Jeb! Dancing as Fast as He Can

"For the second time in two days, the Supreme Court struck at the heart of the Republican Party platform." "GOP offers tepid response on same sex marriage."

"In a week of painstakingly drafted Supreme Court decisions, no literary effort was crafted more gingerly than Jeb Bush’s statement following the high court’s 5-to-4 endorsement of same-sex marriage rights on Friday."

The court did the GOP a big favor, though, by disposing of the gay marriage (and Obamacare rulings) six months before the first primary ballots are cast, giving the Republican camps time to sort out their differences. For the moment, the most unifying default position for Republicans is to blame the Roberts Court for the Obamacare and marriage decisions, even though evangelicals played a critical role in winning the appointments of its ostensibly conservative majority.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s response to the marriage decision was dour enough, but his disappointment was directed more at the court than at backers of the marriage equality movement. “We live in a republic and must abide by the law,” the Florida senator said in a more-in-sorrow-than-anger statement. “As we look ahead, it must be a priority of the next president to nominate judges and justices committed to applying the Constitution as written and originally understood.”

But no serious candidate has steered as close to the center on gay marriage as Bush. He supported Indiana’s anti-gay-marriage religious freedom law, then [suggested he didn't really mean it when he] subsequently told donors he wanted to avoid all “the yelling and screaming” of the debate.

"GOP 2016 hopefuls seek footing on marriage ruling."

Bush, in fact, is not has playing "close to the center" on this issue: Jeb! has directly repudiated the Supreme Court's explicit finding - the essence of the decision - that there is a federally protected right to marry. Instead of issuing this substantive ruling, Bush instead sidesteps the issue, complaining that

the court should have left the decision up to the states.

"Jeb Bush: Same-sex marriage should have been decided by states."

Notwithstanding Bush's out-and-out rejection of the Supreme Court's holding, the chattering classes are letting Jeb! dance around the issue, and ironically allowing him to hide in the sewer of states' rights to do so. See "Dog-Whistling Dixie".

Seeing that the media is giving Jeb! a pass, Rubio is now claiming that "States Should Decide Same-Sex Marriage."




Tampa Mayor a "prospective Democratic statewide candidate"

"Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn traveled 280 miles to speak for 44 minutes without actually answering The Question: Will he or won’t he run for governor? On Friday, Buckhorn was the featured speaker at Capital Tiger Bay, a monthly political forum. It’s an open secret he’s been eyeing a run to be the state’s chief executive. The two-term mayor gave what sounded like a stump speech on Tampa’s successes that could have played anywhere in the state." "Buckhorn charms Tallahassee elite, but won’t commit to governor run."




Grubbing for Wingnuts

Apparently worried that he is dancing too "close to the center," Jeb Bush is now calling "for Religious Protection after Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage."




A West-central Florida Thing

"Scores take part in rally supporting Confederate flag."




"Penance for representing Anita Bryant"

"The legal battle over same-sex marriage was waged in Tampa more than 10 years ago with results starkly different from the U.S. Supreme Court’s declaration Friday that gay couples have a fundamental right to wed. . . . Ruben, who said he waged the battle as penance for representing entertainer Anita Bryant in her fight against gay rights, died in 2006." "Fight on same-sex unions in 2005 ended differently."




Good luck with that

Nancy Smith says "Conservatives Should Embrace Same-Sex Marriage Decision."




"103 privately sponsored trips in 2014"

"Florida’s federal lawmakers and their staffs took 103 privately sponsored trips in 2014 valued at more than $350,000.."




Loser

"Gov. Scott drops Medicaid lawsuit with federal government."




Another loser

"Same-sex marriage became legal in Florida on Jan. 6 after U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee ruled that the state's ban was unconstitutional."

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi then began a series of unsuccessful appeals, hoping to forestall its implementation.

"U.S. Supreme Court: Same-sex marriage is law of the land."

And this is mighty big of Bondi: "Pam Bondi on Same Sex Marriage: 'The Court has Spoken'."

Florida dodges bullet with Obamacare decision

"The Supreme Court's decision was a relief to roughly 1.3 million Floridians — more than in any other state — who stood to lose the tax credits that helped them pay premiums. Nationally, 6.4 million would have been affected. " "Ruling brings sigh of relief to Florida’s Obamacare patients."

Here's the decision.

This morning we read that "Rubio slams Obamacare ruling," apparently weighing in on the raging jurisprudential debate over the return of interpretive pragmatism in statutory interpretation. Or not.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Sentinel editors write that "Florida dodged a bullet with Thursday's decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act," with "High court ruling offsets leadership failures in Fla."




Talk-radio host looking to replace Murphy

"Conservative talk-radio host K.C. Ingram-Traylor, one of the most vocal opponents of All Aboard Florida (AAF), is looking at running for Congress in the wide open race to replace U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., who is running for the U.S. Senate in 2016. " "All Aboard Florida Critic K.C. Ingram-Traylor Nears Decision on Congressional Bid."




Florida's "sons" are not all that "favorite"

Michael Putney writes that "Miami’s two favorite sons racing out of the gate."

Funny to see Rubio and Jeb! called "favorite sons," when they trail Clinton (albeit within the margin of error - in their own states; in the most recent Q Poll, "Secretary Clinton gets 47 percent to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's 44 percent. She gets 46 percent to former Gov. Jeb Bush's 42 percent."




Florida's Confederate apologists

"Some historians say the red cross on Florida’s state flag is a tribute to the Confederacy — others say the evidence isn’t there." "Historians differ on whether Florida flag echoes Confederate banner."




"Scott bludgeoned the budget in a fit of revenge Tuesday"

Nancy Smith: "Many Floridians are grieving over one cut or another after Gov. Rick Scott bludgeoned the budget in a fit of revenge Tuesday. I am no different."

The cut I'm feeling as deeply as any is the failure to fund a joint project by the University of Florida and IFAS, the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences.

"Death of Outstanding Agricultural Program Is What Scott's Vengeance Has Wrought."




Obamacare reduces pressure on lazy legislature

"The Supreme Court ruling on Obamacare reduces pressure on Florida lawmakers to create a state exchange." "Florida’s feud over the uninsured to continue after ruling." See also "Supreme Court rules Obamacare subsidies OK, 1.3 million Floridians keep financial aid."




Dem strongholds hit by Scott vetoes

"The record budget cuts are most evident in Florida’s most populous counties — Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Duval, Orange and Pinellas — which together will absorb more than $164 million in cuts to programs and infrastructure specifically intended for those counties." "Gov. Rick Scott’s budget vetoes hit largest cities hardest."

Scott Maxwell: "Rick Scott vetoes: Some good, bad, 'unconscionable'." Mores: ""Budget process tells a tale; the story continues."."

Scott's Retaliatory, Americans for Prosperity Budget

The Orlando Sentinel editors say there's a "plausible" explanation for the Governor's vetoes: "politics." Consider the projects

backed by Senate President Andy Gardiner, the Orlando Republican who led his chamber's effort to use federal funds to provide private health insurance to 800,000 low-income Floridians. Scott was so opposed to the idea that he summoned senators for private meetings and threatened to veto their legislative priorities.

"He promised that he would punish the constituents of those legislators who disagreed with him, and he kept his promise," Sen. Don Gaetz, an Okaloosa County Republican and former Senate president, told the News Service of Florida.

It's another piece of irony from a governor who campaigned for office touting his nonpolitical background.

"Politics trumped jobs, economy in Scott vetoes."

Paula Dockery on Scott's political payback: "Just four days after the Florida Legislature passed the $78.7 billion state budget, Gov. Rick Scott, with no advanced notice, fanfare or public appearance quietly signed the budget behind closed doors. He didn’t confer with his partners in the process — fellow Cabinet members, legislative leaders and senators and representatives. Even his lieutenant governor was left in the dark."

Nor did he communicate with those who found themselves on the receiving end of his veto pen. Mayors, commissioners, university presidents and healthcare administrators were among those learning their fate online, through the news media or by word of mouth.

Scott vetoed $461 million of legislative spending, a personal record, or less than one percent of the budget.

There was mixed reaction to Scott’s vetoes and to the odd manner in which he performed what is arguably the governor’s most significant responsibility. Individual legislators were surprised to learn that he had completed the job without reaching out to them, as most governors traditionally do.

In the meantime, Scott's funders, like the Koch brothers'

Americans for Prosperity and Associated Industries joined Scott-appointed agency heads in singing his praises — state employees, the developmentally disabled and the uninsured working poor continue to be ignored.

"Gov. Scott wields his veto pen for political payback."




Florida's growth driven by Hispanics

"Hispanic residents made up almost half of Florida’s population growth last year, and the age gap between Florida’s white and minority residents continued to widen, according to figures released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau."

Florida grew by more than 290,000 residents from July 2013 to July 2014, and more than 141,000 of those new residents were Hispanic.

"Census data: Florida growth last year driven by Hispanics."




Disney luvin' the Scott

"Disney makes big donation to Rick Scott PAC."




Nancy Pelosi Surfaces in SoFla race

"Running against U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., former Miami-Dade Democratic Chairwoman Annette Taddeo turned to U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Monday. Pelosi sent out a fundraising email on Taddeo’s behalf." "Nancy Pelosi Surfaces in South Florida Congressional Race."




Saint Scott

Rick Scott apologist Nancy Smith, goes after Senate President Andy Gardiner and Senator Jack Latvala for their criticism of Saint Scott, whinging that "it was the Senate that declared war on Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida House, and it did so the minute it took up Medicaid expansion." "Who Declared War on Whom? Let's Get It Straight."




Yee haw!

"Florida's first bear hunt in 21 years approved over critics' uproar."




Challenge to 24-Hour Waiting Period

"Only days before a new Florida law would start requiring 24-hour waits before women can have abortions, a Leon County circuit judge is considering whether to place a hold on the law while a constitutional challenge goes forward." "Judge Considering Temporary Block of Florida’s New 24-Hour Abortion Waiting Period."




Even wingers acknowledge (some of) Scott's vetoes were sloppy

Even right-wingers concede that Scott flubbed many of his vetoes, including cutting "a pay raise for forestry firefighters, employees who put their lives on the line yet earn an average $27,475 a year."

Meanwhile, the governor left alone pay raises for driver's license examiners and state troopers in six counties [as he should have]. Poorly thought out, damaging to Floridians when it needn't have been, damaging to the governor, damaging to the party in power in Tallahassee

Oh, and then there's the part where the veto is damaging to firefighters and their families.




Kathy Castor has led the normalization with Cuba efforts

"Tampa was chosen because it has sounded the call for normalization."

The Tampa City Council passed resolutions seeking to host a Cuban consulate and the signing of any documents restoring relations. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports trade with Cuba.

And U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, has led the normalization efforts.

"Cuban activist’s daughter in Tampa pushing for referendum."

Scott vetos wage increases for wildfire firefighters who qualify for Medicaid

"The governor signed the budget in secrecy, surrounded only by staff members." "Florida Gov. Rick Scott vetoes $461.4 million in state budget."

"Gov. Rick Scott vetoed $461.4 million in spending Tuesday from the $78.7 billion state budget approved by the Legislature last week, erasing dozens of hometown programs and projects sought by top lawmakers."

The volume of cuts was the largest for Scott since he erased $615.3 million in spending his first year as governor.

"Scott cuts millions for local projects from budget." See also "Florida Gov. Rick Scott vetoes $461.4 million in state budget."

Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, fired away at Scott, accusing him of putting his “political agenda” over the need of Floridians. "Scott and Gardiner stood on opposing sides in the debate over Medicaid expansion which undermined the budgetary process during the regular session and prompted the special legislative session that ended last week. The House stood with Scott in opposing Medicaid expansion."

“While Gov. Scott will undoubtedly spend the next several weeks traveling the state touting his record number of vetoes as a win for Florida’s families, there are many families across Florida who have seen their dreams shattered by his decisions today,” Gardiner said on Tuesday. “Families who had hoped their children born with unique abilities would have the opportunity to attend a post-secondary program, receive specialized job training and take part in the college experience, will see that dream postponed another year.

“The governor refused to support the Senate’s efforts to help the working poor in our state purchase private health insurance, yet vetoed nearly $10 million in funding for free and charitable clinics, again depriving these families of the chance for proactive primary care and pushing more and more Floridians without health insurance towards hospital emergency rooms when they are at their sickest and most vulnerable,” Gardiner added. “He also vetoed funding for primary-care residency programs and faculty to train physicians who work in rural and underserved areas.

“Nurses, pediatric physicians, and those serving the developmentally disabled in intermediate care facilities will not see the modest rate increase authorized by the Legislature,” Gardiner continued.

And this is a particularly offensive kick in the teeth:

"Members of the Florida State Fire Service, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our forests, will not see a $2,000 pay increase. With one line of the governor’s veto pen, these dedicated public servants, many of whom would qualify for Medicaid, will continue to earn approximately $24,000 per year.

Meanwhile, the

Americans for Prosperity’s (AFP) Florida chapter cheered Scott . . . .

"Senate and House Leadership Split on Rick Scott's Vetoing of $461 Million in the Budget." See also "Rick Scott signs state budget, vetoes nearly $500 million."




Jeb removed Confederate flag 14 years ago

"Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush faced a similar decision as South Carolina officials — whether to remove the Confederate flag from statehouse grounds — more than a decade ago." "14 years ago, Jeb Bush removed Confederate flag in Florida."




Castor calls for removal of Confederate statue

"In the wake of last week’s massacre at a South Carolina black church, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is calling for a statue of a Florida Confederate general to be removed from the U.S. Capitol." "Fla. Confederate general statue should be removed from U.S. Capitol, Castor says."




Another dead worker

"Worker killed while unloading vehicle from car hauler."




Former Tampa councilwoman Mulhern to challenge Jolly

"One day after a St. Petersburg councilwoman [Darden Rice] announced she might run for Congress, former Tampa City Councilwoman Mary Mulhern has announced she definitely is running for the same seat." "Former Tampa councilwoman Mulhern to run for Jolly’s Congressional seat."




Florida's giant Confederate battle flag

The Tampa Tribune editorial board argues, as it did in 2008 when it was first unfurled,

the giant Confederate battle flag flying at the junction of Interstate 4 and Interstate 75 is an affront to our sensibilities as a community. The Sons of Confederate Veterans can talk all they want about what the flag represents to them — and we don’t question their sincerity — but to most people it’s a symbol of intolerance and hate. For fresh proof, look to the church massacre in Charleston, South Carolina, and the killer’s embrace of the Confederate flag.

"Tribune editorial: Local Confederate flag needs to come down."




Florida to scale back panther recovery plan

"The proposal to scale back a recovery plan for the endangered iconic predator drew objections from environmental groups." "Florida wildlife managers agree to rework panther policy."




"The More Things Change"

Lloyd Brown: "Another session of the Florida Legislature is history. After decades of watching them roll by, you begin to wonder if anything ever changes." "The Florida Legislature: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same."

Rubio supported Confederate flag in Florida Capitol

In 2001, dozens of Florida lawmakers

co-sponsored a racially charged proposal to keep the Confederate flag flying at the state Capitol in Tallahassee.

The Marco Rubio supported the bill to keep the Confederate flag flying.

Meanwhile, "Rubio navigates Confederate flag issue carefully."

And then there's this: "The flag near the interchange of Interstate 75 and Interstate 4 has been a controversial and high-profile public spectacle since it was erected in 2008. The Confederate history groups display the 30-by-60 foot flag on a 139-foot tall flagpole that was built on private property." "Giant Confederate battle flag visible from I-75 in spotlight again."




'Dumbing down' Florida schools

Dan Gelber: "Jeb Bush: He ‘dumbed down’ Florida schools."




Scott signs budget "in secret"

"Gov. Rick Scott signed the new state budget in the privacy of his Capitol office Tuesday — the first time in memory that a Florida governor took that important annual step in secret." "Gov. Rick Scott signs state budget in private, with little notice," lawsuits begin

More: "Legislative session winners and losers in Tallahassee," "Environmental groups file suit over Amendment 1 spending," "Amendment 1 Lawsuit Filed: Legislature Must Defend Its 'Land' Rationale" and "Environmentalists sue Florida lawmakers over budget."




Dem leaders fear Grayson

"Democrats see a chance to pick up the Florida Senate seat being vacated by Republican Marco Rubio — but only if U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson stays out of the race."

Democratic leaders fear Grayson could spoil the party’s chances for capturing the seat by challenging Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy in the primary. Rubio is running for president instead of seeking a second term.

"Dems hope to win Rubio’s Senate seat by sidelining liberal."

This, despite Grayson's numbers in a June 22 Q poll.

Indeed, "Alan Grayson Can Pull 'Major Upset' Over Patrick Murphy, GOP Pollster Notes."




Clinton spanking Florida's "favorite sons" in NBC/WSJ poll

In a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, Clinton "leads Bush by eight points (48 percent to 40 percent), Rubio by 10 points (50 percent to 40 percent)." Poll details here (.pdf). "Hillary Clinton Dominates 2016 Democratic Field, Leads GOP Rivals."




Charter madness

"Doctors Charter school in quiet Miami Shores roiled by secret meeting and resignations."




Q Poll: "Dems Ahead In Florida"

"Dems Ahead In Florida, Ohio Senate Races, Quinnipiac University Swing State Poll Finds."




Rubio and Jeb! appeal to social conservatives and NRA types

"Jeb Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio are solidifying their positions at the front of the pack of Republican presidential contenders, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds, with large shares of social conservatives, centrists and gun-rights backers within the GOP saying they are open to supporting either candidate." "Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio Solidify Front-Runner Status." See also "First Read: Jeb Bush Leads the GOP Pack."

Nancy Smith: "Jeb's the Front-runner and Everybody Knows It."




Anti-Obamacare ruling would impact Floridians

"Central Floridians who rely on federal subsidies to help pay for their health insurance through Obamacare are worried that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling expected later this month could eliminate the financial help." "More than 100,000 in Central Florida could lose Obamacare subsidies."




"A sense of dread"

"'A sense of dread' is how the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette prefaced the 2016 presidential campaign. Not only for flawed candidates, but because of their reliance on super political-action committees."

Not everyone agrees. Super PACs, they say, shrink candidates' fundraising time and boost face time with voters. But Brent Ferguson, counsel in the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU law school, says pols' coziness with super PACs and their mega-dollars harm democracy. He discussed super PACs in the following email interview. More at OrlandoSentinel.com/opinion.

"Super PACs: Gobbling up democracy?"




Scott upside down, has lowest approval rating since 2013

Yesterday's Q poll: "Florida voters give Gov. Rick Scott a negative 39 - 49 percent job approval rating, his lowest score since a negative 36 - 49 percent score in a March 20, 2013, Quinnipiac University poll."




Dem eyes Jolly’s seat

"Less than two years after being elected to office, St. Petersburg Councilwoman Darden Rice is eying a run for Florida’s 13th Congressional District in 2016." "St. Pete councilwoman Rice eyes David Jolly’s U.S. House seat."




Taxpayers foot Scott's bills for open-government violations

"Taxpayers are on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills as the governor works to end lawsuits accusing him of violating Florida’s open government laws." "Taxpayers foot the bill as Scott settles open-government lawsuits."

After reading the hard copy of your hometown newspaper, please consider becoming a site fan on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Our digest of, and commentary on today's Florida political news and punditry follows.


"Secretive midnight spending orgy"

Joe Henderson: "At crunch time, it’s status quo for Florida Legislature." The Tampa Tribune editors: "Fits, frustration mark 2015 legislative session."

"After 60 days of regular legislative session, tensions ran high in Tallahassee." "Issues remain unresolved after Legislature’s special session." See also "State funding comes down to this: who’s got clout," "2015 Florida Legislature Finally Gets It Done, Adjourns With $79 Billion Budget" and "State budget passed, awaits Scott’s approval — or veto pen."

Scott Maxwell: "Last week, the Legislature staged a late-night, closed-door meeting to spend $300 million of your tax dollars."

No outside input. No public witnesses. Yet all of it your money.

Some of the money went to wildly inappropriate places — such as $2 million to a private, for-profit sports-training academy that charges families $50,000 a year. (One of the school's lobbyists happens to be a powerful legislator's brother.)

"Secretive midnight spending orgy caps off Florida's legislative session."




Weekly Roundup

"Weekly Roundup: All's Well That Ends ...."




Of claimed exiles and carpetbaggers

"The local Republican Party welcomed native son Marco Rubio — and steered clear of mentioning rival Jeb Bush." "At Miami-Dade GOP, a homecoming for Marco Rubio." See also "Jeb Bush makes his case at Tampa’s Lincoln Day fundraiser" and "Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush focus on home-state Republicans."




"Protecting Floridians from King v. Burwell shock"

The Palm Beach Post editors: "Given the gravity of the possible consequences, we had hoped and expected that elected officials would have protected Florida’s citizens in case of a plaintiff’s victory in the King v. Burwell lawsuit. This case is widely believed to pose the most credible threat yet to millions of people newly insured by the Affordable Care Act."

Sadly, with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling expected any day now, they have no plan.

"4 ways to protect Floridians from King v. Burwell shock." See also "As King v. Burwell Looms, Florida GOP Congressmen Push Alternatives to Obamacare."




More profit . . .

The Sun Sentinel editors: "More profit for FPL, more risk for customers."




Paid to campaign

"Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera plans July 15 Senate race announcement."




Never mind

Randy Schultz: "What did Jeb Bush, self-proclaimed policy guy, not include in Monday's presidential announcement speech?" "Experience alone won't win presidency for Jeb."




Scott to Take Victory Lap

"Rick Scott Will Take Victory Lap Across Florida for Tax Cuts."




Runnin Education like a bidness

"Fraud allegations have been dismissed against a for-profit college regulator with close ties to a South Florida school."

"The investigation did not reveal any wrongdoing,” wrote the Commission for Independent Education in a recent close-out memo, provided to the Miami Herald. The internal CIE probe focused on employee Marybell Serrano, who was accused of being part-owner of a for-profit college herself, and living as a roommate with the school’s majority owner, Karyn Vidal. Serrano was also accused of conspiring with Vidal to create fraudulent documents so that Vidal’s Institute of Healthcare Professions could get accredited."

A recent Miami Herald investigation, Higher-Ed Hustle, highlighted the close ties between Florida’s for-profit oversight agency and the industry it regulates. The CIE has received more than 2,200 student complaints, but it could not identify a single instance where a complaint led to discipline against a school.

"Florida for-profit college watchdog agency clears one of its own."




Hypocrites hide under their desks

"Florida gets nearly $7 million from feds to help laid-off workers."




About Jeb! and Separation of Church and State

The Florida Legislature once "refused his request to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot repealing a provision in the state constitution separating church and state."




Fewer Wawas and Waffle Houses open last month

Florida's Wawa-Waffle-House economy slows down last month as "State Unemployment Rate Inches Up to 5.7 Percent."




Jeb!'s Florida education record

"Here’s what Jeb Bush really did to public education in Florida."