Now comes the character test — not for the politicians, but for the people.

The outcome of the race for governor three days from now will reveal the true mind-set of Floridians in 2010.

Are Florida voters truly sold on Republican Rick Scott's promise to create all those jobs?

Are people willing to install Alex Sink, a Democrat, in the Governor's Mansion after 12 years of Republican dominance?

Is the public's anger at President Barack Obama and Washington in general so intense that voters will entrust their future to Scott, even though he's untested and has never satisfactorily explained his role in the Medicare fraud at his former employer?

Can Sink overcome the perception of her Obama connection and keep her head above the Republican wave that seems to be sweeping the country?

South Florida vortex

"South Florida state legislative races tend to leave little room for general election surprises, with districts drawn to overwhelmingly favor Democrats or Republicans."

But one Miami-Dade matchup has emerged as key for both parties -- and several others have attracted significant campaign dollars -- in a year when high-stakes federal and statewide contests have drowned out races for the Florida House and Senate.

The handful of competitive contests include a battle between two lawyers to replace Republican state Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff in a GOP-leaning district that hugs the Broward-Palm Beach coast. George Moraitis, who narrowly won the GOP primary, has outraised Barbra Stern, who switched her registration from Republican to Democrat to run and is the daughter of lobbyist Judy Stern.

In Miami-Dade, Republicans in control of the Legislature are pouring money into the fight for House District 119, which stretches from deep South Dade to Sweetwater and is one of the Democrats' few pickup opportunities this year.

"That's probably one of the most closely watched House races in the entire state,'' said Juan Carlos Zapata, the moderate Republican and current chairman of the Miami-Dade legislative delegation who has represented the district for the past eight years.

Vying to replace Zapata are Republican Frank Artiles, an insurance adjustor, and Democrat Katie Edwards, the executive director of the Dade County Farm Bureau. A tea party candidate and a candidate running without party affiliation are also on the ballot.

Edwards, who has the fundraising edge in the campaign, is seeking public office for the first time. Artiles lost to Zapata in nasty primaries in 2004 and 2002 and unsuccessfully ran for state Senate in Hialeah as a write-in candidate in 2000.

Florida sliding into right wing cesspool?

Politico: "Two years after Florida Democrats celebrated their role in the election of Barack Obama and the ouster of two Republican congressmen, the nation’s largest swing state is poised to tilt back toward the GOP, a pivot that could dramatically alter the dynamic for the president’s 2012 election campaign." "Florida swings toward GOP".

"Shameless" RPOFers run wild

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board:

It's been all too common this election for Florida Republicans to nationalize state elections. Chief financial officer candidate Jeff Atwater hit a new low by linking Democrat Loranne Ausley to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. ... Then, amid unflattering pictures of both women, Atwater's ad contends Ausley "wants total control of our money" and that she would raise taxes on property, the elderly and gasoline.

The CFO has no authority to raise taxes or dictate spending. Only the Legislature, where Atwater is the outgoing Senate president, has those powers. Guess who was in charge in 2009 when the Legislature voted to increase various fees? Jeff Atwater.

Republican candidate for governor Rick Scott has shamelessly preyed on seniors' financial insecurity to inaccurately paint Democrat Alex Sink as an irresponsible administrator of the state pension funds. The worst scare tactic is a television ad that features a mix of somber, older actors talking into the camera contending "Sink lost billions in Florida's pension funds. … If she can't run a pension fund, how can she run a state?"

Sink doesn't run the pension fund. She is one of three elected officials who serve as trustees of the State Board of Administration. ... That hasn't stopped Scott from scaring seniors. Shameless.

"I am in this race. I believe in keeping my word"

"An emotional Kendrick Meek on Friday continued to refute reports that he considered dropping out of the three-way race for the U.S. Senate as late as last week."

"I'm not running for Senate to make a deal," said Meek, his eyes brimming with tears, after speaking to a teachers union gathering in Orlando.

Meek said he would not drop out of the race and that he had enough support to win.

"I am in this race. I believe in keeping my word."

Turnout fallout?

"Some pollsters believe the controversy with Kendrick Meek and former President Clinton could hurt Democrat Alex Sink in her appeal to black voters." "Dispute renews turnout worries". See also "Black voter reaction to Clinton's efforts could hurt Sink".

Here's the twist: "Rumors that a 'back room' political deal was in the works to persuade Democrat Kendrick Meek to drop out of Florida's U.S. Senate race all seem to lead back to one source - Charlie Crist. The former Republican, now independent governor admitted Friday during a campaign stop in Panama City that his campaign initiated a conversation with former President Clinton to encourage Meek to drop out ... Despite the finger pointing, some experts say the Clinton rumor may end up benefiting Crist". "Crist gets blame for Clinton 'back room' deal rumor, but may reap reward".

LeMieux laying groundwork for run

"For $25, members of the local chamber of commerce can hear George LeMieux give his take on the election, tout his support of small-business legislation and deliver a 'review of his experience in the U.S. Senate.'"

LeMieux was not elected to the seat and he's not on the Nov. 2 ballot, but for the past month he has been engaged in a campaignlike sprint across Florida, talking to Republican and civic groups, touring businesses and presenting military medals.

He has attended dozens of events, logged thousands of miles by air and land. "I'm just doing my job," he says.

But LeMieux, 41, is also working to elevate his profile and lay the groundwork for a potential run for office. He has not only turned his back on the man who put him in this fairy-tale position — Gov. Charlie Crist — but is now working to keep Crist from getting there himself.

If the 2010 election cycle is recorded as one of the most fascinating and unpredictable in decades, LeMieux's story certainly belongs in the footnotes.

"A full day of campaign stops"

"After rallying their bases at opposite ends of the state, the candidates for Florida governor are both starting a full day of campaign stops in Orlando. Republican Rick Scott begins his Saturday at a rally featuring former Gov. Jeb Bush, party leaders and other statewide GOP candidates" "Governor hopefuls plan busy Saturday".

"If Marco Rubio were bothered by speculation that Kendrick Meek might drop out of the U.S. Senate race, he didn't let it show in Daytona Beach." "Rubio visits; Meek says he's still in race". Related: "Kendrick Meek-Charlie Crist Deal Galvanizes Marco Rubio Camp".

"The cash has continued to gush"

"The campaign for Congress in District 22 has become an economic stimulus program for Palm Beach and Broward Counties. According to the Federal Election Commission, through September more than $8 million was spent in the bruising race between Democratic Congressman Ron Klein and his GOP foe Allen West, among the most expensive Congressional campaigns in the country."

And the cash has continued to gush.

From Oct. 1-13, GOP fundraiser Karl Rove and his "super political action committee," American Crossroads, spent $215,616 in activities opposing Klein. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee countered with $315,840 to stymie West.

"If either side thought they couldn't win, you wouldn't see all that money still pouring in," said Kevin Wagner, political science professor at Florida Atlantic University. "Few districts in the country are still considered real battlegrounds. Most analysts have this one as a tossup."

Haridopolos admits violating "laws five years in a row"

"Looking to put the matter behind him, State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said he waives his right to a hearing and accepts the findings of the Florida Commission on Ethics that he violated financial disclosure laws five years in a row." "Sen. Haridopolos offers agreement on disclosure".

"A chance to improve Florida’s political culture"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "The best opportunity to bring fundamental change to Tallahassee and Washington is in a pair of constitutional amendments, not in a race for a particular office. Voters have the best chance in decades Tuesday to improve Florida’s political culture by passing Amendments 5 and 6, which would ensure future legislative and congressional districts are drawn fairly and not to protect incumbents." "Putting voters back in charge".

Yaaawwwnnn

"For the first time on his week-long 30-city buscapade around Florida, Republican candidate for governor Rick Scott on Friday took questions from an audience." "Scott vows to trim, end regulations in first audience Q&A".

Mail ballot blues

"The No. 1 discrepancy is that people do not sign the outside of the envelope."

"Once you close the flap you have to provide your signature," said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. "People forget."

Unsigned ballots must be rejected, said Brenda Snipes, Broward County supervisor of elections. "We cannot open them if there's no signature. That's our way of verifying that that's actually the voter," she said.

Snipes and Bucher said the numbers are a small percentage of the total number of absentee ballots, but even a small number of votes could make a difference. "Just think about a race that's close," Snipes said.

In Broward, Snipes estimated 700 to 800 of the absentee ballots returned so far are missing signatures. Bucher didn't have an estimate for Palm Beach County. On Wednesday afternoon, when the processing started, she estimated there were a "few dozen" in the no-signature pile. Unsigned ballots aren't tossed; they're stored with other election records.

Another signature issue sometimes comes up with people whose writing has changed.

"We've had some registered voters for decades. And for many different reasons your signature might change," Bucher said. Update it, she said, "If, when you were 18 you had this flamboyant signature and now your signature has settled down and it's different, or if you've had a medical condition."

Signatures can be update with the elections offices.

$54M

"How expensive is the Florida gubernatorial campaign? The candidates have spent enough to pay for nearly all the Miami-Dade County schools budget for textbooks." "Scott-Sink ad wars exceed $54M".

Sink talks Meek

"Sink said she knew nothing about discussions between former President Bill Clinton and Democratic Congressman Kendrick Meek about dropping out of the U.S. Senate race. Meek, heir to an African-American political dynasty in South Florida, trails behind Gov. Charlie Crist, an independent, and the Republican frontrunner, former House Speaker Marco Rubio of West Miami." "Sink emphasizes 'historic' race, faces questions on Meek".

Carroll’s "altered documents

"Altered documents filed with Jacksonville City Hall in 2006 helped Jennifer Carroll’s consulting firm appear eligible for a city program that annually gives out tens of millions of dollars in city contracts to small businesses, a Florida Times-Union investigation has found." "Altered documents allow Carroll's firm into city contract program".

Sink maintains paper-thin lead over Scott

"Both polls found that Sink enjoying more support from Democrats than Scott has from Republicans. More independents are leaning toward Sink." "Sink has thin lead over Scott in two polls".

Rubio increases lead in M-D poll

"Republican Marco Rubio's lead is growing in the three-way race for U.S. Senate, an advantage that's enhanced by the intrigue swirling around the two trailing candidates. ... [in a Mason-Dixon poll released Friday] Rubio increased his support to 45 percent, while Crist had 28-percent backing and Meek was stuck at 21 percent. There remain 6 percent of voters undecided." "Rubio's lead grows in poll".

Possible "record or near-record turnout"

"Heavy early and absentee voting may signal a record or near-record turnout for a midterm election in Florida, where the ballot features open races for the U.S. Senate, governor and all three Cabinet positions, state officials said today." "Heavy early voting may boost Florida turnout".

Figures, it was an "insurance lobbyist"

Aaron Deslatte:

Sink's CNN debate gaffe last week – insurance lobbyist and campaign advisor Brian May sent her text-message advice during a commercial break, despite rules against it – illustrated a broader problem.

There is a revolving door between campaigning and governing, lobbyists and consultants, "politician" and "public servant," which blurs the distinction between both worlds. As long as negative ads continue to move the needle, the ads will keep rolling.

And many of the consultants who have drafted the hyperbolic communications strategies of today's campaigns will be lobbying policymakers to pass tomorrow's "Tallahassee Taj Mahal."

All-RPOF Cabinet?

"While Republican Rick Scott battles Democrat Alex Sink in a tight gubernatorial contest, Republicans hold steady 9- to 13-point leads for Florida's three other Cabinet-level positions, according to a Sunshine State News Poll." "Poll: GOP Set to Sweep Three Cabinet Offices".

GOTV gangbusters

"Crist and Scott focus on Panhandle, Rubio works middle of the state, Sink and Meek hit South Florida". "Candidates Dash Through Florida Hoping to Get Supporters to the Polls".

Mystery mailer

"With just days left before the election, an illegal mailer has hit voters' mailboxes in the 8th Congressional District — and all candidates are denying responsibility for the mystery ad."

The mailer to homes in Democrat U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson's district carries no return address or disclaimer identifying its source of funding, as election law requires.

It criticizes Republican Dan Webster for voting for a $546 million "unfunded mandate," a reference to the Legislature's approval of a 2007 plan that forced local school districts to raise property taxes while increasing education spending. Webster was state senate majority leader at the time.

The mailer, which went to many Republican and independent voters, also promotes Florida Tea Party candidate Peg Dunmire: "Peg Dunmire doesn't support legislation that requires higher taxes and increased levels of government spending. She supports all efforts to reduce government debt."

But the Dunmire campaign says it did not send the mailer.

"A careful role"

"Bill McBride is not just Alex Sink's husband: he also plays a careful role in her gubernatorial campaign." "Sink's spouse McBride plays subtle role".

A little encouragement

"Not all Republicans have abandoned Gov. Charlie Crist in his independent bid for the U.S. Senate. The 1996 Republican nominee for president, former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, phoned Crist on his campaign bus today to give him some encouragement in the final days of the three-way race." "Dole telephones Crist with campaign encouragement". Meanwhile, "Rubio's lead in Senate race nearly insurmountable, latest poll says".

Out-of-state wingnut bucks powering Rubio

"Groups led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Karl Rove's new 'super-PAC,' American Crossroads, have spent more than $6 million on behalf of Rubio, according to Tribune checks of campaign finance reports and analyses by People for the American Way, a liberal advocacy group, and the Sunlight Foundation, a non-partisan campaign watchdog group."

The independent expenditures went for television ads, mailers and other activity aimed at benefitting Rubio or opposing Crist during the general election campaign.

They include:

•About $2.4 million by American Crossroads and its affiliate, Crossroads GPS, formed by Rove, who was former President George W. Bush's chief political strategist, and former national Republican Party Chairman Ed Gillespie.

•A $2 million expenditure by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

•About $600,000 by Rightchange.com, a North Carolina-based political committee, for mailers.

PolitiFact Florida

"PolitiFact Florida examines the 2010 campaign".

"No surprise"

"Whatever role Bill Clinton played in a plan to nudge, or not nudge, Kendrick Meek out of the Florida Senate race, it's no surprise the former president was in the fray." "Clinton a campaign magnet". See also "Florida's frenzied Senate race gets even stranger as Election Day nears".

"We have music, we have fun, we do protests"

Try not to laff too hard:

Tea party supporters want to open the door for young voters, and FreedomWorks president Matt Kibbe said the movement can win over those under 30 by placing them in leadership roles. FreedomWorks was founded by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, and has fueled much of the movement's growth.

"More young leaders begets more young participants," Kibbe said. He said that young voters are tougher to organize but that the tea party can engage them through things they enjoy. "The tea party is different," he said. "We have music, we have fun, we do protests. It's a different set of activities than your typical, canned Republican stump speech that was driving people away in droves."

Sink leads Scott by 3 percentage points in a Mason-Dixon Polling & Research survey. And she's up by 4 points in the Quinnipiac University poll released earlier Thursday. Later, [GOP oriented] Rasmussen Reports released a survey showing Scott had a 3-point lead over Sink.

None of the leads is solid and each is essentially within the polls' error margins. Also, the Quinnipiac survey found that 9 percent of those who name a candidate say they could change their mind by Tuesday.

That makes the race too close to call, putting pressure on both candidates and their political parties to turn out base voters. Sink could have more of a challenge motivating Democrats, who are less enthusiastic this year.

All the polls anticipate a disproportionately higher number of Republican voters casting ballots, but Sink leads anyway thanks to independent voters, who decide close Florida elections. Also, registered Democrats greatly outnumber registered Republicans.

Grayson, Kosmas TV blitz

"U.S. Reps. Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas are presenting barrages of TV commercials this week in the closing stretch before Election Day as they bid for re-election against Republicans Dan Webster and Sandy Adams. The two Democrats, battling in tough, tight races, have purchased more than 600 commercials on Orlando TV stations in the final two weeks of the campaign, about twice as many as their Republican challengers." "Grayson, Kosmas plan final TV-ad blitz".

Meek kerfuffle

"Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek said Friday it was his independent opponent - not former President Bill Clinton - who suggested that he drop out of the Florida Senate race." "Meek: Crist suggested quitting Fla. Senate race". See also "Meek Denies Agreeing To Clinton-Arranged Deal To Drop FL-SEN Bid", "Meek: I'm not quitting U.S. Senate race", "What's Bill Clinton Up To?", "Kendrick Meek: 'Was Never Dropping Out, Will Never Drop Out'", "Meek denies that Clinton asked him to drop out of race", "Meek says Crist asked him to consider early exit from race" and "Meek: No one told me to quit".

But see "Clinton Did Urge Meek To Quit", "Bill Clinton: I spoke with Meek twice" and "Former President Clinton asked Kendrick Meek to drop out of U.S. Senate race".

Mr. Steele weighs in: "Subtle, Mike, Real Subtle".

More: "Meek: I'm Still In" and "Senate race turns into political theater with Clinton, Meek, Crist and Rubio".

Meanwhile, "Poll: Crist Slumping Toward Third Place In Senate Race".

Meek flap fallout

"Attempts by some Democrats to nudge Kendrick Meek out of the Senate race rather than rally behind him could have an impact on African-American turnout in the mid-term elections." "Will Meek flap depress turnout in Florida?".

Wade steps up for Meek

"Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is giving Democrat Kendrick Meek a boost in his struggling U.S. Senate race campaign. Wade [was] scheduled to join Meek at an early voting rally Thursday afternoon at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center." "Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade campaigns for Kendrick Meek in Senate race".

"'Enthusiasm gap' theory"

"Pundits and pollsters declare an "enthusiasm gap" among would-be voters, with revved-up Republicans characterized as more motivated to vote in Tuesday's general election than dispassionate Democrats."

While Democrats have traditionally dominated early voting and Republicans reigned supreme among absentee ballots, both figures have favored Florida's GOP this year. Of the more than 1.2 million ballots that had been cast statewide through Tuesday, more than half were Republicans -- giving the party about a 200,000-vote advantage.

"Wee Willie Winkie of the hustings"

Daniel Ruth: "Apparently it doesn't take much to shock Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, who is attempting to turn himself into a hand-wringing, whining Wee Willie Winkie of the hustings."

• It makes you wonder if Scott would get his debentures into a wad after being confronted by a testy Bichon Frise.

• The Lurch of the stump was supposedly flabbergasted, bumfuddled and completely discombobulated the other night during his debate with Democrat Alex Sink when he noticed during a commercial break that the candidate had glanced at a cell phone text message handed to her by a makeup artist in violation of the agreed-upon rules.

And let's all throw in a clucking harrumph for good measure, too.

But among all the Sturm und Drang over Sink's momentary use of a cyber crib sheet, could just a pinch of perspective prevail? Good grief, it is not as if someone slipped Sink the nuclear codes. This wasn't a Wikileaks document dump. This wasn't a Cold War dead drop of secret CIA papers to be collected by Soviet spies. ...

If we lived in the real world of adults, Sink's misstep would be simply dismissed as an unfortunate gaffe, which in the end had zero effect on the debate and will have even less impact by Election Day.

Alas, this is a political campaign for governor of Florida, which probably explains why Scott is trying to turn the cell phone kerfuffle into the stump's version of a war crime meets Watergate.

For all his feigned indignity, Scott does shock and appall with all the sincerity of my goldendoodle pretending she's contrite after she's been caught raiding the garbage.

After all, while Scott is acting as if Sink had given him a hot foot, short-sheeted his bed and stolen his lunch money, this is same guy who presided over a company that was indicted in the largest Medicare fraud scheme in United States history, which led to $1.7 billion in fines.

GOP "voter integrity" plans hit a wall

"The United States Attorney for the Southern District Wifredo A. Ferrer has announced that his office will lead efforts to make sure no one is impeded from voting on Election Day in South Florida." "South Florida feds watching for voting rights violations".

"Too bad neither candidate checked the records"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Drug testing Florida's welfare recipients isn't a new idea, nor is it necessarily a budget-saving panacea. Nevertheless, it's come up in the heat of this year's gubernatorial campaign. Republican Rick Scott backs it enthusiastically. Democrat Alex Sink's only concern seems to be about the costs." "Welfare recipients become a campaign issue".

"A 'slap in the face'"

Doug Lyons: "Florida Democrats have a problem."

The party seems to be sticking it to senatorial hopeful Kendrick Meek, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, at a time when Democrats need a big turnout from the party's African American base to help gubernatorial hopeful, Alex Sink, win a close contest against Republican Rick Scott.

The latest debacle over whether former President Bill Clinton asked Meek to drop out of the race at the last minute to give Gov. Charlie Crist a clear shot at taking on Republican Marco Rubio isn't helping quell what a growing number of black Democrats see as a "slap in the face."

"Credibility at PSC dead"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "In July, we declared credibility at the state's Public Service Commission dead. A nominating council that's dominated by the Legislature, which in turn is dominated by the utility monopolies, had effectively purged two PSC commissioners, who had rejected the biggest electricity-rate request in Florida history." "Public Service Commission gives another reason to shudder".

We don' care how you do it in South Asia

"The on-again, off-again contracting fight over a statewide prescription drug database is on again." "Another contract fight looming for statewide drug database".

Bondi claims it ain't her

"Powerful lawyers accustomed to throwing their weight around the courtroom have pounced on recent attack ads accusing Dan Gelber, Democratic candidate for Florida attorney general, of being 'toxic to Jewish education.'"

The group of 100 lawyers -- including former federal prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office -- issued a statement saying the mailers aimed at South Florida Jewish voters were funded by an "anonymous group'' that supports Gelber's Republican opponent, Pamela Bondi, a Tampa-based state prosecutor. The flyers, which attacked Gelber's "record against scholarships to help our needy children attend Jewish private schools,'' contained "blatant falsehoods,'' his supporters said. Gelber's campaign director, Christian Ulvert, called the mailers by the Committee for Florida's Education Inc. "disgusting.'' Gelber is a Jewish state senator from Miami Beach and a former federal prosecutor in Miami.

"There is no doubt in anybody's minds these are mailers closely aligned with Pam Bondi and her campaign,'' Ulvert said.

Not true, said a spokeswoman for Bondi's campaign. "Neither I nor the Bondi campaign had anything to do with these flyers,'' Kim Kirtley said.

"Latest Bondi attack "

"‘Women for Gelber’ rebut claims made in latest Bondi attack ad on so-called ‘scarlet letter’ adoption law".

Scott's wingnut tactics

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott has bucked the tradition of meeting with newspaper editorial boards. Instead he broadcasts his message through TV, the web and grassroots rallies. The strategy, which mirrors that of many conservative candidates around the country this year, is rooted in the media maneuvers of right-wing movements, and Scott’s campaign in fact shares DNA with both the press management of the district attorney who prosecuted Kansas abortion provider George Tiller and the public relations company that promoted Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in the 2004 presidential campaign." "The right-wing roots of Scott’s press strategy".

$1.7 billion in fines remain unexplained

"The question for Rick Scott at last week’s debate had been asked countless times: Why was he qualified to be Florida’s governor when his tenure as a chief executive of Columbia/HCA led to $1.7 billion in fines for defrauding the government? Was he involved, or too out of touch to know what was going on?"

“Well, we built a great company, I started with my life savings” Mr. Scott said — but then a moderator interrupted. “We’ve heard that, though, you’ve already said that. So explain to me how it went so wrong.”

Mr. Scott continued with the same general response he has been using for months, leaving unanswered persistent questions about whether he was a competent and honest executive.

The answers to those inquiries, however, may determine whether Mr. Scott wins or loses.

"Taj Mahal Screw-Up"

Nancy Smith"Now Look Who Alex Sink Blames for the Taj Mahal Screw-Up".

HD 26

"The statistics and trends may not be with Democrat Tim Huth in his race for the Florida House District 26 seat, but he still sees a path to victory." "HD 26: Democrat Tim Huth Hopes to Overcome Trends, Republican Fred Costello".

Will Governor Scott plead the fifth?

"The state Department of Health won’t discuss its handling of a health-care fraud complaint against Solantic, a chain of walk-in centers co-founded by gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott in 2001. ... If an investigation was opened and continues beyond Tuesday’s election with the potential that Scott is elected governor, any investigation could make for a conflict for the health department’s secretary, who is appointed by the governor. When asked while campaigning Thursday how he would handle that situation, Scott said he wouldn’t get involved except for making the appointment of the head of the health department." "Rick Scott would pick agency head, but vows to stay clear of any state Solantic probe". See also "Governor candidate Rick Scott vows to stay clear of any state Solantic probe".

Bits and Pieces

Kevin Derby: "Political Bits and Pieces".

"Candidate seeking a last-minute advantage"

The Palm Beach Post's Randy Schultz: "The rape of any woman is an outrage, and the decision about how much - if anything - to say about it publicly is personal. The question is whether the ad is a courageous public admission forced on Ms. Benacquisto [Republican candidate in Senate District 27] or a calculated move in a key campaign."

For someone who claims that she was motivated by concern for rape victims, Ms. Benacquisto tried hard in the Thursday interview to avoid saying whether she would vote for a similar ultrasound amendment if elected. She said, "You will find a fierce vote to protect these women," meaning rape victims who might have to document their assault to avoid paying for an ultrasound. But what if the amendment comes back in the same form, and she can't change it? "I will win." But she might not. So then what? After nearly a dozen attempts to get a yes or no answer, Ms. Benacquisto said, "I'm only going to support a bill that provides protection."

Ms. Benacquisto also was contradictory on her hopes for the election. Because of the response she has received from women, "winning almost doesn't matter." But she also said, "I'm going to work my tail off to win."

The fact of Ms. Benacquisto's revelation does not suspend all other judgments about her candidacy. Rep. Rader is on record as opposing the ultrasound requirements that Ms. Benacquisto would seek to change. Her charge that Rep. Rader's ad demeaned rape victims does not hold up, even if the "make criminals" part is a stretch.

Ms. Benacquisto's unwillingness to personally address basic questions about the ad - Was it her idea, or the party's? - makes her look like a candidate seeking a last-minute advantage with a charge that any male candidate would find very hard to answer with another ad. "You don't get it, Mr. Rader," Ms. Benacquisto says near the end of the 30-second spot. "I live with this every day." Only with the election looming, however, did she decide to say so.

"Far-reaching and costly"?

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Supporters of Amendment 4, the so-called Hometown Democracy initiative, minimize the amendment’s likely effects. They say it simply would give residents the right to vote on major development projects proposed in their communities. But the amendment’s impact could be far-reaching and costly to every Floridian." "Amendment 4 fallacies".

Ausley a fighter

"In a statewide race that's received little public notice, chief financial officer candidate Loranne Ausley has resorted to a 400-mile bike ride to get her message out. A lawyer and former Democratic state lawmaker from Tallahassee, Ausley is down in the polls and outgunned on TV nearly 3-to-1. She hopes when she finishes the ride Friday afternoon in West Palm Beach that voters will see she's a fighter." "Feisty CFO race features Senate president and ex-lawmaker".

Dorworth "living off the Republican Party"?

"State Rep. Chris Dorworth says he wants to return to Florida's House of Representatives to hold the line on spending and help build a flourishing economy where businesses thrive."

But Dorworth has had difficulty keeping his own household stable and managing his own finances, according to records that surfaced this week as a result of his filing for divorce in September from Elizabeth Dorworth, his wife of 10 years.

Dorworth is still fighting a 2008 foreclosure on his 8,200-square-foot home in Heathrow and says his monthly household deficit is more than $12,000. He claims a monthly income from land-use consulting of $3,250, plus his legislative salary of $2,500 a month.

He said he is dipping into a family trust to deal with the shortfall. His estranged wife has accused him of not adequately supporting their children and living off the Republican Party, the divorce filings show.

Malarkey

Scott Maxwell thinks it is "time to ramp up the Malarkey Meter for one more round of truth-testing and lie-detecting, based on the campaign claims and attacks filling your mailboxes and airwaves this year." "Malarkey keeps piling up".

Ross's conspiracy theory

"Congressional candidate Dennis Ross has taken up the verbal sword against what he sees as a scheme to split the conservative vote."

Ross is in a three-way race for the U.S. House District 12 seat with Florida Tea Party candidate Randy Wilkinson and Democrat Lori Edwards. District 12 covers portions of Polk and Hillsborough counties.

Ross's campaign has mailed out three fliers at a cost of some $60,000 to fight against what he calls a Democratic scheme to steer votes toward Wilkinson by leading people to believe Wilkinson, a Polk County commissioner, is affiliated with the national tea party movement.

has been buried under an avalanche of negative spending from Republicans and GOP-leaning interest groups from across the country.

These interest groups – ranging from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the "conservative alternative" to the AARP -- have spent more than $1 million to unseat Grayson and his fellow freshman Democrat, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas of New Smyrna Beach, according to elections records. That cash has bought hundreds of attack ads on Orlando TV stations.

And that doesn't include the money spent by Webster and state Rep. Sandy Adams of Orlando – Kosmas' opponent – or the more than $1 million the national Republican Party has poured into ads on behalf of the two GOP candidates.

Video deflates Scott whinge

"Amid the furor surrounding Democrat Alex Sink's message during her debate with Rick Scott, a new video clip indicated she was handed the phone before being told what the message was about." "Video shines light on phone flap". See also "Note nags at Sink; new video shown". More: "Scott continues attack on Sink for text during debate" and "Bill Cotterell: One text message shows the perils of campaigning".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Alex Sink needed a memorable moment from this week's debate, but this is not what we had in mind. The Democrat's momentary indiscretion when she looked at a text message on a phone handed to her by a makeup artist has been blown out of proportion. Now Republican Rick Scott is airing a radio ad calling Sink a cheater for breaking debate rules and the Republican Party is calling her a liar for sticking to her reasonable explanation."

What they don't say: Sink acknowledged the rules were inadvertently violated, never heeded the advice in the text message, did not initially know who sent it and later fired the aide who did.

Webster afraid to debate Grayson

"Webster, the main challenger to Democrat Grayson's bid for a second term representing the 8th District, has refused to debate."

[D]uring the Wednesday night debate sponsored by Barry University and the Orlando Sentinel, Grayson said a congressman has to be thick-skinned enough to stand up to bullying lobbyists and even his own party.

"If you're not tough enough to show up and debate…you're not tough enough to do the job," Grayson said.

Charlie's legacy

"Gov. Charlie Crist, whose political career may end next week, will likely leave behind a legacy that does not match the records of previous governors." "Charlie Crist's likely demise leaves an uncertain legacy".

Haridopolos admits ethics violations

"The state Ethics Commission found probable cause of financial disclosure violations by the incoming president of the Florida Senate and cleared the House Democrats' next leader of a complaint involving travel expenses."

The commission, following a closed meeting last week, announced its findings in the separate cases today.

An investigative report said Sen. Mike Haridopolos, a Merritt Island Republican set to become Senate president next month, acknowledged he failed to fully disclose his financial interests from 2004 through 2008. ...

According to the report, though, he told a commission investigator he made the same mistakes year after year because he didn't carefully read the financial disclosure instructions.

"I feel pretty silly," Haridopolos told a commission investigator, the report says. "I mean, I'm a college professor and I didn't do it right."

The errors include failing to disclose his earnings from the University of Florida and real estate investments. He also didn't disclose clients of his business, MJH Consulting, which provided at least 10 percent of the firm's income. The report also found he misstated the values of his home and mortgage and omitted various addresses such as those of the state and other employers.

"Crist is nowhere near nice"

"He's always had a nice guy image as a politician, but in this year's Senate campaign independent Charlie Crist is nowhere near nice." "No more nice guy: Crist alters image".

Rivera gets a pass

"A judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify Republican David Rivera as a candidate for Congress on grounds he filed misleading or incomplete financial disclosure forms as a state lawmaker."

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jerald Bagley said the lawsuit -- filed by two allies of Rivera's opponent, Democrat Joe Garcia -- failed to state a legal claim, and it was filed too late to prevent Rivera from appearing on the ballot.

Lawyers for the Florida Secretary of State's office, which manages state elections, said any election contest should have been filed by Sept. 12, within 10 days of Rivera winning the Republican primary. The suit was filed on Oct. 21.

In the suit, the plaintiffs argued that Rivera, a four-term state representative from Miami, should be removed from the Nov. 2 ballot because he failed to file accurate financial disclosure forms for the past seven years, as required under the state's ethics law.

From 2003 to 2009, Rivera said in his disclosure forms that he worked as an "international development consultant'' for the U.S. Agency for International Development. But USAID officials told The Miami Herald that they had no record of any work by Rivera or his consulting company.

Rivera later amended his disclosure forms, removing any reference to USAID or his consulting company. Rivera has said he worked as a subcontractor to other USAID vendors -- but he has refused to identify his clients.

Norman also gets a pass

"Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman is once again the Republican candidate for state Senate District 12."

An appeals court on Wednesday threw out a lower court decision that had disqualified Norman for not disclosing assets, including a $500,000 gift from his political benefactor. Although there are two write-in candidates, Norman's is the only name on the ballot.

In a unanimous, 3-0 opinion, judges with the First District Court of Appeals said they were reluctant to disenfranchise voters except in a situation where the law clearly warrants it.

Watching Gianoulis-Thrasher

"For two decades, Deborah Gianoulis was a nightly fixture in Northeast Florida living rooms as anchor for the region's most popular news station. Now the Democrat from Ponte Vedra Beach hopes to make news by winning a seat in the Florida Senate, but an imposing obstacle stands in her way: Republican Sen. John Thrasher, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida and a consummate political insider in Tallahassee. The Thrasher-Gianoulis race is one of Florida's most closely-watched legislative battles, and a Gianoulis win would be a huge psychological victory for Democrats in a challenging political year." "Thrasher-Gianoulis contest excites partisans".

"Sandy's strange ideas"

"Kosmas, emphasizing her work as a moderate, has been harping on a theme of 'Sandy's strange ideas,' pulling out several statements and painting Adams as 'out of touch.'"

One oft-repeated example involves the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which established direct election of senators. Kosmas, at recent debates and on the Internet, has criticized Adams for suggesting the amendment should be repealed so that voters couldn't pick their senators.

Adams explained that she had no plans to push for a repeal but that her opinion had more to do with supporting states' rights, and having states decide how to pick senators.

Another recent missive from the Kosmas camp focused on Adams' statement during a telephone town hall in which Adams professed her belief in the Biblical teachings of creation, versus evolution.

Going backwards on Cuba

"Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is poised to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee if Republicans take control of the House in November, effectively quashing congressional efforts to ease restrictions on Cuba." "Ros-Lehtinen's role could grow in House".

On the road"

"Sink points to varied endorsements, touts 'character, integrity to lead'".

Garcia smiling

"While most of Florida's 25 congressional races tilt toward Republicans this year, Democrats' best chance for a takeaway is in South Florida's sprawling 25th District, a new Sunshine State News Poll shows." "Poll: Rivera, Garcia Feeling Miami Heat".

Sink sitting pretty in Quinnipiac

"In the hotly-contested governor's race, State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democrat, has 45 percent to 41 percent for Republican Rick Scott, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University survey, conducted by live interviewers, finds. Another 11 percent are undecided and 9 percent of those who name a candidate say they might change their mind in this final week before Election Day."

Sink gets 16 percent of Republicans, 85 percent of Democrats and 42 percent of independent voters. Scott wins 74 percent of Republicans, 8 percent of Democrats and 37 percent of independents.

"A soft spot for most politicians"

Daniel Ruth: "Candidates smile through the pain".

Insiders

"Sink and Scott each rely on a small inner circle of advisers for campaign and political counsel."

Sink, Florida's chief financial officer, confers closely with her husband, Bill McBride, her long-time chief of staff Jim Cassady, and a small group of female friends that includes former Education Commissioner Betty Castor. For political advice, Sink also listens to the young aides she has assembled as part of her campaign team, but, while she welcomes their opinion, she doesn't always do as they recommend.

Scott, who has never before run for public office, keeps a close circle of advisers that includes his wife, Anne, and longtime friend and Washington lawyer Enu Mainigi. But most of the political shots are being called by campaign veterans, including Washington pollster and strategist Tony Fabrizio, who has imbued in the campaign the mantra that they are running a different kind of race.

That difference is evident in the sheer size of Scott's political machine, financed mostly with Scott's own money — more than $60 million so far.

Government Is Not God endorsements

"Republican candidates for federal office Allen West, Dan Webster, David Rivera and Marco Rubio have all earned the endorsement of the Government Is Not God political action committee, whose chairman and founder, William J. Murray, argues that 'atheistic forces' are 'engaging in a religious cleansing of American society.'" "Republicans decline to reject Government Is Not God endorsement".

Crist goes after teabaggers

"Florida Gov. Charlie Crist released an ad Wednesday portraying himself as the only candidate in the U.S. Senate race 'the polls say' can beat Republican nominee Marco Rubio, despite that polling shows no-party candidate Crist about 10 points behind." "Crist runs against 'Sarah Palin, the tea party and Marco Rubio' in latest ad".

AG attacks

"Attack Ads Launched in AG Race".

Dorworth jammed

"The re-election of Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Heathrow, should be a sure thing."

Dorworth has already been elected twice to the House District 34 seat, has an edge with Republican voters in the district, and has spent more money than his opponent has raised. He is slated to be the speaker of the House in 2014 and the upcoming midterm elections are predicted by just about everyone to be a wave year for the GOP.

But the district, which covers much of Seminole County and part of Orange County, is not safe for the incumbent.

Dorworth’s home is in foreclosure -- thanks largely to a $2.7 million settlement that went against the developer in a land deal gone bad -- and his committee donated money to the campaign of the judge who was presiding in the case. The judge has since recused himself and Dorworth claims he didn’t know his committee gave money to the judge’s campaign, but Democrats have targeted his seat nonetheless.

"I’m a businessman, and there’s bad cycles and good cycles and right now we’re in a bad cycle," Dorworth said.

The Florida Democratic Party has given Dorworth’s opponent, marketing consultant Steve Barnes, $27,000, helping his campaign raise more than $87,000. Those funds, while not insignificant, have been swamped by Dorworth, who has raised more than $231,000 and spent $184,000. Barnes, however, shrewdly held back the majority of his campaign funds for the final weeks, spending just $16,000 as of Oct. 8.

'Ya think?

"Banks must prove they own the mortgage before foreclosing, court rules".

Money pours into West campaign

"The Klein/West race is believed to be the most heavily financed Congressional race in the nation." "West Continues Televison Ad Blitz".

Lines getting longer

"If lines get much long at early voting locations, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher said Wednesday that she will post wait times on her web site. The lines have been lengthening since early voting began Oct. 18." "Early voting lines growing in Palm Beach County".

Troxler on the governor's race

Howard Troxler: "The Mummy vs. Countess Drac-ya'll (i.e., the governor's race)".

Keeping up with the Scotts

"Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink have burned through $54.6 million in their TV ad wars, or about $6 million more than the textbook budget in the state's third-largest school district since the 2008 school year." "Candidates for governor light up Florida TVs with a bonfire of money". Related: "Rick Scott's big bucks, Alex Sink's 'grass roots' show in each campaigns' final travel arrangments".

AIF drooling over Scott

"Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott is sharpening his message that Florida government has overregulated its way into an anti-business funk."

Getting rid of DCA has been a mantra for the business lobby because it is symbolic of government roadblocks that had "good intentions, but have become so time-consuming, so duplicative," said Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida, which has endorsed Scott.

Bishop said that even if the agency were dissolved, "you wouldn't be turning the state over to developers because there's nobody that has money to build new homes."

Bishop conceded that doing away with DCA might be unrealistic. But, he added, "we'd rather side with Rick Scott because he represents radical change, and she [Sink] represents incremental change. We want radical change."

Channeling "Jeb!"

Mike Thomas inserts his nose ever so deeper into Jebbie's derriere with "'Waiting for Superman' a wake-up call for education reform".

Instead of the cartoon Thomas, and his Chamber buddies find so captivating, may we recommend The New York Review of Books' "The Myth of Charter Schools".

Yipes!

"Osceola candidate woos voters — in wrong district".

Lawsuit tossed

"A federal judge has refused to temporarily block enforcement of a state campaign finance law that a group of Sarasota-area residents says is so burdensome that it violates their free speech rights. A lawyer for a libertarian legal group representing the Sarasota-area residents challenging the law said today that it's too late to appeal the decision before Tuesday's election. The law sets disclosure and other rules for political action committees and similar groups."

The challenge is based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that lifted a federal ban on political spending by corporations and labor unions. The ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission gave corporations and labor unions the same right to political speech as individuals.

Hinkle acknowledged the plaintiffs' challenge is "not frivolous" and that the state regulations are burdensome. He even wrote that "it is hard to explain why four individuals with modest resources cannot" speak without meeting the requirements while a multinational corporation can.

But Hinkle wrote that the difference is that the Citizens United ruling didn't apply to political committees — it simply said that corporations and unions are to be treated the same as individuals.

"Citizens United involved an outright ban on election-related speech by a single speaker," he wrote. "Florida law doesn't prohibit a plaintiff from speaking. Each plaintiff is free to speak as much as the plaintiff chooses and need not register as a political committee."

Mail ballot mess

"Daytona commissioner arrested".

That was evident during his ugly debate with Democrat Sink Monday night. Scott, who has muddy footprints all over his career, spent the evening seeking to taint Sink's reputation and distort her views.

Sink was no Mother Teresa during the confrontation. She fired an aide who slipped her a note on a Blackberry, violating the evening's rules. But Sink needed no prompting to defend herself. She clearly was insulted by the personal attacks from someone of such a dubious background. ...

But in Scott's privileged world, if he says something, it is so.

Florida voters are being asked to hire a man who has lived in Florida only seven years and whose main business accomplishment was leading a company that aggressively ripped off taxpayers. He's confident, we'll say that about him, but as viewers saw Monday, Rick Scott doesn't let truth or decency get in the way of his ambitions.

Bits and Pieces

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

Scott's "political fraud"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Rick Scott's company scammed the taxpayers. As we saw in Monday night's debate, Rick Scott aims to become governor by scamming the voters."

This political fraud is Mr. Scott's contention that his opponent, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, has been responsible for Florida's job losses over the last four years. "You've had your chance," Mr. Scott said to Ms. Sink on Monday, noting that unemployment when Ms. Sink took office in January 2007 was 3.3 percent and now is almost 12 percent.

In fact, since taking office Ms. Sink has had no authority to make decisions on taxes or spending or any policy that might have directly affected Florida's economy. All those decisions have been made by the Republican-led Legislature, including the House Speaker-designate and Senate President-designate. Both are supporting Mr. Scott.

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Beneath an infamous rebel flag in east Tampa".

Kosmas too cautious?

"By her own admission, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas is a 'careful' lawmaker." "Caution may cost Kosmas at the polls".

Scott's last, desperate shot

With Florida's alleged political journalists in tow, the Scott campaign is desperately trying to spin Sink's text message gaffe into a campaign issue.

Scott, the notorious fraudster of all people, is actually claiming that he was "shocked ... shocked" by the gaffe. "Alex Sink fires campaign aide over debate breach". See also "Debate debacle hot topic as far away as the UK", "Sink forced to defend herself after she's accused of cheating during debate", "Sink on defensive over text during debate", "Sink debate cheating flap grows", "Alex Sink fires aide who text-messaged during debate" and "Text message during debate sets off a buzz".

The righties, happy to give Scott a pass on his fraud, are aghast at Sink glancing at a text message: "Alex Sink: Cheating, Lying, Losing".

Senate debate

"Independent candidate Charlie Crist was taken to task during the final U.S. Senate debate Tuesday for his answers on leaving the GOP, shifting policy positions, and whether he'd caucus with Democrats or the GOP should he win the three-way race." "Crist party switch challenged in Senate debate". See also "Rubio, Meek push Crist on leaving GOP in last debate for Senate seat", "Charlie Crist on Hotseat in Final Senate Debate", "Marco Rubio tries to stay above fray in last U.S. Senate debate", "Governor is target as Crist, Meek and Rubio square off for final debate in U.S. Senate race", "Crist takes heat at final debate" and "Senate debate more civil, substantive".

Poll: Sink with double digit lead among indies

"Following Monday night’s debate, momentum in Florida’s race for governor appears to be slowly shifting to Rick Scott. Republican Scott jumped to a 2-point lead immediately prior to, and during, his red-hot CNN slugfest with Democrat Alex Sink."

Sunshine State News' nightly tracking poll of likely voters shows Scott moving from a 45-45 tie with Sink on Oct. 20 to a 47-45 advantage Monday night.

Two weeks earlier (Oct. 12-13), Sink held a 48-45 advantage.

Jim Lee, president of Voter Survey Service, which conducted this and all Sunshine State News Polls, said the fundamental dynamics of the race have changed in three weeks.

"These two are so evenly matched," Lee said, "that for the last three weeks they have traded the lead more than once -- yet the election is now in Scott's favor. I say this because Scott leads by nearly 2 points overall (46-45) -- not a lot -- but by 4 points (48-44) among those who say they are most likely to vote."

Sink does have the advantage in independent voters. She's gone from a 45-45 tie on Oct. 6 to a 47-34 lead in the current poll. ...

The Sunshine State News Poll of 1,547 likely voters, taken Oct. 24-25, has a margin of error of +/- 2.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

For a look at the poll's crosstabs, click on the link [.pdf].

"Three Florida Democrats could lose their seats"

"Florida's unusual three-way U.S. Senate race is no longer one of the nation's most interesting, with Republican Marco Rubio pulling away from independent Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek. But the Sunshine State matters prominently in the U.S. House battle. At least three Florida Democrats could lose their seats."

Reps. Suzanne Kosmas and Alan Grayson have been hammered over their votes on health care and stimulus. Their Central Florida districts are closely split and the seats were held by Republicans just two years ago, so it would not be shocking if they change hands again.

But Republicans also have a good chance at taking out seven-term Rep. Allen Boyd of Monticello. Also in a tight race is Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, who has been unable to shake tea party candidate Allen West.

Florida holds one of the few bright spots for Democrats anywhere. An open House seat in Miami that was held by the GOP is a toss-up between Democrat Joe Garcia and Republican David Rivera.

There are six or seven such seats across the country, said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, who is one of the leaders of the Democrats' national effort. That could bump the number of seats Republicans have to win to take the majority, from 39 to 45 or more.

"If this is going to be an anti-incumbent year," Wasserman Schultz said, "it's going to be anti-incumbent for them, too."

Scott "a momentous IQ test for voters"

Carl Hiaasen: "Even by Florida's shaky standards, Rick Scott stands out as one of the most outlandish characters ever to pop out of the woodwork."

• His presence makes this year's governor's race a momentous IQ test for voters. A man who couldn't run an honest company now wants to run state government. Duh.

• It's one of those you-can't-be-serious stories that just might come true.

Voters might know more about the real Rick Scott if he hadn't invoked the Fifth Amendment 75 times in that now-infamous 2000 deposition in which he refused to answer questions.

That was his right, of course. He was a private citizen then, not a candidate for public office. He didn't even move to Florida until 2003.

Yet, this year, six days before filing for the governor's race, Scott gave another deposition in a case involving Solantic, a chain of urgent-care health centers that he started.

A doctor had accused Solantic of submitting false medical information. The lawsuit was settled by a confidential agreement, and Scott refuses to release the contents of his testimony.

"A private matter," he said.

Not when you're running for governor it isn't. Not when you're promoting yourself as a business whiz and natural-born leader.

Editors want a class size redo

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "As they fill out their ballots, voters should pause before reflexively making their decision on a commonsense amendment to ease class size limits. Amendment 8 would relax — ever so slightly — the 2002 voter mandate for smaller public school class sizes to make it more workable and rational. It could save up to $1 billion a year for other needs." "Don't believe class size myths".

Rivera on ropes

"A case involving the potential removal of a Florida congressional candidate from the ballot over questions about his financial disclosures is set to go before a judge days before the election. Attorney William Barzee and a 25th congressional district resident who filed the case are expected to make their first appearance in Miami federal court Wednesday." "Lawyer seeks removal of Miami congressional candidate David Rivera".

"Republicans feeling good"

"Unlike 2006 and 2008, Republicans feeling good with one week to go".

"Election-year bonus would cost at least $12 billion"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "In this year's rough and tumble battle for U.S. Senate in Florida, unanimity on issues has been rare among the three major candidates. But recently each gave a thumbs-up to a proposal to dole out $250 checks to every Social Security recipient — an election-year bonus that would cost at least $12 billion." "Dithering on the deficit".

Carroll comes down from the house, and flops

"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink just wanted to show she takes black voters seriously."

But her appearance Tuesday on a black radio station in Miami spurred a star-studded free-for-all that found Republicans claiming they would do more for minorities than Sink, who was criticized for blowing off an NAACP candidate forum in Miami last week.

Jennifer Carroll, who is GOP candidate Rick Scott's running mate, applauded the radio station's owner, Bishop Victor Curry, for blasting Sink for not attending the forum. ...

In the end, Sink got what she was seeking. While Curry said he was impressed with Carroll, he said Scott gives him the "heebie-jeebies."

"All is forgiven. We have to move on," Curry said. "I'm going to support Alex Sink. I'm going to vote for her."

The best he can do?

Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, FlaDem superstar, is having little trouble fending off Republican Mike Prendergast, who parrots failed notions like this: "the best way to increase the number of jobs was to enact free-market solutions, cut the size of the federal government, protect small businesses and increase American exports." "Mike Prendergast Goes After Kathy Castor on Spending, Jobs".

Lay down with dogs

"Republican candidate Lizbeth Benacquisto is demanding that Democratic opponent Kevin Rader retract a television ad that accuses her of 'extreme' views on abortion, saying it unfairly implies she would outlaw the procedure even for rape victims or women at risk of dying." Benacquisto

took issue with the ad's statement that groups supporting her would ban abortion in all cases, with no exceptions for rape, incest or danger to the woman's life. Groups that support her may hold that position, Benacquisto said, but she said that's not her view, so connecting the two is unfair.

Calls to the Christian Coalition of Florida and the Florida Right to Life PAC were not returned.

West was a union thug!

"Republican congressional candidate Allen West voluntarily joined the Broward Teachers Union between 2004 and 2005 for the one year he was a high school social studies teacher at Deerfield Beach High School, a move at odds with his hostile attacks on unions during this year’s election." "Despite anti-union rhetoric, West voluntarily joined teachers’ union in ’04-’05". Related: "Florida AFL-CIO on West’s anti-union rhetoric: ‘Says a lot of him as a person’".

More West folly: "We Love USA PAC spends on behalf of West, says ‘Obama and the left’ ‘detest’ America".

Putnam at the trough

"The contributions to Putnam are only a fraction of the $3.8 million he has received in contributions from all sources. Also, Putnam, who is from a Polk County farming and ranching family, has long associations with many on the Fair Authority and said their support probably has little to do with the development project." "Putnam gets campaign cash from fairgrounds-project backers".

Oh no ... not again!

"Questions about the voting machine glitch that struck an early vote location in Sarasota’s largely African-American community of Newtown Sunday evening continue to linger. The malfunction occurred shortly after a nearby rally, which featured U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek, concluded. The chair of the Sarasota County Democratic Party has called the glitch an example of 'voter suppression.'" "Sarasota NAACP president: Voting glitch a concern as election day approaches".

Never mind the rules

"Haridopolos wants a new Medicaid waiver".

"Campaign roundup"

"U.S. Senate candidates hold final debate, final days bring new ads from Rubio and Sink, Klein goes after Allen West for comment regarding the black community" and much more. "Campaign roundup".

Courts have been "squeezed for years"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The outrage over the $48 million 'Taj Mahal' courthouse in Tallahassee is justified ... But a black eye at one North Florida appellate court shouldn't be used as a cheap excuse to chop more funding from the state court system, which has been squeezed for years." "Florida's struggling courts need $$". Related: "Jeff Atwater Sets Record Straight on 'Taj Mahal'".

HD 42

"Florida House of Representatives District 42 voters will choose between an incumbent who is a former business executive and a real-estate broker who is running with no party affiliation." "Republican O'Toole faces no-party-affiliation candidate in re-election bid".

Just another day at the office

While the rest of us were enjoying dinner with our families yesterday, "a Delray Beach Fire Rescue hazardous materials team went to ... investigate a report of a container inside a car that was leaking a red substance, officials said. 'It was leaking a red fluid,' said Fire Rescue Lt. Ed Beardsley. ... The gender of the body was not immediately known, and additional details were not available late Tuesday." "Hazmat call about leaking red fluid leads to discovery of body in cardboard box".

Dealing with nightmarish things that you and I never have to see, is just another day at the office for Florida's public safety employees. Yet they are attacked in the media daily for having the gall to ask for decent pensions.

"Decision of Scott’s was outrageous"

"Scott’s decision to summarily reject invitations to meet with all editorial boards, so he could attempt to avoid scrutiny, so he could avoid an embarrassing Palin-type moment where, who knows, he might say he’s an expert on Cuba because, well, it’s next to Florida … that decision of Scott’s was outrageous. And something voters should be outraged about." "Rick Scott hates the press. More power to him?"

Scott, Sink in homestretch drive

"Fresh from a bruising, final governor’s race debate, Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink hit the road Tuesday in a homestretch drive to push their voters to the polls while sharpening their attacks on each other." "Alex Sink, Rick Scott Hit the Road, and Each Other, Post-Debate". See also "Scott bus tours across Florida in final seven days of campaigning".

Scott flip flops

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, who on Monday sounded like he'd pull the plug on a $2.6-billion high-speed rail project connecting Orlando and Tampa, softened that opposition some on Tuesday." "Scott softens opposition to high-speed rail".

Norman appeal

"Lawyers for Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman tried to convince three appeals court judges Tuesday that Norman was wrongly removed from the ballot in a state Senate race." "Norman argues he was wrongly removed from ballot".

Journalists in a dither about 50,700 votes

"Florida Democrats have spent the last year boasting that the gains they made with the $75 million-plus Obama Florida operation — better voter targeting, technological improvements and a wave of new voters — would generate a rare victory for a party poised nationally for a potentially massive bloodletting in congressional and gubernatorial contests."

But it isn't turning out that way — at least not yet.

Election data show Republicans are on a verge of an unheralded feat in Florida elections — winning the early-voting battle.

Through the first eight days of early voting, 491,764 voters have cast ballots. And although Republicans have never out-performed Democrats in early voting, the GOP has built a stunning lead of 50,700 voters through Monday, according to an Orlando Sentinel/Sun Sentinel analysis. ...

Despite the numbers so far, Democrats say they are poised to surprise many doomsayers, and that the 153,000 independents who have already cast ballots are trending toward Sink.

Power companies assume control of PSC

"The Florida Public Service Commission tossed tradition aside Tuesday to elect newcomer Arthur Graham as chairman over Commissioner Nathan Skop, who will be leaving at the end of the year. Skop is the last of four commissioners being shown the door by lawmakers, or a nominating panel appointed by legislative leaders, after voting down large rate increases sought by Florida's two biggest power companies." "Florida PSC names Arthur Graham chairman". See also "Outspoken Skop bypassed for PSC chairmanship" ("Former Chairman Nancy Argenziano calls agency "a joke" and say it's reverting back to its old ways.")

Seated side-by-side in a college theater, both candidates showed flashes of anger as they attacked each other over business records, campaign promises and TV ads. Three times Scott scolded Sink for smiling or laughing as he criticized her.

"What are you smiling about? You don't care about seniors? Is that the deal?" Scott said, accusing Sink's former bank of ripping off customers.

Sink sometimes showed impatience with Scott and the moderators. In an exchange with Scott over NationsBank selling questionable securities, Sink snapped at Scott: "You can't lecture me about fraud."

In a freewheeling nationally televised debate at the University of South Florida, Sink and Republican Rick Scott frequently sounded like replays of their television commercials. It was at times uncomfortable to watch because of the tension between the two, but Sink kept the upper hand and the cooler head. Scott continued to skirt questions about his stained business record, distort Sink's record and offer little clue that he knows much of anything about state government.

Norman appeal today

"A three-judge appeals court panel will hear arguments today on behalf of Jim Norman and Kevin Ambler as the two politicians continue their legal battle over a state Senate seat." "Norman, Ambler attorneys to argue over who should be on ballot".

Watch the "Live Video from Courtroom" beginning at 9:00AM.

Thank you, Mr. Obama

"Florida's bid for a high-speed train linking Orlando with Tampa is gathering momentum with the likely award this week of $800 million in federal aid, members of the state's congressional delegation revealed Monday." "High-speed rail: Florida gets $800M more from feds". See also "High-Speed Rail: Florida on Track for $800 Million More".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "High-speed rail leaving the station" ("High-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando took another significant step from dream to reality on Monday.")

Scott going off deep end

"DOT awards Florida $800 million more for high-speed rail; Scott spins project as example of Sink wasting taxpayer dollars".

Final Senate debate

"Gov. Charlie Crist and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek have one last opportunity to derail front-runner Marco Rubio in their final U.S. Senate debate." "3 US Senate candidates set for for final debate".

"Students of irony, take note"

Howard Troxler: "Four years ago, we decided that future amendments to our state Constitution would need more than 60 percent of the vote to pass. Students of irony, take note: That change passed by only 57.8 percent."

But it passed fair and square under the rules at the time. That 57.8 percent in 2006 decided that today, even 59.99 percent of us cannot change our Constitution.

In the following election in 2008, four out of six amendments passed anyway. Three of them were property tax breaks (always popular), and the fourth was the hot-button issue of a ban on same-sex marriage. Two others would have lost anyway.

But this year, the 60 percent rule is a major factor. It's possible that none of the controversial items on this year's ballot will pass.

Scott doesn't believe global warming is real

"If you don't think humans cause global warming, offshore drilling might still be a good idea for Florida and growth management should be left to local governments and not state bureaucrats, then Republican Rick Scott is your candidate for governor. ... [Scott] is firmly on the side of those who don't buy the scientific consensus that climate change is real and is primarily caused by human activity." "Scott, Sink on polar ends of green spectrum".

Webster, Grayson in dead heat

"Republican Daniel Webster is poised to knock out U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, a new Sunshine State News Poll shows. Webster, a former state senator, leads Grayson, D-Orlando, 48-41. Florida TEA Party candidate Peg Dunmire garnered 4 percent, No Party Affiliation candidate George Metcalfe got 1 percent, and 5 percent of respondents were undecided. In a previous poll, conducted Sept. 25, Webster led Grayson 43-36, an identical 7-point margin." "Poll: Webster Beats Down 'Angry' Grayson" ("The Sunshine State News Poll surveyed 801 likely voters Oct. 22-25 via an automated tracking survey. The margin of error is +/- 3.46 percent.") See crosstabs in .pdf format.

Amendments 5 and 6

"FairDistricts Florida and its supporters say Amendments 5 and 6 will put an end to the way incumbents draw voting district lines every 10 years. But opponents say the rigid requirements would make the Legislature's job of redistricting nearly impossible and have potentially unintended consequences." "Amendments 5 and 6: The Battle of Less Bad".

Say what?

"Cold beer may cost 5 years for state inmate".

"A danger in too much negativity"?

"Senate candidates have tried a more upbeat approach: Democrat Kendrick Meek riding a motorboat, Republican Marco Rubio talking about his family, Charlie Crist stressing his independence."

"But it quickly dissipated into a downward spiral of nastiness," said Susan MacManus, a political scientist at the University of South Florida. "It's making people really question whether they're going to vote at all. There is a danger in too much negativity. There was a paltry turnout in the primary."

Billionaire art collectors know best

"A billionaire businessman says he has collected enough petition signatures for a recall vote aimed at ousting Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. ... Braman and others are upset with Alvarez over a 12 percent tax increase for some property owners while salaries rise for county workers. ... Braman is an auto dealer and art collector" "Sponsor: Miami-Dade recall effort has signatures". See also "Braman: Signatures in place for recall".

CFO

"The race to be Florida's next chief financial officer has a familiar ring -- a Republican state Senate president squaring off against a female Democratic challenger with limited name recognition." "Voters overlook Jeff Atwater, Loranne Ausley in CFO race". See also "Ausley hits campaign trail on her bicycle".

Class size kerfuffle

"The FEA wants school districts to take the next step and lock in pupil-teacher ratios at each individual classroom. That's what the original 2002 class-size amendment ultimately called for, and reneging on that promise will shortchange academics, the FEA argues." "School Boards Battle Teachers Union on Amendment 8".

AG fight

"With little more than a week to go until the election next Tuesday, the attacks are flying in the battle to be Florida’s next attorney general. On Monday, Democratic candidate Sen. Dan Gelber jabbed Republican nominee Pam Bondi as they continue to fight for attention from voters more familiar with the dramatic gubernatorial and U.S. Senate contests." "AG Race Turns on Endorsements and Attacks".

FRS fuss

"A Republican sheriff has written a memo to his employees urging them to consider how they vote this election while recounting a meeting with gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott and changes to the Florida Retirement System."

In the final week of the close race between Scott and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, a memo by Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler has caused a stir in law-enforcement circles. "Mr. Scott seems determined that the correct course of action is to reduce (Florida Retirement System) benefits. I was unable to convince him otherwise," Beseler's memo concluded. "I hope this information will be useful as you prepare to cast your ballots."

The candidate's campaign said Scott is not firmly committed to cutting police pensions — although jobs and benefits will "be on the table" in reducing costs of state government. A Jacksonville sheriff who attended the same meeting Beseler had with the GOP nominee said he took away a different message, that sheriffs would be consulted.

Sink's campaign pounced on the Beseler memo, saying Scott's record as a cost-cutting hospital executive would be reflected in his approach to state government if he wins next Tuesday.

Beseler last week wrote an "all personnel" memo to his staff about an Oct. 14 meeting between Scott and six sheriffs that discussed the Florida Retirement System. He did not suggest how employees should vote.

Biden in Orlando

"Vice President Joe Biden dropped into Orlando Monday, telling a convention of police chiefs that should Republicans seize control of Congress, federal funding to local law enforcement would likely shrink." "Biden: A GOP Congress won't fund local cops".

Enthusiasm gap?

"More than 70 percent of the 18- to 29-year-olds across the country surveyed by Harvard University recently said they were not sure they would vote this time around. Yet in the 2008 presidential election, voters 18 to 24 were the only age group to show a statistically significant increase in turnout — 49 percent compared with 47 percent in 2004, according to the U.S. Census Bureau." "Enthusiasm gap hits young voters, hurts Dems".

The company he keeps

"Congressional candidate Allen West's massive quarterly financial reports document donations made to the far-right Republican by a pair of controversial figures: an Ohio man accused of 'racial vigilantism' and a soldier imprisoned for the unpremeditated murder of an Iraqi terror suspect." "West’s campaign finance sheets link him to controversial figures".

Big of 'em

"BP to give Fla. additional $20M". Related: "BP's big plans".

Just in case

In Florida, a "recount of paper ballots is automatic if the vote margin is 0.5 percent or less. If that margin is less than or equal to 0.25 percent, it triggers a hand recount of ballots containing undervotes and overvotes. However, that hand count is only mandatory if the total number of ballots with undervotes and overvotes could change the initial results of the election." "A Rundown Of Recount Laws In States With Close Statewide Elections".

Senate race cash

"The three U.S. Senate candidates began the last month of their campaigns exactly like their standings in the polls: GOP candidate Marco Rubio had $5.5 million left in the bank; independent Charlie Crist had $1.39 million and Democrat Kendrick Meek had $415,042." "Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio leads polls and push for cash".

SD 8

"Florida legislators rarely lose re-election, but the Democrats have one powerful Republican they hope to defeat: Sen. John Thrasher, who doubles as state GOP chairman. While the overwhelming majority of Florida senators and state representatives from both parties have weak or no opposition in the Nov. 2 election, the Democrats believe that former TV anchorwoman Deborah Gianoulis could beat Thrasher, even though the Republicans hold a 60-40 registration edge in District 8." "GOP John Thrasher faces former anchorwoman in Senate race".

SD 24

"Incumbent state Sen. Thad Altman is seeking re-election to the seat he won in 2008, saying he would offer targeted tax incentives to aerospace and commercial space-flight industries that would help grow jobs. Steve Edmonds, a small-business owner, said he would do anything in his power to secure funds for the space program, while lobbying the federal government to attract private industry to replace public sector jobs." "State Senate District 24 voters choose between incumbent Thad Altman and small-business owner".

HD 26

"During the GOP primary, Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello defeated a former police officer and a Navy veteran to compete in the general election for the state House District 26. He now faces Democrat Tim Huth in the Nov. 2 election. Huth, a former deputy superintendent of Volusia County schools, was unopposed in the primary." "Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello runs against Tim Huth for Florida House District 26".

HD 33

"The state House seat in District 33, vacated by Rep. Sandy Adams Congressional bid, has attracted two political newcomers and one perennial Libertarian candidate. The district includes part of east Seminole and Orange and west Volusia counties, an area made up of residential communities and commercial corridors near largely undeveloped areas. The Republican and Democrat running for office say they have the best ideas to support job creation. Republican Jason Brodeur thinks that Florida has to become more business-friendly to keep and attract important industries. Democrat Leo Cruz would like to encourage sustainable development while streamlining government. The two major-party candidates also face Libertarian Franklin Perez, who would like nothing short of re-making how government works." "Three candidates vie for Sandy Adams' former seat in State House District 33".

HD 34

"Voters in state House District 34 are witnessing an intensely fought battle between a powerful incumbent on the Republican side, a rising star for his party, and a relative newcomer Democrat who thinks his opponent is vulnerable on a number of personal and political fronts. A Tea Party candidate in the race has made little effort to mount a campaign." "Incumbent Chris Dorworth and challenger Steve Barnes criticize each other for House District 34 seat".

HD 35

"District 35 voters will be able to choose from among three candidates for a state House seat: an incumbent and two challengers. ... The incumbent, Republican state Rep. Dean Cannon, set to become House speaker after the 2010 election, wants to encourage economic growth by giving incentives to small businesses. His Democratic opponent, businesswoman Amy Mercado, thinks the state relies far too heavily on growth to sustain its economy. Tea Party candidate Juanita "Nina" Virone is a late-comer who recently launched a campaign website. Virone thinks government is too heavily involved in day-to-day lives." "House District 35 residents pick between incumbent, Dean Cannon and two challengers".

HD 36

"Democratic state Rep. Scott Randolph faces a challenge from Republican Greg Reynolds in his fight for a third term representing House District 36. Randolph, an environmental lawyer, was elected in 2006 and easily won a second term two years later. Before he was elected, he worked as staff attorney for Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation in Tallahassee, and later as the state policy director and staff attorney for Clean Water Action, a national organization that defends the Clean Water Act and other public health issues." "Scott Randolph fights for a third term in state House District 36".

HD 38

"Incumbent Bryan Nelson, a Republican, wants to return to Tallahassee to fight against what he sees as costly regulation on homeowners. James 'Heinie' Heinzelman, a Tea Party candidate, said that if elected he would try to stop Sunrail, a light rail project that Nelson supported." "Candidates in State House District 38 say they want to protect taxpayers".

HD 41

"State Rep. Steve Precourt, R- Orlando, will try to defend the seat he first won in 2006 against Lee Douglas, a Democrat who hopes to improve the educational system in Florida and Tea Party candidate Jon Foley. District 41 encompasses a part of western Orange County, a portion of south Lake and areas of northern Osceola and Polk counties." "Orange County District 40 voters have choice of incumbent Eric Eisnaugle or two challengers".

HD 42

"Florida House of Representatives District 42 voters will choose between an incumbent who is a former business executive and a real-estate broker who is running with no party affiliation. State Rep. Marlene O'Toole, a Lady Lake Republican, is seeking a second two-year term against challenger Jeff Shoobridge, a Mascotte resident who wants to bring a common-sense approach to Tallahassee. District 42 encompasses western Lake, including The Villages and Lady Lake, part of south Lake, a large chunk of northern Sumter and the southern tip of Marion." "Marlene O'Toole faces no-party-affiliation candidate in House District 42 election".

HD 49

"Two-term state Rep. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, is running for re-election in District 49 against a little-known, no-party affiliation candidate Betty La Chance." "Darren Soto runs for re-election against little-known opponent in Florida House District 49".

HD 79

"First-term state Rep. Mike Horner, R- Kissimmee, is defending his District 79 seat against challenges from Tea Party candidate José Alvarez and Democrat Eddie Freeman." "First-term incumbent Mike Horner challenged by two candidates in District 79 race".