But the battle that played out in the Senate last week as Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, tried to force Orlando Sen. Andy Gardiner out of the race for the 2015-16 presidency could have lasting implications for millions of Floridians.

In the summer of 2009, Jacksonville Sen. Jim King — a lion of the old, more moderate (some would say contemplative) Senate — succumbed to cancer, and Thrasher, a former Republican House speaker who had long quarreled with Florida trial lawyers, turned in his lobbying client list to run for the seat. This was a major signal to Tallahassee insiders that times were changing in the chamber.

What followed was a no-holds-barred GOP primary in which the trial bar lobby threw more than $2 million into defeating Thrasher, and failed. ...

During that campaign, Thrasher decided to support Gardiner for president in 2015-16 and position himself for 2017-18, and the line of presidential succession in the Senate -- Sens. Mike Haridopolos of Merritt Island, Don Gaetz of Niceville and Gardiner -- helped Thrasher beat back the trial lawyer cash. ...

But Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican on his second tour in the chamber, sniffed an opportunity. The leadership's attempt to ram through controversial bills in the final hours of session last year gave him ammo to stage a resistance effort and launch his own bid for Senate president. ...

Gardiner won't elaborate on the back-room deal-making that thwarted the effort by Thrasher and Joe Negron, R-Stuart, to coax Gardiner's "pledges" to swing to them. By Thursday evening, he had secured enough votes to put down the attempted coup, and confirmed he would be making changes to address concerns that the Senate had become too top-down. ...

As part of the deal, Latvala will run for president in 2016 as the clear favorite — assuming Republicans hold onto the chamber.

This is not a power struggle stemming purely from the conflict between the business lobby and the unions/lawyers. It is about personal ambition.

But it has the potential to impact bigger policies affecting many more people for years to come.

Plenty of bad ideas lawmakers should kill before they adjourn

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Doctors take an oath to do no harm. The same should be required of Florida legislators. With two weeks left in the legislative session, some of the best decisions so far have been to stop bad ideas. But there are plenty of others that lawmakers should kill before they adjourn March 9." "Bad bills still lurking".

Big of them

"An emotional William Dillon looked on Friday as the Florida House agreed to pay him $1.35 million as compensation for spending more than 27 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit." "Florida House OKs $1.35 million for man imprisoned 27 years for murder he didn't commit".

"A kind of educational apartheid within the university system"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "There are troubling aspects to a bill that allows the marketplace to dictate tuition prices as if they were a product off the assembly line, and in the process creates the possible beginnings of a kind of educational apartheid within the university system." "Short-sighted approach to excellence".

"Detente doesn't happen often in Florida's environmental wars"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Detente doesn't happen often in Florida's environmental wars, particularly when mining is involved."

But a federal judge should approve the proposed settlement between Mosaic Co. and a collection of environmental groups that would create a new state park along the Peace River but also maintain good-paying jobs. Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet also need to embrace this compromise.

"The most barbaric backwater in the nation"

Fred Grimm: "Thank God for Texas. Else we’d rank as the most barbaric backwater in the nation. Even infamously unenlightened states like Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina spend more per capita on mental health than Florida." "Here’s crazy: Reducing money to treat mental illness in Florida".

Embarrassing

"Sorry, Charlies! George LeMieux and Connie Mack Spar Over Crist and Sheen".

Steinberg out

"Rep. Richard Steinberg, a Miami Beach Democrat, resigned his seat Friday, two days after admitting he harassed a married Miami prosecutor with anonymous text messages". "Florida Democratic Rep. resigns after admitting sending harassing emails".

Carl Hiaasen: "Special nominee for the Darwin Awards, handed out each year to exceptionally un-evolved members of the human species: Florida House Rep. Richard L. Steinberg, a Miami Beach Democrat". "New candidate for the Darwin Awards".

Scott parties, skips the seminars

"Governors attending an annual meeting this weekend will take up the theme of "Growing State Economies," an initiative they hope will boost hiring and create jobs in their home states."

But Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who has made jobs the centerpiece of his administration, will not be at the gathering.

Florida, along with Texas, Ohio and Idaho, is one of four states whose Republican governors have declined to pay annual membership dues to the National Governors Association [(NGA)]. Scott is one of just a handful of U.S. governors not going to the annual meeting — 46 governors from U.S. states and territories will be in attendance.

He and his wife, Ann Scott, will fly in Sunday for what many governors and their spouses consider the highlight of the annual weekend in Washington: a black tie dinner hosted by the president and first lady at the White House. The dinner is not affiliated with the NGA.

Scott [is] a member of the Republican Governors Association, which relies on corporate donors and in part on donations from hundreds of wealthy conservatives who donate to the group for access to events featuring GOP governors.

Unlike the NGA, strictly a policy-based organization, the RGA's primary mission is to help elect Republicans to governorships throughout the nation. Democrat[ic*] governors have a similar political arm.

"Bad, Bad Bills"

Nancy Smith "Bad, Bad Bills: Getting Consumer Protection Struck From the Statutes".

Never mind the bacteria

"Forget sharks. The things most likely to hurt you at the beach are microscopic, and soon it may be harder to know if they're out there." "Funding for beach water testing in jeopardy".

"Believing they are inscribing stone tablets"

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: "For all the fear that government will intrude on religion ... the greater threat is lawmakers who forget they're writing statutes and come to believe they are inscribing stone tablets."

The Florida Legislature provides ample evidence of the tendency, with our lawmakers working to limit abortion rights, to allow coercive prayers in public schools and increase the flow of money to vouchers that will support private religious schools - while cutting support for higher education.

Flip-floppery

"Liberty Counsel founder flip-flops on school prayer bill".

"There aren't enough judges"

The Palm Beach Post editors: "It takes nearly two years for foreclosure cases to wend their way through Florida's courts because there aren't enough judges to handle the backlog and lenders often drag their heels after filing." "'Quick' foreclosure isn't".

Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: For Senate Fights, the Future is Now".

"A ludicrous decision"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The school was held hostage so one parochial lawmaker could get his way. And he did — at least in the Senate, which voted to make Polytechnic Florida's 12th state university. It is a ludicrous decision at a time the Senate is cutting existing universities' funding by $400 million. The vote demolishes any sense of fiscal discipline and thoughtful planning." "A flimsy foundation for higher education".

Rail immunity

"Under a bill advancing through the Legislature, Florida taxpayers could be asked to pick up the tab for damages caused by Amtrak".

"It's a horrible public policy," said Jamie Holland, a Jacksonville lawyer who specializes in rail. "It puts the Florida taxpayer on the hook."

Similar protections were awarded to CSX, the freight railroad operator, in 2009. Lawmakers made taxpayers liable for potential accidents caused by CSX on the 61-mile SunRail commuter line in Orlando.

An Amtrak attorney, Carol Licko, said the bill merely gives Amtrak the same liability protection along the SunRail corridor.

Amtrak "wanted to become part of the agreement (between CSX and Florida)," Licko said. "What this does is require the state to buy insurance to cover accidents. All that Amtrak is asking for is to get covered in that insurance agreement."

Empty suits

"Florida legislators passing ceremonial bills denouncing health care reform".

"Bad bill that emerged mysteriously"

The Tampa Tribune editors: "The Legislature appears eager to let die an overreaching bill that would have given all state lawmakers immunity from civil legal action for their entire lives and beyond, into eternity."

Under the proposal, staff members would not be allowed to testify in a lawsuit unless they waived immunity and also had written permission from the legislator for whom they worked. Should that elected official die and thus be unable to sign a waiver, staffers would be required to be silent forever.

The bill didn't presume to restrict what might be said in Heaven, but you get the feeling the authors would have included the afterlife if they thought they had jurisdiction.

This bad bill that emerged mysteriously from the House Judiciary Committee would have increased secrecy and weakened the open records law. Its stated purpose in granting legal immunity would be "to encourage and protect the uninhibited discharge of a legislator's duty for the public good."

From what we've seen of lawmaking in Tallahassee, a little inhibition can be useful where so much money, personal ambition and political power converge. Some of the Legislature's best work is done through compromise.

Hukill jobs bill

"The Florida House signed off on a bill Thursday designed to stimulate job growth in targeted industries, including defense contracts and space flight." "Hukill jobs bill passes House".

PIP games

"Time may be running out on PIP overhaul in Florida".

They might want to read the ruling again, for it amounted to a full-throated rejection of the campaign of falsehoods and fearmongering that monied interests and their Tallahassee enablers have waged at the expense of Florida's environment and economy.

At issue are new standards the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to reverse the pollution that now taints the state's lakes, springs and streams. Even before taking office last year, Bondi, Gov. Rick Scott and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam signed on to a withering disinformation campaign aimed at browbeating the EPA to drop or weaken its effort. The group threw anything against the wall: The EPA, they said, was jumping the gun, abusing its authority, singling out Florida and using junk science.

U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle, who is overseeing the case, dismissed the assault as mostly bunk in an 86-page order last week.

Budget blues

"The Senate approved a $70.7 billion state budget plan Thursday that restores most of last year's deep cut to public schools while imposing a fresh round of reductions on Florida's increasingly crowded universities." "Florida Senate OKs $70.7 billion budget; stage set for talks with House over $1.5 billion gap". See also "Florida Senate passes budget bill" and "Ready for conference? Senate approves $70.7 billion budget".

And previously it was a left-wing paradise?

"Rick Scott told mayors and community business leaders Thursday that the perception of Florida as being pro-business has improved 'dramatically' in the past 12 months." "Florida's Pro-Business Image Improving 'Dramatically,' Scott Tells Mayors Group".

"'Drill, drill, drill' is a bumper sticker"

"President Barack Obama used the friendly confines of the University of Miami Thursday to push a diversified energy policy and also to attack his Republican adversaries, who he claimed have the same answer to every energy issue." "Obama in Coral Gables: GOP's 'drill, drill, drill' is a bumper sticker, not an energy policy".

"Connie 'The Glass Jaw' Mack"

"This is hardly a point of personal honor, but by the time I turned 45 somehow I had managed get through life without being involved in numerous bar brawls."

And, it appears safe to say I like to drink as much as Connie Mack IV, whose record is 0-4 in road rage/gin mill bouts.

Indeed, it seems weird to see the name Connie Mack in the same sentences that also include "bar," "brawl," "property lien" and "overdraft fees." After all, Connie "The Glass Jaw" Mack is the namesake son of Florida's former Republican U.S. senator.

The elder Mack is a soft-spoken man of courtliness, impeccable manners and understated dignity.

As for the son? This is like discovering Ronald Reagan was the paterfamilias of Dennis Rodman.

Redistricting fight

"A group of black Broward leaders filed suit this week in federal court, arguing the new County Commission districts restrict the chances of black candidates getting elected." "Black leaders sue Broward over new county districts".

Florida wastes tax dollars on wingnut political stunt

"Seven states, including Florida, have decided to take on President Barack Obama’s mandate that health insurance policies include coverage for contraceptives. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in a federal court, asserts that the requirement violates religious institutions’ First Amendment rights by forcing them to promote a message that contradicts their religious principles." "Florida joins multi-state suit over Obama contraception requirement". See also "Florida joins multi-state lawsuit against birth control mandate".

Carl Hiaasen: "On birth control, GOP shoots itself in the foot".

"Thrasher Not Done Campaigning"

"Gardiner Claims Senate Presidency Won; Thrasher Not Done Campaigning".

"Tourism revival is important in political terms"

"The tourism revival is important in political terms because it’s another sign that Florida’s battered economy is recovering, a trend likely to ease voter anger against whoever is in office. That may help incumbents of both parties and improve President Obama’s chances of winning Florida’s electoral votes again this year."

Democrats lost all six closely contested congressional races in 2010 largely because of a backlash to the incumbent party amid widespread unemployment and economic distress. Florida Democrats noted that the state was run by Republicans, but voters in congressional races still tended to blame Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress.

'Anti-Sharia Law' passes ... haters come out from under their beds

"'Anti-Sharia Law' Bill Passes House Panel; Muslims, ACLU Object".

NBA stars, and even David Stern, like Obama

"President Barack Obama came to the Isleworth mansion of NBA player Vince Carter on Thursday night to talk with basketball stars and a handful of others who could afford the $30,000 ticket about his campaign theme of fairness in America."

In addition to Daytona Beach native Carter — a former Orlando Magic player and current member of the Dallas Mavericks — the crowd included Steve Smith of the Atlanta Hawks and Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, as well as NBA Commissioner David Stern and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, plus former NBA stars Magic Johnson and Alonzo Mourning.

Steinberg, D-Miami Beach, probed for possible stalking

"As fellow lawmakers convened Thursday in Tallahassee for the annual session, state Rep. Richard L. Steinberg, D-Miami Beach, has returned home to be with his family in the wake of a federal probe into possible stalking." "State Rep. Steinberg returns home to Miami Beach amid federal probe into texting". See also "South Florida politician admits sending 'sexxxy' texts to married prosecutor".

Florida 18-to-20 somethings likely to support Obama

"Political experts, polling data and students themselves say the 18-to-20 somethings inside and outside Florida are likely to support Obama. But they question whether the Democratic incumbent can generate the same passion as four years ago, when he was seen as a once-in-a-generation transformational figure by many." "Obama seeks repeat with young Florida voters; Republicans try to chip away at his support".

House adopts random drug-testing

Update: "After a roller-coaster ride through the House, a bill that allows state agencies to randomly drug-test their employees was cleared by a final committee on Friday. The House State Affairs Committee cleared the bill (HB 1205) by a party-line vote of 9-6." "Florida House panel OKs state worker drug-testing bill".

"Opponents of drug testing proposal question whether the program would be ‘truly voluntary’". See also "Lawyers for ACLU, union fight Gov. Rick Scott's order for random drug testing of state workers".

Cops in riot gear break up Florida shoe melee

"Cops in riot gear break up shoe melee at Florida Mall | Video, Photos".

1 percenters in charge

Stephen Goldstein: "Since 1999, when Jeb Bush became governor, Florida has been dominated by the Republican Party, the party of the 1 percent — now hijacked by the tea-party extremist fringe. As a result, we have deep-seated, long-standing problems that their short-sighted, ideologically driven solutions have not only failed to solve, but have created and compounded."

"A January 2012 Issue Brief, "The Condition of Florida by the Numbers," from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, tells a tragic tale:"

Poverty: "16.5 percent, or 3,047,373 Floridians, lived below the federal poverty level in 2010 ($17,374 for a family of three)." These are the people that Mitt Romney recently said he wasn't worried about because they had a social safety net.

Think about what it would mean for you and two family members to live on that kind of money — and get back to Romney. Almost unimaginably, "1,356,324 [Floridians] lived at 50 percent of the poverty level or less. Among children under 18, 23.5 percent lived in poverty."

Income inequality: "Florida ranked as the fifth-worst state in 2010 on the GINI Index, a measure of income inequality used by economists to measure the gap between those making most of the income and those making the least."

No health insurance: While tea party/GOP Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Legislature continue their relentless fight to kill President Obama's Affordable Care Act but offer no alternative, "21.3 percent of Floridians had no health insurance [in 2010], third-highest in the U.S., and 12.7 percent of children under 18 have no insurance coverage, fourth-highest."

Food Stamps: There were "3,187,157 [Floridians on food stamps] in September 2010, the third-highest total in the nation."

Fairness of the tax system: Florida's is the "second-worst in the nation."

State tax revenue: Contrary to all the government-costs-too-much bashing emanating from Tallahassee, "Florida ranked 42nd in state revenue per capita and 46th in state tax revenue as a percentage of the state's total income in 2010."

State employees: Contrary to all the state-government-is-bloated rhetoric, Florida has the "lowest number of state employees per 10,000 population and the lowest payroll costs per resident."

Unemployment insurance: Florida's "average weekly payment was $229.90, 48th in the nation. ... Of the unemployed, only 18 percent received regular unemployment insurance, 51st in the nation."

Education Expenditures: "Over the last five years ... total annual funding for public education declined by $4.4 billion, or 18.4 percent." Florida ranks "50th in per capital state government expenditures for all education."

"Unbecoming behavior continues to thrive in Tallahassee"

Scott Maxwell writes that unbecoming behavior continues to thrive in Tallahassee. "For proof, check out the ongoing campaign to lower the salaries of restaurant workers."

I'm not sure I can recall a more disingenuous campaign.

Basically, restaurants want to pay their servers less.

Right now, state law requires restaurants to pay them $4.65 per hour. They want to cut that to $2.13

Pretty simple right? That's less.

Yet the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association says this move would guarantee "higher, stable wages."

Of course it would.

The association tries to argue that customers would make up the difference in tips with restaurants promising servers a total of at least $9.98 an hour. But since this plan is optional, the reality is that the only restaurants to implement this would be the ones that want to pay their employees less.

If politicians want to cut the salaries of food-servers — many of whom make poverty wages — I suppose that's their right.

But it speaks volumes about the character of politicians if they can't even be honest about why they're doing it, or the impact on servers. And about this state.

"Dismantling Florida's once respected process for ensuring courts are free from political influence"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "The independence of Florida's judiciary is under legislative assault again. The House may consider legislation today that would give the governor the power to remove a majority of members of the state's 26 Judicial Nominating Commissions, which screen applicants for appointments to the bench. It isn't enough that the commissions already have been transformed from independent panels to glorified patronage committees for the governor. Now this Legislature would make five of nine members on each JNC serve at the governor's pleasure."

This is just another step in dismantling Florida's once respected process for ensuring courts are free from political influence. Before Jeb Bush was governor, Florida had one of the nation's most well-regarded systems for choosing appellate court judges and filling certain trial court vacancies. Candidates interested in a judicial seat would apply to the appropriate JNC that would vet them and send a list of between three and six nominees to the governor who would appoint off the list.

The key to this system was the political independence of the JNCs. Each was made up of three members appointed by the governor, another three appointed by the Florida Bar, and a final three selected by those six members. That reduced the likelihood that partisanship would trump merit.

All that changed under Bush, who won the power to appoint all nine members of every JNC. The only nod to independence was a bone thrown to the Florida Bar. The governor would pick four members of each JNC from a list of nominees selected by the Board of Governors of the Florida Bar. But the governor could reject all the Board's nominees and demand a new list of three names for each seat.

It was this highly politicized system that resulted in Bush appointing Paul Hawkes to the 1st District Court of Appeal.

Norman to the rescue

"Tampa Bay found its voice, and Tallahassee got the message. The Florida Senate on Thursday repaired most of the financial damage Sen. JD Alexander threatened to inflict upon the University of South Florida in his quest to transform USF's Lakeland campus into an independent university. The public outrage and a legislative effort led by Sen. Jim Norman of Tampa proved remarkably effective in ensuring the university will be treated more fairly as the debate continues over creating the state's 12th university." "Undoing the damage to USF".

"Favoring the bread-winning spouse"

"The House approved a watered-down version of what began as a rewrite of the state's alimony laws but still contains provisions critics say favor the bread-winning spouse." "In Brief: Revamped alimony bill gets nod from full House".

The leaders of the Senate and House — and Gov. Rick Scott — tout this strategy as good for Floridians.

But they fail to recognize that this one-sided approach to budgeting and governance is also bad for Floridians — not only those who rely on government-supported programs, but everyone who has an interest in an educated and healthy populace, as well as safe neighborhoods and communities.

As Zac Anderson recently reported in the Herald-Tribune, Scott, House Speaker Dean Cannon and Senate President Mike Haridopolos have signed pledges not to increase taxes, no matter the demonstrable need. What's more, Anderson reported, many legislators fear being targeted during future campaigns for voting to pursue new forms of revenue — unless they are offset by reductions in other revenues.

As a result, both the House and Senate budgets rely on deep cuts in spending on higher education, health care, mental-health treatment and other programs that benefit Florida and its people.

Stopping the charter school madness

"The perennial push to funnel construction funds to charter schools is running into another brick wall of political opposition erected by school districts and a liberal advocacy group." "Attacked From Left, Charter Schools Fight for Right to Funding". See also "Scott, GOP legislators, business organizations to promote charter schools at Tallahassee rally".

"5 things to watch today in Tallahassee"

"Capitol Buzz: 5 things to watch today in Tallahassee".

"Bill would unwind a half-century of smart transportation planning"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "The Florida Senate will consider a bill this week that would unwind a half-century of smart transportation planning." "Senate's transport takeover".

Jacobs goes after Lois Frankel

"Calling for a new era of civility, Broward County Commissioner formally launched her campaign for Congress on Monday. And she promptly went after her opponent in the race for the Democratic nomination in the Broward-Palm Beach County 22nd District, calling Lois Frankel a divisive insider." "Kristin Jacobs announces bid for Congress, goes after Lois Frankel".

Spats-and-ascot set complains about the corporate media

Nancy Smith complains that "there is no such thing as a level playing field when Republican candidates are looking for a fair shake from the media." "Only If You're a Republican Are Your Fundraising Tactics Deplorable".

Claims bills often fail

"In Florida, sovereign immunity laws protect government bodies from huge liability payouts. So, victims are at the mercy of the Florida Legislature, which has the power to waive immunity by passing a 'claims bill' directing government to pay a specific sum to the victim or the victim's family." "Claims bills seek money for victims – but often fail".

Buchanan's former partner acknowledges violating campaign laws

"A former business partner of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan has settled a Federal Election Commission case, acknowledging violating campaign finance laws to support Buchanan’s 2006 and 2008 congressional campaigns." "Ex-Buchanan parter settles with FEC".

"Sink sounds like she wants a rematch with Scott"

"Alex Sink feels regret. That's understandable when you come within 1 percentage point of being elected governor of Florida."

The Democratic former chief financial officer lost the 2010 race for governor to Republican Rick Scott by that margin.

She lost by 61,550 votes out of more than 5 million cast, in a year that was disastrous for Democrats, not just in Florida but all over the country.

"Some days I wake up and I think, 'Why couldn't I find those extra 60,000 votes?' " Sink says. "And with a great sense of regret that we didn't get the Democratic turnout, particularly in South Florida. It was very low. But then the next day, I wake up and say, 'How in the hell did I come so close?' "

Sink lost to a political neophyte who spent $73 million of his own money, most of it on TV ads, and whose popularity remains low.

Sink is back on the speaking circuit. She has launched a nonprofit think tank, the Florida Next Foundation (FloridaNext.org), to promote a Democratic agenda on issues affecting families and small businesses.

Lately, she sounds like she wants a rematch with Scott.

Not to be confused with the with the Age of Enlightenment

Daniel Ruth writes that, "up to this point, no one would confuse the intellectual firepower on sputtering display in the Republican primary with the Age of Enlightenment." "U.S. politics could use a French lesson".

Scott's latest publicity stunt

"Despite questions about its constitutionality, a Florida House committee signed off on a proposal backed by Gov. Rick Scott that would give any state or local government agency the ability to randomly drug-screen workers up to four times a year."

The House Appropriations approved the proposal largely along party lines the day before a federal court hearing scheduled Wednesday in Miami over a challenge to a drug-testing policy imposed on state workers by Scott last year. After the ACLU and the state workers union sued the state, Scott in June quietly reversed his order for all but corrections officers pending the outcome of the case.

Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, amended his bill (HB 1205) Tuesday in response to concerns from even fellow Republicans that the drug tests could create a financial hardship for the already cash-strapped state. Whereas Smith's measure originally allowed random testing of the state's 112,000-plus employees without limits, it now would allow state agencies to randomly drug test up to 10 percent of their workers but without any extra money from the state to pay for the tests, which cost between $10 and $40. Workers would not be charged for the tests.

The changes did not help, argued ACLU of Florida attorney Pamela Burch Fort.

"Nothing has changed," Fort said. "House bill 1205 remains unconstitutional," she said.

Swiftmud stocked "with politically beholden folks"

"Maybe you thought the state's water management districts had been picked on as much as possible, that they had been left so broke and powerless they were no longer worth anyone's trouble."

After all, the Legislature had already slashed the districts' budgets, and Gov. Rick Scott had stocked the board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District with politically beholden folks — including two former members of his transition team — and then stood by as Swiftmud's basin boards were dismantled.

But it turned out all this was just a warm-up for the real bullying.

Later this week, the state Senate is expected to take up a piece of legislation (SB 1986) that will restructure the way the districts' budgets are set and, along the way, undermine the founding principle behind the formation of a statewide network of districts 40 years ago.

"Like throwing chum into the open ocean"

"There's nothing like an empty seat in Congress to get politicians dreaming of moving to Capitol Hill. 'An open seat is like throwing chum into the open ocean,' said Ron Mills, a South Florida Democratic activist and political consultant. "The sharks are going to go after it."" "Allen West's open seat in Congress entices political hopefuls". Meanwhile, "Allen West announces February town halls".

"Must be an election year"

The Miami Herald editors: "Let it be clear that there is no prohibition for a Florida public school student to pray in a classroom — many a student has done it quietly before a meal or a test. Let it be clear, too, that there is no prohibition against students of like mind meeting to discuss their faith on school property, so long as there is no proselytizing to other students."

So what exactly is the Legislature trying to achieve with a bill, sponsored by Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, that would authorize “inspirational messages” that amount to prayer at “non compulsory” high school activities and graduations, as the Senate-passed bill initially sought to do?

Worse yet, the bill that will be taken up Wednesday by the House Judiciary Committee has morphed into an all-encompassing dictate that would apply to elementary schools, too, and include mandatory assemblies.

Must be an election year, as this over-reach is clearly unconstitutional.

"From foes to political allies"

"What a difference 20 years makes. U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings praised Lois Frankel and endorsed her bid to join him in Congress on Tuesday – two decades after they faced off in an especially nasty South Florida political contest, a primary campaign in which the two Democrats went head to head for the same congressional nomination." "Hastings and Frankel: From foes to political allies".

Enough with the raw sewage

"A U.S. District judge on Saturday ruled that limits on sewage, manure and fertilizer contamination in state waters must take effect by March 6. Judge Robert Hinkle supported a set of federally mandated criteria for Florida waterways in his ruling, but argued that two portions of the EPA-drafted rules are 'arbitrary and capricious.'" "Judge orders state water pollution limits to go into effect by March 6".

So that's where private university tuition goes

"Florida Catholic university sues feds over birth control mandate".

"An anachronism embraced only by hard-liners from a bygone era"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "The absurdity of the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba was evident from the moment of its inception 50 years ago this month, when President John F. Kennedy ordered press secretary Pierre Salinger to buy 1,200 H. Upmann Cuban cigars before signing the order. The embargo failed in its primary objective to remove the Castro brothers from power and has imposed undue hardship on the country's 11 million citizens. It is an anachronism embraced only by hard-liners from a bygone era."

In fact, the embargo has been gently lifted when it suited U.S. economic interests. In 2011, despite the embargo, the United States exported an estimated $328.3 million in mostly agricultural products to Cuba. In 2008, the number was even higher — $711.5 million in exports to the island.

Recent baby steps in allowing limited travel to Cuba are welcome. But they are not enough. Lifting the full embargo would rekindle formal diplomatic relations, reunite families, boost tourism and allow American business interests to broaden their investments. History has proven that engagement is a more effective foreign policy tool than estrangement. The embargo against Cuba has been a 50-year failure.

Never mind

"The House Appropriations Committee approves a reorganization bill that looks more like its Senate counterpart, but differences remain. Bill sponsor Matt Hudson says the differences between his bill and the Senate's aren't insurmountable." "House keeps county health departments under state umbrella".

Restricting benefits for the poor

"Committee approves 2 bills that restrict benefits for the poor".

Bill sponsor owns land where drilling would have been permitted

"A Senate committee did not take up SB 1158 during its last committee meeting of the 2012 session because of concerns raised by the governor's office. Sen. Greg Evers, the bill's sponsor, said he is unlikely to introduce the bill next year after The Florida Current reported on Monday that he owned land surrounded by Blackwater River State Forest, where a company wants an agreement to explore and drill for oil and gas." "Senate bill that encourages oil exploration and drilling on state lands likely is dead".

Redistricting battle of the briefs

"Supporters and opponents of the state's new legislative districts took their battle to court Friday, filing a series of briefs with the Florida Supreme Court spelling out the cases for and against the House and Senate maps." "Redistricting foes clash in Supreme Court briefs".

Wage theft ... 'ya gotta problem wit dat?

"The House version of a GOP-sponsored bill that would prohibit Florida cities and counties from passing ordinances that crack down on wage theft, the practice of stiffing workers out of money they are owed, will appear Wednesday in a Judiciary committee session." "GOP wage theft bill to be debated in the House Wednesday". Meanwhile, "GOP wage theft bill amended, then stalled in Senate committee".

Earthjustice lawsuit

"The environmental law firm Earthjustice [yesterday] announced that it has filed a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue the U.S. Forest Service to protect imperiled manatees and shortnose sturgeon, two species the firm alleges are blocked from migrating in the Ocklawaha River because of a dam operated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection." "Earthjustice to file suit against U.S. Forest Service". See also "Environmental groups warn they'll sue to require removal of Rodman Reservoir dam in Putnam County".

Grade games

"New projections released Tuesday by state education officials indicate the number of failing schools in Miami-Dade could climb to 50, from the current five. Broward’s F schools could spike to 27, from five." "New grading formula could mean more F’s for Miami-Dade, Broward schools".

Umatilla rising

"The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is denouncing a bill that would regulate the 'application of foreign law in certain cases,' set to be heard in a House committee meeting t[Wednesday]. The group says the bill is anti-religion, and specifically anti-Islam." "CAIR speaks out against ‘foreign law’ bill up in House committee" ("A similar bill was introduced last session by the same lawmakers behind this year’s version: state Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, and Rep. Larry Metz, R-Eustis.")

"The way the bill is written, only UF and FSU would qualify"

"The legislation would let top-tier research universities set higher ‘market rate’ tuition, but the way the bill is written, only UF and FSU would qualify." "UF, FSU would set tuition rates under new bill".

- Convince independents Obama's on their side and motivate them to vote

- Mobilize key constituencies

- Make sure Democrats get to vote and that they do

- Make the president's message reaches its multiple Florida targets

- Convince people the economy is improving

"Florida's Presidential Heritage"

Kevin Derby: "While Florida remains one of the most pivotal states in American politics, the Sunshine State has never produced a single president, vice president or even a candidate or running mate on a national party’s ticket. Despite this record, Florida has been an important place for many of the presidents." Much more here: "Florida's Presidential Heritage".

"A rebuke to Haridopolos and his leadership team"

"Last year, it took until the last day of the legislative session for Senate President Mike Haridopolos to get embarrassed. This year, it happened with three weeks left."

In a rebuke to Haridopolos and his leadership team, a group of nine Republicans joined Democrats on Tuesday to defeat one of his priority bills: a revived prison-privatization plan to replace the one struck down last year by a Tallahassee judge as unconstitutional.

The nine rogue Republicans had different reasons for voting against the measure, which would have been the largest single outsourcing of prisons in the nation's history.

The vote also came against the backdrop of a political fight over who will be Senate president in 2014. Latvala is challenging Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, presumed to follow in Senate President-designate Don Gaetz's footsteps.

Although most of those involved agree the privatization vote was not directly related to the presidency skirmish, Latvala's cachet was undoubtedly elevated by the vote. "The line outside Latvala's office got a lot longer that day," a longtime lobbyist involved in the privatization issue said last week.

Even with a super­majority of Republicans, the Senate has a long tradition of being a more moderate chamber than the House. Senate districts are larger, meaning constituencies are often more diverse, and the four-year terms in the upper chamber - twice as long as the House - give members more time between campaigns.

Capitol Buzz

"Presidents' Day is for the feds. It’s day 42 of the legislative session here in Florida, and a few committees will consider a handful of bills and appointments. Here’s what [The Miami Herald is] watching:"

• The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to discuss a proposal that would prevent counties and cities from enacting ordinances that prevent wage theft by employers.

• The Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections will hold confirmation hearings for a slew of Gov. Rick Scott appointments to various state boards, including Gary Chartrand to the state Board of Education.

• Kurt Browning is out and his replacement is in. Starting his new job as secretary of state today is Ken Detzner, Scott’s choice to succeed Browning. Detzner is a former beer industry lobbyist who held the job briefly under former Gov. Jeb Bush.

"Year after year attempts to fix problem go nowhere"

"Year in and year out, top Florida policymakers argue that they need to reform the state's required no-fault auto insurance, a system they say is riddled with fraud. Yet, year after year, attempts to fix that problem go nowhere." "Special interests may derail PIP reforms".

West flip-flops, hires "Swift boat" flack

"As a Republican congressional candidate in 2010, Army combat veteran Allen West decried 'Swift Boat' tactics when he heard that foes might run attack ads using soldiers who had served under West."

West accused Democratic Rep. Ron Klein of "planning a 'Swift boat' type assault against me" and added: "We have seen this type of character assassination attack against Sens. John Kerry and John McCain - both decorated war veterans."

Klein's campaign denied West's charges and no such attack ads using military personnel ever materialized.

After defeating Klein, West's 2012 reelection campaign has hired one of the consultants behind the "Swift Boat" ads attacking 2004 Democratic presidential nominee Kerry.

West announced Friday that his campaign team will include veteran GOP operative Chris LaCivita as general consultant and media strategist. LaCivita was a media adviser to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in 2004.

Asked about West's 2010 quote and 2012 hiring, West campaign manager Tim Edson declined comment.

Not Ready for Prime Time

Nancy Smith: "Repeat bad information often enough and it sticks. Luckily, though, some senators are getting wise to a bogus pitch coming from a coalition of business groups and the insurance industry. Last Thursday Senate Health Regulation Committee Chairman Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, postponed a vote on a bill restricting the price physicians can charge workers' comp patients for repackaged drugs." "Drug Repackaging Bill Not Ready for Prime Time for Good Reason".

Shooting blanks

"Republican Senate Hopefuls Fire Away at Bill Nelson and Obama".

"Republicans are picking the wrong fight"

"Obama-Biden 2012? How about an Obama-Onan ticket?"

No, Onan isn’t some hot new pol. He was slain by God about 3,700 years ago after committing an act of contraception.

Now that Obama has mandated insurance companies pay for contraception, Onan is essentially part of the president’s reelection campaign as Republicans — particularly those in Florida — have made the requirement a strategic political issue.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is sponsoring legislation to repeal the Obama-ception rule. Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry said it was anti-free market. And Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi penned a letter with 11 colleagues from other states to “vigorously oppose it in court.”

“Not only is the proposed contraceptive coverage mandate for religious employers bad policy, it is unconstitutional,” Bondi and others wrote, warning that “sterilization and related services” would also be covered. “It conflicts with the most basic elements of the freedoms of religion, speech, and association, as provided under the First Amendment..”

But, liberals say, Republicans are picking the wrong fight and are overreaching.

Will occupiers from across the nation descend on Tampa?

"Occupiers to invade Tampa for RNC, organizers predict".

Daddy comes to Mack's rescue

"U.S. Senate candidate Connie Mack explained Sunday for the first time why he spent more than he earned at times, pinning financial problems on his divorce."

Even though his divorce certainly contributed to his financial problems, it does not account for all the troubles he was having.

In 2004, for instance, he didn't have enough money to pay his federal income taxes and borrowed the money from his father. He didn't file for divorce until August 2005 — months after tax-filing season — when his then-wife, Ann McGillicuddy, was on vacation in Fort Lauderdale.

Mack, elected to Congress in 2004, said he could not recall how much he borrowed from his father, former Senator-turned-lobbyist Connie Mack III. ...

Three months after filing for divorce, Mack submitted a financial affidavit to the court that indicated he was spending nearly $2,300 more than he netted each month.

LeMieux bashes Mack

"U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV and retired Army Col. Mike McCalister fielded questions from the audience of die-hard Republican ladies - many dressed in red - and gave opening and closing statements without referring to their opponents by name. But George LeMieux, trailing in the polls to Mack, pointedly bashed his Fort Myers foe before, during and after the two-hour forum." "George LeMieux takes aim at front-runner Connie Mack at GOP Senate forum".

Wind insurance overhaul blows over

"Insurance analysts say the state catastrophe fund, without a major storm in six years, needs more money or an overhaul before a big one hits. Currently, the fund would be liable for about $18 billion and has about $7 billion in cash reserves." "Florida wind insurance overhaul likely to die".

Latino Mormons

"Latino Mormons speaking out against Romney".

Since 2010, The Affordable Care Act, derisively branded Obamacare, has been the law of the land — but not effectively in Florida. In the fine tradition of free-market thievery that always puts profit above people, the Party of No-dominated Legislature and CEO/tea party Gov. Rick Scott continue to do everything in their power to block implementation of the law at the state level, no matter how doing so may hurt "the 99 percent."

Using taxpayer dollars to kill the law, former Attorney General "Bill" McCollum began the state's assault on ACA by spearheading a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the "individual mandate" that requires every American to have health insurance. Allegedly, Gov. Scott won't implement ACA because the U.S. Supreme Court hasn't ruled on it. But as [Greg Mellowe at the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy] points out, "even other states that participated in the legal challenge to the ACA recognize that the likelihood that the entire law will be struck down . . . is low, and that their inaction therefore threatens access to much-needed ACA benefits for resident families and businesses for which their federal tax dollars are paying."

Even after Scott has been in office for more than a year, it appears that he still hasn't made the transition from thinking like a venal CEO to acting like a public servant — and likely never will. He insists that he knows a "better way" to deliver healthcare, but doesn't have a plan. He and tea party/Republican members of the Florida Legislature appear to have signed a pledge to do everything possible to shape public policy for corporate gain. "Let 'the free market' reform healthcare," they proclaim. If you're wondering whose pockets they want to line. Pssst! They ain't yours.

So, if your insurance company gouges you, your coverage goes down, or you lose it, you now know whom to blame — yourself, for letting Rick Scott and the tea party/GOP trample the Constitution and "go rogue" for corporate fat cats at your expense.

Tally "talk is cheap. Sometimes it's worthless"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Republican leaders in Florida's Legislature promised the most-transparent process ever to redraw congressional and legislative districts after voters amended the constitution to make the once-a-decade undertaking fairer and non-partisan."

But as anyone familiar with business-as-usual in the state Capitol knows, talk is cheap. Sometimes it's worthless.

Last week a House panel passed a bill that was breathtaking in its brazenness. It would shield lawmakers and their staffs from having to testify or turn over documents about their legislative actions if they get sued.

So much for transparency.

Puffing JD

"State Sen. JD Alexander has his own political style. He fights for what he wants. He doesn’t ask nicely. He doesn’t schmooze." "JD Alexander: respected, feared and despised".

Citizens

"As state lawmakers began their legislative session last month, they heard a crescendo of cautionary cries from a growing chorus of fiscal hawks. Their message: A major hurricane could wreak unprecedented havoc on Florida's fragile economy. Six weeks later, there has been little political will to pass large-scale reforms and prepare Citizens for another Andrew, or a Katrina." "Little political will to reform state-run Citizens Property".

Madness

Randy Schultz: "It would be madness for Florida to mass privatize the state prison system. It also would be madness if Florida didn't change the state prison system, and the legal system that feeds it." "Private or public, prison system can't be a profit center".

"It’s not just tone, dude, it’s substance"

Myriam Marquez: "It was more than a long shot. It was a pipe dream that burst into a thousand tears in Tallahassee. The tears of smart, go-getter college students who were once again snubbed because they are undocumented or their parents are."

How could children born in the U.S.A. be treated like pariahs?

It’s not only un-American, it’s likely unconstitutional.

Incredibly, Florida requires students who are U.S. citizens to pay as if they are out-of-state students to attend a taxpayer-funded university if their parents can’t produce papers to show they are here legally. Unless the students live on their own and are not “dependants” of their parents, these students have nothing they can do but wait until they can live on their own to apply again for in-state tuition rates.

Odds are many will have lost that opportunity by then, been stuck in dead-end jobs just to survive. Considering the gulf between a college graduate’s lifetime pay and those without a degree — and what that means to the economy and to government revenues in the long term — closing the door on these students can’t get any dumber.

You would think Rubio would want to help his party figure out this immigration issue as Hispanics are the largest minority in this country and are fast fleeing the GOP. (Not that President Obama has been great on this issue. In fact, he squandered his first year in office with a Democratic majority when this legislation had a chance of passing.)

You would think Rubio would want to show real leadership beyond questioning the tone of some presidential candidate’s political stand on immigration.

It’s not just tone, dude, it’s substance. If the DREAM Act, which passed the House last year but tanked in the Senate (it received a majority 55 votes but a filibuster required 60 votes to pass), wasn’t good enough for Rubio, then what would he propose?

I asked him about the DREAM Act during his campaign. First, he gave the scripted GOP response: seal the borders first, then deal with immigrants who are here. Pressed, he said he thought the grace period for the DREAM Act, which would allow young people to legalize their status if they go to college or into the U.S. military, went back too many years and the paperwork required to show proof was rather murky.

So how would you get it done instead? Oh, there are bigger problems right now, he answered. And so it went. He said it in a very nice tone, though. So much for leadership.

"Blasting away for funsies in populated areas"

"During last year's smooch-fest with the powerful National Rifle Association, members [of the Florida Legislature] passed a law with one of those pesky unintended consequences that happen when folks fire first, then aim."

The new law created penalties of up to $100,000 for local governments that impose gun laws more restrictive than Florida's. Counties and cities rushed to repeal their ordinances, causing an uproar over where people with permits could carry concealed weapons.

During the hurry, local governments also quietly rescinded ordinances that made it illegal to whip out the AK-47 and blast away for funsies in populated areas.

"Democrats are irrelevant in Tallahassee"

"Democrats are irrelevant in Tallahassee, so what passes for the loyal opposition these days is a few Republican legislators occasionally willing to buck their leadership. Tampa Bay has long produced legislators with strong backbones and independent streaks — Sens. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, Ronda Storms, R-Valrico — come to mind in the Senate, but these days they look like an endangered breed." "Renegade legislators seem to be a dying breed".

"An ideological clash also might be looming"

"Martin County Sheriff Robert Crowder says his challenge of U.S. Rep. Allen West in a Republican primary is about giving voters a hometown alternative "

to a Broward County "outsider" in a newly drawn Treasure Coast-Palm Beach County congressional district.

But Crowder's criticism of the GOP's "ultra-right wing" suggests an ideological clash also might be looming as he takes on an outspoken celebrity of the right with a national following of conservatives and tea party members.

"Property rights"?

"Although Debra Sales has not paid a $9,000 fine for destroying wetlands during two mud-­bogging events on her property last year, the South Florida Water Management District allowed Sales to host another mud-bogging event this weekend with hundreds of monster trucks, mud buggies and all-terrain vehicles plowing through the same wetlands." "Environmentalists see Okeechobee Mudfest as down and dirty".

2.5 million gallons of raw sewage

"More than 2.5 million gallons of raw sewage spewed into South Florida's neighborhoods and waterways last year as aging pipes burst in increasing numbers. The sewage killed fish, forced the shutdown of drinking water wells to prevent illness and resulted in at least three beach closures in the past two years. State environmentalists blame most of the breaks on failure to maintain and replace old pipes, installed in some places before World War I."

The pathogens in sewage can cause illness if people drink contaminated water or allow it to come into contact with their skin. These include Hepatitis A, a disease normally rare in industrialized countries, and various gastrointestinal illnesses. To prevent that, authorities shut down wells in the vicinity of spills.

There is no way to know how many people have gotten sick. The state does not keep records, and people who experience gastrointestinal distress for a few days may never learn the source, particularly if sewage breaks are not publicized. ...

Linda Young, director of the Florida Clean Water Network, said the lack of maintenance standards imperils the environment and reflects a philosophy that emphasizes the production of water for population growth.

"There's very little interest on the part of policy makers and decision makers on where the water goes after it's been used," she said. "What we tend to do in this state is have a sewage plant and it's covering a small area in the beginning. As cities grow, they put more pipes in the ground and hook them up to the old pipes and the old pipes have a lot more pressure on them and they just deteriorate."

"The vindictive shenanigans of JD Alexander"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The Florida Senate's effort to demolish the University of South Florida's budget is more than an attack on the school; it's an attack on the region's economic development."

This "effort to demolish" is of course courtesy of

the vindictive shenanigans of Polk Sen. JD Alexander and his mousy cohorts in the Senate.

Alexander has cut $6 million for the school, though the money already had been directed to the program, and its continuation is dependent upon it.

He is punishing USF because it resisted his ludicrous scheme to make USF Polytechnic in Lakeland an independent university at a time when the state cannot adequately fund its existing 11 universities.

"Cash-register-ringing visions of poured concrete"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Florida always has been a developer's dream, so much so that nary a wetland or open space is safe from cash-register-ringing visions of poured concrete and strip malls."

But surely the state of Florida can just say no when a developer seeks pristine government conservation land to build a multipurpose complex of shops, hotels, condos and — for good measure — a questionable marine mammal rescue center atop the fragile ecosystem at the southern end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Florida needs more jobs, but not the kind that require its citizens to hand over irreplaceable, shared natural resources for a scheme of dubious potential.

Moise files to challenge Frederica Wilson

"Rudy Moise, the Haitian-American entrepreneur who lost the 2010 Democratic primary for Congressional District 24 to Frederica Wilson, is going to try for the newly redrawn seat again." "Rudy Moise files to challenge Frederica Wilson for Congress".

PIP plans

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "The Senate has a far more reasonable plan than the Florida House's plan to significantly reform the personal injury protection coverage system. It's approach is a better plan than one that would create a whole host of other consumer problems." "Senate plan best bet for fixing PIP".

"Lawmakers stubbornly refuse to raise taxes"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Seeking to get a $2 billion deficit monkey off Florida's back, lawmakers are again looking to help solve the problem by kicking a good habit — paying for substance-abuse treatment."

The Senate this week passed a reckless budget plan would hack state spending on adult substance-abuse programs by about $26 million. Talk about déjà vu. Last year, Gov. Rick Scott helped slap down a Senate plan to drop a 15 percent ax on drug treatment, backing the House budget plan.

Further cuts to substance-abuse treatment were a bad idea then — and they're a bad idea now.

Since lawmakers stubbornly refuse to raise taxes, or even accept revenue they're already supposed to be collecting, like online sales taxes, we know the money has to come from somewhere.

In the cross hairs are the usual suspects: programs that support children, the disabled, and the elderly.