist?

Dump Kendrick Meek, who has spent his life supporting the Democratic Party, raising money and registering voters for the Democratic Party?

Dump Meek, who had the courage to take on a battle nobody else wanted to fight?

And back Crist, who ran like a coward the minute Marco Rubio began moving ahead of him in the polls? Or in the case of Democratic heavyweight fundraisers ... write Crist more checks.

The cruelest back-stab is coming from the teachers unions, especially the Florida Education Association, which have glommed onto Crist.

How soon they forget.

Meek was the driving force behind the 2002 class-size amendment, the single greatest victory for the teachers union in history.

He traveled the state tirelessly to get the petition signatures to put it on the ballot. And then he took on Jeb Bush to get it passed.

If not for Meek, teachers would be dealing with 40 kids in a class by now.

Meek is opposing Amendment 8, which would loosen up the restrictions of the class-size amendment, while Charlie supports it (at least he did in February — who knows now).

Amendments 1 and 2

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Amendments under the radar".

Scott accused of being "unfit" for office

"The most striking new ad may be from Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who relies on a collection of police and even current prosecutors to push the message that Rick Scott is unfit for the governor's mansion."

The ad -- it includes Republican State Attorney Bill Cervone from Gainesville and Democratic State Attorney Michael McAuliffe from West Palm Beach -- hammers at Scott's role as head of Columbia/HCA, the company that wound up paying a record $1.7 billion fine for Medicare fraud after Scott was forced out. The ad also refers to a deposition given in a contract dispute where Scott repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

HDs 16 and 58

"Latvala, Hayden vie for District 16" "Incumbent Cruz facing Redner for District 58".

Grayson slams Webster

"In follow-up to 'Taliban Dan' ad, Alan Grayson slams Daniel Webster over working mothers".

"Inconvenient truth?"

Tom Jackson: "Do District 12 voters want for their state senator someone whose family benefited from a half-million-dollar real estate deal with a favor-seeking businessman?" "Political facts unaltered by revelation".

Related: "New questions raised about Jim Norman's role in Arkansas house purchase" and "Ambler: Normans' money used separate account".

Rivera-Garcia

"David Rivera, a Republican candidate for Congress, unveiled his ideas to spark economic growth, prompting his Democratic opponent's campaign to immediately denounce it." "Rivals spar over plan for economy".

Florida Republicans admit they face tough choices but insist they can rein in spending while maintaining big-ticket projects ... .

"War of words"

The campaign to become Florida's next governor turned into a war of words this week over who had a role in shady business practices that led to fraud charges at the former companies of Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott.""

Sink unleashed a new round of attacks Tuesday against Scott, marshaling police, sheriffs and state attorneys in two TV ads. One questioned Scott's decision to plead the Fifth Amendment 75 times in a lawsuit involving one of his companies. The other, featuring the law enforcement officials, accuses him of running attack ads that are "totally false" — a claim that disregards portions of Scott's ads that are accurate.

"Sacred ground in Florida politics"

"On the eve of a pivotal debate in the U.S. Senate race, Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday pulled out a tried-and-true political weapon against frontrunner Marco Rubio: sounding the alarm on Social Security. Crist's new television ad assails Rubio for advocating an increase in the retirement age to qualify for federal benefits. Social Security, a lifeline in the state's large senior population, is considered sacred ground in Florida politics." "On eve of key debate, Crist hammers Rubio over Social Security". See also: "Florida Senate candidates prepare for second debate".

Webster runs from teabagger

Scott Maxwell: "Webster says he won't do a debate if Tea Party candidate Peg Dunmire is included. Grayson said he won't do one if she's not." "Both Webster, Grayson need to step up".

Amendment 8

"Attorneys for a statewide teachers' union will go before the Florida Supreme Court Wednesday in an attempt to boot from the November ballot a proposed amendment dealing with school class sizes." "Class-size amendment fight goes to court". See also "Amendment 8 Opponents Fight Against Class Size Change". Background: "A primer on Amendment 8, which would change Florida class sizes".

About the AG candidates

Steve Bousquet: "Voters will choose a new attorney general for the third time in eight years. Republican Pam Bondi, a former Hillsborough County prosecutor, faces Democratic state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, a former federal prosecutor. A third candidate, Fort Lauderdale lawyer Jim Lewis, is running as an independent candidate." "Three former prosecutors plead their case to voters in the attorney general's race".

Front-Loading Florida Elections

"A sharp increase in the number of Floridians casting absentee ballots is changing the ways of winning political campaigns." "Absentee Ballots Front-Load Florida Elections".

Meek turning his fire away from Crist, and onto Rubio

"With less than a month to go until the general election, the dynamics are changing in the election for the U.S. Senate seat. U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democratic candidate in the race, is turning his fire away from NPA-candidate Charlie Crist, and onto Republican candidate Marco Rubio, the front-runner in the race." "With Meek Attacking Rubio Instead of Crist, Dynamic Changes in U.S. Senate Battle".

Meantime, "Rubio, Crist cap off busy days of politicking around Tampa Bay, key to statewide victory".

"Jeb!" who?

"Gov. Charlie Crist accused Republican Senate rival Marco Rubio of seeking to 'balance the budget on the backs of seniors' in a new TV ad Tuesday while Rubio's campaign accused Crist of using a 'desperate false attack' to try to scare retirees. The firefight over Social Security, which drew former Gov. Jeb Bush into the fray on behalf of Rubio, came on the eve of a televised debate that will give many Florida voters their first chance to see Rubio, independent Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek together." "Jeb Bush accuses Crist of trying to scare seniors with anti-Rubio ad".

Rubio wimps out

"Rubio has refused to appear [before the Palm Beach Post editorial board], and discuss his use of a party credit card. He won't discuss how he can criticize the economic stimulus while acknowledging that if he still had been in the Legislature he would have accepted the money. Mr. Rubio claims to represent new politics. Sounds more like old stonewalling." "Rubio has double standard: Meek, Crist took questions. He hasn't.".

Rove hearts Rubio

"Two groups conceived by former Bush White House Senior Advisor Karl Rove and former RNC chairman Ed Gillespie have new independent expenditure ads opposing Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and supporting Republican Florida candidate for U.S. Senate Marco Rubio. The ads appear the same day as campaign finance watchdog organizations wrote a letter to the IRS asking them to investigate the 501(c)(4) tax status of one of those groups, American Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies (GPS)." "American Crossroads, American Crossroads GPS release new ads, one supporting Rubio".

PBA goes after Scott's prison plan

"The state's two big police unions are backing Democrat Alex Sink for governor. Now one of them is bringing out its big guns to attack Sink's opponent, Republican Rick Scott. The Florida Police Benevolent Association debuted a new television ad Sept. 27, 2010, that claims that Scott's plan to cut state budgets will result in fewer prisons and the early release of tens of thousands of violent criminals." "PolitiFact: Police union attacks Scott's prison plan".

Gimme

"South Floridians show support for ambitious rail system, despite the price tag".

Rollin' in the mud

"Conservative activist Ralph Hughes funneled $500,000 through a bank account set up for the wife of Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman so the Normans could buy a lakefront house in Arkansas, according to newly filed court documents."

Norman defeated Ambler in the Aug. 24 Republican primary for the District 12 state Senate seat and faces two write-in candidates in the Nov. 2 general election.

Ambler is asking a Tallahassee judge to disqualify Norman's candidacy, arguing that Norman failed to disclose the Arkansas house and $500,000 he received from Hughes. If Norman is disqualified, Ambler wants his name on the ballot as the only remaining Republican who has legally qualified as a candidate.

Should McCollum be disqualified from lawsuit?

"McCollum should be disqualified from whistleblower suit, lawyer says".

Say what?

"A new survey shows most Floridians are willing to support tax increases for public schools and health and human services even in these troubled economic times." "Survey shows Floridians support tax increases" (The telephone survey was taken in June, and included 1,003 adult Floridians with an error rate of plus or minus 4 percentage points.)

Grayson won't back down

The New York Times: "Calling voters on behalf of Alan Grayson, the Florida congressman and Democratic firebrand, can require the finer arts of persuasion."

Even Democrats occasionally ask: Must he be so negative? Labeling Republicans “knuckle-dragging Neanderthals” as he did last year? And now, running a television spot that calls his Republican opponent, Daniel Webster, “Taliban Dan” because of his conservative Christian views on marriage and abortion?

“I tell people you have to look beyond personality,” said Leigh Doney, 55, a volunteer at the Grayson campaign office last week. “We’re not electing a personality. We’re electing a person with specific views on specific issues.”

Mr. Grayson, 52, has tried to define himself here in this swing district that includes Disney World as a freshman congressman who has delivered federal dollars, and a populist hero with the guts to punch back at Republicans. At a time when many Democratic supporters want their party to hit back, hard, he is winding up like a heavyweight. And yet, in part because of his brash approach — which has made him a top target for Republicans — Mr. Grayson has been struggling to control the conversation.

HDs 47, 61 and 67

"House District 47 race a study in contrast", "Neighbors vie for state House 61 seat" and 3 vie for state House District 67 job.

Meek + Sink

"Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek is struggling to keep Democratic voters from supporting Gov. Charlie Crist in their three-way race for the U.S. Senate with former House Speaker Marco Rubio."

But state and national Democratic party leaders have continued to strongly support Meek, with some saying he needs to remain viable to boost turnout for other Democratic candidates, particularly Alex Sink.

I'm a Jacobin myself

"Whig Party member running for Miami-Dade Congressional seat".

RPOFers always looking for wedge issues

"Looking for another possible wedge issue to use in the 2012 election cycle, Florida's Republican-led Legislature wants voters to weigh in on whether the federal government should be required to balance its budget like most states do." "Florida has straw ballot on US balanced budget".

Rubio's credit card

"The Miami Herald is raising additional questions about Marco Rubio’s alleged use of campaign money for personal expenses. A reimbursement check he deposited in 2002 more closely resembles a car payment." "As federal action on energy stalls, St. Pete workshop calls for Florida to lead".

The Obama effect

"President Barack Obama's unfavorable standing among voters nationwide is hurting fellow Democrats like Alex Sink, who is trying to break the GOP hold on the governor's office." "Democrats see chance, face barriers in Florida governor's race".

See this Sunshine State News poll: "Poll: Rick Scott Takes Lead, 'Favored to Win'" "In a poll released Monday by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Scott leads Sink 46 percent to 42 percent. The business-backed group, which surveyed 800 likely voters, has endorsed Scott." "Sink: Scott trying to buy office". Related: "Chamber poll: Repubs beating Dems in all statewide races".

Teabaggers hold sway in latest U.S. Senate poll

"A majority of Floridians say the state is heading in the wrong direction and likely voters are continuing to lean toward Republican Marco Rubio over the now independent Gov. Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek in the race for U.S. Senate."

According to a TCPalm.com/Zogby poll released Tuesday, 39.2 percent of the state’s voters favor Rubio, while 33 percent went with Crist and 17.6 percent are intending to vote for the Democratic congressman from Miami.

The poll showed a narrower gap than a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday that put Rubio 13 percentage points ahead of Crist. Rubio also had an 11-point lead over Crist in polls released Wednesday by CNN/Time and Rasmussen.

"Scene of Financial Disaster"

"CFO lectures on managing pension funds in city where Floridians lost $266 million". "Alex Sink Returns to Scene of Financial Disaster".

Teabaggers in a dither

"Organizers of the scrapped Sarah Palin event say the show will go on -- with a date to be announced later this week. The 2008 vice presidential candidate and former Alaska governor was to appear at American Airlines arena Wednesday, but the Liberty & Freedom Foundation -- which is putting on the event -- says its own scheduling conflict caused the postponement, not Palin." "Sarah Palin's Miami event postponed, new date to be announced".

Never mind the hypocrisy

"Miami's three Republican Cuban-American members of Congress threw their support behind Rick Scott on Monday, despite not seeing eye-to-eye with the GOP gubernatorial candidate on one of the signature issues of their congressional careers: immigration."

Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who had backed Attorney General Bill McCollum for governor in the brutal Republican primary, admitted that they disagree with Scott's support of bringing an Arizona-style immigration law to Florida, a centerpiece of his primary campaign. ...

The trio of representatives brushed aside concerns about the $1.7 billion fraud scandal tied to Scott's former hospital business, Columbia/HCA.

Neither Scott nor the members of Congress mentioned the i-word. But the immigration issue came up during a sometimes tense news conference with Scott at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Coral Gables.

The lawmakers had forcefully voiced their opposition and disappointment during the final days of the GOP primary when McCollum unveiled a last-minute immigration plan he called "tougher'' in some ways than Arizona's controversial measure.

At the time, Ros-Lehtinen, a co-chair of McCollum's Hispanic leadership team, declared herself ``blindsided'' by McCollum's proposal and said other issues were more important. Ads running on Spanish-language radio with Lincoln Diaz-Balart praising McCollum were pulled.

Polls show the Arizona measure is popular among voters -- except with Hispanics, the fastest growing part of the electorate and an important constituency in South and Central Florida.

Second amendment remedies

A busy day for stories about yee haws asserting them good ole second amendment remedies: "2 killed, 5 wounded in Gainesville shooting spree", "Jury selection in Flagler double-murder trial begins" ("Investigators say Gregory ... armed himself with a shotgun he took from a closet in the home and used it to kill the couple as they slept") and "Teen who survived rampage released from hospital" ("the 15-year-old boy who witnessed the shooting deaths of his mother and four siblings at their South Florida home has been released from the hospital.")

And then there's this: "Police: Armed home intruders attack woman, son in St. Pete".

"Rising star" agin' the "wonder kid"

"The two leading contenders for agriculture commissioner are a mirror image: a 36-year-old congressman and rising Republican star and a 42-year-old Democrat and former state party chairman who was also hailed as a wonder kid." "Ag commissioner candidates similar".

"Heroes and Zeroes"

Nancy Smith's "Heroes and Zeroes": "Thumbs up, LeMieux and Nelson; thumbs way down, Grayson and Bennett".

That I-4 corridor thing

"A visit from former Vice President Al Gore on behalf of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek in Tampa last Thursday dominated the local news cycle for a while, but it didn’t last long."

The next day Republic candidate for U.S. Senate Marco Rubio showed up just north of Tampa at a Pasco County restaurant with his own national political star, Mitt Romney, getting the attention of both national and Tampa Bay area media. Then over the weekend, independent Gov. Charlie Crist came to town seeking union votes in the same U.S. Postal Service hall where Gore stumped for Meek just days earlier.

It all amounted to the familiar campaign strategy that any successful candidate in a statewide race in Florida has to push for votes from Tampa Bay to Orlando, known as the I-4 corridor.

Another brilliant idea

A "brilliant health insurance program", "endorsed by U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio dubbed Health Choices -- an exchange for unregulated health policies -- hasn't enrolled one person. "

HD 57

"Democrat Stacy Frank is running against Republican Dana Young to represent the district that covers parts of western Hillsborough County, including Westchase, Town 'N Country and South Tampa." "District 57 opponents split on most issues".

Get a life

"Broward man forms 340 PACs, 40 political parties — and is running for governor".

"Legislative taint"

"Behind in fundraising and virtually unknown to many voters, chief financial officer candidate Loranne Ausley is trying to tar her opponent with nearly every questionable move made by the Legislature." "Democrat Loranne Ausley keys on legislative taint in CFO race against GOP Sen. Jeff Atwater".

The Bushco recession lingers on

"Employment opportunities crashed along with home values".

What's wrong with Hillsborough County?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman should abandon his race for the state Senate and allow the local Republican Party to replace him."

The revelation that the late political powerbroker Ralph Hughes helped finance the purchase of a lakefront Arkansas home by Norman's wife destroys Norman's credibility.

When the press first reported that Norman's wife had bought the resort house for $435,000 cash, Norman stressed there were other investors, though only his wife's name was on the deed, an unusual arrangement.

These investors were close family friends and didn't want media coverage, Norman told us when we asked for their identities. He said he wanted to provide their names, but they would not agree to go public.

Now Norman's lawyer concedes Hughes, who died in 2008, provided the money that made the purchase possible.

The mysterious investors that Norman said he was obligated to protect apparently do not exist.

Norman had good reason for wanting to keep secret his family's financial ties to Hughes. The controversial Hughes contributed heavily to Norman's campaigns and was intensely involved in county issues, pushing a pro-development, anti-government agenda that Norman usually supported.

Faulty Paperwork

"Faulty Paperwork Could Slow Florida Foreclosures".

Laff riot

"As federal action on energy stalls, St. Pete workshop calls for Florida to lead".

HD 60

"Republican Shawn Harrison, a lawyer and former Tampa city councilman, is pitted against Democrat Russ Patterson, a retired Air Force officer, in a race to replace term-limited Republican Rep. Ed Homan. The district represents Lutz, North Tampa, Temple Terrace and Thonotosassa." "Ex-councilman takes on Air Force vet in District 60 race".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Oil industry has yet to adopt lessons of BP spill".

The Winter Park lawmaker, whose party duties include helping Republican legislative candidates win statewide, flies a Cirrus SR-22 single-engine plane he co-owns through a company called GK Aviation. His partners include a small group of businessmen and lawyers from Cannon's former employer, mega-law firm GrayRobinson.

Republican Party of Florida donors have paid at least $256,272 since 2006 for his flight privileges.

In many respects, Cannon's arrangement appears similar to one set up by ousted party chair Jim Greer, who used party funds to charter his own plane to fly him and other officials around the state. Last month, the party released a scathing financial audit that accused Greer, as part of a broader review of $7.3 million in credit-card spending under his tenure, of inappropriately using party money on his plane.

But the auditors gave Cannon a pass.

Dems best chance to win the governor's race

"Florida Democrats say this could be their best chance to win the governor's race since their last victory 16 years ago."

Their candidate, Alex Sink, has a long business resume to show off in a year when voters have consistently stripped career politicians of their offices. A united Democratic Party appears to be rowing in the same direction for her, while the Republican nominee, Rick Scott, has nursed wounds inflicted by $25 million in TV ads from his primary opponent.

Yet, Sink is no shoo-in. She's the underdog, a string of recent polls show.

Privatization stoopidity

"The North Broward Hospital District could face a financial hit of over $80 million a year from lost federal grants and higher costs if it agrees to turn over its operation to a private nonprofit group, a district auditor report says." "North Broward Hospital District faces $80M hit by privatizing".

Another "unusual payment" by Rubio

"one payment stands out: a $1,485.55 check cut on June 12, 2002, to 'Marco Rubio Bank of America Auto Finance Corp.' for 'auto expense,' according to public records."

The unusual payment to the bank again raises one of his biggest liabilities on the campaign trail: his use of political donations to cover personal expenses.

Even as Rubio surged to the front of the Senate race as well as the national party's starring lineup, he has been forced to defend personal expenses billed to his state Republican Party-issued credit card and two political committees he started with his wife.

"It looks bad,'' Ben Wilcox, a board member of Common Cause Florida, a government watchdog group, said of the 2002 campaign check to the bank.

"It looks like he's making payment for his car out of his campaign expense. I certainly haven't heard of this happening before. It seems to be a pattern with him in which he plays fast and loose with the rules and tries to go back and justify it once it's pointed out.''

Rubio frequently billed personal expenses on the Republican Party credit card in 2007 and 2008 when he served as House speaker, from a $10.50 movie ticket to more than $10,000 in hotel rooms for a family reunion. Rubio says he sent checks to American Express to cover all of his personal expenses, but he has refused to release his credit card statements for 2004 and 2005.

Voucher madness

"GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott released a proposal last week for revamping Florida's K-12 school system that stresses his desire to "expand school choice" for students and parents."

More choice, he said, means offering a wide range of options, from more magnet and charter schools to expanding the use of virtual schools. But it's his desire to expand another option - school vouchers - that sets him farthest from his opponent, Alex Sink.

Scott wants, in particular, to expand an existing program funded with corporate income tax credits, which allows low-income students to attend private school. Sink does not.

Deadline is Monday, Oct. 4

"Want to vote in November? Registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 4". See also "Groups work to sign up new voters before Monday deadline".

Revolving door blues

"As critical health reform deadlines loom, the former secretary of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, Medicaid expert Tom Arnold, has left government to join one of Tallahassee's top lobbying firms, Southern Strategies." "Loophole allows ex-director to lobby health agency".

Amendment 8

"It's a high-stakes issue that could affect every public school in the state. But unlike past controversial proposals, neither supporters nor opponents of Amendment 8 have done much to rally popular opinion to their cause." "Class-size amendment: Both sides low-key on hot issue".

Amendment 1

"Amendment 1 on the Nov. 2 ballot would repeal a state constitutional provision that requires public financing of campaigns for governor, chief financial officer, attorney general and agriculture commissioner for candidates who agree to spending limits. Supporters of Amendment 1 argue public campaign funding is a welfare system for candidates and the money would be better spent on the state's needs. Opponents say getting rid of the system would give wealthier candidates an unfair advantage." "Fla. amendment would repeal public campaign funds".

Charlie plays softball

"Crist throws lunch for West Tampa softball champs".

"Social Security a pivotal issue"

"With one out of six Floridians receiving Social Security, it is no surprise that the federal entitlement program has become a pivotal issue in this fall's U.S. Senate race." "Social Security in the race for U.S. Senate".

"More important things to do"

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "Bondi also makes it clear that she plans to pursue the current attorney general's lawsuit against the new federal health-care law -- a suit that is both a politicized and an irresponsible waste of state resources."

With one of every five Floridians lacking health insurance and the state ranked 49th in the nation in the percentage of uninsured children, surely the attorney general would have more important things to do.

CD 25

"State Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, the Republican nominee for Florida’s 25th Congressional District, is counting on his conservative message and ideology to carry him to victory in November." "CD 25 Race Tight, Significant, Increasingly Bitter".

Wingers think Florida is doin' great

"Florida earned the highest combined grade on a new national education report card, and researchers said reform-minded Republican leaders deserve some of the credit. The [right wing*] American Legislative Exchange Council ranked Florida first among 50 states for education reform, citing rising proficiency standards, friendly charter school laws and wide online learning opportunities." "Florida Ranks No. 1 in U.S. School Study".

- - - - - - - - - -
*"Founded in the early 1970s to promote right-wing policies at the state level, the American Legislative Exchange Council's focus has shifted to favor the promotion of state legislation and regulation that benefits its corporate sponsors. A fact that should come as no surprise given its funding by right-wing foundations and corporate membership fees ranging from $5000 to $50,000. The council boasts a large clearinghouse of research, model bills, and legislative strategies to promote its agenda." "American Legislative Exchange Council". More here.

Foreclosure law firm avoids subpoena

"A Palm Beach County judge dealt a blow Monday to Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum’s investigation of foreclosure law firm Shapiro & Fishman." "Judge throws out McCollum's subpoena on foreclosure firm".

"As if grasping a lifeline"

"The billions in federal stimulus money that have been pumped into Florida offer some people a measure of comfort."

As reported this week by Miami Herald staff writer Doug Hanks, the state has received some $9 billion so far, with more to come in the next couple of years.

So governments and organizations throughout Florida, as if grasping a lifeline, are reaching for the money and breathing a sigh of relief.

Say it isn't so.

Marco was our contribution to the conservative "Young Guns," the thinking man's Tea Party candidate, the nice young man who politely begged to differ with Barack Obama and offered alternatives.

And now what is this?

He no longer wants to give workers the option of setting aside some of their Social Security in their own accounts?

He supports the budget-busting Medicare Advantage program?

He wants to exempt NASA from his plan to roll back federal programs to 2008 budget levels?

Even more disturbing is how this fits in with the current trend of Republican bet-hedging on fiscal soundness.

Their "Pledge to America" austerity plan leaves out entitlement programs, which is like going on a diet by passing the fried chicken and skimping on the salad.

And now one of the young guns, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, says Republicans plan to bring back earmarks when they assume power.

Thomas explains:

Rubio's megalomania

"Rubio casts U.S. Senate race as battle for America".

"Democrats will have to ask themselves"

Adam C. Smith: "Very soon, Democrats will have to ask themselves how badly they want to beat Rubio and who has a shot at doing that — former Republican Crist or lifelong Democrat Meek." "Will Democrats abandon Meek to beat Rubio?".

False equivalence

"Despite attacking rival Rick Scott for his business scandal, gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink once sat on the auditing board of a call center that was sued by the state."

In court records, Sykes said that it was the victim of vague and complicated accounting rules, but the company ultimately settled the 10,000-member class-action lawsuit in 2000 for $30 million.

Sink, now Florida's chief financial officer, says the Sykes civil lawsuit issue pales in comparison to Scott's business scandal at Columbia/HCA. The hospital chain, which Scott founded and ran, was the target of a criminal probe that ultimately resulted in a record $1.7 billion Medicare fraud fine in 1997.

Has it come to this?

"Fla. family rents rooms in mansion to pay bills".

Rubio keeping the sapiens and thespians at bay

"Florida hasn't had a U.S. Senate race with such national implications since George Smathers* ousted Claude Pepper 58 years ago." "Senate race has national implications".

"The tea parties at courthouses squares and state capitols were a national phenomenon then. But, with state and national GOP celebrities lining up behind Crist, Rubio began an upward climb in the polls by tapping into the grassroots brushfire." "Rubio is a symbol of conservative backlash".

Related: "Meek on fire: 'I won't give up'" and "Crist: People are weary of partisanship".

- - - - - - - - - -

*George Smathers purportedly attacked Democrat Claude Pepper as a shameless "extrovert", with a brother who was known to be a "homo sapien', and a sister who was a wicked "thespian" in New York. Worse than all that, Pepper was accused to have practiced "celibacy" prior to his marriage. "Mudslingers: The Twenty-Five Dirtiest Political Campaigns of All Time". Sadly, these things still work in the panhandle, and among much of what is now the Republican "base".

"Crist remains relentlessly positive"

"A man without a party, shunned by longtime friends and badly trailing Marco Rubio, Gov. Crist remains relentlessly positive. It's who he is." "Critics, polls, odds -- none of it fazes Crist".

But the teabaggers say ...

"Stocks sizzled in third quarter, but will it last?".

The man who would be Governor

"The book is Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases, and it's included in a number of college syllabuses across the country, including a class at Florida Atlantic University."

The textbook points out that federal investigators alleged that Scott and another executive "were briefed routinely on issues relating to Medicare reimbursement claims that the government charged were fraudulent." Scott resigned from the company and was never charged with any crimes.

In its post-Scott existence, Columbia/HCA had "a new emphasis on compliance, integrity and social responsibility," according to the textbook. New training seminars focused on ethical compliance and quality issues. The company developed a code of conduct and created an internal mechanism to report wrongdoing.

The chapter ends with a list of questions for students to ponder, starting off with this: What were the organizational ethical leadership problems that resulted in Columbia/HCA's misconduct?

Endorsements start rolling in

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "The question in this year's general election is whether voters will select the candidate who has made a successful transition from business to government. We hope they will -- by voting for Alex Sink." "Sink for governor".

What a RPOFer calls "victory"

"Palin to headline Orlando 'victory rally'".

"Florida's 'oxy' merchants"

Fred Grimm: "More bad news for S. Florida's 'oxy' merchants".

"Phooey. Nuts. Hockey pucks"

Howard Troxler: "If this crazy constitutional amendment passes, it will destroy Florida."

Florida will go out of business. We will lose our jobs. Other states will beat us.

Yep, those were the dire warnings that we heard from Florida's business leaders …

Back in 2004, when they tried to scare voters into rejecting a $1 increase in Florida's minimum wage.

This year, we're hearing the same kind of thing about Amendment 4 on the November ballot, the "Hometown Democracy" idea.

Amendment 4 simply says that local voters in Florida should have the final say over some growth decisions.

But to hear Florida's business community tell it, such an idea would be the end of the world. The state might well sink into the ocean.

Phooey. Nuts. Hockey pucks.

The anti-Grayson crusade ...

... "continues" at the Orlando Sentinel.

CD 13

"District 13 Congressional hopefuls hit the stage".

Northwest Florida

"U.S. Senate race: Who can win Northwest Florida?".

Off topic

Jeez ... we're certainly not Christine O'Donnell fans here, but she was obviously just kidding ... so this headline ain't exactly fair: "Meat kept O'Donnell from being Hare Krishna".

I am not a crook

"Scott campaign defends his record as head of hospital chain".

"Absolutely true news item"

Carl Hiaasen"An absolutely true news item: Cuba will soon begin deepwater drilling for oil and gas only 45 to 65 miles from the Florida Keys." "Tony tells Raúl how to cope with disaster".

Who you calling a flipper?

"Crist out to defuse 'flip-flopper' label".

No fat fringers

"Organizers claimed they had as many participants as Beck's rally. But Saturday's crowds were less dense [perhaps due to less obesity] and didn't reach as far to the edges [err ... fringes] as they did during Beck's rally." "DC rally shows support for struggling Democrats".

Miami-Dade County Commissioner recall

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Heading into the November election, voters' anger over rising taxes, escalating insurance costs, mounting foreclosures and dwindling quality of life in an ailing economy is palpable."

The battle cry? Throw the rascals out!

Enter Norman Braman, the auto dealer and philanthropist who threatened to bankroll a recall petition if Miami-Dade County Commissioners approved Mayor Carlos Alvarez's budget. On Thursday, he made good on his promise -- partially. He filed papers to recall Mayor Alvarez. Battling the commissioners who approved the latest budget, he said, can wait.