The map, released by Senate Redistricting Chairman Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, is a response to a March 9 ruling by the Florida Supreme Court that threw out the Senate map and validated the House map based on the new redistricting standards approved by voters in 2010. But, unlike the first map, the new one drew criticism not only from Democrats but also from Republicans.

“I am very disappointed that the map of the Florida Senate did not include a Hispanic majority district in South Florida,’’ said Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, chairman of the Miami-Dade legislative delegation. He said that while he had refrained from criticism before, this is the Legislature’s last shot before a court takes control of the redistricting process. “All bets are off.”

Florida legislators have convened a 15-day extraordinary session and have until March 28 to approve a new Senate map. Legislators must reconfigure the political boundaries of the state every 10 years to match the shifts in the population and ensure that every voter is equally represented.

Democrats warned that the Senate’s second map is as flawed as the first one and chastised the exercise as a stalling tactic intended to avoid implementing the new Fair Districts standards.

"When environmental science collides with politics"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "When environmental science collides with politics, nature all too often winds up on the losing side." "Manatee safeguards fall short".

Bogdanoff may be casualty of revamped districts

"One of South Florida's most prominent political leaders, state Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, a Republican who represents coastal Broward and Palm Beach counties, may become the biggest casualty of the once-a-decade revamping of legislative and congressional districts." "Fallout from new districts could end Sen. Bogdanoff's legislative career".

"They walk around here like they own the place"

"Encounters with bears are common in the west Seminole County community because of its proximity to the Wekiva River wildlife corridor, but wildlife officials have determined that some of the bears there have wandered all the way from the Ocala National Forest into congested areas and pose threats to humans."

"They walk around here like they own the place," Gurley said, who actually saw the same bear an hour before the attack outside her ground-floor window.

"Like a patient waking from a coma"

"Pasco County's Democratic Party is like a patient waking from a coma. Two months into the regime of new Democratic Executive Committee Chairman Lynn Lindeman, members are feeling energized again." "Democrats feel new energy".

Congressional maps trial fast tracked

"The state Democratic Party and a coalition of voter groups hoping to invalidate the boundaries of Florida's 27 congressional districts will be allowed to make their case during a trial next month. But whether a judge will rule on the maps before the November elections remains up in the air." "Challenge of congressional maps won't be delayed".

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The gist of the Legislature's argument is that the courts can't decide the case in time for federal election qualifying that opens June 4 and closes June 8. As lawyers for the House and Senate claimed: 'Right now, there are people who want to run for office. There are supporters who want to go door-to-door, raise money, gather ballot-placement petitions, and otherwise support their preferred candidates.'" "Legislature plays stall ball".

Lobbyist takes the reins

"Ken Detzner wasn’t looking for a new job, but Gov. Rick Scott gave him one anyway."

On a day when Detzner stopped by the governor’s office on a routine lobbying mission, Scott asked him to replace Kurt Browning, who returned to his native Pasco County to run for superintendent of schools.

For Detzner, there’s also a sense of deja vu in his new job: He briefly ran the agency a decade ago under former Gov. Jeb Bush, when it was evolving from an elected Cabinet post to an appointed one.

Conservative agenda in the courts

"For the second consecutive year, the conservative agenda of Florida lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott appears likely to be settled in a courtroom."

Critics — who have sued to stop 14 laws passed by Republicans within the past year — are preparing to challenge at least two more bills in 2012. One would allow prayer at mandatory school functions. The other would require random drug testing of state employees.

Both measures, critics say, violate federal law and further expose the Republicans' propensity for legislative overreach. The governor's office says the legal challenges are routine for any administration. ...

Florida also is defending a law legislators say is designed to prevent voter fraud. The law requires voters to present a photo ID and enforces strict penalties for errors made when registering voters.

Critics say voter fraud is rare (there were 14 cases recorded in 2011), and accuse lawmakers of intentionally disenfranchising poor and minority voters.

Another law that bars doctors from asking patients if they own guns is also pending in the U.S. District Court's 11th Circuit. In September, federal Judge Marcia Cooke sided with physicians against the state, which quickly appealed.

Daniel Vice, an attorney for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said the law is so clearly unconstitutional the state will likely be on the hook for all attorney's fees, which could run into the millions of dollars.

"Social media can level the playing field", Really?

"In Tallahassee, money and influence often rule the day. But, as a huge fight over a controversial education bill proved, social media can level the playing field." "Moms flex muscles — and Twitter fingers — in Tallahassee. And they win".

"Fog-headed explanation, which not even Cheech could explain to Chong"

Carl Hiaasen: "Among its dubious achievements this year, the Florida Legislature passed a law authorizing random drug tests for state workers."

Guess who’s exempt? Lawmakers themselves.

So now the clerk down at the DMV gets to pee in a cup — but not the knuckleheads in Tallahassee who control $70 billion in public funds.

Whom do you think is more dangerous to the future of Florida?

In the session that just ended, the Legislature jacked up tuition on state college students while creating a new university to placate one cranky senator. It threw more than 4,400 state workers out of their jobs while handing out more than $800 million in tax break to businesses.

Clearly, legislators are impaired. Is it meth? Coke? Mushrooms?

We’ll never know.

Rep. Jimmie Smith of Lecanto, which is near Inverness, which is sort of near Wildwood. Smith’s Web page says he’s a "security officer" who is retired from the Army. He has been in the Legislature about 18 months.

"This is not to do drug testing because they’re state workers," he said. "This is to do drug testing for one problem: Drugs in Florida."

The new law would allow state agencies to randomly test up to 10 percent of their workers every three months. Failing one test can get you fired; the present law requires treatment after the first positive urine screen.

An amendment that would have included drug-testing the governor and lawmakers was indignantly rejected.

"Political theater," whined Rep. Smith. "It was found to be unconstitutional to drug-test elected officials because it prevents us, as citizens, from having that First [sic] Amendment right."

He was attempting to reference a 1997 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a Georgia law requiring political candidates — not just elected officials — to take drug tests. The ruling wasn’t based on the First Amendment but on the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure.

It’s the same constitutional provision at the core of multiple legal challenges to Scott’s drug-testing initiatives. While private companies may screen employees whether or not there is cause or reasonable suspicion, the judiciary often takes a dim view when government tries that.

The Legislature sent Gov. Scott a bill, which he advocated, to subject 120,000 state employees to random drug tests. Legislators did this even though there is no evidence that state workers are more likely than the general population to be using drugs illegally. They did this even though it will result in expensive lawsuits that the state probably will lose. They did this even though they provided no extra money for the tests. And they did this even while committing the ultimate hypocrisy of exempting themselves from the random drug tests.

Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the bill. Republicans overwhelmingly favored it. ...

State workers have gone years without raises, seen their pay docked for new contributions to the retirement system and lived under the threat of layoffs because of budget cuts. But the state can afford to randomly test up to 10 percent of workers every three months at a potential cost of $1.9 million?

"Trampling on little guy again"

Stephen L. Goldstein points out that Florida "has all the money in the world to hand out to its favored cronies of the 1 percent. The Legislature just gave Gov. Rick Scott a virtual free hand to dole out $100 million to 'job-creating' businesses of his choosing, even though a state audit found that such corporate welfare is not worth it."

Florida nevertheless "tramples on the private-property rights of the 99 percent, counting on their not having the resources and the staying power to fight it." "Florida trampling on little guy again".

"Picking consumers' pockets"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Only in Tallahassee is it considered acceptable to pick consumers' pockets and profit from a suspect business plan."

The Florida Legislature adjourned without seriously reviewing a flawed 2006 law that allows electric utilities to bill customers for nuclear plants that may never be built. A financing scheme that initially seemed plausible has proven to be terribly unfair, leaving Progress Energy customers with more than $1.1 billion in bills and a real possibility of nothing to show for their money. For legislative leaders to not respond — particularly in these tight financial times — is irresponsible.

Rubio strides national political stage

"Many Republicans are worried about the presidential primary dragging on for weeks or more, a battle that has already inflicted wounds. Not U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio." "Marco Rubio on Newt, Rush and the veepstakes".

"'Parent trigger' is sure to be back next year"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Gov. Scott praised the 2012 Legislature - and, by extension himself - for budgeting a $1 billion increase for public schools. He fudged a little; the increase is $843.9 million."

And schools aren't back to even, since the governor and the Legislature cut $1.3 billion from public education the previous year. ...

On a 20-20 tie, the Senate blocked the "parent-trigger" law that would have usurped local school board control of "failing" schools if 51 percent of parents signed a petition. Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, who sponsored the legislation, was asked for evidence that this gimmick had worked after California enacted it. She responded, generically, that research shows parental involvement helps. Lobbyists resorted to the same empty talking point because there is, in fact, no evidence that "parent-triggered" school takeover works.

Once again, for-profit charter schools stood to benefit since a prominent option in the bill would have let them move in. Once again, "parent trigger" is sure to be back next year.

Kingsley likes the "trickle down"

Kingsley Guy is worried about those scary folks with advanced college degrees: "Skepticism is warranted with any academic study. The statistics might be accurate, but the interpretation flawed."

Take the study titled: "Under Attack: Florida's Middle Class and the Jobs Crisis," co-published by the Demos organization and the Research Institute on Social and Economic Policy. ... Stephen L. Goldstein is quite taken by the study, which isn't surprising given it's liberal bent. But allow me to present a differing perspective on a couple of its points.

The study says that Florida has one of the biggest gaps between rich and poor in the country. So, is this a reflection of an attack on Florida's middle class, as the study implies?

helps the middle class. Florida's sensible tax policies and sub-tropical climate attract retired people. The net worth of the elderly is higher than that of any other age group, so it's natural that the wealth gap would be wider in Florida, relative to other states.

With no personal income tax, no estate tax, and no municipal income taxes, a lot of extremely rich people choose Florida as their residence both before and after they retire.

"False" claims in GOP attack ad

William March reports that a "conservative interest group, the 60 Plus Association, launched a $3.5 million television ad campaign targeting Nelson and four other senators in an attack on President Barack Obama's national health care reform initiative, the Affordable Care Act."

The ad, with Pat Boone narrating, says the plan includes "a board of 15 unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats" who "can ration care and deny certain Medicare treatments."

"Puerto Rican population exploding in Florida"

Adam C. Smith: "The Puerto Rican population is exploding in Florida, particularly in the Orlando area, and increasingly Republicans and Democrats alike see those voters as the key to winning America's biggest battleground state." "Puerto Rico a force in Florida voting".

"Obama's re-election campaign is quietly trying to take control in Florida"

"While Republican presidential candidates dig in for what has become a long, bitter fight for the GOP nomination, Barack Obama's re-election campaign is quietly trying to take control in Florida." "Obama campaign quietly revs up push to win Florida".

LeMieux releases blistering ad attacking Mack

"George LeMieux fired the first broadcast shot in the U.S. Senate race Wednesday, a blistering radio ad attacking his opponent in the Republican primary, Connie Mack IV." "LeMieux attack ad targets Mack".

"Hurdles for voters"

The SarasotaHerald-Tribune editors warn that "the country should guard against voter ID laws that unfairly discourage some citizens from exercising their rights. Fortunately, the U.S. Justice Department blocked two such measures recently: laws in South Carolina and Texas requiring all voters to show a government-issued photo ID." "Bureaucratic hurdles for voters".

Not "the typical underhanded corruption"

The Miami Herald editorial board points out that Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado's campaign violations were not "the typical underhanded corruption too often seen here in the Magic City." "Lesson learned".

FRS case goes straight to the Florida Supreme Court

"An appeal of a ruling that struck down a requirement that public employees contribute to their pensions is going to the Florida Supreme Court. The 1st District Court of Appeal on Friday agreed to send the state's appeal directly to the justices."

That was [another] victory for the Florida Education Association and other public employee unions that challenged the new law.

It was [another] defeat for the state, which wanted the appellate court to make its own ruling. ...

A trial judge ruled that the law violates employees' property, contract and collective bargaining rights.

"Session ended without lawmakers doing a thing to help vulnerable elderly"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "No rational lawmaker could have doubted the need to better protect residents of Florida's assisted-living facilities."

A Miami Herald investigation last year documented lax oversight and horrifying abuse.

Yet the session ended without lawmakers doing a thing to help vulnerable elderly and mentally ill residents of the homes.

Second amendment stoopid

"Police: Boy, 9, accidentally shoots cousin".

Budget cuts will delay civil cases

"Divorces are just one of the many types of civil cases that county clerks of courts say will almost certainly be delayed in 2012-2013 because of an unexpected $31 million cut lawmakers handed to the clerks in the legislative session that ended last week." "Court clerks predict delays in civil, traffic filings due to budget cuts".

The Justice Department has blocked Texas from implementing a new law that requires voters to present picture identification, concluding that Hispanic voters would be disproportionately hurt. Earlier this month, the department told a three-judge district court that it also opposes key provisions of Florida's recent election law changes because minority voters will be adversely affected.

Three sections of the new law under review would damage the voting rights of minorities, and in each case the Justice Department is opposing preclearance before the court.

One section puts burdensome requirements on voter registration groups and imposes fines when a completed voter registration form is not submitted to the state within 48 hours, as opposed to 10 days. That led organizations such as the League of Women Voters to suspend voter registration efforts. Minorities are more likely to register to vote through community-based drives.

Another section cuts early voting days from 14 to eight and bars early voting on the Sunday before an election, when African-Americans are disproportionately likely to cast ballots. There also is a provision that makes voters use a provisional ballot rather than a regular ballot if they moved between counties without updating their address with elections officials. This disadvantages those who tend to move around, such as renters and people with low incomes, a demographic also correlated to minorities.

Argenziano loses Round One in party switch case

"A judge upheld the party loyalty oath required by Florida's new election law on today, rejecting a challenge from former Public Service Commissioner Nancy Argenziano."

The law is preventing Argenziano, who also once was a Republican state senator, from running for Congress as a Democrat.

Candidates must swear they have not been members of another party for 365 days before they qualify in June. That makes it too late for her to switch from the Independent Party of Florida, which she joined after quitting the GOP.

“That period of time is not something that is unreasonable,” said Circuit Judge James Shelfer. He cited Florida Supreme Court rulings dating back to 1948 that upheld similar “disaffiliation” requirements of up two years before an election.

Prior to the latest change, the time limit was six months before the general election. The new law was passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature and went into effect last May, giving potential candidates less than a month to switch parties.

"Stearns argues with women over birth control"

"During a recent town hall meeting, Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, argued with a group of young women over a new mandate from the federal government requiring health insurance companies to cover birth control as preventative care. During the debate, he argued that birth control is not a part of health care, telling one woman that she was 'missing the point' when she argued otherwise." "VIDEO: Cliff Stearns argues with women during town hall over birth control".

That ain't really saying much

"Septic tank legislation, state permitting changes and millions of dollars for Everglades restoration and land-buying capped off a relatively under-the-radar session for environmental issues. Despite being overshadowed by insurance, redistricting and higher education issues, among others, environmental groups say they had a better session than last, with both legislative leaders and Gov. Rick Scott being more open to their input." "Environmental Groups Say 2012 Session Better than '11".

R-Umatilla will try again

"State Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, the sponsor of a controversial bill aimed at restricting the 'application of foreign law' (specifically Sharia law) in courts in Florida, says he will bring the bill back next year." "Sponsor of anti-Sharia law bill says it’s coming back next year".

Republican money sank Sink

"Political committees that helped drive the election of Florida Gov. Rick Scott two years ago were among the biggest independent spenders in the nation, according to a report Thursday by the nonpartisan National Institute on Money in State Politics. "

Scott's Let's Get to Work committee, heavily financed by cash from his wife, Ann, spent $17.5 million in 2010, second only to the Republican Governors' Association's $26.5 million that cycle. While Let's Get to Work confined its spending to Florida, the RGA cash was scattered across key battleground states.

Two other Florida committees also were included in the institute's national top 10 of spenders.

Both opposed Scott with fierce television spots and mailers during the GOP primary, but once Scott defeated Republican rival Bill McCollum, the cash and attack ads from these committees were aimed at Democratic rival Alex Sink.

The Florida First Initiative spent $6 million in 2010. The committee, led by Alachua County Republican Chairman Stafford Jones, ran television spots accusing Scott of profiting from the "largest Medicare fraud in American history," before becoming friendly toward him.

During the primary, Florida First Initiative received $1.1 million from the Florida Liberty Fund, a committee associated with House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park.

The Liberty Fund also adjusted its aim after the primary, raising money from Florida corporations now intent on defeating Sink.

The third Florida big-spending committee cited in the institute's findings, the Freedom First Committee, was tied to Senate President Mike Haridopolos and raised $3.6 million in 2010. It, too, went from Scott enemy to ally.

Jebbite denounces "Mormon religion"

Drooling Jebbite, Rev. O'Neal Dozier, the fellow who declared Jebbie Bush "the greatest governor ever", is at it again:

The Rev. O'Neal Dozier has frequently warned about the threats he sees from abortion, gays and radical Islam.

On Monday, he denounced the Mormon Church and demanded that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney "renounce his racist Mormon religion."

Dozier is the honorary Florida chairman for Rick Santorum, who is Romney's principal opponent for the Republican presidential nomination. He spoke Monday from the sanctuary of his church, the Worldwide Christian Center — the same place Santorum spoke nine days before the Florida primary.

He said his Monday comments had nothing to do with Santorum. Dozier said he wanted to warn people that nominating Romney for president "would widen the racial divide" in America because "the Republican Party would be viewed as a racist political party."

Medicaid deform

Nancy Smith has "every confidence the governor will veto HB 5301, if not swiftly, at least emphatically."

This bill was the thief that came in the night.

HB 5301 tiptoed into the Senate chamber in the 12th hour of a 13-hour session, on the last day the 2012 Legislature convened.

In all of 28 minutes -- counting reading the bill and voting on it -- the Senate rammed through legislation that will force 67 Florida counties to pay tens of millions of dollars in bills created mostly by a chronically error-plagued Medicaid billing system -- a system that duplicates and misdirects bills and requires that virtually every county employ at least one full-time worker to validate claims.

"Democrats Seek to Turn CD 16 From Red to Blue"

"Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan likes his re-election chances in a redrawn west coast district that encompasses 96 percent of his current constituents. And why not? They sent him back to Washington with a healthy 10,000-vote margin two years ago."

This year's Democratic challenger, Keith Fitzgerald, sees an opening in the 16th Congressional District that includes the reliable GOP enclaves of Sarasota and Bradenton.

With strong backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the former state representative will "offer a stark contrast," said Fitzgerald campaign spokesman Adam Scott.

Where Buchanan is one of the wealthiest members of the House, Fitzgerald is a New College political science professor who will reach out to "blue blazer Republicans," said DCCC spokeswoman Stephanie Formas.

Fitzgerald has been tabbed one of the Democratic Party's elite "Red to Blue" candidates, who are expected to pick up 25 House seats across the country.

Re-thinking crash-course for re-drawing Senate districts

"Groups that backed the Fair Districts reforms and are challenging congressional redistricting plans in court now want the Senate's point-man to re-think his crash-course for re-drawing Senate districts. Lawmakers face a tight timeline for re-drawing the Senate map after the Florida Supreme Court found 8 of the 40 seats violated the new anti-gerrymandering requirements. Senate Reapportionment Chairman Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, has ordered staff to have a first-draft publicly available online by noon Saturday." "Reform group urges senators to re-draw district maps in public". See also "Groups urge Florida Senate to be more open in second try at redistricting".

Bondi fires Medicaid fraud investigations chief

"State Attorney General Pam Bondi demoted the head of her Medicaid fraud investigative unit and fired another top staffer this week, citing reports of poor leadership and employee discontent. Patrick Kelly, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s chief of law enforcement investigations, was fired Wednesday. Unit director David Lewis was also removed from his position, though he will continue to work in the Attorney General’s Office." "Florida attorney general fires chief of Medicaid fraud investigations".

Scott gains power in Tallahassee

"From removing members of local jobs agencies to dishing millions to help businesses relocate to the state, the powers of the governor have increased due to moves by state legislators." "Thanks to lawmakers, Gov. Scott has gained power in Tallahassee".

"The craven roadkill hunt for votes"

Daniel Ruth asks "What is it about the South that compels candidates to attempt their best Li'l Abner impersonation in the craven roadkill hunt for votes?" "Foolishness, served up Southern-fried".

One woman's "no-brainer"...

"A House committee chairwoman said Thursday that her committee's bill to extend the length of water-use permits seemed like a "no-brainer" and she was surprised it died without a vote in the Senate." "'No-brainer' water permitting bill dies in Senate despite backing, leaving House chairman 'speechless'".

"Overt hostility" to choice

"A new report from the Guttmacher Institute shows that, in the past decade, a substantial number of states (including Florida) have shifted from having only a moderate number of abortion restrictions to becoming 'overtly hostile' to abortion rights." "Report: Number of states hostile to abortion rights growing".

Session summary: Education, Justice and Gaming

2012 session summary: " Education" "Justice and Courts" and "Gaming".

Florida's February foreclosure increases

"During the regular legislative session that ended this past week, Florida lawmakers attempted to speed up the foreclosure process this year, but a bill that would have streamlined cases was never taken up by the Senate after passing the House." "Tampa, Miami lead Florida's February foreclosure increases".

Legislature left lengthy to-do

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Legislature left lengthy to-do list for next year".

The Sun Sentinel editors: "Legislature 2012: The Bad" and "The Good".

Florida Supreme Court to decide who sets tuition rates

"The Florida Supreme Court agreed on Thursday to decide who can set tuition and fees at state universities. The justices unanimously said they would hear an appeal from a lower court decision that says the Legislature rather than Board of Governors has that authority." "Florida justices will hear university tuition dispute".

Legislature's strutting could jeopardize $700 million project

Andres Oppenheimer points out that "Brazilian officials are concerned by a Florida Legislature decision earlier this month to prohibit local governments from contracting firms that do business with Cuba, which could prevent Brazil’s Odebrecht company from building a $700 million hotel, office and shopping complex on Miami International Airport’s grounds."

"The Unfinished"

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "Drawing new political boundaries may prove easy compared resolving longstanding issues that repeatedly surfaced only to fall flat in the Legislature. Collecting Internet sales taxes, regulating gambling, banning texting while driving, even ensuring Floridians get the chance to be heard at public meetings — all important matters this Legislature punted to future legislators."

Take the ongoing controversy over gambling. Opponents defeated a proposal this session to allow up to three destination casinos in South Florida in exchange for better regulation of an already burgeoning gambling industry in the state. But, it's a sure bet the issue will be on the agenda next year — there is too much money behind it.

"The fate of scores of bills"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "The fate of scores of bills passed by the Florida Legislature in this year's session now rests with Gov. Rick Scott. We hope he stops at least seven from becoming law."

HB 7087 would create $124 million in business tax breaks, and Scott has never met a tax cut he doesn't like. But Florida already is one of the most business-friendly states for taxes. With lawmakers slashing state payments to hospitals and nursing homes to balance the budget, the state can't afford to give up this chunk of revenue.

HB 1205 would let the state randomly drug test its employees, though there's no evidence for the need. ...

SB 98 would let students lead prayers at public school events. It'd be a new source of division and distraction in public education, and it's not needed; kids in school can pray on their own any time they want. ...

HB 7129 would let the University of Florida and Florida State University bust through an already high 15 percent cap on tuition increases and sock it to students as much as the schools think the "market" demands. Scott has said he doesn't like tuition hikes. He should hate this bill.

SB 1752 would turn a branch campus of the University of South Florida into the state's 12th public university, Florida Polytechnic, piling more costs on a system already reeling from years of state funding cuts. Supporters say the school would turn out more scientists and engineers — a goal of Scott's — but Florida doesn't need to create a separate university and a new bureaucracy to do it.

HB 5301 would force Florida counties to pay tens of millions of dollars in disputed bills spit out by the state's error-plagued Medicaid billing system. Scott, who preaches government accountability, shouldn't let lawmakers get away with dumping the burden of the state's bad accounting on local taxpayers.

CD 26 could be a barnburner

"Incumbent Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, appears to have a clear path to November -- but rumblings persist that a primary challenger could emerge, or that a tea party protest candidate could run to Rivera's right in the general election."

On the Democratic side, state Rep. Luis Garcia has been an announced candidate since July -- but a falling out with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee could bring a primary face-off with former Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas.

Rivera, a freshman congressman, says he's focusing on his job on Capitol Hill. His campaign released this matter-of-fact statement: "Once the redistricting process has concluded, there will be more than enough time this fall to deal with campaigns and politics." ...

Sean Foreman, political science professor at Barry University in Miami Lakes, said Rivera has good reason to be confident.

"I'm not seeing a [Republican] challenge to Rivera. Someone would have to be brave to take him on.

"For all his flaws, and the cloud of investigation hanging over his head, he's a really good campaigner. He can be ruthless to his opponents. A scorched-earth primary race with an incumbent is not a smart move," Foreman said.

But Roger Stone, a Republican consultant based in Miami Beach, doesn't rule out the possibility of a primary blood-letting.

"David Rivera is still likely to face a GOP primary from an untainted challenger," Stone predicted.

Though no names are officially in play, Eric Von Tausch, of Tea Party Miami, said, "We will encourage a primary challenger or an independent conservative in the fall.

"Integrity and honesty are important to the tea party, and Rivera's finances are an issue for our members."

Rivera, who is reportedly under state and federal investigation over a secret $500,000 dog-track payment, maintains he has done nothing wrong.

So much for budget transparency

"A public policy group released research today that finds the state of Florida is still falling behind other states in terms of budget transparency, despite recent improvements to the state’s transparency website." "Report: Florida still ‘lagging’ behind other states in budget transparency".

Bitter fight is brewing over congressional districts

"As lawmakers meet in the Capitol to reshape state Senate districts thrown out in court, a bitter fight is brewing in a courthouse across the street that could change the shape of new districts for Congress all over Florida."

A coalition of voters groups and the state Democratic Party is suing to derail the Legislature’s new maps of congressional districts.

The result of the battle will have statewide ramifications because it will determine the shape of Florida’s 27 congressional districts, including that of Republican Mario Diaz Balart of Miami — which opponents say was drawn especially to improve Republican voting strength.

The battle could also determine the shape of Democrat Corrine Brown’s district, which now snakes across nine counties near Jacksonville.

Legislation brings more lawsuits

"Lawsuits expected over drug testing and school prayer bills".

Medicaid deform delay

"Medicaid Shift Could Face Unexpected Delay". See also "Feds question Florida’s Medicaid privatization plans".

Stearns driving birther bus

"A video surfaced this week of Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, questioning the legitimacy of President Obama’s birth certificate during a town hall meeting last month in Florida." "VIDEO: Rep. Cliff Stearns questions legitimacy of Obama’s birth certificate".

Mack leads Nelson in Rasmussen poll

"A poll from [Republican aligned] Rasmussen Reports unveiled on Wednesday finds Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in jeopardy as he seeks a third term in November."

The poll of likely voters finds Republican U.S. Rep. Connie Mack with a solid lead over Nelson despite the incumbent’s four decades on the Florida political stage. Mack takes 43 percent, while Nelson trails with 36 percent, 16 percent remain undecided and 5 percent more back other candidates. A Rasmussen poll released last month found the race between the two a tie, with both candidates taking 41 percent each.

Nelson does better against two of the other Republican candidates in the race -- but they are narrowing the gap.

Rules? What rules?

"Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and daughter fined for campaign violations".

Hurry up and wait

"Florida legislature keeps victims of government wrongdoing waiting for compensation".

"Risk of more frequent coastal flooding"

This ought to get the "property rights" crowd thinking about climate change: "An analysis shows that about half of the nation's 3.7 million people who are at risk of more frequent coastal flooding live in Florida, according to the [New York] Times report. Rising sea levels caused by climate change, Vermont Law School professor John D. Echeverria said, causes private property to convert to public ownership as it becomes prone to flooding or is submerged." "Sea level rise undermines land ownership, professor says, as NY Times reports Florida most vulnerable".

Tallahassee geniuses prohibit hiring companies tied to Cuba

"Florida legislators have voted to restrict state and local governments from inking contracts with companies tied to Cuba or Syria. The measure appeared directed at one of Miami-Dade County government’s largest contractors, Odebrecht USA." "New Florida law prohibits Miami-Dade, other governments from hiring companies tied to Cuba".

"Capitalism, Florida-style"

Daniel Ruth: "It's a common refrain among the parishioners of the rock-ribbed, conservative, free enterprise faith: 'Government should be run more like a business.'"

Isn't that precious?

You can't get more corporate than Progress Energy, a company with bazillions in annual revenues. It has all sorts of private sector trappings — stockholders, a fancy pants board of directors and just look at all those pin-striped suits.

And yet Progress Energy is a business that really wants to be run more like a government with its citizens treated like ATM machines.

This isn't a corporation. It's Greece on a meth high. ...

You could be forgiven if you are thinking to yourself: "Hey, how can I start my own stumblebum power company and rake in tens of millions of dollars for doing less work than Prince Philip?" ...

In Republican-controlled Tallahassee, filled with politicians who love to give lip service to the virtues of free market economics, where all that is needed to succeed is a will to innovate and work hard without the intrusive hand of government interfering with the private sector, an arm of a Fortune 500 company has been given a corporate welfare check of at least $150 million — and counting — to cover the costs of its own ineptitude.

But wait! It only gets more ridiculous.

2012 session summary

"Environment and Natural Resources". See also "Insurance", "Ethics, Elections and Redistricting", "Real Estate and Growth Management" and "Transportation".

"A stunning display of wealth"

"Two Bentleys, an Aston Martin and a Maserati"

sat parked under the palms at Villa Solstice, a private home on Sarasota Bay where friends and supporters of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., were hosting a fundraiser earlier this month for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.

It was a stunning display of wealth, even by the standards of this affluent waterfront community, where Buchanan spent $5 million of his own money in 2006 in a successful bid for Congress. It also may help to explain why Boehner had played golf with Buchanan and other top donors earlier in the day, and why Buchanan _ despite ongoing FBI, IRS and congressional ethics probes _ was tapped last year to raise money for the committee that’s charged with keeping the House of Representatives in Republican hands.

That organization, the National Republican Congressional Committee, has been one of the largest beneficiaries of Buchanan’s connections and fundraising prowess. Under his fundraising leadership, the committee just had its best January since 2007, said Paul Lindsay, its communications director. The committee posted its best January numbers ever in an election year, he said, and it’s $13.5 million ahead of where it was at the same time in 2010.

Obama's Florida outreach

"President Barack Obama's campaign is launching a Florida effort to highlight popular aspects of the Affordable Care Act, the sweeping, and still controversial, health care law enacted two years ago this month. Starting this week, the Democratic National Committee will send nearly 200,000 mail pieces to female voters as outreach events are held across the state." "'Nurses for Obama' among campaign appeals to female Florida voters".

Medicaid deform

"Trying to transform Medicaid into a statewide managed-care program, Florida health officials face dozens of questions from the federal government about how the plan would work. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent a list of questions in January, more than five months after Florida submitted proposals to shift hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries into HMOs and other managed-care plans." "Federal Officials Pepper State's Medicaid Plan with Questions".

Really? Comparing anti-abortion rights movement to the civil rights movement

"A campaign comparing the anti-abortion rights movement to the civil rights movement is making its way through the state of Florida this month." "Controversial anti-abortion ‘freedom rides’ moving through Florida this month".

Mica shills for privates

"U.S. Rep. John Mica turned up the heat on the Transportation Security Administration Tuesday, prodding the agency to allow more airports to privatize their screening operations." "John Mica Turns Up Heat on TSA for Airport 'Opt Out'".

Florida loses almost 39,000 jobs

"The statewide unemployment rate dipped in January to 9.6 percent, its lowest level in almost three years. But the state's job-creation machine appeared to seize up, at least momentarily, as Florida recorded a month-over-month loss of almost 39,000 jobs." "State jobless rate dips to 9.6% in January". Meanwhile, "Rick Scott 'Pleased' with Trend". From Ricky's fan club we get this: "Florida a National Leader in Private-Sector Job Growth".

House redistricting may be challenged

"Democrats May Challenge House Redistricting Maps".

Energy emergency plans

"Florida's Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved the long-term energy emergency plans for Florida Power & Light Co." "FPL's fuel-shortage plan given state approval".

Senate fails to confirm more than 400 Scott appointments

"Scott's picks to run universities, colleges, state agencies and other important boards are now in limbo. The Florida Senate failed to confirm more than 400 appointments Scott has made in the last year during the regular 60-day legislative session that ended last Friday. ... Under state law, all these people must leave their posts by April 23 unless Scott reappoints them. If the Senate refuses to confirm the appointees a second time they must leave their post for at least one year before they can be reappointed." "Florida Senate fails to confirm Scott appointees". See also "Senate snubs hundreds of Gov. Rick Scott's appointees".

Business groups, like the Florida Chamber, wield considerable sway in the Legislature, and leverage their ability to raise money, fund campaigns and create economic development. In the last two years, they've been wildly successful, seeing most of their wishes turned into law. That success includes special tax cuts carved out for specific individuals or entities with advocates in the Legislature. ...

Other winners: AT&T, Verizon and other telecommunications companies, who saw taxes on communication services slashed anywhere from $35 million to $300 million per year after a late amendment by Bogdanoff. AT&T, which has 74 Florida lobbyists, spent $1.68 million on lobbying last year, more than any other company.

"The bloom is off the charter school rose"

"The charter school lobby came to Tallahassee this year with an ambitious agenda: Win a share of school districts’ construction dollars. Create a separate high school sports association. Empower parents to demand charter-school conversions."

But they fell short on almost all counts.

The defeats came as a stinging surprise for the charter movement, which had enjoyed a string of victories in previous legislative sessions. Just last year, state lawmakers gave high-performing charter schools the green light to grow more rapidly — and pay less in administrative fees.

Any state lawmaker not facing term limits has to run for re-election once the new district maps are complete. The Florida Education Association and countywide teachers’ unions, which have opposed the rapid expansion of charter schools, remain a formidable force in local elections. And statewide polls show considerable support for public schools.

“Charter schools, especially when packaged with policies that have the potential to destabilize traditional public schools that are in most ways functioning OK, can stir opposition from families and politicians that are loyal to public schools in their own communities,” said Jeffrey Henig, a professor of political science and education at Columbia University’s Teachers College.

Henig also noted that the public perception of charter schools is changing.

While the schools were initially seen as home-grown enterprises, they “are increasingly seen to be funded and promoted by ‘outsiders’ that voters regard suspiciously,” he said, referencing the corporations that sometimes run schools.

Late last year, The Miami Herald reported that charter schools have become a $400-million-a-year industry in South Florida, home to the nation’s fourth- and fifth-largest school districts. In some cases, the educational mission of the school has clashed with the profit-making mission of the management company.

Richard Kahlenberg, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation, said there is also growing awareness that charter schools, on average, perform no better or no worse than traditional public schools.

“I think the bloom is off the charter school rose,” he said.

"Move all but guarantees Dems will hold seat after 2012"

"Scott appointed a Republican to replace Palm Beach County State Attorney Michael McAuliffe, but county GOP Chairman Sid Dinerstein concedes the move all but guarantees Democrats will hold the seat after the 2012 elections." "Palm Beach County GOP chief concedes next state attorney likely to be Democrat".

"First Florida Bank of Campaign Finance"

"Call it the First Florida Bank of Campaign Finance. A single ZIP code — 33480, covering the towns of Palm Beach and South Palm Beach in Palm Beach County — has provided more individual contributions to candidates in the 2012 presidential race than the next four most-generous Florida ZIP codes combined." "Florida's 'ATM' spews cash for Romney, Obama".

Raw political courage

"Florida sales tax holiday could win approval Friday".

"Jolt of oxygen to a deflated state Democratic Party"

Nancy Smith: "Judge Jackie Fulford did more than dig a potential $2 billion hole in the Florida budget. She gave back to a redefined union movement in this state the two things it lacked most -- muscle and heart."

At the same time she delivered a jolt of oxygen to a deflated state Democratic Party.

Now look at them. The Dems and the unions -- symbiotic black holes in the eyes of fiscal conservatives -- are downright giddy. Judge Fulford has them on a roll.

Gub'ment reger'lation

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "lorida needs a coordinated statewide effort to put out of business timeshare resale companies preying on the elderly and the desperate." "Go after timeshare cheaters".

Now the insiders are toasting Scott in the halls of the state Capitol at the close of the second lawmaking session of his first term.

Scott racked up a string of wins with a modest poll-tested agenda and an approach that meshed with the Capitol culture instead of antagonizing it. He glad-handed lawmakers more. He gave lobbyists more access. And he chose a consummate insider to be his staff chief.

Florida GOP punish state workers, college students

"The 60-day legislative session that ended Friday was largely dominated by small reforms on a few pocketbook proposals."

Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican-led Legislature honored their pledge not to raise taxes, an article of faith for them in an election year. But to fill a $2 billion budget gap, they cut about $300 million from universities and colleges, $1 billion from state worker pensions, and made another round of deep spending cuts in prisons, health care and social services.

While lawmakers scaled back higher education and social programs, they also delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to private businesses.

Session winners and losers

"Winners and losers: Some bills that passed, failed in the 2012 legislative session". See also "2012 Florida legislative session winners and losers".

Feds investigating three Florida GOPers, Stearns the latest

"It looks like Florida now has three members of Congress under investigation by federal authorities. The latest strange and unseemly tale involves U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala, accused of trying to bribe a political rival to keep him from running against him in a newly drawn North Florida district."

Other members of the Florida delegation with investigations hanging over them are Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, who is under Justice Department investigation for potential campaign finance violations, and David Rivera, R-Miami, who is under federal investigation for his role in an undisclosed $500,000 payment by a dog track.

"Legislators acting like out-of-control grade-schoolers"

Scott Maxwell writes that in the session, "legislators are acting like out-of-control grade-schoolers without adult supervision. Hypocrisy, greed and unethical behavior are the new norm. They are thwarting your vote, wasting your money and undermining ethical government. Here's how."

We start with legislators' decision to provide generous, taxpayer-subsidized health-care plans … to themselves.

Yes, legislators have cut funding for everything from schools to the disabled in recent years — all under the guise that these are tough times, and you people need to make sacrifices.

Yet the politicians continued enjoying full-fledged health-care plans with measly $8 monthly premiums. Taxpayers covered the rest. ...

Legislators also made it clear that they will retaliate against anyone who stands up for ethics. ...

And finally, we have one of the Legislature's longest-running insults to voters: its fight against Fair Districts.

"Modest" energy legislation

"A Florida energy policy bill that would restore expired tax credits and other incentives for renewables is on its way to Gov. Rick Scott. The bill (HB 7117) cleared the House 116-2. It's a scaled down version of Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam's original proposal for what he termed 'modest' energy legislation. " "Modest Florida energy policy bill goes to Scott".

FPL's solar energy flop

"The mirror-covered behemoth that constitutes Florida's largest, and one of the nation's most ambitious, ventures into solar energy has been producing a small fraction of the power promised by its owner."

An Orlando Sentinel review of production data on file with state regulators reveals that, during its first year of operation, the Florida Power & Light Co. solar plant in Martin County has not come close to producing enough electricity to meet the demand of 11,000 homes — the output that FPL continues to claim for its one-of-a-kind facility.

Instead, it generated enough power last year for only 2,056 homes, according to the Sentinel's analysis of monthly reports filed by FPL with the Florida Public Service Commission.

"Focus shifts to redistricting"

"While lawmakers wrapped up some of their business on Friday's last scheduled day of the regular session, they must return to Tallahassee on Wednesday to begin work on a new Senate redistricting map. " "Session ends; focus shifts to redistricting".

From the "values" crowd: Publix stands strong against starving farmworkers

"Hundreds of marchers, including Robert F. Kennedy's widow, joined with fasting Florida tomato pickers Saturday in asking Publix supermarket chain to help boost their wages. Carrying signs that read 'Publix: Recognize farmworkers' humanity,' the marchers walked three miles from a Publix supermarket to the company's headquarters. There they met up with about 60 people, many of them farmworkers, who had gone six days without food in protest."

The farmworkers want Publix to pay growers a penny more per pound of tomatoes, which would be passed on to pickers. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers' penny campaign has won support in recent years from companies like Taco Bell, McDonald's and Burger King.

Those companies and even the growers initially balked, but eventually signed a deal paying more. Publix says it doesn't set prices and growers should add the increase to what they charge for their tomatoes.

Some growers fear Publix will buy elsewhere if they do.

"We will not pay employees of other companies directly for their labor," Publix spokeswoman Shannon Patten said. "That is the responsibility of their employers."

Laura Safer Espinoza, a former New York State judge and director of the Fair Food Standards Council, said none of the corporate buyers participating in the program pay a farmworker directly.

"It's folded into the price and eventually passed down to the grower, who then pays the workers," she said. "The fact of the matter is they are not willing to voluntarily pay that penny as other corporate buyers have done to rectify this historic injustice to the people who put the food on our tables."

Ethel Kennedy and Mexican singer Jose Jose were among the high-profile figures and religious leaders supporting the farmworkers Saturday. Kennedy joined the march from a wheelchair and Jose greeted those who were fasting.

Bushco laff riot

"As much of the political world ponders whether Jeb Bush will run for president in 2016 (he'll be just 63), one consideration could be the ambitions of his sons, George P. Bush, 35, of Texas and Jeb Bush Jr., 28, of Miami." "Jeb's progeny".

Oh really? Last we heard of Jeb Bush Jr., he was fighting a public intoxication charge, or was it resisting arrest, or was it pulling strings with Daddy and in turn the FDLE to avoid being arresed for allegedly ..., well you can read it yourself.

"Scott remains a potent punch line for Democrats"

"After a rocky first session as Florida's chief executive in 2011, Scott had steadied himself with a more modest wish list and a pledge to find harmony with legislative leaders for his second one."

In the Capitol chaos Saturday, he had a "mission accomplished" moment.

"What a session," Scott said, beaming.

But with this fall's elections bearing down and Florida the biggest of the nation's toss-up states, Scott and his policies will remain a potent punch line for Democrats if the opposition party's rhetoric of the session's closing days is any indication.

the 2012 session also supplied plenty of material for already familiar Democratic campaign themes, easily transported from the halls of Congress to election fights across Florida.

The $1 billion increase for schools included in the $70 billion budget passed by lawmakers follows last year's $1.3 billion cut in classroom spending, which brought per-pupil dollars to their lowest level in six years.

President Obama talks about lowering high education costs to students, whereas Florida lawmakers cut state support of public universities by $300 million as the state's 11 universities are expected to seek 15 percent tuition increases, which would pull $244 million back into the system. Lawmakers also sent a bill to the governor giving the University of Florida and Florida State University the power to raise their tuitions more than 15 percent annually.

Scott opposes tuition hikes and could veto the UF/FSU tuition bill, but he can't stop the State University System's Board of Governors from approving the 15 percent tuition increases for the fifth straight year of double-digit increases for students and their families.

State workers were denied an across-the-board pay raise for the sixth straight year. And the budget still includes $1 billion drawn from 3 percent payroll contributions required by lawmakers last year from the 655,000 government workers who belong to the Florida Retirement System, even though a judge last week declared the mandatory deductions unconstitutional.

Scott and legislative leaders plan to appeal the decision, but the possibility remains that the state may have to cover a combined, two-year loss of $2 billion with reserves.

Meanwhile, the state budget cuts 4,400 state jobs, most within the Corrections Department, where six prisons are slated to close. Scott-backed legislation also requires new, random drug tests for state workers.

Senate Democrats take credit for blocking a number of issues from reaching Scott's desk. A massive prison privatization effort, a controversial plan to allow parents to convert failing public schools into charter schools, and a sweeping anti-abortion law all failed.

"Senate under President Haridopolos was a blundering mess"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board writes that "it is not too early to make some initial conclusions about the 2012 session. Foremost among them:"

The Senate under President Mike Haridopolos was a blundering mess.

The Senate is historically the more deliberative governing body, one that encourages debate and considers the long-term consequences of legislation.

Not under Haridopolos. Politics or specials interests seem to drive most actions.

Elected officials were expected to carry out the marching orders of a few select leaders without regard for constituents or conscience.

Haridopolos' team trampled on Senate rules, and those who objected were punished.

Pasco Sen. Mike Fasano was removed from a chairmanship when he questioned a dubious leadership plan to privatize prisons based on questionable numbers.

Despite Haridopolos' efforts to stack the deck for the bill, experienced lawmakers such as Lakeland Sen. Paula Dockery, Pinellas Sen. Jack Latvala and Fasano were able to lead a revolt against the scheme.

Haridopolos also allowed Polk Sen. JD Alexander to turn his position as budget chair into a virtual kingdom, pursuing his personal goals without restraint.

Not nearly enough

"Florida school districts could face more painful budget cuts this spring, despite a spending increase approved by the 2012 Legislature. That's because the infusion of money won't dig them out of the hole created by last year's deep cuts to public education, nor make up for other budget hits they'll take this year." "More money for schools won't make up for past cuts".

"This is not a conservative Florida Legislature"

Randy Schultz writes that, "despite its claims to the contrary, this is not a conservative Florida Legislature. It is an ideological Florida Legislature that doesn't believe in separation of powers." "Conservatives in Tallahassee aren't true conservatives".

"A rare defeat for the Florida Chamber of Commerce"

"As the clock ticked toward the end of the 2012 lawmaking session, Florida's most influential business lobby was desperate for a win."

Its lobbyists thought they had a package deal. If the Senate could pass a bill cutting worker's compensation payments to doctors who dispense medication, a controversial education-reform measure known as "parent trigger" would pass with it.

The linchpin: Sen. Alan Hays, a Umatilla Republican sponsoring the worker's comp bill, which would have banned doctors who dispense repackaged medication to worker's comp patients from charging more than pharmacies.

Earlier Friday, the Senate had deadlocked 20-20 on the California-inspired parent-trigger bill, which would allow parents to decide whether to convert failing public schools into charters or privatize them.

Although Hays was a co-sponsor of the parent-trigger bill, he voted against it — and then, according to multiple sources, offered to trade his vote if Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, would allow a floor vote on the workers' comp bill.

Haridopolos didn't allow the vote. In the end, both bills died.

But the GOP supermajorities in both the House and Senate found time to pass another deluge of business-backed measures — giving $120 million in tax breaks and other incentives to corporations, rolling back regulations that would impact company bottom lines and reducing unemployment compensation taxes by $830 million over the next several years.

Associated Industries of Florida President Tom Feeney touted bills passed that undercut federal nutrient limits for Florida water bodies; streamline environmental-permitting for companies destroying wetlands; and delay when employers will have to re-pay money borrowed from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits to laid-off workers.

"Lots of big wins," Feeney said.

"Senselessness of America's immigration policy"

The Tampa Bay Times editors:

He contributed to civic life as an Eagle Scout, high school valedictorian and graduate of New College and Florida State University's College of Law. But to the credentialing arm of Florida's legal profession, Jose Godinez-Samperio is little more than the grown-up version of a 9-year-old whose Mexican parents overstayed their visas after entering the United States. His fight for admission to the Florida Bar captures the senselessness of America's immigration policy, and he should not be punished for the choices made by his parents.

The Board of Bar Examiners blocked Godinez-Samperio's bid to become a lawyer in Florida, ruling the 25-year-old was not qualified because of his status as an undocumented immigrant. The board's executive director maintains that non-U.S. citizens must be legal residents to qualify for Bar admission. The board has asked the Florida Supreme Court to resolve the dispute, which Godinez-Samperio's lawyer aptly characterizes as an abuse of the law and a lack of common sense.

"Holding government accountable"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "This is the start of Sunshine Week, an annual reminder that holding government accountable can only happen when the people have a front-row seat." "Citizen power starts with knowledge". See also "Open-government advocates celebrate 'Sunshine Week'".