Rubio's sex-trafficking law hits a GOP-bump

"U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is pushing for a tough anti-sex-trafficking law, but it's partly being held up due to concerns about abetting illegal immigration."

Because

the Trafficking Victims Protection Act would give victims temporary residency status to help catch the bad guys ... that could be a pathway to a perverse type of amnesty.

And that's a problem in a nation where Congress has been unable to comprehensively address illegal immigration — a central issue in the Republican race for president where the word "amnesty" is a slur [at least for the GOP].

Bondi, Atwater soft on foreclosure mills

"Senate Democrats published a video Thursday heavily criticizing Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of foreclosure fraud cases in the state."

The video contrasts Bondi’s approach with that of California Attorney General Kamala Harris. They contend Bondi is soft on big lenders implicated in the “robo-signing” controversy in which law firms acted as “foreclosure mills” by pushing through foreclosures with faulty paperwork. Harris, however, recently withdrew from a 50-state group working toward a settlement with the banks because she feared any deal at all would be too lenient on the banks. ...

Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, is also featured in the video, complaining of the lack of information surrounding an investigation into two state lawyers investigating foreclosure fraud who were pushed out by Bondi’s office in June – five months after she took office.

June Clarkson and Theresa Edwards had recently reached a settlement with one of the foreclosure mills, but were forced to resign despite stellar performance reviews. Bondi asked for Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s inspector general to look into the matter, and an investigation began Aug. 8.

But nearly four months after the investigation began it is yet to be completed, and Sobel says a public records request submitted to Atwater’s office for information surrounding the firings and the investigation has not been answered.

Mack draws heavy fire from Republican rivals

"U.S. Rep. Connie Mack officially entered the U.S. Senate race this week -- and drew heavy fire from Republican rivals as well as from liberal activists. In a move that had been widely expected for weeks, Mack announced that he was entering the crowded Republican primary field looking to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012." "Senate Hopeful Connie Mack Draws Fire From All Sides".

"Orlando is a success story"

"Bill Clinton to PBS: Barack Obama will be re-elected; Orlando is a success story".

Logrolling in our time

"Florida House and Senate redistricting panels will work off the other's map for its own chamber. House Reapportionment Committee Chairman Will Weatherford said Friday that he'd follow the Senate's example." "Fla. House, Senate cooperating on redistricting".

'Ya reckon?

"Web an increasing tool to link campaigns, voters".

"Extra" unemployment benefits to expire Dec. 31

"Nearly 82,000 Orlando-area residents are waiting to see whether Congress will extend extra unemployment benefits into 2012. The federal benefits — beyond the 26weeks now paid by the state — are set to expire Dec.31. A total of 384,000 Floridians receive unemployment benefits." "'Extra' jobless benefits may expire Dec. 31".

Theme parks in a dither

"Two-thirds to three-quarters of those expected to visit mega-casinos being proposed for Southeast Florida will likely have diverted their time -- and their money -- from other destinations in the region, state economists projected Friday afternoon." "Casinos to Attract Majority of Current Tourist Dollars Wherever They Open". Related: "State economists struggle to pin down casino bill revenue impact".

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Details too thin on gambling measure".

Challenge to state water pollution proposal

"The Florida Independent spoke with both the St. Johns Riverkeeper, one of the plaintiffs in the suit, and Earthjustice attorney David Guest, who is representing the plaintiffs, to discuss the potential effects of the petition." "Earthjustice, Riverkeeper discuss challenge to state water pollution proposal".

Barrel-racing

"Barrel-racing foes win another round".

Yaaawwwnnn

"The veteran Tallahassee lobbyist is setting up his own firm, Barney Bishop Consulting LLC, with a website, a blog and a Twitter presence, the Naked Politics blog reports." "Barney Bishop returning to lobbying".

Occupy Orlando given deadline

"Occupy Orlando given deadline to move".

Feds condemn conditions

"Federal civil rights investigators said two Florida youth prisons were harsh and dangerous — and likely are indicative of conditions statewide." "Feds condemn conditions at Florida youth prisons".

Happy holidays!

Jeremy Wallace: "Southwest Florida’s political power players Bill Galvano and Nancy Detert are nearly assured of retaining their influence for the next decade, thanks to newly proposed redistricting maps. While the process of redrawing Florida’s political boundaries is just beginning in earnest, most experts agree that new maps released this week favor the two Republicans in both the short and long term." "Detert and Galvano are redistricting winners".

GOPers' offer same old "circular arguments"

Aaron Deslatte: "Some of the nation's most high-profile first-year GOP governors sat on a stage in Orlando at the Republican Governors Association conference last week and had an interesting discussion about job-creation."

But it was tempered by the same circular arguments that overlook the inter-connected nature of education, government outlays and economic-development. Ohio Gov. John Kasich, like Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, has battled to diminish the political power of public-employee unions and teachers. He's beefed up incentives for businesses and cut regulations that slow down business deals, declaring, "I once saw a race between a statute and a glacier, and the glacier won."

"Category 4 stimulus"

Paul Flemming: "The answer might be a Category 4 stimulus".

Charges of favoritism

"In the midst of Florida's housing crisis, some state lawmakers want to move legal notices of foreclosures from newspapers to the Internet, sparking a debate over access to information and charges of favoritism." "Tampa firm wants foreclosure notices moved to the Web".

"Bachmann tees off"

"In South Florida, Bachmann tees off on rivals". See also "GOP contender Bachmann, in South Florida, calls for English to be official language of U.S. government".

Head of the Miami-Dade Republican Party faces IRS lien

"State Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, who faced a foreclosure lawsuit in 2008 over his home mortgage, is facing another financial problem: a lien from the Internal Revenue Service. According to an IRS notice filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court in May, Fresen owes $29,199 in unpaid taxes from 2004 and 2007. The lien was first reported by the Eye on Miami blog. Fresen, the head of the Miami-Dade Republican Party, said last week that he was unaware of the IRS notice." "IRS lien filed against state lawmaker".

Ballard, a fundraiser and confidant to former Gov. Charlie Crist, was brought into the criminal case by Greer’s lawyers to recount a telephone call he had with the governor in January 2009.

In testimony at a Nov. 17 deposition, Ballard said the governor approved of plans to bring GOP fundraising “in house’’ and pay extra money to Greer and Delmar Johnson, the party’s executive director.

But Ballard said he knew nothing of Victory Strategies, the private corporation Greer and Johnson established to receive a percentage of money they raised. Ballard said he first heard about the company when he read about it in newspapers.

Occupy Florida arrests

"Police have arrested 29 Occupy Tampa protesters who refused to leave a park. The arrests followed a peaceful protest at Riverfront Park around 10 p.m. Thursday." "29 Occupy Tampa protesters arrested". Meanwhile, "South Beach prepares for possible ‘Occupy Art Basel’ demonstration" and "Political strategist lectures GOP governors on how to describe Occupy Wall Street".

Newt licking his Florida chops

"Florida Supporters Await Word from Herman Cain's 'Reassessment'". Background: "At 50 Percent in Poll, Newt Gingrich Dominates the GOP Pack in Florida". But see "GOP Field Looks to Chip Away at Newt Gingrich's Lead in Florida".

Scott laff riot in Orlando

"Scott says Democrats 'shocked' he kept campaign promises". Related: "In Orlando, Republican governors tout can-do reform efforts".

Meanwhile, the Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board can't get enough of Rick Scott: "Scott won't avoid controversy, hot topics".

Webster Teabaggery

"Democrats are crying foul over a 'private' town hall meeting that U.S. Rep. Dan Webster held Monday with Tea Party activists in Orlando, criticizing the rookie Republican for not taking time to meet with the general public instead." "Democrats blast Webster for non-public meeting".

Yee haw!

"Rick Scott Hails Colt Plant Planned for Osceola County"

Obama admin officials are meet with SoFla Hispanic leaders

"Senior Obama administration officials are meeting with South Florida Hispanic leaders in an effort to boost outreach to the nation's Latino community. Friday's conference at Miami Dade College is part of a series of summits held across the country since July. The White House is also using the event to promote a pilot program to expand employment opportunities for Hispanics and companies that hire them." "Top Obama officials meet with South Florida Latinos".

"Gerrymandered ... again"

Scott Maxwell writes that "one of the worst jokes ever told was when Florida legislators claimed they spent the past six months actually "listening" to what citizens had to say when it came to redistricting."

That, my friends, is a laugh.

Because the state Senate just released a maps that suggest the main people these politicians listened to were other politicians.

The proposed districts are self-serving and gerrymandered … again.

Romney in Tampa

"Romney in Tampa: Free trade will help U.S. rebuild economy".

Big of them

"Congressman Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, has become the sixth House member from the Florida delegation to sign on to the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act. Sens. Bill Nelson, D-Orlando, and Marco Rubio, R-Miami, have also joined similar efforts. The House bill prohibits members of Congress, their staff and federal employees from trading in the stock market on information obtain in closed-door meetings." "Anti-Insider Trading Bills for Congress Gaining Florida Sponsors".

Not exactly the Brain Bowl

"State Sen. Steve Oelrich says that if Florida’s new political lines fall his way, a run for Congress may be in his future. The Gainesville Republican lives in a congressional district represented by U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns and says it is not his intent to run against him. When pressed, though, he would not rule out a run against the 12-term incumbent and called his political makeup 'more conservative' than Stearns’." "Gainesville lawmaker might challenge Rep. Cliff Stearns for congressional seat".

Unemployment comp fund on the mend

"State economists predict that the minimum tax rate to employers will fall to $29.40 per worker in 2015, down from $171.70 at the end of this year." "Unemployment compensation fund on the mend as taxes rise".

"GOP-led Legislature wants to regulate women’s bodies"

"State senator: GOP-led Legislature wants to regulate women’s bodies, again".

Ricky gets it wrong

"Last month, in an interview with The Palm Beach Post, Scott said that the federal health care reform law, passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in 2010, is 'not the law of the land.'"

PolitiFact finds that turning away the money because the Affordable Care Act is not the law is not accurate. Even though Florida is not implementing the parts of the law that requires its approval, it remains the law.

"Politics from the pulpit"

"When Bishop Robert Lynch spoke from the pulpit Wednesday to a crowd of lawyers and judges, he may have surprised some with his pointed opposition to a key provision of the federal health care reform law."

But he is just one voice in a loud and growing chorus of Catholic leaders nationwide. Chief among their complaints: a requirement in the Affordable Care Act that employers offer free contraceptive coverage as part of health insurance policies beginning next August.

If that mandate doesn't change, Lynch said, the Diocese of St. Petersburg would drop health insurance for its approximately 2,300 employees, and instead give them money to find coverage themselves.

Gambling referendums

"Rep. Erik Fresen said his bill will probably be changed to require local voters to approve new casino resorts. A new casino-backed poll shows strong support for the plan in Miami-Dade." "Bill sponsor predicts referendums for Broward, Miami-Dade".

More gambling: "Florida gambling law filled with barrel-sized loopholes" ("Florida's gambling laws, thanks in part to special interest influence, are a hodgepodge that savvy attorneys have learned to exploit.")

"Outlawing Corporate Cash Undermining the Public Interest in our Elections and Democracy"

"Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, appeared on MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan Show yesterday to discuss a newly proposed amendment to the Constitution he introduced to reform campaign finance in the U.S."

The Outlawing Corporate Cash Undermining the Public Interest in our Elections and Democracy (OCCUPIED) Amendment would “amend the U.S. Constitution to make clear that corporations are not people, that corporations cannot spend money in our elections, that Congress and the States can regulate corporations, and that Congress can limit and require full disclosure of all political contributions and expenditures by all individuals and private entities,” the website created for the bill says.

"Fight over cleaning up Florida's rivers and lakes intensifies"

"The fight over cleaning up Florida's rivers and lakes intensified Thursday with the announcement of a lawsuit by a coalition of environmentalists who want to block new state regulations designed to supersede controversial rules imposed by federal regulators." "Lawsuit: Environmentalists claim proposed water-pollution regulations are too weak". See also "Lawsuit filed to head off proposed state water quality rules" and "Environmentalists file legal challenge to proposed state water pollution standards".

Hundreds of millions in road projects delayed

"$300 million in Central Florida road projects delayed".

"Bachmann pops unexpectedly into South Florida"

"Michele Bachmann popped unexpectedly into South Florida on Thursday and started throwing haymakers at Republican presidential frontrunners Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney." "In South Florida, Bachmann tees off on rivals".

A year ago, by landslide proportions, voters approved Amendments 5 and 6 to reduce the gerrymandering that parties have used to increase their power and protect their incumbents.

Since the last line-drawing a decade ago, many Hispanics have moved into the greater Orlando area. They tend to be of Puerto Rican and not Cuban ancestry, and tend to vote Democratic, not Republican. So the Republicans packed nearly half of the Hispanic voters in Orange, Osceola and Polk counties into state Senate District 24. A Democrat will win, but Republicans have used other white voters in the area to fortify GOP seats, a tactic known as "bleaching." The map shifts District 24 incumbent Thad Altman, a Republican who isn't term-limited until 2016, to District 26. It is held by Republican Mike Haridopolos, the Senate president. He's term-limited after next year.

As happened in 1992 and 2002, Republicans are using minority representation as a cover story. They claim that Amendments 5 and 6, which they opposed, require them to protect minority officeholders. Anything else, they warn, would be "retrogression, and violate the Voting Rights Act." That can sound bipartisan, since Florida has almost equal numbers of African-American Democrats and Hispanic Republicans.

But packing Democratic-minority seats, as with Senate District 24, actually marginalizes minority voters by isolating them. The three congressional districts held by black Democrats - including Alcee Hastings, who represents a chunk of Palm Beach County - have roughly 50 percent of the districts' black voters. The percentages for some Senate districts are even higher.

The GOP strategy explains in large part why a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by 600,000 and where the fastest-growing registration is No Party Affiliation has 19 Republican members of Congress and six Democrats. The Florida Senate has 28 Republicans and 12 Democrats.

Florida employers cut jobs in November

"Florida employers cut about 1,100 job cuts in November".

West's political days may be numbered

"U.S. Rep. Allen West, a political lightning rod since his election last fall, was catching some static Wednesday as Democrats predicted his political days may be numbered under his own Republican Party's plan for redrawing congressional boundaries."

West's District 22, which straddles Broward and Palm Beach counties, has toggled between Republicans and Democrats three times since district lines were last drawn in 2002. And Democrats say the congressional map unveiled Tuesday by the GOP-controlled state Senate includes enough challenges for West that 2012 could be the Democrats' turn -- again.

"If there is a GOP loser in redistricting, it is West," said Steve Schale, a Democratic consultant who directed President Obama's campaign in Florida in 2008. ...

West has already built a $4 million campaign war chest, but is being challenged by a pair of Democrats, former West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel and Broward businessman Patrick Murphy, both also well-financed.

West's current district is divided almost equally between Democratic and Republican voters. But it looks almost certain to be redrawn with a more Democratic tilt.

Fellow Republicans, and political geography, are to blame. ...

[T]he Senate's redrawn boundaries also would push West's District 22 deeper into Democratic-rich Broward by giving it an area of what is now Wasserman Schultz's district and having it exchange some areas with the district of Democrat Ted Deutch of Boca Raton.

At the same time, District 22 would lose Republican-heavy areas of Palm Beach Gardens and communities west of Florida's Turnpike from suburban Gardens to suburban West Palm Beach, with most of those voters being steered into Tequesta Republican Tom Rooney's district.

A precise count of Democratic and Republican voters was unavailable, because the Senate completed its first round of mapmaking without making public the partisan balance of the proposed 27 congressional districts.

But the boundary changes gave rise Wednesday to speculation by Republican consultants that West might consider leaving District 22 -- to challenge Rooney in District 16.

"Gingrich is gaining momentum"

"With less than two months until Florida holds its primary -- the fourth state in the procession that will determine the Republican candidate who will emerge to take on President Barack Obama in 2012 -- Gingrich is gaining momentum as he looks to carry the Sunshine State." "GOP Field Looks to Chip Away at Newt Gingrich's Lead in Florida". See also "Allen West and Mike Huckabee Chime in on GOP 2012 Race" and "Gingrich moves ahead in Florida polls".

Graham urges Scott to reverse damage done by legislators

"In a rare rebuke and surrounded by environmental officials who served under previous governors, former Gov. Bob Graham forcefully urges Gov. Rick Scott to reverse the environmental damage done by lawmakers in the last legislative session." "Bob Graham: Florida lawmakers 'reversed 40 years of Florida's progress in water and land conservation'". See also "Former Gov. Graham calls on Scott to provide environmental leadership".

Conservative Florida Justices Canady and Polston in the minority

"For Florida Supreme Court justices, the numbers are familiar: 5-2."

The court in recent months has split by that margin on a series of cases, with Chief Justice Charles Canady and Justice Ricky Polston siding together and offering conservative --- and sometimes stinging --- dissents.

The cases have included controversial issues such as injury lawsuits against businesses, Gov. Rick Scott's attempt to exert more control over state rule-making and, in a few instances, death sentences.

Justices Jorge Labarga, R. Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente, James E.C. Perry and Peggy Quince made up the majority in the cases.

Early voting at the country club?

"Republicans say Brenda Snipes decision on early voting sites disenfranchises their voters".

Goin' after the unemployed

"A proposed committee bill from the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee seeks mandatory training for unemployment compensation applicants who fail a skills test. It also would rename the 'Unemployment Compensation Law' to the 'Re-employment Assistance Program Law' and extend the state's reach in fraud cases." "Lawmakers propose tougher unemployment compensation rules".

Child poverty

"The U.S. Census Bureau released data on local county poverty rates Tuesday, revealing that child poverty -- individuals under 18 years old -- is on the rise in several populous counties in Florida." "Map: Child poverty on rise in populous Florida counties".

Bachmann's last gasp

"Bachmann, lagging in polls, brings campaign to Fla". See also "Michelle Bachmann in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton on Thursday".

Sink open to another run

"Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink ... has not ruled out a future run for office and said she may take a look at the 2014 governor's race after the current election cycle is over. 'I learned never to say never,' Sink said. 'I'm going to be open-minded about evaluating what the mood of the state is.'" "Sink sees Florida slog for Obama".

Citizens to reduce coverage, raise premiums

"Citizens insurance prepares to drop or reduce coverage, raise premiums".

State to settle wage-hour violations

"The Florida Department of Children and Families continues to draft an agreement with federal officials that's designed to keep the state from violating federal labor laws." "DCF, Labor Department Continue Talks About Unpaid Overtime Violations".

Florida aging more slowly than elsewhere

"The country's overall population has been skewing older the past 10 years in tandem with aging baby boomers. Florida can't escape that trend, but it is aging much more slowly than practically anywhere else." "Florida is aging much more slowly".

Florida's leaders should defend their education record in court

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "When the people of Florida adopted a constitutional amendment in 1998 directing lawmakers to make 'high quality' free public education a 'paramount duty' of the state, the expectation was that legislators would raise educational excellence and funding to a top priority."

But Florida ranks 41st among the 50 states in total per-pupil funding, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the state's high school graduation rates and SAT scores rank near the bottom of the nation. Now the Florida Supreme Court is being asked whether a lawsuit that challenges this legislative negligence should be allowed to proceed — something the state is vigorously fighting. This shouldn't be a close call. Florida's leaders should have to defend their record on education in court.

Vern catches a break

"Redistricting change would help Buchanan".

But unlike with other presidential frontrunners, Gingrich’s support looks strong, with 41 to 47 percent of voters favoring the former House speaker, according to surveys released by InsiderAdvantage and Public Policy Polling, respectively.

Mitt Romney’s support is at 17 percent and starting to wane, both polls indicate.

The analysis shows that of the 27 congressional districts, 14 of them strongly favor Republicans and favored both John McCain in the 2008 presidential race and Rick Scott in the 2010 race for governor. Another 10 congressional districts strongly favor Democrats and supported Barack Obama for president and Alex Sink for governor.

In the state Senate, the proposed maps strengthen some Republican districts but weaken others. According to the Times/Herald analysis, 24 of the 40 Senate districts are solidly Republican based on performance in the last two elections and 14 are Democratic — up from the current 12 held by Democrats — and another two lean Republican.

"Scott has done nothing ..."

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "On the campaign trail, Rick Scott, a self-described outsider, claimed he would clean up Tallahassee's corrupt culture. But it's starting to look like the Republican governor is no more interested in ethics reform than any other leader in Florida's state capital. Nearly 11 months into the job, Scott has done nothing to change the balance of power in a town dominated by special interest lobbyists and ever larger sums of campaign finance." "Ethics promises unkept".

Florida's request for medical profit cap waiver doesn't look good

"A federal health agency yesterday denied two states’ requests for waivers of a provision in the health care reform law that requires a profit cap for health insurance companies. Florida is currently waiting for a decision on a similar waiver from the agency." "Feds strike down waiver of health insurance profit cap for two states".

"Casino rivals face off"

"In a debate here Tuesday, state Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, who favors an expansion of casino gambling in Florida, put her cards on the table." "Casino rivals face off in Fort Lauderdale".

Not the sharpest knife in the drawer

"Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon has heard the clich hundreds of times during floor debate: 'I'm not a lawyer, but ... '"

So, when asked for his views on a pari-mutuel wagering law during an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, the first words out of Cannon's mouth were "I'm not a lawyer."

Cannon, though, did a quick backtrack.

With a laugh, he said, "Wait a minute, I am a lawyer."

Romney grubs for wingnuts

"Stagnant in the polls and under withering assault for flip-flopping, Republican Mitt Romney campaigned Tuesday in Tampa Bay and South Florida with a simple message: President Barack Obama has failed and he won't." "Mitt Romney stumps in Florida with focus on President Barack Obama". See also "Romney, in Miami-Dade, picks up key South Florida GOP endorsements" and "Three South Florida Republicans Back Mitt Romney's Campaign".

Tilting at windmills

Nancy Smith takes on a nonissue with zest "While it's fashionable to blame Rick Scott for everything bad but cancer, the governor absolutely, positively had nothing to do with a tuition increase at any Florida university." "Rick Scott Did Not -- Repeat, Did Not -- Raise University Tuition".

Rubio embarrasses himself

"Florida Senator Marco Rubio said on Tuesday he will oppose three diplomatic nominees to protest the Obama administration’s "appeasement" policy on Latin America."

“Rather than stand up to tyrants and promote democracy, this administration’s policy toward Latin America has been defined by appeasement, weakness and the alienation of our allies,” said Rubio, a Republican member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

More Redistricting

"Proposed map gives Allen West more Dems, Debbie Wasserman Schultz more Republicans". See also "Orange leaders OK new districts that dilute minority voting power".

Bondi to co-host GOP/Fox forum

"Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is going to get a chance to help interview GOP presidential candidates. Bondi, a former Hillsborough County prosecutor, is one of three attorneys general who will join former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for a presidential candidate forum that will be held Saturday at 8 p.m. on Fox News." "Attorney General Bondi will help co-host GOP presidential forum". See also "Pam Bondi and Marco Rubio to Star on National Stage".

Barrel Racing in Florida's future?

"A Leon County Circuit judge won’t stand in the way of a state administrative hearing to determine if Gretna racing, which hopes to eventually offer slot machines, can use barrel racing as its gateway pari-mutuel activity. Judge Kevin Carroll denied the Florida Quarter Horse Track Association’s request to block a planned Florida Division of Administrative Hearings review on Friday by requiring a court trial." "Barrel Racing License Sprinting Toward Administrative Hearing".

Good luck with that

Fabiola Santiago thinks "somebody ought to buy Gov. Rick Scott plane fare and a $40 day-ticket to Art Basel Miami Beach so that the penny-pincher can see what a liberal arts education can earn and buy you." "Art Basel holds lessons for Florida’s governor".

Lawmaker seeks stricter oversight McKay Scholarship funds

"The ranking Democrat on the House K-20 Innovation Subcommittee sent a letter Tuesday to its chair, Rep. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, recommending that schools taking John M. McKay Scholarship funds be subject to stricter oversight and accountability measures." "Lawmaker wants more oversight of disabled student scholarships".

Exempting solar

"HB 779 would exempt small solar operations from utility regulation, allowing farmers to sell power to neighboring property owners or a mall owner to sell electricity to retail tenants, supporters say. Bill advocates include Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy." "Groups support bill that would brighten horizons for small solar energy providers".

Rubio flip-flops

"Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who expressed openness before to an extension of the payroll tax cut, now opposes the idea." "Rubio changes stance".

Conservation coalition

"The Florida Water Coalition says on its website that it supports 'reasonable' funding for water management districts, managing Florida's water resources at the regional, not state level and that it opposes efforts to privatize Florida's water. Some groups are concerned that state officials have forgotten how important natural resources are to the state's economy, said Preston Robertson of the Florida Wildlife Federation." "Conservation coalition to be announced Wednesday at Florida Capitol".

Consumer confidence

"Although the headline number was flat, there was a shakeup among the survey's five components. Consumers are less likely to say their finances have improved from a year ago, but more likely to expect they will be better off a year from now. The perception that now is a good time to buy big-ticket items rose 4 points to 75, showing the strongest growth of all the components going into the holiday season." "Infographic: Florida consumer confidence holds level in November".

Hurry up and wait

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editorial board: "Rick Scott has been governor less than a year, but he recognizes that the upcoming session of the Florida Legislature will be uniquely challenging due to timing, budget shortfalls and the contentious process of redrawing political boundaries."

Gov. Scott, a former executive in a huge for-profit hospital chain, suggested this week it would be difficult for the Legislature to thoroughly consider new initiatives — such as recommendations that are expected to be made by the Commission on Review of Taxpayer Funded Hospitals — in light of the issues already on the agenda for the 2012 session.

Agreed: It would difficult, if not impossible — and inadvisable.

GOPers wanted drones at their Tampa convention, really?

"Tampa cuts unmanned drones, some spy cameras from GOP convention".

Florida's rate of uninsured children "well above" the national average

"A new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families found that Florida led the nation in reducing the number of uninsured children during a three-year period. The state dropped its rate of uninsured children by 4 percentage points from 2008 to 2010, earning it the No. 1 spot in the study’s rankings for changes in uninsured rate. Florida’s rate still remains higher than the national average." "Report: Florida has made the most progress in reducing number of uninsured children" ("From 2008 to 2010 Florida was able to decrease its rate of uninsured children from 16.7 percent to 12.7 percent, the study (.pdf) found. However, that number remains well above the U.S. rate, which is 8 percent.")

"Florida’s HIV/AIDS crisis"

"With World AIDS Day 2011 two days away, there is still an urgent need to strengthen testing, prevention and treatment strategies to decrease the impact of HIV and AIDS in United States." "As World AIDS Day approaches, new numbers show the depth of Florida’s HIV/AIDS crisis".

Shackling entrepreneurship

"State Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, has filed a bill to 'collect a modest fee from bottled water companies that derive extravagant profits for the privilege of pumping millions of gallons of water daily from Florida’s springs and other water bodies.' Sands’ filing of House Bill 781 comes after public criticism over water bottling giants’ current ability to extract — without charge — water for commercial purposes." "New bill would charge bottled water companies that pump from Florida springs".

The best Mack can do?

"Mack's gameplan is to portray, repeatedly, Nelson as a liberal in "lockstep" with President Barack Obama. 'The only thing I have a problem with is when you have someone like Sen. Nelson who's a liberal and he votes that way in Washington, D.C., and comes back to Florida and tries to paint himself as a moderate.'" "Mack comes out swinging at GOP rivals, Nelson". See also "Mack attacks Nelson as liberal after formally starting Senate campaign on conservative TV show" and "Officially Entering Senate Race, Mack Calls Nelson, Obama 'Lockstep Liberals'".

Time for "vote fraud" chicken littles to put up

"Eleven state legislators have been hit with subpoenas in a federal lawsuit involving four controversial provisions of Florida’s new election law. The subpoenas to six senators and five representatives, all Republicans, were issued on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Florida and the National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic voter advocacy group, by their attorney, Daniel O’Connor of the Washington, D.C., firm Bryan Cave LLP."

Rep. Dennis Baxley, an Ocala Republican and House sponsor of the elections bill (HB 1355), got his subpoena by e-mail Tuesday. He has consistently said the law was necessary to reduce chances of voter fraud and improve public confidence in elections.

The maps of congressional and state Senate districts were drawn by the staff of the Senate Redistricting Committee and are the first glimpse at how the Republican-led Legislature is tackling new requirements imposed by voters who approved constitutional Amendments 5 and 6 in 2010.

The amendments prohibit lawmakers from protecting incumbents while requiring them to protect language and ethnic minorities, keep districts compact and recognize existing political boundaries.

A preliminary analysis by the Herald/Times found that of the 27 congressional districts, 14 would be solidly Republican, 10 would be solidly Democratic and of the three more competitive seats, two lean Republican while one leans Democrat.

“Florida Republicans have taken a state — which experts have long considered one of the most mal-apportioned states in the country — and worsened it,’’ Smith said in a statement. “In doing so, they have chosen to thwart the will of 63 percent of Florida voters by proposing maps that are aimed at incumbent protection and partisan advantage — the very things which Florida’s Constitution now prohibits.”

Rich, who represents Weston but will retire because of term limits next year, watched her state Senate district go from being centered in Broward to being based in Palm Beach, a shift that she said ignores what voters asked for during public hearings last summer.

Rich wasn’t the only incumbent facing term limits whose district would be consumed to make up another district that now includes a longer-serving incumbent. Senate President Mike Haridopolos’ Merritt Island-based district becomes the home district of Republican Thad Altman of Viera, while Altman’s former district becomes a Hispanic, Democrat-leaning seat.

Meanwhile, boundaries for the state's three black members of Congress and two state senators weren't greatly changed.

The new maps also appear likely to make more seats in Florida competitive for Democrats, who outnumber Republicans by 500,000 registered voters.

"What's next?"

"Here's what's next in the Legislature's redistricting effort:"

•The Senate Reapportionment Committee is scheduled to meet Dec. 6 to vote to file its congressional and Senate district maps as formal legislation. ...

•The House redistricting committee will file its own set of congressional and House district maps, most likely next week.

•After both chambers approve their respective maps, a "conference committee" of senators and representatives will meet to iron out differences in the congressional maps.

"Goodbye to PIP"?

"State should say goodbye to PIP, most advise in poll".

"Haridopolos has taken prevarication ... to heights of fantasy Lewis Carroll could only dream of"

Daniel Ruth outdoes himself this morning:

"It appears one of the three most powerful political figures in Florida, overseeing a nearly $70 billion budget, has an attention span rivaling an oat bag."

Jeepers, you would have an easier time getting a straight answer out of the dearly departed Moammar Gadhafi than Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, who has taken prevarication, misdirection and willful amnesia to heights of fantasy Lewis Carroll could only dream of.

The noted author of the publicly funded $152,000 tome on Florida politics, Lassie Goes to Tallahassee, admitted a few days ago he fibbed, obfuscated and otherwise engaged in a full Pinocchio when he denied to a reporter knowing anything about a payoff to get rid of former state Republican Party chairman Jim Greer, who had treated the job as if he were a Kardashian on steroids.

But in a sworn deposition connected to a lawsuit brought by Greer against his former employers, Haridopolos now admits he was less than truthful about the proposed, but unconsummated, $124,000 settlement. The acclaimed author of Tallahassee: Indian for 'Where's My Check?' said he thought he wasn't supposed to talk about the back-room deal. ...

Although the proposed $124,000 farewell gift to Greer was signed by the attention-to-detail-challenged Senate president, House Speaker Dean Cannon and then-party chairman and state Sen. John Thrasher, Haridopolos struggled to recall specifics of the agreement.

Greer is now facing charges of fraud and money laundering associated with Victory Strategies, a firm he created to conduct party fundraising while serving as chairman.

But Haridopolos, the creative force behind The Chronicles of Narcissism, insisted in his sworn testimony he had zero knowledge of Victory Strategies, even while he was up to his tuchas in maneuvering to ease Greer out.

Money for nothing

Tom Lyons: "Lyons: State's sales pitch seeks your money for nothing".

ALF Absentee-voting compromised

"The votes of three assistant-facility residents were compromised last year, the Miami-Dade ethics commission found. But there was not enough evidence to file charges." "Probe finds ‘unscrupulous’ absentee-voting practices at ALF".

Connie who?

"Connie Mack officially enters GOP Senate race".

"Pervasive sense of anarchy"

Fred Grimm: "At least when Meyer Lansky ran the show someone was in charge."

Gambling had a boss, albeit one whose enforcement techniques may have been a bit harsher than those employed by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. But with Meyer, we didn’t suffer this pervasive sense of anarchy, with one new gambling proposal piled atop of another, with no coherent state policy.

Scott writes an op-ed

"Scott defends environmental stance in new op-ed".

Miami-Dade improperly favored Metrorail firm

"Miami-Dade must reevaluate final bids for new Metrorail trains after federal regulators found the county improperly favored one firm that promised to build a local assembly plant." "Feds: Miami-Dade broke rules in choosing new Metrorail trains".

Obama losing support among Hispanic voters

"Amid angst over illegal immigration, President Barack Obama is losing support among Hispanic voters, complicating his re-election chances in Florida, a new Quinnipiac Poll shows." "Barack Obama's Hispanic Support Erodes, Cutting His Edge in Florida".

Occupy Florida

"Florida to host first statewide Occupy gathering". See also "Occupy Jacksonville outlines its objectives".

Romney plants flag in Florida

"If there's any Republican presidential candidate who can afford to spend precious time and money focusing on winning in Florida, it's the one campaigning here Tuesday. While others focus on Iowa's caucuses or the early primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina, Mitt Romney is set to spend the day in the state welcoming endorsements from three top Cuban-American Republicans, attending several fundraisers and visiting the port in Tampa to discuss trade policy." "Romney the 1st GOP candidate to plant flag in Fla.". See also "Election 2012: Mitt Romney to raise money in Naples on Tuesday".

"Ultimate Cuban-American endorsement trifecta"

"Mitt Romney will pick up the ultimate Cuban-American endorsement trifecta Tuesday in South Florida: The support of U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart, and his brother, former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart." "Romney picks up key South Florida endorsements" ("the three representatives joined another Cuban-American leader, then-Sen. Mel Martinez, and endorsed John McCain.")

"Important issues may get stuck behind the Tallahassee rope line"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Hurricane season will end Wednesday with Florida having enjoyed six comparatively uneventful seasons. Unfortunately, the storm over hurricane insurance hasn't moved on."

This month, Florida TaxWatch released a report on the state's property insurance system. Not surprisingly, the report highlighted the usual lingering problems: Florida's state-run insurer of last resort, Citizens, has become the insurer of first resort; private companies continue to drop policies; the Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, Florida's state-run reinsurance system, wouldn't be able to pay its bills if a large storm struck.

Given the Legislature's priority of drawing congressional and legislative districts, important issues may get stuck behind the Tallahassee rope line. At this point, there is only one property insurance bill (SB 578), which would let unregulated companies take policies out of Citizens. At some point, though, the Legislature should listen to what Jack Nicholson has to say.

No, not that Jack Nicholson. This Jack Nicholson is CEO of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The fund provides subsidized backup coverage to insurance companies. Without the fund, private companies almost certainly wouldn't write any hurricane policies in Florida. The purpose of the fund, Mr. Nicholson said in an interview, is to "stabilize the insurance market."

"Lawmakers tinker with sacrosanct document"

"It's not easy to amend the Florida Constitution, but that never stops the Legislature from trying."

Heads up, voters: When you go to the polls a year from now to choose a president, U.S. senator, members of Congress and 160 legislators, you will also see seven proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, all approved by the Legislature in the spring.

One would bar President Barack Obama's health care law from taking effect in Florida. Another would impose a revenue cap tied to inflation and population. A third would require state Senate approval of Florida Supreme Court justice appointees. ...

In the next few months, the number of ballot propositions could increase, as lawmakers tinker with the sacrosanct document that serves as a framework for state government and grants individual rights to citizens.

Lawmakers have already filed two dozen proposed constitutional amendments for the 2012 session that opens Jan. 10 in Tallahassee.

Two South Florida Democrats, Sen. Larcenia Bullard of Miami and Rep. Jeff Clemens of Lake Worth, have filed bills that would legalize the medical use of marijuana, subject to voter approval. Such laws already exist in 16 states.

Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and Rep. Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, want to ask voters to make the post of education commissioner elected and not appointed, reversing a change voters made when they approved a downsizing of the Cabinet in 1998.

Sen. David Simmons, a Maitland Republican, wants voters to extend the mandatory retirement age for judges from age 70 to 75. ...

Democratic Rep. Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg has filed three proposed constitutional amendments, none of which is likely to endear him to his Republican colleagues.

One would ban offshore oil drilling in state waters. Another would create a mechanism so voters could recall the governor or legislators. His third proposal would extend term limits for lawmakers from eight years to 12. (Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, has filed the same bill in the Senate.)

Under the change, House members, who now run for office every two years, would run every four years and senators every six years instead of every four years.

Last month, Republican Sen. Alan Hays angered his Cuban colleagues when he suggested the citizenship of every Hispanic resident be verified before legislators draw any Hispanic-majority districts. Two weeks ago, Senate Democratic leader Nan Rich criticized a proposal by the NAACP for attempting to keep many of the state's existing minority districts intact, despite voter approval of new redistricting standards.

Known in redistricting terms as "retrogression," it means that minorities end up in worse shape after redistricting than before.

Looks good in a campaign mailer

"A bipartisan group of legislators is scheduled to announce plans for a new caucus aimed at preserving the Everglades." "Legislators to announce Everglades caucus".

Scott gets a "Document Dump"

"Public university leaders, through thousands of pages of answers that include backup academic studies and appendixes, have replied to Gov. Rick Scott’s request to outline what the schools are doing to ensure graduates meet the need of Florida employers. The presidents of the state’s 11 public universities were given until last week to respond to Scott’s Oct. 13 email sent to each school. And as diverse as each campus is, the schools replied using a variety of formats, from secured online pages to discs and pages of bound volumes." "University Presidents Respond to Scott With Document Dump".

"It's plain not a good idea"

Nancy Smith: "If the Florida Legislature wants to pound another screw in the coffin of the middle class during this long recession, it can go ahead with the ill-conceived idea of eliminating tax-free Internet shopping. It's plain not a good idea." "Bad Idea to Tax Internet Shopping".

"Counties Pursuing Slots"

"A controversial decision this month by Gadsden County, allowing voters to decide whether to have slot machines at the new Gretna horse race track, has prompted several copycat efforts in other counties, despite questions over the legality of slots." "After Gadsden Decision, More Counties Pursuing Slots". See also "" and "".

Boletera makes good

"Newly elected Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez did something unusual after being sworn into office earlier this month: He publicly thanked the architect of his victory, campaign manager Sasha Tirador."

It was a rare moment in the spotlight for Tirador, one of a select group of Miami-Dade political consultants who toil in the shadows of campaigns, shaping strategies, crafting messages — and propelling candidates into the spheres of power.

Few operatives have been busier the past year than Tirador, with clients ranging from the county School Board to the state Legislature to Hialeah. In the spring she led two defeated campaigns, Frank Lago for state representative and Julio Robaina for Miami-Dade mayor, but followed that with wins in four Hialeah City Council races.

But it was Hernandez’s 20-percentage point landslide over former Mayor Raul Martinez that may have cemented Tirador’s status as one of the most buzzed about local strategists.

Success is ephemeral in politics, and Tirador has not escaped controversy, particularly over the handling of absentee ballots. Still, her star has clearly risen since leaving Spanish-language radio about five years ago to dedicate herself to campaigns.

Tirador, who lives in the Fontainebleau neighborhood in West Miami-Dade, plans to venture into countywide judicial races in 2012. If approached, she said she would also like to try her hand — for the first time — on a presidential campaign.

Her clients are mostly Republican, but Tirador has registered at different times for different parties. Currently a Democrat, her sole federal campaign contribution was $200 to President Barack Obama in 2008.

"Rousing political speeches "

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "As the Florida Legislature prepares for its 2012 session, illegal immigration is sure to make headlines again. But before Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature proceed, they should take a hard look at the hard-line approaches by Alabama and Georgia and the devastating effect they have had on the states' agricultural interests. What may make for rousing political speeches can result in crops rotting in the fields because there are no workers to harvest them." "Immigration not state's top priority".

"Monday Morning Reads"

"Monday Morning Reads: Thanksgiving recovery edition".

"Opposition’s most effective election strategies"

Anthony Man: "The outcome of next year’s election could be decided far from the polls and long before Election Day. Copying a page from the Republican Party’s playbook, Democrats are hoping to turn one of their opposition’s most effective election strategies into a weapon that could win Florida for President Barack Obama – an outcome that could ensure him a second term in the White House." "Working from Republican playbook, Democrats seek absentee voters".

Dem circles are rife with talk that Dyer will run for governor in 2014

"Buddy Dyer wants voters to give him another term as Orlando's mayor in an election next spring. But if they do, can voters count on him to stay? Local Democratic circles are rife with talk that even if he's re-elected, Dyer will mount a campaign for governor in 2014, midway through his third full term as mayor." "As rumors fly, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer denies that he would quit to run for governor".

Powerful water bureaucrats

"The state's most-powerful water bureaucrats and the Orlando area's biggest water utilities have met several times this year, in near-secrecy, in an attempt to dole out the last drops of cheap, clean and highly coveted water from the giant Floridan Aquifer." "Utilities, water districts join to map Florida water's future".

"Vendidos"

"As more Latino Republicans seek and win elected office, their families' backgrounds are becoming subject to increased scrutiny from some Latino activists, a reaction experts say is a result of Latino Republicans' conservative views on immigration. It's a new phenomenon that experts say Latino Democrats rarely faced, and could be a recurring feature in elections as the Republican Party seeks to recruit more Latino candidates."

"It's a trend and we are seeing more of it," said Alfonso Aguilar, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles.

For years, most Latino elected officials were largely Democrats, except in Florida, where Cuban Americans tended to vote Republican. But recently, a new generation of Latino Republicans has won seats in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, California and even Idaho. Those politicians have come under fire from some Latino activists for pushing for laws targeting illegal immigrants and for opposing efforts for comprehensive immigration reform - views that are in line with most Republicans.

And the immigrant advocates are pointing to the GOP Latino elected leaders' own family histories in an effort to paint them as hypocrites. Ignacio Garcia, a history professor at Brigham Young University, said it comes from a long tradition by liberal activists of portraying Latino Republicans as "vendidos," or sellouts, since the majority of Latino voters tend to vote Democratic.

For example, Martinez tried twice in the New Mexico state legislature to overturn a state law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain state drivers' licenses. Then earlier this year, various media outlets reported that a grandfather of Martinez may have been an illegal immigrant. The reports sparked immigrant advocates to protests outside the state Capitol with poster-size photos of Martinez on drivers' licenses.

Martinez, a Republican and the nation's only Latina governor, ordered her political organization to research her family's background and found documents that suggested that her grandfather legally entered the country and had various work permits.

The episode drew criticism, even from those who opposed Martinez' efforts on state driver's licenses. "This has nothing to do with her views and how she governs," said Michael A. Olivas, an immigration law professor at the University of Houston who also is aiding in a lawsuit against a Martinez's administration probe over the license fight. "I don't think it's fair for people to dig around in her family's past."

In Florida, Rubio's official Senate website until recently described his parents as having fled Cuba following Fidel Castro's takeover. But media organizations reported last month that Rubio's parents and his maternal grandfather emigrated for economic reasons more than two years before the Cuban Revolution.

"Political consulting paradigms"

"Political consulting paradigms changing for First Coast firms that advise campaigns".

Trib editors luv their Marco

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "At the same time the failure of the supercommittee has partisan passions enflamed in Washington, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is finding a way to forge a bipartisan partnership. Rubio, a Republican, has joined with Delaware Democratic Sen. Chris Coons to sponsor the American Growth, Recovery, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship – or AGREE – Act." "A sensible step toward compromise".

"Labor tensions mount"

"Labor tensions mount at Jackson Health System".

LeMieux "Half True"

"George LeMieux's campaign has claimed at least three times — in a press release, an online ad and in a comment from its spokeswoman — that Mack, a four-term congressman from Southwest Florida, 'voted to raise his own pay several times.'" "PolitiFact Florida: George LeMieux says Connie Mack repeatedly voted to raise his own paycheck".

By comparison, the first three primary and caucus states -- Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina -- total 65, so Florida is by far the biggest early state prize.

Or is it?

If some Republicans have their way, the Florida winner could spend millions to campaign here, and then walk away with a much smaller haul, maybe only a dozen or 15 delegates, diminishing the importance of the state to the winner.

Florida has long been a "winner-take-all" state in Republican primaries, and the state party has adopted a winner-take-all system for awarding its 2012 delegates.

But its primary date, Jan. 31, falls into a period when national party rules say only proportional allocation systems are allowed. Such systems divide up delegates among candidates who reach a certain percentage of the votes.

That could split Florida's delegates among three or more candidates, making the winner's prize much smaller, but providing an unexpected bonus for the second, third or even fourth-place finisher.

The national Republican Party has said it won't enforce that rule in Florida's case, because the state already is incurring another penalty for its early primary date – those 50 delegates are only half the 99 the state would have if its date conformed to national party rules.

But one Florida party activist has filed a protest challenging that ruling, and a party committee may yet have to rule on the question – possibly as late as mid-January.

Meanwhile, campaigns are at work in Florida without real certainty on how many delegates they're competing for.

Thrasher's luv 4 sale

"Since joining the state Senate in 2009, John Thrasher has tried to add a Jacksonville financial company represented by his old lobbying firm to a list of providers for a lucrative state retirement system." "Thrasher pushes bill to benefit Jacksonville company, client of his former lobbying firm".

New campus activism?

"USF government professor Harry Vanden sees the anger rising on campuses across the country."

"This is a very bad situation for students everywhere," he said. "Student debt is higher than it's ever been. There are no jobs to speak of. These issues affect all of them across the country and it could unite them." ...

Overall, [student membership in groups like the Tampa chapter of the SDS, Students for a Democratic Society and the recently formed an Occupy USF] at USF and throughout the country are small, nothing like the masses who made up the campus protests of the 1960s and '70s.

But Vanden, who has written extensively on social reform movements, predicts the student groups will grow.

"A lot of my students are saying they don't have time to get involved," she said. "They're more concerned about getting through their classes and getting out and moving on."

She said she saw more involvement three years ago, when Barack Obama was running for president.

Obama targeted young voters like no candidate had. And they turned out in record numbers to vote for him in 2008, said a Pew Research Center study, "Millenials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change."

The new SDS had emerged two years earlier, in 2006, with many of its members becoming active in the anti-Iraq war movement, said Justin Wooten, who helped start an SDS chapter at the University of Florida.

But the energy waned after Obama's election and the disillusionment that accompanied the financial collapse.

Some people thought the new SDS would collapse, said Wooten, now a student at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Then came Occupy Wall Street.

"I think that's giving everyone sort of a new consciousness," Wooten said.

Another thing is fueling these protests among students, said Mike Chrisemer, who helped start an SDS group at Florida State University before graduating two years ago.He now attends a graduate program at City University of New York.

Florida's death penalty is, "in plain language, dumb"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "In polite language, Florida law governing the imposition of the death penalty is inherently self-contradictory. In plain language, dumb." "Fix the death penalty".

Corporate "people" on the run in SoFla

"When the Supreme Court made its landmark 2008 ruling in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, political warfare was unleashed. It became known among some as the 'corporations are people, too' ruling."

The ruling has become a rallying point of the left and others who believe corporate money has a corrupting influence on the electoral process. And now cities are getting into the act, including two in South Florida. ... the city of South Miami and town of Cutler Bay passed resolutions urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 2010 decision.

The protest against Citizens United, however, has already built some national momentum. A number of cities around the country have passed similar resolutions and House and Senate Democrats have introduced amendments in their respective chambers against the ruling, most recently a House amendment introduced in November that, if passed and found to be constitutional, would give Congress the power to regulate campaign contributions to federal candidates and similarly give states the power to regulate contributions in state elections.

Florida Family Policy Council claim "Mostly False"

"As lawmakers wrestle with a proposal to build megaresort casinos in South Florida, some critics of the idea are fighting back by arguing that gambling is morally wrong because it exploits the poor."

The Florida Family Policy Council, an Orlando-based conservative Christian organization, argued on its blog recently that gambling was socially harmful "because the largest numbers of gamblers comes from the poorest segments of the population."

To check the claim, PolitiFact Florida reviewed about six studies that included information about gambling and income, as well as several news articles or websites.

We also interviewed nearly a dozen academics who have studied gambling. Some of the sources came from John Stemberger of the Florida Family Policy Council, while others came from professors, the gambling industry or gambling opponents.

In the end, we found this claim to be overreaching.

Even Arduin?

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "It may be the surest sign yet that the Republican establishment in Tallahassee is finally getting serious about collecting sales tax on Internet sales."

Donna Arduin, former budget adviser to Govs. Jeb Bush and Rick Scott, Senate President Mike Haridopolos and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio when he was state House speaker, has acknowledged the lost state revenue under the state's current tax policy. Arduin's team puts the number at $450 million this fiscal year and as much as $937 million annually by 2020. That's real money worth going after.

Dumberer

"Florida Gov. Rick Scott's comments last month cut to the heart of the quandary: whether emphasizing science, math and medical fields gives students the best career prospects and a high-tech payback to society, and whether humanities fields are viewed as more of an indulgence than a necessity amid tight budget times." "Colleges defend humanities amid tight budgets".

"More than $800M in debt owed Florida taxpayers"

"Even as legislators struggle with a $2 billion budget shortfall, more than $800 million in debt is owed Florida taxpayers - IOUs piled up by businesses, individuals and even a few politicians."

"Unfortunately, in the real world, people walk away from obligations every day," said Barry Krischer, a former Palm Beach County state attorney. "But sometimes you're giving people a false sense of confidence that the state is cracking down on bad characters, when it's really not."

Krischer was victimized 15 years ago by one of the state's top debtors, former Palm Beach County Democratic Party Chairman Ted Brabham.

Brabham was convicted of conspiring to unseat Krischer to help a friend's client, who was seeking leniency in a DUI manslaughter case. Brabham collected $156,000 in illegal campaign contributions, records show. But the elections scheme unraveled and Brabham spent five months in jail on bribery and other charges, lost his law license and still owes the Florida Elections Commission $468,197 for violations.

Brabham hasn't dropped out of sight. He's moved to Texas - and reinvented himself as an evangelist and concert pianist.

On his website, tedbrabham.com, he has a question-and-answer section. To the question of his biggest regret, he says, "Not pursuing a career in gospel music before age 40."

Speaking to The Post, Brabham said he hasn't been contacted by the state. But he conceded that officials will never see the money he owes.

Wage theft ... you got a problem wit dat?

"Anti-wage theft activists delivered more than 1,500 holiday cards — and, they hoped, a message — recently to Macy's in CityPlace. Their goal: Registering their disappointment with the Florida Retail Federation's proposal of a state bill that would block passage of a wage theft ordinance in Palm Beach County. Paul Imbrone, a Macy's executive based in Miami, is vice chair of the federation." "Wage-theft activists have a message for Macy's and Beall's execs".

"A hollow ritual"

Stephen L. Goldstein: "In what has become a hollow ritual, every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers issues a damning Report Card on the nation's infrastructure. But no one pays any attention."

The latest survey conducted by Florida members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (to be updated early next year) reports that 47 percent of the state's major urban highways are considered congested and 18 percent of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. There are 72 high-hazard dams here, and Florida's drinking water infrastructure needs an investment of $15 billion. See all the bad news at tinyurl.com/bp7ecj8.

Take off your blinders, and you have to admit the richest and most powerful nation in the history of the world is crumbling because "the people" have let our leaders shortchange us. These facts validate President Obama's clarion call for government spending on infrastructure, because of compelling needs and the chance to put people to work.

And it makes you wonder why any governor — please someone tell Rick Scott — would refuse federal dollars or neglect to infuse massive amounts of state funds to accomplish the obvious and urgent.

Repairs don't go away. Sinkholes and contaminated water don't get better by themselves. Praying doesn't dissipate rust. Pay now or pay later. Things get worse and are most costly to fix the longer they are neglected.

Entrepreneurs in action

"South Florida toilet paper scam to net prison time for three".

Scott's "position is ridiculous"

"Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a longtime foe of the Obama administration's health overhaul, says he will not allow the state to implement the 18-month-old health law for a fundamental reason:"

"It's not the law of the land," said Scott, an attorney and co-founder of the Columbia/HCA hospital chain. "I don't believe it will ever be the law of the land."

Scott's statements, made in West Palm Beach during a Palm Beach Post editorial board meeting on Nov. 17, have caused a stir. While they may resonate with an estimated 47 percent of the U.S. population who tell pollsters the law should be repealed, they put him at odds with the U.S. Constitution, argued Timothy Jost, a law professor at Washington and Lee University.

"If this is his position, then he is violating his oath of office, and that is a serious thing that I think the voters of Florida ought to be concerned about," said Jost, co-author of a widely used health law textbook. "His position is ridiculous and he should (and probably does) know better."

The health law does not force states to do anything but "get out of the way and let the federal government enforce and implement the law," Jost said.

"An inversion of the American dream"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Among the disturbing economic trends in America is the sharp decline over the last four decades of families living in middle-income neighborhoods. Instead there is increasing segregation into enclaves of wealth and poverty. This pattern reflects that the middle class, that once broad and stable foundation of American society, is losing ground — literally. America's social mobility and diversity is being replaced with the harsh reality that where a person lives and grows up, and the opportunities that flow from it, too often depend on the size of the family's bank account, an inversion of the American dream."

A new study by Stanford University researchers paints a bleak picture of the residential income segregation in upwards of 90 percent of the country's 117 biggest metropolitan areas. In 1970, 65 percent of families lived in neighborhoods defined as middle-income. As of 2007, only 44 percent of families did. No longer do a majority of American families live in middle-class communities where the values of stability are stitched into the fabric. While the middle has been squeezed, the extremes have expanded. The study found that a third of American families live in areas that are either wealthy or poor, up from 15 percent in 1970.

In Florida, the researchers note that the area of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach went from having only 9 percent of families living in areas of either affluence or poverty in 1970 to nearly 38 percent in 2007.

Garbage in ... garbage out

"With Gov. Rick Scott preparing his plan for higher education and the legislative session looming, state university leaders aren't waiting to see what reforms might be coming down the pike. They're making proposals of their own."

One would tie state funding to measures such as graduation rates. Another would give universities latitude to set higher tuition rates for high-demand degrees and make Bright Futures scholarships exclusively for science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors.

NE Florida political millionaires

"The great recession has been devastating to many in Northeast Florida. But most elected officials can still party like it’s 1999. Financial disclosure forms for local elected officials show that most are doing very well, with about a quarter of the officials being millionaires. Almost 90 percent are worth six figures." "More than a quarter of N.E. Florida public officials are millionaires".