Dems beat GOP for third consecutive month, winning women and Hispanic voters

TALLAHASSEE, FL — As Mitt Romney travels to Florida today, the Florida Democratic Party released state April voter registration data showing that for the third consecutive month Democrats out registered Republicans, this time by 10-percentage points — up two percentage points from March, when Democrats beat Republicans by 8-percent. In a further sign that the GOP's extreme agenda is causing crucial voting blocs to flee the party, significantly more women and Hispanics are registering as Democrats than as Republicans. Democrats continue to maintain an overall registration advantage of 4-percent. 

"These numbers make clear that the extremist policies of Republicans like Rick Scott and Mitt Romney are causing crucial voting blocs in Florida to 'just say no' to the GOP," said Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux. "As Republicans continue moving too far to the right, Democrats remain squarely focused on creating jobs and strengthening the economy – a message that has set the stage for Democrats to out-register Republicans for three straight months, including with women and Hispanics by double digits in April. In 2012, Florida Democrats are committed to building the strongest, largest ground game Florida has ever seen.” 

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Democrats registered 5,459 more voters than Republicans in April — beating the GOP by 10-percentage points. This is up 2-percent from March, when Democrats out registered Republicans by 8-points.
• This is the third consecutive month that Democrats have out-registered Republicans. 
• In April, Democrats had an 11-percent registration advantage with hispanics. Overall, Democrats are beating Republicans in Hispanic registration by 9-points. 
• In April, Democrats had a 15-percent registration advantage with women. Overall, Democrats are beating Republicans in women registration by 10-points. 
• Overall, the recent statistics continue to reflect that the state is trending more Democratic, as Democrats retain a 4-percent advantage over Republicans.

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MITT ROMNEY "SLASHED AND BURNED JOBS"  Obama, allies seek to spread Bain questions to Florida [Tampa Bay Times] "The Obama campaign today in Miami will stage a news conference outside a former industrial facility that was acquired by Mitt Romney's Bain Capital. It will feature Cindy Hewitt, a former employee who told us in January: 'What bothers me most is that Romney's campaign says he was a creator of jobs,' said Cindy Hewitt, a Miami resident who was a human resources manager at Dade Behring. 'I didn't see that in any way, shape or form. He didn't create jobs. He slashed and burned jobs.'"

Mitt Romney "Sucked the Life Blood" Out of Miami Company, Says Disgusted Ex-Employee [Miami News Times] "She was a human resources manager for a medical company called Dade Behring when Bain Capital began tinkering with its bottom line. Under CEO Mitt Romney, Bain shut down a Behring factory in Puerto Rico and sent some of its technicians to Miami. But less than two months later, Bain shut down the Miami lab as well, firing 850 employees including the Puerto Ricans who had just relocated."

As Mitt Romney hits Florida, Democrats attack Bain's history of profits and layoffs [Tampa Bay Times] "As Mitt Romney returns to Florida today for two days of campaigning and money-raising, Democrats are trying to ensure Floridians keep two words in mind: Dade Behring. It's the name of a former medical equipment manufacturer in Miami that Romney's venture capital firm bought and then closed in the late 1990s, walking away with $242 million in profits."

Hispanic activists plan to protest Romney in Tampa [Tampa Bay Times] 

Obama Camp Sets Tone Before Romney’s Florida Swing [Fl Democracy 2012]

MEANWHILE…WHY IS ROMNEY DUCKING SCOTT? Gov. Scott gives Boca audience tips [Palm Beach Post] "Scott is not scheduled to join presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney when Romney campaigns and raises money in Florida on Wednesday and Thursday."

Share your thoughts on twitter at #ReasonsRomneysDuckingRick

MACK UNDER FIRE, WILL ROMNEY DUCK HIM TOO?  LeMieux, allies hit Mack on his California time [News-Press] "Seven state legislators on Monday sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV, who is running for the U.S. Senate, asking him to release travel vouchers for 2010 and 2011 as part of an effort by a rival campaign to make an issue of how often he is Florida."

Will Mack Join Romney In Florida This Week? [FLDemocracy2012] "When Mitt Romney embarks on a two-day tour of Florida tomorrow, Rep. Connie Mack—Romney’s leading Florida surrogate during the primary—may be conspicuously absent…A bruising primary battle and what seems like one blunder after another have plagued the once inevitable Senate candidate."

It's getting ugly (and weird) LeMieux Camp Says Maybe Connie Mack's Water Bill Is So Low Because He Drinks Tiger Blood [Palm Beach News Times] "The most recent spat between George LeMieux and Rep. Connie Mack started over a web ad the LeMieux campaign released that suggested Mack doesn't really live in Florida."

Politifact rates it FALSE: Chamber says Bill Nelson voted to cut Medicare $500 billion [Politifact] 

U.S. Chamber earns ‘Pants on Fire’ for Nelson ad  [Orlando Sentinel] 

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — CALLS FOR BUCHANAN TO RESIGN, SOUTHERLAND'S MAILING HYPOCRISY 

Watchdog group calls for Buchanan to resign [McClatchy] "The watchdog group responsible for the ethics complaint against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan on Tuesday urged Republican leaders in the House of Representatives to ask the Florida congressman to step down."

Ethics group calls on GOP leadership to demand Rep. Buchanan's resignation [The Hill] "A watch-dog group is calling on House GOP leadership to demand that Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) resign, claiming that ongoing ethics allegations impede his ability to serve in Congress."

House freshmen spent millions of tax dollars on mailings [Gannett] "Republican freshmen who came to Congress last year promising to transform Washington's free-spending culture are no different from most other lawmakers in at least one respect: They mailed out millions of taxpayer-funded flyers and brochures during their first year in office."

Gloria Romero Roses makes EMILY’s List [News Service of Florida] "EMILY’s List, a national PAC that works to elect pro-choice women, announced Tuesday that it’s backing Gloria Romero Roses in her bid to win the congressional seat currently held by Republican Rep. David Rivera. "

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Timing of scrubbing noncitizens from voters rolls worry Florida election supervisors [Tampa Bay Times] "But the Florida Department of State, which knew of the audit, didn't begin forwarding a portion of those names to county election supervisors until recently — just six months from the presidential election in November."

FCAT fiasco points up failures at the top [Tampa Bay Times editorial] "Public anger at the overuse of high-stakes standardized tests finally boiled over, as more than 800 people listened in to the conference call and queued up to question how this mess happened — and what it means for their children and their schools. What it means is that there is too much emphasis on standardized tests and that the state's manipulation of the rules render the test scores meaningless."

Protect student loans [Miami Herald editorial] "College students are getting squeezed by every other expense affecting education, not merely the cost of loans. Dramatic jumps in tuition or fees have made it harder, coupled with a retreat by state lawmakers that has siphoned money away from higher education."

Don’t blame the Dems for hyper-partisanship [Miami Herald column] "It was not Democrats who held the economy hostage in a manufactured debt ceiling crisis that caused the nation’s credit rating to be lowered for the first time in history. It was not Democrats who voted down their own deficit reduction resolution, apparently because they didn’t want the president to share credit. It was not a Democratic leader who declared defeating the president his top legislative priority.No, it was Republicans who did all that. And it is not Democrats who have seen a steady trickle of condemnation and defection by their own appalled members."

DRIP DRIP DRIP Water records suggest Mack rarely comes home to Florida  [Orlando Sentinel] "Somebody has flushed toilets and taken showers — or done something to use water — at Connie Mack IV's Fort Myers townhouse at least a few days a month…The controversy began in 2006 when his then-wife, Ann, charged in divorce proceedings that he had misrepresented the Fort Myers townhouse as his home. Last week, U.S. Senate primary opponent George LeMieux alleged Mack lives in California. And Monday, seven Florida lawmakers who've endorsed LeMieux called on Mack to release detailed travel records."

Tweet your favorite Mack toilet "headlines" to @Fladems this morning, there's so many good ones…

LeMieux increases pressure on Mack to show Florida residency; seven lawmakers call on Mack to release travel records  [Orlando Sentinel] "Now LeMieux is releasing an open letter from seven Florida lawmakers calling on Mack to release travel records."

Broward man files FEC complaint against Mack for mailing violation [The Florida Current] "A blogger in Broward County says he's filed a complaint with the FEC about mailers Rep. Connie Mack sent out that violated House rules"

OFA-FL TAKES ON ROMNEY'S BAIN EXPERIENCE Obama attack on Bain Capital includes Fl events [Tampa Tribune] "President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign will hold Florida events in connection with its criticism of Mitt Romney’s record at Bain Capital while Romney is doing a fundraising tour of Florida this week. The Obama for America campaign came out of the box this morning with a news conference call, a new ad, web site and and web video saying while at Bain Capital, Romney made millions in profits by destroying American companies and jobs."

AFTER 16 MONTHS OF RICK SCOTT, EXECUTIVE OFFICE "A MESS" Shake-ups shaking Florida [Palm Beach Post editorial] "After 16 months of Rick Scott, the executive office of the governor is a mess…No cover story, though, can change the image of a governor who is trying to remake Florida at a time when he can't even manage his own department."

All about Steve: He did himself in [Tampa Bay Times column] "There is that old adage in journalism about blaming the messenger for the message. The news media didn't hound MacNamara out of office. Reporters merely pointed out that the governor had hired one of Tallahassee's most inside of insiders to provide a tutorial on how to wield power and help lobbyists."

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — ROSES GET'S EMILY'S LIST BUMP, BUCHANAN STORIES CONTINUE, FLORIDIANS FOR FITZ 

Gloria Romero Roses get's nod from Emily's List [Morning Score] "Gloria Romero Roses (FL- 26) are going on the list, just one step short of a full endorsement. This gives them access to the group membership."

Culture of Corruption Watch [MSNBC Maddow Blog] "The committee found 'substantial reason to believe' Buchanan violated the rules, and the investigation into his alleged reimbursements for campaign donations will continue."

Over 2,600 Floridians Agree: It's Time for Honest Change in Congress [Fitzgerald For Congress] "Fitzgerald, former State Representative and candidate for Congress in Florida’s 16th Congressional District, announced today that he officially surpassed the required 2,298 signatures required to qualify on the ballot for the fall elections. Most notably, the vast majority of the signatures were collected by volunteers who committed hundreds of hours to gather the signatures of Suncoast voters."

Dan Webster, census taker? [Ocala Star Banner] "Central Florida U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster in recent days has been taking heavy criticism for a push to end a key demographic survey that proponents say is an indispensable tool for tracking the nation's economic social and economic tides." 

Ted Deutch uses Republican budget plans to fire up Democrats [Sun Sentinel] "U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Boca, Raton, sought to fire up a key constituency on Monday, warning senior voters that fairness will go out the window and Medicare will be in jeopardy if Republicans in Washington, D.C. get their way."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Democrats elect delegates [St. Augustine Record] "A number of volunteers helped to make this a very successful and special occasion, it was noted. It was a close election, and all of the candidates are to be congratulated for their excellent credentials and ability to get-out-the vote"

Parents sign petition against use of FCAT [Miami Herald] "The petition, gaining traction in parts of Florida and around the country, urges education administrators to rely less on standardized tests and use other measures to evaluate students, schools and teachers."

FCAT writing scores plummet, prompting school grade concerns [Tampa Bay Times] "Kathleen Oropeza, an Orlando parent activist who has sued the state over education funding issues, suggested the massive drop in student writing results had less to do with actual performance than with officials bent on getting results and setting the rules accordingly."

Report: Marco Rubio not seriously under consideration for VP [Tampa Bay Times] "From Politico today: ... But a Republican official familiar with the Romney campaign’s thinking says the vice-presidential search will be more rigorous, and likely produce a candidate a lot less flashy than McCain’s running mate, then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin."

THE GOP'S BIG, BIG PROBLEM Immigration stance keeps Hispanics sour on Romney [Palm Beach Post] "The Republican Party's attempt to woo Hispanic voters this election year has so far been a rough ride. And last week that journey hit another speed bump…452,619 were registered as Republicans and 564,513 Democrats."

Florida battleground features full slate of competitive House, Senate races [The Hill] "A growing Hispanic population, dissatisfaction with Gov. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Romney’s problems with the GOP base — could all push voters toward Democratic candidates."

Younger Cuban-American voters shift away from the GOP and toward an independent outlook [Tampa Bay Times] "Overall GOP support among Cuban-Americans has dropped by nearly 20 percent in since 2000…While Cubans enjoy protected status under U.S. law, Moreno said, they are no less sensitive to the debate: 'At some point Republicans sound not anti-immigration but anti-Hispanic.' When they register to vote, Hispanics are turning to the Democratic Party or to no-party-affiliation, a sign the GOP's hard-line stance is turning them off."

RUBIO "NOT BEING SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED" Mitt Romney's mantra: Avoid John McCain's mistakes [Politico] "Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who is not being as seriously considered as popularly believed because aides don’t see him as experienced enough or appropriately vetted."

Sen. Marco Rubio's claim on student loan bill is false [Politifact] "Rubio's statement gives the impression that all kinds of mom-and-pop operations might be subject to new, additional taxes, when actually the bill is aimed squarely at high-income professionals. The bill's intent was to close a loophole on people who were avoiding payroll taxes, taxes that they're supposed to be paying anyway. We rate Rubio's statement False."

FL SEN: MACK'S CAMPAIGN "ROCKY AT BEST"  Senate race in Fla. off to a slow start [Washington Post] "But Mack’s introduction to the world of statewide politics has been rocky at best and has had national Republicans fretting that the road to the Senate majority will have to wind through states other than Florida.  For one thing, there’s Mack’s colorful past, which has unspooled since he entered the race in November. "

Is Mack Campaign Getting Desperate? [Political Press] "Which makes you wonder if desperation is beginning to set in for the Mack campaign, as it continues to struggle with the basics, like penning a credible press release, in its thus far fruitless effort to put this race away."

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — WEST IN TROUBLE, LOSER OF THE WEEK  Patrick Murphy says he's tied with Allen West in race for Congress [Palm Beach Post] "Regardless of whether you believe Democrat Patrick Murphy's poll that says he's tied with Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West, there's no disputing the underlying competitiveness of the new Palm Beach-Treasure Coast District 18 congressional seat that emerged in this year's redistricting."

Runner up loser of the week: Vern Buchanan [Tampa Bay Times] "Congressional ethics investigators report that Buchanan appears to have tried to get a former business partner to lie to investigators looking into allegations of illegal campaign fundraising activity."

REARRANGING DECK CHAIRS ON THE TITANIC A necessary exit for Steve MacNamara, the governor's chief of staff [Tampa Bay Times editorial] "As usual, MacNamara had an excuse and denied any suggestion of impropriety…But Scott campaigned as an outsider with a new approach to government. There was nothing new about the way his chief of staff dismissed critics and helped friends."

Gov. Rick Scott’s embattled chief of staff resigns [Times/Herald] 

Gov. Scott's top aide resigns in wake of disclosures [AP] 

Scott chief of staff MacNamara resigns, cites media attention  [Orlando Sentinel] 

Steve MacNamara: Five Reasons He Had to Quit [WFSU] 

Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff draws ethics complaint [Times/Herald] 

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Mayor Alvin Brown winner of the week [Tampa Bay Times] "The mayor of Jacksonville last week vetoed his City Council's plan to spend $750,000 on new furniture for a new county courthouse. The old furniture is fine, said the mayor, who is expected to be overridden by the council. Still, it sounds like Brown is the one with his finger on public sentiment in these tough times."

One more insult to teachers [Tampa Bay Times column] "Clearly, our conservative lawmakers who dominate Tallahassee are not cheerleaders for our public schools. They are busy devising new ways to redirect public funding to for-profit institutions by, among other tactics, lowering per-pupil spending and strapping local districts with unfunded mandates."

In Florida, Registering Voters A Whole New Game [NPR] "As the general election campaigns ramp up, that may begin to change. President Obama's re-election campaign has 27 field offices throughout Florida where it's training volunteers on the new voter registration requirements. The campaign says it's beginning an active voter outreach effort that it will carry through Election Day. Florida's Republican Party is gearing up for a similar effort."

Florida's legacy of misdirected reapportionment [Ocala Star Banner editorial] "The battle over redistricting legislative seats in Florida has once again resolved itself in a way that limits the voice of many Floridians. Republicans have drawn House and Senate districts with the goal of maintaining their super majorities in both houses and appear to have been successful in doing so."

Hispanics, NPAs more likely to face noncitizen voter purge than whites, GOP [Miami Herald] "Hispanic, Democratic and independent-minded voters are the most likely to be targeted in a state hunt to remove thousands of noncitizens from Florida’s voting rolls, a Miami Herald computer analysis of elections records has found."

MORE REPUBLICAN HAND-WRINGING OVER FLSEN Ex-GOP congressman eyes Fla. Senate bid [Politico]"Weldon’s potential eleventh hour entry is the latest signal of unrest within Sunshine State Republican circles about the party’s chances of knocking off Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) The current field includes two problem-plagued candidates, Rep. Connie Mack and former Sen. George LeMieux."

LEMIEUX, MACK TAKE AIM AT EACH OTHER  LeMieux takes issue with Mack mail mistake [AP] "George LeMieux is making an issue of a government-paid mailing that went outside Senate primary opponent Connie Mack IV's congressional district"

Connie Mack Aims for George LeMieux, Hits Marco Rubio [National Review Online] "I don’t have time to list all the ways Mack’s attack is ridiculous, so let me just mention one."

Meanwhile…Missed votes continue to add up for Connie Mack [Tampa Bay Times] "Rep. Connie Mack missed a series of votes yesterday, including the symbolic GOP measure to replace Pentagon cuts with spending on food stamps and social programs, adding to a growing list since he started running for U.S. Senate."

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — BUCHANAN BLASTED, MURPHY TIED W/WEST, GOP BLASTED FOR BUDGET 

The world according to Vern Buchanan: Ethics, schmethics [Tampa Bay Times Column] "Whoa! The newbie congressman barely had time to unpack his Rolodex of defense lawyers and he was already on his way to achieving mythic status for being more ethically compromised than Silvio Berlusconi at a Miss Teen Italy pageant."

Murphy Internal Poll Shows Him Tied With West [National Journal]  "An internal poll released on Thursday by his Democratic challenger shows Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., in a dead heat for reelection to a second term."

Advocates demand meeting with Rep. Young; worried about budget for social service programs [WMNF] "A group of progressive advocates wants U.S. Representative Bill Young to meet with them to talk about provisions in that controversial budget. The Republican-backed plan in the House would cut funding to things like federal Pell grants, foreclosure assistance programs and Medicare and Medicaid."

Florida Democrats bracket Buchanan [FLADems] "As Congressman Southerland drives to his town hall meeting in Marianna today, Florida residents deserve to know why he spent the last week in Washington championing a transportation bill which would bankrupt the highway fund and cost Florida over 30,000 jobs. With an extremist record like that, it's no wonder Tea Party icon Allen West endorsed Congressman Southerland one week ago today."

Watch: Congressman Says Antigay Discrimination Doesn't Happen [The Advocate] "Florida congressman Allen West says LGBT people don’t have to worry about discrimination — it doesn’t happen."

EDITORIAL PAGES COME OUT FOR OBAMA President Obama's momentous evolution on same-sex marriage [Tampa Bay Times editorial] "In a courageous act of moral leadership, President Barack Obama has made civil rights history by announcing his support for same-sex marriage. The president has supported civil unions and equal rights for gays and lesbians, but until this week he had stopped short of embracing full marriage rights. Like many Americans, Obama says his views have evolved. While his personal declaration is largely symbolic, it furthers the public conversation and moves the nation further along the path toward equal rights for all couples."

A historic stand at pivotal moment [Miami Herald editorial] "But for now President Obama has taken a historic stand at a pivotal moment. Leadership requires as much."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Marco Rubio Faces Backlash From Allen West, Other Conservatives Over Immigration [Huffington Post] "Even before he unveils the details, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's compromise proposal to legalize the children of undocumented immigrants is drawing political attacks from the right and deep skepticism from the left."

RNC chairman Reince Priebus to Florida GOP: There's room at Tampa Bay Times Forum [Tampa Bay Times] "Florida Republicans better not count on a lenient national GOP to give them prime floor seats to the Republican National Convention in Tampa after they broke the party's primary schedule rules. But RNC chairman Reince Priebus said Thursday that they don't have to worry about access to the Tampa Bay Times Forum in August."

Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff made exception to travel rule for friend [Miami Herald] "But MacNamara changed the rules for Shari Kerrigan, a lawyer and friend of MacNamara’s whom the governor appointed the state’s film commissioner in December."

Scott's task force a waste [Palm Beach Post editorial] "If Gov. Rick Scott wants to remake Florida's higher education system to meet the demands of a knowledge-based economy, he should start from a personal knowledge base rather than appoint a "blue ribbon" task force."

Key takeaways from the first public poll of FL-18 shows first time challenger Democrat Patrick Murphy and right-wing GOP fanatic Allen West are tied neck-and-neck: 

• Murphy and West are tied at 45-45.
• Murphy holds a 15-point lead amongst independents.
• When asked about re-electing West, more voters prefer "someone new." 
• West's hyper partisan messaging is dividing voters — Murphy is strongly positioned right out of the gate. 

Full poll results here: http://www.patrickmurphy2012.com/media/cd18pollmemo.pdf

Murphy Internal Poll Shows Him Tied With West [National Journal]

An internal poll released on Thursday by his Democratic challenger shows Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., in a dead heat for reelection to a second term.

Southerland voted against funding Florida's roads and transportation jobs, stands in lockstep with extremists like Allen West

Tallahassee, FL —  As Congressman Southerland drives to his town hall meeting in Marianna today, Florida residents deserve to know why he spent the last week in Washington championing a transportation bill which would bankrupt the highway fund and cost Florida over 30,000 jobs. With an extremist record like that, it's no wonder Tea Party icon Allen West endorsed Congressman Southerland one week ago today. 

"Congressman Southerland said he was going to change Washington, but all he's done is gone Washington," said Florida Democratic Party spokesman David Bergstein. "From slashing money for agriculture to killing transportation jobs for Florida, Southerland is pushing an extreme agenda that is out of touch with the people he was supposed to serve. It's no wonder Tea Party darling Allen West endorsed Southerland last week — both West and Southerland are voting in lockstep with the Tea Party against Florida's families." 

Southerland's position on transportation is just the latest move in his long record of putting the Tea Party special interests ahead of his constituents: he's voted to end Medicare as we know it while protecting tax breaks for Big Oil billionaires and he voted to slash at least $30 billion from agriculture – causing offices in the CD 2 to shutter their doors.

BACKGROUND:

Far right extremist West endorsed Southerland last week.

Tea Party darling and far right extremist Allen West endorsed Southerland last week. Last week, Congressman West posted that "Fellow Florida Republican Member Steve Southerland is a Freshman like me and together along with some of the others up here we are trying to change things." [West's Facebook page; 5/4/12] 

Congressman West and Congressman Southerland voted together 94-percent of the time. [Opencongress.org, accessed 5/11/12]

Southerland: "no one gets me confused with moderates."At a town hall in Branford on May 3, 2012 Southerland said "In Washington D.C., no one gets me confused with moderates." [Southerland Town Hall, 5/3/12].

Southerland voted for and is championing a Transportation bill which would cost Florida thousands of jobs. 

Southerland Backed Surface Transportation Bill Will Cost Florida 30,600 Jobs. According to analysis conducted by the House Transportation Committee, the “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012” (HR 7) would cost Florida $881 million worth of federal highway funding aid and destroy 30,637 jobs in the state. [H Rept. 112-397, 2/13/11; House Transportation Committee’s Comparison of Current Law and HR 7, 2/16/12] 

House Republicans’ Transportation Will Bankrupt the Highway Trust Fund.  According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012” (HR 7) would bankrupt the Highway Trust fund by 2016 and would leave it with a $68.9 billion shortfall over ten-years. [Congressional Budget Office, 2/13/12]

Southerland serves on the Senate-House Transportation bill conference committee this week. [The Hill, 4/26/12]

Southerland voted to cut billions from Agriculture, the lifeblood of northern Florida. 

Southerland Voted for a Budget with At Least $30 billion in Agriculture Cuts. According to Delta Farm Press, “the plan would cut agriculture spending some $30 billion over the next decade and those writing the next farm bill will have to adhere to those limits.” In addition, “the House Budget committee has specified FY 2013 reconciliations savings for six committees, including the Agriculture Committee to achieve $33.2 billion over 10 years (2012-2022). However, Chairman Ryan’s proposal says the six committees ‘will be responsible for determining how to meet their reconciliation instructions.’” [Delta Farm Press,3/20/12; Western Farm Press, 3/21/12; H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12]

Southerland Voted for the FY2012 Agriculture Bill That Cut Spending for Agriculture program by 13%. In June 2011, Southerland voted for a 13% cut to agriculture programs – one of the most significant in decades. [New York Times, 6/17/11; House Committee on Appropriations Press Release, 6/16/11; H.R. 2112, Vote #459, 6/16/11]

Department of Agriculture Announced Plans to Close USDA Offices in Florida, Including Office in the 2nd District. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to streamline its operations and cut costs, which includes possibly shutting down 10 offices in Florida [...] Under review in Florida are two Animal Plant Health Inspection Service offices in Gainesville and Fort Myers; an Agriculture Research Service Office in Brooksville; six Farm Service Agency offices in Molino, Chipley, Mayo, Jasper, Bronson and Sebring; and a Food and Nutrition office in Fort Lauderdale.” [Orlando Business Journal, 1/10/12]

Southerland's Tea Party record.

Last Year, Southerland Voted to End Medicare As We Know It. On April 15, 2011, Southerland voted in support of a budget, which according to the Wall Street Journal, “would essentially end Medicare.” If enacted, this budget would begin affecting millions of seniors almost immediately by increasing the costs on prescription drugs and long-term care. For future beneficiaries, the plan will significantly increase out-of pocket costs for health care, which according to the Congressional Budget Office would more than double under the Republican Plan. [H Con. Res. 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Wall Street Journal,4/4/11; National Journal, 6/2/11; CBO, 4/5/11; see also: Los Angeles Times,4/7/11; Congressional Joint Economic Committee, 5/20/11]

Southerland Voted for the House Republican Budget that Continued Special Tax Breaks for Big Oil. On April 15, 2011, House Republicans voted for the budget plan authored by Rep. Paul Ryan. Robert Greenstein, President of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities wrote that it was noteworthy that the Republican budget secured no deficit-reduction contribution at all from closing special interest tax breaks, such as breaks for big oil companies. [H Con Res 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/20/11]

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OBAMA UP WITH 2 NEW ADS

Two new Obama campaign ads airing in Florida [Tampa Bay Times] "Two new TV spots by the Barack Obama campaign started airing today across Florida. The first one, "Succeed," touts the president's efforts to save the auto industry. The seond one, "Reverse," points the the economic trends and 26 months of private sector job growth since he took office." WATCH SUCCEED HERE, WATCH REVERSE HERE.  

Affordable Care Act working even before it fully kicks in [Orlando Sentinel Guest Column] "I am a nurse practitioner. One of my roles is to provide free primary care at the Good Samaritan free clinic in DeLand. My work at the clinic has brought me face to face with the reality of people who cannot obtain health insurance because of costs or pre-existing conditions…Beyond these substantial direct benefits of the health-care law, we all have also benefited indirectly from the new law. For example, funding through the health-care law has helped law enforcement to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicare system and recover billions of tax dollars." 

Audrey Gibson, Mia Jones to take part in Obama event in Jacksonville [Florida Times Union] "State Sen. Audrey Gibson, D - Jacksonville, and state Rep. Mia Jones, D -Jacksonville, will headline a Thursday event aiming to 'highlight the importance of President Obama's economic policies.'"

CONNIE MACK BUSTED Mailer sent by Connie Mack violates House rules [Tampa Bay Times] " A government mailer sent to voters across Florida by U.S. Rep. Connie Mack violates House rules barring distribution outside his district and raises questions about his U.S. Senate campaign, which features the penny-pinching plan that was the subject of the mailer."

Expensive Mistake [Tampa Bay Times] "A vendor that handled the taxpayer-funded mailer sent by U.S. Rep. Connie Mack took the blame and today wrote the U.S. Treasury a check for nearly $18,000 to cover the cost." 

Meanwhile…U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson opening campaign HQ in Orlando [Orlando Sentinel] "Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has planted his re-election state campaign headquarters in Orlando, in the same building as President Barack Obama’s Orlando campaign office, 1516 E. Colonial Dr."

RUBIO CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT From Politico's Playbook: “MARK HALPERIN’S TOP 5 FOR VEEP, in order of likelihood, from forthcoming issue of TIME: 1) Rob Portman 2) Mitch Daniels 3) Chris Christie 4) Bobby Jindal 5) Paul Ryan”

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — ETHICS INVESTIGATING BUCHANAN: "MAY HAVE BROKEN THE LAW" (AGAIN), FRANKEL'S SEAT LEANS DEMOCRAT

Ethics panel: Rep. Buchanan may have broken law [AP] "A congressional ethics panel has concluded there is substantial reason to believe Rep. Vern Buchanan tried to get a former business partner to lie to the Federal Election Commission in violation of federal law and a House rule."

Report Casts Harsh Light on Lawmaker’s Fund-Raising [New York Times] 

House Ethics Committee Reviews New Rep. Buchanan Allegation [Wall Street Journal]

Ethics Panel Continues Investigation [Politico]

Buchanan mailing expenses tops in Florida again [Herald Tribune] "'Congressman Buchanan continues to waste taxpayers’ money on perks and privileges for himself rather than working for Suncoast seniors and middle class families,' Fitzgerald says in the release."

House Ratings [The Hill] "In Florida, the open seat where Republican Adam Hasner and Democrat Lois Frankel are expected to square off moves from “toss-up” to “lean Democratic” due to Frankel’s strong fundraising and the Democratic leanings of the redrawn district."

Rep. Allen West On Food Stamps: ‘That’s How You Enslave The American People’ [ThinkProgress] "As if poor people didn’t have enough to worry about, Rep. Allen West (R-FL) has given them one more: enslavement."

Bill says everything about Republicans' priorities [Tampa Bay Times Editorial] "Repeating a tired and disappointing script, House Republicans are poised to pass a bill today that would shred the social safety net for struggling Americans in order to protect defense spending."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Jim Greer's lawyer: Another witness says RPOF officials knew Greer was taking over fundraising [Tampa Bay Times] "Former  Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer has found yet another witness who says party officials knew Greer had taken over fundraising and would be compensated for it."

Not all Florida university cuts being covered by reserves [News-Press] "The issue has moved to the forefront in recent weeks as University of Florida officials were forced to reconsider plans to slash the Computer and Information Science and Engineering department as part of its plan to deal with reductions."

A defiant MacNamara defends his record, says he's not leaving — yet [Miami Herald] "MacNamara said that while the stream of stories may hasten his plans to leave the administration later this year, he is not leaving -- yet. 'This whole thing may just hurry my departure by a few months,'' he said."

Water problems [Gainesville Sun Editorial] "It's official. Both our regional water managements have figured out that we're having a water problem."

Embattled Congressman Vern Buchanan's ethical problems are not going away anytime soon. Yesterday, the Office of Congressional Ethics unanimously found that “there is substantial reason to believe that Representative Buchanan attempted to influence the testimony of a witness in a proceeding before the FEC in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201 [bribery of public officials and witnesses],1505 [obstruction of proceedings before departments, agencies, and committees], and 1512 [tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant].”

Some key highlights from the coverage: the former used car salesman apparently "knew of the laundered contributions," he "tried to get his former business partner to lie," and he refused to be interviewed by OCE investigators. 

New York Times: Report Casts Harsh Light on Republican’s Fund-Raising

Associated Press: Ethics panel: Rep. Buchanan may have broken law

Bradenton Herald: Ethics committee extends review of Rep. Vern Buchanan's conduct

Roll Call: Ethics Panel Says It Will Continue Probe of Buchanan

The Hill: Ethics investigation of Buchanan extended

Wall Street Journal: House Ethics Committee Reviews New Rep. Buchanan Allegation

WTSP: House Ethics Committee still investigating Buchanan

And for dessert…we're re-circulating this hilarious video. 

###

THE GOP'S HISPANIC PROBLEM ON DISPLAY GOP fumbles Hispanic outreach [Miami Herald] "They were supposed to be introducing the team whose savvy grassroots work would sway the nation’s 12 million Hispanic voters to the Republican Party in six battleground states, including Florida. Instead, the Republican National Committee demonstrated Tuesday just how far behind it is in persuading Latino voters to pick former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney over President Barack Obama. When asked what they’d tell voters about Romney’s tough immigration talk, Bettina Inclan, the RNC National Hispanic outreach director, replied: He is 'still deciding what his position on immigration is.' Oops."

Republicans' appeal to Florida's Hispanic voters off to bumpy start [Tampa Bay Times] "Republicans called a meeting Tuesday to show off their Hispanic voter outreach, pledging an aggressive effort in Florida and other key states that will focus on the economy. They showed off, instead, how much work the GOP and Mitt Romney have to do."

The GOP’s Latino problem – from the mouth of the GOP  [Orlando Sentinel] "No one has made the case about the GOP’s current problems on this front in more starker terms than Steve Schmidt, a former spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee and senior strategist for John McCain’s presidential campaign. This is what Schmidt said on MSNBC last month: 'If you look at the Republican Party as a whole … If we had a deliberate strategy to antagonize every Latino voter in this country, it’s not possible that we could have done a better job.'"

AND ROMNEY DOES'T JUST HAVE A HISPANIC PROBLEM…Enthusiasm For Romney Runs Low In Fla. Panhandle [NPR] "But in the primary, Romney struggled in the Panhandle of the Sunshine State — a bastion of conservative voters. And it might take more convincing for them to really get behind the former Massachusetts governor."

RUBIO SIDES WITH TEA PARTY OVER STUDENTS Nelson, Rubio split on student loan rates [Tampa Tribune] "Florida Democratic Party spokeswoman Brannon Jordan said Rubio 'has again put the interests of the Tea Party ahead of Florida’s families,' and state College Dems President Tim Mason said he was 'appalled that Senator Rubio would stand in the way of keeping student loan rates low.'"

Rubio Votes To Block Student Loan Interest Rate Extension [Beach Peanuts] "As far as Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio are concerned, if you weren't born with a silver spoon in your mouth, or found a way to get someone else like, say the Republican Party, to pay your bills for you, well too bad for you."

MACK'S MISTAKES CONTINUE Ooops. Connie Mack mistakenly misspends tax money on penny-plan pitch to save tax money [Miami Herald] "Taxpayer-funded mailers highlighting Rep. Connie Mack's "penny plan" -- a proposal he's also pitching as a Senate candidate -- are landing in mailboxes outside the congressman's district, an apparent violation of House rules."

From the twitters, via @LearyReports:  More reports of Connie Mack's far-flung taxpayer-funded mailer. Lutz and Miami Beach residents got them as well. 

VERN BUCHANAN (BACK) UNDER FIRE Congressman Vern Buchanan under fire [WTSP] "Although the wealthy Republican dodged a bullet on charges he violated federal election laws, regardless of what the Ethics Committee decides, Buchanan faces other severe legal problems. 'We're talking about thousands of fraudulent transactions, thousands," said consumer advocate Duane Overholt.'" WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.

EDUCATION UNDER ASSAULT EVERY DAY UNDER THE "EDUCATION GOVERNOR"

UM medical school to lay off up to 800 [Miami Herald] "State budget cuts, less research money, lower compensation from insurers and cutbacks in payments by Jackson Health System made the changes necessary, Shalala said during a meeting at the Miami Herald."

Add more cooks [Gainesville Sun Editorial] "Between slashing state university funding by $300 million, creating an expensive, unnecessary new university and denying UF and Florida State the means to make up for crippling budget cuts by raising tuition, Gov. Rick Scott wants to make sure that universities "don't waste any dollars.""

Meanwhile…Gov. Rick Scott’s top advisor arranged $5 million no-bid contract in Senate [Times/Herald] "When the Florida Senate was looking for someone to put its budget data online, it set aside $5.5 million and turned to the business partner of a close friend of the Senate’s chief of staff at the time, Steve MacNamara."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Mitt Romney denounced 'abortive pill' coverage, but will raise money in Miami with its maker [Think Progress] "The Romney campaign will be doing a major fundraising blitz across Florida, including an event 'at the Star Island manse of pharmaceutical magnate Phil and Pat Frost where dinner costs $50,000.' Who is Dr. Phil Frost? He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Teva Pharmaceuticals, a major manufacturer of contraceptives. Its North American website prominently advertises several forms of contraception, including Plan B One Step, which Romney previously denounced as an 'abortive pill.

Legislators suppressed vote without evidence of fraud. [Orlando Sentinel Guest Column] "Florida is the voter-suppression capital of the United States…Government has the responsibility to make the exercise of that right as easy as possible, consistent with good election management. At the least, officials should encourage more voters, not make it more difficult for voters to register and cast their ballots." 

Robert L. Knight: Florida's ‘perfect storm' water crisis [Gainesville Sun] "The fact is our springs are not just being stressed by an historic drought. The groundwater aquifer that feeds these springs is being pumped at the highest rate in recorded history. And to add 'insult to injury' these springs are being exposed to the highest groundwater nitrate nitrogen contamination ever observed." 

LAST NIGHT: EMPTY CHAIR CONNIE MISSES THREE MORE VOTES — see here, here and here. 

Not the first time: Connie Mack skips out on big votes, hits trail instead [Politico]; Mack, campaigning in South Florida, misses big vote [Tampa Bay Times]; Missed votes could be issue for Connie Mack as U.S. Senate campaign heats up [Tampa Bay Times]; Mack has missed dozens of votes due to political activity [Tallahassee Democrat] 

The California Congressman? [Times/Herald] "Seeking a new angle against Connie Mack, U.S. Senate candidate George LeMieux is trying to amplify questions about where Mack spends his time outside Washington. Mack's wife, Rep. Mary Bono Mack is from California, but he says he's rarely there. LeMieux says he should prove it with travel records."

New LeMieux video asks where Connie Mack really lives [Crowley Report] "Mack insists he spends most of his spare time in Florida. In fact, Mack told BizPacReview.com that he was in California last year "maybe 11 days."His rival for the GOP senate nomination, George LeMieux, has a new video that suggests that Mack is lying. LeMieux, who is in a fierce struggle to win the nomination, has so far been largely ignored by Mack."

Does Bill McCollum’s endorsement mean anything anymore? [Political Hurricane] "This also begs the question…are only the political lightweights going to endorse Mack? While the major players might support him as the nominee, will they stay quiet before then? The fact that Mack is going to have a 'major announcement'  today doesn’t say much when it is associate with the name Bill McCollum."

OFA LAUNCHES NEW SPANISH LANGUAGE ADS Obama’s campaign releases new Spanish-language ads featuring Central Florida volunteer focusing on health care, family  [Orlando Sentinel]  "The Florida ad hits several fronts in Obama’s campaign to win Hispanic voters here. It focuses on family, it hints at economic issues (noting that some families have lost everything when they got sick and could not afford insurance) and it centers on Central Florida, showing an Orlando activist visiting a Kissimmee family."

COLLEGE DEMS PUSH RUBIO  Florida College Democrats push Rubio for student loan relief [Orlando Sentinel] "Groups of student members of Florida College Democrats turned at at the offices of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, here in Orlando and in other Florida cities today seeking help with student loan interest rates."

Rubio: "I'm not a Rob Portman in terms of experience around this place" [The Hill] "It's a hint that Rubio sees Portman as a strong, fellow challenger for the spot, and might even be a slight dig at his establishment ties." 

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — "UGLY" GOP PRIMARY, ALLEN WEST DROPS A HITLER REFERENCE

Redistricting leads to ugly GOP vs. GOP races [AP] "'I'm not embarrassed about anything I've done' the 69-year-old Mica said firmly. He should be, suggests a rival, first-term Republican Rep. Sandy Adams, a former deputy sheriff and state lawmaker whose tea party-juiced campaign propelled her to Washington in 2010. A proud member of the hard-charging, 87-member GOP freshmen class, Adams argues that the big-time spending of longtime lawmakers like Mica contributed to the nation's skyrocketing debt and this year's estimated $1.2 trillion budget deficit."

Republicans Expect Ugly Florida Primary [Roll Call] "It’s a race that will pit the establishment against the tea party, seniority against grass roots, the old culture of earmarking against the one of new fiscal austerity, and a Member with significant resources against one with a lot less. 'It’s going to get ugly, man,' one top Tallahassee Republican said with a sigh. 'They’re going to kick the tar out of each other.'” 

Rep. Allen West: Obama’s meeting with Karzai a ‘Chamberlain, Hitler moment’ [Raw Story] "Rep. Allen West, a tea party Republican from Florida, on Monday compared the draw down of U.S. troops in Afghanistan to the appeasement of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, according to Right Wing Watch."

Millionaires keep getting breaks at nation's expense [Palm Beach Post guest column] "The Ryan tax plan is extreme, regressive, widens the era of inequality, and would increase the deficit"

THE EDUCATION GOVERNOR? HARDLY

Chopping higher education [Tampa Tribune Editorial] "One investment has consistently proved its ability to create jobs, build wealth and generate new enterprises: higher education. Yet Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders are allowing the state university system to languish, cutting higher education by more than 25 percent since 2008, though the universities have gained more than 20,000 students during that time. State leaders slashed $300 million this year, even as they created a new university, Florida Polytechnic, a half-baked venture that will be a drain on scarce dollars. This is no way to revive the state's economy."

Budget cuts could kill UF journalism, music libraries [Gainesville Sun] "The University of Florida might close its journalism and music libraries as a result of budget cuts."

At USF Poly's last commencement, Dockery laments poor leadership [Tampa Bay Times] "At Monday's ceremony, Dockery, a Lakeland Republican, praised students who joined her to fight against the split — even in the face, she said, of 'what can only be described as a textbook example of the antithesis of leadership.'"

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Florida Cabinet trip to the Keys doesn’t come cheap [Times/Herald] "These Florida field trips aren't cheap, especially when home is the out-of-the-way Tallahassee, where flights are often expensive and inconvenient. That's especially true when it's destination middle-of-nowhere, population 8,000…But for him and his aides to attend alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and their staffs, the cost to taxpayers is at least $5,180."

Aww Rick Scott to reporters: You're mean to my chief of staff [News Service of Florida] "The governor says, 'You guys are mean to poor Steve MacNamara. He’s out there working his tail off and you guys write these mean things about him.'”

Will the Silver Springs become all dried up? [Ocala Editorial Column] "Over the course of those eight decades, the average flow has measured 727 cubic feet per second (cfs). The highest measurement was in 1960, at 1,130 cfs. The lowest was, well, last month…They say numbers don't lie. Let's hope the St. Johns River Water Management District board takes time to seek a little truth."

THE OPPO FILE ON MARCO RUBIO The Oppo File on Marco Rubio: Why He's an Unlikely Veep Pick [The Atlantic] "Overlooked in this is Rubio's big Achilles' heel: his record. Not his legislative record -- though Democrats would surely take great pains to paint him as an extremist, he tends to be in the mainstream of the GOP -- but his political and lifestyle ones. Those areas will give opponents plenty to work with. There's no single smoking gun -- the lone revelation that would make him unviable. Instead, his record raises a series of smaller questions that would add up to many potential headaches for a campaign headed into a tough election against an incumbent president. The case for Rubio is well known, but here's a quick rundown on his potential vulnerabilities."

FDP ON RUBIO OFFENSIVE [Miami Herald] "The Florida Democratic Party has been salivating over the possibility of such a high-profile target as Rubio, releasing daily rundowns of media reports about the Florida senator. They include rehashing Rubio's personal use of the Republican Party of Florida's credit card, campaign finance irregularities, and his friendship with U.S. Rep. Florida David Rivera, R-Fla."

Will a longstanding friendship block his vice presidential prospects? [Weekly Standard] "Rubio, for instance, has repeatedly addressed—if not entirely put to rest—claims that he used a Republican party charge card for personal gain…Beyond that, there are suggestions that Rubio will get caught up in the trial this July of former Florida Republican party chairman Jim Greer…There is another, potentially much bigger problem, however—one that could affect Rubio’s prospects for a spot on the ticket in 2012. His name is David Rivera"

RUBIO & GOP'S HISPANIC PROBLEM Rubio no sure thing for Hispanics [McClatchy] "Rising Republican star though he may be, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's national appeal may be tepid among the Hispanic voters both parties are so desperately courting this election year…'We don't have any evidence that [Rubio] would provide any significant boost to Romney if he were on the ticket,' said Matt Barreto of Latino Decisions, which in January conducted a widely cited poll of Hispanic voters for Univision and other media outlets"

Hispanic vote presents electoral map hurdle for Mitt Romney [Tampa Bay Times] "At a private fundraising reception in Palm Beach recently, Mitt Romney was overheard acknowledging his weakness among Hispanic voters. If it's not turned around, he said, 'It spells doom for us.' Take a look at the electoral map, and you'll see why."

Will Obama or Romney win over I-4 Hispanics? [Orlando Sentinel] "Democrats appear to have a yearlong head start. Obama's campaign, Obama For America, opened offices all over Florida and began a bilingual campaign last spring…To Pérez and many of his customers, the Republican Party and Romney fumbled the immigration issue with hard-line, 'kick-out-all-the-illegals' rhetoric last year. Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith contends polls show the vast majority of Hispanics were unhappy with that rhetoric. 'They [Republicans] know where they are: they are dramatically behind,' Smith said."

OBAMA UP WITH NEW AD Obama up in Florida with new ad on auto industry [Tampa Bay Times] "The Obama campaign this morning announced a new TV ad that focuses on the auto industry recovery. It'll run in Florida and Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, New Hampshire, Iowa, North Carolina and Colorado." Watch the ad here. 

President Barack Obama Campaign Headquarters Opens in Panama City [WJHG] "'This is a make or break moment for the middle class and we’ve been through too much to turn back now.'  A group of political activists are trying to help get that message out here in Florida.  Today, President Obama’s local campaign headquarters opened its doors to supporters for the first time.  Many of the volunteers have been working for weeks leading up to today’s grand opening, canvassing neighborhoods throughout Bay County."

CONNIE MACK, CALL YOUR OFFICE: George LeMieux releases attack ad – “Lifestyles” against Connie Mack, WATCH IT HERE

RICK SCOTT'S NO GOOD, VERY BAD WEEK Loser of the week: Rick Scott [Tampa Bay Times] "Pandering to Cuban-Americans in Miami is hardly rocket science. But our governor, who sometimes seems more clueless about Florida than most tourists, managed to botch his efforts big time"

Gov. Rick Scott's biggest failure: Chief of Staff Steve MacNamara [Miami Herald] "Rick Scott’s biggest failure as governor has a name: Steve MacNamara. An at-times ethically challenged Tallahassee insider, MacNamara was hired by the neophyte governor to avoid the very type of major embarrassment Scott suffered last week…The Florida Democratic Party couldn’t have picked a better chief of staff for Scott."

Steve MacNamara: Rick Scott's brass knuckles gatekeeper or shadow governor? [Times/Herald] "Scott’s closest supporters and some Tea Party followers, however, say that the union between the newcomer governor and the wily insider is for them a Faustian bargain. Though they refuse to be quoted by name, several advisors to the governor — both inside and out of government — fear Scott is squandering his conservative credentials and his outsider brand by engaging in deal-making with special interests who have connections to MacNamara."

Gov. Scott's ad blitz not swaying Floridians [Palm Beach Post] "Despite six weeks of upbeat television ads and a wholesale image makeover, Republican Gov. Rick Scott continues to draw lousy ratings from Floridians, a position Democrats are eager to exploit in the nation's biggest presidential toss up state…'It's clear that the Republican Party sees Rick Scott as a drag on the ticket and is doing everything it can to try to prop him up,' said Brannon Jordan"

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Congress must restore law to protect women from violence [Orlando Sentinel Guest Column] "Adams' bill, which the House Judiciary Committee will vote on next week, is not the Violence Against Women Act that has stood for almost two decades, reauthorized with bipartisan support. Instead, H.R. 4970 has been hijacked by other congressmen with political agendas and has become a step backward, not forward, in protecting vulnerable women and children. If enacted, H.R. 4970 would increase the danger for women at risk from domestic violence and sexual assault." 

Connie Mack IV Denies Calling Man Jackass by Insinuating Man is Jackass [Miami News Times] "Riptide would like to point that we're not saying Mack IV is an incompetent candidate who's running a sloppy campaign that's greatly endangering his party's chance of claiming a Senate seat. He may be, but that's not what we said."

Connie Mack not conservative enough for base [News-Press] "Congressman Connie Mack IV, who is running for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race, has been called a whole lot of things in his political career, including the Charlie Sheen of Florida politics. But it’s doubtful the Fort Myers House member has ever been called not conservative enough."

Overlooked in this is Rubio's big Achilles' heel: his record. Not his legislative record -- though Democrats would surely take great pains to paint him as an extremist, he tends to be in the mainstream of the GOP -- but his political and lifestyle ones. Those areas will give opponents plenty to work with. There's no single smoking gun -- the lone revelation that would make him unviable. Instead, his record raises a series of smaller questions that would add up to many potential headaches for a campaign headed into a tough election against an incumbent president. The case for Rubio is well known, but here's a quick rundown on his potential vulnerabilities.

Read more at the The Atlantic

MACK'S TEMPER FLARES UP AGAIN…

P-COLA RESIDENT AT YESTERDAY's MACK EVENT: "HE CALLED ME A JACKASS "As the advance guys waited for Mack, it became apparent that the candidate’s appearance would be less then glossy. The waiting crowd consisted of two members of the media, Escambia County Commission candidate Sam Archer, a guy who decided to stick around after pumping gas, two folks who’d later request a photo with Mack and a guy with a ponytail in a Florida Gator sun visor and Obama pin becoming increasingly agitated."

“You know, you’re dad, Connie Mack, was a good man,” Goodson yelled at him. “You’re riding on your daddy’s coattails!”

“He called me a loudmouth,” Goodson said afterwards. “He called me a jackass. The jackass is him!”

AND TODAY AT A TALLY GAS STATION…MACK WON'T DENY HE CALLED RESIDENT JACKASS, VIDEO HERE

RUBIO STILL UNDER FIRE, RPOF TRIAL WILL CONTINUE THE HEAT  -- FEC Questions Donations to Marco Rubio’s PAC [CQ Roll Call] "The FEC has also raised questions about irregular contributions to Rubio’s leadership political action committee, the Reclaim America PAC, which has collected $826,000 since it was launched nine months ago.…Former Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer’s scheduled testimony in a criminal fraud trial later this summer could cause headaches for Rubio, according to political observers. Rubio has also answered questions recently about his longtime friendship with Rep. David Rivera (R-Fla.), who reportedly is under federal investigation for financial irregularities of his own."

Rubio on questions about Rivera's finances: 'They're serious. David knows that' [Times/Herald] "Rubio has repeatedly said that he stands by Rivera, with whom he shared a house (that briefly when into foreclosure) in Tallahassee. The national press has recently questioned whether Rubio's ties to Rivera could hurt the senator's chances to be named Mitt Romney's running mate."

DEM OPERATION IN FL GROWS Obama Opens 25th Florida Office as He Outspends Romney [Bloomberg] "200 supporters snacked on cupcakes at an opening of the re-election committee’s Tampa-area office -- its 25th in Florida. After posing for pictures with life-sized cutouts of the president and first lady at the May 2 event, they inked their names on posters requesting volunteers to conduct phone banks, register voters and staff the offices."

ON GUV'S SUNBURST: "A brief shaft of sunshine amid the obfuscating clouds?" Sunshine spoils a beautiful relationship [Tallahassee Democrat Column] "Do you think I want Mary Ellen or Kathleen or, now that he's "retired," Bill knowing about my upcoming expose on the improperly poured steps at the 1st District Court of Appeal? No. No I do not."

Gov. Rick Scott lets public open his email box with new website [Times/Herald] "One email addressed to MacNamara was from Orlando candidate for state House, Matthew Falconer, He suggested he could help the governor with the Hispanic vote. MacNamara responded: 'Thx, Matt. I’ll pass this along...' New York Times national correspondent Serge Kovaleski, for example, got into a lengthy heated exchange with Scott’s communications director, Brian Burgess, Wednesday over a story about the prosecutor who recused himself in the George Zimmerman case."

Governor steps in it — all week [Tampa Bay Times Column] "As bad weeks go, you might argue John Edwards, on trial for being a louse in North Carolina, was practically tiptoeing through the tulips compared to Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who over the course of a few short days may have successfully managed to offend more people than crazy-as-a-loon Gainesville pastor Terry Jones contemplating a match and a Koran."

Florida Takes Cuba Policy to the Absurd [Time Magazine] "Cuba has always been a volatile issue in Florida, but what played out in Miami this week bordered on the farcical. "

Florida law against Cuba may help Cuba [Miami Herald] "The oddest thing about Florida’s new state law to punish foreign companies that do business in Cuba is not that it is an election season gimmick by Republican lawmakers to win Cuban-American votes, nor that it is likely to cost taxpayers a lot before it ends up defeated in the courts. It’s that it would actually help Cuba’s dictatorship."

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — ADAMS "ROLLS BACK" VAWA, DEMS OUTRAISING REPUBLICAN INCUMBENTS

GOP's domestic violence bill panned [Politico] "Homophobic. Anti-victim. Racist. Elitist. That’s what some of the nation’s most prominent women’s groups think of the House Republican version of the Violence Against Women Act…'What is in the bill that was introduced by Rep. [Sandy] Adams is not a reauthorizaiton of the Violence Against Women Act. It’s a roll back.'"

Democratic challengers raise more money than Republican incumbents in year’s first quarter [AP] "In Florida's 10th District, former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings raised $331,598 compared to $148,033 for her opponent, Rep. Daniel Webster. She had $482,251 cash on hand at the end of March compared to $390,621 for Webster."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

False: Jennifer Carroll says "we didn't go out asking people" to join the "stand your ground" task force [Politifact] "That's not how Carroll put it at the news conference, when she spoke of an application process. We rate Carroll’s claim False."

I Live In Florida And Wanted An Education, But All I Got Was This Rick Scott Sharpie [BeachPeanuts] "This year, while throwing them a bone by giving back a fraction of those cuts while acting as if it was his personal gift, he went with custom made blue Sharpies with his name on them, and gave them out as souvenirs."

Florida Democrats to Meet in Wakulla May 11 –13 [Progressive Coalition Blog] "Crawfordville, Florida – Wakulla Democratic Party Chair Rachel Sutz Pienta announced today that the Small County Coalition of the Florida Democratic Party will hold their annual meeting at the Inn at Wildwood on Highway 98 in Wakulla County the weekend of May 11 – 13."

Tallahassee, FL – Congressman Connie Mack IV brings his energy flip-flops to Pensacola today. On the heels of Mack’s attack against his GOP opponent for supporting aid to Florida families devastated by the BP oil spill, the Florida Democratic Party is highlighting Mack’s flip-flops and empty rhetoric on the nation’s energy issues. This failed leadership is another sign Mack lacks both the character and competency to lead.

“Congressman Connie Mack says one thing on energy but has done nothing in Washington except for flip-flopping on this important issue,” said Florida Democratic Party spokeswoman Brannon Jordan. “He’s frequenting gas stations at gimmicky campaign events while missing crucial votes in Congress -- that’s not leadership. Meanwhile, his long record of flip-flopping on energy issues makes it even harder to take him seriously.”

Background:

2011: Mack: “We Should Open Up Domestic Drilling Through The United States And In Our Waters.” In February 2011, the Tallahassee Democrat reported: “The Fort Myers Republican, a potential Senate candidate next year, said increased domestic oil production would reduce U.S. dependence on Venezuela, the country's third-largest supplier of foreign oil, and its ‘thug-o-crat’ dictator, Hugo Chavez. ‘We should open up domestic drilling throughout the United States and in our waters,’ Mack said, drawing a standing ovation from several hundred people attending this year's Conservative Political Action Conference. ‘Then we should put a halt to buying Chavez's oil.’” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/12/11]

·        2011: Mack Has “Eased His Previous Opposition” To Offshore Drilling.  In December 2011, Environment and Energy Daily reported on Mack’s offshore drilling stance: “The four-term House Republican, whose identically named father served two terms as a popular Florida senator, eased his previous opposition to offshore drilling in 2008 as ballooning gasoline prices turned "drill, baby, drill" into a GOP rallying cry during the presidential race.” [Environment and Energy Daily, 2/5/11]

2010: After Deepwater Horizon, Mack Said There Should Be A Thorough Investigation Before Entertaining A Drilling Ban. In June 2010, the Naples Daily News reported on the Deepwater Horizon spill: “Mack said before a decision is made on whether offshore drilling should banned, there will be thorough investigation into what went wrong at Deepwater Horizon. ‘Before we get into a conversation about stopping drilling in the Gulf, we need to have real understanding of what want [sic] wrong and what kind of contingency plans there are to put in place so this never happens again,’ said Mack, who believes there needs to be more domestic oil production.” [Naples Daily News, 6/2/10]

2008: Amid Cries Of ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Mack “Eased His Previous Opposition” To Offshore Drilling.  In December 2011, Environment and Energy Daily reported on Mack’s offshore drilling stance: “The four-term House Republican, whose identically named father served two terms as a popular Florida senator, eased his previous opposition to offshore drilling in 2008 as ballooning gasoline prices turned "drill, baby, drill" into a GOP rallying cry during the presidential race. Saying that ‘circumstances have changed, I have changed, and I believe the people of Florida have changed,’ Mack released a statement that year calling for the state to have ‘the right to decide whether to drill off our coast.’ Since that year, Mack has hewed to his states' rights position on drilling while hitting the Obama administration for its entreaties that oil companies take advantage of public lands already available for oil leasing. The 44-year-old Senate hopeful was one of only nine Republicans to vote against a bill earlier this year that required the Interior Department to fast-track lease sales in the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans.” [Environment and Energy Daily, 2/5/11]

June 2008:  Mack Said He Would Lift Drilling Moratorium Off Florida If Floridians Had A Say. In A June 2008 discussion of gas prices, Mack said on Fox News’ Hannity and Colmes: “I believe what we need to do is take a serious look at what we can do here in the United States, whether it's build new refineries, look at nuclear power and drilling either off the coast of Florida or in Alaska. … In the state of Florida I would vote today to lift the moratorium, but as long as the state of Florida has a say, like Alaska does. We need to go and get more domestic oil out of the ground.” [Hannity and Colmes transcript, 6/16/2008]

·        Mack: “The People Of Florida Deserve The Right To Decide Whether To Drill Off Our Coast.” In a June 2008, Mack said of offshore drilling, “For years I have said states should have the right to decide whether or not they want to allow drilling off their shores. But circumstances have changed, I have changed, and I believe the people of Florida have changed. We're facing a serious energy emergency and we need to take real steps to bolster our energy independence and security. The people of Florida deserve the right to decide whether to drill off our coast.” [Rep. Mack release, 6/17/08]

·        Mack Made “Subtle” Change To Offshore Drilling Position. In a June 2008 article titled “Oil issue yields slippery position,” the Naples Daily News reported: “Southwest Florida's men in Congress let you know exactly where they stand on the issue of oil exploration off Florida's Gulf Coast. All around it. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers, and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, issued statements last week signaling subtle changes to their previous opposition to eastern Gulf drilling. Mack and Diaz-Balart, both historically strong opponents of drilling off Florida's coast, now emphasize support for states' rights to determine offshore oil drilling policy for themselves. The statements aren't exactly a repudiation of their previous positions, but they're not a reiteration, either.” [News-Press, 6/22/08]

·        Mack Supported Bush When He Lifted The Executive Ban On Offshore Oil Drilling. In July 2008, after President Bush lifted the executive ban on offshore oil drilling, Mack said in a release: “As I've said many times before, Florida deserves the right to decide whether or not to allow drilling of its shores. That's why I welcome the President's decision to lift the executive ban on offshore drilling. Now, it's up to the Democrats in Congress to take responsible action to increase our nation's energy security by giving states the right to determine whether to allow drilling. Sadly, the Democrats record on energy security and independence, let alone states' rights, strongly suggests they will continue to do all they can to stall and block this important effort. That's wrong. The people of Southwest Florida and all Americans deserve better.” [Rep. Mack release, 7/14/08]

2005: Mack “Led The Opposition” to GOP Plan To Drill Off The Coast Of Florida. In November 2005, after a House GOP plan to allow drilling off the coast of Florida was abandoned, the Orlando Sentinel reported: “Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers, led the GOP opposition, bucking his governor and most of the 18 Republican House members from Florida. Mack argued that drilling in the eastern Gulf would not solve the nation's energy problems but could lead to environmental problems that could damage Florida's beaches and tourism economy.” [Orlando Sentinel, 11/20/05]

·        2005: Mack Opposed Lifting Moratorium On Offshore Drilling Near Coast Of Florida. In May 2005, Gannett News Service reported: “Florida lawmakers scrambled Thursday to defeat an aggressive push to open the entire Florida coast to oil and natural gas drilling. Emboldened by motorists' growing anger at record gasoline prices, pro-drilling congressmen from Texas and Pennsylvania offered amendments that would end a decades-old moratorium on exploration and drilling along the Outer Continental Shelf within miles of Florida's signature beaches.” Mack said, “I oppose any attempt to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling.” [Gannett News Service, 5/20/05]

·        2005: Mack: “Drilling For Oil And Gas Off Florida's Fragile Coastline Is A Risky Scheme…” In an October 2005 release, Connie Mack said: “Make no mistake, drilling for oil and gas off Florida's fragile coastline is a risky scheme that jeopardizes our environment and our economy. It won't reduce the price at the pump and it won't reduce our dependency on foreign oil. That's why the 285 mile buffer has been in place for years and why it should remain intact for many more years to come.” [Rep. Mack release, 10/26/05]

###

BREAKING TODAY: FDP CHAIR SMITH ON MARCO RUBIO: VOTING AGAINST MIDDLE CLASS WHEN GROVER NORQUIST TELLS HIM TO, LISTEN TO CALL HERE.

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS: PICK RUBIO, Pleeeease  Florida Democrats back Marco Rubio for VP [Florida Times Union] "On the heels of Rubio being fined $8,000 by the Florida Election Commission, FDP lists the eight reasons they want Rubio on the ticket. Among the bullet points is a recent poll that shows Romney's support in Florida drops from 45 to 43 percent with Rubio on the ticket, Rubio's no vote on the reauthorization of the "Violence Against Women's Act" and his close ties to the Tea Party." FULL MEMO HERE.

Fla Dems: Pleeeeaaase Mitt, pick Marco Rubio as running mate [Tampa Bay Times] "We'll let you decide if the following from the Florida Democratic party suggests they worry about Rubio on the presidential ticket: MEMO: Pretty, Pretty *Please* Pick Marco Rubio As GOP VP Candidate."

Dems: Bring on Rubio [Tampa Tribune] "Florida Democrats say they’re not worried about Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as Mitt Romney’s running mate. In fact, a memo from a state Democratic Party official says, “pretty, pretty please nominate Marco Rubio.”

Well, since you asked nicely [FLDemocracy2012] "In light of Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) recent $8,000 FEC fine,  the Florida Democratic Party circulated an e-mail today with the top eight reasons why they’re hoping Mitt Romney puts Rubio on the ticket. The subject line of the e-mail reads “Pretty, Pretty *Please* Pick Marco Rubio As GOP VP Candidate.”

THE RIVERA-RUBIO CONNECTION Could David Rivera cost Marco Rubio the vice presidency? [Washington Post] "Still, if the foundational principle of picking a vice president is “do no harm” than it’s not difficult to imagine the Romney folks being a bit spooked by the Rubio-Rivera relationship and what else they might not know about the junior Senator from Florida."

Setting the Record Straight on Rubio's Am Ex [National Journal] "He also said the matter was 'totally resolved years ago.' Not so. Even putting aside the obvious -- why would such a savvy politician continually use a state party credit card for non-party business, requiring him to reimburse the credit card company after the bill had been paid? -- questions remain about the more than $100,00 in charges from Nov. 2006 to Nov. 2008."

Here's ANOTHER Reason Why Marco Rubio Won't Be Mitt Romney's VP Pick [Business Insider] "This lack of exposure and experience will make it much easier for Rubio's political assetts to turn into potential liabilities. For a Republican Party wary of a Sarah Palin redux, the prospect of allowing Democrats to define Rubio before he has a chance to define himself will likely make the rising star an increasingly less attractive vice-presidential prospect."

Rubio Admits ‘Mistake’ in Use of State Party Credit Card [ABC Radio] "Rubio also explained his relationship with U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Fla., who is under federal investigation for using campaign contributions for to pay for personal expenses. Rubio, whose close ties to the Florida congressman date from before they served together in the state legislature, said he would stand by Rivera."

RICK SCOTT'S CUBA PR "DEBACLE" Gov. Rick Scott signs Cuba-crackdown bill, but it's a public relations fiasco [Miami Herald] "Shortly after praising their fellow Republican for signing the law at the historic Freedom Tower, Cuban-American lawmakers at the event learned Scott issued a letter that essentially declared it unenforceable. The lawmakers — members of Congress, legislators and local commissioners — said Scott blindsided them and undermined the legislation, which prohibits state and local taxpayers from hiring firms that do work in Cuba and Syria."

Lawmakers Bash Gov. Scott Over Anti-Cuba Bill Interpretation [NBC Miami] "Hours after signing a bill that would prohibit state and local governments from contracting with companies that have business ties to Cuba and Syria, Gov. Rick Scott came under fire from South Florida lawmakers after he issued a letter saying the bill may conflict with federal law."

From the Twitters Via @LearyReports:  FIU professor Dario Moreno on Rick Scott debacle (http://t.co/N1AkUaaV): "He can never come back to Miami-Dade." Says could hurt Romney.

FLSEN — WHICH ENDORSEMENT IS LESS RELEVANT: BACHMANN OR CAIN  Battle for the GOP prez also-rans: Herman Cain goes for George LeMieux, Michelle Bachmann for Connie Mack [Miami Herald] "In Florida's U.S. Senate Republican primary, the once-hot-now-not GOP presidential contenders are making themselves heard. Herman Cain is backing George LeMieux and Michelle Bachmann backs fellow Rep. Connie Mack (who has the de facto endorsement, by the way, of GOP de facto presidential nominee Mitt Romney"

Michele Bachmann endorses Connie Mack in GOP Senate primary [Palm Beach Post] "Minnesota Rep. and former Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann is endorsing U.S. Rep. Connie Mack in Florida’s Republican Senate primary, likening Mack to Senate tea party faves Marco Rubio and Rand Paul. Bachmann is the second former GOP candidate with a tea party following to weigh in on the Senate race recently. Herman Cain came out for George LeMieux over the weekend."

Meanwhile…Rasmussen Reports poll has Nelson leading Mack by 11 [Orlando Sentinel] "A new tracking poll of the U.S. Senate race in Florida shows that incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson has surged to an 11 point lead over Republican front-runner U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV of Fort Myers."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

Florida Gov. Scott refuses to ban guns during Republican convention [AP] "Gov. Rick Scott has refused a request to prohibit the carrying of guns in downtown Tampa during the Republican National Convention this summer."

$21 Million to Help FL Health Centers to Serve More Patients [Public News Service] "More Floridians will be able to receive services through community health centers, thanks to new funding from the Affordable Care Act."

Scott signs law bad for Florida business [Tampa Bay Times editorial] "Gov. Rick Scott might be the jobs governor, all right — for other gulf states. They are poised to benefit from wrongheaded legislation Scott signed into law Tuesday that penalizes firms for doing business in Cuba. That may make the governor more popular among the vocal but dwindling number of hard-line Cuban-Americans in Miami. But the law puts Florida's publicly owned ports and airports at a disadvantage, and it creates a new barrier as the state looks to capitalize on foreign trade. That's some strategy for the global economy."

Tallahassee, FL — As Senator Marco Rubio returns to Florida to pay lip service to his constituents, today the Florida Democratic Party held a conference call with FDP Chairman Rod Smith highlighting Marco Rubio's history of extremist votes and his record of siding with the Tea Party over the middle class families of Florida.

"Senator Marco Rubio has a long history of putting the Tea Party ahead of middle class Floridians — and nothing epitomizes Rubio's extremism more than serving as the lone Gulf Coast Senator to vote against aid for families devastated by the oil spill because Grover Norquist told him to," said Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith. "From Rubio's vote last week against protecting women and families from domestic abuse, to his vote last year against creating good paying jobs — Marco Rubio has consistently shown that he's willing to put his own political ambitions and the interests of the extremist Tea Party he serves over the people of Florida he was elected to represent." 

Audio from the call available here. 

BACKGROUND: 

After a threat from Grover Norquist, Rubio was the lone Gulf Coast state Senator to vote against dedicating BP oil spill fees to Florida and the Gulf Coast. "U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio was the only Gulf state senator yesterday to vote against the Restore Act, the legislation that would dedicate 80 percent of BP oil spill fees to the region. His vote followed a warning by Grover Norquist's anti-tax group that offsets in the measure violate The Pledge." The Pensacola News Journal stated "his turnaround on the bill followed a pointed warning from powerful GOP anti-tax activist Grover Norquist that the offsets in the RESTORE Act violate the 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge…'It shows the foolishness of pledging in advance how you will act on matters of serious policy. In doing so Rubio surrendered his ability to vote in his own constitutents' important, clear interests." [Tampa Bay Times, 3/9/12; Pensacola News Journal, 3/19/12]

On February 15, 2012 Marco Rubio was a co-sponsor of the RESTORE Act which directed 80 Percent Of The Fines To The Gulf Coast. [Herald/Times, 3/22/12]

On March 8, 2012, Grover Norquists Organization stated that the RESTORE Act would violate his pledge. [Americans for Tax Reform, 3/8/2012]

On March 8, 2012, following Norquist's threat, Rubio voted no the RESTORE Act [Clerk of the Senate, 3/8/12]

Two days after Grover Norquist told him to, Rubio voted against building and repairing Florida's roads. "On March 12, American for Tax Reform issued an alert telling U.S. Senators to vote “No” on Highway Bill S. 1813. In a statement, ATR stated, “Americans for Tax Reform and its Cost of Government Center strongly urge Senators to vote no on the Highway Bill on the Senate floor today." On March 14, Rubio was one of only 22 U.S. Senators who voted against the bill. The bill "would give Florida nearly $2 billion for road-building and repair through the end of the current fiscal year and includes a provision that could steer billions to Gulf Coast communities harmed by the 2010 BP oil spill. The $1.99 billion Florida would receive through the end of fiscal year 2012 on Sept. 30 is $23 million more than it received in fiscal year 2011" [American for Tax Reform Alert, 3/12/12; S. 1813, Vote 48, 3/14/12; Tallahassee Democrat, 3/15/12]

Rubio voted no on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act — the law that protects women and families from domestic abuse and violence. "Florida's senators split their votes on the Violence Against Women Act, with Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson voting to extend it, and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio voting against it…The 18-year-old federal law created a national strategy to prevent domestic violence against women and pours resources into efforts to help victims of domestic violence." [Miami Herald, 4/26/2012] 

Standing with Rick Scott, Rubio sided against funding high speed rail. Rubio agreed with Florida Governor Rick Scott “that the state simply cannot afford the [high-speed] rail project. ‘Our state and country simply cannot continue spending borrowed money on every new idea that comes along,’ Mr. Rubio said. ‘I appreciate Gov. Scott's willingness to encourage this debate at the state level in Florida.’ Mr. Scott's decision comes a week after he proposed state spending cuts of $4.6 billion in the next budget, along with tax and fee cuts totaling about $2 billion. High-speed rail was one of President Obama's priorities in his 2009 stimulus package, and his fiscal 2012 budget proposal released Monday calls for $53 billion over the next six years for projects across the country.” A state report shows that high speed rail would have been profitable and benefited the state. [Washington Times, 2/16/11; Tampa Tribune, 2/6/2012]

Appealing to Tea Partiers, Marco Rubio voted against federal funding that would help Florida's schools. "Finally, someone in Washington has seized initiative to do right by Florida schools and business. Unfortunately, it's not U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who has protested the action on grounds that will surely rile his tea party supporters. At issue is U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan's decision last month to unilaterally override an unrealistic requirement in the No Child Left Behind Act that all U.S. students -- 100 percent -- read, write and do math at grade level by next year…Rubio, R-West Miami, protested the move, calling it unconstitutional in a letter to Duncan on Monday. A national curriculum is illegal, he said…Rubio's argument surely will appeal to tea partiers" [Florida Today Column, 9/15/11; See also: Education News, 9/14/2011]

Rubio voted against the American Jobs Act which would have benefited Floridians. “President Obama served up a jobs plan Thursday that could benefit many Floridians through cheaper mortgage rates, cleaned-up neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures and an infrastructure program that could put the state's beleaguered construction industry back to work, his supporters said.” Rubio voted against S. 1660 on October 11. [Palm Beach Post, 9/9/11; Senator Rubio release, 10/11/11 and S. 1660, Vote 160, 10/11/11]

###

"NOW OBVIOUSLY IN HINDSIGHT, IT LOOKS BAD RIGHT" Rubio faces credit card, Rivera, mortgage questions [Politico] "In an interview last night with Fox News's Bret Baier, the Florida senator fielded a series of questions about three of the top known issues that could snag him in VP vetting: how he used his Republican Party of Florida credit card, his friendship with embattled Rep. David Rivera and a foreclosure threat on a house he and Rivera owned…These questions could be enough to spook the Republicans vetting a running mate for Mitt Romney. Just as important is the fact that these are the issues that are already out there in public, before the VP vetting process even begins in earnest." WATCH VIDEO HERE

$8,000 fine for Marco Rubio was not his first from FEC [Tampa Bay Times] "As a ranking state legislator, Rubio routinely charged personal expenses to his party-issued credit card from 2006 to 2008. Rubio also acknowledged double-billing state taxpayers and the party for eight plane fares to Tallahassee, calling it a mistake. He said he reimbursed personal expenses on the credit card and repaid the party for the flights. Those issues, first reported by the Times/Herald, were part of a citizen ethics complaint during the 2010 Senate race that Rubio was using political funds to 'subsidize his lifestyle.'"

In Fox interview, Rubio explains use of GOP credit card, friendship with David Rivera [Tampa Bay Times] "In an interview on Fox News that just ended, Sen. Marco Rubio defended his use of a Republican Party of Florida credit card and said he would stick by his friend, embattled Rep. David Rivera."

Some in GOP try to make case against Rubio as Romney's VP [Miami Herald] "On Valentine’s Day two years ago, the campaign sent out a mock Valentine’s candy sampler that listed 10 made-up sweets dinging Rubio for everything from his 'Coconut Carbon Tax” to his 'Hazelnut Hypo- crisy.' 'Marco Rubio is like a box of chocolates,' the sampler said. 'You never know what you’re gonna get.'

Meanwhile…Sen. Rubio's vote on Violence Against Women Act draws controversy [News-Press] "Sen. Marco Rubio – a strong contender for the GOP vice-presidential nomination – is finding his vote against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act to be a source of controversy."

FDP'S STATEMENT ON REDISTRICTING DECISIONS: "Last fall, Florida voters overwhelmingly demanded an end to partisan gerrymandering and incumbent protection. The Florida Democratic Party led an unprecedented effort to ensure that the will of the people was heard in the redistricting process and to hold the Republican-led Legislature accountable to Florida's Constitution. We remain concerned about elements of the map and we will continue to evaluate our legal options moving forward. We have and will always be on the side of Florida voters in calling for fairness, transparency, and accountability from Florida's elected officials." 

SCOTT AND GOP SLAMMED AGAIN ON EDUCATION Retrenchment [Gainesville Sun Editorial] "First Gov. Scott signed a new state budget that cut $300 million in state university spending. Then he signed a bill to create an expensive new "polytechnic" university that will surely cannibalize the resources of existing institutions. Then he vetoed a bill that would have allowed UF and Florida State to make up for crippling state budget cuts with tuition rates higher than state law currently allows."

Florida's pre-K programs need improvement [Tampa Bay Times column] "Florida may have the nation's highest voluntary pre-K enrollment, but we certainly can't brag about our teachers' qualifications or the per-child investment. We are giving lip service to the future. When will we get serious about pre-K education and demand improvements?"

Florida Poly Will Take Time to Set Up, Brogan Says [Lakeland Ledger] "Frank Brogan, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, said Monday there is no way the new Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland can open for classes this fall."

FLSEN: TIME FOR "REPUBLICAN PLAN B" [Wall Street Journal] "Disgruntled with the current crop of GOP candidates, Florida Republicans are clamoring for another conservative to jump into the Senate race—and for good reason. A new Rasmussen poll has Mr. Nelson leading the Republican heir apparent, Rep. Connie Mack, by 11 points."

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — WEST COMMENTS DAMAGING GOP BRAND 

Let’s just say it: The Republicans are the problem [Washington Post column] "Rep. Allen West, a Florida Republican, was recently captured on video asserting that there are “78 to 81” Democrats in Congress who are members of the Communist Party. Of course, it’s not unusual for some renegade lawmaker from either side of the aisle to say something outrageous. What made West’s comment — right out of the McCarthyite playbook of the 1950s — so striking was the almost complete lack of condemnation from Republican congressional leaders or other major party figures, including the remaining presidential candidates."

West's communist comment about Democrats continues to reverberate [Palm Beach Post] "From a comic's barb at the White House Correspondents' dinner to a colleague's slap at a Forum Club of the Palm Beaches luncheon, Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West has caused a stir with his recent accusation that as many as 81 congressional Democrats are communists."

West Accuses Deutch Of Taking A “Cheap Shot” Against Him [FLDemocracy2012] "Rep. Allen West (R-FL) and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) faced off at a forum on healthcare Monday at the Palm Beach County Convention Center."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

For Florida Republicans, a humid Siberia [Tampa Bay Times Column] "This is a bit like being invited to a fancy-schmancy soiree and then forcing the hosts to sit at the kiddie table with the addled uncle from the attic…When the ascots of the Republican Party gather in Tampa this summer for their presidential nominating coronation, Florida's delegation will be relegated to the political desert equivalent of where Moses lost his sandals."

Hendry Dems To Pick Convention Delegates [SW Florida Online] "On Saturday, May 5, Hendry County Democrats will vote on delegates to attend the 2012 Florida Democratic Convention to be held in Tampa June 1 - 3."

MEMO: Pretty, Pretty *Please* Pick Marco Rubio As GOP VP Candidate

From: Scott Arceneaux, Executive Director, Florida Democratic Party

To: Political reporters, interested parties and the GOP

RE: Pretty, Pretty *Please* Pick Marco Rubio As GOP VP Candidate

Young. Energetic. From a key swing state. These are some of the many reasons Republicans have floated Tea Party darling U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s name as a possible Vice Presidential contender. But in the midst of Veepstakes, Rubio has hit a few speed bumps as questions about whether he is too risky to be on the ticket hit a fever pitch.

Given Rubio’s recent $8,000 FEC fine, the Florida Democratic Party is counting down the eight reasons why we hope Republicans place Rubio on the GOP ticket this fall:

1. Rubio Provides Romney No Cover in the Sunshine State.

According to a recent survey conducted by Public Policy Polling, with Rubio on the ticket support for Romney in Florida actually drops from 45-percent to 43-percent. In the words of PPP, “Rubio is not an overwhelmingly popular figure in Florida.”

2. GOP Still Have a Hispanic Problem. 

Public Policy Polling also found that Rubio does not help Romney’s chances with Hispanics in Florida – “in the straight Obama/Romney match Obama leads 52-37 with Hispanics and in the Obama/Biden v. Romney/Rubio match Obama still leads 52-37 with Hispanics.” Rubio opposes the DREAM Act – which is supported by 90-percent of Latinos nationwide. And let’s not forget, when this Tea Partier ran in 2010 he backed the Arizona immigration law.

3. Bio Flap Still Looms Large.

The bombshell news about inconsistencies in Rubio’s biography – which hit at the heart of his carefully crafted public image – left many wondering what other baggage might be lurking behind this fresh-faced newcomer.

4. No Love from the Ladies.

Marco Rubio voted no on re-authorizing the Violence Against Women’s Act – the law that protects women from domestic abuse and rape. He also championed the Blunt Amendment – a bill that would have allowed an employer to deny female employees health coverage based on an employer's religious beliefs. 

5. Would You Like Some Tea with that Extremism?

Dubbed the Senator from the Tea Party, it seems like everyday Marco Rubio is siding with extremist instead of doing what’s right for Florida. Two quick examples: Rubio was the lone gulf-state Senator to vote against the RESTORE Act, -- the bill that would dedicate BP spill fees to the region. Following in the footsteps of embattled Gov. Rick Scott, Rubio voted against a transportation measure which would have created or saved three million jobs.

6. Two Words: David Rivera.

An examination of the financial practices of both the Congressman and Senator reveal several shocking similarities: both double-billed the taxpayers for travel, both used campaign contributions to fund their personal expenses, and both have been (or are) under investigation by federal authorities. The similarities are especially troublesome in light of the longtime, close collaboration between the two Florida Republicans.  Rubio has described Rivera as a close friend, both worked together in the Florida Legislature, and the two lawmakers owned a house together in Tallahassee (which they failed to make payments on).

7.  About that Upcoming Pesky Jim Greer Trial.

As Republicans gather in Tampa this August the weather won’t be the only thing heating up: former RPOF Chairman Jim Greer is promising a “tell-all sorts at his criminal fraud trial,” in Orlando (a mere hour away from the convention site). Rubio’s lavish RPOF credit card spending is sure to be front-and-center at this GOP circus.

8.  Rubio’s Financial Mess

In 2010, Rubio acknowledged “he double-billed state taxpayers and the party for several plane flights from South Florida to Tallahassee.” He also used the Republican Party’s credit card to fund his lavish lifestyle, including hundreds at the Apple store, movie tickets and $4,000 to $5,000 for a new kitchen floor — when asked about that charge, Rubio "didn't deny Ingram's contention about the remodeling expenses…[and] repeated his refusal to release all of the billing records for his party credit card." Most recently, federal authorities announced they were fining Rubio $8,000 after he took over $200,000 in improper and prohibited campaign contributions. 

CC: Mitt Romney 

Beth Myers

Reince Priebus

Lenny Curry

###

STATEMENT FROM FDP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SCOTT ARCENEAUX:

"Last fall, Florida voters overwhelmingly demanded an end to partisan gerrymandering and incumbent protection. The Florida Democratic Party led an unprecedented effort to ensure that the will of the people was heard in the redistricting process and to hold the Republican-led Legislature accountable to Florida's Constitution. We remain concerned about elements of the map and we will continue to evaluate our legal options moving forward. We have and will always be on the side of Florida voters in calling for fairness, transparency, and accountability from Florida's elected officials."

RUBIO VEEPSTAKES IMPLOSION Case against Marco Rubio for VP grows by $8,000 [Miami Herald] "Sen. Marco Rubio just gave Republican Mitt Romney 8,000 reasons to not pick him as a vice presidential running mate. Rubio’s 2010 Senate campaign was fined $8,000 by the Federal Elections Commission, according to a just-released report that said it received 'prohibited, excessive and other impermissible contributions totaling $210,173.09…' And it feeds into a broader narrative that Rubio is risky"

Rubio losing ground in Veepstakes [Tampa Bay Times] "Rubio last week voted against a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, and Florida Democrats pounced, calling it a 'gross display of partisanship and extremism over sound policy.' "

Democrats raising money on Marco Rubio's Violence Against Women Act vote [Miami Herald] "The Senate voted 68-31 yesterday to renew the Violence Against Women Act, and as predicted, the vote is factoring into election year politics. The Florida Democratic Party is using it to raise money, by pointing out that Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson voted for it and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio did not.  'At least Florida has one senator who stands for women,' the party wrote"

Democrats and Republicans agree: VP Rubio not magic bullet with Hispanics [CBS Face the Nation] "Republican Haley Barbour, the former governor of Mississippi, and Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa agree a Mitt Romney/Marco Rubio ticket won't guarantee Romney the all-important Hispanic vote in 2012.

Rubio fined for taking improper donations [Politico]

LA mayor says Rubio’s DREAM Act would create a 'second class' [The Hill] "

Marco Rubio Campaign Fined For Improper Contributions [AP]

Rubio's 'Dream Act Light' Jumbles Immigration Issue [NPR]

Will Marco Rubio’s Campaign Finance Problem Be a Veepstake Disqualifier? [NY Times Magazine]

Rubio Senate Campaign Admits Violations, Pays Fine [CBS Miami]

Marco Rubio’s Senate campaign fined $8,000 for accepting improper contributions [Washington Post]

Pat Buchanan: Rubio ‘too young,’ ‘too callow’ too ‘neoconservative’ for VP slot [Daily caller]

BAD INK FOR RICK SCOTT: Vote suppression laws wrong for state [Florida Times Union Editorial] "These laws are the subject of lawsuits and a federal inquiry; the nonpartisan League of Women Voters stopped voter registration drives because of the laws that were passed last year. So it was surprising that Gov. Rick Scott said he didn’t 'understand the complaint' about the laws when he was asked during an appearance before the Times-Union editorial board whether the measures should be reconsidered."

Political maneuvering over Poly is deja vu [Tampa Tribune] "A single, powerful lawmaker pushed a bill through the state Legislature this year creating a university in Lakeland, his backyard. It sidelined a Board of Governors' plan to create Florida Polytechnic University years down the road, after it met criteria to prove it could survive. Former Florida governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham has a word for that: 'unconstitutional.'"

Charter schools get a second helping of free money [Miami Herald] "The grant money is intended to help new charter schools get started. But several South Florida charter school operators have tapped into this money by creating new “schools” within existing schools. In many cases, the two schools are indistinguishable, sharing the same building, equipment and administrators"

ON THE CONGRESSIONAL FRONT — DEMOCRATS SPEAK OUT FOR WOMEN, THE HUNT FOR ALLEN WEST, BILL YOUNG THE EARMARK KING

Across the state: Florida Democrats speak out for women [FlaDems] "Following Senator Marco Rubio and the Republicans' NO vote on the Violence Against Women Act, Florida Democrats are speaking out against the GOP's War on Women. Here's what they're saying:"

Rep. West's words make him a top Democratic target [AP] "Congressman Allen West has compared Democrats to Nazis, said dozens of his Democratic colleagues are communists and called a congresswoman vile and despicable. He said President Barack Obama is 'probably the dumbest person walking around in America' and described himself as the modern day Harriet Tubman leading black voters away from Democrats who keep them on the plantation. Those statements and others have outraged Democrats, who have targeted him for defeat."

Liberal PAC opens Palm Beach County office to ‘take down Allen West’ [Palm Beach Post] 

The hunt for Allen West [Politico] 

When Mitt Romney needed an earmark, he went to C.W. Bill Young [Tampa Bay Times] "Mitt Romney, presidential candidate, hates earmarks. But it wasn't always that way, and when he needed one -- to provide security for the Salt Lake City Olympic Games -- Romney went to Florida's earmark king. 'He came to me, we worked it out together,' recalled Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores, who was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee in 2002."

Is Buchanan worried about Democratic push? [Herald Tribune] "U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is showing the first signs that he could be worried about Democratic efforts to unseat him in 2012."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

In print today: Mack get's caught with his pants on Fire [Tampa Bay Times] "Mack said, 'I have always said that I would be for drilling.' But that misrepresents his actual record on a high-profile state issue. In 2005, he repeatedly said he was against allowing drilling closer to Florida's shores. We rate his statement Pants on Fire!"

First-ever County Caucus in Lee [Cape Coral Daily Breeze] "This year, Florida will send seven local residents as part of a 300 delegation to the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. to officially select the Democratic nominees for President and Vice President as well as adopt the Party's National Platform. The convention will be held the week of Sept. 3. This is an opportunity to build the party and get the grassroots activists excited. Since the Florida Democratic Party is following the Democratic National Committee rules by not holding the caucus too early, they are rewarded with an extra 20 delegates at the national convention." 

Following Senator Marco Rubio and the Republicans' NO vote on the Violence Against Women Act, Florida Democrats are speaking out against the GOP's War on Women. Here's what they're saying: 

Statement from Brannon Jordan, spokeswoman for the Florida Democratic Party

"In a gross display of partisanship and extremism over sound policy, Senator Marco Rubio today voted against protecting women from violence and domestic abuse. Senator Rubio has a long history of putting the interests of the Tea Party ahead of Florida's families, and today's vote is just another example that Rubio is not on our side." 

Statement from Jessica Ehrlich, FL-13

"The Violence Against Women Act has a proven record of dramatically decreasing domestic abuse and increasing the safety of our communities and families. Residents of Pinellas County cannot afford to have a Representative in Congress who plays political football with their safety. As a member of Congress, I will always be an advocate for protecting our families, women and children."

Statement from Gloria Romero Roses, FL-26

“I’m appalled that Congressman Rivera is more interested in following his party leadership than protecting women from domestic abuse,” said Romero Roses. “The Violence Against Women Act is a critical tool in protecting women and guaranteeing their safety and security. It shouldn’t be treated like a partisan football, but Congressman Rivera is more focused on protecting his extreme ideology than women in South Florida. It’s time for a change. We need someone dedicated to finding real solutions to the problems we face.”

“House Republicans like Congressman Rivera think they can win an election by standing against tough penalties for abusers and blocking funding for law enforcement programs that would protect women. This kind of political gamesmanship is why Congress is broken, and when elected I will always stand up for victims of violence. I’ll roll up my sleeves and look for ways to get critical legislation like this passed with support from both sides of the aisle.”

Statement from Heather Beaven, FL-6

“As a former domestic violence and sexual assault counselor, I find it unbelievable that anyone would refuse to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. How many more examples do we need of extreme ideology trumping human decency before we finally demand more from the people we elect to be our voice in Washington?”

“The Violence Against Women Act includes tough penalties for domestic violence and gives law enforcement important tools to protect women from domestic abuse. Anyone who votes to end our commitment to families living in danger should have to explain it to the women in their lives and to the women they represent. It’s inexcusable that anyone is for anyone to vote to oppose common-sense penalties to keep women and children safe.” 

Statement from Keith Fitzgerald, FL-16

“It’s disappointing that Vern Buchanan is refusing to reauthorize the bi-partisan Violence Against Women Act and is again choosing an extreme ideology over the basic safety and security of women.  It defies not only common sense, but common decency, too.  Last year, Buchanan nearly shut down the federal government in order to remove federal funding from Planned Parenthood which provides many middle class Suncoast women, children and families with preventative health care services." 

"Unfortunately, his actions are the latest reminder of why we need new leadership in Washington.  Florida families, women, and children cannot afford partisanship on an issue as critical as the safety of American women in their community and women’s preventative healthcare.  It’s disappointing that Vern Buchanan is opposing a commonsense law that gives resources to victims and survivors of domestic violence.  While Congress has stalled in extending this bipartisan law, I promise to stand up for protecting victims of violence and holding perpetrators accountable."

Statement from Patrick Murphy, FL-18

"Allen West needs to let his constituents know if he plans to stand with Marco Rubio and oppose widely popular, common-sense measures that protect women and victims of domestic violence. The health and safety of Floridians up and down the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches is at stake."

Can you believe this guy?

His own ambitions and the interests of the Tea Party are clearly more important to him than the safety of our sisters, daughters and mothers.

Let’s send Rubio and the Republicans a message. Contribute what you can today to fight back against the GOP's war on women.

Tallahassee, FL — Florida Republicans at both the state and federal level have marked National Sexual Assault Awareness month with an unprecedented level of attacks against women's sexual safety, a new low in the GOP's continued War on Women. Last week, Governor Rick Scott vetoed $1.5 million from the state's budget for rape crisis prevention centers — and when pressed his office responded that "nobody was able to make it clear to [the governor] why rape crisis centers needed the new funding.” On the heels of Gov. Scott's veto, yesterday Senator Marco Rubio voted against re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act — a law that protects women and families from domestic abuse and sex crimes.

 "Florida Republicans at both the state and federal level have demonstrated a shocking and dangerous disregard for the health and safety of Florida's women," said Florida Democratic Party Spokeswoman Brannon Jordan. "Governor Scott and Senator Rubio have chosen to commemorate National Sexual Assault Awareness month by striking at the very programs designed to protect women from rape and families from domestic abuse. It's a tragedy that the GOP in Florida is willing to put politics ahead of the safety of our sisters and mothers." 

These attacks by the GOP come as sex crimes in Florida are on the rise. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's 2011 Semi-Annual Crime Report (the most recently updated crime statistics for the state), forcible sodomy in Florida has increased by almost 30-percent since 2010, while forcible rape increased by 1.1-percent during the same time period. Statistics show one-in-nine women in Florida are victims of rape, but less than 40-percent of those rapes are reported. 

BACKGROUND:

On April 17, Governor Rick Scott vetoed $1.5 million for rape crisis prevention centers. "On April 17, smack in the middle of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Gov. Rick Scott vetoed $1.5 million for the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. The Legislature allotted the funds to the organization in order to support 30 rape crisis centers as they face impending reductions in collections, which currently is the bulk of their budgets." [The Florida Independent, 4/23/12]

Scott's budget appropriated $22 million for the new Florida Polytechnic University, "JD-U." "The 2012-13 budget approved by the Legislature last month includes more than $22 million for a new school that has no students, no faculty, no buildings and no academic accreditation. That is not a prudent use of public money when the same budget slashes spending on higher education for the fifth straight year and requires cuts of another $300 million." [Tampa Bay Times editorial, 4/15/2012]

When asked about the veto, Gov. Scott's office said they didn't think rape crisis centers needed new funding. "Gov. Rick Scott’s office is claiming that the funding he vetoed for rape crisis centers was “duplicative” and that “nobody was able to make it clear to [the governor] why rape crisis centers needed the new funding.” [Florida Independent, 4/24/2012]

Loss of funding will reduce rape crisis center services in Florida.  "According to her, '1.2 million women in Florida already have been victimized' and the funding would have helped the centers 'double' the number of services they offer and the number of victims they serve."  [The Florida Independent, 4/23/12]

On April 26, Senator Marco Rubio voted against re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act. "Florida's senators split their votes on the Violence Against Women Act, with Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson voting to extend it, and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio voting against it…The 18-year-old federal law created a national strategy to prevent domestic violence against women and pours resources into efforts to help victims of domestic violence" [Miami Herald, 4/26/2012]

Forcible rape and forcible sodomy crimes in Florida have increased. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's 2011 Semi-Annual Report (the most recently available crime statistics for the state), forcible sex offenses have increased from 2010. Forcible sodomy has increased by nearly 30-percent (131 offenses in 2010 to 169 offenses in 2011) and forcible rape has increased by 1.1-percent (467 offenses to 472 offenses) [FDLE Semi-Annual Crime Report, January to June 2011] 

Statistics show one in nine Florida women are victims of rape, but less than 40 percent of those are reported. [News4Jax, 4/12/2012]

###

Can you believe this guy?

His own ambitions and the interests of the Tea Party are clearly more important to him than the safety of our sisters, daughters and mothers.

Let’s send Rubio and the Republicans a message. Contribute what you can today to fight back against the GOP's war on women.

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Following Senator Marco Rubio's no vote today on the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, the Florida Democratic Party today issued the following statement: 

STATEMENT FROM FDP SPOKESWOMAN BRANNON JORDAN: 

"In a gross display of partisanship and extremism over sound policy, Senator Marco Rubio today voted against protecting women from violence and domestic abuse. Senator Rubio has a long history of putting the interests of the Tea Party ahead of Florida's families, and today's vote is just another example that Rubio is not on our side." 

###

Marco Rubio, Then and Now [Politicalwire] "'The most articulate and talented teleprompter reader in America.' -- Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), quoted by the New York Times, mocking President Obama in 2010. 'I left my last page of the speech, does anyone have my last page? Did I Ieave it with you?' -- Rubio, while giving a speech today at the Brookings Institution."

PANTS ON FIRE: CONNIE MACK LIES ABOUT OIL DRILLING [Politifact] "At one time, Mack very much opposed drilling off Florida's coast. His comment that he's "always" been for drilling misrepresents his actual record on a very high-profile issue in the state of Florida.  We rate his statement Pants on Fire!"

Mack's problem isn't liberals [Palm Beach Post editorial] "Connie Mack's Senate campaign is so obsessed with "liberals" that the definition extends to any Republican who doesn't love Connie Mack…Mack the Elder insisted that his son's campaign is 'going great' and that 'it's easy to find a few Republicans who are not supporting Connie, but only if that's what you're looking to find in the first place.' It didn't take much of a look. Mack the Younger has ducked candidate forums and placed third, behind George LeMieux and Mike McCalister, in straw polls at two conservative conclaves he did show up for. Perhaps Rep. Mack is reluctant to appear in public because people will realize who he is, and isn't."

Mack must strive to make votes [News-Press Editorial] "Mack this year has the dubious — and dare we say, embarrassing — distinction of having the worst voting record in the House..These absences mean they don’t vote on critical issues, and the voters deserve to know where they stand. After all, taxpayers pay members of Congress a base salary of $174,000 a year."

Mack ducks the tough questions [The Hill] "But Mack, who is running for Sen. Bill Nelson’s (D-Fla.) seat in the upper chamber, had little to say about whether Congress should extend current student interest rates before they double on July 1."

MEANWHILE, MACK PICKS ANOTHER FIGHT… Did Marco Rubio tick off Connie Mack in Colombia? [Tampa Bay Times] "Sen. Marco Rubio (D-Fla.) touched off the moment of discord when his meeting with Chilean President Sebastián Piñera went longer than scheduled…But the longer-than-expected meeting apparently didn’t sit well with Rubio’s fellow Florida Republican Rep. Connie Mack, who was leading the bipartisan delegation of House members. The group of lawmakers was told that their meeting had been pushed back 15 minutes to allow Rubio to finish up with Piñera."

SI SE PUEDE Obama targets Tampa area Hispanics [Tampa Tribune] "On Wednesday, it released a Florida-only Spanish language ad featuring a Tampa volunteer on the administration’s education record, and Wednesday it will hold a news conference with Tampa state Rep. Janet Cruz at a local Hispanic-owned jewelry store."

Tampa Area Obama Volunteer Featured In Spanish Language Ad [FLDemocracy2012] "The Obama campaign is running a new Spanish-language television ad in Florida, this one featuring Tampa volunteer Elena McCullough. In the ad, McCullough– a mother of two and a veteran–shares her experience as a volunteer. "

JD-U UNDER FIRE Report details financial mismanagement at USF Poly [Tampa Bay Times] "Two top administrators at the University of South Florida Polytechnic are facing dismissal after an investigation into complaints of financial mismanagement at the Lakeland campus…Not only did investigators find that USF Poly officials misused money, their report outlines a dysfunctional world that one employee dubbed "Marshall Goodman's own playground."

Tales of a UCF Grad: The Commencement Speech You Won't Want to Hear [Huffington Post] "The Florida legislature and our Governor pride themselves on the importance of Florida's educational system, yet they continuously find ways to sabotage it. It's ironic but true…Does it make sense to build a new state university when so many are already experiencing short falls? No, not really. But as expected, the fruition of Florida Polytechnic University was not based on logic or sensibility. It was instead a political move by our Governor to please Republican chairman of the Budget Committee, State Senator JD Alexander. Alexander, who will not be running for reelection due to term limits, demanded that USF's Lakeland campus -- which is in his district -- be made into an independent state university."

OTHER NEWS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Democratic Campaign Committee spending big on TV ads in effort to oust West [FLDemocracy2012] In a race saturated with millions in campaign dollars for two big-money candidates, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will throw even more weight behind Patrick Murphy through TV spots aimed to oust his Republican tea party nemesis, U.S. Rep. Allen West."

VIDEO: Governor Rick Scott confronted about veto of rape center funding [Florida Independent] "After The Florida Independent broke news on Monday that Gov. Rick Scott vetoed $1.5 million for Florida rape crisis centers during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the governor began discussing the elimination today — and he is fumbling his words." Watch video here.

Gov's failed reappointments could cost him votes in 2014 [WFSU] "But, Senator Jones says if the Governor did make his decision based on the prison privatization effort, Scott will have to answer to the Pinellas County voters in the Governor’s bid for re-election."

"I have always said that I would be for drilling," Mack said on April 5, 2012, according to the Miami Herald’s Naked Politics blog. "But I think that’s an issue the state should have a say in – in determining how far it’s going to be off the coast of Florida. We ought to allow the state to have a say in that decision."

The report pointed out several past quotes from Mack bashing proposals for drilling close to Florida.

We decided to put the issue to our Truth-O-Meter: Was Mack mischaracterizing his own past statements when he said he "always" was for drilling?

Read more here, via Politifact