COULD WE SEE A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE FROM TAMPA? WELL, AT LEAST HEAR IT???

A couple of newspaper blogs are noting that the Republican presidential candidates could gather in mid-June for a debate which would be aired on primarily Christian and conservative news/talk stations from the University of South Florida.

The Miami Herald political blog Naked Politics is noting that the event is tenatively set for June 14 and would be broadcast by the Salem Radio Network, an Irving, Texas based operation best known for hosting programmes by former Reagan-era Secretary of Education and "drug czar" Bill Bennett and former Jerry Falwell lapdog Cal Thomas. The debate would also be available online at the conservative Web site Townhall.com, with a straw poll to be held afterward.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Tribune political blog March on Politics reports that the first wannabee to agree to participate is former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. Discussions are reportedly underway with other GOP contenders, which could affect the actual date and/or location.

The GOP contenders are also expected to debate in Orlando on October 20 during the state party convention. You guessed right, it would be broadcast by Fox News.

GET READY TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANE SEASON

It is predicted to be a busy hurricane season, and everyone should begin considering their preperation lists. Governor Crist today signed a bill (HB 211) which gives Floridians a sales tax holiday on certain hurricane and severe weather supplies. The tax will be dropped for the following items only between June 1 - 12:

• Flashlights and other portable, self-powered light sources – $20 or less
• Portable radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios – $75 or less
• Tarps – $50 or less
• Gas or diesel fuel containers – $25 or less
• Batteries – $30 or less (AAA, AA, C and D cell, and 6 and 9 volt batteries)
• Non-electrical food storage coolers – $30 or less
• Portable generators – $1,000 or less
• Carbon monoxide detectors – $75 or less
• Storm shutter devices – $200 or less

Better to be safe than sorry, friends.

THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS (UPDATED 04/28 @ 6:27 AM)

With Washington's latest version of the "Shootout at the OK Corral" now in place between President Bush and the Democratic majority Congress over the funding bill for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and it's schedule for pulling troops from Iraq within a year, you knew it would be the dominant topic of discussion on the shows this weekend. And, of course, there will be a fair amount of talk about Thursday evening's debate in South Carolina featuring the Democratic presidential candidates.

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: The guest list had not been announced as of Saturday morning, but you know that the roundtable will feature, along with a couple of journalists, conservative columnist George Will in a discussion of the week's political news.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: This week's guests will be Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Congessman John Murtha (D - PA).

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: Talking about the showdown between Congress and the White House: Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Iraqi Foriegn Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Representatives Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) and Jane Harman (D - CA), European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, and CNN Correspondents Dana Bash, Joe Johns, and Ed Henry.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: The programme kicks off a new segment called "Choosing the President" this week with U.S. Senator John McCain and wife Cindy in their first Sunday chat show appearance since officially announcing his candidacy this week.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: MTP continues it's "Meet the Candidates" series with U.S. Senator Joseph Biden (D - DE) being featured for the hour.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: The panel of BBC Washington Correspondent Katty Kay, CNBC's Jim Cramer, Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune, and Anne Kornblut of the Washington Post will try to answer the questions of wheather the Democrats can dominate on the issue of national security going into the 2008 elections, and will next year be mainly about the economy?

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: This week's guest: Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R - Brooksville).

LOSS OF A GIANT

As each of us grow up, there are always certain people who stand out in our memory for one reason or another. As a youngster in the Pine Belt region of Mississippi with dreams of someday being on radio or television, there was one gentleman who always seemed to be on whenever the TV was turned on...and much of the time, that was probably true.

Jim Gibbon enjoyed a career in radio and television of six decades, all of which were in the Laurel/Hattiesburg area of South Mississippi. During that time, he accomplished a number of things that many collegues can only dream of, from serving as Paul Harvey's announcer when the ABC Radio commentator visited the area to participating in Mississippi's first true stereo broadcast...wiring two local AM stations to broadcast seperate channels. He loved technology and the arts, and was active as a founder of Laurel's community theatre company.

Jim Gibbon passed away Wednesday after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 76, less than two month after retiring after 42 years with WDAM-TV, the NBC affiliate for the Pine Belt area. For much of that time, Jim was primarily the morning/noon weathercaster, but also handled a host of other duties including reading news during the Today show breaks and the station's midday feature programme in addition to handling some of the show's feature segments. He was a true "jack of all trades", as was required of many who worked in small market television, but WDAM General Manager Jim Cameron made note that:

"...HE LOVED HIS JOB AND LACKED THE TOWERING EGO THAT IS SO OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE WHO CHOSE LIFE IN THE PUBLIC EYE. IN FACT HE WAS QUITE HUMBLE AND EXTREMELY HARDWORKING. HE BELIEVED IN INTEGRITY AND PRECISENESS WHEN IT CAME TO BROADCASTING..."

Just as the Tampa Bay area mourned the loss of WFLA-TV meterologist John Winter not long ago, my home region now is saddened at the passing of an old friend.

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE TAKES A TAMPA BAY TURN...FOR A BRIEF MOMENT

I am just a poor boy from Lakeland, so at present I cannot afford the expense of cable TV. As a result, I didn't get to watch the Democratic presidential contenders debate last evening in South Carolina. Chris Matthews of MSNBC noted the debate was "very civilized" and therefore, not very exciting. But according to the reports I am reading, one of U.S. Senator Barack Obama's responses had a tie-in to the Tampa Bay area.

When the candidates were asked what their biggest mistake was, Obama replied that his was not fighting hard enoungh against the primarily Republican effort to keep Terri Schiavo alive, saying those decisions should be left up to families. Mrs. Schiavo was the Pinellas County woman who suffered brain damage and was kept alive in a persistant vegatative state for 15 years while her husband, who claims she would not have wanted to be kept in such a condition, battled her parents in a series of legal battles which eventually made their way to the U.S. Supreme Court. She eventually died in a Pinellas Park hospice in March, 2005.

So, who do you believe did the best job last night?

IT'S NOT ONLY THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES GEARING UP FOR NEXT YEAR

I checked out the Florida Division of Elections' Website, to check out if there were candidates who had already filed to run for office in next year's election, and discovered that quite a number of folks have done so. Many of them are incumbants, as you may have guessed, but some have already attracted opposition. Here is a list of the candidates who have filed in races that affect Polk County:

STATE SENATE: DISTRICT 15
Paula Dockery (R / Incumbant) - Lakeland Citrus Grower/Cattle Rancher/Insurer - Filed as a candidate 10/17/2005

STATE SENATE: DISTRICT 17
J.D. Alexander (R / Incumbant) - Lake Wales Citrus Grower - Filed as a candidate 2/07

STATE HOUSE: DISTRICT 63
Seth McKeel (R / Incumbant) - Lakeland Real Estate Agent - Filed as a candidate 2/06

STATE HOUSE: DISTRICT 65
John Wood (R) - Winter Haven developer - Filed as a candidate 2/13
Seat currently held by Republican and current Majority Leader Marsha L. "Marty" Bowen, a Haines City citrus grower who is term limited.

STATE HOUSE: DISTRICT 66
Baxter Troutman (R / Incumbant) - Winter Haven Citrus Grower and Employment Agency owner - Filed as a candidate 2/16

STATE HOUSE: DISTRICT 79
Mike Horner (R) - Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce President/CEO - Filed as a candidate 08/07/2004

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION: DISTRICT 3
Edwin V. Smith (R) - Lake Alfred Mayor - Filed as a candidate 02/23

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION: DISTRICT 5
Jim Brown (R) - Filed as a candidate 3/12

CALENDAR OF VISITS TO FLORIDA OF CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES (UPDATED 05/11 @ 17:02 EDT)

SATURDAY, MAY 12
RUDOLPH GIULIANI - Fundraising Golf Tournament
Trump International Golf Club
3505 Summit Boulevard
West Palm Beach
NOTE: Several media outlets have noted that among the guests will be Florida Attorney General and Giuliami State Campaign Chairman Bill McCollum, singer Vic Damone, and former NFL punter John Kidd. It is a private event, and the press is not invited.

SATURDAY, MAY 19
SAM BROWNBACK and MIKE HUCKABEE - Florida Family Policy Council / Policy Awards Dinner
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando

RUDOLPH GIULIANI - Private Meeting with Prospective Supporters
NOTE: The St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz is reporting that this will be an airport stop, part of a campaign and fundraising visit to the state. No other information is available at present.

MONDAY, MAY 21
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON - Fundraising Luncheon
Randazzo's Little Italy Restaurant
150 Giralda Avenue
Coral Gables

THURSDAY, MAY 24
MITT ROMNEY - Polk County Republican Party / Lincoln Day Dinner
5:30 PM
The Lakeland Center
7001 West Lime Street
Lakeland
NOTE: The Lakeland Ledger notes that Romney has stops scheduled this day in Pensacola and West Palm Beach, but I am presently unable to confirm as Romney's campaign site does not list a calendar of events and no media in those areas have noted those events yet.

SATURDAY, JUNE 2
RUDOLPH GIULIANI - Broward County Republican Party / Lincoln Day Dinner
Americas Custom Design Center
4140 Town Center Boulevard
Orlando

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
JOHN MCCAIN - Orange County Republican Party / Lincoln Day Dinner
Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios
5601 Universal Boulevard
Orlando

DEMOCRATS ADD ANOTHER SEAT IN FLORIDA HOUSE

Congratulations this morning to Darren Soto, who defeated Republican challenger Anthony Suarez in a special election to fill the Florida House of Representatives seat for District 49, which covers portions of Orange and Osceola counties. Soto will replace John Quinones, who resigned to run for a seat on the Osceola County Commission. Quinones, a Republican, won his race and will become the first Hispanic in a decade to serve on the county governing board.

Soto's win last evening marked the first time since 1999 that a Democrat has won a Republican seat in a special election.

Democratic activists from across the I-4 corridor worked the district on behalf of Soto, walking door-to-door and handling other tasks to assist the campaign.

Election Day was not without incident, though. Governor Charlie Crist ordered polling places in Orange and Osceola counties to remain open an extra hour after a vague threat forced two polling places at two Osceola County schools to be evacuated briefly during the afternoon.

IF YOU'RE ACKNOWLEDGING SUPPORTERS, IT'S BEST IF YOU GET THEIR NAME RIGHT!

If you're seeking the nation's highest office, you need to either 1) insure that you know the correct name of your key supporters, or 2) make sure that your staffers remind you. It seems as though former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney did neither over the past couple of weeks, resulting in some tongue twisting while acknowledging several legislative supporters in a visit to Tallahassee.

The Palm Beach Post political blog Q notes that last month while on a campaign stop in Miami Romney called Speaker of the House Marco Rubio (R - Coral Gables) as "Mario". Monday Romney paid a visit to the state capitol to meet with House Republicans, and the candidate reportedly accepted the endorsement of Agricultrual and Comsumer Services Secretary Charlie Bronson by twice calling him "Branson".

But the tongue-twisting goes both ways. House Majority Leader Marsha L. "Marty" Bowen (R - Haines City) announced that Romney attended "Birmingham Young" University instead of "Brigham Young".

IF YA WANNA WIN, YA GOTTA INCLUDE THAT LOCAL TOUCH

Lakeland Ledger political writer Bill Rufty takes note today that former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani seeming hasn't made much of an effort to put together an organization for his Republican presidential bid here in Florida. As a matter of fact, according to Rufty, "he doesn't have a grassroots organization here yet...Heck, forget the roots, he hasn't even laid the topsoil."

The man many call the hero of 9/11 has made a few visits to the Sunshine State, including a couple of weeks ago to St. Petersburg and a visit with Governor Charlie Crist. But Giuliani hasn't made the effort in Florida that fellow GOP wannabees U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney have. McCain and Romney have been in the state several times, and have put together a campaign organization which includes many of Florida's Republican leadership. McCain has also met with Governor Crist, and Romney will do so today along with a meeting with House Republicans. Tonight Romney will be in Sarasota as the keynote speaker for the local GOP's Lincoln Day fundraiser.

The Guiliani campaign's lack of attention noted by Rufty extends to press releases and mailouts to Florida Republicans seeking contributions:

"Florida staff members for McCain and Romney have daily e-mailed the news media and sent letters to Florida Republicans with a local twist. The Giuliani team seems to be working Florida mainly from his home state.

Local Republicans have received mailouts requesting contributions, just like all the other candidates, but the card to join Team Rudy lacks the Florida touch that Florida political consultants, including operatives for former Gov. Jeb Bush, bring to the Romney campaign and to McCain.

Brochures from New York just don't seem to be as effective as big time operatives from Tallahassee or Miami or Tampa."

All that said, Giuliani is still raising a decent amount of money in Florida, although third among Republican candidates behind Romney and McCain, and is actually second in GOP contributions in the Tampa Bay area

HERE'S YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK OUT ON MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND CONTINUED CONSOLIDATION

Anyone who has paid attention to the media business over the past two decades should be concerned at the degree to which the industry has gone into the hands of a few highly bankrolled corporations. This is most noticable in the radio business, in which I worked for 15 years. Thankfully, I worked throughout my career for locally based broadcasters who cared about the communities they served and worked hard to provide a more than adequete service to those areas.

A sharp decrease in the amount of locally originated programming in favour of syndicated or satellite-delivered shows or the practice of voice-tracking (where the announcer you may hear is actually in another city and recorded his/her bits well in advance) is only part of the story. The nearly disappearance in many cases of news and public affairs programming or the stripping of field news reporting to cut costs, and the practice of broadcasters choosing to abandon smaller population areas originally licensed to in favour of relocating studios and/or transmitters/towers to take advantage of bigger advertising dollars in nearby metropolitian areas have also become commonplace by companies such as Clear Channel, CBS Radio, and Entercom.

Those people who have noticed these troubling items have an opportunity to speak out at a rare public hearing which the Federal Communications Commission will hold in Tampa on April 30th. This is one of several being held across the country to seek opinion on the issue of media consilidation as the Commission is considering loosening the rules even further. The hearing will allow average Joes such as you and me to address three of the five commissioners who will be present.

Here are the details:

Monday, April 30
04:00 - 11:00 PM
Louise Lykes Ferguson Hall
Tampa Bay Peforming Arts Center
1010 North W.C. McInnes Place
Tampa, Florida

THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: Former House Speaker and potential Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich will discuss the tragedy at Virginia Tech and the rest of the week's news. Also, it's "On the Trail" feature will be with Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd (D - CT). And the roundtable will feature Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts of ABC News, and conservative columnist George Will in a discussion of the week's political news.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: The guests and topics for this week have not been announced as of Friday evening. Please check back later for possible updates.

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: The Virginia Tech tragedy and lessons learned will be discussed with Commonwealth Attorney General Bob McDonnell. Then Iraq, the Gonzales testimony, and more will be bantered with U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R - KS and also a GOP presidential candidate) and Ron Wyden (D - OR), author and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, author and former Clinton special counsel Lanny Davis, former Reagan/Bush legal counsel David Rivkin, and from CNN, Homeland Security Correspondent Jeanne Meserve, and American Morning co-anchors Kiran Chetry and John Roberts.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: The guests and topics for this week have not been announced as of Friday evening. Please check back later for possible updates.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: Federal Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, who will conduct a nationwide review and issue recommendations on school safety in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy will discuss what happened and safety issues along with two members of Virginia governor Tim Kaine's review panel, retired State Police Superintendent Col. Gerald Massengill and former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Then comes the political roundtable to look at the past week: NBC News Justice Correspondent Pete Williams and White House Correspondent David Gregory, Newsweek editor Jon Meacham, and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: What was behind the massacre at Virginia Tech? And will the Supreme Court's decision this week on what some call "partial birth" abortions be a boon to Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid? Those questions and more will be discussed with Katty Kay of BBC News, Newsweek Chief Political Correspondent Howard Fineman, NBC News White House Correspondent Kelly O'Donnell, and David Brooks of the New York Times.

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: The scheduled guest this week is Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D - Tampa).

CIVILIZATION WILL NOT COLLAPSE, AND THE WORLD IS RETURNING TO IT'S NORMAL ROUTINE...

Now that Sanjaya Malakar has been given the hook from American Idol.

However, as one of the top ten contestants, he'll be "performing" on the Idols cross country tour this summer.

Consider yourself forewarned.

SOME MORE PRESIDENTIAL MONEY NUMBERS...BUT MORE LOCAL

The St. Petersburg Times political blog Q has reviewed the first quarter presidential campaign numbers, down to the Tampa Bay area amounts.

DEMOCRATS
Hillary Rodham Clinton: $83,150
Barack Obama: $32,399
John Edwards: $23,100
Joe Biden: $7,150
Bill Richardson: $2,250
Dennis Kucinich: $2,000
Christopher Dodd: $250
Mike Gravel: $125

REPUBLICANS
Mitt Romney: $77,250
Rudy Giuliani: $69,000
John McCain: $30,476
Ron Paul: $7,400
Sam Brownback: $2,959
Duncan Hunter: $500
Mike Huckabee: $50

One thing that should be noted is that the folks at the Times who compiled this list did not bother defining the "Tampa Bay" area. Different people define the area in different ways. Some will only include Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, others will include other coastal counties such as Pasco, Citrus, and Hernando. Still others include Polk in their description. Hopefully they will clarify that for us.

SOME MORE TRIVIA FROM THE CAMPAIGN NUMBERS

During a slow time at work Tuesday, I looked through the state-by-state numbers in USA Today from the top three presidential candidates from each party, and the news is rather interesting.

Looking at the Democrats, Barack Obama beat Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards in 20 states in the area of contributions reported, including the first primary state of New Hampshire. The states he did well in represent a geographic smogarsboard across the country. John Edwards outpaced his primary opponents in 16 states, mainly in the South but also including Iowa, where the first primary caucuses will be held. As for Ms. Clinton, she only beat Obama and Edwards in money raised in 14 states, but they were primarily larger, richer states such as California, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.

On the Republican side, it may have been a surprise that former governor Mitt Romney outcollected John McCain and Rudy Giuliani, but leading in 32 states? It definately shows that Romney and his team have been busy introducing the candidate across the country. Giuliani led the money race in 12 states, while McCain only did so in seven states. McCain's support seems to be especially strong in Southern states such as Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia, where he easily raised much more than the other two.

DEMOCRATS OUTRAISE GOP IN FLORIDA, TOO

The first quarter numbers are out on how much of their huge amounts the presidential candidates raised here in Florida. The St. Petersburg Times notes:

DEMOCRATS
Hillary Rodham Clinton: $1,887,826
Barack H. Obama, Jr.: $1,019,042
John R. Edwards: $503,120
William B. (Bill) Richardson: $194,850
Joseph R (Joe)Biden, Jr.: $147,200
Christopher J. (Chris) Dodd: $139,196
Dennis Kucinich: $2,750
Maurice R. (Mike) Gravel: $150

REPUBLICANS
W. Mitt Romney: $1,007,080
John S. McCain, III: $980,576
Ruduolph W.L. (Rudy) Giuliani, III: $822,950
Ronald E. (Ron) Paul: $39,915
Samuel D (Sam) Brownback: $35,194
Thomas G. (Tom) Tancredo: $8,965
Tommy G. Thompson: $7,600
Duncan L. Hunter: $6,350
Michael D. (Mike) Huckabee: $5,400
John H. Cox: $70
James S. (Jim) Gilmore, III: $0

One other note: The Dennis Kucinich campaign site is closed for a 24 hour period in memory of those who lost their lives yesterday at Virginia Tech.

NEW PRESIDENTIAL POLL FROM CNN / OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION

The poll was taken April 10-12, with a sampling error of +/- five points for Republicans, and +/- six points for Democrats.

When Republicans were asked who they preferred among the announced or potential candidates for their party's presidential nomination, former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani retains the lead that most other polls have noted, but the margin has closed with U.S. Senator John McCain only three points behind 27-24 percent. The other two in double digits are former U.S. Senator and actor Fred Thompson at 11 percent, and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney at ten percent. Giuliani's support improves when Thompson and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich are not included, while McCain's percentages remain generally the same.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a slight lead over collegue Barack Obama 30-26 percent. The only active or potential candidates appearing in double digits are former Vice President Al Gore with 15 percent, and former U.S. Senator John Edwards with 12 percent. Without Gore listed, Clinton's percentages improves six percent compared to Edwards' three percent and Obama's two percent.

The Democratic survey also broke down prefernces along racial lines. It is interesting to note that Senator Clinton maintains a significant preferance among African-Americans, with an 11 percent lead over the Illinois senator when Al Gore's name is included, and a larger, 16 point lead when Gore is not listed. And in both situations, Clinton has a much larger margin of support among African-Americans (With Gore listed, Clinton's numbers are 26 percent among whites and 46 percent among blacks; without Gore listed, those figures bounce to 33 percent among whiles to 53 percent among blacks).

You can view the entire poll by clicking here (.pdf file).

POLK COUNTY BEGINNING A TRADITION IN STUDENT TELEVISION PRODUCTION EXCELLENCE

Congratulations to Lake Gibson High School senior Kevin Patterson, who will be honoured May 1 in New York as one of seven recipents of the National Student Television Award for Excellence. He will receive the Hubbard Family Public Affairs/Community Service/Public Service Award as the director/writer/editor of a series of three public service announcements dealing with the issue of teen depression.

The NSTAEs, known to some as the "High School Emmys", is presented by the Foundation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the organization which awards the actual Emmy Awards each year.

It seems that a tradition has begun. This will be the fifth year that the NSTAEs have been awarded, and Mr. Patterson's accomplishment will mark the third year that a Polk County student has made the trip to New York for the ceremony. Last year, George Jenkins High School's Presley Adamson IV was honoured as writer of the script for a documentary, "The Need For Speed". And in 2003 Jenkins student Jason Bent received one of the first awards in the competition.

The other students participating in the Lake Gibson production were Alicia Belch, Deanna Belch, Cody Harmeling, Keith Patterson, Katie Harrell, Kim Beals, Nikole Eriksen, Angie Troxell, Jacob Robinson, Cody Ayre, Diana Chen, Blayn Chamblee. FacultyAdvisor Laura McNabb had also received an invitation to the awards ceremony, but in a true touch of class donated it to Patterson's family.

This year's ceremony will be held in Manhatten's new, futuristic 46-storyHearst Tower and will be attended by over 300 leaders from throughout the television industry including the NATAS Board of Directors.

It's really amazing just how media savvy these young folks have gotten. The productions honoured by NATAS are nothing you'll see on your local commercial broadcast station. These are aired on the respective schools' internal video network, and provides the students an opportunity to use their creative talents in a positive way. I'm sure you'll possibly see some of these future producers/directors/writers doing it for pay a few years down the line.

You can see the productions being honoured by clicking here.

SO IF MITT ROMNEY IS SO FAR BEHIND IN THE POLLS, HOW IS HE RAISING ALL THAT MONEY?

St. Petersburg Times political writer Adam C. Smith looks at that question today, both in his regular column and in a post on The Buzz political blog.

The former Massachusetts governor and current Republican presidential aspirant has probably spent more time in Florida during the past three months than any of the other candidates. It seems to have worked well for him, as Smith notes:

"In America's biggest swing state, Florida, Romney has won over many of the country's most sophisticated and important fundraisers, from former Ambassador Mel Sembler of St. Petersburg to north-central Florida developer Gary Morse. People gush about a candidate who blends Jeb Bush's bold, policy savvy and Charlie Crist's personal warmth."

While Romney barely shows in many national polls, his campaign raised $23 million during the first quarter of this year, outpacing all GOP rivals and third among all presidential candidates as only Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama raised more.

As Adam C. Smith warns us at the end of his piece today:

"Keep your eye on Romney, the proven turnaround artist who may well be the GOP's best hope."

SO WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT DON IMUS IS OUT OF WORK

My guess is that he'll retire. He is getting up in age, and any attempt to get back on terresterial radio will be met with indignation by the Sharpton/Jackson faction. There are some folks who feel that Imus will end up on satellite radio, but IMHO that won't happen either, especially if Howard Stern has anything to say about it. Stern and Imus have had a none-too-friendly rivalry over the years, and with the pull that Stern has in the satellite radio biz currently, he'll do whatever he can to prevent Imus from entering "his" realm.

If this had been the first time Imus had said anything stupid on-air, it would have been a different matter and maybe the two week suspension would have been enough. But Imus has a history of sticking his foot in his mouth with homophobic and racist remarks under the guise of comedy, and the damage this time was multiplied by the fact that it was a very slow news day. As a result, the resulting controveresy ended up as the top story on many evening newscasts.

Some folks just never learn. The best thing for him to do now is to retire from the radio biz and concentrate on his Imus Ranch in New Mexico.

PUTNAM LOSING CHIEF OF STAFF; GOING BACK TO LOBBYING

Today will be the last day on the job for John Hambel, chief of staff for Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow). He is leaving Putnam's staff to return to the private sector. While Bill Rufty's story in today's Lakeland Ledger does not go into detail other than Putnam noting that his top aide had two offers to choose between, the St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz notes that Hambel will return to his previous occupation as a lobbyist.

Hambel is a former counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee before joining the staff of Putnam's first congressional race in 2000. After the congressman's election, Hambel became Putnam's legislative counsel before being promoted to Chief of Staff in 2001. For the past two years he has been doing double duty as both COS and press secretary, even as Putnam was named chairman of the Republican Conference Committee earlier this year.

The father of three children, Hambel and Putnam both insist there is no friction between the two, and that the departure is on good terms.

THE AXE HAS FALLEN ON IMUS - STEP TWO

As most folks figured would happen, CBS Radio this afternoon announced that morning radio host Don Imus is no longer in it's employ.

That's what happens when you do something stupid. C'est le vie.

EVENTS FEATURING THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES IN FLORIDA

Please be advised that these are events which have been confirmed on the candidate's Web page schedule and/or which have been reported in the media. The are probably other, private fundraising events scheduled.

Thursday, April 12:
JOHN EDWARDS: A Special Community Gathering
7:00 PM
Florida Community College of Jacksonville - South Campus
11901 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville

Friday, Aptil 13:
JOHN EDWARDS: Fundraising events
Private events hosted by Wayne Hogan in North Florida, Brian Tannenbaum and John Kozak in Miami. Locations and times not announced

NEWT GINGRICH: Keynote Speaker Address, 27th Annual American Medical Association Medical Communications Conference
8:00 AM
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa
Registered Attendees Only
NOTE: Although the former U.S. House Speaker is not an official candidate, he is very much a potential to enter the race, so I felt some would be interested.

Saturday, April 14
JOHN EDWARDS: "Step It Up 2007" Global Warming Rally
1:00 - 4:00 PM
2120 Main Street, Fort Myers (Across from the old Lee County Courthouse)

Sunday, April 15:
BARACK OBAMA: Fundraiser / Rally
12:30 PM
The Cuban Club
2010 North 14th Street, Tampa
Tickets: $25.00 / VIP - $100.00
NOTE: There will also be a private fundraising event prior to the Cuban Club rally at the home of Norma Jean Lykes in Tampa seeking donations of $2,300 from each attendee.

THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS (UPDATED 04/14 8:36 AM ET)

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: Governor and presidential candidate Bill Richardson (D - NM) appears in his first interview since leading a U.S. delegation to North Korea. He will discuss the Asian country's nuclear plans and his own candidacy for the White House. Also, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R - PA) will appear to talk about the continuing controversey over the firings of eight U.S. Attorneys and the upcoming testimony by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The roundtable will feature Democratic stratigist Donna Brazile, public policy professor Robert Reich, former Pentagon spokesperson Torie Clarke, and conservative columnist George Will in a discussion of the week's political news.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: This week's guest for the hour will be Vice President Richard B. (Dick) Cheney in what should be an interview covering a wide variety of topics.

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: A discussion of the security situation in Bagdhad. Also, former Vice President Walter "Fritz" Mondale will discuss Iraq, former president Jimmy Carter's new book, The guests: U.S. Senators James Webb (D - VA) and Jon Kyl (R - AZ), Marc Morial, former mayor of New Orleans and currently President/CEO of the National Urban League, Amy Holmes, former speechwriter for former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Childrens Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman, Richard Perle of the American Enterprise Institute, Iraqi government spokesman Dr. Ali Dabbagh, CNN American Morning co-anchor John Roberts, Congressional Correspondent Andrea Koppell, and Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: The stalemate between Congress and the White House over conditions for funding the war in Iraq will be discussed with U.S. Senators Carl Levin (D - MI) and Lindsey Graham (R - SC). And Rev. Al Sharpton will appear to weigh in on the Don Imus radio controversey.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: A discussion of Iraq with retired general Anthony Zinni, former head of Central Command. Then a roundtable on politics, the Don Imus controversey, and more with David Brooks of the New York Times, Gwen Ifill of PBS' Washington Week, John Harwood of the Wall Street Journal and CNBC, and Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: The topics and guests were not released this week on their Web site.

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: The guest this week will be Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R - Brooksville), who will obviously discuss a variety of issues before the House of Representatives.

"WE WERE HOPING FOR A $100 RALLY, AND THEY GAVE US $25"

No, that quote above is not a complaint. To the contrary, Tampa Democratic activist Megan Foster meant it as a compliment. As she continued with St. Petersburg Times political writer Adam C. Smith:

"I think it was a gift and testament to the importance of the I-4 corridor...Normally it's people in our regular political circles, but we're seeing these are all new faces."

Ms. Foster was referring to Sunday's fundraising rally for U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in Ybor City at the Cuban Club. Mr. Smith makes note in his story of the unusual step in the big money world of presidential campaigns to hold an event where many within the working class can afford to see and hear the candidate in person, hoping to energize those in attendance. He has already done similar events in Louisville and Oklahoma City.

Senator Obama will have his opportunities to capture big money while he's in the area. The Cuban Club event is also offering $100 VIP tickets, and fundraisers are hoping to have at least 100 supporters willing to pay $2,300 each to attend a private event at the Tampa home of Norma Jean Lykes before the Ybor City gathering.

The Cuban Club fundraiser/rally is an excellent idea. Much of the time candidates are focused on big money events which only can attract a couple of hundred supporters who can afford the cost. The Obama campaign seems to be more active in seeking support from average, working class people who may have wanted to get involved, but unable to fork over the type of money most candidates seek when they come through the area.

THE AXE HAS FALLEN ON IMUS - STEP ONE

Moments ago, NBC News announced that it's cable service, MSNBC, would no longer simulcast Don Imus' radio programme "Imus in the Morning". The move is obviously a reaction to the radio veteran's racist comments earlier in the week referring to the Rutgers University women's basketball team as a bunch of "nappy-headed hos" among other demeaning remarks.

No word from CBS Radio, which syndicates the programme to approximately 75 stations nationwide. It had been originally announced that Imus would begin a two week suspension on Monday.

Apparantly the announcement from NBC came after several advertisers pulled their content from the programme, or advised that such a move was being considered. I wouldn't doubt that at least a few radio affiliates would dump Imus, which would eventually result in CBS seeking another show to offer and the Radio Hall of Famer to hang his head as he, without a job, takes himself back to New Mexico.

It reminds me of a somewhat similar situation --- albeit on a smaller scale --- that occured in the late 1960s growing up in Mississippi. Comedian Jerry Lewis at the time had a prime time variety show on NBC, and one week during his monologue he opened by saying that during a cross country flight he did something he always wanted to do...take a dump over Mississippi. The general managers of every NBC affiliate across the state decided almost immediately to dump The Jerry Lewis Show, and it hurt him in another way: It was years before any Magnolia State television station would consider carrying his annual Muscular Dystrophy telethon.

And so it goes...

A COUPLE OF BIG NAMES ARE COMING TO FLORIDA

It looks like the political temperature will be heading upwards as a couple of big Democratic names will be coming through the Sunshine State soon.

U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D- IL) will be in Tampa for a fundraiser to benefit his presidential campaign this Sunday (April 15) at The Cuban Club, 2010 North 14th Street in the Ybor City area. Tickets are $25 for general admission, with $100 for VIP seating.

And U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D - CA) will headline the St. Lucie County Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on Saturday, June 9 at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood. Tickets are $100 each, or $1500 for a table of ten.

WAS THERE NOT THAT MUCH NEWS?

You know it's a very slow news day when veteran radio personality Don Imus can command the first segment of national newscasts by putting his foot in his mouth, which he did earlier this week in referring to the Rutgers University women's basketball team as "nappy-headed 'hos" and other unflattering references on his show.

I used to watch Imus occasionally when I had cable TV, but he always seemed to come across as an embittered old man whose adult life had passed him by thanks to drug and alcohol addictions suffered while he was a hugely successful radio host in New York for many years. While he says he does comedy during his syndicated radio programme simulcast by MSNBC on cable, often it is a sharp tounged style which has in the past gotten him in similar trouble.

As a veteran of the media, especially with his tenure in the 'biz, Imus should have known how far he can push the envelope as to what is appropriate, especially when it has racial overtones. The two week suspension ordered by CBS Radio, which owns his radio show, and MSNBC is certainly appropriate in this case, along with the mea culpas he has been offering for the past couple of days. He is scheduled to meet with the Rutgers team early next week, and there he should show that he is sincere in his regrets over what was clearly offensive statements.

Makes us remember the days of live, locally produced radio that actually gave a rat's behind about the community. Too bad in many cases that is gone forever, thanks to cheap corporate radio mogul wannabees.

JOHN WINTER (1967 - 2007)

I had the day off from work Thursday, and had just turned on the television after putting away groceries to find out that one of Tampa Bay's best news personalities had taken his own life. My mouth opened in shock, and the tears began to well up within.

John Winter had built a loyal fan base during his 13 years handling the early morning/noon weather duties on NBC affiliate WFLA-TV 8. All one has to do is look among the thousands of rememberances and condolonces left on the guest book at WFLA's Web site. He was professional on-air but never took himself too seriously and was always ready to lighten up the mood for viewers as well as co-anchors Bill Ratliff and Gayle Guyardo. That was a big part of why I enjoyed tuning in to their early morning broadcast; it helped put me in a lighter mood for the day to come.

If this sad episode teaches us anything, it is that within every one of us there is a demon, ready to take control at any time. Regardless of how happy-go-lucky we may seem, that demon is just below the surface. It may manifest itself through various forms of addiction, depression, or other behaviour. It's how we control the demon within that counts.

The thoughts and prayers of I4J are with John's wife Karen, family, collegues, and fans throughout the region. He will be truly missed.

Those individuals wishing to make charitable donations in John's name are being encouraged to do so to two organizations with which he was especially active:

Rough Riders Teddy Bear Drive

Post Office Box 75892

Tampa, Florida 33675

Hillsborough County Animal Services

Post Office Box 89159

Tampa, Florida 33689

SPCA of Lakeland/Polk County

5850 Brannen Road, South

Lakeland, Florida 33813

"He must have been a gardener that cared a lot

Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop

Now we pray for rain, and with every drop that falls

We hear, we hear your name

Johnny, can't you come out to play in your empty garden"

--- Sir Elton John / Bernie Taupin, from "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)"

IF YOU WANNA GUESS WHO ADAM PUTNAM IS FAVOURING FOR THE GOP NOMINATION...

Lakeland Ledger political columnist Bill Rufty makes note this week in his Polk Politics blog on the newspaper's Web site that the area's congressional representative seems to be leaning toward former U.S. Senator and Law and Order actor Fred Thompson --- if he decides to make a run for the White House.

While answering questions about the GOP presidential wannabees during a forum in Lakeland, the third ranking Republican in the House was strongly positive in his comments regarding Thompson, while making these comments:

About U.S. Senator John McCain: "...(his) strongest fans have been the media. To his credit is his consistency, especially on the war, but that is causing him to lose that (media) support. He is probably the best general election candidate, but he will have a difficult time in the primary.''

About former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani: "...(he) was a proven leader in crisis in 911. He is seen as a wartime president . But I don't think the American people want a wartime president. And there is the tawdry past.''

About former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney: "...(his) biggest problem is dealing with his flip flopping (on the issues). He has put the issue of his Mormon faith to rest, but the flip flopping accusation is still there.''

IMHO, Thompson should stick to what he knows best...playing a DA on TV.