The new Quinnipiac University Swing State Poll "has Bush leading Florida by just nine points over Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, and trailing Walker and other GOP prospects in Ohio and Pennsylvania."

Among the presidential prospects with the old national names, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is running away with Democrats' support while former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is losing Republicans' support in Florida and drawing limited support in two other swing states.

The poll surveyed 1,087 Florida voters with a margin of error of 4.7 percent for Republican questions and 5.3 percent for Democratic questions. The Pennsylvania and Ohio samples and margins of error were similar.

Related: "Hillary Clinton Leads With Florida Democrats But They Want Her to Face Primary in 2016" and "Scott Walker Gains Traction in Florida on Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio."

"Medicaid scuffle looms"

"The House and Senate advanced competing budgets Wednesday, setting up what could be a weekslong showdown between the two chambers over Medicaid funding." "House, Senate advance budgets as Medicaid scuffle looms."

Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: LIP, the KKK and Tax-Free Guns."

No standing

"The public’s ability to sue in order to force local government to obey its own laws is suddenly on trial." "Miami vs. The People: An issue of standing."

Scott the recipient of the most utility money since 2010

"Campaign records show utility companies have sunk $12 million into the campaigns of state lawmakers since 2010."

That money comes from the bills paid by customers of the state’s four largest utilities — Duke Energy, Gulf Power, Florida Power & Light and Tampa Electric.

Those donations include contributions to every member of the Senate and House leadership. The recipient of the most utility money since 2010 is Gov. Rick Scott’s 2014 re-election campaign, which took in more than $1.1 million through two political action committees.

“Why don’t we have a bigger solar industry in Florida?” asked Mike Antheil, a West Palm Beach lobbyist who represents solar companies. “The answer is simple. Every kilowatt of solar you produce on your roof is one less kilowatt that the utilities can sell you.”

"Murphy, Grayson Take Different Paths"

Kevin Derby: "U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has started his Senate campaign with impressive fundraising and the support of leading Democrats, but U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson continues to leave the door open to a Senate bid of his own." "Patrick Murphy, Alan Grayson Take Different Paths to Fundraising Success."

Then we'll demand pension deform

"Local first responders to be honored on Easter at Miami Beach hotel."

But Rick Scott says . . .

"A new study that sifted through piles of data on sea temperatures has found climate change may trigger fatal coral bleaching sooner than scientists had previously thought." "Study: Climate change will hit some Florida reefs sooner than expected, might trigger annual bleaching."

Free choice

Nancy Smith: "Abortion Decisions Don't Belong on a Legislative Agenda."

"A lightning [flip-flop] by Jeb Bush"

"Anti-discrimination activists and gay rights groups welcomed a lightning evolution [a/k/a 'flip flop] by Jeb Bush, this week on a controversial law passed in Indiana last week that opponents said would have made it easier for businesses to discriminate against LGBT employees and customers."

On Monday, Bush praised the law as signed by Indiana’s governor, Mike Pence. On Wednesday, the former Florida governor and likely 2016 presidential candidate drew back sharply in his approbation, conceding only that the law would “be in the right place” by the end of the week, after an anticipated fix by the Indiana legislature.

"Does Florida have a Religious Freedom Restoration Act?"

"Indiana’s law says government doesn’t have to be a party to the case, and it extends protections to corporations, and that’s different from Florida’s law." "Does Florida have a Religious Freedom Restoration Act like Indiana’s?." Related: "Florida House panel allows adoption agencies to discriminate."

Meanwhile, "Bill would allow adoption agencies to turn away gay couples."

"The House’s de facto leader"

"Republican State Rep. Richard Corcoran is the House’s de facto leader, eclipsing House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, whose job he’ll assume in 2016." "GOP state Rep. Richard Corcoran: Tallahassee’s true power broker."

Scott's backstage opposition to online voter registration

"Gov. Rick Scott administration’s backstage opposition claims that online voter registration has 'risks and challenges,' a position that has created new rifts between the governor and county election supervisors." "Gov. Rick Scott’s criticism of online voter registration angers elections officials."

The Daytona Beach News Journal editors: "Twenty-four states let people register to vote online. Until this week, Florida’s elections supervisors were looking forward to joining their ranks." "Let voters register online."

Rubio's nationwide money machine

"Marco Rubio is playing a different fundraising game than Jeb Bush, according to experts, who say he won’t have to match Bush but will need to bring in enough big donors to show he’s a viable presidential candidate." "Even before presidential launch, Rubio has built nationwide money machine." Relsted: "Marco Rubio confirms iconic Freedom Tower as site for likely presidential announcement."

In a nine-minute meeting, the four statewide officials voted to spend up to $50,000 of tax dollars with the Tallahassee law firm Shutts & Bowen and attorney Daniel Nordby, who also represents the Republican Party of Florida.

Nordby will represent the Cabinet, the fifth named defendant in a lawsuit filed by more than a dozen Florida news outlets following the forced ouster of a top state law enforcement official. He was recommended by Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Cabinet member who collected applications from five firms and settled on Nordby after consulting with her staff.

“Proposals were collected and posted online for the public and Cabinet to review, and the Governor and Cabinet made the decision to hire the counsel in an open and public meeting,” said Pat Gleason, special counsel to Bondi’s office and an expert in Sunshine Law, in a statement. “Furthermore the Attorney General’s review of the proposals was consistent with all applicable case law and attorney general opinions.”

Open government experts and legal opinions by prior state attorneys general say that when a collegial body subject to the Sunshine Law such as the Cabinet delegates decision-making authority to a single member, that process itself must be done publicly.

Bondi said she reviewed law firms’ applications with her staff before deciding on a recommendation. Her staff said no violation occurred because Bondi recommended Nordby on her own.

“My office lawyers know this work. They know it well,” she said in the Cabinet meeting. “They’ve reviewed with me the submissions we’ve received because this is what they do.”

Barbara Petersen, executive director of the First Amendment Foundation, an open government watchdog group, said Tuesday’s action underscores a weakness in Florida’s Sunshine Law.<.P She said it’s a mystery whether Bondi acted alone in recommending Nordby, which would be legal, or relied on her staff’s input, which should have been done publicly.

Choice games

"A Senate committee on Tuesday quickly passed contentious legislation creating a 24-hour waiting period before a woman can get an abortion, leaving more than 30 speakers unable to address the bill." "Lawmakers advance bill delaying abortions for 24 hours."

Rubio in

"Marco Rubio confirms presidential announcement date"

Florida eye doctor indicted in U.S. Sen. Menendez corruption case

"A 68-page federal indictment charges that U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez illegally used his influence to benefit his friend and major donor, Dr. Salomon Melgen, a West Palm Beach physician." "Sen. Robert Menendez, South Florida eye doctor indicted in federal corruption case."

"Pressure mounts"

Update: "As pressure mounts, health care talks delayed." "A coalition of politicians, business people, consumer advocates and healthcare professionals came together Tuesday to urge the state Legislature to accept federal money to provide health insurance for up 1 million uninsured Floridians." "Coalition calls for state House to accept federal money for health insurance."

Stop the madness

"The Florida Senate took a critical step Wednesday toward temporarily suspending school grades in response to the outcry statewide among parents, teachers and superintendents who want a smoother transition as the state shifts to new standards and tests." "Florida Senate moves to temporarily suspend school grades." See also "Heat Rises in the Senate over School Grades, Standardized Testing Bill."

"Tallahassee’s broken politics"

Jacksonville’s been on Scott’s mind:

On Monday, he endorsed former Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Chairman Lenny Curry who faces Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown in the second run of the Jacksonville mayoral election next month. Brown, a Democrat, has stressed he has worked well with Scott and the governor did not go after the Jacksonville mayor in his endorsement on Monday.

“Lenny Curry is a principled conservative who is committed to job growth and has what it takes to lead Jacksonville toward a prosperous future," Scott said. "I support Lenny Curry as Jacksonville’s next mayor.”

“Rick Scott has made Florida the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Curry said. “I’m proud to have worked side-by-side with him for his re-election, and humbled to have the governor endorse my vision to restore Jacksonville’s greatness.”

“It’s no surprise that Rick Scott would endorse his former party boss Lenny Curry who fought so strongly to defend the governor’s voter purge that sought to disenfranchise Florida’s minority voters,” Arceneaux said. “Time and time again, Curry has shown that he’s just the kind of person that Scott likes to surround himself with -- a career political hack who prioritizes partisan politics over doing what’s right for the people of Florida. Lenny Curry and Rick Scott’s backroom dealings and assaults on Florida’s Constitution represent everything that the residents of Jacksonville hate about Tallahassee’s broken politics.”

Corporate welfare

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Midway through this year's legislative session, Florida's Senate and House have been playing tug of war on several major issues, but they seem to be pulling in the same direction on at least one: business incentives." "Add accountability, limits to business tax breaks."

Whoopee!

"Senate approves plan to create prison watchdog board."

Florida fracking

"A proposal to regulate hydraulic fracturing cleared a Senate panel Tuesday, despite calls from opponents and some state lawmakers to ban the method in Florida." "Lawmakers move to regulate ‘fracking’ amid calls to ban it."

In Florida, in head-to-head match-ups, Bush, the former Florida governor, gets 45 percent to Clinton's 42 percent in the Qunnipiac University Swing States Poll released Tuesday morning, testing her standing as the dominant Democratic prospect. The former First Lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state still holds slight leads on the rest of the field.

From the poll:

While Clinton remains in a see-saw battle with Bush and is in a tight race with either Sen. Rubio or Sen. Paul, she leads other Republicans, but her leads are down from a February 3 Quinnipiac University poll:

-Bush at 45 percent to Clinton's 42 percent, compared to Clinton at 44 percent to Bush's 43 percent;

-Clinton at 46 percent to Rubio's 44 percent, compared to a 49 - 39 percent Clinton lead;

-She's at 46 percent to Paul's 43 percent, compared to a 50 - 38 percent Clinton lead;

-Clinton tops Christie 44 - 39 percent, compared to a 51 - 33 percent lead;

-Clinton over Huckabee 48 - 40 percent, compared to 51 - 34 percent;

-She tops Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker 46 - 40 percent;

-Clinton beats Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas 48 - 39 percent.

However, in a different poll released just last week, "Clinton takes 47 percent against former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., who pulls 44 percent, within the margin of error. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., keeps Clinton to a single-digit lead but trails 42 percent to 50 percent." "Hillary Clinton Running Over 2016 Primary Rivals in Florida."

Plainly, Florida's "favorite sons" are having trouble even defending their "home" states.

Legislature considering restrictions on choice

"The Florida Legislature is considering measures to restrict abortions, including one with a strong chance of passage that calls for a 24-hour waiting period before a woman can undergo the procedure."

House Bill 0633 would require that a woman make one trip to the clinic for counseling before coming back 24 hours later for the procedure. Another measure, House Bill 147, with less chance of passage, would require that abortion clinic doctors have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles. Waiting periods and admitting privileges have been part of unsuccessful Florida legislation in past years.

Grayson Remains Open to Senate Bid

"Grayson Still Open to Senate Bid as Democrats Continue to Back Murphy."

"Accountability shortcomings in multi-million dollar incentive programs"

"The proposed overhaul comes in the wake of a Herald/Times investigation into accountability shortcomings within the state’s jobs multi-million dollar incentive programs." "Lawmakers seek to revamp Florida’s jobs incentive programs."

The man who gave Florida Rick Scott

Nancy Smith: "In the last five years nobody did more to change the course of Florida history than Gov. Charlie Crist." "Charlie Crist, Who Gave Florida Rick Scott."

Battle to end state’s largest voucher program

"The Florida Association of School Administrators announced on Friday it would be withdrawing itself as a party in the controversial lawsuit over school vouchers in Florida, leaving one less group attached to the legal battle threatening to end the state’s largest voucher program."

The FEA, however, isn’t worried.

“This happens sometimes when groups decide they have particular priorities and it doesn’t concern us much at all,” said FEA spokesperson Mark Pudlow, who told SSN he hasn’t heard of any other involved groups intending to withdraw their names from the suit.

"Florida’s mental health problem"

"The data on Florida’s mental health problem tells the story: People whose mental illness goes untreated are more likely to be addicted to drugs, have children in the state’s child welfare system, draw unemployment checks, and land in prison." "Legislature opens door to for-profit mental-health services."

"Powdered Alcohol"

"Three Weeks After ATF Approves Powdered Alcohol, Florida Senate Votes To Ban It."

Constitutional challenge to state’s workers’ comp system

"A South Florida appeals court Monday heard arguments in a challenge to the constitutionality of the state’s workers’ compensation insurance system — as two other closely watched challenges awaited rulings at the Florida Supreme Court." "Florida workers’ comp law challenged as unconstitutional." See also "Appeals court weighs workers-comp law."

Batista dead-enders in a dither

"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker was the keynote speaker at a Cuba forum in Tampa on potential business opportunities on the island. Details were outlined on how the new trading relationship with Cuba will work." "Pritzker: U.S. business can be at the forefront of change in Cuba." See also "U.S. commerce chief expects Tampa-Cuba ties to pay off."

Jeb hoodwinked by smooth-talking CEO sent to prison

Out-of-state political chatterers are starting to take a close look at Jeb Bush's failures. For example, "There were plenty of red flags surrounding the company Jeb Bush was planning to join: lawsuits, bad headlines, even previously convicted drug dealers in top positions."

But somehow Bush seemed to miss them all in 2007 as he prepared to join InnoVida as a $15,000-a month-consultant -- a position that would lead to board membership and stock options.

But in reality, Bush was getting caught up with a smooth-talking CEO who would ultimately be sent to prison for more than a decade for running a $40 million investment fraud. Bush's ties to InnoVida and chief executive Claudio Osorio are resurfacing as the former governor considers a White House run.

So much for Jeb's business acumen.

See also "Jeb Bush fundraising is a family affair."

"looking a gift horse in the mouth"

The Miami Herald editors: "Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth: In an all-too-rare but refreshing show of harmony, the U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a bipartisan compromise bill that fixes a serious, long-festering problem with Medicare payments and sent it to the Senate...where it awaits an uncertain future." "A Medicare fix."

Gerrymandering blues

"U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham hadn’t even been sworn in yet when Democratic Party leaders began talking about her potentially running for governor in 2018." "Florida Democrats look for a way to end election woes."

"The lament of the not quite rich enough"

"Bundlers who used to carry platinum status have been downgraded, forced to temporarily watch the money race from the sidelines. They’ve been eclipsed by the uber-wealthy, who can dash off a seven-figure check to a super PAC without blinking." "In 2016 campaign, the lament of the not quite rich enough."

"Legislative consensus elusive on nearly every major issue"

"Nearly halfway through Florida's legislative session, consensus remains elusive on nearly every major issue: health care, conservation, school testing, the budget and tax cuts."

The only substantive bill that has been passed so far moves the presidential-primary date in 2016 to March 15.

It's not unusual for the Legislature to leave most of the large issues until late in the session, but with the House and Senate sharply divided on major bills and the uncertainty surrounding the budget, little else has been accomplished so far this year either.

Lawmakers are constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget, but because of stark differences on health-care spending, the House and Senate are more than $4 billion apart in their spending plans. That's a much larger difference than in recent years and has led some to speculate the session could extend beyond the regular 60 days.

"Dubious 'surplus' lands program"

The Tampa Trib editors: "The core mission of the Southwest Florida Water Management district, created by the Legislature in 1961, is to protect water resources in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and 13 other counties in West-Central Florida. This has been a challenge due to governments’ poor growth management, overpumping of groundwater and chronic drinking water shortages caused by drought."

We shudder to envision what this area — and its natural resources — would look like without the district’s land conservation program. The district’s inventory, through outright ownership, the purchase of conservation easements, and partnerships, totals nearly 450,000 acres, district handouts show. Of that, the district solely owns about 300,000 acres of conservation land.

These lands not only guard aquifer recharge areas, wetlands, rivers and springs, among other water sources, but also serve as an essential buffer to protect water resources and the fragile environment in general. In addition, these natural lands’ water storage capacity help avert flooding.

But now, we fear, a dubious “surplus” lands program could eventually reverse this legacy.

Where the nation's richest and poorest people live less than 20 miles apart

Nancy Smith bemoans the lack of "loyalty" in Florida, using as an example "Martin County, where some of the richest and poorest people in America live less than 20 miles from each other. In Jupiter Island, residents would bequeath vast sums -- often their whole fortune, hundreds of millions of dollars sometimes -- to build a park or a school or equip a hospital back in the New York or Massachusetts or Pennsylvania town they'd come from. Meanwhile, in rural Indiantown to the west, site of one of the state's largest and neediest migrant camps, residents were having bake sales to buy playground equipment." "Loyalty Takes Longer in Florida"

Is Jeb "pulling a Reverse Bush?"

The Weekly Standard: "Reading up on Bush’s record and talking about it with the (worshipful) people who helped make it happen, you might start to wonder:"

Is he pulling a Reverse Bush? For years conservative Republicans accused his father and brother of being closet moderates who only talked like conservatives for the sake of politics; the charge was generally accurate.

Maybe Jeb is reversing the trick: a self-conscious, deep-dyed conservative who for the moment feels the need to look like a moderate, especially before an admiring press and in the company of the wealthy Republicans who these days are his constant companions and marks.

"Latinos lean Democratic for many reasons"

"Latinos lean Democratic for many reasons."

First of all, Latinos are, on average, much younger than non-Latino white people. Young Americans—including young Latinos—tend to be progressive on many issues from supporting same sex marriage to believing in an active government.

Secondly, political cultures in nations from Mexico to South America have tended to support a much more active role for government. Most Latin American nations have at least one popular political party that is further to the left than the Democratic Party, and many of their right-leaning parties are much more progressive, at least on certain issues, than Republicans in the U.S. When people steeped in these political traditions move to the United States and become citizens, they are highly unlikely to join the GOP. And remember, political values are often passed down in families from one generation to the next.

And of course, immigration is a major reason for Latino’s Democratic tilt.

Musical chairs

"With term limits forcing Palm Beach County Mayor Shelley Vana to leave office next year, state Rep. Dave Kerner, D-Lake Worth, is strongly considering a run for Vana’s District 3 county commission seat." "State Rep. Kerner, Commissioner Vana could run for each other’s seats in 2016."

Yee haw!

"Panama City shooting puts spotlight on out-of-control spring break."

Cuba and "cattle city"

"Before Tampa became 'Cigar City,' it was a cattle city, sustained by the profits local businessmen earned selling to Cuba when the island nation’s herds fell into decline." "Tampa could prosper from restoring cattle trade with Cuba."