Bill McCollum: Learn His Lesson

From FDP:

'Call On Crist to End His Culture of Corrupt Cronyism' Urges New Facebook Group

From FDP:

Florida voters were urged to "Ask Gov. Crist to end the 'culture-of-corruption'-cronyism" by joining a new social networking group, "Stop Crist Now" in an online video launched by the Florida Democratic Party, today.

The video can be viewed online at http://www.FlaDems.com/CristVideo.

"Last week, when George LeMieux (R-Crist) derided Florida's 'culture of corruption,' he conveniently left out his and Charlie Crist's starring role in so many of the recent corruption scandals. That's why today we have formed the Stop Crist group to end Crist and LeMieux's corrupt cronyism," Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux said. "Floridians are fed up with Gov. Crist's lack of leadership and his repeatedly putting his own political ambitions ahead of our state's people."

"'[P]olitical scandals have uncovered 'a culture of corruption' that must be stamped
out,' freshman Florida Sen. George LeMieux said." LeMieux's statement is particularly hypocritical given the fact he was appointed by his former boss Charlie Crist to hold the same vacant U.S. Senate seat Crist is now seeking. Since then, LeMeiux has come under scrutiny for exploiting his new found position to aid Crist and his political ambition. [Miami Herald, 12/1/09; Miami Herald, 11/27/09]

The Facebook group, "Stop Crist Now" is open to the public and can be found online at www.Facebook.com or through the FDP Web site, www.FlaDems.com/StopCrist. The social networking group features news updates on Crist's failure to provide leadership as Governor and ways to join online events.

"People are fed up with Charlie Crist and online organizing is another way Floridians are calling for a change for the better in the Sunshine State," Arceneaux added.

Sunshine: Watch the video

Since over 4,500 of you stood up and asked Governor Crist to put his job as Governor over his personal ambition he's shown no sign of heading our call. In fact he joined his handpicked political crony Senator George LeMieux for a fundraiser in Washington D.C.

Earlier this week, we asked you to help us combat their collusion with the only thing Governor Crist does these days - raising money. But to win next November we need to go one step further: We need to get organized and spread the message.

We need your help to bring what Crist is doing into the light of day and bring it to the attention of every Floridian. Take a minute and watch this video, that every Floridian needs to see, about the relationship between Governor Crist and Senator LeMeiux:

http://www.fladems.com/cristvideo

The best way to combat the culture of cronyism and corruption displayed by Crist and LeMeiux to make sure that people know it and aren't fooled by their recent lip service about "stopping" corruption. Together we can Stop Crist by making sure that he can't get away with using his office to further his own political fortunes anymore.

As the old saying goes, "Sunshine is the most powerful of disinfectants," so with your help we can bring their tactics into the light of day. Please help us by watching this video about Crist and LeMeiux, and then forward it on to all you friends:

http://www.fladems.com/cristvideo

After you watch the video, please join our Stop Crist group on Facebook. With this group we hope to reach out to thousands of voters that may not know about the Republican culture of cronyism and corruption in Tallahassee - and show them what their Governor is doing.

If we work together we can bring Crist and LeMeiux's dealings in to the light of day and put a stop to them once and for all next November.

Sincerely,

Scott Arceneaux
Executive Director
Florida Democratic Party

Response To Governor Charlie Crist's Remarks--Florida Education Reform

From the House Dems:

Response To Governor Charlie Crist’s Remarks
At Joint Meeting Of State Board of Education and Board of Governors
-Florida House Democrats Call For Expanding Accountability Measures-

TALLAHASSEE --- Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued the following statement in response to remarks made today by Governor Charlie Crist at a joint meeting of the State Board of Education and Board of Governors:

“Governor Crist appears to be slowly recognizing that public education in Florida has suffered for more than a decade because of a misguided education accountability system that focuses too greatly on how students perform on a single-day standardized test.

“Today, the governor acknowledged certain shortcomings of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, and by his remarks, seems to be signaling support for significant portions of the education reforms recently proposed by Florida House Democrats.

“A strong but fair accountability system is needed for Florida’s students, educators and schools. My colleagues and I in the 44-member Florida House Democratic Caucus are offering a new strategy for how schools can be assessed and graded. These changes are outlined in a formal comment to the state Department of Education pertaining to Florida’s application for federal Race to the Top Initiative grants.

“The current accountability system is shortsighted because it is based almost exclusively on how well students score on the FCAT. Our plan improves the system by phasing in a combination of end-of-course assessment exams.

“For too long, our children have only been taught to pass the FCAT instead of allowing teachers to concentrate on a variety of curriculum. Our suggestions would measure each student’s academic progress from the beginning to the end of a school year rather than a one-day snapshot of their learning.

“Much more must be done to improve Florida, its economy and our system of public education. Florida House Democrats are pleased to bring ideas for making our state better.”

Crist's "Great Moment" in Political History

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs about Republicans in the Florida Cabinet.

Tally: Lessons for FL from Tuesday's Elections

Saint Petersblog 2.0: Crist raises $125K in Mich. (with Greer in tow) as report shows he's off 10 weeks a year

Trish Ponder: Crist Losing Ground in Senate Race

Pushing Rope: Alex Sink Fundraising Press Release

Smooth Like Remy: Crist Can't Handle The Scrutiny

Powerful words

Last weekend, we had an amazing state conference in Orlando. I wish you could have been there. Since I know many of you could not make it, I did want to share a highlight of CFO Alex Sink's powerful words that captured the energy of the conference so well.

Watch the video and share it with your friends and neighbors.

http://www.fladems.com/alexatconference

I know that Alex Sink in the Governor's office will restore the dream that led so many to move to this state.

Listening to her speak, talking to our grassroots leaders, and seeing the enthusiasm and desire they have to change Florida in 2010 made me more confident in what I already know:

We stand ready to take back our state.

For the first time in almost 140 years, every single statewide office is on the ballot and not a single one is an incumbent running for re-election. Both as Democrats and as Floridians, we are fighting to seize our historic opportunity - by not only electing Alex Sink as our next Governor - but by electing a strong Democrat to the U.S. Senate, and electing more Democrats to Congress, the Cabinet, and our State Legislature.

Just like the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who worked tirelessly to deliver Florida for Barack Obama, we must commit ourselves to be the change that we want for Florida.

This election cycle, it's up to us whether or not Florida continues to see high unemployment numbers and face stagnation.

You have already done so much to help us build the momentum we need to bring change to Florida in 2010, but there is still so much work to be done.

Frankly, the future of our state rests in the hands of each of us. With your help, we will change Florida and help Alex Sink win this historic election.

Thank you for everything you've done to get us here.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

The Reid Report: Charlie’s big dillemma

Pushing Rope: Telemarketer Crist

Blast Off!: Is Crist circumventing Florida law on judicial appointments?

Pushing Rope: Charlie Crist Promotes Fast Food Jobs

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Attorney General Bill McCollum: Local Governments Can't Create Their Own Misdemeanors

Eye on Miami (Gimleteye): Weird: Something about Charlie

Smooth Like Remy: Where My Florida Ladies At?

Pushing Rope: Co-Ops Will Force Alex Sink To Clarify Position

Smooth Like Remy: Charlie Crist Shafted The American Worker With The Help Of George LeMeiux

Miami-Dade Dems: Crist vulnerable? Here comes Kendrick Meek

Blog to 2010 & Beyond: Crist Foggy on the Gambling Compact

Tally: Is Charlie Crist the New Ronald Reagan?

Betty Cracker: Crist almighty

Down With Tyranny: Is It Fair To Assume What Kind Of A Senator Charlie Crist Would Make Based On His Actions As Governor?

Susan Chandler: Big men don't cry

Penile State: Bye-bye, Charlie

Smooth Like Remy: Charlie Crist Has Been Reading Too Much Orson Wells

Pushing Rope: Crist on Morning Joe

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Fla.: Attorney General Bill McCollum: Local Governments Can't Create Misdemeanors

Reid Report: Charlie’s morning whoppers

Pushing Rope: Charlie Crist Claims He Increased Employment

Orlando Sentinel: Crist's education gains claim requires some creative math

Orlando Sentinel: Crist's education gains claim requires some creative math

TALLAHASSEE – All year, Gov. Charlie Crist has touted that on his watch the state’s education system had gone from a ranking of 31st in the country to 10th this year.

Florida's one-term governor and leading U.S. Senate candidate made the claim over the weekend in a speech to Republicans in Michigan and again Tuesday morning as he made the rounds on cable news talk shows.

"We're very pleased with what's happened there -- from 31st to 10th in the nation since I've been governor, and I'm very happy for our children for that," Crist said this morning on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show.

But the figures don't quite add up, according to the authors of the Education Week “Quality Counts” study the statement is based on.

The respected publication reported last January that Florida stood out compared to the national average scores in early childhood education and its assessment and accountability measures, produced more average scores for the caliber of its teachers and Kindergarten-through-12th Grade performance, and below average in school spending and college readiness.

Basically, the report gives Florida high marks for having accountability measures in place, but it is among the bottom of the heap in funding schools and gets an ‘F’ for college readiness. Overall, out of the six categories the study uses in its analysis, Florida and Arkansas finished with the same numeric score, 79.6 percent, indeed tying for 10th place.

But here’s where the confusion starts.

Education Week changed the way it conducted the study last year, shifting from collecting data in each of the categories every year to a “modular” research design where states are surveyed about half of the categories on an every-other-year rotation.

So, is it accurate to compare year to year? “Not really,” said Amy Hightower, the research director for the Editorial Projects in Education research center that produced the study. “We really do encourage states and the media that grading from one year to the next is not really comparable.”

That’s just for starters. Hightower said she wasn’t sure where Crist is getting the 31st ranking.

Until 2006, the research center only gave individual section grades, not overall ones, and that year Florida ranked 16th in the country. In 2008, Florida ranked 14th.

In 2007, the center didn’t issue overall grades, but did issue rankings for its newly minted “Chance for Success” and “K-12 achievement” indexes (two of the six categories now used to rank states). On both of those, Florida ranked 31st. Since then, Florida has fallen to 33rd in the rankings on “chance for success,” while the “K-12 achievement” ranking has climbed to 7th (not 10th).

Assuming that is the improvement Crist is mentioning, he still can’t claim credit for it – the 2009 report re-uses the same national data from the 2008 report, which was collected in 2007, when Crist first came into office.

The research center is careful not to draw correlations between performance and any particular policy changes within a state, but “if policy matters, then really the policy we’re talking about would predate the results,” Hightower said.

The time period that Education Week evaluated corresponds with years in which lawmakers devoted more cash to comply with constitutional mandates such as Florida’s class-size reduction requirement, increased incentives to retain and recruit teachers, and an explosion in real property wealth within the state.

And of course, Florida’s most significant policy reform has been Gov. Jeb Bush’s “A+” plan that mandated standardized tests for schools and tied school-funding to performance on the FCAT test.

“I think all of us are still parking on Jeb Bush’s dime as it comes to education reform,” said Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican and former school superintendent who helped Bush trumpet the classroom reforms.

Crist did serve a short stint as education commissioner. And Gaetz gives the current governor credit for pushing for teacher merit-pay incentives and supporting reforms to make high schools less reliant on the FCAT assessment. But “all of us, including Charlie Crist, are stewards of Jeb Bush’s accomplishments and his innovations.”

Sen. Dan Gelber, a Miami Beach Democrat running for attorney general and a frequent critic of Bush’s reforms, agreed Crist was “misusing the study.”

“It was not a study of how good they’re doing, but how many measurements they have.”

Crist told reporters Tuesday he had hoped to do more on the education front, but that Floridians understood the economy had forced his administration to "scale back."

"We've had to scale back, but the people get that. They've had to scale back," Crist said.

Things I Can Do Without

A governor who tries to distance himself from a great program and claim he had little role in, when he actually co-sponsored it.

Did You Know -- Bill McCollum

Were you aware of the following facts and quotes from Bill McCollum?

McCollum supported "personhood" rights for unborn while in Congress

McCollum opposes the public option

“During his twenty years in Congress, McCollum voted eight times to cut Medicare by at least $650 billion, voted to raise the eligibility age for Medicare and Social Security, and voted to make it harder for government to crack down on health care fraud.”

McCollum opposed Crist's Seminole gaming compact

McCollum voted to approve a new nuclear plant

McCollum takes a lot of time off

"On the economic side we have big differences with the Democrats because we believe in growing the pie and growing wealth and not redistributing it."

On waterboardng: "I believe we have in this debate really stretched the definition of torture...I don't think the techniques that they're describing first of all were torture, by definition under the international way of defining it, and secondly I believe the men and women who undertook to get advice on this gave their best advice."

On the stimulus, "President Obama failed to involve the Republicans the way he professed to do at the beginning of the process."

McCollum opposed oil drilling closer to Florida's coast

This Could Be Very Good News

Bud Chiles May Seek CFO Post:

Lawton 'Bud' Chiles III, son of the late Democratic governor, and a Lakeland native, said the post being vacated by Alex Sink is one where 'you could create a voice for changing what is wrong in Florida today.'

'I've had a number of people talk to me about it,' Chiles told the News Service of Florida. 'I'm giving a lot of thought to it.'

About Time

Charlie Crist is taking a well-deserved day off tomorrow:

GOVERNOR’S SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

NO SCHEDULED EVENTS

It's about time.

McCollum Refuses To Support Sotomayor By Ducking Issue

From FDP:

Yesterday was Sonia Sotomayor's first day on U.S. Supreme Court. And Bill McCollum who:

Ran for U.S. Senate twice,
Served for many years on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee,
And is the highest ranking law enforcement official from a state with one of the largest Hispanic populations
still hasn't said a peep about whether he thinks Sotomayor should have been confirmed or not.

Why do you suppose that is? Well, it seems pretty obvious. McCollum opposes Sotomayor but doesn't want to offend the 1.2 million Hispanic voters who will help decide whether he becomes governor or not in 2010. So he's ducking.

Florida Today recently published a lengthy editorial on the importance of the Hispanic vote. In 2008, one-in-seven Florida voters were Hispanics. Of states with the greatest Hispanic populations- California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Florida - Florida saw the largest increase in Hispanic voters, up 48.9 percent from 824,000 in 2004 to 1.2 million in 2008.

And (supposedly), embattled RPOF Chairman Jim Greer and the Florida GOP "is reaching out to minorities to widen its tent following Obama's defeat of John McCain in 2008."

But McCollum apparently didn't get the memo from Greer. Opposing Sotomayor is not going to help Republicans - and the fact that McCollum refuses to publically support Sotomayor in particular won't help him win friends among Hispanic voters. So McCollum has decided to keep his opposition out of the newspapers. He's apparently not keen on doing much outreach to Hispanics.

Interestingly, Charlie Crist -- who also did not get Greer's memo - did make his views known about Sotomayor. He opposed her confirmation.

So if Crist is willing to speak up, why has no one heard a peep from McCollum. The reason is that Crist has to win the support and confidence of the Republican base. McCollum, however, as a long-time far-right hard liner who even served as co-manager of the effort to impeach Bill Clinton, doesn't have to worry about the far-right. They are already in his pocket. He has to worry about the 1.2 million Hispanic voters who aren't. And so the last thing he wants to do is say out-loud that he was against confirmation of the nation's first Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Background on McCollum: Cutting Medicare, Aiding HMOs And Big Insurers

McCollum: Cutting Medicare, Aiding HMOs and Big Insurers

During his 20 years in Washington, Bill McCollum voted to cut billions of dollars from Medicare. He voted to cut Medicare in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Bill McCollum voted with the insurance companies and drug companies against a real Patient’s Bill of Rights. He wanted to protect nursing homes that hurt seniors from being held accountable through the court system. McCollum spent his 20 years in Washington fighting for the drug companies. He opposed competition in the allergy drug market, costing Americans $11 billion. He supported insurance- and drug-company backed legislation to make prescription drug coverage optional, and he supported privatizing Medicare. McCollum chaired a coalition of big businesses to lobby for changes to health care system that would benefit them by limiting treatments insurance companies would cover. He tried to protect companies that defraud Medicare and the taxpayers.

Voted to Cut Billions from Medicare

During his 20 years in Washington, Bill McCollum voted to cut billions of dollars from Medicare. He voted to cut Medicare in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997.

McCollum Voted to Cut $3.2 Billion From Medicare Spending in 1990. In 1990 McCollum voted for a Kasich substitute amendment to the fiscal 1991 Budget Resolution that included a $3.2 billion cut in Medicare spending. [HConRes310, Roll Call Vote 84, 4/26/90; Rejected 106-305]

McCollum Voted to Cut Medicare by $27.2 Billion Over Five Years in 1991. In 1991 McCollum voted for a Kasich substitute amendment to Fiscal 1992 Budget Resolution that included Medicare cuts of $27.2 billion over five years. [HConRes121, Roll Call Vote 69, 4/17/91; Rejected 114-303]

McCollum Was One of Only 89 House Members Who Voted to Cut Medicare by $25.2 Billion Over Five Years in 1991. In 1991 McCollum voted for a Gradison substitute amendment to Fiscal 1992 Budget Resolution that included Medicare cuts of $25.2 billion over five years. [HConRes121, Roll Call Vote 70, 4/17/91; Rejected 89-335]

McCollum Was One of Only 60 House Members Who Voted to Cut $138.5 Billion From Medicare, Medicaid Over Five Years in 1992. In 1992 McCollum was one of only 60 members of the United States House of Representatives to vote for a Dannemeyer substitute amendment to the Fiscal Year 1993 Budget Resolution that included $138.4 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid programs over five years. [HConRes287, Roll Call Vote 38, 3/4/92; Rejected 60-344]

McCollum Voted to Cut $34 Billion From Medicare in 1993. In 1993, McCollum voted for a bi-partisan Penny-Kasich amendment to a 1993 spending cut resolution that included $34 billion in Medicare cuts. [HR3400, Roll Call Vote 609, 11/22/93; Rejected 213-219]

McCollum Voted for $270 Billion Medicare Cut in 1995. In 1995 McCollum voted for House adoption of the 1995 Budget Reconciliation Act that included a $270 billion cut from Medicare. [HR2491, Roll Call Vote 742, 10/26/95; Adopted 227-203]

McCollum Voted to Cut $158.1 Billion in Medicare Over Six Years in 1996. In 1996 McCollum voted for adoption of the Fiscal 1997 Budget Resolution Conference Report that included $158.1 billion in Medicare spending cuts over six years. [HR2425, Roll Call Vote 731, 10/19/95; Adopted 231-201]

McCollum Voted For $115 Billion Reduction in Medicare in 1997. In 1997 McCollum voted for adoption of the Fiscal 1998 Budget Reconciliation Act that included a $115 billion reduction in Medicare. [HR2015, Roll Call Vote 241, 6/25/97; Adopted 270-162]

Against Patients Bill of Rights, For Protecting Businesses from Accountability

McCollum Voted Against Real, Comprehensive Patient’s Bill of Rights. In 1998, McCollum voted against a Dingell substitute amendment to the Republican version of the Patient Protection Act that would have enacted a comprehensive patient’s bill of rights that included doctor choice, access to OB-GYN’s as a primary care physician under plans, eliminated doctor gag rule to allow free communications between physician and patient, notify patient’s of changes in drug formulary, prohibited restriction on hospital length of stay and amended ERISA to allow for recovery of damages under state laws. [HR4250, 105th Congress, Roll Call Vote 336]

McCollum Voted for Severely Watered Down Republican Version of Patients Bill of Rights. In 1998, McCollum voted for HR4250 proposed by Republican Gingrich called “The Patient Protection Act of 1998.” The bill was a severely watered down version to Dingell’s plan. It would have prohibited plans from imposing restrictions on their doctors for advice provided to a patient; requiring plans to cover emergencies; requiring plans to have OB-GYN’s to provide access without primary care physician referral; allowing pediatric specialists as primary care physician; notify patient’s of changes in drug formulary, calls for external review and the granting of civil penalties and attorney’s fees if a plans external review recommends coverage and the plan does not provide the benefit thereafter, created Small Business Affordable Health Care Act of 1998 and placed caps of damages, established statute of limitations and other anti-consumer changes to medical malpractice law. [105th Congress, Roll Call Vote 339, HR4250]

McCollum Advocated Limits on Malpractice Lawsuits Against Nursing Homes. McCollum, who voted for the 1997 Balanced Budget Act that cut Medicare reimbursements, said astronomical lawsuits against nursing homes were the problem. He advocated placing limits on the amounts awarded in malpractice lawsuits against nursing homes. [Orlando Sentinel, 7/7/00]

On Side of Drug, Insurance, HMOs in Health Care Fight

McCollum Sponsored Legislation Blocking Introduction of Competitors to Allergy Drug Claritin, Forcing Americans to Pay $11 Billion More. McCollum co-sponsored a bill advocated by drug giant Schering-Plough to block less-costly competitors to its allergy drug Claritin and seven other drugs, used mostly by seniors. “The bill, which would extend the patents on the drugs for three years, is a national disaster for 45 million uninsured Americans, including 15 million seniors, who pay the highest prices for drugs out of their own pockets,” said Tracie Onbashian in a South Florida Sun-Sentinel op/ed. “According to the University of Minnesota, the bill would force Americans to pay $11 billion too much for medicine…The most likely reason members of the Florida delegation are supporting Schering-Plough is cold, hard cash. The company spent over $4 million on lobbyists and political contributions to push its bill in Congress.” [South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 1/17/00]

McCollum’s Prescription Drug Plan Emphasized Insurance Industry. McCollum has voted for a GOP-favored prescription drug plan that would have subsidized voluntary coverage by insurance companies. [Tampa Tribune, 7/7/00]

McCollum Supported Moves to Privatize Medicare. Addressing Medicare reform in 2000, McCollum said he voted for a bill that would have created a “public-private” partnership to encourage insurance companies to offer health-insurance policies with prescription-drug coverage. The program he supported would have replaced Medicare with a federal guarantee that the insurance companies wouldn’t lose money. “I think it’s a good plan,” he said. “I believe this is one that provides the best of all worlds.” At the time, thousands of elderly residents throughout Florida had lost their Medicare HMOs after insurance companies stopped providing the coverage, a problem expected to worsen. [Orlando Sentinel, 7/7/00]

McCollum-Chaired Healthy Florida Foundation is Coalition of Big Businesses and Insurance Companies. The Healthy Florida Foundation, chaired by McCollum, is a coalition of major businesses and health-care providers. The Healthy Florida Foundation includes Gulf Power Company, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Eckerd Corporation, Walt Disney World and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. [Tallahassee Democrat, 12/18/03]

McCollum Chaired Group That Recommended Limiting Treatments Health Insurers are Required to Cover as a Means of Reducing Costs. The Healthy Florida Foundation, chaired by McCollum suggested limiting treatments health insurers are required to cover as a means of reducing costs. “Limiting what health plans are required to cover has been pushed for several years as a way to try and rein in the cost of health insurance,” according to the Associated Press. “But it’s highly controversial, with nearly every type of treatment having a constituency of people who need it and argue for mandatory coverage of it. Without a state requirement, many expensive treatments would never be covered leaving sick people with no way to pay for it, advocates say.” [Associated Press, 12/17/03]

McCollum Tried to Gut Law Outlawing Fraud Against Government, Empowering Whistleblowers. According to Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, McCollum’s “Health Care Claims Guidance Act” was “unconscionable” and an effort to “gut” the Fair Claims Act, which outlawed fraud against the government and empowered whistleblowers and the government to file suits against federal contractors to recover taxpayer losses, with the whistleblower getting a cut of any recovery. The Department of Justice said McCollum’s proposal would “fundamentally undermine our law-enforcement efforts to protect the integrity of the Medicare Trust Fund.” Critics noted that McCollum had recently taken $7,300 in health care contributions, including $3,000 from Columbia big-shots. [Orlando Sentinel, 8/2/98]

Republican Senator Grassley’s Floor Speech Laced with McCollum Criticism. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley laced into McCollum in a 1998 floor speech after McCollum filed a bill that critics said would have made it harder for the Justice Department to pursue fraud complaints that run into the billions of dollars each year, and which had been blamed for higher Medicare premiums. In his speech, Grassley said he was “dismayed” that McCollum filed his bill even after the Justice Department agreed to fine-tune the law in response to industry complaints. “Even more amazing, Congressman McCollum, it is reported, still plans to move forward with this bill that would gut the False Claims Act,” Grassley said at the time. “Consequently, the False Claims Acct is, and will remain, a target of those industries that accept billions and billions of taxpayer dollars annually and balk at strict accountability.” [Miami Herald, 9/26/00]

Tampa Tribune Editorial: Had McCollum’s Legislation Passed Columbia/HCA Healthcare Would Have Avoided $745 Million Settlement. An October 2000 Tampa Tribune editorial noted that during his time in Congress, McCollum introduced a bill that would have watered down the federal False Claims Act that rewards and protects whistleblowers who document fraud in government billings. Had his questionable legislation passed, Columbia/HCA Healthcare could have avoided a $745 million settlement. [Tampa Tribune, 10/29/00]

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Pushing Rope: Lobbying for Dollars

Equality Florida: FL Attorney General Should Know Better

FLA Politics (Tally): Senator LeWho?

Progress Florida (Ray Seaman): A Government of the Wealthy

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Oh, Crist

Sunshine Statements: Where's Charlie, and There Goes Mel

Bark Bark Woof Woof: Sign Here

FLA Politics: Will Charlie Crist digorge his McKalip contributions?

Progressive Pensacola: Kottkamp files for AG

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Crist's bill takes power from water management -- Directors in Fla.'s districts now will issue use permits

Flablog: The not-so-green governor

Progressive Homeschoolers of Florida: Unregulated Growth is HERE

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Thank you, Governor Crist, I

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Proctor to seek veto override

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Crist vetoes insurance bill -- Future of State Farm in Florida still unknown

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Thank you, Governor Crist, II

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Crist vetoes public records exemptions

Tacking right, Crist drops Florida out of climate market

From PEER

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has decided that his state will not join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) or pursue further major efforts to combat climate change, according to a notice released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Florida, once a leader among states in addressing climate issues, instead will sit on the sidelines and await the outcome of federal cap-and-trade legislation.

Rather than issue a public announcement, Florida's decision was communicated to other Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic state members of RGGI that the Sunshine State would not participate in the upcoming September 9, 2009 auction of greenhouse gas emission allowances. In addition, Gov. Crist "will not be presenting a proposed cap-and-trade rule to the 2010 Legislature," stated the notice quoting Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) spokeswoman Amy Graham.

The move will limit the potential impact of the 10-state RGGI market. Florida's participation would have increased the program by more than 75% with Florida accounting for more than twice the emissions of the biggest RGGI state, New York. RGGI allowances have been dropping in price due to over-allocation of emission credits, a problem that has plagued other cap-and-trade systems.

Gov. Crist's decision culminates a steady rightward shift since he began pursuing a now vacant U.S. Senate seat. In August, he canceled a third annual session of his highly regarded Climate Change Summit, citing meeting costs. His support of action on climate change has become a rallying point for opponents within the state Republican Party. His Senate primary opponent, House Speaker Mike Rubio, recently crowed, "I guarantee you he will not be touting the work he did with Sheryl Crow as part of his primary platform," referring to the popular singer identified with green causes.
.
"Gov. Crist's retreat signifies that it is becoming increasing difficult for environmentally concerned citizens to advance in today's Republican Party - and that is a real shame," stated Florida PEER Director Jerry Phillips, a former DEP enforcement attorney. "Of all the states, Florida arguably has the most to lose from rising sea levels, bigger, nastier storms and the other side effects associated with climate change."

Florida's rate of greenhouse emissions has soared in recent years, rising by more than a third above 1990 levels. The state's rate of growth may be finally slowing only because its population boom is now becoming a bust, with Florida now losing population for the first time in decades.

"Gov. Crist used to proclaim that Florida's future will turn on the quality of our environment so it is unfortunate that these values must take a back seat to political advancement," Phillips added, noting that a huge purchase of sugar lands for the purpose of benefiting the Everglades had been a signature issue for Gov. Crist in which he had invested substantial political as well as fiscal capital. "What good does it do to 'save' the Everglades only to have it to sink back into Florida Bay?"

The beginning of our journey

Dear Friend,

Today is the day that we officially kick off our fundraising campaign for Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
...and today is the beginning of our journey to turn things around in our state and to make a real difference for Florida's future.

For too long, we have had statewide leaders who put the needs of special interests over your interests.

...and for too long we have had leaders who bow down to the very industries that they are supposed to regulate...rather than the people they are supposed to protect.

Are you ready to say "Enough is Enough?"

I am.

I believe we need a new direction and a new commitment to turn this State around.

...and I believe we can make that difference in one of the most important positions in our State Government.

But today is not just the first day of our fundraising campaign, today also marks the first day that you can more than double your impact!

If you contribute today, the State of Florida will match your donation on a 2 to 1 basis up to $250! If you give $50 dollars, the state will match with an additional $100. If you give $100, the State will match an additional $200, and if you give $250, the match will be an additional $500!

Please help us take on this challenge and make a difference for Florida's consumers...and watch your donation grow!

Take advantage of this matching program by visiting our website now at www.scottmaddox.com and contribute today.
Thank you in advance for your support and your commitment to a better Florida!

Respectfully,

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P.S. The 2 to 1 match from the state only applies for the first $100,000 raised, so we need to act quickly!

Pigs at a Trough

When I heard about Gov. Charlie Crist appointing his crony George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez - I was shocked.

While the Senate works towards economic recovery, health insurance reform, and is tackling climate change, Republican lobbyist George LeMieux is not the kind of Senator Florida needs. When he goes to Washington, he'll be embraced by Republican special interests - those groups who are working to prevent President Obama's reforms - just like Charlie Crist is embraced by the special interests here in Florida.

In short, with Charlie Crist and his crony George LeMieux going to the Senate, all their friends in special interests are acting just like pigs at the trough, enjoying all the benefits of friends in high places.

While Congress and President Obama work towards bringing change to America, you and I have got to work to change Florida. In 2010, there are 5 open statewide races - a once in a lifetime opportunity to change our state -- and believe me that Florida Democrats will be working towards bringing change to Tallahassee.

Make a contribution now and be a part of bringing new and different leadership to Tallahassee:

https://secure.fladems.com/page/contribute/repubcorruption

After Republican Speaker Ray Sansom's indictment and revelations about the Republican Party of Florida's AmEx slush fund, now Charlie Crist taps his friend and campaign manager to go to the U.S. Senate. These people aren't standing up for Floridians.

Instead they let corruption and cronyism run rampant here in Tallahassee - from Ray Sansom, to former lobbyist Bill McCollum, and now current lobbyist George LeMieux.

I know we can stop it. This weekend, after Crist's announcement, thousands of Floridians have already pledged to help end the Republican culture of cronyism and corruption in Tallahassee. But, the only way we can stop them is at the ballot box.

We need the resources to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime election to help end the Republican culture of cronyism and corruption in Tallahassee. Please make a contribution today:

https://secure.fladems.com/page/contribute/repubcorruption

Together, we'll work to put an end to the Republican culture of cronyism and corruption in Tallahassee and usher in change in 2010.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party

Crist Sits Firmly Atop the Fence, Pt. 1

From Politico:

Supporting Sotomayor was something of a no-brainer for Christie, running for office in a state where over 13 percent of residents are Hispanic.

It's notable that while Christie has taken sides, one of the GOP's leading Senate candidates -- also from a heavily-Hispanic state -- has remained silent on the subject.

Herald/Times video: Charlie Crist's fundraising double talk

Charlie Crist won't do what he said he'd do (as usual).

Quitters

AG McCollum Attempts to Hide Schedule, Proves He's a Transparency Hypocrite

From FDP:

Although Attorney General McCollum is the elected official charged with enforcing Florida's open government laws, multiple news reports show that McCollum has attempted to hide his own public schedule by charging hundreds of dollars to view this public information.

The Palm Beach Post and the Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau reported over the weekend that AG McCollum refused to release his public schedule without charging reporters $770 and claiming that "secret information" would have to be purged, taking at least a week. (Palm Beach Post, 6/26/09; Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times, 6/27/09)

"It is clear that Bill McCollum is trying to hide from the taxpayers of Florida by charging ridiculous fees just to view his public schedule," said Eric Jotkoff, spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party. "Sadly, instead of enforcing the sunshine laws, 32-year politician Bill McCollum is breaking them, denying Floridians the open, transparent government we deserve."

Florence Snyder, a lawyer with Florida's First Amendment Foundation called McCollum's claim "transparent nonsense" in the Palm Beach Post. Snyder said: "That sort of speaks to itself to the seriousness in which Gen. McCollum's staff takes transparency."

Proving that he thinks he's above the rules, in a December 2008 release, transparency hypocrite Bill McCollum called on local governments, sheriffs and school districts to enhance access to information, stating "Open government is not only good government; it is the right of the tax-paying public."

McCollum's disdain for the Sunshine Laws was made clear several months ago, when McCollum attempted to hide some documents related to his ad campaign that did more to promote himself than public safety. McCollum only released the documents after repeated demands by the Florida Democratic Party, and after it was made clear to the Attorney General that we were prepared to file a complaint with the State Attorney.

Senator Justice and Governor Crist Hold Ceremonial Bill Signing for the Firefighter Memorial Flag

From the Senate Dems:

Senator Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg), along with Governor Charlie Crist and Representative Bill Heller (D- St. Petersburg) joined firefighters from across Pinellas County today for the ceremonial bill signing of Senate Bill 198 creating the official Fallen Firefighter Memorial Flag.

“This flag is tribute to the 144 brave men and women who have given their lives protecting their communities,” said Senator Justice. “It is a small but very important act creating this testament to their sacrifice.”

The idea for a Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Flag was originally brought to Senator Justice by Oldsmar Fire Rescue Chief, Scott McGuff. A statewide call for designs generated hundreds of ideas. The official design was created by Firefighter Rick Weschler of the Palm Harbor Fire Rescue. The flag will be displayed at funerals and memorials for fallen firefighters, at fire stations, at the official Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Ocala, FL, as well as any other location designated by the State Fire Marshal. Chief McGuff and Firefighter Weschler were recognized at the ceremony for their contribution.

“I cannot tell you how honored I am to help facilitate the creation of this flag. I’m proud that it was a local initiative from my district that made it happen,” Senator Justice added.

McCollum Is Completely Out of Touch With Florida's Reality

From a recent fund-raising e-mail:

We have important work to do here in Florida. We have to keep our economy strong, make sure our children get a quality education and fight to ensure our streets are safe. Please click on the video to watch a short message.

Apparently, Bill doesn't live in Florida. Our economy is weak. Our education system is in a shambles. Our crime rates are on the rise and we have one of the fastest-growing gang problems in America. Why would McCollum ignore those problems? Oh yeah, he's in large part responsible for them.

Rep. Skidmore Statement on Governor's Action on Prescription Drug Monitoring Legislation

From the House Dems:

Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) offered the following statement in response to Governor Charlie Crist’s signing today of Senate Bill 462, which authorizes the creation of a prescription drug monitoring system in the Florida Department of Health.

“I am proud to have been among the sponsors of this legislation that will help end the prescription drug abuse epidemic that has devastated many Florida families and given our state a reputation as the nation’s pill mill,” said Representative Skidmore.

“I appreciate Governor Crist’s positive action on this legislation. Florida’s lack of a prescription drug monitoring system has made our state a target for criminals looking to buy prescription drugs easily. I am pleased that we are now equipping physicians and law enforcement personnel with the tools they need to stop the abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs.”

Representative Kelly Skidmore Urges Governor To Sign SB 462

From the House Dems:

Dear Governor Crist:

Florida is facing a prescription drug abuse epidemic. According to the Florida Office of Drug Control, the rate of deaths caused by prescription drugs in Florida is three times higher than the rate of deaths caused by all illicit drugs combined. In fact, nine Floridians die every day due to prescription drug overdoses.

Senate Bill 462, sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano, Representative Marcelo Llorente, Representative Kurt Kelly and myself, authorizes the creation of a prescription drug monitoring system in the Florida Department of Health to track the dispensing of these controlled substances. Such a system is an essential tool to help physicians and law enforcement personnel stop the abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs using high level data security to protect the privacy of our citizens. Florida’s lack of a monitoring system has made our state a target for criminals looking to buy prescription drugs easily and sell them illegally here and elsewhere. Unfortunately, to many people around the country, Florida has become known as the nation’s “pill mill.”

I strongly urge you to sign SB 462 into law and help end the prescription drug abuse epidemic that is killing so many of our citizens and devastating countless Florida families.

All the best,
Kelly Skidmore
State Representative, District 90

Is Crist Raising Campaign Money at the Taxpayers' Expense?

Yes. Seems to be no doubt about it. This shouldn't be legal and it clearly doesn't comply with the intent of the law. From the Tampa Tribune:

But Crist's campaign coordinates fundraising events with his schedule as governor, said campaign fundraising chief Dane Eagle.

Eagle said that's to avoid impinging on Crist's performance of official business, but it also means taxpayers occasionally share the cost of his attendance at campaign events.

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

FLA Politics (dantilson): Governor Crist Adds Insult To Injury

Eye on Miami (Genius of Despair): Crist Signs Senate Bill 216

madfloridian: Three other journalists rip Crist's decision

Progress Florida (Daniel Tilson): The Two Faces of Charlie

Flablog: The runner-up is...

madfloridian: Florida siphons many millions from trust funds...Crist vetoes raid on gun permits, lets others pass

Wildwood Preservation Society: Gov. Crist signs SB 360, shows his true colors are anything but "green"

madfloridian: Crist signs SB 360, aka the ""Katie Bar the Door and Strip Mall Act of 2009."

Pushing Rope: Charlie Crist Loves the Growth Monster Part 2

Eye on Miami (Genius of Despair): SB 360 No Veto Metamorphous of Charlie Crist

Eye on Miami (Gimleteye): Gov. Crist panders to radical speculators and land developers who crashed economy: signs SB 360 Bad Developers Bill

Progress Florida (Daniel Tilson): Governor Crist Adds Insult To Injury

St. Petersburg Times Rips Crist apart‏

This is the type of press coverage Charlie Crist should be getting:

Gov. Charlie Crist's political radar went haywire last week when he decided to become the governor who killed growth management in Florida.

Charlie Crist's legacy -- the truth about Florida SB 360

GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST SIGNS LEGISLATION CONTINUING FLORIDA'S EFFORTS TO DIVEST STATE FUNDS‏

From the Senate Dems:

Continuing to pave the way on divestment of state funds from rogue nations, Governor Charlie Crist on Monday signed a bill making it easier for Florida’s citizens to exercise economic pressure against terror-sponsoring states. The bill, SB 538 sponsored by Senators Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and Carey Baker (R-Eustis), requires fire and police pension funds to divest from Iran and Sudan and requires the State Board of Administration to provide a “terror-free” option for state employees participating in the State’s defined contribution retirement plan.

In 2007, State Senator Ted Deutch sponsored the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act, making Florida the first state to divest its pension funds from companies engaging in business with Iran and Sudan. Since its passage, Florida – which has the nation’s fourth largest pension fund - has divested over $1 billion from scrutinized companies.

“The state of Florida has made it clear that its citizens will not aid the genocide in Darfur or contribute to Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program,” said Sen. Deutch. “The Governor has reinforced the commitment of our state’s citizens to not support companies who choose to put profit over international security.”

SB 538 requires that the public investors in the $5 billion defined contribution plan be offered a terror-free investment fund. It also requires police and firefighter pension funds to identify any holdings they may have with scrutinized companies and to divest these securities by 2010.

Florida is the first state in America to require that a terror-free option be given to its investors. Since Florida became the first state to divest, 18 other states have adopted divestment measures.

Capitol Offense: Draft Taddeo for Florida's CFO

Last week, 2008 congressional challenger Annette Taddeo suggested she might be interested in a possible run for CFO. This would be a very good idea.

If you already know about Annette and agree, go sign the petition and encourage her to jump into the race.

Taddeo ran a strong campaign against Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in Florida's 18th District. Despite widespread support and much excitement generated by her candidacy, she was unable to overcome the popularity of the incubment, who had the vast resources of her office and long career in politics to hold off the newcomer. Taddeo did establish herself as a progressive politician to keep an eye on, though.

Upon hearing that she might consider running to replace Alex Sink as Florida's chief financial officer, several bloggers, Fried Gator and myself included, decided that this was something we really wanted to see happen. So, we've launched a new blog Draft Annette Taddeo for CFO and a petition to convince that this is the best way that Annette can serve the state and this is her best career option right now. Since she has expressed openness to running for CFO, we want her to know that she has the support of the people. Maybe that will convince her to take the plunge and join the race.

And this is the year to do it. It looks like the Republicans will offer up a slate of old white guys for Florida's state-wide offices. And not just any old white guys, the same old white guys that got us in the mess we are in now. Democrats, on the other hand, are looking to field a diverse group of candidates for office -- women, African-Americans, Jewish candidates. Wouldn't it be great to add another woman -- a Colombian woman -- to that field? And wouldn't it be great to see a cabinet with a gender make-up that reflected our actual population.

This is particularly true when the Colombian woman in question is so well-qualified for the job. She's got great experience to serve as CFO. She is the founder and CEO of LanguageSpeak, a company with many huge clients across the nation. LanguageSpeak isn't just any corporation, either, it's a company with the goal of bettering society built right in to its mission. They provide language services including translations, interpretors and tutoring in over 100 languages. Taddeo is working on bring the world closer together through better communication. Sounds to me like the type of person I want running our government.

During the 2008 campaign, Annette consistantly came down on the right side of the issues. She endorsed the Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq. She opposed the Defense of Marriage Act and the Bush global gag rule on abortion. She supported reporductive rights, domestic partnerships, renewable energy and the expansion of early childhood education.

If this sounds like the type of person you want in Tallahassee, sign the petition.

It was stances like those above that helped garner Annette widespread support from Florida bloggers. Florida Progressive Coalition endorsed her and she was frequently supported by blogs like Discourse.net and Miami-Dade Dems, among others.

Many of the best organizations on the left supported her candidacy last time around, showing that it wasn't just Florida bloggers who liked her. She was endorsed by Feminist Majority, NOW, EMILY’s List, Florida AFL-CIO, People for the American Way, Planned Parenthood, DFA, Women's Campaign Forum, Congressional Hispanic Caucus' BOLD PAC, Russ Feingold's Patriot Corps and Red to Blue.

Another thing I love about Taddeo is that she's very plugged in to the Netroots and is supportive of bloggers and online activists. She appeared on a "Future Leaders" panel at Netroost Nation last year and her campain brought in attention from national blogs such as Daily Kos, Open Left, firedoglake, Swing State Project, Huffington Post, AMERICAblog, MyDD and many others. She raised more than $80 thousand on Act Blue last time around, putting her far ahead of most Florida congressional candidates.

Is that enough to convince you to sign the petition.

If you want to see for yourself how great she is, check Annette out in action at Netroots Nation in 2008:



You can also learn more from her Blue America chat or by watching her memorable Pea Pod ad from last year's campaign:



Did I mention you should sign the petition?

I'm Kenneth Quinnell and I approve this message.

Read more on Florida politics at the Florida Progressive Coalition blog (http://flaprogressives.org) and the Florida Progressive Coalition Wiki (http://quinnell.us/sspb/wiki/).

Lifelong Politician Bill McCollum -- 32 Years Running for Office, 14 Campaigns‏

From the FDP:

You'd think after 32 years as a professional politician, Bill McCollum's 14th campaign kick-off would be greeted with a collective yawn.

Well...not so fast.

It seems there is excitement coming from some quarters -- namely, the narrow special interests and career politicians who want to keep Tallahassee just the way it is. Apparently, they're welcoming their colleague Bill McCollum to the race for governor, as evidenced by the message we intercepted below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy 14th Run-for-Office, Bill McCollum

No matter what anyone else says, your career as a professional politician and lobbyist looks 32-years-young to us.

As you announce your 14th run for office (the decades just fly by, don't they?), we're remembering just some of the times you were there to put the "special" in special-interests.

McCollum has been in professional politics for 32 years, and -- with today's announcement -- has run for office a whopping 14 times. McCollum's serial campaigning includes two failed statewide bids for U.S. Senate.

"Without any apparent sense of irony, U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum, R-Fla., has been advocating congressional term limits ever since he was elected to the House in 1980." (St. Petersburg Times, 2/7/97)

By the time he left his seat in the US House, McCollum had built a twenty-year record of support in Congress for a 12-year term-limit.

In his failed 2000 U.S. Senate campaign, McCollum touted his close friendship with Enron's CEO Ken Lay. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, McCollum's biggest single donor in the 2000 election cycle was the Enron Corporation, a Texas-based energy conglomerate. McCollum said he'd been friends with Enron CEO Ken Lay for 20 years, from when Lay lived in Florida. "We've known each other since I ran for Congress and he supported me then," McCollum said. "This time, he went out and raised early money for me from individual contributions." (Miami Herald, 11/3/00)

Soon after leaving Congress in 2001, having spent 20 years in Washington, McCollum became a special-interest lobbyist. McCollum earned hundreds-of-thousands of dollars lobbying for corporate special interests. Lobbyists interviewed by The Hill newspaper said that McCollum was "considered one of the biggest prizes" of the 2000 retiring class of congressmen. (The Hill, 11/29/00)

McCollum: Ex-Politicians Lobby Because "We're Familiar with Washington." Ex-Rep. McCollum, said many ex-politicians go into lobbying because they know the business from the inside. "We're familiar with Washington," he said. (Orlando Sentinel, 7/17/01)

St. Petersburg Times Editorial: McCollum Indulgent Toward Special Interests. "He (McCollum) has been conspicuously indulgent toward special interests," said a St. Petersburg Times editorial in 2000.

Bill McCollum: Here's to many more years practicing politics-as-usual and preserving the status quo in Tallahassee!

Cheers!

Your Friends Who Like Tallahassee Just the Way It Is

Pervasive Doubt About Bill McCollum On Eve Of His 14th Campaign Kick-off

From the FDP:

On the eve of Bill McCollum kicking off his 14th campaign, many have doubts before he enters the race. While Republicans are wondering if the lifelong politician and former lobbyist can win, most Floridians are scratching their heads wondering how someone first elected when Jimmy Carter was President can give anything but more of the same at a time when Tallahassee desperately needs change. Read more about these doubts in today's Sarasota Herald Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, and Tampa Tribune:

-------------
Sarasota Herald Tribune: In race for governor, McCollum is a gamble for GOP
By Jeremy Wallace

Published: Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.

When Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum announces his candidacy for governor Monday in Orlando, publicly it will be met with the typical fanfare from Republican Party leaders.

They will applaud him as an experienced public servant who has shown principled leadership during his two years as attorney general. Party leaders are even working to make sure McCollum does not face a Republican primary challenge.

But behind the scenes, and usually off the record, there are serious concerns in party circles that the party is putting too much stock in McCollum's chances against Democratic candidate Alex Sink, a charismatic former banker with Republican appeal who could be the state's first female governor.

Demographically, McCollum presents voters with everything that the Republican Party is struggling with these days, said David Johnson, a Republican political consultant based in Atlanta.

McCollum, who will be 65 in July, is an older white politician who could struggle to win over independent women, young voters and minorities, who make up key voting groups along the pivotal Interstate 4 corridor where so many Florida races are decided.

"He's not very exciting," said Johnson. "He's not your charismatic rising star. He's more of your solid party man."

And while he will campaign on his career as a public servant, at the same time it will be difficult for him to campaign against big government when he has been a part of government for most of the last 30 years, said Chris Ingram, a Republican campaign consultant based in Tampa.

McCollum was first elected to Congress in 1980, when Jimmy Carter was still president, and held office for 20 years. During that time he helped lead the effort to impeach President Bill Clinton.

After two losing bids for the U.S. Senate, he was elected attorney general in 2006. In that post he has focused on fighting cybercrime on the Internet.

"He's a very smart guy who has been in the business for a long time," said Tramm Hudson, former chairman of the Sarasota County Republican Party. "He's a known quantity."

But that may not be a good thing in an anti-politician and anti-establishment election cycle, Johnson said. McCollum could easily look like a career politician compared with Sink.

Sink, 60, has been in office for two years after a long career in banking.

Though her banking background is not as good an asset as it was before the bank bailouts, it still gives her outside experience that McCollum lacks, Ingram said.

"If we nominate Bill McCollum, it's over," said Ingram, the Republican consultant.

Florida Agriculture commissioner Charles Bronson is the only other big-name Republican considering a run for governor after Gov. Charlie Crist announced he would run for the U.S. Senate in 2010.

Because McCollum is familiar to Republican bosses and top fundraisers, he is gaining their support despite electability concerns, said a veteran Republican political consultant who asked not to be identified.

The party bosses are supporting a known candidate who has paid his dues, rather than seeking out candidates who may have the best chance to beat Sink.

And the early McCollum supporters are doing what they can to keep it that way.

"I think he will win the nomination," said Brian Ballard, a Tallahassee Republican fundraiser working with McCollum. "We're going to take care of that."

That effort already has dissuaded potential Republican challengers, such as U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, from challenging McCollum for the nomination. Both seriously considered getting in the race before last week.

"What made Vern Buchanan a good candidate is that he was a businessman first and a politician second," said Jamie Miller, a former Florida Republican Party official who works in Sarasota. Miller lobbied party leaders to get behind Buchanan for governor.

Baker could have been a fresh face for the party, said Adam Goodman, a Republican political consultant based in Tampa who was pushing Baker to enter the race.

Though mostly unknown outside Tampa Bay, Baker could have been appealing because he has executive experience, but it is outside of Washington and Tallahassee.

Both Buchanan and Baker said last week they would not run.

Goodman admits that at first glance, McCollum appears to lack the excitement that surrounds Sink or the other Republicans who had been mentioned as gubernatorial candidates. But over the course of the campaign voters will learn a lot about Sink that could change the race, he says.

That could position McCollum to win the race as "the un-cola," Goodman said.

Goodman said if McCollum's camp embraces his not-so-exciting image in the right way, it can be a benefit.

Before winning the attorney general's race in 2006, McCollum lost statewide races in 2000 and 2004. In 2000, Democrat Bill Nelson beat McCollum to win his first term in the Senate. In 2004, McCollum lost a U.S. Senate primary to Republican Mel Martinez.

...

Read the entire Sarasota Herald Tribune analysis here:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090517/ARTICLE/905171050/2055/NEWS?Title=In-race-for-governor-McCollum-is-a-gamble-for-GOP

-- -- -- --

Orlando Sentinel: Can McCollum count on his old home turf?

Aaron Deslatte

Capitol View

May 17, 2009

Winning elections in Florida has never been more about the battle for the state's waistline, the Interstate 4 corridor.

And when Attorney General Bill McCollum jumps into the 2010 governor's race in downtown Orlando on Monday morning, Republicans could question whether the Brooksville native - and 10-term congressman from Longwood - can hold his Central Florida home turf in a general election.

Democrats were giddy when Alex Sink, a longtime Tampa Bay resident with moderate stripes, dove into the governor's race after Gov. Charlie Crist's decision to forgo re-election.

The chatter for months has been about voter "realignment" - whether the changes in racial makeup, registration and participation of younger voters seen in the 2008 presidential election suggest the pivotal I-4 region from Daytona through Orlando to Tampa Bay is shifting solidly into the Democratic column.

It's a question that won't get answered anytime soon. But the answer is crucial to campaign planners, because the I-4 corridor historically decides state elections. And right now, Democrats are riding high.

For example, in the 2004 presidential race, Orange County delivered a measly 815-vote advantage to Democrat John Kerry. Last year, Barack Obama carried the county by 86,100 votes over Republican John McCain - the largest shift in vote totals in Florida. And through April, Democrats had built a 274,000-to-192,000 advantage in registered voters in Orange.

"Orange County is not a swing county anymore," said University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett. "That genie is out of the bottle as far as Republicans are concerned ... If that happens on a larger scale, it would change politics in Florida."

But Jewett and other political scientists say it's too soon to know whether there has been a realignment along the larger I-4 corridor. "Both sides are seeing what they want to see."

In a broad swath of 22 counties, from Flagler on the northeast to Charlotte on the southwest, Democratic "performance" - Obama's margins against McCain, compared to Kerry's against George W. Bush - improved by 340,000 votes in 2008. The Tampa-St. Petersburg and Orlando media markets showed the largest voter shift toward the Democrat of any of the state's metro areas.

...
Read the entire Orlando Sentinel analysis here:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-loccapview17051709may17,0,3970367,print.column



-- -- -- -- --

Tampa Tribune: Race for governor seen as a toss-up

By WILLIAM MARCH

wmarch@tampatrib.com

Democrats are giddy over the coming race between Alex Sink and Republican Bill McCollum, their best shot in a decade at winning the governorship and ceasing to be an irrelevant minority in Florida government.

To them and many pundits, Sink seems a clear front-runner - a fresh face who won a statewide race in 2006 in her first try for public office, with the demographic edge of gender plus a business background.

The surge in Democratic voter registration and turnout that helped Barack Obama win the state has Sink backers sensing a win.
...
"Alex Sink has impressed many pundits, and right now her stock is high," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato.

Florida Attorney General McCollum, meanwhile, "has not shaken his 'loser' image with the punditocracy," Sabato said.

Nonetheless, he said, "Anyone handicapping the race this early is foolhardy. I'll call it a toss-up."

State Chief Financial Officer Sink announced her candidacy last week, and McCollum is expected to announce Monday morning in Orlando.

No prominent Democrat has expressed interest in challenging Sink in a primary. Republican Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson may challenge the attorney general, but the Republican Party is seeking to persuade him to leave the field clear for McCollum.

Sink is the Democrats' first hope for a dominant candidate in years.

When she won the chief financial officer's job in 2006, Sink handily defeated former state Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon, even as Democrats lost every other statewide race on the ballot - to Gov. Charlie Crist, to McCollum for attorney general and to Charles Bronson for agriculture commissioner.

Her 53.5 percent vote total narrowly surpassed both McCollum and Crist's totals.

She was the first new Democratic statewide officeholder since Bill Nelson won the insurance commissioner's office in 1998. He's now a U.S. senator.

McCollum's career contains some downs along with the ups.

After 20 years in Congress, he lost two straight U.S. Senate races - to Nelson in 2000 and to Mel Martinez in a 2004 primary - before his 2006 win.

"Absolutely we're giddy," said Miami Democratic political consultant Derek Newton. "Democrats I've spoken with believe that she is the frontrunner. She's the party's rising star - it's inconceivable to them that she wouldn't be ahead."

But Newton said he wouldn't call Sink the front-runner, and Sink isn't claiming that either.

"We expect a very difficult race," said her spokeswoman, Tara Klimek. "But that said, she's proven her ability to have Floridians be receptive to her message. She's a dynamic person - even in her first election, Floridians were very excited about her."
...

University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett said Sink's reputation and the political climate may give her an edge.

"In my mind, she'd be a slight favorite at the outset based on Barack Obama's win in 2008 and the huge surge in Democratic registration and turnout," he said.

But he conceded polling doesn't back that up. "It's an educated guess at this point."

Many experts attributed McCollum's losses in his 2000 and 2004 races in part to a reputation for partisanship from his high-profile involvement in the 1999 impeachment of Bill Clinton.

Jewett said McCollum probably still suffers "a little hangover from back then," but that his image has improved.
...

Read the entire Tampa Tribune analysis here:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/may/17/na-race-for-governor-seen-as-a-toss-up/news-politics/

What's Going On: Cabinet Races

Rated "R" Revolution: Endorsement of Alex Sink

The Brewster Report: FLORIDA: 2010 gubernatorial run in Florida

Pushing Rope: Alex Sink Announces Governor Candidacy

Florida Netroots: Alex Sink Running for Governor

The Brewster Report: FLORIDA: Alex Sink announces her run for governor

Blast Off!: Blast Off! endorses Alex Sink for governor

Miami-Dade Dems: Alex Sink announces for governor

ReidBlog: The Florida political free-for-all begins

Equality Florida (Mallory Wells): Alex Sink is Running for Governor

Why Now?: From Here And There

MyDD: FL-Gov: Democrat Alex Sink Jumps In

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

ReidBlog: No love for Charlie: Marco socks the gov en los cojones

Progressive Pensacola: Crist holds town hall forum in Pensacola

Daily Kos: FL-Sen: Conservative Base Looking To Sink Crist

Rated "R" Revolution: Our Lt. Governor obviously thinks he is a "Smooth Operator"

Down With Tyranny: Will The Film "Outrage" Wreck Charlie Crist's Senate Campaign?

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

FLA Politics (Tally): Topsy Turvy Twenty Ten

Pushing Rope: DSCC Charlie Crist Ad

Pensito Review (Trish): Fla. Gov. Crist Refuses to Pile On Specter

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Thanks to Rep. MICA's brother the oil lobbyist, Governor Crist comes out of the closet as open-minded on offshore oil drilling

Pushing Rope: Will Crist Veto Offshore Drilling Bill?

Pushing Rope: Crist Featured in 'Outrage'

Pushing Rope: Conservatives Love Crist When It Suits Them

Pushing Rope: Charlie Crist: Working Class Hero

Pensacola Beach Blog: Charlie Crist's World

Progressive Pensacola: Statewide races update, 04.13.09

Charlie Crist Hates the Separation of Church and State

Dan Gelber on the Legislative Session

State Senator Dan Gelber says the 2009 legislative session is in absolute meltdown and it's unlikely that the Republicans in Tallahassee will be able to accomplish the only requirement of the annual session -- passing the budget.

After the downfall of corrupt Republican House leader Ray Sansom, Gelber said that the Republicans have no reliable leadership and that they don't really know what they are doing in terms of this year's session. At a time when Florida faces deep challenges, the majority party lacks the capacity to do much to meet those needs and it's likely the session will end next week with no budget deal in place.

Floridians are facing an economic crisis that is deeper than the national crisis -- and likely to last quite a bit longer -- and neither the Republicans in the legislature nor Governor Charlie Crist is providing us with the leadership we need to tackle the problems. Gelber said he remembers the big fight under Governor Jeb Bush was that Bush was too hands-on and it was difficult to keep him from doing damage. Under Crist, though, we have the opposite problem -- the governor doesn't want to come out and say what his plans are on any issue, leaving lawmakers without guidance as to how he'll react when legislation hits his desk. Gelber says Crist is like a movie critic -- he tells you how he feels about an issue without offering any solutions. The vacuum of leadership from the Republicans in Tallahassee means there is no good news from the session.

The primary purpose of the annual legislative session is to come up with the state's budget. Because of the national economic crisis and the more extreme state economic crisis, budget revenue has been in a freefall in recent months.

Gelber says that he's happy that the Senate budget plan has some significant increases in revenue. He's upset that the House isn't increasing revenue, but rather is relying on cuts that damage education, health care and other essential services. He hopes that the final budget deal doesn't strip out the revenue gains.

New revenue comes from several sources. The increase in the tobacco tax helps a lot, and is recurring, but diminishes over time. The stimulus money, while hugely important in the short term, only applies to a 25-month period and the revenue stream is gone. Without it, though, Gelber warns that the state could lose its bond rating and face even more serious cuts to basic services. In 2011, there will be a huge problem if more revenue isn't found, because the stimulus money will be gone. It could even lead to problems in 2010 if the economy doesn't rebound quick enough.

The real source for new revenue that should be pursued are the tax loopholes that have been widely discussed. Eliminating some of the more egregious loopholes could generate close to a billion in revenue each year.

Gelber had a lot to say about the importance of education and says that we need to be investing in the future, not cutting it. With the news yesterday that Jefferson County (immediately to the East of Tallahassee) has no money left in its education budget and will be taken over by the state, the issue is even more visible. The same crisis was almost faced by Dade schools. Dade avoided going under by cutting important programs and firing popular teachers in "nonessential" areas such as drama. Gelber stresses the importance of those other programs, saying they are essential to educating Florida's children. Florida is already a state that spends very little on education and in the last year or so, we've cut spending by about $500 per student. This is why the state is having trouble getting federal education stimulus funds and have had to ask for a waiver. Gelber thinks we'll get that waiver, though, which is good news since we're not sure what'll happen without it. He notes that, unlike himself, most of the legislature doesn't have children in public schools, so they don't see the direct effects their policies are having on our school system.

He also notes that while all of Florida's Republican representatives to Congress voted to reject stimulus funds, Republicans in the state legislature -- those who actually have to pass a budget and get things done -- are overwhelmingly for the stimulus plan and are asking for more. In Congress, he says, Republicans are a minority and have no responsibility and nothing to answer for. At the state level, they're actually in charge and have to show results, so they're doing the common sense thing and taking the money that Florida needs during this time of crisis.

Floridians can help spread the news on the budget cuts and other problems created by Republican policies by telling the personal stories of how government programs are affecting people's lives. Write letters to the editor, blog, tell your friends and neighbors how cuts hurt real people and maybe enough people will hear the story and can convince legislators to do the right thing.

Gelber condemned Dean Cannon's push for oil drilling and dismissed the recent talk of combining the drilling proposal with the "clean energy" bill being pushed for by Senator Jim King. Gelber doesn't think that compromise will go forward, although Gelber warns that every time he thinks something is too crazy for the Republicans to pursue, they do it anyway.

Luckily for Floridians, Gelber said he thinks the most extreme things floating around the legislature this year will die because of the dysfunction of the Republican leaders. It's unlikely that the elections bill, CSX bill, and offshore drilling proposals will make it to the governor's desk.

(Gelber recently reached out to bloggers by offering to do a series of conference calls with them to discuss the legislative session and provide us with the latest information on what's happening at the capitol. I, and several other bloggers, jumped at the opportunity. Our first conference call was last night.)

On Earth Day Crist Looks To Fuel Lavish Lifestyle By Endangering Florida's Tourism Economy

From the FDP:

With Gov. Charlie Crist being "intrigued" by the Republican proposal to drill for crude oil just three miles off of Florida's beaches according to the Palm Beach Post, Crist once again shows that he cares more about playing politics and his political ambition rather than doing what is right for Florida, as we celebrate Earth Day today.

"While it takes a lot of gas for Crist to jet-set on his cronies' private jets and fuel his lavish lifestyle, the fact that Governor Crist would support drilling for crude oil just three miles off Florida's beaches is shocking. On this Earth Day, Crist should be leading the Sunshine State rather than following the Republicans in the Legislature down a path that will endanger Florida's economy and pollute our precious beaches," said Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff.

What's the Difference on the Gambling Proposals?

Based on analysis by Herald-Tribune writer Jeremy Wallace, here's what you've got, not including the unimportant details of what specific gambling would be allowed:

*Rep. Bill Galvano's plan would generate $100 million a year, keep the gambling age at 21, would allow unlimited random state inspections of the casinos and would allow people injured at the casinos to sue the tribe.

*Gov. Charlie Crist's plan would generate $150 million a year, keep the gambling age at 21, would limit state inspections to four per year and would allow lawsuits against the tribes only after "other remedies are exhausted."

*The Senate plan would generate $400 million a year, would change the gambling age to 18, would allow unlimited state inspections of the casinos and would allow lawsuits against the tribe.

Clearly, Crist's plan is the worst. Generates little money and explicitly attempts to avoid accountability. The Senate plan appears to be the best. It raises the most money for education -- something we sorely need right now -- and allows for accountability. It does lower the gambling age to 18, but that doesn't really mean much. Anyone that thinks 18-year-olds don't already gamble doesn't understand 18-year-olds. And if they are old enough to be sent overseas to die in pointless wars of aggression by an illegitimate president, then they should be old enough to gamble if they so choose.

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Pensito Review (Trish): Republican Hypocrisy Blows Florida Travel Budget

Blast Off!: Today's Daily Schadenfreude: Jeff Kottkamp

Talk To Me: Alex Sinks Bill

Fried Gator: Attorney General Bill McCollum's Cyber Crime TV ads by his political consultant wasted our money

Pushing Rope: Shiny Happy Governor

McCollum's Spin Fails to Make Up For Wasting Millions On Ads

FDP:

Reacting to Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum's continued defense of his self-promoting no-bid contract for his partisan consultant to run millions of dollars in ads that does more to help McCollum's political campaign than children across the Sunshine State, Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff released the following statement Friday afternoon:

"There's not enough make-up in the world to cover up wasting millions of tax dollars on a no-bid campaign consultant contract during such tough economic times - and Bill McCollum should know.

"While McCollum tries to conceal the fact that his campaign-style ads do more to promote himself than protect Florida's children, people struggling to get by in these hard economic times would blush if caught spending $550 on make-up.

"Not even the prettiest perfume could cover up the stench coming of McCollum's running ads to promote himself while cutting the budget for cybercrimes investigations that put predators behind bars.

"McCollum's waste compounds the Republican Party's problem of rampant waste, fraud, and abuse in Tallahassee.

"The Legislature should prevent elected officials from spending our tax dollars on make-up by creating a lipstick limit to stop McCollum from having any more Mary Kay moments.

"Rather than pointing fingers, polishing over the fact that these ads do more to promote the Republican Attorney General than protect public safety, McCollum should scrap the self-promoting no-bid contract for his partisan consultant.

"Instead, so we can build a foundation of knowledge for Florida's children, McCollum should have a competitive bidding process to create a genuine public education effort to keep our kids safe from cyber predators."

Daily Humor

Jim Morin

Where's Charlie?

Gov. Charlie Crist sure doesn't seem to be taking his job seriously:

For instance, on Friday, as the state announced that Florida's unemployment rate spiked to 9.4 percent, the highest since Gerald Ford was president, Crist took the day off. The week before, he took two days off.

The article also reports that Crist is disengaged and has had very little contact with legislative leaders. Sounds like somebodies preoccupied with other things, like maybe running for Senate...