Florida Vote

The Florida Progressive Coalition’s “5 to Read“.  Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

Not the Sharpest Knife in the Drawer

It is no secret that Marco Rubio is not the sharpest knife in the drawer; he underscores just how dull he is with a guest piece in the Miami Herald today comparing clean energy initiatives to socialism; fortunately - and we’re sure it was hard for him - Rubio managed to leave Fidel Castro out of his drivel.

“House Speaker Marco Rubio lashed out at Gov. Charlie Crist’s clean energy initiatives this week, calling them expensive ‘European-style big government mandates'’ that could have ‘negative consequences’ for Florida.”

In an opinion piece published in today’s Miami Herald, the West Miami legislator exposed a growing rift with Crist over how to approach global warming. …

He said the state should pursue market-based solutions to foster clean energy technology.

And where does (former?) media darling Rubio get these great “ideas”?

Rubio’s comments mirror an e-mail message sent Monday to supporters of the conservative think tank, Freedom Works, headed by former Congressional Republican leader Dick Armey.

Armey accused Crist of ‘’pandering to radical enviromentalists'’ and asked: “What about hard-working Floridians whose family budgets are stretched to the limit because of high gasoline prices and skyrocketing home energy costs? For them, Crist’s mandates will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.'’

“Rubio finds fault with Crist’s environmental agenda“.  See also “Rubio clashes with Crist over climate change standards“.  For more on the wingnut attacks on Crist see “Tell Governor Crist To Stop Pandering to Radical Environmentalists!” (claiming that Crist folded to pressure from “Al Gore and his liberal buddies in Hollywood”) and “Conservative group says Crist pandering to ‘radicals’“.

This ought to send Rubio over the edge: “Report: Man responsible for warmer Florida” (”That’s the conclusion of a report, ‘Feeling the Heat: Global Warming and Rising Temperatures in the United States,’ released Tuesday by the nonprofit, Environment Florida.”)  The report: “New Report: Temperatures in Cities Across Florida on the Rise“.

“The fast pace of the state’s economic slowdown”

“With the state’s economy sagging, Florida legislators will return to the Capitol this fall to slash up to $1 billion from the state budget, a move that could force them to cut money for schools or healthcare.  House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt said the special session to re-balance Florida’s $71.5 billion budget will start Sept. 18 and could run until Oct. 5.”

Normally conservative state forecasters had already projected that taxes on real estate documents would decline this year but didn’t seem to anticipate the fast pace of the state’s economic slowdown, which is reflected in the low volume of sales statewide and declining corporate income taxes. …

Here’s what’s at stake:

In anticipation of a special session, Crist and legislators already had asked state agencies, including those that pay for schools and healthcare, to recommend $3.4 billion worth of cuts by Aug. 8. Of that total, $1.4 billion would come from education and more than $900 million from healthcare.

And how did Florida get into this fix?

Rep. Dan Gelber, the House Democratic leader from Miami Beach, said the GOP-controlled Legislature cut so many taxes under former Gov. Jeb Bush that it’s little surprise the state lacks the money to meet all its needs.

‘’The problem is the state cut all the wrong taxes,'’ Gelber said, singling out the elimination of the stocks-and-bonds tax. “We cut money for the very wealthy and special interests, not for property owners.'’

“Deeper budget cuts on the way“.  See also “Florida’s third special session aims to balance budget“, “Budget special session planned“, “Budget cuts mean special session No. 3“, “Back To Tallahassee“, “As cash runs low, legislators will meet“, “Tax cuts done, lawmakers headed back to cut spending“, “September Special Session Slated to Revise State Budget” and “”.

Another Jebacy

“Nearly one out of every five children in Florida is growing up in poverty, and the state has one of the highest rates in the nation of single-parent families, a report released [yesterday] says.”  “Many of state’s kids in crisis, report finds“.

Well, at least the parents of these “one out of every five children in Florida” don’t have to pay an intangibles tax on their stock portfolios.

Oh yeah, the nonpartisan report also shows “a total of 659,000 Florida children with no health insurance.”  All-in-all, “when it comes to the well-being of children, Florida is worse than most other states in everything from having more children in foster care to lack of health insurance.”.  “Florida raises Kids Count rating“.

And Then There’s Little Jebacy …

“Florida’s effort to shift Medicaid patients into private and managed care plans may illegally deny benefits to some children and pregnant women, lawyers at the federal Government Accountability Office warned Tuesday.”  “Lawyers see problems with state’s Medicaid shift effort“.

“The federal government may not have followed the law when it approved Florida’s Medicaid reform. As a result, poor children and pregnant women are paying more for lower-quality health coverage, according to a legal opinion released Tuesday.  Health advocates said the opinion from the Government Accountability Office is more evidence that the Florida Legislature shouldn’t expand the pilot program, which Gov. Jeb Bush spearheaded in 2005 to end Medicaid entitlement and reduce skyrocketing costs.”  “Report slams Medicare pilot program“.

Giuliani

“Giuliani beefs up Florida organization“.  Meanwhile out on the hustings, Rudy utters this fine sound bite: “Giuliani says some judges hurt democracy“.

Charlie Practices His Salute

“Crist, the commander in chief of the Florida National Guard, heads east today to review the troops.”  “Crist to review troops“.

Stupid Remark of the Day

In “Obama Debate Comments Set Off Firestorm” we read these sage words:

“Anything that looks like pandering to dictators is bad politics in South Florida,” said Republican state Rep. David Rivera of Miami. He predicted Obama’s comments [expressing a willingness to meet without precondition with leaders of renegade nations such as Cuba, North Korea and Iran] would come back to haunt him, particularly if he becomes the Democratic nominee.

Yeah, … I get it; Obama had a shot at the Cuban vote before he made this statement?

Huh

Mark Lane on Soil & Water Conservation Districts. “Obscure agency faces fate“.

Legal Fees

“The state asked two separate trial courts Tuesday to prevent lawyers from getting a larger share than the Legislature intended from an $8.5 million jury award that lawmakers approved for a paralyzed medical malpractice victim.”  “State seeks to block attorneys over fees in malpractice case“.

The Joys of “Merit” Pay

“Hundreds of Orange County teachers who banked on a $2,000 bonus next month will get less than they expected.  Others will get more than they hoped.  That’s because the county’s public-school district used the wrong formula to calculate how much to reward nearly 4,000 top instructors under Florida’s merit-pay plan.”  “Orange corrects teachers’ merit pay“.  The Orlando Sentinel editors put it this way: “embarrassing; incompetent; infuriating.”  “More dysfunction“.

The Daily Naugle

“Fort Lauderdale mayor criticized following ‘apology’“.

Charlie Goes To War

“Mandated by voters who passed a constitutional amendment in November, Gov. Charlie Crist ignites a $57 million anti-tobacco campaign today.”  “Crist wages war on tobacco“.

“Purge Jeb’s ideology”

“The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is under fire after a scoring mistake. The state faces a revenue shortfall that has educators scrambling to find places to cut without affecting the classroom.  Still, 26 people have found the job appealing enough to apply to oversee the state’s $23-billion education system. … Some of the more notable applicants included K-12 chancellor Cheri Yecke, who also has run the education systems in Virginia and Minnesota; William Moloney, a retired Colorado education commissioner; Tom Watkins Jr., a former Michigan superintendent of public instruction; Earl Lennard, a retired Hillsborough superintendent; and Jim Warford, a former K-12 chancellor who heads the Florida Association of School Administrators.”  “26 seek job as Florida’s school chief“.

The Palm Beach Post editors have this to say:

According to Jeb Bush, every education program he undertook was “historic.” So, why don’t more qualified candidates want to be Florida’s commissioner of education?

The list of applicants by the July 13 deadline was so disappointing that the state extended the deadline 10 days. One reason for the weak response must be that former Gov. Bush built a department dedicated not to education but to himself and to his ideology that favored private schools over public schools, with vouchers and bogus school grades as the prime weapons.

The requirement that everyone in the Department of Education genuflect to Jeb led to the sycophantic choices for commissioner of Jim Horne and John Winn - the first, after a 1998 constitutional change, to be appointed rather than elected. The seven Board of Education members, whom the governor appoints, choose the commissioner.

“Pick education leader to purge Jeb’s ideology“.

Laff Riot

“Alexander, 20, was sitting on his bunk alone in his cell masturbating when a female deputy, monitoring his cell from a nearby control room, took offense.  Today he’s scheduled to go to trial to fight a misdemeanor indecent exposure charge and the maximum one-year jail sentence that would go with a conviction. … Inmates indulge in masturbation for a variety of reasons, said Trudy Block-Garfield, a forensic psychologist.”  “Prisoner accused of indecent act alone in Broward jail“.

Whatever You Do …

… Don’t go on strike: “From snakes to mold, the nation’s air traffic controllers including those in South Florida must work with a number of maladies stemming from aging facilities and poor maintenance, a congressional panel was told Tuesday.”  “Air controllers say substandard conditions threaten safety“.

Death Politics

“Ocala judge’s unexpected objection to Florida’s recently updated execution procedures may send the state down a path that has left other states with executions on hold.”  “Ruling clouds death penalty cases“.

Round 3

“Don t rule out another battle between Jan Schneider and Christine Jennings for the Democratic Party s nomination for Congress.  Earlier this week [Jeremy Wallace] tried to reach Schneider to see if she had any thoughts of running for Congress again.  [Yesterday, he] got an press release from the Sarasota attorney that states she s not prepared to rule it out.  Additionally, Schneider s release states that she is appalled by comments Jennings made to me about the Iraq war in Monday s Political Notebook.”  “Schneider vs. Jennings Part III?“.

That Didn’t Take Long

“Department of Children & Families Secretary Bob Butterworth was presented with a National Governor’s Association public service award at the governor’s mansion Tuesday.”  “Butterworth wins public service honor“.

The Florida Progressive Coalition’s “5 to Read“.  Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

“Florida is extravagant when producing spin”

The Daytona Beach - News Journal editorial board reminds us that Florida “ranks near the bottom nationwide in per pupil funding, with troubling results — low high-school graduation rates and deficiencies in helping its lowest-achieving pupils.”

Florida spent $6,340 per pupil in 1999. This fiscal year, the state will spend $7,307 — an increase of less than $1,000 over nine years.

Yet Florida is extravagant when producing spin. Just last week, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission — required by the state constitution to meet every 20 years — listened to proposals to reduce education spending by reducing constitutionally mandated class-size restrictions and increasing vouchers to private schools. Neither addresses basic funding disparities.

Consider these examples of a contorted funding system …

Read further here:”State’s budget games leave public schools in bind“.

Giuliani Edging Hill in Florida

“Republican Rudolph Giuliani holds a thin lead over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential race in Florida, according to the latest poll figures released Monday.  If the two went head-to-head in a general election, the former New York mayor would defeat the former first lady 46 percent to 44 percent, according to a poll by Quinnipiac University released Monday morning.” 

“The poll showed the following figures for Democratic candidates: Clinton, 36 percent; Barack Obama, 14 percent and John Edwards, 9 percent.  Giuliani leads Republicans with 30 percent, followed by undeclared candidate Fred Thompson, 18 percent. John McCain barely beats Mitt Romney, 10 percent to 9 percent.”  “Giuliani holds lead in Florida, poll finds“.  See also “Giuliani maintains lead in Fla” and “Florida Voters Want A New York President“.

There Goes the Cuban Vote

“Listen to Spanish-language talk radio [today] at your own risk. Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards suggested in tonight’s nationally televised debate that they would meet with Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez.”  “Obama, Edwards would meet with Castro“.

Actually, listen to Spanish-language talk radio just for grins; it ought to be a laff riot.  A lengthier story here: “Obama, Edwards say they would meet with Castro, Ch vez“.

Cry Me a River

“The president of Panhandle utility Gulf Power is criticizing one of the keynote speakers at Gov. Charlie Crist’s climate-change summit in Miami this month for blasting her parent company.”  Robert Kennedy Jr.,

the son of the slain U.S. senator, devoted a portion of his 50-minute keynote speech to attacking the coal industry, calling Atlanta-based Southern Company the “worst of the worst of the worst.”

He also brought up three federal environmental employees involved in weakening mercury standards for coal-burning power plants who had left the EPA to work for lobbying firms, including one hired by Southern Co.

Naming Southern specifically, he said the company, which burns coal, had committed “an act of theft” by raising the levels of mercury in lakes that made fish in New York unsafe to eat.

“When the Southern Co. puts mercury in the air in the Ohio Valley and it lands in New York State and poisons the fish and poisons our children’s brains,” Kennedy said, “today the Southern Company owns the fish in New York State. They’ve privatized a public resource.”

“Gulf Power criticizes speaker for remarks“.

Wingnut Apoplexy

“Conservative group says Crist pandering to ‘radicals‘”.  The details: “Tell Governor Crist To Stop Pandering to Radical Environmentalists!” (”‘If you make a deal with the devil you are the junior partner’ … Under pressure from Al Gore and his liberal buddies in Hollywood, Governor Crist has issued three executive orders …”) (emphasis original).

Good Luck

“Despite 35 dozen home insurers asking for rate increases, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty says he is optimistic the ‘vast majority’ of companies will ‘do the right thing.’”

Pointing to nearly three dozen rate hike requests from home insurers, Florida’s top insurance regulator said he was ‘’resolved'’ to provide policyholders with the rate cuts intended by a new law passed during January’s special legislative session.

‘’I remain optimistic that the vast majority of companies will do the right thing by their policyholders,'’ said Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty in a letter sent to the editorial boards of major newspapers around the state Monday afternoon. …

Regulators and lawmakers had expected significant rate reductions — averaging 24 percent — from insurers. The bill expanded the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund so that it could provide cheaper back-up insurance to insurers, which could then pass the savings onto policyholders.

But rather than pass on the savings to consumers, the insurers are using the savings to buy additional back-up insurance — or reinsurance — in the private market or from their own subsidiaries, The Miami Herald reported Saturday.

“McCarty vows to get rate cuts“.

Judicial Courage

“A judge hearing arguments on the constitutionality of Florida’s lethal injection procedures has ruled that a Death Row inmate cannot be executed unless the Department of Corrections makes changes to its protocol and procedures.  The ruling came in an unusual hearing Sunday before Circuit Judge Carven D. Angel in Ocala in the case involving Ian Deco Lightbourne, condemned for the 1981 slaying of Nancy O’Farrell. The ruling could potentially impact other executions.”  “Judge: Injections flawed“.  See also “Judge suspends execution” and “Judge imposes stay on lethal injections“.

State Victims

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Create a better system for paying state’s victims“.

Why Kids Don’t Vote

“There is a list of ‘maybes’ we could swat down as flimsy excuses explaining the decreased voter turnout among young people in Florida.”  “Young voters should realize, it’s our world, too“.

Pesky Union Thugs

Ever wonder where the Miami Herald editorial board stands on unions?  Here’s a reminder:

Recently, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders in the House paid lip service to Colombia as ‘’a crucial ally in a region that deserves our active engagement.'’ Then, in a classic example of speaking out of both sides of their mouths, they said they could not support a free-trade agreement with Colombia.

They cited the continued level of violence, ‘’impunity'’ and the role of right-wing paramilitaries in Colombia. Actually, this is just a pretext for rank protectionism. Under the prodding of the AFL-CIO, a powerful Democratic Party constituency that has never liked free-trade deals, Colombia has been pilloried for the serial murder of local union leaders.

“Congress ignores a friend in need“.

Water

“Weekend rains ease drought in South Florida, but only a bit“.  See also “Seawater could help solve S. Florida water woes, but at what price?” and “Think of it as a wet drought“.

Top Issue

“National survey: Education is top election issue for Latinos“.  See also “Herald: Education top issue for Hispanic voters“.

Jennings Gets a Pass

“Democrats are making it clear that they will not let a potential primary scuffle get in their way of backing Christine Jennings this time around.  When the Sarasota Democrat announced last week that she was running again for Congress, the crowd included Sarasota County Democratic Party chairwoman Rita Ferrandino.  Ferrandino said Jennings is the top of our ticket and is like an incumbent for Democrats.”  “No primary battle?“.

A Bit Much

“Does he look like a terrorist?“.

Premature Gesticulation

“Beta Upsilon Chi, an all-male Christian fraternity, has been trying unsuccessfully to gain recognition on campus since May, according to a lawsuit filed by the group earlier this month. But UF officials say the fraternity hasn’t even fully completed the application process, nor has it even been rejected.”  “UF letter: Christian frat’s rights not violated“.

And Then There’s Rush Limbaugh

The St. Pete Times editorial board: “If possession of 58 doctor-prescribed Vicodin pain pills constitutes drug trafficking, then Florida might as well begin building high-rise prisons. … Two doctors testified at the trial that they had prescribed the pills for pain from gout and an automobile accident, and no one claimed he was selling the pills. But [State Atttorney] Ober’s attorneys and Hillsborough Circuit Judge Ronald Ficarrotta stopped jurors from being told that the law specifically exempts those who have legally prescribed pills. … [And the defendant received] a 25-year mandatory sentence.”The nonsensical trial over 58 Vicodin pills“.

Why the Wait?

“After nearly eight months in office, Gov. Charlie Crist has still not appointed a new chairman to the Florida Elections Commission, the panel responsible for enforcing election laws. The panel, which had a lot of its powers stripped away this past session by state lawmakers, meets again in August. Former Rep. Chance Irvine kept on as chairman for two meetings this year, but finally called it quits earlier this summer.”  “Nearly eight months and still waiting for Crist“.

Hmmm?

“Come Jan. 29, amid a blizzard of campaign ads about the presidential primary election, what will voters make of the ballot question to replace the Save Our Homes property tax cap with a much larger homestead exemption? … Consider the variables:”

- Presidential primary elections in the past two decades have had dismal turnout, averaging about 30 percent, but those primaries took place in March, after the eventual nominee had sewn up the prize. This time, Florida s early primary probably will make the state a focus of candidates from both parties.

- Primary voters are typically homesteaded homeowners, the one group benefiting from Save Our Homes and therefore most likely to be leery of phasing it out. But the promise that existing homeowners will be able to keep that benefit until they move could keep them from voting against it.

- Conversely, recent and would-be home buyers lured by the prospect of a new tax break potentially worth thousands of dollars could turn out to the polls in droves - thereby skewing traditional analyses of the likely primary voter.

“Who will vote for the new tax plan? Who knows?“.

Gettin’ Warmer

“Environmentalists, buoyed by an enthusiastic ally in the Governor s Mansion, issue a report today that claims rising temperatures in 2006 were caused by human-related climate change.”  “Environmentalists claim rising temperatures part of climate change“.

Stick a Fork in Him …

The Buzz notes that “Rep. Bob Allen of Merritt Island has vowed to fight a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a male police officer for prostitution, and he’s still a candidate for a state Senate seat. But one key verdict is already in and it’s from the editorial page editor of his hometown paper, Florida Today.”

It’s the rerun of a bad movie:

A politician gets caught in a sexual fandango, claims it’s a misunderstanding, proclaims his innocence and, as a kicker, says he’ll still seek higher office.

It’s the sad spectacle of state Rep. Bob Allen, now playing at a theater near you.

I’m not going to recite the details of what Allen supposedly did or try to psychoanalyze what would put a successful elected official in a public restroom allegedly seeking sexual favors. I’ll leave that to Dr. Phil.

But I will say this:

The court of public opinion has already rendered its verdict in the case of the Merritt Island Republican, and if Allen hasn’t noticed, they’ve found him guilty.

His career is over, done, kaput, and the sooner he understands that and walks away, the better.

There’s much more here: “Politics of self destruction“.

The Florida Progressive Coalition’s “5 to Read“.  Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

“Florida is extravagant when producing spin”

The Daytona Beach - News Journal editorial board reminds us that Florida “ranks near the bottom nationwide in per pupil funding, with troubling results — low high-school graduation rates and deficiencies in helping its lowest-achieving pupils.”

Florida spent $6,340 per pupil in 1999. This fiscal year, the state will spend $7,307 — an increase of less than $1,000 over nine years.

Yet Florida is extravagant when producing spin. Just last week, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission — required by the state constitution to meet every 20 years — listened to proposals to reduce education spending by reducing constitutionally mandated class-size restrictions and increasing vouchers to private schools. Neither addresses basic funding disparities.

Consider these examples of a contorted funding system …

Read further here:”State’s budget games leave public schools in bind“.

Giuliani Edging Hill in Florida

“Republican Rudolph Giuliani holds a thin lead over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential race in Florida, according to the latest poll figures released Monday.  If the two went head-to-head in a general election, the former New York mayor would defeat the former first lady 46 percent to 44 percent, according to a poll by Quinnipiac University released Monday morning.” 

“The poll showed the following figures for Democratic candidates: Clinton, 36 percent; Barack Obama, 14 percent and John Edwards, 9 percent.  Giuliani leads Republicans with 30 percent, followed by undeclared candidate Fred Thompson, 18 percent. John McCain barely beats Mitt Romney, 10 percent to 9 percent.”  “Giuliani holds lead in Florida, poll finds“.  See also “Giuliani maintains lead in Fla” and “Florida Voters Want A New York President“.

There Goes the Cuban Vote

“Listen to Spanish-language talk radio [today] at your own risk. Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards suggested in tonight’s nationally televised debate that they would meet with Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez.”  “Obama, Edwards would meet with Castro“.

Actually, listen to Spanish-language talk radio just for grins; it ought to be a laff riot.  A lengthier story here: “Obama, Edwards say they would meet with Castro, Ch vez“.

Cry Me a River

“The president of Panhandle utility Gulf Power is criticizing one of the keynote speakers at Gov. Charlie Crist’s climate-change summit in Miami this month for blasting her parent company.”  Robert Kennedy Jr.,

the son of the slain U.S. senator, devoted a portion of his 50-minute keynote speech to attacking the coal industry, calling Atlanta-based Southern Company the “worst of the worst of the worst.”

He also brought up three federal environmental employees involved in weakening mercury standards for coal-burning power plants who had left the EPA to work for lobbying firms, including one hired by Southern Co.

Naming Southern specifically, he said the company, which burns coal, had committed “an act of theft” by raising the levels of mercury in lakes that made fish in New York unsafe to eat.

“When the Southern Co. puts mercury in the air in the Ohio Valley and it lands in New York State and poisons the fish and poisons our children’s brains,” Kennedy said, “today the Southern Company owns the fish in New York State. They’ve privatized a public resource.”

“Gulf Power criticizes speaker for remarks“.

Wingnut Apoplexy

“Conservative group says Crist pandering to ‘radicals‘”.  The details: “Tell Governor Crist To Stop Pandering to Radical Environmentalists!” (”‘If you make a deal with the devil you are the junior partner’ … Under pressure from Al Gore and his liberal buddies in Hollywood, Governor Crist has issued three executive orders …”) (emphasis original).

Good Luck

“Despite 35 dozen home insurers asking for rate increases, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty says he is optimistic the ‘vast majority’ of companies will ‘do the right thing.’”

Pointing to nearly three dozen rate hike requests from home insurers, Florida’s top insurance regulator said he was ‘’resolved'’ to provide policyholders with the rate cuts intended by a new law passed during January’s special legislative session.

‘’I remain optimistic that the vast majority of companies will do the right thing by their policyholders,'’ said Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty in a letter sent to the editorial boards of major newspapers around the state Monday afternoon. …

Regulators and lawmakers had expected significant rate reductions — averaging 24 percent — from insurers. The bill expanded the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund so that it could provide cheaper back-up insurance to insurers, which could then pass the savings onto policyholders.

But rather than pass on the savings to consumers, the insurers are using the savings to buy additional back-up insurance — or reinsurance — in the private market or from their own subsidiaries, The Miami Herald reported Saturday.

“McCarty vows to get rate cuts“.

Judicial Courage

“A judge hearing arguments on the constitutionality of Florida’s lethal injection procedures has ruled that a Death Row inmate cannot be executed unless the Department of Corrections makes changes to its protocol and procedures.  The ruling came in an unusual hearing Sunday before Circuit Judge Carven D. Angel in Ocala in the case involving Ian Deco Lightbourne, condemned for the 1981 slaying of Nancy O’Farrell. The ruling could potentially impact other executions.”  “Judge: Injections flawed“.  See also “Judge suspends execution” and “Judge imposes stay on lethal injections“.

State Victims

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Create a better system for paying state’s victims“.

Why Kids Don’t Vote

“There is a list of ‘maybes’ we could swat down as flimsy excuses explaining the decreased voter turnout among young people in Florida.”  “Young voters should realize, it’s our world, too“.

Pesky Union Thugs

Ever wonder where the Miami Herald editorial board stands on unions?  Here’s a reminder:

Recently, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders in the House paid lip service to Colombia as ‘’a crucial ally in a region that deserves our active engagement.'’ Then, in a classic example of speaking out of both sides of their mouths, they said they could not support a free-trade agreement with Colombia.

They cited the continued level of violence, ‘’impunity'’ and the role of right-wing paramilitaries in Colombia. Actually, this is just a pretext for rank protectionism. Under the prodding of the AFL-CIO, a powerful Democratic Party constituency that has never liked free-trade deals, Colombia has been pilloried for the serial murder of local union leaders.

“Congress ignores a friend in need“.

Water

“Weekend rains ease drought in South Florida, but only a bit“.  See also “Seawater could help solve S. Florida water woes, but at what price?” and “Think of it as a wet drought“.

Top Issue

“National survey: Education is top election issue for Latinos“.  See also “Herald: Education top issue for Hispanic voters“.

Jennings Gets a Pass

“Democrats are making it clear that they will not let a potential primary scuffle get in their way of backing Christine Jennings this time around.  When the Sarasota Democrat announced last week that she was running again for Congress, the crowd included Sarasota County Democratic Party chairwoman Rita Ferrandino.  Ferrandino said Jennings is the top of our ticket and is like an incumbent for Democrats.”  “No primary battle?“.

A Bit Much

“Does he look like a terrorist?“.

Premature Gesticulation

“Beta Upsilon Chi, an all-male Christian fraternity, has been trying unsuccessfully to gain recognition on campus since May, according to a lawsuit filed by the group earlier this month. But UF officials say the fraternity hasn’t even fully completed the application process, nor has it even been rejected.”  “UF letter: Christian frat’s rights not violated“.

And Then There’s Rush Limbaugh

The St. Pete Times editorial board: “If possession of 58 doctor-prescribed Vicodin pain pills constitutes drug trafficking, then Florida might as well begin building high-rise prisons. … Two doctors testified at the trial that they had prescribed the pills for pain from gout and an automobile accident, and no one claimed he was selling the pills. But [State Atttorney] Ober’s attorneys and Hillsborough Circuit Judge Ronald Ficarrotta stopped jurors from being told that the law specifically exempts those who have legally prescribed pills. … [And the defendant received] a 25-year mandatory sentence.”The nonsensical trial over 58 Vicodin pills“.

Why the Wait?

“After nearly eight months in office, Gov. Charlie Crist has still not appointed a new chairman to the Florida Elections Commission, the panel responsible for enforcing election laws. The panel, which had a lot of its powers stripped away this past session by state lawmakers, meets again in August. Former Rep. Chance Irvine kept on as chairman for two meetings this year, but finally called it quits earlier this summer.”  “Nearly eight months and still waiting for Crist“.

Hmmm?

“Come Jan. 29, amid a blizzard of campaign ads about the presidential primary election, what will voters make of the ballot question to replace the Save Our Homes property tax cap with a much larger homestead exemption? … Consider the variables:”

- Presidential primary elections in the past two decades have had dismal turnout, averaging about 30 percent, but those primaries took place in March, after the eventual nominee had sewn up the prize. This time, Florida s early primary probably will make the state a focus of candidates from both parties.

- Primary voters are typically homesteaded homeowners, the one group benefiting from Save Our Homes and therefore most likely to be leery of phasing it out. But the promise that existing homeowners will be able to keep that benefit until they move could keep them from voting against it.

- Conversely, recent and would-be home buyers lured by the prospect of a new tax break potentially worth thousands of dollars could turn out to the polls in droves - thereby skewing traditional analyses of the likely primary voter.

“Who will vote for the new tax plan? Who knows?“.

Gettin’ Warmer

“Environmentalists, buoyed by an enthusiastic ally in the Governor s Mansion, issue a report today that claims rising temperatures in 2006 were caused by human-related climate change.”  “Environmentalists claim rising temperatures part of climate change“.

Stick a Fork in Him …

The Buzz notes that “Rep. Bob Allen of Merritt Island has vowed to fight a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a male police officer for prostitution, and he’s still a candidate for a state Senate seat. But one key verdict is already in and it’s from the editorial page editor of his hometown paper, Florida Today.”

It’s the rerun of a bad movie:

A politician gets caught in a sexual fandango, claims it’s a misunderstanding, proclaims his innocence and, as a kicker, says he’ll still seek higher office.

It’s the sad spectacle of state Rep. Bob Allen, now playing at a theater near you.

I’m not going to recite the details of what Allen supposedly did or try to psychoanalyze what would put a successful elected official in a public restroom allegedly seeking sexual favors. I’ll leave that to Dr. Phil.

But I will say this:

The court of public opinion has already rendered its verdict in the case of the Merritt Island Republican, and if Allen hasn’t noticed, they’ve found him guilty.

His career is over, done, kaput, and the sooner he understands that and walks away, the better.

There’s much more here: “Politics of self destruction“.

via satellite phone. Yon, who’s been covering Operation Arrowhead Ripper in the (former) Al Qaedah stronghold of Baqubah reports on how things are going, what he thinks will happen next, and his thoughts on the likely consequences of premature withdrawal.

This podcast is sponsored by Volvo Motors.

-more-

Remember to listen to the Florida Progressive Coalition’s Florida Progressive Radio, Show #3 today from 2-3 p.m.  There will be an interesting special guest; you can call in at (646) 716-7543.

Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

Pigs

The St. Pete Times has lengthy piece on GOPer political hit men today; here’s a taste.

“When it comes to nasty politics in Florida, the conversation inevitably gets around to Randy Nielsen, who proudly wears the mantle: the state’s foremost expert on attack ads.”

As he put it: “I’ll never get nominated for Miss Congeniality in politics.”

He is 44, a devout Mormon and a teetotaler from Utah. With his wife and four children, he lives in West Palm Beach. With partner Richard Johnston, Nielsen owns Public Concepts LLC, an award-winning political consulting business. Started in 1991, it now operates in 25 states.

Nielsen enjoys close ties to the Florida Republican Party, Senate presidents current and past (Ken Pruitt, Tom Lee), dozens more legislators and the Florida Home Builders Association. In the past decade, these groups and candidates have paid Nielsen almost $8-million.

“How does he operate? … People call it negative campaigning, but Nielsen says it’s in the finest tradition of the First Amendment: His work ensures that ‘voters have the right information to make a conscientious decision.’”

John French is a former executive director of the Florida Democratic Party, now a registered Republican. In the 1970s, he helped write the state’s election laws and helped Gov. Reubin Askew draft the “Sunshine amendment” to bring openness to state government. Now he helps create political committees that sometimes avoid the sunshine.

Nielsen says French is his go-to attorney: “He is probably one of the best election lawyers in the state of Florida.”

“Experts at the attack“.

Contribution Search Tool

“Curious to see if your neighbor is a McCainiac or a Hillraiser? Intrigued by how much Rudy Giuliani is raising in South Florida? Wondering how many Florida trial lawyers are backing John Edwards?  Check out the Miami Herald’s new political contributions search. Feel free to use [the Herald’s] research but please credit the Herald.”  “Miami Herald launches 2008 money database“.

Acosta

“During the same period when Miami’s Alex Acosta, an up-and-coming Justice Department division head, won a plum posting as South Florida’s top cop, several other U.S. attorneys around the country were being fired.”

The Senate has been investigating allegations that the fired prosecutors were ousted for not toeing the Bush administration line in political prosecutions. As for Acosta’s ascent, he did not have a problem with administration politics, former division staff lawyers say.

They contend that during his two years as assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the division became imbued with the same politically charged atmosphere for which the department is now under scrutiny. The division tilted to the right in personnel and political decision-making and took stands against minority voters’ rights, which was against the advice of the career staff lawyers, they say.

Acosta, who as U.S. attorney has targeted public corruption in Palm Beach County, prefers not to go into detail about old claims of politicization but says his critics are wrong, that they have misinterpreted his positions.

The disaffected staffers point to a letter that Acosta wrote to an Ohio federal judge hearing a case one week before the 2004 election that pitted Acosta’s boss, President Bush, against the Democratic nominee, U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

“Local U.S. attorney brought politics to Justice, staffers say“.

Youngsters Say No To Voting

“Despite intense political passion over the war in Iraq that helped propel a nationwide surge in young voters and oust Republicans from power in Congress last year, Florida saw a perplexing drop in 18- to 29-year-olds who went to the polls.”

Turnout among young Florida voters is now among the worst in the nation, decreasing even as it went up across the country. The trend cuts across gender and ethnic groups, but was especially pronounced among young Hispanics, whose turnout plummeted to less than half of what it was four years earlier. …

And Florida’s bad numbers are getting worse.

The 18 percent of young Floridians who voted last year is a 5 percentage point decline from 2002. By contrast, the 25 percent of young people nationwide who voted last year is an increase of 3 percentage points from 2002. …

As the turnout among young Florida voters slid, it plummeted among Hispanics.

Turnout was just 11 percent among 18 to 29 year old Hispanic Floridians in 2006 down from 23 percent in 2002. Nationally, the young Hispanic turnout increased to 19 percent 2006 from 16 percent in 2002.

“Voter turnout drops among young people in Florida“.  On a related note, this story from yesterday: “Puerto Ricans, swing voters in a swing state, but will they vote?“.

Waiting for Wingnut

“Two-thirds of the top Florida donors to President Bush have yet to write a check to any Republican presidential candidate this year, reflecting a nationwide disquiet in the GOP that threatens to undermine its hold on the White House.”  “GOP’s big Florida donors sitting on sidelines“.

Obama Blows Florida Newspaper Endorsements

Goodness gracious: “Democrat Barack Obama told union activists Saturday night that he would walk a picket line as president if organized labor helps elect him in 2008.”  “Obama says he would walk picket line“.

There goes any shot that Obama may have had at any Florida newspaper endorsements.

Bond Rating

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Supporters of Israel argue that [Palm Beach County] buying the bonds helps to support a government ‘in the most strife-torn, tumultuous area of the world.’ But that’s not a good enough reason, and it’s not the role of any county in Florida to support needy governments. If it were, Haiti - closer to home - would be a better choice. And Palm Beach County policy bans investments in bonds rated below AA. Israeli bonds carry an A rating.  On Wednesday, though, the investment committee lowered its standards to accommodate Israeli bonds, spurred by a change in state law. The move is more about political popularity than economic prudence.”  “AAA (political) rating“.

Those Damn Firefighters

“Fireman gets in trouble for giving away his shirt“.

Boyd Weighs In

“U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd said Saturday President Bush “has done more damage and set this country back decades” but warned Democrats that they can’t win the White House if their ticket is too liberal.  The Monticello Democrat, a leader of the moderate “Blue Dog” caucus in Washington, was the first in a parade of partisan speakers at the annual Democratic Club of North Florida’s picnic in Lee Vause Park near Lake Jackson.”  “Political speakers on parade“.

One wonders who Boyd thinks is “too liberal”?

“Karl Rove’s Florida Frankenstein” In The Weeds

As reported yesterday, and worth recalling today - times for Florida’s “reactionary ogre“: “Martinez’s supporters start to bail out, poll finds“.

Homeowners’ Insurance

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: “If you’re a coastal property owner, the situation just got more risky regarding your homeowner’s insurance. It should come as no surprise, since all the warning signs, threats, entreaties and political rhetoric have been in play for months, even years.”  “Cancellation season: Coastal homes just got riskier“.

“It’s not the old-fashioned bribe”

Randy Schultz: “With Newell, trouble sign came early“.

Super

“Federal officials have offered to buy dozens of homes built near a Superfund site, but only a handful of families have taken offers.  The six families that have agreed to sell their homes are among 55 living in Clarinda Triangle, a neighborhood contaminated by toxic pollutants from the Escambia Treating Co. The defunct wood-treating company dumped large amounts of chemicals into unlined holding ponds.”  “Superfund buyout moves at slow pace“.

Remember to listen to the Florida Progressive Coalition’s Florida Progressive Radio, Show #3 today from 2-3 p.m.  There will be an interesting special guest; you can call in at (646) 716-7543.

Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

Pigs

The St. Pete Times has lengthy piece on GOPer political hit men today; here’s a taste.

“When it comes to nasty politics in Florida, the conversation inevitably gets around to Randy Nielsen, who proudly wears the mantle: the state’s foremost expert on attack ads.”

As he put it: “I’ll never get nominated for Miss Congeniality in politics.”

He is 44, a devout Mormon and a teetotaler from Utah. With his wife and four children, he lives in West Palm Beach. With partner Richard Johnston, Nielsen owns Public Concepts LLC, an award-winning political consulting business. Started in 1991, it now operates in 25 states.

Nielsen enjoys close ties to the Florida Republican Party, Senate presidents current and past (Ken Pruitt, Tom Lee), dozens more legislators and the Florida Home Builders Association. In the past decade, these groups and candidates have paid Nielsen almost $8-million.

“How does he operate? … People call it negative campaigning, but Nielsen says it’s in the finest tradition of the First Amendment: His work ensures that ‘voters have the right information to make a conscientious decision.’”

John French is a former executive director of the Florida Democratic Party, now a registered Republican. In the 1970s, he helped write the state’s election laws and helped Gov. Reubin Askew draft the “Sunshine amendment” to bring openness to state government. Now he helps create political committees that sometimes avoid the sunshine.

Nielsen says French is his go-to attorney: “He is probably one of the best election lawyers in the state of Florida.”

“Experts at the attack“.

Contribution Search Tool

“Curious to see if your neighbor is a McCainiac or a Hillraiser? Intrigued by how much Rudy Giuliani is raising in South Florida? Wondering how many Florida trial lawyers are backing John Edwards?  Check out the Miami Herald’s new political contributions search. Feel free to use [the Herald’s] research but please credit the Herald.”  “Miami Herald launches 2008 money database“.

Acosta

“During the same period when Miami’s Alex Acosta, an up-and-coming Justice Department division head, won a plum posting as South Florida’s top cop, several other U.S. attorneys around the country were being fired.”

The Senate has been investigating allegations that the fired prosecutors were ousted for not toeing the Bush administration line in political prosecutions. As for Acosta’s ascent, he did not have a problem with administration politics, former division staff lawyers say.

They contend that during his two years as assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the division became imbued with the same politically charged atmosphere for which the department is now under scrutiny. The division tilted to the right in personnel and political decision-making and took stands against minority voters’ rights, which was against the advice of the career staff lawyers, they say.

Acosta, who as U.S. attorney has targeted public corruption in Palm Beach County, prefers not to go into detail about old claims of politicization but says his critics are wrong, that they have misinterpreted his positions.

The disaffected staffers point to a letter that Acosta wrote to an Ohio federal judge hearing a case one week before the 2004 election that pitted Acosta’s boss, President Bush, against the Democratic nominee, U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

“Local U.S. attorney brought politics to Justice, staffers say“.

Youngsters Say No To Voting

“Despite intense political passion over the war in Iraq that helped propel a nationwide surge in young voters and oust Republicans from power in Congress last year, Florida saw a perplexing drop in 18- to 29-year-olds who went to the polls.”

Turnout among young Florida voters is now among the worst in the nation, decreasing even as it went up across the country. The trend cuts across gender and ethnic groups, but was especially pronounced among young Hispanics, whose turnout plummeted to less than half of what it was four years earlier. …

And Florida’s bad numbers are getting worse.

The 18 percent of young Floridians who voted last year is a 5 percentage point decline from 2002. By contrast, the 25 percent of young people nationwide who voted last year is an increase of 3 percentage points from 2002. …

As the turnout among young Florida voters slid, it plummeted among Hispanics.

Turnout was just 11 percent among 18 to 29 year old Hispanic Floridians in 2006 down from 23 percent in 2002. Nationally, the young Hispanic turnout increased to 19 percent 2006 from 16 percent in 2002.

“Voter turnout drops among young people in Florida“.  On a related note, this story from yesterday: “Puerto Ricans, swing voters in a swing state, but will they vote?“.

Waiting for Wingnut

“Two-thirds of the top Florida donors to President Bush have yet to write a check to any Republican presidential candidate this year, reflecting a nationwide disquiet in the GOP that threatens to undermine its hold on the White House.”  “GOP’s big Florida donors sitting on sidelines“.

Obama Blows Florida Newspaper Endorsements

Goodness gracious: “Democrat Barack Obama told union activists Saturday night that he would walk a picket line as president if organized labor helps elect him in 2008.”  “Obama says he would walk picket line“.

There goes any shot that Obama may have had at any Florida newspaper endorsements.

Bond Rating

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Supporters of Israel argue that [Palm Beach County] buying the bonds helps to support a government ‘in the most strife-torn, tumultuous area of the world.’ But that’s not a good enough reason, and it’s not the role of any county in Florida to support needy governments. If it were, Haiti - closer to home - would be a better choice. And Palm Beach County policy bans investments in bonds rated below AA. Israeli bonds carry an A rating.  On Wednesday, though, the investment committee lowered its standards to accommodate Israeli bonds, spurred by a change in state law. The move is more about political popularity than economic prudence.”  “AAA (political) rating“.

Those Damn Firefighters

“Fireman gets in trouble for giving away his shirt“.

Boyd Weighs In

“U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd said Saturday President Bush “has done more damage and set this country back decades” but warned Democrats that they can’t win the White House if their ticket is too liberal.  The Monticello Democrat, a leader of the moderate “Blue Dog” caucus in Washington, was the first in a parade of partisan speakers at the annual Democratic Club of North Florida’s picnic in Lee Vause Park near Lake Jackson.”  “Political speakers on parade“.

One wonders who Boyd thinks is “too liberal”?

“Karl Rove’s Florida Frankenstein” In The Weeds

As reported yesterday, and worth recalling today - times for Florida’s “reactionary ogre“: “Martinez’s supporters start to bail out, poll finds“.

Homeowners’ Insurance

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: “If you’re a coastal property owner, the situation just got more risky regarding your homeowner’s insurance. It should come as no surprise, since all the warning signs, threats, entreaties and political rhetoric have been in play for months, even years.”  “Cancellation season: Coastal homes just got riskier“.

“It’s not the old-fashioned bribe”

Randy Schultz: “With Newell, trouble sign came early“.

Super

“Federal officials have offered to buy dozens of homes built near a Superfund site, but only a handful of families have taken offers.  The six families that have agreed to sell their homes are among 55 living in Clarinda Triangle, a neighborhood contaminated by toxic pollutants from the Escambia Treating Co. The defunct wood-treating company dumped large amounts of chemicals into unlined holding ponds.”  “Superfund buyout moves at slow pace“.

Please listen to the Florida Progressive Coalition’s Florida Progressive Radio, Show #3 Sunday from 2-3 p.m. And be sure to call in at (646) 716-7543.

Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

Jebbie’s Dead Hand

The dead hand of “Jeb!” Bush is on the verge of reaching from the grave to saddle Floridians with more of the wingnut garbage that Floridians thought had gone out with the trash last year; this is simply unbelievable:

Florida voters could be asked next year to alter class-size requirements and preserve private-school vouchers.

An obscure panel with the power to place constitutional amendments directly on the 2008 ballot has been asked to consider dealing with these two controversial education items. Former Gov. Jeb Bush tried to get Florida lawmakers to act on both, but he was blocked in the state Senate by a coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats.

Now the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which meets every 20 years, may take the matter directly to voters. Commission members on Friday were asked by education lobbyists and a private think tank to craft proposals on class size and vouchers.

Allan Bense, a former House speaker and the Panama City Republican who is now chairman of the commission, said either item could be dealt with by the commission since both affect state spending. ‘’Education clearly affects the budget, and this is clearly an education issue,'’ he said. …

The commission, which has 25 voting members, needs just 17 votes to put a constitutional amendment directly on the 2008 ballot. Several members of the commission are former top aides to Bush, who tried unsuccessfully to get the Legislature to preserve vouchers and to change the class-size amendment.

“Vouchers and class caps may go on ballot“.  See also “Tax panel gets school voucher, class size proposals“.

“Johnny Mac”

“A sprawling rural legislative district west of the Apalachicola River poses a test of whether Democrats can break the Republicans’ monopoly in this close-knit region of hunting, fishing and white-steepled churches.  The Democrats’ possible savior is John McDaniel, who for nearly three decades has been sheriff of Jackson County.  ‘Johnny Mac,’ as he is known, is running for the District 5 House seat being vacated by Don Brown, a feisty Republican from DeFuniak Springs, who will be term-limited out of office in 2008.”  “Can a Democratic sheriff break into a Republican stronghold?“.

Political Head Fakes

In sports, like politics, it is often useful to have a good head fake.  And Florida’s politicos, the frustrated elementary school athletes that many of them are, have developed pretty good political head fakes.  Just today we read these gems:

- The Miami Herald: “Seven months after Florida lawmakers expanded the government’s role in the state’s insurance market, rates should be lower and insurers should be willing to write more policies.  Just the opposite is happening. What went wrong?”  “Why insurance reform is falling short“ 

- The Orlando Sentinel: Local government “fee increases threaten to erase some or all of the initial savings in property taxes, which lawmakers put at $174 for the average homeowner this year.”  “Lower taxes might cost you“.

Go Figure

As reported yesterday,”majority of Florida voters supports a plan to super-size the homestead exemption - even though they don’t know much about it.”

Fifty-seven percent of respondents to a Quinnipiac University poll said they support the Constitutional amendment proposed by GOP lawmakers to cut property taxes by increasing the homestead exemption.

That’s just shy of the 60 percent approval needed for passage, despite 67 percent of respondents saying that the amendment needs much more explanation.

“Poll Shows Support For ‘Super’ Tax Exemption“.  More: “Voters back larger homestead exemptions“.

Anybody But “Jeb!”

“Florida voters love Gov. Charlie Crist as much as ever, giving him a 73 - 11 percent job approval, but 72 percent say his insurance reform plan hasn’t delivered lower rates, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released [Thursday]. This is Gov. Crist’s fourth approval score at 69 percent or higher.”

“Obedience”

The St. Pete Times editorial board: “Florida quit electing an education commissioner eight years ago, believing that professional credentials might prove more valuable than political ones.”

Two politically motivated appointees later, the state only now has the chance to get it right. It is conducting its first national search for a commissioner, and public schools deserve a new brand of leadership.

The first two appointed commissioners, Jim Horne and John Winn, served as little more than campaign staff for a governor, Jeb Bush, who was so absorbed by his own education agenda that he has seeded a private foundation to safeguard his legacy. Bush didn’t bother with either a search or the pretense that the appointed Board of Education would, as required by law, make the decision. The only qualification that seemed to matter was obedience.

“Change needed at education agency“.

Even Knuckle Draggers Get It

The story of one GOPer, who was f/k/a Chain Gang Charlie, who picked up his knuckles a little bit:”How Gov. Crist became Gov. Climate“.

Will They Vote?

“After Cuban-Americans, Puerto Ricans make up the state’s largest Hispanic population and its most politically independent — key swingers in a swing state.”

Both parties seek to claim them. Democrats point to Puerto Ricans’ traditional alignment with their party and tout their potential to counter the Republican Cuban-American vote. Republicans boast of the more business-oriented Puerto Ricans who increasingly call central Florida home.

But both parties are loath to admit one uncomfortable fact: as U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans are the only Hispanic immigrants in Florida who can automatically register to vote, yet more often than not, they don’t.

“Puerto Ricans, swing voters in a swing state, but will they vote?“.

Florida’s Booming Economy

“The slowdown in the housing market showed up in Florida’s June unemployment figures, state officials said Friday.  With an increasing number of construction workers out of jobs, the unemployment rate increased to 3.5 percent, up from May’s 3.4 percent, the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation reported.”  “Layoffs in housing slowdown push up Florida jobless rate“.  See also “Jobless rate rises sharply“.

No

“The state will deny a planned home insurance rate increase by Florida Farm Bureau’s two property insurance companies, which have about 140,000 homeowners policies, the Office for Insurance Regulation said Friday.”  “State rejects Fla. Farm Bureau home insurance rate increase“.  See also “Insurance companies gear up for new round of battles“.

Whoopee

“Crist to study ethanol in South America“.

“I Wanna Be Sedated”

This is off topic, but you might want to know that “Bush transferred the powers of the presidency to Vice President Dick Cheney on Saturday just before being sedated for a screening to detect colon cancer.”  “Bush transfers power to Cheney“.

Whatever

“Capital reporters got an unintended peek into the inner workings of Gov. Charlie Crist’s communications machine when an aide accidentally e-mailed a roundup of the day’s media inquiries.”  “Surprise: You’ve got mail - from the Gov.’s office“.

Reagan Fan Club to Meet

“The hometown of Republican Gov. Charlie Crist has been picked to host a nationally televised debate for GOP presidential candidates in September.”  “GOP presidential candidates to debate in St. Petersburg“.

Meanwhile, “Fred Thompson gaining on Rudy Giuliani among South Florida Republicans“: “Giuliani still leads the Republican presidential race in South Florida. But Fred Thompson, an aging actor with a Reaganesque persona, is rapidly gaining support as the leading conservative alternative, poll results and political observers say.
“.

Lawsuit

“A lawsuit highlights a fierce tug of war over the state’s popular scholarship program.”  “Not such a bright future“.

State Sanctioned Murder

Mark Schlakman, director of the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights at Florida State University and board chairman of the Innocence Project, writes today that, upon

reading various articles and related wire service accounts of Gov. Crist’s first death warrant, I was struck by the fact that the American Bar Association’s recent and relatively comprehensive report on Florida’s death penalty process was not mentioned, notwithstanding that direct reference was made to the Commission on Administration of Lethal Injection report and recommendations.

Given that Florida has the dubious distinction of being the state with more death penalty exonerations than any other, the ABA report’s main objective is to identify issues and problems that undermine the fairness and accuracy of Florida’s death penalty process. The ABA report neither supports nor opposes capital punishment.

Simply put, such issues and problems must be addressed by the state to ensure that innocent people are not executed. Each of Florida’s three branches of government has a significant role to play. Unfortunately, it appears as though relatively little action has been taken by state officials to address these concerns since the ABA report was released last fall.

“Death order ignores ABA study“.

Mouth-Breathers Alive and Well In Florida

The Palm Beach Post goes out on a limb by suggesting that “providing all views usually is a better solution than banning some books.”  “What to ban? Book bans“.

Obama Message?

Bill March:

Barack Obama has repeatedly refused to say whether he ll campaign in Florida if the Democratic National Committee imposes a boycott on the state because of its too-early primary date.

But when he announced the members of his Florida Advisory Committee Friday, he may have sent a signal.

One of the 36 members of the committee is state Sen. Jeremy Ring, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill setting Florida s primary date as Jan. 29. …

By choosing Ring, a strong advocate of Florida for an early primary, who has said candidates can t afford to boycott the state, Obama may be sending a message.

“Is Obama Sending A Primary Message?“.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

“One of Florida’s leading Democratic rainmakers has called the whole thing off.”

Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan, who has personally given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democrats and helped raise much more, is so fed up with his party’s failure to stop the war in Iraq that he canceled an upcoming fundraiser at his home. Take $250,000 and kiss it good-bye.

‘’I told Chuck Schumer, I’m through,'’ he said, referring to the New York senator who heads the Democratic Party’s fundraising arm for the Senate. “As a Democratic donor, I am going on strike.'’

Morgan is considering full-page ads in the New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today to encourage other donors to join his boycott, disgusted with the latest effort by Democratic senators to stop the war by pulling an all-nighter.

Gearing up for Tuesday’s marathon debate, Democratic leaders dispatched interns to buy toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant for their GOP colleagues. Reporters were summoned to watch pillows and cots being dragged in to a room off the Senate floor.

Long after the photo ops faded and the pizza had gone cold, Democrats failed to muster enough votes to begin withdrawing troops.

‘’That was all publicity and hype,'’ Morgan said of the round-the-clock debate. “Come on. I can sleep sitting in a chair.'’

“Fed-up donor pulls plug on Democrat pols“.

Please listen to the Florida Progressive Coalition’s Florida Progressive Radio, Show #3 Sunday from 2-3 p.m. And be sure to call in at (646) 716-7543.

Our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry follows.

Jebbie’s Dead Hand

The dead hand of “Jeb!” Bush is on the verge of reaching from the grave to saddle Floridians with more of the wingnut garbage that Floridians thought had gone out with the trash last year; this is simply unbelievable:

Florida voters could be asked next year to alter class-size requirements and preserve private-school vouchers.

An obscure panel with the power to place constitutional amendments directly on the 2008 ballot has been asked to consider dealing with these two controversial education items. Former Gov. Jeb Bush tried to get Florida lawmakers to act on both, but he was blocked in the state Senate by a coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats.

Now the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which meets every 20 years, may take the matter directly to voters. Commission members on Friday were asked by education lobbyists and a private think tank to craft proposals on class size and vouchers.

Allan Bense, a former House speaker and the Panama City Republican who is now chairman of the commission, said either item could be dealt with by the commission since both affect state spending. ‘’Education clearly affects the budget, and this is clearly an education issue,'’ he said. …

The commission, which has 25 voting members, needs just 17 votes to put a constitutional amendment directly on the 2008 ballot. Several members of the commission are former top aides to Bush, who tried unsuccessfully to get the Legislature to preserve vouchers and to change the class-size amendment.

“Vouchers and class caps may go on ballot“.  See also “Tax panel gets school voucher, class size proposals“.

“Johnny Mac”

“A sprawling rural legislative district west of the Apalachicola River poses a test of whether Democrats can break the Republicans’ monopoly in this close-knit region of hunting, fishing and white-steepled churches.  The Democrats’ possible savior is John McDaniel, who for nearly three decades has been sheriff of Jackson County.  ‘Johnny Mac,’ as he is known, is running for the District 5 House seat being vacated by Don Brown, a feisty Republican from DeFuniak Springs, who will be term-limited out of office in 2008.”  “Can a Democratic sheriff break into a Republican stronghold?“.

Political Head Fakes

In sports, like politics, it is often useful to have a good head fake.  And Florida’s politicos, the frustrated elementary school athletes that many of them are, have developed pretty good political head fakes.  Just today we read these gems:

- The Miami Herald: “Seven months after Florida lawmakers expanded the government’s role in the state’s insurance market, rates should be lower and insurers should be willing to write more policies.  Just the opposite is happening. What went wrong?”  “Why insurance reform is falling short“ 

- The Orlando Sentinel: Local government “fee increases threaten to erase some or all of the initial savings in property taxes, which lawmakers put at $174 for the average homeowner this year.”  “Lower taxes might cost you“.

Go Figure

As reported yesterday,”majority of Florida voters supports a plan to super-size the homestead exemption - even though they don’t know much about it.”

Fifty-seven percent of respondents to a Quinnipiac University poll said they support the Constitutional amendment proposed by GOP lawmakers to cut property taxes by increasing the homestead exemption.

That’s just shy of the 60 percent approval needed for passage, despite 67 percent of respondents saying that the amendment needs much more explanation.

“Poll Shows Support For ‘Super’ Tax Exemption“.  More: “Voters back larger homestead exemptions“.

Anybody But “Jeb!”

“Florida voters love Gov. Charlie Crist as much as ever, giving him a 73 - 11 percent job approval, but 72 percent say his insurance reform plan hasn’t delivered lower rates, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released [Thursday]. This is Gov. Crist’s fourth approval score at 69 percent or higher.”

“Obedience”

The St. Pete Times editorial board: “Florida quit electing an education commissioner eight years ago, believing that professional credentials might prove more valuable than political ones.”

Two politically motivated appointees later, the state only now has the chance to get it right. It is conducting its first national search for a commissioner, and public schools deserve a new brand of leadership.

The first two appointed commissioners, Jim Horne and John Winn, served as little more than campaign staff for a governor, Jeb Bush, who was so absorbed by his own education agenda that he has seeded a private foundation to safeguard his legacy. Bush didn’t bother with either a search or the pretense that the appointed Board of Education would, as required by law, make the decision. The only qualification that seemed to matter was obedience.

“Change needed at education agency“.

Even Knuckle Draggers Get It

The story of one GOPer, who was f/k/a Chain Gang Charlie, who picked up his knuckles a little bit:”How Gov. Crist became Gov. Climate“.

Will They Vote?

“After Cuban-Americans, Puerto Ricans make up the state’s largest Hispanic population and its most politically independent — key swingers in a swing state.”

Both parties seek to claim them. Democrats point to Puerto Ricans’ traditional alignment with their party and tout their potential to counter the Republican Cuban-American vote. Republicans boast of the more business-oriented Puerto Ricans who increasingly call central Florida home.

But both parties are loath to admit one uncomfortable fact: as U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans are the only Hispanic immigrants in Florida who can automatically register to vote, yet more often than not, they don’t.

“Puerto Ricans, swing voters in a swing state, but will they vote?“.

Florida’s Booming Economy

“The slowdown in the housing market showed up in Florida’s June unemployment figures, state officials said Friday.  With an increasing number of construction workers out of jobs, the unemployment rate increased to 3.5 percent, up from May’s 3.4 percent, the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation reported.”  “Layoffs in housing slowdown push up Florida jobless rate“.  See also “Jobless rate rises sharply“.

No

“The state will deny a planned home insurance rate increase by Florida Farm Bureau’s two property insurance companies, which have about 140,000 homeowners policies, the Office for Insurance Regulation said Friday.”  “State rejects Fla. Farm Bureau home insurance rate increase“.  See also “Insurance companies gear up for new round of battles“.

Whoopee

“Crist to study ethanol in South America“.

“I Wanna Be Sedated”

This is off topic, but you might want to know that “Bush transferred the powers of the presidency to Vice President Dick Cheney on Saturday just before being sedated for a screening to detect colon cancer.”  “Bush transfers power to Cheney“.

Whatever

“Capital reporters got an unintended peek into the inner workings of Gov. Charlie Crist’s communications machine when an aide accidentally e-mailed a roundup of the day’s media inquiries.”  “Surprise: You’ve got mail - from the Gov.’s office“.

Reagan Fan Club to Meet

“The hometown of Republican Gov. Charlie Crist has been picked to host a nationally televised debate for GOP presidential candidates in September.”  “GOP presidential candidates to debate in St. Petersburg“.

Meanwhile, “Fred Thompson gaining on Rudy Giuliani among South Florida Republicans“: “Giuliani still leads the Republican presidential race in South Florida. But Fred Thompson, an aging actor with a Reaganesque persona, is rapidly gaining support as the leading conservative alternative, poll results and political observers say.
“.

Lawsuit

“A lawsuit highlights a fierce tug of war over the state’s popular scholarship program.”  “Not such a bright future“.

State Sanctioned Murder

Mark Schlakman, director of the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights at Florida State University and board chairman of the Innocence Project, writes today that, upon

reading various articles and related wire service accounts of Gov. Crist’s first death warrant, I was struck by the fact that the American Bar Association’s recent and relatively comprehensive report on Florida’s death penalty process was not mentioned, notwithstanding that direct reference was made to the Commission on Administration of Lethal Injection report and recommendations.

Given that Florida has the dubious distinction of being the state with more death penalty exonerations than any other, the ABA report’s main objective is to identify issues and problems that undermine the fairness and accuracy of Florida’s death penalty process. The ABA report neither supports nor opposes capital punishment.

Simply put, such issues and problems must be addressed by the state to ensure that innocent people are not executed. Each of Florida’s three branches of government has a significant role to play. Unfortunately, it appears as though relatively little action has been taken by state officials to address these concerns since the ABA report was released last fall.

“Death order ignores ABA study“.

Mouth-Breathers Alive and Well In Florida

The Palm Beach Post goes out on a limb by suggesting that “providing all views usually is a better solution than banning some books.”  “What to ban? Book bans“.

Obama Message?

Bill March:

Barack Obama has repeatedly refused to say whether he ll campaign in Florida if the Democratic National Committee imposes a boycott on the state because of its too-early primary date.

But when he announced the members of his Florida Advisory Committee Friday, he may have sent a signal.

One of the 36 members of the committee is state Sen. Jeremy Ring, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill setting Florida s primary date as Jan. 29. …

By choosing Ring, a strong advocate of Florida for an early primary, who has said candidates can t afford to boycott the state, Obama may be sending a message.

“Is Obama Sending A Primary Message?“.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

“One of Florida’s leading Democratic rainmakers has called the whole thing off.”

Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan, who has personally given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democrats and helped raise much more, is so fed up with his party’s failure to stop the war in Iraq that he canceled an upcoming fundraiser at his home. Take $250,000 and kiss it good-bye.

‘’I told Chuck Schumer, I’m through,'’ he said, referring to the New York senator who heads the Democratic Party’s fundraising arm for the Senate. “As a Democratic donor, I am going on strike.'’

Morgan is considering full-page ads in the New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today to encourage other donors to join his boycott, disgusted with the latest effort by Democratic senators to stop the war by pulling an all-nighter.

Gearing up for Tuesday’s marathon debate, Democratic leaders dispatched interns to buy toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant for their GOP colleagues. Reporters were summoned to watch pillows and cots being dragged in to a room off the Senate floor.

Long after the photo ops faded and the pizza had gone cold, Democrats failed to muster enough votes to begin withdrawing troops.

‘’That was all publicity and hype,'’ Morgan said of the round-the-clock debate. “Come on. I can sleep sitting in a chair.'’

“Fed-up donor pulls plug on Democrat pols“.

Our daily review of Florida political news and punditry will resume in several days.

Our daily review of Florida political news and punditry will resume in several days.