A TALE OF TWO FLORIDA SENATORS, OR, IF YOU THINK THE LBJ - RFK SCHISM WAS NASTY...

Lakeland Ledger political writer Bill Rufty has an interesting piece this morning on the apparantly widening gulf between two Polk County state senators, Paula Dockery (R - Lakeland) and J.D. Alexander (R - Lake Wales). Two senators who are supposed to work together for their area in a take of changing supports, backstabbing...you get the idea.

THE WORD GETS AROUND...

It's always nice to get a mention here and there for an idea or other piece I've written here, and it's always appreciated.

A while back, I was moved to write about an idea which would hopefully resolve the madness currently surrounding scheduling the nation's presidential preference primaries and caucuses after watching a discussion on WEDU-TV's programme Florida This Week. I also made sure to send the idea to the moderator and participants on the show, which included St. Petersburg Times columnist Ernest Hooper. He was kind enough to respond to my e-mail, and stated he would possibly mention it in a future column. That piece ran June 15. I still believe it's a great idea.

And earlier today, Tampa Tribune writer Laura Fiorilli made mention of I4J's occasional listing of upcoming visits to Florida by the various presidential candidates. With the current controversy regarding our primary's move to January 29, and the major national party's threats of consequences toward the size of state's national convention delegation (and in the Democrat's case, the threat of no delegate votes for any candidate who campaigns or raises money here), it's an interesting resource to see 1) who is seriously campaigning in Florida, and who is just using the Sunshine State as a big ATM machine, and 2) seeing who is including Florida in their campaign strategy compared to only keeping a New Hampshire/Iowa/Nevada/South Carolina strategy. As the nation's fourth largest state, with a population much more reflective of the nation as a whole than the states holding their caucuses and primaries earlier, those candidates wanting to win had better get on the bandwagon here earlier....simple as that.

HERE'S AN IDEA IF I WON THE LOTTERY...

When I was a kid growing up in rural South Mississippi during the 1960s, we didn't have many choices for entertainment besides the radio, the movie theatre or maybe a rare family outing to the beach at Gulfport or Biloxi (we lived nearly 100 miles away from the coast, so it wasn't often we got that lucky). Therefore, one of the area's primary attractions was a place called Pep's Point, located just north of Hattiesburg.

Located on a lake, Pep's Point is 28 acres of fun, a waterpark which included a beach, waterslide, a miniature golf coure, and a campground for families so inclined could enjoy the weekend. It was a great place to get away from the boredom so prevelant living out in the country, as almost anyone who lived in the Pine Belt would tell you. I enjoyed many a great Saturday or Sunday at the waterside or trying my luck at the putt-putt course.

For the past three decades, Pep's Point has been owned by Frank and Angie Myers, and a spokesperson for the couple told Laurel/Hattiesburg television station WDAM-TV that they are retiring, and therefore are selling the waterpark...on eBay. All you need is $1.3 million. A great opportunity while holding on to a slight bit of nostalgia. It would be a wonderful investment for someone willing to make the time and commitment in a growing area of the Magnolia State.

ANOTHER NEW VOICE IN THE LOCAL BLOGOSPHERE

More and more people, from working Joes to presidential candidates, have realized that blogging is a way of having your voice and opinions communicated unedited. There are a growing number of elected officials that are coming aboard, and we can now count Polk County School Board member Tim Harris among their ranks.

Mr. Harris is serving his first four year term representing District 7, which covers the Lake Gibson/Polk City/Auburndale area of northern Polk County. His blog, known as Tim for Schools, noted it's first post Saturday on the issue of school concurrency which will be required of developers and government beginning next July. At that time, the number of children who will occupy a planned residential development and their impact on schools will have to be considered during the review of such a development.

Welcome aboard to Mr. Harris, and we look forward to reading more.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES FLORIDA APPEARANCE CALENDAR

This is as complete a list as I could put together using information from the various candidate's Web sites (at least, those that actually list upcoming events) and media sources. Of course, please remember that in some cases a campaign may not publicaly announce an event, relying on the host to rely on word of mouth to invite like-minded supporters.

MONDAY, JUNE 25:
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Mitt Romney - Fundraising Reception
The Sembler Center
5858 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg
Tickets: $1,000 / person or $2,300 for a photo opportunity with the candidate

TUESDAY, JUNE 26:
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Mitt Romney - Fundraising Luncheon
Location not announced
Bradenton

FRIDAY, JUNE 29:
7:00 - 9:00 PM
John Edwards - "Small Change for Big Change" Fundraising Event
Lowry Park Zoo, Saunders Pavillion
1101 West Sligh Avenue
Tampa
Admission: $15/person
NOTE: This event is being hosted by trial attorneys C. Steven Yerrid and James L. Wilkes, II.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30:
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Hillary Rodham Clinton - "Women's Breakfast" Fundraising Event
Parrot Jungle
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami
Tickets: $100

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Dennis Kucinich - St. Pete Pride (GBLT) Promenade Parade
Central Avenue between 21st and 31th Streets
St. Petersburg
Free Event

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Joe Biden, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson - National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials 24th Annual Conference / Presidential Candidates Forum
Disney's Contemporary Resort
4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista
Private Event

MONDAY, JULY 16:
TBA
Dennis Kucinich - International Longshoreman's Association - AFL-CIO / 33rd Quadrennial Convention
Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood
Private Event

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28:
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Dennis Kucinich - International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers / National Staff Conference
Conversation with the Candidates
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
1700 Epcot Resorts Road
Lake Buena Vista
Private Event

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 09:
Joe Biden, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson - The University of Miami and Univision Communications / Democratic Presidential Debate
BankUnited Center
1245 Dauer Drive
Coral Gables
NOTE: This debate will be the first event of it's kind to be conducted entirely in Spanish, with simultaneous translation to be made available for candidates who do not speak the language and to the audience. The event is the first of two such planned debates.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21:
Republican Party of Florida - Presidential Debate
Shingle Creek Resort
9939 Universal Boulevard
Orlando
NOTE: This is not a public event, but the debate will be cablecast live on Fox News Channel.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28:
Florida Democratic Party - State Convention
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
1700 Epcot Resorts Road
Lake Buena Vista
NOTE: While none of the party's presidential candidates have yet to confirm that they would attend, one would have to assume that many, if not all, would make an appearance. However, any such visits would be based on if state and national party officials can comprimise on a possible alternative to the Legislature's decision to move our primary into January in violation of the rules of both major political parties. If no middle ground can be reached, any candidate attending this event would be at risk of losing any national convention delegates he/she earns from Florida.

THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: U.S. Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy (D - MA) will be the featured guest to discuss the controversial immigration reform comprimise, followed by the response by collegue Jeff Sessions (R - AL). Former Frasier star and Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce will begin ABC News and USA Today's Role Reversal Series: Your Aging Parents and You, talking about the effects of Alzheimer's Disease, from which both his father and grandfather succumbed. Then the roundtable will feature ABC News' Senior Political Correspondent Jake Tapper, ABC News consultant and former Pentagon spokesperson Torie Clarke, Newsweek International Editor Fareed Zakaria, and conservative columnist George Will to look at the political week left behind.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: The guests and issues were not announced as of late Friday evening.

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: Now that the troop surge is complete in Iraq, is it providing any positive results? U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R - TX) and Ron Wyden (D - OR) will debate the question. Then former U.S. Special Envoy and author Dennis Ross and two ambassadors to the U.S. --- Nabil Fahmy of Egypt and Sallai Meridor from Israel --- will talk about the Middle Eastern situation, especially the Palestenian crisis in the Gaza Strip. And host Wolf Blitzer will feature an exclusive interview with Vietnemese President Nguyen Minh Triet. Also appearing, consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: Two prominent U.S. Senators, Trent Lott (R - MS) and Dianne Feinstein (D - CA), will appear to debate a variety of issues from Iraq to immigration. Then the weekly roundtable to discuss the news of the week past featuring Fox News Washington Managing Editor Brit Hume, Bill Kristol of The Weekly Standard, and Juan Williams and Mara Liasson of National Public Radio.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: This week's show should be interesting to watch, with what should be a lively debate on the immigration reform comprimise between conservative pundit and author Patrick Buchanan and Congressman Luis V. Guiterrez (D - IL), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Immigration Task Force. And a discussion of the week's news with Washington Post columnist David S. Broder, CNBC Chief Washington Correspondent John Harwood, and Gwen Ifill, Moderator/Managing Editor of PBS' Washington Week.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: Can billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg win the White House as an independent candidate? And can Hillary Rodham Clinton continue to oppose the military operation in Iraq and be tough on terror in her campaign for the presidency? Those questions will provide insight and analysis from Time magazine Managing Editor Rick Stengel, writer Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post Writers Group, Washington Post writer David Ignatius, and Elisabeth Bumiller of the New York Times.

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: This week's guests will be Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Rob Turner and former state legislator Carlos A. Lacasa (R - Miami) of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission

IT'S NOT TOO EARLY FOR THE LOCAL CANDIDATES, EITHER!

While much of the attention is being focused on the presidential candidates, we're seeing that a year-plus ahead is not too early for local politicos to begin qualifying for the ballot. Of course, most of those who have opened campaign accounts are incumbants hoping to raise enough coin to scare away potential opponents, but we're seeing some new faces anyway.

Here's the list we're seeing from the office of Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards:

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION - DISTRICT 1
Don Gifford (R) - Lakeland - The former commissioner for this district has not officially opened a campaign account yet, but told Lakeland Ledger political writer Bill Rufty that he plans to challenge current incumbant and fellow Republican Bob English, saying he feels that English is vunerable for supporting a tax increase for infrastructure.

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION - DISTRICT 3
Edwin V. Smith (R) - Lake Alfred City Commissioner. Retired U.S. Navy officer and former Dean of Students at Auburndale High School.

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION - DISTRICT 5
Jim Brown (Reform)

STATE ATTORNEY - TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Jerry Hill (R) - Incumbant seeking his sixth term in the post. Former Public Defender.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 63
Seth McKeel, III. (R) - Incumbant - Lakeland Real Estate Agent. He is a fifth generation Floridian whose grandfather served on the Polk County School Board and actually has two schools named after him (Thanks for the reader who provided the correction!)

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 64
Philip Walker (R) - Lakeland Insurance Agent. This seat will be vacated by Incumbant Republican Dennis A. Ross of Lakeland, who is term limited. Walker is seeking to become the first Black to be elected to the Legislature from Polk County.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 65
John Wood (R) - He is seeking the seat currently filled by Incumbant Republican and Speaker Pro Tempore Marsha L. "Marty" Bowen of Haines City, who is term-limited.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 66
Baxter G. Troutman (R) - Incumbant - Winter Haven Citrus Grower and Employment Agency Business Owner.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 79
Mike Horner (R)

FLORIDA STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 15
Paula Dockery (R) - Incumbant - Lakeland Insurance Agent, Citrus and cattle grower. Spouse is multi-millionaire businessman C.C. "Doc" Dockery.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 17
J.D. Alexander (R) - Incumbant - Lake Wales Citrus Grower. Grandson of the late citrus/cattle mogul and former legislator Ben Hill Griffin, Jr.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 5
Ginny Brown-Waite (R) - Incumbant - Brooksville

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 12
Adam H. Putnam (R) - Incumbant - Bartow Citrus/cattle businessman. Currently Chairman of the House Republican Conference

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 15
Paul Rancatore (D)

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE PEOPLE OF CHARLESTON TONIGHT

It is always sad to hear of any first responder who gives his or her life in the line of duty, but the people of Charleston, South Carolina's grief is especially great following the death of nine firefighters while battling a blaze at a furniture store/warehouse Monday night. Their loss represents more than a century of service to their community, and is the greatest one-time loss of life among first responders since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Many people throughout the nation share the sense of shock, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and collegues of those who died, as well as the entire Charleston community. We never know when our own area could be struck by disaster, and I'm certain there are those who wish to show their concern during this time.

The City of Charleston has announced establishment of a fund to aid the families of those firefighters who perished last evening. Anyone wishing to contribute can send a check to:

City of Charleston Firefighters' Fund
c/o Bank of America
Post Office Box 304
Charleston, South Carolina 29402

To find out more, click here for the press release.

May Almighty God bring his peace to the people of Charleston, and bless all our first responders.

2008'S VERSION OF WALLACE/PEROT/ANDERSON???

He was first a Democrat, then switched to the GOP when he felt it would be an easier primary to win. Now, New York City Mayor and billionaire Michael P. Bloomberg has left the Republican Party to register as an Independent, further increasing the speculation that he may be preparing for a run for the White House.

Bloomberg, who has led America's largest city for 5 1/2 years, has recently complained about the widening partisan gap. Pundits have guessed that the former CEO would run as a centrist as the Republican candidates court the far right and Democrats seek the leftist activist support. Although a Republican, Bloomberg has been at odds with President Bush and the national GOP leadership. He is pro-choice on the issue of abortion, pro-gay marriage, gun control, and stem cell research.

The word is that should Bloomberg decide to give it a try, he would be willing to spend up to $500 million of his own fortune.

THE CALENDAR HAS BEEN UPDATED

Click here to check out the updated calendar of visits to Florida by the major party candidates for president.

One thing I should mention here: There are several events which have been added, but the location was not announced, only noted as TBD (To Be Determined). These events were noted on the candidate's Web site, but unfortunately the local media did not have any further information. Some candidates will not include the location as they are often private events and only made privy to supporters and others who contact the campaign office.

THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D - DE) will appear to discuss Iraq, immigration, and his run for the White House. Afterward, Senator Lindsey Graham (R - SC) will offer his party's response. Actor Martin Sheen, best known as President Josiah Bartlett on The West Wing, will sit down to talk about his fight to restore funding for America's drug courts. Then the roundtable will feature ABC News' Chief White House Correspondent Martha Raddatz, David Cord of The Nation, and conservative columnist George Will will look at the political week left behind.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: The Iraq War, the Middle East situation, and immigration will be the topics tgo be discussed with U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R - KY) and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D - MI), along with Lee Hamilton, Co-Chairman of the Iraq Study Group.

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: Is civil war inevitable as the Palestinian Authority government collapses? U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee members Jack Reed (D-RI) and John Cornyn (R - TX) will provide their opinions, as well as Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Duncan Hunter (R - CA). Also appearing will be Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and author Seymour Hersh of The New Yorker magazine.

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: In his first Sunday chat since taking over the multinational forces in Iraq, General David Petraeus will talk about the "surge strategy" and wheather the Iraqi security forces are doing their part. Then the weekly roundtable to discuss the news of the week past featuring Fox News Washington Managing Editor Brit Hume, syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer, and Juan Williams and Mara Liasson of National Public Radio.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: The increasing sectarian violence in Iraq will be discussed with the U.S. Ambassador to that nation, Ryan Crocker. And the latest news and insights on the 2008 presidential election and other political news with E.J.Dionne, Jr. and Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post, along with Kate O'Beirne and Byron York of the National Review.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: With the military action in Iraq and immigration stalled, what can President Bush get done before the end of his tenure in office? And what is America looking for in their next First Lady (or First Man?)? Those questions will provide insight and analysis from British Broadcasting Corporation Chief Washington Correspondent Katty Kay, Tucker Carlson of MSNBC, co-anchor Michele Norris of National Public Radio's All Things Considered, and Newsweek Chief Political Correspondent Howard Fineman.

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: This week's guest will be Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow), Chairman of the House Republican Conference.

STATE LEGISLATORS HOPPING ONTO FRED THOMPSON BANDWAGON

Two State House members from Polk County are among a group of 15 Republican legislators who announced their support and encouragement for a possible presidential run by character actor and former U.S. Senator Fred Dalton Thompson of Tennessee.

Representative Seth McKeel (R - Lakeland) had previously announced his commitment to the Thompson camp last week after Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) signed on. Also among the group of legislators offering their support was Representative Dennis Ross (R - Lakeland).

Many among the group had signed a letter encouraging Thompson to run for the White House, noting that "You are a leader who can unite our party and our nation." While Thompson has not officially announced his candidacy yet, he is expected to do so very soon.

ROMNEY CAMPAIGN CONTINUES TO MAKE INROADS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

Former Massachusetts governor and current Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney named two Floridians to his campaign's National Faith and Values Steering Committee, a group which will advise him on issues of faith and values.

Named as Vice Chairs to the group were Dr. Jay Dennis, Senior Pastor of Lakeland's First Baptist Church at the Mall, and State Representative Dennis Baxley (R - Ocala), who resigned as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House to run for the State Senate, losing a close race.

I DIDN'T KNOW DOORS AND WINDOWS HAD SO MANY PARTS

I guess I simply have taken those basic ingrediants of a building's protection for granted all these years. Yesterday I took my final at the job in the classroom training to transfer to another of our call centre's clients, one of the top upscale door and window companies in America. Today I begin actually answering customer service calls from folks whose doors or windows have issues, or are seeking new doors and/or windows for their home. Here's hoping I give everyone the correct information...

THESE FOLKS HAVE TO LEARN TO DO MICROWAVE POPCORN RIGHT!

Many of you have put a bag of microwave popcorn into the oven and walked away expecting to enjoy some delicious snacking, only to return to find the rank smell of burnt popcorn because you simply left it in too long. It seems to be a regular case in Seattle, where city employees are being warned to stay by the microwave and "listen to the pop, to know when to stop" or face a ban on microwave popcorn in government buildings.

It seem as though in less than three years, the city's Justice Center (read: courthouse) has been evacuated eight times because burnt microwave popcorn has triggered the smoke detectors. That is in addition to multiple evacuations of City Hall and the Seattle Municipal Tower. According to the memo sent to all City employees Saturday:

"This is a serious issue which requires Fire Department emergency response, building evacuation, and resetting of building systems. Each evacuation causes disruption to City services for at least 30-40 minutes and has considerable actual costs to the City. It also poses safety and security issues, especially at the Justice Center which includes jail facilities and active courtrooms."

So everyone just remember, wheather it be in Seattle, Lakeland, or Miami..."Stay by the microwave and listen to the pop, to know when to stop." Noone likes smelling rank, burnt popcorn.

HERE'S A WAY TO CHECK CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM YOUR LOCAL AREA

The Federal Election Committion has made it much easier to research campaign contributions to the various presidential candidates, not to mention much less troublesome than reading through pages of .pdf files. The software used for the interactive maps were used by the New York Times for it's first quarter research package, and it cost the taxpayers much less as the FEC decided to forgo the bells and whistles which made the Times package so fluid.

The software allows you to check the amount of money raised by individual candidates by the ZIP Code area. According to information from the candidates' last quarterly filing, here's how they did in the 338 area, which includes Polk, DeSota, and Highlands counties:

DEMOCRATS: $19,930
Hillary Rodham Clinton: $9,050
John Edwards: $6,600
Barack Obama: $3,280
Bill Richardson: $1,000

REPUBLICANS: $4,550
John McCain: $3,200
Sam Brownback: $600
Mitt Romney: $500
Ron Paul: $250

Now, compare that to what the candidates have collected statewide:

DEMOCRATS: $3,895,359
Hillary Rodham Clinton: $1,887,826
Barack Obama: $1,019,042
John Edwards: $503,120
Bill Richardson: $194,850
Joseph Biden, Jr.: $147,200
Christopher Dodd: $139,196
Dennis Kucinich: $3,250
Ron Gravel: $875

REPUBLICANS: $2,969,550
Mitt Romney: $996,080
John McCain: $993,026
Rudolph Giuliani: $877,700
Ron Paul: $39,915
Sam Brownback: $34,394
Tommy Tancredo: $8,965
Tommy Thompson: $7,600
Duncan Hunter: $6,350
Mike Huckabee: $5,400
John Cox: $120

RESPONSE TO FLORIDA DEMOCRATS' DECISION TO GO WITH JANUARY 29 PRIMARY

"The DNC will enforce the rules as passed by its 447 members in August 2006. Until the Florida State Democratic Party formally submits its plan and we've had the opportunity to review that submission, we will not speculate further."
--- Official Democratic National Committee statement Monday

"Their primary essentially won't count...Florida has essentially converted their primary to a straw poll...Anybody who campaigns in Florida is ineligible for Florida delegates"
--- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, speaking after a meeting of "Primary Defenders" in New Hampshire

"This could be a total mess unless we find a way out of this, a compromise."
--- U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D - FL)

"I'm going to compete everywhere in America"

--- Former U.S. Senator and current Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards leaving a fundraising event Monday night in Miami, implying that the possibility of sanctions by the DNC would not prevent him from campaigning in Florida

"Q wonders if the same rule will apply to the DNC raising money in Florida."
--- Palm Beach Post political writer Brian E. Crowley, writing in the newspaper's political blog Q this morning

"I still like my plan a lot better"--- Interstate4Jamming blog author Robert C.

THE UPDATED CANDIDATE APPEARANCE CALENDAR

Please keep in mind that this is not intended to be a complete listing of visits. Often, a candidate will drop in for a day or two of fundraising events, which are often not mentioned in the media or on the candidate's public schedule. The events listed here are verified either/or from the candidate's Web side (at least, those who maintain a current list --- if any at all --- of their schedules) or from newspaper sites throughout Florida.

SATURDAY, JUNE 16:
7:00 PM
Dennis Kucinich - Palm Beach County Democratic Party
Jefferson - Jackson Fundraising Dinner
Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach
Tickets: $150 / person

SUNDAY, JUNE 17
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Dennis Kucinich - Address on Universal Health Care
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches; Ministers' Hall
635 Prosperity Farms Road
North Palm Beach
Free Event

MONDAY, JUNE 18:
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (CDT)
Mitt Romney - Fundraising Reception
Location TBD
Panama City
Host: David Browning

TUESDAY, JUNE 19
John McCain - Fundraising Luncheon
Location TBD
Pensacola
Tickets: $1,000 / person

5:30 PM
John McCain - Fundraising Reception
Location TBD
Miami
Tickets: $1,000 / person

7:30 PM
John McCain - Fundraising Dinner
Location TBD
Miami
Tickets: $2,300 / person
Host: Scott Rothstein

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20:
8:45 AM
John McCain - Fundraising Breakfast
Location TBD
Jacksonville
Tickets: $1,000 / person

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
John McCain - Fundraising Luncheon
The Tampa Club
101 East Kennedy Boulevard, 41st Floor
Tampa
Tickets: $1,000 / person
Hosts: Craig Berkman and Commissioner Mark Sharp

7:00 PM
John McCain - Orange County Republican Party / Lincoln Day Dinner
Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios
5601 Universal Boulevard
Orlando
Tickets: $150 / person

THURSDAY, JUNE 21:
Rudolph Giuliani - Reception
La Carreta Restaurant
5350 West 16th Avenue
Hialeah

Rudolph Giuliani - Fundraising Event
Home of Diego R. Suarez, a director of the Cuban Liberty Council
Miami
Private Event

MONDAY, JUNE 25:
Mitt Romney - Fundraising Event
The Sembler Company
5858 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg

FRIDAY, JUNE 29:
John Edwards - Fundraising Event
Tampa
NOTE: Details regarding this event were not available. This event is being hosted by trial attorneys C. Steven Yerrid and James L. Wilkes, II.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30:
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Hillary Rodham Clinton - "Women's Breakfast" Fundraising Event
Parrot Jungle
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami
Tickets: $100

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Dennis Kucinich - St. Pete Pride (GBLT) Promenade Parade
Central Avenue between 21st and 28th Streets
St. Petersburg
Free Event

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Joe Biden, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson - National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials 24th Annual Conference / Presidential Candidates Forum
Disney's Contemporary Resort
4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista
Private Event

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28:
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Dennis Kucinich - International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers / National Staff Conference
Conversation with the Candidates
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
1700 Epcot Resorts Road
Lake Buena Vista
Private Event

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 09:
Joe Biden, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson - The University of Miami and Univision Communications / Democratic Presidential Debate
BankUnited Center
1245 Dauer Drive
Coral Gables
NOTE: This debate will be the first event of it's kind to be conducted entirely in Spanish, with simultaneous translation to be made available for candidates who do not speak the language and to the audience. The event is the first of two such planned debates.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21:
Republican Party of Florida - Presidential Debate
Shingle Creek Resort
9939 Universal Boulevard
Orlando
NOTE: This is not a public event, but the debate will be cablecast live on Fox News Channel.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28:
Florida Democratic Party - State Convention
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
1700 Epcot Resorts Road
Lake Buena Vista
NOTE: While none of the party's presidential candidates have yet to confirm that they would attend, one would have to assume that many, if not all, would make an appearance. However, any such visits would be based on if state and national party officials can comprimise on a possible alternative to the Legislature's decision to move our primary into January in violation of the rules of both major political parties. If no middle ground can be reached, any candidate attending this event would be at risk of losing any national convention delegates he/she earns from Florida.

STATE HOUSE LEADERSHIP CHANGES ANNOUNCED

In a rather quiet move Monday, Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R - Coral Gables) made a couple of promotions among the body's leadership following the defeat of Rep. Dennis K. Baxley (R - Ocala) in a close race for a State Senate seat.

Current House Majority Leader Marsha L. "Marty" Bowen (R - Haines City) will become Speaker Pro Tempore, the position Baxley vacates, while Rep. Adam Hasner (R - Delray Beach) moves up to fill Bowen's former position.

LOCAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY WEB SITE IS UP AND RUNNING

The Polk County Democratic Party's brand new Web site is now up. It's a work in progress, but it's a new means of making local political activists aware of what the organization is up to. Check it out, look around often, and let 'em know you learned about it from I4J.

FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS JANUARY 29 PRIMARY; WHAT HAPPENS NOW

During it's Jefferson - Jackson Weekend festivities held in South Florida, state Democratic activists embraced the idea of it's presidential preference primary being held in January 29 as approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature. However, negotiations will continue to prevent the Florida Democratic Party from losing half it's delegate seats from next summer's national convention, as well as it's "super delegate" seats which are reserved for state party leaders and Democratic elected officials.

Florida Republicans have figuratively "flipped the bird" to the national GOP over the issue, making it clear they are unconcerned about the possibility of losing seats when compared to having a larger say in who their nominee for the White House will be. However, Democrats are more in crisis mode, as the Democratic National Committee has also threatened to take away the delegate votes of any candidate who actively campaigns or raises money here once the state party leadership decides to make the primary binding.

The other option is for the FDP to declare the January 29 primary a nonbinding vote, basically making it worthless in terms of delegate selection and only worthwhile for candidates who do well to crow about how successful their campaign was in the Sunshine State. Instead, the FDP would have to pay --- the general idea is around $5 million --- for caucuses statewide which would actually be the means of selecting delegates. The state party's Central Committee agreed unanimously over the weekend that the primary would be the way to go, fully aware of the possible penalties.

Probable turnout was the key reason for the decision.

In addition to the presidential preference primary, there will very likely be a question regarding property tax reform for voters to decide, as well as municipal elections in a number of communities. The FDP guesses that at best, ten percent of the registered Democrats who would vote in a primary would show up to participate in a caucus.

UPDATE: The Democratic National Committee responded:

"The DNC will enforce the rules as passed by its 447 members in August 2006. Until the Florida State Democratic Party formally submits its plan and we've had the opportunity to review that submission, we will not speculate further."

The procedure now is that the state party must submit their delegate selection plan to the DNC late this week, followed by a 30 day period for public comment. The DNC Rules Committee will take up the issue at it's meeting on August 25, at which time it will almost certainly find the Florida organization in violation and rule that any candidate campaigning or raising funds here will forfeit any delegates.

When it comes to primaries and caucuses, I still like my plan a lot better.

TAMPA BAY TELEVANGALIST MAY BE IN DEEP CACA

One of the primary duties of a religious leader is to educate his/her followers in the area of moral issues, based on the religion's basic beliefs and teachings. And that, on occasion, will include issues being debated in the public forum such as marriage/fidelity and a woman's right to choose to terminate her pregnancy. I don't have a problem with that.

But the rules clearly state that a church or it's leader cannot use it's not-for-profit tax status to support or oppose any candidate for public office.

Here in the Tampa Bay area, televangelist Bill Keller hosts a live call-in programme called "Live Prayer" at 1:00 AM five nights a week on the market's CW network affiliate. During one of his programmes recently, Keller referred to former Pennsylvania governor and current Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney as "part of a satanic Mormon cult", and warned his followers on his Web site that "If you vote for Mitt Romney, you are voting for Satan!"

Romney, who has been one of the most active of the ten current GOP candidates when it comes to campaigning in Florida, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The political remarks have drawn criticism, not to mention a complaint to the Internal Revenue Service by the group Americans United for Seperation of Church and State. Keller defends his remarks, saying he has the right to keep preaching, regardless of the subject, and expects to be cleared of any violation of his ministrial organization's tax exempt status.

I would not be so sure of that. The rules are pretty clear when it comes to mixing politics and religion when you have a tax exempt status.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Thankfully, Almighty God has allowed me to make it through another year. Today makes my 49th birthday, one step closer from the big FIVE-OH! No great plans on this end, just a day at home while my son promises a fine-tasting birthday cake to celebrate.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES FLORIDA EVENT CALENDAR IS NOW UPDATED

For anyone keeping up with which presidential candidates will be visiting the Sunshine State and where, the calendar is now updated. Congressman and peace activist Dennis Kucinich (D - OH) has added two or three more events here to promote his Democratic candidacy for the White House, his first real active campaigning in Florida. The only events he had previously scheduled to come here for were a couple of "Meet the Candidate" forums with a national labour union and Latino elected officials organization.

As I always make note, the list is not intended to be a complete schedule of candidate events across the state. Often candidates will drop in and drop out unannounced for a day or so of private fundraising events which are not brought to the attention of the public or media. What is listed is verified either via media outlets or the candidate's Web site.

Check the calander often. As Florida promises to be a major state for those seeking the White House due to the earlier primary, the number of events promises to only increase.

NO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, ONLY A BUNCH OF PAID STAFFERS AT J-J WEEKEND

The Florida Democratic Party is in the midst of it's Jefferson-Jackson Weekend in Hallandale Beach, a major fundraising event. Unfortunately, yours truly was unable to attend as the event is a bit rich for my 'po boy bank account. I guess I'll have to wait until the state party convention which will be held on the Disney property this fall.

Getting back on track, Adam C. Smith writes today in the St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz that while no presidential candidates are appearing to court the activists in attendance, four of the seven major Democratic campaigns have representation from top level paid staffers:

Joseph Biden: Campaign Manager Luis Navarro; Sister Valerie Biden Owens
John Edwards: Political Director David Medina; Senior Campaign Adviser Peter Hatch
Barack Obama: Political Director Matt Nugen; Deputy Political Director Eureka Gilkey; Southern Regional Political Director Erica Brooks
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Sean Johnson, Deputy Political Director

Christopher Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, and Bill Richardson either did not send anyone from their campaign team, or they have yet to be noted.

The headliner for the weekend's activities at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa is U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D - CA).

THIS WEEK ON THE SUNDAY CHAT SHOWS

ABC / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: U.S. Senator John McCain (R - AZ) was interviewed along the campaign trail this week, and he will discuss his presidential campaign along with a variety of other issues. And the roundtable will feature ABC News consultant and former Pentagon spokesperson Torie Clarke, Jay Carney of Time magazine, ABC News' Claire Shipman, and conservative columnist George Will in a discussion of the week's political news.

CBS / Face The Nation with Bob Schieffer: The issues and guests had not been announced as of Saturday.

CNN / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: This week's programme will feature conversations with two presidential candidates, Democrat Bill Richardson and Republican Mike Huckabee. But the main issue will be immigration, discussed with Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and U.S. Senators Evan Bayh (D - IN) and Jon Kyl (R - AZ).

FOX / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: White House Press Secretary Tony Snow and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Richard J. "Dick" Durbin (D -IL) will appear to discuss immigration.

NBC / Meet the Press with Tim Russert: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will be the featured guest this week, which will be seen earlier than usual in many markets due to NBC Sports' coverage of the French Open tennis tournament. Also, authors Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta, Jr. will appear to discuss their new book, Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Syndicated / The Chris Matthews Show: Can Democrats win votes in next year's election by emphasizing faith? And will the battle over immigration hurt the GOP next year? Those questions will be discussed by BBC News Chief Washington Correspondent Katty Kay, John Heileman of New York magazine, Michelle Norris of Natonal Public Radio's All Things Considered, and Newsweek Chief Political Correspondent Howard Fineman.

Bay News 9 / Political Connections: This weekend's guest is State Senator Mike Bennett (R - Bradenton).

DOUBLELY GOOD NEWS FOR THE LEADERS


The Quinnipiac University Polling Institute survey of Floridians was released Wednesday, with no great surprises, including the fact that actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Dalton Thompson's support has surged among Republicans across the Sunshine State

The poll, taken May 24 - June 4, included 1,174 Floridians --- 467 Republicans and 472 Democrats. The overall margin of error is +/- 2.9 percent among Democratic and Republican respondents each, with the overall margin of error of +/- 2.9 percent


On the Republican side, former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani leads the pack with 31 percent, a fall of six percentage points. Although Thompson has not officially entered the race, he scored second place in the survey with 14 percent. U.S. Senator John McCain is third with ten percent, a drop of five points, followed by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney with eight percent and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich with seven percent.


Former First Lady and current U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton maintains her sizable lead among Floridians on the Democratic side, followed by Senate collegue Barack Obama by a margin of 34 percent to 16. In third is former Vice President Al Gore with 13 percent, with former U.S. Senator and 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards with 11 percent. New Mexico governor Bill Richardson is back with but five percent.

Thompson is already gaining endorsements, led by Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) earlier in the week and . Also this week Mitt Romney's campaign announced that Polk County GOP Chairman and Lakeland attorney Eric Allen will co-chair his local efforts along with retired consultant Fernando Valverde of Solvita. In addition, the Romney camp announced his "National Hispanic Steering Committee", which includes a number of Floridians.


Obama could be hurt in Florida by the apparant decision of the state's top black elected officials, Congressman Kendrick Meek (D - Miami) to endorse Hillary Rodham Clinton. Two other Members of Congress from South Florida, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D - Weston) and Alcee Hastings (D - Fort Lauderdale), announced their endorsements for Ms. Clinton earlier today.

And so it goes...

IT WAS NO REAL SURPRISE

I see where Congressman and Republican Policy Council chairman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) finally came out and officially endorsed former Tennessee senator and soon-to-be candidate Fred Dalton Thompson for the GOP presidential nomination. Also approving of the actor's candidacy is George P. Bush, son of former Florida governor Jeb Bush.

Putnam's announcement was not unexpected, as he had made a couple of positive comments regarding a possible Thompson candidacy a week or two before. In his announcement this week, the Polk County congressman noted that Thompson was a "consistent conservative who has a clear vision for the future of America. He has the ability to unite Republicans and attract the Reagan Democrats."

THE VERY LATEST ON WHEN AND WHERE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES (AND A COUPLE OF OTHER NOTABLES)WILL BE IN FLORIDA:

Please keep in mind that this is not intended to be a complete listing of visits. Often, a candidate will drop in for a day or two of fundraising events, which are often not mentioned in the media or on the candidate's public schedule. The events listed here are verified either/or from the candidate's Web side (at least, those who maintain a current list --- if any at all --- of their schedules) or from newspaper sites throughout Florida.

MONDAY, JUNE 11 :
8:00 PM
John Edwards - "Small Change for Big Change" Fundraiser
The Rusty Pelican
3201 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne
Tickets: $15 / Cash Bar

SATURDAY, JUNE 16:
7:00 PM
Dennis Kucinich - Palm Beach County Democratic Party
Jefferson - Jackson Fundraising Dinner
Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach
Tickets: $150 / person

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20:
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
John McCain - Fundraising Luncheon
The Tampa Club
101 East Kennedy Boulevard, 41st Floor
Tampa
$1,000 / person

7:00 PM
John McCain - Orange County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner
Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios
5601 Universal Boulevard
Orlando
Tickets: $150 / person

MONDAY, JUNE 25:
Mitt Romney - Fundraising Event
The Sembler Company
5858 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg

SATURDAY, JUNE 30:
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Dennis Kucinich - St. Pete Pride (GBLT) Promenade Parade
Central Avenue between 21st and 28th Streets
St. Petersburg
Free Event

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Joe Biden, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson - National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials 24th Annual Conference / Presidential Candidates Forum
Disney's Contemporary Resort
4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista
Private Event

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28:
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Dennis Kucinich - International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers / National Staff Conference
Conversation with the Candidates
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
1700 Epcot Resorts Road
Lake Buena Vista
Private Event

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 09
Democratic Presidential Debate
BankUnited Center
1245 Dauer Drive
Coral Gables
NOTE: This debate will be the first event of it's kind to be conducted entirely in Spanish, with simultaneous translation to be made available for candidates who do not speak the language and to the audience. The event is the first of two such planned debates; this one is sponsored by Univision Communications and the University of Miami.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21:
Republican Party of Florida - Presidential Debate
Shingle Creek Resort
9939 Universal Boulevard
Orlando
NOTE: This is not a public event, but the debate will be cablecast live on Fox News Channel.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28::
Florida Democratic Party State Convention
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
1700 Epcot Resorts Road
Lake Buena Vista
NOTE: While none of the party's presidential candidates have yet to confirm that they would attend, one would have to assume that many, if not all, would make an appearance. However, any such visits would be based on if state and national party officials can comprimise on a possible alternative to the Legislature's decision to move our primary into January in violation of the rules of both major political parties. If no middle ground can be reached, such as a caucus held later which would make the January primary a nonbinding "beauty contest", any candidate would be risking the loss of any national convention delegates he/she earns from Florida.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN WONDERING

I do apologize for the absence of entries recently. That is the result of issues I have had with this old IBM computer off and on during the past couple of months. I do appreciate everyone who visits and checks out what the latest personal and political news from this neck of the woods provides, and hope you will continue to do so.