Grayson's most formidable opponent

"U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, put on a one-man show at Friday's Tiger Bay Club congressional debate."

The podium for his opponent, former state Sen. Dan Webster, stood empty – Webster declined the invite -- so Grayson fielded questions from the audience for nearly an hour.

Grayson was mostly at ease, and even coaxed snickers by sprinkling self-deprecating jokes amid his list of accomplishments.

After noting Webster's absence, Grayson deadpanned, "That leaves me to debate my most formidable opponent: That would be me."

Guv race wide open

"Republican Rick Scott narrowly leads Democrat Alex Sink in Florida's too-close-to-call governor's race thanks to enthusiastic conservatives and widespread dissatisfaction with the economy, according to a new St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald/Bay News 9 poll."

Scott's 3-percentage-point advantage among likely voters comes at the perfect time: the opening week of early voting, with more Republicans than Democrats headed to the polls. Election Day is Nov. 2.

But besting Sink, the state's chief financial officer, isn't a simple task for Scott, a political newcomer.

Scott's 44-41 lead is well within the poll's 4.1 percent margin of error.

But it's not enough. About a third of independents are undecided — and they're the least likely to vote this election when compared with Republicans and Democrats, the poll shows.

Republicans are the most fired-up voters this year. Three-quarters of registered Republican voters say they're "completely certain'' they will vote, compared to two-thirds of Democrats, who have narrowed the so-called "enthusiasm gap'' in recent months.

By a 15 percentage point margin, Republicans are also more likely than Democrats to say they're paying a "great deal'' of attention to the election. Another problem for Sink: 16 percent of Democrats are voting for Scott, while 10 percent are undecided.

Even Scott's bitter rival in the GOP primary, Attorney General Bill McCollum, has changed his mind. After the August primary, McCollum had refused to back Scott. But late Friday he issued a statement saying Scott was "the better choice for Florida."

"She has work to do," said Julia Clark, pollster for Ipsos Public Affairs. "She needs to solidify her Democratic base, convince the undecideds to swing to her and get more independent votes."

McCollum holds his nose

"McCollum endorses Scott for governor".

Sex with West ... now that's a gruesome visual

"Wasserman, a Democrat from District 20, was written about in a decidedly unflattering manner that questioned her sexual desirability in this month's issue of Wheels on the Road, a South Florida-based publication. That magazine includes among its columnists Allen West, a motorcycle rider who is the GOP candidate in neighboring District 22, where he is trying to unseat Wasserman's Democratic colleague Ron Klein."

Wasserman called the magazine, which regularly features bare-breasted or naked women, "degrading, sexist and misogynistic.'' She did not accuse West of personally writing anything derogatory toward women, but she said his association with the magazine was bad enough.

"He thinks it's OK to objectivize and denigrate women,'' Wasserman told the crowd of several dozen supporters. She said such depictions can stir violence against women and called on West to condemn the publication.

West has responded that he sends to the magazine the same column -- called Washingtoons -- that he e-mails regularly to all interested parties. He has said he has no other connection to the publication and the rest of its content and that his only motive in supplying the column is trying to get his conservative message out.

Fla Bar credit for voter suppression training?

TPM: "We've been telling you a lot about the Republican National Lawyers Association and the election law seminars they hold throughout the country. We had an idea of what the seminars were about, pieced together from who the featured speakers were. But now we have a much, much better idea."

Thanks to the Florida Bar, TPMMuckraker took a look at the agenda for an election law seminar put on by the RNLA on Sept. 10 at a Disney resort. The agenda, which is part of the RNLA's application to have the seminar count for Continuing Legal Education credit for attending lawyers, includes bios of all the speakers, and a list of the lessons given.

You can take a look at the whole thing here.

The sessions, not surprisingly, focus a lot on Election Day activities: poll-watching, electioneering, voting machine problems, provisional ballots and Election Day litigation. ...

At the Florida event, two speakers who were outwardly political were Rick Scott, the former hospital mogul and current candidate for governor, and Pam Bondi, candidate for attorney general. They aren't included on the agenda because their speeches didn't count as part of the continuing education. As one speaker who spoke about Election Day law, Sarah Rumpf, pointed out on her blog, the two were at the hotel because the Republican Party of Florida's quarterly meeting was being held there the same weekend.

As for the educational speakers at the Florida event, they included ...

The historical norm

"More Republicans have voted early or by absentee than Democrats so far this year -- a lead that has some in the GOP crowing, but Democrats arguing it reflects historical norms for this point in the election cycle."

Data provided by the Democrats show that the GOP led by a similar margin in total ballots cast at this point in the 2006 election, when then-Republican Charlie Crist won the governor's race but Sink won her current office of chief financial officer. Even in 2008, when Democrats were rallying behind Barack Obama in the presidential race, Republicans held a slim lead in total ballots cast at this point.

Can Rubio see Cuba from Florida*

Palin and Rubio together at last: "Palin is the main attraction at the 2010 Victory Fundraising Rally in Orlando Saturday. Also joining her is Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, Republican U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and GOP Senate candidate Marco Rubio." "Palin rallies Republicans in Fla.". See also "Palin rallies Republicans in Florida".

- - - - - - - -
*Palin famously suggested she had "insight into Russian actions" viz. the Georgia conflict because "you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska".

Easy call

"In the heart of North Florida prison country, where corrections jobs are handed down like a birthright and mistrust of government runs high, picking a governor has become more complicated than marking Democrat or Republican." "Corrections workers weigh gubernatorial candidates".

Miller time?

"If the Nov. 2 elections give Republicans control of the House as expected, Rep. Jeff Miller could become chairman of the committee that oversees issues vital to veterans living in Florida's Panhandle." "Election could hand Miller vets panel".

Haridopolos' delusions of grandeur

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos is talking with senators about the possibility of overriding some of Gov. Charlie Crist’s 18 vetoes from this year during the coming organizational session, raising the possibility of the first veto reversals in more than a decade." "Senate Talking Veto Overrides".

Crist Continues Attacks on Rubio

"Charlie Crist Continues Attacks Against Marco Rubio". Related: "Meek's Debate Plan: Hit Rubio, Not Crist".

Questions about their motives

"One particularly heated debate during the current election is the battle over Amendments 5 and 6, which, if passed, would create stricter rules for legislators to follow while redrawing state districts."

Protect Your Vote, a political action committee founded in order to campaign against the amendments, argues that 5 and 6 would make redistricting a long and costly process and would result in a decrease in minority representation in Congress and the Florida legislature.

But a look at the leadership behind Protect Your Vote raises questions about the organization’s motives.

She grew up on on a farm

"Alex Sink"

quickly identifies the bulldog mascot on Wanda Kemp's denim shirt and asks about the Friday night high school game.

"Who y'all playing?" Sink asks. "I hear you're undefeated."

In a state politically dominated by the cities and suburbs along Interstate 4, Sink often struggles to deliver the snappy sound bites favored by newscasts in Florida's major media markets.

But in the conservative belt of rural North Florida, home to about 20 percent of the state's voters, Sink is affable and seems at ease slapping backs, shaking hands and selling her Democratic campaign for governor.

"I grew up on a tobacco farm," she said in Perry. "Tobacco, cows, hogs — whatever my daddy could make money at. Year by year, it was a big decision."

RPOFers looking to sweep Cabinet

"Republicans appear headed for a clean sweep of all seats on the Florida Cabinet, according to a new statewide poll of likely voters. The survey for the St. Petersburg Times, Miami Herald, Bay News 9 and Central Florida News 13 [of 801 registered voters, including 577 likely voters, was conducted Oct. 15-19 by Ipsos with an MOE of 4.1%] shows Republicans with wide leads in races for attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner, though a significant chunk of voters remain undecided." "Republicans poised to win Fla. Cabinet posts, poll shows".

And then there's Rick

"Young Rick Scott recalled as driven, frugal, studious, focused". See also "Rick Scott's austerity plan for state government may be tough sell in North Florida".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "An estimated 300,000 Florida homes sit empty, and the state is in the midst of a foreclosure crisis. Yet Republican candidate for governor Rick Scott wants to make it easier to build new homes. That may sound good to developers or unemployed construction workers on the campaign trail. But the strategy would only exacerbate falling property values and hurt our long-term quality of life." "Scott's bad plan on growth".

Up one year ...

Beth Reinhard: "Political careers: Up one year, down the next".

King Cannon

"The Legislature's new presiding officers are wasting no time making their presence felt."

Like every Florida Republican, incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon has blasted the federal health-care overhaul bill that could pass along additional costs and mandates to the states. Now, it sounds like he could be trying to do something more than talk about it.

The Winter Park Republican has sent out a memo criticizing Gov. Charlie Crist's executive branch stewardship as the state starts phasing in portions of the health-care reform that task state agencies with enforcing federal mandates. He notes that that Attorney General Bill McCollum's office is challenging the law in court.

Cannon adds that he's concerned about state agencies acting without the Florida Legislature's "clear and comprehensive guidance." He wants agencies to disabuse themselves of the constitutional separation of powers and – basically -- start reporting to him.

Scott bids $60M

"Scott's personal spending on Fla. gov race tops $60 million, inluding $3.6 in last filing period".

"Distinct approaches"

"Maddox and Putnam offer distinct approaches to Agriculture Commissioner job".

Who owns Florida?

"The Florida Medical Association ($670,000), a nursing home group ($390,000), the phosphate industry ($444,000), credit unions ($347,500) and Florida Realtors ($311,000) have combined to give the Republican Party of Florida more than $2.1 million this year. The Florida Chamber of Commerce poured another $100,000 into Scott's electioneering committee this month, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield gave another $100,000." "Gubernatorial candidates get big bucks from different donors".

Will Scott disavow this endorsement?

"A Florida organization 'advocating immigration enforcement' with ties to a nationwide anti-immigrant group flagged by the Southern Poverty Law Center is endorsing Rick Scott for governor. ... Here is how the Southern Poverty Law Center characterizes FAIR:"

Founded in 1978 by John H. Tanton, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is one of the country’s best-established anti-immigration groups.

...

Tanton remains on FAIR’s board and also is the publisher of The Social Contract Press, which sells racist anti-immigrant tracts.

Dan Stein, the group’s executive director, has warned that certain immigrant groups are engaged in “competitive breeding” aimed at diminishing white power. Rick Oltman, FAIR’s western representative, has spoken before and worked with the racist Council of Conservative Citizens.

Garrett Hardin, a FAIR board member, has argued that aiding starving Africans is counterproductive and will only “encourage population growth.” Overall, FAIR blames immigrants for crime, poverty, disease, urban sprawl and increasing racial tensions in America, and calls for a drastic cut in the numbers of those allowed in.

Haridopolos asserts himself

"Incoming Senate president says lawmakers could vote to override vetoes." "Haridopolos says there is a strong chance for a November special session".

Shovel ready

"High speed rail projects set to roll".

Truth be told

"When former Florida Public Service Commission chairwoman Nancy Argenziano resigned last week to make political endorsements, she delivered a stinging -- yet familiar -- criticism of the panel: That it is a revolving door with the utilities it regulates." "Analysis of Florida Public Service Commission shows truth in criticism".

HD 61

"State Rep. Will Weatherford responded to a question about harmony in his neighborhood with a joke: 'Nobody has shot me with a BB gun yet as I've been driving through, so that's good.' A Republican seeking to retain the state House District 61 seat he won in 2006, Weatherford was addressing the climate in Brookside, the small, upscale neighborhood where he lives near Democratic rival and political neophyte Elena McCullough." "Neighbors square off in race".

It ain't me

"With less than two weeks to go until the general election, Florida’s unemployment continues to grow -- and the politicians are attempting to point the blame at their opponents." "Florida's Unemployment Rate Rises, Shaking Up Political Landscape".

Big of him

"Bill McCollum drops gay adoption case, so Florida's ban is no more". See also "Florida Attorney General McCollum won't appeal gay adoption ruling".

RPOFers set to re-appoint Norman

"Many Republicans are worried about the adverse publicity stirred up by the Ambler lawsuit and an ongoing FBI investigation of the Hughes' gift. At least one witness is scheduled to appear before a federal grand jury next week looking into the case." "GOP meeting today to replace Norman".

CD 25

"Conventional wisdom has it that little connects the people of the 25th Congressional District, a mammoth and unwieldy, gerrymandered region spanning three counties and 13 cities. It is simultaneously suburban and rural, industrial and agricultural, Republican and Democratic. But this year, politically disenchanted voters collectively worry about one issue: the economy. So it would appear the race for the vacant congressional seat would remain in the political hands of Republicans on Nov. 2. Yet the 25th, with its wealth of independents, still defies easy labeling, making it a closely watched swing district in the country's largest swing state -- and a key target for both parties aiming to control the U.S. House." "Diverse district reflects disenchantment".

Florida's likely next U.S. senator has cut a complicated financial profile since he burst on the political scene more than a decade ago, fresh from law school. ...

As Rubio climbed the ranks, he began to use little-noticed political committees to fund his travel and other expenses and later had a Republican Party of Florida credit card.

What emerged, records show, is a pattern of blending personal and political spending. Over and over again Rubio proved sloppy, at best, in complying with disclosure requirements.

• He landed an unadvertised $69,000 teaching job at Florida International University when the school was slashing staff because of budget cuts. (His salary came out of privately raised funds.)

• Also in 2008, he got a job as a political analyst for the Spanish-language TV station Univision, which paid a second dividend: keeping his image in circulation as he pondered his next run for office.

• In June 2008, Rubio formed two businesses, his own law firm and Rubio Consulting, whose clients included Univision and Marin & Sons, a Miami consulting firm headed by a Tallahassee lobbyist. On his financial disclosure form, Rubio wrote "Marin & Sons retains Rubio Consulting to introduce their clients to potential business partners in the community. Rubio Consulting does not lobby before any governmental entity."

• He joined another consulting partnership called Florida Strategic Consultants that scored big contracts with Miami Children's and Jackson Memorial hospitals. Rubio said he was providing advice and access to a network of contacts he culled as House speaker. "I'm not a lobbyist," he insisted then. "It's not my forte."

RPOFers gettin' desperate

"A forged e-mail that attempts to show Democrat Alex Sink was linked to a 'pay to play' scheme with convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein has emerged in the highly-contested governor's race." "Forged e-mail is circulated anonymously in apparent attempt to taint Alex Sink".

West and Rubio for sale

"Out of a total of 345 contributions between Sept. 1 and Oct. 13, just five donors contributed 88 percent of the funds to American Crossroads, a “super PAC” affiliated with former Bush White House Senior Adviser Karl Rove and former Republican National Committee Chair Ed Gillespie. Crossroads raised $14,778,673 in September and the first two weeks of October, according to Federal Elections Commission reports filed Wednesday. Five donors contributed $13 million of that."

At least some of that money is ending up in Florida, where the group is running ads supporting Marco Rubio’s candidacy for U.S. Senate and opposing the reelection of Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fort Lauderdale, with the claim that he supports “rationing” health care.

Will South rise again?

"A funeral director may finally succeed in laying to rest Congressman Allen Boyd's political career, something several Republicans have never come close to accomplishing against the conservative 'Blue Dog' Democrat. Political newcomer Steve Southerland is benefiting from nationwide tea party enthusiasm for the GOP, an influx of negative advertising against Boyd by outside groups and discontent within the conservative 2nd Congressional District over the incumbent's support of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan and health care overhaul." "GOP funeral director wants to bury Fla. Rep. Boyd". See also "Democratically aligned PAC spends a hefty amount to oppose Southerland".

"Meek not mincing words"

"Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, is not mincing words when discussing his opponents in the highly publicized race for U.S. Senate." "Meek on Rubio and Crist: ‘We are dealing with spiritual wickedness in high places’".

Rivera's chickens coming home to roost?

"Allies of Democratic congressional candidate Joe Garcia filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to kick GOP candidate David Rivera off the Nov. 2 ballot for filing misleading financial disclosure forms as a state lawmaker. The suit, filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, says Rivera should be disqualified from running for office for violating state laws requiring public officials and candidates to file full and complete financial disclosure forms." "Democratic donor seeks to disqualify David Rivera from congressional ballot".

More Haridopolos hypocrisy

"Senate President-to-be Mike Haridopolos' new staffers — from top, former Department of Agriculture employees Terry Rhodes and Craig Meyer; and former clerk of the Florida House, John Phelps — will be earning six-figure salaries and collecting a state pension."

Scopes spinning in his grave

Kosmas challenger, RPOFer "Sandy Adams dismisses evolution in favor of 'the biblical teachings'" ("As a state legislator in 2008, Adams helped the Florida House pass 71-43 a measure that would have given public school teachers more room to question evolution.")

Wingnuts coming outs the woodwork

"Conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly and the Eagle Forum PAC have endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, in the hope that he can 'keep this state prosperous.'" "Conservative Favorite Phyllis Schlafly Backs Rick Scott".

Florida sliding into the sewer?

"Republican Allen West narrowly leads U.S. Rep. Ron Klein in a bruising battle for South Florida's 22nd Congressional District, a new Sunshine State News Poll shows." "West Winning Wild CD 22 Race, Poll Shows".

Puffing Rick

"Republican seeks to transform government with his business experience". "Gov. Rick Scott: An Outsider Tries to Tame Tallahassee". Meanwhile, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune warns about "The risk of choosing Scott".

Entrepreneurs in action

"SoFla health care operators charged in $200 million Medicare fraud case".

Rubio likes Dem idea

"The three candidates for the U.S. Senate from Florida agree that Social Security recipients should get a $250 bonus to make up for a lack of cost of living increases. Democrats are proposing the idea, which failed in the Senate this year when 12 Democrats and an independent sided with Republicans against it." "Florida Senate hopefuls support Social Security bonus".

"Rubio didn't attend the event, but later said he supports the bonus as long as it doesn't add to the federal debt." "Fla. Senate hopefuls support Social Security bonus".

Palin's wingnut crew

"Among those scheduled to attend the 3 p.m. rally at the Orlando World Center Marriott are Palin, a Tea Party favorite and soon-to-be TLC reality show star; Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele; U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio; U.S. Sen. George LeMieux; and Jeff Atwater and Adam Putnam, candidates for chief financial officer candidate and agriculture commissioner respectively." "Pam Bondi won't rally with Sarah Palin". Related: "Tea Party dredges up pain of segregation".

Bits and Pieces

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

We'll go with the "4.0 math major at Wake Forest"

"Rick Scott says he's running against a woman for governor in Alex Sink who is lock-step in line with the policies of President Barack Obama, and has become fluent in what Scott calls 'Obama math.'"

"I don't know what 'Obama math' is," Sink said. "What I do know, I was a 4.0 math major at Wake Forest University and I do know how to add numbers."

Get ready, Florida

"Eyewitnesses Report Intimidation By Texas Poll Watchers".

"Dead even"

"Locked in a furious electoral fight to the finish, Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink have pulled dead even in the race for Florida's governorship, a new Sunshine State News Poll shows." "Poll: Scott and Sink Locked in Dead Heat".

"Lies, innuendo and prevarication"

Daniel Ruth writes about "television's answer to a Dante's media inferno of lies, innuendo and prevarication." "Will someone please make it stop ringing?".

"LeMieux's Screw-Up"

Nancy Smith: "Martin County Still Remembers George LeMieux's Screw-Up".

"Rubio isn't burning any bridges "

"With a 20-point lead in the latest Sunshine State News Poll, Republican Marco Rubio isn't burning any bridges on his way to the U.S. Senate. Rubio, speaking to reporters after a campaign appearance in Port St. Lucie Thursday, tried to steer clear of the brewing conflict between Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and fire-breathing conservative Jim DeMint of South Carolina." "Marco Rubio Steers Careful Course Between Mitch McConnell, Jim DeMint".

Wingers at TaxWatch ...

... surprise no one: "Tax group calls development control proposal too expensive for state". See also "Florida TaxWatch Report: Amendment 4 Would Gut State’s Economy", "Early Turnout Favoring GOP" and "Study: Amendment 4 would hurt recovery".

Maitland housewives* hit the polls

"Republicans across Florida have mounted an early lead in returning absentee ballots [as they always do] and are showing up in greater numbers than Democrats since early voting began Monday." "As early voting opens, GOP has an edge in turnout".

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*A "Maitland housewife" is impolite slang for a wealthy individual who stays home, plays tennis, and is always first in line to vote for the first RPOFer in sight.

USF straw poll

"If it were up to University of South Florida students, Democrat Alex Sink would be Florida's next governor. They are evenly split, though, among the three candidates in the U.S. Senate race. More than 1,500 students participated in the straw poll on campus Thursday, three days before a nationally televised debate at USF among the senate candidates: Independent Charlie Crist, Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek." "USF voters go for Democrat Sink but lean right otherwise in straw poll".

Atwater afraid to debate

"Ausley says GOP opponent in CFO race afraid of debate".

In case 'ya didn't know ...

... the The Orlando Sentinel thinks Taliban Dan is fabulous: "Penny-pinching Webster eyes Congress".

My wife, not me

"There is no valid evidence that Jim Norman was a party to a $500,000 investment venture between his wife and his political benefactor, Norman's lawyers argued in a written brief to a state appeals court Thursday." "Norman appeal: No proof that Hughes' $500,000 went to him".

Decision time for Charlie

"Independent candidate Charlie Crist is running low on cash for the final stretch of the Senate race." "Crist behind in polls and also in cash".

Clinton and Sink

"In his third stop at a Florida college campus in as many days, former President Bill Clinton on Thursday rallied about 600 voters at Miami Dade College." "Clinton campaigns for Sink". See also "Bill Clinton campaigns with Sink in Miami". See also "Bill Clinton rallies Miami students to support Alex Sink for governor".

"Sore Loser" provision

"Lawmakers could look at changes next year to make it more difficult for political candidates to switch parties mid-campaign, a proposal directly in response to Gov. Charlie Crist's defection from the Republican Party this past year." "Charlie Crist's switch to independent may change campaign laws".

"Either [Rick Scott] was incompetent and knew nothing of the massive fraud under way at his own company, or he was indeed complicit in the crime. Either way, he should be disqualified from being governor of the state of Florida."

Those were the words written in an Aug. 9 editorial by the conservative West Palm Beach-based news organization Newsmax when it endorsed Rick Scott’s Republican primary opponent, Attorney General Bill McCollum. On Oct. 12, Newsmax donated $100,000 to a 527 group solely associated with Scott, Let’s Get to Work, according to donor disclosures released Wednesday.

On Oct. 12, Newsmax donated $100,000 to a 527 group solely associated with Scott, Let’s Get to Work, according to donor disclosures released Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Newsmax endorsed Scott with no mention of the Medicare and Medicaid fraud committed at Columbia/HCA when Scott was the company’s CEO. The editorial lists fraud perpetrated at NationsBank (now Bank of America) when Alex Sink — the Democratic nominee in the gubernatorial race — was an executive there as a reason not to vote for her, even though the lawyer prosecuting the case said she played no role in the impropriety. "Be sure to vote and be sure to vote for the future of conservative values nationally by voting for Rick Scott," wrote Newsmax in the Oct. 19 editorial.

Rubio, Rivera ... two peas in a pod

"U.S. Senate front-runner Marco Rubio co-owns a home with congressional candidate David Rivera, who is fending off allegations that he falsely reported income on campaign finance forms." "Rubio helps ally to stump for votes".

Meanwhile, Fred Grimm: writes that in Florida these days, "dodgy disclosures might mean something": that"David Rivera still can't seem to remember his employers over these last few years. But Rivera's onetime claim to have worked for USAID magically disappeared from his amended disclosure form this week after the Miami Herald reported that the agency had no records of a relationship with Rivera. Good timing, David. Suddenly, dodgy disclosures might mean something." Related: Steve Otto: "Stormin' over Norman".

Scott "unable to go beyond the shallow answers"

"The leading candidates for governor spent most of Wednesday's hour-long, televised debate bashing their rival's platforms, experience and character in an effort to break the logjam that remains with less than two weeks to Election Day. " "Mud and fur fly in debate".

William March: "Alex Sink and Rick Scott raced to draw first blood in their first statewide debate Wednesday, teasing out a few policy differences but largely highlighting themes of the attack ads that both gubernatorial candidates have running since the August primary." "Scott, Sink tangle over ethics, experience in statewide debate". See also "Gloves come off again as Alex Sink and Rick Scott face off in debate" and "Sink, Scott outline economic plans, spar over business ties in 2nd debate".

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Rick Scott has spent months carefully shaping his image in television ads and other controlled settings. But the Republican candidate for governor demonstrated Wednesday night that he remains unwilling or unable to go beyond the shallow answers about his controversial business background, raising further concerns about how transparent and candid he would be as governor of the Sunshine State." "Evasions, public office don't fit".

Scott ahead in poll

"The latest CNN/Time Opinion Research Corporation poll shows a tight race for governor in Florida, with Republican Rick Scott receiving 49 percent of the vote and Democrat Alex Sink with 46 percent. Scott's modest lead is one point greater than the same survey found in late September. ... The winning margins held by Rubio and Scott both shrink if the poll measures registered instead of likely voters." "CNN poll: Scott 49%, Sink 46%".

Scott's "Pants on Fire"

"PolitiFact: Despite claim, Scott is tied to lots of lobbyists"

That's Charlie

"Crist says he relishes underdog role in Senate run".

"Hawkes still doesn’t get it"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Judge Paul Hawkes still doesn’t get it. The chief judge of the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee says he is 'surprised and discouraged' by the firestorm over the $48 million 'Taj Mahal.' " "Chief judge still doesn't get it".

Teabagger files charge

"A South Florida tea party member alleged in an ethics complaint Wednesday that Democratic state Senate candidate and insurance agent Kevin Rader failed to indicate his ownership interest in an underwriters group on required financial disclosure forms." "Woman files complaint accusing Rader of not disclosing interest in insurance group".

Clinton in the house

"Still trying to unify Democrats around his sluggish campaign, U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek got help Tuesday from one of his party's biggest stars, former President Bill Clinton." "Bill Clinton stumps for Meek in St. Petersburg".

More: "Clinton stumps for Meek in Orlando, heads to Miami to campaign with Sink" and "Bill Clinton tells UCF crowd: Support Kendrick Meek".

Webster afraid to debate

"Dan Webster made it official Wednesday: His campaign for Orlando's U.S. House seat won't include a debate with incumbent Democrat Rep. Alan Grayson. ... His reason: He can't stand to share a stage with Grayson." "Webster refuses to debate Grayson".

Scott supports open carrying of handguns

Mike Thomas: "Open carry means just that. Any law-abiding citizen is allowed to openly carry a handgun. Advocates are pushing for legislation allowing it and are armed with a statement of support from Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott."

Teabaggers on the march

"Tea Partiers: Voter Intimidation Claims Come From 'Operatives'".

"What leadership is all about"

Alan Grayson:

"I draw the line in the same place where Patrick Henry drew the line: Give me liberty or give me death. Making stirring statements like that — it's what leadership is all about. It's articulating the things that everyone believes but no one is saying."

"Unscrupulous lending practices"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "For a short-timer, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum has a lot on his plate, particularly when it comes to residential and commercial foreclosures. News of unscrupulous lending practices, coupled with the examination of those practices by lenders, resonates in a state that relies so heavily on real estate for growth and jobs." "Florida's foray into the foreclosure crisis".

Obama goes after important voting bloc

"President Barack Obama reached out to Hispanics, signing an order aimed at improving education -- and possibly swaying an important voting bloc." "Education initiative has eye on Latino vote".

Hill rallies students

"Concerned that momentum could be lost after a record turnout among African-American voters in 2008, state Sen. Tony Hill and others hit the road this week to convince students on college campuses -- no matter their race -- to get out and vote. Hill, D-Jacksonville, visited the Bethune-Cookman University campus Wednesday morning, one of seven campuses he'll stop at this week, to help rally students as they prepared to march to an early voting precinct." "Campaign works to keep hope from 2008 alive".

Too much for judges?

"What's good enough for lawmakers is apparently too much for judges." "Criticized DCA photographs same as those lawmakers have".

Rubio maintains lead

CCN poll (.pdf) "Marco Rubio (R) 46%, Charlie Crist (I) 32%, Kendrick Meek (D) 20%".

Class size

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Vote 'yes' on schools' critical needs levy".

Beware "the Big Government Liberal Agenda"

Howard Troxler:

I am looking at one of those campaign-mail thingys that says, "Ready to bring BARACK OBAMA'S big government, liberal agenda to Pinellas County"? There is a big, scary picture of the president on it.

And I am thinking, my goodness! I had no idea that we were in such danger of getting Barack Obama's Big Government Liberal Agenda right here in Pinellas County. So I am glad to be warned of it.

The idea of the mailer is that voters should vote against Bob Hackworth, a Democrat running for the County Commission, and in favor of Susan Latvala, the Republican incumbent. Apparently the thing to do in a campaign these days is mention the O-word. Maybe the Democrats should try it, too.

As it happens, I had just been thinking, "We should keep letting developers run amok and the bureaucracy stay status quo by voting for all the incumbents, Democrat and Republican." So this only sealed my intention. Because, you know, otherwise we would have the Big Government Liberal Agenda.

Debate weekend

"CNN and the St. Petersburg Times are partnering with the University of South Florida to present live, nationally televised debates between the candidates for U.S. Senate and governor this weekend."

On Sunday at USF, no-party candidate Charlie Crist, Democrat Kendrick Meek and Republican Marco Rubio will debate at 9 a.m. on the CNN news program State of the Union. CNN chief political correspondent Candy Crowley will serve as moderator, along with Times political editor Adam C. Smith.

On Monday at USF, Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink will debate at 7 p.m. on the CNN program John King USA. King, the cable network's chief national correspondent, will moderate along with the Times' Smith.

The next time you speak with a teabagger ...

... ask him what he thinks about this: "JASON LINKINS Glenn Beck Calls Evolution 'Ridiculous': 'I Haven't Seen A Half-Monkey, Half-Person Yet'".

Is that has been still around?

"Rock star Nugent signs Sheriff Nugent's T-shirt".

Bondi - Gelber

"Republican attorney general nominee Pam Bondi is trying to nationalize the campaign, pushing GOP talking points about the dismal economy, the Obama administration and particularly her opposition to the health care overhaul bill it pushed through Congress earlier this year. Democratic opponent candidate Dan Gelber, a veteran state legislator, is trying to keep the race on Florida issues as the Nov. 2 election approaches, such as cracking down on government corruption and on clinics that illegally dispense prescription pain pills." "Bondi, Gelber differ on focus in Fla. AG race".

West has recently come under scrutiny for his campaign's ties to a criminal biker gang. It's not clear whether the leather-clad security men who escorted the tracker away were themselves in any way connected to the "Outlaws" biker bang -- the West campaign has described them as Vietnam veterans, "not thugs." ...

After all, West built his conservative political career on a particular event from his own military career -- when he tortured an Iraqi policeman, and was proud of it.

Rubio tagged as "extreme right-winger"

"Crist, who is running without party affiliation, called the Republican nominee an 'extreme right wing candidate' who would try to outlaw abortion, punish public schoolteachers and shear Social Security benefits. And for the first time, Crist accused Rubio of changing his position on insurance legislation when he was House speaker after selling his West Miami home 'for cash' to a chiropractor who was lobbying him." "Crist tags Rubio as 'extreme right-wing,' fends off opportunist charge in Senate debate".

"Major candidates for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat clashed in a live televised debate at Nova Southeastern University in Davie." "Marco Rubio fends off attacks from Charlie Crist in U.S. Senate debate" ("the fourth of six debates for the three major Senate candidates came to end without any major gaffes")

See also "Senate candidates use debate to sway constituencies", "Senate candidates Crist, Rubio and Meek face off in debate", "Gloves Come Off in U.S. Senate Debate", "Senate candidates sharpen their attacks in fourth debate" and "Senate candidates Crist, Rubio and Meek face off in debate".

Uphill campaign for CD 13 challenger

"Buchanan eclipsing Golden in district race?".

RPOFers spreading misinformation

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Republicans apparently figure if they spread enough misinformation about the federal stimulus money that staved off an economic meltdown, voters will believe it. In a statewide debate Tuesday night, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio once again contended the stimulus has been an abject failure. And once again, Gov. Charlie Crist, the independent candidate, and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democrat, were correct to defend the federal spending as necessary to avert economic disaster — because the facts are on their side." "Demonizing the stimulus".

A little bit 'o related hypocrisy: "Stimulus opponent Crenshaw 'lettermarked' grants for several pet projects".

She's Driven

"While some voters may just now be learning about the 62-year-old Sink, she was plenty influential and politically well-connected in Florida long before her first run for public office four years ago. As one of the state's top businesswomen in the 1990s, she and McBride - then the managing partner of the prestigious Holland & Knight law firm - were one of Florida's premier power couples. They were - and are - rich, respected and generous with their time and influence. Sink even contemplated a U.S. Senate at one point, and in 1998 turned down an offer to be Democrat Buddy MacKay's running mate when he opposed Bush for governor." "Driven Sink says she can fix Fla.'s economy".

Atwater: never mind the failed bank

"Atwater, the Senate president from North Palm Beach, downplays the six years he spent with Riverside National Bank, a Treasure Coast bank taken over by federal regulators this spring." "Jeff Atwater downplays role at failed bank".

Meanwhile, "Poll: Atwater Leads Ausley in Feisty CFO Race".

Sansom fails to get off on technicality

"A judge on Tuesday faulted a state attorney's behavior in the case against ousted House Speaker Ray Sansom but said it did not amount to prosecutorial misconduct and declined to dismiss the charges." "Judge lets grand theft charge stand against former House Speaker Ray Sansom".

"Bikergate"

"Call it 'Bikergate,' The campaign of U.S. Rep. Ron Klein and the Florida Democratic Party on Tuesday once again raised the question of his District 22 GOP challenger Allen West's support from local motorcycle clubs and accused members of those clubs of 'thuggish behavior.'" "Ron Klein accuses Allen West of thuggery for ousting camera man".

Cannon's delusions of teabaggery

"Incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon sent Gov. Charlie Crist a letter Tuesday telling him to back off implementation of the federal health care law unless state lawmakers give him the go-ahead."

Cannon, R-Orlando, accused Crist of "commandeering of state insurance regulatory resources" by allowing executive agencies to begin implementing the federal law even as State Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican, is challenging the law in federal court.

Cannon was especially critical of the Office of Insurance Regulation, which is overseen by Crist and the Florida Cabinet, because it has started developing data systems necessary to enforce the law.

Both Crist's and OIR Commissioner Kevin McCarty's offices said they were reviewing Cannon's letter.

Cannon's letter gave Crist until Nov. 15 to provide him an accounting of all state agencies' activities related to implementing the law and said Crist will need the legislature's approval before taking any further action.

Kevin Wagner, a Florida Atlantic University political science professor, said Crist and the Cabinet as the executive branch of government are under no obligation to obey Cannon's legislative orders.

How the mighty fall

"Powerbrokers to Felons".

Ferre ends Dem career as a whiner

"Ferre offered harsh words about the leadership of his party and said his treatment by the Democratic establishment during the Senate campaign contributed to his decision to back Scott." "Democrat Maurice Ferre Backs Rick Scott for Governor".

Weak bench

"Possible Presidential Candidate Tim Pawlenty Hits Florida".

RPOFers planning to re-nominate Norman?

"The judge who disqualified Jim Norman from a state Senate race last week issued a ruling Tuesday that will allow local Republican officials to choose a new nominee for the contest."

But the nominee may not be new at all. Republican officials from Hillsborough and Pasco counties have not ruled out re-nominating Norman, a Hillsborough County commissioner.

Finally right

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "After 33 years, Florida finally gets it right on gay adoption".

Times have changed

"Four years ago, Charlie Crist's smile beamed from a 70-foot-tall banner on the side of a Tampa office building. He could snub a visit from President Bush. He flew around the state, rallying with Rudy Giuliani and John McCain."

This weekend, it was his Republican rival for U.S. Senate, Marco Rubio, hosting Giuliani and big crowds, while the no-party governor dropped in on street festivals and greeted fans at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.

'Ya reckon?

"Redistricting amendments pit Democrats vs. Republicans".

Will Adams, other RPOFers reject wingnut endorsement?

"Elise Foley at our [the Florida Independent's] sister site The Washington Independent is reporting on allegations by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee that Americans for Legal Immigration has 'white supremacist, anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi ties,' a claim the organization vigorously denies."

The group has endorsed numerous congressional candidates in Florida: Republican challengers Mike Yost, Dennis Ross, Karen Harrington, Allen West, Bernard Sansaricq and Sandy Adams, and incumbent Republican Reps. Cliff Stearns, John Mica, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Bill Posey and Tom Rooney.

"Swing state instincts have kicked in"

"Six months ago, Alex Sink’s gubernatorial prospects looked to be floundering. She had shed top staff, including her campaign manager and finance director ,and Attorney General Bill McCollum seemed to be laying the groundwork for an easier than expected path to victory to the governor’s mansion. Then, Florida’s swing state instincts kicked in and turned the race on its head." "Five most competitive races for governor".

Scott can't run, he can't hide

"Republican Scott and Democrat Sink will meet Wednesday night in a forum at Nova Southeastern University near Fort Lauderdale that will be televised statewide." "Scott, Sink set to debate again" ("The two are scheduled to meet for one more debate on Monday night in Tampa.") See also "Sink and Scott set to collide on TV".

Drilling an issue in HD 7

"A Republican charge in 2009 to open up state waters to offshore drilling, and the subsequent Deepwater Horizon disaster, are spilling over into the race for House District 7." "Drilling proposal a factor in House District 7 race".

Jebbie a "rumored presidential candidate"

"Jeb!"

told the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Monday night that America can turn itself around with leaders advancing big ideas like education reform, rolling back the size of government and rewarding success in business.

"We need leadership that paints in bold colors, no more pastels," Bush said. ”Maybe like Boise State’s football field."

Bush began his talk with what he wryly called a confession: "I believe in entrepreneurial capitalism* from the end of my toes to the top of my head."

But he told a Louisville TV station after a July event for GOP Senate nominee Rand Paul, "I am not running for president."

Prodded at the close of his 30-minute speech by chamber Chairman Dave Terrell to announce his plans in Boise, Bush had a cryptic answer: "I thought you guys said, 'Iowa,' not 'Idaho.'"

Despite his protestations, some consider him promising.

"Jeb Bush is the candidate hiding in plain sight," wrote Joshua Green in The Atlantic in July.

Vicki Risch, the wife of GOP Sen. Jim Risch, buttonholed Bush. "I asked him point blank. He said he has no plans in the immediate future. I hope that’s not forever," she said.

Class size

"Voters to decide whether to roll back class-size rules".

'Glades

"400,000 jobs, economic boost could come from restoring Everglades, study says".

Amendment 8 struggles to gain traction

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Yet Amendment 8 has struggled to gain traction as it gets closer to a Nov. 2 decision. Only 35 percent of likely voters said they would back Amendment 8, according to a Mason-Dixon poll conducted last month — woefully short of the 60 percent margin needed to pass it." "Amendment 8 delivers relief".

Meek and Clinton

"Kendrick Meek got help from former President Bill Clinton, but the Miami lawmaker remains a distant third in the U.S. Senate race." "Bill Clinton shines star power on Kendrick Meek campaign at USF St. Petersburg". See also "Bill Clinton appears Tuesday in Florida to support Kendrick Meek" and "President Clinton, in St. Pete, lauds Meek as Senate candidate for social reform".

Rivera's attorney, Richard Coates, told the Florida Commission on Ethics in an Oct. 15 letter that Rivera was ``not required'' to disclose any additional income from the lawmaker's consulting work from 2003 to 2009.

In his original disclosure forms, Rivera, a four-term state representative from Miami, said he worked as an "international development consultant'' for USAID for seven years, through a company called Interamerican Government Relations, which Rivera founded in Puerto Rico. But USAID officials told The Miami Herald that they had no record of Rivera or his company.

Rivera first told The Miami Herald that he won USAID contracts through competitive bidding. After learning that USAID had no record of his company, Rivera then said he worked as a subcontractor to other USAID vendors. But Rivera would not disclose the names of the contractors who hired him, saying he had promised them confidentiality.

Big Dog campaigns for Meek

"Clinton campaigns with Meek in St. Pete".

Grayson uses fat man to raise cash

"Florida Democrat Alan Grayson — never one to shy away from quirky campaign antics — made a new plea to supporters via e-mail Monday: donate to the "Rush Limbaugh, Mind Your Own Business" fund." "Alan Grayson uses Rush Limbaugh in fundraising appeal"

Klein-West debate

"U.S. Rep. Ron Klein and Republican challenger Allen West got a chance to clarify their records and positions during a live, web-streamed debate Monday morning. WPTV Channel 5 hosted the debate and reporters from the Palm Beach Post and the Palm Beach Daily News asked the questions." "Allen West, Ron Klein Respond to Attack Ads During Debate". See "Ron Klein and Allen West label each other out of touch", "Allen West's biker ties, Ron Klein's ties to Lewis, blacks reps under investigation subjects of debate" and "Klein, West portray one another as out of touch".

"A little too convenient"

"A skeptical U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on Monday questioned a conservative group's motives for challenging Florida's campaign finance laws so close to the Nov. 2 election."

"Isn't this just a little too convenient," Hinkle asked. "If a group of law students got together and wanted to come up with a fictitious case, they couldn't do any better."

The conservative Institute for Justice, on behalf of four Southwest Florida political activists, asked Hinkle for an emergency order striking down a Florida law that requires groups who support or oppose ballot measures to form political committees and disclose their donors.

The group includes Punta Gorda Tea Party founder Robin Stublen and Pat Wayman, a member of Venice 9-12. The activists claim in court papers that they wanted to pool $150 each for a local talk radio ad opposing Amendment 4, the ballot measure that would require local governments to get voter approval for land-use changes.

But they said they dropped the plan when they learned that they exceeded the law's $500 threshold before registration is required. They filed the suit last month, claiming that their First Amendment rights to free speech were being violated.

"That severely burdens core political speech," Institute for Justice attorney Paul Sherman told Hinkle. "Our clients can't simply pick up the phone and call the radio station because the state of Florida has made that illegal."

Sherman said the Florida restrictions are no longer valid after last year's controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision, Citizens United, that lifted restrictions on corporate and union funding of independent political broadcasts.

Interrupting Sherman several times, Hinkle noted that a single group member could buy the ad without falling under the law. Granting the injunction, Hinkle said, could open the floodgates for special interests.

Early voting starts smoothly

"The first day of early voting began with just under 10,000 votes cast in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Elections officials reported no major problems at precincts." "Early voting kicks off smoothly in South Florida". See also "Popular early voting gets under way in Fla.".

SD 6

"Democrat Bill Montford has all the advantages, politically and financially, but he's taking nothing for granted in the Big Bend state senate race. Once he won the Aug. 24 Democratic primary over former state Rep. Curtis Richardson, Montford became a heavy favorite to succeed Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson." "Montford taking opponents 'very seriously'".

West fears "girly men"

"Allen West is doing his very best to make manliness an issue in the campaign for the 22nd Congressional District. ... West believes that it's important for a manly leader to avoid feminist literature at all costs, lest that leader turn into a 'chicken man' or a 'girly man.'" "The Man Show: What Does Allen West Mean When He Appeals for "Manliness" in American Politics?" (via "Norwood").

Expect GOP voter suppression this November

"The RNLA is the leading independent entity on the right devoted to preparing Republican attorneys for election day and post-election lawyering."

As Ryan Reilly has been reporting for us at TPMmuckraker, the RNLA is currently in the midst of conducting what it bills as an "unprecedented" series of election law training seminars in the run up to the midterms elections. The seminars have been held or scheduled in several states, including Illinois, Nevada, Florida, Washington, California and New York.

The public gloss the RNLA puts on its seminars is that they're for professional training. In fact, the group offers continuing legal education credits to lawyers who pay to attend them. But according to a blog post by one of the lecturers at its recent Florida seminar, only Republicans are allowed to attend. "Please note that due to the RNLA's sponsorship of this event, that attendance is limited to Republicans," Sarah Rumpf, a Florida attorney wrote on her blog. "If you are not already a member of the RNLA or are not otherwise already known by the [Republican Party of Florida], you will need a reference in order to attend this seminar."

The seminar speakers seem to have a decidedly political bent as well. The recent Florida seminar featured appearances by Rick Scott, the Republican nominee for governor, and Pam Bondi, the party's nominee of attorney general. An upcoming seminar in Seattle features the executive director and the general counsel of the state Republican Party. While the seminars offer CLE credit, they apparently aren't limited to lawyers. The sign-up sheet on the RNLA website for tonight's seminar in Chicago, for instance, includes a check-the-box for whether you are a lawyer, a law student, or "No, I am just a concerned citizen." How many nonpartisan concerned citizens attend CLEs on election law in their free time?

More tort reform?

"Tort reform an under-the-table issue in governor's race".

HD 69

"The race between incumbent Democrat Keith Fitzgerald and Republican challenger Ray Pilon is a classic matchup. Fitzgerald, an erudite New College of Florida professor, and Pilon, a long-time civic leader, take predictably divergent views of how to represent the district, which covers most of Sarasota County and just a sliver of Manatee." "State House Dist. 69 race a classic matchup".

Gelber rejects teabagger games

"Dan Gelber Wants No Part of Obamacare Suit".

Scott, the Manchurian candidate

"Scott has so far foregone the traditional round of meetings with newspaper editorial boards and has given few in-depth interviews, preferring to get his message out in campaign stops and television ads. His campaign declined requests by The Associated Press for an interview with the candidate. When he does talk to reporters, largely in gaggles after campaign events, he launches into snippets of his platform he's recited so often they seem rehearsed." "Wealthy outsider in close race for Fla. governor".

He's even murkier under oath:

Rick Scott the candidate promises voters "the unvarnished truth.''

But Rick Scott the witness offers little but murky testimony.

In a series of sworn depositions he gave in lawsuits against his former hospital company, Scott appears to be the polar opposite of the straight-talking Republican candidate for governor in his television ads.

Under oath, Scott displays a poor memory and a penchant for parsing words. He answers a lawyer's questions with questions. Smirking or shrugging his shoulders ...

Congresswoman Adams?

"Did the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee pull the plug on Rep. Suzanne Kosmas when it pulled its advertising commitment?" "Democrats Leave Suzanne Kosmas Hanging in CD 24".

"Why me?"

"Each morning as he heads out on the campaign trail, an increasingly bleak and hostile landscape, U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd must ask himself, 'Why me?'" "Of all Democrats, U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd should be safe, but he's not". More: "Poll: Southerland Poised to Oust Boyd in CD 2".

High anxiety

"Herald/Times reporters visited four Florida counties anticipated to play a pivotal role in the 2010 election. Voters expressed anxiety about the future and frustration with politicians." "As early voting starts, voters' mood is anxious".

"Difficult racial knot"

"Crist's no-party U.S. Senate candidacy is entangling Florida Democrats in a difficult racial knot of a kind they've experienced before, to their regret." "Crist takes on Meek for black votes".

Is this what a Republican looks like?

"When you're a Democrat running for Congress in a heavily Republican district, it helps to look like a Republican."

Fifth District nominee Jim Piccillo's first TV commercial never mentions his party and shows the former Airborne soldier in uniform and civilian garb wielding an M4 rifle and pledging to "kick some butt" to stop special interests from ruining the country.

Registration down; NPAs up

"Figures released by the Division of Elections on Monday show Florida has 11,217,384 voters registered for the Nov. 2 election. That's 20,250 fewer than in 2008. Of the total, 2,186,246 registered without party affiliation - 83,127 more than in 2008. ... Democrats still top Republicans by about 4.6 million to 4 million." "Fla. voter registration down 30,250 from 2008".

"Some beauties on this ballot"

Steve Otto "read one proposed constitutional amendment that sounded reasonable, even if I wasn't too clear just what it was about. Then I noticed I was reading the Spanish version. I switched over to the English example but it might as well have been in Chinese. There are some beauties on this ballot that you'd better know how you want to vote on before you head on down to your precinct." "None of the above".

Musta failed Political Science 101

Alleged college graduate Mike Thomas apparently drank too much tea this morning: Thomas actually accuses Obama of "socialism".

Never mind

"Republican CFO candidate Atwater downplays role in failed bank".

Get over it, Billy

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "McCollum should stop defending Florida's ban on gay adoption".

Can't imagine why?

"Four years ago when Sink ran and won the state's chief financial officer seat, the Democrat carried Republican-dominated Sarasota County. It's one of the reasons she has visited the area only few times compared to her competitor, Republican Rick Scott, who has campaigned in the county a half-dozen times." "Sink's Sarasota campaign stops have been sporadic".

"Likely R"

Larry Sabato:

The final Senate changes are expected ones in Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. For some time now, we have had Republican Marco Rubio the favorite over Independent Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek. Rubio’s lead is now so large, and the chances of Crist and Meek joining forces to unite behind one candidacy are now so small, that we are changing Florida Senate from Leans R to Likely R. ...

"A storyline no one could have dreamed up"

"With two weeks until Election Day, the race for U.S. Senate features a storyline no political operative in Florida could have dreamed up — at least not while sober."

Three candidates spread across the ideological spectrum are racing toward a finish that looks increasingly anticlimactic.

On the right is Marco Rubio, a rising star among conservative Republicans and frustrated Tea Party voters. On the left is Kendrick Meek, a Miami congressman and dependable Democrat.

And in between — his precise location is often unclear — is Gov. Charlie Crist, a political institution who fled the GOP primary in April with polls showing him trailing Rubio by 20 points.

"Voters are confused"

"Despite a court ruling last week ordering him off the Nov. 2 ballot, Republican candidate Jim Norman's name still appears on tens of thousands of ballots in the District 12 Senate race, amidst new legal maneuvers and confusion by local election and party officials." "Norman appeals ruling; Ambler asks to be put on ballot; voters are confused". The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Justice done; voters left hanging".

Daniel Ruth: "'Tis a pity there is no elected office for a court jester. Jim Norman, Hillsborough County’s answer to Spiro Agnew meets Elmer Fudd, would be a prohibitive favorite to claim the post." "Norman’s gravy train gets derailed by a judge".

Snitker struggles

"He's been running for Senate for months, but remains unknown to most voters. That isn't discouraging Alexander Snitker." "Libertarian candidate for Senate fights for spotlight".

One way to do it

"Orlando parking meters collect money for homeless".