Fasano took to the Senate floor during last week's half-day special session and railed against a GOP blueprint for fixing Medicaid. The symbolic ``memorial'' resolution informs Congress that Florida plans to steer its Medicaid patients into managed care networks, an idea that has gained popularity in the state House.

"This is more than intent. We are setting policy today by doing this,'' scolded Fasano, a 16-year legislative veteran. "This should have gone through committees. If you think you got a few phone calls last year, put people in an HMO and the phones will be ringing off the hook.''

But Fasano's protests were quickly drowned out by a GOP stampede in favor of the bill. In the new Senate, where newcomers value business and economic development over Fasano's populist consumerism, he has morphed from conservative stalwart to moderate maverick.

RPOFers piss on the poor

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Republican legislators want to reduce the $7.5 billion that Florida expects to spend on Medicaid this fiscal year by giving doctors who treat the poor immunity from medical malpractice lawsuits. Aside from the ethical implications of putting restrictions on the poor that the middle class and the wealthy are not subject to, the plan would benefit doctors but not taxpayers." "Lawsuit break for doctors won't help Florida's Medicaid problem".

"Meet Florida U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen"

"She hung up on the next president, Barack Obama. Twice. She thought it was a prank."

In an expert stroke of political spin, she immediately sent out a press release explaining the apparent snub as a mix-up.

Meet Florida U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Cuban-American to serve in Congress and the next in line to head the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The phone incident occurred in late 2008 as the president-elect reached out to potentially friendly Republicans and shortly after a radio host fooled Sarah Palin by impersonating the president of France on the phone. But it was vintage "Ily," as she is known in Washington: frank, almost irreverent, yet imbued with an underlying seriousness and political savvy.

It also was a reminder that Ros-Lehtinen, 58, presents an increasingly rare image these days - a politician occasionally willing to work across the aisle. The legislator, who was re-elected with 69 percent of the vote, is a hawk on foreign affairs but breaks with her party on immigration, gay rights and other issues important to the people she represents - Cuban-Americans, gays, a strong Jewish community.

Ros-Lehtinen is outraged by Cuba's membership on the United Nation's Human Rights Council along with China and Saudi Arabia and would like U.S. contributions to the U.N. to be voluntary until the U.S. creates an office to audit U.N. activities for transparency and eliminate waste.

"The U.N. functions very well for Iran and Venezuela, and every two-bit dictator who's envious and hates the United States," she told The Associated Press. "But for countries that contribute a lot to the U.N., I don't think people really feel like it's really living up to the standards which we set for it at it's founding."

Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker and 2012 presidential hopeful, lauds Ros-Lehtinen for bringing a strong anti-communist and anti-dictator position to her analyses. "She will bring clarity," he predicts.

Critics counter that she has too much of an "us versus them" mentality that doesn't allow for gray areas when it comes to those who don't always agree with the U.S.

RPOF campaign contributor laff riot

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Privatizing prisons may be "on the table" — as new Senate President Mike Haridopolus has said — but state leaders would be wise to avoid rushing to fast-track it."

Privatization fits in nicely with Gov.-elect Rick Scott's plans to slash almost half of the state's $2.4 billion prison budget. The $1 billion cut in penal costs is part of Scott's efforts to make up the estimated $2.4 billion state budget shortfall Scott will inherit when he is sworn in as governor in January.

questionable data and a cumbersome monitoring system by three state agencies have raised legitimate doubts about the belief that privatized correctional facilities cost less to operate or are more effective at curbing recidivism than publicly managed prisons.

Unfortunately, that's not slowing down state leaders who view private prisons as a panacea. After all, prisons in many parts of the state are economic engines that provide jobs and contribute to local tax bases, particularly in rural counties in North and Central Florida.

Facing a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall, state leaders are correct to consider trimming penal costs, but not by a quick substitution of a private facility whose profit margins depend on high incarceration rates and taxpayer subsidies. State taxpayers would be better served if their leaders examined incarceration rate data to determine if the legal system can save money by tweaking current sentencing guidelines and release laws and evaluating decisions by courts and parole boards to see if all this leads to imprisoning non-violent offenders who could repay their debt to society in a more cost-effective way.

FlaDem Fight

"Beaten to the edge of irrelevancy in the Nov. 2 election, the Florida Democratic Party is searching for an architect in a crucial rebuilding year." "Fla. Dems seek new party head".

RPOF immigration policy splintering

"Is the Florida Attorney General's Office of one mind when it comes to illegal aliens?"

A recent op-ed co-authored by Deputy Attorney General Joe Jacquot laid out an agenda for "immigration reform." The proposals -- including a guest-worker program and an easing of rules regulating the status of migrants who marry U.S. citizens -- were framed as an effort to garner Republican support in Congress.

While the column in the Wall Street Journal focused on national issues, Jacquot's authorship raises questions in Tallahassee. Notably: Did Attorney General Bill McCollum see the piece before it was published?

AG spokeswoman Sandi Copes said, "The article was drafted to share Mr. Jacquot's views on immigration policy at a federal level and was not intended to be a discussion about Florida's immigration policy. It draws on his experience as the former chief counsel for the U.S. Senate's Immigration Subcommittee. He had discussed the points of the op-ed with the attorney general but the AG did not review any drafts before publication."

McCollum's office did not respond to questions as to whether he agreed with the article, which suggested the need for Republicans to be more flexible on border issues.

RPOFers diss airline security

"Republicans from Florida are taking aim at new search techniques being employed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on airline passengers -- even as a poll shows most Americans accept these measures as necessary for greater security." "Florida Republicans Attack TSA Search Procedures".

White collar crooks

"She first counseled the multi-millionaire Republican governor-to-be before his 1997 departure from the Columbia/HCA hospital chain amid a massive fraud investigation."

More recently, she advised Scott before he formed his latest health care venture, Solantic, a chain of urgent-care, walk-in clinics. And recognizing Scott's political potential, she introduced him to a pair of Republican strategists who played key roles in his campaign.

"It was a natural evolution," Mainigi said of her relationship with Scott. "It was not by design or intent. We got to be good friends. I became a close adviser of his not only on legal issues but business issues."

By late 2008, Mainigi said, she and Scott were "talking about the political sphere and how he could make a difference in people's lives."

They ultimately decided, she said: "The place that he could have the biggest impact, the most direct impact, was as governor of Florida."

After he takes office, she said, she will not have a formal, paid position on Scott's administration but will remain a close adviser.

"Not worth the extra millions"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "It looks like Palm Beach County, land of the hanging chad, is going to have to settle for waiting a few extra hours to see results on Election Day. Because one alternative being floated — buying a whole new voting system, either a return to the controversial touch screens of old or a better paper-ballot system like Broward and Miami-Dade have — is not worth the extra millions of dollars when local governments are already strapped for cash." "New voting system is no cure for late returns".

Watchdog leader leaves after budget gutted

"Gary VanLandingham, the director of Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability for the last seven years, is taking a position with the Pew Center for the States."

VanLandingham, who had worked for the Legislature for 28 years, was in charge of the office responsible for performing independent reviews of state government programs and coming up with ways that lawmakers can save money. VanLandingham’s term was not scheduled to expire until 2013.

In his resignation letter to Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon, VanLandingham called his staff "superb and highly dedicated professionals who work extremely hard to meet the Legislature’s information needs.” VanLandingham said that during his time as director the office had issued more than 420 reports that had resulted in more than $755 million in savings.

The move by VanLandingham comes just months after state lawmakers greatly reduced the budget of his office. Last spring lawmakers cut the budget by a third from $8.2 million to $5.4 million. Top lawmakers such as Sen. J.D. Alexander defended the move at the time by saying OPPAGA was producing reports that "weren’t necessary."

Another fine Jebacy

Another "troubling trend in Florida, where thousands of students coming out of high school are unprepared for college-course work."

Two seemingly contradictory reports last week underscored the problem: One showed high-school-graduation rates at historic highs throughout the state. The other ranked Florida 12th-graders below the national average on math and reading skills. ...

More than 53 percent of the state's 2008 high-school graduates who went on to community colleges needed remedial courses in English, writing or math. ...

Florida students who graduated in 2008 were less likely to go on to college than in any of the other 15 Southern states, according to a report that the Southern Regional Education Board plans to release Dec. 1. Florida also was the only state to lose ground on that measure from 2000 to 2008.

GOP blocks unemployment extension

"Funding for those payments will end next week unless Congress acts to reauthorize them, and so far lawmakers seem unable to reach a deal. Each week, another 41,000 unemployed Floridians will be affected." "Jobless benefits may run out soon for many Floridians".

Rubio apparently will do anything to win an election

Although "Rubio, 39, presented himself on his Florida Statehouse Web site and in interviews as a Roman Catholic, bloggers and journalists have noted since his election that he regularly worships at an evangelical megachurch whose theology is plainly at odds with Catholic teaching."

For much of the last decade, Mr. Rubio has attended Christ Fellowship with his wife and children. He “comes very regularly to worship service" at the church’s Palmetto Bay campus, said Eric Geiger, the executive pastor. According to Mr. Rubio’s campaign Web site, he contributed almost $50,000 to Christ Fellowship from 2005 to 2008. ...

Christ Fellowship, which has five campuses and draws about 6,000 worshipers on a typical weekend, is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, and its beliefs include several that are alien to Catholicism.

Southern Baptists practice adult rather than infant baptism, for example. They do not recognize the authority of the pope. And the Christ Fellowship statement of beliefs says the bread and wine of communion are merely "symbolic," thus do not become Christ’s body and blood, as Catholics believe.

As for Mr. Rubio’s involvement with Catholicism, his spokesman did not respond to questions about whether the senator-elect gives money to the Archdiocese of Miami; whether he agrees with Catholic teachings that suggest Protestants are in error; and whether he belongs to a Catholic parish, as most observant Catholics would.

To many Protestants and Catholics, these may seem like small points of theology. But Mr. Rubio’s simultaneous embrace of Catholic identity and evangelical Protestant worship raises questions ...

Teabagger puff piece

The Washington Post: "Even before Palin's endorsement, West became a tea party phenomenon because of an impromptu speech he gave at a 2009 Tea Party Express rally in Fort Lauderdale." "Allen West, one of two black Republicans just elected to House, goes against grain".

Scott-Bondi flip flop in the works

"Four months ago, one of the few things hotter in Florida than the weather was the debate over illegal immigration -- thanks largely to Rick Scott, who used the issue as a sledgehammer against Bill McCollum in the GOP gubernatorial primary."

Today, Gov.-elect Scott seldom mentions the I-word, which isn't getting a lot of attention in the Legislature, either. ...

When state lawmakers went into special session again this month, however, Gov.-elect Scott did not breathe a word about illegal immigration or the Arizona approach.

Scott spokesman Brian Burgess said that immigration was more than just a talking point. It remains, he said, a vital issue for Scott, whose views on it have not changed. "It hasn't fallen down our priority list."

Another politician who made much of illegal immigration during campaign season was Pam Bondi, now Florida's incoming attorney general. Spokeswoman Kim Kirtley said it remains a top concern for Bondi, who "continues to support an Arizona-style immigration law, provided it includes strong provisions guarding against racial profiling."

If Scott and Bondi still want action, they will need to partner with the Legislature -- and whether, when and how that body will address immigration remains unclear.

"Rock star moment"

"Outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist is making final (and notably international) headlines by pushing for a posthumous pardon for rock legend Jim Morrison of the Doors." "Charlie Crist's rock star moment".

Entrepreneurs want a handout

"The release of water from Lake Okeechobee is raising fears among South Florida growers who depend on lake water for irrigation." "Lake Okeechobee releases raise water supply fears".

Scott, a political outsider and Republican who ran on his business background — he founded two health care providers — said little during the hourlong meetings, stressing he wants "to understand their issues and I want to try to find common ground."

"I think everyone in this state and around the country knows we've got to get this economy going," he said. "Whether you're an independent, a Democrat or a Republican, the biggest issue is jobs."

Legislators also touched on immigration, pension funds for government workers and the foreclosure crisis.

Smith has a challenger

"The November election is over but another is heating up in the Florida Democratic Party."

Andrew Gillum, considered a rising figure in the party, said Tuesday that he is challenging establishment favorite Rod Smith for the job of state chairman.

"Our party has to pivot toward the future," the 31-year-old Tallahassee city commissioner said in an interview.

Gillum began the campaign Monday and has been calling Democratic committee members, party fundraisers and union leaders, pitching himself as a fresh alternative, who also as someone with experience with state and national politics.

He helped raise money for Barack Obama in 2008 and serves as national executive director of the Young Elected Officials Network, an arm of the People For the American Way Foundation.

"Hawkes' decision raises more questions"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Paul Hawkes' abrupt resignation as chief judge of the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee is a positive development, but it should not silence questions about his abuse of his position to win approval for an opulent new courthouse." "Don't let judge off the hook".

Who put these geniuses in charge?

"In their zeal to slow down government regulations, Florida lawmakers have inadvertently halted an effort to regulate so-called 'pill mills' that fuel an epidemic of prescription drug abuse." "Legislators inadvertently give 'pill mills' a break". See also "Contract fight pushes drug database start to 2011".

A/K/A Hillbilly Heroin

"Motor Trend Editor To Rush: 'Driving And Oxycontin Don't Mix'".

Greer lawsuit dismissed on technicality

"A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the Florida Republican Party by its ousted chairman."

Circuit Judge Alan Dickey granted the party's motion to dismiss Jim Greer's suit Tuesday in Sanford. Greer had accused the party of reneging on a $124,000 secret severance deal.

That allegation, along with the depositions of top lawmakers, is on hold now that a judge threw out Greer's breach-of-contract lawsuit. The judge said Greer couldn't press the civil case because he refuses to talk freely due to the criminal fraud charges he faces.

If he is not convicted, Greer can more easily refile his civil claim — that he didn't get the pay guaranteed him by current House Speaker Dean Cannon, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, Sen. John Thrasher and the party itself.

Musical chairs

"Dawn Roberts is leaving her post as interim secretary of state for a job with the Florida Senate. Senate President Mike Haridopolos today announced Roberts will be staff director for the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee." "Fla. secretary of state leaving for Senate job". See also "FSU grad next director of Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee".

A Palm Beach County thing

"Just days after saying Palm Beach County would need to scrap its existing voting equipment for faster results, Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher said today she now wants to consider buying add-ons to the machines she has. She said she is now telling the company that sold the county its equipment to show her modem options - options she had previously called too unreliable to trust with voting results." "Bucher changes mind: Now willing to fix voting system instead of buying new one".

"A really big bummer for Debbie Wasserman Schultz"

"The 2010 midterm elections were kind of a bummer, if you're a Democrat. Among Democrats who survived the bloodbath, it's a really big bummer for Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL) -- an appropriator and prolific fundraiser whose role in the 2012 cycle is now unclear." "Added Bumps To Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Once-Clear Path To Party Leadership".

"Insourcing"

Over at dKos: "Insourcing - Florida Corruption Exposed".

Medicaid kerfuffle

"Group says broader role would curb costs; Florida Medical Association has different diagnosis". "Nurse Practitioners Offer Prescription for Medicaid".

GOPers say "no"

"Sen. Bill Nelson's populist proposal to pump earmark money into homebuyer tax credits is getting a 'no sale' from Republicans." The opposition? The wingnuts over at the Heritage Foundation:

Curtis Dubay, a tax policy analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation, calls Nelson's scheme "ridiculous ...

Haridopolos tells us who his friends are

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, unveiled his committee assignments Tuesday, assignments that will shape the course of Florida government for the next two years." "Mike Haridopolos Names Senate Committee Members".

The rich are different

"With multimillionaire Republican Rick Scott heading into the governor’s office, Florida voters also are turning to a Legislature packed with millionaires to lead the state out of its long and deep economic trench." "Rick Scott Not the Only Millionaire Coming to Capitol".

Plakon fights for employers' right to exploit workers

In what can only be described as an embarrassment, State Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, hero to employers who don't provide health insurance to their employees and otherwise exploit their workers, filed House Joint Resolution 1, which proposes that the legislature place an amendment on Florida ballots that, if passed, would 'prohibit laws or rules from compelling any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system,' a challenge to President Obama’s health care reform legislation." "State Rep. Plakon resurrects health care amendment".

King "Jeb!" taking a pass?

"George H.W. Bush's son, Jeb, had also been floated as a potential contender in 2012, but the former president and his wife played down any possible immediate aspirations from the former Florida governor. "

Their willingness to support another likely candidate, perhaps the strongest at this time according to a recent Quinnipiac poll, may signify that Jeb Bush really isn't considering a run.

The best Miami can do?

Jackie Bueno Sousa gets all excited about a car dealer, calling him a bold, transformational leader, "filling a civic leadership vacuum long felt in" Miami, as long as you can get past the sticker shock and brainless advertising. "Real leaders in short supply in Miami".

But will the Chamber give Congress permission?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Congress should hold drilling firms accountable" (The Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act would eliminate a $75 million liability cap, establish tougher standards for offshore drilling, including independent certifications of critical equipment, increased inspections and stiffer penalties for safety violations.)

'Ya reckon?

Scott Maxwell: "Intolerance, phony pictures shouldn't prevent adoption".

Pelham outa there

"The embattled head of Florida's growth management agency has made it official that he will no have role in the administration of Governor-elect Rick Scott. Tom Pelham, who has been the head of the Department of Community Affairs under two separate GOP governors, wrote a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist on Nov. 8 saying he intended to resign from his job by Jan. 3. The move isn't all surprising since Pelham recently labeled Scott's claims that DCA was killing jobs as 'nonsense.'" "Pelham makes it official: He's stepping down as agency chief".

Teabaggers are out there

"Tea party backers fashion themselves as 'we the people,' but polls show the Republican Party's most conservative and energized voters are hardly your average crowd."

According to an Associated Press-GfK Poll this month, 84 percent who call themselves tea party supporters don't like how President Barack Obama is handling his job — a view shared by just 35 percent of all other adults. Tea partiers are about four times likelier than others to back repealing Obama's health care overhaul and twice as likely to favor renewing tax cuts for the highest-earning Americans.

Exit polls of voters in this month's congressional elections reveal similar gulfs. Most tea party supporters — 86 percent — want less government intrusion on people and businesses, but only 35 percent of other voters said so. Tea party backers were about five times likelier to blame Obama for the country's economic ills, three times likelier to say Obama's policies will be harmful and twice as apt to see the country on the wrong track.

These aren't subtle shadings between tea party backers and the majority of Americans, who don't support the movement; they're Grand Canyon-size chasms. ...

About 3 in 10 adults in the AP-GfK Poll call themselves tea party backers, including 60 percent of Republicans. In the exit poll in this month's election, which saw high conservative turnout, 4 in 10 voiced tea party support, and 2 of every 3 GOP votes came from them. ...

Tea partiers are likelier to be white, male, older and more affluent than everyone else, the polls show — groups that tend to be more conservative.

Big of 'em

"Orange approves anti-bias protections for gays, lesbians".

Taking it "back" from themselves

"Many Republicans, including Scott, ran on a platform of 'taking back' government -- even though the GOP has been in charge of both the Legislature and the governor's office for 12 years. Such nettlesome details didn't stop Republicans from building the first veto-proof, Republican-led Legislature since Reconstruction, and Haridopolos said this Legislature is different." "'Conservative's conservative' visits Daytona".

"Bits and Pieces"

Kevin Derby's "Political Bits and Pieces".

"Let them eat Cheez Whiz"

Daniel Ruth: "At this rate you have to wonder if the Rick Scott years will be less an exercise in governance than a public administration version of the Skull and Bones Society."

Jeepers, this guy has spent more time in seclusion than Greta Garbo meets Thomas Pynchon. But that hasn't prevented the governor-elect from hitting up the deep-pocket spats-and-ascot set of Republican high rollers to drop $25,000 to attend a swank candlelight dinner with Scott on the eve of his swearing into office in January. ...

The soiree comes at the end of a long day of preinauguration festivities, including a tribute to new first lady Ann Scott, a salute to the military and a parade honoring the blessings of taking the Fifth Amendment 75 times during a legal deposition. ...

Heading the steering committee (read: arm-twisters) to hector potential donors into forking over 25 large to put on a gilt-edged feedbag to sup with the new governor is a veritable Who's Who of Republican hotsy-tots, including former state GOP Chairman Al Cardenas, developer Armando Codina, sugar baron Pepe Fanjul, all-purpose big-shot Wayne Huizenga and developer Mel Sembler.

It looks like Scott borrowed Jeb Bush's Christmas card list. ...

In some respects, Scott's governorship might be best described as Jeb Bush Junta 2.0.

With Florida's unemployment rate hovering near 12 percent, when so many residents of this state awaken every day anxious over their futures, it does seem rather unseemly to be currying the favor of moguls, scions and robber barons to come up with $25,000 to simply dine with the new governor.

Maybe $25,000 is mere chump change to the likes of Scott and Sembler and Cardenas and Huizenga — merely the cost of doing business with the new administration — when many Floridians have watched the value of their homes plummet, if they still have one.

At the risk of apostasy, would the money being spent on a banquet for a bunch of blue-blooded insiders be better spent on the outsiders?

Does Rick Scott really want to begin his term on a note of: "Let them eat Cheez Whiz?"

"No mercy"

"Despite Supreme Court ruling, Florida juveniles see no mercy".

Being there

"State economists are forecasting Florida will gain about a million new jobs over the next seven years even if nothing more is done to stimulate employment growth. That's 300,000 more jobs than Governor-elect Rick Scott promised in an election campaign that featured the slogan 'Let's get to work.'" "Economists forecasting 1M new Fla. jobs in 7 years". See also "Florida Economic Forecasters Predict Steady Job Growth".

To which we say, Thank you Mr. Obama.

Courtesy of the "spats-and-ascot set of RPOF high rollers"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "It didn't take long for a majority of congressional Republicans to reiterate their opposition to jobless benefits. As a result, the upcoming holiday season may not be very merry for the 4 million Americans who are scheduled to lose their unemployment insurance benefits at the end of this month." "Congress says 'no' to jobless benefits extension".

One armed bandits everywhere u look

"Judge rules that lawmakers can authorize slot machines anywhere in state".

Transition reverberating

"The transition is starting to reverberate at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a spokeswoman confirmed". "Transition in full swing for Department of Agriculture".

Florida's high speed rail on last legs

"Critics are determined to derail President Barack Obama's vision for high-speed rail in Florida." "Unstoppable? Economists Nix High-Speed Train".

And from the right ...

Nancy Smith gives us that ole right wing perspective in "EPA Busters Barney Bishop, Adam Putnam, Heroes".

Charlie's friend

Tom Lyons: "Crist needs to oust pal from airport authority".

One trick pony

"Rep.Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, has filed the House joint resolution, HJR 1. Senate Communications Director David Bishop confirmed Senate President Mike Haridopolos will sponsor the Senate resolution, which still hasn't emerged from bill drafting. The resolution attempts to blunt the impact of the Affordable Care Act by making clear no one is required to participate in any health care system and that penalties cannot be assessed for not participating in a health care program. The passage of the amendment, which requires a 60 percent margin, would likely trigger a legal showdown with the federal government." "Health care fight could be part of 2012 elections".

Watchdog booted

Gary Fineout: Joseph Brigham, the staff director of the Technology Review Workgroup,has been removed.

While Brigham may not be widely known in the public arena, he was responsible for running the office that is supposed to keep an eye on information technology purchases made by state agencies. The five-person office evaluates information technology budget requests and the business plans that go along with them. The office is also responsible for giving recommendations and reports to the Legislative Budget Commission.

Last year Brigham presented a scathing report to state lawmakers that suggested more than $200 million had been spent on computer systems and information technology projects that were poorly planned and did not work as initially proposed.

Yaaawwwnnn

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos said the Legislature's biggest challenge in the coming year is to cure a $2.5 billion deficit without raising taxes." "Senator Haridopolos ready to get going".

One man's turkey

"Fla. legislature leaders ax budget 'turkeys'".

200 innocents

"An expert on eyewitness testimony Monday told the Florida Innocence Commission that although a dozen people have been freed from Florida prisons by DNA, there likely are more than 200 other innocents still locked away." "200 innocents likely locked up based on bad eyewitness testimony, expert says".

Mica dances ... an ugly visual

Scott Maxwell: "John Mica is the anti-TSA rock star nowadays, making the TV rounds with his blistering criticism of the agency and its aggressive security measures."

But the Winter Park Republican found himself in the midst of an interesting exchange on CNN over the weekend, when Anderson Cooper noted that Mica — who was calling the body scans too "invasive" — seemed to have said precisely the opposite several years back.

So I decided to look it up — and talk with the congressman myself. ...

Mica, in particular, is trying to walk a fine line — having blistered the TSA and the Obama administration for being too lax on security measures in the past (last year, he criticized TSA for what he called "poor detection performance"), but now also criticizing them for being too aggressive.

I know Mica knows transportation as well as any member of Congress.

But I also know mixing politics with security and terrorist threats is a tricky proposition … especially if something goes wrong down the road.

"What a saga this has been"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The latest twist in the U.S. Sugar land deal comes too late to matter much right now. A Nov. 18 Florida Supreme Court ruling says the South Florida Water Management District can finance the land deal using bonds because it would serve a public purpose -- Everglades restoration. But the district has already bought the land, albeit a lot less of it than originally intended, using all of its cash reserves."

What a saga this has been. Gov. Charlie Crist surprised everyone in 2008 by announcing plans to buy U.S. Sugar land, more than 180,000 acres, for $1.75 billion. The purpose was to use the land to help the ambitious and costly joint state-federal restoration agreement.

The Miccosukee Indian Tribe, Florida Crystals and the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida sued to stop the deal. They said the proposed purchase took funding away from restoration projects already on the books. The plan was seen by many critics as a bailout for U.S. Sugar.

But it was hard to argue against taking so much land out of cultivation -- even though that wouldn't have happened immediately. Under the terms of the Crist deal, the district would have bought the land and leased it back to U.S. Sugar until it had the money to convert it to water storage areas and cleanup projects.

Then, the economy tanked.

The "Taj MaHawkes"

"Chief Judge Paul M. Hawkes resigned Friday from the top job at the 1st District Court of Appeal, just a few weeks before moving into a new courthouse that critics dubbed the 'Taj Mahal' and 'Taj MaHawkes.' Hawkes, 53, who did not resign from the court but stepped down as chief judge, would not discuss his reason for resigning before his term ends on June 30, 2011." "Judge in `Taj Mahal' scandal stepping down".

Reassuring to know ...

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "It's reassuring to know that the state's Sunshine Law doesn't allow a public board to plan and negotiate a merger for a public hospital in secret." "Two key questions remain about hospital deal".

Ricky's ship of state is already foundering, with

some stumbles on the transition.

Chris Knight was let go from the transition team after the Herald/Times asked about his qualifications. Knight was forced to resign from the Florida Highway Patrol in 2007 after falsifying a memo and using it to justify the firing of a commander. The state eventually paid $525,000 to end a lawsuit filed by the commander.

Scott has blamed special interests and party insiders for wasteful spending in state government, but put lobbyists Wayne Watters and Margaret Duggar and state party fundraiser Dr. Akshay Desai on his healthcare team.

Heading the budget team is Donna Arduin, well known in conservative economic circles for her opposition to taxes on wealth. She earned $180,000 in five months on Scott's campaign for authoring his jobs plan.

Arduin was former Gov. Jeb Bush's first budget director. After working in a similar role for California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, she returned to Florida in 2007 to write then-House Speaker Marco Rubio's plan to increase state sales taxes and eliminate property taxes.

Heading the transition team on health issues is another former Bush acolyte, Alan Levine. Now a vice president with Health Management Associates, a Naples-based operator of 58 hospitals in 15 states, he was most recently health secretary under Gov. Bobby Jindal in Louisiana, where he helped reduce the Department of Health and Hospital workforce by 25 percent.

"Too comfortable operating in the shadows"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Here in the Sunshine State, the state agency investing billions of dollars in taxpayer assets has become all too comfortable operating in the shadows." "SBA needs less secrecy, not more".

"Letting doctors off the hook for malpractice"

"One proposal by Republican lawmakers to help reduce the $20 billion that Florida expects to pay for health care for the poor in the coming year hinges on an age-old battle between doctors and lawyers: whether doctors should be protected from medical malpractice lawsuits."

Letting doctors off the hook for malpractice on Medicaid patients also might violate constitutional due process rights by creating a second class of citizens who don't have the same rights as those who can afford health care.

Merit pay is back

"The highly contentious teacher merit pay proposal that was shot down by Gov. Charlie Crist last spring has re-emerged". "Legislators revisit merit pay for teachers".

Future entrepreneurs in action

"Hundreds of [University of Central Florida business] students were accused of cheating after studying from a publisher's 'test bank,' from which their midterm exam was drawn." "Controversy swirls over allegation that students cheated".

Runnin' government like a bidness

"Independent studies continue to suggest Florida's figures are inflated". "Graduation Rates: Solid Gains or Creative Accounting?".

Ricky's choice

"Wetlands vs. jobs".

West opens mouth ... insert foot

"Allen West: Gov't Should Have 'Put Out... Feelers' On TSA Pat Downs".

Latching on to the federal gravy train

"With new spending on rail in question because of a rising anti-tax mood, supporters in South and Northeast Florida may look to duplicate successes in Orlando and Tampa in drawing down federal money so trains can roll, even if there’s state government opposition." "Despite Right's Objection, S. Florida, Jax Eye Rail, Too".

"A shocking turn of events"

"Just as it looked liked a nationwide high-speed rail system was taking off, a backlash by conservatives who now control many state governments is threatening to knock it off the tracks. And Florida is on the verge of becoming the biggest derailment yet."

Florida has received $2 billion from the federal government -- 70 percent of the total cost -- to build a line from Orlando to Tampa. It is envisioned as an alternative for workers and tourists to the state's often snarled interstate system, promising, roaring along at 168 mph, to deliver them to their destinations in a fraction of the time.

But Gov.-elect Rick Scott and the state's leading transportation force in Congress, Rep. John Mica, are signaling that it is not too late to stop the project -- and that they may be the ones to do it.

It is a shocking turn of events for high-speed rail advocates who thought they were on the cusp of gaining a national model for getting cars off highways while creating up to 10,000 jobs building and running the train line.

Country clubber speaks

Country clubber Kingsley Guy provides "a few data-driven observations concerning the Nov. 2 election."

The GOP registered a net gain of 680 legislative seats nationwide, with seven of them coming in Florida. ...

Republicans also registered a net gain of seven governorships, giving them a 29-20 advantage, with one independent. In 20 states, including Florida, the GOP controls both the statehouse and governor's mansion. Democrats have complete control only in 11 states. ...

Florida voters passed constitutional amendments aimed at eliminating contorted, "gerrymandered" districts, which could benefit Democrats. But Californians also passed a ballot measure that will give congressional redistricting authority to an independent commission, and this should help the GOP in the liberal Golden State. ...

Republicans picked up 64 seats in the U.S. House, giving them a 244-191 majority. In Florida's 25 congressional races, Republicans captured 55.6 percent of the vote and Democrats, just 38.1 percent. Florida Republicans currently have a 15-10 congressional edge, but in January, with the seating of the 112th Congress, they'll be up by 19-6.

In District 2, Panhandle voters dumped seven-term incumbent Allen Boyd, a moderate "Blue Dog" Democrat. Boyd voted for the Obama-Reid-Pelosi health-care bill. In Central Florida's District 8, one-term incumbent Democrat Alan Grayson fell to former Florida House Speaker Daniel Webster. Grayson is most noted for declaring on the floor of the House that the GOP's health-care plan amounted to "Don't get sick, and if you do ... die quickly." Grayson received just 38 percent of the vote.

In South Florida's District 22, conservative Republican Allen West defeated two-term incumbent Ron Klein by 10 points. Klein, who also voted in favor of the health-care legislation, ran a fear-mongering campaign that tried to paint West as a dangerous radical. Apparently, most voters didn't consider West's call to restore fiscal sanity to the nation and to re-establish federal principles of government to be all that radical. ...

[T]he Center for Responsive Politics calculates that only one out of eight candidates who contributed more than $3.5 million to his or her own campaigns pulled off a victory.

Florida's Republican Gov.-elect Rick Scott, who spent more than $70 million of his own money in one of the few successful self-financed campaigns, was no exception. He, too, felt a voter backlash because of his spending spree.

Scott captured about 49 percent of the vote to Democrat Alex Sink's 48 percent. Compare that 1 percentage-point victory to Republican Pam Bondi's 13-point win in the attorney general race, Republican Adam Putnam's 18-point win in the commissioner of agriculture race, and Republican Jeff Atwater's 18-point victory in the contest for chief financial officer.

In this year of a Republican sweep, Scott barely squeaked by. He should keep this humbling thought in mind as he takes the oath of office.

Thank you, ACLU

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Last week, in response to complaints by media organizations and the ACLU that some Florida judges have been barring the public from mortgage foreclosure proceedings, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady sent a memorandum to the chief judges of the state's trial courts. His message was apt: Open the process to the public." "Foreclosure proceedings must be open to public".

This state's failed economic policies have left Florida worse off than most every other state in America.

And yet, Gov.-elect Rick Scott and the simpletons[*] in Tallahassee want to double-down on disaster.

Their plan is to cut the corporate income tax, which is already one of the lowest in America.

By now, a few readers are probably already screaming about how this is liberal propaganda from the tax-and-spend crowd.

So I'd like to take a moment to ask them to consider something often overlooked — the facts.

FACT: Florida has one of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the country. Specifically, at 5.5 percent, we rank 40th, according to the Tax Foundation.

So, if low corporate tax rates lead to a soaring economy, Florida should be humming along. We are not.

FACT: As of October, 11.9 percent of Floridians were unemployed — more than double the rate of some states with higher tax rates, and 47th overall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Florida is in the midst of disturbing trend of shifting this state's tax burden from big business to average residents.

In the past decade or so, Tallahassee politicians cut nearly $20 billion in taxes — but not for the average Joe.

They've cut breaks to yacht-buyers. And on business trusts and major investments.

Meanwhile, they jacked up the costs for everyday Floridians to do everything from drive a car to enter a state park.

RPOF wingnuts running wild in Tally

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Rick Scott, Pam Bondi and the rest of Florida's newly elected Republican leadership teamed up the other day for a shameful cause — dirtier streams, lakes and drinking water." "Fla, officials work to protect polluters".

The rich are different

"In addition to cuff links, Gov.-elect Scott is giving top donors VIP tickets to the swearing-in and inaugural ball, a photo with him, a commemorative Vineyard Vines tote bag and commemorative winter scarves and golf balls." "Scott's goodie bags".

Were they also teabaggers?

"The Pilgrims Were ... Socialists?".

Budget slashing laff riot

"With conservative campaign promises still fresh in the minds of voters, Florida's newly elected leaders have some hard choices of balancing a budget and maintaining essential services." "Fla. GOP aims for smaller budget".

Also-rans

"Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi's transition team includes two people who made failed runs for the office:"

Republican Holly Benson and Democrat Dave Aronberg. Aronberg is on the group advising Bondi on pill mills, and Benson is on the Medicaid fraud group.

Chairing the transition team are former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, former state House Speaker Larry Cretul and state Attorney General Bill McCollum. Lawyer Carlos Muniz, a deputy general counsel to to Jeb Bush when he was governor, is executive director.

Not enuf dunce caps to go around

"Scott's team coming into focus".

"Before he wields that budget axe"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Walter McNeil is a numbers man. He can rattle off statistics and cost analyses for as long as it takes his audience to get the big picture."

Mr. McNeil isn’t a CPA. He’s the secretary of Florida’s Department of Corrections, and he has an ambitious plan to reduce Florida’s recidivism rate — now at 32.8 percent — to 17 percent in three to five years. The reason? To save Florida taxpayers’ money.

Gov.-elect Rick Scott, who has said that he wants to cut state prison costs by $1 billion, should have a sit-down with Mr. McNeil before he wields that budget axe.

Enough "rocket docket" crookery

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "It is tempting, in times of crisis, to take shortcuts. But to the credit of Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady, blocking public access to foreclosure courts won't be one of them. Canady acted quickly last week after media and civil liberties groups complained that some judges in Florida's 'rocket docket' courts were closing them to the public and press." "Keeping foreclosure courts open".

"Thanks, Charlie. See you backstage someday"

Carl Hiaasen: "An absolutely true news item: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will seek a pardon for the late Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors, who was convicted of exposing himself and using profanity during a chaotic Miami concert in 1969." "Lizard King to Gov. Crist: 'Dude, you rock!'".

"Well ... wasn't that naive?"

Fred Grimm: "Compassion? Well . . . wasn't that naive?"

Supporters of the DREAM Act pursued a misguided strategy -- that it would be enough to tell the poignant stories of scholarly, bright, hard-working children of undocumented immigrants and the tragedy of their curtailed education.

It wasn't.

Advocates assumed that if other citizens got to know these students, they'd hardly insist on punishing kids for the sins of their illegal immigrant parents.

Compassion, as it turns out, was not integral to the new politics.

Mexican-American voters proved it even in this tough election year when they shunned Republicans and elected Democrats to Congress or governor's mansions in Colorado, Nevada and California.

For Mexican Americans, immigration matters. They have a foot in both countries, dual citizenship, in fact. Their relatives may have come here illegally today, but a few generations ago you could cross the border back and forth without La Migra coming after you. Americans didn't mind because the economy was good and the immigrants did the back-breaking work -- in the fields -- that Americans didn't want to do. ...

Tone matters, of course, as does substance. On that point, the Democrats in Florida failed to "man up'' on the immigration issue.

Alex Sink lost to Scott because it clashed with her Panhandle strategy. She was going after the good old boys' votes, and lost Hispanic support in the process.

Only in the last few weeks of the campaign did she run Spanish radio ads that touched on the immigration issue in a way Cubans and Puerto Ricans could connect. That is, you're a U.S. citizen, but you "look'' Hispanic or you talk like one, and if Scott gets his way, you could be hauled to jail if you can't produce your "papers'' to a cop during a traffic stop.

Immigration isn't a top issue for Hispanic voters today, but as more South Florida Latinos from Central and South America become U.S. citizens, it may well be. How each party approaches the issue will matter in 2012.

"No more hot air"

Jane Healy pleads for "No more hot air."

During their campaigns for congress, Republican winners Marco Rubio, Dan Webster and Sandy Adams all had a lot to say about out-of-control government spending. Now they have a chance to show they really mean it.

But will they? ...

With Democrats controlling the Senate, the key Floridian will be Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Up for re-election in two years, though, let's hope — really hope — he isn't too scared to make the tough decisions.

Have either of them ever tried a case?

"Charlie Crist, the self-styled "people's governor," is in talks to join the "people's" law firm. The Buzz has learned Crist is weighing an offer from high-profile trial lawyer John Morgan." "The Buzz on Florida Politics: Charlie Crist considering job with the 'people's' law firm".