Daily Clips for September 8, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Charlie Crist, Kendrick Meek vie to be main alternative to Marco Rubio By Adam C. Smith and Beth Reinhard St. Petersburg Times It's approaching do-or-die time for Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek. Democrat Sink backs extending Bush tax credits during Delray stop By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Democrat governor candidate Alex Sink, visiting a roofing business here to promote alternative energy, broke with President Obama and many in her party today by calling for an extension of all the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts signed by former President George W. Bush. Rick Scott’s aversion to depositions By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Republican governor candidate Rick Scott has faced repeated calls to release a deposition in a civil suit he gave earlier this year — first from his Republican primary opponent Bill McCollum, now from his Democratic rival Alex Sink. All eyes on Dove World By Kimberly C. Moore Gainesville Sun Related editorial: Butterfly effect The White House is talking about it. So is the U.S. commander in Afghanistan. Muslims in Kabul are protesting it. Major broadcast news networks, including ABC and CBS, led their Tuesday news reports with it. And it's all over Facebook. Scott federal campaign doesn't address Florida's needs Editorial St. Petersburg Times Rick Scott must be running for president of the United States instead of governor of Florida. FLORIDA POLITICS State Gains Would Give Redistricting Edge to G.O.P. By Michael Cooper Gainesville Sun The midterm elections are being closely watched to determine whether Republicans will have a majority in Congress for the next two years. Republican officials to meet to pick Jennifer Carroll's successor By David Hunt Florida Times-Union Local Republicans are scheduled to pick a successor today for state Rep. Jennifer Carroll, who was selected as GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott's running mate after winning the GOP primary for her House seat. Sansom won't go to trial until after Election Day By Brent Henzi Florida Tribune The fate of former House Speaker Ray Sansom won't be known until after Election Day. Senator blasts agency over contracting decision By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune The Florida Department of Corrections is once again being forced to defend some of its contracting decisions. POLITICAL RACES Florida governor's race: Scott likely to try to redefine Sink By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union As the nasty Republican primary for governor neared its finish, an ad came on the air from Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. Sink favors extending the Bush tax cuts By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Florida CFO and Democratic candidate for governor Alex Sink broke with her party Tuesday and said that she favors extending the Bush tax cuts. In year of outsiders, Florida governor stands his ground By James Oliphant Los Angeles Times It's easy to find people who will say bad things about Charlie Crist. Charlie Crist and the Perils of Flip-Flopping By Tim Padgett Time Magazine Florida governor and U.S. Senate candidate Charlie Crist admires Abraham Lincoln — not because it's the political thing to do in America, he insists, but because he's long aspired to be the kind of moderate, consensus-building conservative that the most hallowed member of the Republican Party was. Crist renews support for embryonic stem cell research By William March Tampa Tribune Gov. Charlie Crist, visiting Moffitt Cancer Center today, renewed his support for embryonic stem cell research, even though he declined to act on the issue as governor. Spat over donations to Crist's Senate campaign continues By Pat Gillespie Ft. Myers News-Press Attorneys will head back to the Collier County Courthouse next week as donors to Charlie Crist's U.S. Senate campaign fight to block him from using about $7.5 million in contributions. GOP to stage rally in Sarasota By Jeremy Wallace Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota will be at the heart of Florida politics Saturday -- at least for Republicans. Black voters could hold key to year's elections By Anthony Man South Florida Sun-Sentinel Florida's statewide elections this year could hinge on how many black voters, drawn to the polls for the first time by Barack Obama's 2008 presidential candidacy, remain engaged in politics and how many stay home. Republicans cast more primary ballots than Democrats The Associated Press Orlando Sentinel Looking for yet another sign Democrats are in trouble? Take note of who is showing up to vote in the primaries. Watts: GOP must show public a change in congressional culture By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Republicans have "a good shot" at taking over Congress but they will lose it again unless they change Washington's ways, former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts said Tuesday. BALLOT INITIATIVES Challenge to Fla. class size amendment in court The Associated Press Sarasota Herald-Tribune A lawsuit challenging the Legislature's proposed state constitutional amendment to loosen class size limits is getting its day in court. Failing the constitutional test Editorial Sarasota Herald-Tribune For all the contemporary rhetoric about respecting the Constitution, a majority of Florida's Legislature disrespected the state constitution by proposing three flawed amendments. Faulty Ballot Language: Supreme Rulings for Clarity Editorial Lakeland Ledger It's not nice to fool the voters. Our state Legislature doesn't get that. Fortunately, the Florida Supreme Court does. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY FPL bills will rise to pay for nuke projects By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Florida's Public Service Commission voted 3-2 Tuesday to increase Florida Power & Light customers' bills by $31 million starting in January to pay for development of the company's nuclear projects. EDUCATION Miami-Dade school budget saves teachers' jobs By Kathleen McGrory Miami Herald The Miami-Dade School Board on Tuesday approved a $4.3 billion budget -- a financial plan that protects teacher jobs and fine arts programs despite soaring costs and tumbling tax rolls. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Florida's state budget shortfall shrinks in new forecast News Service of Florida St. Petersburg Times Florida's looming budget shortfall has been cut in half by state analysts, who credit federal stimulus dollars, years of spending cuts and Indian gambling money as helping to forge a brighter picture — but still leaving the state in a $2.5 billion hole. HEALTH AND SENIORS Take 5 to Save Lives: FL Takes Part in Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida Take five to save lives" is the message being delivered in Florida and around the globe as part of Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day, this Friday, Sept. 10. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida pastor plans to press ahead with Quran burning By Jaweed Kaleem Miami Herald Related AP story: Florida pastor has legal right to burn Qurans Related AP story: Clinton calls plan to burn Quran 'disgraceful act' Related column: Spewing the gospel of unadulterated hate Despite warnings by several high-level American officials that his actions will endanger U.S. troops and American aid workers overseas, the pastor of a Gainesville church who plans to protest Islam with a bonfire of Qurans on Sept. 11 vowed Tuesday to carry on. Defiant Gainesville pastor goes ahead with plans to burn Korans despite pleas By John Barry and John Pendygraft St. Petersburg Times Pastor Terry Jones stayed holed up in his Dove World Outreach Center most of Tuesday.

Daily Clips for September 7, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Kick 'em right out of the 'Taj Mahal' By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Every taxpayer at every forum and every pre-election event from now until November should say to their legislator: You blew $48 million of my money on this? And you expect me to vote for you? And here is what each member who voted for that 2007 budget, and the sneaky deal, will say: I didn't know. Which is even worse. Father of Senate candidate Marco Rubio dies in Miami Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio temporarily suspended his campaign on Sunday after the death of his father at Baptist Hospital in Miami. Republican foes, lobbyists now flock to Scott By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times In the aftermath of a mean-spirited primary, supporters of vanquished Bill McCollum are eagerly boarding the Rick Scott bandwagon, especially those Tallahassee special interests Scott vilified in the primary. Governor candidates' job plans fuzzy on details By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink are both former business executives duking it out in an increasingly hostile race to be Florida's governor, but they agree on one thing: more jobs are needed. FIU gives downcast Labor Day report on state of Florida's work force By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Researchers at Florida International University are overflowing with numbing numbers that illustrate the Great Recession's destructive force. It's all about the money chase By Daniel A. Smith Miami Herald Members of Congress are taking a hiatus from the summer heat in Washington, D.C., on recess until mid-September. UF Muslims fear Koran burning may spark violence By Jaweed Kaleem Miami Herald Related editorial: Bonfire of hatred Before she left her Miami home to return to the University of Florida this fall, Wajiha Akhtar's parents gave her some unusual advice: stay indoors as much as possible and, whatever happens, don't go near the Koran burners. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Chan Lowe South Florida Sun-Sentinel Read the artist’s commentary here. FLORIDA POLITICS Democrats for Crist? Stick with party, not polls By Justin Snyder Palm Beach Post Some in the Florida Democratic Party have gone missing. In the middle of one of the most important election cycles in Florida and U.S. history, some Democrats have run from policies to play politics instead of sticking to the principles that make us Democrats. Rubio's image hides sham of a record By Stephen Goldstein South Florida Sun-Sentinel For the frenzy he brings to politics, Marco Rubio has been called the Energizer Bunny. Oh nevermind Editorial Gainesville Sun To provide political cover for refusing to do anything when Gov. Charlie Crist called a special legislative session in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon spill this summer, House Speaker Larry Cretul appointed some phony baloney committees to pretend to look into things the state ought to do to better protect itself against oil spills. Tallahassee's Taj Mahal Editorial Panama City News Herald Alex Sink’s decision this week to order an audit of a new courthouse under construction in Tallahassee likely will benefit her campaign for governor. So be it. POLITICAL RACES Scott tries to tie Sink to Obama in governor's race By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Talking to GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott about Democrat Alex Sink can feel like flipping from local television news to CNN. As CEO, Scott urged private health care By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott could have to do some explaining about his past this fall, and not just what he knew about the Medicare and Medicaid fraud at his former company, Columbia/HCA. If elected, Scott may find governor's chair an uneasy fit By Bob Rathgeber Florida Capital News The political landscape is littered with failures — successful business executives who went bust when they took residence in the governor's mansion. Rick Scott's pick for running mate doesn't look like GOP insider By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times So what does state Rep. Jennifer Carroll bring to Rick Scott's gubernatorial ticket? A look at Scott's choice for GOP ticket By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times Trying to keep the outsider label that propelled him to victory in the Republican primary for governor, millionaire businessman Rick Scott announced last week that he had picked a fellow outsider for lieutenant governor in Jennifer Carroll. Running mates in Florida don't go anywhere after leaving office By Larry Hannan Florida Times-Union Jennifer Carroll became a statewide figure Thursday morning when she accepted Rick Scott's offer to become his running mate for Florida governor. On economy, who is best: Scott or Sink? By Lloyd Dunkelberger Gainesville Sun With the state's jobless rate at a historic high and one million Floridians unemployed, the biggest question in this year's governor's race is: Which candidate can get Florida back to work? Charlie Crist's strategy: Marginalize Kendrick Meek By David Cantanese Politico With the three-way Senate field set in Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist’s fall campaign appears to be increasingly dependent on peeling off Democratic voters and sidelining Rep. Kendrick Meek. Charlie Crist has had episodes of 'misspeaking' before By William March Tampa Tribune When a television interviewer asked Gov. Charlie Crist about the national health care reform bill last week, Crist responded quickly, "I would have voted for it, but I think it can be done better." Democrat's blog post exaggerates Crist's dip in approval ratings By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact The man who ran President Barack Obama's successful presidential campaign in Florida has crunched the numbers in the state's high-profile U.S. Senate race and come up with a bold prediction: Charlie Crist, the state's governor and a no-party candidate, will not win. As midterm election nears, Obama on shaky ground By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times The weekend in Florida was conceived to soothe one distraction — the gulf oil disaster — but only intensified another. Grady asks judge to rule complaint against Crist is a class action lawsuit By Aisling Swift Naples Daily News Two Republican campaign contributors to Gov. Charlie Crist’s U.S. Senate campaign filed a motion Friday that asks a judge to certify their lawsuit as a class-action complaint with more than 2,000 Republican donors. Many Democrats more anti-Rubio than pro-anyone By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Remember the saying ``Anyone But Bush'' among Democrats in 2004 who feared a second term by George W. Bush? Marco Rubio: Charlie Crist has ‘six different positions’ on healthcare law By Amy Sherman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact The press has written extensively about Gov. Charlie Crist's flip-flops amid his independent bid for U.S. Senate -- including about healthcare. Will Dog Adoption Fight Hound Bondi? By Emily Nipps St. Petersburg Times Before she became the Republican nominee for Florida attorney general, Pam Bondi was a familiar face as a legal analyst on CNN and the Fox News Channel. Boyd 'makes no apology' for supporting Obama economic plan By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd told labor activists Monday he will "make no apology" for supporting Obama Administration economic plans that Republicans are attacking. Democratic donor seeks ethics probe of GOP candidate David Rivera By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald A Democratic donor from Miami has filed a complaint against state Rep. David Rivera, asking the Federal Election Commission to investigate whether the Republican congressional candidate violated campaign finance laws by “coordinating” attacks on Democrat opponent Joe Garcia with a political committee intended to remain independent. Rematch of bitter rivals likely to be closer By Amy Sherman Miami Herald It's round two in the race between Republican Allen West and Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Ron Klein. BALLOT INITIATIVES Vote to repeal state's incumbent protection plan By Randy Schultz Palm Beach Post In poll after poll, voters rage against the "political Establishment." On Nov. 2, Florida voters can put this rage to good use. Amendment 4 lets voter decide land changes By Lesley Blackner St. Augustine Record Who's afraid of Amendment 4, the constitutional revision that will give voters more control over major projects and growth in their communities? Shameless, cynical politics Editorial Pensacola News Journal The Florida Supreme Court struck a blow for political ethics this week in striking down a blatant, disingenuous attempt by the Legislature to water down proposed constitutional amendments to make redistricting less political. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY EPA gives Florida new Everglades cleanup guidelines By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald Federal environmental regulators on Friday laid out a detailed blueprint for how Florida can finally live up to its repeatedly postponed pledge to clean up pollution flowing into the Everglades. Making a high-stakes effort on behalf of manatees By Dr. Katie Tripp Daytona Beach News-Journal I've never liked Jenga, the game where wooden blocks are stacked to form a tower, then removed one by one until the tower collapses. US won't say if blowout preventer on way to shore The Associated Press Tampa Tribune The Justice Department won't say if the blowout preventer that failed to stop oil from gushing from BP's undersea well into the Gulf of Mexico is on its way to shore. Want to sue BP? No oil required By Louis Cooper Pensacola News Journal For some beach businesses outside Northwest Florida, the effects of the BP oil spill may have resulted from perception, not reality. LGBT The politics of coming out of the closet By Steve Rothaus Miami Herald You'd think with all the Republican support these days for same-sex marriage, that GOP stood for Gay Old Party. EDUCATION Racing to the top: Now the hard part begins for unions, educators By Leslie Postal Orlando Sentinel Florida's victory in the federal Race to the Top education competition was barely a day old when school superintendents learned the grant program's clock was running down — and fast. In Florida, scant oversight of private schools By Christopher O'Donnell Sarasota Herald-Tribune Bradenton Preparatory Academy owner Hendrik Lamprecht recently told parents the school had received a new accreditation from a “prestigious international accreditation body.” Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements to Toughen By Richard Danielson St. Petersburg Times University of South Florida freshman Karsen Lonzo arrived this fall confident her Bright Futures scholarship would largely cover this year's $5,200 tuition and fees. S. Florida districts weigh policy for teachers using social media By Akilah Johnson South Florida Sun-Sentinel After people meet in the real world, their next step is often a visit to the virtual one, where they'll make a "friend" request on Facebook or MySpace. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY New Florida International University report underscores the depth of Florida’s recession By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent As President Obama unveiled his $50 billion program to generate jobs at the national level a Florida International University report released on Monday says the length and depth of this recession “means that it is likely to be a long time, if ever, before unemployment recovers to pre-recession levels.” Florida's budget gap has shrunk by nearly $3 billion By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Florida’s projected budget gap for the coming year has shrunk by nearly $3 billion, a new forecast released on Friday shows. How to End the Great Recession By Robert B. Reich New York Times This promises to be the worst Labor Day in the memory of most Americans. Florida’s High-Speed Answer to a Foreclosure Mess By Gretchen Morgenson and Geraldine Fabrikant New York Times Ten days from now, a four-bedroom house on a cul-de-sac in Middleburg, Fla., is scheduled to be auctioned off at the Clay County courthouse, 25 miles south of Jacksonville. Florida slow to spend federal stimulus cash By William E. Gibson Orlando Sentinel Florida agencies have spent only about 40 percent of their share of federal stimulus money, a slow flow of funds that has made a limited impact on the state's dire job market. KSC workers refocus as cuts creep closer By Megan K. Scott Florida Today Jaci Remrey woke up early one morning and thought, "Five weeks. That's all that's left of my job." HEALTH AND SENIORS State-funded pregnancy clinics disseminate questionable science on abortion By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Crisis Pregnancy Centers, funded by the state of Florida, are distributing brochures that suggest abortion causes mental illness, including depression, addiction and suicide. Nursing home closure rare, weighed heavily in Florida By Deirdre Conner Florida Times-Union When state authorities made a move to shutter a Jacksonville nursing home for repeated problems, it was an uncommon step. Social Security Under Assault The Progress Report Think Progress This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Act, and despite its standing as arguably the most successful social program in the country's history, Social Security has come under assault from a variety of Republican lawmakers and candidates. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Afghans protest Florida church for plan to burn Quran on 9/11 The Associated Press Pensacola News Journal Hundreds of Afghans railed against the United States and called for President Barack Obama's death at a rally in the capital Monday to denounce a Florida church's plans to burn the Islamic holy book on Sept. 11. Gainesville pastor's plan to burn Quran draws protest in Afghanistan The Associated Press Florida Times-Union While hundreds of Muslims in Afghanistan protested a Florida pastor's plan to burn the Quran on the 9/11 anniversary, a Jacksonville man visited Gainesville on Monday in hopes of heading off more local, national and international turmoil. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida panel takes aim at legal injustices By Susan Spencer-Wendel Palm Beach Post Across the country, 258 men and women - all wrongly convicted of crimes - have been exonerated by DNA evidence. Courts work to clear housing cases By Todd Ruger Sarasota Herald-Tribune When attorneys and judges complain that foreclosures are clogging the courts, this is what they are talking about: roughly 24,000 properties in Sarasota and Manatee counties are in foreclosure but have not been retaken, and many have seen no legal activity in almost a year. Why 2 Florida prosecutors left posts a mystery By Pat Gillespie Ft. Myers News-Press Two veteran prosecutors left the state attorney’s office last week, leaving it with the task of covering more than 300 juvenile law cases they were handling.

Daily Clips for September 3, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Bud Chiles will help Alex Sink's campaign for governor By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau As an independent candidate for governor, Lawton "Bud" Chiles railed against the corrupting influence of special interest cash. Out of the race, he's supporting an establishment figure: Democrat Alex Sink. Republican Rick Scott and his new running mate, Jennifer Carroll, hit campaign trail By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott and Jennifer Carroll made their debut as the Republican gubernatorial ticket Thursday and met small but enthusiastic crowds on a three-city flyaround. State Sen. Al Lawson endorses Charlie Crist for US Senate By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News State Sen. Al Lawson endorsed Gov. Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate Thursday, saying "Charlie's always been there for us" when state employees, rural counties and universities needed help. BEST OF THE BLOGS Sorry Charlie By Steve Schale Steve Schale Related: More on Crist's Steep Climb Charlie Crist will not be Florida's next United States Senator. How Do You Define “U-N-I-T-Y?” By Inkberries Beach Peanuts Apparently for the Republicans in Florida, it depends on who you ask, and when you ask them. Florida Supreme Court Clarifies Republican Agenda By Daniel Tilson The Examiner In three 5-2 rulings, the Florida Supreme Court has slapped down and out the latest set of partisan ideological overreaches by Republican legislators. Florida Legislature: Pathetic By Gimleteye Eye on Miami On the last day of August, the Florida Supreme Court tossed the Florida legislature's effort to thwart redistricting on the November ballot. POLITICAL RACES Out-of-state groups to pour millions into U.S. Senate, congressional races By Mark K. Matthews Orlando Sentinel For those few Florida voters unfamiliar with attacks ads, the latest TV spot by the conservative Americans for Prosperity offers a classic take on the genre. Sink weighs Chiles factor News Service of Florida Sarasota Herald-Tribune Independent candidate Lawton "Bud" Chiles formally dropped out of the governor's race Thursday, throwing his support to Democrat Alex Sink. Bud Chiles backs Alex Sink for Fla. governor By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Bud Chiles, who until this week was running an independent campaign for governor, ended it Thursday with a kumbaya moment with Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee. Rick Scott picks Jennifer Carroll as running mate By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rick Scott reached into a shallow bench of Republican African-American politicians and tapped state Rep. Jennifer Carroll as his lieutenant governor nominee on Thursday. Gov. candidate Scott picks Florida Legislature's only black Republican as running mate By Michael C. Bender Palm Beach Post After five months of campaigning as a "conservative outsider," Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott found his running mate Thursday from within the establishment he has promised to shake up. Many questions surrounding Scott-Carroll ticket go unanswered By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union As Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott officially announced state Rep. Jennifer Carroll as his running mate Thursday, questions about when he chose the Fleming Island legislator and the experience she feels she brings to the ticket were left largely unanswered. McCollum right to be skeptical By Joy-Ann Reid Miami Herald Allow me to defend Bill McCollum. Yes, that Bill McCollum. McCollum briefing gives Bondi overview of office By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Republican nominee Pam Bondi got "a great overview" of the Cabinet office she is seeking Thursday and said Florida's legal staff can't afford further budget cuts. Crist, McCollum, Bronson certify Florida primary results By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov. Charlie Crist and two Cabinet members formally certified results of the Aug. 24 Florida primary elections today. BALLOT INITIATIVES Future of Amendment 8 campaign in question By Kathleen Haughney St. Augustine Record Republican lawmakers have spent much of the past two years advocating a rollback of a constitutional cap on the number of students in school classrooms. Supporters of growth measure go after Florida Chamber By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Supporters of Amendment 4 say the Florida Chamber of Commerce, a major opponent of the proposed growth management measure, is encouraging employers to pressure their workers to join the opposition. Backers of Amendment Four: Florida Hometown Democracy (audio interview) By Robert Lorei WMNF Community Radio Tampa Coming up today we’ll hear about Hometown Democracy—it’s on the ballot this November and it’s backers say it’s a way for Floridians to curb the sprawling development that’s spoiled much of Florida’s natural beauty. Pols can't summarize By Mark Lane Daytona Beach News-Journal On topics from health care to redistricting to property taxes, the state Supreme Court said Tuesday the Florida Legislature can't write a decent constitutional amendment. Fooling the voters Editorial Gainesville Sun It's not nice to fool the voters. Our state Legislature doesn't get that. Fortunately, the Florida Supreme Court does. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Another Gulf rig explodes; no hazard apparent By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald Another offshore rig exploded Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico, an unsettling echo of BP's deep-sea blowout less than six months ago, but this time it appears there won't be another environmental catastrophe. New oil rig explosion creates Florida political firestorm By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com A new oil rig explosion off the Louisiana coast on Thursday led House Republicans and Democrats to trade accusations about oil drilling. BP Says Limits on Drilling Imperil Oil Spill Payouts By Clifford Krauss and John M. Broder New York Times BP is warning Congress that if lawmakers pass legislation that bars the company from getting new offshore drilling permits, it may not have the money to pay for all the damages caused by its oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Snook fishing ban extended another year The Associated Press Miami Herald State wildlife regulators Thursday extended a ban on snook fishing along the state's Gulf coast for another year, hoping that will give the species enough time to rebound from last winter's cold snap that killed thousands of the fish. Lift liability cap for oil spills Editorial Miami Herald Foot-dragging and partisan politics are likely to replace common sense this fall in the U.S. Senate. LGBT St. Petersburg poised to offer same-sex health benefits to police officers By Jamal Thalji St. Petersburg Times The city is on the verge of extending same-sex health benefits to rank-and-file police officers. EDUCATION Florida gets millions to devise new student assessment tests By Carli Teproff Miami Herald Florida is part of a consortium of 26 states that will receive a total of $170 million in federal funding to help develop new tests to assess students' mathematics and language arts skills, the U.S. secretary of education announced Thursday. Students to take new FCAT, end-of-course exams By Marc Freeman and Akilah Johnson South Florida Sun-Sentinel The FCAT you've come to know — and often complain about — is changing this school year as the state pushes higher academic standards and new testing. Packed schools at issue again in Broward By Rafael A. Olmeda South Florida Sun-Sentinel The contentious issue of school boundary changes is once again on the table. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Bankruptcies in South Florida up 5.7% in August By Marcia Heroux Pounds Orlando Sentinel Personal bankruptcies in South Florida rose in August, by 5.7 percent from July and by 59 percent from August 2009, according to data released by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Miami on Wednesday. Florida reverses 2009 population decline By Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Florida posted a slight increase in population this year, but head counts in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties continue to edge down, the University of Florida said Thursday. HEALTH AND SENIORS Employers Push Higher Health Insurance Costs Onto Workers By Phil Galewitz Kaiser Health News The day after President's Day this year, employees of the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield, Ill., got bad news: The hotel would no longer help pay for health insurance coverage for workers' spouses and children. Big leap in private health coverage predicted By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post The oft-repeated GOP warning that the Affordable Care Act will lead to a government takeover of health care does not materialize under computer simulations run by the Rand Corp. that were released on Thursday. Fla. 'pill mill' program has raised $500,000 The Associated Press Sarasota Herald-Tribune Cash-strapped Florida is about halfway to it's goal of raising $1 million in donations to pay for a prescription tracking program. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Lawmakers Say Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants Would Have Downside By Margie Menzel WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee Voters liked the get-tough-on-illegal-immigration stance of Republican gubernatorial candidates Rick Scott and Bill McCollum.

Daily Clips for September 2, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Rick Scott's No. 2 expected to be Rep. Jennifer Carroll By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Rick Scott's running mate on the Republican ticket for governor is expected to be state Rep. Jennifer Carroll, a U.S. Navy veteran and mother of three who, if elected, would be Florida's first African-American lieutenant governor. Chiles drops out of governor race, throws support to Sink By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Independent candidate Lawton "Bud" Chiles announced his withdrawal from Florida's race for governor Wednesday and endorsed Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink as the best hope for children, campaign finance reform and economic recovery. Rick Scott wants it his way Editorial Orlando Sentinel Despite confirming that he'd appear alongside political rival Bill McCollum at the Boca Raton Republican Club last month, Rick Scott canceled at the 11th hour, sending his mother in his place. Court clears up ballot, and voters win Editorial St. Petersburg Times The Florida Supreme Court has properly responded to the Legislature's deceptive efforts to get voters to amend the state Constitution to suit its political purposes. FLORIDA POLITICS Florida legislative leaders say no to special session on oil spill By John Frank St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A special legislative session to provide relief for the oil-stained Florida coast dissolved Wednesday as a top Republican lawmaker said no urgent action is needed. Special session on oil a decision to be left up to new leaders of Legislature By Jim Ash Florida Capital News When Dean Cannon and Mike Haridopolos take up gavels as the newest House speaker and Senate president, respectively, in November, their first official act could be calling a special session to deal with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Legal smackdowns should send politicians a strong message By Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel In wrestling terms, Florida politicians have suffered a pile-driver, full-nelson and double-knee gut-buster. Sink goes to bat for taxpayers Editorial St. Petersburg Times Good for Alex Sink. Florida's chief financial officer is ordering a thorough audit of the new courthouse under construction in Tallahassee for the 1st District Court of Appeal, dubbed the "Taj Mahal" due to its cost and luxury appointments. POLITICAL RACES Scott to announce running mate in Fla. governor's race Thursday in Jacksonville By Michael C. Bender Palm Beach Post Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott will name his running mate on Thursday in Jacksonville, the first major decision of his general election campaign. Political pros: Jennifer Carroll balances Rick Scott ticket By Abel Harding and Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union State Rep. Jennifer Carroll will be announced as Rick Scott’s running mate this morning during a news conference in Jacksonville. Bud Chiles to endorse Democrat Alex Sink for Florida governor By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Saying he simply didn't have enough money to run a viable campaign, Lawton "Bud" Chiles abandoned his longshot independent bid for governor Wednesday and said he plans to endorse Democrat Alex Sink. 'Bud' Chiles dropping out of governor's race By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Independent candidate Lawton "Bud" Chiles III is departing the governor's race and endorsing Democratic candidate Alex Sink. Florida gubernatorial debate to focus solely on children By Sergio Bustos St. Petersburg Times The first-ever gubernatorial debate to focus solely on the future of Florida's children will be held next month at the University of Miami and organizers expect both Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott to participate. Why Rick Scott failed to add Tampa General to his giant hospital chain By Robert Trigaux St. Petersburg Times Courtesy of ad nauseam campaign ads, many Floridians are familiar with candidate Rick Scott's denials of wrongdoing over Columbia/HCA's Medicare/Medicaid fraud (and the subsequent $1.7 billion fine) when he was CEO of the hospital giant. Meek campaign calls out self-proclaimed ‘Jeb Bush Republican’ Charlie Crist for backing Sarah Palin By Brett Ader Florida Independent Democratic Senate contender Kendrick Meek’s campaign unveiled it’s first radio ad today, highlighting some comments made by Charlie Crist regarding his support for his former party’s vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, as well as some statements that attempt to align the newly minted independent candidate with the policies of his Republican predecessor. What moves Gov. Crist? Ask again later By Frank Cerabino Palm Beach Post I think it's time to de-mystify the decision making process of our beloved governor. GOP to pump $2.5 million to help Rubio in Florida The Associated Press Tampa Tribune The Republican Party is supplying $2.5 million in advertising support to Marco Rubio's Senate campaign in Florida, a sizable commitment to a candidate the party once tried to push out of the contest. Jeff Greene sues Miami Herald, St. Petersburg Times over coverage By Jay Weaver Miami Herald Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene accused The Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times in a libel lawsuit filed Wednesday of orchestrating a “plan to assassinate [his] character” that cost him the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Florida. Alternative political parties hold some sway in Florida By Scott Powers Orlando Sentinel If they voted as a bloc, Florida's third-party members could have a decisive impact on close races throughout the state, including some in Central Florida. House candidates David Rivera, Joe Garcia can't escape Cuba factor By Patricia Mazzei and Lesley Clark Miami Herald The campaign websites and stump speeches of congressional hopefuls David Rivera and Joe Garcia don't mention the defining issue of their careers: Cuba. BALLOT INITIATIVES Dueling sides differ on effect of Florida zoning amendment By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Supporters call it a needed check on growth; opponents say it will likely kill jobs. Hometown Democracy foes (politely) square off By Kate Bradshaw WMNF Community Radio Tampa Many Floridians are fed up with the unchecked sprawl that defines much of the state’s landscape. In November voters may adopt a state constitutional amendment that lets them have a say in every land use change proposed in their communities. How the Legislature voted on the devious Amendment 7 By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Sometimes what our Legislature tries to get away with is bad enough. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY FDEP workshop suggests the agency will recommend ineffective water quality standards By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent In the wake of a rash of fish and bird deaths likely due to toxic blue-green algal blooms in the St. Johns River, there are renewed calls for standards that dictate how much nutrient runoff citizens and businesses can dump into Florida’s fresh water. Planning new water-quality standards, state asks if St. Johns rules are OK already By Steve Patterson Florida Times-Union Despite a federal court order to set new clean-water standards for Florida's rivers, a state agency is debating whether rules for the St. Johns River in Jacksonville are good enough already. Despite critics, Feinberg says he's paid $17 million in 3,000 emergency oil-spill checks By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post BP oil spill claims czar Ken Feinberg has overpromised and underdelivered, Florida officials and others said Wednesday. BP Claims administrator Feinberg responds to Florida oil spill task force criticism By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Members of a state oil spill task force on Wednesday sharply criticized independent claims administrator Kenneth R. Feinberg for his new claims review process while Attorney General Bill McCollum said he plans to meet with Feinberg to discuss their differences. Florida wildlife agency adopts new species classification system By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday approved a new process for identifying threatened species that would replace the controversial state listing process. EDUCATION School enrollment up slightly; no plans for new schools after this year By Marc Freeman South Florida Sun-Sentinel Related: How FCAT will change this year Palm Beach County's school enrollment is rising again, but officials aren't planning any new schools for at least five years because of a funding drop, according to two new reports out Wednesday. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Housing prices up, yet doubt persists By Tom Bayles Sarasota Herald-Tribune On a Tuesday morning conference call featuring the housing experts behind the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, only one clear point emerged about the future of the housing market: uncertainty. State's Banks Lose In Second Quarter By John Hielscher Lakeland Ledger While U.S. financial institutions boasted their highest profits in nearly three years, Florida banks continued to rack up sizable losses. HEALTH AND SENIORS Florida is going after millions tied to health care reform By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Gov. Charlie Crist may be wrestling with his position on federal health care reform but Florida’s state agencies are not. 69 FL employers get federal $$ Staff Report Health News Florida Florida may be leading a multistate legal battle against the federal health law, but that isn't stopping the state's businesses and public agencies from taking advantage of money the law offers to help pay for early-retiree coverage. Area lawmakers urge Congress bypass judge, pass law allowing embryonic stem cell research By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Democratic Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek and local U.S. Reps Ron Klein and Ted Deutch today called for Congress to quickly pass legislation to overturn a recent federal judge's order that blocked federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida's illegal immigrants have fled state By Victor Manuel Ramos Orlando Sentinel The threat of illegal immigration may have been a political flashpoint in the recent Florida primaries, but a new study suggests that fewer undocumented immigrants call the state home. Illegal immigration to U.S. in sharp decline By Alfonso Chardy Miami Herald At a time when immigration is a political flash point across the country, the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. is in sharp decline.

Daily Clips for September 1, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Florida Supreme Court strikes 3 GOP-backed amendments from Nov. 2 ballot By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post The Florida Supreme Court struck a blow to the GOP-dominated legislature Tuesday by stripping three proposed constitutional amendments off the November ballot, ruling they were confusing to voters. Independent Bud Chiles expected to drop out of governor's race By Lee Logan and John Frank St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau In a sign of relief for Democrats, Lawton "Bud" Chiles III is expected to announce today that he is abandoning his independent bid for governor. Report may aid Glades land buy By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald Forcing water managers to build a massive abandoned reservoir would cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars but still not do enough to clean up the Everglades, according to an advisor to a federal judge. POLITICAL RACES Scott eyes insider as No. 2 By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune In the days before Rick Scott landed his knockout win over Attorney General Bill McCollum, he disparaged his GOP rival as a "career politician." Hispanic lawmakers urge Rick Scott to focus less on illegal immigration By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald The "800-pound gorilla'' in the room at Tuesday's closed-door meeting between the newly crowned Republican nominee for governor and Hispanic state legislators wasn't their strong support for his former rival, according to one participant. Jeb Bush: Scott prepared to be governor The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Former Gov. Jeb Bush says political novice Rick Scott is prepared to be Florida's next governor — and a good one. Alex Sink unveils plan for school changes By Mary Ellen Klas Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink envisions an education system in Florida where at-risk students have incentives to stay in school, better-trained teachers get performance-based raises and school buildings become community centers. Chiles to drop bid for governor By Jim Ash Florida Capital News Bud Chiles, son of the late Gov. Lawton Chiles, is expected to announce today he'll drop his independent bid for governor. Aspiring Politician to Sue 2 Florida Papers By Jeremy W. Peters New York Times Jeff Greene, a Florida real estate developer who lost one of the year’s most bitter and closely watched primary elections, is preparing to sue The St. Petersburg Times and The Miami Herald for libel, claiming that articles they published cost him his bid for the United States Senate. NRSC puts $2.5M behind Marco Rubio By Sean J. Miller The Hill Republicans are making a multi-million dollar investment in Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio (R). Rick Scott owes the voters: He's trying to avoid discussing his business record Editorial Palm Beach Post Rick Scott won the Republican nomination for governor by buying, and controlling his contact with, the public. Charlie, who are you now? Editorial Tampa Tribune Charlie Crist seems to have become a campaign chameleon, shifting shape and changing colors depending on where he is and to whom he's talking. Return to controversy Editorial Sarasota Herald-Tribune It's not deja vu all over again. There are no "butterfly" ballots, no presidency at stake, no Supreme Court arguments and no candidates by the name of Bush or Gore. BALLOT INITIATIVES Florida Supreme Court keeps three amendments from ballot By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The November ballot just got less crowded. Legislature loses court battles over redistricting By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Florida lawmakers were given a resounding defeat in their bid to control redistricting on Tuesday. Fla. justices nix health care amendment The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A measure intended to let voters voice opposition to the U.S. health care overhaul was kicked off Florida's Nov. 2 ballot Thursday by the state Supreme Court, along with two other proposed state constitutional amendments. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Special master's recommendation buoys supporters of Everglades land buy By Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post The South Florida Water Management District may be allowed to abandon a $700 million reservoir project in the southern Everglades Agricultural Area, after a court-appointed Special Master on Tuesday said the Everglades would benefit more from the district's purchase of 27,000 acres from U.S. Sugar than from completing the reservoir. Oil spill: Bank suing BP for leaving mess By Jamie Page Pensacola News Journal Regions Bank is suing BP, claiming the oil company, without notifying the bank, moved oil spill response equipment onto a piece of vacant Baldwin County, Ala., property owned by the bank. Officials pledge to work more closely on oil spill research By Kameel Stanley St. Petersburg Times The academic community and the federal government are one step closer to coordinating research efforts concerning the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Drilling agency imposes conflict-of-interest rules The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Scandalized by federal regulators who had sex with oil company executives and negotiated with them for jobs, the agency that oversees offshore drilling is imposing a first-ever ethics policy that bars inspectors from dealing with a company that employs a family member or personal friend. Cannon makes ‘anti-environment’ candidates list By Tristram Korten Florida Independent The League of Conservation Voters has named state Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, to its first-ever state-level Dirty Dozen — a list of 12 state legislators throughout the country who the group claims, have an “anti-environment record.” UCF climate study: Is our weather getting wacky? By Linda Florea Orlando Sentinel If the Australian pine and the cabbage palmetto are to be believed, Florida's winters and springs have grown a bit cooler during the past half century — even as the state's summers and autumns have heated up a touch. PSC delays action on contested utilities' conservation plans By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday agreed to delay action until September on energy conservation plans proposed by six utilities. LGBT Adoption, Raising Questions By Lisa Belkin New York Times Charles Perez is a former Miami news anchor, now living in Kansas. Scott Simon is the host of NPR’s Morning Edition. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY In Tampa, officials tout high-speed rail's jobs potential By Kate Bradshaw WMNF Community Radio Tampa The U.S.’s first “real” high-speed rail line is quickly approaching Tampa. Good riddance to sprawl-promoting law Editorial Miami Herald Local governments -- and the taxpayers who pay for them -- got a fair shake when a judge struck down a controversial 2009 growth-management bill that put an undue financial burden on cities and counties. HEALTH AND SENIORS Court tosses Amendment 9 By Jim Saunders Health News Florida The Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that targeted the new federal-health reform law, ruling that state lawmakers included misleading wording that could not be fixed. High court tosses "health care freedom" amendment By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune A move to blunt the impact of the federal health care reform act was thrown out by the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday. It's the end of the Tom Arnold era By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Tom Arnold spent part of his last day at the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration talking about the Medicaid "reform" pilot and potential budget cuts. With or without Arnold, some things presumably will never change. Unhealthy habit brings casinos healthy business By Nick Sortal Orlando Sentinel One casino boasts that it is endorsed by the American Lung Association. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES The Hate Turns Violent The Progress Report Think Progress For months, the right wing has been leading a hateful campaign against the proposed Park 51 Islamic community center that will be built two blocks from Ground Zero in New York City.