Daily Clips for November 18, 2010

FEATURED STORIES 4 years after Crist nixed inaugural ball, Scott restores party at $95 a head By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Gov.-elect Rick Scott has resurrected the inaugural ball after an eight-year hiatus and plans two days of festivities in the capital city and around the state to celebrate his Jan. 4 swearing in. Smith's bid to lead Democrats strengthened By Chad Smith Gainesville Sun An officer of the Alachua County Democratic Party stepped down Wednesday to make room for Rod Smith in his bid to become chairman of the state party. Fla. lawmakers mull how to transform Medicaid into managed health care for poor By Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida Florida's newly installed lawmakers Wednesday began considering ways to cut what they fear could be a $20 billion Medicaid bill in the coming year, including shuttling more low income patients into private managed care programs and setting caps on the amount of money spent on each patient. The new, no-tax Legislature approved a tax on its first day in power By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Fresh off promising that the Florida Legislature won't raise a dime in taxes, lawmakers on Tuesday enacted a law that allows citrus growers to triple the 1-cent-per-box tax on oranges and grapefruits to pay for disease research. Pardon Bid for Jim Morrison Relights Old Fires By Dave Itzkoff New York Times It was a classic skirmish of the 1960s culture war, pitting a nonconformist rock star and his bohemian fans against clean-cut defenders of acceptable behavior, the counterculture against the mainstream, and Jim Morrison against Anita Bryant. FLORIDA POLITICS Florida Legislature: GOP Moderates an Endangered Species By John Kennedy News Service of Florida The Florida Senate's political right turn was marked on its opening day by the occasional red light - with a dwindling number of Republican moderates voting "no" on several veto overrides sought by leaders. Lt. Gov. Kottkamp asked state to send trooper with him to Italy By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau To celebrate his 50th birthday, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp took a two-week trip to Italy at his own expense, but he sought help from taxpayers. Let's talk about Sunshine By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Open government is really a state of mind. Scott sets up website for job applicants By Jim Ash Florida Capital News For those keeping count – and the next occupant of the Governor’s Mansion is the kind who does – between 4,000 and 5,000 e-mails, phone calls and resumes have poured in to Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s transition team. AG-elect Bondi taps bipartisan AG primary losers for transition team By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi enlisted two losing attorney general primary candidates to her transition team, which will be chaired by former St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker,her predecessor Attorney General Bill McCollum and former House Speaker Larry Cretul. No Senate Panel Assignments for Paula Dockery By Bill Rufty Lakeland Ledger Sen. Paula Dockery did not make the team. Claims bills could be casualty of new Senate rule By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Sen. Frederica Wilson hasn't officially left office yet, but a new Senate rule could put several pieces of legislation that she filed in jeopardy for the upcoming session. Battle over GOP's Steele spills over into 2012 Tampa convention By Christian M. Wade Tampa Tribune A behind-the-scenes feud between Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and party officials who are trying to oust him has raised questions about funding for and the direction of the 2012 GOP convention, which will be held in Tampa. BALLOT INITIATIVES GOP Florida state senator says he'll help Corrine Brown in lawsuit By Michael Peltier News Service of Florida Florida voters may have spoken, but at least one Republican state senator says he will help a Democrat, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown of Jacksonville, in her quest to derail a constitutional amendment that would change the way political boundaries are drawn. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY EPA Finalizes New Florida Clean Water Standards By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing new water quality rules to reduce contamination from sewage, manure and fertilizer in Florida's fresh-water streams, rivers and lakes because those pollutants can trigger toxic algae outbreaks. LGBT Medicare finalizes new hospital rules for patient visitation rights, including same-sex domestic partners By Steve Rothaus Miami Herald Following the 2007 death of Lisa Pond at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital, President Barack Obama in April ordered Health and Human Services to craft rules that would allow same-sex domestic partners full visitation rights at hospitals. EDUCATION Arne Duncan to headline Jeb Bush education conference By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times Strange bedfellows? Peas in a pod? JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Report says Florida's state pension fund has recovered from recession Staff Report St. Petersburg Times Florida's State Board of Administration said Wednesday that it beat its investment objectives last year, with its giant pension fund leading the way. Passenger Rail Commission: High-speed rail in jeopardy without private funding By Robert Napper Florida Independent Republican critics of plans for a high-speed rail line between Tampa and Orlando wasted no time after the Nov. 2 elections questioning the project, and now Democrats are also voicing concern. Commuter rail alternatives eyed By Alfonso Chardy Miami Herald Leaders of Miami-Dade's transit-planning board will meet Thursday to vote on the future of a new South Florida public rail system that would run from downtown Miami to Jupiter. IRS looking to give back almost $20 million in undelivered refunds Florida By Jeff Harrington St. Petersburg Times Payback time: the Internal Revenue Service is on the hunt for 11,278 Florida taxpayers who are due refund checks worth a combined $19.7 million. Florida unemployment comp tax going up again The Associated Press Florida Today Unemployment compensation taxes will nearly triple next year for some Florida employers, although the maximum rate will remain unchanged. HEALTH AND SENIORS Lawmakers take on Medicaid reforms By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News The solution to Florida's runaway Medicaid costs is not forcing poor patients into a one-size-fits-all managed-care system, doctors and patients told state legislators Wednesday. Medicare, Medicaid quality plan unveiled By Noam N. Levey Orlando Sentinel The Obama administration on Tuesday announced new initiatives to boost the quality of medical care that Americans receive, laying the foundation for what many experts think could be one of the most far-reaching benefits of the new healthcare law. Case of Cholera in Florida Is Linked to Haiti Outbreak By Jacqui Goddard New York Times The first known case of cholera in the United States linked to the outbreak in Haiti was confirmed Wednesday by health officials who said a southwest Florida woman contracted the disease while visiting family in a region at the heart of Haiti’s epidemic. Troubled past? No problem By Carol Gentry and David Gulliver Health News Florida Related: Still on payroll despite fatal mistakes You might think that when a major pharmaceutical company pays a doctor to promote its medicines, it would not choose someone whose mistake killed a patient. Scott names Health and Human Services Transition Team Staff Report South Florida Sun-Sentinel In his second announcement Wednesday afternoon, Gov.-elect Rick Scott unveiled his 40-member Health and Human Services Transition Team. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Is the South the 'HQ of hate?' By John A. Tures Southern Political Report Growing up, you’ve probably been fed a steady of diet of films either glorifying or vilifying the South’s history, from “Birth of a Nation” and “Gone with the Wind” way back to “Mississippi Burning” and “Ghosts of Mississippi” nowadays. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Fla. Supreme Court justice says court foreclosure proceedings must be public By Robert Napper Florida Independent The chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court has issued a memorandum to all Florida judicial circuits ordering that foreclosure proceedings be open to the public. Florida attorney nominated for federal judgeship The Associated Press Tampa Tribune President Barack Obama has nominated central Florida attorney Roy B. Dalton Jr. for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Daily Clips for November 17, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Rep.-Elect West's Drilling Stance -- and Refusal to Back Down -- Will Be Closely Scrutinized in Fla. By Elana Schor New York Times Excerpt: "I don't think there's any place you could put an oil rig that he wouldn't think it was a great idea, whether in the middle of the Florida Keys or right off Fort Lauderdale Beach," said Progress Florida executive director Mark Ferrulo, whose liberal-leaning group works on matters beyond energy as well. "I know that's an issue that will put him at odds with a huge segment of his constituents." FEATURED STORIES Legislature's new leaders overrode vetoes, chastised Supreme Court, Congress By Mary Ellen Klas, Steve Bousquet and Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau The Florida Legislature christened a new era of conservative government Tuesday, flexing its newfound muscle by overriding eight vetoes in a half-day special session. Lawmakers vow new conservative era in Legislature By Aaron Deslatte Orlando Sentinel Christening an era of belt-tightening and perhaps more conservative governance, two Central Florida legislators formally took the reins of the Florida Legislature on Tuesday amid new Republican super-majorities voters delivered in this month's GOP election sweep. Rick Scott names more of his transition team News Service of Florida St. Petersburg Times Boosting his credentials as a tax-cutting, proponent of small government, Gov.-elect Rick Scott on Monday named a roster of supply side and libertarian economic advisors to advise him on tax and budget issues during the transition. Democrats unsure of their impact with emboldened GOP By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune Despite the flowers, the speeches and the ceremonies filling the halls of the Capitol, Tuesday's legislative session wasn't quite so festive for House and Senate Democrats. Follow the money: Pols try to undermine your vote By Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel My question seemed simple enough: Whose money was it? FLORIDA POLITICS GOP-led legislature repudiates out-going Crist with Florida's first veto overrides in 23 years By George Bennett and Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Related: New legislative leaders take shots at Florida Supreme Court Meeting for the first time since the elections that handed Republicans a supermajority in both the state House and Senate, lawmakers transformed a typically ceremonial organizational session into a repudiation of Gov. Charlie Crist by overriding eight of his vetoes. ‘We will spend less,’ says Senate President Mike Haridiopolos By Michael C. Bender and Lee Logan Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau Promising to slim government and spark the state economy, new leaders of the Florida House and Senate leaders were officially sworn in today. New Senate president ready to serve By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Senate President Mike Haridopolos made a personal commitment to fiscal conservatism when he saw how much state and federal governments took from his first paycheck. Dems name Sen. Nan Rich minority leader By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Florida legislators began their 2010-12 term today with a few formalities. Gov.-elect Scott looking for a few good outsiders ready to work By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News WANTED: Highly motivated, conservative, business-oriented managers for somewhat hostile takeover of mammoth organization. Tea party activists warn they are watching GOP lawmakers By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune The wave of tea-party outrage that Republican lawmakers rode into veto-proof power this year could come back to haunt them, tea-party activists warned as lawmakers met at the Capitol on Tuesday. Gov. Charlie Crist will pursue pardon of Jim Morrison By Robert Farley St. Petersburg Times Gov. Charlie Crist says he has made up his mind and will pursue a posthumous pardon of rock icon Jim Morrison of the Doors, who was convicted of exposing himself during a Miami concert in 1969. LeMieux’s poll numbers undistinguished as he ends Senate term By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Public Policy Polling surveyed the popularity of appointed U.S. senators who didn’t run for reelection in 2010, and all of them except for Ted Kaufman — who turned into a popular progressive voice on financial regulation — weren’t favorable. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Experts: BP ignored warning signs on doomed well By Dina Capiello The Associated Press BP and its contractors missed and ignored warning signs prior to the massive oil well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, showing an "insufficient consideration of risk" and raising questions about the know-how of key personnel, a group of technical experts concluded. Lawmakers approve money for energy rebates By Julie Patel Orlando Sentinel Some consumers will now get help paying for the pricey energy-efficient systems they purchased expecting state rebates. Undoing new septic-tank law is stinky idea By Mike Thomas Orlando Sentinel There are certain things you do not do in a civilized society. One is digging a pit latrine in your yard. Florida's misplaced outrage towards clean-water rules Editorial Orlando Sentinel The alarmists were out in force this week, declaring that new federal clean-water rules to take effect in Florida in 15 months will drown the state. EDUCATION Money may mar Florida House representative's success By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union When Rep. Bill Proctor, R-St. Augustine, was tapped this week to lead the main education policy committee for the Florida House, St. Johns County Superintendent Joseph Joyner quickly called to congratulate his local lawmaker. Lawmakers restore $9.7M in UF funding By Lloyd Dunkelberger Gainesville Sun State lawmakers on Tuesday succeeded in their promise to Shands at the University of Florida by reversing Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of $9.7 million in funding that had been used to care for low-income patients. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Tomato growers, laborers strike deal in ‘watershed moment’ By Brett Ader Florida Independent The Florida Tomato Growers Exchange — a trade group representing 90 percent of the state’s tomato producers — has agreed to a penny-per-pound wage increase and new labor standards for workers throughout the state. Anti-tax group pledges $250,000 to fight regional rail agency By Ted Jackovics Tampa Tribune Ax the Tax, an Orlando-based conservative political group that opposed Hillsborough County's transit tax ballot measure, said Tuesday it would pledge $250,000 to fight any proposal to establish a regional transportation authority for the Tampa Bay area. HEALTH AND SENIORS Can FL really alter Medicaid? By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Florida Republican leaders made a clear statement during a special legislative session Tuesday: They want to overhaul the Medicaid program and don't want the federal government tying their hands. Blue Cross, United withdraw from Cover Florida By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune The future of Gov. Charlie Crist's health care experiment to provide affordable health insurance to uninsured residents is at risk after two of the largest insurance carriers announced they no longer will sell "Cover Florida" health plans. Hide the Matches, Toss the Lighters... By Gina Presson Public News Service Florida Maybe this is the week to quit smoking.

Daily Clips for November 16, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Fla. legislature set to override a governor's veto today for the first time in 23 years By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post A more Republican than ever legislature will meet today to swear in new lawmakers and hand over the gavels from House Speaker Larry Cretul to Dean Cannon and Senate President Jeff Atwater to Mike Haridopolos. Legislature will let two Crist vetoes stand to please Scott and doctors By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau As Florida legislators meet today in a one-day special session to transform into law a handful of bills vetoed by Gov. Charlie Crist, they have agreed to remove two controversial items as a concession to both Gov.-elect Rick Scott and a bipartisan group of doctors and legislators. Scott names economic advisors By Tonya Alanez South Florida Sun-Sentinel Gov.-elect Rick Scott on Monday announced a group of ardently conservative and notably controversial economic thinkers who will advise him on his first budget proposal. EPA unveils new pollution standards for Florida waters, then delays them By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times For months, everyone from Florida's new Republican governor to its Democratic senator to its farmers, sewer plant operators and utilities has been trying to get the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to back off new water pollution standards for Florida. Attack on public safeguards Editorial Tampa Tribune The Florida Legislature will meet today in a special session where the newly elected veto-proof GOP majority plans to override nine bills Gov. Charlie Crist rejected earlier this year. FLORIDA POLITICS Rare veto overrides, and a glimpse of the new Tallahassee By Lloyd Dunkelberger Sarasota Herald-Tribune Underscoring their zeal for a conservative agenda, two Republican lawmakers who share political philosophies and hometowns in Central Florida begin their leadership of the Florida Legislature today with a series of dramatic veto override votes. Despite ethics complaints, Jim Norman snares chairmanship in state Senate By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Senators from Tampa Bay were among the winners and losers Monday as the new Senate president completed his leadership team and found room for freshman Sen. Jim Norman of Tampa, a target of ethics complaints and an FBI probe over his financial dealings. Incoming senator chats with Bill Nelson By Bart Jansen Florida Today Sen.-elect Marco Rubio met Monday with Sen. Bill Nelson to learn about the Senate and discuss working together for Florida despite partisan differences. Amid fanfare, Marco Rubio goes for low-key introduction to Washington By Alex Leary St. Petersburg Times Marco Rubio stepped out of a meeting in the Capitol on Monday and an army of reporters rushed him, thrusting recorders in his face. West blames Kaufman stepping down on sexism, racism By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Rep.-elect Allen West, R-Fort Lauderdale, is in Washington this week for new member orientation. POLITICAL RACES Hispanic community goes Republican in latest election By Beth Reinhard Miami Herald Related Politifact article: Jeb Bush says Rick Scott won Florida Hispanic vote Overlooked amid all the good news for the Republican Party on Nov. 2: After losing the Hispanic vote in 2008 and 2006 in Florida, the GOP got it back in 2010. BALLOT INITIATIVES Cannon appoints ‘Fair Districts’ foe as chair of state House redistricting committee By Cooper Levey-Baker Florida Independent The two legislators most responsible for making sure that the legislature follows the redistricting rules laid out in Amendments 5 and 6 were both members of a group explicitly created to defeat those rules. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Environmental groups tout now-finalized water quality rules, question high cost estimates By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Related: Scott, GOP leaders join chorus of voices opposed to new EPA water quality rules In a Monday morning Tallahassee press conference, several environmental groups responded to the EPA’s first round of finalized numeric nutrient criteria. Federal official defends water quality rules By Jim Ash Florida Capital News A top federal regulator on Monday defended tough new water quality standards for Florida, warning that critics are using scare tactics to inflate the cost. Legislature comes out for dirty water Editorial St. Petersburg Times Today in Tallahassee, the new Florida Legislature looks poised to ensure that future generations inherit a more polluted state. LGBT Repeal DADT This Year The Progress Report Think Progress Last week, the Washington Post reported that a Pentagon study group concluded that "the military can lift the ban on gays serving openly in uniform with only minimal and isolated incidents of risk to the current war efforts." EDUCATION Scott plan calls for continued public spending on private education By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Gov.-elect Rick Scott will continue to push public funds to private schools through vouchers, charter schools and the Voluntary Pre-K Program. Florida universities get $10 million for engineering, health and science By Richard Danielson St. Petersburg Times Florida's university system awarded $10 million in grants Monday to boost research and innovation, with nearly a quarter of the money going to the University of Florida. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Questions could slow foreclosures in Florida By Anthony Colarossi Orlando Sentinel By the end of June, a towering backlog of foreclosure filings piled up on the court system in Orange and Osceola counties — the legal paperwork equivalent of a tidal wave. Tampa mayor says hopes for high-speed rail still high after sales tax defeat By Robert Napper Florida Independent Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio urged a panel of state transportation officials Monday not to interpret the failure of a penny sales tax referendum for light rail in Hillsborough County as a lack of interest in high-speed rail in the area. HEALTH AND SENIORS Leaders ax drug-dispensing By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Trying to avoid "food fights" during a special legislative session, House and Senate leaders Monday backed away from overriding Gov. Charlie Crist's veto of a politically charged bill that dealt with doctors who dispense drugs. Senate starts Medicaid reform talks By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Leaders in the Florida Senate will begin Medicaid reform meetings tomorrow while in town for the organizational session/special session to override a smorgasbord of Gov. Charlie Crist’s vetoes. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES Snyder's Ariz.-style immigration bill progresses despite backlash By Jim Turner TC Palm Some of the things people are writing about state Rep. William Snyder on blogs and in e-mails to his office are so bad staff members can't tell him word for word what he is being called. Proponent of Arizona-style immigration law to chair Judiciary Committee By Marcos Restrepo Florida Independent Incoming state House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, announced today the chairs of the Florida House’s key committees for the 2011 legislative session.

Daily Clips for November 15, 2010

PROGRESS FLORIDA IN THE NEWS Money and politics By Damien Filer Miami Herald If there is one thing this election has shown, it is that voters are being silenced by all the money injected into our elections. FEATURED STORIES Republican-dominated Legislature to baste lame duck Gov. Crist by overriding vetoes By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Mightier than ever, the Republican-led Legislature will send a clear message Tuesday to Gov. Charlie Crist and his replacement: We're in charge. As governor, Rick Scott likely to push big changes for schools By Leslie Postal and Dave Weber Orlando Sentinel Former Gov. Jeb Bush shook up Florida's education establishment and sparked major reforms during his eight years in office. Environmentalists, developers and others wonder what's in store from new governor Rick Scott By Christine Stapleton Palm Beach Post Of all the issues Gov.-elect Rick Scott addressed during his campaign - abortion, immigration, health care, taxes, offshore drilling, school vouchers, gay marriage, limits on lawsuits, and the $1.7 billion in Medicare fraud fines paid by his former company, the environment received almost no play. Thurman to step down as Fla. Democratic Party chair By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News The electoral rout of the Florida Democratic Party took one more casualty Friday with the retirement of state chairwoman Karen Thurman. Fair Elections Now Act needs support By Lawton “Bud” Chiles South Florida Sun-Sentinel Note: Progress Florida and Lawton "Bud" Chiles are working together to promote meaningful campaign finance reform such as the Fair Elections Now Act featured in this op-ed. Ensuring fair elections was a top priority for my father, former Gov. Lawton Chiles. While governor he toughened lobbying regulations and ushered in critical campaign finance reform legislation that included matching funds for candidates who agree to limit spending. EDITORIAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK By Jake Fuller St. Petersburg Times FLORIDA POLITICS GOP legislature flexes muscle with Tuesday's one-day session By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune GOP lawmakers say their decision to override a slew of bill vetoes by Charlie Crist is nothing personal against the governor, though relations between Florida's legislative and executive branches have been strained for months. Lawmakers target energy rebates, but there's a catch By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Floridians who doled out money for eco-friendly air conditioners or solar panels in the hope they'd get some cash back are in luck - or at least some may be. Changing of the guard in Tallahassee: Who's out and who wants to stay By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune The GOP wave that brought in a Republican Cabinet and helped Rick Scott squeeze past Alex Sink to win the governor’s race is about to wash through Tallahassee. Scott's assets compound job challenges By Jeff Ostrowski Palm Beach Post He's the richest man ever elected governor of Florida. Gov.-elect Scott, staff get course in Sunshine Law By Bob Rathgeber Ft. Myers News-Press Less than two hours after Rick Scott made his first speech as governor-elect in a Fort Lauderdale hotel ballroom Nov. 3, he and his campaign staff gathered amid confetti and discarded campaign posters. Rod Smith to announce Monday he wants to be new top Dem By Dara Kam Palm Beach Post Former state Sen. Rod Smith will announce Monday he’s ready to take over the helm of the Florida Democratic Party as a replacement for Karen Thurman, who resigned today. More falsified lease documents tied to Carroll's consulting firm By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union Related: Utility records shed doubt on company with ties to Lt. Gov.-elect Carroll Documents signed by Lt. Gov-elect Jennifer Carroll show her consulting firm leasing office space in Jacksonville that another tenant said was leased to him at the same time. Florida Sen.-elect Marco Rubio rose against odds By Adam C. Smith St. Petersburg Times In the darkest days of Marco Rubio's quixotic campaign for U.S. Senate, it only made sense that some of Rubio's closest friends were practically begging him to drop out. Marco Rubio rollout aims to manage expectations By Molly Ball Politico As Marco Rubio arrives in Washington in the coming week for Senate meetings and orientation, the hype is almost deafening. Pam Bondi sees no conflict in Las Vegas trip with influential trial lawyer By Mary Ellen Klas St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Four days after being elected Florida's next attorney general, Pam Bondi and her fiance flew to Las Vegas to party with one of the state's most influential trial lawyers, Tampa's Jim Wilkes. These Are the West of Times By Ralph De La Cruz Florida Center for Investigative Reporting Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been quietly making their mark politically. Nine were elected in the 2008 and 2010 elections. Test for new lawmakers: Serve people, or special interests? Editorial St. Petersburg Times Just two weeks after Florida voters delivered a veto-proof majority of Republicans to the Legislature, its new leaders are exploiting that power to try to force tax breaks for large landowners, roll back environmental regulations, help big business and rush privatization of Medicaid for the poor. POLITICAL RACES Scott strategist: Governor-elect took advantage of a 'perfect storm' By Catherine Whittenburg Tampa Tribune The tea party was rising, President Barack Obama's poll numbers were falling, and in Florida, the GOP establishment was struggling with a mounting scandal. 2010 was shaping into a year like no other for a conservative outsider, and Rick Scott briefly flirted with the idea of running for U.S. Senate. BALLOT INITIATIVES Gaetz to chair redistricting committee By Tom McLaughlin Northwest Florida Daily News State Senate President Mike Haridopolos handed fellow lawmaker Don Gaetz a headache last week when he named him chairman of the Senate Committee on Redistricting. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Scott, GOP leaders join chorus of voices opposed to new EPA water quality rules By Brett Ader Florida Independent Gov.-elect Rick Scott has made a last-minute attempt to push for a delay in implementing new water quality standards throughout the state, sending a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson that outlines his concerns that new nutrient criteria “will impose substantial regulatory and economic consequences on Floridians.” Florida panther finds new prey in ranchers' herds By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times Liesa Priddy suspected something was up when the calf disappeared. No carcass. No bones. Just…gone. How much will BP oil spill change offshore drilling in Gulf? By Kevin Spear Orlando Sentinel Florida knows all too well the kind of insidious risks that lie ahead once oil drilling resumes in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, marred this summer by the biggest offshore spill in U.S. history. Oil Spill: BP targets submerged oil By Travis Griggs Pensacola News Journal BP cleanup contractors said they will be stepping up efforts in coming weeks to collect tons of buried oil and tar beneath the surface of beaches and waterways in Escambia County. Get tough on Big Oil Editorial Miami Herald Two back-to-back headlines this week about the presidential commission investigating the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico sent conflicting messages. Can't afford it? Editorial Gainesville Sun Florida can't afford clean water. That's the twisted message being sent by Gov.-elect Rick Scott and other politicians to the federal Environmental Protection Agency in opposition to new rules that will limit the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous runoff — primarily from poorly treated sewage and farms that overuse pesticides and fertilizers — into lakes and streams. LGBT Gay rights marchers, Key West dispute flag display at veterans parade By Sean Kinney Florida Keys Keynoter Folks in Key West observed Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with the usual family-oriented parade. Legal bigotry Editorial Gainesville Sun As a matter of federal law, openly gay men and women are deemed unfit to fight and die for their country (they may only do so if they agree to live a lie). EDUCATION Future of attorney general's investigation into Florida for-profit colleges remains unclear By Matt Coleman Florida Times-Union The hits keep coming for Florida's embattled for-profit education industry. Vouchers only for the faithful By Robyn E. Blumner St. Petersburg Times Here's a question with a seemingly obvious answer: If I invite you to give $500 to a group (and you do), and then I pay you back the $500, whose money is really going to that group? JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Poverty rises, while taxes benefit wealthy By Alan Stonecipher Ocala Star-Banner The number of Floridians living below the federal poverty level increased between 2007 and 2009 by almost 550,000 — equal to the population of the cities of Orlando and Tampa combined. Florida insurers rely on dubious storm model By Paige St. John Sarasota Herald-Tribune Hurricane Katrina extracted a terrifying toll -- 1,200 dead, a premier American city in ruins, and the nation in shock. Insured losses would ultimately cost the property insurance industry $40 billion. HEALTH AND SENIORS Hey doc, want to moonlight? By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Florida's new program to inspect pain-management clinics has hung a help-wanted sign: It will pay doctors $100 an hour to go into clinics and help review patient records. Make health reform better; don't kill it Editorial St. Petersburg Times Incoming House Speaker John Boehner calls health care reform a "monstrosity" and says repealing it is a top priority for Republicans. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida judges may be on political hot seat By Jane Musgrave Palm Beach Post Using e-mails, websites and YouTube videos, conservative groups waged a stealth campaign against Florida Supreme Court Justices Jorge Labarga and James Perry.

Daily Clips for November 12, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Rod Smith may lead battered state Democratic party By John Kennedy News Service of Florida Fresh from an unsuccessful turn as Democrat Alex Sink's running mate, former Sen. Rod Smith said Wednesday he may be willing to assume another against-the-odds task: leadership of the state's battered Democratic Party. Florida's GOP on political high; now what? By Brandon Larrabee Florida Times-Union To gauge how long two years is in politics, one needs only to look at the swing in Florida over the past two years. More than 60 top staffers in Legislature drawing six-figure salaries By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau To help shrink state government, the new leaders of the Legislature have brought in a stable of advisers at six-figure salaries. BEST OF THE BLOGS Florida's New Government In Action By Daniel Tilson The Examiner The first official day of action for the Sunshine State's new GOP-dominated government is next Tuesday, November 16th. What Would An Ideal Florida Democratic Party Chair Be Like By Kenneth Quinnell Florida Progressive Coalition There are a number of calls for Karen Thurman to step down as chair of the Florida Democratic Party and rumors flying around that it is a distinct possibility. So now, what about pollution, Gov. Scott? By Gimleteye Eye on Miami On the environment, Gov. Charlie Crist didn't always make the right calls, but with Rick Scott in the governor's mansion there is reason to be concerned that Florida has done a U-turn back to the days of Jeb Bush when all the wrong calls were made, regularly, with great confidence whether laws were being broken or not. Will Dockery Save Rail By Jake Rantings From Florida I have never understood the connection between Paula Dockery, one of the Republicans in the state whom I respect most, and Rick Scott, our new Gov.-elect and perhaps the least useful person to ever move to the Sunshine State. Rick Scott: ‘let’s get to work…! now take this awesome gift card’ By Joy-Ann Reid The Reid Report You really can’t make this stuff up. FLORIDA POLITICS Florida waits for Rick Scott to reveal his transportation goals By Larry Hannan Florida Times-Union Transportation wasn't a major discussion point during the 2010 Florida governor's race. Only limited energy rebates expected from Legislature's special session By Nirvi Shah Miami Herald The Legislature is proposing a solution for repaying Floridians who bought energy-efficient air conditioners and solar panels that may make only some buyers happy. Radio host Joyce Kaufman won't work for Congressman-elect Allen West following threat to Broward schools By James H. Burnett III and Lesley Clark Miami Herald Radio host Joyce Kaufman, whose comments may have triggered a threat against Broward County schools, has announced she won't become chief of staff for conservative Congressman-elect Allen West. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Internal email details effort to convince Florida politicians to fight water quality standards By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Florida politicians, industry heads and even former environmental agency heads have all become vocal opponents of EPA efforts to implement water quality standards that would limit the amount of waste that can be dumped in Florida waterbodies. FPL President: Customers should pay for renewable energy By Julie Patel South Florida Sun-Sentinel Florida Power & Light President Armando Olivera told the Sun Sentinel editorial board today that renewable energy projects don't pay off for investors in Florida because the state does not provide incentives that exist elsewhere. EDUCATION Is Florida's new governor looking for a new education commissioner? By Jeff Solochek St. Petersburg Times Some Tallahassee insiders tell the Gradebook that members of governor-elect Rick Scott's transition team are quietly asking around for names of possible replacements for Florida education commissioner. Report: Black male academic achievement is 'national catastrophe' By Ron Matus St. Petersburg Times More bad news about the academic status of black males: Only 12 percent of black male fourth-graders are proficient in reading, compared to 38 percent for white males, according to NAEP scores highlighted by the Council of the Great City Schools in a new report. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY On video, alleged 'robo-signers' describe assembly line work By Susan Taylor Martin St. Petersburg Times Over the past several years, Bryan Bly, Crystal Moore and Dhurata Doko have signed thousands of mortgage assignments as vice presidents of Citi Residential and other major lenders. HEALTH AND SENIORS Prescription drug bill divides GOP donors By John Kennedy News Service of Florida A veto override planned by Florida's Republican legislative leaders is driving a wedge between major GOP donors, with business groups and health care giants Wednesday renewing their fight over a prescription drug bill. State seeks doctors as inspectors By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Florida's new program to inspect pain-management clinics has hung a help-wanted sign: It will pay doctors $100 an hour to go into clinics and help review patient records. Florida still needs more hurricane shelters The Associated Press Tampa Tribune A biannual state report says Florida is reducing its hurricane shelter deficit but still needs more safe places from storms. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Childers appeal gets rehearing By Kris Wernowsky Pensacola News Journal A federal appeals court will rehear the case it overturned earlier this year against former state Senate President and former Escambia County Commissioner W.D. Childers.

Daily Clips for November 11, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Florida GOP looks to stymie health-care overhaul By William E. Gibson and Bob LaMendola Orlando Sentinel Fresh from their election victories, Florida Republicans say they plan to remake the nation's new health-care law to reduce the role of government, limit malpractice claims and give doctors more incentive to serve Medicare patients. Marco Rubio leads showdown on budget ‘pork’ By Lesley Clark Miami Herald Not yet in office, Florida Sen.-elect Marco Rubio will play a significant role next week in what promises to be the first post-election test of tea party-backed lawmakers' ability to deliver on campaign pledges. Former Sink running mate may be next to chair Florida Dems By News Service of Florida Florida Times-Union Fresh from an unsuccessful turn as Democrat Alex Sink's running mate, former Sen. Rod Smith said Wednesday he may be willing to assume another against-the-odds task: leadership of the state's battered Democratic Party. Sen. Don Gaetz to head redistricting committee By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News State Sen. Don Gaetz, already in line for the 2012 Senate presidency, got a second scoop of political clout Wednesday with the chairmanship of a committee that will draw the boundaries of other lawmakers' districts. FLORIDA POLITICS John Thrasher to chair influential Senate committee By Matt Dixon Florida Times-Union State Sen. John Thrasher was picked Wednesday to serve as chairman of the Rules Committee, one of the Senate’s most powerful arms. Governor-elect Rick Scott issues ethics code By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News Gov.-elect Rick Scott ordered a one-year lobbying ban for members of his transition staff and volunteers Tuesday. Regulatory reforms could present ‘first test’ for incoming Gov. Scott By Travis Pillow Florida Independent Throughout his campaign, Gov.-elect Rick Scott talked about the importance of reducing the “regulatory burden” on Florida businesses. House freshmen class wraps orientation By Jim Ash Florida Capital News They came and they saw, whether they conquer remains to be seen. Sen. Rubio: 'Tea Party Poster Boy' Or GOP Insider? By Greg Allen NPR One of the stars of the Senate's incoming freshman class — which includes at least 12 new Republicans — is Florida's Marco Rubio. Federal agents looked into unusual Wexler campaign investment two years ago By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Federal agents took an interest two years ago in a peculiar $150,000 real estate investment by former Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler's campaign, Wexler's former top aide and a businessman confirmed today. POLITICAL RACES Davis 'seriously considering' run for mayor By Christian M. Wade Tampa Tribune Ending months of speculation, former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis said Wednesday he is "seriously considering" a bid to become Tampa's mayor in the March elections. Supervisor of Elections finds box of 500 uncounted absentee ballots By Kevin D. Thompson Palm Beach Post In a county known for hanging chads, slow recounts and chaotic elections, the marathon recount for the Palm Beach County School Board District 6 seat has started to carve its own place in history. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Call for more Gulf damage study at Mote gathering By Kate Spinner Sarasota Herald-Tribune Fish in the Gulf of Mexico will continue to get sick, die or fail to reproduce as a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, scientists agree. LGBT Obama's Justice Department asks Supreme Court not to touch gay military ban The Associated Press Miami Herald Related: Little risk to war from gays in combat, says Pentagon study group The Obama administration urged the Supreme Court Wednesday to keep the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military in place while a federal appeals court considers the issue. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Lawmakers target Citizens Property Insurance, Medicaid within Florida to spur economic growth By Jim Turner TC Palm Expect a few statewide programs to disappear, Citizens Property Insurance and Medicaid within Florida to be revamped, and bureaucratic regulations shed in an attempt to spur economic growth, as lawmakers face a $2.4 billion deficit in the state’s coming federal stimulus-free budget. With new focus on trimmer government, doubts surface on high-speed rail costs By Robert Trigaux St. Petersburg Times Are the wheels getting wobbly and in danger of falling off the high-speed rail project planned and partially funded to connect downtown Tampa and Orlando? Florida receives $1 million workforce grant By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent The U.S. Department of Labor announced Monday that it would award Florida, along with a handful of other states, a grant to fund workforce databases. Will Florida see construction jobs boom? Moody's says yes, others, no By Mark Puente St. Petersburg Times Hammer and nails could be flying off the shelves next year if the predictions of one economic forecaster come true. Obama claims most stimulus projects have come in under budget, faster than expected St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Politifact By Robert Farley and Michael Grabell President Barack Obama says the time is ripe for immediate investment in infrastructure projects such as highways and bridges. HEALTH AND SENIORS Senate Republicans joining Florida lawsuit against health-care overhaul By Bart Jansen Ft. Myers News-Press The Senate’s top Republican is recruiting colleagues to join him in supporting Florida’s challenge to the federal health care reform law. Override could hit docs' dispensing By Jim Saunders Health News Florida Florida lawmakers could revive a plan to limit the costs of drugs that doctors dispense to workers-compensation patients --- bucking Gov. Charlie Crist, medical groups and a major Republican donor. CIVIL RIGHTS, PEACE AND SOCIAL ISSUES FL Vet Connects By Whitney Ray Capitol News Service As American prepares to honor those who served our country, stunning statistics about retired soldiers still haunt our nation. Angst growing over immigration policies By Alfonso Chardy Miami Herald Fear is spreading among many day laborers in South Florida after Republicans won control of the House of Representatives, a move immigration activists say will make it more difficult -- if not impossible -- to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants. ICE confirms fingerprint-sharing program Secure Communities is mandatory By Elise Foley Florida Independent Immigration and Customs Enforcement official David Venturella started off a meeting with San Francisco law enforcement leaders on Tuesday with an apology.

Daily Clips for November 10, 2010

FEATURED STORIES Scott mingles with the Tallahassee insiders By John Kennedy News Service of Florida Related AP story: Rick Scott reveals little about strategy as governor during visit to Tallahassee Gov.-elect Rick Scott made his first post-election trip Tuesday to the Florida Capitol, taking part in a pair of brief, closed-door meetings with outgoing Gov. Charlie Crist and incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon. In the Capitol basement, political dreams fade By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau A platform in the basement of the Capitol has been the stage for some of the state's brightest political stars twice a month for the past four years. Pelham lashes out at critics of state planning agency By Gary Fineout Florida Tribune Tom Pelham, the secretary of the state's land planning agency, lashed back at critics on Tuesday, saying that it was unfair to fault state planners when they have no role in writing laws or rules that guide Florida's growth. FLORIDA POLITICS Florida Gov. Crist's final days may be in vain By Jim Ash Ft. Myers News-Press With only eight weeks left in office, Gov. Charlie Crist finds himself at odds with his former party, an ultra-conservative Legislature poised to override 10 of his vetoes and the possibility that his successor will cancel scores of his appointments. Outgoing Sen. LeMieux mulls 2012 Senate bid By Brendan Farrington The Associated Press U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, appointed to his job in mid-2009, said Tuesday he is alarmed by soaring federal spending and that it might prompt him to run in his own right for the Senate seat held by Democrat Bill Nelson in 2012. Village Square reunites players in 2000 recount By Bill Cotterell Florida Capital News With the whole world watching, a judge in the eye of Florida's 2000 presidential whirlwind worried that his borrowed courtroom looked a bit too tropical to be taken seriously. Incoming Senate President Haridopolos announces lieutenants By Brett Ader Florida Indpendent Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos, R-Merrit Island, held a press conference in Tallahassee today announcing his leadership team will include Sen. Andy Gardiner of Orlando serving as Senate Majority Leader, and Sen. Mike Bennet of Bradenton as pro tempore. Congressional Black Caucus to allow West to join By Luke Johnson Florida Independent Related: West taps South Florida right-wing talk show host as chief of staff The Congressional Black Caucus will allow two black Republicans, Allen West of Florida and Tim Scott of South Carolina, to join, according to a statement made by the CBC’s chair, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif. Navy Veterans charity may have been front for pumping money to politicians By Jeff Testerman and John Martin St. Petersburg Times Was the U.S. Navy Veterans Association, which operated as a tax-exempt charity from a Tampa duplex, really a front that siphoned cash donated by the public and pumped it into the campaigns of politicians? For the Carroll family, competition in politics and sports By Michelle Kaufman Miami Herald It's the summer of 1999 and 12-year-old Nolan Carroll II, a talented little soccer player and track star, is skating around his Jacksonville neighborhood with a stack of political fliers, going door to door to campaign for his mother. Haridopolos, soon-to-be leader of the Florida Senate, should set ethical standard for colleagues Editorial TC Palm Florida Senate President-elect Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, will ascend to his new — and powerful — position Nov. 16 under less-than-ideal circumstances. BALLOT INITIATIVES Respect will of the people Editorial Ft. Myers News-Press Attempts by politicians to thwart the express will of the people of Florida is bad enough. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Extravagant cost estimates for water quality standards written by industry, and disputed by state By Virginia Chamlee Florida Independent Dozens of politicians, lobbyists and industry heads have written to both the EPA and Congress to argue against new water quality standards that would force many big utilities and agricultural companies to reduce the amount of waste they dump in Florida’s waterbodies. Gulf oil spill: Experts slam BP on safety The Associated Press Pensacola News Journal BP too often operated on the fly in the closing days of work on its doomed Gulf oil well, adding needless risk of a blowout, investigators, experts and panel members said at the presidential oil spill commission Tuesday. Bait fish hold key to monitoring gulf oil spill effects, conference concludes By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg Times One way to keep tabs on the real impact of the Deepwater Horizon disaster on the Gulf of Mexico, a scientific conference decided Tuesday, is to watch what happens to the lowly bait fish: the menhaden, the mullet, the sardines. South Florida water managers weigh costly consequences of sea level rise By Andy Reid South Florida Sun-Sentinel For millions of South Floridians, life on a peninsula means melting icecaps in Greenland aren't just something for polar bears to worry about. LGBT 2 lawsuits challenge U.S. Defense of Marriage Act The Associated Press Miami Herald Gay civil rights groups trying to build momentum for a possible Supreme Court showdown filed two lawsuits Tuesday that seek to strike down portions of a 1996 law that denies married same-sex couples federal benefits. JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY Insurance claims for Florida sinkhole damage spike By Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Florida homeowners are filing damage claims from sinkholes at a rapidly growing rate with claims this year totaling one-third more than the previous four years combined. Extra funds for NASA in doubt By Bart Jansen Ft. Myers News-Press The Republican takeover of the House may threaten the additional funding for NASA requested by President Barack Obama. HEALTH AND SENIORS Cannon defends veto override of bill opposed by doctors By Christine Jordan Sexton Florida Tribune Incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon on Tuesday defended a decision by lawmakers to override the veto of HB 5603, a measure that was hotly opposed by many in the medical community and may have sparked campaign contributions for Republicans. State GOP leaders look at way to trim Medicaid costs By Stacey Singer Palm Beach Post Until last week, the idea of any state pulling out of the federal-state Medicaid health insurance program was inconceivable. JUSTICE AND THE COURTS Florida's Clemency Board open to posthumous pardon for Jim Morrison By Michael C. Bender St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau One of the final acts for Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet could be to clear the record of former Doors frontman Jim Morrison, who was convicted of indecent exposure after a 1969 concert in Miami. He died two years later.