Progress Florida Daily Clips 11-3-10

FEATURED STORIES

No clear winner yet in Florida governor's race
By Michael C. Bender, Steve Bousquet and Mary Ellen Klas
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Related: One-stop state, local and federal election results
There was no clear winner between Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink early this morning in the state's closest governor's race in 16 years.

Marco Rubio elected to U.S. Senate
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
Related editorial: Rubio has opportunity to shape agenda
Floridians overwhelmingly elected Marco Rubio, the 39-year-old son of a bartender and Kmart stock clerk, to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, capping a tumultuous election and historic downfall of Gov. Charlie Crist.

Florida redistricting standards pass while class-size changes, Hometown Democracy fail
By Becky Bowers and Ron Matus
St. Petersburg Times
Voters followed the money on citizen-led constitutional amendments Tuesday, narrowly passing two redistricting measures backed by a $9 million campaign and rejecting a dramatically outspent Hometown Democracy effort.

Republicans win all three state Cabinet races
By Lee Logan, Colleen Jenkins and Jay Weaver
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Republican candidates won all three state Cabinet posts Tuesday, continuing the party's dominance in statewide races over the past decade.

Decisive losses in Florida Congressional races match national wave
By Alex Leary
St. Petersburg Times
Florida voters swept four Democratic members of Congress from office, part of a wave of victories that delivered the House of Representatives to Republicans, dramatically redrawing the lines of power in Washington.

What Yesterday's Election Means for Progressives
By Robert Creamer
The Huffington Post
Last week I argued that there was a path to victory for Democrats in the House. That turned out to be wrong.

POLITICAL RACES

Scott still ahead as GOP makes big gains in Florida; Sink lawyering up
By Bill Cotterell
Florida Capital News
It’s not as close or exciting as the presidential race 10 years ago, but the outcome of Florida’s race for governor is still too close to call.

Scott says 'We have won' but Sink refuses to concede governor's race
By Aaron Deslatte
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Republican Rick Scott proclaimed himself the next governor of Florida as he clung to a narrow lead this morning over Democrat Alex Sink in one of the closest, costliest and most politically significant gubernatorial slugfests in the country.

Governor's race waits: Palm Beach County late over worker error
By Andrew Marra, Dara Kam and Jeff Ostrowski
Palm Beach Post
The rest of the state had the bulk of its votes counted by late Tuesday.

Marco Rubio, ‘son of exiles,’ rises as U.S. senator
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Behold Republican Marco Rubio, political giant killer and one of the freshest faced lieutenants of the conservative insurrection in Washington, who finished off Florida's sitting governor on Tuesday to become the state's next U.S. senator.

After leading in the polls the past two months, Rubio prevails
By George Bennett, Jane Musgrave and Ana Valdes
Palm Beach Post
Before there was ever any talk of a Republican wave, there was Marco Rubio.

Voter anger helped Marco Rubio, Rick Scott exit polls show
By Curt Anderson
The Associated Press
Florida voters who elected Republican Marco Rubio to the Senate on Tuesday were overwhelmingly dissatisfied or angry about the federal government's performance, and Rubio drew support from both tea party backers and many who described themselves as neutral about the conservative movement.

Bondi becomes state's first female AG
By Laura Kinsler
Tampa Tribune
Republican Pam Bondi led a GOP sweep of the state's three Cabinet posts by edging her more experienced opponent in the race for attorney general.

Atwater beats Ausley; pledges transparency
The Associated Press
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater will become Florida's next chief financial officer, a position many consider the state's second-most influential office.

Putnam wins agriculture commissioner's race
By Richard Burnett
Orlando Sentinel
Republican Adam Putnam breezed past Democrat Scott Maddox on Tuesday in the race to become Florida's next commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

4 Florida Dem. congressional incumbents unseated
By Bill Kaczor
The Associated Press
Republicans ousted four Florida Democratic incumbents Tuesday and lost none of their own congressional seats in the state to help the GOP take control of the U.S. House.

Florida sending 8 new members to US House
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
For all the talk about tea parties and fresh faces, only two of Florida's eight new U.S. House members can be considered "outsiders."

Dan Webster beats Alan Grayson in a landslide
By Mark Schlueb
Orlando Sentinel
Democrat U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson — at the same time loved and hated by partisans across the country — was ousted from Congress on Tuesday by Dan Webster, a quiet conservative known to Central Florida voters after nearly three decades in the Legislature.

Republicans reclaim Congressional District 24
By Ludmilla Lelis
Orlando Sentinel
Sandy Adams, a Republican state legislator, on Tuesday reclaimed the Congressional District 24 seat for the GOP, which succeeded in ousting Suzanne Kosmas, the Democratic incumbent.

Allen West defeats Ron Klein
By Anthony Man and David Fleshler
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The national wave of discontent with the Democratic-controlled Congress swept through South Florida on Tuesday, costing Ron Klein his congressional seat and sending Republican Allen West to Congress, where he's likely to get a quick place on the national stage.

Rivera victory caps contentious race
By Patricia Mazzei
Miami Herald
Republican David Rivera decisively staved off a challenge to win a Miami congressional seat Tuesday, as a conservative current swept Florida GOP candidates into office.

Long-serving Dem. Allen Boyd loses to Rep. Southerland
By Bill Cotterell
Florida Capital News
Republican Steve Southerland Tuesday defeated seven-term incumbent Democrat Allen Boyd to represent the Big Bend in Congress.

John Thrasher survives challenge for Florida Senate seat
By Tia Mitchell
Florida Times-Union
State Sen. John Thrasher easily held onto his seat Tuesday, prevailing in what was considered the most closely watched legislative race this campaign season.

GOP has veto-proof majority in state Senate
By Matthew Doig
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Florida Republicans in the state Senate picked up two seats on election night, giving them the 28 seats necessary to secure a coveted veto-proof majority.

GOP gains two-thirds majority in Fla. Legislature
By Brent Kallestad
The Associated Press
Republicans gained two additional seats Tuesday in the Florida Senate and possibly a half dozen more in the state House, putting the Legislature clearly in the driver's seat on making policy for at least the next two years.

BALLOT INITIATIVES

Legislative, congressional redistricting amendments pass
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
Voters approved two amendments setting new rules for how legislative and congressional districts in Florida are redrawn each decade.

Voters reject loosening of class-size rules
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
Voters rejected a proposed state constitutional amendment that would have loosened Florida's limits on the number of children who can be in public school classes.

Florida voters reject land-use amendment
By Tamara Lush
The Associated Press
Voters overwhelmingly rejected Tuesday a proposed state constitutional amendment that would have drastically changed the development approval process in Florida.

Repeal of public campaign finance system rejected
By Antonio Gonzalez
The Associated Press
An amendment to abandon Florida's public campaign financing system was rejected by voters Tuesday, keeping the provision in the state constitution.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Septic shock
By Dinah Voyles Pulver
Daytona Beach News-Journal
State health officials are putting the finishing touches on a new rule that will require septic tank owners to spend anywhere from $150 to $400 every five years to help protect Florida's water quality.

LGBT

Shift in balance of power will slow advancement of gay-rights legislation in Congress
By the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Miami Herald
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responded to the projected shift in the balance of power on Capitol Hill, with Republicans poised to regain control of the U.S. House.

EDUCATION

Seminole worried about computer testing
By Dave Weber
Orlando Sentinel
The school year is zipping along and Seminole school officials are growing more and more concerned as they approach the spring, when they will for the first time be required to give some FCAT tests and other statewide exams by computer.

JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY

Florida exit polls show voters overwhelmingly worried about economy
By Angie Drobnic Holan
St. Petersburg Times
Voters are overwhelmingly worried about the economy and want elected officials to address it as their top concern, according to exit poll interviews conducted across the state of Florida on Tuesday.

Florida clears almost 66,000 foreclosure cases in three months
By Kimberly Miller
Palm Beach Post
Florida's courts cleared 65,830 foreclosure cases in the three-month period beginning July 1, with 71 percent being decided in quickie hearings before the judge sometimes called "rocket dockets."

HEALTH AND SENIORS

AMA Head Predicts 'Catastrophe' If Physician Medicare Pay Isn’t Fixed
By Andrew Villegas and Mary Agnes Carey
Kaiser Health News
While most people are focused on the midterm elections Tuesday, the American Medical Association is gearing up for the lame-duck congressional session scheduled to start Nov. 15.

Law closes pill mills but makes it harder for some patients to get pain meds
By Bob LaMendola
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Florida's month-old pain clinic law has succeeded in driving some pill mills out of business, but has also created complications for some doctors and pain-stricken patients.

CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES

Poll: Latinos favor GOP candidates in Florida
By Soledad O'Brien
CNN
An election eve poll of likely Latino voters in Florida shows they favored Republicans in the U.S. House, Senate and governor's races.

JUSTICE AND THE COURTS

Fla. justices, judges retain seats despite general public discontent
By Paul Flemming
Florida Capital News
In the 38 years of Florida judicial merit-retention votes, no appellate judge or Supreme Court justice has ever been tossed off the bench by voters.

Daily Clips for November 2, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Campaign roundup… Staff Report Florida Tribune Special: Find your polling place Related: 2010 Progressive Ballot Guide Excerpt: Progress Florida has released a new web video that pushes people to go vote. The ad runs through pictures of conservative politicians and supporters, such as former Gov. Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott and John Thrasher, and tells the viewer that “if they all vote and you don’t ... everyone in Florida loses.” FEATURED STORIES Sink, Democrats rally with Clinton, as GOP talks of Rubio's coattails By Beth Reinhard, Mary Ellen Klas and Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Related: Tied in polls, turnout is key for Scott and Sink in governor's race Related: Polls: Sink, Scott in virtual tie Related editorial: Your vote counts The Democratic ticket in Florida turned to its party's most popular national figure, former President Bill Clinton, in a last-ditch effort Monday to rouse the faithful and offset Republicans swamping the early and absentee vote. Fla. governor's race considered key to presidential election in 2012 By Jane Musgrave, Dara Kam and Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Floridians are headed to the polls Tuesday to vote for their next governor, but the neck-and-neck race between Alex Sink and Rick Scott has implications far beyond the Sunshine State and leading all the way to the White House. Rubio, one-time underdog in U.S. Senate race, on verge of national conservative stardom By George Bennett, Jennifer Sorentrue and Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post Florida's marathon U.S. Senate campaign neared its end Monday looking nothing like the race that began almost two years ago. Florida Cabinet May Wind Up As A Panel of Rookies By Gina Jordan WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee Tuesday's election could result in a complete turnover of the Florida Cabinet. 4 Fla. congressional incumbents on hot seat By Bill Kaczor The Associated Press Republicans focused on unseating four of Florida's Democratic incumbents Tuesday in their drive to take control of the U.S. House. POLITICAL RACES Political change in the air? What to watch for tonight as votes counted By William E. Gibson Orlando Sentinel When the polls close and election results stream in tonight, early returns from Florida's suspenseful race for governor and six closely contested congressional campaigns could indicate a Republican wave nationwide or a late Democratic comeback. Voters decide whether Scott, Sink will be governor By Mitch Stacy The Associated Press Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink are locked in a tight race for Florida governor, with the winner unlikely to be known until long after the polls close Tuesday. Sink or Scott, next governor has to be Florida's best promoter to businesses By Robert Trigaux St. Petersburg Times Be it Alex Sink or Rick Scott, our next chief of state must also be chief economic salesperson. In Florida governor's race, there's more than one winner By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union The names on the ballot for governor in today's election are those of Rick Scott, the Republican, and Alex Sink, the Democrat. Senate candidates seek late edge in Orlando By Jim Stratton and Susan Jacobson Orlando Sentinel Former President Bill Clinton challenged Democrats at an Orlando rally late Monday to defy expectations and push U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek and a slate of party candidates to victory in today's election. Shrugging at Senate race polls, Charlie Crist remains upbeat Aaron Sharockman and Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times If you look at the polls, Charlie Crist's U.S. Senate campaign is poised for a beating today. Florida's Soap Opera of a Senate Race By James Call WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee Florida's three-way Senate race is building to a dramatic finish. Bondi, Gelber differ on focus in Fla. AG race By Kelli Kennedy The Associated Press Republican Pam Bondi and Democrat Dan Gelber have battled as Tuesday's attorney general election approached over whether Florida should challenge President Barack Obama's health care overhaul and adopt an Arizona-style immigration law. Putnam, Maddox battle for agriculture commissioner By Tamara Lush The Associated Press Republican Congressman Adam Putnam and former Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox, a Democrat, are both considered rising stars in their parties, which is why Tuesday's race for Florida agriculture commissioner could have long-term political effects. GOP certain to retain Fla. legislative majority By Brent Kallestad The Associated Press Most of Florida's incumbent legislators face weak or no opposition Tuesday, but the Democrats are hoping they can knock off one of the state's most powerful Republicans: Sen. John Thrasher, the Florida GOP chairman. Political robocall annoyance moves to cell phones By Becky Bowers St. Petersburg Times With Election Day here, take a moment to celebrate temporary relief from the robocall. Group Shines a Light on Money in Politics By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida It's Election Day, and by now you've probably been bombarded with radio and television ads either touting one politician or bashing another. Effect of today's vote will be felt for years By Chuck Raasch Ft. Myers News-Press Millions of Americans will vote Tuesday in an election that could give Republicans control of the House of Representatives and, possbly, the Senate and strengthen their ranks in state capitals. BALLOT INITIATIVES Fla. considers amendments to redistricting methods By Mike Schneider The Associated Press Two amendments that would set new rules for how legislative and congressional districts in Florida are redrawn every 10 years are being considered by voters Tuesday. Why Amendments 5 and 6 should pass By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Every single bad thing that has been said about Amendment 5 and Amendment 6 on today's ballot, the "fair districts" proposals, is true. 31 Florida Lawmakers Faced No Opposition By Keith Laing News Service of Florida For 31 incumbent lawmakers, today's election was over before it started. Amendment 8 would loosen class-size limits By Bill Kaczor and Christine Armario The Associated Press Many school administrators are split from their teachers over an amendment on Tuesday's ballot that would loosen Florida's limits on the number of children who can be in public school classes. The 7 Myths of Class Size Reduction -- And the Truth By Leonie Haimson Huffington Post Across the country, class sizes are increasing at unprecedented rates. An estimated 58,000 teachers were laid off in September, at the same time as enrollment was increasing in much of the country. Amendment 4 would change development process By Tamara Lush The Associated Press A state constitutional amendment that would drastically change the development approval process in Florida is before the voters Tuesday. Fla.'s public campaign financing system faces vote By Antonio Gonzalez The Associated Press An amendment to abandon Florida's system of public campaign financing is being put to the test by voters. Few oppose Fla. military tax break amendment By Curt Anderson The Associated Press There was virtually no opposition before Tuesday's election to a proposed constitutional amendment that would give a new property tax break for thousands of Florida-based military personnel. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Number of residents denied BP money up sharply By Brian Skoloff The Associated Press Denied claims for Gulf of Mexico oil spill victims are rising dramatically because of a flood of new filings coming in without proper documentation or with no proof at all, the head of the $20 billion BP fund said Monday. EDUCATION UF officials, students at odds on block tuition By Nathan Crabbe Gainesville Sun University of Florida officials made the case Monday for charging undergraduates a flat tuition rate, while students suggested the change would diminish the college experience. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Unexplained glitch delays state retirees' monthly pay By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News The check is in the mail for thousands of Florida retirees who don't use direct deposit. HEALTH AND SENIORS Sunshine State Voters Polled On Importance Of Social Security By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida No cuts, please! Older folks in Florida and the nation like, and depend on, their Social Security. Toxic schools: Florida's aging, leaky schools outstrip dwindling pot of money to fix them By Denise-Marie Balona Orlando Sentinel Bill Smith sends this warning to Florida's teachers, students and parents: If you think indoor-air quality in public schools is bad now, just wait a few years. Many have gone pink; fewer aid the cause By Dayna Harpster Ft. Myers News-Press Which came first, the chicken chow or the egg cartons?

Daily Clips for November 1, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Terry Jones pops up in political video By Chad Smith Gainesville Sun Progress Florida, a nonprofit organization pushing “progressive values,” has a message for the state’s voters: Conservative Floridians from Ann Coulter to Katherine Harris will be voting come Tuesday, and they don’t want you to. FEATURED STORIES Governor's election will be a watershed for Florida By Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Related: Scott gets shout-out from Jeb Bush; Sink bonds with teachers The governor's race — which promises to be the closest in years — is shaping up as a referendum on just how conservative Floridians want their state government to be. Razor-close governor's race triggers fear of recount, memories of 2000 By Lee Logan and Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related: Governor, Senate rivals rally the faithful in a sprint for votes Like most Florida election officials, Pasco County Supervisor Of Elections Brian Corley dreads a close and confusing vote. So he'll seek help from a higher power Tuesday. In Florida, a wild election ride nobody envisioned By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Related: Marco Rubio holds 'commanding' lead in U.S. Senate race Look what you've wrought, Charlie Crist. Elections 2010: Who rose, who stumbled and who's likely to win in Florida races By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel After more than a year of politicking, Florida's nasty, brutish and long campaign season comes to a close Tuesday, as voters select a new roster of leaders in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. High stakes in Florida vote By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune Florida's bitter, expensive and wild election season will finally lurch to a close on Tuesday. End state's political gerrymandering By Brad Ashwell Ocala Star-Banner Election Day is near, and competition is in the air, or so it seems. Blocking the facts: Congress avoids truth on spill By Stephen Goldstein South Florida Sun-Sentinel Truth: It's as liberating as the Book of John says it is: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Chan Lowe South Florida Sun-Sentinel Artist’s commentary: A Florida Halloween horror FLORIDA POLITICS In political twist, Sen. George LeMieux sets groundwork for 2012 By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times All eyes will be on Florida's new U.S. senator the day after Tuesday's election. But at a Marriott in Palm Beach Gardens, the man currently occupying the office will be seeking some attention of his own. Public Service Commission gives another reason to shudder Editorial Orlando Sentinel In July, we declared credibility at the state's Public Service Commission dead. Court to public: Shut up Editorial Pensacola News Journal That's the message from the Florida Supreme Court in refusing to hear an appeal of a case from Pensacola about the rights of Floridians to be heard by public boards on public issues under the state's Sunshine Law. POLITICAL RACES Money flows as campaigns near end By Lee Logan, Mary Ellen Klas, Alex Leary, Steve Bousquet, Beth Reinhard and Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Staff Writers Related: PolitiFact Florida examines the 2010 campaign Republican Rick Scott gave his campaign another $11.6 million in the final 12 days, bringing his total personal spending to more than $73 million and making this far and away the most expensive governor's race in history. Scott-Sink race is a major test of voters' character By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Related: Alex Sink and Bill McBride have adjusted to new roles in governor's race Related editorial: Don't let anger with D.C. cloud judgment on what's right for Florida For Florida voters, it's gut-check time. Last-Minute Sprint to Rally the Faithful By Gary Fineout New York Times Rick Scott and Alex Sink sprinted across the state. Alex Sink fights to make history in a tough political environment By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Related: Rick Scott, for better or worse, is defined by business background Four years ago, when a U.S. Senator from Illinois was making history by becoming the nation's first African-American president, Alex Sink was launching her political career in Florida, running statewide for chief financial officer. Rick Scott defends Jennifer Carroll in story about faked documents used in program application By Jeremy Cox Florida Times-Union Responding to a news story suggesting that altered documents helped give a boost to Jennifer Carroll’s consulting firm, Republican Rick Scott said Saturday he was standing by his running mate. State workers have stake in governor's race By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Rick Scott cites an example from his days running hospitals, when asked about reducing the size of Florida's government workforce and improving efficiency. Florida's frenzied Senate race gets even stranger as Election Day nears By Beth Reinhard, Michael Van Sickler and Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times Only two people in the world know for sure whether former President Bill Clinton urged Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek to bow out of the race, and both of them are denying it. Kendrick Meek both admired, doubted By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Related AP story: Bill Clinton, Kendrick Meek to campaign together Monday Related AP story: Meek begins 24 hours of nonstop campaigning At Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in downtrodden Liberty City, where he was baptized, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate was summoned to the altar. Independent voters leaning toward GOP in Cabinet races, poll shows By Paul Flemming Florida Capital News A poll released Saturday shows Republicans verging on a sweep of three open Cabinet seats. Pam Bondi, Dan Gelber criss-cross state in final days of attorney general race By Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida The final days of campaigning for former Hillsborough prosecutor Pam Bondi and state Sen. Dan Gelber to be the next attorney general likely won?t be very polite. "The Buzz" House Race Rankings: The Final Frontier By Louis Jacobson St. Petersburg Times For the last time this election cycle, the Times' political blog the Buzz is ranking the six U.S. House seats in Florida that are most vulnerable to a party switch. Alan Grayson, Suzanne Kosmas fight off GOP By Carol E. Lee Politico Rep. Alan Grayson walked onto a stage for the final debate of his reelection campaign. Voters receive mystery – and illegal – mailer By Mark Schlueb Orlando Sentinel With just days left before the election, an illegal mailer has hit voters' mailboxes in the 8th Congressional District — and all candidates are denying responsibility for the mystery ad. Rivera, Garcia forage for votes By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald More than 100 miles from their homes, Republican David Rivera and Democrat Joe Garcia waded for votes over the weekend in what seems like an unlikely locale for a Miami congressional election: the annual, ``world famous'' swamp buggy races in Naples. Klein-West race down to wire By Amy Sherman and Lesley Clark Miami Herald Democrat incumbent Rep. Ron Klein has run television ads accusing his Republican opponent of harboring a “sinister side,” of being “too extreme, too dangerous.” And he has highlighted Allen West's personal financial troubles, including a string of liens from his homeowners association. Who's giving tons of cash to candidates? By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel When Republican Rick Scott crashed the party and wrested the gubernatorial nomination away from the establishment-preferred candidate, the wealthy former health-care titan boasted that he owed special interests no favors and "Tallahassee dealmakers were crying in their cocktails." Millions of ‘Super PAC’ dollars flow through Tampa and into races nationwide By Luke Johnson Florida Independent “What the heck is an earmark?” asks a woman to herself in a coffee shop reading the right-leaning Las Vegas Review-Journal in an ad created by the Ending Spending Fund. Democrats hope to limit losses in campaign's last hours By The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Bracing for Monday's final burst of campaigning, President Barack Obama implored voters to remember that GOP policies failed to prevent the recession, while top Republicans said the public will deliver a harsh verdict on his stewardship of an anemic recovery. Student vote may be less of a factor By Nathan Crabbe Gainesville Sun University of Florida junior Jay Shooster voted for the first time in the 2008 presidential election, enthusiastically casting his ballot for Barack Obama. How a Republican landslide would look Wednesday morning By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Sheer speculation for argument purposes only. No wagering. Watch the watchers on 'vote fraud' Editorial St. Petersburg Times Beyond ongoing problems with absentee ballots, voter fraud is not a serious problem. BALLOT INITIATIVES Amendments appear doomed come Election Day, poll shows By Marc Caputo Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Every major constitutional amendment on the ballot looks doomed and so do each of the three Democrats running for Florida's Cabinet, according to a new poll of likely Florida voters. Millions of dollars muddle message on Amendment 4 By Andres Viglucci and Becky Bowers St. Petersburg Times Pop quiz: What is a comprehensive land use plan? 'Hometown' battle alters amendment landscape By Derek Catron Daytona Beach News-Journal For seven years, supporters and critics alike have been saying Florida Hometown Democracy's proposed constitutional amendment would bring sweeping changes to growth-management laws in the state. Florida Amendment 8 vote brings last minute surprise By Thomas Bradwell The Examiner The St. Petersburg Times reported on Friday that in a stunning admission, one of the sponsors of Amendment 8 conceded that if Amendment 8 fails at the ballot on Tuesday, "we will possibly look at other statutory fixes." Dirty closing tactics from groups fighting Amendments 5 and 6? By Abel Harding Florida Times-Union Fair Districts Florida, the group behind Amendments 5 and 6, said opponents of the effort, which would require legislative and congressional districts to be drawn "fairly," engaged in last-minute trickery. Time to put a stop to gerrymandering By Rosalie Bandyopadhyay Gainesville Sun Out of 420 elections for the Florida Legislature over the past six years, only three incumbents have been defeated. Letting the voters be heard Editorial St. Petersburg Times The best opportunity to bring fundamental change to Tallahassee and Washington is in a pair of constitutional amendments, not in a race for a particular office. By Jeff Parker Florida Today ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Halliburton Rejects Blame for BP Cement Job By John M. Broder New York Times Halliburton, whose failed cement job on the BP well in the Gulf of Mexico was identified as a contributing factor to the deadly blowout by a presidential investigative panel on Thursday, is defending its work and assigning the blame for the accident to BP. Feinberg takes questions from oil spill task force, announces additional improvements to claims process By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Speaking before Florida’s Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force Thursday, oil spill claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg faced lingering questions about the “unknown future” of the oil spill claims process as it prepares to enter its next stage. LGBT Gay rights activists push for discrimination ban The Associated Press Florida Today Jacksonville gay rights activists are meeting with business leaders to get their support for a measure that would ban discrimination based on sexual preference. Generation gap divides troops on gays in military By Kristin M. Hall and Tom Breen The Associated Press If you want to know what a member of the armed forces thinks about repealing "don't ask, don't tell," you could start by asking how old they are. EDUCATION Scott, Sink education plans differ greatly By Dave Weber Orlando Sentinel The direction of public education in Florida could hinge on Tuesday's election of a new governor, who will have wide influence on decisions affecting the schools. Election Day could bring big change to South Florida schools By Michael Mayo South Florida Sun-Sentinel These are uncertain times for South Florida public schools, with voters about to decide on a revision of the class-size amendment and a new governor. Concerns raised over scholarship program By Abel Harding and Paul Pinkham Florida Times-Union If the goal of Florida's Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship program is simply to reduce state spending on public education, it's graded an A. AP classes save families money, but for taxpayers the jury is out By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times For a decade, Florida has gone gangbusters with Advanced Placement classes, pouring students and money into the college-caliber, high school courses that some say are a good way to prepare "average" students for higher education. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Home values down, but taxes going up By John McCarthy Florida Today The overall taxable value of Brevard County dropped by 12 percent this past year, the third consecutive decline. HEALTH AND SENIORS Florida could get $39 million to help with state employee health insurance costs By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Florida has been approved to participate in a program that could lower its state employee health insurance costs by nearly $40 million in the next two years but is made possible by the federal health care overhaul legislative leaders have decried as unconstitutional. Florida loses sight of caring for its children By James P. McHale St. Petersburg Times Just last month, Pinellas County hosted a large rally for the Florida Children's Movement, a bipartisan group of parents, teachers, military leaders, business leaders and other concerned citizens fed up with Florida's horrific national standing in how we care for our children. Surgery 'complication?' Here's an option By John Koenig Health News Florida Andrew Kagan, the son of a Fort Myers orthopedic surgeon, remembers a malpractice case several years ago against one of his father’s partners. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES With Images Of Civil Rights, Blacks Urged To Vote The Associated Press NPR On the Sunday before Election Day, preachers told black churchgoers across the country to get out and vote — and defy predictions that they'll be complacent or uninterested in a year that President Barack Obama isn't on the ballot. Poll: Florida Latino Voters Rally to Polls By Anti-Immigration Stands By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida New polls show Latino voters in Florida and across the country are "more enthusiastic" about going to the polls Tuesday, in part rallied by anti-immigration stands by candidates like Rick Scott and Marco Rubio. Tea Party racism? By Ken Warren Florida Today A new report from the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights says there are solid links between tea party factions and acknowledged hate groups. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Trip to see furnishings for 'Taj Mahal' was quashed By Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Three years ago, when Paul M. Hawkes was chairman of the building committee for the courthouse now called the "Taj Mahal," he checked into buying more than $1 million in furniture for the building. Scott's ill-advised prison plan By Tiffany L. Thagard Ocala Star-Banner With the state's unemployment rate at an all-time high, how is Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott's plan beneficial? Scott Rothstein scandal: One year later By Jon Burstein and Paula McMahon South Florida Sun-Sentinel Fallout from the largest fraud in South Florida history continues after the dark secret behind Scott Rothstein's success was revealed a year ago this week.

Daily Clips for October 29, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Charlie Crist asked Clinton camp to suggest Meek drop out, source says By Greg Sargent Washington Post Charlie Crist personally called a top adviser to Bill Clinton and asked if the former president would discuss with Kendrick Meek the possibility of dropping out of the Florida Senate race, according to a source close to Clinton. Dems release ad slamming Bondi for keeping Katrina dog from family that lost him By Tristram Korten Florida Independent The Florida Democratic Party is airing an ad in which a New Orleans woman who lost a dog after Hurricane Katrina recounts the legal battle she and her family went through to reclaim the animal from Pam Bondi, the Republican candidate for Florida attorney general, who had adopted it from a shelter. Fla. govenor hopefuls charge into final weekend By Mitch Stacy and Tamara Lush The Associated Press Hurtling toward Election Day in a governor's race that's too close to call, Rick Scott and Alex Sink embarked Friday on a final weekend of statewide campaign stops to rally supporters and, more importantly, try to get more of them to the voting booth. New polls show a skintight governor's race By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Florida's nasty gubernatorial contest has come down to this: If Republican Rick Scott is going to win the keys to the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee, GOP voters must turn out in large numbers — and put aside their reservations about his business past. BEST OF THE BLOGS The Florida Doomsday Scenario: A Cautionary Tale By Benjamin Kirby The Spencerian Despite a long night for some counting votes in several close races, including the race for Florida governor, most results were far clearer than expected: by overwhelming majorities, the Republicans in Florida have been ushered into unprecedented power. Attention Rick Scott: cheating’s really not a good issue for you By Joy-Ann Reid The Reid Report The St. Pete Times offers some much needed context to the now officially “overblown even more than Juan Williams is milking his firing” textgate dust-up. FL22: Tea Party’s Allen West Once Said GOP Was Corrupt, Now Schmoozes with Boehner, Takes Bucks from Bailed-Out Corporations, Lobbyists By Jon Ponder Pensito Review One of the oddest aspects of the 2010 midterms is how swing and right-leaning independent voters seem to be so willing to overlook troubling character flaws in fringe candidates, as long as the candidates repeat the tea party’s false narratives about bailouts, the Stimulus and the size of government. Ban? What Ban? Meet Haridopolos’ Newly Hired Six-Figure “Double Dippers” By Inkberries Beach Peanuts In spite of the state ban on “double dipping” where state employees collect a paycheck while also collecting a state pension, incoming Republican Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Drill-Baby) has announced that he has hired three veteran staffers to come on up to Tallahassee and double-dip anyway! Rick Scott, pack your bags: DCA isn't killing jobs, the Growth Machine is By Gimleteye Eye on Miami Florida has three industries: tourism, agriculture, and construction/development. POLITICAL RACES Senate race turns into political theater with Clinton, Meek, Crist and Rubio By Beth Reinhard, Lesley Clark and Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Related: Meek calls report 'inaccurate at best' Related Washington Post story: Florida's U.S. Senate race turned into late-night political theater, as Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek scrambled at his Miami Gardens campaign office Thursday to quash reports that his mentor and most important political ally, former President Bill Clinton, urged him last week to quit the race. Sink asks fellow Democrats to talk up campaign, urge friends to vote By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Related: Scott shrugs off poll results, pushes 'jobs' message through Space Coast With the day's polls showing her running nose-to-nose with her Republican rival in the governor's race, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink spent Thursday in Democratic strongholds preaching to the choir. Polls show a real nail-biter in Florida governor's race By Marc Caputo, Mary Ellen Klas and Lesley Clark St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau With Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott making multiple campaign stops Thursday, three new polls show the Florida governor's race remains a tough-to-call nail biter. Rick Scott would pick agency head, but vows to stay clear of any state Solantic probe By Liz Freeman Naples Daily News The state Department of Health won’t discuss its handling of a health-care fraud complaint against Solantic, a chain of walk-in centers co-founded by gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott in 2001. The right-wing roots of Scott’s press strategy By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Florida newspapers have so far unanimously endorsed Democrat Alex Sink for governor over Republican Rick Scott. Poll: Scott battling Sink, image By Jim Saunders Health News Florida In the final days of this fall's neck-and-neck race for Florida governor, Republican Rick Scott faces two foes: Democrat Alex Sink and an unfavorable image among many voters. Smith says Democratic ticket for governor more centrist By Christopher Curry Gainesville Sun Rod Smith made a brief stop in his hometown of Alachua County Thursday to cast his ballot before Election Day arrives and meet with a contingent of political supporters downtown. Ad bashing Gelber in attorney general race has circuitous link to rival Bondi By Jay Weaver Miami Herald Powerful lawyers accustomed to throwing their weight around the courtroom have pounced on recent attack ads accusing Dan Gelber, Democratic candidate for Florida attorney general, of being "toxic to Jewish education." Feisty CFO race features Senate president and ex-lawmaker By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau In a statewide race that's received little public notice, chief financial officer candidate Loranne Ausley has resorted to a 400-mile bike ride to get her message out. Grayson, Kosmas plan final TV-ad blitz By Scott Powers Orlando Sentinel U.S. Reps. Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas are presenting barrages of TV commercials this week in the closing stretch before Election Day as they bid for re-election against Republicans Dan Webster and Sandy Adams. Get your absentee ballots in the mail — and be sure to sign them By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel Voters casting their ballots by mail need to get them back to the Supervisor of Elections Office by Tuesday at 7 p.m. BALLOT INITIATIVES State Rep. Gaetz: Amendments 5 and 6 would blunt ‘conservative comeback’ By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent Related: Republican Party dumps another $867K into anti-Fair Districts group In a guest editorial published in Northwest Florida Daily News, state Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar, makes an explicitly partisan argument for the newspaper’s readers to vote down Amendments 5 and 6 — the so-called “Fair Districts” amendments that would create rules limiting politicians’ power to gerrymander districts. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Critical test not done on cement before blowout The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Halliburton Co. acknowledged that it skipped a critical test on the final formulation of cement used to seal BP's oil well before it blew out catastrophically in the Gulf of Mexico. Reminders Of BP's Oil Spill Linger Along Gulf Coast By Debbie Elliott NPR The Gulf of Mexico oil spill isn't making the headlines it did this summer, but that doesn't mean the oil is gone. Appeals court blocks questioning of EPA official By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald In a divided decision, an appeals court in Atlanta on Thursday rejected a Miami federal judge's request to personally grill a top federal environmental chief on persistent pollution problems in the Everglades. DCA rejects massive development planned for Hernando By Barbara Behrendt and Dan DeWitt St. Petersburg Times In a rare move, the Florida Department of Community Affairs has put Hernando County on notice Wednesday that it intends to find the proposed Quarry Preserve project “not in compliance.” LGBT Department of Education says bullying could violate federal civil rights laws By Bianca Fortis Florida Independent Last week The Florida Independent took a look at Florida’s anti-bullying law and found that, despite being a strong law, it is still lacking, especially in regard to LGBT protections. EDUCATION No raises in the works for school employees Staff Report Orlando Sentinel The state's public education system is requesting more than a $650-million increase for next year to pay for higher enrollment, plus special reading and technology initiatives. Fla. university tuition still one of lowest The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Tuition at Florida's 11 public universities continues to rank third-lowest in the nation even after 15 percent increases in each of the last two years. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Colors of Great Recession: Black, Brown and Pink (Slips) By Ralph De La Cruz Florida Center for Investigative Reporting Among the first things to go when times get tough are good intentions. Budget cuts could doom extra shuttle launch By Mark K. Matthews and Robert Block Orlando Sentinel Just weeks after President Barack Obama signed into law a new blueprint for NASA -- one that was supposed to add another space shuttle launch next year -- the compromise is in danger of coming undone by a lack of money. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Living in fear, in Miami By Felipe Matos Miami Herald It seems like it was yesterday when I arrived in Miami. I was only 14 then, but now I'm 24. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida high court approves longer prison terms for gun crimes By Stephen Hudak Orlando Sentinel In a divided opinion, the state Supreme Court today said judges can dish out sentences that exceed a crime's maximum penalties in cases involving guns.

Daily Clips for October 28, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Florida, Guess Who's Voting? By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 Progress Florida launches powerful new web video about who is voting and who is hoping you don’t. FEATURED STORIES A Campaign of Few Details, but Questions Keep Coming By Damien Cave New York Times The question for Rick Scott at last week’s debate had been asked countless times: Why was he qualified to be Florida’s governor when his tenure as a chief executive of Columbia/HCA led to $1.7 billion in fines for defrauding the government? Sink points to varied endorsements, touts 'character, integrity to lead' By Betty Parker Ft. Myers News-Press Democratic candidate for governor Alex Sink promised to use her business experience in banking to help restore Florida's economy during her appearance Wednesday morning at Harborside in downtown Fort Myers. Charlie Crist's likely demise leaves an uncertain legacy By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune With polls showing that he continues to lag behind rival Marco Rubio, the hour that Gov. Charlie Crist spent with David Gregory at Tuesday night’s U.S. Senate debate might be his final time in the national spotlight. Former TV anchor challenges GOP chief Thrasher for Florida Senate By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau For two decades, Deborah Gianoulis was a nightly fixture in northeast Florida living rooms as anchor for the region's most popular news station. Haridopolos facing ethics investigation over unreported income and investments By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau State Sen. Mike Haridopolos admitted Wednesday he made mistakes in five years of financial disclosure forms, but that came too late for the Florida Commission on Ethics, which found probable cause that the lawmaker violated the state ethics laws. FLORIDA POLITICS Judge denies conservative activists’ request to block campaign finance law By Brett Ader Florida Independent Four conservative Sarasota activists who sought to sidestep state campaign finance laws in an effort to run radio spots opposing Amendment 4, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case which stripped financial disclosure requirements prior to electioneering, have had their request for a preliminary injunction denied by a federal judge. Citizens have no right to speak at public meetings, according to Florida courts By Bianca Fortis Florida Independent The Florida Supreme Court refused an appeal from a lower court ruling that says citizens have no right to participate at public meetings. Haridopolos focus of state ethics probe By Jeff Schweers Florida Today State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, in line to become president of the Florida Senate, failed to disclose on required state forms that he was paid thousands of dollars by the marketing arm of one of the state's largest appliance retailers for two years. POLITICAL RACES In governor's race, Sink and Scott's inner circles reflect distinctive styles By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related: Candidates for governor light up Florida TVs with a bonfire of money When Democrat Alex Sink fired Miami lobbyist Brian May from her campaign Monday for sending her a message in the midst of her last debate, she lost one of her campaign's top political advisers, and her temper. Great Scott, this man is over the top By Carl Hiaasen Miami Herald Even by Florida's shaky standards, Rick Scott stands out as one of the most outlandish characters ever to pop out of the woodwork. Scott's big bucks, Sink's 'grass roots' show in each campaigns' final travel arrangements By Dara Kam and Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Less than a week before the election, Republican Rick Scott's campaign for governor has the feel of someone running for president. Scott's mom is his campaign co-star By Bob Rathgeber Ft. Myers News-Press She's a great-grandmother. She gets co-star billing. She signs autographs, shakes hands and tells everyone what a nice boy her son is. Nice guy Charlie Crist playing rough trying to get to Washington By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times People "are tired of the games and the name-calling and the politics of personal destruction," Gov. Charlie Crist declared in April while announcing he would run as a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate. Crist, Meek, Rubio begin final push By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel A day after the sixth and final debate in the race for U.S. Senate, Gov. Charlie Crist insisted he can make a move on frontrunner Marco Rubio, pointing to a new Zogby poll that shows him trailing the Miami Republican by about 6 percentage points. Agriculture commissioner candidate Putnam fought to block water quality rules; rival Maddox remains silent By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent The race to become Florida’s agriculture commissioner has received little media notice, but the winner of the campaign will play an important role in the debate over efforts to protect Florida’s water quality. Last District 8 debate features Grayson but no Webster By Mark Schlueb Orlando Sentinel In the final debate before the election, one of U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson's opponents branded him "Ayatollah Alan," another promised she's not in cahoots with him to spoil the election, and two of the three slammed Republican Dan Webster for not showing up. Gianoulis-Thrasher Senate race takes a negative, combative turn By Tia Mitchell Florida Times-Union Related: Duval school board member forms organization to oppose Thrasher's re-election As the state Senate District 8 race has become increasingly negative, it is candidate Deborah Gianoulis, the well-liked TV anchor who has never run for office before, who has become more likely to lead the attack. Outside groups spend big to oust Democrats By Scott Powers and Mark K. Matthews Orlando Sentinel In the last two weeks, a trio of outside groups have come to the defense of U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson -- spending about $110,000 on canvassing and web ads to help the Orlando Democrat against his Republican challenger, Dan Webster, according to federal records. Big Texas Green Flowing into Sunshine State Campaign By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida Big Texas green is flowing into Florida, in the form of campaign dollars. BALLOT INITIATIVES Amendment 1 Would be a Big Step Backward in Campaign Finance Reform By Dennis Maley Bradenton Times I think I begin every column on ballot amendments with the same statement – that this is an imperfect solution to a problem that needs to be addressed, but has not. Nos. 5 and 6 are about fairness Editorial Northwest Florida Daily News In a guest column today, state Rep. Matt Gaetz makes an excellent case for approving Amendments 5 and 6 on Florida’s November ballot. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Global extinction crisis looms, new study says By Juliet Eilperin Washington Post A growing number of creatures could disappear from the earth, with one-fifth of all vertebrates and as many as a third of all sharks and rays now facing the threat of extinction, according to a new survey assessing nearly 26,000 species across the globe. Deadline nears to file oil spill claims By Sara Kennedy Bradenton Herald Attorneys are alerting those adversely affected by the Gulf oil spill to file claims before the Nov. 23 deadline. LGBT Appeals court upholds adoption by lesbian By Diana Moskovitz Miami Herald upheld Wednesday the adoption of a toddler by a lesbian in Hollywood, one month after the court tossed the state's controversial gay-adoption law. Ban on gay adoptions finally removed Editorial St. Petersburg Times Finally, one of the worst vestiges of orange juice pitchwoman Anita Bryant's 1977 campaign against gays and lesbians has been dispatched — although not quite permanently. EDUCATION Elections complaint filed against superintendent By Marc Freeman South Florida Sun-Sentinel The Palm Beach County Republican Party on Tuesday night announced the filing of Florida Elections Commission Complaint against schools Superintendent Art Johnson. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY South Florida has nation's highest total foreclosure filings for 3Q of 2010 By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post South Florida households accumulated the highest number of total foreclosure filings of any metropolitan area in the nation during the third quarter of this year, with one in every 41 homes affected. Foreclosure filings rise outside the housing bust areas By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Memo to Tampa Bay homeowners facing foreclosure: Seattle feels some of your pain. HEALTH AND SENIORS Misinformation, ill-conceived legal challenge cloud benefits of new health law By Laura Goodhue Gainesville Sun Before the ink was dry on the new health law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), opponents had already launched a politically motivated campaign to undermine it. Lawmakers take aim at Shands veto By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Gov. Charlie Crist baffled and angered state lawmakers in May when he vetoed $9.7 million for the Shands teaching hospital at the University of Florida. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS David Rivera stays on the ballot By Lesley Clark Miami Herald A Miami-Dade judge has thrown out a case trying to disqualify Republican congressional candidate David Rivera from Tuesday's ballot. Norman back on ballot after appeals court decision By Mike Salinero and William March Tampa Tribune Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman is once again the Republican candidate for state Senate District 12.