If it's not turned around, he said, "It spells doom for us."

Take a look at the electoral map, and you'll see why.

President Barack Obama starts the general election with a sizable electoral vote lead over Romney, looking strong in states totaling 247, while Romney has a strong edge in states totaling 191. It takes 270 to win.

And if Romney can't narrow Obama's considerable lead among Latino voters, key battlegrounds including Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Florida could be out of reach for the Republican nominee. Even reliably Republican Arizona could wind up in play, and Obama already has five campaign offices there. ...

An April Pew Research Center poll found the president leading Romney among Hispanics 67 percent to 27 percent. That's similar to the 67 percent to 31 percent margin among Hispanic voters that helped Obama handily beat John McCain four years ago.

Romney is coming off a bruising Republican primary where, except in Florida, he did little outreach to Hispanics.

While polls show immigration is not a top issue for Hispanic voters, the former Massachusetts governor did not help himself by positioning as the toughest candidate on illegal immigration and undocumented residents.

He called Arizona's immigration law a national model, and said he would veto a "Dream Act" that provides a pathway to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants if they serve in the military or go to college. He advocates "self-deportation" — essentially making life so difficult for undocumented residents that they see little option except to leave the country.

"We don't have any evidence that [Rubio] would provide any significant boost to Romney if he were on the ticket," said Matt Barreto of Latino Decisions, which in January conducted a widely cited poll of Hispanic voters for Univision and other media outlets.

He noted the survey found Rubio did best in Florida with first- and second-generation Cuban-Americans, but was less popular with Hispanic voters with roots in Puerto Rico, Colombia and Mexico. Voters of Mexican descent are critical because they represent a significant majority of U.S. Hispanic voters.

"He's not going to be the type of candidate who can go out and resonate with the Mexican-American audiences in the Southwest," Barreto said.

They looked at how well a Romney-Rubio ticket would do in Florida, how Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval did with Romney on the ticket in Nevada, and what the outcome would be if they paired Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico with Romney. It had negligible effect, Hanauer said. "Hispanic voters are still going to overwhelmingly vote for President Obama," she said. ...

The Florida Democratic Party has been salivating over the possibility of such a high-profile target as Rubio, releasing daily rundowns of media reports about the Florida senator. They include rehashing Rubio's personal use of the Republican Party of Florida's credit card, campaign finance irregularities, and his friendship with U.S. Rep. Florida David Rivera, R-Fla.

Enjoy "Burger King's Springs"

"SB 268, allowing sponsorships of state trails, faced opposition from outdoor enthusiasts who said it would allow the corporate naming of trails and advertising in natural areas. A compromise eliminated the naming and advertising along trails and allowed sponsorship of only seven trails. But the Florida Trail Association requested a veto after the bill was amended on the Senate floor to allow sponsorships on any trails with approval by state park officials. 'The Florida Trail Association does not support this bill as it will promote commercial sponsorship signs at trails where the public goes to enjoy wilderness settings and natural landscape without the intrusion of commercialization,' the group said in a April 25 letter to Scott." "Governor signs bills to streamline environmental permitting, allow sponsorship of trails".

Changes to personal-injury-protection (PIP)

"Scott on Friday signed into law massive changes to the state's auto-insurance laws that he and lawmakers say will stamp out fraud and reduce the cost to motorists of no-fault insurance, which pays medical expenses in an accident regardless of fault. ... The resulting changes to personal-injury-protection (PIP) insurance range from limiting how quickly an injured person must seek treatment to creating an organization to fight insurance fraud." "How will sweeping overhaul of Florida's auto-insurance laws affect you?" See also "Gov. Scott signs PIP fraud bill", "Bill Signed to Put Brakes on No-Fault Insurance Costs" and "Gov. Rick Scott signs law to cut down on no-fault car insurance fraud".

Stand your stoopid

The Palm Beach Post editors: "State Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, sponsored the 'stand your ground' law in 2005. Lobbyists for the National Rifle Association wrote it. Any change, Rep. Baxley said, 'leaves the innocent in danger.' In fact, he and other supporters presented no documentation seven years ago that anyone who had legitimately used deadly force in self-defense had been wrongly charged, let alone prosecuted. Yet self-defense cases have doubled. If there is no clear and convincing evidence that Florida needs this law, the panel should recommend that the Legislature weaken or repeal it." "A double-barreled standard".

But school rankings are OK?

"Florida election supervisors voiced relief Friday after Gov. Rick Scott bowed to their request not to publish online the results of a rating survey elections officials said was badly flawed."

Scott had directed the Department of State to rate all 67 election supervisors in eight areas based on their work in the Jan. 31 presidential preference primary. The supervisors, all elected and many of whom are, like Scott, Republican, were aghast, saying the criteria bore little resemblance to the real work they do.

Scott aides and Secretary of State Ken Detzner decided to pull the plug on the controversial venture at a Wednesday meeting in the governor's office.

"Not every act coming out of the Legislature was a bone-headed one"

The Miami Herald editorial board points out that "not every act coming out of the Legislature was a bone-headed one — even though it might have seemed that way."

But while lawmakers were creating an unneeded 12th public university, cutting $300 million from the rest of the public-university system, shifting Medicaid costs to the counties, forcing welfare applicants to take drug tests and letting us dye our poodles hot pink, they managed to maintain funding for an effective program for seniors. Next time, they should work to expand it.

Running higher ed like a bidness

"The Blue Ribbon Task Force on State Higher Education Reform will focus its attention on the State University System’s governance model, mainly the interaction between the Board of Governors and individual universities. Final recommendations are due October 31. The chair, Dr. Dale A. Brill [president of the Florida Chamber Foundation], will be joined by six members, two selected by Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Senate President Designate Don Gaetz, two selected by House Speaker Dean Cannon and Speaker Designate Will Weatherford and two selected by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dean Colson and Mori Hosseini." "Scott signs Florida no-fault fraud legislation". See also "Scott creates panel to look at changes to state universities", "Gov. Scott panel to recommend university changes" and "Rick Scott Assigns Blue Ribbon Task Force to Reform Florida's Colleges and Universities".

Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: Maps, Hazing, Stand Your Ground".

"It makes Florida look like a bumpkin state"

Joe Henderson asks "You want to loosen the restrictions on Cuba?"

Be prepared for charges you're supporting a ruthless dictator. You say continuing economic sanctions that have been in place more than 50 years is a good idea? You are piling misery on the island's neediest people, of which there are many.

[Henderson] asked a couple of people on opposite sides of this emotional and complex issue how they felt about it. Norma Camero Reno, from Temple Terrace, is a lawyer specializing in international law. Al Fox grew up in Ybor City, has made 82 visits to Cuba and has argued for years that we have to open up trade and travel there.

Release the hounds.

"I agree with (Scott) totally," Reno said. "Cuba has been our enemy forever. If there is something they can do to destroy this country, they will. If we stop the embargo, we have to accept all those Cubans who will be coming here.

"These people have been taught their entire lives the United States caused their problems. They think everything bad that has happened to them is because of us."

Fox said the backlash from the law will rally those who say it's time for a change.

"I can tell you that the governor of Florida did a good thing in signing that bill because he didn't have a clue what he was doing," Fox said. "He overplayed his hand. Anyone with a seventh-grade civics class understanding knows this law is a joke, and it makes Florida look like a bumpkin state."

Stop the madness

"Four years ago, former Miami City Attorney Jorge Fernandez pleaded no contest to charges he had misused his personal expense account — and resigned his post. Now, he’s teaching government and civics at a Coconut Grove charter school." "Former Miami attorney teaching civics at Coconut Grove charter school".

Campaign Roundup

"In the latest edition of the Campaign Roundup, some Northeast Florida candidates get major endorsements, a Democratic primary for a South Florida Senate seat heats up, candidates scramble to qualify by petition and a Central Florida lawmaker drops out." "Campaign Roundup: Early endorsements edition".

"Here’s a clue: She was elected with the help of Tea Party voters"

Fabiola Santiago writes that, given Republican freshman member of Congress Sandy Adams'

own experience with abuse, it’s tough to understand why Adams would deny the protections that have existed since 1994 for immigrant survivors of violence and abuse.

But here’s a clue: She was elected with the help of Tea Party voters, notable for blaming America’s problems on immigrants instead of looking inward.

Adams has said that her bill provides equal protection for everyone.

But that’s not true, says the Miami-based non-profit Americans for Immigrant Justice.

As Adams well knows, when it comes to domestic abuse, it’s not easy to rebuild without the help of others. The secrecy of a geographic location is crucial. So is compassion.

Vulnerable victims need Adams’ help, not the additional burdens and disenfranchisement she brings to the table with parts of this bill.

On the dole again

"The state has tapped former state Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero to defend last year's pension changes. ... The case was rushed to Supreme Court after Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford struck down the provisions requiring employees to contribute 3 percent of their salaries to their retirements. In a Tuesday court filing, T. Neal McAliley, one of Cantero's colleagues at the law firm White & Case, asked to extend the deadline for filing the first round of briefs, in part because 'the undersigned counsel was hired today to represent Appellants in this matter.'" "Arrivals and Departures".

"A cliched complaint from conservatives"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Three Florida Supreme Court justices already had been targeted for defeat by conservative activists before they recently handed their opponents some ammunition. Justices Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince, up for retention in November's election, got help from court staff in a last-minute scramble to beat the deadline for filing the necessary paperwork. State Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican, pounced, asking Gov. Rick Scott for an investigation."

The group leading this year's charge to unseat the three justices, Restore Justice 2012, has accused them of "activism," a cliched complaint from conservatives who object to opinions they consider liberal. The group is spotlighting the three justices' votes to strike from the 2010 ballot a proposed constitutional amendment, sponsored by Plakon, that purported to let Floridians opt out of federal health care reform, including its mandate to buy health insurance.

By a 5-2 vote, the high court upheld a lower court ruling that found the amendment confusing and misleading. Even so, the vote outraged amendment backers.

But bouncing the three justices from the high court as payback for that ruling or others would be an abuse of the retention process. Worse, it could make others still on the bench wary or even unwilling to issue controversial or unpopular rulings for fear of losing their jobs.

"Governor chose to inflame and grandstand"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "It's unfortunate, but hardly a disaster, that Gov. Rick Scott did not honor Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn's request to ban guns downtown during the Republican National Convention."

Rather than acknowledge the challenges of protecting the public during a historic national event, the governor chose to inflame and grandstand.

MacNamara buddy feasts on no-bid contract

"Gov. Rick Scott's chief of staff helped steer a no-bid consulting contract worth $360,000 to a friend who now leads a task force rooting out state government waste."

Steve MacNamara was still working for the Florida Senate when he recommended Sarasota business consultant Abraham Uccello for the contract to streamline the Legislature's computer systems.

Their connection remains strong: Uccello said he sometimes stays at MacNamara's house when visiting Tallahassee. After Uccello was tapped by Scott to lead the government efficiency task force, MacNamara let Uccello get a government security badge that gives him access to the governor's office.

Uccello's company, Harvester Consulting, was hired when MacNamara was then chief of staff for Senate President Mike Haridopolos. State corporation records show that Harvester Consulting was formed the month before the contract was awarded.

In an email, MacNamara said Uccello was highly qualified and said that the contract was not required to be put out to bid.

"Cobwebs from a previous campaign"

"Miami-Dade State Attorney candidate Rod Vereen debuted his stump speech last week — but had to shake off some cobwebs from a previous campaign." "Miami-Dade state attorney hopeful slips in campaign kickoff".

"Scott, the Legislature and the PSC have failed to lift a finger"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Businesses that make big mistakes and force their customers to pay for them can expect a smarter competitor to take away their customers. But Progress Energy is a regulated monopoly, and it announced last week it expects customers to pay to expand a broken nuclear plant and to continue to finance a proposed nuclear plant that may never be built. Yet Gov. Rick Scott, the Florida Legislature and the Public Service Commission have failed to lift a finger to stop this fleecing of the ratepayers." "Stop the fleecing of Progress Energy customers".

But Ricky and Pammy said ...

The Sarasota-Herald Tribune editorial board: "Opponents of the federal Affordable Care Act -- which they ridicule as "Obamacare" -- have warned from the beginning that the law would encourage employers to drop their employee insurance plans."

The critics' rationale was that employers would find it cheaper to pay fines, to be imposed by the ACA starting in 2014, than to provide insurance for their workers.

But opponents needn't worry: A recent report shows that employees lost work-related coverage with no "help" from the ACA. The report found that from 1997 to 2010 -- the year the initial provisions of the ACA took effect -- the percentage of U.S. workers covered by employer health insurance plans fell from 60.3 percent to 56.5 percent.

The ones who should be worried, if the trend continues, are just about everyone else, including:

• Workers for whom employer-provided coverage is increasingly harder to find and increasingly expensive.

• Hospitals and health-care facilities required to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay.

• Citizens and insurance policyholders who pay -- through taxes and higher premiums -- the rising costs of treating the uninsured. So far, 50 million Americans (one-sixth of the U.S. population) lack insurance, but number is sure to rise before 2014.

That's a relief

"Thousands of state's unemployed facing cutoff of benefits".

"Project Sunburst"

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "Scott has taken a significant step forward for government-in-the-sunshine. The governor's unprecedented effort to make his email and the emails of his top staff easily and readily accessible on the Internet reflects the spirit of Florida's public records laws, and other public officials should follow his example." "Scott brings more sunshine into government workings". See also "Rick Scott praised for making emails public" and "Sunburst Offers Public Access to Governor's Email".

Mini-Mack holds a press conference

"Connie Mack Calls for Keystone Pipeline As New Rerouted Application Filed".

Our tax dollars at work

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Scott's executive order permitting random testing of all state workers - which he suspended last year but signed into law again this year after the Legislature passed a similar bill - was part of a push that included a shortsighted move to screen welfare applicants. Both moves have proved manifestly unnecessary and constitutionally questionable. Both seemed designed more to fire up the Republican base than to address a policy dilemma."

In striking down the governor's drug-testing policy for 85,000 state employees, U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro correctly said Gov. Scott failed to establish sufficient need for the testing. Under Supreme Court precedents, a government agency must show that its drug-testing policy is tailored to address a specific and serious problem, one that is urgent enough to justify the "intrusion on the individual's Fourth Amendment interests." Thus, drug tests have been upheld for train operators, public school students and U.S. Customs agents who handle seized narcotics.

As for Florida's wrongheaded policy, the judge found the drug-testing plan overly broad and underwhelmingly urgent. She wrote that Gov. Scott "shows no evidence of a drug-use problem at the covered agencies." She scoffed at the argument that the prevalence of drug-testing by private firms, which are not bound by this constitutional concern, was sufficient to negate a state employee's reasonable expectation of privacy.

Florida's move to implement mandatory drug tests for welfare recipients also seems doomed. Last year, a federal judge ordered those tests suspended while a legal challenge to their constitutionality moves forward. In halting the tests, a federal judge called the law "likely to be deemed a constitutional infringement."

Deltona

"Former Deltona Mayor Dennis Mulder is dropping plans to run for the Volusia County Council and instead turn his sights to a newly drawn seat in the Florida House that has Deltona at its heart." "Deltona's Mulder to run for new state House seat".

Fla-baggers run wild in Jax

"Gov. Scott to GOP activists: Unite behind Romney".

Entrepreneurs in action

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "The Justice Department needs to aggressively pursue the case. Nailing down who knew what and when could factor into whether BP pays a premium for gross negligence on its per-barrel Clean Water Act fines. It also would shed light on the risks of continuing to rely heavily on the oil companies to police themselves." "Getting to bottom of BP spill".

First Gov. Clouseau jetted off to Miami for a publicity stunt to sign a loopy bill that would prohibit state and local governments from hiring companies for contracts worth at least $1 million if they also do business with either Cuba and Syria. ...

This was always little more than a feckless and unenforceable political bone tossed to the Miami Cuban community. All the governor had to do was fly in, sign this cooked-up legislation, say bad things about Fidel Castro, have a cup of cafe con leche and get out of town.

But nooooooooo! Scott had to commit the worst possible boo-boo in politics. He admitted it was all just theater. No good would come from this.

After putting his Gov. Le Petomane signature on the "Cuba — Bad!" bill, Scott then said, in effect, he was just kidding; that the legislation was really a federal issue. The Cuban exiles went ballistic and accused the governor of stabbing them in the back, which, of course, he had.

With all the twisted reasoning of a viral email attacking Barack Obama's birth certificate, Scott argued it was inappropriate to target a specific private entity to receive state funds, a rationale one never hears from the governor when it comes to shoveling public voucher money into private schools. ...

But Scott's lollapalooza of pandering policy was only hitting its stride, thanks to the tinhorns of Florida Legislature.

They prohibited cities from enacting gun-control laws, so Tampa faces the prospect of banning stuff like water pistols, urine-filled baggies, sticks and other toys of mischief in the downtown area during this summer's Republican National Convention. But not guns, which has pretty much made Tampa a national laughingstock.

Since Floridians seem to enjoy shooting each other whenever their feelings are hurt, Mayor Bob Buckhorn sensibly concluded banning water balloons, while still being able to walk around locked and loaded, made little sense and asked Scott to issue an executive order to also ban firearms during the four-day convention.

Scott, no surprise here, said no. Then he went off on a rant about protecting the Second Amendment for paranoid, law-abiding, itchy trigger-finger citizens. The governor also got it wrong when he wrote back to Buckhorn that the mayor was trying to ban firearms from all of downtown. He wasn't. Only the "Event Zone" set aside for protesters, parades and rallies would have been affected.

At least if things go badly because some goober gets riled up, Tampa will know who to blame. Brilliant. Who was the PR genius for this rootin'-tootin' decision? The NRA's Tugboat Annie of Ammo? Marion Hammer? You may all nod, now.

Finally, in his never-ending quest to find government programs that actually work so he can kill them off, once again Scott vetoed funding for the state's 11 regional planning councils, which help local governments develop all manner of programs from hurricane evacuation routes, luring business investment and affordable housing programs.

Why? Scott based his decision on the ramblings of the Cato Institute and one of its deep thinkers, Randal O'Toole, who sees a United Nations conspiracy to take over the world in Arbor Day proclamations. Scott complained the effectiveness of the planning councils can't be measured. But that's only because the governor abolished the agency that evaluates them. Insert "duh" here.

Rubio-the-legal-scholar smacks Scott

"Sen. Marco Rubio joined the chorus of Republican lawmakers who disagree with Gov. Rick Scott for calling a Cuba-crackdown bill unenforceable and unconstitutional." "Sen. Marco Rubio: Gov. Rick Scott wrong on Cuba crackdown law".

The rules are different here

"Tourism czar resigns after buying $700,000 yacht with tax money".

Politifact rates Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll’s claim "False"

"Was Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll accurate that no one recruited people to join the task force reviewing the controversial stand your ground law? ... We rate Carroll’s claim False." "Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll claims "we didn’t go out asking people" to join the "stand your ground" task force".

PIP legislation on Scott's desk

"Scott pushed hard for HB 119, which maintains the mandatory $10,000 PIP coverage but limits non-emergency care after an auto accident to $2,500 and eliminates fee multipliers for attorneys in PIP cases." "PIP fraud.

Raw sewage

"Almost two decades after the EPA imposed the biggest fine at the time on the county for ignoring the Clean Water Act, the feds are back and talking to Miami-Dade leaders, this time about repairing miles of faulty pipes that carry raw sewage." "Feds file complaint, demand Miami-Dade County fix faulty sewer lines".

"Inevitable there will be conflict"

"The Center for Biological, based in Tucson, Ariz., was founded in 1989 and has been more active in issues affecting Florida in recent years. 'It is inevitable there will be conflict' with industry groups, staff attorney Jaclyn Lopez said." "Litigious group focused on biodiversity, endangered species opens Florida office".

Ricky-PC raises more than $1 million in April

"With Gov. Rick Scott making plans to run for re-election in 2014, a closely linked political committee raised more than $1 million in April -- and has already collected nearly $2 million this year, according to the committee's website."

The Let's Get To Work Committee received $1.06 million last month, after collecting $918,703 earlier in the year, a list of contributors on the website shows. As a point of comparison, the Florida Democratic Party raised about $1.2 million between Jan. 1 and March 31.

Scott, whose upstart 2010 campaign enjoyed heavy backing from the committee, made clear recently that he will seek a second term. ...

Committees such as Let's Get To Work are not bound by the campaign-finance limits placed on candidates, who cannot accept individual contributions of more than $500. Let's Get To Work reported on the website that it received three contributions of $100,000 each in April.

Those contributions came from The Geo Group, Progress Energy and a political committee linked to the Florida Optometric Association -- all of which have major legislative or regulatory issues in state government.

Geo, which operates private prisons, has been involved during the past year in a legislative controversy about privatizing correctional facilities across the southern part of the state. Progress, meanwhile, has interests in numerous energy-related issues in the Legislature and at the Public Service Commission, while optometrists have long lobbied for expanded drug-prescribing powers.

Other major donors in April included New York developer Donald Trump and Jacksonville developer David Hutson, who each gave $50,000, according to the committee website. ...

Longtime lobbyist John French, who is listed on the website as the committee's coordinator, could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

He ought to

"Rick Scott Prays for Jobs, Military During National Day of Prayer".

Them silly federal lawrs

"A new state law allowing the governor to remove chief executives and members of the state's 24 regional work-force boards may violate federal legislation giving that power to local elected officials." "Scott's new power over jobs agencies might violate federal law".

The publicity stunts keep 'comin

"Hoping to reverse the perception that he wanted to skirt the state’s open records law, Gov. Rick Scott announced a web site to open his emails — and those of his top staff." "Gov. Rick Scott lets public open his email box with new website". See also "Governor pledges to let sun shine on staff emails, giving public online access".

Forty-four percent of 1,169 Florida voters surveyed by Quinnipiac University between April 25 and May 1 said they'd vote for Romney if the election were now, compared to 43 percent who said they prefer the president. The latest snapshot of voter preferences has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. The new figures were an improvement for Romney, who trailed Obama by 7 percentage points among Florida voters in late March.

The Connecticut-based polling institute also showed Obama and Romney within the margin of error in Ohio while the president was favored by 47 percent to 39 percent among Pennsylvania voters.

No one has won the presidency since 1960 without carrying two of the three key swing states. ...

The new survey shows the sluggish economy working in Romney's favor at the moment with voters in the Sunshine State. Nearly half, 49 percent, said they believed Romney would do a better job handing the economy while 40 percent said Obama would do better.

And while Obama appears to have strong support among women voters nationally, Quinnipiac's survey showed it much tighter in Florida where the female preferences were almost evenly split.

Roughly two-thirds of the respondents in all three states believe the economy is in a recession although at least 51 percent in each of the states felt a recovery was underway.

The poll showed Florida voters also support repeal of the 2010 health care reform legislation supported by Obama by a 51 to 38 percent margin and oppose the U.S. military's presence in Afghanistan by better than a two-to-one margin although they approved of Obama's handling of the situation and the pace that he has started to withdraw troops from the war-torn central Asian nation.

Scott unsigns his Cuba-crackdown bill "signing statement"

"Scott has started retreating from a controversial statement that a Cuba-crackdown bill he signed the day before was unenforceable."

In a written statement, Scott now acknowledges that the law will go into effect. And he reiterated his support for it — even though he thinks it might not survive a legal challenge.

"Constitutional lawyers have told me that this legislation will be challenged in court. I signed the bill regardless of that fact, and it will become a state law on July 1, 2012," he wrote. "As Governor, it is my sworn duty to uphold the laws of the state and I will meet any challenge to this law in court as necessary."

Scott’s move was a peace offering of sorts to Miami’s Cuban-American lawmakers, who were incensed Tuesday when he signed the bill into law at the Freedom Tower — only to issue a letter afterward that suggested the law is unconstitutional.

blindsided the members of Congress and the state Legislature — all Republicans — who were never told he would espouse that position. They said the state law was fine and that Scott’s letter potentially undermined it because it armed opponents with a potent legal argument if and when they sue.

"It’s unfortunate this very ill-conceived statement muddies the waters," U.S. Rep Mario Diaz-Balart said earlier Wednesday, before Scott’s latest statement came out.

And regardless of what Scott said in his signing statement, Diaz-Balart and others said, the law would go into effect anyway — an opinion Scott confirmed Wednesday. Still, the governor’s letter hurt almost as much as a veto.

But the throng of politicians eager to play up the crackdown law in an election year apparently did not tune into the radio shows. Instead, they saw the governor sign the bill, leave the Freedom Tower, and then blindside them with the fine-print signing statement. ...

Moments after the press conference, Scott issued the signing statement. And then came the anger.

Perplexed state lawmakers who backed the bill went on Spanish-language radio to question the governor’s letter. A frustrated Congressman David Rivera declared himself ready to take the governor to court. One blogger in Washington, D.C., referred to the governor as "slick Rick." Another wrote, in an open letter to Scott on a Miami blog, "You duped us."

On Wednesday, Garcia, the bill’s Senate sponsor, sent state Senate President Mike Haridopolos a letter asking him to "examine the constitutionality" of the governor’s signing statement.

[E]ven some high-profile Cuban-American Republicans, such as J. Antonio "Tony" Villamil, dean of Saint Thomas University’s School of Business and former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce in the George W. Bush Administration, think that the new law is counter-productive.

Villamil, who also served as Florida director of economic development under former Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, did not mince words: he told me that the new law is "a black eye on Florida."

"First, this law is unconstitutional, because it violates the federal power to conduct foreign policy," he said. "Second, it violates World Trade Organization rules that say that you cannot discriminate against a foreign company, and create second-class companies."

"Third, it hurts Florida’s business climate," Villamil said. After all these "trade missions that Florida and the governor have taken around the world, including to Brazil, telling foreign companies that we welcome them in Florida, we are excluding them from meaningful state and local contracts."

"And it doesn’t do anything to help the freedom of Cuba," he said. "It allows Castro to have a propaganda point and say, 'Look how hostile Cuban exiles are against our country.'"

My opinion: The new Florida state law, if enacted, will boomerang on its sponsors for one additional reason. It would encourage other U.S. states to pass foreign policy and trade laws.

That would not only make U.S. foreign policy even more dependent on local constituencies that push for their own economic agendas ahead of the national interest, but would encourage many U.S. states to pass laws giving tax breaks or other special privileges to firms that have affiliated companies doing business in Cuba.

To score points with Cuba’s regime, Iowa, Kansas and other farm states that are eager to increase their already significant exports to Cuba would try to promote their business ties with companies doing business on the island. Cuba’s octogenarian military rulers would be the biggest winners

"You never know when a citizen might need a concealed handgun amid those pesky protesters"

Fred Grimm: "Don’t come messing around the Republican National Convention with an 'air rifle, air pistol, paintball rifle, explosive blasting cap, switchblade, hatchet, ax, slingshot, blackjack, metal knuckles, nunchakus, mace, iron buckle, ax handle, chain, crowbar, hammer, shovel or any club or bludgeon.'"

All this along with "any other instrumentality used or intended to be used to cause physical or personal damage."

Except, of course, for the most obvious instrument intended to cause physical or personal damage.

The city didn’t prohibit guns.

To update the old Florida promotional slogan, the rules are still different here. But safety during the convention is a serious issue, and political maneuvering by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Gov. Rick Scott has trumped common sense.

Here's the lay of the land: The Secret Service will ban concealed weapons in the secure area it will control around the convention site, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and nearby hotels. Outside that zone will be a larger downtown area controlled by the city, and the Tampa City Council will consider an ordinance today that would temporarily ban a number of potential weapons — from lumber to string. But state law prevents local governments from imposing any local restrictions on firearms. Buckhorn asked Scott to prohibit guns in that larger area, and the governor refused in a letter that could double as a testimonial for the National Rifle Association.

Concealed firearms legally carried by hundreds of thousands of Floridians? Pack 'em if you've got 'em.

"Water quality controversy"

"With the Legislature having waived approval of rules establishing new phosphorus and nitrogen limits, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is holding workshops to review rules relating to mercury, dissolved oxygen and chemical exposure through fish consumption. Some environmentalists are concerned that DEP will make it easier to comply with pollution rules by simply changing the standards." "DEP moving into new areas of possible water quality controversy".

Lawmaker warns funding woes could 'erode' quality of state universities

"Florida's university system would 'erode'"

"Outgoing House Education Chairman Bill Proctor warned the Higher Education Coordinating Council on Wednesday that the quality of Florida's university system would "erode" if the state does not come up with a way to shore up its funding. Proctor was an architect of a bill recently vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott that would have allowed the state's top research universities to raise tuition to market levels." "Lawmaker warns funding woes could 'erode' quality of state universities".

Sid's stunt flops

"Palm Beach County's Republican Party, citing an April 15 report in The Palm Beach Post, has asked three agencies to open an investigation into what caused Circuit Judge Krista Marx to decide against running for state attorney. ... The Post's report described how supporters of Democratic state attorney candidate Dave Aronberg had warned Marx she could face ethics allegations and her husband could face a costly re-election fight if she pursued the job. She decided against running. ... Dinerstein said he sent the letter after a vote of the board of the county's Republican Party. Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Bondi also were asked to investigate but have not responded, Dinerstein said." "Probe sought into judge's decision not to run for state attorney".

'Yah got a problem with that?

"Progress Energy wants to nearly double monthly charges for nuclear projects".

"Largest single tranche bond offering"

"Citizens Property Insurance Corp. closed on $750 million in wind risk catastrophe bonds on Tuesday, the largest single tranche bond offering of that type to capital markets." "Citizens closes $750 million reinsurance bond, setting record".

"Mr. Rubio’s plan is creates a kind of permanent second-class status"

The Washington Post editorial board says its "better late than never": "Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), who is Cuban American and a possible running mate for Mitt Romney, has broached the outlines of what would be a Republican version of the Dream Act. It would extend legal status — but no clear path to citizenship, as Democrats have sought — to young illegal immigrants brought to America by their parents."

The details aren’t clear, but the danger in Mr. Rubio’s plan is creation of a kind of permanent second-class status. On the other hand, many young people might welcome a route out of the shadows, and the country would certainly benefit from their contributions.

So far, other Republicans are keeping their distance from Mr. Rubio’s proposal, and the most Mr. Romney has managed is a tepid we'll-think-about-it. Political calculation may push him further. Republican strategists worry that GOP bills designed to hound illegal immigrants in Arizona, Alabama and elsewhere are tilting Hispanics to President Obama in several Western swing states. Mr. Romney himself said as much the other day, fretting that the president’s support among Hispanic voters "spells doom for us."

If so, Mr. Romney has himself partly to blame, having hailed Arizona’s draconian law as a model for the nation, urged similar measures in the hope that undocumented immigrants will "self-deport" and opposed the Dream Act.

"Scott's decision to target the group is puzzling"

"Scott's decision to target the group is puzzling to some legislators because he insisted that the coalition be designated a recipient of state money when he submitted his first budget proposals in 2011. ... The coalition owes its special status largely to former Gov. Jeb Bush, who signed the 2003 law designating it as the sole recipient of state domestic violence money." "Gov. Rick Scott takes aim at domestic violence group salary".

Lobbyist-go-round

"Tallahassee lobbying firm Floridian Partners announced Tuesday that Teye Reeves is returning to the firm after working for Florida Chamber of Commerce through two legislative sessions." "Chamber lobbyist returns to Floridian Partners".

"Anti-freedom travel restrictions that bar most Americans from visiting Cuba"

Tom Lyons: "One reality rarely mentioned here in Florida is that Castro's heinous travel restrictions also helped limit a dicey U.S. problem:"

What to do about so many Cubans wanting to "flee Castro" and come to Florida for economic opportunities, especially with so many U.S. citizens already upset about Mexican immigrants arriving in droves for much the same reason, albeit without the public relations advantages inherent in "seeking freedom."

Even as is, we have the bizarre "wet-foot-dry-foot policy," which applies only to Cubans. It has long had our Coast Guard trying to intercept Cubans at sea to send them back to Cuba before they can set foot on dry U.S. sand, which would entitle them to stay and request permanent resident status.

So, what happens to that game if the doors really open and Cubans don't have to conspire, hire human smugglers or steal boats to get here?

I have no idea, and who knows if Cuba will really make major travel-policy changes that open the door widely and let Cubans come this way, and quite possibly stay, legally or not. I remain skeptical of all such news about alleged changes in Cuba.

If it does happen, I hope the U.S. will take the opportunity to ease our own equally anti-freedom travel restrictions that bar most Americans from visiting Cuba, a ban not imposed on Americans who wanted to visit the former Soviet Union or China.

Yet every U.S. president and presidential candidate seems terrified that promoting any such change will get them a reaction in South Florida like the one Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen got when he expressed heretical admiration of Castro's longevity in power.

And so, predicting that local ports could soon be offering cruises to Havana seems even shakier than forecasts of change in Cuba.

When is enough, enough?

"In the eyes of those who run companies, Florida is now the No. 2 best state in which to do business."

Tom Feeney, Associated Industries of Florida president and CEO, said the state has further to go in reforming personal injury protection auto insurance, even after this year’s successful legislation, and that the tort system remains “too attractive for trial lawyers to go after deep pockets.”

The state also has to continue to block federal efforts to usurp Florida’s status as a “right to work state.”

“The Obama administration is trying to undermine the advantages of open labor practices,” Feeney said. “Every day the National Labor Relations Board and Obama are trying to decrease advantages to business. The consequence there is that if Obama is successful, we will not lose jobs to Georgia and Texas, but all 50 states will lose jobs to Latin America and elsewhere.”

"'Roll your own' loophole"

"Florida loses $63M in tobacco tax with 'roll your own' loophole".

LeMieux grubs for wingnuts

Kevin Derby: "The two leading Republicans looking to take on incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in November -- Connie Mack and George LeMieux -- looked on Wednesday to showcase their conservative credentials and tie themselves to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, one of the most popular GOP leaders in Florida."

One of the leading conservatives in the Florida Legislature -- Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala -- announced Wednesday that he is backing former U.S. Sen. LeMieux for the Republican nomination.

Baxley, who led the Christian Coalition of Florida and represents parts of Marion County, stressed LeMieux’s conservative credentials in his endorsement and played up the fact that former presidential candidate Herman Cain announced Friday that he is backing LeMieux.

"The appearance — at the very least — of impropriety is inescapable"

The Orlando Sentinel editors point to an Integrity Florida report showing that "Several companies with executives on Enterprise Florida's board have landed millions of dollars in state financial incentives with the help of the agency or been hired as its vendors."

In a rebuttal to the report, Enterprise Florida argued its board members don't have input on incentive packages, and another agency, the Department of Economic Opportunity, gives them final approval.

But those board members govern Enterprise Florida. Its CEO serves at their pleasure. And incentive packages don't get out of the starting gate without the agency's help.

As for awarding contracts to board members' companies, Enterprise Florida says those members excuse themselves from votes and any deals larger than $25,000 are competitively bid. But it's hard to believe personal relationships wouldn't give a board member's company any advantage in winning a contract.

Under Enterprise Florida's public-private funding model, companies get seats on the board by putting up at least $50,000. But when some of those companies get the agency's help in qualifying for incentives or are hired as contractors, the appearance — at the very least — of impropriety is inescapable.

"Candidates scramble for signatures"

"The last day to qualify for the ballot as a legislative candidate is June 8, but House and Senate candidates wishing to qualify via petitions must have them in by noon on Monday." "Candidates scramble for signatures in last week to gather petitions".

State trims rental costs

"As one of his campaign promises, Gov. Rick Scott said the state would cut $24 million office rental costs within two years. It has trimmed two-thirds of that in less than a year, and state facilities agents say they'll find the rest before the deadline." "As state cuts jobs and merges services, it trims $16 million in rental costs".

Mack dissembles

"U.S. Senate candidate Connie Mack, a Republican, says, 'I have always said that I would be for drilling.' PolitiFact Florida reviews his stance over the years." "U.S. Senate candidate Connie Mack’s claim about ‘always’ being for drilling is far from truth".

"Internet cafes continue to pop up across Florida"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Since the Florida Legislature failed to act this year to clarify the legal status of the state's burgeoning, unregulated Internet cafe industry, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri should continue to crack down on the predatory gambling parlors."

Internet cafes continue to pop up across Florida under the absurd proposition they are not illegal gambling enterprises under current law. Until the Legislature changes the law or regulates Internet cafes, law enforcement officials should continue to enforce the law and not look the other way.

Shortly after praising their fellow Republican for signing the law at the historic Freedom Tower, Cuban-American lawmakers at the event learned Scott issued a letter that essentially declared the law unenforceable.

The lawmakers — members of Congress, legislators and local commissioners — said Scott blindsided them and undermined the legislation, which prohibits state and local taxpayers from hiring firms that do work in Cuba and Syria. Multi-national firms and the Florida Chamber of Commerce worry about the law’s potential impact.

After a heated telephone conversation with Scott, Congressman David Rivera said he was ready to take the governor to court.

The law prohibits companies that do business in Cuba from securing contracts with state or local governments worth more than $1 million. Any contracts existing before the law takes effect July 1 also could be terminated. ...

In a bill signing Tuesday in Miami, Scott acknowledged the law could cost the state jobs but said standing up for freedom is important because "principles matter." But this law does nothing to end the Castro communist regime. To the contrary, it targets legitimate businesses at home and abroad that operate on an island where federal law already allows at least limited economic activity. ...

Making foreign policy from Tallahassee and signing a law that is constitutionally suspect and impossible to enforce hardly inspires confidence within the business community. Business leaders across the state, along with Florida's top two trading partners, Brazil and Canada, had warned the law could discourage investment from foreign firms. ...

None of this stopped the show Tuesday in Miami. The probusiness governor signed into law a political statement that is bad for business, and it is another example of his failure to understand the diversity of his adopted state.

"RNC insists it wasn't punishing Florida delegation"

"The Republican National Committee insists it wasn't punishing the Florida delegation by putting them so far away. People riding the bus might disagree." "Florida's RNC delegates may face dreary ride to the convention hall".

"If America's economy is in the toilet, Florida's is in the sewer"

Scott Maxwell writes that, "as recent stories about bungled payoffs, unethical arrangements and buddy-buddy deals have revealed, Florida is losing."

We write checks to companies that don't provide jobs. We cut corporate tax breaks galore.

Basically, Florida politicians trip over themselves trying to find ways to give your money to corporate execs.

And it's not working.

Florida's economy is still worse than America's in general.

Our unemployment rate is higher. Our average salary is lower.

More Floridians are uninsured. Our foreclosure rate leads the nation.

If America's economy is in the toilet, Florida's is in the sewer.

Yet all Florida politicians want to do is scream about problems in Washington.

"Changes must be made"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Justice Barbara Pariente pointed out in a separate, concurring opinion, there wasn’t enough time to deliberate any longer without disrupting the election cycle. After lamenting the time constraints put on the court to review new maps, she added, 'If it is this court’s role to be the guardian of the constitution’s intent, I believe that changes must be made to the process to ensure that the purpose of the [redistricting] amendment — to take politics out of the apportionment equation — can be fully realized.'" "Redistricting — legal, but flawed".

"Rubio can breathe easier"

Adam C. Smith writes that "Marco Rubio can breathe easier."

A soon-to-be released biography of the Republican vice presidential contender turns out to be a nuanced and largely flattering portrait of one of the most exciting figures on the national stage, rather than the hatchet job some Rubio allies had feared. ...

For Americans just getting to know Rubio, there is plenty in the book to raise eyebrows — criticism that he used Republican Party credit cards and political committees for personal expenses, for instance — though most of that has been detailed by the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald. Those allegations did little to damage Rubio's Senate campaign in 2010.

The book recounts his longtime friendship with U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, who has been engulfed in assorted investigations into his personal finances and consulting work. And it delves into Rubio having often said or implied that his parents fled Fidel Castro, when in fact they immigrated to Miami before Castro took power.

Roig-Franzia writes: Whether Rubio intended to mislead voters or simply never investigated the circumstances of his family's arrival is a question only he can answer. What is clear is that during his rise he placed great emphasis on his family's narrative, and he was eager to identify himself as the son of exiles.

Likewise, tea party conservatives unfamiliar with Rubio's legislative record may be surprised he often supported big spending, whether it was public money for a new baseball stadium or local projects. ...

Of Rubio's start in Washington, he writes: Power came to those who waited. But Rubio was not one who waited. Validation outside the building — on blogs, among conservative activists, on Twitter and Facebook — gave him more stroke inside it. More stroke inside the building gave him more validation outside it.

He also notes the hardball tactics Rubio's media handlers use to guard his image, including a well-publicized skirmish with Univision when it started to report about an old criminal arrest of Rubio's brother-in-law. Rubio's team argued that the network was going after a private citizen and said Univision offered to spike the story if Rubio agreed to an interview with their star anchor, Jorge Ramos. Univision denies that.

Roig-Franzia recounts a heated conference call about the story between Univision editors and Rubio's staff, including political adviser Todd Harris. Harris, the book says, at one point asked if the editors thought it would be appropriate to "poke into the private life of Jorge Ramos."

Roig-Franzia writes: The Univision staffers heard the question as a threat. For a consultant who represents a senator who sits on committees with subpoena power to make such a suggestion made … those journalists uncomfortable.

Harris called that "insane" and said he never said that.

The book also delves into Rubio's unusual religious journey, which included being baptized as a Mormon at age 8 when his family lived in Las Vegas: He was the little boy who went to Catholic Mass. Then the adolescent who embraced Mormonism. He was the teenager who circled back to Catholicism. Then the thirty-something who defined himself as a Baptist. He was the ascendant politician who wanted to be Catholic again.

"Bring on Rubio"

"Dems: Bring on Rubio".

"The evidence points to boondoggle"

The Sarasota Herald Tribune editorial board writes that, "despite also approving $300 million in budget cuts to the other 11 universities, Scott signed off on the creation of Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland."

As a result, Alexander gets to return home to Polk County as the conquering hero, having delivered a newly independent university -- cut from its previous ties to the University of South Florida. Construction of new facilities on the campus is expected to put $338 million into the local economy over the next 10 years.

As for the rest of the state, we get to pay the tab and wonder whether FPU will be a boon or a boondoggle.

The evidence points to boondoggle.

Perhaps Bondi should do something to stop this

"Community health centers across Florida will share $21.4 million in funding made possible by the Affordable Care Act, even as the state government continues its fight to invalidate the health care overhaul."

Since being elected, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has urged the state to reject millions of dollars in funding tied to the law. Still, money tied to health care reform has found its way to Florida. Earlier this year, a report from the National Conference of State Legislatures noted that Florida had received $119.6 million in Affordable Care Act grants during the first two years under the law.

Putnam won't challenge Scott

"Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said Tuesday chances are 'nil' that Gov. Rick Scott will face serious opposition within the Republican Party when he seeks a second term in 2014. Such a forecast means that Putnam has again ruled himself out as a candidate for governor in two years." "Putnam declines governor run".

Rubio claims he "just reached for the wrong card"

Rubio, "On his use of Republican Party credit cards while a state legislator: "

"At the end of every month, we would get those statements, we would see what was on there that was party related and the party would pay that. If it wasn't party related, I would pay that directly to American Express. Now, obviously, in hindsight, it looks bad, right? Why are you using a party credit card at all. Well, some of these expenses were because the travel agent had the number … and they billed it to that card instead of the other card. Sometimes it was just a mistake — literally just reached for the wrong card. But it's important to understand I did not bill personal expenses to the Republican Party of Florida. The Republican Party of Florida never paid my personal expenses. Never. But look, I shouldn't have done it that way. It was lesson learned."

Young, Romney's go-to-guy for earmarks

"Needing earmark, Romney went to C.W. Bill Young".

Let the whitewash begin

"A government task force began its review of Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law and made plans to travel the state to conduct public hearings." "Stand Your Ground task force to hold public hearings". See also "'Stand Your Ground' Task Force May Need to Widen Focus" and "Florida "Stand Your Ground" panel launches review of self-defense law".

Bondi needs help

"Pam Bondi Asking for Help to Spend $300 Million".

Cain, Bachmann, the best they could do?

"Congressman Connie Mack, whose father held the Senate seat for two terms before not running for a third one in 2000 when Nelson won the seat, unveiled the endorsement of a prominent conservative on Tuesday afternoon -- U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann. ... Over the weekend, businessman and former presidential candidate Herman Cain, another favorite of the tea party, announced that he was backing former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux for the Republican nomination to challenge Nelson." "Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann Back Rival Candidates to Take on Bill Nelson". See also "Ex-GOP hopefuls back Senate rivals".

Rubio, who turns 41 later this month, has become one of the most talked about politicians in Washington, even more so now that he's considered as a potential running mate to presumed GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Where it could hurt Rubio — who insists he's not seeking the VP slot — is by drawing attention to past financial issues at a time when some say he's too inexperienced to be steps away from the presidency.

As a ranking state legislator, Rubio routinely charged personal expenses to his party-issued credit card from 2006 to 2008. Rubio also acknowledged double-billing state taxpayers and the party for eight plane fares to Tallahassee, calling it a mistake. He said he reimbursed personal expenses on the credit card and repaid the party for the flights.

Those issues, first reported by the Times/Herald, were part of a citizen ethics complaint during the 2010 Senate race that Rubio was using political funds to "subsidize his lifestyle."

Before becoming speaker, Rubio started two political committees to support other candidates and raised about $600,000. He failed to disclose tens of thousands of dollars in expenses and concealed others by lumping them in credit card charges.

Rubio this year asked that Florida Ethics Commission to close out its investigation into the matter, contending it would be used against him by Democrats.

Back to court

"The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Rene Garcia of Hialeah and Rep. Michael Bileca of Miami, appears aimed at Odebrecht, the Brazilian giant whose Coral Gables-based, U.S. subsidiary has worked on some of South Florida’s biggest projects, including the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the American Airlines Arena and the North Terminal at Miami International Airport. A separate subsidiary in Cuba is performing major improvements to the Port of Mariel."

Fourteen laws passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature in the past year have ended up in court, and several others appear headed that way, including the Cuba measure.

"Scott thought that was too generous"

Beth Kassab: "If Florida really wants to help struggling homeowners, the state might as well direct its bureaucrats to stand along I-4 and I-95 and hand out wads of cash during rush-hour traffic jams."

That might be more effective than the Hardest-Hit Fund program, which was supposed to dispense $1 billion to help people avoid foreclosure.

And it would certainly get the money into the hands it's intended for faster.

But don't expect any windfalls next time you're stuck in a bottleneck on your way home.

Instead, Florida is embarking on Hardest-Hit 2.0 — the latest incarnation of a program that, one year after its start, has accomplished very little.

More than 90 percent of the $1 billion in federal funds sits unused while the clock ticks on homeowners who grow closer to losing their homes every day.

This was supposed to be the Average Joe's chance at some TARP money. You know, the bailout dollars that helped the banks when they were down and out.

No such luck for Joe and company.

The program is designed to work in two ways: Help people catch up on their mortgages after they fall behind because they are unemployed or underemployed. And help cover monthly mortgage payments while the homeowner looks for new, or better-paying, work.

The Hardest Hit Fund's requirements are so restrictive that just 5,500 people have qualified so far. The state originally projected the program would help some 40,000 people.

Blame politics — and greed.

Last week, the board of the Florida Housing Finance Corp., which oversees the program, voted to overhaul the rules to get more help to more people.

For example, the program paid for a maximum of six months of mortgage payments, up to a total of $12,000, while a homeowner looked for work. Administrators of the fund originally had asked for nine months, but Gov. Rick Scott thought that was too generous.

"They are not perfect"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "They are not perfect, but the new state Senate districts approved by the Florida Supreme Court are a substantial improvement over both the existing districts and the Legislature's first attempt that was rejected by the court. Credit goes to Florida voters who amended the state Constitution in 2010 to change the redistricting rules, and to the court for defining those rules and forcing the state Senate to redraw the districts. The result should be more competitive districts and a Senate that better represents the state after the November elections."

For now, the new congressional and legislative districts for the 2012 elections appear to be set. The Florida Supreme Court has signed off on the legislative districts. The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday also precleared both the congressional and legislative maps under the Voting Rights Act, finding no concerns in Hillsborough and four other counties with a history of voter discrimination. That is a credit to the Legislature, and it enables candidates and voters to begin focusing on the coming elections.

"Florida will be sent to the convention’s version of Siberia"

"The coveted hotel assignments for the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa are out, and Florida will be sent to the convention’s version of Siberia." "Fla. delegates put in hotels far from GOP convention site". See also "Florida Republicans get long commute to GOP convention".

Daniel Ruth: "The bowler hats of the RNC announced on Monday that Florida's delegates will be staying at the Innisbrook Resort in north Pinellas County. To be sure, Innisbrook isn't exactly the Bates Motel. But it is still some distance away from the epicenter of political life that will be Tampa for a few short days in August. It will take at least 45 minutes to get from Innisbrook to the Forum — assuming U.S. 19 doesn't revert to its usual form as the roadway capital of the international hand gesture for ... have a nice day." "For Florida's GOP, a very humid Siberia".

Joe Henderson: "With any luck, the governor will be assigned to stay with the delegates and share the joy of a drive thousands get to experience here every day." "RNC commute would make Scott support mass transit"

"Will third time be a charm for Garcia?"

"Will the third time be a charm for Joe Garcia? Garcia, a Democrat who has twice run for U.S. Congress and lost, said Monday that he will run again against Republican Rep. David Rivera. ... And following once-a-decade redistricting, the demographics of the district, which stretches from southwest Miami-Dade to Key West, are now slightly less favorable to Republicans. To face Rivera, Garcia would first have to defeat a fellow Democrat: Gloria Romero Roses, a Southwest Ranches businesswoman and first-time candidate." "Joe Garcia to jump into race against U.S. Rep. David Rivera".

Who writes these headlines?

"A visit from first lady Michelle Obama last week raised about $300,000 for her husband's reelection, according to a source close to the campaign. But just as importantly, local backers said it showed there is support for the president and for Democrats in majority-Republican Collier County." "Michelle Obama campaign stop rakes in $300,000, shows Democrat[ic] support in Collier".

Who writes these headlines? It is "Democratic", not "Democrat"

That took, what ... 30 seconds?

"A federal judge in Miami ruled today that Gov. Rick Scott’s executive order mandating that all state workers be randomly drug tested violates the Fourth Amendment rights of people employed by the state." "Federal judge rules that drug testing state workers is unconstitutional".

The Naples Daily News editors: "The federal judge almost effortlessly set aside the order, calling it close to a search without a search warrant for drugs in a home. You simply cannot mandate such an invasive procedure without reasonable cause. The office of the governor has enough other, more worthy work to do and policy to affect than to tempt trouble that ultimately backfires on overall effectiveness." "Use powers wisely for best results".

Shameless

"Scott honors director of rape crisis center after cutting her funding". See also "Scott cuts funding for rape crisis centers during Sexual Assault Awareness Month".

Stand your stoopid

"Lawmaker's panel urges restrictions on Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' self-defense law". See also "Smith's Task Force Seeks 'Stand Your Ground' Tweaks" and "Independent task force wants changes to 'stand your ground' law".

Good riddance: "This House member won't change districts".

Black and overweight need not apply

This is rich: "A Fort Lauderdale company that hires crews for yachts is facing damages after an employee accidentally sent an email to an applicant saying she wasn't hired because she's black and overweight." "Fla. firm faces damages over discriminatory email".

"More Tax-Dollar Disclosures from Enterprise Florida"

"Integrity Florida Pushes for More Tax-Dollar Disclosures from Enterprise Florida".

From abused teenage wife to raging Teabagger

"In 2010, Adams used tea-party support to win a seat in Congress. Her first year saw her backing largely symbolic legislation — banning the use of foreign laws in U.S. courts; long detention for immigrant criminals who can't be deported. She since has become a key Republican voice [token?] in fights over contraception and domestic violence. In recent months, she has attacked Democrats over what she calls their 'faux war on women' as policymakers debated whether faith-based employers and their insurers should be required to provide contraception coverage under the 'Obamacare' health-care legislation." "U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams says her dramatic life story shapes her politics in quest for American dream".

Florida GOPer: "Why do we still have apes if we came from them?"

Fred Grimm reminds us that last year, the not so wise Florida Republican, "Stephen Wise of Jacksonville"

attempted to push an anti-evolution bill through the Florida Legislature, saying, “Why do we still have apes if we came from them?” You can figure creationists will be reprising those Wise words next year. The religious crowd was able to pass the model school prayer bill this session, with language that alludes to student-led “inspirational messages.” The new law, though, makes school prayer a local option, leaving it up to individual school boards whether they want to pay a lawyer to fend off an inevitable constitutional challenge.

The Legislature also added Amendment Eight, dubbed as the “Religious Freedom Amendment,” to the fall ballot, which, with obtuse language, removes the old state constitutional prohibition on giving tax dollars going to “any church, sect, or religious denomination.”

That’s really about state money (think vouchers) going to religious schools, where teachers are already free to ignore Charlie Darwin and all that inconvenient monkey business.

"Byrd plots comeback"

"Johnnie Byrd plots comeback, this time as a judge".

Rubio’s 2010 Senate campaign was fined $8,000 by the Federal Elections Commission, according to a just-released report that said it received “prohibited, excessive and other impermissible contributions totaling $210,173.09.”

By itself, the fine is a pittance for a campaign that raised about $21 million. The errors appear to be relatively small and largely clerical.

Still, it’s sloppy. It’s also a surprise. And it feeds into a broader narrative that Rubio is risky.

Romney’s campaign isn’t the type that suffers sloppiness, surprise or risk. Meantime, the New York-Washington media establishment seems eager to portray the 40-year-old Rubio as unprepared to be a heartbeat away from the White House.

“He is not ready to be on a national ticket in 2012,” former Pensacola Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough said on his Morning Joe program on MSNBC. “He’s not ready to be in the Oval Office. He’s not ready to be vice president of the United States.”

Others, including Alberto Gonzales, White House counsel and attorney general under former President George W. Bush, believe he would be a poor VP pick.

Scarborough made his comments the day before Friday’s disclosure of Rubio’s fine.

To be sure, Rubio is still beloved by tea party activists and conservative leaders, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

In 2008, The Miami Herald discovered he failed to properly disclose a generous home loan from a politically connected bank. About the same time, he appeared to ring up some personal expenses on a Republican Party of Florida credit card that was established for political purposes. The Herald and the Tampa Bay Times then discovered Rubio double-billed taxpayers and the RPOF card $3,000 for flights, the costs for which he then reimbursed the state.

Then, late last year, a Rubio critic alerted the press to the fact that the senator’s official website incorrectly said his parents fled Fidel Castro’s Cuba. They actually had fled dictator Fulgencio Batista’s Cuba.

The Herald/Times first reported the story, and was followed the next day by a Washington Post reporter who is writing an unauthorized Rubio biography. That story, though, incorrectly suggested Rubio had personally repeated the falsehood on multiple occasions. Rubio is writing a rival autobiography.

Just last week, in a follow-up, the Post reporter (by way of the Politico website) unearthed a story about the Cuban-immigration struggles of Rubio’s maternal grandfather — whom U.S. authorities ordered deported in 1962 — and tried to compare it to the plight of modern-day immigrants from Mexico.

The piece about Rubio’s grandfather came just as Rubio is winning accolades [from whom?] for a scaled-back DREAM Act immigration proposal to help children of undocumented immigrants. Another Washington Post report noted that the Obama White House appears worried about handing Rubio a win over immigration — a central talking point for Democrats this year.

Opponents are quick to draw attention to every misstep by Rubio.

When Rubio misplaced the final page of a well-regarded foreign-policy speech at the Brookings Institution on Wednesday, liberal commentators happily noted that Rubio should invest in a Teleprompter, which he has criticized Obama for using.

George Will, touting Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan or Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, recently derided "Faux realists" arguing that a running mate can win over a particular state or demographic such as Latino voters. Respected political analyst Stuart Rothenberg made a similar case last week, noting the vice presidential candidates rarely "deliver" their home states or win over some demographic group.

In Slate, John Dickerson called Rubio "this year's Sarah Palin" and suggested Romney would undercut his argument as the candidate of executive experience if he tapped Rubio.

And then there was former Panhandle Rep. Joe Scarborough on Morning Joe last week: "Marco Rubio's a great guy, he's got a compelling story, and my God what a great demographic he will speak to on a national ticket some day. But he is not ready to be on a national ticket in 2012. … I would just warn those who are fans of Marco Rubio, who think they are doing him a favor by pushing him center stage right after he's been elected to the United States Senate: Back off. You're going to hurt him in the long run, because he's not ready to be in the Oval Office, he's not ready to be president of the United States."

Mini Mack flip flops

"U.S. Rep. Connie Mack has been urging the public to sign his petition to promote more domestic drilling. He says he's "always" been in favor of it, but that's not accurate." "Mack's drilling position changes".

"Florida is on a dangerous course"

"The public took notice when the state Legislature approved an expensive new university program and pushed aside the panel created to keep empire-building politics out of state university matters."

It was 10 years ago, and more than 60 percent of Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment creating a Board of Governors with the power to operate, regulate and be "fully responsible" for the entire state university system.

Here we are again.

A single, powerful lawmaker pushed a bill through the state Legislature this year creating a university in Lakeland, his backyard. It sidelined a Board of Governors' plan to create Florida Polytechnic University years down the road, after it met criteria to prove it could survive.

Former Florida governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham has a word for that: "unconstitutional."

University governance scholar Richard Novak doesn't go that far, but says Florida is on a dangerous course.

Is Rubio "just an echo of yesterday?"

About Rubio, Pat Buchanan asks, "as NATO already encompasses Poland and the Baltic states, what additional nations would Rubio bring in under our nuclear umbrella?"

It is the George W. Bush idea of bringing Ukraine and Georgia into NATO, which would commit us to war with Russia over who owns the Crimean Peninsula and who is sovereign in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

What vital U.S. interest is wrapped up in these regions?

Absolutely none.

All belonged to the old Soviet Union. Not even the toughest Cold War presidents dreamed of going to war over them.

Is Marco Rubio tomorrow's man. Or is he just an echo of yesterday?

Scott ranks SOEs

Nancy Smith: "Florida elections supervisors can object all they want. The fact is, Gov. Rick Scott's survey and subsequent ranking of the state's 67 elections officials was an act of leadership. And a good one at that. It shed a long-overdue light on the importance of an office taken for granted by too many Floridians. (Have a look at the supervisor rankings in the /Supervisor of Elections Survey, 2012': Supervisor of Elections Survey, April 2012 (.pdf))" "Scrutinizing Elections Supers: Give Gov. Rick Scott Credit".

RPOF urges Romney to Fla-bag

Bill Cotterell:"Republican Party of Florida leaders think Mitt Romney can win the state's 29 electoral votes -- and the White House -- by copying the game plan that lifted Gov. Rick Scott from obscurity to the Governor's Mansion two years ago."

"If we lose, it will be our fault," Scott told members of of the GOP state executive committee at a weekend meeting. "We have every opportunity to win, and Florida is the bellwether of the country."

As a wealthy hospital executive making his first bid for public office, Scott tapped into tea party anger against professional politicians in 2010 and won on a platform of creating jobs and reducing the size and cost of government. Romney won the Florida primary Jan. 31 and was guaranteed the presidential nomination with a five-state sweep of primaries last week but changes in his positions on issues important to the party's conservative base, including abortion and government health care, have given the former Massachusetts governor major fence-mending needs.

Altman too moderate?

"Sen. Thad Altman of Melbourne -- described by some among the GOP faithful as "a moderate Republican" -- could be facing major challenges from members of his own party as he prepares to run for a second term. First elected in 2008, Altman’s district (SD 24) currently includes parts of Brevard,‭ ‬Orange and Seminole counties. The new district, SD 16, passed by the Senate and approved by the Florida Supreme Court on Friday, contains parts of Brevard and Indian River counties." "Is Sen. Thad Altman Now Looking at Major GOP Primary Opposition?".

Rubio explains Violence Against Women Act vote

"Rubio last week voted against a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, and Florida Democrats pounced, calling it a "gross display of partisanship and extremism over sound policy." (Sen. Bill Nelson joined the majority in favor of the bill, which passed 68-31.)"

But Rubio spokesman Alex Conant said Rubio opposed a provision that would divert 30 percent of STOP grants for domestic violence programs to combat sexual assault.

"Combustible combination of religion and politics"

"It sounds as appealing as apple pie: ensuring religious freedom."

In reality, a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution facing the state's voters is a much more complicated, and combustible, combination of religion and politics.

Already, activists across the political spectrum are forming political action committees, holding news conferences and setting up websites as they mobilize for battle between now and November.

The focus of their attention is proposed Amendment 8, which would rewrite the "religious freedom" section of the state Constitution. It would remove the longstanding ban on taxpayer funding of churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions and replace it with completely opposite language prohibiting state or local governments from withholding money based on religious belief.

"When you get what you asked for, it is almost never what you wanted"

"A lot of Republicans will be cheering if the U.S. Supreme Court declares much or all of the health care law unconstitutional this summer. But then what? "The Republicans need to be at the forefront with a plan. Symbolically we repealed ObamaCare, if you will, when we first got elected last January. But yet we've done nothing to replace it," U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, lamented ...." "After the court rules".