Thursday, August 31, 2006

MONROE GETS SECOND ENDORSEMENT FOR SENATE CAMPAIGN...AND A CLARIFICATION OR TWO

Early voting ends tomorrow, and as the primary is now only five days away those newspapers who have not yet offered their endorsements will likely be doing so between now and then.

The Bradenton Herald offers it's endorsements in the Cabinet races this morning, giving it's recommendation to Walter G. "Skip" Campbell, Jr. in the Democratic primary for Attorney General, and Tom Lee in the GOP primary for Chief Financial Officer. Earlier, the Herald endorsed:

--- Will McBride in the Republican U.S. Senate primary
--- Les Miller in the District 11 Democratic congressional primary
--- Nancy Detert in the District 13 Republican congressional primary
--- Jan Schneider in the District 13 Democratic congressional primary

Also today, the Daytona Beach News Journal weighs in on the Republican race to see who will be their sacrificial lamb to incumbant Democrat Bill Nelson in November. It's endorsement goes to Tampa area attorney and commercial real estate developer Peter Monroe, noting his experience working in government under the Bush Sr. administration as COO of the Federal Housing Administration and head of the Resolution Trust Corporation.

I should note here that I missed the South Florida Sun Sentinel's endorsement of Monroe recently.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

HERE'S MY QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Carole Jean Jordan can kiss my ass."

State Senator Nancy Argenziano (R - Dunnellon), responding to the Chairwoman of the Republican Party of Florida criticizing her for some sharp comments regarding Governor Jeb Bush and his support of Frank Bolanos' challenge of former Majority Leader J. Alex Villalobos (R - Miami) in Tuesday's primary election.

Uncommonly blunt for any politician, especially when it is aimed at the leader of your own state party organization.

ERNESTO'S JUST A BUST

Tropical Storm Ernesto made landfall south of Miami early this morning, bringing rain and a little wind to South Florida, but among these types of systems one has to consider Ernesto a wimp of sorts. In addition to the storm being torn apart by it's interaction with the mountainous terrain of Hispanola and eastern Cuba, some drier air was able to get into the system and inhibit it.

As I speculated yesterday, Polk County's school district cancelled classes today. When the decision was made early Tuesday afternoon, the belief was that Ernesto would be stronger and that it's path would take it straight up the middle of the state. Just goes to show you that things don't always turn out the way you might believe.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

A WEAKER ERNESTO COMES CALLIN'

Tropical Storm Ernesto, weakened after crossing the mountianous terrain of Hispinola and Cuba, looks as though he will visit the Sunshine State sometime tomorrow. From what I'm seeing and hearing, the main effect that the storm will have on our area will be a lot of rain. Polk County is under an Inland Tropical Storm Watch, which could be upgraded later today, but it is not expected to reach hurricane strength before reaching Florida.

I'm guessing that the local school district will announce later today that classes will be cancelled for Wednesday. Of course, it won't close up our call centre, so I'll be doing the long hours again, earning that big OT check.

RUFTY TRIES TO LINK INDEPENDENT/NPA VOTERS, "MOTOR VOTER" LAW

Lakeland Ledger political writer Bill Rufty makes an interesting note in this week's column: Since the Motor Votor Act was implimented in December, 1994, the number of registrants who list no party affiliation has quadrupled in Polk County. That's 55,763 independent/NPA people, or 19 percent of the registered voters, compared to 42 percent (120,258) who list themselves as Democrats and 39 percent (111,828) as Republicans.

Before Motor Voter, the number of indy/NPA registrants was only five percent. So, what's happening?

Of course, you have to consider that there are a number of citizens who honestly are dissatisfied with the two major parties and choose to list themselves with no political party. But Rufty also explores the concern among some in the elections biz that at least some folks who register to vote at social service and driver license offices believe they have to do so in order to get services. Of course, that's not true.

It's an interesting point.

JUST A REMINDER...THE DEMOCRATS WON'T BE ON TONIGHT

Due to the threat brought on by Tropical Storm Ernesto, the scheduled prime time televised debate between Democratic gubernatorial contenders Rod Smith and Jim Davis will not be held tonight in West Palm Beach. The hope is that it will be held later in the week after the weather threat is passed. Last night's GOP debate did not air in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area as the NBC affiliate there was in the midst of Ernesto coverage; it will air later in the week.

I didn't get to watch the show last night, as I'm doing a whole bunch of OT this week...I won't be watching much TV for a few days. From what I've read, it was rather interesting entertainment. Here are the stories from some of Florida's major newspapers regarding last night's debate:

Palm Beach Post (Brian E. Crowley, S.V. Dale, Deana Poole): Crist, Gallagher spar over abortion, honesty

Associated Press (Brendan Farrington): GOP candidates battle for conservative title in governor's race

Orlando Sentinel (John Kennedy): GOP candidates trade barbs in final debate

Miami Herald (Beth Reinhard, Gary Fineout): Debate climax largely missed

Tampa Tribune (William March): Crist, Gallagher sharpen debate jabs

South Florida Sun Sentinel (Anthony Man): Tame start, lively finish at Republican primary debate

Monday, August 28, 2006

ONLY ONE ENDORSEMENT AND...HERE'S THE UPDATED LIST OF WHO RECOMMENDS WHO

The Daytona Beach News Journal follows the lead of the other nine major Florida newspapers which have done so and endorses State Senator Walter J. "Skip" Campbell of Fort Lauderdale in the Democratic primary race for Attorney General. It's the only endorsement any of the papers is making today, as many have already made their recommendations. At least a couple still have not, mainly in North Florida.

Now, here is the updated list of newspaper endorsements for statewide and some of the Central Florida congressional races. Click on their name to be taken to the bio from their Web site or another source if they do not have an Internet presence.

U.S. SENATE (R)
LEROY COLLINS, JR.
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald
Naples Daily News
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

KATHERINE HARRIS
None to date

WILL MCBRIDE
Bradenton Herald

PETER MONROE
Daytona Beach News Journal
South Florida Sun Sentinel

NO PRIMARY ENDORSEMENT
Florida Times Union (Jacksonville)
Sarasota Herald Tribune

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 5 (D)
RICK PENBERTHY
Lakeland Ledger

JOHN T. RUSSELL
None to date

H. DAVID WERDER
None to date

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 8 (D)
ALAN GRAYSON
None to date

HOMER HARTAGE
None to date

CHARLIE STUART
Orlando Sentinel

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 8 (R)
ELIZABETH DORAN
None to date

RIC KELLER
Orlando Sentinel

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 9 (R)
GUS BILIRAKIS
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

DAVID DOMENIC LANGHEIER
None to date

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 11 (D)
KATHY CASTOR
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

SCOTT FARRELL
None to date

LESLEY "LES" MILLER
Bradenton Herald

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 13 (D)
CHRISTINE JENNINGS
Sarasota Herald Tribune

JAN SCHNEIDER
Bradenton Herald

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 13 (R)
VERN BUCHANAN
None to date

DONNA CLARKE
None to date

NANCY CARROLL DETERT
Bradenton Herald
Sarasota Herald Tribune

MARK G. FLANAGAN
None to date

TRAMM HUDSON
None to date

GOVERNOR (D)
JIM DAVIS
Bradenton Herald
Florida Times Union (Jacksonville)
Orlando Sentinel
Tallahassee Democrat
Tampa Tribune


ROD SMITH
Daytona Beach News Journal
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald

Naples Daily News
Palm Beach Post
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
St. Petersburg Times

GOVERNOR (R)
CHARLIE CRIST
Daytona Beach News Journal
Florida Times Union (Jacksonville)
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald
Naples Daily News

Orlando Sentinel
Palm Beach Post
St. Petersburg Times
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
Tallahassee Democrat
Tampa Tribune


TOM GALLAGHER
None to date

ATTORNEY GENERAL (D)
WALTER G. "SKIP" CAMPBELL
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald
Naples Daily News
Palm Beach Post
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

MERRILEE EHRLICH
None to date

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (R)
MILT BAUGUESS
None to date

RANDY JOHNSON
Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville)
Naples Daily News
Orlando Sentinel

TOM LEE
Daytona Beach News Journal
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald
Palm Beach Post
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

THEY'RE NOT TAKING ANY CHANCES IN CORAL GABLES

During the past 24 hours the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto has been moved farther to the north, which makes any landfall along the Florida coast likely near or around Miami. Of course, predicting how strong it will be is still a complicated matter and is dependent on it's interaction with the Cuban coast. I found it interesting that in the discussion as of 5:00 AM ET it notes that:

"IF ERNESTO EMERGES SOONER AND A LITTLE FARTHER NORTH OFF THE COAST OF CUBA...THEN THE CYCLONE WILL HAVE MORE TIME TO STRENGTHEN OVER VERY WARM SSTS OF 86-88F AND IN A VERY FAVORABLE UPPER-LEVEL FLOW REGIME. THE SHIPS INTENSITY MODEL IS FORECASTING NEAR-ZERO VERTICAL WIND SHEAR...JUST AS ERNESTO IS APPROACHING THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA IN 48 HOURS. THESE CONDITIONS WOULD FAVOR THE POSSIBILITY OF ERNESTO BECOMING A CATEGORY 2 OR EVEN A CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE BEFORE MAKING LANDFALL ALONG THE FLORIDA COAST."

Here in the Tampa Bay area, the locals have been stocking up, visiting home improvement stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot to make sure they are prepared for whatever happens. Can't let your guard down now.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

IT'S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT ERNESTO

Only yesterday, we were looking at what was then Tropical Storm Ernesto as more of a nuisance. Then, the forecast called for it to simply glide through the Yucatan Straits and into the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, we would have to watch it carefully...and now we know just why. These things can change course or direction with little notice.

If you look above, you'll see that it's done just that. Ernesto officially became a hurricane within the past few hours, and some are saying that before he's done he could become a Catagory 3 storm. The latest forecast discussion notes:

"UNFORTUNATELY...FOR THIS ADVISORY. LATEST RECON DATA INDICATE ERNESTO IS LIKELY UNDERGOING RAPID INTENSIFICATION...THE SATELLITE APPEARANCE HAS BECOME QUITE IMPRESSIVE WITH LITTLE OR NO VERTICAL SHEAR NOTED ON THE SYSTEM NOW...AND CIRRUS OUTFLOW EXPANDING OUTWARD IN ALL QUADRANTS.

"THE GFS AND NOGAPS MODELS APPEAR TO BE ERODING THE RIDGE TO QUICKLY AND HAVE ERNESTO OVER SOUTHEASTERN FLORIDA IN 84 HOURS [Wednesday PM]. THE REST OF THE MODEL GUIDANCE TAKES THE CYCLONE FARTHER WESTWARD OVER OR WEST OF THE LOWER FLORIDA KEYS. HOWEVER...ALL OF THE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL MODELS NOW AGREE ON RECURVATURE OVER THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO AROUND 96 HOURS [Thursday AM]...AND TAKE ERNESTO NORTHEASTWARD ACROSS THE CENTRAL OR NORTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA BY 120 HOURS [Friday AM]. THE OFFICIAL TRACK IS SIMILAR TO BUT A LITTLE WEST OF THE CONSENSUS MODELS."

The forecast now calls for it to steer more in a northwesterly...then a northerly direction after taking a trek through the heart of Cuba, then entering Florida late Thursday. Of course, we have to consider the fact that these things can still shift and move about, but the prepardness level just went up considerably.

IT'S NOT EXACTLY THE SUNDAY EDITORIAL WRAPUP, BUT...

As I mentioned a few days ago, my posts here would be affected by my work schedule, as I am doing a lot of overtime this pay week so that the project we are working on is done on time. That means the Sunday Florida Editorial Roundup will not be seen in it's usual form this week. Unfortunately, with my expanded work schedule for the next few days, I simply do not have the 2-3 hours required to put it together this time. But don't think this is the beginning of a trend. It will be back in form next Sunday morning.

Now, getting into endorsements to begin this last week of early voting before the primary...

The Lakeland Ledger adds it's voice to those recommending retired admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate.

In Jacksonville, the Florida Times Union offers no clear endorsement in the U.S. Senate race, noting that frontrunner Congresswoman Katherine Harris "commands most of the spotlight in this primary", but that either Collins or Pinellas County businessman Peter Monroe "are preferred choices in this primary". In another statewide race, the T-U gives it's nod to State Representative Randy Johnson of Celebration in the GOP primary for State Chief Financial Officer.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Sentinel is endorsing Will McBride in that GOP Senate race, the first recommendation he has received among Florida newspapers. The endorsement notes that "he has shown admirable independence in calling for a more balanced approach to immigration reform than the security-only plan that Ms. Harris voted for in the U.S. House" and that "Mr. McBride's declared commitment to ethics and lobbying reform also is welcome, given the ethical questions swirling around Ms. Harris. And he recognizes the practice in Congress of secretly steering federal dollars to pet projects is a corrupting process, and needs to be eliminated."

Today's Miami Herald offers it's endorsements in the gubernatorial primaries. On the Republican side, it gives the nod to Attorney General Charlie Crist, as every major newspaper statewide that has endorsed on this race has done. On the Democratic side, the endorsement goes to State Senator Rod Smith.

And I'm sure Smith will be disappointed to know that one of his North Florida newspapers, the Tallahassee Democrat, has endorsed primary opponent Congressman Jim Davis, calling him "a strong choice for Democrats". And it refers to AG Charlie Crist as "the easy choice" for the Republican nomination for Governor of Florida.

Enjoy your Sunday, and remember those of us working hard...

Saturday, August 26, 2006

TIME TO GET THOSE PREPERATIONS IN PLACE

As Tropical Storm Debby is more of a annoyance to shipping lanes in the northern Atlantic and should post no threat to any land masses, Ernesto is making his way through the Caribbean. The tropical storm, which formed a couple of days prior, could become the season's first hurricane by the early week. You can see above that the forecast track takes Ernesto through the Yucatan Strait and into the Gulf of Mexico. As we all know who live in this part of the world, what these storms will do in the meantime is unknown.

Just a reminder for everyone to make sure your hurricane plans are in place, including evacuation plans in case they're needed. While this hurricane season has been, basically, a bust to this point (thankfully), we are just getting into what is generally known as the most active period. So don't let your guard down.



THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS

As we approach the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's devestation of New Orleans and the central Gulf Coast region, the networks plan to pull out the stops to take note of the event, and that includes the Sunday talkers.

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: Guests will include former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Mike Brown to talk about how things could have gone so wrong for so many people. Also, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D - LA) will tour the area with host George Stephanopoulos to gauge the progress being made in the cleanup. Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Don Powell will talk about what's ahead for coastal region residents of Louisiana and Mississippi. And Bill Nye "The Science Guy" will discuss stripping Pluto of planetary status this week. Of, and we can't forget the roundtable discussion with Democratic strategist Donna Brazille, Former White House Communications Director Nicolle Wallace, and conservative columnist George Will

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: Is the Gulf Coast prepared for another Katrina should it strike? FEMA Director David Paulison and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour will be this week's guests.

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: Iraq and remembering Katrina will be the issues of the day. Appearing to talk about Iraq and the threat of civil war will be the nation's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Also appearing: U.S. Senators Richard Lugar (R - IN) and Carl Levin (D - MI), Donald Powell, and Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: Lessons Learned from Katrina will be discussed with New Orleans City Council President Oliver Thomas and Donald Powell, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Relief. Also appearing: U.S. Senator Joseph Biden (D - DE) and Steve Case.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin will be the featured guest to remember Katrina and the lessons learned. Also, a check on recovery efforts and prepardness with FEMA Director David Paulison. Then a roundtable discussion with conservative commentator Robert Novak, Bloomberg News Washington Managing Editor Al Hunt, The National Review's Kate O'Beirne, and Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: This show simply stays on politics, as the discussions this week will focus on the consequences of a possible Democratic takeover of the Congress, and how U.S. Senator John McCain (R - AZ) will deal with the Iraq War as he readies for a possible 2008 run for the presidency. The roundtable will include MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell, Howard Fineman of Newsweek, Michael Duffy of Time and The New Republic, and the New York Times' Elisabeth Bumiller.

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: No moderator, no times answers, only open discussion as Democratic gubernatorial candidates Jim Davis and Rod Smith sit down for an hour interview. For those Floridians who didn't get enough of the debate this week, here's an hour you want to sit down to. Too bad you can't unless you are in Bright House Networks' Tampa Bay service area.

MORE NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS FOR PRIMARY RACES

Today's a Saturday, but that doesn't mean the endorsements stop as we are just over two weeks away from the primary election.

In the Republican race for State Chief Financial Officer, the Daytona Beach News Journal recommends Senate President Tom Lee of Valrico, who has received the lion's share of endorsements to date. The News Journal writes:

"In the state Senate, Lee built a solid record of integrity and had the courage to buck the Tallahassee power structure. Gov. Jeb Bush butted heads with Lee more than once. Yet, Bush -- who rarely gets involved in Republican primaries -- wholeheartedly backed Lee's candidacy in May, citing his patience and leadership".

Lee also receives the endorsement today of the Palm Beach Post, which notes:

"Mr. Lee, who was Senate president for two years, knows government is part of the answer. The endorsement would be more enthusiastic if Sen. Lee had reached that conclusion sooner. The last-minute bill he backed in the last legislative session was woefully inadequate."

Unfortunately, the writer does not specify what bill he/she if referring to in the last sentence, and the paragraphs above it do not give any clues.

The winner meets retired banking executive and Democratic nominee Alex Sink in November.

The Orlando Sentinel looks at the 8th Congressional District primary races this morning. The newspaper gives it's nod to incumbant Republican Ric Keller in the GOP primary, noting that opponent Elizabeth Doran's scathing portrayl of him as ineffective is simply a "unrecognizable caricature".

And in the Democratic primary, the Sentinel offers it's endorsement to Orlando marketing consultant Charlie Stuart, noting that he "stands out for his deep understanding of the complex issues he would face in Congress, his moderate positions on those issues and his emphasis on fiscal responsibility".

Click here to view all the statewide and Central Florida congressional newspaper endorsements, which I try to update on a regular basis. You can also view a list at the Tampa-based blog The State of Sunshine.

Friday, August 25, 2006

MORE EDITORIAL ENDORSEMENTS (AT LEAST A COUPLE) TODAY

The Miami Herald makes it's recommendation for a couple of statewide offices today. In the Democratic primary for Florida Attorney General, State Senator Walter G. "Skip" Campbell of Fort Lauderdale gets the nod on the Herald editorial page. The endorsement calls Campbell "an effective lawmaker, especially on consumer issues. With Republicans dominating the Senate, he was the only Democrat appointed to chair three committees. He sees the attorney general's role as being the state's No. 1 consumer advocate."

Meanwhile, in the Republican primary for state Chief Financial Officer, the Herald's recommendation goes to Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon. The editorial reads that "The perfect CFO would combine Mr. Lee's leadership with Mr. [primary opponent Randy] Johnson's passion. On balance, we like Mr. Lee's ability to push through reform and give him the nod".

The Palm Beach Post has not endorsed a candidate in the GOP race for the U.S. Senate, but it's editorial page today blares "Anybody but Harris", and ends:

"All three [primary opponents LeRoy Collins, Jr., William McBride, and Peter Monroe] have some uncomfortably extreme positions. Mr. Monroe wants to build a wall along the Mexican border to stop immigration, and he would be OK with military action against Cuba to establish an American-friendly government after Fidel Castro. Mr. McBride thinks Congress was right to intervene in the Terri Schiavo case and opposes wider embryonic stem-cell research. Like the others, Mr. Collins supports President Bush on Iraq, but he is less willing to consider that the president might need to reconsider his strategy.

"All, though, have the advantage of not being Katherine Harris. Republican voters can choose Mr. Monroe - who acknowledges the problems in Iraq and has served in government - and hope that the protest vote saves their party the further embarrassment of Rep. Harris' candidacy."

NO "BUYERS' REMORSE", BUT ONE NEWSPAPER'S DISAPPOINTMENT

The Daytona Beach News Journal endorsed State Senator Rod Smith two weeks ago in the Democratic primary for governor. Today, it calls on him to denounce a series of television ads and mailers funded by an "issue group" with ties to U.S. Sugar Corporation and other agricultrual interests. The ads attack Congressman Jim Davis' attendance record in the House of Representatives, as well as some of his votes. The television ad, which ends with the announcer saying "Maybe we should be glad Jim Davis rarely shows up for work", was pulled this week by Fox owned-and-operated station WTVT in Tampa.

The opinion ends that "We stand on that recommendation. But we find his tacit approval of the Big Sugar attack ads disturbing. Smith should denounce them."

The state senator was asked Wednesday night about the ads during the debate, to which he responded that he doesn't control what another organization puts out, but that his staff checked out the facts and found they were factual.

NO, I'M NOT GOING ON HIATUS...

But posts on this space will be infrequent for the next week. At my job, we have been in the midst of a project for our client which is now coming to it's close, so there is a huge push to insure it will be completed on time. That means plenty of overtime, which turns into money in my pocket...God knows I need it right now!

Please stay tuned here, as I will continue to post...just not as often. And remember, it's just a temporary thing.

Thanks

Thursday, August 24, 2006

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE...AT LEAST AT THE HERALD WEBSITE

Elisabeth Donovan is saying goodbye to readers of her Infomaniac blog as she is fully retiring from the Miami Herald.

Ms. Donovan, who established the newspaper's intranet nearly a decade ago, took early retirement from the Herald early last year and moved to North Carolina, although she continued to work on a part-time basis from there. She is retiring fully now, and will discontinued the blog on the Herald site.

But it's not a total loss. Elisabeth will continue writing the blog Infomaniac (Behind the News) that she began nearly six years ago on her personal Web site...note that this blog is different from the Herald-based site.

"I LIKE NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING"

Wayne Garcia, political consultant and writer for the Weekly Planet Tampa Bay, focuses this week on negative advertising in campaigns. This comes in the wake of candidates in at least a couple of primary races airing ads going in that direction.

Garcia actually writes that negative campaigning "is good for politics and helps people make decisions about their voting choices. It creates interest in campaigns where interest doesn't exist. It helps unseat incumbents who ought to be thrown out of office".

He notes that as a consultant, he "sweated out many campaigns trying to find the right way to express the candidate's brilliant but wonkish solution to, say, a lack of on-call ambulances. But it took almost no time at all to go negative".

And another interesting point:

"When prospective clients came into my consulting office and led off the conversation with "I won't go negative," I showed them the door. I would take a client with no money; but I wouldn't take one who wouldn't do what it sometimes takes to win".

If you think this is a recent thing, think again. Garcia reminds us that negative campaigning dates as far back as Abraham Lincoln's race for president.

The article is certainly worth a read. Wayne Garcia is one of the best political writers in the Tampa Bay region, as he's worked within the process and knows the nuances of politics here.

NO GREAT SURPRISES LAST NIGHT

The Democratic debate last night between Congressman Jim Davis and State Senator Rod Smith showed us one thing...that both men agree more than they disagree on most major issues. The candidates did trade barbs, with Davis picturing his opponent as a tool of U.S. Sugar Corporation, which has paid for an ad campaign on his behalf, and Smith's focusing on the Tampa congressman's poor attendance record in the House.

Davis was a bit more articulate in his presentation than I had actually expected, but both men stumbled on several occasions during the live telecast. And while this seems odd, Smith's thick eyebrows tended to distract this viewer.

Who won? I can't say there was a clear winner. The candidates can simply hope and pray that the 40 to 55 percent of "likely Democratic voters" who stated in recent polls that they were still undecided will show up September 5

Here are some of the news reports from this morning's Florida newspapers:

St. Petersburg Times (Alex Leary & Jennifer Liberto): Davis -vs- Smith gets a bit testy

Tampa Tribune (Michael Fechter & William March): Davis -vs- Smith

Associated Press (Brian Skoloff): Smith, Davis criticize each other on records, enviroment

Orlando Sentinel (Jason Garcia): Davis, Smith turn up heat in TV showdown

Tallahassee Democrat (Bill Cotterell): Democrats pick apart each other's records

Miami Herald (Beth Reinhard & Mary Ellen Klas): Davis, Smith trade volleys during debate

And allow me to recommend this summary from the Tampa-based blog The State of Sunshine.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

GALLAGHER'S OFFENSE IS TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

Just about everyone agrees this morning that state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher was clearly on the offensive last night in the Republican gubernatorial debate with opponent Attorney General Charlie Crist. Gallagher took aim at Crist, accusing him of being more of a liberal on social issues such as abortion, civil unions for gays and lesbians, and amnesty for illegal immigrants. Crist tried to duck the allegations but in most cases did not directly answer the questions. However, the AG presented a confident face throughout the hour debate, which was broadcast statewide on public radio and television stations and nationwide on C-SPAN. It was actually a bit more entertaining that I originally believed it would be.

Here are links to newspaper reports this morning on the debate:

St. Petersburg Times (Steve Borsquet): GOP candidates take off the gloves
Tampa Tribune (William March & Michael Fechter): Crist V. Gallagher
Orlando Sentinel (John Kennedy): Crist, Gallagher square off in free-swinging TV debate
Miami Herald (Beth Reinhard & Gary Fineout): Gallagher, Crist throw hard jabs in debate
Palm Beach Post (Brian E. Crowley & Michael C. Bender): Gallagher paints Crist liberal; Crist brushes him off
New York Times Regional Newspaper Group (Lakeland Ledger/Gainesville Sun/Sarasota Herald Tribune (Joe Follick): GOP hopefuls trade jabs in debate
Tallahassee Democrat (Aaron Deslatte): Trailing, Gallagher unloads in debate

And I should also mention a great review of the debate from the Tampa based blog The State of Sunshine. He writes that while he generally supports (but has not endorsed) Crist on the GOP side, Gallagher was the clear winner last night.

Tonight, it's the Democrats' turn. Congressman Jim Davis and State Senator Rod Smith will face off in the same television studio. The panelists for tonight's debate will be Tom Fielder of the Miami Herald, Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel, and Elisa Cramer of the Palm Beach Post, and Rob Lorei of WEDU-TV and WMNF-FM will take his usual post as moderator.

TODAY'S NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS

Another day, another round of newspaper endorsements in various primary races on the ballot September 5 (or right now, if you're choosing the early voting option)...but only a couple.

The Lakeland Ledger has given it's recommendation to Rick Penberthy of Wesley Chapel in the Democratic primary for the District 5 congressional seat currently held by Republican Ginny Brown-Waite of Crystal River. The Ledger also endorsed the Pasco County political science teacher when he ran for the same office two years ago, and does so again based on his "stronger campaigning style".

Republican U.S. Senate candidate LeRoy Collins, Jr. has received another endorsement, this time from the Gainesville Sun. The editorial's closing: "Unlike [Congresswoman and current GOP frontrunner Katherine] Harris, he is not on an ego trip. His nomination would give Republicans a serious alternative to the Democratic incumbent". Of the five newspapers to day which have offered endorsements in the GOP primary, Collins has received all of them. The Sarasota Herald Tribune, Harris' hometown newspaper, announced in Tuesday's edition that it would not offer a recommendation in the race.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

TODAY'S NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS

There's not much to report now as far as endorsements are concerned. Many newspapers across the state have already offered their recommendations in the statewide, congressional, and U.S. Senate races. Some, mainly in North Florida, have not. Others are giving their endorsements in races down the ballot. But there is some news to report today.

Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris' hometown newspaper, the Sarasota Herald Tribune, isn't endorsing her for the Republican primary race. As a matter of fact, it is offering no recommendation, saying that "Republicans who want an alternative to Harris as the GOP nominee don't have a good option. Harris' opponents in the Sept. 5 primary -- retired Adm. LeRoy Collins Jr., attorney William McBride and developer Peter Monroe -- waited until the last possible day to file to run. They've done little on the campaign trail since May to dispel the appearance that they were last-minute, seat-of-the-pants candidates".

Here at home, the Lakeland Ledger gives it's endorsement to State Senator Tom Lee in the Republican primary for Chief Financial Officer, and Walter G. "Skip" Campbell in the Democratic primary for Attorney General.

And a couple of reminders: Click here to view a full list of the major Florida newspaper endorsements for statewide races to date; it is updated daily or whenever new endorsements are announced. And click here to view the complete list of candidtes for statewide offices and races that directly affect Polk County; there are also links to the campaign sites of those candidates who have one or to biographical links for many of those who do not.

Monday, August 21, 2006

KATRINA DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF HISTORY

Being from the Pine Belt area of Southern Mississippi, I make it a point to check out what's going on back home. So it was sad to read that one of the wonderful landmarks of the area is in jepoardy of being demolished, yet another victim of Hurricane Katrina nearly one year later.

The Beverly Drive-In Theatre is located just off U.S. Highway 49 south of Hattiesburg, less than 90 miles from the Gulf Coast. It was built in 1948, and is unique in that the owner built his family's home into the screen. Herb and Sue Hargroder's three bedroom, two bath residence featured a sunporch, and in it's heyday the couple hosted movie stars such as Charlton Heston there.

The Beverly was a popular place for much of it's lifetime, and the Hargroders never showed an R-rated movie there. It closed in 1987, but was revived nine years ago as a fundraising tool for the local Association for Retarded Citizens chapter and was opened again with a regular schedule in 2001 as it was leased out to various companies who attempted to run it until it's closure due to damage from last year's hurricane.

There has been an effort to place the Beverly on the National Register of Historic Places, but even that may not save the theatre from the wrecking ball. Repairing it simply may be too expensive, to the tune of $100,000, and the Hargroder family is unwilling to put that amount into the theatre.

So, another piece of history may be gone forever soon.

THE FAITHFUL CONTINUE TO STAND BEHIND HARRIS

The state Republican leadership has warned her not to expect any support from them during this campaign. Her campaign for the U.S. Senate has been a revolving door of staffers, some of who have gone public with stories of her wide temperment and micromanagement of minor details. She's been questioned regarding her relationship with an lobbyist who has pleaded guilty to bribing a California congressman.

Yet Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R - Longboat Key) still has plenty of followers among rank and file Florida Republicans as she attempts to challenge Democratic incumbant Bill Nelson in the U.S. Senate this year. She still commands a large lead over her primary challengers, thanks to a loyal following of supporters.

Anita Kumar of the St. Petersburg Times looks at Ms. Harris' campaign and her loyal following in this story which appears in several Florida newspapers today.

MONDAY'S NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS

The recommendations continue to flow from Florida's major newspapers as early voting begins today.

State Senator Rod Smith gets another endorsement for his Democratic gubernatorial run, this time from the Sarasota Herald Tribune. The newspaper says that the two men are close, but the main difference is in recent experience and that his "ability to work with the Republican legislative majority, while remaining true to traditional Democratic values, gives him the edge in this very close contest".

For those who care, the newspaper endorsement count is Smith 8, Congressman Jim Davis 4.

The Orlando Sentinel is supporting local State Representative Randy Johnson of Celebration in the Republican primary for Chief Financial Officer, saying that his approach to the current insurance crisis makes him the best choice.

Today's Tampa Tribune, meanwhile is endorsing Johnson's opponent, State Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon. "Mother Trib" also endorses State Representative Arthenia Joyner's run for the State Senate District 18 Democratic primary. The winner will replace current Democratic incumbant and congressional candidate Les Miller.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

CRIST GETTING CROWDS EVEN AS OPPONENT'S ADS SAY HE'S SOFT ON SOCIAL ISSUES

Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist was touring the state this weekend with U.S. Senators Mel Martinez (R - FL) and John McCain (R - AZ) getting large crowds while TV ads from primary opponent and State CFO Tom Gallagher accuse the frontrunner with abandoning positions of what he calls Florida Republican's "loyal base" on issues of abortion and civil unions for homosexuals.

Christian conservative attached Crist on those issues last week, but according to this story from the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group Tallahassee corresponsent Joe Follick many who attended the AG's campaign stops in recent days said they didn't mind his views on abortion. One Catholic priest in the Panhandle who asked Crist about the issue earlier in the campaign now says that many of his parishioners aren't paying real attention to social issues right now.

Maybe it's because, for all intents and purposes, the GOP gubenatorial primary is already decided.

SUNDAY FLORIDA EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Being that early voting begins tomorrow for the primary across Florida, it is only inevitable that some of the major newspapers will announce endorsements in at least some of the statewide races. So that's where we will begin this morning.

The Orlando Sentinel has offered readers their recommendation for Attorney General Charlie Crist in the Republican gubernatorial primary, saying that he "outshines the unprepared [State Chief Financial Office Tom] Gallagher". On the Democratic side the endorsement goes to Congressman Jim Davis of Tampa, noting that he is the candidate "with substance and a solid record that shows he is prepared to lead Florida". Among the local endorsements that the Sentinel makes today: Jay Wheeler for the District 1 seat on the Osceola County School Board.

Crist and Davis also receive the endorsement of the Tampa Tribune. While reminding readers of Crist's successes as Attorney General and his decision to buck the party leadership in the Terri Schiavo case, the Tribune criticizess the campaign of primary opponent Tom Gallagher, saying that "next to Katherine Harris, no one has run a worse campaign". Davis' endorsement editorial notes that "He is a good listener, digs into details and can be trusted to do what he says he will do. He takes principled stands, is honest to a fault and champions causes for seniors, veterans and kids".

Another endorsement for both men comes from Jacksonville and the Florida Times Union. The opinion in favour of Crist says that "Not only does he have a better chance of winning in November, he would be better able to continue the policies of Jeb Bush", while Davis' endorsement reads that "one senses Davis wouldn't turn the clock back to the pre-Bush days as thoroughly as [Primary opponent State Senator Rod] Smith.

That's smart politically, and it also would make for better government"
.

Davis also received an endorsement today from the Bradenton Herald

It should not be any surprise that Rod Smith received the endorsement of his home-area newspaper, the Gainesville Sun. He was the area's State Attorney before enterting the Legislature, where he represents Alachua and several other counties in the region. The endorsement says that Smith "has the political capital to undo some of the damage that's been done to public education these past eight years, find the right balance between environmental protection and economic growth, protect Florida's fragile water resources and get a handle on the state's runaway health care costs without restricting access to quality care." In another statewide race, the Sun backs State Senator Walter J. "Skip" Campbell, Jr. in his bid for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

Smith and Crist get the nod in their respective primaries from today's South Florida Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale. The editorial calls Smith's record "he more impressive of the two [in the Democratic primary], and his familiarity with the Legislature and state government gives him the edge". It also notes that Crist "embraces traditional GOP positions, including keeping taxes low and limiting the role of government. He would reduce the state sales tax on telecommunications services".

The Republican U.S. Senate race gets the attention of the Miami Herald, who offers it's endorsement to LeRoy Collins, Jr., touting his conservative credentials as "solid, from being pro-life to supporting the effort to build democracy in Iraq. Mr. Collins supports a sustained effort against terrorists, wants stiff U.S. border protections against illegal immigration and believes in setting high standards to achieve educational excellence".

Today's Sarasota Herald Tribune endorses Christine Jennings in the Democratic primary for the District 13 congressional seat, calling her "a better, and better prepared, candidate than she was two years ago". And in the increasingly bitter GOP primary for that seat, the recommendation goes to longshot State Representative Nancy Detert of Venice, noting that she has "at least two things that neither [Vern] Buchanan nor [Tramm] Hudson can offer: A solid record of effective, principled legislative experience...A political philosophy unencumbered by dogma".

The St. Petersburg Times editorial page offers endorsements in 11 area legislative seats. Unfortunately, there was a link problem on their Web site which did not allow me to access most of those recommendations early this morning.

Today's Fort Myers News Press uses it's editorial space to review the recommendations it has offered during the past couple of weeks in local and judicial races. It has not made endorsements in statewide races yet.

Nearby, the Naples Daily News presents it's endorsements in the three positions to be decided on the Collier County School Board. Local races are also the focus of today's endorsements in the Palm Beach Post. Both newspapers previously announced their statewide recommendations.

Here at home, the Lakeland Ledger makes it's endorsements in the County Commission primary races. The Ledger recommends former commissioner Robert Connors in the Democratic primary for the District 2 seat, semi-retired businesswoman Betty Hill in the District 2 GOP primary, and former commissioner Bruce Parker in the District 4 Republican primary.

The only endorsement offered today in the Pensacola News Journal is in favour of the penny sales tax referendum to help pay for the impact of growth in Santa Rosa County, one of the fastest growing areas of the Panhandle.

Some newspapers are looking at other issues:

Florida is an auto-dependent state, which is the concern in today's editorial of the Daytona Beach News Journal. That problem only increases with the addition of new development, and cities and counties are having to address transportation concurrency by December 1. It notes that developers would have an option of contributing a "fair share" into a local transportation fund which could be used for fixing such problems.

In Melbourne, Florida Today is criticizing the latest move by Governor Bush and the Cabinet to establish a commercial insurance pool which it says puts more of the burden on the consumers while giving the insurance industry "a free ride", and that while the state's new mitigation programme has begun which encourages resident to strengthen their homes against hurricanes, it does not mandate lowered insurance rates when they do.

The Ocala Star Banner calls it "chintzy". The word refers to how little the state offers to operate a state facility; namely, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Only $500,000 last year, only after Governor Bush had vetoed it several times. And the Marion County Commission balked at the $10 million price tag for expansion plans over the next several years. Calling the facility "a remarkable cultural, educational and economic asset for our community", the Star Banner hopes the funding can be found without raising fees.

And the Tallahassee Democrat applauds two pieces of good news about education getting a needed boost: Florida State University's announcement that it has received $113 million in private donations during the past year, and that generous local artists showing their willingness and ability to help at the Arts in Education Expo held yesterday at Tallahassee Community College.

Hey, it's Sunday! Make it a great day!

Saturday, August 19, 2006

DEMOCRATS REARRANGE PRIMARY SCHEDULE TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY

The Democratic National Committee today voted to rearrange the early primary/caucus schedule to add two states in an effort to provide a larger voice to minorities.

For the 2008 presidential season, Iowa will hold it's caucuses first on January 14, with Nevada holding it's own five days later. New Hampshire will retain it's first-in-the-nation primary on January 22, followed one week later by South Carolina's primary.

Nevada has a sizable Hispanic population, while South Carolina has a high concentration of black voters. The idea is to allow more diversity in the early presidential preference contests toward deciding the party's nominee, potentially giving two important constituenties more weight in the process.

There were some voices against the move, though, noting that "front loading" primaries and caucuses would likely result in a candidate having the nomination in hand much earlier, thus denying those states which hold their contests later any say.

The rules also include consequences for states who may want to consider jumping ahead on the schedule:

"Eager to keep states from jumping in line, the DNC also passed enforcement rules that would punish candidates who campaign in states that ignore the party and set their own schedule. Some party members worry that would create an unseemly intraparty fight when Democrats can least afford it.

"Under that plan, candidates who venture into states that ignore party rules would not get any delegates from those contests. But some DNC members were unsure how effective such a sanction would be, particularly if the states doing the leapfrogging are small and have few delegates to offer."

HERE'S YOUR QUOTE OF THE DAY

"This is probably the most important county for campaigning in Central Florida. That's because it turns out voters and they are pretty evenly split between registered Democrats and Republicans, although they have all performed well for Republicans. It used to be that Pinellas was a bellwether in the elections. Now it is Polk and Pasco."

Florida Senate President and Republican State Chief Financial Officer candidate Tom Lee of Brandon, quoted in today's Lakeland Ledger during an interview Friday at the Haines City Chamber of Commerce's annual Political Pig Roast. The event attracted around 600 people who paid $50 each (candidates paid $75).

I'm sure that some folks were disappointed that the only major gubernatorial candidate from either party to appear was State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua, but a few of the little-known longshots did make it, as Ledger political writer Bill Rufty reported:

"The audience heard from John Wayne Smith, Libertarian candidate for governor, who said at an earlier reception that he was embarrassed to admit as a Libertarian he helped to build 14 public schools in Polk. Libertarians support minimal government and most oppose a governmental school system.

"Also speaking was Glenn Burkett, a little-known Democratic candidate for governor who said what many better-known candidates also mentioned: Florida's biggest crisis is the cost of homeowners insurance.

"Also running on the Democratic ticket for governor was Carol Castagnero, who complained she hasn't gotten enough attention from the newspapers.

"Lawrence Scott, a write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate, also spoke."

THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: U.S. Senator and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry (D - MA) will appear to discuss the struggle for Middle East peace. Also, director Spike Lee on Katrina's wake approaching a year after the hurricane's devestation on the Gulf Coast. And the roundtable will feature Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria, Robin Wright of the Washington Post, Middle Eastern affairs expert Reuel Gerecht, and conservative columnist George Will.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: Iraq, Terrorism, and Politics are the combination of topics to be discussed with U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman (D - CT), now running for reelection as an independent after losing the Democratic primary earlier this month. Also in the conversation will be Washington Post National Political Reporter Jim VandeHei

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: The guest list was not posted this week, but the main topic will be the question of wheather the cease fire in Lebanon will hold. The show preview promises conversation with top Lebanese and Israeli officials.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: Discussing wheather air travel is safe in the wake of recent terrorist threats will be Congressman Pete King (D - NY), former Israeli airport security chief Rafi Ron, and presidential counterterrorism adviser Rand Beers. Also appearing on the programme will be U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R - NE)

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: U.S. Senator John McCain (R - AZ) will appear to talk about the Middle Eastern situation, Iraq, and terrorism five years after 9/11. That will be followed by a discussion of sectarian violence in Iraq with General Barry McCaffery (Retired, US Army), Dr. Vali Nasr, and Wall Street Journal columnist John Harwood.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: Questions surrounding Iraq as to wheather President Bush is losing faith in the invasion and if the U.S. Senate race in Connecticut is becoming a proxy war over our presence there will be discussed with Dan Rather, former CBS anchor now with HDNet, NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell, BBC News Washington Correspondent Katty Kay, and Mark Mazzetti of The New York Times.

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: State Senate President Tom Lee (R - Brandon) will be featured to discuss his candidacy for State Chief Financial Officer.

HERE'S THE REVIEW OF NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS TO DATE FOR STATEWIDE RACES (UPDATED 08/26)

My appreciation to fellow blogger Jim Johnson, who runs The State of Sunshine, who is also keeping a running list of endorsements. He/She was kind enough to point out a couple of omissions. I try to make sure that I give credit where it is due; besides, it deserves mention as an excellent Tampa Bay-area political site to check out.

This list will be updated regularly, so keep checking.

U.S. SENATE (R)
LEROY COLLINS, JR.
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald
Naples Daily News
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

KATHERINE HARRIS
None to date

WILL MCBRIDE
None to date

NO PRIMARY ENDORSEMENT
Florida Times Union (Jacksonville)
Sarasota Herald Tribune

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 5 (D)
RICK PENBERTHY
Lakeland Ledger

JOHN T. RUSSELL
None to date

H. DAVID WERDER
None to date

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 8 (D)
ALAN GRAYSON
None to date

HOMER HARTAGE
None to date

CHARLIE STUART
Orlando Sentinel

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 8 (R)
ELIZABETH DORAN
None to date

RIC KELLER

Orlando Sentinel

<u>U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 9 (R)
GUS BILIRAKIS
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

DAVID DOMENIC LANGHEIER
None to date

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 11 (D)
KATHY CASTOR
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

SCOTT FARRELL
None to date

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 13 (D)
CHRISTINE JENNINGS
Sarasota Herald Tribune

JAN SCHNEIDER
None to date

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 13 (R)
VERN BUCHANAN
None to date

DONNA CLARKE
None to date

NANCY CARROLL DETERT
Sarasota Herald Tribune

MARK G. FLANAGAN
None to date

TRAMM HUDSON
None to date

GOVERNOR (D)
JIM DAVIS
Bradenton Herald
Florida Times Union (Jacksonville)
Orlando Sentinel
Tallahassee Democrat

Tampa Tribune

ROD SMITH
Daytona Beach News Journal
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger

Miami Herald
Naples Daily News
Palm Beach Post
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
St. Petersburg Times

GOVERNOR (R)
CHARLIE CRIST
Daytona Beach News Journal
Florida Times Union (Jacksonville)
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald

Naples Daily News
Orlando Sentinel
Palm Beach Post
St. Petersburg Times
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
Tallahassee Democrat

Tampa Tribune

ATTORNEY GENERAL (D)
WALTER G. "SKIP" CAMPBELL
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger

Miami Herald
Naples Daily News
Palm Beach Post
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

MERRILEE EHRLICH
None to date

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (R)
MILT BAUGUESS
None to date

RANDY JOHNSON
Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville)
Naples Daily News
Orlando Sentinel

TOM LEE
Daytona Beach News Journal
Gainesville Sun
Lakeland Ledger
Miami Herald
Palm Beach Post
Sarasota Herald Tribune
South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)
St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune

TODAY'S NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS

We start with another endorsement in the gubernatorial race, this time by the Gainesville Sun. In the Republican primary, it recommends Attorney General Charlie Crist, who now has received the endorsements of all seven newspapers who have announced their preference in this race.

The Sun also endorsed Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon in the GOP primary for State Chief Financial Officer today. We missed the Sarasota Herald Tribune's endorsement for Lee that was published last Saturday.

It's three-for-three now for retired admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr., who received the endorsement of the Tampa Tribune this morning in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. It states that current frontrunner Congresswoman Katherine Harris of Longboat Key "has become the caricature so cruelly depicted in 2000". Reading the editorial in full, it seems as through the Tribune was not supporting Collins as much as it was opposing Harris.

In the Democratic primary for Attorney General, current State Senator Walter J. "Skip" Campbell of Fort Lauderdale received the endorsement of his hometown newspaper, the South Florida Sun Sentinel, noting that "His interest and outspokenness on identity theft issues would serve Floridians well if he is elected...Identity theft is among the most serious and rampant forms of fraud in the state. He also promises to continue the AG's focus on consumer issues." We also missed his endorsement last Saturday by the Sarasota Herald Tribune, which referred to him as "an effective politician and an excellent lawyer".

Friday, the Tampa Tribune made recommendations in two area congressional primary races: Hillsborough County Commissioner Kathy Castor in the Democratic primary for the District 11 congressional seat currently filled by Democratic incumbant and gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis. And the Tribune endorsed State Representative Gus Bilirakis in his Republican primary bid to replace his father, incumbant Mike Bilirakis, in the District 9 congressional seat.

Earlier this week, the Tribune made a three endorsements for area Legislature primary races that we missed:

--- Former State Representative Sandy Murman in the GOP race for State Senate District 10 to replace Republican incumbant and current CFO candidate Tom Lee of Brandon

--- State Representative Kim Berfield of Clearwater for the Republican nomination in State Senate District 16 to fill the seat being vacated by term-limited incumbant Republican Jim Sebesta of St Petersburg,

--- Betty Reed in the Democratic primary for State House District 59 to replace current Democratic State Representative Arthenia Joyner of Tampa.

Finally, the Osceola News-Gazette began endorsing candidates today with a recommendation to readers for incumbant David Stone's reelection to the District 3 seat on the Osceola County School Board.

Friday, August 18, 2006

WILL THE UNDECIDEDS AND ASSUMING VOTERS SHOW UP IN SEPTEMBER?

That is an interesting question that needs to be asked as we are two and a half weeks before the primary election...and don't forget that early voting begins on Monday.

Certainly, there may some local or congressional races that will attract attention and interest, but one has to consider that 1) U.S. Senate incumbant Bill Nelson has no credible opposition in the primary before likely facing Katherine Harris in November, 2) the two biggest name gubernatorial candidates on the Democratic side are vitually unknown to voters outside their home areas, and 3) polls have shown a 40-55 percent undecided majority in the the race between Rod Smith and Jim Davis. That likely means either a whole lotta people will make up their minds between now and September 7, or a whole lotta Democratic voters will simply keep away from the polls with no preference between Smith and Davis.

The same scenario works out for the GOP, with Ms. Harris the clear frontrunner in the U.S. Senate race and Charlie Crist with a 20 percent or more lead in the gubernatorial primary. There aren't any really interesting statewide contests for either party looking down the ballot.

Regardless of who you support, one can only hope that doesn't happen. There needs to be a clear mandate by Florida voters as to who will lead their party's ticket for the general election, and that can only be done by a good turnout.

I-4 GROUP ENDORSES BOWLIN, GORHAM

The I-4 Corridor Group, an independent group of progressives from throughout the Central Florida region, gathered Thursday evening in Plant City, and the small but enthusiatic group voted to endorse two candidates for public office:

--- Stephen Gorham, a Democrat from Plant City, received the endorsement in the race for State Senate District 10. As the only Democrat, Gorham will face the winner of the Republican primary between former State Representative Sandra Murman, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms, and Plant City building contractor Ray Young, as well as write in candidate Victoria Brake of Valrico.

--- Lake Wales electrical/AC contractor Ed Bowlin receives the I-4 Group endorsement in his independent candidacy for the U.S. House seat in District 12 currently held by Republican Adam Putnam. The other candidate in this race is former state legislator Joe Viscusi of Lakeland, running as an independent.

Those who were unable to attend last evening's meeting missed a great presentation by former State Senator and 2002 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Daryl Jones. While he was not present to discuss his support of State Senator Rod Smith's candidacy for governor, his name has been mentioned by some pundits as a possible running mate should Smith win the primary election against congressman Jim Davis.

The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM. While it usually meets in Lakeland, recent meetings have been held in Winter Haven and Poinciana. It's membership reaches from the Tampa/St. Petersburg area to Osceola County.

It's purpose is to reach across county and other boundries to help elect progressives to public office at all levels, but focusing on local and statewide races.

To find out more about the I-4 Corridor Group, contact Fred Williams in Tampa at (813) 885-6161, or Karen Landers in Winter Haven at (863) 299-7474. And please be sure you let them you that you read about the group on Interstate4Jamming.

ANOTHER NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL, THIS TIME ON CFO RACE

The editorial pages are generally quiet on the political front today. However, there is one statewide endorsement to report, from the Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida Sun Sentinel. It recommends current Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon in the Republican primary for Chief Financial Officer.

It makes special note that South Floridians may want to pay attention to this race, as one of the duties of the CFO include insurance regulation, such as handling consumer complaints about companies and investigating insurance fraud.

The editorial closes:

"Lee's opponent in the primary is state Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Celebration. Johnson, 46, promises an aggressive approach to insurance regulation, and the vow is appealing. Unfortunately, some of his proposed solutions to the crisis, including shifting more policies to smaller insurance companies, might exacerbate the problem."

The winner between Lee and Johnson will face Democrat Alex Sink in November.

Also, today's St. Petersburg Times is endorsing school board candidates on both sides of the bay. In the four Pinellas County races, it recommends incumbant Nancy Bostock in District 2, professional mediator Peggy O'Shea in District 3, incumbant and mental health professional Linda Lerner in District 6, and incumbant and social services administrator Mary Brown in District 7.

In the Hillsborough school board contests, the endorsements go to two incumbants, Candy Olson in District 2 and Jennifer P. Faliero in District 3, and April Griffin in District 6.

And in the Democratic primary for the District 59 State House seat being vacated by Arthenia Joyner, the Tampa Tribune endorses community activist Betty Reed.