Thrasher collected $268,645 in little more than a month. That is more than all other legislative candidates in Volusia and Flagler districts combined to raise between April 1 and June 30, newly filed reports show.

Thrasher and three other Republicans have opened campaign accounts for the 2010 race to replace Sen. Jim King, who cannot run again because of term limits....

Thrasher received contributions from a wide range of businesses and groups in the district and other parts of the state.

Luv 4 sale

"The top five money raisers in the House and Senate so far are all Republicans and, with the exception of incumbent Dean Cannon, all are chasing open seats." "Republicans Rivera, Diaz head list of top legislative fund-raisers so far".

Sole tries to cover Charlie's a**

Michael W. Sole is secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, good little soldier that he is, attempts to rehabilitate Charlie's green reputation ""

I am shocked(not)!

"Former lieutenant governor and education commissioner Frank Brogan moved a step closer Monday to becoming the state university system's next chancellor. " "FAU's Brogan a finalist for chancellor".

"'Convergys redux'"

Bill Cotterell: "DOE slow to act on ID threat".

Game on

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "It's easy to become cynical about such early fundraising and the vast amounts. But the mechanics behind the messages are important in such a large state, and when voters remain so tuned out for so long. The antidote to letting special interests run the show is for everyday citizens to get involved — early — and begin studying the issues and the candidates — the constitutional amendments, too — to understand what's at stake." "Take an interest".

Wingnuts gone wild

"Heritage Foundation: Justice is not a popularity contest, Judge Sotomayor". But see "UF experts defend Sotomayor’s experience comment".

"Florida should examine use of informants"

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "When the state seeks to convict someone of murder and sentence that person to death, courts have a duty to demand credible evidence that demonstrates guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In the Florida case of Herman Lindsey, who's spent nearly three years on death row, that didn't happen." "A snitch in time".

Surgeon general

"Obama taps former FAMU trustee to be surgeon general".

Them entrepreneurs are at it agin'

"Reaching higher up the supply chain than ever before to investigate gasoline price gouging, Florida regulators Monday announced a $2.3 million settlement with the Wall Street firm Morgan Stanley Capital Group." "State reaches settlement in gas price-gouging case".

.Underfunded candidates like Rubio don't need more money now. The need an argument. A bulletproof argument from a plausible candidate is worth tens of millions of dollars in any primary, overwhelming a financial advantage of any magnitude. While frontrunners confuse high-dollar fundraising for actual grassroots support, a conclusion that headlines like The Hill's do nothing to discourage, smart underdogs would do right to focus on building an impregnable message advantage. Because that's the part that counts for 90% in any electoral victory.

John McCain's campaign was defunct and broke at this point in the race, without money to pay a pollster. Mike Huckabee had no money. Meanwhile, Rudy Giuliani spent $60 million plus to win a single delegate, attending fundraisers when he should have been in New Hampshire. A leading Republican strategist recently told me that he wonders whether money doesn't wind up making our campaigns worse while the lack of money makes them better and more focused. Look at McCain with no money, vs. McCain with money (pre-implosion and general election).

Crist's fundraising aside, he's still a relatively popular governor with 100% name ID, and so still the "man to beat." But fundraising trophies don't make it so. Complacency is his biggest enemy.

Crist's campaign is the antithesis of Rebuildness. Of Crist's $4.3 million how much was online? How much came from donations of $100 or less? How many people have signed up on his e-mail list since he announced? How many of his supporters would crawl on glass to see him win?

In running a campaign, that latter kind of support is the kind I want, and I think Rubio has it.

And not only that, but he's a particularly strong and plausible kind of grassroots candidate. He's no Mike Huckabee or Ron Paul. Had Crist not stepped in, he'd be considered a top recruit and a rising star. Rubio would easily beat Kendrick Meek in a general election.

We have two uniquely talented people running for Senate in a seat we will probably hold in Florida. Instead of elbowing one aside, we should be grabbing the popcorn and watching this one go the distance.

The primary will be close. Among voters who know both, Crist and Rubio are tied. Crist's money will not buy him more name ID or goodwill; only his bully pulpit as Governor can do that, and he's surrendering it. Meanwhile, Rubio's talents as a candidate, his crossover potential[?], and his appeal to grassroots conservatives mean he has nowhere to go but up. I still think Crist narrowly wins absent a massive screwup, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. Recent elections have not been kind to moneyed "frontrunners."

"Bewildering"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The search continues for what might be one of the most bewildering jobs in all of Florida government: chancellor of the State University System."

Now one of the front-runners is Frank Brogan, one-term lieutenant governor to Jeb Bush and currently president of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton....

Mr. Brogan, a former Martin County superintendent of schools and one-term commissioner of the Florida Department of Education, holds a master's degree in education. It is a modest credential that cannot help but put him at a disadvantage on a national stage where strong academic achievement is traditionally expected of higher-education leaders.

His lack of a terminal academic degree won't hurt the genial Mr. Brogan a bit in the Legislature, however, and that's where the battles are currently being waged on behalf of Florida college students and our economic viability.

"Sansom has disgraced his role as legislator"

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "the public documents that have already come to light establish that Sansom has disgraced his role as legislator. "

A grand jury indictment spells out the details: Sansom was awarded a high-profile job at the state college after he secured millions of dollars in state funding in 2008 -- including $6 million for a building at Destin Airport, which e-mails indicate was to be built on land owned by North Florida businessman Jay Odom, and leased back to him for use as an airplane hangar. At various times, the building was purported to be an emergency-operations center or classrooms.

Other e-mails uncovered in the House's own investigation suggest that Sansom and former Northwest Florida State College President Bob Richburg were eager to keep the deal from becoming public. One e-mail -- from Sansom -- details the duties and salary of the job he expected to fill at the college. Other messages suggested they use private (nonstate) e-mail addresses for further correspondence.

Stephen Kahn, the special investigator for the House, laid out three actions -- taking the $110,000-a-year job at the college, scheming to insert the hangar facility into the state budget and working to cover his tracks -- that suggest Sansom abused his power as a legislator.

The Zell Corporation ...

... wants you to know: "Tough times? Florida state workers keep perks". By the way, "state workers haven't received an across-the-board pay raise in three years. And as vacant positions go unfilled, they're being asked to shoulder a bigger workload for the same pay."

'Ya think?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Stop trash talking, and start recycling".

Mel needs to go back to slip-and-fall cases

The genius who made his fortune on third-tier slip-and-fall cases is now lecturing us on Honduran politics. "Foundations of democracy being dismantled".

"Quest for rapid growth proved fatal"

"BankUnited's founder and top shareholder Alfred R. Camner parlayed a tiny thrift into Florida's largest bank. His big bet on risky mortgages and a quest for rapid growth proved fatal." "Founder's big risks behind BankUnited's troubles". More: "Alfred R. 'Fred' Camner" and "How the old BankUnited fell apart".

Layoffs

"Florida's new fiscal year brings 159 layoffs of state employees." "Updated: Budget director: State-worker layoffs at start of fiscal year will likely mean fewer later".

"Up in smoke"

"Smokers who relied on Indian reservations as a cheaper source of cigarettes saw their discount go up in smoke July 1, when the tribes started levying the state's $1.34-a-pack tax." "Florida Indian tribes levying cigarette tax".

For the first time since Republicans took control of the Legislature, the state Democrats raised more money than the Republicans in the second quarter of a year. The party raised $1,196,529 compared with the Republicans' $1,160,064.

Florida's Democrats have been looking for things to turn around since . . . well, you can take your pick: Since they lost control of the Legislature in 1996. Since they lost control of the governor's mansion in 1998. Since the 2000 presidential election drama.

And although they finally won a state race when Alex Sink became Florida chief financial officer and gained a handful of legislative and U.S. House seats, that turnaround never happened. Despite Barack Obama winning the state in 2008. Despite a growing advantage in number of registered voters.

Things were so bad in 2005 that the IRS slapped a lien on the state party for back taxes and it had less than $100,000 in its bank accounts.

So maybe, just maybe -- if candidates appear and run and elections actually get contested -- Florida could find itself with a fully functioning two-party system next year.

The kind where competing candidates actually show up places and ask us to vote for them.

It's a wild thought, but it's possible. In fact, reading between the lines in this quarter's reports, it looks like the smart money already is on that happening.

Absence of honor

The The Orlando Sentinel editorial board is at it yet again this morning (emphasis supplied):

In this economy, employees — even union workers — are making concessions, not padding their benefits. Unions, on the other hand, historically fight government mergers and consolidations.

Will he ... or won't he?

"So far, even with other statewide races crowded with candidates, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp is the only big-name Republican talking seriously about running in the GOP primary for attorney general." "Kottkamp eyes GOP attorney general race".

Sore loserman

"Republican message needs an upgrade, Jeb Bush says".

The rudderless RPOF

Jane Healy: "Who exactly are Florida Republicans? Are they Gov. Charlie Crist, who had a chance to remake the state Supreme Court with a Republican bent but instead appointed a Democrat as the last of his four appointments? Or are they more aligned with former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, a conservative challenging Crist for the nomination to the U.S. Senate?"

Who knows? The Florida Republicans right now really don't have a head of the party to set the direction. They did when Jeb Bush was governor. Much of Bush's support, after all, came from Republicans and some independents. But Crist, whose approval ratings are every bit as high as Bush's, gets much of his support from Democrats.

So is Florida Republican Chairman Jim Greer the real head of the party, the one to lead the 2010 candidates to victory? Not quite. Greer talks a good game about uniting the party, but his main thrust seems to be getting Crist elected and perhaps getting himself named head of the national party.

Without a head of the state party, the most likely situation for 2010 is every candidate for himself or herself, without anyone at the top pulling them along. This is no small issue, with four open Cabinet seats, including governor, up for grabs.

Amendment 4

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "after overcoming enormous hurdles, including several perniciously erected barriers by legislative lackeys of Florida's growth machine, [Amendment 4] has made it to next year's general election ballot as Amendment 4."

The change in the state constitution would, in essence, give voters direct veto power over every major land use change approved by local governments.

We will not support Amendment 4, though our sympathies lie with its authors' intention to restore sanity to Florida's comprehensive planning and loosen developers' steely grip on this state. Amendment 4 is unlikely to achieve those goals. It instead could make a bigger mess of community planning. It would reduce what has at least been a negotiated permitting process between developers and professional public planners to an up-or-down gamble between developers and their opponents, with too many of Florida's natural assets and the livability of Florida communities at stake.

And then there's the sheer volume of requests for comp plan changes, many of them routine and all very technical, that voters would have to consider on their general election ballots. For example, Volusia County had five proposed comp plan documents pending state review through the first half of this year, but it had 17 in 2007, when the economy was better. DeLand had five pending through June, and 10 overall in 2007. Trying to determine which comp plan change would be beneficial to a community and why would be confusing to many voters.

Mike Thomas gets Sicko on us

"Hope and pray that you don't get sick".

SunRail revival

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Commuter rail could still come to Central Florida, and that's a good thing. Rail supporters and CSX revived negotiations last month after learning the project might qualify for funding under the federal stimulus package. That would lower the state's contribution. Now both sides need to redraw a fundamentally flawed deal that favored the for-profit rail carrier at taxpayers' expense." "Hopes for rail renewed".

Why?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board is opposed to anything its rank and file employees don't get - after all, the editors don't want their workers to ... you know ... figure out they're not getting benefits that unionized employees (e.g., most state workers) are getting:

Next year the Legislature should take the reform a step farther and put tighter restrictions on the so-called DROP program, which allows veteran employees to bank their pension payments during their last five years on the job.

Enjoy

"RPOF accused of 'witch hunt' purges".

Dunn it is

"The Buzz is Paul Dunn, who managed Suzanne Kosmas' successful campaign against Tom Feeney, will come on board soon to help lead the team that also includes pollster Dave Beattie, media consultant Rich Davis, and consultant Marc Farinella." "Alex Sink hires campaign manager".

Suit against Progress Energy proceeds

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Last week's ruling by federal regulators that environmental groups could challenge Progress Energy's plans to build a nuclear plant in Levy County underlines one of the roadblocks the United States faces in addressing climate change." "Getting to a clean energy future".

"Game-changer"?

The Hill: "Crist’s $4.3 million effort for his new Senate campaign is the biggest game-changer among several early announcements, and probably will remain so when all financial reports are received in the coming week."

Crist was expected to raise big money for his campaign, but his total far outpaced anybody’s estimates and makes him an even bigger favorite than he was before.

Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), meanwhile, raised $1.2 million and has put together a respectable $3 million for the race. But if Crist is even close to maintaining his current pace, it will be difficult for Meek to gain much traction.

Former state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R) also saw his stock slide in a big way, with his $340,000 quarter dwarfed by Crist, who already led in primary polls by upwards of 30 points.

Secret secret

Aaron Deslatte: "Judiciary out of reach of open government".

"Utter hypocrisy"

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: "The Legislature never tires of meddling in public education. "

The latest example is the decree that school board members cannot make more money than a starting teacher in their district.

I'm not a big fan of big paydays for public officials. And how much of a hardship is it if part-time school board members are restricted to the pay of a full-time teacher?

But I have problems with the Legislature's decree. Start with its utter hypocrisy.

Byrd

"Controversy after controversy led the Legislature to cut off funding last year." "Byrd Alzheimer's center facing financial crisis".

Laff riot

"Barney T. Bishop III: Don't miss chance to drill and boost economy".

"Florida's traditional yet short-sighted program"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "While it may seem a long way off until another legislative session enlivens the capital city, for champions of serious prison reform as it relates to mental illness and substance abuse, the education of lawmakers and support of the public cannot resume too soon." "Try again".

"Mighty moth"

"Compared to kudzu, the infamous vine that ate The South, Old World climbing fern may be an obscure pest plant. But they're a lot alike. ... But a new weapon -- in development for a dozen years by federal researchers in Fort Lauderdale -- shows significant promise to beat back an invader so aggressive it would cover a third of the wetlands between Orlando and Naples if left unchecked." "Mighty moth may become Everglades' new weed eater".

Charlie wimps out

"Crist blamed a busy schedule for missing an early U.S. Senate campaign showdown during his swing through Palm Beach County on Friday to appear at a journalism convention. Crist strolled into The Breakers in Palm Beach a few hours ahead of the scheduled appearance his U.S. Senate Republican primary opponent, former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio." "Crist visits Palm Beach, misses Rubio". See also "Florida Rep. Marco Rubio has the floor to himself at Florida Press convention".

PlaneGate: Sink "in damage control"

"State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is the top fundraiser in the governor's race, but her financial report released Friday suggests she's in damage control over her use of state airplanes. The report shows her campaign recently made an unusual $17,000 payment to her own agency for 20 airplane trips to different cities where she had state business -- and campaign events." "State CFO Alex Sink reimburses state for use of plane". See also "Sink says she didn't abuse use of state aircraft".

Embarrassing

"Crist teams up with a ‘Real Housewife of N.Y.’ for fundraiser" ("The host committee for Zarin’s fundraiser for Crist is peppered with NYC socialites and also includes Donald Trump and New York Yankee slugger Johnny Damon.")

Tuff talker

"Rubio Predicts He Can Beat Crist". More: ""Rubio says he will win Fla. Senate race on ideas"".

"Fishing elsewhere for lobbyists' money"

"State legislators can't take even a bottle of water from lobbyists, but the ban on gifts won't stop enterprising lawmakers from fishing elsewhere for lobbyists' money."

Thirteen House members belong to a charity called the Florida Hispanic Legislative Caucus, which is holding a deep-sea fishing tournament in Key West this weekend to raise money for the nonprofit group.

For $15,000, donors get two suites at a Marriott resort and assorted promotional goodies. They also get valuable face time with legislators, seven of whom plan to attend.

The caucus' chairman, Rep. Juan Zapata, a Miami Republican, says lobbyists and clients support the caucus for other reasons.

Charlie "impresed"

"Applicants for [Hillsborough] elections supervisor impress Crist". The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Keep Latimer on elections job".

"Shaping up to be one bizarre election cycle"

"Three of Florida's four Cabinet members are spending more and more time away from their Capitol offices as they rush around the state to collect campaign checks at dinner soirees, fishing trips, coffees and private parties. The packed schedules reflect the reality of what is shaping up to be one bizarre election cycle." "The one place you're least likely to see Crist, Sink, McCollum? Tallahassee".

Never mind

"High court sets free death row inmate".

As developers rub their thighs in glee ...

... "We're stuck in park". The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "The future has arrived in west-central Florida. And it’s not pretty. A study out this week by the Texas Transportation Institute added to the body of evidence that a region whose population is expected to double, to 7 million people, by 2050 can’t keep just building roads to solve its traffic problems."

Negron at the trough

"Negron's financial advantage grows in special state Senate race".

"One of the hottest races of 2010"

"The campaign to succeed Florida’s longest-serving state legislator next year will feature a unique field in one of the hottest races of 2010."

Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, has represented the Big Bend area in the House or Senate since 1982. He’s planning a congressional campaign next year, but would be forced out of the Legislature by term limits anyway.

Running to replace him are three Democrats -- none currently holding public office, all with past experience winning major campaigns and each with a particular power base in the diverse district that runs from the farmlands of Madison County to the edge of Panama City.

Yee haw!

"Plan would open Big Cypress to hunting, vehicles".

Hate crimes?

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Nobody questions that crimes against the homeless, in South Florida and elsewhere, have been gruesome, violent and cowardly. What is highly questionable is whether those deplorable crimes should be classified as hate crimes." "Treat crime severely, but not as a hate crime".

HD 26

"A battle between family members threatens to tarnish the reputations of Mayor Fred Costello and his wife, Linda, who are fending off claims of abuse being leveled by their troubled daughter. ... Fred Costello, a Republican who has announced his candidacy for state House 26 seat in 2010, says they are innocent victims of their daughter's lashing out." "Ormond mayor, wife face daughter's attack".

The Democrat gets played by Rick Berman

Reading this in the The Tallahassee Democrat: "Economy, minimum wage take a toll on teen jobs", accompanied by a picture of the smiling, pretty face of one Kristen Lopez Eastlick, you might not realize you were reading the rantings of a drooling knuckle-dragger.

You see, Ms. Eastlick, as the Democrat discloses, is a so-called "economist" for the pleasant sounding "Employment Policies Institute". Although the clickable link to the website is for some reason not provided by the Democrat, a quick cut and paste of the URL will take you to the benign looking site of the Institute, which describes itself as "a non-profit research organization dedicated to studying public policy issues surrounding employment growth." The site provides no information as to its founders or funding sources.

"The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) is one of several front groups created by Berman & Co., a Washington, DC public affairs firm owned by Rick Berman*, who lobbies for the restaurant, hotel, alcoholic beverage and tobacco industries. While most commonly referred to as EPI, it is registered as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the name of Employment Policies Institute Foundation. In its annual Internal Revenue Service return, EPI states that it 'shares office space with Berman & Company on a cost pass through basis'." "SourceWatch: Employment Policies Institute".

A bit more about the happy, shiny people Ms. Eastlick works for:

- In October 2008, as Republicans were accusing ACORN, which organizes in low-income communities, of "voter fraud," EPI took out a full-page ad in the New York Times that directed readers to www.RottenAcorn.com. The ad accused 'ACORN of a list of abuses that suggest hypocrisy on some of the group's signature issues: intimidating and firing its own employees if they try to unionize, misappropriating millions of dollars from taxpayer-funded government grants and advocating minimum wage while paying its own employees less than minimum wage,' reported ProPublica. EPI and Center for Consumer Freedom spokesperson Tim Miller said they placed the ad because after the election, "a lot of the coverage of ACORN is going to go away, but they are going to continue the same corrupt and fraudulent practices."

- The Employment Policies Institute was launched in 1991, around the time of the economic recession that led to the electoral defeat of then-president George Bush. EPI deliberately attempted to create confusion in the eyes of journalists and the general public by adopting a name which closely resembles the Economic Policy Institute, a much older, progressive think tank with ties to organized labor**. In addition to imitating the name and acronym of the Economic Policy Institute, Berman's outfit even used the same typeface for its logo. In reality, the two groups have dramatically different public policy agendas. The Economic Policy supports a living wage and mandated health benefits for workers. Berman's organization opposes both and in fact opposes any minimum wage whatsoever.

- In 1992, Los Angeles Times business columnist Harry Bernstein noted that EPI was using "misleading studies" to help put a positive spin on rising unemployment. "The conservative EPI, financed mostly by low-wage companies such as hotels and restaurants, is issuing reports the titles of which alone could help put a bright face on the miserable job scene," Bernstein wrote. "The latest one is 'The Value of Part-Time Workers to the American Economy.'

- The Employment Policies Institute, in a 1994 R.J. Reynolds-drafted press release, predicted the loss of 2-3 million jobs if the Clinton Healthcare plan was enacted. The Clinton plan was to be funded through an additional federal tax on cigarettes. A 1997 internal Philip Morris presentation called indicates PM planned to "sponsor and participate" in the Employment Policies Institute to gain the organization's help in promoting PM's Accommodation Program, a strategy the company designed to fight smoking bans and preserve smoking in public places.

Berman & Company - Chief Administrative Officer
Berman & Company - Government Affairs Director
Guest Choice - Program Manager
Center for Consumer Freedom - Government Affairs Director
American Beverage Institute - Director of State Affairs
American Beverage Institute - Director of Legislative Affairs
American Beverage Institute - Spokeswoman
American Beverage Institute - Lobbyist
American Beverage Institute - Chief Administration Officer
American Beverage Licensees - Spokeswoman
Employment Policies Institute - Director of Policy Analysis
Employment Policies Institute - Spokeswoman
Employment Policies Institute - Economic Analyst
Employment Policies Institute - Senior Economic Analyst
Activist Cash - Senior Research Analyst
Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Literacy - Senior Economic Analyst

Ms. Palin announced last week that she not only won't seek a second term as Alaska's governor, she's planning to leave office more than a year before her first term expires.

Mr. Crist announced in May that he won't seek a second term heading Florida's government, making him the state's first sitting governor to decline a re-election bid since the state constitution was changed in 1968 to allow two terms.

Hence we all got handed his tortured rationale for why he wants to bounce from Tallahassee to Washington and into the Senate seat Mel Martinez is vacating: It's about solving the real problems saddling Florida, which, wouldn't you know, happen to be flowing from the nation's capital.

Yeah, and Ms. Palin was equally convincing, saying she'll "make a positive difference and fight for all our children's future from outside the governor's office.

They don't set a lovely table — as Mr. Crist enjoys doing as governor — only to neglect seeing that the meal gets properly cooked and served. They don't say they'll champion kids' health care and education, preserve the environment and protect homeowners from predatory insurance practices but then run for cover as the problems involving them intensify. They don't take billions in stimulus cash from Washington but fail to strengthen the state budget's foundation so that it can withstand future economic slides. They don't add to the mess, allowing raids on state trust funds, and pretending that expanded gambling will solve the state's education mess. Leaders don't. But Mr. Crist did....

But we understand that with Mr. Crist, he's always looking to the next job. He's given up each of his statewide posts — education commissioner, attorney general and now, governor — after just one term to seek higher office.

That's Bunyan-sized ambition. But unfortunately it's also the mark of a quitter, one who's concerned that chronic problems he might not be able to solve could tarnish his smaller achievements.

And, as a consequence, block his path to the top.

Sore loserman

"Jeb Bush says GOP lost elections on tactics".

Crist "on his way to drowning Rubio,"

"The Florida economy may be in the dumps, but Charlie Crist's campaign fundraising machine is humming along."

Crist announced Thursday that in just 50 days he raised an eye-popping $4.3 million for his U.S. Senate campaign. That not only dwarfs the previous Florida U.S. Senate fundraising record set by Republican Mel Martinez -- $1.7-million in his first fundraising period in 2004 -- but it highlights the huge hurdles for Crist's Republican Senate rival Marco Rubio, who raised just $340,000 in the same period.

it's not clear how much of Crist's total can be spent in the GOP primary because the maximum campaign donation allowed is $2,400 per election. The Crist campaign had been pressing people to donate $4,800 -- or $9,600 per couple -- with half to be used in the general election.

But even if half of Crist's money must be held until after the primary, he's still on his way to drowning Rubio, the former state House speaker....

Rubio has challenged Crist to a series of 10 debates, but the governor declined, saying through a spokesman on June 22 that he was too busy governing Florida. That day Crist was in Washington raising campaign money.

"A two-bit way to run a budget"

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "2010 is an election year, and with so many elected officials reluctant to break their "no new taxes pledges" as they campaign for higher office, it remains to be seen how much headway they will make in addressing Florida's fiscal problems. If so, expect more spending cuts and more user fees. For the nation's fourth largest state, it may be politically expedient, but it's a two-bit way to run a budget." "Fee hikes key to Florida's new budget".

Orange going blue?

"Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart leads a pack of potential contenders to follow Crotty" as Orange County Mayor. "Orlando area voters pan politicians in Realtors Association poll".

Charlie's "mission accomplished"

Paul Flemming: "In both the Seminole and the judicial-nominating case, Crist is the ultimate winner."

# The tribe has expanded gambling, and the Legislature this year passed an agreement — still in process, but nonetheless an agreement — to allow it. That wouldn't have been the case without Crist's move, and his loss in court.

# Crist now must make an appointment to the 5th District from a list he said he didn't like, though no one has said there aren't qualified candidates among those he must choose. Labarga, for instance, was on the original nominating list that the governor asked to be rejiggered to reflect greater gender and racial diversity. By his actions, Crist sought the appearance of diversity, or, the appearance of the desire for more diversity.

In both court cases, Supremes aside, Crist can legitimately declare mission accomplished.

Pathetic

"Read Crist’s lips: No new stimulus - probably".

Another RPOFer soft landing

"FAU President Frank Brogan, a former Florida lieutenant governor, has applied to be the next state university chancellor. He's considered a front-runner." "FAU chief seeks top college post".

Citizens

The Miami Herald editorial board: "As a rule, we like insurance-rate increases about as much as we like hurricanes -- not at all. However, the latest hike proposed by Citizens Property Insurance is necessary, and, in fairness, overdue." "Citizens' premium rate hike is necessary".

"Pointing fingers and playing dumb"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "It should not take a lawsuit for Miami-Dade County officials to toss out a local ordinance that has created a shantytown of sex offenders under the Julia Tuttle Causeway. Yet that's what the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida was forced to do on Thursday -- file a lawsuit -- after local and state officials spent the past couple of years pointing fingers and playing dumb." "Miami-Dade's sex-offender law must be changed".

"Save our Homes"

"An appeals court has ruled that the "Save our Homes" amendment that caps tax assessments on homesteaded property is constitutional. The 1st District Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling Wednesday that rejected a challenge by an Alabama couple who own a second home in the Florida Panhandle and claimed the provision was discriminatory." "Appeals court upholds Save Our Homes amendment".

High-speed rail "closer to reality than ever before"

"Left for dead nearly five years ago with little prospect for revival, the idea of a high-speed passenger train connecting Tampa and Orlando -- and eventually cities around the state -- is closer to reality than ever before." "Florida dream rides U.S. rail plan".

Looking for a federal handout

"Congressman Tom Rooney’s request of $43.6 million for Florida’s citrus industry has been included in the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill that is headed to the Senate. The request for the money — to pay for the Citrus Health Research Program — was the only one in the bill by the freshman Republican from Tequesta." "Rooney's request for $43.6 million for citrus industry money included in bill".

Big of 'em

"The VA has promised free treatment to veterans infected by improperly cleaned equipment used in colonoscopies. " "VA offers free care to veterans who might have been infected at hospitals in Miami, elsewhere".

Jeff Atwater on a roll

"$500k for Jeff Atwater's CFO campaign".

Hillsborough SOE

"Former state Rep. Sandy Murman is among the latest of 22 applicants vying for the job of Hillsborough County elections supervisor - and among the six whom Gov. Charlie Crist will interview personally for the position today." "Crist screening for elections job".

Invasive creatures

The Miami Herald editorial board:"As a Senate hearing so aptly pointed out Wednesday,"

the United States needs to take control of the exotic species that have invaded every region of the country. The pest du jour at the hearing was the Burmese python, which Sen. Bill Nelson wants banned from importing and pet store inventories.

In truth there are hundreds of invasive creatures threatening our native species -- everything from the zebra snails that plug up power-plant intake pipes in the Great Lakes to the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a bacteria-carrying insect that has caused nearly $40 million in losses in California's wine country.

In all, say scientists with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, nonnative species -- plant and animal -- cost the country $100 billion a year.

Whatever

"Rack up three crash-related tickets in three years and you'll be back behind the wheel -- for a driving test -- under a new Florida law that becomes effective Jan. 1." "Florida's worst drivers will have to retake driving test". See also "State's worst drivers will soon have to pass driver education class, driving test".

"Marathon fight"

"Swine flu isn't going away anytime soon. So states must prepare to vaccinate against it and cope with its consequences. State and local officials say they are getting prepared." "Florida, U.S. brace for marathon fight against swine flu".

State CFO Alex Sink said she wants to know why the state approved the arrangement a decade ago that permitted Stanford's Miami office to take deposits for the controversial investments now at the center of a massive federal fraud case.

''This is very troubling and should not have happened,'' said Sink, whose agency includes the Office of Financial Regulation. ``It just adds to a lot of the frustrations I've had over the lack of regulatory mentality.''

Though regulators for the Office of Financial Regulation said they are reviewing the matter, Sink said she doubts the agency that signed the deal should investigate itself.

Though the banking director who signed the agreement, Art Simon, is retired, at least one of the regulators who helped negotiate the terms, David Burgess, still works there.

Burgess could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Linda Charity, acting director of the Department of Financial Services, said her office has been investigating the special trust office set up by Stanford since 2007. ''I can tell you that we have been well aware of this and have been looking into since 2007,'' she said, adding that regulators took no action.

State Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, a former U.S. Treasury attorney who worked on international money laundering cases, said the state should impanel a grand jury.

Jebbie whines

Tucker Carlson genuflects: "Jeb Bush: The Future of the Republican Party".

RPOFer AG woes

"So far, even with other statewide races crowded with candidates, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp is the only big-name Republican talking seriously about running in the Republican primary for attorney general. But not all Republicans are happy with the idea that Kottkamp would be the only contestant for the party's nomination to an office that many perceive as the state's second-most important."

"One name stirring interest is Holly Benson, head of the state Agency for Health Care Administration. Benson says she hasn't really thought about the race, but confirmed that people have talked to her about it and didn't deny she's interested." "Kottkamp challengers expected for AG nod".

Sansom

"A criminal investigation of former state House Speaker Ray Sansom has recovered e-mails that a state college failed to release as part of a public record requests from The Palm Beach Post." "More e-mails come to light in Sansom probe".

'Glades

"South Florida water managers are calling out the Obama administration over long-stalled Everglades restoration and are threatening to scrap a state and federal partnership aimed at saving the famed River of Grass. The South Florida Water Management District's board on Wednesday reacted angrily to another delay in a seven-year negotiation between the agency and federal government over a plan to split the multibillion-dollar costs for restoring water flows to the Everglades." "Water officials say delays could scrap federal Everglades deal".

Facebook rules

Joel Engelhardt: "Yes, there already has been an attorney general's opinion about what cities - not individual politicians - can and can't post on Facebook." "Politician's friend: Facebook".

Aronberg fundraiser screw up

"Democratic attorney general candidate Dave Aronberg says he barely knows an ex-con who arranged a fundraiser for him." "Attorney general candidate denies close ties to ex-con".

"Drug database could work against patients"

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "'Once doctors know that there is a . . . database of controlled substances prescriptions that overzealous law enforcement will be scrutinizing to harass doctors, there may be no doctors left who are willing to treat chronic pain,' said U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, arguing in 2004 against a nationwide drug database. That should be a serious concern for Florida lawmakers, who represent a population that includes a large proportion of seniors -- who are, in turn, more likely to need pain relief and palliative care." "Pain and punishment".

"The city should honor its obligations"

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker

is calling for the city to renege on its contracts with the city's three unions — police, firefighters and the blue- and white-collar workers. He wants to save $2.5 million by forcing a wage freeze on the unions starting with the next fiscal year Oct. 1. To do so, Baker is ready to declare the city has a financial emergency. But the facts are that city officials signed those contracts and there is money in the bank to pay them. The city should honor its obligations.

Cities sue to stop "developer-relief act"

"A group of local governments, including several from South Florida, sued Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature on Wednesday, accusing the state of violating its constitution in passing a growth-management law that opponents bash as a developer-relief act. Crist signed the bill into law June 1 to the delight of builders and business groups." "Local governments sue over Florida's new growth-management law". See also "Lee County joins suit against state".

"Crist was wrong"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Crist was wrong to sign a bill that could put decisions about the public's most precious resource [water] out of public view." "Watered down authority".

10 percent increase

"Most South Florida homeowners covered by the state-run insurance company will see a 10 percent increase in their premiums next year, but a lucky few could wind up with rate cuts." "Citizens Insurance premiums going up for most in South Florida". See also "Citizens Insurance OKs 10-percent rate hike" and "Citizens' rate shift could be up, down".

Dyer

"Recession stalls agenda, but Mayor Dyer stays optimistic".

Appointment fight

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The court ruled Crist does not have the authority to demand new nominees. It has said in the past, and affirmed in this opinion, that the purpose of the nominating commissions is to judge the qualifications of applicants. It is a restraint on the governor's appointment power." "Court curbs Crist's power".

"20 in all" seek to replace Busansky

"Former Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools Earl Lennard has joined the pool of applicants, now 20 in all, seeking the post of elections supervisor. Since retiring from the school superintendent's job, Lennard, a Republican, has flirted with entering politics ... Another new applicant is Deborah Cope, a local Democratic Party activist, information technology consultant and former candidate for the state Legislature." "Ex-school executive wants elections job".

Python fever

"Sen. Bill Nelson told a congressional panel that the Burmese python, a killer pet thriving in the Everglades, tops a long list of invasive species spreading across the country." "South Florida's killer pythons capture U.S. attention". See also "Nelson urges federal ban on Burmese python following death of 2-year-old".

Nobody expected the former state House speaker from Miami to match Crist in fundraising, but Rubio's announcement Tuesday that he raised just $340,000 had Republicans questioning his ability to compete.

''It's hard to call him credible when he only raised that much in his first quarter. . . . No candidate wins if they're outraised 10 to one,'' said Republican consultant Jamie Miller of Sarasota. ...

The actual fundraising reports are not due until next week, and the Crist campaign on Tuesday did not release its campaign finance numbers or comment on Rubio's figures. Crist allies say he is likely to raise about $3 million in his first quarter as a U.S. Senate candidate, but even that may be a low-ball for a sitting governor who has been raising money at a breakneck pace.

Rubio, 38, has been seen as a wild card in a Republican primary that many national conservatives are touting as a contest for the heart and soul of the Republican Party. Early polls show the more moderate Crist is the heavy favorite to win the nomination and general election, but he antagonized many conservative activists for enthusiastically supporting President Obama's economic stimulus package.

Influential anti-tax groups including the Club for Growth and Americans for Tax Reform have been heaping praise on Rubio ...

''He's got to raise a lot more to make the race something he can win....'' Keating said. ``If he can get to the $4- to $5-million range, then I think it's a doable race. I don't know if he's on track or not.''

The Rubio campaign noted that nearly 2,500 people from all 50 states donated to Rubio's campaign -- including $144,000 online -- and most were small donors who can give again and again before hitting the maximum contribution of $2,400. ...

At this point in the 2004 Republican Senate primary, Mel Martinez raised $1.7 million, then-U.S. Rep. Mark Foley raised more than $700,000, Larry Klayman raised $673,000 and Bill McCollum raised $330,000.

Maddox jumps into Ag race

"Scott Maddox, who was Tallahassee's youngest city commissioner in 1993 when he was elected at 24, and who ended his tenure as Florida Democratic Party chairman under a financial cloud, is getting back into politics." "Maddox to run for Cabinet spot". See also "Scott Maddox running for agriculture commissioner".

"Investigate state's role in huge investment swindle"

The Miami Herald editorial board calls for a "state grand jury armed with subpoena power ... to find out why Mr. Stanford and his operation were allowed to flourish while fortunes vanished and regulators slept."

The state's role in the operation of accused swindler Allen Stanford stinks. As reported in a detailed story in this newspaper on Sunday, Florida regulators allowed Mr. Stanford to set up a dubious, one-of-a-kind office to handle vast investments, but never bothered to find out what he was doing with the money or whether he was playing by the rules. ...

If they had actually performed due diligence -- in other words, done their job -- they might have caught Mr. Stanford, or at least closed his shop, before he managed to get away with the nearly $7 billion that prosecutors say he unlawfully diverted. In fact, if they had possessed even a slight regard for the wellbeing of potential customers, they would not have given Mr. Stanford a clean bill of health to begin with. ...

Even the routine practices of the office should have set off multiple alarm bells. The Herald found that state regulators in 2001 duly noted that local documents recording the sale of certificates of deposit -- the amounts of money the office raked in -- would be burned after the figures were shipped to an office in Antigua, famous for its banking secrecy. And no one became suspicious? Amazing.

Dem CFO quandry

"Ted Deutch and Jeremy Ring: These two South Florida Democratic senators have been bandied about as potential candidates for CFO. Both could be well suited for the job. Deutch, 43, has been a major player on insurance issues since entering the Legislature in 2006. Also, his signature achievement (aside from the cigarette tax) came in the financial sector: He led the fight to divest state investments from terrorism-sponsoring states Iran and Sudan. Ring, 38, is a former executive at Yahoo! who is well-versed in financial matters. Last year, he was behind a successful bill that allowed the state to invest $2 billion from its financial portfolio into biotech firms. Ring is wealthy and could self-finance, in part, a statewide campaign." "South Florida legislators may be in running for state's chief financial officer, attorney general". See also "Democrats struggle to find a CFO candidate".

Who elected this genius?

"Gov. Crist urges caution during lightning storms".

PlaneGate: the missing words

"Top Florida officials misused state resources to travel between the capital and their homes, costing taxpayers at least $51,000 and raising potential IRS violations, according to state investigators' findings that were removed from a final auditor's report."

Tallahassee lawyer Jose Blas Lorenzo Jr. also filed an ethics complaint Monday accusing Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink of ''abusive, unauthorized use of state aircraft'' following reports by the Herald/Times and other news organizations.

Sink, along with Attorney General Bill McCollum and Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, spent $51,000 of taxpayer money from July 1, 2008, through Feb. 15, 2009, commuting to their homes or taking ''unnecessary legs during business trips,'' according to the Department of Management Services' March 3 audit. ...

Auditor Sandra Lipner wrote on March 4 that any state officials who used the state plane to transport "between the seat of government and a residence located outside of Tallahassee would appear to be a misuse of state resources.''

That statement, and her findings relating to travel by Kottkamp, Sink and McCollum, were not included in the final report.

Castor leads the way

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "With health care reform the rage in Washington, Congresswoman Kathy Castor may have her best shot at helping to stem the doctor shortage facing Florida in the not-too-distant future. The Tampa representative wants to make sure the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act is included in the reforms Congress debates." "A move in Washington to cure doctor shortage".

Race against Mica getting mighty crowded

"Nine-term Republican U.S. Rep. John Mica has additional company in his 2010 reelection bid."

Palm Coast Democrat Heather Beaven, a Navy veteran and chief executive of an education foundation, entered the race this week. Beaven, 40, had campaign kickoff events scheduled Tuesday in Flagler County. ...

The race for the congressional 7th District appears to be a crowded one. Also in it are Faye Armitage, a Fruit Cove Democrat who lost to Mica of Winter Park last fall; Peter Silva, a St. Augustine Democrat; and no-party-affiliated Stephen Bacon of DeBary.

Charlie's "fake anthrax powder" scare

"Without charging any suspects, state police closed an investigation into a threatening letter that contained a fake anthrax powder that was sent last August to Gov. Charlie Crist." "Police drop case of Crist 'anthrax' letter".

"A supreme smackdown"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "A unanimous Florida Supreme Court has delivered this Civics 101 lesson to Gov. Charlie Crist: The state constitution means what it says. We hope he was taking notes." "A supreme Civics 101 lesson served to Gov. Charlie Crist".

"Dubious property-tax break"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Three years ago Florida lawmakers created a dubious property-tax break for the Holy Land Experience. For tax purposes, theme park in Orlando is considered a church, not a business. That saves it $300,000 a year." "Holy tax break".

Never ending story

Now Jebbie's an expert on immigration

A bipartisan task force will recommend today that the United States overhaul its immigration system in response to national security concerns, saying that the country should end strict quotas on work-based immigrant visas to maintain its scientific, technological and military edge.

"The continued failure to devise and implement a sound and sustainable immigration policy threatens to weaken America's economy, to jeopardize its diplomacy, and to imperil its national security," concluded an independent Council on Foreign Relations panel, co-chaired by former Florida governor Jeb Bush (R) and former Clinton White House chief of staff Thomas V. "Mack" McLarty III.

Citizens

"Citizens Property Insurance leaders today will decide how it prefers to set new rates while questions remain about who has the final word and if any option will end up in court." "Citizens Insurance meeting to determine how to set rates".

Hate crime

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The Southern Poverty Law Center, for instance, has documented a staggering 926 hate groups operating in the United states. That's more than a 50 percent increase since 2000. ... The FBI's hate crime statistics for 2007, the last year figures are available, noted 1,477 hate crimes motivated by religious bias." "South Florida must do more to battle hate". Related: "Advocates push to add attacks on homeless to Florida hate crimes law".

"Private deportation"? Huh?

"Opening arguments are expected to begin Tuesday in the civil trial surrounding the case of a brain-damaged Guatemalan immigrant privately deported by Martin Memorial Hospital."

Hospital officials won approval in 2003 from Treasure Coast Circuit Judge John Fennelly to privately deport Jimenez. Jimenez had cost the hospital more than $1.5 million, officials there said -- costs they paid largely without government help because Jimenez was an undocumented immigrant. ...

An appeals court later ruled that Fennelly did not have authority to approve the hospital's request, clearing the way for Gaspar to file a lawsuit against the hospital for false imprisonment.

By then Jimenez had been kicked out of two hospitals in Guatemala and had moved to a remote village, where his attorneys say he lives today with virtually no medical care.

Rail again?

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "After a quarter-century of effort, Florida is closer than ever to building high-speed rail. This week, the state will begin the process of applying for federal money to build the first leg of the system, from Tampa to Orlando. Federal officials say Florida has a competitive edge; it is more ready to build than almost any other state. It is crucial that Florida’s congressional delegation sends a positive message in Washington. " "Get on board for high-speed rail".

WD

"Former Senate President W.D. Childers, finished with his prison sentence but still fighting to overturn a bribery conviction, will get a hearing from a federal appeals court late this year." "Childers granted appeal hearing".

Vasilinda on energy policy

Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, who represents District 9 in the Florida House of Representatives, writes this morning in The Tallahassee Democrat that"Energy policy must change".

Our "green governor"

Mark Lane: "Crist finally gave up his last claims on being "the green governor" last week. He signed into law a bill that drastically reduces the ability of water management boards to, you know, manage water."

The districts' executive directors now will have sole authority to issue permits for large-scale water consumption and wetlands destruction. The boards will be bystanders.

Unless, of course, some executive director makes the wild and crazy move of saying "no" to a developer. Then, boards could hear appeals.

Entrepreneur flees

"Medicare fraud suspect from Miami-Dade flees country".

Impact fees

"Not surprisingly, anti-impact-fee sentiment has been intense in states such as California and Florida where the housing market has tanked."

In Florida, many local governments have suspended impact fees - sometimes to standing ovations from developers and real-estate agents at commission meetings. Meantime, lawmakers just passed laws to make it easier for developers to fight fees before a judge.

Some counter, however, that undermining impact fees could mean resources for roads, schools and other services will be stretched thin.

Existing taxpayers may eventually have to pony up increased taxes to cover newcomers' share, said Charles Pattison, president of 1,000 Friends of Florida, a Tallahassee-based advocacy group that promotes responsible development policies.

"You're also going to suspend your quality of life," Pattison said. "In Florida, that's become one of the bigger issues: Does growth pay for itself?"

Assault weapons

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Assault weapons turn mean streets into killing fields". "Ban assault weapons".

Except in Florida, the "partisans" were right

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "It's easy to compare the prolonged Minnesota Senate race to the prolonged 2000 presidential election. Both were determined by incredibly small margins after lengthy recounts. In both cases, partisans concluded that an election had been stolen." "Stolen? No, properly decided".

The best the RPOFers can do?

"State Sen. Victor Crist and former Hillsborough County Commissioner Chris Hart III are among the latest Bay-area residents to file applications for the post of Hillsborough County supervisor of elections." "Elections job draws Crist, Hart".

Some call it extortion

Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "Forfeiture has its place in law enforcement. But it's an invitation to abuse -- and yes, extortion. There's a solution. Property may be seized or impounded, but only when a case is proven. Money-making has no place in forfeiture. Nor does the use of forfeiture as a means of punishing intimidation by police agencies who, at last check, are neither judges nor juries of individuals' criminal behavior, yet are empowered to act like it with the power of forfeiture."

Kevin Eugene Jones, a resident of Maryland, was on Interstate 4 near Daytona Beach in March when the Florida Highway Patrol says it clocked him going 141 mph on a motorcycle, charged him with fleeing and reckless driving and confiscated his motorcycle. He hasn't been convicted on the fleeing charge, a felony. But, to get his motorcycle back, he'll have to pay the highway patrol 70 percent of the bike's blue book value.

Police agencies call it forfeiture. Jones calls it extortion. ...

Volusia County and Florida have been at the center of the controversy. Former Volusia County Sheriff Bob Vogel used forfeiture to add $8 million to his department's coffers after his election in 1988. People carrying more than $100 were presumed guilty of drug trafficking. Cash was confiscated from 83 percent of the drivers Vogel's task force arrested, even though just 19 percent were charged with crimes and far fewer were actually convicted. A federal investigation ended what had amounted to highway robbery. More recently, small local governments such as Palm Bay have passed city ordinances enabling police to forfeit cars for a series of offenses. Palm Bay considered forfeiting vehicles that made too much noise until pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union compelled council members to amend the ordinance.

Something's gotta give

"From a mysterious fungus attacking bats in the Northeast to the emergence of Burmese pythons in Florida, native wildlife is facing new threats throughout the country." "Senate hearing focuses on threats to wildlife". See also "8-foot alligator captured in South Florida pool".

The Tampa Tribune editors: "Nix slithery import". Related: "Senate hearing focuses on threats to wildlife" and "Florida snake tragedy could aid Nelson".