During the campaign, he had a consistent response to questions about what he knew regarding Columbia/HCA's practices that led to a record $1.7 billion in fines for Medicare fraud. Scott repeatedly said he knew of no wrongdoing but accepted responsibility as the chief executive officer and should have hired more auditors. Translation: I hired good people, set goals and they violated the rules without my knowledge to achieve those goals.

Yet Scott starts off as governor as a controlling micromanager with little patience for rules or understanding that the governor is not a dictator. He stood in front of his private plane and said Cabinet members, who by the way are also elected statewide, and other officials can drive or fly commercial after he sells the state planes. His review of expenditures of more than $1 million threatened road projects and other work that creates jobs, which he says is his top priority. His review of all pending regulations, even those that are routine and necessary, effectively throws sand into the wheels of state government. ...

The inclination is to give a new governor the benefit of the doubt and let him settle into office a bit. Scott squandered that with his arbitrary decisions and disregard for other institutions, including the Cabinet, Congress, the voters and the media. But he will learn that government is not a business. There are more checks and balances on the governor than the chief executive of a private hospital chain that flouted the law.

It will be interesting to watch whether that lesson is taught by the Legislature, the courts or the public.

Scott having a hard time getting to work

Scott is already making a mess of things.

Already "One month into his term, Gov. Rick Scott has yet to name 14 of 25 state agency secretaries, including the people who will run the Department of Transportation, Department of Health and the Agency for HealthCare Administration. It's getting 'big time late in the game' to make those appointments, said Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, especially with Scott set to roll out his first budget on Monday and with budget hearings scheduled in the run-up to the March 8 legislative session." "Rick Scott's slow pace in appointing state secretaries troubles lawmakers".

"Facts are stupid things"*

"A freshman Florida lawmaker who wants to make it a felony for doctors to ask patients whether they own guns is trotting out the bogeyman of national politics to help make his case."

Brodeur says he's concerned about doctors asking patients about guns and allowing that information into the hands of the government or insurance companies. That could mean higher insurance rates or being flagged in a database of gun owners. ...

It turns out that Brodeur's trying to right a "wrong" that isn't wrong. The health care law included specific protections for gun owners — so they wouldn't see insurance premium increases and their information wouldn't be included in a gun owner database or registry.

Class project

"The Florida Commission on Ethics Friday dismissed a complaint that a professor-legislator abused his authority by using students as volunteers in his campaign."

Malabar businesswoman Nancy Borton, a restaurant owner and city councilwoman, filed a complaint that Tobia improperly used about 20 students of his Valencia Community College political science classes in his 2008 campaign. Students called voters for Tobia, who won a four-way GOP primary by 86 votes in House District 31.

The college warned him not to do it again last year, saying he overstepped ethical bounds by cancelling a final exam in 2008.

"The facts were presented and you could tell that the commission spent quite a bit of time going over that," said Tobia. "They came to the conclusion unanimously that there was no probable cause" that a violation occurred.

Borton said in her complaint that Tobia gained unfair advantage by using his position as a professor and that his actions may have tipped the close election to him. She could not be reached for comment Friday.

Ricky "moving to the right" of Jebbie

Kenric Ward: "Moving to the right of GOP icon Jeb Bush, Gov. Rick Scott is breaking new ground in his proposed state budget."

With a barebones spending plan to be unveiled Monday in the small Central Florida town of Eustis, Scott is "basically daring the Legislature to go counter to him," says Susan MacManus, a public administration and political science professor at the University of South Florida.

Not only is Scott taking the novel step of rolling out his budget away from Tallahassee, he is staking out a more fiscally conservative position than any of his recent predecessors. And that includes Bush. ...

By pledging to make Florida the "most fiscally conservative state in the country," Scott will test the mettle of his fellow Republicans.

Never mind the constitution

"Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla Files Bill to Kill Class-Size Fines".

Empty suits

"The race to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012 is starting to heat up as a crowded field of Republicans continues to get ready to run -- and takes aim at Florida’s senior senator." "Republicans Looking to Hammer Bill Nelson on Health Care in 2012".

Weekly Roundup

The Sunshine State News' "Recap and analysis of week in state government". "Weekly Roundup: Put That in Your Tea and Stuff It".

"Scott will propose a two-year budget"

"Scott will propose a two-year budget for Florida rather than just an annual one because he thinks it's more forward-looking, a spokesman said Friday."

The governor appeared before a group of South Florida business leaders Friday to seek their support for his spending plan, which he says will slash business and property taxes by more than $2 billion. The state faces a projected budget shortfall of $3.6 billion to $4.6 billion. ...

Scott plans to release his first budget proposal Monday at a tea party rally in Eustis.

Deep thinker

"Facing a state budget gap that could hit $4 billion or more, and promising $2 billion in tax cuts on top of that, Florida Gov. Rick Scott says he can close the gap by cutting out billions in government waste and inefficiency. Where's he going to find it?"

So far, Scott has pointed in only a few specific directions.

He'll trim state pension costs by some $2.8 billion over two years. He'll combine the operations of some state agencies.

And he'll eliminate the state's alligator meat marketing program.

Crayons?

"Two political veterans offer useful insight for Gov. Rick Scott".

Scott to "tarnish Florida's tourism industry"?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "For decades, Florida's natural beauty has attracted scores of visitors and residents, and a large part of that lure is the state's award-winning park system. Twice, Florida State Parks has been recognized as the nation's best by the National Recreation and Park Association."

It's both ironic and troubling that only a couple of months after Floridians finished a yearlong celebration in honor of the system's 75th anniversary, 53 state parks could be closed to help close the state's budget gap of at least $3.5 billion.

Doing so would harm the economy in rural areas, reduce state and local revenues and tarnish Florida's tourism industry as a whole. ... closing any state park would be a travesty.

Cannon says Scott "an intellectual guy"

"House Speaker Dean Cannon has high praise for Gov. Rick Scott's intellect and work ethic. But the ever-guarded lawmaker made clear Friday that the tax cuts and reforms that Scott is expected to recommend in his budget next week will face tough sledding in the Florida House."

"He's an intellectual guy, which bodes well," said Cannon, R-Winter Park, Friday in an hourlong interview with the Orlando Sentinel editorial board. However, the speaker, who campaigned against Scott in the Republican primary before endorsing him in the general election, said the House would take its time assessing Scott's priorities.

Not a good start for an "intellectual"

Aaron Deslatte: "When Scott decided on Jan. 7 to withdraw a request for U.S. Justice Department approval of two redistricting amendments – approved by 63 percent of Florida voters – his office never bothered to announce it. Last week, advocates for the amendments, disturbed by the lack of information coming from Scott's office, decided to sue the governor rather than wait around for him to say if he intends to re-submit them for federal 'pre-clearance.'"

It will cost taxpayers money to defend the governor's position in court.

Scott's office has been painfully slow in releasing information like salaries for his agency and the counsel his advisors got from lobbyists and industry groups during his transition. Scott's office has put a gag order on the agency heads he's appointed, while the governor himself has repeatedly pledged to run an open, accountable administration.

Another genius

"Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas talks about 'life's calling' during impromptu visit to Ave Maria University".

Never mind the details

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "To sell the public on its property-insurance reform package, which amounts to a great big gift to the companies that write your policies, legislators are — big surprise — telling homeowners how it's a present for them."

But hand the companies everything they want, which many in the Legislature appear eager to do, and it's Florida's homeowners who again will suffer.

Shortly after talking office as governor, Scott quietly withdrew the state's application to the U.S. Department of Justice for preliminary approval of the amendments, called "pre-clearance."

That's an opinion by the Justice Department that the amendments conform to the Voting Rights Act, which governs changes in Florida elections procedures.

Former state Sen. Dan Gelber, attorney for the amendment backers, said the Voting Rights Act requires that election changes be submitted for approval "as soon as possible after they become final."

The amendments became final, the lawsuit says, on Nov. 16, the day the election results were certified. Former Gov. Charlie Crist filed the application for pre-clearance shortly before that.

Wingnuts running wild in Tally

"Using as ammunition a Florida judge's ruling this week that the federal healthcare law is unconstitutional, state officials are wasting no time stepping away from the controversial overhaul."

Their latest move: rejecting a $1 million federal grant awarded to the Agency for Health Care Administration to plan a system required by the law where consumers can comparison shop for health plans. It's the second federal healthcare reform grant rejected by Florida this week.

Tuesday, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty returned a $1 million grant that would have provided a resource for consumers to monitor insurance-rate changes and how premiums are spent.

Q Poll

"A majority of Floridians approve of the job performance of their two U.S. senators, but are split on their opinions about President Barack Obama, a poll released Thursday shows."

Forty-two percent of 1,160 registered voters surveyed by Quinnipiac (Conn.) University favored an unnamed Republican challenger for president next year compared to 40 percent who prefer Obama.

Democrats favored Obama by 83 percent to 12 percent, but Republicans opposed him 84 percent to 14 percent. Independents were split. Obama won the independent vote in 2008.

Although 49 percent said they have a favorable opinion of Obama, 48 percent said he does not deserve to be re-elected while 45 percent favored the country's first African-American president for a second term.

Sens. Bill Nelson, a Democrat seeking a third term in the Senate, and newly elected Republican Marco Rubio enjoyed a 2-to-1 favorable to unfavorable standing.

But the news wasn't all good for Nelson, a career politician who was elected to the Senate in 2000.

Despite his respectable 45-21 job approval rating, only 43 percent said Nelson deserved re-election. He was, however, favored by 41 percent to 36 percent for an unnamed Republican challenger in next year's general election.

Public employee haters drag their knuckles

The Tampa Tribune editorial board, although conceding that "it should be remembered that most state employees, including teachers, social workers and law-enforcement officers, work hard for modest salaries", nevertheless write that "Scott right to target pensions".

"Florida's shameful uninsured rate of 17.8"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Florida's health-care systems for kids received a new rating on Wednesday. About the most encouraging thing that we can say regarding its dismal showing from the Commonwealth Fund is, well, it could have been worse."

Florida didn't finish dead last. That's only because Texas, Arizona, Mississippi and Nevada elbowed the Sunshine State out of the dubious distinction as worst in the nation. Talk about a Pyrrhic victory.

Over the past decade, a significant national expansion in children's health coverage reduced from 11 to three the number of states saddled with uninsured-kid rates of 16 percent or more. Florida's among the lagging trio with a shameful uninsured rate of 17.8, trailing only Texas' 18 percent.

Fl-oil-duh

As "Florida lawmakers are seeking ways to stop Cuba from drilling for oil off its shores, ... environmentalists and others knowledgeable with Cuba's plans suggest the United States should instead develop an emergency response agreement with its Cold War nemesis, against whom it has enforced a five-decades-old trade embargo." "Cuba oil bid a bad idea, Florida says".

Legal Scholars or Ink Stained Wretches?

The Daytona Beach News Journal editors - who imagine themselves legal scholars - dazzle us with their expertise in constitutional law: "Some news stories noted that the split appears to follow political lines. The two judges who ruled against the law are Republican appointees; the two who upheld it were appointed by Democratic administrations. But this is a superficial analysis that fails to take into account the breadth and incisiveness of Vinson's ruling. His well-reasoned critique of the law likely will influence future court decisions, including the expected showdown in the Supreme Court." "Ruling doesn't bode well for health care law".

Raw political courage

"Scott said he'll propose lowering the state's corporate income tax rate from 5.5 percent to 3 percent, a reduction of slightly less than half the $1.8 billion the tax produced last year. He also said he'll recommend cutting $1.4 billion from school taxes over the next two years, a cut of about 1 mil, or slightly less than 20 percent of the state's 5.3-mil rate." "Scott plans to cut school taxes but promises to make up the funding". See also "Gov. Scott says budget will include $2 billion in tax cuts".

"The tax cuts and proposals to reduce spending and regulations are designed to make Florida more business friendly in the hope that'll bring more jobs to the state. Scott campaigned on a promise to create 700,000 new jobs over seven years. That's besides the 1 million job economists expect Florida to add as its economy recovers over that span even if the state does nothing." "Scott stumps for Fla. tax cuts at Tampa factory".

More layoffs

"Another 548 shuttle workers to be laid off".

"The tyranny of the anecdote"

Orlando Sentinel employee Scott Maxwell acknowledges that, regarding the various proposed pension changes out there, "some of this talk sounds more like civil-servant bashing than reform. And it's high time some of these worker-bashers got their facts straight."

Florida does not generally overpay its workers. In fact, the Legislature's own policy-analysis division determined just last year that the average state worker earns less than his counterpart in the private sector.

And the average salary? About $35,000. Hardly extravagant.

Not only that, Florida spends less on state workers — in terms of both payroll expenditures and employees per resident — than most every other state in the U.S., according to the Department of Management Services.

There are absolutely examples of waste and excess in government jobs. Heck, this very newspaper is often the one to expose such things!

But beware of the tyranny of the anecdote.

Because the majority of government workers are hard-working civil servants who aren't paid particularly well and haven't had a raise in three or more years.

So anyone who's trying to demonize them as the enemy not only lacks class — but also the facts.

"Candidates' parade"

Daniel Ruth: "No room for silliness in candidates' parade".

Early voting for a pair of special elections

"Following a short and not-always-sweet campaign, early voting begins Monday in portions of Broward and Miami-Dade counties for a pair of special elections prompted by Democrat Frederica Wilson's jump to Congress." "Early voting starts for House District 103, Senate District 33". See also "Early voting starts Monday for special state House election".

"Ex-Congressman Dishes on Scott"

"Old politicians never go away, they just become political 'experts.' Remember Lou Frey? Maybe not. After a 10-year stint in Congress that ended back in 1978, the Floridian ran for Senate and lost. Ran for governor and lost. Ran for Senate again and lost again. Now Frey is running his mouth, advising the Florida media to 'work around' Gov. Rick Scott." "Ex-Congressman Dishes on Scott -- Media Eat It Up".

Cannon announces reorg committee

"With Gov. Rick Scott looking to reorganize the state government, House Speaker Dean Cannon announced Thursday that he will create a new House committee to tackle the issue." "Dean Cannon Forms New House Committee to Push Government Reorganization".

Alleged journalist whines about overstaffed fire departments

Alleged journalist Mike Thomas complains that fire departments are overstaffed, with "six firefighters handling one heart attack".

He gleefully reports that "Scott obviously didn't get the memo from Republican headquarters. You can zing the teachers, bash the bureaucrats and demagogue the size of government. But thou shall not mess with police and firefighters."

This is a bipartisan, time-honored tradition at all levels of government.

It is why we have one child-abuse investigator handling 50 cases and six firefighters handling one heart attack.

Arisone-style debate continues

"New report said Florida had most dramatic decrease of illegal immigrants in nation." "Dramatic drop in illegal immigration unlikely to stall debate".

Laff riot

"Gov. Rick Scott touts tax plan as a model for President Barack Obama".

Scott's "wholesale rollback of appointments"

"The calm that has overtaken the once-embattled Public Service Commission in recent months ended abruptly Wednesday when Gov. Rick Scott withdrew from confirmation four of the five members of the state's utility board."

The move was part of a wholesale rollback of appointments made by Scott's predecessor, Gov. Charlie Crist.

Entrepreneurs in action

"Ron Saunders says Miami-Dade, Broward rule the country in Medicaid fraud".

"Down payments on politicians"

Scott Maxwell: "Companies that give to both sides of a race aren't doing so because they care about any sort of lofty issues for society at large. They're trying to make down payments on politicians — investments that often pay off." "Free speech, my ...".

"Assault on unemployed"

"Lawmakers unveil fix for jobless benefits that is called 'assault on unemployed.'".

"Not safe for swimming and/or fishing"

"According to its report, over 97 percent of the state’s bays and estuaries and over 42 percent of its streams are in poor shape and identified as being 'impaired and not safe for swimming and/or fishing.' Though the number of impaired waterways in Florida is striking, it has done little to squelch the dozens of lawsuits and attacks aimed at the EPA for its attempts to implement a set of numeric nutrient standards that would place harsher restrictions on utilities and agricultural agencies in the state. Industry executives have long come out against the standards, arguing that they would cost Florida jobs and money. But environmental agencies, including the conservancy, argue that the standards are not only necessary, but mandatory for the health of Florida’s largest asset — its water." "Conservancy of Southwest Florida: 97 percent of bays and estuaries 'impaired'".

Funding fake "crisis pregnancy centers"

"Plans to rewrite the law governing Florida’s 'Choose Life' license plates have led pregnancy centers currently receiving funds to worry that portions of the new law would be not only unenforceable, but unfair. Planned Parenthood says the law could 'open the floodgates' for organizations falsely advertising themselves as 'crisis pregnancy centers.' Now, the Florida branch of the ACLU says that a rewrite is not only unneccessary, but that it could allow for the funding of 'anti-abortion propaganda.'" "ACLU of Florida: ‘Choose Life’ law change could help fund ‘anti-abortion propaganda’".

"The Florida circuit"

"In recent months, nearly every likely Republican 2012 presidential candidate has made his or her voice heard in Florida, courting potential campaign donors at big-ticket speaking engagements and invitation-only dinners." "Likely 2012 GOP hopefuls hit the Florida circuit".

As the door revolves ...

"Gov. Rick Scott named a familiar face with experience in the department to head up the Florida Lottery on Wednesday, choosing Cynthia “Cindy” O’Connell to be its secretary. The governor focused on O’Connell’s communications background when he made the announcement." "Rick Scott Names Cindy O'Connell Lottery Secretary".

25 years

"Two Democratic leaders in the Legislature announced Wednesday they will fight to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the 2011 session -- even though the measure has been stalled in Tallahassee for more than 25 years." "Two Dem Legislators Reintroduce ERA Measure".

Shocking news!

"LeMieux considers bid for U.S. Senate".

"Foley slowly regaining acceptance with Republicans"

"Former Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, a pariah with many in the GOP after he abruptly resigned in a 2006 Internet sex scandal, is slowly regaining acceptance with some local Republicans." "Ex-U.S. Rep. Foley returns to GOP scene, four years after grounding in scandal". See also "Mark Foley Appears With Local Young Republicans, Allen West".

Scott "brags that he doesn't read Florida newspapers"

Lucy Morgan: "Show me a man who brags that he doesn't read Florida newspapers, and I'll show you a man who is not well informed about what's going on in this state."

And, yes, I'm talking about you, governor.

If you hear only the news that those around you want you to hear or what you can find on television, you will never be completely aware of all of the things you should know about the state you have been chosen to run.

"Florida — several steps up from Zimbabwe"

"Apparently [Joe Negron] grew tired of hearing people complain about health-care woes in Florida during a budget meeting this week."

So he admonished the fretters to "stop the self-flagellation" and suggested that Florida should actually earn kudos for not treating the poor like underdeveloped countries. "I don't think they have a KidCare program in Ethiopia or India," he said,

Really, Senator? That's where we are in this state? Reduced to boasting that we have better health care than Ethiopia? ...

Hey, maybe there's a new state slogan in it for us: "Florida — several steps up from Zimbabwe."

Miami-Dade County Commissioner makes getaway

"With the clock ticking before her legal challenge to her recall election is heard in court, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natacha Seijas walked out of her scheduled deposition Thursday, refusing to answer questions because a reporter was in attendance." "Seijas bolts before her testimony over recall".

Pill mills

"Bondi calls for tougher laws on 'pill mills'". See also "AG Pam Bondi wants to crack down on 'pill mills'" and "Democrat Aronberg will wage Republican Bondi's pill-mill fight as Fla. drug czar".

But to hear a growing number of Republican activists tell it, the candidate to watch is a fellow few Floridians have heard of.

"Absolutely — it's Adam Hasner," said Nancy McGowan, a prominent conservative activist and fundraiser from Jacksonville. ...

The 41-year-old former state House majority leader lacks the statewide profile of Senate President Mike Haridopolos, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and U.S. Rep. Connie Mack — the potential field vying to pick off Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida's only statewide Democratic leader. But for years the Boca Raton lawyer has built a conservative network and in recent weeks he has met with activists, fundraisers and political operatives in every corner of the state.

"I think he'll be a fabulous candidate,'' said Mel Sembler of St. Petersburg, former ambassador and finance chairman of the Republican National Committee. "I've followed his career and have a lot of respect for him. He's got a lot of friends and will have a lot of support."

Hasner says only that he's seriously looking at running for the 2012 GOP nomination and has heard lots of encouragement.

A pair of special elections in Miami-Dade and Broward

"Following a short and not-always-sweet campaign, early voting begins Monday in portions of Miami-Dade and Broward for a pair of special elections prompted by Democrat Frederica Wilson's jump to Congress. Four Democrats are jostling to succeed Wilson in the Florida Senate -- including state Rep. Oscar Braynon II, who had to resign to run for the post. That triggered another election, with three candidates vying for his seat. Braynon and three former state representatives -- Phillip Brutus, James Bush III and Darryl Reaves -- will face off to represent Senate District 33, which spans from Overtown to Miami Gardens and includes portions of El Portal, Miami Shores and North Miami." "Early voting starts today".

Even the Tampa Trib

The Tampa Tribune editorial board complains that Governor "Scott rarely recognizes that regulations also protect the public health, the environment and the economy." "Some state regulations are genuine job builders".

Floridians 'outa here

"Using the latest available data, census surveys estimate that only 461,088 people moved to Florida from another state in 2009. Nearly as many Floridians — 439,665 — moved to another state. That's roughly one-third fewer new residents compared with 2005, when 632,168 moved to Florida from another state." "Fewer people moving to Florida, census estimates show".

"Senate majority leader predicts choppy seas"

"The Senate majority leader predicts choppy seas for Rick Scott's budget proposal — not the smooth sailing forecast by the governor." "Front & Center: FL Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"His work computer filled with pornographic and racist material, including racial slurs in reference President Barack Obama and his first lady Michelle Obama, Tim Marcum is on the verge of being fired as the ultra-successful head coach of the Arena League’s Tampa Bay Storm." "Tampa Bay Storm coach has racist material involving President Barack Obama". For more on our friends in Hillsborough County, see "'After All, He Is Black'".

"... without giving away what's left to developers"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Gov. Rick Scott told a group of editors and reporters this month that Florida needs to manage growth, but his actions suggest he is headed in a different direction."

First he demonized all state regulation, as if that were the root cause of the economic collapse in Florida. Then he appointed a former executive of the St. Joe Co. to run the Department of Community Affairs — at least as long as it exists. The reality is there are ample development opportunities in the pipeline, and there are ways to improve how Florida manages growth without giving away what's left to developers.

"A disjointed movement without a specific leader"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "The [Tea Party Caucus] meeting attracted exactly four of a possible 47 GOP members. Many of those officials who attended tea party rallies and supported the basic ideas of the movement did now show up to the first meeting of the new caucus, which is chaired by Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota."

A case in point is freshman Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a social conservative and tea party favorite who didn't attend the caucus and questioned whether the Senate tea party caucus is a good idea.

Fact is, Rubio is an established Republican. And he represents a highly diverse state, and hopefully is intent on listening to all residents — including Democrats and independents. Rubio also said the strength of the party is that it's not a political organization run by people in Washington, but more of a grass-roots movement.

There are some Republicans who said they didn't want to join the caucus at present because it threatens to highlight divisions within the Republican Party. Also, the structure of the Senate itself — and the relative small size of the body — makes it less necessary for a senator to join a specific caucus in order to have influence.

And while the tea party has created plenty of headlines, controversy and policy ideas over the past two years, it is still basically a disjointed movement without a specific leader.

As long as we cut the corporate tax rate

"You thought this school year was bad? With the federal stimulus dollars set to run out in June, next year has the potential to be a lot worse, Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said." "Officials: Severe cuts expected for Fla. school districts".

2 more for the RPOFers?

"Republicans have the best shot at picking up Florida's two new congressional seats next year, a district-by-district analysis indicates. GOP congressional districts around the state have experienced heavier-than-average growth in voter registration over the past eight years, while Democrat-held districts have grown far more slowly."

The state's five fastest-growing congressional districts are all represented by Republicans:

* David Rivera's CD 25 (voter registration up 43 percent since 2002).
* Richard Nugent's CD 5 (up 41 percent).
* Daniel Webster's CD 8 (up 34 percent).
* Cliff Stearns' CD 6 (up 34 percent).
* John Mica's CD 7 (up 32 percent).

By contrast, Democrats represent four of the slowest-growing congressional districts:

* Debbie Wasserman Shultz's CD 20 (up 5 percent).
* Ted Deutch's CD 19 (up 9 percent).
* Alcee Hastings' CD 23 (up 14 percent).
* Corrine Brown's CD 3 (up 16 percent).

Heroes and Zeroes

Nancy Smith thinks "Governor Rick Scott, Hero; Press Corps, Zero".

Teabagger dreams

"John Boehner came to West Palm Beach in October to provide a high-profile campaign boost for Allen West, but West says it's Boehner who is indebted to West and other House Republican freshmen." "GOP brass owes us, West assures tea partyers".

Florida for Sale

"Florida should sell naming rights to everything from state roads to beaches to help cover its budget shortfall, according to state Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton." "South Florida lawmaker proposes selling naming rights for roads, statewide attractions".

Scott "wants to usurp the people’s will"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "When they came to Florida constitutional Amendments 5 and 6 on the November ballot, voters spoke decisively and deliberately. By a 63-percent margin, Floridians said they want to change how the state draws its congressional and state legislative districts using new, nonpartisan standards." "Heed will of Florida voters"

And this was in an election year when conservatives came out in force. Why would a newly elected conservative governor want to usurp the people’s will?

The issues dealt with in Amendments 5 and 6 weren’t a tax cut or some other guaranteed vote-getter. The two amendments set forth straightforward guidelines for reforming a process that politicians in both parties have twisted for their benefit before: the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that the Legislature redraw elected representatives’ districts every 10 years based on the most recent Census data.

For so many voters to say yes — despite a heavily financed opposition campaign — can only be interpreted as the people speaking loud and clear: No more gerrymandering of districts by whatever political party is in power. No more communities split asunder and carved up into tortuously shaped districts to protect incumbents.

So why isn’t Gov. Rick Scott getting to work on that mandate?

"Las Vegas high-rollers dangling a poisonous carrot"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "As Gov. Rick Scott and state lawmakers grapple with a $3.6 billion budget shortfall that could grow, Las Vegas high-rollers are dangling a poisonous carrot: offers to turn Florida into a "destination casino resort" state." "Don't sell Florida's soul".

Ricky's "blessing for sleazy clinic owners"

Carl Hiaasen: "Efforts to shut down the unscrupulous clinics have been stymied by Bondi’s Republican colleague, newly elected Gov. Rick Scott. One of his first acts was to eliminate the state Office of Drug Control, which had been coordinating the war on pill mills."

Scott’s executive order freezing all new regulations was another blessing for sleazy clinic owners, who’d been facing a slate of tough licensing standards from state medical officials. Now some of those restrictions will be delayed until the financial impact is assessed, in accordance with Scott’s “accountability” process.

This is a fantastic development for those who prey on drug addicts, though it’s bad news for healthcare providers, law enforcement and taxpayers who are picking up the tab for most overdose admissions to emergency rooms.

"After two years of radical cuts"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "After two years of radical cuts, it's time to reinvest in Florida to ensure its natural beauty is preserved for future generations. " "Florida Forever needs Scott’s backing".

A bad re-run

Douglas C. Lyons: "I've been at this gig too long. It seems like only yesterday that a newly-elected governor shocked Florida's education establishment by introducing vouchers as an alternative for parents whose children were stuck in poorly performing public schools."

The governor has yet to offer any specifics, but if this new attempt only rises to the potential of a bad re-run, then Scott should put his energy towards more worthwhile pursuits, such as building on the gains made by Florida's existing public and charter schools. There's no time, money or patience for another school-choice experiment that promises more controversy than results.

Will Cuba be next?

Myriam Marquez: "The Mideast is on fire, but will Cuba be next?".

Privatization follies

"Former attorneys for an agency that represents poor defendants are accusing the office of paying about $400,000 to a Lakeland court reporting firm without a contract or competitive bidding, and are asking authorities to take action." "Public defenders agency accused of waste".

Cheap cigarettes

"Battle over Florida tax on cheap cigarettes heats up".

$500-a-night

"On Monday, Florida pension chief Ash Williams plans to be the keynote speaker for some of the world's most powerful hedge fund managers and financial executives. They're meeting at the $500-a-night Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, and some paid $50,000 or more for sponsorships to woo potential clients." "A high-flown hobnob for state's pension chief".

Never mind the facts

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Despite reports that indicate Florida's extremely friendly to business, Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders continue to accuse the Department of Community Affairs of making the state inhospitable to those who want to work here." "Beware DCA's demise".

"Lowering corruption scandals to puny banality"

Fred Grimm: "The former Fort Lauderdale commissioner and vice mayor was not only busted on corruption charges Friday, she managed to lower Broward County corruption scandals to a level of puny banality." "Corruption wave finally hits the toilet".

Leveling the playing field between public and private sector jobs

Rick Scott actually:

believes Florida's free [sic] retirement program is "unfair to taxpayers'' working in the private sector.

Scott acknowledges that teachers, police and other government workers may consider this a pay cut, but he believes it is needed to build up the reserves in the state retirement system and level the playing field between public and private sector jobs.

In 1999, a Republican-led Legislature decided to release state and local governments from a legal regime of safety and health requirements for their workers. Dozens of worker safety compliance positions were eliminated as part of a larger reorganization that reflected the deregulatory spirit pervading Tallahassee.

In place of state law, then-Gov. Jeb Bush issued an executive order directing state agencies "to voluntarily comply" with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act's standards, and leaving cities and counties to decide for themselves what they needed to do. But no state resources were devoted to ensuring compliance or guiding safety efforts. The move was a wink and a nod toward protecting employees, and little more.

"Florida's average total compensation cost for state employees was $47,027, which included 74 percent wages and 26 percent benefits; average wages were $34,834," said OPPAGA. "Florida's average state employee wages were ranked 32nd among the 41 states (in the lower quartile) that responded to the survey."

A related story is the Department of Management Services Annual Workforce Report, which said Florida ranks last in state personnel costs, at $38 per resident, and is tied with Illinois for the lowest ratio of state employees to population, 118 per 10,000 residents.