"The Week in Review"

Gary Fineout: "Among this week's highlights: Gov. Rick Scott hands out doughnuts and get a slight bump in his terrible poll numbers, Florida officially hands its Medicaid waiver to the federal government, and a tiny town challenges the state's new growth management law." "The Week in Review for Aug. 1-Aug. 5".

"Scott's Book of Revelations"

Steve Bousquet writes that "Rick Scott's election as governor surprised a lot of people. But it turns out nobody was more surprised than Scott."

Time after time, Scott has expressed surprise or outright shock at some aspect of being governor, and we've been keeping count.

You might call this column Rick Scott's Book of Revelations, and it began long ago.

There is more to Florida than Naples and swooning tea party acolytes of the Villages, who regard Scott as the Lady Gaga of budget cuts. If Scott thinks high-speed rail is such a lousy idea, he should try driving himself from Orlando to Tampa. Let's throw in some whining tots in the back seat just for fun.

Those annoying creatures who show up en masse on leashes held by lobbyists in Tallahassee every year should not be confused with Pomeranians. It's the Florida Legislature, although it is hard to tell the difference. Much as you would like, you can't ignore them. But you can rent them. ...

That large wet thing in South Florida is Lake Okeechobee. And no, you can't drill for oil in it. That would interfere with all the agricultural chemical pollution.

As governor, when you sign a bill you can't treat the event as something out of a secret fellow traveler Skull and Bones Society moment. Not everybody in the state is a right-wing conspiracy theorist. Well, most everybody. Still, a governor should at least pretend that he cares what people who didn't vote for him might think.

Governors need to take in the social flavor of the state. To that end, Scott should participate in Tampa's annual randy Gasparilla festival honoring a fictional pirate who pillages and plunders. It's similar to being an executive of Columbia HCA, only without Columbia's Medicare fraud charges.

Lipstick on a pig

"A bad poll for any governor but Rick Scott". "Most Floridians say they don’t like the way Gov. Rick Scott has handled his job, disapprove of his policies and object to his handling of the state budget, according to a Quinnipiac poll released Friday." "Poll: Gov. Scott’s numbers rise, but still low". See also "Scott's negative poll ratings go from "terrible to bad"".

"A punitive step backward"

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editors: "Cuba — a rigidly governed communist state — is changing more rapidly and progressively than the United States' policy toward the Caribbean nation. The signs of progress — including the Castro regime's plan to privatize property this year — contrast with America's frozen-in-time economic embargo and political isolation of Cuba."

The Foreign Affairs committee in the U.S. House recently attempted to further entrench American policy by approving HR 2583. That resolution calls on the Obama administration to reverse its modest move to allow some American tourists — accompanied by federally licensed tour guides — to legally travel to Cuba.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican from South Florida and chairwoman of the committee, contends that this authorization of limited tourism to Cuba enriches and empowers the Castro regime. ...

Revoking the moderate tourism policy, as the House committee proposes, would represent a punitive step backward by the United States.

"The other guy"

"South Florida politicians know who's to blame for FAA mess: the other guy". Related: "Bill passed to end partial FAA shutdown, longer-term negotiations still heated".

"Score one for clean water"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Score one for clean water. A federal appeals court Wednesday rejected a bid by polluters and their enablers in state government to block new clean water rules for Florida." "Victory for clean water".

Meanwhile, "Environmental groups say Stearns is ‘shutting out the public’ at water hearing" ("environmental law firm Earthjustice alleges that Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, is 'shutting out the public' and 'refusing to invite' clean water advocates to his upcoming hearing on water pollution standards in Florida. According to the release, only representatives from the sewage, agriculture and fertilizer industries have been invited to testify.")

Redistricting news

"Round-up of media coverage of redistricting for 8/6".

Successful legislative session for Florida's anti-choice crowd

"A new blog post at 40 Days for Life – Pensacola that is credited to the Florida Family Policy Council describes Gov. Rick Scott’s ceremonial anti-abortion bill-signing in the governor’s mansion this past weekend, saying it marked 'the culmination of one of the most successful legislative sessions [for] the pro-life movement in Florida’s history.'" "Florida Family Policy Council blogs about Scott’s abortion bill ceremony".

"Fewer benefit payments to the jobless"

"A new set of requirements for people receiving unemployment benefits took effect this week. Combined with other changes to the state unemployment compensation system that recently became law, they will lead to fewer benefit payments to the jobless."

Beginning Aug. 1:

- Recipients have increased requirements to demonstrate that they are looking for jobs.

- Recipients will have to conduct an initial skills review online, which is intended to help them connect with potential employers. If they fail to complete the skills review, their benefits can be denied until they meet the requirements. (Update: This portion has been clarified with input from the Agency for Workforce Innovation).

- A former employee’s severance pay can be used to offset unemployment benefits.

Now, starting this past week, Florida's unemployed had to start applying for benefits online. Filing for benefits could previously be done with a phone call to the state unemployment office. No longer.

Sure, online applications will be more convenient for some, and it could save the state some money.

But the inherent problems in making the application system online-only should have been obvious to lawmakers. Many of the unemployed either don't have computers, or they don't have a high-speed Internet connection. Some have had to eliminate their Internet service to cut back on expenses. A survey by Scarborough Research found that a quarter of Floridians in the state's metro areas lacked Internet access. ...

All of which just makes things more difficult for the unemployed, and adds to an already high level of frustration.

Finding work in Florida is tough enough for so many people. The state isn't making the whole process any easier. The online-only requirement is a bust. Change it.

Buchanan scandal spiraling

"Two former employees of a car dealership once owned by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, allege that he pressured co-workers into donating to his campaign and then offered reimbursements with dealership funds." "More former Buchanan employees speak out about pressure to donate, reimbursement scheme".

Former GOP chairman wants charges tossed

"Ousted Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer returned to court Friday and asked an Orlando judge to throw out the criminal charges against him and much of the evidence seized by state agents. Circuit Judge Marc Lubet said he would rule in about two weeks." "Ousted Florida GOP chairman asks judge to toss charges".

"That 'is so untrue'"

"Advocates are not accepting explanations Florida legislators are giving for their rejection of federal grant money for a program aimed at curbing child abuse and neglect."

Florida policymakers have recently received scrutiny for rejecting home vising grants from the Affordable Care Act. The grants would have gone to Healthy Families Florida and Healthy Start. Both organizations provide home visiting services to at-risk families.

Among the list of reasons legislators rejected the money is a fear that "by taking the federal funds, it would be duplicating services already in place with added administrative requirements and costs," according to Katie Betta, communications director for Speaker of the House Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park.

State Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, the chairman of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, echoed that sentiment in an interview with The Florida Independent. Hudson said there are already home visiting programs in the state, adding that if the state accepts the federal grants, it runs the risk of "duplicating services."

Judi Vitucci, president of the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, says that "is so untrue."

Country clubbers in a dither

"The U.S. Labor Department is raising the wages employers must pay foreign guest workers and is proposing other major changes that could diminish the number of foreign citizens imported to work in the hospitality industry in Palm Beach County. ... Local critics of the H-2B program say the resorts and country clubs are using the program to depress wages and save money." "U.S. tightens visa rules to give citizen applicants better chance against foreign guest workers".

"Not in the darkness of a closed room"

"The recent dispute over a cancelled appearance by Rep. Allen West, R-Fort Lauderdale, in an LGBT-friendly Broward County community has inspired the creation of a new organization, the Coalition for Fairness & Equality, and a new invitation to West 'to address the community in his own words, and meet with his constituency.'" "West kerfuffle inspires new group: Coalition for Fairness & Equality".

Florida's infamous robo-signing on 60 Minutes

"The CBS news show 60 Minutes will re-air a segment Sunday featuring a Palm Beach County homeowner fighting an allegedly fraudulent foreclosure that exposed the now infamous robo-signer Linda Green." "'60 Minutes' to re-air show featuring Palm Beach County foreclosure case".

Ricky blabs...does anyone care?

"Rick Scott said Friday that he would like to see the field of Republican presidential candidates expanded, and he praised Texas Gov. Rick Perry's ability to create jobs."

However, he stopped short of saying he'd support Perry, who is expected to announce soon whether he'll run for the White House.

Scott addressed Republican National Committee members attending the GOP's summer meetings in Tampa, where the 2012 presidential nominating convention will be held. He told the members he talks to Perry about every two weeks.

"All I think about every day is how I'm going to beat Rick Perry at job creation," Scott said.

Teabaggers call RPOFer a traitor

Freshman U.S. Rep. Richard Nugent "told residents in Zephyrhills and Dade City today that his vote to raise the debt ceiling limit was 'one of the most difficult of my life.'"

"The tea party has accused me of being a traitor because I voted to raise the debt ceiling," he said. "I served in law enforcement for 33 years. I'm not a traitor. Those types of words don't add to the substance of the debate."

Rubio grubs for cash

"Freshman Sen. Marco Rubio has hopped on the PAC bandwagon. The Florida Republican filed paperwork this week with the Federal Election Commission to create Reclaim America PAC, joining other Senate tea-party favorites who have created similar political action committees to influence races and elect like-minded conservatives in the 2012 cycle." "Sen. Rubio launching a PAC".

Florida ranks in the bottom 20 percent nationally

Another fine Jebacy: "Florida faces a crisis in higher education, ranking in the bottom 20 percent nationally in the number of college degrees it awards.".

"Romney leading the pack in Florida"

"Mitt Romney leading the pack of GOP presidential candidates in Florida and depicted a wide-open Republican U.S. Senate primary as Plant City tree farmer Mike McCalister held a slim lead. Obama’s 44 percent approval was down from 51 percent in May after news that Osama bin Laden had been killed." "Poll: Romney has early lead in Florida GOP race".

When it comes to the Hispanic vote, "Florida says it all"

"Hispanics are the country's fastest-growing demographic, and Republicans and Democrats are jumping in to harness the vast potential. Florida says it all: Hispanic voters are predicted to top 1.6 million in 2012, a 34 percent increase in four years."

Obama won two-thirds of the Latino vote nationwide in 2008 and captured 57 percent in Florida, where Hispanics have typically favored Republicans. "Sí, se puede," Obama shouted to a crowd of 600 who showed up to hear him in Kissimmee that year. "Yes, we can."

Today there are about 138,000 more registered Hispanic Democrats than Republicans in Florida, with younger Cubans and Puerto Ricans making up a large share of the growth. (A substantial amount, 31 percent, of Hispanic voters are independent, more than any ethnic or racial group.)

But the GOP got the Hispanic vote in 2010, even as now-Gov. Rick Scott campaigned for tough immigration laws that many Hispanics found offensive. Democrats appeared to be taking past success for granted, only getting serious about outreach late in the campaign.

Think tank's leader steps down

"After facing an involuntary dismissal by the Collins Center board of trustees, Rod Petrey signed a separation agreement Friday and was immediately replaced as the think tank's president by former Miami-Dade County Manager Merrett Stierheim." "Collins Center's president agrees to step down".

Withdrawing the four most controversial provisions of the law from the department's consideration and redirecting them to a federal court will cost Florida taxpayers and prolong the cloud of uncertainty over the election procedures. Browning must have thought the department was poised to reject the changes. But Florida's new law erects roadblocks to minority voting, and it should fail under the Voting Rights Act no matter who reviews it.

The Big Easy

"Florida legislators in New Orleans this week are there on your dime".

GOP exorcist in Tampa

The GOP's favorite exorcist hits Tampa: "In a punchy keynote speech at the GOP's summer meeting, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal tore into the president for seeking an increase in the nation's debt ceiling." "Jindal warms up GOP in Tampa".

"Six in the Morning"

Travis Pillow: "Six in the Morning: A six-pack of infobits you might have missed".

"FMA usually works closely with Republicans"

"Under terms of a recently approved House of Delegates resolution, the Florida Medical Association has one month to send a letter asking the federal government to reject waivers the state needs to overhaul the Medicaid program and keep an existing pilot program intact. The FMA usually works closely with the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature." "Powerful doctors group opposes Medicaid managed care overhaul".

Christian Family Coalition blames "anti-American extremists and racists"

"The Christian Family Coalition says 'anti-American extremists and racists' forced the cancellation of an appearance by Rep. Allen West, R-Fort Lauderdale, at an upcoming Wilton Manors Business Association meeting." "Christian Family Coalition: ‘Anti-American extremists and racists’ forced cancellation of West event".

"Funding to non-hospital programs could be jeopardized"

"The federal government has warned it may force Florida to end its low income pool by the end of 2013 as one of the conditions of extending the state's current Medicaid waiver. The Agency for Health Care Administration says it has options if this pot of money is eliminated but funding to non-hospital programs could be jeopardized." "Primary care programs could get cut if feds cut off health care money".

OPPAGA lives

"Philip Twogood on Wednesday became the new coordinator for the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability. Twogood had been secretary of the Senate since November 2008. His move is one of several in the last few weeks in the Florida Senate, including the hiring of a new staff director for the Senate Budget Committee." "Secretary of Senate leaves job to take over watchdog agency".

Compromise primary date?

"Compromise primary date in the works?". See also "RNC punts on leapfrogging states".

"Florida the biggest prize in the 2012 election"

"Florida is the biggest prize in the 2012 election, so it's no coincidence that the GOP nominating convention will be in Tampa, Sen. Marco Rubio is being discussed as a possible VP pick and there are Floridians in leadership roles at both national parties." "RNC chair: Florida the granddaddy of them all".

"Scott remains the least-liked governor"

Aaron Deslatte: "The good news for Gov. Rick Scott is there was nowhere to go but up."

And a new Quinnipiac University poll released Friday shows the governor remains unpopular with 52 percent of Florida voters. But his 35 percent job approval figure is an improvement over the university's last survey that found him sitting at 29 percent, and labeled the most unpopular governor in the nation.

Voter still don't like his handling of the budget, and on a personal level, Scott remains the least-liked governor out of those the school surveys.

"Adams' hyperpartisan approach threatens to marginalize her"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: Although "U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams of Orlando voted this week for the deal to raise the federal debt ceiling and avert a government default"

More often since going to Washington in January, Adams has been a shrill partisan. Although registered Republicans slightly outnumber Democrats in her district — parts of Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties — she has issued a steady stream of statements blasting Democrats and President Obama that read like Tea Party talking points. After the killing of Osama bin Laden, she praised the special forces but made no mention of their commander in chief who ordered the strike.

In a Congress where bipartisan coalitions still matter in moving legislation, Adams' hyperpartisan approach threatens to marginalize herself and her district.

"Backlash [and flip-flops] from lawmakers"

"A proposal by Florida’s largest property insurer to raise sinkhole premium rates by 429 percent across the state is facing a backlash from lawmakers, many of whom voted for a new law that allows the rate hike to take place." "Uproar Over Sinkhole Rate Hike Builds".

Wingnut editors oppose the "majority vote wins" rule

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced yesterday that an agreement has been reached to keep the Federal Aviation Administration funded. Congressional leaders decided to set their egos aside and fund the agency to save jobs. Good for them."

The compromise does not end the underlying cause of this partisan battle – making it easier to unionize airlines for the president's union supporters – but it rightly puts aside that important fight for another day. ...

For many years the rules required those seeking to unionize airlines or railroads to find a majority among the likely bargaining unit to accede to a union. The new rules would have required just a majority of those voting to unionize. Thus the showdown. ...

It's true that funding for the FAA had been authorized 20 times outside the budget process in recent years, but that was before the Democrats decided to kowtow to their union supporters and change union voting procedures to benefit their party. In effect, FAA funding, 80 percent of which is spent on air-traffic control and modernization, has been held hostage to unions.

Vern speaks

"Vern Buchanan Calls for Transparency in Cutting Government".

Ocean sand

"Feds: Ocean sand can restore Miami-Dade beaches".

Sobel takes on Bondi

"After two foreclosure fraud investigators were abruptly dismissed from their posts with the attorney general's office, and a former deputy attorney general left Tallahassee to join a firm under investigation for foreclosure malpractice, a Hollywood state senator has launched a probe into the state's top legal office. Florida Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, sent public records requests to the office of Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, seeking to understand the relationship between the office and Lender Processing Services, a Jacksonville firm under state investigation for shoddy foreclosure practices." "State senator opens probe of attorney general's office".

Putnam asserts himself

"Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said Thursday that the 'Florida Energy Summit' in October will replace the 'Farm to Fuel' summit. The Governor's Energy Office was moved into Putnam's department by the Legislature, fueling speculation among renewable energy supporters that he will champion renewable energy measures." "Putnam begins to assert himself on renewable energy".

Privatization follies

Travis Pillow: "Last month, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, a union that represents prison guards and other corrections officers, filed a lawsuit calling for a judge to strike down budget language that would privatize prisons in 18 South Florida counties." "Primary sources: Why prison guards are suing to stop privatization".

While the rest of us were sleeping, firemen ...

... found "two adults and two children dead early today in a house that caught fire in Ocala, according to Marion County Fire Rescue." "Two adults, two children dead after Ocala house fire".

"More to Florida than swooning tea party acolytes"

Daniel Ruth: "It would seem when it comes to understanding the full range of duties associated with the job that Rick Scott entered office knowing less about the details of governor stuff than Wile E. Coyote contemplating some-assembly-required Acme nuclear missile."

Next up, figuring out his own job. This might take a while.

What all this suggests is that the body politic last year elected someone to the highest office in the state who had only been a resident since 2003 and had spent precious little time educating himself about Florida and the role of governor before dropping more than $70 million of his own money to buy the title.

There is more to Florida than Naples and swooning tea party acolytes of the Villages, who regard Scott as the Lady Gaga of budget cuts. If Scott thinks high-speed rail is such a lousy idea, he should try driving himself from Orlando to Tampa. Let's throw in some whining tots in the back seat just for fun.

Those annoying creatures who show up en masse on leashes held by lobbyists in Tallahassee every year should not be confused with Pomeranians. It's the Florida Legislature, although it is hard to tell the difference. Much as you would like, you can't ignore them. But you can rent them.

"How far millions of Floridians have fallen"

"The number of Florida households getting the federal earned-income tax credit rose between 2007 and 2008 – another indicator of how far down the economic ladder millions of Floridians have fallen since the housing bubble burst."

In a recent report, the Internal Revenue Service says the number of households qualifying for the poverty-preventing tax credit jumped by more than 53,000 in a single year, to just shy of 1.8 million.

In the Tampa Bay area, more than 284,000 households in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties qualified for the tax credit in 2008, the most recent year numbers were available. Earned-income recipients amounted to one in five local households that year, a slight increase over 2007.

"Florida trails only Nevada and Arizona"

"The state overall trails only Nevada and Arizona in having the highest rate of 'negative equity' houses, with 46 percent of Florida's mortgaged-housing stock unable to sell for the amount owed. Real-estate values have collapsed more in the state than in most others, driving down prices while driving up foreclosures and short sales." "Orlando rated worst in Florida for share of home mortgages 'under water'".

"A nasty, costly game of chicken"

The Miami Herald editors: "The city of Hollywood and its employee unions are engaging in a nasty, costly game of chicken. In the middle and on line for the biggest hurt are Hollywood taxpayers who have and will pay the tab while their bank accounts and property values dwindle. Their pain will get yet worse unless there’s an agreement by Aug. 12 that would cancel a costly referendum." "Hollywood’s costly game of chicken".

Collins head forced out

"The head of the Collins Center, one of Florida's most well-respected think tanks, is being asked to resign in the face of serious cash-flow troubles and frustration by a board of directors that demanded answers it wasn't getting." "Amid troubled finances, Collins Center moves to force out longtime president".

The change, which the National Mediation Board put into place [and has upset Delta airlines], requires an employee vote on labor representation to be approved by a majority of those voting when previously, the rule required a majority of all affected employees, meaning that employees who failed to vote were counted as "no" votes.

'Ya reckon?

"Public employees apps to DROP spiked with pension changes".

Bondi's less than courageous step

"The dispute over the recent firing of two state foreclosure fraud attorneys led some state Democrats to call for a federal review of the matter Wednesday, even though state Attorney General Pam Bondi is already calling for an external investigation."

Meanwhile, Bondi took the less than courageous step of writing

to Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Wednesday asking him to appoint an inspector general to look into the matter.

"Bleeding construction jobs"

"Southwest Florida and rest of state still bleeding construction jobs".

Race to the bottom

"Lingering questions about Florida’s eligibility for new Race to the Top money".

"This is odd because Justice"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "If Gov. Rick Scott and his administration are so convinced that major changes to election laws indeed will eliminate voter fraud (or the potential of it) — not merely make voting difficult for minority and poor people — he’d seek an imprimatur of fairness from the federal Department of Justice."

What could be better proof than an OK from an agency perceived by his administration to be in thrall to the political opposition?

Instead, Gov. Scott’s appointed secretary of state, Kurt Browning, is making an end run around Justice and seeking “preclearance” on those changes from the federal district court in Washington. The 1965 Voting Rights Act provides for preclearance from Justice or from the federal court for changes in states and counties with a history of discrimination. Justice usually is the venue for preclearance, and Mr. Browning first applied to Justice.

Now, Mr. Browning says, rather snidely, that he wanted to move preclearance to the court to eliminate “the risk of a ruling impacted by outside influence” from Justice and to be “assured of a neutral evaluation based on the facts.”

In other words, a Department of Justice headed by an Obama appointee would be less “neutral” than a federal court with many appointees from Republican presidents.

"Temptation to cheat"

Fred Grimm: "Tying FCAT to dollars is temptation to cheat".

How theocratic of them

"programs because of their disagreement with federal health care reform, Florida officials accepted more than $2.5 million made available by the Affordable Care Act to fund its abstinence-only sex education grant program." "State accepts Affordable Care Act dollars for abstinence-only sex education".

Scott laff riot

"On Debt, Rick Scott to Feds: Live by Florida's Example".

Q poll ain't Dem friendly

"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leads the field of Republican presidential candidates in Florida and is tied with President Barack Obama in the state, according to a new Quinnipiac poll released Thursday morning."

Obama's approval rating in Florida, 44 percent, remains unchanged since July.

Mike McCalister leads the pack in Florida's GOP U.S. Senate primary with 15 percent. McCalister, a Plant City tree farmer, was not included in the last poll in July. In his first race for office in 2010, he finished with a surprising 10 percent of the vote in the three-way Republican primary for governor.

McCalister was followed in the poll by former Sen. George LeMieux (12 percent), businessman Craig Miller (8 percent) and former state House Rep. Adam Hasner (6 percent). Most Republican voters (53 percent) remain undecided.

"Who’s picking up part of the tab? Taxpayers"

"Dozens of Florida legislators are in New Orleans this week for three days of pro-business pep talks, policy seminars and great food."

The annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, features topics such as public pensions, Medicaid reform and tax policy, with such conservative stalwarts as economist Arthur Laffer and former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey.

And who’s picking up part of the tab? Taxpayers and lobbyists.

"Serious questions"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The global financial services giant PricewaterhouseCoopers did the right thing Wednesday by withdrawing its bid for $1.1 million in local tax incentives in exchange for growing its Tampa-based operations. The behind-the-scenes deal was rushed under a state law that grants near total secrecy to job-development deals. The few revelations so far raise serious questions about whether the firm qualified for the money and whether the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County were either misled about the application or unprepared to judge it on its merits." "Jobs deal: red faces, questions".

"Poll numbers lower than a septic tank"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board thinks "it would be easy to ridicule Gov. Rick Scott's revival of former U.S. Sen. and Gov. Bob Graham's workdays as a desperate ploy by a politician whose poll numbers are lower than a septic tank." "Scott's workday pledge".

Yee haw!

"The city’s host committee has raised about $15 million of its $55 million goal to support next year’s Republican National Convention in Tampa." "Tampa readies for GOP national convention". See also "RNC chair: Florida GOP will feel penalty for early primary".

Killing him softly

"Lawyers for a man who shot and killed a Coral Gables police officer 33 years ago failed to prove that the new use of a drug in Florida's lethal injections would cause inmates serious pain, a Miami-Dade judge ruled Wednesday." "Judge rejects challenge to Florida's execution drug".

"Blistering internal feud"

"A blistering internal feud in the Jon Huntsman presidential campaign is erupting into public view, with dueling camps trading charges and an exodus of campaign officials." "Drama and departures in the Jon Huntsman campaign".

At issue are the departures of lawyers June Clarkson and Theresa Edwards, who led foreclosure fraud investigations under Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Clarkson and Edwards were forced to resign in late March by top staff in Bondi's office. The pair had received positive job evaluations from McCollum.

The move prompted state Rep. Darren Soto, a Democrat from Orlando, to demand all records from the Republican attorney general relating to the resignations. Soto said the "terminations present an overwhelming public concern" in a state ravaged by foreclosure fraud.

"Six in the morning"

Travis Pillow's "Six in the morning: A six-pack of infobits you might have missed".

"Son of Reform"

"Florida formally asks the federal government to approve an overhaul of the state's $22 billion Medicaid program. The state is asking for a federal government for a combination 1915 waiver for long term care and for amendments to two 1115 waivers to make the new Medicaid managed care program a reality."

Florida CHAIN--a grassroots health care advocacy organization--already has branded the new program Florida CHAIN--a grassroots health care advocacy organization--already has branded the new program “Son of Reform," a dig at the controversial Medicaid pilot program already underway in five counties. Policy Director Greg Melowe said the new program is the same as the old “with a few bells and whistles added on.” a dig at the controversial Medicaid pilot program already underway in five counties. Policy Director Greg Melowe said the new program is the same as the old "with a few bells and whistles added on."

"Best business practices" nonprofit sued

The Florida Economic Development Council, "an economic development nonprofit that teaches 'best business practices' to economic organizations around Florida recently had its own business problems: It couldn't pay a $30,000 bill to a Tampa hotel, which slapped it with a lawsuit."

In May 2010, the Florida Economic Development Council — which according to its website educates members on how to "enhance professionalism" — had a three-day conference at the Intercontinental Hotel. Between morning sessions on "Attracting Foreign Investment" and "Terminating Tension on the Team," conferees representing economic development groups and corporations from around the state were treated to Bloody Marys and mimosas. Bar tab: about $1,800.

Early evening cocktails and Mediterranean hors d'oeuvres ran close to $11,000. A dinner of filet mignon with crab and shrimp for 230 cost about $80 a person, washed down with 59 bottles of premium wines like Santa Margherita pinot grigio at $53 a bottle.

All told, the food and liquor bill with service and tax ran more than $70,000 — about $30,000 of which was still not paid 14 months later. So, in July the Intercontinental sued the FEDC to get its money.

Like flies to sh**

"Conservative legal foundation creates property rights institute to beef up Florida presence".

"Florida given another chance after years of delay"

"Florida is restarting efforts to develop tougher water pollution regulations to avoid an impending federal takeover of that responsibility. ... The federal Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to give Florida another chance after years of delay. The EPA, though, remains set to implement its own standards if it finds the new state rules unacceptable." "Fla. restarting effort to regulate water pollution".

"A crucial battleground state"

"Florida's U.S. senators parted ways on the debt ceiling Tuesday, a split that serves as an indicator of just how hard fought the 2012 election cycle is likely to be in a crucial battleground state."

Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, who faces re-election next year, voted in favor of the debt package, and he made it clear that he'll be championing a tax overhaul as a way to help close the budget gap.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who was elected in 2010 with a push from the tea party, voted no, and he pledged to fight any effort to increase taxes.

Vern stayin' put

"Despite the rumors, Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, won’t be jumping into the GOP Senate primary any time soon"> "Times: Buchanan not jumping into Senate race any time soon".

Redistricting round-up

"Round-up of media coverage of redistricting for 8/3". See also "Redistricting battle lines drawn in Florida".

"Florida Religious groups still not pleased"

"Religious groups in Florida are still not pleased with the federal government’s decision requiring health insurers to cover birth control as a preventative service. Their objections come despite a provision that 'allows religious institutions that offer insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraception services.'" "Florida Catholic Conference: Religious exemption for birth control mandate ‘too limited’". See also "Florida medical leaders at odds with some religious groups over new women's preventive health rules".

Central Florida's workforce-development board in another jam

"Central Florida's workforce-development board, an agency facing two government investigations, has been ordered to repay more than $739,000 that state and federal officials say was improperly used to settle a 2-year-old lawsuit. Workforce Central Florida, which is funded almost exclusively by federal tax money, was told last month that it was not permitted to use federal job-training money to pay a 2009 settlement with SunTrust over a broken lease agreement." "FIRST ON ORLANDOSENTINEL.COM State orders Workforce Central Florida to repay $739,000".

Will the RPOF underwrite the cost?

"Most Palm Beach County cities and towns may have to shift their election dates to coincide with a potential shift in Florida's 2012 presidential primary, Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher is warning." "Proposed shift in Florida primary may force change in city election dates".

Not funny

Bill Cotterell: "A Leon County Democratic Party activist Tuesday announced a reception set for Aug. 24 at the home of attorney Barry Richard and his wife, Allison Tant. The suggested donation is $100 per person. ... [Barry] Richard, a former Democratic state representative and assistant state attorney general, is a prominent downtown lawyer and lobbyist for the Florida Bar. He is probably best known for the 2000 “Bush vs. Gore” case, in which he represented the Republican presidential nominee in the 36-day legal dispute over vote recounts in Florida." "Attorney who represented Bush in 2000 'Bush vs. Gore' case to hold fundraising reception for Obama campaign" ("The guest of honor will be U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz").

"Grady and Scott neighbors and good friends"

"Former state Rep. Tom Grady of Naples is the choice of Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet to become the next commissioner of the Office of Financial Regulation. Grady, a Republican who served in the Florida House for one term from 2008-2010, succeeds Tom Cardwell, an Orlando attorney named to the post in 2009. The Office of Financial Regulation is charged with overseeing the state's banking, securities and financial laws. ... Grady and Scott have been neighbors and good friends since the governor moved to Naples several years ago." "Grady named to oversee state's financial dealings". See also "Tom Grady to Take Banking Reins".

As "Rubio carped"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board takes on the "deal-killers who were ready to risk wrecking the economy rather than compromise."

In Florida, this crew included seven House members and one senator. Meet Florida's Gang of Eight: Republican Reps. Bill Posey, Dennis Ross, Cliff Stearns, Connie Mack and Steve Southerland; [and for the sake of "balance"] Democratic Reps. Corrine Brown and Alcee Hastings; and GOP Sen. Marco Rubio. They shunned the middle ground for positions on the fringes of their parties. ...

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress that a default would be a "recovery-ending event."

In the face of such dire warnings, deal opponents such as Posey, a Rockledge Republican, flogged the House's "cut, cap and balance" bill, though it had already died in the Senate. Rubio carped that the deal protected "Obamacare," as if it were realistic to expect that the White House would've abandoned its signature law. This is political posturing, not leadership.

Vern strikes back

Jeremy Wallace: "U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan has launched an aggressive campaign to undermine the credibility of a once-trusted business partner who has accused the congressman of pressuring his employees to give illegal campaign contributions."

Buchanan has a history of playing hardball in business and politics. One of the wealthiest members of Congress, he has sometimes used his deep pockets to entangle his adversaries in courtrooms.

"Business as usual in police room 619"

"The fate of a man [Manuel Valle] scheduled to be executed for shooting and killing a Coral Gables police officer 33 years ago rests on the answer to one question: Is the new use of a drug in Florida's lethal injections effective and safe?"

The prosecution's expert, Dr. Mark Dershwitz of the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, countered that the state's lethal-injection dose of pentobarbital — five grams — is so large that it would cause the inmate's breathing to become erratic, blood pressure to slow dramatically and brain activity to diminish.

"This dose is far in excess of any dose that would be used on a human that I can think of," he said, testifying via video conference.

Would the dose be lethal? asked Ken Nunnelley, a senior assistant attorney general.

"Definitely," Dershwitz said.

Earlier in the case, lawyers for Valle had brought up the June 16 Alabama execution of Eddie Duval Powell. A lawyer for Powell testified last week that he saw Powell jerk up, clench his jaw and look confused for about a minute before passing out and later dying.

On Tuesday, Waisel, the defense's anesthesiologist, mentioned the June 23 Georgia execution of Roy Blankenship.

Waisel was not present at the execution, but concluded from interviewing a witness and reviewing other witnesses' sworn statements — some of whom said Blankenship grimaced, jerked up and mouthed words for up to three minutes after the injection was administered — that the pentobarbital had not worked as intended.

"Mr. Blankenship suffered extremely during the execution," Waisel said.

"To soften the hit"

"Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty said Tuesday that he is prepared to phase in the massive rate increase for sinkhole insurance to soften the hit imposed by Citizens Property Insurance last week." "Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty wants to phase in Citizens sinkhole rate hike". The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Slow the surge in sinkhole rates".

See you in Havana

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The Obama White House has relaxed rules that were tightened by the former administration in 2003. Under the change, academic groups, church organizations, journalists and selected others can visit Cuba if they travel on licensed tours, on approved flights and for authorized reasons."

Cuban-Americans who obtain the proper visas are also allowed to travel to visit family.

Now on a typical evening at Tampa International, you hear announcements of flights arriving from Zurich, London, San Juan and Montreal. We believe to hear Havana among them every day would be a change worth trying. But that won't soon happen.

The very limited liberalization that allows a few more charter flights is being fought by some Cuban-Americans who favor a policy of stricter isolation of the communist government there. The Cold War mentality is understandable, but in 50 years it has not sparked the intended democratic coup. Meager reforms in the one-party state have come despite the embargo, not because of it.

Allowing restricted groups of ordinary citizens to visit is itself a compromise whose logic is hard to explain.

You can travel to visit museums and historic sites but not to the beach. You are supposed to stay busy doing organized "purposeful" activities and not just wander around Cuba on your own. You may eat in restaurants and spend a limited amount of money but cannot bring home a souvenir.

It is surprising that we freedom-loving Americans would tolerate such arbitrary, bureaucratic rules. The flights would undoubtedly build support for further relaxing of the embargo.

"Something curious is happening in Florida"

"The vast majority of Floridians couldn't pick Tim Pawlenty out of a lineup. He barely registers in the polls. And there's a decent chance he'll have to quit the presidential race soon if he continues to show little momentum in Iowa."

And yet something curious is happening in Florida: Influential Republican leaders continue to line up behind the former Minnesota governor, even with little evidence he's a viable contender.

Teabaggers head south

"The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is set to make its debut outside of the Beltway in Orlando on Sept. 23 -- and it’s bringing a host of Republican presidential candidates and conservative leaders to the Sunshine State." "GOP 2012 Hopefuls, Conservative Stars Heading to Florida for CPAC".

"Governor undergoing an extreme makeover"

"So the governor is currently undergoing an extreme makeover. Rick Scott who seemed tone deaf as he signed into law bills like the one that makes it harder for people to vote now seems to be flashing the citizenry his sincerest smile." "Kinder, gentler, savvier".

Are these the "jobs" Ricky's talking about bring to Florida? "Scott donned plastic gloves and began packing strawberry sprinkle doughnuts in a box early Wednesday morning. The visit at Nicola's Donuts and Bakery is one of the first of Scott's so-called 'workdays,' in which he will spend time working jobs with regular Floridians." "Gov. Scott logs a 'workday' in Tampa doughnut shop". See also "Rick Scott gets to work in a Tampa Donut shop".

Argenziano will seek the District 2 seat in North Florida now held by freshman Republican Steve Southerland, who unseated longtime Democrat Allen Boyd in November 2010.

"The current iteration of the party abandoned real Republican principles long ago to cater to ideologues and corporations — the Koch entities, most notably — whose interests lie in the profiteering of America and the sacking of the middle class," Argenziano, 56, wrote in a letter announcing her candidacy. "Current Republican leaders have neither patience with nor allowance for honest elected officials, and they demand that members of the various legislatures — who, after all, have sworn to uphold the Constitution — instead just follow the hijacked party line and shut up."

"The Jeff Kottkamp Complex"

Daniel Ruth: "No self-respecting politician worthy of his or her love affair in the mirror would ever admit this, but one of the really cool fringe benefits of being a high-ranking elected schmoozer is moving around with big, beefy guys in sunglasses who are talking into their hands."

We could probably call this the Jeff Kottkamp Complex, after the former lieutenant governor, who had all the official duties of Princess Anne yet insisted on a Beyonce-esque security detail just in case someone tried to steal his mustache.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has shelled out $77,000 in the past year protecting public officials you probably wouldn't recognize if they were walking through International Plaza with a neon sign over their head blinking: "Jack Markell!"

And just who is Jack Markell? Well apparently he was important enough for the FDLE to spend $8,166 to make sure he wasn't mobbed by panty-throwing groupies, or dragooned by swarthy Middle Eastern intelligence operatives, or imposed upon for his autograph by young girls confusing him with Justin Bieber during seven visits to the state.

As it turns out, Jack Markell is the governor of ...

RPOFer "Delegates in Jeopardy"

"Tampa is hosting the Republican National Convention 13 months from now, but the home state could seat only half of its total delegates if Florida refuses to move its current primary date." "Florida Wants Primary Pride of Place; Delegates in Jeopardy".

Lottery rebranded

"Scott's choice to lead the Lottery Department has big plans to yank the lottery from its midlife crisis and drive up sales." "Lottery looks for new spark".

Big of him

"After his staff blocked the payment last week, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater signed off Monday on a $5,000 check to help cover the costs of a teen who died while in state custody earlier this month and blamed the Department of Juvenile Justice for the delay. " "Atwater reverses, issues burial check to family of youth who died in state custody".

Medicaid deform

"Florida officials sent a wide-ranging application Monday to the federal government for steering almost 3 million Medicaid patients into managed care, a major shift that has sparked heavy lobbying from critics who demand the Obama administration deny the move." "Florida submits Medicaid plan based on managed care to feds for approval".

"Myths of Growth"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The current growth debate in Florida would not be complete without mention of some of the Myths of Growth." "Growth means lower taxes – and other myths".

Double Wingnut Latte: Will Scott join the ticket?

"Rick Scott believes Texas Gov. Perry will get into GOP race soon". More: ""Scott meets with media over coffee and doughnuts".".

Who's crazier?

"George LeMieux and Adam Hasner take aim at each other's conservative credentials". "Attacks Fly Between Republicans in U.S. Senate Race". Rumor has it Hasner once gave a dollar to a homeless family: "LeMieux launches new attack: Hasner trying to 'masquerade' as conservative".

"Democrat hosts her own redistricting hearing"

"With Republican legislators conducting a 26-stop redistricting "listening tour" this summer, one South Florida Democrat is countering with her own public forum certain to take a different tenor. Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, will hold the public workshop 2-4 p.m. Aug. 10, at the Hagen Ranch Library in Delray." "Senate Democrat hosts her own redistricting hearing".

Speakin' of crazy

"Scott, social conservatives gather for ceremonial signing of abortion measures". See also "Immigration Policy One of Rick Scott's Legislative Priorities".

"Strip mall casinos"

Fred Grimm: "Law on strip mall casinos murky in Florida".

Wingnuts run wild

"Florida and the man behind the anti-Sharia movement".

Yawwwnnner

"Scott talks debt deal, veterans and PIP insurance". See also "Gov. Rick Scott Chews on Doughnuts, Policy with Press Corps".

Conservatives wig out over morning-after pills

"Private health insurance plans will have to cover birth control, well-woman visits, breast-feeding support and domestic violence counseling next year under a new women's preventive health rule announced by the Obama administration today."

The rule, implemented under the Affordable Care Act, pleased public health advocates, but touched off outrage among religious and social conservatives because it defined contraceptives to include morning-after pills.

"Utilities pressed for answers"

"Florida utilities pressed for answers on escalating costs, time lines for new nuclear power plants". See also "Rising cost of Florida’s new nuclear power getting scrutiny".

A new federal Race to the Top program that aims to improve early learning was launched in May, the latest push from Washington to spur reform through competition among states.

The first Race to the Top competition, embraced by then-Gov. Charlie Crist, resulted in a $700 million grant for the state last year. But Florida could remain on the sidelines in the newest competition, which has the potential of netting the state an additional $100 million.

Meanwhile, 36 other states and theDistrict of Columbia plan to take a shot at the new grant.

"It's a big deal," said Laura Bornfreund, a policy analyst with the New America Foundation in Washington. She called it a "potentially powerful way" for states to improve early education.

Florida might not be able to apply for the grant because one of the proposed eligibility guidelines requires states to take part in a federal child-abuse-prevention program.

Florida had been participating in the prevention program until the Florida Legislature decided against authorizing it this spring. The program's grant money was among about $54 million the state has rejected or refused to apply for since last fall.

All the rejected grants are part of the Obama administration's health-care overhaul law.

"Obsession with charter schools and vouchers"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "It is time for an open and honest discussion about funding for Florida's public schools, which are suffering from cuts in per-pupil spending and the Legislature's obsession with charter schools and vouchers." "Children owed a quality education".

"Six in the Morning"

Travis Pillow's "Six in the Morning: A six-pack of infobits you might have missed but shouldn’t have".

Good luck with that

"Shuttle gone, Brevard County hopes eco-tourism launches new era".

Scott's politics are made for radio

"In a half-hour at the obscure gospel station, Scott talks about his favorite foods and what it’s like to be rich after growing up poor — all while avoiding questions about his controversial policies that aim to create jobs by increasing corporate profits."

For a governor who is about as popular as the summer humidity, radio appearances like this are as close to paradise as he’ll find outside his faithful inner sanctum.

In the past four months, Scott has been on the radio more than 130 times, including 10 appearances last week.

That’s more than all of his other pre-scheduled media interviews combined.

In politics, TV appearances drive poll numbers up and down. And television coverage is often influenced by print media.

But for Scott, it’s the radio that gets most of his attention.

[T]he forum gives conservatives an easy platform to deliver their unfiltered message. Republican Marco Rubio, for example, harnessed conservative media to create buzz about his once unlikely U.S. Senate campaign. ...

Most of Scott’s appearances are less than 15 minutes, a relatively small investment of time, which offsets concerns that few people are listening.

The South Florida station, 610-AM, is the 20th-most listened-to radio station in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market, according to Arbitron. In Pensacola, there are 21 stations with more listeners than 1620-AM.

The gospel station in Tallahassee has fewer listeners than almost any other in the city.

Continuous appeals to the base will help avoid the same mistakes as Crist, who was eventually run out of the Republican Party.

“The folks who listen to AM radio, on both the left and the right, never tire of hearing people agree with them,” said Mac Stipanovich, a Florida Republican consultant.

"It’s not the politicians"

Kevin Derby argues that the "Rick Scott administration's idea to honor 22 former governors needed to be scratched". He points out that "Veterans from Florida have assembled a long and honored history of which we should all be proud. The governor's team and the state VA department have said the list will be changed. Let’s hope that it is -- and remember that in the military, as in most aspects of life, it’s not the politicians who push us to greatness, it’s ordinary people." "For Florida Vets Hall of Fame, Politicians Aren't the Only Patriots".

"Not at the expense of Bright Futures"

The Herald-Tribune editors: "If the Legislature wants to increase need-based scholarships, great. But doing so should not come at the expense of Bright Futures and its focus on merit. The scholarship program is a worthwhile investment in Florida — and its people and economy." "Bright Futures' future".

Hasner benefits from Haridopolos' exit

"Adam Hasner is set to benefit the most from Senate President Haridopolos' exit from the race for U.S. Senate, according to respondents of last week's Current poll. Hasner is one of several Republicans who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012." "Poll: Who will benefit most from Haridpoplos' exit from the U.S. Senate race?".

PSC jettisons rules encouraging conservation

The Tampa Tribune editorial board think it is peachy that "the Florida Public Service Commission jettisoned rules that would have required two utilities to more aggressively encourage energy conservation."

Scott opposed the measures, which he feared would increase electricity costs and hurt state businesses. That's a legitimate worry. Utilities were unenthusiastic, and the notoriously utility-friendly PSC is not an agency eager to upset the status quo. A brief era of independence was quickly ended last year when state lawmakers dumped Gov. Charlie Crist-appointed PSC members who dared to reject rate hikes.

Still, the PSC probably was correct to scrap these particular plans, developed in response to a 2008 Legislature directive that utilities expand conservation efforts.

But the proposals developed by Progress Energy Florida and Florida Power & Light would have cost 8 or 9 cents per kilowatt hour. Progress Energy customers would have paid $6.24 more per month for conservation, and Florida Power & Light would have increased a customer's average monthly bill by about $4 a month.

Such increases would hit families and businesses hard during these tough times. Yet there is reason to believe energy savings can be achieved without such expense.

"Florida's Boss Tweed"

Nancy Smith don' like those Progress Florida folks. She writes:

In three years of existence, St. Petersburg-based Progress Florida, by its own description a lobbyist for liberal policy, has morphed into Florida's Boss Tweed, absent the criminal overtones but with all the power and bluster. Left-leaning PF calls the shots for an already left-leaning press, and all of a sudden a partisan point of view becomes a general directive.

RPOF-Baggers in a quandry

"Tea Party groups in Florida remain skeptical of a proposal they say cuts spending too little, and may be loaded with hidden accounting gimmicks." The RPOF-Baggers appear lost:

George LeMieux, a Florida GOP candidate for U.S. Senate, told Sunshine State News, “This deal is no time for celebration; it offers no significant debt reduction for our children and grandchildren, and no fundamental reforms that will solve Washington’s spending addiction.

"As a U.S. senator, I supported a balanced budget amendment, and authored legislation that would have balanced our budget in two years. During this critical crisis, Senator Bill Nelson is again absent and ineffectual and needs to be replaced," LeMieux said.

Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Tallahassee, was one of the GOP congressmen who voted against Boehner's initial plan.

“After watching President Obama run up $3.7 trillion in new debt over his 30 months in office, I refuse to hand him a blank check to spend even more of our hard-earned money," the congressman said Saturday after also voting against a Democratic counterproposal.

Southerland spokesman Matt McCullough declined to offer a statement on the congressman's position Sunday night, saying, "With so much left to be determined, we'd rather not comment today." ...

Ultimately, conservative critics figure the new GOP plan doesn't differ significantly enough from the version presented by Reid.

"To take what is currently on the table will give little to no relief to the American people, and a 'compromise' will simply mean that the conservatives take another step toward this leftist administration," said Danita Kilkullen, head of Tea Party Fort Lauderdale.

"To allow the debt ceiling to be raised is to truly compromise the people," she said.

Gov. Rick Scott said deals that continue to raise the debt ceiling are bad for business and the economy.

Teabaggers wanna primary West

George Bennett: "After a conference call with about 250 activists on Thursday night, South Florida Tea Party Chairman Everett Wilkinson said participants were "extremely upset" and about one-third seemed sympathetic to finding a primary challenger to run against West." Related: "GOP debt-ceiling vote finds U.S. Reps. Allen West, Tom Rooney reversing roles" and "Rep. Allen West leaning toward supporting debt-ceiling deal".

Tommy jammed

"GOP's war of words with Lois Frankel lands U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in awkward spot".

Pawlenty looks to revive "stalled" campaign in Florida

"Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is hoping an influential organization in Florida and signs of life in Iowa will revive a presidential campaign that isn't yet showing the grassroots excitement he needs." "Pawlenty looks to Florida to bolster his standing in GOP primary race".

"Prescription-drug epidemic"

"The number of babies treated at Florida hospitals for drug-withdrawal syndrome continued to skyrocket last year, further evidence of the far-reaching impact of the state's prescription-drug epidemic." "Number of Florida babies born addicted to drugs continues to skyrocket".

Ricky Sends Video to Perry Prayer Event

"Scott not lobbying Perry to jump in GOP primary, but will send video to prayer event".

The Balance Trap

By equating the Behavior of West and DWS, Steven Kurlander falls into the "balance trap" this morning: "Feud between West and Wasserman Schultz hurts South Florida, and the nation".

This Lawyer is "Suspiciously Low on Proof"

Scott Maxwell: "Earlier this year, the Florida Attorney General's Office was in the midst of a pull-no-punches investigation into foreclosure fraud. Investigators were exposing rampant abuses. They'd netted a $2 million settlement from one company. And they were gunning for more. But then in May, two things happened:"

First, the "special counsel" to Attorney General Pam Bondi left to take a high-level job with one of the very companies the office was investigating.

One week later, the investigators were forced out of their jobs, told late on a Friday afternoon that they had 90 minutes to decide whether to resign or be fired.

No longer could Assistant AGs Theresa Edwards and June Clarkson investigate Lending Processing Services — the company at which Bondi's former special counsel, Joe Jacquot, was now a senior vice president. ...

Bondi claims her office's recent ousters weren't affected by cozy relationships with anyone — that Edwards and Clarkson were ousted purely for "poor performance."

But she is suspiciously low on proof.

Haridopolos Blows Off 2012 Congress Run

Aaron Deslatte writes that "Haridopolos [has] ruled out running for Congress in 2012, despite the persistent chatter that a district would be drawn to accommodate him."

The Best Medical Care In The World?

"Despite insurance, medical bills push family to bankruptcy".

"Voters are Being Assaulted"

The geniuses on the Saint Petersburg Times editorial board equate the political contributions of "big business and labor unions":

The full impact of an unfortunate U.S. Supreme Court opinion last year is already smacking Floridians in the face. Just as critics predicted, voters are being assaulted by a barrage of hard-hitting television ads that rip Democratic candidates and even a few Republicans — and they often don't know who paid for them. The floodgates are opened for big business and labor unions[*] to spend obscene sums on these attack ads, and the least Congress should do is require instant public disclosure of who is paying for all of that television time.

When in Doubt, Go Regressive

Mike Thomas whines that "insuring a house in Florida soon could cost almost as much as the house itself."

Thomas then pimps the absurd idea of Florida's Senate pipsqueak,

a Marco Rubio idea from 2007: lower the cost of homeownership by eliminating property taxes. ... Rubio proposed eliminating taxes on homestead property and replacing them with a 2.5-cent increase in the sales tax.

Huntsman Goes Red

"Focus on Mars, Huntsman urges in Orlando speech".

Extremist Whines About Dems "Using the Extremist Label"

"Florida's two U.S. senators debated the nature of extremism Saturday as Congress remained in partisan gridlock over the federal government's debt ceiling." "Florida Sens. Marco Rubio, Bill Nelson debate nature of extremism in debt battle".

Remember this about Mr. Rubio: "Rubio Appears With Far Right Evangelical, Revisionist Historian". Marco of course got a pass on this from his adoring Florida media. As we know, Florida's ink stained wretches desperately want, if not "Jeb!", someone from Florida to run for national office. That way, Florida's alleged journalists will at last get to ride on the big bus with the real reporters.

Never Mind the "Hefty Salaries" for Management

"Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez is demanding concessions from county employees in a bid to cut spending. At the same time he is handing hefty salaries to his new coterie of top advisors that rival — and even surpass — some of the pricey compensation packages paid in the previous administration ousted by a voter recall."

- Jack Osterholt, who is leaving his post as executive director of the South Florida Regional Planning Council and will earn $250,000 as a deputy mayor;

- Genaro "Chip" Iglesias, the former Key Biscayne village manager and previous Gimenez aide, who will now serve as chief of staff and deputy mayor for $225,000; and

- Alina T. Hudak, the county manager and top administrator when Gimenez was elected last month, who will stay on as a deputy mayor earning $259,000

Browning Takes Voter Suppression to DC

"Secretary of State Kurt Browning has asked a federal court to approve Florida's new election law, sidestepping the U.S. Justice Department on the most controversial portions of the voting overhaul approved by the GOP-dominated legislature in May."

In a release, Browning hinted that the state wouldn't get a fair evaluation from the administration of President Obama, a Democrat. ...

Florida, Texas and Wisconsin are among states where GOP-dominated legislatures have passed election overhauls that opponents say are aimed at suppressing Democratic votes.

Busy Busy

"The governor’s lawyer, Charles Trippe, is a busy man".

"Abuse from the Natives"

Aaron Deslatte: "Senate President Mike Haridopolos isn't afraid of much these days. Two weeks after ending the biggest campaign of his life, the 41-year-old legislator sat for three hours at a redistricting hearing on his home turf and took some abuse from the natives." "Haridopolos unfazed despite criticism".

Wingnuts Never Seem to Die ... Or Even Fade Away

Mike Lafferty: "Like Frankenstein, Charley Reese's 'final' column lives again".

Yee Haw! I'm Gonna Get Me a Juror

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Judge Perry's orders threaten the constitutional right of access to the courts". The Daytona Beach News Journal editors: "Anthony case fallout threatens crucial liberties".

Prisons for Sale

"The most sweeping change of all on Buss' watch wasn't his idea — it was the Legislature's. By January, 30 prisons and work release centers in South Florida will all be outsourced to a private company." "New state prison boss pushing big changes".

Kingsley Finds a Wedge Issue

Kingsley Guy: "Florida legislators, have you no shame? How can you countenance this blatant assault on poor people in the name of environmentalism? Is it because poor people tend not to vote, while hybrid owners generally go to the polls? " "'Green' energy: Environmental policies hurt the poor".

Draper Talks Back

Eric Draper, executive director of Florida Audubon Society, responds to what he calls a "derisive column" in the Sunshine State News by Nancy Smith: "Proposing Solutions to Protect South Florida’s Water".

Surely the Dagny Taggerts Among Us Will Step Forward

"States ponder: What happens when the money stops?"

Sweet Irony

The Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich's excellent piece, about the "strikingly common" problem of Floridians with health insurance being pushed into bankruptcy as a result of medical bills, closes with these words:

Despite the debts wiped away by the bankruptcy, the [family] have no credit cards, and they no longer have any insurance coverage themselves. For now, they simply hope they don't get sick.

The Republicans' health care plan for America: Don't get sick. That's right. Don't get sick. If you have insurance, don't get sick. If you don't have insurance, don't get sick. If you are sick, don't get sick. Just don't get sick. That's what the Republicans have in mind for you, America. That's the Republicans' health care plan.