Daily Clips for August 31, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Since primary, Charlie Crist is hedging, backpedaling and two-stepping By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Related editorial: Running as independent is no free pass to flip-flop A longtime target of finger-to-the-wind accusations, Gov. Charlie Crist has engaged in an unusual amount of hedging, backpedaling and two-stepping since last week's primary crystallized his opposition in the U.S. Senate race. Meek, Thurman: Few Dems will defect By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Florida Democratic Party chief Karen Thurman and U.S. Senate nominee Kendrick Meek said Monday not many Democrats will defect to Gov. Charlie Crist's independent candidacy. Rick Scott, Mr. Outsider, on the verge of being kingpin of insiders By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Politics is funny sometimes in Florida. Alex Sink orders audit of 'Taj Mahal' courthouse finances By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times A preliminary review of funding for the "Taj Mahal'' courthouse indicates the 1st District Court of Appeal may have spent money initially appropriated for other purposes and got $16 million in a raid on the state's Workers' Compensation Trust Fund, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink said Monday. FLORIDA POLITICS Oil spill special session not likely By Jim Ash Florida Capital News As a House panel wrapped up its work on Monday, chances for a September oil spill special session appeared to be slim and none. Sink orders audit of building deal Staff Report Florida Capital News Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee for governor, ordered an audit of the new $48-million 1st District Court of Appeal building Monday. Money from indicted lobbyist flowed to First Coast lawmakers By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union When a well-connected defense industry lobbyist with First Coast ties was indicted this month on charges of giving illegal campaign contributions, it sent a ripple effect throughout the political world. POLITICAL RACES Crist comments on health care, gay marriage may drive votes to Meek By Jesse Zwick Florida Independent Florida Gov. Charlie Crist continues to walk an increasingly fine line in his Senate bid as an independent, making a few statements this weekend on CNN’s State of the Union that are sure to roil some of his Democratic supporters — and perhaps draw them to Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla. Charlie Crist: A puzzle wrapped in an enigma shrouded in mystery By Ezra Klein Washington Post In a bid to pick up Democratic votes without losing every last Republican vote, Charlie Crist is refusing to say who he'll caucus with if he's elected to the Senate in November. Warm welcomes greet Rubio in Pasco, Hernando visits By Jodie Tillman and Tony Marrero St. Petersburg Times His campaign likes to say the road to victory runs through Pasco, which explains why U.S. Senate hopeful Marco Rubio headed down a dirt road Monday afternoon and climbed the steps of the spacious gazebo bearing a "Margaritaville Way" sign. Outsider Scott surrounds himself with GOP insiders By William March Tampa Tribune Rick Scott, who ran for the Republican nomination for governor as an outsider bashing politicians, surrounded himself with political insiders today as he and party leaders -- his bitter enemies a week ago -- put on a show of unity for the general election. Florida Republicans line up behind Rick Scott The Associated Press Sarasota Herald-Tribune Fraud? What fraud? The key argument against Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott in the primary is no longer on the lips of the GOP establishment as legislative and party leaders came together Monday to tout the former Columbia/HCA CEO as a business leader who will create jobs. Scott, GOP make a show of unity By Jim Stratton and Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Eager to put a nasty primary campaign behind them, Republicans descended on Orlando on Monday for a political group hug designed to show voters that all is well in the state GOP. Chiles Long Shot Campaign By James Call WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee Self-financed political newcomer Rick Scott's victory in the Republican primary for governor stunned a sitting attorney general with decades of public service and may have split the GOP. Chiles’ previous work for controversial church comes to light By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Bud Chiles touts his work running a nonprofit in New York City as a significant step in giving him the experience necessary to be Florida’s next governor. Candidates debate having debate By Mark Schlueb Orlando Sentinel The candidates in the most closely watched congressional race in Florida might not have a televised debate because the campaigns disagree over who should be invited. Slightly more than 1 in 5 in Fla. went to polls The Associated Press Palm Beach Post Slightly more than one in five eligible Florida voters participated in the primary election. Blind party loyalty can be stifling Editorial Ft. Myers News-Press Attorney General Bill McCollum has refused to endorse Rick Scott - the man who beat him for the GOP gubernatorial nomination - citing questions about Scott's integrity and honesty. BALLOT INITIATIVES Ex-mayor of Port St. Lucie, his council's rubber-stamping of development, one of reasons Amendment 4 on ballot By Lesley Blackner TC Palm Remember when St. Lucie County was going to declare itself a man-made disaster area? ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY BP data reveals high stakes for Florida in oil spill claims process By Travis Pillow Florida Independent A week ago today, Kenneth Feinberg began administering the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, which he has said will be an improvement over BP’s process and more generous than the treatment claimants can expect in court. New Man in Charge of BP Claims Greeted With Threat of Widespread Lawsuits By Gina Jordan WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee The man who's been overseeing the Gulf Coast Compensation Fund has now taken over the oil spill claims process from BP. In his first week, independent Administrator Ken Feinberg has been hit with the threat of legal action by Florida's hoteliers. Panel member: Blowout preventer may hold key The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Accurate conclusions about what caused the blowout of BP's oil well in the Gulf of Mexico and the massive spill that followed will have to wait for a key piece of equipment to be raised from the seafloor and analyzed, a member of a federal investigative panel looking into the disaster said Monday. State wildlife agency may stop deciding which animals are endangered By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com State wildlife officials say they will get out of the business of determining whether species should be listed as endangered under a proposed new classification process. Fla. black bears may have rebounded too much The Associated Press Bradenton Herald It wasn't too long ago that Florida was desperate to save the black bear. On growth law, judge protects taxpayers Editorial Tampa Tribune Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Francis has agreed with the city of Weston that a law passed last year by the state Legislature would create unconstitutional expenses for local governments. LGBT Charlie Crist opposes gay marriage, sort of By Alex Pareene Salon Charlie Crist refuses to say whom he will caucus with, should he be elected to the Senate. EDUCATION A nightmarish education picture for black males By Bill Maxwell St. Petersburg Times A sound formal education is the surest way to succeed in America's increasingly tough, knowledge-based economy. More public schools requiring uniforms The Associated Press Miami Herald More public schools are asking their students to wear uniforms. Broward teachers on layoff list to get their jobs back By Carli Teproff Miami Herald Most of the remaining teachers on the Broward school district's layoff list will be rehired in the next week or so -- the third or fourth week of school -- Superintendent Jim Notter said Monday. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida's massive reinsurance fund is much smaller this storm season By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune The size of Florida’s state-created reinsurance fund has dramatically reduced in size this storm season. Real estate industry devastated along gulf coast By Heather Biance WCTV News Tallahassee It's been a rough go for Realtors nationwide since the economy took a dive, but those along the Gulf Coast say business dried up within weeks of the Deepwater Horizon Oil. Small businesses in Florida post uptick in jobs in August, payroll analysis shows By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Small businesses in Florida added jobs in August at a quicker pace than most of the country, according to an analysis released Monday by software maker Intuit. Old air conditioners ready for cool cash By Nirvi Shah Miami Herald The desperate wheezing, rattling and jangling of some 10,000 old, energy-guzzling air conditioners across Florida could soon be quieted following the kickoff Monday of a new state rebate program. Florida Experiences Big Decline in Births By Scott Finn WUSF Public Radio Tampa As the state’s unemployment has risen, something else has dropped – our birthrate. HEALTH AND SENIORS Meek defends law; Crist flip-flops By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek today vigorously defended the new federal health-care overhaul and blasted rival Charlie Crist for what appeared to be shifting positions on the issue. Law should allow federally funded embryonic stem cell research Editorial St. Petersburg Times The Obama administration has no choice but to appeal a recent decision by a federal trial judge that temporarily suspends federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Sen. Merkley: Federal immigration ‘reform isn’t going to happen this year’ By Elise Foley Florida Independent This weekend Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., shot down prospects for a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the fall, telling constituents that “reform isn’t going to happen this year.” JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Fla. justices hearing Ecuadorian's death appeal The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A businessman with dual U.S.-Ecuadorian citizenship is appealing his death sentence and four murder convictions to the Florida Supreme Court. Judge orders Rothstein to forfeit half of prison wages By Peter Franceschina South Florida Sun-Sentinel Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein would have to be the highest paid federal prison worker in the country if he ever hopes to repay the $363 million he owes to his hundreds of bilked investors. Twice trumped Editorial Gainesville Sun The Florida Constitution isn't on the required reading list for state legislators.

Daily Clips for August 30, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Dems kick off November election efforts By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Florida Democrats kicked off their run to November's elections Saturday with a spirited show of party unity and promises of a rugged race to reverse a dozen years of Republican rule in state government. Crist flip-flops on health care law again By John Frank St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Gov. Charlie Crist said Friday he would have voted for President Barack Obama's health care bill — only to retract his statement two hours later. Finalists for Senate, governor jostle, dodge and schmooze at Realtors' forum By Adam Smith St. Petersburg Times In their first joint appearance on the campaign trail Friday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink challenged Republican Rick Scott to five statewide televised debates and chastised him for a running an overwhelmingly negative primary. Half-dozen Florida races could hold key to GOP gaining control of Congress By William E. Gibson Orlando Sentinel Florida's party primaries last week set the stage for a half-dozen closely contested congressional elections this fall that could help resurgent Republicans regain majority control of Congress. GOP gets out the voters: Could this be an indicator of polling trends in November’s general election? By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Republicans envisioning big gains in the November midterm elections pointed to Tuesday’s Florida primaries as another piece of evidence of a widening “enthusiasm gap” that favors the GOP. Let the lovefest begin By Carl Hiaasen Miami Herald Now that Florida's bitter Republican primary is over, party leaders are zipping on their Hazmat suits and preparing to embrace Rick Scott. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Chan Lowe South Florida Sun-Sentinel Read the artist’s commentary here. FLORIDA POLITICS How they voted (first in a series) By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times In case you missed it, the battle for the soul and future of Florida was waged during the 2009 session of our state Legislature. Florida lost. Climbing the Hill By Amy Keller Florida Trend Republican Sen. George LeMieux has made himself at home in his office on the third floor of the Russell Senate Office Building. POLITICAL RACES Democratic candidates join for Tampa 'Unity Rally' By Kim Wilmath St. Petersburg Times Six Democratic candidates held a "unity rally" at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Saturday, chock full of sound bites and thumbs-ups, but without many specifics. Sink to Dems: Grassroots, not money will win election By William March Tampa Tribune About 250 Democrats showed up for a "unity rally" in Tampa today, where gubernatorial nominee Alex Sink told them she'll beat Republican nominee Rick Scott even if he spends millions against her as he did against Bill McCollum in the Republican primary. Turnout for Florida gubernatorial primary has GOP licking its chops By Aaron Deslatte and Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel Florida Republicans angry about President Barack Obama's health-care reforms and government bailout defied the rain and flocked to the polls Tuesday, a turnout that dwarfed the Democratic total and bodes well for GOP candidates in November. Scott: A gift to Democrats or their worst nightmare? By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Rick Scott's triumph in the GOP gubernatorial primary may have drawn almost as many cheers from Democrats as it did from Republicans. Get used to seeing Scott until election By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott and football broadcasting legend Pat Summerall worked the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium, shaking hundreds of hands and mugging for photos for more than an hour before the game. We still don't know who Rick Scott is By Myriam Marquez Miami Herald With his ah-shucks, Opie Taylor demeanor and his ``Let's get to work!'' slogan, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott pulled it off. Experts expect to see Florida campaigns go negative early, often By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Eager for a respite from the political attacks of the primary season? PolitiFact: Rick Scott and Bill McCollum's Questionable Claims By Scott Finn WUSF Public Radio Tampa Both Rick Scott and Bill McCollum made a series of questionable and untrue claims about the other during the primary, according to PolitiFact Florida editor John Bartosek. In One Afternoon, Charlie Crist Flip-Flop-Flips On Health Care Reform By Evan McMorris-Santoro Talking Points Memo Charlie Crist would not have voted for the Democratic health care reform law had he been in the Senate this year. But, please, don't ask him to say that out loud. Meek won his primary, but still struggles to rally Democrats By Jesse Zwick Florida Independent Days before Florida’s primary, President Obama finally did what Rep. Kendrick Meek’s supporters had been begging him to do for some time: He showed up in the Sunshine State and referred to Meek as “the next senator from the state of Florida.” Meek stakes claim in Florida By Shira Toeplitz Politico Florida Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek said Sunday that he's earned the right to be his party's Senate nominee after a bruising and expensive primary battle with a wealthy real estate mogul. Charlie Crist has to tread warily in Kendrick Meek, Marco Rubio TV debates By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek have agreed to at least five televised Senate debates, potentially putting Charlie Crist in a lose-lose position. Crist of rivals: 'They have to stay in line' By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union A mere two months before the November general election, U.S. Senate candidate Charlie Crist said he'll side with one of the major political parties if elected - he's just not sure which one. Senate Candidates Crist and Meek Tout Plans To Stimluate Economy The Associated Press Lakeland Ledger Two of Florida's U.S. Senate hopefuls, Gov. Charlie Crist and Congressman Kendrick Meek, on Sunday touted their plans to stimulate the lagging economy. Despite last-minute surge in spending, McCollum gubernatorial bid doomed by late start By Michael C. Bender Palm Beach Post It was past 10 p.m. on Tuesday when Bill McCollum, a known night owl, paced between his campaign's war room and his private suite on the eighth floor of a suburban Orlando hotel as results trickled in for his Republican race against Rick Scott. GOP slate reflects Tea Party's hold in Florida News Service of Florida Sarasota Herald-Tribune The Tea Party movement muscled its way into the American political psyche over the past year with huge rallies, angry voters and colorful rhetoric. Lawton "Bud" Chiles Will Run For Governor Until He Realizes What Everyone Knows: He Can't Win By Kyle Munzenrieder Miami New Times Lawton "Bud" Chiles III, son of the last Democrat to hold the Governor's office in Florida, is running for Governor as an independent. Florida attorney general contest offers voters a vivid ideological choice By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times If you're looking for a statewide race with substantive differences between the two candidates, your search is over. What could you buy with $70 million in Florida? By Danny Valentine St. Petersburg Times Republican candidates Rick Scott and Bill McCollum headlined the most expensive primary campaign in Florida history. 2010 election may be pivotal By William March Tampa Tribune On the morning of Nov. 4, 1998, Florida Republicans awoke to a new political world - one they controlled. BALLOT INITIATIVES Floridians holding house parties to promote amendments By Amy Sherman Miami Herald Floridians are holding dozens of house parties across the state Saturday with hopes of publicizing their support for two amendments that could be overshadowed on the November ballot by high-profile statewide races for U.S. Senate and other offices. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY SPECIAL REPORT: Washington has yet to address key failures exposed by Katrina By Chris Kromm Facing South As we approach the five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, today the Institute is releasing a new report which looks at what has changed -- and what hasn't changed -- since the deadly storm took over 1,800 lives and devastated the Gulf Coast. Fla. attorney general asks Holder, BP claims help The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Related: Feinberg: Most spill claims lack documentation Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum says he's worried that independent claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg is making it harder for businesses and individuals to get compensated for damages from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Oil spill: BP reverses, admits there's oil in local waters By Kimberly Blair Pensacola News Journal Despite persistent denials from BP last week, thousands of pounds of weathered oil is being pulled from under the surface of Pensacola Bay every day. Acrimony Behind the Scenes of Gulf Oil Spill By Clifford Krauss, Henry Fountain and John M. Broder New York Times Richard Lynch was walking down the hall in BP’s crisis command center in early May when some engineers rushed up, bearing bad news. Florida history: spinning wetlands into cities By Jeff LaHurd Sarasota Herald-Tribune Ah, Florida, the last frontier. A daunting wilderness filled with snakes, gators, black clouds of mosquitoes, cockroaches and other despicable creatures of the night that slithered and crawled. Growth bill becomes election issue Editorial St. Petersburg Times From the beginning, Senate Bill 360 — the 2009 Legislature's assault on Florida's growth management laws — was a rash deal. LGBT Charlie Crist tells CNN that he supports constitutional ban on same-sex marriage By Steve Rothaus Miami Herald Related: Crist: I don't support - federal - gay marriage ban and am 'fully supportive of civil unions' Now that you're trying to occupy the political center, are you still in favor of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage? EDUCATION Jeb's claim that student performance not affected by class size refuted by NEA president By Sean Kinane WMNF Community Radio Tampa In 2002, then-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush was caught admitting he had “devious plans” to overturn the class size amendment that voters added to the state constitution that year. Changes make Bright Futures less lucrative, less flexible, easier to lose By Richard Danielson St. Petersburg Times University of South Florida freshman Karsen Lonzo arrived this fall confident her Bright Futures scholarship would largely cover this year's $5,200 tuition and fees. Home plus school By Lashonda Stinson Curry Gainesville Sun A few supplies were the only back-to-school items on the list for Allison Privette's children. Higher Education: More Students, Less Money Editorial Lakeland Ledger Polk State College started its school year this month with a record enrollment: nearly 10,300 students. That's an increase of nearly 55 percent from four years ago. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Tourism officials: Misperceptions about oil on Florida beaches means BP needs to ante up By Robert Trigaux St. Petersburg Times Tourist surveys conducted this summer by Conde Nast Traveler magazine and Orlando's YPartnership market researchers alarmed Florida tourism officials. Fla. seeks $1B more to build bullet train By Alfonso Chardy Miami Herald Florida's Department of Transportation is seeking more than $1 billion to build high-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando, advance the system from Orlando to Miami and resume regular passenger train service from Miami to Jacksonville along Florida's east coast. State to hold high-speed rail public meetings in Tampa, Orlando By Robert Napper Florida Independent The Florida Department of Transportation has set public meetings next week during which the agency will present its plans for high-speed rail connecting Tampa and Orlando. Florida's massive reinsurance fund is much smaller this storm season By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune The size of Florida’s state-created reinsurance fund has dramatically reduced in size this storm season. HEALTH AND SENIORS Florida's challenge could topple insurance mandate By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post Florida may have zeroed in on a key constitutional weakness of the Affordable Care Act, some legal scholars believe. More Medicaid patients go to emergency rooms for care By Richard Martin St. Petersburg Times Hospital emergency rooms are busier than ever, filled with patients who are sicker and poorer than ever. Nonprofit hospitals juggle earning with charity mission By Linda Shrieves Washington Post When Florida Hospital and United Healthcare started their public wrangling over a new contract this summer, each side pointed to the other company's profits. Florida is failing our kids By David Lawrence Jr. Pensacola News Journal I am a frustrated Floridian. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Human trafficking becoming epidemic in Florida, authorities say By Michael LaForgia Palm Beach Post Florida is emerging as a major hub for human trafficking in the United States, authorities say. Latino Communities Urge FCC to Protect Open Internet By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida They're one of the fastest growing communities in Florida and the U.S., and they're calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress to keep an open Internet. Respect constitutional birthright citizenship in United States By Christina Leddin Ft. Myers News-Press Having worked in Southwest Florida for local non-profits as an immigration specialist for over 15 years, I believe that birthright citizenship should remain part of the U.S. Constitution. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Burned Rothstein clients to get their day in court By Jay Weaver Miami Herald Sorting out the financial wreckage of Scott Rothstein's $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme is an ever-changing math problem, with federal prosecutors and bankruptcy attorneys for his defunct law firm competing over who gets what -- likely to be pennies or dimes on the dollar for his victims.

Daily Clips for August 27, 201-0

FEATURED STORIES SB 360 growth management bill declared unconstitutional By Lee Logan and Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A circuit judge on Thursday tossed out last year's controversial growth management law that relaxes building rules in an effort to spur economic development. Judge: Lawsuit against state over quality of public schools can proceed By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel A judge has denied Florida's request to toss out an education adequacy lawsuit, ruling the plaintiffs — including three Orlando mothers — can challenge in court the state's commitment to public education. Bill McCollum refuses to back Rick Scott, cites qualms By John Frank Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau Bill McCollum doesn't forget easily. Chiles doesn't rule out leaving governor's race By William March Tampa Tribune Bud Chiles, no-party candidate for governor, held a news conference Thursday to call for campaign finance reform, but also said he won't rule out withdrawing from the governor's race if he thinks he can't win. 90 years later, equality issues unresolved By Laura Stamper Miami Herald After months of researching candidates, 19 year-old Hannah Snitzer woke up early Tuesday to be one the first people at Nautilus Middle School in Miami Beach to cast her vote in the Florida primaries. BEST OF THE BLOGS Florida Republicans Now Forced to Play Nice with Rick Scott By Buck Banks Pensito Review Rick Scott, who looks like he could host “Tales from the Crypt,” beat Bill “Howdy Doody” McCollum to become the Republican nominee for governor of Florida on Tuesday. Kendrick Meek Can Beat Crist & Rubio By Daniel Tilson The Examiner After noting the surprising size of Kendrick Meek's primary win over Jeff Greene, the next word from most "expert" analysts was "But...". And The Race Is On By Inkberries Beach Peanuts It’s official. Last night voters in Florida kicked Bill McCollum and the GOP Jeb Bush establishment to the curb. Rick Scott: so you want to be governor? Support Amendment 4 By Gimleteye Eye on Miami The lobbyist class was down in its cups at the campaign headquarters of Bill McCullom last night. FLORIDA POLITICS Crist, Cabinet welcome Lt. Gen. Milligan By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet welcomed retired Marine Lt. Gen. Bob Milligan back to state government Thursday as interim head of the Department of Veterans Affairs. POLITICAL RACES GOP, Scott discord dicey By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Shell-shocked by Tuesday night's primary upset, Republican leaders have begun to regroup and reach out to their party's new candidate for governor, Rick Scott. McCollum witholding endorsement By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Attorney General Bill McCollum refused to endorse Republican Rick Scott for governor Thursday, expressing lingering doubts about "his integrity and his honesty." Sink says Scott will have to do some explaining News Service of Florida Sarasota Herald-Tribune Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink said Thursday that Rick Scott's past and character will be at the forefront of the governor's race as she enters the arena, possibly foreshadowing a continuation of some of the same personal negativity that marked the primary. Scott may need urban strategy By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune Republican Rick Scott needs an urban renewal project if he hopes to get elected governor of Florida, judging by this week's primary election results. Chiles says voters should know who's behind those caustic political commercials By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Lawton "Bud" Chiles brought his bid for governor to a leafy Tampa neighborhood Thursday and condemned the influence of special interest groups that bankroll negative TV ads under the banner of innocent-sounding committees. Party-less Charlie Crist faces harsh reality By Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns Politico First, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist was supposed to be the Republican nominee for Senate. Crist visits Vinyl Music Hall to push his Senate candidacy By Thyrie Bland Pensacola News Journal A new Pensacola music venue opened its doors for the first time on Thursday, but it wasn't for a rock star. Palin goes rogue, uses anti-abortion event to tout her stance on health care reform By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Despite the dismal turnout for Jacksonville anti-abortion group Heroic Media’s “An Evening of Hope” event, keynote speaker Sarah Palin still managed to stray from pregnancy to politics. Palin criticizes Obama, Crist on abortion The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Sarah Palin called President Barack Obama the most pro-abortion president ever Thursday and mocked Florida's governor for claiming to be pro-life after vetoing a bill that would have required women to get ultrasounds before having the procedure. McCollum’s illegal immigration, health care fights at issue in A.G. race By Robert Napper Florida Independent Republican icon Sarah Palin, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, legendary lawman Eliot Ness. Incoming Speaker of the House tells GOP candidates not to over-promise By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News The incoming speaker of the Florida House told Republican candidates Thursday to campaign as conservatives but not to over-promise about cutting fraud, waste and mismanagement in state government. The good, bad and ugly from the primaries By Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel Time to take a look back at the winners, losers and lessons learned from this week's elections. BALLOT INITIATIVES Time grows short for court decision By Jim Saunders Health News Florida The Florida Supreme Court continues to ponder whether the November ballot will include an attack on federal health reform -- and add a highly partisan issue to an already nasty campaign season. Vote No on 4 PAC's scare tactics By Kevin Gale South Florida Business Journal The Vote No on 4 political action committee sent out an e-mail Wednesday with a headline that reads: "Primary Voters Grapple with 47-page ballots outside polling places." ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Judge strikes down controversial growth law By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune A Leon County circuit judge on Thursday struck down a controversial measure that dropped a requirement in state law that developers pay for new roads and schools in many areas. Judge rules state growth law unconstitutional The Associated Press Miami Herald A judge on Thursday struck down a 2009 law loosening state planning requirements and controls on urban sprawl that development and business interests say are stifling Florida's growth. Some travelers leery of all Florida beaches, no matter how far from spill By Sara K. Clarke Orlando Sentinel Visitors to Florida may need a little lesson in geography, according to the results of recent surveys about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. LGBT Same-sex couples in Florida face myriad legal, financial hurdles By Nirvi Shah Miami Herald As dozens of attorneys gather in Miami Beach this week to brainstorm and share ideas, this fact remains: For thousands of gay couples in Florida and across the country, not being able to marry carries financial and legal burdens numbering in the hundreds. Finding Our Way Around Florida's Ban on Gay Adoption By Charles Perez The Huffington Post "Are you a homosexual?" she asked. "Excuse me?" I responded. Ken Mehlman -- ex-GOP chairman and George W. Bush campaign manager -- says he's gay The Associated Press Miami Herald Former Republican Party Chairman Ken Mehlman says in a magazine interview that he is gay. EDUCATION Florida's education system appears headed for trial By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Florida's education system is a step closer to being put on trial. Judge denies motion to dismiss education funding suit filed by parents By Topher Sanders Florida Times-Union A Tallahassee circuit judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by parents from Duval County and across Florida that challenges the state on education funding. In local speech, national teachers' union head praises Hillsborough reforms By Tom Marshall St. Petersburg Times It's a tough time to be president of the nation's largest teachers union. National Education Association president questions competitive education grants By Sean Kinane WMNF Community Radio Tampa Congress could reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act later this year. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Slow BP cash flow could force budget cuts By Jamie Page Pensacola News Journal Ken Feinberg's independent claims process may be an improvement for struggling businesses, but it does nothing for taxpayers when it comes to getting local government's money back. Unclaimed property auction nets $1.1 million The Associated Press Tampa Tribune The state of Florida made more than $1.1 million at its annual unclaimed property auction in Orlando. HEALTH AND SENIORS Moffitt Cancer Center discovers patient consent was falsified for study By Richard Martin St. Petersburg Times The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center on Wednesday revealed that it is investigating whether hundreds of patient signatures were falsified on documents enrolling them in the hospital's largest cancer research study.

Daily Clips for August 26, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Rick Scott's win invokes fear among Tallahassee insiders, but Alex Sink is bigger worry By Steve Bousquet, Mary Ellen Klas and Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related: GOP governor's race may have turned on third candidate's strong showing Related column: Why Scott won, and why he could win again Related editorial: Time for a debate on how to turn Florida around For powerful Tallahassee insiders accustomed to winning, Rick Scott represents their worst fears. Scott has a party to unite By Lloyd Dunkelberger and Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune As the survivor of one of Florida's most bitter and costly primary battles, Rick Scott began his general election campaign for governor Wednesday, with questions lingering over whether Republicans can unite behind his cause and whether Democrats will be able to exploit their rival's divisions. Kendrick Meek calls win `a victory for everyday people' By Beth Reinhard and Adam C. Smith Miami Herald Related AP story: Meek faces tough battle in Fla. Senate race Congressman Kendrick Meek started his victory lap Wednesday morning in Hollywood at the hotel where he celebrated his U.S. Senate primary victory over billionaire Jeff Greene Tuesday night. Rubio, Meek both predict they'll squeeze Crist out in general election campaign By George Bennett Palm Beach Post On the first full day of Florida's three-way general election Senate race, strategists for Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek found common ground today. FLORIDA POLITICS Women have Harry Burn to thank By Ann Hellmuth Orlando Sentinel "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the account of sex." More women in political spotlight, but gap remains By David Crary The Associated Press The suffragists who 90 years ago won voting rights for women would likely shake their heads in wonder at this election, with its "mama grizzly" candidates and high-stakes woman-vs.-woman showdowns. POLITICAL RACES Now it's Rubio and Meek against Crist in Senate race By Adam C. Smith and Beth Reinhard St. Petersburg Times Now it's two against one — against Gov. Charlie Crist. Charlie Crist: A man without a home By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, once a rising star in the Republican party, finds himself without a home as he pursues an independent bid for the U.S. Senate. GOP tries to patch things up after contentious gubernatorial primary By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Related: Scott gets help from third candidate At sunrise Wednesday, the vice-chairwoman of the Florida Republican Party sent a message to GOP activists: "Remember, there is no past in politics." Next step for Fla. GOP leadership: Reconciling with gov candidate Rick Scott By Michael C. Bender Palm Beach Post Related editorial: Scott's priority isn't Florida's Only once in the past two decades have Florida voters elected a governor or U.S. senator who had never previously run a statewide race. Florida primary results: Can Rick Scott, GOP 'insiders' unite? By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel When Naples millionaire Rick Scott accepted the Republican nomination for governor late Tuesday night, he crowed that the "Tallahassee insiders" who invested millions of dollars in defeating him were "crying in their cocktails." Can Rick Scott win over the Florida GOP? By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Spending $50 million of his own money to win the Republican nomination for governor might have been the easy part for Rick Scott. Backed By Mainstream of GOP, McCollum Defeat Stuns Many By Lloyd Dunkelberger Lakeland Ledger It was a stunning end to nearly three decades in political office. Who's sorry now? Scott's victory could shake up GOP and state government By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune No one in the Republican Party establishment thought Rick Scott would win. Scott a boon to state Republican Party? By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Rick Scott may not be the darling of the state’s conservative establishment, but his victory in the Republican governor’s primary yesterday may be a boon to the beleaguered Republican Party of Florida. Pollster: Unpredictable governor's race led to incorrect polls By William March Tampa Tribune Pollster Brad Coker of Mason-Dixon Polling & Research says angry voters, a volatile race with numerous lead changes, two unpopular candidates and an unpredictable turnout were all part of why his late polls failed to correctly predict the outcome of the Bill McCollum-Rick Scott GOP primary for governor. Florida voters stick with their elected officials The Associated Press Tampa Tribune If Florida voters were angry with their state legislators, they didn't show it on Election Day. Behind-the-scenes winners and losers in Tuesday's primaries By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union There were lots of winners and losers in Tuesday nights election results - and it certainly wasn't limited to the candidates. Florida's other winner: Robo-polling By Alexander Burns Politico Rick Scott, the surprise winner of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary, and Joe Miller, the obscure GOP candidate poised to unseat Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, weren’t the only political newcomers to score major upsets this week. BALLOT INITIATIVES Eyes are on FL Supreme Court By Jim Saunders Health News Florida The state Supreme Court, which issues decisions on Thursdays, could rule today whether the November ballot will include an attack on federal health-care reform. Not-so-true colors on Amendment 4? By Arielle Stevenson Creative Loafing Hometown Democracy, the citizen-driven initiative to pass Amendment 4, seems to have a simple enough goal -- give voters a bigger say in Florida's growth. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Seeking answers in MMS's flawed culture By Juliet Eilperin Washington Post Two weeks after BP's Macondo well blew out in the Gulf of Mexico, the federal government's Minerals Management Service finalized a regulation intended to control the undersea pressures that threaten deepwater drilling operations. Ex-MMS director advises oil spill commission on reforming industry oversight By Andrew Restuccia Florida Independent Former Obama Administration Minerals Management Service Director Elizabeth Birnbaum, who resigned amid criticism of the agency in the aftermath of the gulf oil spill, spoke publicly today for the first time since leaving her post in May. Gulf Oil Spill: Rick Steiner Got BP Disaster Right From The Beginning, Warns Crisis Is Far From Over By Dan Froomkin The Huffington Post I first spoke to Rick Steiner more than three months ago -- about two weeks into the Deepwater Horizon disaster -- after a source recommended I talk to him for a story I was writing about the spill as a teachable moment. Oil spill: Laid off cleanup crews blast BP By Travis Griggs Pensacola News Journal About 100 local oil cleanup workers gathered at Pensacola Beach on Wednesday morning to protest a BP decision that they say lays off hundreds of local workers and replaces them with out-of-town laborers. Call for More FL Panther Habitat During America's Great Outdoors Tour By Gina Presson and Deb Courson Public News Service Florida More room to roam for the endangered Florida panther is the goal of a petition being delivered to the U.S. Department of the Interior during the "America's Great Outdoors" listening session in Orlando today. Biomass project picks up support By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune Former Sen. Rod Smith of Gainesville and the Florida Wildlife Federation are among the individuals and groups voicing their support for a proposed biomass energy plant in Alachua County in advance of a hearing this week. EDUCATION Put Race to the Top money where it does most good Editorial St. Petersburg Times It took two tries for Florida to qualify for the federal Race to the Top education initiative. Collaboration Editorial Gainesville Sun This past legislative session, lawmakers and teachers were at each others' throats over an education "reform" bill that was more about ideology than the welfare of children. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Crist announces plans for Fla. tourism conference The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Efforts to overcome a slumping economy and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are among the topics that will be discussed at the 43rd Annual Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Reputed Mafioso, stung by FBI, pleads guilty in Scott Rothstein case By Jay Weaver Miami Herald A Miami Beach wine merchant portrayed by authorities as an Italian Mafioso pleaded guilty Wednesday to scheming to shred financial records and launder money for Ponzi con man Scott Rothstein.

Daily Clips for August 25, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Kendrick Meek wins Democratic U.S. Senate race; Marco Rubio wins Republican nod By Beth Reinhard and Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Related editorial: In Florida's U.S. Senate campaign, three distinct paths Overlooked and underestimated on the campaign trail for nearly two years, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek on Tuesday easily beat back a profligate challenge from real estate mogul Jeff Greene to run away with the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Rick Scott wins tight GOP race for governor; Alex Sink wins Democratic nod By Marc Caputo and Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related: Rick Scott puts GOP and Democrat Alex Sink in unfamiliar territory Related: Chairman Thrasher and Florida GOP embraces Rick Scott as gov candidate Rick Scott launched a one-man political revolution Tuesday night, defeating Attorney General Bill McCollum in the Republican primary for governor. Bondi, Gelber heading for faceoff on who will be Florida's next attorney general By Paula McMahon Orlando Sentinel Republican Pam Bondi, dubbed the political newbie of the race, and Democrat Dan Gelber, a veteran statesman of Florida politics, will vie to become Florida's next attorney general after triumphing in Tuesday's party primaries. Florida wins $700 million in 'Race to Top' education grants By Kathleen McGrory Miami Herald On Tuesday, Florida was named one of the big winners in the federal government's second round of the Race to the Top competition, landing $700 million for its public schools. FLORIDA POLITICS Republicans scrap unity rally after brutal primary season By Michael C. Bender Palm Beach Post It’s been a tough few months for Florida Republicans. Honoring equality: More than 430 celebrate 90th anniversary of women’s right to vote By James A. Jones Jr. Bradenton Herald Just 100 years ago, it was unheard of to have women serving on the U.S. Supreme Court, in the U.S. Senate, on the president’s cabinet and on school boards, county commissions and city councils. STATEWIDE RACES Meek win over Greene sets up showdown with Rubio, Crist By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek trounced Palm Beach real-estate billionaire Jeff Greene in the Democratic primary Tuesday, setting up a three-way U.S. Senate race with Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican Marco Rubio. Meek declared winner over Greene in US Senate race By George Bennett and Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post A Kendrick Meek victory in Florida's Democratic Senate primary was a foregone conclusion for much of 2009 and the first four months of this year. Meek to compete with Crist for Democratic votes By William March Tampa Tribune Miami congressman Kendrick Meek easily held off a challenge from billionaire Palm Beach real estate investor Jeff Greene to win the Democratic nomination for Florida's U.S. Senate seat Tuesday, setting the stage for an unprecedented, three-way general election race. Meek throttles Greene in Dems' Senate primary By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel Miami Congressman Kendrick Meek battered Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Tuesday in a race that generated much more heat than light. Meek wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Rep. Kendrick Meek won tonight’s grueling Democratic primary battle for Florida’s vacant U.S. Senate against self-funded billionaire and Florida politics newcomer Jeff Greene. Scott upset ripples beyond Florida By Jonathan Martin Politico Related: Scott shocks McCollum in Fla. governor's race Millionaire businessman Rick Scott’s surprise win in the Florida Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday left both parties scrambling over how to cope with a candidate who possesses both glaring flaws and considerable assets. Scott beats McCollum in GOP governor race By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Political newcomer Rick Scott rode his "Let's get to work" message to victory over Attorney General Bill McCollum in their nasty Republican primary for governor Tuesday, contradicting recent polls and confounding the GOP leadership. Scott wins stunner in GOP Fla. governor's race; will face Democrat Sink By Michael C. Bender and Andrew Abramson Palm Beach Post Rick Scott added to the Florida Republican Party’s tumultuous year, scoring a stunning victory Tuesday night in the GOP governor’s race over Bill McCollum and most of the state party’s leaders. Rick Scott beats Bill McCollum to end nasty GOP governor's primary fight By Aaron Deslatte and Jennifer Gollan Orlando Sentinel Related column: Stance-shifting McCollum did himself in Former health-care executive Rick Scott beat Attorney General Bill McCollum on Tuesday night to win the Republican nomination for governor, in the most-expensive primary -- and one of the ugliest -- in Florida history. Scott Tries for Unity as McCollum Refuses to Help By Robin Sussingham and Marina Giovannelli WUSF Public Radio Tampa By any estimation, the battle for the Republican gubernatorial nomination has been a bloody cagematch. Scott's $50M made difference in campaign By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune Related: Loss ends 24 years of public service by McCollum Tuesday’s primary election results showed that with enough television advertising an unknown can overcome serious political baggage and win statewide in Florida politics -- within reason. Rick Scott wins Republican nomination for Florida governor By Luke Johnson Florida Independent In a stunning upset, former health care executive Rick Scott won Florida’s Republican primary for governor last night, beating Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Gelber, Bondi stake out opposing positions in attorney general race By John Frank St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A stark partisan choice in the race for attorney general awaits voters as Democrat Dan Gelber and Republican Pam Bondi claimed victory in Tuesday's primaries. Democrat Gelber, Republican Bondi will face off for Florida attorney general By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Floridians will choose between two former prosecutors — Democrat Dan Gelber and Republican Pam Bondi — in the Nov. 2 election for attorney general. CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE RACES U.S. House incumbents win Florida races The Associated Press Bradenton Herald Six of seven incumbent U.S. House members in Florida who drew primary opposition won their races Tuesday while the seventh, Rep. Allen Boyd, clung to a narrow lead. Boyd holds on in Fla. By Alex Isenstadt and Kasie Hunt Politico Democratic Rep. Allen Boyd, the prominent conservative Blue Dog who has spent more than a decade in Congress, narrowly escaped defeat Tuesday, holding off state Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson. Alan Grayson has an opponent: Dan Webster By Alex Leary and Louis Jacobson St. Petersburg Times U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, the blunt-talking liberal Democrat from Orlando who has become a national target for Republicans, has met his match. Adams wins GOP nod to challenge Kosmas By Ludmilla Lelis Orlando Sentinel Sandy Adams, a state representative from Oviedo, won a narrow victory in the District 24 Congressional Republican primary, prevailing against four others to challenge U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas in November. Wilson poised to win Meek's seat in Congress By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald Following in Congressman Kendrick Meek's footsteps once again, state Sen. Frederica Wilson -- and her signature sequined hats -- appear to be heading to Washington in November. Stearns turns back primary challenge By Bill Thompson Gainesville Sun In the 6th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns easily overcame a feisty challenge from Weirsdale resident Don Browning, the first Republican to take on Stearns since 1990. Corrine Brown, Mike Yost proceed to November race By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., and Republican Mike Yost coasted to easy victories Tuesday over their primary challengers. GOP picks nominees for state House, Senate Staff Report Orlando Sentinel Republican voters selected candidates for the state House and Senate in a handful of Central Florida districts Tuesday, and the election included an unusual third-party primary. John Thrasher wins handily in Senate primary By Tia Mitchell Florida Times-Union State Sen. John Thrasher, an incumbent, handily defeated challenger Charles Perniciaro in the state Senate District 8 Republican primary. Norman declares victory in state Senate race By Kenneth Knight Tampa Tribune In a race noted more for the candidates' personal issues than political stances, Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman declared victory late Tuesday in the battle against state Rep. Kevin Ambler for the Republican nomination for state Senate District 12. Bogdanoff holds edge over Domino By Patricia Mazzei and Amy Sherman Miami Herald A slew of colorful and nasty Miami-Dade legislative primary races concluded Tuesday night with a former county commissioner leading a longtime state representative in a battle of Republican heavyweights -- and a contest too close to call between two candidates who fended off a flier calling one of them “ugly” and the other one a dangerous “Arab.” Cardone concedes to Rooney in House District 83 GOP race By Bill DiPaolo Palm Beach Post Pat Rooney has received a call from challenger Nancy Cardone, conceding victory to him in the District 83 race. Slosberg, Berman, win state House primaries By Robert Nolin, Larry Barszewski and Michael Turnbell South Florida Sun-Sentinel After years of political exile, Democrat Irv Slosberg of Boca Raton had a clear victory Tuesday over newcomer Sheldon "Klassy" Klasfeld for a chance to regain the District 90 state House of Representatives seat Slosberg previously held for six years. Porter wins her GOP contest, will face Boyd By Nathan Crabbe Gainesville Sun The closest Florida House race in the 2008 election is headed for a rematch. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Florida DEP moving forward on waterways nutrient limits By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Florida is moving ahead with adopting its own rules to measure the health of estuaries despite its opposition to a federal proposal to do the same for lakes and rivers, Department of Environmental Protection officials said Tuesday. Gulf Waste Heads To Landfills, Some With Problems The Associated Press NPR The cleanup of history's worst peacetime oil spill is generating thousands of tons of oil-soaked debris that is ending up in local landfills, some of which were already dealing with environmental concerns. LGBT Equality Candidates Win in Key Races By Tobias Packer Equality Florida Tonight was a fantastic night for pro-equality candidates in Florida! EDUCATION Florida one of 10 winners for Race to the Top grant By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel Florida is one of 10 winners in the second round of the federal Race to the Top grant competition, likely securing $700 million that will be used in part to develop merit-pay plans for teachers. In Utah, former Fla. gov slams class size limits The Associated Press Palm Beach Post Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told Utah officials on Tuesday that there's little evidence to link smaller class sizes and student achievement. Poll: Local schools up, Obama education plans down The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A new Gallup Poll has found fewer Americans approve of the job President Barack Obama is doing in support of public education, but they continue to have a highly favorable opinion of their local schools. HEALTH AND SENIORS Tainted eggs not a problem in Florida By Susan Jenks Florida Today Despite a massive recall of salmonella-tainted eggs nationwide, none have reached Florida so far, according to public health officials.