Daily Clips for October 7, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Senate debate is three-way duel for Crist, Meek and Rubio By Adam C. Smith and Beth Reinhard St. Petersburg Times Marco Rubio got the frontrunner treatment in a combative U.S. Senate debate Wednesday night, with both his rivals attacking him as a right-wing extremist out of step with Florida voters. U.S. Senate race: Fight for seat gets feisty By Brendan Farrington The Associated Press The three-way race for the Senate became a discussion of extremes during a debate Wednesday night — radical-right, far-left and all over the place. Buying the office or selling out? Alex Sink and Rick Scott battle over money in politics By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Democrat Alex Sink says her Republican rival, Rick Scott, is trying to buy the governor's office with tainted money. Sink attacks Scott's character, touts her issues in 'Post' interview By Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Democratic candidate Alex Sink said Wednesday she would cut $300 million from the state budget by trimming middle managers if she is elected governor, although she would make the cuts not through layoffs but by replacing workers as they leave. Survey says Floridians OK with one higher tax By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune A new survey of Floridians on how to handle the state's budget woes may undercut some of the proposals being made by GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott. How gerrymandering leaves Sarasota’s African-American community stranded By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent The Sunshine Skyway Bridge arcs high over the entrance to Tampa Bay, on a clear day offering views of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, the skyline of downtown Tampa and the tip of Anna Maria Island. FLORIDA POLITICS Jim Greer's lawyers attack state's prime witness By Rene Stutzman Orlando Sentinel Lawyers for ousted Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer have begun their attack on his former No. 2, Delmar Johnson III, the party's former executive director, who avoided prosecution by turning on Greer and becoming his chief accuser. POLITICAL RACES Senate candidates blast each other By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov. Charlie Crist and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek sought to reignite their U.S. Senate campaigns Wednesday by attacking Republican Marco Rubio as an "extremist" who would privatize Social Security and support fiscal policies that hurt the middle class. Crist, Meek gang up on Republican Rubio in first U.S. Senate debate televised statewide By George Bennett and Ana M. Valdes Palm Beach Post With less than four weeks until election day, Democrat Senate nominee Kendrick Meek and independent Charlie Crist tried to paint Republican frontrunner Marco Rubio as a conservative extremist during a debate tonight while Rubio cast his rivals as supporters of business-as-usual in Washington. Senate debate: Each candidate says he's the best man for the job By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel Florida's three major candidates for U.S. Senate accused one another, interrupted one another and generally whacked one another silly in their hourlong debate Wednesday night, but each also managed to drive home the political storyline he thinks will carry him to victory. Senate candidates jockey to distinguish themselves in debate By William March Tampa Tribune "I'm the only one" was the most-used line in a debate Wednesday among the three major U.S. Senate candidates, as each sought to set himself apart from the other two on Social Security, health care, taxes and spending. Rubio campaign raises $5 million in 3rd quarter The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio will report raising more than $5 million in the quarter ending Sept. 30. Sink ad blasts Scott as unfit By Gary Fineout Sarasota Herald-Tribune Days before the start of early voting, the race for Florida governor has taken a harsh tone thanks to an avalanche of new negative television ads. Grayson, Webster won’t debate each other, race heads to airwaves By Luke Johnson Florida Independent In arguably the most-watched U.S. House race in the country, between Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, and his Republican challenger, former state Senate Minority Leader Dan Webster, the candidates will not have a head-to-head debate over a disagreement on the inclusion of a third-party candidate in their contest. Ausley wants job protections for state agency watchdogs Staff Report Florida Tribune Loranne Ausley, the Democratic candidate for chief financial officer, on Wednesday called for new job protections for state agency watchdogs. Power players in Northeast Florida wielding political influence statewide By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union If you are running for office in Florida, the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce is a coveted prize. BALLOT INITIATIVES ‘Yes on 4′ invokes the spirits of Halloween By Bob Shaw Orlando Sentinel As we get closer to Halloween, you can expect to see more and more political commercials that invoke some of the images of the season. "Corporate vampires" ad vs. Florida TaxWatch over Amendment 4 By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Supporters of the "Hometown Democracy" Amendment 4 are using Godzilla and vampires to get their message across while opponents on Wednesday were using a Florida TaxWatch report to put the scare into voters. Poll shows Amendment 4 still needs to make up ground to pass By Jim Turner TC Palm The proposed state constitutional amendment to give residents a stronger say in local development is far from its needed supermajority for approval, according to a TCPalm/Zogby poll released Thursday. Teachers Union takes case for upholding class size limits to the Supreme Court By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau In arguments before the state Supreme Court on Wednesday, the state's largest teachers union challenged a proposal to ease Florida's minimum class size requirements. Supreme Court to Decide Class Size By Mike Vasilinda Capitol News Service Ballots for the November 2nd election have already been printed, but the Florida Supreme Court will decide if Amendment 8, which is on those ballots, is misleading and whether votes will count or not. Fla. schools trying to cope with class size chaos By Christine Armario and Bill Kaczor The Associated Press School districts are taking or preparing to take such drastic steps as increasing taxes, moving administrators and librarians into classrooms and busing students to other schools to meet Florida's class-size limits, which might be loosened by an amendment that's on the Nov. 2 ballot. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY EPA's strict new standards put on hold — for now By Fred Hiers Gainesville Sun The Environmental Protection Agency decided last week to wait a little longer before deciding whether to set strict new pollution standards for Florida's waters. Q&A with Feinberg: Oil spill compensation chief admits mistakes and confronts new hurdles By Andrew Restuccia Florida Independent Kenneth Feinberg knew what he was in for. EDUCATION Johnson cancels vote on sweeping transfer policy By Cara Fitzpatrick Palm Beach Post Superintendent Art Johnson abruptly yanked a proposal from consideration today that would have given him the power to move students, regardless of where they live, to any school in Palm Beach County to meet the state's class-size requirements. Broward hires 487 teachers to meet class size limits By Rafael A. Olmeda Orlando Sentinel The Broward School District announced late Wednesday it has hired 487 new teachers to meet class size requirements for the current school year. Teacher merit pay about more than money By Paul James Palm Beach Post In the most rigorous study on performance-based teacher compensation ever conducted in the United States, researchers at Vanderbilt University found that merit pay had little effect on students' test scores. Fla. looking for university trustee candidates The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A Board of Governors panel is seeking applicants for openings at boards of trustees at all 11 of Florida's public universities. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY New survey says that Floridians willing to raise taxes By Brent Henzi Florida Tribune Most Floridians appear willing to pay higher taxes to support public education and health and human services, according to a new survey released on Wednesday. Housing slump hurts tax revenues Staff Report Bradenton Herald Local tax revenue across the country fell this year by the steepest amount in 25 years, with falling home prices just beginning to drag down property tax receipts. Appliance rebate program had leftover funds By Nirvi Shah Miami Herald Despite the frenzy surrounding last spring's rebates for new energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances -- all of the money was claimed in about a day and a half -- the state had about $2.4 million in rebates left over after the last check was mailed in September. Feds award Florida $28 million for law enforcement officers By Robert Napper Florida Independent The U.S. Justice Department has awarded Florida more than $28 million in grant money to hire more than 120 police officer and sheriff’s deputies across the state. HEALTH AND SENIORS Erin Brockovich law firm urges state to continue search for pollution in Acreage cancer cluster By Mitra Malek Palm Beach Post The New York City law firm that works with environmental activist Erin Brockovich wants Florida officials to test The Acreage's air and canals for toxic substances before ending the state's study of the community's cancer cluster.

Daily Clips for October 6, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Oil drilling foes launch petition for 2012 ballot By Keith Laing St. Augustine Record Excerpt: The Florida Wildlife Federation, Progress Florida and the Sea Turtle Conservancy this week launched "Save our Seas, Beaches and Shores, Inc.," aimed at garnering the nearly 700,000 signatures it would take to put the drilling ban on the 2012 ballot. FEATURED STORIES With governor race tight, Alex Sink and Rick Scott launch brawling ad campaigns By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Related Politifact article: Rick Scott says Alex Sink funneled $770,000 to her former employer The campaign to become Florida's next governor turned into a war of words this week over who had a role in shady business practices that led to fraud charges at the former companies of Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott. Jeb Bush calls Crist ad against Rubio ‘shameful’ By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald On the eve of a pivotal debate in the U.S. Senate race, Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday pulled out a tried and true political weapon against front-runnner Marco Rubio: sounding the alarm on Social Security. Attorney says McCollum gave WellCare a break in fraud case By Michael Sasso Tampa Tribune Attorney Barry Cohen claims in a new court petition that Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is so tainted by campaign cash from WellCare Health Plans that he shouldn't be involved in a massive settlement with the insurer. Florida Lawmaker Is a Proud Firebrand By Damien Cave New York Times Calling voters on behalf of Alan Grayson, the Florida congressman and Democratic firebrand, can require the finer arts of persuasion. Florida Republicans want to cut federal spending — but not in state By William E. Gibson Orlando Sentinel Confident their party will gain strength in Congress next year, Florida Republicans are confronted by a dilemma: how to whack government spending without severely pinching the flow of federal funds to their growing and economically troubled state. FLORIDA POLITICS The war against Florida's campaign finance laws By Gary Fineout The Fine Print With just weeks left before Election Day, there is a big legal war going on that could eliminate a large chunk of Florida's campaign finance laws. Lawyer wants Florida Attorney General McCollum disqualified from WellCare whistle-blower settlement By Kris Hundley St. Petersburg Times The lawyer for the lead whistle-blower in the U.S. Justice Department's civil lawsuit against WellCare Health Plans Inc. has asked Florida's Supreme Court to disqualify state Attorney General Bill McCollum from signing off on a proposed $137.5 million settlement. POLITICAL RACES Fla. Senate candidates prepare for second debate The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Republican Marco Rubio, independent Gov. Charlie Crist and Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek will participate in their second Senate debate. How rough will Charlie Crist go in tonight’s debate? By Mitch Perry Creative Loafing The major candidates for Senate (Which I guess leaves out Alexander Snitker) will engage in a debate tonight in Orlando at 7:00 p.m., and this could be the last, best hope for Charlie Crist to defeat Marco Rubio next month. Jeb Bush accuses Crist of trying to scare seniors with anti-Rubio ad By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Gov. Charlie Crist accused Republican Senate rival Marco Rubio of seeking to "balance the budget on the backs of seniors" in a new TV ad today while Rubio's campaign accused Crist of using a "desperate false attack" to try to scare retirees. Black Vote for Meek Crucial for Sink By Keith Laing News Service of Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek is struggling to keep Democratic voters from supporting Gov. Charlie Crist in their three-way race for the U.S. Senate with former House Speaker Marco Rubio. Rick Scott's attack on Alex Sink's ethics seen as potentially risky move By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel After months of being tarred for mammoth fraud at the hospital company he founded, Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott is launching his own hard-hitting ad, accusing Democrat Alex Sink of bilking investors as the Florida president of NationsBank in the 1990s. Sink, Scott campaigns exchange volleys on each other's character By Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink's running mate made little effort to talk about issues during a campaign stop Tuesday at Howley's diner on Dixie Highway. Sink quietly releases environmental plan to key groups By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, caught up in an increasingly bitter and tight race with Republican Rick Scott, has quietly distributed her environmental platform in the last week. Alan Grayson not backing down By Alex Isenstadt Politico One week after being widely criticized for running a TV spot that compared GOP foe Dan Webster to the Taliban and ripping the Florida Republican’s record on women’s issues, Grayson is out with another hard-hitting spot – slamming Webster’s record on women’s issues. Latinos Back Democrats, But Many May Not Vote By Jennifer Ludden NPR As Democrats struggle to fend of losses in next month's midterm elections, a new survey by the Pew Hispanic Center delivers a good-news, bad-news message from a key voting bloc. BALLOT INITIATIVES Democrats pour cash into redistricting bid By Ben Smith Politico In an unusual public alliance of “good government” groups and liberal activists, several Democratic groups are quietly pouring millions of dollars into supporting two obscure Florida ballot measures that could be crucial to the long-term battle for control of Congress. Florida Supreme Court to hear class size case Wednesday The Associated Press Orlando Sentinel The Florida Supreme Court is hearing oral argument in a teachers union challenge to a ballot proposal loosening class size limits. Tallahassee principal: 'Don't take the bait' on Amend. 8 By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times Rocky Hanna, the principal of Leon High in Tallahassee, has made a high-profile switch on the class-size proposal, or Amendment 8. A primer on Amendment 8, which would change Florida class sizes By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent If Amendment 8, proposed by the Florida legislature, passes, it would impact the number of students allowed in every classroom in all Florida public schools. Amendment 4: Growth inhibitor or smart planning? By Tamara Lush The Associated Press Florida's growth - and all the perks and problems that come with it - is at the heart of a thorny, contentious and expensive amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot. New Hometown Democracy ad depicts opponents as ‘monsters,’ cites The Florida Independent By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent Florida Hometown Democracy, the political action committee promoting the passage of Amendment 4 this November, unveiled its latest ad today, citing reporting by The Florida Independent’s Dan Sweeney on how developers that are collecting massive federal tax breaks are also pouring money into defeating Amendment 4. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Oil spill researchers gather in Florida as president creates Gulf ecosystem task force By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com More than 150 scientific researchers from around the nation were gathering Tuesday at St. Pete Beach for the beginning of a two-day conference to discuss oil spill research in the Gulf of Mexico. Florida Panhandle legislators seek to repeal septic tank inspection requirement By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Two Panhandle legislators say they have filed a bill to repeal a new requirement in state law that all septic tanks be inspected every five years. EDUCATION Union buy-in needed for Race to the Top? Maybe not By Jeff Solochek St. Petersburg Times To secure about $700 million in Race to the Top funds, Florida made a show of securing support from state and local teachers union leaders JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Survey shows Floridians support tax increases The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A new survey shows most Floridians are willing to support tax increases for public schools and health and human services even in these troubled economic times. NW Fla. will rebound from recession faster than rest of U.S., economist says By Dusty Ricketts Northwest Florida Daily News While Northwest Florida felt the affects of the economic recession sooner than most of the country, the region is poised to have one of the strongest recoveries. HEALTH AND SENIORS Lawsuits over health care law heat up By Rick Schmitt USA Today Matt Sissel of Iowa City proudly served in Iraq as a combat medic. Panel advocates steps to expand nurses' role By Andrew Villegas and Mary Agnes Carey Miami Herald A report from a committee chaired by University of Miami President Donna Shalala may give nurses with advanced degrees a potent weapon in their perennial battle to get the authority to practice without a doctor's oversight. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Corporate America's Favorite Jurists Return The Progress Report Think Progress Few cases define the Roberts Court like the recent decision in Citizens United v. FEC.

Daily Clips for October 5, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Petition drive launched for amendment to ban oil drilling By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune Environmental groups have launched a petition drive to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2012 that would ban oil drilling in Florida's nearshore waters. FEATURED STORIES Democrats see chance, face barriers in Florida governor's race By Michael C. Bender Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Florida Democrats say this could be their best chance to win the governor's race since their last victory 16 years ago. Alex Sink blasts Rick Scott: "I just refuse to let (him) hijack my state without a fight" By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau In her strongest language yet, Democrat Alex Sink blasted Republican rival Rick Scott as a mystery candidate who is trying to buy his way into the Governor's Office, "doesn't know zip about Florida" and whose proposals are "totally unrealistic." TCPalm.com/Zogby poll: Rubio continues to lead Senate race By Jim Turner TC Palm A majority of Floridians say the state is heading in the wrong direction and likely voters are continuing to lean toward Republican Marco Rubio over the now independent Gov. Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek in the race for U.S. Senate. Where does he stand on anything? Editorial Miami Herald Charlie Crist gives political opportunism a bad name. POLITICAL RACES Governor candidates tout plans to create jobs By Mitch Stacy The Assocaited Press If gubernatorial candidates Rick Scott and Alex Sink agree on anything, it is that jobs - specifically, how to bring new ones to Florida - is the No. 1 issue in their race. 3 back Rick Scott, sidestep immigration issue By Patricia Mazzei Miami Herald Miami's three Republican Cuban-American members of Congress threw their support behind Rick Scott on Monday, despite not seeing eye-to-eye with the GOP gubernatorial candidate on one of the signature issues of their congressional careers: immigration. Police union attacks Rick Scott's budget plan, saying it closes prisons and releases prisoners early By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact The state's two big police unions are backing Democrat Alex Sink for governor. Rubio, Crist cap off busy days of politicking around Tampa Bay, key to statewide victory By Robert Napper Florida Independent A visit from former Vice President Al Gore on behalf of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek in Tampa last Thursday dominated the local news cycle for a while, but it didn’t last long. Gelber attacks attorney general opponent for ties to Fox News, Palin By Robert Napper Florida Independent Democrat attorney general candidate Dan Gelber slammed his Republican opponent in her hometown last week during a rally for U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek. Democrat Loranne Ausley keys on legislative taint in CFO race against GOP Sen. Jeff Atwater By Lee Logan St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Behind in fundraising and virtually unknown to many voters, chief financial officer candidate Loranne Ausley is trying to tar her opponent with nearly every questionable move made by the Legislature. Broward man forms 340 PACs, 40 political parties — and is running for governor By Jon Burstein South Florida Sun-Sentinel He calls himself a billionaire. He is a write-in candidate to be Florida's next governor at the same time he's running for U.S. Senate in 2012. Sarah Palin's Miami event postponed, new date to be announced By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Organizers of the scrapped Sarah Palin event say the show will go on -- with a date to be announced later this week. BALLOT INITIATIVES Is Brown’s opposition to redistricting amendments giving momentum to her opponent? By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Could the battle over gerrymandering finally be catching up to Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville? Florida has straw ballot on US balanced budget By Brent Kallestad The Associated Press Looking for another possible wedge issue to use in the 2012 election cycle, Florida's Republican-led Legislature wants voters to weigh in on whether the federal government should be required to balance its budget like most states do. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Distance plays no role in oil spill payouts By Yolanda Fernandez Tampa Tribune Local businesses that suffered losses because of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill may soon receive relief from the $20 billion BP compensation fund. As federal action on energy stalls, St. Pete workshop calls for Florida to lead By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Related: Report: Offshore wind could replace petroleum in Florida’s power sector In Washington, the prospect of a comprehensive energy bill passing this year is growing increasingly dim, with some key senators doubting that a renewable energy requirement will pass after the election and President Obama saying progress will likely come in “chunks.” Environmental group: EPA remedies for phosphorous in the Everglades a ‘one-legged stool’ By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent The Florida-based environmental group Friends of the Everglades today filed a legal response against the EPA, enjoining the agency to replace its proposed phosphorus standards with “a truly ‘enforceable’ and ‘mandatory’ ‘framework’ to achieve … Water Quality Standards in the Everglades Protection Area as quickly as possible.” Environmental group seeks tougher pollution protections for Everglades restoration By Andy Reid South Florida Sun-Sentinel With one legal showdown delayed, another is brewing in the fight over slow-moving Everglades restoration and the future of a land deal with U.S. Sugar Corp. that would cost South Florida taxpayers $197 million. LGBT Courts may be critical in 'don't ask, don't tell' battle By Nancy A. Youssef and William Douglas Miami Herald With Congress stalled on whether to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," some proponents of eliminating the long-standing prohibition on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military now believe their best hope lies with an increasingly supportive court system. EDUCATION Art Johnson seeks sweeping powers to transfer students among Palm Beach County schools to meet class-size limits By Cara Fitzpatrick Palm Beach Post Superintendent Art Johnson is seeking the power to move students to any school in Palm Beach County, regardless of where they live, to meet the state's class-size requirements. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY South Floridians show support for ambitious rail system, despite the price tag By Dan Sweeney Florida Independent On Sept. 22, Fort Lauderdale residents gathered at Holiday Park’s social center for the final public meeting on a topic that has long bedeviled South Florida — public transportation. Governments cut jobs, benefits to avoid raising taxes By Ludmilla Lelis Orlando Sentinel Local governments throughout Central Florida are bracing for a third consecutive year of tighter budgets as the tax revenue on which they depend is reduced by falling property values. HEALTH AND SENIORS Group says new health insurance law should apply to Cover Florida By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune A grassroots advocacy organization sent a letter to the federal government on Monday asking that Florida be required to follow all of the requirements in the federal health care overhaul. 121 Fla. entities join early retirement program The Associated Press Tampa Tribune The U.S. Health and Human Services Department has approved 121 employers and unions in Florida for assistance in paying for early retirees' medical insurance. AG under fire in WellCare case By Carol Gentry Health News Florida The Florida Supreme Court has been asked to disqualify Attorney General Bill McCollum from involvement in determining the amount of civil damages that WellCare Health Plans Inc. must pay to settle accusations of fraud against the Florida Medicaid program. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Judge voids Fla. AG subpoena in foreclosure probe The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A Palm Beach County judge has tossed out a subpoena for information from a law firm in an investigation of foreclosure practices by Attorney General Bill McCollum. Broward School Board member Stephanie Kraft charged with bribery By Carli Teproff, Patricia Mazzei and Amy Sherman Miami Herald Related editorial: Another public official feeling the heat Broward School Board member Stephanie Kraft on Monday became the latest public official to get caught in a wave of high-profile corruption arrests that have exposed cozy ties among South Florida politicians, developers and lobbyists.

Daily Clips for October 4, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS PROGRESS FLORIDA SAYS YES ON 5 & 6 News Service of Florida A coalition of non-partisan but left of center political groups on Friday called on voters to approve Amendments 5 & 6 to change the way state legislative and congressional districts are drawn. In its 2010 voters guide, Progress Florida said both amendments would "stop the partisan favoritism and stop politicians from rigging districts to unfairly perpetuate their own political power." The coalition is made up of a number of groups including the ACLU, Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, Florida PIRG, the Florida Education Association and the League of Women Voters. The amendments would require that districts not unfairly favor a particular candidate or party. Critics including the James Madison Institute say the amendments are confusing, contradictory and if approved result in political districts being drawn by the courts. A legislatively crafted proposal to negate 5 & 6 was thrown out by the courts. Exclusive sneak peak: Progress Florida’s “2010 Progressive Ballot Guide” By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 The 2010 Progressive Ballot Guide contains Progress Florida’s recommendations in addition to those of ten other leading Florida progressive organizations. FEATURED STORIES Florida candidates for governor talk up job creation but both have experience with job elimination By Mary Ellen Klas, Marc Caputo and Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida's leading candidates for governor boast of savvy business experience and the ability to create jobs, but left unspoken is the fact that both left trails of pink slips behind as they blazed through the cutthroat world of corporate megamergers. Payment to Rubio's car leasing company in 2002 raises questions By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Republican Senate nominee Marco Rubio spent heavily on four reelection campaigns as a state legislator, though he never faced a serious challenge. Social Security in the race for U.S. Senate By Lloyd Dunkelberger Sarasota Herald-Tribune With one out of six Floridians receiving Social Security, it is no surprise that the federal entitlement program has become a pivotal issue in this fall's U.S. Senate race. Fla. Gov. Crist hurt by hits from left, right By Brendan Farrington The Associated Press Gov. Charlie Crist, the independent candidate for Senate, says he loves Democrats and Republicans. But they aren't loving him back. If you vote for Amendment 4, you'll turn purple and get fat (and other exaggerations) By Howard Troxler St. Petersburg Times Amendment 4 simply says that local voters in Florida should have the final say over some growth decisions. But to hear Florida's business community tell it, such an idea would be the end of the world. Democrats say 'enthusiasm gap' is narrowing By Michael Memoli Orlando Sentinel Democratic strategists are arguing that the prolonged "enthusiasm gap" Republicans enjoyed in polls this year has begun to narrow, which bodes well for the party as Election Day draws closer. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK Editorial cartoon caption contest By Dana Summers Orlando Sentinel FLORIDA POLITICS Auditors questioned Jim Greer's GOP-paid flights, but not incoming Speaker Dean Cannon's By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel When incoming Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon travels to the capital city for political business, the son of an Air Force pilot prefers to fly himself — and charge the cost to the Republican Party of Florida. Greer asks judge to drop charges The Associated Press Tampa Tribune Ousted Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer is asking a judge to throw out most of the criminal charges filed against him earlier this year by Florida's statewide prosecutor. Senate firings leave an ugly odor By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times A competent state worker is abruptly fired — kicked to the curb in the middle of a recession — and no one will explain why. Hey, N.Y.! Fla. set to gain seats, bragging rights By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald If you're a native Floridian like me, you tire of New Yorkers boasting about how much better things are in “the city.” 32 new Florida laws take effect today By Robert Nolin Palm Beach Post Assault a homeless person and you could face tougher penalties similar to hate crime laws. Tallahassee's 'Taj Mahal': Follow the $33.5 million Editorial Palm Beach Post You heard plenty about a "pay-to-play" culture in Palm Beach County. POLITICAL RACES Today is deadline for registering to vote in Nov. 2 election Staff Report Tampa Tribune If you want to vote in the November general election, today is your last day to register. Sink says job losses were small in bank merger By Megan O'Matz and Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel In August, the Republican Governors Association poured more than $1.1 million into an attack ad accusing Democrat Alex Sink of laying off thousands of employees while raking in more than $8 million in salary and bonuses as a top Florida banker. Alex Sink was on Sykes board when state, investors sued By Marc Caputo and Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Democrat Alex Sink says the big difference between her and Republican rival Rick Scott in the governor's race is that she has "never been associated with any whiff of scandal, corruption or cheating the government." Scott campaign defends his record as head of hospital chain By Peter Franceschina and Sally Kestin Orlando Sentinel Florida gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott's campaign motto is simple: "Let's get to work." In Florida governor's race, Democrat Alex Sink steers past Washington to reach Tallahassee By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida Democrats say this could be their best chance to win the governor's race since their last victory 16 years ago. Scott, Sink differ over expanding school vouchers, accountability By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott released a proposal last week for revamping Florida's K-12 school system that stresses his desire to "expand school choice" for students and parents. Alex Sink's business past could be issue in Florida race By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union Several months ago, when it seemed like the general election matchup for governor would feature Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum and Democratic Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Republican Governors Association began airing an ad ripping Sink for layoffs at her bank years ago. Florida governor's race: Campaigns focus on 'convenience voters' By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel One undisputed fact emerging from Florida's 2010 primary elections is that "convenience voting" matters more than ever. Quinnipiac poll: Scott leading Sink in race for governor By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Linking Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink to President Obama looks like a smart strategy for Republicans in Florida's race for governor. Senate race has national implications By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Related: Meek on fire: 'I won't give up' Related: Crist: People are weary of partisanship Related: Rubio is a symbol of conservative backlash Florida hasn't had a U.S. Senate race with such national implications since George Smathers ousted Claude Pepper 58 years ago. Is Crist flip-flopping or simply a true moderate? By Zac Anderson Sarasota Herald-Tribune The call came on Nadine Smith's cell phone, and for the first time in 20 years of political advocacy, she was talking to a sitting governor. Trailing in Senate race, Crist keeps up his charm offense By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times Of all the wonders in Florida, surely one is Charlie Crist working an airport. Crist's push-pull relationship with Jeb Bush By George Bennett Palm Beach Post "I'm a Jeb Bush Republican," Gov. Charlie Crist declared back in his GOP days. Meek races to close the polling gap By Kimberly C. Moore Gainesville Sun U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek started Sunday in Jacksonville, campaigning at several churches. Marco Rubio sticks to his script By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Marco Rubio has said the same thing so often it's become a laugh line. Republican candidate Marco Rubio casts U.S. Senate race as battle for America By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Whether he's recounting the story of his Cuban exile parents, touting tax cuts or dismissing a question about his personal finances, Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio seldom misses a chance to promote the idea of American exceptionalism. Marco?…Spendo! Is Marco Rubio really serious about cutting budgets? By Mike Thomas Orlando Sentinel Is Marco Rubio pandering, flip-flopping, going all Charlie Crist on us? U.S. Senate race: Who can win Northwest Florida? By Travis Griggs Pensacola News Journal In 2006, when Republican Charlie Crist ran for governor, he won 59 percent of the vote in Escambia County to Democrat Jim Davis's 39 percent. Ag commissioner candidates similar By Jim Ash Florida Capital News The two leading contenders for agriculture commissioner are a mirror image: a 36-year-old congressman and rising Republican star and a 42-year-old Democrat and former state party chairman who was also hailed as a wonder kid. BALLOT INITIATIVES State high court will hear debate over class size and so will most voters By Jeffrey S. Solochek St. Petersburg Times Classroom by classroom, Florida public school districts continue the march to reduce the number of students and finally meet the mandate voters approved eight years ago. Class-size amendment: Both sides low-key on hot issue By Rafael A. Olmeda South Florida Sun-Sentinel It's a high-stakes issue that could affect every public school in the state. Corrine Brown, NAACP at odds over redistricting amendments By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union A battle brewing over two Florida constitutional amendments that would change the way the state’s political districts are drawn has opened a rift between one of the nation’s oldest civil rights organizations and black politicians who say the amendments will harm their communities. Stop political protection plan By Deirdre Macnab Orlando Sentinel Gerrymandering, the process by which politicians draw districts so they can win again and again, has been around for a long time — so long there have been districts named " Abe Lincoln on a Vacuum," "The Earmuff" and the "Flying Giraffe" to describe the wacky shapes that result. Take back the power: Vote yes on 5 and 6 By Deborah L. Nelson Pensacola News Journal On Nov. 2, Florida voters have an opportunity to reclaim their right as citizens to select their own government officials, instead of government officials selecting themselves. Florida May Pioneer Growth and Development Voting With Amendment 4 By Dale White Sarasota Herald-Tribune Amendment 4 on the Nov. 2 ballot is a precedent-setting idea. No other state has adopted a similar measure. Fla. amendment would repeal public campaign funds By Antonio Gonzalez The Associated Press Public campaign financing became a hot topic during this record-spending election, so it's only fitting Florida voters will have the final say on the issue. Amendment to ease soldiers' tax burden By R. Norman Moody Florida Today While helping train Afghan soldiers in their home country, Michael Waldrop saw firsthand how much U.S. battlefield troops think about responsibilities back home. YES on Amendments 5, 6: Let voters pick politicians Editorial Palm Beach Post In 2002, as a member of the Florida Senate, Republican Mario Diaz-Balart helped draw a new Miami-area congressional district for himself. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Brogan says he's "more comfortable" with Florida's role in oil spill research By Bruce Ritchie Florida Tribune State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan said Friday he is becoming "more comfortable" with the possible role that Florida's public and private universities will play in oil spill research funded by BP following an announcement by the company this week. Georgia senators seek to undo judge's favorable ruling for Florida By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.com Two Georgia senators have introduced bills in Congress to overturn a federal judge's ruling in 2009 that was favorable to Florida in the states' lengthy battle over water. LGBT Candidates for Florida attorney general have differing views on where gay adoption lawsuit should go By Larry Hannan Florida Times-Union Candidates running for Florida attorney general usually want the public to know they'll be tough on crime. EDUCATION Sex ed funding ends decade of abstinence-only By Kelli Kennedy The Associated Press For the first time in more than a decade, the federal government is funding sex education programs that are not based solely on abstinence. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Report: Stimulus on track The Associated Press Florida Today President Barack Obama's $800 billion-plus economic stimulus law may not be earning good grades with the public, but the White House says it's on track to produce the promised 3.5 million jobs. Mortgage document troubles holding up foreclosures By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post The technical glitch that Ally Financial is citing for freezing portions of its foreclosure machine could keep Susan Carlsen in her million-dollar Jupiter home for another year. IRS: 2,000-plus Florida homeowners with tainted Chinese drywall can claim tax loss By Allison Ross Palm Beach Post Homeowners with houses affected by tainted Chinese-manufactured drywall can now claim a "casualty loss" tax deduction, the Internal Revenue Service announced. HEALTH AND SENIORS Recession Swells Fla. Medicaid Rolls By Lloyd Dunkelberger Lakeland Ledger Underscoring the pivotal role Medicaid will have in state budget decisions, a new report shows Florida was in the top tier of states that saw their health care programs for the poor and disabled soar in the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. Loophole allows ex-director to lobby health agency By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post As critical health reform deadlines loom, the former secretary of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, Medicaid expert Tom Arnold, has left government to join one of Tallahassee's top lobbying firms, Southern Strategies. Nonpartisan Florida group pushes to address children's issues By Rich Phillips CNN The marching band and the waving flags gave it the look and feel of a political rally. For children's sake Editorial Miami Herald On Wednesday, some 1,700 people braved a powerful rainstorm in Miami to attend a ``Milk Party'' rally in support of the recently formed Children's Movement of Florida, which aims to bring attention to the plight of the youngest and most neglected residents of this state. Florida needs 'Milk Party' movement Editorial South Florida Sun-Sentinel The Children's Movement of Florida is a badly needed solution to an enduring problem.

Daily Clips for October 1, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Al Gore stumps for Meek, saying the Democrat has momentum By William March Tampa Tribune Former Vice President Al Gore told a crowd of Democrats Thursday they can count on Kendrick Meek to serve their causes in the Senate, and bolstered Meek's strategy of attacking Charlie Crist by saying, "I like the guy -- I do not really know where he stands." Polls are bad news for Crist, worse news for Meek By Jim Stratton Orlando Sentinel Two new polls are bad news for Gov. Charlie Crist's U.S. Senate bid — they show him trailing Republican Marco Rubio by double digits — but the results are even worse for Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek. Sink disputes Scott ad alleging conflict of interest By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune In a recent campaign ad, GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott accuses his opponent, Democrat Alex Sink, of funneling no-bid contracts to her former employer while failing to disclose a conflict-of-interest. Grayson shrugs off criticism, stands by "Taliban Dan" campaign commercial By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, refuses to concede his ad against Republican challenger Dan Webster distorted Webster's views toward women. BEST OF THE BLOGS GOP Admits It: “We’ve Got Nothing” By Inkberries Beach Peanuts Last week Marco Rubio sat down to talk to a conservative women’s group called the “Kitchen Cabinet.” There’s nothing sane about Jon Stewart’s March to Restore Sanity By Darden Rice St. Petersblog 2.0 As much as I love Jon Stewart, I have to say the October 30th March to Restore Sanity is a phenomenally bad idea. The Kosmas Plan. The Grayson Plan By Jake Rantings From Florida Central Florida this year may offer the best example of campaign experimentation for Democrats in this entire campaign cycle as Suzanne Kosmas and Alan Grayson take starkly different approaches to re-election strategies. Profile & Interview: Fighting Like Hell for Good Ideas... the Rise of Rick Kriseman Part II By Benjamin Kirby The Spencerian Rick Kriseman was pissed off. It was Thursday, September 2, and the Democratic Representative from Florida's State House District 53 was fed up with Republican inaction on the oil spill, and he was ready to cut another YouTube video. Koch Brothers gunning for Amendment 4, Florida Hometown Democracy By Gimleteye Eye On Miami If there ever was a question of confused political agendas, it is the failure of The Tea Party, or any party for that matter, to speak up on Amendment 4, the single and once-in-a-lifetime measure to give Floridians a chance to express at the ballot box their disapproval of the special interest agenda of Growth Gone Wild that ran the Florida economy off the rails. Video Shows Democrats Stand By Meek, Not Wexler By Daniel Tilson The Examiner Way too much was made by the media of former Congressman Robert Wexler's endorsement this past weekend of Charlie Crist's NPA (No Party Affiliation) run for the U.S. Senate. FLORIDA POLITICS Senate brain transplant: Mike Haridopolos hires, says no more fires By Marc Caputo St. Petersburg Times So much for a Senate brain drain. Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos just hired two top Capitol finance gurus to replace a few top staffers who were let go. New Florida laws kick in By Gabriella Souza Ft. Myers News-Press Tighter regulation of pain clinics, protection from hate crimes for homeless people and stiffer penalties against methadone dealers are among the laws going into effect today. POLITICAL RACES Al Gore rallies the faithful in Tampa for Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek By Aaron Sharockman St. Petersburg Times Needing to corral the support of Democratic voters, and needing to do it quickly, U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek called on one of the party's most popular figures Thursday, former Vice President Al Gore. Polls show Marco Rubio with sizable lead over Senate rivals Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek By Sergio R. Bustos St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Republican Marco Rubio holds a solid 13-point lead over Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running as an independent in the race for Florida's U.S. Senate seat, with Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek a distant third at 18 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday. Meek still a factor for Crist By Zac Anderson Sarasota Herald-Tribune Gov. Charlie Crist has encouraged Democrats to support his independent U.S. Senate candidacy by claiming he is the only candidate capable of beating Republican Marco Rubio. Florida voters' anger propels Rubio in U.S. Senate poll By Paul Flemming Ft. Myers News-Press Florida voters are mad as hell and they’re not going to take it from insiders anymore. Crist May Be Running for Wrong Office By John Kennedy News Service of Florida Floridians may have a favorite for governor - and it's not Democrat Alex Sink or Republican Rick Scott. Rubio downin' dogs, doggin' big government in Pensacola visit By Travis Griggs Pensacola News Journal Marco Rubio, the Republican frontrunner to be Florida's next senator, chowed down on a hot dog while talking up small business during a brief campaign stop Thursday in downtown Pensacola. Political parties, not candidates, finance governor's race By Scott Powers Orlando Sentinel On the surface, the governor's race between Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink looks like a contest between Scott's personal millions -- and big contributions from special interests -- versus Sink's legions of small donors. Scott’s campaign co-chairs once called on him to withdraw from race By Tristram Korten Florida Independent Republican governor candidate Rick Scott named his campaign co-chairs today, which immediately caught the attention of the folks at Democrat Alex Sink’s campaign. Rick Scott visits Riverview to tout education plan By Kim Wilmath St. Petersburg Times Three days after unveiling his statewide education plan, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott presented his ideas to about 50 people in Riverview's quaint Winthrop Barn Theatre. Candidate Scott Maddox says his farm life is a plus By Kevin Bouffard Sarasota Herald-Tribune Maddox Democrat Scott Maddox cedes no ground on his agriculture credentials in the race for Florida commissioner of agriculture against his Republican opponent, who represents three generations in Florida citrus and cattle. Tea party group wants to question Rep. Grayson The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A group of tea party activists wants to hear from U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson about whether he had a role in getting a candidate from another tea party faction to run to siphon votes from his Republican challenger. In West-Klein race, harsh allegations and big fundraising totals By Tristram Korten Florida Independent From above, the long slender stretch of Palm Beach County and parts of Broward County that make up Florida’s 22nd Congressional District looks vulnerable, like it could be washed away or broken in half. BALLOT INITIATIVES Activist at the fore in Florida's closely watched growth fight By Dale White Sarasota Herald-Tribune Related: Q & A about comprehensive plans Related column: Why Amendment 4? To empower the public Lesley Blackner may be the most cheered and feared woman in Florida. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY LeMieux attempts to nix EPA water quality standards By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Related: Florida Wildlife Federation head: ‘Politics are being injected into’ water quality debate Add Sen. George LeMieux to the pile of politicians trying to delay EPA water quality nutrient standards. New fears over Cuban plans to drill for oil in 2011 By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times The talk has been going around for years. Earthjustice Says New Oil Drilling Rules Don't Go Far Enough By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida New rules for offshore drilling are effective immediately. EPA's chief averts order to testify By Curtis Morgan Miami Herald It appears a Miami federal judge won't get a chance to grill a top federal environmental chief on expanding pollution problems in the Everglades. EDUCATION No easy answers for FCAT By Jeff Schmucker Tampa Tribune Some Hernando County schools already saw some decreasing scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test last year. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Jobless benefit applications drop again to 453K; 'mildly encouraging' The Associated Press Florida Times-Union Applications for jobless benefits dropped last week for the third time in four weeks, a sign that employers are cutting fewer jobs. HEALTH AND SENIORS Florida’s new pill mill law goes into effect today By Kate Howard Florida Times-Union A Florida law intended to reform pain management clinics and take aim at disreputable “pill mills” takes effect today amid questions about its effectiveness and potential loopholes that problem pain clinics could slip through. Medicare's new order for claims: First weigh, then pay By Jay Weaver Miami Herald The behemoth Medicare bureaucracy will have to act more like a credit card company in flagging suspicious bills under a new federal law that could save taxpayers billions of dollars a year in wasteful government healthcare spending. AHCS invests in politics By John Dorschner Health News Florida A little-known but powerful South Florida company stands at the center of a major battle that embroiled the last legislative session and is likely to do so again. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Florida's homeless hate crimes law goes into effect Friday By Sean Kinane WMNF Community Radio Tampa On Friday, prejudice-motivated assaults against people without homes become hate crimes in Florida.