Meet one of the Teabaggers pulling Scott's strings

"Mary Anne Carter is the most powerful person you've never heard of in Florida's government."

Seated at Scott's right hand for every senior staff meeting, she oversees all matters of budget, policy, communications and legislative relations.

But Carter remains unknown to many Capitol insiders. She does her work behind closed doors, almost never travels with Scott and eschews e-mails to avoid state open records laws.

Those who know Carter describe her as spunky, intelligent and outgoing. Told that no one would put criticisms on the record for fear of reprisal, Carter laughed. ...

She dismisses reporters as liberally biased and treats them like political opponents, researching their marital status, number of children and building a matrix of stories they write. Meanwhile, she is married to Michael Silence, a Knoxville News-Sentinel political reporter.

When Carter wanted Scott to highlight their work to eliminate a running deficit at one state agency, the decision was made to cut spending on the care of developmentally disabled. It resulted in a protest in Scott's lobby by children in wheelchairs.

"Could we have softened some of the sharp ends? Maybe," said pollster Tony Fabrizio, the architect of Scott's campaign. "But at the end of the day, it wasn't one or two groups upset about what was done.

"We were, in effect, p------ off everybody."

Carter acknowledges missteps within the administration. But says there is nothing she would change.

"My role was to push the governor's agenda. And that's what I did," Carter said of her $150,000-per-year job.

Mainigi returned the favor more than a decade later when she introduced Carter and Fabrizio to a former hospital executive eager to spend millions in an attempt to derail President Barack Obama's health insurance proposals. ...

Carter and Fabrizio became the core of Scott's Conservatives for Patients Rights, an advocacy group Scott funded to help whip up tea party rage in the summer of 2009 and defeat the so-called "public option" in Obama's health insurance plan. The pair also was the nucleus of Scott's campaign for Florida governor.

Scott's transition from Election Day to inauguration splintered the campaign team, leaving Carter as one of the only senior staffers to move into the administration.

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for June 13-June 17". See also "Weekly Roundup: Worries -- Drug Test Problems, Granny Dumping".

"Raw politics to the core"

"Florida legislators begin three months of public hearings Monday to hear what voters have to say about their once-a-decade task of realigning the state's political maps to reflect shifts in population and growth."

Redistricting is raw politics to the core — often fostering unusual alliances of ideologically opposite legislators whose goal is to preserve their own political careers and broaden their party's power. ...

The House and Senate redistricting committees will begin their so-call "listening tour" of 26 cities in Tallahassee Monday with some basic facts:

• Florida grew from 15.98 million in 2000 to 18.8 million in 2010, enough to reward the state with two new congressional districts — a total of 27.

• The rebalancing of population will mean that the "ideal" sized congressional district will grow from 639,000 people to 696,000. The 40 districts in the state Senate will grow in population from 399,000 to 470,000, and the 120 state House seats will expand from 133,000 to 157,000.

That includes the super-crowded district of freshman Congressmen Richard Nugent, R-Brooksville, which is 33.5 percent overpopulated. The district of U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Cape Coral, is 23 percent overcapacity and U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, has seen his district grow 21 percent.

In the state Senate, the districts of Republican Sens. Alan Hays of Umatilla, Ronda Storms of Valrico and Paula Dockery of Lakeland also will have to shrink. Rep. Stephen Precourt, an Orlando Republican, has the dubious distinction of having the most bloated district in state government, having grown 61 percent over capacity in the last decade.

Weatherford, the House's designated speaker in 2012, has a district that must lose 55 percent of its population. Down state, freshman Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, has to lose 54 percent of his district.

Several legislative districts, however, won't contract, but will have to expand — potentially pitting incumbents against each other. The districts that are now smaller than the ideal size are those of Republican Sen. Dennis Jones of Seminole and Reps. Larry Ahern of St. Petersburg, Ed Hooper of Clearwater, Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg and Erik Fresen of Miami. Democratic Reps. Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg, Daryl Rouson of St. Petersburg and Daphne Campbell of Miami Shores also must cover more geography to reach the district population goal.

"Obama's 2012 game plan begins where 2008 did"

"Obama's 2012 game plan begins where 2008 did: in the legions of youthful, passionate supporters who redefined grass-roots campaigning, online political communication and fundraising. The campaign is training more than 1,500 organizers who have pledged to work 20 to 40 hours a week this summer as part of a lofty goal to reconnect with every Obama backer from 2008."

In Tampa, where Obama's campaign arm Organizing For America has remained since the last election, more than 80 volunteers were trained on a recent weekend. They have spread out across Florida to conduct small group meetings and begin walking door to door.

Volunteers have been coached on not just the broad highlights of Obama's term (health care, financial reform) but also victories like more funding for student loans and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act — the first bill Obama signed into law — which gives more freedom for workers to sue for wage discrimination. They will tell voters about green energy initiatives funded by the stimulus.

The emphasis will shift to the future as a Republican nominee emerges. "The volunteers are going to lay out what's at stake, 'This is our vision; this is theirs,' " said Mitch Stewart, the battleground states director.

Outside the office Stewart shares with national field director Jeremy Bird in Chicago, three-dozen campaign workers sit at long desks, picking at salads and chicken nuggets, earbuds in, typing on laptops or talking on phones — the beginning rhythms of a campaign.

On the far wall hang maps of a dozen states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and Florida. (They happen to be key swing states, but don't read into that, a staffer says.)

"Haridopolos got blasted"

"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Haridopolos got blasted with hostile questions about the recent legislative session and personal ethical issues, including a controversial book contract with Brevard Community College, during a Tiger Bay Club appearance Friday. Questioners, some of them prominent Democrats, implicitly or explicitly accused Haridopolos, who's president of the state Senate, of selling out for political contributions, abandoning environmental protection and balancing the state budget at the expense of education and help for the needy." "Tampa Democrats blast Haridopolos' stances, actions".

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos says he has been keeping a busy schedule lately, spending as many as six days a week speaking to people across Florida about the Legislature's accomplishments."

And that's what he started to talk about Friday as the lunch guest of the Tiger Bay Club of Tampa.

But then came the questions. Though the group bills itself on its website as "Hillsborough County's premier bipartisan political club," Haridopolos, a Republican from Merritt Island running for the U.S. Senate, said the queries left him feeling like most of the 72 in attendance were "a little left of center, or far left of center."

Perhaps the most pointed question came from club member William Frye, who asked Haridopolos about his controversial deal with Brevard Community College, in which he was paid $152,000 to write a book, and about his failure to accurately disclose his finances on state ethics forms.

Rooney accuses Obama of violating Constitution

"Tom Rooney: 'Obama Is in Clear Violation of the War Powers Resolution and Constitution'".

"AHCA has finally become more aggressive"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "After years of ineffective action in the face of abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled Floridians, the Agency for Health Care Administration has finally become more aggressive when confronted with clear evidence of egregious mistreatment." "Abuse finally gets state's attention".

"Teachers union prepares for legal fight"

"Teachers union prepares for legal fight with Scott administration".

Try that with your parking tickets

"The Florida Commission on Ethics walked away Friday from almost $200,000 in fines owed by dozens of public officials - acknowledging the scofflaws had outlasted a four-year statutory limit on the penalties." "Florida ethics panel drops $200,000 in fines owed by 168 officials after time limit passes".

Pay no attention to the loaded pistol

"Scott signed more than 40 bills into law Friday, including a pair of wide-ranging education measures that establish a gift ban on school board members and require school districts to put budget information on their websites. ... Among the other bills signed into law Friday:"

• HB 330 makes it a criminal offense to for someone running for office to lie about military experience.

• HB 421 exempts farm lands from water management district control over decisions to divert surface water. The law will allow agricultural property owners to divert surface water and make other diversion changes without having to get a water management district permit. Environmentalists opposed the bill, citing concerns it would adversely affect wetlands.

• SB 88 and SB 224 cap severance and bonus payments for local government officials and require that local governments post proposed budgets and budget amendments on a website two days before a public hearing.

• SB 234 clarifies laws related to concealed weapons permit holders. The new law says it is not a violation if a concealed gun permit holder's weapon accidentally becomes visible.

"Deep skepticism permeates state's plan to shift 3 million Medicaid recipients"

"Deep skepticism permeated a series of recent public hearings across Florida on the state's plan to shift 3 million Medicaid recipients, including nursing home residents, into managed care." "Skeptics question Florida's Medicaid plan".

EPA won't scrap standards for DEP

"EPA won't scrap inland water standards for state DEP".

Florida's preschool program backsliding

"Florida's pre-K classes will see more kids and less money in the coming year, a combination that means backsliding for a preschool program once heralded as a potential national leader in early-childhood education." "Florida's pre-K program takes big budget hit".

Scott names environmental violator to water board

"One of Gov. Rick Scott’s new appointees to the South Florida Water Management District board ran a garbage incinerator in Miami-Dade that two decades ago was branded an 'environmental nightmare' ago by state regulators and slammed with a then-record fine."

The sooty smudge on the resume of Juan Portuondo — a former president of Montenay Power Corp., which operated the county-owned waste-to-energy plant in Doral for several decades — has drawn criticism from some environmentalists.

"By any yardstick, Portuondo’s qualifications are bizarre for an appointee to a government agency whose major mission is fixing the polluted Everglades," wrote Alan Farago, a long-time activist and president of Friends of the Everglades, on his Eye on Miami blog.

questioning contracts doled out by Brown and Caldwell, a company hired by the county to inspect waste facilities. The audit, according to a Herald story at the time, found a “very troubling” $68,000 contract for Portuondo to inspect the Montenay plant at the same time he was being paid as a company lobbyist.

But solid waste department head Kathleen Woods-Richardson filed a response denying any overlap in time between the two jobs. Portuondo, in his email, also denied any ethics conflict, saying he was hired after leaving Montenay to help the county and the company "streamline the inspection process."

Portuondo, an assistant Miami city manager in the 1980s, didn’t campaign for Scott or donate to his race. But he still has solid political connections in Miami. He’s a former president of the Miami Rowing Club, which has included many movers and shakers among its members.

"Fiercest year ever for Florida wildfires", but Scott still "a climate-change denier"

Fred Grimm: "Across the state, state and local firefighters are facing more than 330 wildfires — four new ones bursting out in the Big Cypress National Preserve just Wednesday. About 200,000 rain-starved acres have been affected across the state."

And 2011, after bringing record-high temperatures through the spring, begins to look like the fiercest year ever for Florida wildfires. Of course, if the high temperatures and drought were local, isolated instances, no one would suggest that South Florida’s burning muck fits into a global weather pattern.

But this hot, dry spring comes after the globe’s hottest year on record. NOAA reports that nine of the 10 warmest years known to science have all occurred since 2002, with the 12 warmest years on record coming since 1997. And 2010 ranks as the hottest year ever.

Weather extremes on the global scale certainly seem the new normal. Climate scientists wouldn’t say that some bit of local weather was spawned by global warming. But they have been warning, loudly, that warmer global temperatures will bring exactly the extreme weather events that have afflicted the world lately. ...

Of course, our governor, a climate-change denier, won’t connect Florida’s wildfires to global weather patterns.

PERC Vacancy

"Gov. Rick Scott on Friday appointed Ronald Swanson of Pensacola and Stephanie Williams Ray of Tallahassee to vacancies on the 1st District Court of Appeal."

Ray, 41, has been chair of the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission since 2008. Before that, she worked at Florida State University's College of Law as an associate dean and in other roles. Earlier, she worked in private practice at Tallahassee's Ausley & McMullen firm. She graduated, with honors, from the FSU law school.

"Throughout her career, Commissioner Ray has demonstrated an ability to analyze complex legal issues while also taking on significant management responsibilities," Scott said in a release. "Her record of decisions as a PERC Commissioner is impressive and reflects respect for and adherence to the rule of law."

"Labor landscape appears to be slowly improving"

"Florida's battered labor landscape appears to be slowly improving, with the statewide unemployment rate dipping to 10.6 percent in May — two-tenths of a percentage point lower than April's rate and the lowest level since August 2009. The statewide jobless rate represents about 980,000 unemployed workers in a labor force of 9.2 million." "Florida unemployment dips to 10.6 percent".

Although he has done precisely nothing, Scott is quick to take the credit: "Scott said the jobless rate has gone down each month since he took office Jan. 4. He predicted that repealing the corporate income tax, junking burdensome regulations on business and reforming the liability lawsuit process would help bring more jobs to Florida." "Gov. Scott says Tallahassee must diversify its economy". See also "Florida added more jobs last month than any other state".

Robaina and Gimenez head down home stretch

"Early voting begins Saturday at 20 locations across Miami-Dade County, as the candidates for county mayor, Julio Robaina and Carlos Gimenez, head down the home stretch toward the June 28 runoff election." "Early voting for county mayor begins Saturday".

Scott "quietly" flip-flops on drug testing

"Scott downplayed the impact Thursday of his week-old decision to quietly suspend an order that all state workers undergo drug-testing, saying he remains committed to screening despite an ACLU lawsuit challenging the policy."

The move was a sudden shift in a wide-ranging testing plan Scott unveiled March 22. Instead, only Florida's Department of Corrections, which already conducts drug screening for those in "safety-sensitive" jobs, will proceed with implementing the governor's order to require pre-employment testing for prospective employees and random testing for all its employees.

Citing the ACLU's lawsuit, filed May 31 on behalf of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents about 50,000 state workers or nearly half the state's workforce, Scott sent a memo to agency heads June 10 announcing the revised approach.

But the shift was not made public until Thursday when the ACLU distributed the governor's memo.

The ACLU contends the testing policy is unconstitutional and declared Scott's most recent action a reversal.

Florida's Romney country

"As he continued to campaign and fundraise in the Sunshine State Thursday, former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts -- front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination -- announced the support of three Florida congressmen and one of the leading figures in the state Senate. ... Romney won the backing of Ander Crenshaw, Connie Mack and Tom Rooney. He also won the formal endorsement of state Sen. John Thrasher of Jacksonville." "Florida Bandwagon Starts Rolling for GOP Front-runner Mitt Romney". See also "Mitt Romney in Tampa hits Obama's economic policies", "Mitt Romney leads 2012 field, but many Republicans pine for someone else", "Romney: Respected but not revered among Republicans" and "Romney picks up support in Florida". Related: "UPDATE: Mitt Romney in Sarasota for fundraiser".

Enjoy your 3% pay cut

"420 wildfires burn in state". More: "Drought, Raging Fires Begin to Consume Florida Resources". Related: "Home invasion suspect batters Orlando cop".

Spineless Bondi

"Attorney General Pam Bondi said her office will not be investigating the controversy surrounding Gov. Rick Scott's budget signing even in The Villages last month." After several House Democrats

sent a letter to Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater asking them to investigate the event and to see whether any civil liberties had been violated by removing protesters from a public event.

Bondi responded: Throughout my nearly two decades in public services, I have been committed to transparency and open government. While I do not take lightly the questions you have raised, Florida law does not empower me to investigate your concerns.

FCAT folly

"Fourteen school districts asked to investigate possible FCAT cheating".

That 'splains ever'thing

"A long-simmering contract dispute between the politically-connected owner of a company that prints the state's driver's manual and a state agency will go before a state appeals court on Wednesday. ... Underwood is a prominent political donor and his company has spent plenty of money in the last few years supporting Republicans, including Gov. Rick Scott." "Long running contract dispute headed to appeals court".

"The long-term costs Florida inflicts on itself"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "A recent study in the journal Science is a reminder of the long-term costs Florida inflicts on itself by starving its voluntary prekindergarten program." "The high cost of scrimping on pre-K".

Florida's manufactured FRS crisis

"Despite forecasts of looming trouble in government-employee pensions, and a sluggish national economy, managers of the state's investments got an encouraging report Thursday on the Florida Retirement System's investments."

Big of her

"Bondi: Online Travel Company Tax Issue Needs to Be Settled". See also "Florida's tax collector may get in the middle of online travel tax fight".

Batista crowd in a dither

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Release democracy funding for Cuba".

Paying the piper

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board whines that, after years of soiling rivers, lakes and streams, the "New EPA water rules would hit Floridians hard". Meanwhile, Floridians enjoy a "3 million gallon spill of raw sewage into the Manatee River."

Privatization "savings could well be a mirage"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board points out that, when it comes to privatization, the "fiscal savings, the carrot Scott and the Legislature chased, could well be a mirage. Research by the Arizona Department of Corrections found that even with a law mandating that private prisons must produce cost savings, private prisons came up short. At best many inmates cost the same as those in state-run facilities, and at worst, inmates in private prisons can cost as much as $1,6000 more annually." "Corrections chief: Private prisons, Whoa Nellie!".

Locals get briefed

FlaDem State Reps. Joseph Abruzzo, 30, of Wellington, Marty Kiar, 33, of Davie; Alan Williams, 36, of Tallahassee; and Dwight Bullard, 34, of Miami. "will be at the White House Friday for several hours of briefings from Obama administration officials and a reception honoring young elected officials from around the United States." "Wellington Rep. Abruzzo gets White House briefings, reception Friday".

"No state bailout"

"Florida's top transportation manager intends to barnstorm the Interstate 4 corridor soon, warning local governments that there will be no state bailout if they run short of money operating the planned SunRail commuter train." "No bailout if SunRail fails, state transportation chief warns".

Bondi claims black Parole Commissioner too sympathetic to "serial rapists and murderers"

"Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet on Thursday reappointed Tena Pate to the Parole Commission, but rejected another commissioner, Cassandra Jenkins, with the governor and Attorney General Pam Bondi saying Jenkins wasn't committed enough to public safety."

Jenkins, who was the only African-American on the three member commission, was rejected in her bid to remain. Pate's and Jenkins' were two of six names given to the Cabinet by a nominating committee as candidates for the two vacancies created by their failure to gain Senate confirmation.

"It's a public safety issue to me," Bondi said after the meeting, after listing several criminals to whom Jenkins voted to grant parole even though they'd committed serious crimes. "It's a serious public safety issue when it involves serial rapists and murderers."

The commission reviews the cases of prison inmates eligible for parole and release.

When Jenkins was appointed to the commission in October - by an entirely different Cabinet and previous Gov. Charlie Crist - the governor and former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink cited the fact that Jenkins is African American as important in her appointment to the panel - which had been all white.

"We will be righting a wrong," Sink said when arguing for Jenkins' appointment. "We haven't had diversity on the parole commission." Sink also noted the problem with having an all-white parole panel deal with a criminal justice system that includes a disproportionately large number of African-Americans. More than half the state's inmates are minorities.

"Finally, Florida's Parole Commission reflects the diversity of this state and those in our criminal justice system," Sink said then.

Scott wants credit for merely "Being There"

Rick ("Chauncey Gardiner") Scott "says he's hopeful Florida's unemployment will keep falling. It's gone down in each of the first four months that the Republican governor has been in office. ... But it was still one of the highest rates in the nation. The national jobless rate for May was 9.1 percent. Florida's April rate, though, was the state's lowest in 19 months." "Florida's May unemployment rate to be released".

"Like something written by Sophocles"

"Palm Beach County Democratic Chairman Mark Alan Siegel, who invited U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner to be the keynote speaker for the local party's annual fund-raising dinner last fall, compared the New York Democrat's sexting-induced downfall to something written by Sophocles or Euripides. ... Members of Palm Beach County's congressional delegation expressed relief at Weiner's departure." "Greek tragedy or not, Weiner's resignation a relief for Palm Beach County congressmen".

"He walked out of chambers and never returned"

"On Wednesday, at Hollywood City Commission weekly meeting, Benson’s crumbling relationship with the commission finally collapsed under the weight of sharply worded questions from an, at times, angry Mayor Peter Bober over how the city ended up $10.3 million in the hole and was forced to lay off 31 workers this week."

Bober asked for Benson’s resignation, to which Benson replied, in effect, I’ll think about it and let you know.

He walked out of the chambers and never returned, sending back word through the City Attorney that he was stepping down from his $205,000-a-year position.

"Debbie Wasserman Schultz a gaffe-prone attack dog"?

"In Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Republicans say they see a gaffe-prone attack dog emerging. Democrats say that, a few missteps aside, the Florida congresswoman is growing into her role well, galvanizing fundraising and pumping up the party's liberal base. How well and how quickly Wasserman Schultz adjusts to her new position will be an important factor in President Barack Obama's re-election effort." "Democrats, GOP both happy with new DNC chairwoman".

A former Sansom staffer has also been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in Pensacola on June 21.

The FBI and IRS have long been looking at aspects of Sansom's political life, which crashed just as he was taking the reins as speaker in 2008. Sansom had taken an unadvertised $110,000 job at a Panhandle college, exposing questions about millions of dollars he inserted into the budget for the school. He faced state charges for a $6 million appropriation that a developer friend wanted to use for his private jet business. The case was dropped midtrial in March, with the prosecutor saying he could not proceed due to a judge limiting key witness testimony. Sansom insisted he did nothing wrong.

"'Pathetic attempt' by West's allies to smear Frankel"

"A conservative group wants the Federal Election Commission to look into how former West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel's Democratic congressional campaign raised $254,605 in March while reporting only $706 in start-up expenditures."

Frankel, one of two Democrats hoping to unseat freshman U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, signed her campaign statement of organization on March 21. The complaint says the FEC should determine why her report covering activity through March 31 didn't list expenditures for her consultant and items such as a campaign phone, registering as a corporation, registering a domain name and renting a post office box.

Frankel consultant Brian Smoot said he didn't submit a bill for his services during his first two weeks on the job. He called the complaint a "pathetic attempt" by West's allies to smear Frankel.

"Allen West and his campaign funders are already attacking Lois Frankel. That's a good indication they are scared and desperate," Smoot said. "Lois' campaign was only a couple weeks old during that reporting period and the campaign pays all its bills and reports them."

"Hispanic voting muscle and TV viewership"

"Spanish-language television news is meeting a surge in Hispanic voting muscle and viewership with greatly expanded domestic coverage this year, just in time for the 2012 election season. Industry experts say the growth could affect next year's election by increasing awareness of political issues among U.S. Spanish speakers and by encouraging more to vote in a population whose participation has lagged others." "Spanish TV news expands as 2012 election nears".

Perhaps it wasn't the fault of employees wages after all

"City Manager Cameron Benson resigned on Wednesday night after Mayor Peter Bober accused him earlier in the day of bungling the city's finances and called for his ouster." "Hollywood city manager quits after Mayor Bober seeks his ouster". See also "Hollywood city manager quits amid budget woes".

Mica's 'Dirty Water Bill'

"Rep. Jon Mica, R-Tampa, has introduced the 'Clean Water for Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011' (.pdf), a bill that aims to 'amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes.' In other words, Mica’s bill would rewrite the Clean Water Act — removing the EPA’s authority to object to state-approved permits and revise state water quality standards." "Mica introduces act dubbed a 'Dirty Water Bill' by conservation advocate".

Floridians "Aging in Place, Stuck without Options"

Via Florida Public Interest Group (PIRG): "The first baby boomers turn 65 years old this year and are in danger of being unable to get around. The largest generation in history, Boomers, are also the most dependent on automobile travel. Yet, by 2015, many seniors in Florida, ages 65 and older, will live in communities with poor options for people who do not drive, according to a new report. Aging in Place, Stuck without Options outlines a number of policy recommendations:"

- Increase funding for improved service such as buses, trains, vanpools, paratransit and ridesharing;

- Provide funding and incentives for innovative practices among transit operators, nonprofit organizations, and local communities to serve seniors;

- Encourage state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, and transit operators to involve seniors and the community stakeholders in developing plans for meeting the mobility needs of older adults;

- Ensure that state departments of transportation retain their authority to “flex” a portion of highway funds for transit projects and programs;

- Include a “complete streets” policy to ensure that streets and intersections around transit stops are safe and inviting for seniors.

Associated Industries of Florida poodle

"State Rep. Pat Rooney Jr., R-Palm Beach Gardens, was the only Palm Beach County legislator among 33 state House members who got a 100 percent rating on business votes as scored by Associated Industries of Florida in new rankings for 2011" "State Rep. Pat Rooney gets perfect score from business group".

U.S. Senate candidate financial disclosures

"As required by law, Florida Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio each disclosed a summary of their assets and liabilities. ... Republican U.S. Senate candidates Adam Hasner, Mike Haridopolos and George LeMieux all asked for — and were granted — filing extensions." "Rubio, Nelson disclose personal finances".

Never mind

"Light rail snub was a mistake, says St. Petersburg official".

Senator's aide has records subpoenaed

"A federal grand jury in Tampa last month issued a subpoena for employment records of the legislative aide to state Sen. Jim Norman." "Grand jury subpoenas employment records of state Sen. Jim Norman's aide". See also "Report: Federal grand jury asks for employment records of legislative aide".

SBA considering investment policy changes

"The State Board of Administration is considering changes in Florida's investment policy in light of a new public employee pension law that includes benefit reductions. The panel chaired by Gov. Rick Scott meets Thursday." "Panel considers Florida investment policy update".

DEP second thoughts

"The Department of Environmental Protection is holding workshops this week on developing numeric nutrient criteria, which are limits for nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways. But the state says it is reconsidering moving forward after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declined to act on DEP's request to withdraw federal standards that would take effect in March 2012." "DEP says it's reconsidering action on water standards".

Sen. Joe Negron Teabaggin'

"To balance the testimony that is being given at a series of public meetings around the state on an aggressive Medicaid overhaul Sen. Joe Negron is encouraging the Tea Party to show up at the meetings."

In a conference call with the James Madison Institute on Wednesday Negron said there hadn’t been a lot of testimony from “our side” and that the public meetings have been dominated by people who oppose the overhaul of Medicaid passed this year by legislators.

Negron, R-Stuart and one of the architects of the Medicaid overhaul passed by legislators, said the hearings aren't including people who pay for their own health care and who are interested in what their tax dollars are being used for.

"It tends to be the groups that oppose what we are doing and who have the time, the energy and organization to show up during the day while a lot of people are working and doing other things,'' Negron said.

Negron made the comments in response to a question from "John" who said he wasn’t formally affiliated with any group but supports a Tea Party group in the Tampa area. The caller asked Negron what could be done to combat any misinformation about the Medicaid overhaul that is being circulated.

"Have some people show up and say, "Look, we appreciate what the Legislature’s doing. We want to take care of people but we want to do it in a fair way,'" Negron said. "If people like you don’t show up then you get headlines for scare tactics and that does occur."

Negron took issue with a Palm Beach Post story with a "granny dumping" headline, an expression that has been used by elder care attorneys at a variety of meetings across the state.

Scott defends his actions

"Scott defends actions to state's citrus growers".

FCAT follies

"The Department of Education has asked 14 school districts to look into a high level of erasures on the state's high-stakes test. This past spring Florida hired a company to help analyze FCAT results." "Fourteen school districts asked to investigate possible FCAT cheating".

Florida tax revenues increased by 6% in 4Q

The Daytona Beach News Journal editors: "Ideology seemed to be the driving force in the recent debate over the Florida budget, as those who favor a more active government (mostly Democrats and their allies) squared off against those who think government should play a more limited role in the lives of Floridians (mostly Republicans and their supporters)."

Here's a number that highlights the state's predicament: 18 percent. According to an analysis by the Associated Press, Florida's tax revenue is 18 percent below 2007 levels. Only one other state, Nevada, is in worse shape, but not by much -- Nevada's tax take is 19 percent below the 2007 numbers.

So expect more fierce battles over the budget next year in Tallahassee. Perhaps the squabbling won't be quite as intense as this year's face-off over cuts in pension benefits for state employees. But in politics, a rising tide -- of tax revenue -- does lift all boats. Lawmakers from both parties would much rather distribute money to various interests than take it away.

Meanwhile, poor kids pick oranges

"Tuition to Increase at Florida Universities".

Rivera laff riot

"Republicans turned to Florida freshman Congressman David Rivera on Tuesday to respond to a jobs speech that President Barack Obama made the day before in North Carolina." "David Rivera Calls Out Obama on Jobs Plan". And what a fine spokesman Mr. Rivera is; recall: "David Rivera discloses $137,000 in loans for slots campaign" ("Rivera said he received the loans from his mother's marketing company -- the same company under investigation for money it received from Flagler Dog Track owners for its pro-slots campaign.")

Romney in town

"Romney talking economy in Tampa on Thursday".

"Jeb!" gets his usual media pass

Jebbie's PR machine, together with an ever compliant press corps, result in a stream of puff pieces like this: "Jeb Bush: Michigan governor on right education track". Never mentioned in these stories is the Jebbie's legacy of failure on the education front.

Ricky's jobs

"The budget eliminates 4,500 state worker positions, about 2,000 of which are filled. Other hard-hit agencies include the departments of Children and Families and Juvenile Justice. This isn't the first round of cuts at the Corrections Department, which has 28,000 employees, and it won't be the last. " "Department of Corrections cuts 111 Tallahassee jobs".

Rubio embarrasses himself

"His maiden speech in the U.S. Senate behind him, rising Republican [Teabagger] star Marco Rubio took off the gloves Wednesday, tearing into President Barack Obama’s record on the abysmal economy [Bush left President Obama]." "The Gloves Come Off: Marco Rubio Pounds Barack Obama".

Medicaid fraud

"Family planning opt-out in Medicaid overhaul comes up at West Palm Beach public meeting". See also "Medicaid town hall in Jacksonville reveals lingering concerns with Reform Pilot program".

Not dead yet

Travis Pillow writes that "growth management may not be dead, but it could use your help. The policy changes were reinforced yesterday as Scott signed a government reorganization bill that consolidates much of the state’s erstwhile planning agency, the Department of Community Affairs, into a new Department of Economic Opportunity." "We’re all growth managers now".

West gets his gay hate on

"Heard on the Hill: West Intern Fired Over Retweet". See also "West fires intern for 'unauthorized' pro-gay tweet".

Vern talks big

"From New Perch, Vern Buchanan Vows to Help Repeal Obamacare".

"Neglected to Death"

"Florida health administrators are slashing hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars to a troubled Tampa Bay assisted living facility chain in a move that could jeopardize the homes' ability to keep their doors open." "Troubled Tampa Bay assisted living facility chain to lose state Medicaid funding".

"To make Boss Tweed wince"

Bill Cotterell: "The former state legislator and ex-Public Service Commission member is back in the news with a long, long commentary published by her hometown paper, the Citrus County Chronicle, which she also sent to other papers around the state".

In it, she recounts the deal-making — always fueled by campaign contributions, and sometimes by no-show outside jobs for legislators — that she saw in more than 16 years around the Capitol. ...

Her Brooklyn-bred pugnacity sometimes got her in trouble. She once sent a bale of cow manure to a lobbyist who offended her, drawing an admonition from the speaker's office. She balked at giving up a legislative pay raise, proclaiming on the House floor, "I don't want to be a bag lady." Unlike almost all her colleagues, she was a full-time legislator, with no law practice or wealthy spouse to fall back on.

Chairing the Senate Governmental Operations Committee, she aggressively investigated some of then-Gov. Jeb Bush's big privatization initiatives. She exposed not only the built-in cost escalators of some contracts, which could make privatized work cost more, but also the campaign contributions flowing from companies getting the contracts.

Although she's a Republican, Argenziano endorsed Democrat Alex Sink for governor last year. It's not that she likes the other party better, or thinks Democrats are honest; it's just that the party in power always has more opportunities for corruption. And corruption is not only what's illegal; to Argenziano, it includes what's legal, and shouldn't be. ...

On the radio Wednesday, she talked about being summoned to Orlando to go over committee assignments with a new House speaker. She thought she was being consulted; instead, the leaders were contacting lobbyists to make sure it was all right to name this chairman or that council chief, to put this member on one committee or that one on another, following the wishes of companies that write checks to the parties' campaign funds.

In her column, Argenziano tells of a legislative milieu that would make Boss Tweed wince.

More from the "values" crowd

"Manatee considers cutting animal adoption programs"

JQC prosecutor responds to alleged Bushco "stooge"

"With a dash of Shakespeare and sharp rebukes on procedure, Wally Pope, the Judicial Qualifications Commission's prosecutor against 1st District Court of Appeal Judge Paul Hawkes, responded in kind to motions to dismiss the charges and disqualify him from the case."

Hawkes, charged with judicial misconduct related to the 1st DCA's new $48-million courthouse in southeast Tallahassee, slammed Pope and the JQC in court filings last week and Tuesday. His lawyer called Pope's actions a "disgrace" and said he was politically biased in the motions.

Today, Pope, a Clearwater lawyer hired by the JQC as special counsel, fired back. His filing with the Florida Supreme Court begins with a paraphrase from "Hamlet": "The (judge) doth protest too much, methinks." ...

"A basic tenet running throughout the common law, something that every law student learns on the first day of civil procedure class, is that factual disputes are not decided on motions to dismiss, or even on motions for summary judgment," Pope wrote. "Such disputes may be resolved only by the presentation of evidence to the JQC Hearing Panel, where Judge Hawkes will have the opportunity to present his own evidence and he will be afforded an opportunity for cross examination of all JQC witnesses by his able counsel."

Scott's jobs charade

"A day after signing a massive bill that creates a new state economic-development agency and shreds an existing growth-management agency, Gov. Rick Scott recounted efforts to attract Canadian companies to expand or relocate in Florida." "Law streamlines economic efforts". See also "Scott Stays Laser-Focused on Economic Development". Related: "Governor takes credit for creating jobs -- that were in the works".

Kevin White arrested

"Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White, arrested on federal bribery charges Wednesday, was granted $25,000 bail at a bond hearing. Investigators say he took bribes in exchange for influence in getting tow truck permits." "White indicted on bribery charges".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Stain left by White spreads".

Florida's wildfire heroes to get another pay cut

"A deep drought and tardy rainy season have extended the wildfire threat". "Smoke, haze signs of still-hot wildfire season".

For 15 years, Scott Dees, 47, a ranger for the state Division of Forestry "has battled the fires that ravage Florida during droughts. Like others in his line of work, he knows that quick-moving fires can kill. And he knows that every time he leaves home, there's a chance he may never see it again."

Despite the risks, the rangers continue to put on their fire-retardant gear and leather boots and go into harm's way. ...

Fighting a wildfire is much different from quenching a structure fire.

"It's a totally different animal," said Timber Weller, a Division of Forestry information officer who educates groups about preventing forest fires. Weller has worked for the division for more than 20 years.

For a structure fire, it's "surround and drown," Weller said, meaning that firefighters surround a building and douse it with water.

The scale of a wildfire makes that nearly impossible. An afternoon sprinkle won't stop a wildfire — and the lightning that often accompanies storms can start new fires. Only several days of rain will have much effect.

To battle wildfires, the Division of Forestry rangers bulldoze paths called fire lines or fire breaks. The idea is to confine the fire to a section of the forest and let it burn. Once all of the vegetation is burned, the fire will cool and eventually go out.

But wind can cause fire to "jump" a line. When that occurs, the rangers have to create a new line.

As Dees puts it, there's only one way to put out a fire: "You have to get in front of it."

Dees, who is from the Panhandle town of Clarksville, is one of the men who drive the bulldozers. He has thick forearms, a graying beard and a bit of a twang. He's a straight-talker. He has been closer to wildfires than he likes.

"If you like adrenaline, it's a pretty good high," Dees said.

He doesn't like the rush, however. Trying to be a hero or taking unnecessary risks isn't what fighting wildfires is about, he said. It's about saving lives, protecting property and keeping the destruction of forests to a minimum.

"Common sense goes a long way," Dees said. "You never want to go in there and try to showboat."

But no matter how careful a ranger is, disaster can strike.

Weller knows the daily dangers of battling wildfires. In 1993, while fighting a blaze in Putnam County, less than two miles from his home, a quick-moving fire surrounded him.

"The woods exploded," he recalled.

The moment he realized the fire would consume him, Weller held his breath. By the time he exhaled, the fire had raced by. Seventy percent of his body was burned, and doctors didn't give him much of a chance to live.

"Heaven didn't want me, and hell didn't want me to put out the fires," Weller said.

Much of his face and arms are still scarred.

Besides the dangerous working conditions, many rangers also must deal with how fires affect their personal lives.

Dees and the others miss birthdays and anniversaries because they're called to duty. Vacations, which are sometimes planned months in advance, are canceled at the last minute. Many are away from home for days, sometimes weeks, while they fight fires.

Congressional GOPers gut 'Glades cash

"Everglades restoration fell victim to the budget ax on Wednesday when the House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would slice $32.7 million from President Barack Obama's spending request for next fiscal year." "Everglades restoration takes big budget hit".

They accused GOP legislative leaders of stalling the process to protect Republican incumbents threatened by the amendments, which will limit their ability to draw districts for partisan advantage.

"If people don't know what district they're in, how can they gather funds to run for office? How can they educate voters on what they stand for?" said Deirdre McNab of the League of Women Voters. "There is only one group that wins when this kind of situation occurs, and that is the incumbents."

But legislative redistricting leaders denied there's a problem.

"A risky game of chicken"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Public health, tourism and the environment in Florida suffered a major loss this week when the federal government put the protection of state waters back into the hands of the very people who have polluted them — big business and its enablers in Tallahassee."

In a letter to the state, the Environmental Protection Agency dropped its effort to adopt clean water standards for Florida following 13 years of foot-dragging by state officials.

Either way, it's a risky game of chicken with a governor and a state Legislature that have shown no regard for the environment and clean water.

Firefighter pay cuts just weeks away

"Central Florida fire officials continue to battle a 1,200-acre wildfire that has already destroyed dozens of structures." "Wildfire continues to burn in central Florida". See also "As drought continues, firefighters battle fires".

Meanwhile, "A new report suggests government union benefits won't be bankrupting states, after all". "Public sector pension funds: Not dead yet".

And then there's this: "The pay gap between public-sector and private-sector jobs is not only true in Iowa and Wisconsin but also seems to be true nationwide." "Underworked and overpaid? NOT TRUE".

Bogdanoff wins Chamber lapdog award

"Lauderdale's Bogdanoff named Chamber's MVP".

"Hawkes a 'stooge' appointed by Jeb Bush"

"F. Wallace Pope Jr., the Clearwater lawyer who is prosecuting 1st District Court Judge Paul M. Hawkes for misconduct, viewed Hawkes as a 'stooge' appointed by Jeb Bush because he thought the governor hated judges, lawyers and the courts."

That's the accusation filed Tuesday with the Florida Supreme Court in an effort to get Pope removed from the case. Hawkes bolstered his accusation with exerpts of transcripts made in November as Pope questioned potential witnesses in the Judicial Qualifications Commission case.

Ken Sukhia, the Tallahassee lawyer who represents Hawkes, filed a 65-page motion accusing Pope of having a political and personal bias against Hawkes and the governor who appointed him.

That bias "has tainted this entire proceeding and destroyed his ability to perform his duty as the prosecutor and legal representative of the commission without valid suspicion and skepticism as to his fairness and the propriety of his actions,'' Sukhia contends.

Ricky guts unemployment benefits

"Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday signed a bill that will cut unemployment benefits to as few as 12 weeks for Florida residents ... HR 7005 was supported by business groups and Republicans in the state Legislature. The bill also would treat worker misbehavior -- even outside the workplace -- as grounds for denying unemployment benefits." "Scott reduces jobless benefits".

"Extremism in Florida: The Dark Side of the Sunshine State"

"Central Florida — home of family-friendly theme parks, cultural diversity and, of course, sunshine — has an uglier side, too. The Anti-Defamation Leaguehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif on Tuesday released a report called 'Extremism in Florida: The Dark Side of the Sunshine State [.pdf],' that singles out several Orlando-area communities. ... The report, the defense league's third since 2006, singled out several Central Florida groups and individuals.They are:"

•Florida Kavallerie Brigade, which the report says has ties to the state chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. The founder lives in St. Cloud and describes himself as a coordinator for Aryan Nations, according to the report.

•Confederate Hammerskins, led in Florida by an Orlando man. The group has hosted white-power music festivals and Hitler birthday party. Last year, there was a "Fourth Fest" on July 3 in Central Florida. Its 2009 St. Patrick's Day celebration was held in Orlando.

•American Front, whose Florida presence is centered in Orlando and has members in Cocoa, Winter Park, St. Cloud and Satsuma. A St. Cloud member pleaded guilty last year to vandalizing a synagogue in Norfolk., Va.

•American Rights Litigators of Mount Dora, a tax-protest group that the report says sold fraudulent tax-evasion strategies.

•Revolution Muslim, which the report says was founded by a Brevard County native.

•The now-defunct Christian Guard, which hosted a gathering in Polk County two years ago.

•Florida Free Militia, which the report says has trained people in Ocala.

•James Elkins, a Fruitland Park police officer who resigned in 2009 while being investigated on suspicion of being a leader of Klan group.

Musical chairs

"Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill Tuesday creating a new state agency. SB 2156 was a priority of Scott's and creates the Department of Economic Opportunity." "Gov. Rick Scott signs bill creating new state agency". See also "Scott signs law he says he needs to start bringing jobs to Florida". Related: "Growth Management Agency Prepares to Close".

Mitt in town

"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is making his first visit to Florida as a declared 2012 presidential candidate. " "Romney's first 2012 campaign visit to Florida makes Boca Raton its first stop".

RPOPer changes "aimed directly at discouraging Florida's black voters"

"The Legislature's recent changes to Florida's elections law were so massive and controversial, it would be ironic if the overhaul came tumbling down because of one slightly obscure overstep. Here's hoping that's the case."

The overstep, pointed out Sunday in a story by the Herald-Tribune's Lloyd Dunkelberger, was the Legislature's decision to disallow early voting on the Sunday before an election that features state or federal races.

That tweak might not seem like much, against the backdrop of the numerous and damaging changes imposed by the new law — such as tougher restrictions on voter registration, a severe reduction of the early-voting period, and limitations aimed at young and absentee voters.

Yet, the final-Sunday voting ban should be a red flag to the U.S. Department of Justice, which, under the federal Voting Rights Act and because of the state's history of racial discrimination, must review any changes to Florida election laws.

The Sunday ban — as well as other changes affecting early voting — appears to be aimed directly at discouraging Florida's black voters.

"Lawmakers acted as if teachers needed a boot in the face"

The Tampa Tribune editors: "The surest way to destroy a state's economic competiveness is to destroy its education system."

Without an educated workforce, a state is never going to attract — or keep — high-paying jobs.

But Florida's educators look to be fleeing the field, a trend unlikely to put the state high on the list for corporate relocations, at least for corporations that care anything about smart, reliable workers. ...

[M]any teachers report they are fed up with the political attacks from Tallahassee, where Gov. Rick Scott and leaders of the Florida Legislature have made little secret of their contempt for the public school establishment. ...

Teachers' opinions were scarcely considered as lawmakers did as they pleased. ...

Veteran and young teachers alike are demoralized. Many are ready to give up. ...

Yet rather than affording teachers a modicum of respect, listening to their views and taking the time to address their concerns, lawmakers acted as if teachers needed a boot in the face.

Tallahassee honchos should not be surprised if educators, responsible for building the foundation of our economy, no longer feel much enthusiasm for the critical task.

"FlaDem bench has less depth than a rain puddle"

Scott Maxwell: "Democrats convened in South Florida last weekend, downright giddy about their prospects for next year. With Rick Scott less popular than a hangnail, they're convinced 2012 will be a banner year. But here's the thing: You can't beat someone with no one. And right now, the Democratic bench has less depth than a rain puddle." "Democrats are desperate for political candidates with pizazz".

Citrus Commission blues

"The Florida Citrus Commission is meeting for the first time since being dealt two major losses by Gov. Rick Scott and the state legislature. Meeting Wednesday afternoon in Bonita Springs, the commission has to figure out how to compensate for the loss of a $2 million appropriation for citrus greening research that was vetoed by Scott in the 2011-2012 state budget. Most in the industry also are unsettled by legislation pushed through at the end of the spring session that shrinks and restructures the citrus commission." "Fla. citrus industry deals with losses".

"If you're looking for bigger, more concrete job numbers"

Frank Cerabino: "Big news on the jobs creation front. Gov. Rick Scott has taken his charm offensive to Canada this month for a whirlwind tour that has netted amazing results for Florida. At least according to him."

If you're looking for some bigger, and more concrete numbers, consider this list:

Angstrom Graphics, in Hollywood (161 jobs); Hometown America, in various state locations (182 jobs); Brandon Honda in Tampa (94 jobs); Emeril's restaurant in Miami Beach (62 jobs); Kaplan University in Fort Lauderdale (137 jobs).

These were the layoffs announced by Florida companies during the week that Scott was on his Canadian victory tour.

Fl-oil-duh

"How much did Florida lose in sales tax and other revenue due to last year's Gulf of Mexico oil spill?State economists will try to answer that question Wednesday." "Economists looking at Fla. oil spill tax losses".

Same old song and dance

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Florida needs Congress to approve trade pacts".

Never mind the race thing

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The state's how-to guide lists multiple legitimate reasons for creating charter schools. Among them are specialized curriculum, dropout prevention and innovative teaching. Today, however, possible racial motivation is the elephant in the room as the Palm Beach County School Board discusses the wish by parents in the Canyon area neighborhoods west of Boynton Beach to start a charter school as an alternative to sending their children to Odyssey Middle School. Parents whom Post reporters interviewed deny that they don't want their children to attend a school with lots of minority students." "First, sort out the race issue".

"Jeb!" takes failed education hackery to Michigan

"Jeb Bush to testify on education changes Wednesday".

Florida's "granny dumping bonus"

"A little-known incentive buried in Florida's new Medicaid reform law will reward health plans for cutting numbers of seniors in nursing homes, several speakers said during a highly charged hearing on the law Tuesday. Calling it the 'granny dumping bonus,' elder law attorney Ellen Morris warned that the law could result in eviction of seniors from nursing home care after 2012." "Lawyers warn of 'Granny dumping' at Medicaid hearing". Related: "Medicaid town hall in Jacksonville reveals lingering concerns with Reform Pilot program".

Editorial "balance" convulsion

Ignoring the GOP's sitting on the sidelines about Senators Vitter and Ensign, The Palm Beach Post editorial board, in an editorial "balance" convulsion, writes that "U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, is the newest member of the Washington Hypocrisy Club. ... for five long days last week after Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., admitted to similar behavior with women and perhaps girls, Rep. Wasserman Schultz bobbed and weaved. She called it a 'personal matter.' Not until late Saturday afternoon did she make a big show of calling for Rep. Weiner to resign." "Top Dem's double standard". Related: "Palm Beach County Democratic Chairman Mark Siegel says Weiner should quit".

The Brothers Diaz de la Portilla

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Earlier this month, the IG’s office criticized one of the School Board’s own: Renier Diaz de la Portilla. Investigators said that Mr. Diaz de la Portilla violated School Board rules and procurement procedures in sending out a mailer to Republican voters in 2009. The mailer, which contained a letter, a survey on educational issues and a return envelope, went mostly to Republican voters in state Senate District 36, where his brother Miguel was looking to run for the seat. Precious few of the mailers, the IG says, went to constituents who lived in Renier Diaz de la Portilla’s district."

Though not an obvious Senate-campaign mailer, the IG was right to investigate whether it was sent with political intent. That’s his job. In addition, the probe found that Mr. Diaz de la Portilla did not use an approved school district vendor in producing the mailer; by divvying up the cost — about $23,000 — into four payments, the IG says, he skirted the rule that three bids must be solicited for purchases over $6,000.

Maybe the real question lurked in the subtext: "Don’t you think I’m great, even though you’ll have to settle for my brother Miguel?"

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"The Republican presidential primary campaign of Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota has a key Tampa connection — the campaign treasurer is Tampa accountant Nancy Watkins. Watkins, along with her husband Robert Watkins, operates the Robert Watkins & Co. accounting firm in South Tampa. She has a nationwide reputation as an expert in campaign finance law. Both are longtime, high-level fundraisers for Republican Party organizations and candidates, including the Bush brothers. Nancy Watkins has served as treasurer for dozens of Republican campaigns and political organizations in Florida and nationwide." "Tampa resident is treasurer for Rep. Bachmann".

"Obama courting Puerto Ricans"

"Obama courting Puerto Ricans at home and abroad". See also "Central Florida Puerto Ricans have front-row seat for Obama's visit to island" and "Florida's Puerto Ricans ponder Obama's rare presidential trip to their home island".

While we're at it ...

"Welfare applicants who fail a new mandatory drug test might not only lose their claim to government assistance — they may also be investigated for child abuse. That's according to a draft of a state agency's rules for implementing the new drug screening law, which takes effect July 1." "Welfare test's effects feared". Related: "Drugs, Costs for Welfare Screenings: DCF Releases List".

"I was defrauded"

"On an elegant street in the capital city, an ugly legal dispute is playing out between a powerhouse lobbyist and a well-known author who are also next-door neighbors. Brian Ballard, the lobbyist, fundraiser and confidante to governors, is being sued by the buyer of his former home. Novelist Jeffrey Shaara claims Ballard never told him the house had extensive wood rot."

Shaara is the author of a series of historical novels based around the American Revolution, Civil War, World War I and World War II. His website notes he is the only author to be twice honored by the American Library Association for excellence in military fiction.

Ballard has been a major fundraiser or close advisor to the past four Republican governors, including Rick Scott. He and Kathryn also served as co-chairs of Scott's inaugural celebration.

Ballard has more powerhouse clients than any lobbyist in the state Capitol. His 91 current clients include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Florida Power & Light, the New York Yankees, U.S. Sugar Corp. and Verizon.

Last week, Ballard announced that he and his father-in-law and lobbying partner, Jim Smith, will soon be parting ways after 16 years, with the new firm to be called Ballard Partners.

Smith, a former state attorney general and secretary of state, is the father of Kathryn Ballard.

Robaina corruption probe

"After ex-rapper and former candidate Luther Campbell endorsed Julio Robaina for Miami-Dade mayor last week, Campbell suggested in an interview that Robaina had promised to offer one of Campbell’s friends a job at County Hall — a no-no under state law."

Robaina’s campaign dismissed the notion that a deal had been cut, and Campbell himself said Monday that he does not think Robaina made any commitments to hire Pierre Rutledge, the operations director of the Miami-Dade school district.

But Campbell’s comments to the Miami New Times, where he writes a column, raised eyebrows in political circles — and led to a complaint against Robaina being filed with the Miami-Dade state attorney’s office.

State law stipulates that candidates be disqualified to hold office if they promise to appoint anyone to a position if elected.

Campbell told New Times that he asked Robaina and his opponent, Carlos Gimenez, if they would put someone Campbell trusts — such as Rutledge — in a position to handle economic development and other issues affecting African-American neighborhoods.

"Robaina was on board," the New Times quoted Campbell as saying. "Gimenez wavered."

Federal dollars roll into Jax ... Ricky mum

"Led by Ander Crenshaw, House sends money for new planes at NAS Jax and readies Mayport for nuclear carrier". "U.S. House to Ship $51 Million to First Coast Naval Bases".

Do boys only need apply

"The Florida Public Service Commission may be without an official executive director until the fall, but the search to find a replacement for Tim Devlin is taking shape. An advertisement for the job has yielded more than 80 applicants." "PSC Looking, Looking for New Director".

A real yawner from Rubio

"U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio delivered his first speech on the Senate floor Tuesday, tying the nation's immigrant past with his own and calling for a 'new American century.'" "Rubio gives first Senate speech".

Well ... now that the cat's outa the bag

"After years of failing to crack down on abuse and neglect in homes for the elderly and disabled, the state agency that regulates assisted living facilities quietly imposed sanctions and $125,000 in fines on 46 of the worst abusers in May in response to an investigation by The Miami Herald." "After years of lax regulation, state finally cracks down on ALFs".

"Dreary recovery"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "The Great Recession may long be remembered not because of its severity or its length but because of the dreary recovery that followed." "Home prices show recovery staggering on".

Sink said she is involved now with other ventures, including her work setting up a nonprofit policy organization. But she didn’t rule out a rematch with Scott, who edged her by less than 62,000 votes in a contentious 2010 election in which the former CFO ran into the strong national winds blowing against Democrats.

"When the time comes, a couple of years from now, I’ll evaluate the race," Sink said.

But some Democrats are still skeptical of re-running Sink, whose husband, Bill McBride, also lost to Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002.

"I’m not sure, because we’ve heard the McBride story and we’ve heard the Sink story, and neither one of them sold," said Jon Ausman, a suspended member of the Florida Democratic Party’s executive committee.

A current and a former lawmaker are also getting mentioned: former Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach and Sen. Jeremy Ring of Margate. Neither ruled out the chance of taking on Scott in 2014, though both also stressed the three years between now and the next election.

The Week Ahead

"The Week Ahead for June 13-June 17".

"Press having a field day lampooning Scott"

"It's too easy to punch holes in Gov. Rick Scott's economic storytelling about creating jobs in Florida."

Most of the state's press is having a field day lampooning Scott for taking credit for recent meager jobs relocations or expansions in Florida when, quite often, these deals were cut well before he took office.

Don't count him out yet.

For sure, Scott's jobs announcements from last week's Canada trade mission did not earn him credibility points.

While such incremental employment gains get the spotlight, cuts of far larger and, in some cases, higher wage jobs were unveiled this month at Angstrom Graphics (161 jobs cut) in Hollywood, Brandon Honda (94 jobs cut) in Tampa, and Kaplan University (137 jobs cut) in Fort Lauderdale, among others.

Scott's campaign promise of 700,000 jobs in seven years may happen. But it won't send much of a prosperity message if many thousands of better-paying Florida jobs end up lost in the same period.

Florida votes and campaign cash for Obama

"President Obama kicks his re-election campaign into high-gear with three Miami fundraisers. The big question: Will Florida give him enough votes as well as campaign cash to win in 2012?" "Obama fires up supporters at Arsht Center rally". Related: "Obama faces economic doubts in South Florida" and "Obama fundraiser underwhelms".

From the "values" crowd

"1,300 Hollywood workers get pay cuts; 31 lose jobs". See also "Manatee school district weighs deeper pay cuts" and "City poised to slash salaries 10 percent".

Bennett flip flops, won't challenge Castor

"Florida state Sen. Mike Bennett says his 'fire in the belly' to run for Congress has turned into something else after testing the waters. Bennett says what he's feeling, instead, is 'heartburn over constant fundraising, travel and the other demands of running for federal office.' The Bradenton Republican on Monday announced he's no longer interested in the job." "State Sen. Bennett won't run against Kathy Castor for Congress". See also "Bennett drops bid for U.S. Congress" and "State Sen. Mike Bennett scraps congressional bid".

"Jeb!" gives himself an "A"

In his annual convulsion of hubris, "Jeb Bush's annual legislative 'report card' still has most Democrats wearing dunce caps and Republicans getting gold stars."

Bush's Foundation for Florida's Future issued the legislative grades Monday.

The grades are based on how legislators voted on education measures favored by Bush, a Republican.

They include a new law that eliminates tenure for new teachers. It also calls for merit pay that rewards teachers based heavily on student test results. ...

Most other Democrats got F's while nearly all Republican's got A's.

As we cut state trooper salaries ...

"This year, 13 groups (.pdf) will each receive a $150,000 grant from Florida’s Department of Health for the state’s abstinence education program." "Department of Health awards almost $2 million in abstinence education grants".

Ricky finds religion

"The conservative Family Research Council is claiming that Gov. Rick Scott will declare Aug. 6 a day of prayer, following in the footsteps of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who is putting on a massive 'prayer and fasting' event being held at a Houston stadium that same day." "Family Research Council, Texas governor say Scott will declare Aug. 6 day of prayer (Updated)".

Vern returns contributions, gets a pass

"The Federal Election Commission has closed its case against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and will take no action against the Sarasota Republican over allegations he knowingly accepted illegal campaign contributions."

However, "this matter is still open with respect to other respondents,'' the FEC said, which means that Buchanan's campaign committee and some of his car dealerships could still be subject to action.

In 2008, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, and Carlo Bell, former finance manager for Buchanan's Venice Nissan Dodge, filed a complaint alleging that Bell and other employees had been illegally reimbursed in 2005 for contributing $1,000 each to Buchanan's first congressional campaign.

The FEC's investigation broadened to include allegations that employees of a Jacksonville dealership in which Buchanan was then part owner also were improperly reimbursed.

RPOFer debate "could be an embarrassing flop"

"It's time to raise the possibility that 'Presidency 5' — the Republican Party of Florida's Sept. 22-24 weekend featuring a nationally televised debate, every major Republican presidential contender and a nonbinding presidential preference vote by 3,500 Florida Republican activists — could be an embarrassing flop." "So far, no contenders commit to join Florida GOP's shindig".

TeaBagger summer school

The Komsomol has nuthin' on these folks: "Here's another option now that the kids are out of school: a weeklong seminar about our nation's founding principles, courtesy of the Tampa 912 Project."

The organization, which falls under the tea party umbrella, hopes to introduce kids ages 8 to 12 to principles that include "America is good," "I believe in God," and "I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable."

Organized by conservative writer Jeff Lukens and staffed by volunteers from the 912 Project, Tampa Liberty School will meet every morning July 11-15 in borrowed space at the Paideia Christian school in Temple Terrace.

Hasner insists he's a wingnut

"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner is working hard to cast his Republican rivals, George LeMieux and Mike Haridopolos, as too moderate or liberal for Republican primary voters. " "Senate hopeful Hasner says he's no moderate Republican".

Florida wants to write its own pollution rules

"The uproar over a federal effort to force Florida to clean up its rivers and lakes kicks up a notch this week as state officials air their strategy to avoid the controversial pollution regulations by writing a new set of their own." "Florida hopes to block new federal water-pollution rules by rewriting its own". See also "EPA will wait for Florida to adopt pollution limits before withdrawing federal standards".

The sorry state of higher education

"Florida's among the top ten nationally for college-educated legislators".

"Florida's growth rate has dropped sharply"

"A University of Florida study shows that while Florida had one of the leading growth rates in the nation in the last 10 years that rate has slowed down considerably." "Florida's growth rate has dropped sharply during Great Recession".

Entrepreneurs in action

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "Newly disclosed documents from a Georgia lawsuit show that major online hotel booking services have systemically schemed since at least 2004 to avoid paying full sales and bed taxes in Florida and across the country. Earlier this year, those companies almost succeeded in duping the Florida Legislature into legitimizing the practice." "Bring tax cheats to justice".

Rubio speaks

"Marco Rubio to give first speech from Senate floor".

Lookin' for Ricky's jobs

"Florida employers expect to hire at a steady pace in the next three months but the state's employment outlook is one of the weakest in the nation, according to a survey by the Manpower employment services firm." "Manpower survey: Fla. employment weakest in U.S.".

Grand jury lookin' at Sansom

"Former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom won in state court on charges of slipping a $6 million airport project into a state budget, but the federal government is still investigating his travel expenses for the years he was one of the state’s most powerful lawmakers."

The FBI has served subpoenas on the House and the District 4 legislative office in Shalimar, demanding all of Sansom’s official travel records from Jan. 1, 2004, through the present time. Included in the subpoena were some of Sansom’s former aides – Samantha Sullivan, Eric Edwards and Melanie Phister.

The subpoena directs House staff to produce the travel records by Thursday. A federal grand jury is meeting in Pensacola on June 21 to examine evidence.

"The fevered imaginations of NRA lobbyists and their toadies"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "State and federal lawmakers from Florida have made clear in recent weeks just how eager they are to please the politically powerful gun lobby."

During this year's legislative session, state lawmakers passed a bill, which Gov. Rick Scott signed into law, that restricts how doctors and other health-care providers talk to their patients about guns. Physicians, especially pediatricians, have traditionally asked about firearms and other potential dangers to children in their patients' homes.

In the fevered imaginations of National Rifle Association lobbyists and their toadies in Tallahassee, however, such questions are signs of an insidious agenda among some physicians, who might secretly be collaborating with the government to identify and disarm gun owners.

When mockingbirds kill

"Mockingbirds on the attack near southwest Fla. clinic".

"Anti-consumer clouds at the Florida PSC"

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Anti-consumer clouds keep building at the Florida Public Service Commission."

Three weeks ago, PSC Chairman Arthur Graham forced out the commission's executive director, Timothy Devlin. Mr. Graham praised him, a gesture of insincerity outrageous even by Tallahassee's standards. Mr. Devlin, who had worked for more than three decades at the agency that regulates electric, phone and water utilities, noted bluntly that a majority of commissioners supported "the chairman's request for my resignation."

Mr. Graham gave no reason, but Mr. Devlin angered the state's investor-owned utilities 14 months ago by asking how many former PSC staffers and former commissioners they had hired, and at what salaries. Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy resisted, with FPL claiming that the request was illegal.

In fact, state law indicates that the commission can ask for all relevant information. ...

FPL denied any involvement in Mr. Devlin's removal, but Mr. Graham doesn't worry about commissioners mingling with those they regulate. ...

Oh, and Gov. Scott's new energy adviser is Mary Bane. She was PSC executive director when newspapers exposed staff ethics issues tied to FPL's big rate case. It's getting to be one chummy club, with consumers not invited.

"Insurance rates are set to skyrocket"

Mike Thomas: "Your insurance rates are set to skyrocket. [Central Floridians] are about to feel the same premium pain felt on the coast, where the cost of hurricane insurance is almost making home ownership unaffordable." "Inland storm risk rises — so will home insurance". Related: "Seven Florida property insurers are seeking statewide rate hikes".

Dead sea cows

The Daytona Beach Bews Journal, once a great editorial board, embarasses itself this morning: "The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showed welcome flexibility when it rejected a proposal to install a 3.8-mile slow-speed zone for boats in Flagler County's Intracoastal Waterway. The commission staff was instructed to negotiate with Flagler County officials about a smaller zone that won't stifle the county's boating and sport fishing industries." "Balance interests in protecting manatees".

Pill millery

"Local officials, law enforcers step up prescription-drug battle". Background: "How did Florida become 'pill-mill' hotbed?"

Runnin' schools like a bidness

"The city-run charter school system is Pembroke Pines is running out of money." "Pembroke Pines charter schools face budget deficit".

"Obama's eye on the Puerto Ricans back on the mainland"

"President Barack Obama is making a rare presidential visit to Puerto Rico, the U.S. island territory, with an eye firmly placed on the Puerto Ricans back on the mainland who could help him deliver at least one key state during his 2012 re-election campaign." "Obama visits Puerto Rico with eye on 2012 election". See also "Barack Obama Campaigns in Miami, Puerto Rico". Background: "Obama's Puerto Rico visit aimed at Hispanic 2012 vote".

Fop fest

"State Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, received a boost on Monday in his bid for the Republican nomination to take on Democratic U.S. Senate incumbent Bill Nelson in 2012 when state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam endorsed his candidacy." "Adam Putnam Backs Mike Haridopolos for U.S. Senate".

Firemen battle fires, risk lives, pay cuts their reward

"More than 300 active wildfires were burning on about 115,583 acres across the state Monday. They include a brush fire in the Everglades that has burned 68,000 acres since June 5. Multiple fires have scorched more than 4,500 acres in Levy County since April 26. Other major wildfires were burning in Flagler and Baker counties." "Scott declares wildfire emergency".

More: "Twenty-nine units and 70 personnel responded to the fire, which took 1 hour and 40 minutes to control." "Apartment fire in Tampa burns 16 units". Across the state, "Firefighters ready for another busy day battling blazes". "Firefighters from Volusia County and the Florida Division of Forestry are battling the blaze. ... Officials say the fire is estimated at between 300 and 600 acres." More: "Brush fire goes out of control in Volusia County".