Daily News Clips for October 12, 2012

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS

The BluVu: Week of October 14^th
By Gayle Andrews
The BluVu
Florida Democrats engage in an old fashioned beat down when it comes to registration and early voting, the Republicans are losing credibility and US House seats in the Sunshine State, and Progress Florida’s Damien Filer issues a warning on the Constitutional Amendments as political reality comes your way!

FEATURED STORIES

No holding back for Joe Biden, Paul Ryan in debate
By Alex Leary
Tampa Bay Times
Related: Breaking down the vice presidential debate
Related: Fact-checking the vice presidential debate
During the vice presidential debate with Paul Ryan on Thursday, Joe Biden did what President Barack Obama failed to do last week: He vigorously defended their record and went on the attack.

President Obama returns to Florida, attacks Romney for 'extreme makeover'
By Marc Caputo and Patricia Mazzei
Miami Herald
Related: Times/Bay News 9/Herald exclusive Florida poll: Romney 51, Obama 44
A confident and mocking President Barack Obama gave one of his most sharply worded speeches this campaign season here Thursday when he accused rival Mitt Romney of engaging in a dishonest "extreme makeover."

Dems lead GOP in battleground voter registration
By Julie Pace
Associated Press
A robust registration push by President Barack Obama's re-election campaign has resulted in more Democrats than Republicans on the voter rolls in most battleground states, including Florida and Nevada, according to data from state election boards.

Florida schools' race-based plan draws criticism
By Greg Toppo
USA Today
A five-year academic "road map" for Florida public school students is angering some educators and civil rights groups, who note that it sets different proficiency goals for African-American, Latino and white students, among others.

Judge may allow questioning of Carroll
By Toluse Olorunnipa
Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau
A Leon County judge ruled Thursday that attorneys for a former aide to Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll could probe the governor’s office if they can prove the information they seek is relevant to a case that has spiraled into allegations of illegal taping, a sex scandal and an arson attack at the state Capitol.

BEST OF THE BLOGS

Why Haven’t Republican Legislators Attracted New Companies to Florida?
By Kartik Krishnaiyer
The Political Hurricane
We constantly hear about how a positive climate for business needs to be created in Florida.

My Ballot: Rename Florida State Amendments
By Diane
Occupy My Soapbox
So what makes my November ballot the longest in history?

Book From Alan Grayson Opponent Features Fake History
By Troutfishing
Daily Kos
I knew Former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson was running for a seat in Florida's newly-created 9th District, but I didn't know a thing about his Republican opponent in the race.

Florida 2012 Informed Voters' Ballot Guides
By Inkberries
Beach Peanuts
The deadline for voter registration in Florida ended yesterday, and now that absentee and vote by mail ballots are already arriving, it's a good time to remind ourselves how important our votes in this election are.

The Stories that Break Through
By Benjamin J. Kirby
The Spencerian
The thing I like least about the debates is that they signal the apex of the opposite of what campaigns are supposed to be really about.

FLORIDA POLITICS

Human error a concern in hand-copying Palm Beach County votes
By Jane Musgrave
Palm Beach Post
With some Palm Beach County voters voicing concerns about Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher’s plan to hand-copy votes from thousands of defective absentee ballots onto new ones, it appears there’s no other solution to the problem that was created by a printing error, a lawyer who is monitoring the situation said Thursday.

Florida senator files ethics complaint against 'Progressives' group over finance reporting
By Matt Dixon  
Florida Times-Union
Citing violations in state election law, state Sen. Audrey Gibson has filed a complaint with the Florida Ethics Commission against a committee that has been hammering Democratic candidates with negative mail pieces.

Newspaper fights reporter subpoena in Cole case
By Bill Cotterell
Florida Current
Attorneys for the Florida Times-Union asked a circuit judge Thursday to quash a subpoena seeking a deposition by the reporter who received a secret recording of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll's top aide criticizing Gov. Rick Scott and his former chief of staff.

Swing state: Florida's capital is a Democratic city surrounding Republican lawmakers
By Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Naples Daily News
For a city built on politics, you'd think there would be more buzz surrounding the upcoming presidential election.

Morality play antagonists
By Daniel Ruth
Tampa Bay Times
Lame duck (in more ways than one) Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon was in a grumpy mood.

A Tale of Two Floridas
By Steven Kurlander
Florida Voices
Charles Dickens’ opening line in A Tale of Two Cities came flooding back to me Wednesday on reading two headlines in Florida.

Joe Martinez drops lawsuit over absentee ballots in losing race for Miami-Dade mayor
By Charles Rabin
Miami Herald
Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Joe Martinez changed his mind Thursday, dropping a lawsuit he filed challenging the absentee ballots cast in the Aug. 14 mayoral race he lost to Carlos Gimenez.

POLITICAL RACES

Two polls show tie, narrow Obama lead in Florida
By William March
Tampa Tribune
One new poll in Florida shows a tie in the presidential race while another shows a very narrow lead by President Barack Obama.

Obama stirs students in Miami, after “wake-up call” of a debate
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post
President Obama, still smarting from a debate performance that a top adviser dubbed a “wake-up call” for his campaign, told a college crowd Thursday that Mitt Romney is attempting a “severe makeover” of his past positions during the final weeks of the campaign.

Ryan asked for federal help as he championed cuts
By Jack Gillum
Associated Press
Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, a fiscal conservative and critic of federal handouts, has sought for his constituents in Wisconsin an expansion of food stamps, stimulus money, federally guaranteed business loans, grants to invest in green technology and money under President Barack Obama's health care reform law.

Liberal political action committee slams Romney economic plan
By Janelle Irwin
WMNF Tampa
A political think tank studied the economic plan pushed by GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and didn’t like what they found.

Time-share mogul David Siegel takes on Obama — and reality
By Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
I know he drives some folks crazy. But I can admit that I love watching the reality show that is David Siegel.

Voter polls criticized, championed by politicians depending on results
By Bruce Ritchie
Florida Current
There may be more polling this election than ever, but when it comes to whether those results are reliable, it depends who you ask.

Retain all three Florida Supreme Court justices
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Even before Palm Beach County’s latest ballot debacle, it was important for voters to understand this year’s vote on the Florida Supreme Court.

BALLOT INITIATIVES

Amendment 5 Would Give Florida Legislature More Control Over High Court
By Curt Anderson
Associated Press
The Florida Legislature would gain greater authority over the state Supreme Court and the rules governing state courts if voters approve constitutional Amendment 5 in the Nov. 6 election.

Sandra Fluke joins Amend 6 opposition
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Sandra Fluke has joined a cadre of abortion advocates urging voters to shoot down Amendment 6, a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot dealing with abortion.

EDUCATION

Florida to measure student goals by race
By Allison Ross and Jason Schultz
Palm Beach Post
A plan by Florida to set goals for students in math and reading based on their race has educators and community activists furious in Palm Beach County and across the state.

Blue Ribbon Task Force may finalize recommendations
By James Call
Florida Current
"Flexibility" is emerging as a buzzword among education officials while they begin formulating proposals for the 2013 Florida legislative session.

Interim ed commish responds to strategic plan dustup, doesn’t rule out keeping job
By Tia Mitchell
Tampa Bay Times
Interim Education Commissioner Pam Stewart went on the defensive today, saying she needed to clear up misconceptions about the five-year strategic plan approved by the Florida Board of Education earlier this week.

Costs for Florida Prepaid College program rise again
By Denise-Marie Ordway
Orlando Sentinel
If you're thinking about enrolling a newborn in the Florida Prepaid College program, get ready to pay $331.59 a month for the next 18 years to pay for four years of classes at a state university.

Gov. wants probe of college president salaries
Associated Press
Palm Beach Post
Florida Gov. Rick Scott is asking his chief inspector general to review the contracts of the 28 presidents who serve in the state college system.

JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY

Fewer US layoffs no longer suggest strong hiring
By Christopher S. Rugaber
Associated Press
Declining applications for unemployment benefits have typically pointed to stronger hiring.

Gov. Rick Scott talks up an economic comeback in Florida
By Drew Harwell
Tampa Bay Times
As Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney argued the nation's jobs market remained in crisis, Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday praised Tampa Bay's chief executives for helping turn the economy around.

AG Holder highlights Fla. investor fraud summit
Associated Press
Miami Herald
Attorney General Eric Holder is the featured speaker at a South Florida investor fraud summit aimed at helping people avoid getting snared in the schemes.

New companies look to get in on Citizens loan incentives
By Gray Rohrer
Florida Current
As Citizens Property Insurance Corp. officials and lawmakers wrangle over whether to provide low-cost loans to companies that take over their policies, new companies are battling behind the scenes to be included in the program.

Nationwide reaches agreement with Florida over life insurance payments
By Charles Elmore
Palm Beach Post
Insurer Nationwide reached an agreement with Florida and other states over life insurance payments, regulators said Thursday.

HEALTH AND SENIORS

Second Floridian dies from tainted steroid shot
Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
An 83-year-old Marion County is the second person in the state to die from a national fungal
meningitis outbreak.

Broward doctor was paid $477,000 for 140 days work at pill mill
By Paula McMahon
South Florida Sun Sentinel
A Coral Springs doctor admitted in court Thursday that he wrote excessive prescriptions in exchange for cash at a Deerfield Beach pill mill.

Daily News Clips for August 31, 2012

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Dismal Tampa transit system strands delegates, points to Fla. rejection of U.S. rail funds By Noelle Straub Energy & Environment Daily Excerpt: Mark Ferrulo, executive director of the liberal group Progress Florida..."when [the delegates] are stuck on I-4 instead of riding Space Mountain they might wish we had high speed rail.” FEATURED STORIES With little Florida history, Mitt Romney needs to connect fast to win key state By Ben Montgomery Tampa Bay Times Related: Romney fires up his party Related: Cautious message of Mitt Romney's convention lacks bold moves Related editorial: Romney: I'm not Obama The campaign bus rolled past the long lines of stalled traffic, the police officers sweating on corners and the protesters shaking signs and shouting into bullhorns. Rubio revs up Republicans, Romney By Marc Caputo Miami Herald Related: Leaked: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s highly-anticipated speech introducing Mitt Romney at RNC Marco Rubio introduced the leader of his party to the nation Thursday night, but judging by the roar of the crowd, some initially wished it was the other way around at the Republican National Convention. Talking up capitalism while dining at public trough By Daniel Ruth Tampa Bay Times Related: You didn't build that, but you are helping to pay it off To hear the top hat of Republicans cavorting at their convention, you would think that until he entered the White House Barack Obama had never held a job and barely understood which button to punch on an office phone to get an outside line. Activists use political theater to warn about 'Romney's America' and sign a Second Bill of Rights By Liz McKibbon WMNF Tampa During some speeches at the Republican convention unions have been a punching bag. Florida Rejects Home Visitation Grant Programs For Poor And At-Risk Families Over Link To Affordable Care Act By Janie Campbell Huffington Post With approximately 1 in 6 residents on food stamps -- increasingly, children -- Florida is struggling with a deep-rooted poverty problem tied to its low rankings in nearly every indicator of child well-being, including teen pregnancy, low birth weight, high school dropout and child abuse rates. BEST OF THE BLOGS GOP Convention: Anti-government message a tough sell in Florida By Chris Kromm Facing South This week Republicans revealed the theme of their national convention in Tampa, Fla., which kicks off on Aug. 27: "We Built It." The Wheels Off the Wagon By Benjamin J. Kirby The Spencerian The wheels have officially come off the GOP Convention's unity bandwagon. Marco Rubio: soaked by the Miami hurricane By Gimleteye Eye on Miami Marco Rubio takes center stage, in the spotlight of the GOP national convention, to glorify a political career that is mostly made from fluff. Florida Democrats Still Live in the Shadows of Claude Kirk and Ed Gurney’s Victories By Kartik Krishnaiyer Political Hurricane When Claude Kirk passed away last year in Palm Beach aged 85, eulogies were forthcoming but most focused on the basics of Kirk’s existence: he was the first post reconstruction GOP governor, lost re-election, switched parties, switched back, and was a colorful character. It’s Time to Get the Voter Registration Numbers Correct in Florida By Daniel A. Smith Election Smith Related: Exclusive Empirical Research: “House Bill 1355 and Voter Registration in Florida” Florida’s controversial election law, HB 1355, which has restricted early voting, made the casting of provisional ballots more likely, and cracked down on third party voter registration organization (3PVRO) efforts to register eligible Florida citizens, is still making news. FLORIDA POLITICS Tampa Protestors Decry Voter Fraud Laws Passed in Florida and Other States By Lynn Waddell The Daily Beast Sara Kilker isn’t normally one to pick up a sign and protest in the street. Protesters go toe-to-toe with delegates as RNC lets out By Rob Shaw Tampa Tribune They didn't want to be confined to what they called "Freedom Cage," the fenced-in area near the Forum designated as a protest zone by police. Gov. Rick Scott Makes Surprise Visit To RNC By Trimmel Gomes        WFSU Tallahassee Governor Rick Scott who was originally scheduled to speak at Republican National Convention had canceled all of his events to focus on what was Tropical Storm Isaac. Florida delegation takes punishment in stride Associated Press Sarasota Herald-Tribune To hear the jokes, you’d think the Florida delegation isn’t even in Florida for the Republican National Convention in Tampa. NY Post: Connie Mack sponsored bill to help donor get $2b from Argentina By Marc Caputo Miami Herald Hedge-fund heavyweight Paul Singer...and his employees have been a top contributor to 23 Republicans running for Congress, but few received more money than Rep. Connie Mack. Two more defeated candidates in Miami-Dade challenge election results, citing absentee ballot fraud probe By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald Two more candidates defeated in Miami-Dade County races earlier this month have sued to contest the results, citing a Hialeah absentee-ballot fraud investigation. The lawsuits bring the total number of complaints stemming from the probe to four. The drive is alive Editorial Gainesville Sun Florida is one step closer to keeping voter-registration drives alive. POLITICAL RACES Democrats pour into Tampa to criticize Ryan' speech By Jake Sherman and Juana Summers Politico Related: Ryan's no Palin in the ratings Rep. Paul Ryan electrified Republicans with his prime-time address Wednesday evening, but he also sent a jolt through House Democrats, who flocked to town to label him a hypocritical liar. FACT CHECK: Ryan takes factual shortcuts in speech Associated Press Miami Herald Laying out the first plans for his party's presidential ticket, GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan took some factual shortcuts Wednesday night when he attacked President Barack Obama's policies on Medicare, the economic stimulus and the budget deficit. Romney is GOP Nominee, but Paul Supporters Stay Strong By Stephanie Carroll Carson Public News Service Florida The curtains closed Thursday night on one of the more memorable Republican National Conventions - and Ron Paul supporters leaving Florida today are tasked with the job of backing a candidate that's not their own. Mitt Romney coming to Jacksonville on the heels of RNC By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, will hold a rally Saturday at the Jacksonville Landing this Saturday. Were RNC speeches campaign scripts for Rubio, Jeb Bush? By William March Tampa Tribune Starring roles at the RNC for Florida's two leading Republicans, former Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio, are sure to arouse speculation about whether they could end up competing against each other on the national stage. Connie Mack sets tone with RNC speech By Tia Mitchell Tampa Bay Times U.S. Senate candidate Connie Mack IV gave an inspirational and nostalgic speech that set the tone for tonight’s Republican National Convention session, but many in the main hall weren’t listening. Black camerawoman: No surprise peanuts thrown at her at RNC Associated Press Tampa Tribune A black camerawoman who works for CNN said Thursday that she was not surprised to have two people at the Republican National Convention throw peanuts at her and say “this is what we feed animals.” BALLOT INITIATIVES Jacobs thanks workers, labor group just wants fair sick-time vote By David Damron Orlando Sentinel Related: Small business survey: mandatory sick time not critical issue As she does on most holidays, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs wished local workers a happy Labor Day today. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY For Florida, environment a hot issue Editorial Tampa Bay Times It's not among the most discussed topics in the race for president, but the environment remains a hot issue in Florida. Endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly may be all but gone By Craig Pittman Tampa Bay Times You would think a butterfly as big as a man's hand would be easy to spot. Groups urge Florida officials not to pass on federal transportation dollars for recreation trails By Bruce Ritchie Florida Current Ten Florida groups supporting recreational trails are urging Florida transportation officials not to pass on about $2.6 million in trails funding from the federal government.  EDUCATION Jeb Bush uses convention platform to discuss education policy By Steve Bousquet Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Former Gov. Jeb Bush on Thursday used his first high-profile speaking slot at a Republican National Convention as a platform to discuss his favorite subject, calling the need for better schools "the great moral and economic issue of our time." Orange board debates how to share naming-rights money By Lauren Roth Orlando Sentinel Calling the Lake Nona High School stadium "Nemours Stadium" for five years will give the high school at least enough money to pay for a teacher for one year. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Technology companies power up the influence By Steve Friess Politico Walking through the Republican National Convention, it felt as much like a technology trade show as political nominating party, thanks to the branding and lobbying efforts of dozens of tech companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter and AT&T. $45 million Port of Miami tunnel dig payment threatens Miami’s finances By Kathleen McGrory Miami Herald As pressure builds to balance its budget, the city of Miami is staring down another potential financial calamity: Come January, the city must pay off $45 million on a short-term loan that helped fund the Port of Miami tunnel dig. Food stamp recipients must change to new cards By Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post Floridians who access their food stamp and cash assistance benefits through a state-issued card have less than a month to replace their old cards with redesigned ones before the older cards are deactivated. Tampa Mayor still upset about high speed rail loss Associated Press Bradenton Herald Tampa's Democratic Mayor Bob Buckhorn is still upset about Florida Gov. Rick Scott's decision to turn down more than $2 billion for high-speed rail. HEALTH AND SENIORS FAQ: Obama v. Ryan On Controlling Federal Medicare Spending By Marilyn Werber Serafini Kaiser Health News It may come as a surprise that President Barack Obama and GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan are pushing the same target rate for controlling federal spending on Medicare. LIP preparing for Medicaid changes By James Call Florida Current The group that decides how to spend a billion dollars on medical care for the poor has scheduled seven meetings to discuss Florida’s efforts to reform Medicaid. The Low Income Pool (LIP) Council met Thursday in Tallahassee for a briefing and planning session. Rick Scott ranks among 'most influential' in health care Staff Report Tampa Bay Business Journal Florida Gov. Rick Scott placed No. 43 on Modern Healthcare’s list of the 100 most influential people in health care.  JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida AG Bondi’s constitutional challenge By Frank Cerabino Palm Beach Post As Florida Attorney General, it’s a good idea to make sure that one of the many borderline unconstitutional initiatives you’re defending doesn’t come up for judicial review on a day when you speak about your devotion to the Constitution. Zimmerman gets new judge, but lawyers say he may regret it By Frances Robles Miami Herald A veteran judge with broad experience and a reputation for being tough on both lawyers and defendants has been assigned to take over George Zimmerman’s murder trial.

Daily News Clips for August 30, 2012

FEATURED STORIES

On RNC stage, nettlesome issues unmentioned
By Beth Fouhy
Associated Press
Viewers tuning into the Republican National Convention have heard Ann Romney speak lovingly of her husband and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pledge "a new era of truth telling."

Five key things Mitt Romney needs in his acceptance speech
By Maggie Haberman
Politico/Tampa Bay Times
Related: Republican nominee Mitt Romney must fill in the blanks
Related: Utah delegation has better insight on Mitt Romney than most
Related: Schedule for Thursday, Aug. 30, at the Republican National Convention in Tampa
Mitt Romney is about to face the most important political moment of his life.

Republicans Boast About Voter Suppression in Tampa, But Ground Is Shifting
By George Zornick
The Nation
On the first full day of the Republican National Convention in Tampa Bay, Republicans were not running from their record of voter suppression.

As FBI and questions swirl, Marco Rubio keeps distance from "Nixonian" pal David Rivera
By Marc Caputo
Miami Herald
Related: Campaign finances of candidate with alleged ties to Rep. David Rivera remain federal focus
Imagine if Sen. Marco Rubio had been picked as Mitt Romney's vice presidential candidate, only to have the story break about Rep. David Rivera's potential involvement in a campaign that is facing a federal grand jury investigation.

1.6 million Floridians would get healthcare if Medicaid is expanded
By Michael Peltier
News Service of Florida
Almost 1.6 million Floridians making less than $15,372 a year were not covered by health insurance in 2010 and would be eligible for Medicaid if the state went along with a controversial expansion of the program under President Barack Obama’s healthcare law.

FLORIDA POLITICS

REPORT: Rick Scott’s Anti-Voter Effort Grinds Democratic Registration To A Halt
By Josh Israel
Think Progress
Related: Hundreds Rally Against Voter Suppression Laws Near Republican National Convention
Last July, a Florida voter suppression law — enacted by the state legislature’s Republican majority and signed by Gov. Rick Scott (R) — went into effect, putting major new restrictions on groups who work to register new voters.

Protesters as surprised as anyone at anemic RNC showing
By Leonora LaPeter Anton
Tampa Bay Times
Andrew Speirs climbed a statue of a former Tampa mayor and tied a black bandanna around the bronze head. He and other black-clad protesters were getting impatient.

Tampa rally supports Planned Parenthood rain or shine — but mostly rain
By Kameel Stanley, Justin George, Kim Wilmath, Keeley Sheehan and Jamal Thalji
Tampa Bay Times
More than 250 gathered at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park on Wednesday afternoon to rally in support of Planned Parenthood.

Sen. Marco Rubio will revel in national spotlight introducing Mitt Romney at convention
By Marc Caputo
Miami Herald
The son of a Cuban immigrant bartender and maid, Marco Rubio stands on the biggest stage of his life Thursday when he introduces himself — and the Republican presidential nominee — to the nation.

George LeMieux: 'This isn't the Charlie Crist I knew'
By George LeMieux
Tampa Bay Times
This isn't the Charlie Crist I knew.

RNC delegates fume over bus delays; officials work on logistics
By Michael Van Sickler and Rich Shopes
Tampa Bay Times
John Zajicek only wanted to return to his hotel after a long night of rousing speeches at the Republican National Convention.

POLITICAL RACES

Republican convention helps Romney pull even with Obama
By John Whitesides
Reuters
Republican Mitt Romney pulled even with President Barack Obama in a Reuters/Ipsos poll on Wednesday, getting a boost from his party's nominating convention in Tampa this week.

Paul Ryan energizes RNC in Tampa
By Alex Leary, Adam C. Smith and Steve Bousquet
Tampa Bay Times
Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan was greeted with deafening applause and hailed as the face of a new GOP on Wednesday night as he tore into President Barack Obama's policies, casting him as a failure on the economy who is unwilling to make dramatic change.

N.J. Gov. Chris Christie commands Republican spotlight
By Dan Balz
Washington Post
Mitt Romney may be the Republican Party’s presidential nominee and Paul Ryan the running mate, but Chris Christie takes a back seat to no one in the GOP.

Tension brews over race and media outlets at RNC
By Eric Deggans
Tampa Bay Times
On the surface, it sounds like a simple, if horrifying, event.

Ryan, Romney and the art of the humble brag
By Roger Simon
Politico
Let's run down the checklist: Ann Romney gave Mitt a heart. Chris Christie gave him courage. And Paul Ryan gives him a (more conservative) brain.

Parties, yacht tours, massages all part of RNC's surreal scene
By Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
On Monday morning, I was out of the hotel by 6:45 am. On Tuesday night, I was still blogging at midnight.

Allen West brings rhetorical firepower to convention — just not on main stage
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post
Watching U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens, attend a series of Republican convention-related events on Wednesday was a reminder of his national star power for the party faithful — and his status as a national target for Democrats.

Campaign Money “Arms Race” Goes Nuclear
By Dan Heyman and Chris Thomas
Public News Service Florida
The people watching money in politics say the fundraising arms race has gone nuclear.

Democrats hammer Republicans taking convention spotlight
By Alex Isenstadt
Politico
It's supposed to be the biggest night of their political careers: A speaking slot at the national party convention.

What Makes Us Exceptional
By Dan Gelber
Florida Voices
I’ve been listening to speakers at the Republican National Convention, who seek to reclaim our nation and protect “American Exceptionalism.”

BALLOT INITIATIVES

Broward School Board Warns Voters About Amendment 8
By Ashley Lopez
Florida Center for Investigative Reporting
The Broward School Board brought attention to an amendment teachers and civil rights advocates say could drain money from public schools and redirect those dollars into religious schools.

Orange leaders back competing sick-leave proposal
By David Damron
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County voters could be facing some confusion Nov. 6 over two competing ballot initiatives concerning paid sick time for workers.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Fears of Agenda 21 go mainstream in the Republican Party platform
By Peter Jamison
Tampa Bay Times
In a nation fond of its conspiracy theories, the belief that an international cabal is plotting to take over the United States by building bicycle paths manages to stand out.

Ichetucknee Springs restoration plan calls for legislation, state agency action
By Bruce Ritchie
Florida Current
A restoration plan for Ichetucknee Springs prepared for a former Florida Department of Environmental Protection working group says DEP's approach to saving the springs is too slow and lacks enforcement power.

LGBT

GOP Platform: Bring Back DADT, Ban Same-Sex Marriage
By Adam Serwer
Mother Jones
According to its platform, the Republican Party wants to reinstate Don't Ask Don't Tell, prevent same-sex marriages from being recognized by the federal government, and stop efforts to prevent gays and lesbians from being persecuted in Africa.

Conservatives launch campaign supporting same-sex marriage
By Jodie Tillman
Tampa Bay Times
They lost another fight at this year's Republican National Convention, but conservatives who support gay marriage are taking heart: At least they had a fight.

EDUCATION

Outside Republican convention, Jeb Bush and Michelle Rhee use film to push parent trigger education policy listen
By Janelle Irwin
WMNF Tampa
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush used the Republican National Convention as a platform to garner support for so-called parent trigger legislation. During a panel discussion at the Straz Center for the Arts Tuesday, Bush said states need massive overhauls to their education systems.

Move state’s education system forward
By Andy Ford
Miami Herald
We have a new opportunity in light of the ruling by Administrative Law Judge John Van Laningham regarding the proposed amendment to Florida Administrative Code Rule 6A-5.030.

Miramar charter school closes; teachers lose pay
By Michael Vasquez
Miami Herald
After a history of academic and athletic failures — including a football scandal that prompted Florida’s largest-ever fine against a high school — Miramar’s Parkway Academy has been forced to close.

Charter schools get chilly reception
By Marcia Lane
St. Augustine Record
‘You are not welcome here,’ said one parent.

JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY

This time, Rick Scott wants the federal money
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Related: Gov. Scott tours flooded Palm Beach County; damage set at $72 million
Federal money for a high-speed rail line from Orlando to Tampa? Gov. Scott didn’t want it.

Foreclosure settlement money trickling down to troubled homeowners, but spending spat goes on
By Gray Rohrer
Florida Current
More than 23,000 Florida homeowners victimized by suspicious foreclosure practices have received $1.7 billion in assistance so far as part of a settlement between the country’s five largest banks and state attorneys general, according to an interim report released Wednesday by federal regulators.

State trade mission to Colombia planned
Staff Report
Florida Current
Gov. Rick Scott will be leading a trade mission to Colombia in December with the goal of capitalizing on the new U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement and increasing commerce between Florida and the Central American nation, according to Miami Today.

HEALTH AND SENIORS

Pam Bondi, Georgia AG attack Obamacare with awkward 1-2 punch
By Tia Mitchell
Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and her Georgia counterpart, Sam Olens, took President Barack Obama to task for his health care law during an awkward dual speech at the Republican National Convention.

Big changes coming in Medicaid reimbursement
By James Call
Florida Current
A fundamental shift in how money changes hands in Florida’s health care system is coming in 11 months.

Cancer patient says Planned Parenthood saved her life
By Joe Henderson
Tampa Tribune
A couple of miles away from the arena where Mitt Romney prepares to bask in the warmth of Republican love tonight, Susan McPartland sat outside at Riverfront Park and held up a little sign with impact way beyond its few words.

Only 20 percent of people on Duval health department's priority list have been tested for TB
By Tracy Jones
Florida Times-Union
Despite hopes of testing most of the people who had direct contact with a specific tuberculosis strain, Duval County Health Department has reached only 20 percent of its targeted population.

High stakes in entitlement reform
Editorial
Tampa Bay Times
No state's future is tied tighter to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid than Florida's.

JUSTICE AND THE COURTS

Appeal court removes judge in Zimmerman case
By Frances Robles
Miami Herald
George Zimmerman’s attorneys got a second judge kicked off his murder trial Wednesday, when the Fifth District Court of Appeal ordered the sitting jurist to step down from the controversial case.

Daily News Clips for August 28, 2012

FEATURED STORIES Convention officially opens as delegates stay away By Steve Bousquet Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald Tallahasee Bureau Related: Gov. Rick Scott gives Florida delegation a storm update Related: RNC Notebook: Convention-goers get 'No Apology' with regretted line Related: Schedule for Tuesday at Republican National Convention Republican Nat­ional Committee chairman Reince Priebus rapped a gavel six times at 2 p.m. Monday and formally opened the 2012 Republican National Convention to a largely empty Tampa Bay Times Forum — a muted start caused by Tropical Storm Isaac. Mitt Romney's convention speakers belie GOP reality with Hispanics By Adam C. Smith and Alex Leary Tampa Bay Times Related editorial: Still looking for what Romney stands for Tune in to the Republican National Convention at 9 tonight and you'll see the face of the GOP is Hispanic. Protesters in Tampa march on the RNC with a host of complaints By Janelle Irwin WMNF Tampa Related: Code Pink members dressed as vaginas protest Republican convention in Tampa Hundreds of activists rallied at a park in downtown Tampa this morning against the Republican Party. Former GOP Gov. Crist, rejecting far right, to speak at Democratic convention By John Lantigua Palm Beach Post Related: Crist, Romney two sides of the same political coin One day after he endorsed President Obama for re-election, Florida’s former Republican Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday took his political conversion one step further and agreed to speak at next week’s Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Florida: Prepare for another voting fiasco By Bob Graham Tampa Bay Times Only 12 years ago, Florida was embarrassed by a voting tornado. As the nation became familiar with hanging chads and butterfly ballots, Florida was the State That Couldn't Vote Straight. FLORIDA POLITICS Can Charlie Crist really beat Rick Scott? By Gary Fineout The Fine Print The signs that Charlie Crist could run for governor in two years appear to be everywhere, both figuratively and literally. Fla. delegates housed at resort far from GOP convention site By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald Florida’s convention delegates and party faithful streamed into the Innisbrook Golf and Spa resort over the weekend, right on schedule, as the hurry-up and wait for convention activities began. They were handed white bags with blue trim, loaded with Republican National Convention goodies, from water bottles to a beach towel. Seven Floridians get main-stage moment at GOP convention By John Kennedy Palm Beach Post Seven leading Florida Republicans get a turn on the main stage at the GOP National Convention this week — each sent from the wings with a different mission, but each facing similar questions. Some absentee voters’ stories conflict with investigators’ beliefs By Melissa Sanchez, Enrique Flor and Alfonso Chardy Miami Herald Olga Roqueta, 77, and her husband say they filled out their absentee ballots without help and put them in their mailbox weeks before the Aug. 14 election. POLITICAL RACES If voters don't like Mitt Romney, will they leave him? By John Harris and Alexander Burns Politico Related: Mitt Romney opens up a little in interview: 'I am who I am' Related: Ann Romney's job tonight is to help her husband's image Mitt Romney signaled in weekend interviews that he is brushing off advice that he attempt a public image makeover this week to make himself more likable and more connected to voters at the human level. Romney to be officially nominated tonight at RNC Staff Report Tampa Tribune Related: Storm-shortened RNC puts pressure on Romney After a day's delay, former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney is set officially to be named the Republican presidential candidate tonight. Black Republicans: Lack of Romney outreach to blacks ‘shameful’ By Joy-Ann Reid The Grio Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign website includes a category for “Communities,” under which you’ll find nearly every kind of demographic group: “Catholics for Romney,” “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Romney,” farmers and ranchers, lawyers, Jewish and Polish Americans, veterans and military families, young Americans, even Hispanics, under the banner “Juntos for Romney” — which may or may not be ironic given Romney’s stance on “self-deportation.” Ghost of Katrina hovers over Republican National Convention in Tampa By Alexander Burns and Maggie Haberman Politico The official message couldn't be clearer: The Republican National Convention will proceed this morning, period. Storm or not, GOP convention’s big task is unity behind Romney By John Kennedy Palm Beach Post Florida Republicans said Sunday the storm-delayed start of the GOP National Convention should not cloud its carefully planned stagecraft, designed to blister President Obama, buff up Mitt Romney and unify a still-fractious party. GOP: Florida, we need you By David Royse News Service of Florida The Republican Party’s decision to gather in Tampa to officially nominate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for president underlines what is quickly becoming an imperative for Romney: carrying the Sunshine State. Connie Mack airs new ad in Senate race Associated Press Tampa Tribune U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV's first television ad since winning the primary isn't about his record or history, isn't about issues and isn't an attack on the man he's trying to unseat, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Long-Grayson contest is an apparent mismatch By Mark K. Matthews Orlando Sentinel Todd Long won an improbable victory in the Aug. 14 Republican primary, but he may have to hit the political equivalent of the lottery to beat Democrat Alan Grayson when the two congressional candidates face each other in November. BALLOT INITIATIVES Amendment 8 Could Revive Vouchers for Religious Schools, Lawyer Says By Rick Stone StateImpact The battle over Amendment 8 — the Religious Freedom Amendment — is being fought on several fronts: civil rights, the maintenance of vital social services and, recently, public education. Orange leaders push plan to upend sick-leave ballot measure By David Damron Orlando Sentinel Orange County leaders on Tuesday will consider a last-minute measure designed to snuff out a ballot initiative requiring paid sick leave for many employees. EDUCATION Jeb Bush for U.S. education secretary? By Jeff Solochek Tampa Bay Times Love him or hate him, you can't deny that former Florida governor Jeb Bush has had outsized influence on education policy both in the state and throughout the country. Fewer Students Receiving Scholarships By Whitney Ray Capitol News Service Thousands of Florida college students are back to class today with fewer scholarship dollars to pay for school. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Citizens preps for Isaac claims By Gray Rohrer Florida Current Tropical Storm Isaac was expected to strengthen into a hurricane Monday as it took aim at the northern Gulf Coast, but its outer bands have already strafed South Florida, spurring insurance claims for state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. HEALTH AND SENIORS Medicaid Expansion Costs Start at $79 Million and Climb By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida Looking for the price-tag of the federal Affordable Care Act, analysts have released a report estimating that an expansion of the Medicaid program would cost the state $79.2 million during the 2016-17 fiscal year and that the costs would grow to $337.6 million by 2022-23. Health Law Has Gaps In Men's Care By Michelle Andrews Kaiser Health News The federal health care overhaul greatly expanded women's access to free preventive services, particularly for sexual and reproductive health. Men didn't fare nearly as well. Allstate Sues Fla. Brain Injury Rehab Center For $7.6 M In Insurance Fraud By Jessica Palombo     WFSU Tallahassee A South Florida brain injury rehab facility, already being cited for improperly keeping non-brain-injured patients and being investigated for abuse, is now being sued for alleged widespread and intentional fraud.