Daily Clips for September 30, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Sink fires back at Scott over ads about state's pension fund By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink responded Tuesday to Republican Rick Scott's accusations that she has poorly managed state investments, calling his recent campaign ads "lies" and blasting him as scaring seniors unduly about the health of their pensions. Florida governor's race may be decided by nonaffiliated voters By Bob Rathgeber Ft. Myers News-Press More than 2.5 million of Florida's 11.1 million registered voters claim no party affiliation or belong to an assortment of parties other than Republican or Democrat. Rove's 'super PAC' helps Rubio in surge By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald A new and powerful "super-PAC" tied to Republican strategist Karl Rove, fueled by out-of-state corporations and billionaires, is swooping into Florida to put its money behind front-runner Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate race. No grand jury inquiry of 'Taj Mahal' courthouse, but plenty of political fallout By Lucy Morgan and Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A grand jury decided Wednesday not to investigate the so-called Taj Mahal state appellate court house, which has become a symbol of excessive spending in the midst of a budget crisis. EPA delays new Florida water pollution rules after opposition by Nelson, LeMieux By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Florida's two U.S. senators may be in different parties, but they have found something they agree on. FLORIDA POLITICS Judge defends ‘Taj Mahal’ courthouse, scores lowest ever rating in Florida Bar poll By Brett Ader Florida Independent Related: No grand jury probe into ‘Taj Mahal’; Crist approved project multiple times Chief Justice Paul Hawkes of Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeals issued a seven-page letter Monday to newspaper editors around the state, responding to the flurry of criticism that has been leveled against the court’s new $48 million home in the state’s capital. Jury: No probe into courthouse By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News A grand jury decided Wednesday not to investigate the legislative dealings that went into construction of the new First District Court of Appeal. Libertarians challenge campaign finance law The Associated Press Miami Herald A libertarian group challenged Florida's campaign finance law covering political action committees and similar groups Wednesday in federal court as part of a national drive against such state regulations. How they voted, Part 6: the bad CSX deal By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times In one of the more bizarre spectacles of the last two years, our Legislature held a special session last December to ram through a bill for…Commuter rail. POLITICAL RACES Three polls give Rubio double-digit lead in Senate race By George Bennett Palm Beach Post A Quinnipiac University poll released this morning shows Republican Marco Rubio riding voter anger and anti-Obama sentiment to a 13-point lead over indie Gov. Charlie Crist in Florida’s Senate race with Democrat Kendrick Meek a distant third. Poll: Rubio pulling away from Crist in Senate race By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Another poll shows Republican Marco Rubio pulling away from Gov. Charlie Crist in their race for the U.S. Senate today. Meek or Crist? Democrats must decide soon By Joy-Ann Reid Miami Herald The unvarnished, dispassionate truth about the U.S. Senate race in Florida is that the ambitions of either Gov. Charlie Crist or Rep. Kendrick Meek have to die, so that the other's Senate dream can live. Don't Be Fooled - Florida Senate Race Is Between One Progressive and Two Lifetime Republicans By Andy Stern Huffington Post If you were to read only the national coverage of the three-way race for the U.S. Senate in Florida, you would think it is a solid "red" state and that a true representative of the middle class and progressive values is unelectable. Spanish Rubio ad clashes with Republican English-as-official-language rhetoric By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent Marco Rubio released the first Spanish-language television ad in the race to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate on Sunday. Marco Rubio gets $246,000 boost from Karl Rove's PAC By Dan Christensen South Florida Sun-Sentinel A "super PAC" backed by Republican strategist Karl Rove, and largely financed by a few wealthy out-of-state businessmen, has reported spending nearly a quarter of a million dollars to support Florida Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio. Defending pension blunder, GOP leaders undermine campaign slam of Alex Sink By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Two of Florida's top Republicans are criticizing claims made in one of their own party's political ads savaging Democrat Alex Sink for her role in problems with the state's pension fund. Candidates for Florida governor grapple with issue of property insurance By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union After crossing the state to win votes in the shadow of a hurricane season, the next Florida governor will almost certainly face an issue that has challenged lawmakers and officials for years: How to fix the property insurance market in one of the riskiest states in the nation. 'Better for business' is Scott's state mantra By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott left no doubt at a fundraiser here Wednesday that he will be a friend to business if he wins on Nov. 2. Local GOP raises $531K for Rick Scott By James A. Jones Jr. Bradenton Herald After a bruising battle for the GOP gubernatorial nomination between Rick Scott and Bill McCollum, local Republicans rallied around Scott at a campaign fundraiser Wednesday. Democrat faces uphill challenge in Republican-dominated area By Scott Travis South Florida Sun-Sentinel Two lawyers, both political newcomers, are running to succeed veteran state Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff in Tallahassee. BALLOT INITIATIVES 'Hometown Democracy' supporters, foes face off By Rick Neale Florida Today Sunshine State bureaucrats routinely rubber-stamp too many over-sized, needless housing and commercial projects, Lesley Blackner argues. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Oil spill cleanup on Florida beaches shifting to next stage By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times The effort to clean oil from Florida's shoreline is shifting gears, federal and BP officials announced Wednesday. Cleanup of some oiled Florida beaches may cause more harm By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Federal officials are beginning to leave alone some beaches that still have oil in sand below the surface because further cleanup could cause more environmental harm, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday. Mabus: Reap BP fines for Gulf coast recovery By Jamie Page Pensacola News Journal Navy Secretary Ray Mabus says "a significant amount" of the oil spill fines that BP will pay should be used to help fund the Gulf Coast recovery effort. LGBT Orange Mayor Rich Crotty's gay-rights compromise may pass quickly By David Damron Orlando Sentinel Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty has forged a compromise on a pair of gay-rights issues that appears to enjoy support both from fellow county leaders and gay activists. EDUCATION Broward school district lodges complaint against teachers union By Carli Teproff Miami Herald Complaining that it is “boxed into a corner,” the Broward County school district has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the Broward Teachers Union with the state board over a failure to discuss 2010-11 employee contracts. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Consumer confidence in Florida back to pre-gulf oil spill levels By Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Floridians' confidence in the economy improved in September as the gulf oil spill receded, but Americans' view turned grimmer as job worries intensify, according to separate reports released Tuesday. Florida will keep AC rebate money but program frozen By Diane C. Lade South Florida Sun-Sentinel U.S. Department of Energy officials say Florida will not lose federal grant funding for its "cash-for-clunker" air-conditioner rebates if state officials miss the Thursday deadline to authorize spending the cash. New NASA policy: House passes bill to change direction for space agency By Mark K. Matthews and Robert Block Orlando Sentinel Congress and the White House finally agreed on a new space policy Wednesday night when the U.S. House voted 304-118 in favor of a plan that ends NASA's goal of returning to the moon and instead tasks the agency with building a new spacecraft that could land on an asteroid by 2025. Feds approve additional housing aid for Fla. The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Floridians who are struggling to make mortgage payments are getting additional help from the federal government's Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing Markets. HEALTH AND SENIORS Another blow to Crist's Cover Florida health insurance plan By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Gov. Charlie Crist’s Cover Florida program was supposed to provide options to uninsured residents seeking health care coverage at an affordable price. Children's Movement's goal: Helping Florida's kids By Carol Marbin Miller and Mar Cabra Miami Herald The founders of The Children's Movement of Florida say they have discovered something that almost all Floridians hold in common: They love their children. Medicaid HMO rates up; Dade hit By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Medicaid HMOs in much of Florida will receive average rate increases of almost 2 percent this week, after a numbers-crunching dispute between the industry and the state Agency for Health Care Administration. Blogger takes on health corp. By John Dorschner Health News Florida Automated HealthCare Solutions, a growing private firm in Miramar, is suing a solo blogger who accused the company of being part of a workers’ compensation system that benefits from “rampant greed.” JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida ranks second in illegal guns traced to crimes, study shows By Gary Taylor Orlando Sentinel Guns bought in one state often end up being used in crimes in another state, and a coalition of the nation's mayors thinks tougher laws could reverse that trend.

Daily Clips for September 29, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Gubernatorial Foes at Odds on Education Proposals By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune Saying that more money alone will not improve Florida schools, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott on Tuesday outlined an ambitious plan for a "new era" in public schools that could dramatically expand the use of private school vouchers and having children get their schooling online. Florida Dems aim death blow at Charlie Crist By Alexander Burns Politico Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is getting the full Arlen Specter treatment as he struggles to hold on to Democratic support in his independent bid for the U.S. Senate. Sink, Florida Cabinet fed up with BP claims czar Feinberg By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink used an update this morning on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster to blast BP claims czar Ken Feinberg for paying too little, too late to Panhandle businesses and causing at least one company to close its doors. Fair redistricting to reshape politics Editorial Tampa Tribune Proposed constitutional amendments 5 and 6, included on the ballot Nov. 2, have one goal: to end gerrymandering in Florida. POLITICAL RACES Alex Sink adds Republican endorsements By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee for governor, raced from a Cabinet meeting today to a jobs center south of the Capitol to tout her bi-partisan appeal. Sink fires back at Scott over ads about state's pension fund By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink responded Tuesday to Republican Rick Scott's accusations that she has poorly managed state investments, calling his recent campaign ads "lies" and blasting him as scaring seniors unduly about the health of their pensions. Rick Scott's education plan would cut taxes, increase private school vouchers By Marc Caputo and Sergio Bustos St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Pledging to cut taxes and increase school choice for parents, Republican Rick Scott rolled out his education plan Tuesday in what could presage a long fight with the state's teachers union. Rick Scott releases choice-based education plan By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott unveiled an education plan Tuesday that signals clear support for voucher programs and for injecting more private-market competition into Florida classrooms, in the same vein as former Gov. Jeb Bush. Scott signals shift in wooing donors By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune For months, Republican Rick Scott proudly declared his independence from special interest groups by eschewing the traditional fundraising circuit and using $50 million of his own money to fund his campaign for governor. Scott 527 group nets nearly $1 million in six days By Luke Johnson Florida Independent The 527 group associated with Rick Scott’s campaign for governor, Let’s Get to Work, netted $906,000 in campaign contributions from individuals, other committees and companies between Sept. 16 and Sept. 21, according to disclosures on the group’s website posted Tuesday. Former state Democratic chairman Whitehead endorses Crist Staff Report Panama City News Herald Former Florida Democratic Party Chairman Charles Whitehead has endorsed Gov. Charlie Crist in his independent bid for the U.S. Senate race, the campaign announced Tuesday. In TV ad, Florida Democrat invokes Taliban against GOP rival By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson — the fire-breathing Orlando Democrat who once described the Republican Party's health care plan as "die quickly" and suggested former Vice President Dick Cheney was a vampire — is at the center of another national political brouhaha. U.S. House: Beaven vows to put up fight against Mica By Scott Powers Orlando Sentinel In his nearly 20 years in Congress, Rep. John Mica hardly has needed to break a sweat to get re-elected. UF speaker: Don’t expect big youth vote this fall By Nathan Crabbe Gainesville Sun Young voters helped elect Barack Obama in 2008, but Democrats shouldn’t expect a repeat in this year’s midterm elections, according to a political science professor speaking tonight at the University of Florida. Libertarian law firm to challenge electioneering law Staff Report Orlando Sentinel The Institute for Justice, a Virginia-based libertarian law firm that’s received funding from the conservative Koch Foundation, is about to file a federal-court challenge to Florida’s new electioneering law, the group announced Tuesday. Broken Federal Election Commission fails to enforce campaign finance laws By Jesse Zwick Florida Independent Campaign finance reform groups are telling a sobering story. Ballot timing angers party By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune Democrats are angry with Sarasota's supervisor of elections for suddenly moving up the day to mail out absentee ballots to 20,000 voters -- sending them out today, instead of Friday. Rick Scott's cynical smears Editorial St. Petersburg Times Rick Scott is a fine one to preach about accountability. BALLOT INITIATIVES The Bleaching Amendments? By James Call WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee Opponents of a constitutional proposal changing how Florida draws its political districts have upped the ante. Florida's 'Amendment 4' Would Give Voters Say on Overbuilding By Daniel Indiviglio The Atlantic Florida was one of the states hit hardest by the collapse of the housing market. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Fight about Florida water rules growing as deadline nears By Steve Patterson Florida Times-Union New clean-water standards for Florida's rivers are triggering a political struggle with national fallout weeks before a deadline for federal action. U.S. Geological Survey uncovers elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in waterbodies nationwide By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent According to a recently released national study by the U.S. Geological Survey, elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus have remained the same or increased in many streams and aquifers across the nation since the early 1990s. Cabinet blasts claims process By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News Members of Florida's Cabinet expressed, again, their anger at how claims are being handled for those who've lost money because of BP's Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Obama endorses using fines for Gulf rehabilitation The Associated Press Tampa Tribune President Barack Obama endorsed a plan Tuesday to rehabilitate the Gulf of Mexico with some of the billions of dollars in water pollution fines expected from the companies responsible for the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history. Cuban, American, and Mexican scientists meet in Sarasota to discuss BP disaster & science in the Gulf By Kate Bradshaw WMNF Community Radio Tampa It’s been nearly fifty years since the start of the U.S. embargo against Cuba. Florida Cabinet delays Big Cypress land transfer By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The Florida Cabinet on Tuesday delayed action on a proposed transfer of 29,412 acres in Big Cypress National Preserve to the federal government after state Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson raised concerns about management of the land. LGBT Gay adoption case sparks debate over UF's involvement By Nathan Crabbe Gainesville Sun It all started innocently enough: An e-mail congratulating a University of Florida law professor for a brief in support of overturning the state's gay adoption ban. Adopting equality Editorial Panama City News Herald Florida always should be finding ways to stand out among states. EDUCATION Broward Teachers Union avoiding Race to Top talks By Akilah Johnson South Florida Sun-Sentinel The clock is ticking for the Broward Teachers Union and the school district to work together on changes mandated by the federal Race to the Top competition, most notably creating a merit pay plan for teachers. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Census snapshot of S. Florida: Poverty up, wealth down By Douglas Hanks Miami Herald Housing values crashed. Renting became more popular. Much of the population slipped a rung down the wealth ladder. And Miami seems to be booming. Fla. investment chief says pension fund strong The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Florida's investment chief said the state retirement fund is one of the nation's healthiest in a report Tuesday that contrasts with a Republican Party ad suggesting public employees' pensions are in jeopardy. Florida Supreme Court powerless to freeze state foreclosures By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post The Florida Supreme Court said Tuesday it cannot freeze foreclosures in the state as requested by a Florida congressman and amid a tempest of allegations and admissions that flawed paperwork has been used to take people's homes. HEALTH AND SENIORS Health law changes add extra protection By Diane Chun Gainesville Sun If you are in the dark about just what the new health reform law does for you, you're not alone. 2M in FL to qualify for tax credits Staff Report Health News Florida As grumbling against the health-reform law continues and the economy drags, a consultant's report released today says nearly 2 million Floridians will be eligible for tax credits for their health premiums in 2014. Explaining the health care reforms that went into effect last week By Robert Lorei WMNF Community Radio Tampa The health care reform legislation passed this year introduced many changes to health insurance. Rally focuses on Florida kids' needs By Robert Nolin Orlando Sentinel Grass-roots leaders and child advocates delivered a message Tuesday night as brassy and loud as the marching band and hip-hop dancers that accompanied them: Florida's kids are being short-changed and it's high time to put things right. Maine raps FMA's 'petty bickering' By Carol Gentry Health News Florida The Florida Medical Association's decision to express a lack of confidence in the American Medical Association has drawn critics who say it's time to support AMA leaders.

Daily Clips for September 28, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Florida ‘progressives’ urge voting from home By William Gibson South Florida Sun-Sentinel Excerpt: A liberal group called Progress Florida is telling voters they can avoid the weather and the lines at the polls by signing up to cast mail-in ballots from home. “For Florida progressives, voting has never been more important…or easier,” the group says. The group launched a website on Monday called VotingAtHome.com, an online tool that allows registered Florida voters to request a mail-in ballot from their county supervisor of elections. As Laws Shift, Voters Cast Ballots Weeks Before the Polls Close By Jeff Zeleny New York Times Excerpt: In Florida, where ballots began arriving in mailboxes last week, a liberal group called Progress Florida sent an appeal Monday urging people to “Vote in your pajamas.” FEATURED STORIES Marco Rubio denies flip-flopping on privatizing Social Security By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times A national TV appearance Sunday by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio revived the debate over Social Security and left independent rival Charlie Crist painting the frontrunner as a "flip-flopper." For the moment, Alex Sink has more money than Rick Scott By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Candidates and independent groups have begun reloading their bank accounts in recent weeks for the final battle in Florida’s 2010 gubernatorial election. Florida Voters Enter Battle on Growth By Damien Cave New York Times Lesley Blackner drove through a maze of condominium towers, rarely seeing any curtains in the windows, or residents, and tried to contain her anger. FLORIDA POLITICS Chief judge's letter on building draws ire By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News The chief judge of Florida's 1st District Court of Appeal on Monday tried to address controversy about the court's new $48-million home and elicited further controversy among his fellow judges in the process. Why vote for anyone who allows Florida's 'Taj Mahal'? By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times It's almost October, and the public is still waiting for the Florida Supreme Court to do something about that $48 million "Taj Mahal" courthouse that an appeals court in Tallahassee sneaked through for itself. POLITICAL RACES Sink, Smith receive warm welcome at Gainesville stop By Chad Smith Gainesville Sun Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink and her running mate were in Gainesville for a fundraiser Monday night, one of several the pair will attend around the state in the five weeks left before the election. Numbers rising, Senate hopeful Meek cruises through Tampa By Kate Bradshaw WMNF Community Radio Tampa Months ago, US Representative Kendrick Meek was cast as a long shot in the race for Florida’s open US Senate Seat. Tea party favorite Marco Rubio plays it safe By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel Marco Rubio, who began his U.S. Senate candidacy as an insurgent challenging the Republican establishment, is now leading in public opinion polls — and careful to say nothing that would jeopardize his lead. Marco Rubio assailed over jobless benefits By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times The AFL-CIO is targeting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio in a new mailer that calls him anti-worker. Senate candidate Rubio says Social Security change needed, but not private system By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Republican Senate nominee Marco Rubio, who once favored giving younger workers the option of investing a portion of their Social Security payroll taxes in private accounts, says he abandoned that view at least six months ago after concluding the idea "doesn't work." Florida GOP donors appeal ruling on Crist refunds The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Republican contributors to Gov. Charlie Crist's independent campaign for the U.S. Senate aren't giving up their quest for refunds. Ausley slams Atwater for not auditing reports By Dave Heller Florida Capital News The Florida Legislature is not following the law that requires audits for lobbyist-compensation reports, a candidate for state chief financial officer said Monday. Small-business advocate endorses Republican Bondi By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Florida's major advocate for small-business owners endorsed Republican Pam Bondi for attorney general Monday, citing her fierce support of the state's federal lawsuit against the Obama Administration's national health-care plan. Grayson's 'Taliban Dan' ad takes Webster's words out of context, twists meaning By Mark Schlueb Orlando Sentinel In an attack ad labeling his opponent "Taliban Dan" Webster, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson uses Webster's own words to prove the Republican thinks wives should be subservient to their husbands. Southerland taking Boyd's 'mischaracterizations' personally By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Republican Steve Southerland said Monday "it's incredibly personal" for U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd to distort his positions on taxes, Social Security and the right to vote. Florida's 25th District: Joe Garcia vs. David Rivera By Tim Padgett Time Magazine One overhyped story in the 2008 election was the supposed rise of Miami's moderate Cuban-American voters. Supreme Court justices targeted for defeat after Amendment 9 ruling By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune A group says it will target two of the Florida Supreme Court justices who helped remove Amendment 9 -- the "health care freedom" amendment -- from the November ballot. Many Florida candidates face no competition this November By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent While big-name candidates running for the U.S. Senate or the governor’s office manage expensive and contentious campaigns, other candidates are running unopposed or against unknown candidates. BALLOT INITIATIVES "Hometown Democracy" Spurs Rush on Planners By Steve Newborn WUSF Public Radio Tampa The possibility that Amendment 4 - the so-called "Hometown Democracy" amendment - will be OK'd by voters in November hasn't escaped the attention of developers. Amendment on comprehensive land use changes sparks dueling ads By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Palm Beach County voters will begin hearing more Amendment 4 debate with dueling advertisements running in key Southeast Florida markets. 'Fair Districts' will strengthen democracy Editorial St. Petersburg Times Florida can be a toss-up when it comes to statewide elections, but its legislative and congressional races are almost never competitive. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Oil spill commission questions BP's response plan By Joel Achenbach Washington Post The two chairmen of the president's Oil Spill Commission, which is conducting an inquiry into the April 20 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, expressed skepticism Monday about claims from BP and government officials that initial underestimation of the flow rate of the Macondo well had no impact on the response to the spill. Sen. Nelson joins effort to convince EPA to delay Florida water quality standards By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson has long portrayed himself as a friend to the ailing St. Johns River. Florida to appeal ruling overturning 2009 growth law changes By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The Attorney General's Office says it will appeal a judge's ruling on a controversial 2009 growth management law that may have created uncertainty and confusion among local governments and developers. Florida Bear Plan Sparks Interest By Glen Gardner Public News Service Florida Bear populations in Florida have staged a comeback in some areas and a new draft plan is sparking debate on how best to keep that comeback alive. Fla. set to donate nearly 30,000 acres to feds The Associated Press Tampa Tribune The state is set to donate nearly 30,000 acres in South Florida to the federal government for the Big Cypress National Preserve. LGBT DADT In Legal Shambles The Progress Report Think Progress Last week, in a 56-43 vote, Senate Democrats failed to invoke cloture on the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, falling several votes shy of the 60 need to break a Republican filibuster. No second-class citizens, yet... Editorial Ocala Star-Banner Time and again over the past week, we have been reminded of the intolerance that is exhibited toward gays and lesbians, both nationally and here in Florida. EDUCATION Tips for Improving College Student Completion Rates By Nick Trobiano WUSF Public Radio Tampa It takes college students in the South too long to finish -- and costs them too much -- according to a report released Tuesday by education advocates. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY College Savings Up in Florida's Down Economy By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida With many Florida families struggling to just get by, you might think saving is out of the question. Nelson: Human-spaceflight program is 'teetering on the edge' By Robert Block Orlando Sentinel U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson warned Monday that if Congress does not pass NASA legislation this week, America's human-spaceflight program could be "teetering on the edge" of disaster. HEALTH AND SENIORS State law makes changes for pain clinics By Beth Burger Bradenton Herald It’s not your average doctor’s office. Department of Health cancels drug database contract By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Florida's effort to launch a prescription drug database meant to help crack down on"“pills mills" and "doctor shopping" appears likely to encounter more delays. It isn't easy to take away a doctor's prescription pad By Letitia Stein and Susan Taylor Martin St. Petersburg Times Dr. Ty Anderson let assistants use his name to prescribe Vicodin and other narcotic painkillers for patients — three of whom overdosed and died. Florida pill mills pump poison through South By Kate Howard and Paul Pinkham Florida Times-Union The pipeline is long, lucrative and lethal. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Attacks on homeless will be hate crimes in Florida The Associated Press Miami Herald This week it will become a hate crime to attack a homeless person with prejudice in Florida, meaning a crime like the fatal bludgeoning of a Vietnam veteran last year will come with steeper consequences.

Daily Clips for September 27, 2010

FEATURED STORIES As Crist fades in polls, early vote nips at his heels By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times There's a good reason Charlie Crist has begun airing television ads questioning the integrity of Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek in the Senate race: Crist is fading in the three-way race, and with early voting already under way he needs to halt the rising support for Rubio and Meek. To win, Meek must turn doubters into believers By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Related: Poll: Rubio's lead over Crist grows; Meek gains ground Related: Rubio's views don't match many Hispanics' In a quietly arranged phone call Wednesday night, about 80 black elected officials backing Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek got their marching orders. A look at Alex Sink's and Rick Scott's budget plans for Florida By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union In a year when anti-government sentiment seems to be almost as deep as a willingness to turn out incumbents, the state's gubernatorial candidates are trying to sell voters on their ability to rein in waste. Election Day already over for many Floridians as early voting surges By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times Election Day already is over for thousands of Floridians. Someone give these guys memory pills By Carl Hiaasen Miami Herald The myth of Republican frugality is graphically exemplified by an ornate new state courthouse, about six miles from downtown Tallahassee. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Andy Marlette Pensacola News Journal Related editorial: A lovely bipartisanship FLORIDA POLITICS Analysis shows Florida could add two Congressional seats after 2010 Census By Louis Jacobson St. Petersburg Times A leading analytical firm is estimating that Florida is poised to gain two Congressional seats as a result of population growth following the 2010 Census. GOP audit clarifies little By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune The Republican Party of Florida earlier this month released a much anticipated audit that was supposed to finally reveal the depths of the financial scandal that has occurred under the watch of former chairman Jim Greer. How they voted: Bad in the Senate, worse in the House By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times The hits just keep on rolling. POLITICAL RACES Crist, Meek, Rubio using Social Security's future to lure voters By William March Tampa Tribune In classic fashion for the nation's biggest retiree state, Social Security is jumping to the front of the U.S. Senate race. Marco Rubio’s Social Security privatization lie, and the email that proves him wrong By Joy-Ann Reid The Reid Report On Face the Nation on Sunday, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio continued his sprint to the middle, soft-peddling his support for raising the Social Security retirement age to 70 (he said he favored keeping Social Security just as it is, but “tweaking” the retirement formula in the coming years, whatever that means…) and — there’s no kind way to put this — simply lying about his stated support for privatizing the program for younger workers. Biden: White House "100 percent" for Meek By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Related: Meek woos unions, undecided voters Vice President Joe Biden acknowledged Americans are "frustrated and angry" with Democrats, but he predicted the party will retain control of Congress when voters compare it to the GOP. Biden praises Fla. Democratic candidates By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Less than six weeks out from a high-stakes election, Vice President Joe Biden headlined a reception Friday that raised $500,000 for Florida Democrats jockeying to protect their majority in Washington and infiltrate GOP-controlled Tallahassee. Poll: Rubio opening gap in Senate race By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News Republican Marco Rubio is widening his lead in Florida's U.S. Senate race, up by 12 points in a poll released Saturday. Rubio: 'No' to credit card statements release By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union When Marco Rubio sat down with the Times-Union editorial board yesterday, we asked questions about his Republican Party of Florida credit card statements that have been the subject of much speculation. Independent Charlie Crist takes on old ally, Sen. George LeMieux, during editorial board interview By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times Related: Crist ad goes overboard trying to link Rubio to rowing earmark Gov. Charlie Crist lamented Washington's hyper-partisan shift Friday, singling out his one-time top adviser and campaign "maestro," George LeMieux, the man whom Crist appointed to the U.S. Senate just a year ago. Robert Wexler returns to South Florida politics to give a boost to Gov. Crist, an old friend By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel Ex- Rep. Robert Wexler, who's stayed silent on politics since he left office early this year, is back in South Florida to give a boost to one of his oldest political friends, Gov. Charlie Crist. Sink, Scott weigh in on immigration issues By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Democrat Alex Sink said Friday she would veto any immigration bill that hurts Florida farming while Republican Rick Scott said businesses should be protected from penalties for unwittingly hiring workers who are in the country illegally. Report hits issue Sink, Scott agree on: merit pay By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink don't agree on a lot. Ads aim to erode opinions of Sink By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune It was only a matter of time before Rick Scott had to go negative in his campaign for governor. Children's Movement Airs Ad Urging Scott to Debate By Margie Menzel WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee A child advocacy group is touring Florida, drawing thousands and calling for Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott to debate Democrat Alex Sink on children's issues. Alex Sink says grit and pride were legacy of famous ancestors, Siamese twins Chang and Eng By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times If Alex Sink makes history and becomes Florida's first female governor she still won't be the most celebrated member of her family. Democrat ex-banker Sink says she's an outsider, too By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Dudley Bates can't remember the last time he voted for a Democrat. The lifelong Republican said he's never voted for one for governor. Wanted: $140 billion watchdog By Kris Hundley and Sydney P. Freedberg St. Petersburg Times Candidates for the three top statewide offices will have an important side job. Candidates for CFO provide a contrast By Jim Ash Florida Capital News The top two candidates for chief financial officer offer voters a stark contrast — Jeff Atwater, the Republican Senate president and banker from North Palm Beach, and Loranne Ausley, a Democratic former House member and a pedigreed lawyer from Tallahassee. Poll shows tight Florida Cabinet race, weak support for class-size amendment By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The Republican candidates in the three races for Florida Cabinet are gaining traction with independent voters and slightly leading their Democratic rivals, according to a new poll that suggests 2010 is shaping up to be a good year for conservatives. Uneasy political environment encourages challengers in race for Congress By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News The first time he ran for Congress, U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd had his mother reply to some harsh attacks with a homespun TV ad saying she'd like to wash his opponent's mouth out with soap. Analysis: Grayson vs. Webster: House race epitomizes left vs. right By Mark Schlueb Orlando Sentinel Related: Grayson TV ad compares Webster to Taliban If the stakes weren't so high — control of Congress — you could think of it as a political experiment. Democrats embracing ties to top By Amy Sherman and Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald At a time when President Barack Obama's poll numbers have waned and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the GOP's favorite target, some Democrats have distanced themselves from the administration and Democratic leaders in Washington. Tea party favorite Allen West gunning for Ron Klein's seat By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Allen West ended a military career and launched a political one in the most unusual of ways. Hastings accuses GOP opponent of distorting voting record By Gregory Lewis South Florida Sun-Sentinel U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings is accusing his GOP election rival with distorting the nine-term Democrat's voting record. BALLOT INITIATIVES A weekend interview about class size with Leon High principal Rocky Hanna By Jeff Solocheck St. Petersburg Times When Amendment 8 to relax Florida school class size rules first emerged, Leon High School principal Rocky Hanna stood alongside sponsors Rep. Will Weatherford and Sen. Don Gaetz to applaud the effort to give schools more flexibility in controlling student numbers in classrooms. A few months later, he's become a leading voice in the campaign against Amendment 8. Voters don't support scaling back class-size law By Denise-Marie Balona Orlando Sentinel An attempt to scale back Florida's class-size law is going nowhere, according to a new poll. 'Fair Districts': Would redistricting really give Democrats boost they are looking for? By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel As Republicans nationwide ride a Tea Party wave into the fall elections, Florida's political maps drawn by the ruling GOP are showing their age. 'Hometown Democracy' amendment passage is iffy, poll shows By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel A constitutional amendment that would give residents more control over development is favored by a majority of voters - but not yet enough to win passage on Nov. 2, according to a new Mason-Dixon poll. It will finally give taxpayers the last word By Tom Connick Miami Herald Opposing viewpoint: It will only empower deep pocket-developers Amendment 4 will give us, the citizens of Florida, final say on land-use changes that affect our quality of life here in South Florida. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Obama administration directs criticism to BP claims czar Kenneth Feinberg By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Already under fire from officials in Florida, the administrator of the BP oil disaster fund is now facing criticism from the Obama administration, which has called the pace of filling claims "unacceptable." BP works on own estimate for amount of oil spilled By Harry R. Weber The Associated Press BP PLC is working behind the scenes to formulate its own estimate for how much crude spewed from its well in the Gulf of Mexico, as it prepares for a potential legal fight with the U.S. government over fines. Gulf of Mexico oil spill victims to be paid more, faster The Associated Press Ocala Star-Banner Victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill should start getting bigger payments faster, the administrator of the fund set up to help them said Saturday. LGBT Florida, 9 other states: Constitution doesn't require marriage to include same-sex couples The Associated Press Orlando Sentinel Florida and nine other states have filed a gay marriage opposition brief to a federal appeals court in California. Florida gay adoption ruling another step on long road to equality By Michael Mayo South Florida Sun-Sentinel Related editorial: Is Florida ready to join 21st century? How illogical was Florida's ban on gay adoptions, which a state appeals court correctly struck down last week? Boca couple celebrates end of Florida's gay adoption ban By Susan Spencer-Wendel Palm Beach Post It is a scene from many Florida households, this one unfolding inside an immaculate home in suburban Boca Raton. Adoption ban was senseless, indefensible By Fred Grimm Miami Herald Not often does an opinion from the solemn reaches of the Third District Court of Appeal read so darkly funny, as if Joseph Heller had come back from the grave as a judicial ghost writer. We are almost rid of cruel gay-adoption ban By Mike Thomas Orlando Sentinel Judge Frank Shepherd has impeccable conservative credentials: a Reagan appointee to the Environmental Protection Agency, a member of the libertarian Pacific Legal Foundation and the Federalist Society, a director of the James Madison Institute, a champion of tort reform, judicial restraint and individual rights. Protesters of gay adoption ignore parenting crisis By Ernest Hooper St. Petersburg Times The people still vowing to fight for a ban on gay adoptions appear to have lost touch with the fact that this state, and the nation, is facing a parenting crisis. Adoption matters Editorial Sarasota Herald-Tribune Last week, a state court again struck down a law that categorically bans gay Floridians from adopting children. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Where Florida's stimulus money has gone By Douglas Hanks Miami Herald A professor at Florida International University won $60,000 to research a rise in litigious Peruvians during the 18th century. Florida Supreme Court asked to halt foreclosures amid probe By Diane C. Lade South Florida Sun-Sentinel A Florida congressman has asked the state Supreme Court to stop all foreclosures being handled by three major law firms under investigation by the Florida Attorney General over questions about slipshod paperwork practices involving thousands of cases. Tens of thousands of Floridians remain on food stamps News Service of Florida Miami Herald The number of Floridians on food stamps has dipped slightly over the past year, but Department of Children and Families workers are still seeing a load of about 57,000 cases per month. Full accounting needed at State Board of Administration Editorial St. Petersburg Times It's possible the Florida State Board of Administration wasn't fully informed by Wall Street brokers three years ago when it cavalierly bought exotic mortgage-related securities just weeks before the credit markets crashed. HEALTH AND SENIORS AP Poll: Many think health overhaul should do more The Associated Press Gainesville Sun President Barack Obama's health care overhaul has divided the nation, and Republicans believe their call for repeal will help them win elections in November. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Defense contractor confirms indicted Florida businessman sold counterfeit computer chips By Robert Napper Florida Independent Federal authorities say Pinellas businessman Shannon Wren for years dealt in counterfeit computer chips, risking the lives of military personnel and potentially endangering national security. Ruling on young, violent lifers puts Florida justice on the spot By David Ovalle Miami Herald Kyan Bucknor was 15 in 1999 when he shot two patrons and unleashed a volley of bullets into Broward Sheriff's Office deputy Al Hibbert outside a Lauderdale Lakes nightclub.

Daily Clips for September 24, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Poll: Alex Sink leads Rick Scott in governor's race By Marc Caputo Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Democrat Alex Sink leads Republican rival Rick Scott by seven percentage points in the Florida governor's race, according to a new poll that shows she's highly popular with the state's swing voters: Independents. Former fan says Marco Rubio charged home remodeling on GOP credit card By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Marco Rubio had hoped that months ago he'd put behind him the controversy over questionable personal spending on his Republican Party credit card. Fla. judge blocks GOP quest for Crist refunds The Associated Press Palm Beach Post Republicans upset that Gov. Charlie Crist abandoned the GOP to become an independent were thwarted Thursday in a legal maneuver to force Crist's U.S. Senate campaign to refund about $7.5 million in contributions. Gay or straight, question off table for parents adopting By Carol Marbin Miller and Scott Hiaasen Miami Herald Related editorial: A loving home, at last After an appeals court struck down Florida's controversial gay-adoption law, child welfare administrators quickly issued new instructions Thursday to foster-care workers throughout the state: From now on, when it comes to sexual orientation, don't ask. Marco Rubio must be frank about the "Taj Mahal" courthouse Editorial St. Petersburg Times Marco Rubio has a terrible memory or an aversion to telling the truth. Neither trait is desirable in a candidate for U.S. Senate. BEST OF THE BLOGS Republican Party of Florida Audit Contradicts Itself (Or Worse) on Rubio, Atwater, Cannon By Kenneth Quinnell Florida Progressive Coalition The Alston & Bird internal audit for the Republican Party of Florida seems to contain a glaring inconsistency which appears to exonerate current Republican office holders from any wrongdoing while, at the same time, making serious allegations about former Republican Party officials and office holders. Profile & Interview: My Neighborhood Politician... the Rise of Rick Kriseman Part I By Benjamin Kirby The Spencerian The first time I met State Representative Rick Kriseman, a Democrat from District 53, was 2007 and I was celebrating my first wedding anniversary. Marco Rubio And “American Exceptionalism” By Inkberries Beach Peanuts Last week Marco Rubio rallied with a group of 200 Evangelicals near Orlando, but there was one in particular that one might want to pay attention to. He is a man named David Barton. Crist withdrawal empowers moderates By Daniel Tilson The Examiner Election Day is November 2nd. Early voting starts a couple of weeks before that. So we have about a month left before voting starts in Florida, about a month left for Charlie Crist to be a hero. Poll: Florida Republican Party chair John Thrasher in trouble? By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 From the Joint Bureau of The Reid Report and Saint Petersblog: A new poll commissioned by the Florida Democratic Party shows State Sen. John Thrasher, author of the Jeb Bushian anti-teacher tenure bill SB6, and the man behind the “Get Charlie” partial party finances audit, may be in trouble in his own re-election hunt. FLORIDA POLITICS Florida House Republicans hint at special session on energy rebates By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com House Republican leaders on Thursday said a special session could be held in November -- possibly during the Legislature's organizational session -- to approve using federal economic stimulus money for state energy rebate programs. POLITICAL RACES In race for governor, Sink and Scott’s tax plans up against Florida’s slow economy By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Despite their differences, Florida’s Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates both promise not to raise taxes, and both have ambitious plans to invigorate a stalled economy. New poll shows Alex Sink with 7-point lead in governor's race By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Nearing the stretch run of their hotly contested gubernatorial showdown, a new poll shows Democrat Alex Sink enjoying a slight edge over Republican Rick Scott thanks to the lingering bad taste among voters over his bloody, $70-million Republican primary. Sink leads Scott in Mason-Dixon poll By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News A seven-point lead for Democrat Alex Sink over Republican Rick Scott depends on strong support from core constituencies and winning the independent vote. GOP says Alex Sink gave bonuses to state pension workers who lost billions By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact Millions of Americans had that stomach-churning feeling when the headlines announced another bad day on Wall Street as stock and bond markets plunged in value. Republicans aim for Democratic stronghold By Mark Schlueb Orlando Sentinel Republicans have set their sights on state Rep. Scott Randolph, hoping to kick him out of office and win control of one of Central Florida's few solidly Democratic House districts. GOP touts ex-Haitian Senate Prez for U.S. Rep. Hastings seat; Hastings not concerned By Gregory Lewis Palm Beach Post U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, is concerned about the anti-incumbent mood that has already taken down some experienced politicians — but not for his own re-election bid. BALLOT INITIATIVES Marco Rubio sides with Corrine Brown on redistricting By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union Marco Rubio, the conservative Republican running for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat, sided with U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, on the state's redistricting amendments. Manatee County Sample Ballot On Amendment 4 Criticized For Being Misleading By Doug Miles Bradenton Times A sample ballot put out by Manatee County showing what it might look like should Amendment 4 be passed has caused some controversy for its misleading language. Let's help district lines make sense Editorial Pensacola News Journal Politics is a lot like war. In most cases, winner takes all, or as the saying goes, to the victor go the spoils. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Studies confirm both Florida panther success and gloomy outlook By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Florida's panther population has hit its peak in the habitat that's left, and federal officials should quickly create new colonies by moving some of them, according to scientists who just published two of the most extensive studies of panthers ever undertaken. Florida panthers bound back thanks to Texas mates By Lauran Neergaard The Associated Press In the quest to save the endangered Florida panther, their Texas cousins were the cat's meow. Everglades restoration remains 'slow,' according to federal review By Andy Reid South Florida Sun-Sentinel Everglades restoration remains slow and may require "tradeoffs" between water quality and water quantity in the decades-long effort to save Florida's fading River of Grass, according to a report to Congress released on Thursday. Lionfish found off Pensacola Beach threatens Florida By Kimberly Blair Pensacola News Journal A beautiful yet venomous lionfish, native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, has been captured on a reef about 16 miles off Pensacola Beach. LGBT Score one for sanity: Court strikes down Florida's gay adoption ban and a good dad gets to legally be one By Sue Carlton St. Petersburg Times Here's the irony in the court case of Frank Martin Gill, a gay man who wanted to adopt the two foster children he already thought of as his sons: Everyone agreed he was a good father to them — even the people fighting to keep him from legally being their dad. Anita Bryant's legacy starts to crumble away Editorial Ft. Myers News-Press The discriminatory and divisive ban that prevents gay men and lesbians from adopting children is dying a long overdue death. Gay adoption ruling Editorial Orlando Sentinel We hope this week's wise and just ruling from a Florida appeals court is the final nail in the coffin for the state's law banning gays from adopting children. Important win Editorial Florida Today They say slow and steady wins the race, and we hope so in the case of advocates who’ve fought for decades to overturn a Florida law banning adoption by gays. All created equal Editorial Florida Today You can serve your country with honor and sacrifice, be wounded or killed, but when you wear the uniform don’t expect to be treated with the same equality as other Americans. EDUCATION 6 Fla. districts to develop merit pay programs The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Six Florida school districts have been awarded funds by the U.S. Department of Education to create merit pay programs for teachers and principals. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida approves Citizens Property rate hikes above 10 percent By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Florida's biggest property insurer is getting more than it bargained for. Mortgage Delinquencies: Less Stigma, More Walk-Aways? By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida At least one in five homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their houses are worth, and an increasing number think it's okay to walk away from those mortgages. Time-share resale scams targeted by state regulators By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida's consumer protection chief announced a crackdown on unscrupulous time-share resale agents Thursday. HEALTH AND SENIORS Rubio: Health care reform will be too costly By David Hunt Florida Times-Union With the six-month anniversary of the federal health care overhaul prompting a White House media blitz on Thursday, even U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio, a staunch critic of the plan, said the Democrats had a few things to cheer about. Executive fraud bill passes House By Carol Gentry Health News Florida A bill targeting corporations found guilty of Medicare or Medicaid fraud -- and the executives who were in charge when it happened, as in the case of Rick Scott -- passed the House by voice vote on Wednesday, with bipartisan support. Doctors sue to block state's pill bill By Dave Berman Florida Today Two Florida doctors who run a group of seven pain-management clinics have filed suit to block from going into effect Oct. 1 a new state law regulating their industry. Hearing will let insurers vent By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty will use a hearing today to try to bolster his arguments that Florida insurers should get leeway in meeting a key requirement of the federal health-reform law. Jacksonville family spotlighted in Obama health event By Jeremy Cox Florida Times-Union A Jacksonville mother stepped into the national media spotlight Wednesday to help the White House tout consumer-friendly provisions created by the federal health reform legislation. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Cabinet commutes life sentence of inmate who had pocket knife in '86 burglary By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A 3-inch pocketknife cost Timothy Bunkley decades of freedom. But his persistence paid off, and he will walk out of prison any day now.