FEATURED STORIES
Florida's GOP chief faces heat from his own party's faithful
By Adam C. Smith and Beth Reinhard
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Staff Writers
Republicans should have the wind at their backs this election season with President Barack Obama's poll numbers dropping and independents turning away from Democrats.
Governor, in Jupiter, says stimulus money is helping save jobs
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post
If he were a member of the U.S. Senate, Gov. Charlie Crist says he would have supported "a different form" of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill and would have major concerns about pending health care legislation.
BEST OF THE BLOGS
Property rights and sea level rise
By Gimleteye
Eye on Miami
Florida is a unique lens through which to view the dilemma of delay and inadequate response by government to the challenges of global warming.
Congressman Bill Young lies about, err, misremembers President Obama telling his opponents to "Shut up!"
By Peter Schorsch
Saint Petersblog 2.0
In a speech to the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee on November 9, Republican Congressman Bill Young talked passionately about how he "will not forget" President Barack Obama telling "those who oppose (his) policies...to just shut up and go away."
Worst To First: One Million Steps
By Stogie
Ybor City Stogie
Bud Chiles walks in Jacksonville on One Million Steps For Florida's Kids, visiting the Salvation Army Child Development Center and Community Connections of Jacksonville.
Charlie Crist's Coast-to-Coast Charter
By Beach Blogger
Pensacola Beach Blog
After chasing the wind-blown pages of our daily Pensacola Newsletter all over the neighborhood this morning, because once again it's lighter than air, we wound up with some sort of sports half-page, a few classified ads, and the front page.
Fla Repugs Keepin' It Entertaining
By Buck Banks
Pensito Review
The Republican Party of Florida has a penchant for issuing "press releases" on wacky topics.
FLORIDA POLITICS
GOP fight wounds Crist ally Greer
By William March
Tampa Tribune
In another political blow to Gov. Charlie Crist, dissension in the state Republican Party broke open Thursday as a group of party officials demanded an "emergency" meeting to discuss party problems, apparently including grievances against Chairman Jim Greer.
Miami-Dade Democrats' new chairman was Diaz fundraiser in 2001
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman has dumped the head of the party in Miami-Dade, claiming he tried to shake down local candidates for money and browbeat staff members and elected officials.
2010 RACES
Old friends Sen. Mike Fasano and Marco Rubio's spat grows
By Jodie Tillman
St. Petersburg Times
Years ago, state Sen. Mike Fasano helped campaign for an ambitious young legislator he pegged as someone with plenty of potential.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Professor takes part in 'Don't ask' study
By Nathan Crabbe
Ocala Star-Banner
Support for the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy restricting gays and lesbians from military service has fallen sharply among veterans since the policy was introduced, according to a new study done in part by a University of Florida researcher.
Family values means asking prospective adoptive parents about guns
By Sue Carlton
St. Petersburg Times
Say a couple wants to adopt. The officials in charge of such things will have questions, lots of questions.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Utilities fight water rules
By Paul Quinlan
Palm Beach Post via Miami Herald
Related editorial: Water conservation a must in Florida
A deal to put most of South Florida under permanent, three-day-a-week water restrictions -- among the loosest in the state -- has begun to unravel at the 11th hour amid utilities' demands that they not be forced to reduce water use.
Two Florida DEP heads join opposition to EPA standards
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Opponents of federal water quality standards for nutrients in Florida waterways raised their level of opposition today, unveiling a Web site and two former state environmental chiefs who are on their side.
EDUCATION
State in race for U.S. grants
By Hannah Sampson
Miami Herald
With Thursday's starting gun signaling the first day of the $4.35 billion federal Race to the Top contest, states are scrambling to perfect their applications in time for the mid-January deadline.
Historic session of state education boards promises meeting business workforce needs
By Kimberly Miller
Palm Beach Post
Just shy of two months into office, State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan engineered an historic meeting Thursday between the two groups responsible for kindergarten through graduate school education in Florida.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
U.S. Senator Nelson: health care reform will pass
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson today predicted the Senate will pass a health care overhaul bill with a more limited version of a government-run insurance option than was approved by the House last week.
Boyd gets mixed responses at forum
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd was cheered Thursday for his vote against national health care and jeered by Tallahassee voters who doubt he will defy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama when it really counts.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
FBI seeking help from alleged Rothstein victims
By Jay Weaver and Amy Sherman
Miami Herald
The investment scam by Fort Lauderdale attorney Scott Rothstein ``could well exceed $1 billion,'' making it one of the biggest fraud cases in South Florida history, the head of the FBI in Miami said Thursday.
D'Alemberte argues for mental-health treatment
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
Does the Constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment mean the state can't imprison someone with psychiatric problems when mental treatment is available?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Daily Clips for November 12, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Florida GOP leaders demand closed-door meeting with Greer
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
Concerned Republicans say they aren't out for the head of Florida GOP Party Chairman Jim Greer.
Florida Gov. Crist's spokeswoman resigns
By Shannon Colavecchio
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Gov. Charlie Crist's longtime communications director is leaving -- the latest shakeup involving Crist's administration and U.S. Senate campaign staff.
Crist's office was told of Obama's trip
The Associated Press
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
E-mails obtained by a Florida newspaper show Gov. Charlie Crist's aides knew about President Barack Obama's visit to Florida in October, though the governor told reporters that he was unaware of the trip.
Fla. ranks 7th on fiscal peril list
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
Florida ranks seventh on a think tank's scorecard of "States in Fiscal Peril."
FLORIDA POLITICS
Gov.'s communications head disputes reports of being fired
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
Gov. Charlie Crist's communications director announced her resignation Wednesday but said she was not hounded out by the spate of bad publicity dogging the governor.
Groundswell forms for open gambling in Florida
By Bob Rathgeber
Ft. Myers News-Press
Several previously ardent anti-gambling state legislators have come out swinging at the Seminole Indian tribe in an unlikely way.
National Tea Party Express makes local stop
By Ray Weiss
Daytona Beach News-Journal
The signature Tea Party signs and slogans filled the grounds in front of the gazebo.
2010 RACES
Republicans concerned with ascent of young Florida candidate
By Aaron Blake
The Hill
A brash, young political newcomer is causing a fuss in GOP circles in the race against Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.).
State Rep. Kelly may challenge Grayson
By Bill Thompson
Gainesville Sun
Despite already having seven candidates who have filed to run against U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, the Republican Party continues to hunt for a prominent challenger for the controversial Orlando Democrat.
Is there a real Crist?
Editorial
Pensacola News Journal
Gov. Charlie Crist seemed, not too long ago, a lock for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Today he's in an increasingly tight primary battle.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Bringing the Developing World to America
By Glen Gardner
Public News Service Florida
They've traveled thousands of miles to carry the message to the Southeast and Midwest this week that what we do - and don't do - in places like Florida to reduce carbon pollution linked to climate change has consequences for people on the other side of the world.
Not so fast on drilling, Atwater says
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
State Senate President Jeff Atwater is slowing down the oil rush in Tallahassee by insisting on gathering facts before putting the state's beaches and economic health at risk.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Florida foreclosure filings drop for the first time since July 2006
By Tom Bayles and Aaron Kessler
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Foreclosure filings in the Sunshine State last month dropped for the first time since July 2006.
State Investment Board Questioned
By Mike Vasilinda
Capitol News Service
Federal regulators are raising questions over what the state promised local governments who used the state to invest taxpayers money.
Put a lid on banks' risky business
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
Today marks a dubious anniversary of financial deregulation. Ten years ago, the Depression-era Glass-Steagall Act was repealed, removing the last legal barriers preventing commercial banks from engaging in the kinds of risk-taking and speculation of investment banks.
EDUCATION
UF faculty is undergoing a big transformation
By Nathan Crabbe
Gainesville Sun
Related: Hearings set on contract impasse between UF, union
The University of Florida continually experiences turnover, but three ongoing initiatives will change the makeup of the faculty even more than usual.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Health care reform: Where the House, Senate agree and disagree
By Alex Leary
St. Petersburg Times
After months of hearing about differences of opinion on reforming health care in America, it may seem as if there is no chance for an agreement.
Legislators see flaw in Medicaid formula
By Christine Jordan Stexton
Health News Florida
Top legislative leaders are complaining that Florida will be shortchanged under a formula that determines how much money they will receive to treat the poor, elderly and disabled.
State and federal drywall investigators at odds
By Aaron Kessler
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
As the investigation into contaminated Chinese drywall unfolded, state and federal agencies repeatedly assured the public that they were successfully cooperating in getting to the bottom of the problem.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Florida leads nation in locking up kids in adult jails
By Colleen Jenkins
St. Petersburg Times
This week, as the U.S. Supreme Court heard appeals in two Florida juvenile cases, scholars took note that the state leads the nation in locking up kids for life who committed crimes in which no one died.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Daily Clips for November 11, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Tough primary races points to a divided Florida GOP
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
Florida Republican leaders worked hard to thwart any costly and potentially divisive primaries in this busy election cycle.
What a nation owes those who serve
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The Fort Hood shootings are a grim reminder this Veterans Day of the far-reaching impact the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are having on America's military families.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Gov. Charlie Crist's claim of biggest tax cut doesn't add up
By Aaron Sharockman
St. Petersburg Times
It has become part of Gov. Charlie Crist's firewall when confronted with criticism that he isn't conservative enough.
2010 RACES
E-mails raise new questions about Crist's Obama denials
By Alex Leary
St. Petersburg Times
Gov. Charlie Crist stunned many by saying he did not know President Barack Obama was in Jacksonville recently to visit with U.S. troops.
What hug? Governor just doing his duty
By Frank Cerabino
Palm Beach Post
Charlie Crist needs to figure out a way to undo a hug.
Dockery bills herself as antidote for GOP's ills
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Paula Dockery kicked off her insurgent campaign for governor Tuesday night, delivering what campaign aides billed as her first major speech.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
PSC wants more time to work on conservation goals
By Mary Ellen Klas
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Signaling another shift in direction at the Public Service Commission, state utility regulators ordered their staff Tuesday to come up with "more robust" energy conservation goals that reward customers for using less energy.
Some locals lining up against drilling
By John Kennedy
News Service of Florida
Panhandle communities and Gulf Coast chambers of commerce are among the unlikely allies environmentalists and Democratic opponents of offshore oil exploration are gaining as they push to block House efforts to lift the state's 20-year-old drilling ban.
Buchanan remains a no on drilling
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Do not count Rep. Vern Buchanan among the politicians in Florida easing their opposition to oil drilling off the coast.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Citizens Property Insurance pressed over hike request
By John Frank
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
The state's insurance regulators sharply questioned Citizens Property Insurance officials Tuesday, challenging a proposed rate hike for high-risk policyholders with wind protection.
The Coalition Of Immokalee Workers campaigns for tomato harvesters (includes audio)
By Robert Lorei
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
The farmworkers of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) have been on a campaign for better wages for Florida tomato pickers.
Florida banks' CEOs hit with cuts in compensation
By Jeff Harrington
St. Petersburg Times
It's tighter all over these days, even in the corner office of Florida banks.
EDUCATION
2011 FCAT date again testing school calendar
By Patricia Mazzei and Hannah Sampson
Miami Herald
After Broward School Board members complained in August that the FCAT coincided with Easter and Passover in 2011, state officials agreed to change the schedule for giving the high-stakes exam.
Graham: How the FCAT is killing civics
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham believes the deterioration of basic understandings of civics is correlated to the rise of standardized testing in schools.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Stomping On Women's Rights
The Progress Report
Think Progress
On Saturday, one Republican joined 219 Democrats in the House of Representatives to pass sweeping health care reform legislation, a $1 trillion bill that the Congressional Budget Office says would not add to the budget deficit and would expand health insurance to 36 million Americans.
Shedding light on vote
By U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas
Florida Today
Over the past several months, I have met with families, small business owners, doctors, and others across Central Florida to discuss health care. The concern I've heard most often is the fear that they will lose the ability to maintain or access quality health coverage due to skyrocketing health care costs.
Panama City turnout low for Boyd town hall
By Matt Dixon
Tallahassee Democrat
U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd's Panama City town hall came and went Tuesday night.
Opt-Out' Proposal Puts State Leaders to the Test
By Kevin Sack
New York Times
In the two weeks since the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, embraced a proposal that would allow states to opt out of a new government health insurance plan, state leaders have begun debating whether to take part, and the question has emerged as a litmus test in some campaigns for governor.
Why not have cross-state sales?
By Carol Gentry
Health News Florida
The argument in favor of letting insurers sell health policies across state lines makes sense: Some states have cheaper insurance because they have fewer coverage requirements.
Aging boomers strain pension funds
By Josh Hafenbrack
Orlando Sentinel
Since World War II, Florida has beckoned retirees looking to spend their golden years in the sun. The steady stream has made Florida the oldest state in the nation.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler hit with involuntary bankruptcy filing
By Paula McMahon and Jon Burstein
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler law firm was hit with an involuntary bankruptcy filing late Tuesday as investors stepped up efforts to try to recover money they say is missing in what federal authorities call a massive Ponzi scheme run by the firm's co-founder, Scott Rothstein.
Rothstein accused of duping car mogul out of $57 million
By Jay Weaver, Scott Hiaasen and Amy Sherman
Miami Herald
When auto magnate Ed Morse faced a legal tussle with a South Florida interior decorator, Morse turned to his lawyer Scott Rothstein -- and got taken for a ride.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Daily Clips for November 10, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Atwater in no hurry on drilling
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
Senate President Jeff Atwater hinted Monday that he might not consider opening up Florida waters to offshore drilling in the next legislative session, his last before term limits force him to step down.
Rubio picks up influential endorsement in Senate race
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
After picking up a key endorsement Monday that could pump big money into his campaign, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio set to work on another win that would deliver a big, symbolic blow to Charlie Crist in the governor's home county.
Battle for Senate - And the GOP's Soul
By Brian Montopoli
CBS News
Florida Senate hopeful Marco Rubio is sitting in a hotel lobby in midtown Manhattan, arguing that his Republican Party has a decision to make.
Feds haul away lawyer Scott Rothstein's 'toys'
By Amy Sherman, Walter Michot and Jay Weaver
Miami Herald
Like repo men, the feds grabbed Scott Rothstein's fire-engine red Ferrari Spider convertible with tan interior -- right off a downtown Fort Lauderdale street.
After the House, Can Health Reform Survive the Senate?
By Jay Newton-Small
Time Magazine
On Saturday morning, about 12 hours before the House of Representatives passed sweeping legislation to expand health care coverage to almost all Americans, President Barack Obama did what he does best: he gave an inspirational speech meant to rally recalcitrant House Democrats.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Enough with these 'surprises' in Florida's state investment scandals
By Howard Troxler
St. Petersburg Times
Call me kooky, but I do not want to learn about a formal investigation of the state of Florida's investments by the Securities and Exchange Commission -- 16 months late.
Has Crist lost his mojo?
By Mark Lane
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Tracking the reputation of Florida's governor can give a guy whiplash.
Sen. Bill Nelson: health reform imperative, oil drilling risky, commuter rail transformative
By Janet Zink and Tony Marrero
St. Petersburg Times
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on Monday took the Florida Legislature to task over offshore oil drilling and commuter rail in Tampa, and told Brooksville voters the country must have health care reform.
Tea Party Express Tour pushes Orlando stop to Thursday
By Eloisa Ruano Gonzalez
Orlando Sentinel
The Tea Party Express Tour has pushed its Orlando stop back a day.
2010 RACES
In Crist's back yard, Rubio courts votes
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
After picking up a key endorsement Monday that could pump big money into his campaign, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio set to work on another win that would give Charlie Crist a big, symbolic blow in his home county.
Crist still doing stimulus cash dance
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to have it so many ways regarding his on-again, off-again relationship with the $787 billion federal economic stimulus act.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Lawmakers, guns and babies -- a bad mix
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
The National Rifle Association has a long and undistinguished record of advocating for gun rights ahead of all other rights, including the right to life, safety and free expression.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Florida Waterways Under Scrutiny by EPA (includes audio)
By Concetta DeLuco
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
Related St. Petersburg Times column: Hold polluters accountable for what they do to Florida waters
In efforts to protect Florida's surface waterways, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Florida's Department of Environmental Protection have joined forces and are making efforts to adopt stricter state regulations.
Nelson says Gulf drilling could curb military training
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico could harm Florida's economy by interfering with military training and testing in the Gulf and cutting activity at Florida bases, Sen. Bill Nelson told the Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
Senate president calls for study of "complicated" drilling issue
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Senate President Jeff Atwater today announced that Senate committee staff would conduct a detailed and comprehensive review of the implications of offshore drilling with no timeline for completion.
PSC to debate utilities' energy-saving goals
By Mary Ellen Klas
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Should Florida's electric companies be required to reward customers who install energy-efficient light bulbs, buy energy-saving appliances, replace inefficient windows or make other investments that save electricity?
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Not a good time to seek funds, Duval delegation warns
By Tia Mitchell
Florida Times-Union
The newly elected chairwoman of the Duval County Legislative Delegation warned dozens of government and nonprofit leaders Monday that this is not the year to ask for new funding for their agencies.
Boyd files bill to protect oyster industry
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald Writer
U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd has filed legislation that, if passed, would hinder the ability of the Food and Drug Administration to implement a recently floated ban on Oysters during summer months.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Boyd's war chest brimming with health care cash
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd says that his decision to vote against the House of Representative's health care reform legislation Saturday was not swayed by industry contributions.
Buchanan explains his 'no' vote
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan told a Sarasota audience Monday that he voted against the health care reform bill because he thinks it will lead to rationed care and the government "pulling the plug" on grandmothers to save money.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Justices divided on tough juvenile sentences
By Lesley Clark
Miami Herald
Florida's tough prison sentences for juveniles came under scrutiny at the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, with justices appearing divided about whether locking up teenagers for life constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
Crist lifts hold on Garner's judgeship
By David Saez
Tallahassee Democrat
Fresh from a Monday afternoon phone conversation from Gov. Charlie Crist, Kathy Garner restrained her excitement about Crist's call confirming he would honor her appointment to the Gadsden County judgeship.
”Progressive Solutions for Florida!”
Monday, November 9, 2009
Daily Clips for November 9, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Factions grapple for reins of GOP in Florida
By Gary Fineout
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
A year before one of the most wide-open elections in state history, Florida's Republican Party has splintered over everything from philosophy to questions over how the party is being run.
Suddenly, skies are cloudy for Charlie Crist
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
The press release from the Florida Democratic Party called Thursday ``Charlie Crist's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.''
Rubio record diverges from campaign rhetoric
By Adam C. Smith and Alex Leary
St. Petersburg Times
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio is emerging as the champion of activists fed up with Republicans who don't stay true to conservative principles.
Rothstein saga puts Capitol on edge
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Related op-ed: Crist bundles his troubles
It wasn't just the nippy fall breeze that gave capital insiders the shivers last week.
House approves health care overhaul on 220-215 vote
McClatchy Newspapers
St. Petersburg Times
The House on Saturday passed, by a 220-215 vote, historic health care overhaul legislation that would require virtually all Americans to obtain health insurance and create a government-run health insurance plan to help them do so.
EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK
By Jeff Parker
Florida Today
FLORIDA POLITICS
Lawyer Scott Rothstein's quick rise to life of a high roller ends even faster
By Jay Weaver, Amy Sherman and Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times
If there was one thing Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Rothstein craved, it was attention.
Pressing for anticorruption measures, senator cites investigation into state investments
By Shannon Colavecchio
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
State Sen. Dan Gelber, vying to be Florida's next attorney general, says the proposed anticorruption package he unveiled earlier this week is more vital than ever in light of confirmation this week that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating possible fraud by the board that oversees the state pension fund.
Capital Ideas: Twitter fraud gives conservative ammo in duel with GOP moderates
By Paul Flemming
Ft. Myers News-Press
Jason Steele, chairman of the Brevard County Republican Executive Committee, has been at odds all year with the Republican Party of Florida.
Dockery: No Reason for Dec. Session
By Shelley Rossetter
Lakeland Ledger
There's no reason to hold a special session to re-visit plans for a commuter rail system in Central Florida, Sen. Paula Dockery said Friday in Lakeland.
First Coast lawmakers warn federal government about states' rights
By Brandon Larrabee
Florida Times-Union
Northeast Florida lawmakers, alarmed at the increase in the size and power of the federal government, have joined a movement aimed at asserting states' rights based on the 10th Amendment.
2010 RACES
New York GOP rift may be Fla. omen
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Republicans say it's not a problem that they lost a New York special congressional election last week that was widely compared to Florida's U.S. Senate race.
The best politicians money can buy
By Carl Hiaasen
Miami Herald
Senate candidate Marco Rubio, once a distant underdog to a popular governor with a huge war chest, suddenly finds himself contemplating something he didn't have two months ago: A chance.
Rubio's immigration stance faces scrutiny
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
As an underdog U.S. Senate candidate courting the GOP's conservative wing, Marco Rubio takes a hard-line position against illegal immigration: no amnesty.
Crist seeks distance from Obama
By Lloyd Dunkelberger and Gary Fineout
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Facing a challenge from the conservative wing of his party, Gov. Charlie Crist continued his retreat this week from his past associations with President Barack Obama.
Kendrick Meek is moving to the center
By Alex Isenstadt
Politico
The Meek family name has been synonymous with liberal politics for more than three decades, but you'd hardly know it from Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek's campaign for Florida's open Senate seat.
Elephants stampede RINOs
By Daniel Ruth
St. Petersburg Times
This was supposed to be a cakewalk for a hitherto popular governor.
Weird statements show Gov. Charlie Crist is suffering a case of Marco-itis
By Howard Troxler
St. Petersburg Times
Just to be clear, Charlie Crist did not endorse the stimulus, okay?
McCollum and Crist are both Republicans, and that's about where similarities stop
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times
Bill McCollum is the anti-Crist. As in Charlie Crist.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
A drill, a spill, a tragedy
By Waldo Proffitt
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Earlier this week the Herald-Tribune published a letter from reader Rob West of Osprey who wrote, "If state-of-the-art leaking oil rigs burning off the coast of Australia do not become screaming headlines all over Florida, I just plain give up."
Everglades group closes office
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
A landmark environmental group founded by Everglades icon Marjory Stoneman Douglas is closing its Miami office, citing declining membership and donations.
Florida (gone?) Forever
Editorial
Miami Herald
Look out, Florida lawmakers, four former governors are conducting a full-court press to convince you to resume funding the state's farsighted land-conservation program, Florida Forever.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Stearns scoops up failed Florida banks
By John Hielscher
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
It took nearly 40 years, but Norm Skalicky finally got his Sarasota bank.
Firms critique state on reducing red tape
By Dave Hodges
Tallahassee Democrat
A panel of 22 company owners from around Florida offered their thoughts Thursday on the state's efforts to help its 1.9 million small businesses achieve success and boost Florida's economy.
Debt collection complaints on the rise
By Jim Stratton
Orlando Sentinel
The message was straight out of The Sopranos. Left on the machine of a Jacksonville man named Jeff Gordon, it was personal, menacing and delivered with an understated certainty.
EDUCATION
GED now not equal to regular diploma
By Patricia Mazzei
Miami Herald
Until this past summer, Florida high school seniors who did not meet their graduation requirements were still able to graduate with a regular diploma if they passed the GED before the end of the school year.
Colleges' leader juggles demands
By Bill Kaczor
The Associated Press
When former Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan became the state university system's chancellor three months ago, he faced an imposing list of financial and political problems.
Graduation rates must be improved
Editorial
Tallahassee Democrat
Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union did what may have been inevitable given Florida's poor national standing in terms of high-school graduation rates.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Obama Presses Senate to Act Quickly on Its Health Bill
By Sheryl Gay Stolberg
New York Times
Related: For Opponents of Abortion, a Victory in Health Care Vote
The White House, growing concerned that the Congressional timetable for passing a health care overhaul could slip into next year, is stepping up pressure on the Senate for quick action, with President Obama appearing Sunday in the Rose Garden to call on senators to "take up the baton and bring this effort to the finish line."
Boyd in minority as health bill passes
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, tugged for months by his national party leaders and conservative forces in his Big Bend district, decided Saturday to vote against the national health-care plan.
Kosmas draws protest for opposing health bill
By Anne Geggis
Daytona Beach News-Journal
They carried signs that said, "Kosmas is a traitor," and "We got rid of Feeney for this?"
Nursing students, schools face hurdles
By Mark Harper
Daytona Beach News-Journal
To single moms like Sharon Hesher and Chaundra Carroll, a nursing degree represents a certain type of American dream: A steady, respectable income in the name of doing good.
Chinese drywall no danger to health, experts say
By Mary Wozniak
Ft. Myers News-Press
Two critical answers to myriad questions surrounding the corrosive causes and effects of defective Chinese drywall were provided by experts at a two-day Tampa symposium that ended Friday.
Rip out Chinese drywall and start over, scientist advises
By Paul Owers
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Ripping out tainted Chinese drywall and rebuilding homes from the studs out -- as a few South Florida contractors are doing -- appears to be an effective repair, a scientist said Friday.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
High court reviews life term for youths
New York Times
Tampa Tribune
There are just over 100 people in the world serving sentences of life without the possibility of parole for crimes they committed as juveniles in which no one was killed.
Bank ordered to turn over documents for Rothstein case in Broward County
By Amy Sherman and Jay Weaver
Miami Herald
A bank central to the federal fraud investigation into Fort Lauderdale attorney Scott Rothstein was ordered by a Broward judge Friday to turn over records to the receiver for Rothstein's embattled law firm.
Eager to be judge, Garner in limbo
By David Saez
Tallahassee Democrat
Kathy Garner's future as a Gadsden County judge and her potentially historic appointment are in limbo.
”Progressive Solutions for Florida!”
Friday, November 6, 2009
Daily Clips for November 6, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Despite his recent claims, evidence shows Crist did support stimulus plan
By Aaron Sharockman
St. Petersburg Times
Facing a potentially bruising Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, Gov. Charlie Crist continues to run from any assertion that he is linked to President Barack Obama.
Crist, Rubio spar at local Republican fundraiser
By Nathan Crabbe
Gainesville Sun
Radio talk show host Laura Ingraham was the keynote speaker Thursday at the Alachua County Republican Party's annual fundraiser, but Florida's U.S. Senate race was the main event.
Crist renews call for special session on SunRail project
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Gov. Charlie Crist on Thursday renewed his call for a special legislative session next month to consider the SunRail commuter rail project in Central Florida, which he said would produce a lot of jobs.
Orlando-area House Democrat Kosmas opposes health bill
By Mark K. Matthews
Orlando Sentinel
Congressional Democrats lost a key vote in the health-care debate Thursday, when U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D- New Smyrna Beach, said she would go against her party and oppose its $1 trillion-or-more plan to cover more uninsured Americans.
BEST OF THE BLOGS
GOP Senate Primary in Florida: does anyone know what it means to be a Republican conservative?
By Gimleteye
Eye on Miami
The Wall Street Journal reports that the same Republican forces who attempted a putsch on a safe GOP seat in the NY 23 Congressional District against an incumbent deemed to be too moderate, Dede Scozzafava; are now planning to turn to the US Senate primary race in Florida, with a plan to similarly purge Gov. Charlie Crist who is running against Marco Rubio, a telegenic former House majority leader from Miami who is a stand-in for former Governor Jeb Bush.
Poll Shows Crist Going Down in Tea Bag Flames
By Trish Ponder
Pensito Review
How disgusted are Floridians with Gov. Charlie Crist? So disgusted they'd be willing to have Jeb Bush back in Tallahassee.
The Bell Has Rung For Florida Voters
By Daniel Tilson
Progress Florida
The next Big Election Day in Florida, as in most of America, is still a year away.
Jeff Miller: opposes House health care bill but hasn't read it
By Sinfonian
Blast Off!
I'm not sure whether it's because he won't read it or can't read it, but U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Land That Time Forgot) has managed yet again to make me wonder how he got elected to Congress in the first place.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Legislative panel votes against ending Sansom investigation
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
A special legislative panel refused to call off its investigation of former House Speaker Ray Sansom on Thursday but agreed to proceed carefully and protect his legal rights in court.
Tour of Scott Rothstein's office reveals gallery of who's who
By Amy Sherman and Jay Weaver
Miami Herald
Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Rothstein's office was a secured inner sanctum, complete with video cameras, second entrance and hidden private elevator.
So what counts as a Rothstein contribution?
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
It didn't take long for both parties and politicians of all stripes to start returning money that they had collected from Broward County attorney Scott Rothstein, who stands accused of defrauding investors.
Attorney: FBI has 415 recordings in case against suspended Broward Commissioner Eggelletion
By Paula McMahon
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Federal investigators made 415 DVD and audio recordings in their undercover investigation of suspended Broward County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion and three co-defendants, the politician's defense attorney said Wednesday.
Thrasher takes office in state Senate
By Brandon Larrabee
Florida Times-Union
New Sen. John Thrasher promised Wednesday to follow the example of the late Sen. Jim King as Thrasher was officially sworn into office at a ceremony in the state Capitol.
Democrats ask Tampa to bid on 2012 national convention
By Steve Huettel
St. Petersburg Times
The Democratic National Committee has asked Tampa to submit a bid to host the party's national convention for 2012.
2010 RACES
Elections complaint filed against Crist campaign
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
A Republican activist from Tampa has filed a federal complaint against the Charlie Crist for Senate campaign, alleging that it was involved in the creation of an anti-Marco Rubio Web site.
Florida a battleground state . . . again
Editorial
Miami Herald
For Floridians, the most significant news to emerge from the off-year elections around the country is that the outcome of an obscure congressional race in upstate New York ensures that the Sunshine State will be a key battleground in the 2010 election cycle.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
League of Women Voters: Working for everyone
Editorial
Florida Times-Union
This month marks about 90 years since women voted for the first time.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Court ruling may try to define a family, but two boys already know what it means
By Sue Carlton
St. Petersburg Times
Martin Gill never meant to be here, waiting to hear from the courts any day now, at the edge of what may be a monumental decision on whether gays can adopt in Florida.
Just don't ask
Editorial
Gainesville Sun
A Broward County couple seeking to adopt a child took umbrage because the adoption form they were given to fill out asked if they kept guns or ammunition in their home.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Bob Graham, Jeb Bush join campaign to restore Florida land-buying funds
By Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
With shrinking revenues and widening deficits, state lawmakers will be sharpening their budget axes when the Legislature meets in March.
Push begins for tougher Public Service Commission rules
By Mary Ellen Klas
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Consensus is building in the Florida Legislature to make the Public Service Commission operate more like judges by banning commissioners and their staff from communicating directly with the utilities they regulate.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
250,000 Floridians to benefit from extension of unemployment benefits
By Jeff Harrington
St. Petersburg Times
A bill headed for President Barack Obama's signature today would expand a popular tax credit for home buyers -- and extend unemployment benefits.
Florida's gain
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
In April 29, the Republican-dominated Florida House voted 70-44 to reject an amendment that would have eased Floridians' eligibility for unemployment benefits and added $444 million in federal stimulus money to the state's unemployment fund. It was an inexplicable vote.
EDUCATION
ACLU lawsuit: Palm Beach County's woeful graduation rates show failure of Florida's education policies
By Laura Green
Palm Beach Post
Incited by poor graduation rates in Palm Beach County, a national civil rights group sued the state Thursday, alleging it failed to ensure that all students receive the high-quality education guaranteed under the Florida Constitution.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
FL's 352 plans: too many?
By Carol Gentry and Ruth Morris
Health News Florida
When Medicare shopping season begins Nov. 15, Florida beneficiaries who are interested in an HMO or other Medicare Advantage plan will have to drink from a fire hose to select one.
Republicans' analysis distorts health bill
By Angie Drobnic Holan
St. Petersburg Times
Related editorial: Edge to House plan
A few months ago, a chain e-mail purporting to be a line-by-line analysis of the House health care reform bill reached inboxes all over the country, warning people of the dire consequences of the Democratic plans for reform.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Civil rights group wants Taser ban, calls abuse "electrocution without prosecution"
By Lisa Marzilli
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
In the wake of the two most recent Taser-related deaths in Florida, a prominent civil rights group has called on Governor Charlie Crist to 'stop the madness'.
”Progressive Solutions for Florida!”
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Daily Clips for November 5, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Fight for heart of GOP may move to Florida
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
After Tuesday's elections, Florida looms as the next front in a war between moderates and conservatives that's dividing a Republican Party trying to surge toward the 2010 election.
Fla. Gov. Crist denies endorsing stimulus bill
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
Gov. Charlie Crist is saying he did not endorse the $787 billion federal stimulus bill, a statement that might confuse some voters.
Fake Twitter account used to attack GOP critic
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
A fake Twitter account aimed at discrediting a prominent critic of state GOP leaders has been linked back to a senior official at the Republican Party of Florida.
FL House to Senators: Vote ''no'
By Gary Fineout and Christine Jordan Sexton
Health News Florida
Republicans in the Florida House, citing concerns that Medicaid costs are "unsustainable," will ask the state's two U.S senators to vote against health reform legislation pending in Congress.
Young voters who helped elect Obama stayed home
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
Last year, 23-year-old Rashida Hill watched the presidential debates, visited the college political party meetings and put a Barack Obama bumper sticker on her townhouse door.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Attorney general candidate calls for new rules to fight corruption
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
State Sen. Dan Gelber, a candidate for attorney general, called on Florida's elected state attorneys Wednesday to help him pass a series of anticorruption measures in the 2010 legislative session.
Gov. Charlie Crist says accusations against major Fort Lauderale fund-raiser won't affect him
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
Republican Gov. Charlie Crist attempted Wednesday to distance himself from a Fort Lauderdale attorney accused of raiding and swindling his way to what could be a $500 million payday.
Crist calls for tougher anti-corruption laws
By Josh Hafenbrack
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist called for the Legislature to stiffen anti-corruption laws Wednesday at a gathering of state prosecutors, even as the governor sought to distance himself from disgraced Broward lawyer and fundraiser Scott Rothstein.
Legislators consider how to revamp PSC rules
By Mary Ellen Klas
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Consensus is building in the Florida Legislature to make the Public Service Commission operate more like judges by banning commissioners and their staffers from communicating directly with the utilities they regulate.
Fate of Ray Sansom probe on agenda
By Alex Leary
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Related AP story: Fla. House panel asked to delay Sansom ethics case
On Nov. 5, 2008, Ray Sansom pulled up a chair before a swarm of reporters and effectively began his term as speaker of the Florida House, exulting in Republican success at the polls the night before and staring down a $2 billion budget deficit.
How the St. Petersburg mayor's race was won
By Cristina Silva
St. Petersburg Times
Poll after poll showed Bill Foster losing to Kathleen Ford.
Competition good for Republicans
Editorial
Tampa Tribune
State Sen. Paula Dockery's decision to challenge Attorney General Bill McCollum for the GOP gubernatorial nomination may upset the party's elders, but the competition will be good for the Republican rank and file.
2010 RACES
Dockery run for governor highlights rift in the GOP
By Bill Rufty
Lakeland Ledger
State Sen. Paula Dockery's entrance into the race for governor this week -- starting late and without the blessing of the Republican Party leadership -- further reflects a split in the state party.
Senate Republican committee: No campaign money for Crist
By Michael C. Bender
Palm Beach Post
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who recruited Gov. Charlie Crist to run for Florida's open Senate seat next year, said today that the National Senatorial Campaign Committee will not put money into the primary Republican battle with former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio.
Crist, Rubio expected for local Republicans' big night
By Nathan Crabbe
Gainesville Sun
Alachua County Republicans will have a front-row seat Thursday night at the fight for the future of their party.
CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
For gay voters, a national disappointment (Maine), local triumphs (Steve Kornell)
By David Warner
Creative Loafing Tampa
The vote to preserve marriage equality came up short in Maine, but great strides were made in local elections -- including St. Petersburg's City Council race.
NRA: Don't let adoption agencies ask about guns in homes
By Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
The Nation Rifle Association is pushing legislation to ban adoption agencies from asking potential parents if they have guns and ammunition in the home.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
House members vent against EPA water standards
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Members of a Florida House panel complained today about the potential cost of water quality standards that could be proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in January, agreeing with industry representatives who said businesses and households will be affected.
Statewide python hunt yields only 39 snakes
By Paul Quinlan
Palm Beach Post
The python posses, ordered into the Everglades on a mission to kill the giant, invasive constrictors, have finished hunting - for now.
Ten weeks, and counting
Editorial
Pensacola News Journal
There was more bad news for proponents of offshore drilling near the Florida coast this weekend.
LeMieux's time to act
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
Warnings about how climate change could threaten the security of the U.S. and nations throughout the world will be sounded today at a conference at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Federal prosecutors announce mortgage fraud surge
By Amy L. Edwards
Orlando Sentinel
In response to an "epidemic" amount of mortgage fraud in Florida, federal agents and prosecutors have spent the last nine months building cases against realtors, brokers and other industry professionals.
Alexander Pushes for Sunrail Amid Opposition
By Keith Laing and John Kennedy
Lakeland Ledger
Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander breathed life Wednesday into prospects of a December special session that could get commuter rail on track in Central Florida, but discussion in his committee showed opposition likely continues.
State managers: I could swear those 17,900 state-owned buildings were here somewhere
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
Nearly 10 months after they were ordered to create an inventory of all state-owned properties, state officials are unable to identify how many buildings the state owns and where they are.
EDUCATION
Consortium seeks answers to Florida's education needs
By Elizabeth M. Mack
Tallahassee Democrat
During the summer the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations conducted a survey on what county school board members felt were problems areas in Florida education.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Budget Monitor Says G.O.P. Bill Leaves Many Uninsured
By David M. Herszenhorn
New York Times
Related: Abortion Deal in Health Bill Sets Off Haggling in Congress
The Congressional Budget Office said on Wednesday that an alternative health care bill put forward by House Republicans would have little impact in extending health benefits to the roughly 30 million uninsured Americans, but would reduce average insurance premium costs for people who have coverage.
Boyd to host Tallahassee community forum on health care
Staff Report
Tallahassee Democrat
On Thursday, Nov. 12, U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd of Monticello will hold a community forum at the Christian Heritage Church in Tallahassee, 2820 Sharer Road, to discuss with the public the most recent developments in the national health-care debate and other issues being debated in Congress.
Republicans rush to the ER
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
With debate set to start as early as Friday, House Republicans on Tuesday finally released a draft of what they call a health care reform bill. In fact, it's more a list of ideas.
Preserving abortion coverage
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The debate over health care reform has hit a predictable bump in the road: abortion.
”Progressive Solutions for Florida!”
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