"Florida 0-for-171 years"

John Romano: "When it comes to national elections, America is obsessed with Florida's demographics, intrigued with Florida's potential fundraising and desperate for Florida's voters."

As for our actual politicians, America will pass.

"Again."

The former governor who was supposed to be the front-runner and had an abundance of cash, if not charm, dropped out of the presidential race months ago. The handsome, young senator who was supposed to be the future face of the Republican Party couldn't even outlast the smarmy Texan the rest of the Senate hates.

And now it's looking like our senior senator is probably not on the short list of VP candidates because the Democrats can't risk losing a Senate seat. Or so they say. And our current governor has no chance no matter how much he stalks Donald Trump.

So, if you're scoring at home, that would make Florida 0-for-171 years.

Since becoming a bona fide state, Florida has yet to put one of its elected politicians in the White House as either a president or vice president.

Despite our best efforts to keep our crazy close to the vest, it appears America is on to us.

"Romano: Vice President Scott? Vice President Crist? Thanks for nothing, America."




Lie down with dogs

"Jolly on backing Trump: ‘I don’t know if I will get there by November’."."




Green cards for sale

"Foreigners who invest in soccer stadium could get green cards."




Lie down with dogs (Part 2)

Marc Caputo: "U.S. Senate candidate Carlos Beruff referred to President Obama as an 'animal' during a recent Florida Republican meeting, prompting opponents from both parties to call on him to apologize." "Rivals condemn Senate candidate for calling Obama an ‘animal’."




"Congressional Races Look Competitive"

"The Florida congressional district is set to radically change after the November elections. Between redistricting, some unexpected retirements and four representatives running for the U.S. Senate, almost half of the Sunshine State’s 27 congressional seats are in play in the primaries or the general election. With that many seats up for grabs, Florida can expect some differences in how it's represented starting in 2017." "Florida Congressional Races Look Competitive After Redistricting, Retirements."




Corporate giant shifts its security burden onto taxpayers

"When it comes to calling the cops, Walmart is such an outlier compared with its competitors that experts criticized the corporate giant for shifting too much of its security burden onto taxpayers. Several local law enforcement officers also emphasized that all the hours spent at Walmart cut into how often they can patrol other neighborhoods and prevent other crimes." "Police are called to Walmart more than anywhere else; you foot the bill."




"What's hot, crazy or shady about politics in the Sunshine State"

Marc Caputo: "Rubio’s media-mocking tweetstorm – Trump’s new pollster – Cuban immigrant wave increases – Florida reports tourism record -- Will Racist McShootface return?" "Florida Playbook."

More Caputo: "Grayson says NYT ‘full of [expletive] but errs himself – Beruff calls Obama an ‘animal’ – Venezuela in crisis – State passes up $250m for foreclosure help – Florida wildlife gone wild." "Florida Playbook."

"Grayson’s own campaign corrects him on claim that Times is ‘full of shit’."




Establishment goes after Grayson

"For the second time in a week, Alan Grayson got into a heated public argument about the ethics investigation into his hedge fund and other activities." "Grayson gets into heated TV interview about ethics investigation."




Cream rises . . .

"Don Gaetz floated for University of West Florida presidency."