Mario Rubio, father of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio, has died at age 83 of lung cancer and emphysema.

Marco Rubio’s campaign said his political activities “will be placed on temporary hold,” and the campaign “will resume our full schedule some time in the coming days.”

WILLIAM R. BARZEE, ATTORNEY AT LAW

FORMER SUPPORTER AND DONOR FILES FEC COMPLAINT AGAINST DAVID RIVERA

I would like to inform you that I have filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission regarding David Rivera’s apparent violations of federal election laws. As a former supporter and donor to David Rivera, I am saddened and surprised by what I see as a disregard for the rules and laws that govern our elections.

I have filed this complaint as a private citizen based upon a good faith belief that federal candidate David Rivera and the 527 Committee “Voters Response” have violated federal campaign finance laws in at least two ways. First, by coordinating with a 527 committee to attack candidate Joe Garcia and second, by avoiding campaign contribution limits by off-setting campaign expenses through the 527.

Sarah Bascom of Bascom Communications has been acting as spokesperson for the Rivera campaign. Rivera campaign finance reports however show no payment for her services. The 527 “Voters Response” on the other hand has been paid by Bascom Communications for its services. “Voters Response” is the 527 committee that has launched repeated unfair attacks against Joe Garcia.

Enough is enough.

527 committees were not created to launch attacks on behalf of a candidate’s campaign, nor were they created as a way to avoid campaign contribution limits.

I call on David Rivera to end the nasty political attacks and to stop abusing our campaign finance laws.

William R. Barzee

``The stuff I did against Joe Garcia had nothing to do with David Rivera,'' said Ramba, a Tallahassee lawyer who has donated $2,400 to Rivera's campaign.

"The life of each human being begins at conception. Abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being." This statement will be prominently featured on state mandated literature doctors are now required to distribute to women considering abortions – regardless of the doctor, patient, or medical organization’s philosophy or beliefs.

"That's how he's setting it up. He'll be calling me names for the next nine weeks," she told reporters. "I don't even know where he got that from. Of course I don't want to cut Medicare ….. It's a federal issue."

"If you look at how the government runs VA hospitals and Medicare and Medicaid, you can see that the whole system is inefficient," Scott told the South Florida Business Journal the same year. "The things we are doing wrong in health care can be corrected if private business could run national health care administration."

Another key to the VHA’s turnaround was its close tracking of performance measurements. Providing higher quality care was a major focus for the system as changes were implemented. This started with a reengineering effort beginning in 1995, which was focused on making quality management more systematic. The VHA began with a determined effort to create a product that had the best value in the market. Management defined several quality dimensions to focus on during reengineering:

• Personnel/human resources – hire and keep the top prospects available
• Clinical care activities – perform the clinical activities which are necessary for good health
• Performance indicators – establish and keep track of important indicators
• Internal review and improvement – involve all groups across organization in improvement
• External review and oversight – get an outside opinion of progress

The Anyone-But-Rubio logic recalls what Democrats said about Janet Reno in 2002. She can't win, they said. No way this controversial former U.S. attorney general with Parkinson's disease can beat Gov. Jeb Bush. So they nominated a little-known, politically unseasoned Tampa lawyer named Bill McBride -- and he got trounced.

The so-and-so-can't-win logic becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

71 percent

- Portion of Americans who say the Bush Recession was caused by George Bush, according to a new USA Today/Gallup poll. Republicans say recession is Obama's fault four to one. Democrats blamed Bush 20 to one.

$12 Million

- Average amount earned by CEOs at the 50 companies responsible for most layoffs, an amount that is 42 percent higher than the average for the Standard & Poor 500.

"Anyone But Rubio"

"Remember the saying 'Anyone But Bush' among Democrats in 2004 who feared a second term by George W. Bush?"

Florida Democrats are slinging a variation on the slogan for 2010: "Anyone But Rubio.''

To liberal voters, Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio is a right-winging, tea-partying, oil-drilling, stimulus-hating, Obamacare-shunning, taxes-on-the-rich-cutting nightmare. And these Democrats are determined to stop him from winning on Nov. 2 by any means necessary, even if that means bailing on their own party's nominee, Kendrick Meek.

A vote for Meek is a vote for Rubio, the thinking goes, because Meek can't win. He's a lackluster Miami congressman lacking money, profile and oomph.

The strategic choice, the thinking continues, is Gov. Charlie Crist. The Republican-turned-independent has nearly twice as much money as Rubio and a statewide platform, not to mention that he knows how to campaign like the dickens.

Scott gets lobbyist love

"Republican Rick Scott did some political barnstorming through the state capital Friday -- holding a series of closed-door meetings with groups of lobbyists and association officials."

"I think he hit all the right buttons,'' said Associated Industries of Florida President Barney Bishop, who hosted a Scott breakfast meeting that drew about three-dozen people, including representatives of the oil, health care, broadcasting and outdoor advertising industries.

Charlie Misspeak

"When a television interviewer asked Gov. Charlie Crist about the national health care reform bill last week, Crist responded quickly, 'I would have voted for it, but I think it can be done better.' He went on to elaborate fluently on what was right and wrong with the bill, what he would have fixed before supporting it. There was only one problem. For months, starting the day the bill passed, Crist had repeatedly said he opposed it and would repeal it, and had backed a state lawsuit to overturn it."

"Misspeaking -- saying one thing when you actually think or mean another -- can happen to anyone, even a practiced public speaker and political figure. But with Crist, it seems to happen often:"

• In the best-known example, Crist told a television interviewer in November that he didn't endorse President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. In fact, he had repeatedly and enthusiastically backed it, including during a highly publicized Florida visit by Obama in the previous February.

• Two days after the health care comment, his campaign had to send out another clarification after Crist told a CNN interviewer he favored a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, which he has opposed in the past. The clarification: He was talking about a state ban, which he has supported – even though that ban endangers the right to same-sex civil unions, which Crist says he favors.

• Two days after the health care bill comments, Crist told another television interviewer his campaign will refund contributions from disillusioned Republicans who gave to him before he left the party – contradicting his previously announced decision on the subject.

Rivera and Garcia on the economy

"In the aftermath of the primary elections, District 25 congressional candidates David Rivera and Joe Garcia said the economy and unemployment are the main issues in a race attracting national attention."

Another key issue: a proposed Free Trade Agreement with Colombia that could generate business and jobs in South Florida.

But besides the Colombian issue, the candidates have different ideas about how to improve the economy.

Republican Rivera wants to reduce federal spending and taxes on small businesses, while Garcia, the Democratic candidate, wants to give loans to small businesses and invest in alternative energy.

Both candidates are after the seat left vacant by Republican Mario Diaz-Balart, who represented the district for eight years and is now running unopposed for his brother's old seat in District 21.

RPOFers asleep at the wheel

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Remember the nation's worst offshore drilling spill? The one that finally ended in July? You might want to remind the Republicans who run Florida's House of Representatives. They decided this week that they don't need to do anything about it until the spring." "Florida can't leave Gulf oil spill relief to Washington".

Slamming public employees

"Imposed salary, pension cuts leads to police union suit against Miami".

Scott surrogates to begin attacks on Sink

"Starting today, national political groups as well as surrogates for Republican nominee Rick Scott will begin pumping millions of dollars into television ads to paint contrasting portraits of Sink's background and policies before voters go to the polls."

Political veterans from both parties say the blitz of negative ads Scott absorbed in his primary make him damaged goods, and he may not have enough time to re-invent himself before the Nov. 2 election.

So, the alternative is to pour money into trying to define Sink, a former banking executive, as a liberal ideological disciple of President Barack Obama's health-care and economic-stimulus plans.

Palm Beach County Republican Chairman Sid Dinerstein said Sink's role in the merger between Bank of America and NationsBank that led to thousands of layoffs would be fair game, too.

"It's not like this race is Mother Teresa versus the devil," he said.

This week, Scott called Sink a supporter of "the socialist policies of President Obama."

But Sink suggested Scott must be confusing which race he is running.

"There are a lot of voters that know a lot about the fraud his company committed. They believe he committed fraud. But they know him better than they know Alex, and that's because of the unprecedented amount of money he's spent," Sink pollster Dave Beattie said. "There's a reason he had to spend a record amount of money to barely win his primary."

"Scott wanted to privatize all of it"

Aaron Deslatte: "Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott could have to do some explaining about his past this fall, and not just what he knew about the Medicare and Medicaid fraud at his former company, Columbia/HCA."

See, he once wanted to privatize all of it: the government-funded health-care programs that pay for the check-ups, hospital stays and prescriptions for 45 million seniors and millions more poor people.

Before he was forced out in 1997 as CEO of the company amid the largest Medicare fraud investigation in U.S. history, Scott was a national player in the industry resistance to President Clinton's attempt to impose a national health care program. When Scott was still trying to expand his hospital chain, he told USA Today the state and federally run health insurance programs would be better off in the hands of profit-seeking companies. "Let us make a profit. So what?" he said in 1994.

He also had his eyes on Veterans Administration hospitals.

has said he wants to cut $1.4 billion from the $18-billion Medicaid program without providing any specifics on how, other than continuing a regional experiment launched by former Gov. Jeb Bush to turn over Medicaid patients to HMOs and other health-care networks.

Scott opened the door further last week by calling Democratic opponent Alex Sink "another liberal Obamacrat who wants to raise taxes, cut Medicare, and supports Obama's failed stimulus."

Voucher madness

"Florida does not regulate the more than 2,000 private schools that operate in the state. The schools set their own grading standards and curriculum, run their own finances and issue their own diplomas. That leaves parents dependent on unregulated accrediting agencies that have varying standards." "In Florida, scant oversight of private schools".

They all end up in Florida

"Balloon boy family moves to Florida".

Scott's free ride

"Now that he's mending fences with Florida's Republican establishment, gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott faces a full frontal assault from Democrats."

Democratic Governors Association executive director Nathan Daschle says Scott "represents the worst of American politics" and, in a letter this week, the DGA chief called on Republican Governors Association chairman Haley Barbour to stop campaigning for Scott.

Barbour, the governor of Mississippi, has participated in post-primary unity events around Florida and was scheduled to speak at the state party's meeting in Orlando Friday night.

Daschle sent copies of his letter to former Gov. Jeb Bush, RPOF Chairman John Thrasher and presidential aspirants Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney.

The RGA this week pitched in $2 million to the Republican governor's race to bolster the state party's sagging coffers. The association previously plunked down $2 million to fund ads against Democratic nominee Alex Sink.

Firing back, the DGA funneled $1 million into its party's gubernatorial race. That's on top of a $1 million check the DGA sent in July, said DGA spokeswoman Emily Bittner.

'Glades

"The cash-strapped South Florida Water Management District has 10 years to build at least 42,000 acres of treatment areas so that water flowing into the Everglades meets federal standards." "Under judge's order, EPA proposes rules for Everglades water cleansing".

"A five-second check"

"A Florida bill would require all employers to use a federal website to run a five-second check on the immigration status of new workers." "Federal website aims to crackdown on illegal hires".

From the "Crystal Ball"

Sabato calls the Florida Gubernatorial race a "toss-up" "Sixty Days to Go".

Chamberlin out

Lucy Morgan: "It’s a departure that has much more significance than a mere change in governors. Jill Chamberlin is retiring as director of communications for the Florida House, taking her practical advice and deep knowledge of government and its people with her." "Little known, but with a big impact".

Rubio cancels debate with Meek

"Marco Rubio postponed Sunday's nationally televised U.S. Senate debate with Kendrick Meek to be with his ailing father." "Marco Rubio's father's health deteriorates; 'Meet the Press' debate postponed". See also "Sunday's live televised debate between Rubio and Meek on 'Meet The Press' scrubbed" and "NBC cancels Sunday's Rubio-Meek debate".

"Florida is little more than shifting sand"

Steve Otto: "Remember Charlie Crist? Yeah, the guy who used to be the governor of Florida before deciding to ride off on his half-donkey, half-Republican beast to tilt the windmills of the United States Senate."

A lot of people wondered just where Crist was going to get the money to finance his senatorial campaign once he abandoned his Republican Party base. Kendrick Meek has demonstrated he is a viable candidate for the Democrats and Marco Rubio is on a roll for the Republicans.

On Wednesday, we learned Crist will get a financial boost on Oct. 7 when millionaire Marc Bell hosts a fundraiser at his Boca Raton place.

Bell is involved in many businesses but naturally the one drawing attention is his role as CEO of Penthouse magazine, as well as an adult meeting service.

That wouldn't be such a big deal considering the level and character of Florida politics. A little sex in a dying campaign can't hurt.

The problem: a Palm Beach Post article recalled the election of 2006. In that Republican primary, it was Tom Gallagher who accepted a $3,000 donation from Bell and was criticized by the Crist campaign. Gallagher later returned the donation.

Maybe there's a reason Florida is little more than shifting sand. It seems to fit those who would represent it.

Is Bondi stable?

"Before she became the Republican nominee for Florida attorney general, Pam Bondi was a familiar face as a legal analyst on CNN and the Fox News Channel."

But Bondi may be best known for a custody battle over a St. Bernard.

Her 16-month fight with the Louisiana family that lost the dog after Hurricane Katrina played out on CNN, Fox News and the pages of People magazine. Then a Hillsborough prosecutor, she accused the family of neglecting the dog. Steve and Dorreen Couture and their two grandchildren wanted their dog back and resented Bondi for keeping him.

Both sides settled the case just before it went to trial. The terms were confidential, but reports at the time said Bondi offered to provide the St. Bernard with food and medication for life and to visit occasionally. The Coutures said they would keep in touch and send photos.

It seemed like an amicable ending. But three years later, the Coutures have little good to say about their former foe. Moreover, they say, she never kept her promise.

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Jim Norman wants to rise higher in public life this year by moving from the Hillsborough County Commission to the state Senate. Yet he refuses to answer how his wife managed to buy a second home with $435,000 in cash. The FBI is reportedly investigating. The only one not working to clear the air is the commissioner and future senator." "The $435,000 question".

Good question

"Crist late Friday ordered a review of a French company competing to build a high-speed rail line in Florida, saying he was concerned about questions over the company's role in the Holocaust." "Gov. Crist asks for review of French rail company, citing 'Holocaust' concerns".

"Anyone But Rubio"

"Remember the saying 'Anyone But Bush' among Democrats in 2004 who feared a second term by George W. Bush?"

Florida Democrats are slinging a variation on the slogan for 2010: "Anyone But Rubio.''

To liberal voters, Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio is a right-winging, tea-partying, oil-drilling, stimulus-hating, Obamacare-shunning, taxes-on-the-rich-cutting nightmare. And these Democrats are determined to stop him from winning on Nov. 2 by any means necessary, even if that means bailing on their own party's nominee, Kendrick Meek.

A vote for Meek is a vote for Rubio, the thinking goes, because Meek can't win. He's a lackluster Miami congressman lacking money, profile and oomph.

The strategic choice, the thinking continues, is Gov. Charlie Crist. The Republican-turned-independent has nearly twice as much money as Rubio and a statewide platform, not to mention that he knows how to campaign like the dickens.

Scott gets lobbyist love

"Republican Rick Scott did some political barnstorming through the state capital Friday -- holding a series of closed-door meetings with groups of lobbyists and association officials."

"I think he hit all the right buttons,'' said Associated Industries of Florida President Barney Bishop, who hosted a Scott breakfast meeting that drew about three-dozen people, including representatives of the oil, health care, broadcasting and outdoor advertising industries.

Charlie Misspeak

"When a television interviewer asked Gov. Charlie Crist about the national health care reform bill last week, Crist responded quickly, 'I would have voted for it, but I think it can be done better.' He went on to elaborate fluently on what was right and wrong with the bill, what he would have fixed before supporting it. There was only one problem. For months, starting the day the bill passed, Crist had repeatedly said he opposed it and would repeal it, and had backed a state lawsuit to overturn it."

"Misspeaking -- saying one thing when you actually think or mean another -- can happen to anyone, even a practiced public speaker and political figure. But with Crist, it seems to happen often:"

• In the best-known example, Crist told a television interviewer in November that he didn't endorse President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. In fact, he had repeatedly and enthusiastically backed it, including during a highly publicized Florida visit by Obama in the previous February.

• Two days after the health care comment, his campaign had to send out another clarification after Crist told a CNN interviewer he favored a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, which he has opposed in the past. The clarification: He was talking about a state ban, which he has supported – even though that ban endangers the right to same-sex civil unions, which Crist says he favors.

• Two days after the health care bill comments, Crist told another television interviewer his campaign will refund contributions from disillusioned Republicans who gave to him before he left the party – contradicting his previously announced decision on the subject.

Rivera and Garcia on the economy

"In the aftermath of the primary elections, District 25 congressional candidates David Rivera and Joe Garcia said the economy and unemployment are the main issues in a race attracting national attention."

Another key issue: a proposed Free Trade Agreement with Colombia that could generate business and jobs in South Florida.

But besides the Colombian issue, the candidates have different ideas about how to improve the economy.

Republican Rivera wants to reduce federal spending and taxes on small businesses, while Garcia, the Democratic candidate, wants to give loans to small businesses and invest in alternative energy.

Both candidates are after the seat left vacant by Republican Mario Diaz-Balart, who represented the district for eight years and is now running unopposed for his brother's old seat in District 21.

RPOFers asleep at the wheel

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Remember the nation's worst offshore drilling spill? The one that finally ended in July? You might want to remind the Republicans who run Florida's House of Representatives. They decided this week that they don't need to do anything about it until the spring." "Florida can't leave Gulf oil spill relief to Washington".

Slamming public employees

"Imposed salary, pension cuts leads to police union suit against Miami".

Scott surrogates to begin attacks on Sink

"Starting today, national political groups as well as surrogates for Republican nominee Rick Scott will begin pumping millions of dollars into television ads to paint contrasting portraits of Sink's background and policies before voters go to the polls."

Political veterans from both parties say the blitz of negative ads Scott absorbed in his primary make him damaged goods, and he may not have enough time to re-invent himself before the Nov. 2 election.

So, the alternative is to pour money into trying to define Sink, a former banking executive, as a liberal ideological disciple of President Barack Obama's health-care and economic-stimulus plans.

Palm Beach County Republican Chairman Sid Dinerstein said Sink's role in the merger between Bank of America and NationsBank that led to thousands of layoffs would be fair game, too.

"It's not like this race is Mother Teresa versus the devil," he said.

This week, Scott called Sink a supporter of "the socialist policies of President Obama."

But Sink suggested Scott must be confusing which race he is running.

"There are a lot of voters that know a lot about the fraud his company committed. They believe he committed fraud. But they know him better than they know Alex, and that's because of the unprecedented amount of money he's spent," Sink pollster Dave Beattie said. "There's a reason he had to spend a record amount of money to barely win his primary."

"Scott wanted to privatize all of it"

Aaron Deslatte: "Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott could have to do some explaining about his past this fall, and not just what he knew about the Medicare and Medicaid fraud at his former company, Columbia/HCA."

See, he once wanted to privatize all of it: the government-funded health-care programs that pay for the check-ups, hospital stays and prescriptions for 45 million seniors and millions more poor people.

Before he was forced out in 1997 as CEO of the company amid the largest Medicare fraud investigation in U.S. history, Scott was a national player in the industry resistance to President Clinton's attempt to impose a national health care program. When Scott was still trying to expand his hospital chain, he told USA Today the state and federally run health insurance programs would be better off in the hands of profit-seeking companies. "Let us make a profit. So what?" he said in 1994.

He also had his eyes on Veterans Administration hospitals.

has said he wants to cut $1.4 billion from the $18-billion Medicaid program without providing any specifics on how, other than continuing a regional experiment launched by former Gov. Jeb Bush to turn over Medicaid patients to HMOs and other health-care networks.

Scott opened the door further last week by calling Democratic opponent Alex Sink "another liberal Obamacrat who wants to raise taxes, cut Medicare, and supports Obama's failed stimulus."

Voucher madness

"Florida does not regulate the more than 2,000 private schools that operate in the state. The schools set their own grading standards and curriculum, run their own finances and issue their own diplomas. That leaves parents dependent on unregulated accrediting agencies that have varying standards." "In Florida, scant oversight of private schools".

They all end up in Florida

"Balloon boy family moves to Florida".

Scott's free ride

"Now that he's mending fences with Florida's Republican establishment, gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott faces a full frontal assault from Democrats."

Democratic Governors Association executive director Nathan Daschle says Scott "represents the worst of American politics" and, in a letter this week, the DGA chief called on Republican Governors Association chairman Haley Barbour to stop campaigning for Scott.

Barbour, the governor of Mississippi, has participated in post-primary unity events around Florida and was scheduled to speak at the state party's meeting in Orlando Friday night.

Daschle sent copies of his letter to former Gov. Jeb Bush, RPOF Chairman John Thrasher and presidential aspirants Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney.

The RGA this week pitched in $2 million to the Republican governor's race to bolster the state party's sagging coffers. The association previously plunked down $2 million to fund ads against Democratic nominee Alex Sink.

Firing back, the DGA funneled $1 million into its party's gubernatorial race. That's on top of a $1 million check the DGA sent in July, said DGA spokeswoman Emily Bittner.

'Glades

"The cash-strapped South Florida Water Management District has 10 years to build at least 42,000 acres of treatment areas so that water flowing into the Everglades meets federal standards." "Under judge's order, EPA proposes rules for Everglades water cleansing".

"A five-second check"

"A Florida bill would require all employers to use a federal website to run a five-second check on the immigration status of new workers." "Federal website aims to crackdown on illegal hires".

From the "Crystal Ball"

Sabato calls the Florida Gubernatorial race a "toss-up" "Sixty Days to Go".

Chamberlin out

Lucy Morgan: "It’s a departure that has much more significance than a mere change in governors. Jill Chamberlin is retiring as director of communications for the Florida House, taking her practical advice and deep knowledge of government and its people with her." "Little known, but with a big impact".

Rubio cancels debate with Meek

"Marco Rubio postponed Sunday's nationally televised U.S. Senate debate with Kendrick Meek to be with his ailing father." "Marco Rubio's father's health deteriorates; 'Meet the Press' debate postponed". See also "Sunday's live televised debate between Rubio and Meek on 'Meet The Press' scrubbed" and "NBC cancels Sunday's Rubio-Meek debate".

"Florida is little more than shifting sand"

Steve Otto: "Remember Charlie Crist? Yeah, the guy who used to be the governor of Florida before deciding to ride off on his half-donkey, half-Republican beast to tilt the windmills of the United States Senate."

A lot of people wondered just where Crist was going to get the money to finance his senatorial campaign once he abandoned his Republican Party base. Kendrick Meek has demonstrated he is a viable candidate for the Democrats and Marco Rubio is on a roll for the Republicans.

On Wednesday, we learned Crist will get a financial boost on Oct. 7 when millionaire Marc Bell hosts a fundraiser at his Boca Raton place.

Bell is involved in many businesses but naturally the one drawing attention is his role as CEO of Penthouse magazine, as well as an adult meeting service.

That wouldn't be such a big deal considering the level and character of Florida politics. A little sex in a dying campaign can't hurt.

The problem: a Palm Beach Post article recalled the election of 2006. In that Republican primary, it was Tom Gallagher who accepted a $3,000 donation from Bell and was criticized by the Crist campaign. Gallagher later returned the donation.

Maybe there's a reason Florida is little more than shifting sand. It seems to fit those who would represent it.

Is Bondi stable?

"Before she became the Republican nominee for Florida attorney general, Pam Bondi was a familiar face as a legal analyst on CNN and the Fox News Channel."

But Bondi may be best known for a custody battle over a St. Bernard.

Her 16-month fight with the Louisiana family that lost the dog after Hurricane Katrina played out on CNN, Fox News and the pages of People magazine. Then a Hillsborough prosecutor, she accused the family of neglecting the dog. Steve and Dorreen Couture and their two grandchildren wanted their dog back and resented Bondi for keeping him.

Both sides settled the case just before it went to trial. The terms were confidential, but reports at the time said Bondi offered to provide the St. Bernard with food and medication for life and to visit occasionally. The Coutures said they would keep in touch and send photos.

It seemed like an amicable ending. But three years later, the Coutures have little good to say about their former foe. Moreover, they say, she never kept her promise.

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Jim Norman wants to rise higher in public life this year by moving from the Hillsborough County Commission to the state Senate. Yet he refuses to answer how his wife managed to buy a second home with $435,000 in cash. The FBI is reportedly investigating. The only one not working to clear the air is the commissioner and future senator." "The $435,000 question".

Good question

"Crist late Friday ordered a review of a French company competing to build a high-speed rail line in Florida, saying he was concerned about questions over the company's role in the Holocaust." "Gov. Crist asks for review of French rail company, citing 'Holocaust' concerns".

People are angry in a way that I have never seen them before.

— Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), (a guy who knows "angry"), quoted by Politico, predicting a "tsunami" in the midterm elections.

According to polls, Americans are in a mood to hold their breath until they turn blue. Voters appear to be so fed up with the Democrats that they're ready to toss them out in favor of the Republicans -- for whom, according to those same polls, the nation has even greater contempt. This isn't an "electoral wave," it's a temper tantrum.

It's bad enough that the Democratic Party's "favorable" rating has fallen to an abysmal 33 percent, according to a recent NBC-Wall Street Journal poll. It's worse that the Republican Party's favorability has plunged to just 24 percent. But incredibly, according to Gallup, registered voters say they intend to vote for Republicans over Democrats by an astounding 10-point margin. Respected analysts reckon that the GOP has a chance of gaining 45 to 60 seats in the House, which would bring Minority Leader John Boehner into the speaker's office.

My guess is that with a decided advantage in campaign funds, along with the other advantages of incumbency, Democrats will be able to mitigate these prospective losses -- perhaps even relieving Nancy Pelosi of the hassles of moving. But there's no mistaking the public mood, and the truth is that it makes no sense.

In the punditry business, it's considered bad form to question the essential wisdom of the American people. But at this point, it's impossible to ignore the obvious: The American people are acting like a bunch of spoiled brats.

You've got to remember that these are just simple farmers. These are people of the land. The common clay of the new West. You know... morons.

@nimperiale I want @kendrickmeek to go all Barry White and go, "Oh baby, you know you want to vote for me. Yes you do my little Soccer Mom."

Now I have to get up or I fear nobody in real life would call me “my little” anything.

"Meek Rocks"? I'm sorry. I haven't seen his air guitar abilities to judge if he rocks.

@pushingrope I can't afford to be depressed about politics. I need a leader to fight for me in Congress and am happily voting Kendrick Meek.

Under Section 10-63, "Open burning and outdoor burning are prohibited in the City of Gainesville unless otherwise specifically permitted as provided by this article."

(...)

The software can recognize child pornography and identify the sender and receiver without the sender and receiver being aware, Walsh said. He said he was not privy to the exact way it works.


(Sheriff) Kevin Walsh said after the software flags a picture as child pornography, the officers secure search warrants for both involved in the peer-to-peer exchange. The concentration will be on Onondaga County and Central New York exchanges, but on the Internet, the two involved could be anywhere.

The Huffington Post reports that O'Donnell was on a Sex In The 90s special on MTV. (Remember those?) "The Bible says that lust in your heart is committing adultery. So you can't masturbate without lust," she said, adding. "The reason that you don't tell [people] that masturbation is the answer to AIDS and all these other problems that come with sex outside of marriage is because again it is not addressing the issue. You're just gonna create somebody who is, I was gonna say, toying with his sexuality. Pardon the pun."

Subsequently, a number of the affiliated individuals went and worked directly for Christine O’Donnell’s campaign. A few weeks ago they left. Around that time I began hearing rumors the O’Donnell campaign was imploding.

The gang that left resurfaced at Liberty.com. The launch day spectacular at Liberty.com was to announce that Mike Castle is having a gay affair on his wife with no proof whatsoever.

When it was pointed out that all the people behind the accusation were O’Donnell campaign staffers, the response was “not any more.”

After a year of direct and indirect advocacy for Christine O’Donnell, it is pretty doggone hard to now stand apart and say “Nope, not campaign related.”

Baloney

Rubio's campaign spokesman Alex Burgos said in a statement Friday that Mario Rubio "has significantly deteriorated in the last 48 hours." The 83-year-old suffers from emphysema and lung cancer.

Burgos said the campaign has informed NBC and Meek "and appreciate their understanding and kind words for the Rubio family during this difficult period."

"He is totally committed to turning around the economic conditions of this state."

“We do not need that seat to be a seat where you’re learning, to be a seat where it’s for personal gain, to be a seat where the residents and the citizens of the state of Florida will be negatively impacted because of the lack of vision.”

Largely unnoticed were recent press accounts that Billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett urged their fellow Billionaires to pledge to donate 1/2 of their net worth to charity.  Sounds like a nice gesture, but ... Well, before you blow it off, take a look at the numbers according to various press accounts:

Number of U.S. Billionaires:  400+

1/2 of total Net Worth:  $1.2 Trillion

Number Committed:  40 (10%)

Total Philanthropy in 2009:  $600 Billion

Total Potential Giving of Just Gates and Buffett:  $600 Billion

So my point is there is great potential in U.S. made Billionaires keeping all they can spend for themselves and their families, and still "giving back" to those less fortunate.  What if their charity were strategically targeted so it could draw down other matching funds and help make a dent in our crippling federal budget deficit?  For those who are tone deaf to philanthropy, just think of how the stock market would react if Americans got their financial house in order, through the generosity of fellow Americans.  Talk about earning the Presidental Medal of Freedom. 

"Florida desperately needs an independent Senator in Washington who will fight for good jobs and economic opportunity, a quality education for every child, and Social Security for all of our seniors regardless of what the political party bosses want," said Senator Lawson. "Charlie Crist will be exactly that Senator, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

“I am honored by the support of Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson,” said Governor Crist. “Senator Lawson has been a champion for working families for his entire career, whether it be fighting for jobs, the environment, or good schools. I look forward to working with him when I’m elected to the United States Senate."

The Charlie Crist campaign has bought $517,000 to run from 9/7-9/19, we're told. All but $7000 in Tampa Bay cable time was for broadcast in the Miami (434 points), Orlando (430 points), Tampa (292 points), and West Palm beach (278 points) markets.

copyright ? 2010 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Dearest Doctor, I have come to my senses.  Days ago, when you offered your diagnosis, I died.  No, not literally.  Had you done me in, I would not be here to write what I hope will help inform your bedside manner.  Well, in my case only the way in which you approach a patient who merely sits in an examining room chair near you is the concern.  You may recall our time together began so innocently. We sat down to review the results of annually scheduled blood-work.  I had not felt sick all year or on that day.  You had even expressed, it had been so long since we last saw each other.  You scanned the pages, and proclaimed, that I must have returned to my bulimic ways. My spirit perished.  I had done nothing of the sort!  Yet, you said you were sure I had.
The pain you inflicted killed what could have been a relationship built on trust.  Today, I realize your proclamation was but part of a pattern.  Indeed, you reminded me that during our last consultation, a year ago, you also decided that I must be near death.  In August 2009 you insisted that I arrange for an appointment, which you openly stated, would affirm your fears. I must be seriously ill. Yet, once that test was done, it affirmed that I was as I am better, than fine.

Upon further reflection, and after the telephone conversation I initiated hours after my appointment, I thankfully, feel more serene.  No, you did not change your diagnosis nay your assertion that I must be vomiting.   Still, the talk helped me, although it seemed to alienate you.  I wonder if you now have a sense of how I felt and feel since you pronounced me dead and a liar, or do you merely believe of me, "The lady doth protest too much."

Might you ponder that my grievance is grounded.  Oh, how little you know of bulimia, and me.  In the two plus years we have had an acquaintance, I see you for maybe, ten minutes a visit.  Since only once did I come to your office for other than a check up, what you observed this week is true. I rarely visit.  When I do, you are booked.  Patients arrive back-to-back.  We chat for a bit, but not really.  All is said and done rapidly.  I wonder, might the speed of conversation and the shallow nature of a consultation affect your appraisal.  After all, you too are human; although from what you said to me today, it seems at times such as this you define yourself as a trained medical professional, more perceptive than a mere mortal.

During my most recent appointment you admitted, you did not even recall what I had shared so often; I disdain exercise.  I was never amongst the anorexic/bulimics who think they must work out endlessly. Only injuries incurred late in life took me to my current routine, a daily swim in the pool.

I know you recall that I swim, only because I often come dressed to swim.  Even that concerns you, exposure to the sun.  Do you remember that I switched to an indoor facility.  Probably not.   While the truth of the locale and my loathing exercise may not be memorable or visible in an office visit, what can be seen is a sign of bulimia.  My teeth.  

Doctor, did you notice what my Dentist and Dental Hygienist have?  My once translucent boney choppers are now denser.  The color has returned to white.  For so long, even when you and I first met, the hue was dark gray.  Other dental conditions were already on the mend when I first entered your sphere.  Deep groves, once etched into the enamel, gone.  With my tongue, or a look, I can tell, the surface is smooth once more.  As I said in our phone conversation, less than twelve hours after you declared me dead,   Charlene stated with delight, "Your teeth finally look alive."

Funny. Charlene, my dental hygienist, detects a difference in my body and being since I left bulimia behind.  Yet, you are intent on my being ill.  Charlene sees and speaks of how my life without food benders and bile has helped me be healthier.  Yet, you dear Doctor, only see standards, the stats that you think are real, more real than me.  

You do not see, hear, or open your mind to who I might be.  I marvel as recall the day Charlene had expressed a doubt.  She offered, in Dental School professors taught the conventional wisdom.  Teeth do not substantially re-mineralize.  Enamel and density loss are permanent.  However, Charlene wonders aloud.   She has come to accept that what she learned may not be valid.  Months earlier she mused, "Well" after much assessment, "I have witnessed the metamorphosis."  There is a change.  

Transformation from bulimia to health has occurred for Charlene, for me.  Then there is you, dear Doctor. Apparently, what was, will always be in your mind.  Oh, Doctor, if only you had truly engaged me in the past two years . Had you looked and listened or even spent more than a scant few minutes with me in any of our sessions, just maybe you would have learned that supposed facts and figures may not mean whatever it is medical professionals teach.  

Might you think to speak to me rather than seek the "expertise" of more and more specialists [sic] before you declare me to be on my deathbed?  I know not what to say.

I tried to talk to you, to share my reality, my family history, and myself.  My words fell on deaf ears. You so sweetly fight me at every turn.  When I worked to offer an analogous story, you scoffed.  Might I assume that you see me as less knowledgeable, credible, or just crazed.  Perchance, I might try to tell the tale again?  Perhaps, the read will help you to authentically relate.  

As I said, the day after you delivered your diagnosis I traveled to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned.  By the way, dental visits last for well over an hour and I go every few months.  Charlene and I talk the entire time.  This week, since I had just seen you and was so devastated, my exam and your evaluation were the topics of discussion.

Charlene smiled and stated she is all too familiar with Doctors such as you.  While she has had her own experiences her Mom's was most worrisome to her.  While under the care of her Doctor, Charlene's mother's organs were forever damaged.   The Doctor thought it wise to bring this adult female's blood levels to "normal."  However, with age her heredity set in.   What had been usual for the patient was no longer as it was.  

Yes Doctor, I acknowledge that you listened to this story, for seconds, and then, abruptly interjected your disregard of my attempt to share personal accounts, or the details of my family history.  Doctor, you preferred the argument, "Charlene is not a Physician."  Might you trust the words of others Physicians, those who have misdiagnosed me or correctly assessed my well-being?

Please indulge me.  Allow me to present a nonfictional narrative.  Eight years ago, after a serious automobile accident, an Orthopedic Surgeon told me I would not be able to walk for at least a half a year, probably more.  He assured me that one leg would be shorter than the other for the rest of my life.  I needed full bed rest for at least six months, maybe seven.  The specialist said he could not speak to the pain I had in my chest and ribs.  He saw nothing in the X-Rays.  Weeks later, another bone MD whom I thought it wise to consult, was shocked to discover my broken sternum and four fractured ribs.  

That Surgeon, I will call Doctor Thom, was more than a second opinion; he saved my leg, heel, my life.   Dr Thom told me that I needed to begin an exercise regime immediately!  He then showed me exactly what he wanted me to do as soon as possible.  While he concurred, I could not walk or bear even the slightest weight on my heel, I could get around on my hands and knees.  My father, relieved went to the store and purchased the best fluffy-filled cotton kneepads money could buy.

Dr Thom helped me realize that the pain in my chest was very real.  He helped me to feel safe, secure in the knowledge of what I could to.  Dr Thom spoke of a means for stability, and provided time frames.   Most importantly he attended to my needs, not as just another "patient," but as me, Betsy!

Thankful that this physician asked of my history, and accepted that two past injuries necessitated a regular daily swim, I was able to feel comforted by his care.  Indeed, months before I was authorized to walk, with a promise from me that I would not place my leg on the ground, not even in water, Dr Thom prescribed a return to the pool.  Yes Doctor, he wanted me to swim unlike you who said, stop the swim or at least cut the time in the water done to near nil.  Fifteen minutes or less a day?  Doctor, have you read the research and recommendations for minimal daily exercise? Perhaps you have no desire to do other than prove yourself right.

For me, what is right is a healthy relationship with one's body and other beings.  If only we had genuine caring, sharing exchanges.  I believe we do not.  In each of our talks, your trepidation for what you feel is my impending death, is inescapable.  It seems to shade your every diagnosis..

Doctor, I know you are not G-d. You do not have the power to give me life.  However, a professional such as you, can cause my demise.  The innumerable reports that document a patient's passing at the hands of his or her physician cannot be ignored.  

Certainly, I may have over-reacted or reacted as any healthy person would to your decree; I lie or I die, possibly both.  Imagine my surprise, I entered your office the picture of health, and was pronounced a perishable commodity.   You said, were you to review my chart in a hospital, you would order a full body transfusion.  Until you were certain why results of the blood tests were so dire, you wanted me to see four specialists and a therapist.  A therapist?  

That statement alone spoke volumes; however it was a hush in comparison to the stated accusation.  You were concerned that I had returned to the world of bulimia.  Oh had you, or most any Doctor who diagnoses, what professionals call an eating disorder, experienced the thrill of leaving that past behind, you might understand how wonderful it is to have my life back.  

For years now, days, weeks, months, decades, devoted to food do not consume me.  Close to a decade has passed since I spent more time bingeing and purging than you do sleeping or working. Can you imagine? What might you feel if you were finally free of all that constrained your very being?

Oh Doctor, I know you cannot conjure up such a connection.  Were you able to relate to my reality you would not have said and done as you did.

You dismissed my words, my truth, all that I had learned, felt, and experienced in the twenty-five years and three months that I battled with the bulimia.  More significantly, you concluded that the many years since I last vomited were null and void.  In your infinite wisdom, you decided that a Doctor knows much more about an individual than the person, his or her self, does.

With few visits in our past, and little conversation, you know what is real for me?  You think practitioners who have never met me before will assess my health more accurately.    Based on what, more standards of "normal."

Your counsel crushed any sense of a connection.  Your stated distrust of me is as a surgical knife; it cuts to the core.  When a Doctor doubts a patient, the effect is profound.  At least it has been in my experience.  However, it seems you are not truly interested in my experience or that of others.  Oh, how I wanted to explain my truth when we spoke on the telephone today.  Your response, "He, she, or I am not a trained medical Physician." may have cured me of that desire.

However, happily I was able to sneak in one thought whilst we chatted.  A Doctor I am acquainted with has often expressed, medical school is like a technical college.   Practitioners and Surgeons are analogous to Mechanics.  For each, diagnosis is the greatest challenge.  An educated guess, or "evaluation" only captures what is typical.  You offered no thought on what another Physician pronounced his truth.  Perchance, you are still of the mind that you know what you know.  

As an Educator and an observer of humanity, I share what I believe.  Knowledge is not power!  Empathy empowers.  If only you chose to be empathetic, to consider what is beyond book knowledge. Perhaps, then, people, patients, might be real to you rather than fall into one or two categories. Terminal or test-proven fit as a fiddle.

Reference for review and reflection . . .

• Bulimia & Your Teeth, By Brian McKay, DDS.  Reprinted from Eating Disorders Recovery Today. Spring 2007 Volume 5, Number 2
• The benefits of: Swimming.  By Brigid Delaney.  Cable News Network. May 24, 2007
• High Water Marks, By Judy Foreman. Boston Globe. Page 2 June 14, 2010
• How much physical activity do adults need? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• America's Health Care System is the 3rd Cause of Death  Barbara Starfield, M.D. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284(4), 483-485 2000

"Why would I want to give Terry a chance to redefine himself?" she said.

Two of the most commonly asked questions on Thursday’s introduction tour by Republican candidate for governor Rick Scott and his new running mate, Jennifer Carroll, were about the $48 million “Taj Mahal” courthouse in Tallahassee and an Arizone-style immigration law—and in Tampa, they blatantly ducked both.

The reasons:

6 percent

— Share of Alaskans who have a favorable view of Levi Johnston, Sarah Palin's almost son-in-law, while 72 percent have an unfavorable view.

To begin with, combat in Iraq is not over, and we should not uncritically repeat suggestions that it is, even if they come from senior officials. The situation on the ground in Iraq is no different today than it has been for some months ... Unless there is balancing language, our content should not refer to the end of combat in Iraq, or the end of U.S. military involvement. Nor should it say flat-out (since we can't predict the future) that the United States is at the end of its military role.

— An internal Associated Press memo advising reporters not to believe President Obama's declaration of the end of combat operations in Iraq.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio says the Meet the Press debate with Democrat Kendrick Meek will need to be rescheduled because of his father’s declining health. (No-party candidate, Gov. Charlie Crist, had declined the invitation to debate).

Here’s the statement from campaign spokesman Alex Burgos:

Christianity, as an Abrahamic faith, sets out another vision -- an assertion of human worth and dignity that transcends tribe and nation. Christianity has accommodated this belief in slow, halting, often hypocritical stages -- a history that should leave Christians tolerant of the slow, halting, hypocritical progress of other traditions. The implications of this shift within Christianity, however, are profound. In light of this belief, the purpose of social influence for Christians is not to favor their own faith; it is to serve a view of universal rights and dignity taught by their faith. It is not to advance their own creed; it is to apply that creed in pursuit of the common good. This is what turns religion into a positive social force -- a determination to defend everyone's dignity.

Mr. Gerson, you are a dhimmi, a useful shill for Islam.

Is mr. gerson a closet muslim or merely a "fellow traveler" that will sell them the rope by which to hang us??

"Muslims on our side" is a contradiction in terms.

Islam itself IS the enemy. It is the Anti-Christ of religions.

Mr. Gerson, please tell me how you, as a supposed Christian, (or anyone else, for that matter) can corroborate the claims of Muhammad?

And if you cannot, then why do you defend them?

Scott and Carroll talked up the importance of creating jobs in a struggling Sunshine State and Scott criticized Democratic rival Alex Sink for supporting "the socialist policies of President Obama.''

"Historic" laff riot

"Scott: 'Historic day' in choice of state Rep. Carroll as running mate".

"As Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott officially announced state Rep. Jennifer Carroll as his running mate Thursday, questions about when he chose the Fleming Island legislator and the experience she feels she brings to the ticket were left largely unanswered."

Touted for her legislative experience, Carroll would not give many specifics about her time in the state House. When asked about some of her proudest moments as a lawmaker, she encouraged a reporter to do some research.

"I don’t only have one," she said. "I have many, and you can certainly look up my resume."

When pressed on her tenure as a member of the Legislature, Carroll cited her work as chair of the House Economic Development Committee.

"There have been many measures that we put in place that created jobs, that reduced tax burden, reduced regulations on many companies to enable them to stay afloat," she said, without giving specifics.

Scott tried to characterize Carroll as the opposite of a career politician, although she has been a legislator in Tallahassee since her election in 2003 and was the head of Florida’s Veterans Affairs Department before that.

Lawson disses Meek

"State Sen. Al Lawson endorsed Gov. Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate Thursday, saying "Charlie's always been there for us" when state employees, rural counties and universities needed help." "State Sen. Al Lawson endorses Charlie Crist for US Senate".

Crist releases internal poll

Daily Kos:

Given where public polling was on this race as recently as three weeks ago, it is hard to get a lot of confidence for Independent Charlie Crist based on the release of his own internal polling by Keith Fredrick. The new poll gives Crist a lead of just a single point, with Crist at 35%, Rubio at 34%, and Kendrick Meek well behind the pack at 17%. Crist did get some welcome news today, as he locked in a surprising endorsement in the form of state senator Al Lawson. Lawson just finished with a closer-than-expected primary challenge to Congressman Allen Boyd, one in which he challenged Boyd to his left. Lawson's defection is particularly notable, given that he is an African-American Democrat who is choosing Crist over Kendrick Meek, who is seeking to be the first African-American member of the U.S. Senate ever from the state of Florida.

Chiles will help Sink

Kevin Derby: "Lawton 'Bud' Chiles III made it official Thursday, pulling the plug on his gubernatorial campaign and endorsing Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink." "Endorsing Alex Sink, Bud Chiles Exits Gubernatorial Race". See also "Bud Chiles will help Alex Sink's campaign for governor".

Population growth

"Florida's population grew slightly in 2009 after a one-year decline broke a steady string of growth dating to the end of World War II, according to preliminary estimates released Thursday. The University of Florida reported the state added an estimated 21,000 residents in the last year, bringing the state's population to 18,771,768. From 2008 to 2009, the state lost more than 56,000 people." "After a year of decline, Florida's population sees a slight amount of growth".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Hallmark Industrial Services, a company dogged by allegations of immigration and worker safety wrongdoing, had been working on oil spill cleanup operations in Florida". "Oil spill contractor with immigration, labor woes was involved in Florida cleanup".

Labor Day Insult in the Works

Hilda Solis is "Fighting for Workers This Labor Day".

In the meantime, we will be preparing the latest edition of the "Annual Labor Day Insult". Previous editions are here, here and here.

Rivera allegations

"A Democratic donor from Miami has filed a complaint against state Rep. David Rivera, asking the Federal Election Commission to investigate whether the Republican congressional candidate violated campaign finance laws by 'coordinating' attacks on Democrat opponent Joe Garcia with a political committee intended to remain independent."

The complaint, submitted by criminal defense attorney William Barzee, alleges there is a link between Rivera's campaign and a group named Voters Response. The link, Barzee says, is Rivera spokeswoman Sarah Bascom, of Tallahassee-based Bascom Communications & Consulting.

Federal campaign finance reports show Rivera's campaign has not made any payments to Bascom.

Voters Response, a Florida electioneering committee that has sent out fliers attacking Garcia in the hotly contested race, has twice made payments totaling $3,000 to Bascom Communications, according to the reports.

"It's outside the rules,'' said Barzee. "It's wrong and it's avoiding accountability.''

Unlike Florida law, federal campaign-finance law prohibits candidates from coordinating their campaign efforts with third-party groups.

But Bascom and David Ramba, who heads Voters Response, said the committee is not working with Rivera.

Bomb scare

"Miami Airport Evacuated After Bomb Scare".

"Suspicious financial arrangement"

The Tampa Tribune editors: "State Rep. Kevin Ambler's lawsuit may not undo his Republican primary loss to Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman in the state Senate District 12 race. It may forever cast him as a sore - and litigious - loser."

Yet the effort could benefit the public if it serves to cast light on a suspicious financial arrangement that allowed Norman's wife to pay cash for a $435,000 lakefront home in Arkansas.

Norman says there are other investors in the house, and they want to stay out of the limelight. But no investors are listed on the deed, which is highly unusual for a real estate investment.

The 2006 transaction has been subject to all sorts of rumors, and Norman blames the accusations on dirty politics.

But he has refused to provide the specifics that could quickly put an end to the matter.

Right wing poll puts Scott on top

Daily Kos: "Team Ras-sie put both Rick Scott (FL-Gov) and Dino Rossi (WA-Sen) out in front today. The only poll that can come close to being construed as positive for Dems is the relatively small lead for GOP incumbent Sean Parnell in Alaska."

FL-Gov: Rick Scott (R) 45%, Alex Sink (D) 44%

Florida bankruptcies up

"Bankruptcies in South Florida up 5.7% in August".

Campaign roundup

"Chiles endorses Sink as he bows out, Scott barely leads Sink in new poll, Crist won't say who should be the next governor." "Campaign roundup for Thursday".

"Unlike other schemes, this one's legal"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Unlike other schemes to disenfranchise voters, this one's legal. That doesn't make it any less outrageous. And it doesn't excuse legislators for allowing it."

In 1998, Florida voters, by nearly 2-1, amended the state constitution to open primary contests to all voters, regardless of registration, when the winner would not face opposition in the general election. The intent was to ensure that all voters could have a say in choosing their elected representatives.

But two years later, the state Division of Elections issued an advisory opinion that upended the amendment. The opinion said a single candidate entering a race as a write-in would be enough to limit the primary to one party's voters — even though write-ins don't have to pay a filing fee or collect signatures like other candidates, and don't even appear on the ballot.

Republican or Democratic candidates who have little appeal outside their parties would rather run in closed contests. And in the years since the Elections Division cleared the way, scores of primaries around the state have been closed thanks to write-ins.

Usually these candidates don't even bother to campaign. They have no hope or intention of winning. There's no obvious motive for them to run other than to close a primary. State Sen. Dave Aronberg, a South Florida Democrat who tried for years to close the loophole, said write-ins usually are registered with the party whose primary they wind up closing.

"Legislature lavishes tax dollars on an influential few"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "An opulent $48 million courthouse being built for the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee highlights the hypocrisy of a Legislature that purports to be fiscally conservative but lavishes tax dollars on an influential few." "In contempt of state taxpayers".

Wingnuts go after Grayson and Kosmas

"For those few Florida voters unfamiliar with attacks ads, the latest TV spot by the conservative Americans for Prosperity offers a classic take on the genre."

It features ominous music, testimony from everyday people and unflattering pictures of its targets: Democratic U.S. Reps. Alan Grayson of Orlando and Suzanne Kosmas of New Smyrna Beach.

"Both supported Nancy Pelosi's liberal agenda," one grandmotherly woman tells the camera, moments before the ad condemns their support of the $787-billion stimulus bill.

Americans for Prosperity paid about $420,000 to run the 30-second commercial for two weeks on Central Florida over-the-air and cable stations. The ad is part of a nationwide campaign by the Republican-Libertarian group – underwritten in part by New York billionaire David Koch -- and marks the opening salvo in what's expected to be a barrage of spending by outside organizations in Florida before the Nov. 2 general election.

Fl-oil-duh

The Miami Herald editors: "Lift liability cap for oil spills". Related from Paul Flemming: "BP payments remain a mystery". Meanwhile, "Gulf Blowout II Ripples Across Florida". See also "New oil rig explosion causes political firestorm in Florida".

Scott accuses Sink of "socialism"

"In Brandon, Orlando and Jacksonville,"

Scott and Carroll talked up the importance of creating jobs in a struggling Sunshine State and Scott criticized Democratic rival Alex Sink for supporting "the socialist policies of President Obama.''

"Historic" laff riot

"Scott: 'Historic day' in choice of state Rep. Carroll as running mate".

"As Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott officially announced state Rep. Jennifer Carroll as his running mate Thursday, questions about when he chose the Fleming Island legislator and the experience she feels she brings to the ticket were left largely unanswered."

Touted for her legislative experience, Carroll would not give many specifics about her time in the state House. When asked about some of her proudest moments as a lawmaker, she encouraged a reporter to do some research.

"I don’t only have one," she said. "I have many, and you can certainly look up my resume."

When pressed on her tenure as a member of the Legislature, Carroll cited her work as chair of the House Economic Development Committee.

"There have been many measures that we put in place that created jobs, that reduced tax burden, reduced regulations on many companies to enable them to stay afloat," she said, without giving specifics.

Scott tried to characterize Carroll as the opposite of a career politician, although she has been a legislator in Tallahassee since her election in 2003 and was the head of Florida’s Veterans Affairs Department before that.

Lawson disses Meek

"State Sen. Al Lawson endorsed Gov. Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate Thursday, saying "Charlie's always been there for us" when state employees, rural counties and universities needed help." "State Sen. Al Lawson endorses Charlie Crist for US Senate".

Crist releases internal poll

Daily Kos:

Given where public polling was on this race as recently as three weeks ago, it is hard to get a lot of confidence for Independent Charlie Crist based on the release of his own internal polling by Keith Fredrick. The new poll gives Crist a lead of just a single point, with Crist at 35%, Rubio at 34%, and Kendrick Meek well behind the pack at 17%. Crist did get some welcome news today, as he locked in a surprising endorsement in the form of state senator Al Lawson. Lawson just finished with a closer-than-expected primary challenge to Congressman Allen Boyd, one in which he challenged Boyd to his left. Lawson's defection is particularly notable, given that he is an African-American Democrat who is choosing Crist over Kendrick Meek, who is seeking to be the first African-American member of the U.S. Senate ever from the state of Florida.

Chiles will help Sink

Kevin Derby: "Lawton 'Bud' Chiles III made it official Thursday, pulling the plug on his gubernatorial campaign and endorsing Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink." "Endorsing Alex Sink, Bud Chiles Exits Gubernatorial Race". See also "Bud Chiles will help Alex Sink's campaign for governor".

Population growth

"Florida's population grew slightly in 2009 after a one-year decline broke a steady string of growth dating to the end of World War II, according to preliminary estimates released Thursday. The University of Florida reported the state added an estimated 21,000 residents in the last year, bringing the state's population to 18,771,768. From 2008 to 2009, the state lost more than 56,000 people." "After a year of decline, Florida's population sees a slight amount of growth".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Hallmark Industrial Services, a company dogged by allegations of immigration and worker safety wrongdoing, had been working on oil spill cleanup operations in Florida". "Oil spill contractor with immigration, labor woes was involved in Florida cleanup".

Labor Day Insult in the Works

Hilda Solis is "Fighting for Workers This Labor Day".

In the meantime, we will be preparing the latest edition of the "Annual Labor Day Insult". Previous editions are here, here and here.

Rivera allegations

"A Democratic donor from Miami has filed a complaint against state Rep. David Rivera, asking the Federal Election Commission to investigate whether the Republican congressional candidate violated campaign finance laws by 'coordinating' attacks on Democrat opponent Joe Garcia with a political committee intended to remain independent."

The complaint, submitted by criminal defense attorney William Barzee, alleges there is a link between Rivera's campaign and a group named Voters Response. The link, Barzee says, is Rivera spokeswoman Sarah Bascom, of Tallahassee-based Bascom Communications & Consulting.

Federal campaign finance reports show Rivera's campaign has not made any payments to Bascom.

Voters Response, a Florida electioneering committee that has sent out fliers attacking Garcia in the hotly contested race, has twice made payments totaling $3,000 to Bascom Communications, according to the reports.

"It's outside the rules,'' said Barzee. "It's wrong and it's avoiding accountability.''

Unlike Florida law, federal campaign-finance law prohibits candidates from coordinating their campaign efforts with third-party groups.

But Bascom and David Ramba, who heads Voters Response, said the committee is not working with Rivera.

Bomb scare

"Miami Airport Evacuated After Bomb Scare".

"Suspicious financial arrangement"

The Tampa Tribune editors: "State Rep. Kevin Ambler's lawsuit may not undo his Republican primary loss to Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman in the state Senate District 12 race. It may forever cast him as a sore - and litigious - loser."

Yet the effort could benefit the public if it serves to cast light on a suspicious financial arrangement that allowed Norman's wife to pay cash for a $435,000 lakefront home in Arkansas.

Norman says there are other investors in the house, and they want to stay out of the limelight. But no investors are listed on the deed, which is highly unusual for a real estate investment.

The 2006 transaction has been subject to all sorts of rumors, and Norman blames the accusations on dirty politics.

But he has refused to provide the specifics that could quickly put an end to the matter.

Right wing poll puts Scott on top

Daily Kos: "Team Ras-sie put both Rick Scott (FL-Gov) and Dino Rossi (WA-Sen) out in front today. The only poll that can come close to being construed as positive for Dems is the relatively small lead for GOP incumbent Sean Parnell in Alaska."

FL-Gov: Rick Scott (R) 45%, Alex Sink (D) 44%

Florida bankruptcies up

"Bankruptcies in South Florida up 5.7% in August".

Campaign roundup

"Chiles endorses Sink as he bows out, Scott barely leads Sink in new poll, Crist won't say who should be the next governor." "Campaign roundup for Thursday".

"Unlike other schemes, this one's legal"

The Orlando Sentinel editors: "Unlike other schemes to disenfranchise voters, this one's legal. That doesn't make it any less outrageous. And it doesn't excuse legislators for allowing it."

In 1998, Florida voters, by nearly 2-1, amended the state constitution to open primary contests to all voters, regardless of registration, when the winner would not face opposition in the general election. The intent was to ensure that all voters could have a say in choosing their elected representatives.

But two years later, the state Division of Elections issued an advisory opinion that upended the amendment. The opinion said a single candidate entering a race as a write-in would be enough to limit the primary to one party's voters — even though write-ins don't have to pay a filing fee or collect signatures like other candidates, and don't even appear on the ballot.

Republican or Democratic candidates who have little appeal outside their parties would rather run in closed contests. And in the years since the Elections Division cleared the way, scores of primaries around the state have been closed thanks to write-ins.

Usually these candidates don't even bother to campaign. They have no hope or intention of winning. There's no obvious motive for them to run other than to close a primary. State Sen. Dave Aronberg, a South Florida Democrat who tried for years to close the loophole, said write-ins usually are registered with the party whose primary they wind up closing.

"Legislature lavishes tax dollars on an influential few"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "An opulent $48 million courthouse being built for the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee highlights the hypocrisy of a Legislature that purports to be fiscally conservative but lavishes tax dollars on an influential few." "In contempt of state taxpayers".

Wingnuts go after Grayson and Kosmas

"For those few Florida voters unfamiliar with attacks ads, the latest TV spot by the conservative Americans for Prosperity offers a classic take on the genre."

It features ominous music, testimony from everyday people and unflattering pictures of its targets: Democratic U.S. Reps. Alan Grayson of Orlando and Suzanne Kosmas of New Smyrna Beach.

"Both supported Nancy Pelosi's liberal agenda," one grandmotherly woman tells the camera, moments before the ad condemns their support of the $787-billion stimulus bill.

Americans for Prosperity paid about $420,000 to run the 30-second commercial for two weeks on Central Florida over-the-air and cable stations. The ad is part of a nationwide campaign by the Republican-Libertarian group – underwritten in part by New York billionaire David Koch -- and marks the opening salvo in what's expected to be a barrage of spending by outside organizations in Florida before the Nov. 2 general election.

Fl-oil-duh

The Miami Herald editors: "Lift liability cap for oil spills". Related from Paul Flemming: "BP payments remain a mystery". Meanwhile, "Gulf Blowout II Ripples Across Florida". See also "New oil rig explosion causes political firestorm in Florida".

I already have the votes to be re-elected as Republican leader, and will be re-elected.

— Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), in an interview with ABC News, insisting he will not be challenged for his leadership post next year.

What are your plans for the holiday weekend?