The governor's office has previously blamed Rackspace, a private company that maintained its transition emails, for the deletion of transition-related email from Scott, which are considered public records under Florida's broad government-in-the-sunshine law.

While we're at it ... let's gut his pension

"After a trooper pulled Veronica Renee Elder over in Tampa for speeding, she stepped on the accelerator and took off -- with the trooper's arm pinned in the window, reports the St. Petersburg Times. The trooper was dragged for nearly a half mile while she drove at speeds up to 50 mph, according to officials." "Florida woman accused of dragging trooper for half mile".

Crazies flock to Hasner

"Though down in the polls, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner was Friday's straw poll winner — by just a few percentage points — at CPAC." "Hasner wins Senate straw poll". See also "Hasner: conservative favorite in major Senate straw poll", "Adam Hasner Tops Mike McCalister to Win CPAC Senate Straw Poll" and "Boca's Hasner wins Conservative PAC straw poll in Florida's GOP U.S. Senate race".

Straw Poll preview

"The POLITICO/St. Pete Times Morning Score — Presidency 5 edition — Straw Poll preview".

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for Sept. 12-Sept. 16".

Lt. governor's staff secretly recording embarrassing comments.

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The last thing the governor of the nation's fourth-largest state needs to be worrying about is whether the staff of his lieutenant governor is secretly recording each other's embarrassing comments."

Now the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the potential breach of law, and Gov. Rick Scott's team has one more distraction.

Obama Florida base mobilizing

"With a recent Quinnipiac University poll showing President Obama now facing the lowest approval rating of his presidency in Florida, his campaign defended its position in the crucial battleground state Friday." "Obama campaign discounts low approval rating in Florida, says base mobilizing".

What's a teabagger to do?

"Overall, the [Obama] jobs bill proposes $25 billion to repair and upgrade 35,000 public school buildings. Florida could receive $1.28 billion for K-12 schools, which the Obama Administration says would create up to 16,000 jobs." "Jobs proposal could pump millions into Florida schools".

Casino crowd must hit their own version of the trifecta

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Supporters of bringing 'destination resorts' with casinos to the state must hit their own version of the trifecta, to use a term from when horse racing ruled Florida gambling."

First, they must show that the plan would be legal. Second, they must show independent proof that the state would benefit financially. Third, they must present detailed legislation and allow plenty of debate.

Wingnuts "worry that illegal voters are besieging the polls"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "A number of Republican-controlled state legislatures, including Florida’s, passed restrictive new election laws this year. Democrats charge that laws were designed to suppress voter turnout. Republicans counter that they’re intended to keep fraudulent voters away from the polls."

Florida’s new election law cuts the number of early voting days and adds new restrictions on registration and just who can vote. (The state has long barred ex-cons from voting.) The new law seems born out of some worry that illegal voters are besieging the polls.

In this fanciful spate of paranoia, politicians imagine that felons or illegal immigrants would risk arrest and jail time to participate in an electoral process often ignored by 85 or 90 or 95 percent of legal voters.

Illegal immigrants are said to do jobs considered too lowly or onerous by American citizens. If they deign to take on the unwanted chore of voting, along with dishwashing or farm labor, well, at least Florida polls might seem a little less lonely.

Draggin' them knuckles

"The four Republicans running for the U.S. Senate pitched their plans to a roomful of grassroots voters on Friday, but when the 90-minute forum was completed, there were still plenty of question hanging in the air." "Republican Senate contenders show off their styles".

Poverty increases among Florida's children

"While incomes declined and poverty increased among children, young adults and the middle-aged, one group of Floridians has actually seen a modest improvement since the Great Recession: seniors. People age 65 and older experienced an income boost statewide and the number of seniors living in poverty remained near pre-recession levels in 2010, according to Census figures released this week." "Census: Florida seniors' incomes up slightly".

Wingnuts jump Perry

"After Republican presidential frontrunner Rick Perry's rocky performance in Thursday night's GOP candidate debate, the Texas governor's rivals renewed their attacks on his immigration stance today while Perry declared the race shouldn't be about choosing 'the slickest candidate or the smoothest debater.'"

While Perry has cast himself as a no-nonsense conservative, he has taken fire from the right for opposing the construction of a fence along the entire U.S.-Mexico border and for supporting in-state college tuition benefits for children of illegal immigrants.

Perry's foes renewed those criticisms today as the nine leading GOP candidates took turns addressing a Conservative Political Action Conference crowd of more than 2,000. The conference coincides with the Republican Party of Florida's "Presidency 5" candidate showcase, which included Thursday's debate and a presidential straw poll Saturday.

Some crazies stand by their man

"Rick Scott Says Rick Perry's White House Run Will Aid Florida Job Creation".

Redistricting update

"Senate redistricting plan coming in December".

Rubio playin' politics

"Florida Senator Marco Rubio and six other conservative Republicans joined with Senate Democrats on Friday to vote down a bill that would have provided nearly $3.7 billion for disaster relief and enough money to avert a federal shutdown on Oct. 1." "Rubio votes against disaster-aid bill".

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Florida, in case you've forgotten, is in the middle of hurricane season. With the start of fall, other states could be facing tornado damage. FEMA's work is much improved over the Hurricane Katrina days, and the agency got deserved praise for the way Hurricane Irene was handled. But FEMA can only do so much if the legislators who fund it insist on playing partisan games. Playing politics and playing Mother Nature could mean playing with people's lives. Congress needs to make sure FEMA is properly funded, and it needs to do it quickly." "Put FEMA above politics when it comes to disaster relief".

With the national unemployment rate topping 9 percent and job creation for U.S. citizens now the top political issue, the importation of seasonal workers is a heated issue. The outcome of the case could affect how many foreign workers companies are able to afford and how many of those jobs might end up going to local workers.

The first hearing in the case was scheduled for federal court in Louisiana today, but it was postponed Thursday while officials decide whether to move the proceedings to another jurisdiction. New higher wages were to take effect Sept. 30, but that also was pushed back, to Nov. 30.

Plaintiffs are asking for a preliminary injunction, or for new wage rules to be thrown out altogether.

The outcome will affect country clubs, private clubs and hotels in Palm Beach County, which imports more workers on unskilled labor (H-2B) visas than any Florida county. Last year, 1,552 such visas were approved for local hospitality industry employers.

"We definitely support the suit," said David Semadeni of the Palm Beach County Hotel and Lodging Association.

Florida Republicans: a legacy of failure

"Floridians had the biggest drop in income among residents in any state other than Nevada during the past three years of a recession and anemic economic recovery, according to Census data released Thursday."

The median income of Floridians dropped by more than 7 percent from almost $48,000 in 2007 to more than $44,000 last year.

Only Nevada had a bigger drop in income, 7.3 percent. But Nevada residents were earning more than Floridians to begin with -- $55,000 in 2007 and $51,000 in 2010.

"Florida’s Tax System Hurts the Middle Class"

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy's latest report: "How Florida’s Tax System Hurts the Middle Class (.pdf)".

Scott promises jobs, delivers "mass layoffs"

"Florida second in nation in mass layoffs in August".

"St. Pete Times Morning Score — Special 'Presidency 5' edition"

"Good morning from Orlando, the center of the political universe for the next three days." "The POLITICO/St. Pete Times Morning Score — Special 'Presidency 5' edition". Related: "Reporter’s notebook: Presidency 5".

A quickie

"State senator introduces 2012 session’s first anti-abortion bill".

Negron wigs out

"During a committee hearing yesterday, GOP members expressed outrage with the federal government for its request that the state include a 'medical loss ratio' in its Medicaid Reform Pilot."

The lack of a medical loss ratio has been one of the major complaints about the existing Medicaid Reform Pilot programs, active in five Florida counties since 2006. During public forums a few months ago, the Agency for Health Care Administration heard numerous complaints from residents about the absence of the standard in the Legislature’s plans.

GOP members on the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services Appropriations said they feel like the federal government is strong-arming the state on the issue.

Negron was particularly upset that Texas has not yet been required to have a medical loss ratio in its Medicaid overhaul plans.

Negron asked Senior, “If [the feds] are going to insist on the 85/15, are they then going to agree to continue the Texas model in Texas — because Texas has been allowed to have a shared savings model for several years.”

State Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Destin, said that there should should be “equal justice under the law.” He even chastised members of the Legislature that have asked the feds to turn down the state’s Medicaid plan in its entirety. He later jokingly referred to the “folks in Washington” as “North Koreans.”

Senior told the committee that the federal government would have the final say. Negron accused the federal government of “commandeering” the state’s budget.

“Essentially the way this works [is], we are beggars,” Negron said. “They are dictating unilateral terms of surrender. They are commandeering our budget. We are supposed to be business partners. We are paying a little less than half of the bill; they are paying a little more than half of the bill. So, there should be some parity under federalism, and there is not.”

Negron added that this is why he “still supports” having the state run its own Medicaid program.

Listen to Vern's voicemails

"Two voicemails left by Rep. Vern Buchanan for a former business partner and obtained by The Florida Independent shed more light on the ongoing dispute between the two men over who initiated what the Federal Election Commission has called an 'extensive and ongoing scheme' to funnel 'secret, illegal contributions' to Buchanan’s 2006 and 2008 campaigns." "Listen: Buchanan voicemails shed light on campaign reimbursement dispute".

Carroll claims Christians persecuted

"Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll gave a rip-roaring, 6½-minute speech Thursday that could substitute as a Sunday morning sermon at most any evangelical church."

Carroll described an America where Christians are politically persecuted for their beliefs. She asked whether anyone would recognize Jesus if he appeared.

Wearing sandals and hefting a wooden crosses

Nancy Smith writes about her fellow right wingers at the Republican convention in Orlando, beginning with a fellow who "trudged up the long steps to Presidency 5 wearing sandals and hefting a wooden cross."

There is something delicious, something exotic about hanging out this week at the Orange County Convention Center with the passionate delegates of Presidency 5. More than 3,000 Republicans, some with a taste for tea, came from towns and cities across Florida this week to join the biggest event in the Republican Party of Florida's calendar, the conventional, presidential debate and straw poll. More are expected this weekend.

Orlando debate

"All eyes are on Rick Perry and Mitt Romney as Republican contenders debate in Orlando. This debate could put further distance among the leaders and the rest of the pack." "Rivals rev up debate". See also "All you need to know about the convention" and "Rick Perry Takes Hits in GOP Debate". More: "GOP Hopefuls Kick Off P-5 With Pre-Debate Rally" and "Fact checking the debate".

Dem response

"Following the Fox News/Google Republican presidential debate held in Orlando Thursday night, Democratic National Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement...." "Democrats chime in on Republican primary debate in Orlando".

Brodeur living in another country ... "Delusionstan"

Scott Maxwell takes down one "Jason Brodeur, the freshman legislator recently went on a rather bizarre rant against the state's tourism industry."

After Florida hoteliers asked online travel agencies like Expedia and Travelocity to pay the same taxes they do, Brodeur went off the deep end, saying he was "disgusted" with this "supposedly pro-business group."

Brodeur then asked if the leaders of the state's key industry if they had "just moved here from some socialist country." ...

Maybe Brodeur's the one living in another country … namely Delusionstan.

"An inquisition gussied up under American flags"

Daniel Ruth: "For death penalty supporters, the Davis case should give pause."

Because of the work of organizations such as the Innocence Project, 17 death row inmates have been exonerated through the application of DNA testing.

Innocent people have been condemned to death. In all probability, innocent people have been put to death. That's not a judicial system. It's an inquisition gussied up under American flags, impressive Corinthian courthouse columns and hollow platitudes like "Equal Justice Under The Law."

For state legislatures contemplating abolishing the death penalty, the Davis case becomes exhibit A, raising a simple question.

Aren't we better than the travesty of state-sanctioned vigilante justice meted out to Troy Davis?

On Wednesday night at least, the answer was: apparently not.

Rene Garcia "loved it"

"State Sen. Rene Garcia spent his summer vacation doing research — at one of the World's largest gambling resorts in Singapore."

"I loved it,'' said Garcia, a Hialeah Republican and a likely "yes" vote for legislation to bring Las Vegas-style casinos to South Florida. He spent one week and more than $6,100 of his own money to make the lengthy trip to Asia in August to experience Genting's flagship casino.

Garcia produced receipts that show he was charged $4,398 in airfare and $1,765 for his hotel at Genting's Resorts World at Sentosa, where he stayed Aug. 6-11.

Garcia was one of several business and community leaders invited to visit the company's sprawling theme park and casino resort in the heart of Singapore. Legislators are prohibited by state ethics laws from accepting gifts and trips, civic leaders are not.

Latvala puts his foot down

"House attempts on the last day of the 2011 session to insert state law changes into budget conforming bills angered Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg to the point he staged a counterattack in direct defiance of his party's leadership. This coming session, Latvala said, he wants all substantive bills to go through the committee process in the proper fashion." "Shades of Latvala revolt color new committee tussle over expressway authority plan".

Redistricting update

"Gaetz sets out firm guidelines as redistricting panel starts process".

This ... from the man who plead the fifth 75 times

"A prison inmate’s father told Gov. Rick Scott that she’ll die if not released soon so she can get better treatment for leukemia, but the governor denied clemency in her case as well as most of the other 99 he considered Wednesday. Scott, with Florida Cabinet approval, did grant a pardon, though, to a man who embezzled money from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office." "Scott won't release inmate with leukemia".

Recommended Reading

"Recommended Reading for Friday, September 23".

Testing madness

"Democratic members of the Education Committee raise concerns that pay raises tied to student scores will lead educators to teach solely for the tests. Department of Education officials rebut that argument." "Putting teacher merit pay in practice draws House panel questions".

Water wars

"The House Select Committee on Water Policy is advised to avoid a situation that gives water-use priority to public utilities because it could leave farmers in an untenable situation seeking unaffordable alternatives to groundwater pumping. Also, Audubon of Florida urges revisiting water district property tax cuts." "Agriculture official warns House panel that water wars possible".

Leaning toward earlier primary vote

"In the runup to Friday's meeting, committee members deciding on the date say the state may gain more influence in picking a Republican presidential candidate via an earlier vote than by having its full slate of delegates at the convention next summer." "Florida's primary election panel members lean toward earlier vote date".

Bondi letting companies slide?

"Rep. Rick Kriseman says Department of Revenue and Attorney General Pam Bondi are letting such companies slide by not enforcing sales tax statutes that are imposed on small businesses." "Online travel businesses should pay all their sales tax, House Democrats say".

"And by the way ... trailers???"

Scott Maxwell is all over "Florida's crazy new gag law — the one that tries to ban doctors from freely speaking about guns with their patients."

In response, the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, said he filed his bill to protect "young mothers who are scared to death that if they admit they have a rifle in their trailer that the Department of Children and Families will come take their baby because their physician is demanding to know if they own a gun."

Wow. That does sound scary.

It also sounds like fiction.

I asked Brodeur if he could cite a single instance — ever — of the state seizing a child because of a physician reporting a legally owned firearm. He could not.

Neither could state officials.

It says a lot about this fringy movement that their best argument is pure fiction.

(And by the way … trailers???)

Good luck with that

"Mike Hansen tells two House subcommittees that his department isn't able to provide services based on the amount of money it's getting from the Legislature." "Disabled-aid agency's new chief questions whether funding can sustain its mission".

Say what? UF opposes fertilizer restrictions

"Business groups have been pushing for legislation that would prevent local governments from restricting fertilizer use. The Sierra Club wants UF's Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences to turn over records relating to the institute's opposition to local fertilizer restrictions. The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association could push for restrictive legislation again in 2012." "Sierra Club sues University of Florida for records related to fertilizer dispute".

Latest polls

"Whether it's in a crowded field or one-on-one, Rick Perry is the man to beat in the Republican Party's race for the White House, a new poll shows."

The Quinnipiac poll differs from a survey released Wednesday from a Gainesville-based firm, War Room Logistics, that found likely Republican voters were evenly split between Perry and Romney, who also appeared to be a better general-election candidate in a race against Obama.

The key difference between the two polls: War Room Logistics surveyed likely voters while Quinnipiac surveyed registered voters — a more common polling technique months before an election.

As voters focus on the Republican primary and Obama's job-performance, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson has quietly remained in decent shape, according to the Quinnipiac poll. Unlike Obama, a plurality of Florida voters say Nelson deserves a third term, and he'd beat an unnamed Republican challenger by a 43-34 percent spread.

Who will that challenger be? It's unclear.

Nearly 60 percent of GOP voters are undecided. Right now, former Sen. George LeMieux leads the pack with 17 percent, followed by Mike McCalister (11 percent) and Adam Hasner and Craig Miller, who are stuck at 5 percent.

Crazy train heads to Daytona

"The agenda for this year’s Tea Party Florida Convention lists Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pat Bondi as slated to appear at a dinner event with a “life member” of the radical John Birch Society."

The event, held in Daytona Beach Nov. 4-6, will feature G. Edward Griffin, billed as the “author of The Creature from Jekyll Island.” Griffin is an anti-Federal Reserve, anti-United Nations and anti-communist conspiracy theorist who describes himself as a “life member” of the John Birch Society.

The John Birch Society is an infamous radical anti-communist group. Griffin defended his membership in the group in a 2007 post featured on the website of an organization called Freedom Force International. According to the site, Freedom Force is “a network of men and women from all parts of the world who are concerned over loss of personal liberty and expansion of government power.”

Dem pushes SoFla delegation to take position on immigration

"State Rep. Luis Garcia Jr., D-Miami, called on state Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, to schedule a Miami-Dade legislative delegation meeting to consider taking a unified position on immigration." "South Florida Democrat calls for legislative delegation to take position on immigration".

Banks took Florida's pension fund for a ride

"Florida's giant pension fund took a $30 million hit from 2001-2010 because of lax oversight by a state agency and questionable trading practices by two large banks hired to safeguard the fund, records show."

A Florida lawsuit accusing one of the banks of shortchanging the state's pension fund was filed last month, and similar cases have been filed in California and Virginia.

"What we are seeing across the country is evidence that these big banks took pension funds for a ride, hiding exorbitant markups from them and pocketing billions of dollars in unearned profits in the process," said financial fraud investigator Harry Markopolos, who is helping to build the case against the banks.

"Florida voters, especially women, like Gov. Rick Scott more as a person, but all voters still disapprove 50–37 percent of the job he's doing, in a Quinnipiac University poll released today, compared to a 52–35 percent disapproval Aug. 5 and a 57–29 percent disapproval May 25.

"Asked if they like the governor as a person, no matter how they feel about his policies, voters split 37–37 percent, compared to a 45–34 percent dislike in the Aug. 5 survey by the independent Quinnipiac University.

"Women split 36–36 percent on liking Scott, compared to a 47 - 30 percent dislike Aug. 5. Men also split, 39–38 percent, virtually unchanged from 39–42 percent last month.

"On job approval, Republicans give a 70–18 percent thumbs up, compared to 61–23 percent in August, while women disapprove 55–31 percent, compared to 58–30 percent last month. Democrats disapprove 82–8 percent compared to 78–14 last month. Independent voters disapprove 54–34 percent compared to 50–33 in August. Men disapprove 46–42 percent compared to 46–40 last month.

"Conservative Roar from the I-4 Corridor"

"In a setting comparable to a high school pep rally, hundreds of Lake County residents roared with screams and applause Wednesday as they welcomed presidential candidate Herman Cain."

As his Cain 2012 tour bus made its way into the resort's parking lot, a marching band from Christian Home & Bible School in Mount Dora performed. The former Pillsbury Co. executive shook hands with thongs of supporters who waited at the resort's entrance for at least 40 minutes during the humid morning to get a chance to meet the Republican candidate.

Ricky's jobs slow in coming

"Scott touts 500 new jobs - with Time Warner moving HR to Tampa". see also "Feds’ Tallahassee airport upgrade project could bring 160 jobs to Florida". The apologists abound: "Florida Grows Private-Sector Jobs While Government Work Withers". But see "Northrop Grumman to cut 200 more jobs at its Apopka laser-weaponry plant".

Perry's team

"Perry announced that Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, will serve as a co-chairman of his efforts in the Sunshine State along with a host of Republican officials and conservative leaders."

Cannon will be joined by a crowd of familiar faces from the Florida Legislature in leading Perry’s efforts to win the straw poll. Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who on Monday was designated as the next president of the Florida Senate, will also be co-chairing the Perry effort. So will Rep. Rachel Burgin, R-Tampa, and Rep. Clay Ingram, R-Pensacola.

The Perry team will also be led by county officials such as Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo, who resigned a seat in the Florida House to run for his current position earlier in the year. Other local officials leading the charge for Perry at Presidency 5 include Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca and Orange County Property Appraiser Bill Donegan.

Romney-world

"Mitt Romney was the overwhelming favorite of Florida donors to GOP presidential candidates — at least before Texas Gov. Rick Perry threw his cowboy hat into the ring. Many of the Republican candidates are arriving in Orlando Wednesday for a three-day forum sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida." "Romney was darling of Florida donors, pre-Perry". See also "Romney in South Fla. ahead of GOP debate".

Haridopolos' Agenda

"Casino Resorts, Immigration, Insurance Reform Top Haridopolos Agenda".

Second amendment stoopid

"Local governments scramble to repeal gun restrictions".

From Winter Park to Luxembourg

"Winter Park businessman Bob Mandell, the White House's nominee for ambassador to Luxembourg, appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations today as the first step in his confirmation process." "Winter Park businessman may become ambassador to Luxembourg".

Scott considering controversial agenda

"Gov. Rick Scott considering controversial legislative agenda". See also "Sun Sentinel: Scott’s legislative agenda includes immigration enforcement".

What's a teabagger to do?

"Reducing the federal deficit cuts both ways in Florida, because the state is so dependent on federal money."

With its millions of retirees, the Sunshine State is a magnet for Social Security and Medicare payments.

With millions more lacking health insurance, Florida benefits from federally subsidized health care through Medicaid.

And with its large population of active military personnel and military retirees, the state draws billions of dollars from Washington every year in defense contracts and retirement benefits.

Florida's chief economist, Amy Baker, briefed a panel of legislators Tuesday on the potential impact the state could face as Congress looks to identify at least $1.5 trillion in future savings.

Newspaper sponsors Bushco propaganda event

"All the hot-button education issues — from merit pay to charter schools to virtual education — were on the menu today at a luncheon where former Gov. Jeb Bush and other education leaders debated the future of public schools in Florida."

The "Florida Forward Conversations About the Future" drew hundreds to a downtown Orlando hotel, including teachers, school board members, college officials and politicians. The event was sponsored by the Orlando Sentinel and the University of Central Florida.

Charter madness

"The growing number of students attending charter schools is amounting to an increase in empty seats at Miami-Dade and Broward traditional schools." "South Florida public schools losing students as charter enrollment increases".

"Florida's old folks scared out of their wits"

Mike Thomas: "The survey results are in and Florida's old folks are scared out of their wits. That should give pause to the Republican presidential candidates preparing to debate in Orlando on Thursday."

Normally, voters throw out the bum presiding over a bad economy. But things are so historically bad that shell-shocked seniors may cling to President Barack Obama like a security blanket if they see Republicans threatening their entitlements.

I turn your attention to a monthly survey of consumer sentiment done by business researchers at the University of Florida. ...

Wingnuts head to Orlando

"Presidency 5 participant talks ‘civil war’ between liberals and conservatives". See also "Breitbart to speak at Americans for Prosperity breakfast Friday in Orlando".

Arizona-style?

"The Miami-Dade County Commission on Tuesday approved a resolution urging the Florida Legislature to not pass any immigration legislation in 2012. The same day, state Senate President Mike Haridopolis said his chamber would pass the same immigration bill it passed in the 2011 session." "State Senate president promises chamber will pass immigration bill".

Vern gets a pass

"Judge shoots down motion to add Buchanan to FEC lawsuit".

Scott's the titular head of the RPOF

"To win a primary election one year ago, Gov. Rick Scott filled the mailboxes of Republican voters with embarrassing details about alleged money laundering and theft at the state party."

Today, Scott is head of that party.

The role requires the political rookie to raise money, inspire activists and, on Saturday, deliver the keynote address at Presidency 5, a three-day political spectacle in Orlando that will demand attention from Republicans across the country.

For Scott, the event is an opportunity to define his role as Florida's top Republican.

"Rates settle at sane levels"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Sinkhole rates settle at sane levels".

Palm Beach blues

"President Obama's plan to make millionaires pay a minimum tax rate is the latest buzz coursing across Palm Beach -- the island enclave where investment earnings, trust funds and tax loopholes are as rooted as the palm trees." "Obama's 'millionaires' tax' gets attention of Palm Beach accountants, clients".

Florida's 29 electoral votes likely wins the White House

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Who wins Florida's 29 electoral votes in 2012 will likely win the White House. But with respect to the eight GOP candidates who'll debate in Orlando Thursday night, arguing the dos and don'ts of vaccinating young girls won't put Florida in their column. Sounding earnest, educated and eager to do the right thing on other issues might. They include ...." "Answer Florida's Q's and win White House".

"Hypocrisy of fellow Republicans"

"Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, pledged that state lawmakers would do all they can to make sure Congress dedicates adequate security funding to the event. Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said he wants to make sure law enforcement officials have all the resources they need to keep the event safe. But he couldn’t resist pointing out the hypocrisy of fellow Republicans who reject federal money for other purposes." "Tampa readies security for GOP convention".

Obama's Florida "math has gotten increasingly difficult"

"Winning Florida requires that Obama not only turn out Democrats in big numbers, but that he also win at least 50 percent of independents, something he did in 2008 against John McCain, 52 percent to 45 percent. The math has gotten increasingly more difficult."

Florida tends to mirror the national electorate, and a New York Times/CBS News poll last week found only 37 percent of independent voters approved of the president's performance. Likewise, an August Mason-Dixon poll found 55 percent of independent voters in Florida disapproved of Obama's performance.

Scott leaning toward an early primary

"Scott has been clear about when he wants Florida's presidential primary: as early as possible without violating the Republican National Committee calendar and losing delegates to the convention in Tampa next year. But as the state's presidential primary committee prepares to pick a date, Scott seems to be leaning more toward an early primary." "Gov. Rick Scott leans toward early Florida primary".

"Property owners at the mercy of banks"

"The push is on in Florida to cut the courts out of the foreclosure process."

Supporters of the concept — which is used in nearly 30 states — say it will speed foreclosures, get houses back onto the real estate market and boost the economy.

Opponents say it puts property owners at the mercy of banks.

Gov. Rick Scott, House Speaker Dean Cannon and Senate President Mike Haridopolos all say they are interested in considering legislation to change Florida laws so judges won’t have to referee foreclosures.

Another shameless hit piece on firemen and cops

A couple of alleged journalists who do the bidding of a corrupt* newspaper company work hard this morning to slam firefighter and cop benefits, like "overtime, special assignment pay, off-duty assignments, longevity bonuses, merit increases, unused sick and vacation payouts, and more." "South Florida city salaries loaded with extras".

Missing from the hit piece are crazy things like, you know, facts: for example, it is true that firemen like other workers, to receive overtime: however, they receive time-and-one-half pay after working more than 212 hours in 28 days (not more than 40 hours in 7 days like regular folk). 

It is also true that firemen and cops get "special assignment pay" for extra training, certifications and work on things like SWAT teams and specialized rescue teams (like high angle rescue).

It is further true that firemen and cops who work "off-duty assignments" which are merely second jobs, actually get paid to do these second jobs (they are paid by the third parties that hire the firemen and cops do this extra work (like paramedics at a college school football game)); indeed in most cases, the employers usually make money from the third parties that hire the firemen and cops to work the "off-duty assignments".

It is yet further true that some firemen and cops get "longevity" pay, which is merely a form of additional compensation to incent senior firemen and cops to stay on the job (after all, many firemen and cops are driven to retire after, for example, seeing a certain number of dead children and other scenes few of the rest of us ever see); this has the added benefit of ensuring that citizens have the benefit of tough, hard nosed cops and firemen who have seen and can handle just about everything.

To be sure, some employers have pay systems which determine firemen and cop wage increases, if any, are concomitant with the "merit" of their work as determined by their supervisors, typically through detailed evaluation systems of things like how firemen perform in rescuing citizens from structure fires or extricating broken bodies from crushed vehicles; how well cops do in gunfights with bad guys; how efficient paramedics are in delivering advanced life support to patients in the field; you know, things like that; things we want firemen and cops to be especially good at.

Finally, it is true that some employers pay employees on an annual basis, or when they leave employment, for some portion of their "unused sick and vacation" time. Indeed, it is a common labor-relations procedure to encourage employees not to use sick leave by allowing employees to recover a portion of their unused sick/vacation leave time; this has the concomitant benefit to the citizenry of saving employers the cost of overtime.

Funny how we expect the best from Florida's finest but turn around and attack them for being paid to do it.

- - - - - - - - - -

* The newspaper company in which this drivel appears is "corrupt" in the sense that the company owners control what it portrays as "editorial" content, and the owners actually overrule editorial board decisions.

A captive audience of lobbyists is simply too much for many lawmakers to resist. Here it is September, with the next election more than a year away, and fundraising is approaching a fever pitch, with a long list of $500-a-person "receptions" this week.

Taxpayers are paying for all 160 lawmakers to attend an abbreviated three-day "week" of House and Senate committee sessions. As the afternoons wind down, though, Adams Street teems with commerce — the political kind.

Sorry Ricky ... more regulation needed

"Legislative report: State regulators need to shut down dangerous assisted living facilities — and stop bargaining down punishments."

With Florida’s elderly population expected to boom in the next two decades, state regulators must crack down on rogue assisted living facilities by shutting down homes where residents die from abuse, slapping harsher fines on places that repeatedly break the law, and boosting the qualifications of people who run ALFs, a legislative study says

A report released by the state Senate calls for sweeping changes in oversight of ALFs, asking lawmakers to improve a state system that’s woefully underfunded, allows caregivers to work with “inadequate training” and relies on “deficient’’ enforcement to protect thousands of frail residents.

Fla-baggers in a dither

"The head of a tea party coalition in northwest Florida and the head of the Tea Party of Florida don't often agree on much, but they both are miffed at Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida GOP."

When the Florida Legislature passed and Scott signed a law that bans candidates for public office from switching parties, they effectively iced out many tea party brethren and registered "independents" seeking to run next year in newly drawn districts, said Henry Kelley, the president of the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party and a potential candidate for a Republican House seat representing Crestview. ...

Doug Guetzloe, the head of the Tea Party of Florida agrees. The onetime GOP political consultant from Orlando has become a thorn in the side of the Republican Party of Florida as he sought designation for a rival party, named the Tea Party of Florida. Kelley and other tea party activists also fought Guetzloe's attempts to create the separate party.

But Guetzloe recruited 21 candidates to run under the Tea Party of Florida banner. In November 2010, they collected a total of 310,000 votes, despite attempts to throw them off the ballot.

Redistricting update

"Lawmakers want redistricting proposal by November". See also "Weatherford: We want redistricting options by November" and "Filing deadline set for House redistricting committee". Related: "Palm Beach County cities want to be kept whole during redistricting".

Stop the madness

"Privatizing state-run higher education, airports, seaports and toll roads were among suggestions proposed Monday by members of the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force." "Efficiency Panel Floats Privatization Ideas".

Sugar gets what it wants

"How Big Sugar gets its way".

Sinkhole Hike Sunk

"State insurance regulators late Monday rejected the basis for Citizens' sinkhole rate hike, slashing an increase that would have seen some Florida homeowners facing premium increases that topped $5,500." "Citizens Sinkhole Hike Request Sunk". See also "Citizens sinkhole rate increase slashed to 32.8%".

No Casinos Inc. revived

"The full-throttled push to bring casino gambling to South Florida has prompted the head of the No Casinos political committee to resurrect his organization to oppose expanded gambling in Florida. John Sowinski, an Orlando-based public relations consultant and president of the 'No Casinos Inc.,' activated the dormant organization late last week as legislators announced they are drafting a bill to offer three Las Vegas-style casino licenses in Miami Dade and Broward as part of a push to bring resort-style casinos to Florida." "No Casinos group re-emerges to fight new legislation".

Gaetz. The best they can do?

"GOP state senators choose Don Gaetz as their next leader". See also "Don Gaetz to Keep Florida Senate on 'Right' Course" and "Sen. Don Gaetz named Senate President-Designate as GOP elite look on".

Union haters dancing in the streets

The union haters on the Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board gloat over "voters in Hollywood [have] approved sweeping changes in the city's pension benefits for police, firefighters and municipal employees. The referendum questions on pension reform for public safety employees and general employees were approved by about 55 percent of the voters who turned out for the special election." "Pension vote a sign that change is on the way".

"Casino work fits nicely with the new Florida"

Fred Grimm: "The Genting resort, designed to lure the world’s high rollers to South Florida, only confirms Miami’s niche in the new global economy. We suck up to the rich."

This is what we do. Our plan. Our future in a high-tech world. We work for tips.

Genting promises to hire some 30,000 locals for its downtown resort, which includes four hotels, 50 restaurants, 12 swimming pools, condos, a lagoon, beach and waterfall, but the best jobs, of course, would come with the casino not yet allowed by the state of Florida.

The state Legislature undoubtedly will approve so-called “destination casinos,” because, well, that’s the only $3 billion job plan around. (Unless the governor, busy jettisoning rules meant to contain suburban sprawl, can conjure up another housing bubble.)

Besides, casino work, no degree required, fits nicely with the new Florida the Legislature and governor are creating with such deep and devastating cuts to the state’s public education budget. The same Legislature that wouldn’t consider raising taxes was happy to jack up tuition at state universities (15 percent a year, for three straight years) while cutting the Bright Futures Scholarships by 20 percent.

Florida obviously doesn’t plan a future economy based on robotics or genetics or nanotechnology or software engineering or microbiology or solar power or that other brainy stuff. But a cheap high school education’s plenty good enough to land work as a croupier or blackjack dealer or parking valet or hotel maid.

The swing state, yet again

Waldo Proffitt is "more and more frequently coming across stories in newspapers and on television that put 'Florida' and '2012 presidential election' in the first sentence."

That figures. Florida will be the first big state with a significant number of votes in a GOP primary early in the 2012 election.

The Associated Press, which services hundreds of newspapers, recently sent out an article which said it's quite plausible that front-runners Rick Perry and Mitt Romney could roughly divide the first four contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. In that case, Florida could prove to be a virtual tie-breaker in a state so big and so central to presidential elections that the loser would have to struggle to stay afloat. ...

... the Republican National Committee wants only the four states mentioned above to vote before March 6. States that vote earlier run the risk of losing half their delegates, as Florida did in 2008. Florida Republicans decided then that the risk was worth taking then and likely will do so again.

Florida will be the only one of the four largest states where the outcome is in doubt, so we are in for 14 months of pretty serious campaigning. ...

Florida is a swing state. There are about a half-million more registered Democrats than registered Republicans, but Florida Democrats are somewhat more conservative than the nationwide norm. That, plus a considerable amount of gerrymandering, has produced Republican majorities in both houses of the Florida Legislature as well as the federal House of Representatives. But there is no gerrymandering a presidential election. It's the statewide totals that count. ...

My feeling is that Florida Republicans are better organized and more supportive of their party than Florida Democrats, and, all else being equal, likely to get a larger percentage of their members out to vote.

All else was not equal in 2008 and Florida voted for Obama and may well do the same in 2012 unless Republicans can make a persuasive case that it is in the enlightened self-interest of Floridians to vote for the GOP candidate.

Perry's Florida jam

Mike Thomas: "Normally, voters throw out the bum presiding over a bad economy. But things are so historically bad that shell-shocked seniors may cling to President Barack Obama like a security blanket if they see Republicans threatening their entitlements." "Seniors' depression over economy may bode ill for Perry".

"Florida's move could set off a chaotic scramble"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Here we go again. Florida lawmakers are picking a fight with national party bosses, just as they did four years ago, by scheduling the state's presidential primary earlier than party rules permit. And the bosses are again threatening to penalize the state by stripping it of delegates to the national nominating convention. This would really be a punishment for Florida voters, whose clout would be correspondingly diminished."

Florida is headed for a showdown with the Republican National Committee, which could find itself in the awkward position of penalizing the state that's hosting its nominating convention in Tampa. The state also would be facing sanctions from the Democratic National Committee, as it did four years ago, if Barack Obama wasn't the automatic nominee.

Florida's move could set off a chaotic scramble for the front of the nominating calendar among other states also determined to maximize their influence. Arizona already has announced it will hold its primary on Feb. 28. At least three other states — Michigan, Missouri and Georgia — are considering their own early dates.

"Most Florida workers and small businesses" win under Obama plan

"President Barack Obama's plan to cut deficits and create jobs, which he submitted to Congress on Monday, would impact Florida more than most states because of its millions of senior citizens and its high 10.7 percent unemployment rate. The president's plan calls for $1.5 trillion of new taxes as part of a 10-year deal to reduce the deficit by more than $3 trillion. He would cut Medicare by $248 billion and Medicaid by $72 billion."

WINNERS: Social Security recipients and most Medicare patients.

LOSERS: Affluent Medicare recipients and some health care providers.

WINNERS: Most Florida workers and small businesses.

The plan would cut the 6.2 percent tax for Social Security/Medicare by half on the first $5 million in payroll. The idea is to put more money in the hands of workers and businesses to boost the economy.

LOSERS: Big businesses and affluent Americans.

The plan would limit deductions for families making more than $250,000 a year and close "loopholes" and special-interest tax breaks for some businesses. The tax cuts created in 2001 and 2003 would expire for upper-income earners, affecting an estimated 3 percent of households. ...

"I will fight these wrong-minded policies and any bill that comes to the Senate that spends money we do not have or raises taxes to pay for more spending — but I cannot do it alone," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said in a fund-raising letter on Monday.

WINNERS: Some of the unemployed, teachers and veterans.

LOSERS: Some farmers or growers who rely on federal crop subsidies, which would be slashed.

Moderates in the Republican party have "essentially vanished"

William March: "Some experts say a longstanding split between moderates and conservatives in the [Republican] Party, intensified by the influence of the tea party movement, is playing out in the nomination battle between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Others say that battle already has been won, and that the influence of moderates in the party has essentially vanished." "Perry vs. Romney shows split in GOP ideology".

Huntsman outa here

"Huntsman keeps fleeing Florida".

Another TaxWatch yawner

The Tampa Tribune editorial board drools over another TaxWatch yawner: "Cutting costs, better government".

"Rare water dispute"

"At issue is a proposed permit for Bay County to pump up to 30 million gallons per day from land in Bay County owned by The St. Joe Co. Washington County and the James L. Knight Trust, which owns 55,000 acres in the area, are opposing the permit. On Wednesday, the House Select Committee on Water Policy hears from a panel on water-use permitting statewide." "Hearing begins in rare water dispute in northwest Florida".

Editors make a silly point

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editors whine that "you know you have too many regulations when your state is being sued by interior designers." "Florida needs to remove unneeded business hurdles".

The nerve of these servants ... standing up to their masters

"School bus drivers upset over beverage policy".

Guide to this week’s Presidency 5

"Here’s a guide to this week’s Presidency 5 conference, which will be held in Orlando, and will draw top Republican presidential candidates." "GOP presidential revs up in Orlando". See also "For 3 days, candidates court GOP core".

Marco goes a fundraisin'

"Rubio, in the keynote address at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce convention, told the crowd gathered to hear him that he was proud to be in a room 'with job creators.'" "Rubio, in speech to hometown crowd, praises ‘job creators’".

"We're not just The Villages"

"Welcome to Florida, Republican presidential hopefuls! We understand you'll be spending some time touring our fair state before the Sept. 24 straw poll. We hope you make yourselves at home. Maybe you'll even stick around. We've got plenty of property for sale. But, listen: We're not just The Villages." "Hey GOP! See these places".

Suppression, Florida style

"Florida rolled back its early voting time to one week from two in an overhaul that also makes it more difficult for groups such as the League of Women Voters and the Boy Scouts of America to conduct voter registration drives." "GOP-led states change voting rules ahead of 2012".

Smith loses it

We understand she hates unions, but Nancy Smith borders on the unintelligible with this: "Teamsters' Short Memory Makes Complaint Laughable".

Perry to attend "Pastor Policy Briefing"

"GOP presidential candidate and Texas Gov. Rick Perry may join Focus on the Family’s James Dobson and other conservative figures during a two-day 'Pastor Policy Briefing,' in Orlando, Fla., an October event being organized by David Lane, who also directed fundraising for Perry’s August prayer rally, 'The Response.'"

After it’s done, the Orlando event will live on as part of a two-hour compendium of similar pastor briefings, which will be sold for broadcast in homes and churches as part of a coordinated effort targeting unregistered Christian voters.

3 Florida cities among the 20 weakest-performing cities in the country

"According to a recent Brookings Institute report, three big metro areas in Florida — Lakeland, Palm Bay and Miami — are among the 20 weakest-performing cities in the country in the struggle to recover from the recession." "Three Florida cities included in national report on areas with weakest economic rebound".

Smith urges Palm Beach's quarrelsome Dems to make nice

"Florida Democratic Chairman Rod Smith urged Palm Beach County's famously quarrelsome Democrats on Saturday to make nice for the next 14 months to help President Obama, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and other Dems next year." "Stop fighting each other and start fighting for party, state Democratic leader tells county group".

Scott defends his administration's performance

"Gov. Rick Scott on Monday defended his administration's performance on job growth, saying his strategy of smaller government and less regulation was encouraging private employers to add positions." "Gov. Scott: Less government means more private jobs".

Medicaid deform

"Feds ask for changes to Florida Medicaid Reform Pilot".

The Week Ahead

"A busy week ahead features the Presidency 5 event and the first round of legislative committee meetings leading up to the 2012 session. " "The Week Ahead for Sept.19-Sept. 23".

Wage violations

"Department of Labor expands enforcement of wage violations".

"High Performance Government"

"Members of the state's Government Efficiency Task Force are meeting today to discuss suggestions aimed at saving the state $3 billion. The task force is required to convene every four years, and includes five appointees each by the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the governor."

Some members already have offered written recommendations, from efforts to achieve immediate savings to long-term reforms of how the state spends money. Former House Speaker Larry Cretul has suggested wide-ranging legislative reforms under the banner of "High Performance Government," a slogan that dates to his time in office that ended in 2010.

Cretul, who has since joined the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is recommending sweeping reforms for the process of budget negotiations between the chambers, including public disclosure of "any documents or communications by the Speaker of the House to the Senate President regarding the content of the budget process" and "plain‐language explanatory comments on budget spreadsheets," as well as timely disclosure of proviso language during budget conferences.

He would also require budget writers to identify and "reduce, phase out or eliminate nonessential functions of government," and set aside a dedicated savings fund to preserve the state's bond rating.

"Perry's scare tactics"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Rick Perry's scare tactics".

"1,600 special districts in Scott's cross hairs"

"Fresh from cutting $210 million in taxes and scores of jobs at Florida's water management districts, Gov. Rick Scott is sizing up a new target in his drive to shrink government. The rest of Florida's more than 1,600 special districts, and the $15.5 billion in taxpayer money they command, are suddenly in Scott's cross hairs." "Special tax districts with power to tax at risk of cuts".

Redistricting update

"Weatherford: We want redistricting options by November". See also "Redistricting chief: Get your maps in".

More than 100 of Florida's sharpest political minds — including campaign consultants, lobbyists, politicians — participated in the latest St. Petersburg Times Florida Insider Poll, and the results were striking: Two-thirds of Democrats and two-thirds of Republicans pegged Romney as the stronger general election candidate, though Democrats were considerably more confident than Republicans that Perry would win Florida's crucial presidential primary early next year.

Half of the Republicans predicted Romney would win the primary, and 41 percent predicted Perry. Among Democrats, 56 percent expect Perry to win the primary, and 37 percent said Romney.

"A judicial spanking"

Scott Maxwell: "It's been said before that the Florida House is more like "Animal House": a bunch of immature party boys playing games with your rights and money. Last week, a 22-page court ruling helped confirm that comparison — specifically, that freshman state Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, has been trying to do to the U.S. Constitution what John Belushi did all over the frat house's front yard."

She essentially told Brodeur, legislators and Gov. Rick Scott that they didn't do their homework, didn't understand the issues and were trying to violate the U.S. Constitution.

Basically, she gave these boys a judicial spanking that would've splintered Delta Tau Chi's wooden paddle.

Sink stayin' in the mix

"Former Democratic Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink barely lost the gubernatorial race to Rick Scott last year, but said in a Political Connections interview airing today on Bay News 9 that there's little about her campaign she second-guesses."

"I keep going back to two things: One is a guy who put up $75 million of his own money and outspent us probably two- or three-to-one. And the second very important thing, as you've reported on, is just the environment of the nation — a very anti-incumbent, anti-Washington, anti-the president (mood)," Sink said in the interview airing today at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

She has launched a new public policy foundation, FloridaNext.org, to focus on boosting small businesses in Florida. What would have been her first steps to get Florida back to work as governor?

"Time for the state's GOP to thumb its nose at RNC"

Aaron Deslatte: "Florida wants to play a lead role in the Republican presidential beauty pageant with the P5 straw poll, a nationally televised candidate debate and a gathering of conservative celebrities in Orlando this week. And if party leaders have their way, the mega-state won't be giving up the microphone."

Clearly, it's the perfect time for the state's GOP leadership to thumb its nose at the Republican National Committee and set an early date for its 2012 primary.

Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon have agreed to a mid-February date -- moving Florida into the fifth spot after Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina and ahead of Arizona, which broke with the national party's calendar and set its primary for Feb. 28.

Logical fallacy of faulty generalization

In the never ending channeling of League of City and Chamber of Commerce talking points by Florida's newspaper companies, we are yet again presented with an example of the logical fallacy of faulty generalization, this time by alleged journalists working for the Miami Herald company: "Municipal pensions a bonanza for employees, a burden for cities".

Say what?

Adam C. Smith writes that Al Cardenas, the chairman of the American Conservative Union and former Florida GOP chairman has put together a political blockbuster for Friday in Orlando."

Smith continues: Cardenas is

making the Florida GOP look good, holding the conference during the party's three-day Presidency 5 gathering. CPAC-FL will feature every major presidential candidate as well as conservative stars ranging from Marco Rubio to Ann Coulter and the National Rifle Association's Wayne LaPierre.

GOPers holding up Florida's FEMA money

"While billions of dollars of losses mount from an extraordinary year of natural disasters, the federal relief fund designed to help stricken communities has dwindled to $307 million as of Friday. Reimbursements to help Florida and other states recover from past disasters — and prepare for future hurricanes, floods and tornadoes — have been put on hold while Congress grapples with how to replenish the aid fund overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

The Democratic-controlled Senate last week overcame Republican filibusters and passed a bill to add nearly $7 billion to the disaster-relief fund. But the Republican-run House plans to push through a bill this week that would provide about half that amount — $3.7 billion — and require that at least part of it be carved from elsewhere in the budget to avoid adding to the national debt.

The immediate result is an interruption in the flow of aid to reimburse recovery costs from past disasters.

Florida officials will have to wait for federal reimbursements to pay for some of the cleanup work after a batch of hurricanes that swept through the state in 2004 and 2005.

That includes $1.68 million — already delayed — for work in the wake of hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis and Katrina in 2004-05. An additional $11.28 million for restoration work is in the pipeline and could be delayed.

Reimbursements of $4.25 million could also be delayed for disasters since 2005: Hurricane Gustav, severe storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Florida "economy remains anemic"

Travis Pillow points out that "economic forecasts released by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research predict unemployment will stay above 10 percent into 2013."

The leisure and hospitality sector remained one of the largest sources of job gains. Propelled by a recovery in tourism and steady hiring at food and drinking establishments, the sector added 46,400 jobs between August 2010 and August 2011. Florida's economy as a whole added 46,100 jobs during the same period, according to Friday's jobs report.

Sorry Myriam, Dems "enjoy a massive edge" with Hispanic voters

Myriam Marquez is beside herself about how ... "5,000 Latinos will descend on Miami and Miami Beach for the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 32nd annual convention."

She's particularly enthusiastic that

the co-chair of the event will be Florida’s former U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, now chairman of financial services giant JPMorgan Chase, overseeing Florida, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean [and that the] opening ceremony at the Freedom Tower, where so many Cuban refugees were first welcomed to their new home, will be highlighted by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s remarks on international trade.

America's Hispanic population is growing swiftly, and Hispanics' electoral significance is growing along with it. Hispanics make up 16 percent of the U.S. population, according to the 2010 Census. Between 2006 and 2010, the number of eligible Hispanic voters grew by 23 percent, the Pew Hispanic Center reports, increasing from 17.3 million to 21.3 million nationwide.

Most of those votes went to Democrats, who enjoy a massive edge: Another Pew study, published a month before Election Day 2010, showed that 65 percent of registered Latino voters preferred Democrats, while 22 percent preferred Republicans.

"If last week's debate in Tampa is any guide"

"Texas Gov. Rick Perry so far has successfully positioned himself as the conservative alternative to establishmentarian Mitt Romney in the Republican presidential race. But if last week's debate in Tampa is any guide, front-runner Perry can expect flak from the right on illegal immigration, a Texas vaccination policy and perhaps Afghanistan when he and the rest of the GOP field return to Florida this week." "Rick Perry can expect flak from left and right as GOP hopefuls return to Florida".

"Americans scrimp, Congress travels"

And so it goes: "South Florida U.S. Reps. Allen West and Frederica Wilson were among 81 members of the House of Representatives who traveled to Israel in August, flying business class and staying in luxury hotels for a week of meetings and sightseeing paid for by the charitable arm of a pro-Israel lobby. In June, Wilson spent two days at a beachfront resort in the Bahamas, courtesy of the Bethune-Cookman University alumni association." "Americans scrimp while Congress travels, gives staff bonuses".

"Designed to score political points"

Michael Mayo "hope[s] a federal judge soon pulls the plug on Florida's drug-testing program for some welfare applicants, which began July 1. After trying to sort out contradictory numbers and conclusions about whether the effort is worth it, one thing seems clear to me: The program is better designed to score political points than to prevent the squandering of taxpayer money on drugs." "Florida's welfare drug-testing is mean – and so far, meaningless".

"Florida has largely abandoned growth management battlefield"

Goodness gracious, even the Tampa Tribune editorial board recognizes that "it is unfortunate the state now has largely abandoned the growth management battlefield." "A better state? It's up to you".

"Vengeance putting on airs of justice"

Leonard Pitts Jr. writes that "It was a chilling moment, but also a clarifying one in that it validated the grimmest suspicions about at least some of those who support capital punishment. That support, after all, is often framed in terms of high morality, the argument being that only in taking an offender’s life can a society truly express its revulsion over certain heinous crimes."

But when the audience at a recent GOP presidential debate cheered the observation that Texas Gov. Rick Perry has overseen a record 234 executions, that fig leaf was swept away. You knew this was not about some profound question for philosophers and august men. No, this was downturned thumbs in a Roman arena, vengeance putting on airs of justice, the need to see someone die.

People dress that need up in rags of righteousness and ethicality, but occasionally, the disguise slips and it shows itself for what it is: the atavistic impulse of those for whom justice is synonymous with blood. If people really meant the arguments of high morality, you’d expect them to regard the death penalty with reverent sobriety. You would not expect them to cheer.

Another run by Young "all but confirmed"

"In comments to a gathering of local Republicans Saturday, U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young and his political allies all but confirmed, without saying so directly, that Young will run for re-election next year. ... Young, 80, himself remained cagey, as he typically is about his re-election intentions until the beginning of the election year." "Bill Young, allies, imply he'll run for re-election".

As cops and firemen risk their lives, their pensions are gutted ...

... and the politicians who are fomenting attacks on firemen and cop benefits - with the excited compliance of their allies in the media - are cashing in.

"In Hialeah, where taxpayer pension obligations have multiplied seven-fold during the past decade, the two men who oversaw the city’s finances have racked up six-figure pensions — through a system they created."

In 1998, the Hialeah City Council voted to establish a new pension fund solely for elected officials. Councilman Julio Robaina voted in favor. Mayor Raul Martinez signed off on the new law.

Martinez retired in 2005 with a $188,000 pension. Robaina, who became mayor after Martinez left office, stepped down this year after accruing a $110,000 pension that becomes available when he turns 55 in 2020.

Martinez is running to get his old job back. If he wins, he’ll get a $190,000 compensation package in addition to his pension. ...

[Miami Beach] Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, who approved of the 2006 pension change, also jumped into the retirement plan at that time and took advantage of a perk that allows employees to buy extra service years if they previously worked for the military, another government entity, or "in the private sector performing the same or very similar duties" to their current job.