Political Watch

Jeb Bush slaps Gingrich for 'ridiculous' Crist bashing

2012-01-27T11:37:00.001-05:00

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush dissed Republican candidate Newt Gingrich for invoking the name of former Republican-turned-independent Gov. Charlie Crist, whose former staffers work for Mitt Romney (some former Crist-ites also work for Gingrich's camp)

“That’s not a serious accusation,” Bush told the National Review Online. “Candidates win elections. I’m not a big Charlie Crist fan, as you recall, but these guys shouldn’t have that moniker attached to them, as if Governor Romney is part of some evil plot. That’s ridiculous.”

Bush's comments are a harsher version of Sen. Marco Rubio's statementon the matter Tuesday. Rubio followed up Wednesday with a forceful condemnation of Gingrich's Spanish-language radio ad.

New poll shows Romney leading Gingrich, 38-29

2012-01-27T08:59:00.001-05:00

From Quinnipiac (via Tampa Bay Times)

Just four days before the nation’s first big-state presidential primary,former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney opens up a 38 – 29 percent lead over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich among Republican likely voters in Florida, according to a Quinnipiac University poll taken Wednesday and released today. Only 6 percent are undecided, but 32 percent say they might change their mind by Tuesday.

This compares to results of a January 25 survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University, showing Romney with 36 percent of likely primary voters to Gingrich’s 34 percent. Wednesday’s survey showed Gingrich ahead 40 – 34 percent among voters surveyed after the South Carolina primary.

In today’s survey, men back Romney 36 – 29 percent, a shift from January 25, when men backed Gingrich 37 – 33 percent. Romney leads 40 – 30 percent among women, virtually unchanged.

Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul has 14 percent of likely primary voters today, with 12 percent for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

Romney gets a 61 – 28 percent favorability rating from likely primary voters, compared to 50 – 38 percent favorable for Gingrich, 53 – 19 percent favorable for Santorum and a negative 35 – 42 percent for Paul.

“Speaker Newt Gingrich’s momentum from his South Carolina victory appears to have stalled and Gov. Mitt Romney seems to be pulling away in Florida,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “Romney also has a better favorability rating from likely primary voters, which supports his lead in the horse race. Of course, with four days before Election Day, there is time for another reversal. Three in 10 voters say they might change their mind.”

“With the debates now over, Gingrich will need some other way to reverse the tide that appears to be going against him,” Brown added.

From January 24 – 26, Quinnipiac University surveyed 580 Republican likely primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 4.1 percentage points. Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Virginia and the nation as a public service and for research.

Manatee GOP likes proposed redistricting map

2012-01-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

Manatee County Republicans are joining Rep. Vern Buchanan in singing the praises for a proposed Congressional redistricting map moving its way through the Florida Legislature.

Ninety-six percent of proposed 16th Congressional District is the same as the 13th Congressional District that Buchanan, R-Sarasota, has represented in the U.S. House since 2007. In his last re-election in 2010, Buchanan won with 69 percent of the vote.

Under the proposal, sparsely population sections of East Manatee would be included in a new central Florida District, but the 16th -- dubbed by Buchanan as "Sweet 16" -- would be made up of the heart of Manatee and Sarasota counties. An earlier proposal adopted by the Florida Senate would have placed Parrish, Lakewood Ranch and other neighborhoods east of Interstate 75 into the new district.

"While we regret losing a portion of eastern Manatee County to a newly created district, we like the fact that the new District 16 is basically the same district Vern has been representing for the past five years," said Kathleen King, chairwoman of the Manatee County GOP.

While the new district may lean slightly more Republican than his current district, Buchanan stands to face perhaps his toughest re-election battle yet.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted the race, singling out Democratic challenger Keith Fitzgerald for fund-raising and other support as part of its campaign to regain majority control of the U.S. House.

Where in Florida will the candidates be today?

2012-01-26T08:38:00.004-05:00

Via the Tampa Bay Times:

Florida presidential primary tracker for Jan. 26

Mitt Romney: Jacksonville, 10:30, Paramount Printing; Sen. John McCain campaigns for Romney at a town hall at 3:40 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce building in Sun City Center, then a second town hall at 6:25 p.m. at VFW Post 4256 in Madeira Beach.

Newt Gingrich: Mount Dora, 9 a.m., Lake County Tea Party rally; Jacksonville, 1 p.m., University of North Florida, Jacksonville Veterans Event

Rick Santorum: Tallahassee, 7 a.m., Florida State University, CFC Leadership Prayer Breakfast; Tallahassee, 9 a.m., “Faith, Family and Freedom” Town Hall; Pensacola, 1 p.m., New World landing, Escambia County Republican Party rally.

Ron Paul: No events scheduled.GOP debate: 8-10 p.m., CNN, live from Jacksonville. All four candidates participating.

New pro-Gingrich Super PAC ad links Romney with Obama (with video)

2012-01-25T11:49:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the ad from the pro-Newt Gingrich "super PAC" that says Mitt Romney is little more than Barack Obama?

If not, that probably will change in the next six days, as the group, Winning Our Future, uses $6 million from a Las Vegas casino mogul to go on the air in Florida with the ad.

You can watch it here:

New Florida poll: Romney, 36 percent, Gingrich 34 percent

2012-01-25T09:57:00.000-05:00

The Tampa Bay Times reports:

Newt Gingrich's big South Carolina primary win last weekend helped wipe away Mitt Romney's double digit lead in Florida, where the two are now neck and neck, a new Quinnipiac University poll founds.

The Jan. 19 - 23 poll found Mitt Romney with 36 percent support, Newt Gingrich with 34 percent, Rick Santorum with 13 percent and Ron Paul with 10 percent. More than one in three likely Republican voters said they could change their mind before the Jan. 31 primary.

"Florida is essentially a dead heat and a two-man race between Gov. Mitt Romney and Speaker Newt Gingrich entering the last week of the campaign," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "Gingrich's South Carolina victory clearly gives him a boost in Florida. The question is whether there is more of that to come, or whether any bump from a previous victory will dissipate as happened to Rick Santorum in New Hampshire after winning Iowa and Romney in South Carolina after taking New Hampshire," Brown added.

Romney was seen by more likely primary voters as best able to handle the economy and most sharing voters' values, and Gingrich as having the knowledge and experience to be president, being a strong leader and better at handling foreign policy.

Gingrich gets 37 percent of men to 33 percent for Romney, while Romney is ahead 38 - 31 among women. Gingrich leads among white evangelical Christians 43 - 30 percent and among those who consider themselves to be tea party supporters 43 - 28 percent. Each makes up roughly a third of primary voters although there is substantial overlap among those two groups.

Romney is viewed more favorably, 71 - 19 percent, than is Gingrich, at 61 - 26 percent. Here again, Gingrich does better among voters polled after the South Carolina victory. Santorum gets a 58 - 13 percent favorability rating, while Paul gets a negative 36 - 40 percent score.

"Newt Gingrich's edge is that he is the candidate with momentum and the one viewed as best on a host of issues and characteristics important to voters. Romney, however, holds the potential trump card that on the question most important to voters - who can best fix the economy - he is seen as the best candidate," said Brown.

The survey includes 254 voters surveyed January 19 - 21, before South Carolina results were announced, with a margin of error of +/- 6.2 percent, and 347 voters surveyed January 22 - 23, after the South Carolina results, with a margin of error of +/- 5.3 percent. Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.

Duggar family of TV fame stumping with Santorum

2012-01-24T22:48:00.001-05:00

Members of the Duggar family in Punta Gorda. (Photo by Richard Dymond)

PUNTA GORDA - Believe it or not, the Duggar family was in Punta Gorda Tuesday.

So, what was the family famous for the TV show, "19 Kids & Counting" from the TLC network doing at a political rally in a Punta Gorda waterfront park?

The answer is that Jim Bob Duggar and his wife, Michelle, are so sold on Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, he of the "family values" platform, that they loaned Santorum their huge 2003 Prevost RV bus, painted "Santorum For President" on the side and are out stumping with him and for him.

"We bought the Prevost as a bank repo," Jim Bob Duggar said. "It has 12 bunks. We lettered Rick's name on the side."

"We share many of Rick's views," added Duggar, who has 10 biological sons and nine biological daughters with Michell. "We agree with Rick that if we could drill more for oil and if we had gotten that pipeline deal through, gasoline prices would drop to $2 a gallon and it would stimulate the economy."

Duggar also applauds Santorum's 21-year marriage and seven children.

"He knows what it is like in America today to raise a family," said Duggar who lost a baby girl, named Jubilee Shalom, when his wife had a recent miscarrage.

Duggar spoke to the crowd in Punta Gorda and urged every person to call 10 people and tell them about Santorum.

"Then, hopefully, those 10 will call 10 more," Duggar said.

This is the way Santorum's low budget campaign has to work, Duggar added.

"He's being out-spent here on the campaign trail 100 to one but, with grassroots support, he could win Florida," Duggar said.

- Richard Dymond

Follow Santorum rally in Punta Gorda on Twitter

2012-01-24T15:48:00.003-05:00

Follow Bradenton Herald reporter Richard Dymond's tweets here:

Follow the Newt Gingrich rally at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

2012-01-24T13:51:00.001-05:00

Follow Bradenton Herald reporter Laura Morel's tweets from the Newt Gingrich rally at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport here:

Rick Santorum to campaign in Punta Gorda

2012-01-24T07:28:00.001-05:00

Rick Santorum is scheduled to campaign at a gathering of Punta Gorda Tea Party members Tuesday afternoon.

The "Rally by the Water" is set for 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Laishley Park, off U.S. 41 on the Peace River.

For more information, go here.

Also, Newt Gingrich is set to appear at 1:45 p.m. at a rally at Dolphin Aviation at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. For more information, go here.

Follow the Republican presidential debate on Twitter

2012-01-23T20:34:00.001-05:00

Follow the Twitter chatter about tonight's Republican debate in Tampa here:

Newt Gingrich (finally) to go on FL TV with ad.

2012-01-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

McClatchy Newspapers reports:

Newt Gingrich is going up with his first ad in Florida, and it looks pretty simple. It's a just a clip from his South Carolina debate where he defended calling Barack Obama the"food stamp president." Rather than use music, the Gingrich ad crew just let the applause from the Republican crowd play. Here's the ad:

Meanwhile, Mitt Romney has a new ad targeting Spanish-speaking voters.

He's running a new radio spot featuring Reps Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros Lehtinen. He's already advertising on Spanish-language TV, plans to give a Cuba-Latin American policy speech in Miami Wednesday and appear at the Hispanic Leadership Network on Friday.

The text:

CONGRESSMAN MARIO DIAZ-BALART: “I am Mario Diaz-Balart. Republicans should elect the best candidate to go up against President Obama, the candidate with the plan to get our economy going and create jobs. I am convinced that Mitt Romney is that candidate. That is why I am with Romney.”

CONGRESSWOMAN ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN: “I am Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Mitt Romney will fight against the despotic efforts of Castro and Chavez. He understands the urgency to stop them and increase our support for the valiant heroes who fight for democracy in Cuba. The policy of Obama has failed. We need the leadership and conviction of Romney to change course in our hemisphere. That is why I am with Romney.”

FORMER CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART: “I am Lincoln Diaz-Balart. The presidential election this year will be decisive for the cause of liberty. We have an obligation to confront Barack Obama with the candidate who has the greatest opportunity to win. That is why I am with Romney.”

VOICEOVER: “Paid for by Romney for President, Incorporated.”

MITT ROMNEY: “I am Mitt Romney. I am running for President and I approve this message.”

Gingrich also has a Spanish-language ad, but he doesn't criticize Romney. Instead, he bashes President Barack Obama -- much like Romney had been doing all along before suddenly finding himself on the back foot and attacking Gingrich.Among the criticisms Gingrich's new ad levels on Obama: "We are still losing our homes," a key issue in Florida, one of the centers of the foreclosure crisis."Let's not make the same mistake," the ad continues. "This Jan. 31, vote for Newt Gingrich, the only candidate with experience, leadership and an economic plan to recuperate our country that we so love."

Newt Gingrich set to rally in Manatee County

2012-01-22T08:28:00.001-05:00

With momentum from his big win Saturday in South Carolina, Newt Gingrich is scheduled to make a campaign stop Tuesday in Manatee County.

Numerous groups, including the Sarasota County Republican Party and Tea Party Manatee, are hosting Gingrich at Dolphin Aviation, 8191 N. Tamiami Trail, at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The rally is set for 1:45 p.m.

For more information, go here.

Rick Santorum is the only other presidential candidate currently scheduled to appear in the area. He is set to attend a rally at Dolphin Aviation at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29. More details, here.

Rep. Vern Buchanan slams SOPA

2012-01-20T11:10:00.001-05:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan today slammed the proposed "Stop Online Piracy Act," or SOPA, as "a serious threat to a free and open Internet."Here is Buchanan's news release.

Buchanan Condemns Internet Censorship BillSlams Legislation Regulating Freedom of Expression on Internet

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Vern Buchanan, R-FL, in a letter to President Obama and congressional leaders, expressed strong opposition to the “Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA),” -- a bill that could have a chilling effect on free speech and innovation on the Internet.

“This misguided legislation poses a serious threat to a free and open Internet,” said Buchanan.

“While we need to combat copyright infringement and online piracy, the solution is not censorship or excessive regulation of the global Internet. The heavy hand of the government must not be allowed to threaten our basic online freedoms.”

Internet and technology companies such as Google and Yahoo have expressed serious concerns with the anti-piracy legislation.

“The censorship regulations written into these bills won’t shut down pirate sites,” Google said on its website.

“These sites will just change their addresses and continue their criminal activities, while law-abiding companies will suffer high penalties for breaches they can’t possibly control.”

Buchanan said regulation of the Internet is something to be expected from restrictive societies like China, Iran, and North Korea -- but not the United States.

“Since its inception, the Internet has been a revolutionary tool in our society, encouraging the free exchange of information and ideas,” said Buchanan. “Excessive regulations and government intrusion would only serve to hinder the innovation and progress of this cutting-edge tool. I will continue to fight for policies that preserve and protect an open and democratic Internet.”

Legislation restricting the Internet has been drafted in both the House and Senate – the main sponsors intend to move forward and push for its passage.

Read the letter to President Obama and congressional leaders here.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott says he likely will not endorse in GOP primary

2012-01-20T10:19:00.001-05:00

Gov. Rick Scott meets with the editorial board at the Bradenton Herald.

Gov. Rick Scott today said he likely will not publicly endorse a candidate in advance of the Florida Republican presidential primary on Jan. 31.

"I haven't made a decision, but I'm leaning towards not to do it," Scott said during an interview this morning with Bradenton Herald reporters and editors.

Scott said he has had conversations with the remaining candidates, and that all but one have asked for his support. In deciding whether to endorse, Scott said he remembers his own experience running in statewide primary in Florida in 2010.

"I was the outsider no one endorsed in the primary," he said.

Scott said he has offered the same advice to all the candidates: Engage with local Republican committees and Tea Parties. And talk about the one issue that matters most to the state.

"If you want to win the Republican primary in Florida, you have to talk about one thing -- jobs," Scott said.

Scott said the national attention the Sunshine State is likely to receive starting Sunday, after the primary in South Carolina, vindicates the decision to hold an early primary in Florida. (The Republican National Committee has sanctioned Florida Republicans because of the early date by slashing in half the size of the delegation to the Republican convention in Tampa and other measures.)

"We did the right thing," Scott said. "This is clearly a microcosm of the country, the biggest swing state."

"It looks like this will be the decider."

The interview with Scott touched on a variety of other issues, including the budget, education, health care and the lessons learned from his first year in office.

Fitzgerald wins key support from national Democrats

2012-01-18T13:25:00.000-05:00

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has named the race in the 13th Congressional District in Florida one of 18 "red to blue" campaigns, providing a boost to presumptive Democratic nominee Keith Fitzgerald as he tries to unseat Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.

Red-to-blue candidates, according to the DCCC website, will be offered "financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support. The program will introduce Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns."

Fitzgerald, who raised $223,000 during the first three months of his campaign, welcomed the support.

“Getting named to the Red-to-Blue program is a testament to this community's desire to see a different kind of leadership in Washington," Fitzgerald said in a statement. "For too long, we've seen a Washington more consumed with what they can do for themselves, rather than how they can serve their nation.

"This is a huge step in our effort to bring an honest, common sense approach to creating jobs and protecting the commitment made to our greatest generation.”

Before the national Democratic Party decided to invest in Fitzgerald as part of its campaign to re-take the House of Representatives, he had to prove he was viable. He helped make that case not only with his fundraising, but with a demonstrated ability to organize grassroots support and to draw a clear contrast with Buchanan, said Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., chair of the DCCC.

"Keith impressed us tremendously with his work ethic early on," Israel said during a conference call with Florida reporters.

Israel said the emergence of Fitzgerald has been one of the "nicest surprises" for Democrats during the current election cycle.

Fitzgerald's fundraising prowess and support from national Democrats will be key in a race against Buchanan, a skilled fund-raiser with a proven willingness to spend part of his personal wealth on his campaigns. As of Dec. 31, he had $1.1 million in cash on hand in his campaign account.

Israel said Fitzgerald now has a "coveted status" among Democrats. The DCCC will back it up by granting Fitzgerald to national donors and providing other support.

National Republicans are likely to rally around Buchanan, vice-chairman for finance of the DCCC's Republican counterpart, the National Republican Congressional Committee, as the GOP works to hold onto control of the House.But there also are questions about Buchanan's ethics revolving around some of his fundraising, and his votes on certain issues, that the DCCC's assistance could make it easier for Fitzgerald to try to exploit as the campaign proceeds.

Israel said Buchanan has been "enmeshed in scandal," and is currently being investigated by the Justice Department and the House Ethics Committee.

"If the Girl Scouts could, my guess is they would start investigating Vern Buchanan," Israel said.

Israel said Buchanan is vulnerable because he sided with other Republicans and against his constituents on a variety of issues affecting seniors and other middle class constituents in his district. For example, Buchanan voted for a budget proposal authored by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., that Israel said would eliminate Medicare.

Fitzgerald has been "focused on protecting Medicare, while Congressman Buchanan is focused on protecting himself from investigation."

In a statement, Buchanan's campaign indicated it wasn't ready yet to engage with Fitzgerald.

"We look forward to discussing the issues later this year when we get closer to the election," the campaign said.

Senate redistricting plan would split Manatee among 3 Congressional districts

2012-01-18T09:21:00.002-05:00

The Congressional redistricting plan approved by the Florida Senate on Tuesday would split Manatee County among three districts, according to a review of the map.

But whether that is what eventually be adopted still waits to be determined. The Florida House will vote next week on a Congressional redistricting plan. None of the three plans approved by a House committee would divide Manatee among three districts.

Under the Senate's plan, most of the county west of Interstate 75 would be included in a district that would stretch along the coast through Sarasota County and into Charlotte County. Half of the district's residents would live in Sarasota County; about 30 percent in Manatee; and 20 percent in Charlotte.

Neighborhoods in Bradenton and Palmetto would be included in a district that would stretch down from the Tampa area. Those residents would make up about 5.9 percent of the district.

The biggest change proposed would take Lakewood Ranch, Parrish and other areas east of I-75 and include it in a district made up of a large chunk of the central part of the state stretching from near Okechobee in the east, Lakeland in the north and Fort Myers in the south.

Parts of 11 counties would be in the district. The Manatee portion would be home to about 73,000 people, or 10.5 percent of the district's residents, the third-largest share behind Polk, 26.1 percent; Highlands, 14.2 percent; Hillsborough, 14 percent; and Lee, 12.2 percent. Sarasota County residents would make up about 3.9 percent of the district.

You can view the proposed map here, and get more information about the plan here.

Fitzgerald: FEC may have cleared Buchanan, but he has still failed voters

2012-01-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

The Federal Elections Commission may have closed its investigation of allegations that U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan improperly raised some of his campaign contributions in 2006 and 2008.

However, his presumptive Democratic challenger in the fall says the FEC's decision does not mean the question of what exactly Buchanan did and his ethics are closed issues with voters in the 13th Congressional District.

Keith Fitzgerald on Tuesday afternoon responded to the posting on the FEC website of records in the case.

"I look at what Vern Buchanan has done with sadness and deep disappointment," Fitzgerald said in a statement released by his campaign. "Because whatever the final judgment of the FEC, Vern Buchanan has time and time again failed to live up the high standards we should demand of our elected officials.

"Vern Buchanan has been dogged by legal and ethical questions that bring dishonor to his office, distract him from his duties, and sew distrust between Vern Buchanan and the people of Southwest Florida."

Former Rep. Ron Reagan considering bid for Manatee elections supervisor

2012-01-17T13:20:00.002-05:00

The Bradenton Herald's Sara Kennedy reports:

Former Republican state Rep. Ron Reagan today said he's thinking of running for Manatee County supervisor of elections, but has not made up his mind definitively.

"I will know next week," said Reagan. a Republican.

He did confirm he was not considering running for any other office.

Reagan served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives. He could not run for re-election in 2010 because of term limits. The seat is now held by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Bradenton.

The post of supervisor of elections is being vacated by Bob Sweat, a long-time incumbent who has announced he would retire later this year. His long-time assistant, Nancy Bignell, has also said she would retire.

Candidates for the post who have already filed include former Manatee County Commissioner Jane Von Hahmann, and first-time political candidate Rodney P. Smithley, a Bradenton businessman. Both are Republicans.

FEC releases records in Vern Buchanan case

2012-01-17T13:07:00.003-05:00

The Federal Elections Commission has posted on its website records documenting its recently concluded investigation of charges that U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan broke campaign finance laws and its decision to close the matter.

(To review the records, go here, check the box next to "Matters Under Review" and enter in the box next to "Case #" 6054)

Once again, the Buchanan campaign is claiming vindication.

“The documents released today show that the Federal Election Commission voted unanimously to clear Congressman Buchanan and his campaign of any wrongdoing after an exhaustive, multi-year investigation," Buchanan's attorney William McGinley said in a statement issued Tuesday by the campaign.

"Based on its careful examination of the entire record, the commission voted 5-0 on a bipartisan basis – with three Democratic and two Republican commissioners – to dismiss the claims against Congressman Buchanan and his campaign and close the matter. We are grateful that the public now can see for itself that the FEC’s three Democratic and two Republican commissioners completely rejected these false and partisan allegations.”

That the documents were released is significant, in that it means the FEC has officially closed its investigation.

Various types of documents were included in the release, but the most important ones may be several reports from the FEC general counsel's office that update progress in the investigation.

The FEC had been investigating since 2008 allegations that Buchanan had instructed a former business partner, Sam Kazran, to reimburse $67,900 to employees of a Jacksonville auto dealership they co-owned for contributions they made to Buchanan's 2006 and 2008 congressional campaigns.

At first, FEC lawyers believed there was probable cause to pursue a case against Buchanan, in part because of questions they had about his credibility on certain "background issues."

But those concerns were eventually outweighed by a continuing investigation that revealed numerous questions -- some of which Buchanan's lawyers raised in the congressman's defense -- about Kazran's credibility.

"Given the concerns about Kazran's credibility and other gaps in the evidentiary record, the lack of direct support is significant," the general counsel's office wrote in a Jan. 25, 2011, report. "Further, the circumstantial evidence does not sufficiently corroborate Kazran's testimony to overcome our recent concerns with his credibility because in many cases, the evidence supports Buchanan's claims or is ambiguous.

A week later, on Feb. 1, the FEC's commissioners voted 5-0 to close the investigation.

Previously, FEC commissioners in June 2010 voted 4-1 to reject a separate complaint, filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington alleging that employees at Buchanan-owned auto dealerships in Venice and Sarasota had been improperly reimbursed for a total of $5,000 in contributions made to Buchanan's 2006 congressional campaign.

The FEC document release includes a report from commission Vice Chair Caroline Hunter detailing how questions about the credibility of those making the allegations led to her voting to close the matter.

"While the circumstances of the contributions may seem suspicious, the documentary evidence failed to point conclusively in either direction," Hunter wrote.

Candidates joining races for Manatee County Commission

2012-01-17T11:21:00.001-05:00

The new year is bringing interest from candidates wanting to run for a seat on the Manatee County Commission.

A few days after Donna Hayes said her off-again, on-again run for re-election in District 5 was again off-again, former Bradenton City Council member James T. Golden filed to run for the seat representing East Manatee, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Golden, a Democrat, is on a two-election losing streak. He lost his city council seat to Harold Byrd Jr., and in 2010 he was trounced by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, in the race for the local seat in Congress.

Golden lives in the Braden River Lakes subdivision, which after a recent redistricting is now in District 5.

On the Republican side, Lakewood Ranch businesswoman Vanessa Baugh previously filed for the seat. Pending the possibility that Hayes might again re-enter the race -- the elections office still lists her as an official candidate -- Baugh is currently running unopposed for the GOP nomination

Elsewhere in the county, Democrat Corie M. Holmes, a former Manatee County sheriff's deputy, has filed to challenge GOP Commissioner Larry Bustle in District 1. Bustle, a former Palmetto mayor, is running for re-election to the seat he won in 2008.

Other incumbents up for re-election this year are John Chappie and Joe McClash.

Chappie, who previously filed for re-election to represent District 3 (Bradenton and the islands), is currently running unopposed.

Two Republicans, Betsy Benac and Paul G. Stehle, have filed to run for the at-large District 7 seat.

McClash has not announced whether he will run for re-election.

The qualifying period for the elections is June 4 through June 8.

The primaries are Aug. 14, and the general election is Nov. 6.

Buchanan reports having $1.1 million in campaign account

2012-01-15T13:15:00.000-05:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's re-election campaign ended 2011 with $1.1 million cash on hand.

The campaign said in a statement Sunday that Buchanan, who faces a challenge from Sarasota Democrat Keith Fitzgerald in the 13th Congressional District, raised more than $321,000 in the final three months of 2011.

Buchanan's fourth quarter filing, which covers activity between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, wasn't yet posted on the Federal Elections Commission website. But the amount the campaign said he raised would be almost $100,000 more than the amount Fitzgerald said Friday he had raised during the same period. Fitzgerald's report also wasn't available on the website.

Fitzgerald, who in 2010 lost his re-election bid for a state House seat, announced his candidacy for Congress in early October.

"Vern's agenda to create jobs, restrain spending and reduce the national debt has resonated with the people of the 13th District," Buchanan campaign spokeswoman Sally Tibbetts said in a statement. "We are humbled and grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support for Vern's re-election."

At the end of the third quarter, Buchanan, R-Sarasota, reported having more than $904,000 in cash on hand, and no debt.

Keith Fitzgerald reports raising almost $223K in bid to unseat Vern Buchanan

2012-01-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

Almost 900 donors have contributed more than $223,000 to Keith Fitzgerald's campaign to unseat Vern Buchanan from the U.S. House of Representatives, Fitzgerald said Friday on his Facebook page.

That leaves Fitzgerald, a former state representative from Sarasota, far behind Buchanan, R-Sarasota -- and his ability to raise money and established willingness to spend his own wealth on his campaigns. But his fundraising since he announced last fall shows that Fitzgerald's likely will be more than a token candidacy.

"Clearly, this community came together quickly and decisively sending a message loud and clear that enough is enough and it’s time to restore honesty and integrity to Congress starting here in the 13th District," said Fitzgerald, a Democrat and professor at New College of Florida.

Details of Fitzgerald's campaign finance report for the fourth quarter of 2011 had not yet been posted on the Federal Elections Commission's website. The report is not due until Jan.15.

Buchanan's most recent filing also was not available. As of Sept. 30, Buchanan had reported having more than $904,000 in cash in his campaign account.

(We have an inquiry into Buchanan's campaign about what he will report to the FEC.)

Bignell not running for Manatee elections supervisor

2012-01-13T15:09:00.003-05:00

Manatee County's assistant elections supervisor Nancy Bignell has decided not to run for the top spot in the elections office and to instead join her boss Bob Sweat in retirement.

Sweat, who announced earlier this month that he would not run for re-election, had encourage his long-time assistant to run to succeed him. Sweat has been in office for 27 years, and will retire at the end of the year.

In an email to the Bradenton Herald's Sara Kennedy, Bignell said she had decided not to run:

I have been giving considerable thought as to whether or not I should run for Supervisor of Elections. I have received encouragement from Bob Sweat and so many members of the community to continue my career with the elections office. The decision has been very difficult for me as I have been with the elections office for 20 years and have enjoyed what I do; but at this point in my life I feel that it is in my best personal interest to retire at the end of Bob’s current term. I want to thank all the people that have encouraged me and pledged support for my candidacy, but I am not a candidate for Supervisor of Elections.

So far, Bradenton businessman Rodney P. Smithley, a Republican, is the only announced candidate for the position.

More than 107,000 Republicans have already voted in Florida primary

2012-01-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

From Marc Caputo of the Miami Herald:

From Republican Party of Florida spokesman Brian Hughes' @GoMeteoric Twitter account: Absentees as of today: 435,067 requested, 107,779 of these ballots already cast.

Yup. That means Florida Republicans are just days away from casting more ballots by mail than the votes cast by the 122,000 Iowa Caucus voters earlier this month.

The polls don't even open until Jan. 21, when South Carolina holds its early primary. At the same time, Floridians can show up to the polls and vote early. Or they can wait until the official election day, Jan. 31.

Other big differences between Florida and the early vote states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina: Florida has more electoral college votes than all of them combined, and during the primary, only Florida Republicans can vote for the Republican nominee. Sorry Ron Paul.

Likely beneficiary: Mitt Romney, who has blanketed Florida airwaves and mailboxes with ads.

Manatee's Craig Bachler takes key spot in Santorum presidential campaign

2012-01-13T12:07:00.001-05:00

Veteran Manatee County political operative Craig R. Bachler has taken a senior position in Rick Santorum's Florida campaign.

Bachler, who previously had worked on Pat Buchanan's presidential campaigns, as well as other campaigns for lower offices, will be Santorum's director for Florida grassroots and field operations.

Santorum's campaign on Friday announced its leadership team for Florida, leading up to the Republican presidential primary on Jan. 31.

There is a strong Manatee-Sarasota bent in Santorum's organization.

The Florida campaign chairman is Jesse Biter, president/CEO of Biter Enterprises LLC., a Sarasota-based management firm. Biter has previously worked on Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign and Rep. Vern Buchanan's congressional campaigns.

Also, Manatee political activist James Ferguson is in charge of Santorum's regional operation in West Florida.

To see who else is on Santorum's team, go here.

Rep. Jim Boyd raises $37,100 in final three months of 2011

2012-01-12T09:59:00.000-05:00

State Rep. Jim Boyd collected $37,100 in campaign contributions in the final three months of 2011, leaving him with more than $85,600 for his re-election effort, according to reports filed with the Florida Division of Elections.

Boyd, a Republican from Bradenton, has raised a total of almost $93,100 and spent less than $7,500.

Boyd's current district includes Bradenton, Anna Maria Island other large swaths of Manatee County. But the district in which he will run for re-election is still taking shape through the Legislature's redistricting efforts.

He is currently listed as candidate in House District 68, and no one else has filed for the seat.

To see a detailed list of Boyd's donors, go to this page and click on "Campaign Finance Activity."

To see what other local and statewide candidates are raising and spending, start here.

Greg Steube raises $51,000 in final 3 months of 2011

2012-01-12T09:52:00.000-05:00

State Rep. Greg Steube collected more than $51,000 in campaign contributions in the final three months of the year, according to records filed with the Florida Division of Elections.

So far for his re-election effort, Steube has raised almost $74,200 and spent more than $18,700, leaving him with more than $55,400 in the bank.

Steube, a Republican is running for re-election in a district that officially is still taking shape through redistricting, currently represent House District 67, which includes Lakewood Ranch and East Manatee. He does not yet have an opponent.

To see a detailed list of Steube's donors, go to this page and click on "Campaign Finance Activity."

To see what other local and statewide candidates are raising and spending, start here.

Bill Galvano adds to his campaign fund-raising advantage

2012-01-12T09:41:00.000-05:00

Bill Galvano continues to pad his war chest for his campaign for the Florida Senate -- and there still is not an opponent in sight.

Galvano, who is running to represent a district still taking shape during the Legislature's redistricting process, collected $42,945 in contributions during the final three months of year, bringing his total haul so far to more than $348,100, according to reports filed with the Florida Division of Elections.

Galvano, a Republican from Bradenton, has spent more than $136,700 on his campaign, meaning he ended 2011 with more than $211,000 in the bank.

The most recent reports, filed this month, cover the fourth quarter of 2011.

Galvano, a former member of the Florida House, is hoping to replace Sen. Mike Bennett as Bradenton's representative in the Florida Senate. However, the exact boundaries of his district -- and other legislative and congressional districts -- remain to be set by the Legislature. (Bennett cannot run again because of term limits.)

Galvano is currently listed as a candidate for Senate District 21. No one else has filed to run for the seat.

To see a detailed list of Galvano's donors, go to this page and click on "Campaign Finance Activity."

To see what other local and statewide candidates are raising and spending, start here.

Subcommittee passes Boyd's anti-fraud insurance bill

2012-01-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

State Rep. Jim Boyd's office this afternoon provided an update on a piece of insurance-related legislation he is carrying during this session of the Florida Legislature.

Here's the press release:

Boyd’s PIP Fraud Legislation passes House Subcommittee
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee passed House Bill 119, Motor Vehicle Personal Injury Protection Insurance by Rep. Jim Boyd R-Bradenton.

CS/HB 119, creates the Emergency Care Coverage (ECC) Law, a new no-fault motor vehicle insurance system. The ECC replaces the PIP system, but still retains many aspects of PIP. The bill also includes other fraud-fighting components.

“The Emergency Care Coverage Law will eliminate the enormous opportunity for fraud while
insuring those injured in an automobile accident are promptly treated” said Boyd.

HB 119, had twice been workshopped in the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee before being voted on and passed out of the subcommittee today.

Daily digest for Florida Legislature, 1/11/12

2012-01-11T11:51:00.000-05:00

Trying to get a handle on what's up with the Florida Legislature and its just-started session.

The Miami Herald's Naked Politics blog offers a daily primer.

Here's today's:

Five Stories To Think About Today

Florida's Secretary of State, Kurt Browning, is supposedly going to hand his resignation to the Governor today. Who will be appointed in the interim?
The 22-member Senate Reapportionment Committee casts its first vote on a proposed remapping of all 27 congressional districts, including two new ones as a result of population growth. It looks like Rep. Allen West is most likely to be on the chopping block.
The Proposed Committee Substitute for House Bill 119 will overhaul the state's no fault insurance system, creating a new system with a completely new approach for treating auto accident victims. Keep an eye on this.
The House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee is the latest to take up the issue of gaming, inviting public testimony from supporters and opponents. Will also be heard: cutting unemployment compensation tax for Florida businesses.
The House Subcommittee on Community and Military Affairs will vote on House Bill 609, which would prevent local governments from enacting wage theft protection ordinances. This is particularly important in counties with large immigrant communities, like Miami-Dade.

Three Issues You Missed Yesterday

Governor Rick Scott gave his State of the State address, pledging $1 billion in additional funding for education. About 50 protestors were not allowed into the Senate chamber Tuesday afternoon because of the noise the group had made outside during Scott's speech earlier in the day.
The Senate passed a bill to award Eric Brody $10.8 million, after all parties agreed to a settlement. The measure now moves to the House where it died last year. This is the fifth year the bill will be up for vote -- it was cut for budget reasons the last four.
Marco Rubio opened his new Tallahassee Senate office Tuesday.

Who To Watch Today/Quotable Quotes

“With all the lovely flowers in the House chamber, I can barely smell the Occupy people outside.” -Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar, on Twitter

GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum to campaign in Manatee

2012-01-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum will visit the Manatee-Sarasota area on Jan. 29, two days before GOP voters cast their ballots in the Florida primary.

A former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, Santorum lost the first-in-the-nation caucus in Iowa by eight votes; and finished in fourth place on Tuesday in the New Hampshire primary.

Santorum will stop in the area for a grassroots rally at 2 p.m Jan. 29. at Dolphin Aviation, 8191 N. Tamiami Trail, at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, according to the Sarasota County Republican Party, which is hosting the event along with several other Republican and conservative groups.

Dolphin Aviation may be the go-to spot for candidates trying to reach as much of Florida before the primary. Five days before Santorum arrives, at 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 24, GOP hopeful Newt Gingrich is scheduled to stop for a rally.

Poll: Floridians like casinos more than they like Gov. Rick Scott

2012-01-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

A new poll offers a glimpse at what Floridians think about what is sure to be a hot-button topic during the current session of the Legislature -- the possibility of big-time casino gambling in the Sunshine State -- and what they think about their governor, Rick Scott.

The Miami Herald's Naked Politics blog reports:

A day after a Senate committee grudgingly passed a bill to bring destination resort casinos to Florida, the first independent statewide poll on the issue shows that Florida voters narrowly support the idea but an overwhelming majoritymbelieves that casinos would be "good for Florida's economy."

The poll of 1,412 registered voters by Quinnipiac University was conducted Jan. 4-8 and has a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points. The casinos numbers: voters support the creation of "non-Indian casinos similar to those in Atlantic City and Las Vegas" by a slim 48-43 margin. A larger 61 – 33 percent margin believe casinos would improve state’s economy and voters do not think that gambling is morally wrong by a 73-22 percent margin.

The poll also asked voters how they felt about the job being done by Gov. Rick Scott and the state legislature. Scott, who is scheduled to give his second state-of-the-state speech today, remains overwhelmingly unpopular a year after his inauguration with only 38 percent of voters approving of the way he is doing his job and 50 percent disapproving, up 5 percentage points since December. A similar majority disagree with his policies and are unhappy with the way he is handling the state budget.

The governor "has a long way to go to get into the voters' good graces and the high 40s percent range in job approval which is the minimum generally needed for re-election -- and less than three years to get there,'' said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "Scott needs to bring home more of his own party members and improve his standing among independents."

Read about more poll results here.

3 weeks before Florida Republicans vote, Mitt Romney has big lead, according to poll

2012-01-09T09:31:00.000-05:00

A new poll shows that "likely" voters in Florida are giving Mitt Romney a big lead three weeks before Sunshine State Republicans vote in their presidential primary.

But a majority think they might change their mind.

A Quinnipiac University poll found that 36 percent back Romney, the former Massachusetts governor; followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. 24 percent; former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, 16 percent; U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, 10 percent; Texas Gov. Rick Perry, 5 percent; and former Utah governor Jon Huntsman, 2 percent.

Fifty-four percent of the 560 likely primary voters surveyed said they might change their mind.

The poll was conducted Jan. 4-8, and has a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points.

Read the press release, including more details about the poll results, below the fold.

ROMNEY HAS BIG GOP LIKELY VOTER LEAD IN FLORIDA,

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY POLL FINDS;

MOST VOTERS SAY THEY MIGHT CHANGE THEIR MIND

With 36 percent of Florida Republican likely primary voters, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has a double-digit lead three weeks before the nation’s first big-state presidential primary, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. But 54 percent of GOP primary voters say they still might change their mind.

Twelve points back in the Republican pack is former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 24 percent, followed by former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum with 16 percent, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University survey finds. Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul is at 10 percent with 5 percent for Texas Gov. Rick Perry and 2 percent for former ambassador Jon Huntsman. This first look at likely primary voters, a more select group, can’t be compared with earlier surveys of registered voters.

There is almost no gender gap in the primary selections.

“Gov. Mitt Romney has a double-digit lead in Florida among likely primary voters. But the primary is three weeks away and the results from New Hampshire and South Carolina could shake things up in the Sunshine State,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “With more than half of voters saying they might change their minds and more than 50 percent of them backing candidates perceived as more conservative, Romney could be vulnerable if those voters settle on one candidate.”

Romney is the best-liked candidate among Florida likely GOP primary voters, with a 73 – 14 percent favorability rating. Santorum gets a 59 – 8 percent favorability, while 33 percent of likely voters don’t know enough about him to form an opinion. Gingrich gets a 59 – 29 percent favorability, while Paul has a negative 34 – 47 percent favorability.

Among Florida self-professed Tea Party members, Romney and Gingrich are tied with 32 percent each, followed by Santorum with 19 percent, Paul with 7 percent and Perry with 4 percent.

Tea Party members give Gingrich a 76 – 18 percent favorability, with 72 – 7 percent for Santorum and 72 – 19 percent for Romney.

The race is closer among white evangelical Christians: Romney gets 28 percent to Gingrich’s 26 percent, with 20 percent for Santorum.

From January 4 – 8, Quinnipiac University surveyed 560 Republican likely primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 4.1 percentage points. Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.

For more data or RSS feed– http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, call (203) 582-5201, or follow us on Twitter.

1. (If Registered Republican) If the Republican primary for President were being held today, and the candidates were: Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, and Jon Huntsman, for whom would you vote? (If undecided) As of today, do you lean more toward Perry, Gingrich, Romney, Santorum, Paul, or Huntsman? (Table includes Leaners and early voters)

LIKELY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS...........................

WhtBrnAgnEvngl TEA PARTY

Tot Men Wom Con Mod Yes No Yes No

Perry 5% 5% 5% 7% 1% 6% 3% 4% 6%

Gingrich 24 26 21 28 15 26 23 32 20

Romney 36 36 37 35 41 28 42 32 38

Santorum 16 17 15 17 12 20 13 19 14

Paul 10 11 10 7 15 9 9 7 12

Huntsman 2 2 2 - 7 1 3 - 3

SMONE ELSE(VOL) - - - - - - - - -

DK/NA 7 3 10 6 8 10 6 7 6

1a. (Candidate choice given q1) Is your mind made up, or do you think you might change your mind before the election?

LIKELY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS

CANDIDATE CHOICE Q1

Tot NG MR RS

Mind made up 44% 46% 44% 41%

Might change 54 53 56 57

DK/NA 1 2 1 2

5. Is your opinion of - Rick Santorum favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?

LIKELY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS...........................

WhtBrnAgnEvngl TEA PARTY

Tot Men Wom Con Mod Yes No Yes No

Favorable 59% 65% 52% 67% 45% 68% 56% 72% 54%

Unfavorable 8 8 9 6 14 5 9 7 9

Hvn't hrd enough 33 27 39 26 40 27 34 20 37

REFUSED - - - - - - - - -

6. Is your opinion of - Ron Paul favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?

LIKELY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS...........................

WhtBrnAgnEvngl TEA PARTY

Tot Men Wom Con Mod Yes No Yes No

Favorable 34% 33% 34% 29% 41% 28% 34% 29% 36%

Unfavorable 47 50 43 52 37 51 49 56 43

Hvn't hrd enough 19 16 21 17 21 19 16 15 19

REFUSED 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 - 1

7. Is your opinion of - Newt Gingrich favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?

LIKELY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS............................

WhtBrnAgnEvngl TEA PARTY

Tot Men Wom Con Mod Yes No Yes No

Favorable 59% 66% 52% 68% 44% 67% 59% 76% 53%

Unfavorable 29 25 34 25 42 25 33 18 35

Hvn't hrd enough 9 8 10 5 11 8 5 5 10

REFUSED 2 1 4 2 4 1 2 1 3

8. Is your opinion of - Mitt Romney favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him?

LIKELY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS...........................

WhtBrnAgnEvngl TEA PARTY

Tot Men Wom Con Mod Yes No Yes No

Favorable 73% 74% 73% 77% 67% 72% 74% 72% 74%

Unfavorable 14 15 14 13 14 19 13 19 12

Hvn't hrd enough 10 11 9 9 14 7 11 8 10

REFUSED 3 1 4 2 5 2 2 1 3

Bradenton businessman running for Manatee elections supervisor

2012-01-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

A day after longtime elections supervisor Bob Sweat announced his retirement, the first candidate has stepped up to run to replace him at the Manatee County elections office.

First-time political candidate Rodney P. Smithley, owner of Smokey's Glass, said he has thought about running for elections supervisor since Sweat's predecessor, Jerome Davis, was in office. He said he would be a "hands-on" supervisor, but that he doesn't anticipate wanting to make too many changes to the elections office.

"I don't think you need to spend money when you can fix what you have," said Smithley, who filed on Monday to run as a Republican. "I just think I can do a good job there.

"I can get out and meet with people ... and do the job."

Smithley, 58, has owned Smokey's for about 40 years, doing various types of custom glass work. The company has had as many as four employees, but Smithley said he is currently the only employee.

Previously, he says he was one of the top car restorers in the nation for about 30 years.

"I'm a hands-on guy," said Smithley, a graduate of Southeast High School.

"I don't do anything half-butt."

Sweat, in office since 1985, announced Monday he would not run for re-election for an eighth term.

Sweat told the Bradenton Herald on Monday that he was encouraging his longtime assistant Nancy Bignell to run to succeed him.

Romney picks former state Rep. Mark Flanagan to run his campaign in Manatee

2011-12-21T15:11:00.000-05:00

A day after Newt Gingrich named Bradenton City Council member Patrick Roff to chair his campaign in Manatee County, Mitt Romney announced Wednesday that former state Rep. Mark Flanagan of Bradenton would be heading his campaign here.

Flanagan, who was first elected in November 1994, served eight years in the Florida House.

Bradenton City Council member Patrick Roff leads Gingrich campaign in Manatee

2011-12-21T09:26:00.001-05:00

Bradenton City Council member Patrick Roff has been named chairman of Newt Gingrich's campaign in Manatee County, according to The Buzz.

Gingrich's campaign made the announcement as part of the rollout of its organization in Florida in advance of the Jan. 31 presidential primary.

Gingrich's apparent chief rival for the Republican nomination, Mitt Romney, unveiled his Florida organization earlier this year. One of his statewide co-chairs is former state Sen. Pat Neal, one of the largest real estate developers in Manatee.

Sen. Marco Rubio won't be taking Manatee chamber's 'people-to-people' trip to Cuba

2011-12-16T13:08:00.000-05:00

Not that he was invited, but consider it a zero chance that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio would join the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce on its "people-to-people" visit next spring to Cuba.

Rubio, R-Fla., on Thursday laid into such trips and the Obama administration policies that make them possible.

“When I look at this stuff, you know what I want to say? Come on, man. This is about promoting democracy and freedom in Cuba?" Rubio said in a speech on the Senate floor. "This is not about promoting democracy and freedom in Cuba. This is nothing more than tourism. This is tourism for Americans that, at best, are curious about Cuba and, at worst, sympathize with the Cuban regime."

Meanwhile, another Florida lawmaker, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, was pleased that her colleagues removed from a spending bill a measure that would have re-instituted limits on how often Cuban Americans can visit family members on the island and how much they can send them. Castor had argued that the limits would have hurt Cuban American families and economically hurt Tampa International Airport, which recently began hosting charter flights to the island.

“Cuban-American families can breathe a sigh of relief that their ability to visit family on the island nation will not be curtailed, especially during the holiday season, by last-minute political maneuvers," Castor said in a news release. Convenient, new airline flights such as those from Tampa International Airport will continue to serve our neighbors and boost our economy. I expect to see even more demand for these flights in the coming months and years.

Castor calls for Congress to reject limits on Cuban Americans' trips to Cuba

2011-12-14T16:22:00.001-05:00

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, on Wednesday called on Congress to reject a proposed measure that would roll back Obama Administration rules allowing Cuban Americans unlimited travel to visit family in Cuba.

The legislation, which is wrapped into a larger appropriations bill to keep the government running, would limit such trips to once every three years, as it was implemented under the George W. Bush administration.

Limiting the trips would have "harsh" humanitarian effect on Cuban Americans and their families, and would be an economic blow to the Tampa area, Castor said in a news release. Direct flights from Tampa to Havana were recently launched, in conjunction with the relaxed travel rules.

“The Republican-imposed travel restrictions would deal a devastating blow to Cuban-American families who have embraced the freedom to travel to Cuba more regularly to visit their loved ones. New jobs and charter airline flights would be eliminated under the Republican bill as well,” Castor said. “Tampa International Airport alone has added four weekly flights to Cuba and generated new economic activity in Tampa. The Republican proposal would hurt our neighbors and our economy.”

Advocates of tighter restrictions on travel to Cuba, like Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, argue that unlimited trips help finance the Castro regime in Havana. Diaz-Balarat's measure would also tighten the definition of "family" and limit to $1,200 per year how much money in remittances Cuban Americans can send to relatives on the island.

The Miami Herald reported that Diaz-Balart's measure would have no effect on "people-to-people" trips like the one the Manatee Chamber of Commerce is organizing for next spring. Those trips are covered by a different set of sanctions on Cuba.

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance makes endorsements

2011-12-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance recently announced endorsements in several Manatee County elections next year.

They are:

Manatee Sheriff: Brad Steube, the Republican incumbent.
12th District State Attorney: Ed Brodsky, Republican.
12th District Public Defender: Larry Eger, Republican incumbent.
Manatee County Commission: Vanessa Baugh, Republican.

"The Business Alliance Governmental Affairs Committee will continue its interview and endorsement process in the upcoming year with candidates on the local and state level," the group said on its website. "The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance has a diverse membership that encompasses varied political views and parties. The common thread is that the organization promotes the business interests of entrepreneurs in Sarasota and Manatee counties"

Rep. Jim Boyd's bill would mean a mandatory 10 years in prison for felons caught with guns

2011-12-08T14:14:00.000-05:00

Florida Rep. Jim Boyd on Thursday filed House Bill 947, which would slap a mandatory minimum prison sentence on convicted felon if they care caught carrying a gun or using it in commission of a crime.

The measure would be an amendment to Florida's current "10-20-Life" law which sets mandatory minimums for anyone convicted of a gun-related crime. Boyd said the proposal has already been endorsed by the Florida Sheriffs Association and other law enforcement groups.

“This amendment to the 10-20-Life Law will give violent felons pause before arming themselves because they will be facing a 10-year minimum mandatory prison sentence. If they make the choice to carry a firearm and are apprehended, our society will be safer knowing they are behind bars for a long time” said Greg Stout, president of Tampa Police Benevolent Association Inc., in a news release issued by Boyd's office.

Boyd said Stout has been a friend for more than 20 years and said they met earlier this year to "brainstorm" ideas on how to toughen gun laws after the shooting deaths of police officers in Miami and St. Petersburg and other violent crimes.

“This bill will protect not only law enforcement but also the citizens of this great state by
keeping violent felons off the street," Boyd said in the statement.

In an interview, Boyd acknowledged that there might be an added expense for the state by locking up offenders for lengthy minimum prison terms. But it's worth it, he said.

"Personally, the cost of a life is more important than if they are on the outside," he said.

Read the proposed bill here.

Rep. Vern Buchanan calls for probe of reporting dumping of soldiers' bodies in landfill

2011-12-08T11:48:00.000-05:00

Calling it a "national disgrace," U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan on Thursday called for a full investigation into the reported dumping of soldiers' bodies in a landfill.

The Washington Post reported that Air Force personnel dumped the remains of at least 274 U.S. troops in a garbage dump.

“This is a national disgrace,” said Buchanan, who represents more than 90,000 veterans in southwest Florida. “Members of the United States Armed Forces who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country deserve to be treated honorably, both in life and death. This is an outrage and those responsible should be immediately fired.”

More from Buchanan:

Records indicate that 976 fragments from 274 service members were incinerated and discarded in a Virginia landfill between 2004 and 2008. The Washington Post article today said the number of bodies involved was far more than initially acknowledged.

According to reports, the landfill disposals were never officially authorized under military policies or regulations. Family members were also never notified of this horrendous practice.

Earlier this year, the Air Force disciplined three senior officials related to the incidents, but they were allowed to keep their jobs.

“A slap on the wrist is unacceptable,” said Buchanan. “Those involved must be fired today and a congressional investigation should leave no stone unturned in finding out how this happened, who was responsible and how it can be prevented in the future.“

“The men and women who bravely serve this country deserve all the care and respect a grateful nation can offer,” said Buchanan.

Proposed maps offer possibility of big changes, but Florida redistricting process far from over

2011-12-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

That Florida lawmakers remain very early in redistricting process was belied by the fact that the Florida House on Tuesday released seven possible ways to redraw boundaries for Congressional districts and five possible remaps for their own House districts. There's no easier way to avoid making a decision than to leave all options --- whether likely choices or not -- open.

But a cursory look at the House's maps does reveal some common themes, at least in how they might affect Manatee County and our current lawmakers.

For the Florida House districts, each of the five maps would place incumbent state Rep. Greg Steube, R-Bradenton, in a renumbered District 73 generally comprised of East Manatee, Parrish and Lakewood Ranch, that would be not dissimilar from the district he now represents.

Greater changes would be in store for Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton. The proposed maps would place him in a renumbered District 71 that covers most of Bradenton and west Manatee County but also extend south into Sarasota County -- the maps vary on how far south that would be.

All the proposed maps would keep several neighborhoods in Palmetto and Bradenton in a renumbered District 70 that would extend south from Pinellas County, as they are now.

As for the proposed Congressional remaps, all would place incumbent Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, in a renumbered 16th Congressional District that would remain primarily a Manatee-Sarasota district with one notable change: All of Manatee County, including neighborhoods in Palmetto and Bradenton now included in a Tampa-based district, would be in one district, meeting one of the goals of new constitutional requirements that districts be as geographically compact as possible.

That differs from the proposed remap offered last week by the Florida Senate, which kept Manatee divided into two districts -- suggesting that this and just about everything else related to redistricting is up for negotiation and, probably, litigation.

So who can blame the House, with all its possible maps, for not making a decision.

You can review all the maps and Census data used to draw them, here.

Pat Neal says he won't run against Bill Galvano for Florida Senate

2011-12-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

It was puzzling to read this morning that former state Sen. Pat Neal was the "expected opponent" for former state Rep. Bill Galvano in the race for Bradenton's seat in the Florida Senate. As one of the area's most prominent developers, Neal probably has the name ID and financial heft to go toe to- oe with Galvano, who has been running for the seat for more than a year, but nothing to this point had suggested that the Senate race would be a venue for clash of two of the area's political titans.

Today, Neal all but completely disabused the notion he was preparing for a re-entry into electoral politics as a candidate.

The Herald's Jim Jones reports:

Based on the way Florida Senate District 21 has been redrawn, developer and former state senator Pat Neal says he won’t be a candidate to replace the term-limited Mike Bennett of Bradenton.

To date, former state representative Bill Galvano, a Republican from Bradenton, is the only declared candidate for the District 21 seat.

“It’s not my intent to run against Bill Galvano, He’s been my friend for 30 years. I don’t ever contemplate running against Bill,” Neal said Tuesday.

For his part, Galvano says he is happy to run in the District 21, as proposed by the Senate's redistricting committee.

New redistricting rules could split Lakewood Ranch into two

2011-11-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

New Florida constitutional requirements requiring geographically compact districts for seats in the U.S. House and Florida Legislature make it less likely that identifiable areas like Lakewood Ranch, which spans across two counties, will remain in the same district.

At least that's an early conclusion that be gathered from proposed redistricting maps released this week by the Florida Senate.

All of Lakewood Ranch would remain in the 13th Congressional District, now represented by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.

But the proposed map for new state Senate districts, which have much smaller populations than Congressional districts, would split Lakewood Ranch among two new districts -- the northern portion in District 21, made up of most of Manatee and parts of Hillsborough and Polk counties; and the southern portion in a District 23 made up of all of Sarasota County and part of Charlotte County.

Theoretically, the maps would make it possible for two people from Lakewood Ranch to be elected to the Florida Senate. But the more likely result is that Lakewood Ranch's influence would be diluted, diminished to the point its reach in Tallahassee would be limited.

Nothing suggests that is the intent of the mapmakers. But as lawmakers work to meet the new constitutional requirements -- new districts must be geographically compact AND protect minority voting rights -- splits like what might happen to Lakewood Ranch are possible.

Another such split in the proposed Senate map affects several predominantly minority neighborhoods in Palmetto and Bradenton, which as they are now, would remain in a Senate district that extends from Tampa in order to keep it a district likely to elect a minority senator. (The district is now represented by Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa.)

To see what some in Lakewood Ranch think of the proposed map, read the story in Tuesday's Bradenton Herald.

Bradenton's Pat Neal co-chairs Romney's social-conservative advisers

2011-11-14T10:23:00.000-05:00

Former state Sen. Pat Neal of Bradenton has been named a co-chair of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's Social Conservatives Statewide Steering Committee.

The Miami Herald's Naked Politics blog has the release from the Romney campaign:

Mitt Romney’s Florida campaign today announced the names of the Social Conservatives Statewide Steering Committee. Each member has been an active voice in state politics and an advocate for conservative causes and issue campaigns. The Romney campaign will utilize this coalition to perform voter outreach and coalition building for Get Out the Vote efforts.

“Mitt Romney is pro-life and is a true conservative on issues of family and faith,” said state co-chair Pat Neal, former state senator and former chair of the board of the Christian Coalition of Florida. “The members of this committee are tired of the liberal policies of the Obama Administration and are confident that Gov. Romney will stand up for the values that have made our country strong and will appoint judges that respect the Constitution and the rule of law.”

“I am honored by the support of these important Florida leaders,” said Mitt Romney. “Like them, I believe that America is great because of the faith of our founders and the strength of our families, and we must do everything that we can to preserve both.”

Earlier in the campaign, Romney had named Neal one of the Florida co-chairs for his campaign.

A prominent real estate developer in Bradenton, Neal has contributed $7,500 to Romney's presidential campaign, according to Federal Elections Commission records; his wife Charlene has contributed an additional $2,500.

Herman Cain will appear in Sarasota on Nov. 27

2011-11-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain is set to appear Nov. 27 at dinner at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium at which the Sarasota County GOP will honor Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour as its 2011 Statesman of the Year.

Get the details here.

Report: Rep. Vern Buchanan is the 10th richest member of Congress

2011-11-02T11:58:00.001-04:00

Determining an exact figure is impossible from public disclosure reports, but Roll Call magazine has estimated that Rep. Vern Buchanan is worth $44.2 million, making him the 10th wealthiest member of Congress.

That's down from Buchanan's eighth-place showing in 2010, when he was worth $55.47 million, according to Roll Call.

The best observers can do is estimate a congressman's or senator's wealth because they are required to report their assets and liabilities only in broad ranges. Roll Call determines a bottom-line amount by taking the minimum value of a member's assets and subtracting the minimum value of the liabilities.

Here are portions of Roll Call's report on Buchanan:

Buchanan’s wealth shows a precipitous drop, down 20 percent from his previous report. The Florida lawmaker reported selling off three of his six auto dealerships in 2010, claiming losses on each of the sales.

According to his report, Buchanan sold two Fort Richey, Fla., dealerships in transactions valued at $1 million to $5 million. He had previously valued the dealerships at $1 million to $5 million and $100,000 to $250,000 each....

... Buchanan also sold a Venice, Fla., dealership in a transaction valued at $5 million to $25 million. He previously valued the dealership in the same category. ...

... The Republican lawmaker also reported writing off two loans to his former business partner Sam Kazran, totaling at least $1.5 million.

The Bradenton Herald reported in June that the Federal Election Commission asked a federal court to fine the car dealership once jointly owned by Kazran and Buchanan nearly $68,000 for violating campaign finance laws by reimbursing employees who made campaign contributions to Buchanan’s campaign.

Buchanan still claimed significant investment accounts and real estate, along with three auto dealerships valued at a combined minimum of $11 million.

He also dropped about $6 million in debts from his previous report.

For more information about Buchanan's most recent financial disclosure report, including a link to the report, go here.

For the record, the nine members of Congress wealthier than Buchanan, R-Sarasota, according to Roll Call, are:

1. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, $294.21 million.

2. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., $220.4 million.

3. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., $193.07 million.

4. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., $81.63 million.

5. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., $76.3 million.

6. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., $65.91 million

7. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., $55.07 million.

8. Sen. Richard Bluemental, D-Conn., $52.93 million.

9. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., $45.39 million.

Rep. Vern Buchanan has more than $900K in bank as he prepares for re-election campaign

2011-10-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

Reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission show that U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, is starting out with a huge fund-raising lead in what is expected to be a general election battle next year with former state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald for the 13th District seat in Congress.

As of Sept. 30, Buchanan had more than $904,000 in cash on hand and zero debt.

Fitzgerald, a Sarasota Democrat who announced earlier this month after the most recent reporting deadline, reported zero contributions, zero expenditures and zero cash in the bank.

So far this year, Buchanan has raised more than $942,000. Almost two-thirds -- or almost $609,000 -- came from political action committees and the remainder from individuals, according to the FEC.

Buchanan in 2011 has spent almost $995,000, with almost $644,000 going to pay off personal loans Buchanan made to his campaign, according to reports.

Of the remaining $311,000, reports show $71,000 went to Patton Boggs, the Washington law firm representing Buchanan as he remains under investigation for possible campaign finance violations.

(The Federal Elections Commission has closed its investigation, finding no wrongdoing by Buchanan. However, Buchanan's campaign acknowledged earlier this month that the U.S. Justice Department is now investigating the matter.)

Democrats say 'Rickpublican' Rep. Vern Buchanan is a lot like Florida Gov. Rick Scott

2011-10-25T10:05:00.001-04:00

Democrats have come up with a new moniker for one of their biggest Republican targets, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.

Buchanan, according to a new fund-raising website, is a "Rickpublican," signifying that he is too much like Gov. Rick Scott.

Here's the precise definition:

[rick-puhb-li-kuh´n] noun 1. Proper name for Florida Republicans wrought with greed and corruption who are hell-bent on selling out to the corporations and special interests while leaving Florida’s middle class families out-to-dry.

As for why Buchanan is a Rickpublican, the Democrats compile previous claims against the congressman:

Just like Gov. Scott, who was at the helm of a company who received the single largest fine for Medicare fraud in history, this former used car salesman is no stranger to criminal activity. Congressman Vern Buchanan – who is currently under investigation by the feds - has made CREW’s Most Corrupt list not once, but a remarkable three times for his shady, ethically-challenged dealings.

Romney holds on to fund-raising lead in Manatee-Sarasota

2011-10-17T14:36:00.000-04:00

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has widened his fund-raising lead among donors in the Manatee-Sarasota area, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

In the third quarter of this year, which ended Sept. 30, supporters donated a total of $25,160 to Romney's campaign, bringing his haul from the area to $134,260.

Similarly, Romney holds a huge fund-raising lead statewide, collecting more than $2.46 million from Florida donors. The next largest haul was by Gov. Rick Perry, who has mined Florida for more than $737,000 in contributions.

President Barack Obama -- the man the Republican candidates are hoping to face in the November 2012 general election -- reported rasising $45,483 in Manatee-Sarasota during the third quarter, bringing his total to $111,691. Obama has raised a total of almost $2.1 million from Florida donors.

However, the biggest fund-raiser in Manatee-Sarasota during the third quarter was former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Penn., who raised $44,000, which his brought his total to $44,500.

Next was U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, who out-raised his fellow Texan, Perry, among Manatee-Sarasota donors.

Paul reported receiving $23,370 from donors in the area, bringing his total to $38,358. Perry, who entered the race in the middle of the quarter, reporting raising $20,960.

Herman Cain, the Atlanta businessman leading in many national polls, reporting raising $4,665 from Manatee-Sarasota donors during the third quarter, bring his total $8,655.

Bringing up the rear were former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., who collected $375, bringing his total to $6,975; former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, $4,250 ($4,250); Rep. Michelle Bachmann, $1,797 ($4,547); and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson $775 ($775).

|---|

To view the reports, including the list of donors' names, go here, click on the map of Florida, click on a candidate's name on the left, and the scroll down to 342xx on the right pull-down menu.

Bill Galvano continues to draw in big money for Senate race

2011-10-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

The campaign cash is flowing to lawmakers in Tallahassee and to those hoping to join them.

And that includes to officeholders and candidates for seats in the Manatee County delegation.

Here's a breakdown:

Former state Rep. Bill Galvano, a Republican from Bradenton running unopposed for a state Senate seat, collected $56,700 in contributions during the third quarter, which ended Sept. 30, bringing his total take so far to more than $305,000. Galvano so far has spent almost $109,000 on his campaign.
State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, raised $19,000 in the third quarter, bringing her haul to $63,400. So far running opposed, she has spent more than $8,000 on her re-election effort.
State Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, raised $12,350 in the third quarter for his re-election campaign, bringing his total to $19,150. He has spent almost $9,200. His only announced opponent, Republican Sharon Russ of St. Petersburg, reported receiving $140 in the third quarter, bringing her total to $290. She has spent a total of $185 on her campaign. (House District 57 includes parts of Manatee County.)
State Rep. Greg Steube, R-Bradenton, reported receiving $7,750 in contributions during the third quarter, bringing his total take to more than $23,000. He has spent almost $8,900 on his re-election effort. So far, he is running unopposed for re-election.
State Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, reported receiving almost $41,000 in contributions in the third quarter, bringing his total take to almost $56,000. So far running unopposed, Boyd has spent almost $2,800 on his re-election campaign.
State Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, reported receiving more than $52,000 in contributions in the third quarter. So far running unopposed for re-election, Pilon has collected total of more than $58,000 and spent more than $3,000.

Keith Fitzgerald launches bid to unseat Rep. Buchanan

2011-10-06T14:15:00.000-04:00

Former Florida state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, a Democrat from Sarasota, on Thursday officially kicked off his bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.

Here's Fitzgerald's announcement:

Sarasota, FL – Former State Representative Keith Fitzgerald today announced that he is running for Congress in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Keith Fitzgerald is running because he believes political leaders in Congress have failed miserably when it comes to standing up for hard working American families, creating jobs, lowering the deficit, and honoring our nation’s seniors by protecting Social Security and Medicare. In announcing his candidacy, Keith Fitzgerald pledged to run his campaign, and serve in Congress, with the honesty and integrity Floridians and Americans expect in their members of congress.

“Getting our country back on track will require electing leaders who can work across the aisle to create jobs, grow our economy and invest in the future of our fellow Americans who just want a fair chance to get ahead,” said Keith Fitzgerald. “I’ve worked with small business owners, Republicans and Democrats, to improve the lives of seniors and families here in Sarasota and along the Suncoast, and I want to take that same pragmatic approach to Washington.”

Keith Fitzgerald, who lives in Sarasota, is a former state legislator and professor at New College of Florida. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, graduated from the University of Louisville, and earned a Ph.D. from Indiana University. He moved to Sarasota in 1994 to teach political science at the New College of Florida and was elected to the State Legislature in 2006.
In the state legislature, Fitzgerald was a watchdog for taxpayer dollars, who fought to take on corruption and make government more accountable. He partnered with business leaders to create jobs and cut taxes; and worked across the aisle to provide tax cuts for small businesses who invest in green technology. Fitzgerald worked tirelessly to protect Florida’s coast from offshore drilling and was a leader committed to making critical investments in Florida’s educational system.

“Instead of focusing on creating jobs or helping families struggling to make ends meet, Congressman Vern Buchanan has tried to end Medicare and protect tax giveaways for big oil while running from one scandal to the next,” said Fitzgerald. “His tarnished leadership in a perfect example of what is wrong with Washington, and it’s time for him to go.

“I am running to be the independent leader that the Suncoast can count on. I am going to stand up for the hopes and dreams of Floridians in the coming months, and share my vision for a strong economy by creating jobs right here at home and moving America forward.”

Learn more about Fitzgerald on his campaign website and on his Facebook page.

Demonstrators 'Occupy Sarasota'

2011-10-06T13:41:00.000-04:00

Ringling art student Joanna Pilar Garra joins a large crowd in front of the downtown Sarasota Bank of America branch for an "Occupy Sarasota" protest.(PHOTO: TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/ttompkins@bradenton.com)

.
Here is a photo gallery from this morning's "Occupy Sarasota" event outside a Bank of America branch in downtown Sarasota.

On Sunday, demonstrators will try to "Occupy Bradenton."

Activists plan to 'Occupy Bradenton' on Sunday (UPDATED)

2011-10-06T09:29:00.003-04:00

The Occupy Wall Street movement has apparently come to Bradenton, with an organizers planning an Occupy Bradenton event for Sunday morning to decry "corporate greed and corruption."

According to the group's Facebook page, activists plan to "occupy" the intersection of Manatee Avenue West and 43rd Street West. Refreshments won't be provided, but organizers noted the location is near a Publix store, the Shake Pit restaurant and other capitalist food outlets.

The Bradenton rally, set to start at 9 a.m., is one of several such meet-ups organized by Occupy Together, which was formed in response to recent protests targeting Wall Street and the American capitalism system. (Check out the a photo gallery here.)

"We the 99% will not be silent and we will not be intimidated. This Sunday we will march together as one to show that it is time that the 99% are heard," the Facebook page states. "We are unions, students, teachers, veterans, first responders, families, the unemployed and underemployed. We are all races, sexes and creeds. We are the majority. We are the 99 percent. And we will no longer be silent."

As of Thursday morning, 50 people had "liked" the Facebook page, which was started earlier this week, far fewer than the 1,477 who "liked" the Occupy Sarasota page. A rally in downtown Sarasota, outside the Bank of America building at Main and Orange streets, is set for 10 a.m. today, according to the page, which noted that 245 people had responded that they would attend.

Follow Occupy Bradenton on Twitter @OccupyBradenton.

UPDATED, 11 a.m. EDT -- Bradenton Herald photojournalist Tiffany Tompkins-Condie reports that about 60 demonstrators were gathered in downtown Sarasota this morning.

Siding with Rubio, Perry, Romney and Huntsman to boycott Univision debate

2011-10-04T14:05:00.000-04:00

The Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau has the latest on the flap over how the Univision television network handled a story about the arrest 24 years ago of U.S. Marco Rubio's brother-in-law:

Rick Perry, Mitt Romney and John Huntsman, are boycotting a proposed Univision debate due to what they say were unethical journalistic practices in the way the Spanish-language media giant handled Sen. Marco Rubio, a vice-presidential shortlister.

Other campaigns might soon join Perry and Huntsman, sources say.

They made their announcement at the behest of three Florida Hispanic Republican lawmakers who noted that the senator’s office and Univision insiders said Univision publicized an embarrassing story about Rubio’s brother in law because he wouldn’t sit down for an interview on the show Al Punto, which has espoused a liberal line on the hot-topic of immigration.

Univision has called the allegations of a quid-pro-quo “absurd,” and said that the July story of the 24-year-old drug bust was reported fairly and accurately.

But Perry, Huntsman and Romney apparently believed the reports from Rubio’s office and the Univision insiders, which were first revealed in a Sunday Miami Herald story.

“Governor Perry will not consider participating in the January 29, 2012, Univision debate until your network addresses this ethical breach and takes action to correct it,” Perry’s communications director, Ray Sullivan, wrote Univision on Tuesday.

“With NBC and Telemundo also hosting a debate the same weekend in January 2012, we will have ample opportunity to engage with Spanish-speaking Americans,” Perry wrote.

Huntsman’s campaign manager, Matt David, was more measured in his letter to Univision. But he said the candidate stands firm.

“Unless Univision resolves this issue in a timely and satisfactory manner, Governor Huntsman will not give consideration to your network’s debate currently proposed for January, 2012,” he wrote. “We ask the other Republican candidates to join us in this decision and will work with them to identify another forum to debate issues that are important to Americans of Hispanic descent in Florida and across our nation.”

Romney didn't write a letter to Univision, but issued a statement from spokesman Ryan Williams that said: "We have not received any invitation from Univision for a debate, but we are troubled by these allegations and would not participate in any such debate unless and until Univision satisfactorily addresses this situation."

Former deputy to challenge Manatee Sheriff Steube in GOP primary

2011-10-03T11:49:00.001-04:00

William Waldron

William Waldron, a former homicide detective with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, is challenging his old boss in next year's election.

Waldron, 46, recently filed to run in next year's Republican primary against incumbent Sheriff Brad Steube.

"Having a vast experience in investigating gang-related crimes and all types of violent crime in Manatee County, I am well aware of the current trends in these crimes and others and what efforts need to be taken to reduce crime in Manatee County in order to make our community a safer place for all people," Waldon wrote in a statement posted on the Manatee supervisor of elections' website. "I would like to re-institute community policing efforts back into our community to instill better relations with the people we are sworn to protect and serve."

Waldron retired from the sheriff's office in August 2010 after 20 years in law enforcement. While at the sheriff's office, As a detective, Waldron investigated property crimes and later crimes against persons, including homicides.

One of the murder suspects Waldron investigated, Blaine Ross, was awarded a new trial after the Florida Supreme Court last year ruled 4-3 that Waldron violated Ross’ rights in obtaining a confession two days after the slaying of his parents and that Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas should have disallowed the confession at trial. A jury convicted Ross, now 27, in May 2007 of first-degree murder and robbery, and Nicholas sentenced Ross to death that November after a jury recommended the punishment.

After the court ruling, former sheriff Charlie Wells defended how Waldron handled the interview.

“I disagree with the ruling,” Wells said. “I watched the whole thing on video from another room as it was going on, and the detective did everything right."

Ross' retrial is set to start later this month.

Steube has already filed for re-election, and as of June 30, he had collected more than $98,000 in contributions for this re-election effort.

GOP presidential candidate coming to Manatee

2011-09-07T11:50:00.001-04:00

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain is set to appear Sept. 19 at Mixon Farms in Bradenton, in a lunchtime event sponsored by Tea Party Manatee and co-sponsored by the Republican Party of Sarasota County.

Get the details and RSVP here.

Poll: Buchanan would lead GOP Senate primary

2011-08-26T09:23:00.000-04:00

A new poll suggests he would be the frontrunner, but U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan told the Bradenton Herald this week he is inclined to stay in the U.S. House and not enter the race to be the Republican nominee who faces off against incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.

"I'm focused on what I'm doing," Buchanan said in an interview with editors at the Herald, referring especially to his seat as the only member from Florida on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

Buchanan did not completely rule out running for the Senate, saying he would take a closer look at the race at the end of the year. Among the considerations, he admitted, would be whether he would be willing to exchange the prestige that comes with his spot on Ways and Means -- which allows Buchanan a voice on a wide range of issues from taxes to health care to trade -- for a minimal amount of seniority in the Senate.

Another consideration might be whether Buchanan thinks he can beat Nelson -- a prospect the poll results do not suggest.

In a possible head-to-head matchup, Nelson beat Buchanan 45 percent to 35 percent, with the remainder undecided.

On second thought, Jo Anne Klement decides not to run for Manatee commission

2011-08-24T14:23:00.000-04:00

Reversing strong hinting that she was going to run for the District 5 seat on the Manatee County Commission, currently held by Donna Hayes, Jo Anne Klement announced this afternoon she won't be running.

Klement, the wife of former Bradenton Herald editorial page editor David Klement, had indicated interest in the race after Hayes announced she would not be running for re-election. So far, the only announced candidate in the race is Lakewood Ranch businesswoman and activist Vanessa Baugh.

Here is Klement's news release:

Long-time Manatee resident Jo Anne Klement is officially announcing she will NOT run for the Republican nomination for the Manatee County Commission, District 5, in the 2012 election.

“After great consideration and family consultations, I have decided to not pursue a political career,” Klement said. “I think my 38 years of residency in Manatee County, working in the non-profit sector, business and journalism would have been excellent preparation for that position but it is not to be.

“At this very difficult time in our local and national economy, Manatee County is at a critical juncture. The choices we select now will impact us for decades. The people making these decisions must possess experience and perspective in our county. This is not the time to entrust those decisions to people with unknown local track records,” Klement added.

“Our children and grandchildren will benefit or suffer from our decisions the rest of their lives. When we moved here in the ‘70s, this was a county of opportunity. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, and people want to live here. We can rebuild that successful era again. I am sure of it.

“I hope whomever is nominated will possess a broad and deep understanding of Manatee County.”

Michele Bachmann set to appear at Sarasota rally

2011-08-23T08:10:00.000-04:00

GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann is scheduled to appear at a rally in Sarasota on Sunday.

Go here for the details.

Hillsborough commissioner to challenge Kathy Castor

2011-08-15T15:34:00.003-04:00

Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe, a Republican, on Monday announced his bid to unseat Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, whose 11th Congressional District currently includes part of Manatee County.

The St. Petersburg Times' Buzz blog has the story:

Saying times of crisis are times of opportunity, Republican Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe announced his intention to challenge Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor in the 2012 election.

"We're in a moment of peril," Sharpe said at the Buddy Brew Coffee house in South Tampa Monday. "The country is in crisis. I feel a duty and obligation to help deal with this crisis."

In announcing, Sharpe, 51, will make his fourth bid for the District 11 House seat. In 1992, 1994 and 1996, he campaigned against long-time Democrat Sam Gibbons, and then Jim Davis when the seat became open. He came up short in each race for the district, which is centered around South and West Tampa and is tilted heavily toward registered Democratic voters. But he showed himself each time to be a capable money-raiser.

While political district boundaries have historically favored Democrats in District 11, state legislators will be redrawing Congressional district lines. That could result in a further concentration of Democratic voters or a dilution. The exercise may not be complete until early next year, and Sharpe said he will stay in the race no matter how the lines are redrawn.

Sharpe said he does not intend to step down as a commissioner, and the law does not require that he do so. His current term runs into 2014.

Sharpe joins Republican Josh Kiernan in the race.

CFO Atwater says nation's debt rating downgrade should not affect Florida -- for now

2011-08-10T08:11:00.000-04:00

From the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau:

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said the nation's lowered credit rating by Standard & Poor last week may cause "some pause" in the market place, but should not immediately effect Florida's own borrowing or investments.

"Florida was AAA before the downgrade, it's AAA today, and in fact the rating agencies just upgraded our longer term outlook," Atwater said. "So I don't believe that it's going to have an impact on our borrowing here in the state of Florida."

Atwater asked Ash Williams, executive director and chief investment officer of the State Board of Administration, to let the Cabinet and governor know "immediately" if he thought the state's investment portfolio needed adjustments in wake of the stock market shock.

The value of Florida's pension, which usually fluctuates, dropped by $10 billion last week, mostly likely as uneasiness over the battered global economy grew.

Here's how much Florida's pension fell since Aug. 1, according to SBA estimates.

Aug. 1 - $127.07 billion

Aug. 2 - $125.61 billion

Aug. 3 - $125.15 billion

Aug. 4 - $122.22 billion

Aug. 5 - $120.95 billion

Aug. 8 - $117.54 billion

The SBA receives a flurry of phone calls when the markets go down, said spokesman Dennis MacKee on Monday. He cautioned Floridians to remember the pension was as low as $83 billion in March 2009.

"We kind of remind them that markets go up and they go down, and if you're in it for the long haul you're generally in pretty good shape," MacKee said.

Democrats target Buchanan in new campaign

2011-08-05T17:04:00.001-04:00

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will be targeting Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Bradenton, in a nationwide "Accountability August" campaign.

It's part of the DCCC's "Drive for 25" campaign to win back the House of Representatives. Beginning Monday they'll target Buchanan and 43 Republicans across the country with radio ads, billboards, robocalls, and gas pump advertising.

The DCCC also will be targeting other Florida Republican congressmen: David Rivera of Miami, Steve Southerland of Panama City, Daniel Webster of Winter Garden, and Bill Young of St. Petersburg.

No Democrat has indicated they are prepared to challenge Buchanan in next year's election.

Buchanan wants debt 'super-committee' to meet in the 'Sunshine'

2011-08-04T11:48:00.000-04:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan said Thursday he will introduce legislation that would require the Congress's budget-deficit-reducing "super-committee" be fully accessible to the public.

“Too much is at stake to allow this 12-member committee to make critical decisions about the country’s future behind closed doors,” Buchanan said in a statement. “We need to make sure this new committee meets in public as they discuss how to cut $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years. The public and the press have a right to see this process unfold.”

Buchanan said his bill would require that all hearings and meetings held by the 12-member Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction "are done in a transparent manner," through live television broadcasts, advanced public notification, and public attendance." Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., is sponsoring similar legislation in the Senate.

Congressional leaders have until Aug. 16 to appoint the members of the committee, and the panel will have until Nov. 23 to report to Congress with at least $1.2 trillion in budget reductions over 10 years. The House and Senate would then take an up-or-down vote on the whole package, with no chance to add amendments.

Buchanan's effort is similar to one he lead in 2009 to ensure to that deliberations on proposed health care reform be conducted in the open. His resolution then had 172 co-sponsors in the House.

After all, Buchanan said, that's how they do it in Florida.

“The State of Florida leads the nation with one of the toughest right-to-know laws in the country,” said Buchanan. “Florida’s strong Sunshine Law guards against back-room deals and secret negotiations by government officials. I urge congressional leaders to follow Florida’s lead and let sun shine on the joint committee.”

Rep. Buchanan: Boehner bill gets support overnight`

2011-07-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan made a little bit of news this morning during an appearance of "Morning Joe" when he said that House Speaker John Boehner debt ceiling plan had acquired additional support overnight.

Watch Buchanan here:

Romney is leading in fund-raising in Manatee-Sarasota.

2011-07-25T10:57:00.001-04:00

Mitt Romney leaves a fund-raiser at the Sarasota Yacht Club last month. (Bradenton Herald photo.)

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has raised almost as twice as much campaign cash in Manatee-Sarasota for his 2012 presidential campaign as has President Barack Obama, and almost two and a half times as much as his Republican rivals combined.

Romney's popularity in the region -- and his fund-raising prowess -- are revealed in reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission through June 30.

Romney has proven especially popular in the 342x Zip Code region, which covers Manatee-Sarasota, raising a total of $109,100. Only two Zip Code regions in South Florida and in the Jacksonville area have been more lucrative for Romney, according to the FEC.

In Florida, Romney has raised more than $1.49 million, more than any other candidate -- including Obama. (To see Romney's local donors, go here.)

The president has raised almost $1.15 million in Florida, including $66,208 from donors in Manatee-Sarasota. (To see Obama's local donors, go here.)

Other Republican candidates trail far behind in their fund-raising in Manatee-Sarasota. (To see their local donors, click on the links)

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has raised, $15,100; U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, $14,768; former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, $6,600; businessman Herman Cain, $4,000; U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann, $2,750; and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., $500. Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson has raised $2,100 in Florida but none in Manatee-Sarasota.

In all, presidential candidates have reported raising a total of $219,026 in the 342x Zip Code region.

Statewide, donors have contributed more than $3.25 million through June 30. Only donors in California, New York and Texas have proven more generous.

Buchanan pays off campaign debt to himself

2011-07-24T17:38:00.001-04:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan raised more than $750,000 in campaign contributions during the second quarter of 2011 -- more than enough for his campaign to pay off debt owed to Buchanan, according to records filed with the Federal Elections Committee.

The reports, which were due to the FEC on July 15, show that between April 1 and June 30, Buchanan's campaign paid Buchanan more than $643,810, reducing to zero the amount of debt being carried by his campaign.

The the payoff of the loan is just one indicator of how Buchanan, one of the wealthiest members of Congress, has used his own money to finance three previous campaigns for the House.

He also continues to demonstrate fund-raising prowess that would prove beneficial if he seeks statewide office, such as a U.S. Senate seat.

During the second quarter, Buchanan raised $754,122 in contributions -- more than $235,000 from individuals; and the rest from political action committees. In addition to paying off the debt, Buchanan's campaign reported spending almost $227,000, according to the filings.

As of June 30, Buchanan's campaign had almost $802,000 in cash on hand.

To view Buchanan's filing in detail, go here.

|---|

So who are Buchanan's biggest donors?

One measure is provided by OpenSecrets.org, ranks businesses, organizations, etc. based on how much their employees and any affiliated political action committees donate to a candidate. At the top are employees of Youth Services International, a Sarasota-based operator of youth detention centers, with employees donating a total of $18,400.

Others in the Top 5 include Universal Healthcare, American Family & Geriatric Care, SunTrust Banks; New York Life Insurance; Sarasota Conservation Foundation; and Tervis Tumblers Co. (Several other organizations were tied for No. 5 on the list.)

View the Top 20 list here.

Democrats target Buchanan with robo-calls on debt ceiling

2011-07-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, is one of six Florida Republican members of the U.S. House being targeted by Democrats with a series of robo-calls as lawmakers try to reach a deal on raising the nation's debt ceiling.

The St. Petersburg Times' The Buzz blog reports:

Six Florida Republican members of Congress are being targeted in Democrat-paid robo calls as the negotiations over raising the debt ceiling continue to frustrate both sides.

“Hi, this is Travis calling on behalf of the DCCC. Congressman Daniel Webster and Speaker Boehner would rather our economy default just to protect tax breaks for Big Oil companies and billionaire jet-owners," a voice says on the call facing the Orlando lawmaker. "Republicans quit negotiating with President Obama on raising the debt ceiling."

The other Florida targets are Reps. C.W. Bill Young, Vern Buchanan, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Allen West and David Rivera. All voted last week for the "cut, cap, balance" budget plan. The DCCC robo call campaign targets 60 Republicans nationwide, and the DCCC said President Obama won 83 percent of the districts in 2008.

Democrats and Obama say the House GOP is unreasonable and have accused Republicans of playing political games. Republicans, of course, say the same thing about the Democrats.

Are you going to run for Senate, Vern?

2011-07-24T00:19:00.000-04:00

Asked Saturday at a Sarasota National Cemetery event if he's considering a run for U.S. Senate, local U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, had this to say: "I'm focused on the job I got."

Ex-partner broadens civil suit against Vern Buchanan

2011-07-21T12:34:00.000-04:00

The owner of a car dealership whose business relationship soured with Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., said he has voicemails, emails and other proof the congressman would have reimbursed employees who donated to his campaign.

Sam Kazran, who partially owned Hyundai of North Jacksonville with Buchanan, said in court filings this week that he had been “caught in some political war to which he has no desire to be involved in.” And he appealed to the Federal Election Commission to pursue Buchanan for the campaign violations, not him.

See the full story from the Bradenton Herald's new Washington correspondent, Erika Bolstad .

Galvano adds to his campaign warchest

2011-07-12T09:03:00.000-04:00

With no opponent in sight, Florida Senate candidate Bill Galvano continues to add to his campaign warchest.

In the three months that ended June 30, Galvano, a former member of the Florida House, raised almost $22,500 in cash and in-kind contributions to his campaign for the District 21 seat in the Senate. That brings his total take so far to $248, 459.38, according to filings with the Florida Division of Elections.

Factor in more than $87,100 in reported expenses, and Galvano's campaign has more than $161,300 -- an amount sure to give any possible challengers pause, even if the election is more than a year away.

Among the list of donors to Galvano during the second quarter of this year were former state Sen. Ed Price; Manatee County commissioners Larry Bustle, John Chappie, Michael Gallen and Carol Whitmore; Manatee County Property Appraiser Charles Hackney; former Manatee County commissioner Pat Glass; Walter Presha, CEO of Manatee County Rural Health Services; Manatee County School Board members Julie Aranibar, Robert Gause and Harry Kinnan; and Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston.

Other local legislative candidates were less active in the reporting period ending June 30.

Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, reported $4,100 in contributions during the second quarter, and spending nothing. He has $15,100 in the bank, according to his filings.

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Bradenton, reported receiving no contributions during the second quarter, and spending almost $1,262, according to his campaign finance report. Because of prior contributions, Steube, the incumbent in House District 67, has about $13,000 in the bank.

Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, reported receiving more than $1,400 in contributions. He currently has about $6,000 in his campaign account, according to the Division of Elections.

Boyd, Steube and Pilon were first elected in 2010, and none has yet drawn a challenger for next year's election.

State Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, reported no contributions in the second quarter of the year, but he did report more than $2,600 in spending. He has almost $3,300 in his account, according to the Division of Elections.

His Republican opponent, Sharon Russ, has reported raising $150, according to the Division of Elections.

Lakewood Ranch High teacher running for Manatee school board

2011-07-11T11:12:00.002-04:00

Robert Moates

Lakewood Ranch High School teacher Robert Moates has filed to run for the District 2 seat on the Manatee County School Board. The seat, which will next be decided in the November 2012 general election is now held by Harry Kinnan.

Moates, 39, teaches economics and American government at Lakewood Ranch High School, according to the school's website.

A Manatee High School graduate, Moates has taught in the county for nine years. He attended Jessie P. Miller and Oneco elementary schools and W.D. Sugg Middle School, Prior to that he worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Florida Legislature and ran political campaigns, according to his campaign's Facebook page.

GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman in Sarasota on Saturday

2011-07-05T08:17:00.000-04:00

Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman will campaign Saturday in Sarasota.

His visit will include a private fundraiser and a public "meet-and-greet" rally from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 4880 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

Huntsman is a former governor of Utah and former ambassador to China.

For more details, read this.

Hillsborough commissioner considers challenging Rep. Castor

2011-06-24T08:09:00.000-04:00

Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe, a Republican, is considering challenging Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, in the 11th Congressional District race next year. The district includes parts of Manatee County.

The Buzz reports:

Republican Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe is talking about challenging Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor for her Congressional seat in 2012. Sharpe, who pushed hard for the high speed rail line connecting Tampa to Orlando, said this week he wants to be able to participate in national discussions on deficit reduction and America's wars.

"The only question is how will I have that conversation," he said. "That's what I'll be announcing in August."

Sharpe, a retired Naval officer who worked on John McCain's presidential bid, is already floating a platform that could fly in Castor's heavily Democratic district. He said he disagrees with McCain's philosophies on U.S. action overseas.

"Before you send a man or woman overseas, you better understand wha tyou're going to do, how you're going to get in, and how you're going to get it out," Sharpe said. "I want to have that conversation about military affairs."

As for deficit reduction, Sharpe dismissed the budget plan put forward by Paul Ryan, and said he's interested in proposals put forward by President Barack Obama's debt-panel commission, chaired by former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson, a Republican, and Erskine Bowles, a former chief of staff for President Bill Clinton.

"They spent a lot of time working on it and it just kind of got dropped. It ought to be part of the conversation," Sharpe said.

Sharpe ran for Castor's District 11 seat in 1996, but lost to Democrat Jim Davis. He was elected to the Hillsborough County Commission in 2004.

So far, the only Republican who has filed for the seat is libertarian activist Josh Kiernan of Palm Harbor, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, had announced a bid but later dropped out of the race.

New poll shows Romney with large lead in Florida

2011-06-23T13:16:00.000-04:00

Public Policy Polling has the story:

Mitt Romney has a double digit lead for the Republican Presidential nomination in Florida, further cementing his front runner status in the wake of Mike Huckabee's exit from the race.

Romney is at 27% to 17% for Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann, 10% for Herman Cain, 8% for Newt Gingrich, 7% for Ron Paul, 4% for Tim Pawlenty, and 2% for Jon Huntsman.

Romney now has the outright lead in PPP's most recent polls in all 5 of the key early Republican contests: in addition to the Florida advantage he's up by 9 in South Carolina, 6 in Iowa, 15 in Nevada, and 23 in New Hampshire.

Beyond Romney's continued strength the big stories here are the rise of Michele Bachmann and the collapse of Newt Gingrich. Bachmann's 17% standing represents a 10 point gain from PPP's last Florida poll in late March, when she stood at only 7%. Her strength comes from leading the field with 'very conservative' voters at 21%, followed by Palin at 20%, and Romney at 18%.

Romney's Florida lead is built on a familiar formula. He's not winning with the far right voters who constitute a plurality of the Republican electorate, but he's at least staying competitive with them. Meanwhile he's dominating the field with moderates (a 36-15 lead over Palin) and with voters who identify themselves as just 'somewhat conservative' (a 32-15 advantage over Bachmann.)

Read the whole story here.

Buchanan sold off his BP stock after oil spill

2011-06-22T10:34:00.001-04:00

We still don't have a final estimate of Rep. Vern Buchanan's net worth last year, but OpenSecrets.org has discerned one interesting nugget:

Buchanan was one of several congressman last year who sold off their holdings in BP after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

In 2009, Buchanan's stock in BP was worth between $31,003 and $115,000. (Members of Congress are required only to report their holdings in broad ranges.)

At the end of 2010, Buchanan had no stock in BP.

OpenSecrets.org reports:

High-ranking congressmen made a concerted effort to financially distance themselves from BP in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, either by reducing or altogether dumping their stock holdings, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of lawmakers' personal financial disclosure documents released Tuesday.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) gave up all or a significant amount of their holdings in BP after the 2010 spill, which leaked an estimated 205 million gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico and killed 11 oil platform crew members in the initial explosion.

Boehner, who in 2009 reported owning BP stocks valued between $15,001 and $50,000, sold all of his holdings sometime in 2010. His documents do not disclose specific dates of his transactions.

And Kerry, who in 2009 owned BP assets valued between $351,003 and $765,000 -- the most of any congressmen that year -- sold hundreds of thousands in a string of transactions between the months of April and May when the spill occurred. During his two transactions in May, he sold between $100,000 and $250,000 worth of his holdings each time.

As BP tries to make its way back into politics, contributions from its political action committee have often been labeled as "toxic," and many congressmen have refused to accept money associated with the company.

(Hat tip to The Buzz.)

GOP poll: Gov. Rick Scott getting more popular in Florida

2011-06-22T08:15:00.000-04:00

From the Miami Herald's Marc Caputo via The Buzz:

A new poll of Florida voters shows that Rick Scott might not be so unpopular after all, with 51 percent of respondeents disapproving of his job performance and 45 percent approving of it. That's according to a survey of 1,235 Florida voters taken by a group that calls itself Viewpoint Florida -- a firm headed up by GOP operatives Randy Nielsen (Public Concepts) and Pat Bainter (Data Targeting).

The numbers aren't much to brag about -- except when you compare this poll to the survey taken by Quinnipiac University last month, which showed that only 29 percent favored Scott's job performance, making him the least-popular governor in America.

Rep. Buchanan's 2011 financial disclosure form now available for your review

2011-06-15T12:12:00.001-04:00

Rep. Vern Buchanan's 2011 financial disclosure report is now available for your review here.

Buchanan, who in 2010 was listed as the seventh-wealthiest member of Congress, filed a 116-page report detailing his various assets and liabilities. The 2011 report, which became available to the public today, covers his holdings as of the end of 2010.

Determining Buchanan's exact wealth isn't possible from the report, as members of Congress are required only to list their holdings in broad ranges. In 2010, OpenSecrets.org determined that Buchanan's wealth ranged from minus-$-69,434,661 to $366,180,982, for an average of $148,373,160 -- the seventh highest in Congress.

As for the latest report, we'll add up the numbers as soon as possible and share what we find.

Romney in Sarasota on Thursday for fund-raiser

2011-06-15T10:35:00.000-04:00

Mitt Romney, the front-runner for now in the race for the Republican presidential nomination next year, will be in Sarasota on Thursday for a fund-raising lunch.

The event is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

Organizers of the event include honorary chair state Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, and his wife Dee.

The "suggested donation" for the event is $250, and the maximum allowable contribution is $2,500.

R.S.V.P. to Meredith O'Rourke at Meredithorourke@yahoo.com or (561) 818-6064.

Sen. Mike Bennett drops bid for seat in Congress

2011-06-13T14:24:00.000-04:00

State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, today ended his bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, concluding he didn't have the needed "fire in the belly" to run for Congress.

Bennett, who last month announced a bid to unseat Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, said he was overwhelmed by support he had identified across the district. But "I quickly realized that the 'fire' I was feeling was heartburn over constant fundraising, travel and the other demands of running for federal office," Bennett said in a statement.

“Watching all that is going on in Washington and knowing the constant fight that is required to make a difference there, I have decided to no longer pursue my bid for Congress."

Bennett does not currently live in the 13th Congressional District, which does include part of Manatee County. Bennett was hoping that congressional redistricting next year would take in more of Manatee and offer him a reasonable chance of winning the GOP nomination and unseating Castor. Bennett also said he would consider moving into the district, if necessary, although state law would not require him to do so.

Bennett said he was looking forward to fishing and travel when his current term in the Florida Senate ends at the end of 2012. He cannot run for re-election because of term limits.

“Let me be clear. Is this the end of my life in politics?" Bennett quipped. "You all know me better than that.”

FEC dismisses campaign finance complaints against Buchanan

2011-06-13T10:18:00.002-04:00

The Federal Elections Commission has dismissed complaints against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan that he violated campaign finance laws, according to FEC letters released today by his campaign.

Specifically, the FEC found no evidence that Buchanan encouraged employees of a Jacksonville car dealership to make donations to his campaign which were later reimbursed by their employer in violation of federal law. "(T)he FEC concluded that the Hyundai dealership's former owner, Sam Kazran, was responsible for violating campaign finance laws," a news release from Buchanan's campaign states.

Buchanan had notified the FEC of the questionable donations more than two years ago.

"After considering the circumstances of the matter, the commission determined on February 1, 2011, to take no further action and close the file as to Vernon G. Buchanan" regarding the Kazran-related contributions, a Feb. 7 FEC letter states.

The FEC also dismissed in a March 1 letter an unrelated complaint filed in 2008 by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) that alleged similar violations.

"The congressman has been completely exonerated, as we know he would be," campaign spokeswoman Sally Tibbetts said in the news release. "These phony accusations have been exposed as dishonest and partisan attacks."

The FEC letters were dated Feb. 7 and March 1 but had not been disclosed because of FEC confidentiality rules. The FEC allowed Buchanan to release them "in the face of bogus political attacks by Democrats," his campaign said.

Democrats had recently gone on the offensive against Buchanan because of new disclosures in the case, including buying radio time in his 13th Congressional District.

Buchanan's camp dismissed the Democrats' efforts, arguing they were trying to distract attention from the sex scandal revolving around Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y.

"The Democrats' partisan attacks have now backfired in the face of Buchanan's complete exoneration by the FEC," Tibbetts said. "The Democrats and CREW have egg on their face and should be embarrassed by their cynical attacks."

Buchanan: Democrats are targeting him because they're embarrassed by Weiner

2011-06-10T12:24:00.002-04:00

This just in from our Washington correspondent, Lesley Clark:

National Democrats said Friday they'll run radio ads slamming Rep. Vern Buchanan for his ties to an auto dealer that is facing a $67,900 fine from the Federal Election Commission.

In response, Buchanan's campaign said he is being targeted because Democrats are embarrassed by the Rep. Anthony Weiner sex scandal.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said the spots will begin running Monday during the news-weather-traffic spots in Buchanan's district.

The ads say that Buchanan's "old business was caught illegally funneling over $60,000 in campaign donations to Buchanan to influence his election. Tell Buchanan to come clean."

The DCCC would not release the size of the ad buy.

Buchanan's camp Friday accused Democrats trying to cover up Weiner's sins by targeting the Sarasota Republican.

"The Democrats are trying to deflect attention from the Anthony Weiner scandal with a laughable attack against Congressman Buchanan," the campaign said in a statement.

The FEC last month asked a federal court to impose a $67,900 fine on a company Buchanan once owned that the FEC says engaged in an “extensive and ongoing scheme” to reimburse employees who made contributions to Buchanan's congressional campaign.

Buchanan wasn't named in the lawsuit and his campaign has said that it is “an issue between the FEC and Hyundai of North Jacksonville, which Vern Buchanan has no interest or stake in.”

On Friday, the campaign said, "It was Buchanan who first reported these questionable donations to the FEC two and a half years ago. And the FEC obviously found that Buchanan had no involvement because the fine was issued against Sam Kazran, not Buchanan or the Buchanan campaign. Buchanan sold his ownership in the Hyundai of N. Jacksonville store to Kazran in 2005."

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor calls on Weiner to resign

2011-06-10T11:40:00.002-04:00

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, whose district includes part of Manatee, has joined the chorus demanding that her fellow Democrat, Rep. Anthony Weiner, resign from Congress because of revelations about his online relationships with several women.

The St. Petersburg Times reports:

Castor adds to growing calls on Capitol Hill for Weiner to go away before his problem becomes an even bigger one for Democrats. The Twitter sex scandal has come as Democrats were gaining momentum over the GOP plan to shift Medicare to private insurers.

As to whether Weiner plans to quit, the New York Post's headline this morning contains his answer:

For more tabloid headlines on the scandal, go here.

Congressional leader to meet with local veterans on Monday

2011-06-03T11:31:00.000-04:00

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, will meet with local veterans Monday to discuss federal issues and hear their concerns, according to Rep. Vern Buchanan.

The meeting will be at 3 p.m. at New College's Mildred Sainer Music and Arts Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. You can RSVP here or by calling (941) 951-6643.

Miller represents the 1st Congressional District in northwest Florida, including Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach.

Marco Rubio returns to the classroom, teaching 'Florida politics' at FIU

2011-06-02T11:51:00.001-04:00

Marco Rubio returns to the classroom, teaching "Florida politics" at Florida International University.

The Florida senator -- who previously taught political science at the Miami school -- is returning to academia while holding down his senatorial duties. He'll earn $24,000 a year for the gig -- which his office says has been cleared by the Senate Ethics Committee.

"I love teaching," the Miami Republican told the Shark Tank blog which first reported the new job. Spokesman Alex Burgos said Rubio was invited by FIU to take up a course he had taught from 2008 through 2010.

Rubio in May began teaching as a newly hired senior fellow. He'll co-teach four courses at the School of International and Public Affairs over the next year. His current class is "Florida Politics."

Rubio's ties to FIU were questioned during his Senate run in 2010 when critics questioned how he in 2008 landed a $69,000 a year, part-time job as trustees grappled with a budget shortfall that led to tuition hikes and the loss of 23 degree programs and 200 jobs.

He delivered the commencement speech there last Friday.

Rubio will co-teach the 4 classes with professors Dario Moreno and Nicol Rae and will earn $24,000.

His office says the Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by California Democrat Sen. Barbara Boxer, examined the arrangement and "concluded that his compensation is within the mid-range of the normal and customary amount set forth in the compensation schedule for Senior Fellows and for similar appointments at FIU."

In a letter to Rubio, the committee said the Republican freshman assured it that "no Senate resources or time will be used in connection" with the teaching job. Any raise or increase in job responsibilities would have to be reviewed by the committee.

Per Senate ethics rules, senators may not have "outside earned income" in a calendar year that exceeds 15 percent of the annual rate of basic pay for level II of the Executive Schedule -- or $26,955."

The committee said the university has pledged that Rubio's salary would be paid from the school's general funds "and not from earmarked grants, appropriations or dedicated contributions from other entities."

Rubio's office says the course will held on Monday and Friday mornings -- when the Senate is not generally not in session. And it says the part-time position will be shared with the other two professors, "providing flexibility in the event that unforeseen Senate business prevents Senator Rubio from being in Miami for a class."

Rubio's not the first to moonlight as a professor: then senator and now vice president Joe Biden began teaching Topics in Constitutional Law at the Widener School of Law in 1991.

The Delaware school still lists the former Delaware senator as an adjunct professor -- "currently on leave of absence."

-- Lesley Clark, Herald Washington Bureau.

Florida Democrats call on Buchanan to resign GOP post because of fundraising charges (UPDATED)

2011-06-01T17:32:00.001-04:00

Florida Democrats have some advice for Republicans in the U.S. House: Dump Rep. Vern Buchanan from his leadership post in the GOP caucus' political operation.

Considering the source is the other side of the aisle that's not likely to happen. But the Dems' demand that Buchanan resign as vice chairman for finance of the National Republican Congressional Committee does show they are trying to put the Sarasota Republican on the defensive to charges that his election campaign collected illegal contributions from employees at one of his former auto dealerships.

The Bradenton Herald reported Thursday that the Federal Election Commission is asking a federal court to impose a $67,900 fine on a company formerly owned by Buchanan that it says engaged in an "extensive and ongoing scheme" to reimburse employees who contributed to Buchanan's congressional campaign. The co-owner of the business said Buchanan directed the operation.

Buchanan is not named as a defendant in the suit, but that isn't stopping Florida Democrats from holding him accountable.

“After being embroiled in an ‘extensive and ongoing scheme’ to break campaign finance rules, Congressman Vern Buchanan is the last person that should be running the finances for the National Republican Congressional Committee,” said Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff in a statement.“It’s past time for Vern Buchanan to come clean about his role and for Republicans to live up to their promised a zero tolerance policy for Republican members caught in ethics scandals.”

UPDATED, June 2, 2011 -- Buchanan's campaign late Wednesday dismissed as "silly" the call for him to resign, "even from an outfit that managed to lose every statewide election in Florida last year"

FEC wants hefty fine from Rep. Buchanan's former company

2011-05-31T17:58:00.000-04:00

In a breaking-news exclusive, Herald Washington Bureau reporter Lesley Clark writes that the Federal Election Commission is asking a federal court to impose a $67,900 fine on a company formerly co-owned by Rep. Vern Buchanan that it says engaged in an “extensive and ongoing scheme” to reimburse employees who made contributions to the Sarasota Republican’s congressional campaign.

The owner of the company said Tuesday he has acknowledged the company reimbursed employees, but said it was a “directive” issued by Buchanan.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” said Sam Kazran. “I am not a politician, just a regular Joe. I had no idea.”
He said Buchanan told a group he needed to raise $1 million “to look good."

A campaign spokesman for Buchanan called Kazran's allegation "absolutely false."

Read the rest of Clark's report in this link.

Democrats to rally against Rep. Buchanan

2011-05-26T17:35:00.000-04:00

Manatee County Democrats on Friday will rally outside the Bradenton office of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan to protest the congressman's vote in support of a plan to restructure Medicare, as proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

The rally is set for 5 to 6 p.m. Friday at Buchanan's office, 2424 Manatee Ave. W.

Chappie fundraiser tonight in Bradenton Beach

2011-05-25T14:32:00.001-04:00

A fundraiser for Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie's re-election campaign is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach.

Chappie, who was first elected in 2008, is so far the only candidate in next year's race for the District 3 seat on the commission. District 3 is comprised of most of west and west-central Bradenton, as well as Anna Maria Island and the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key.

Anna Maria businessmen Ed Chiles -- who owns the Beach House -- and David Teitelbaum are hosting the event; and former county commissioner Pat Glass is listed as the honorary chairwoman.

To ask questions about the event, including how to contribute, contact Chappie at (941) 920-1826 or jchappie2@tampabay.rr.com

Poll: 57 percent of Florida voters disapprove of Gov. Rick Scott

2011-05-25T10:56:00.003-04:00

A big weight holding down any serious trial balloons Florida Gov. Rick Scott might launch to test whether he could be a viable candidate for president, could be the low regard a majority of Floridians hold for him.

A new Quinnipiac University poll found that 57 percent of Florida voters disapprove of the job he is doing, compared to 29 percent who approve. That only compounds the fact that Scott received less than half -- 48.9 percent, to be exact -- of the vote last fall in winning election.

(In case the pollsters didn't call you, you can still register your opinion in an online poll at www.bradenton.com.)

The recently completed legislative session did no favors for Scott in the eyes of those surveyed. On April 6, a similar poll found a 35 percent approval rating for Scott.

"The good news for the governor is that he has three and a half years to turn public opinion around," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Hamden, Conn., university's Polling Institute.

But maybe not enough time to strengthen his base in Florida in preparation of a late entry into the race for next year's Republican presidential notion -- an option that Scott said this week he has no interest in pursuing.

Other findings from the poll:

56 percent of voters disapproved of the Florida Legislature.
53 percent of voters disapproved of the budget adopted by the legislature.
61 percent of voters do not think the budget will aid with job creation in the state.
54 percent of voters said they do not think the budget is fair to people like them.
47 percent of voters said they think budget cuts go too far, compared to 18 percent said they don't go far enough and 22 percent said they're about right.
74 percent of voters said property insurance is getting more expensive, and 63 percent said it is becoming harder to obtain.

Back to idea of Scott running for president.

Miami New Times has an interesting list, first published in February, of 10 reasons Scott would never make it to the White House.

Rep. Vern Buchanan condemns Obama's Middle East speech, defends Israel

2011-05-20T10:05:00.000-04:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, today responded with a vigorous defense of Israel in response to President Barack Obama's speech Thursday in which he called for a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians based on boundaries in place before the Six-Day War of 1967 --which Israel's Arab neighbors started and Israel finished by seizing territory including East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Buchanan, according to a news release from his office, "condemned" the president's speech.

"The borders of any Palestinian state should be determined through negotiations with Israel at the table, not announced in a presidential edict that gives away Israeli land as Palestinians continue to call for the destruction of Israel," Buchanan said in the release. “In these days of danger and change, we must reaffirm the unbreakable bond we have forged with our most trusted ally in the Middle East.”

You can read the whole statement here.

Gov. Rick Scott on budget: 'The filter will be whether it helps builds jobs or ... kills jobs'

2011-05-19T08:24:00.002-04:00

When asked Wednesday about reports he is considering cutting funding for college construction projects -- including about a total of $11.5 million for projects at State College of Florida, New College and USF-Sarasota/Manatee -- Gov. Rick Scott took it as an opportunity to explain his overall approach to the budget sent to him by the Legislature.

Via the Miami Herald's Laura Figueroa:

"As you know I’m reviewing the budget, spent a lot of time reviewing every line in the budget. And I’m going to sign the budget because it does what I wanted, and that’s reduced business taxes. We’re in the process of phasing them out. Almost half the business owners won’t pay it any longer. Reducing property taxes by $210 million, and reducing the size and cost of government.

“But on top of that, there’s about 3,000 lines in the budget, and I’m reviewing all those with my team. And I’ve spent a lot of time so I’m going to be reviewing each of those and see. The filter will be whether it helps build jobs or whether it kills jobs. As you know I ran on a campaign of getting our state back to work and that’s what I’m focused on.”

Florida Gov. Rick Scott on why he signed property insurance bill

2011-05-19T08:19:00.000-04:00

Speaking to South Florida reporters on Wednesday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott explained his decision to sign a propery insurance bill that critics have decried as "anti-consumer."

Via the Miami Herald's Laura Figuerora:

"The insurance bill that I signed starts the process of moving Citizens from being the insurance company of first resort to the insurance company of last resort. What all of us as taxpayers have to understand is right now the way Citizens is set up, we’re on the hook for over $500 billion worth of risk, depending on the size of the storm. So what this bill does is start the process of allowing us to recruit other companies to come back into our state, so we get more insurance companies and hopefully they will make sure that it’s fairly priced.

“On top of that, we have to focus on fixing some of the things that cause our insurance to be more expensive than it should be. As examples, there’s a lot of examples where we have sinkholes that individuals take the money, they don’t actually fix their homes and so was it really a problem or not? On top of that, do you need five years to file a claim?

"My focus is on making sure we have a robust insurance market and we move Citizens to the insurance company of last resort, and we make sure that we can recruit other companies to come back to the state.”

Dems, others vow to not let 'Dirty Hari' off the hook at his Bradenton appearance.

2011-05-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos will be in Bradenton later today to drum up support for his campaign for U.S. Senate.

Not missing a chance to draw some attention to their own cause, Democrats and others will be gathering outside of Mixon Fruit Farms, to "greet" Haridopolos as he arrives for the Tea Party Manatee event.

"We''re going to be trying our hardest to get 'Dirty Hari's' dirty agenda across, tie him to Rick Scott, and beseech Floridians from turning Florida completely 100% undeniably red," Jack Cole of Holmes Beach wrote in an email to the Bradenton Herald about the protest.

The event is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E.

"This event is open to the public and will give local residents the opportunity to meet a few candidates and ask questions," the Tea Party said in a news release.

Haridopolos is seeking the Republican nomination to take on incumbent Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson in the 2012 elections.

Buchanan to host small business conference in Lakewood Ranch

2011-05-16T18:06:00.002-04:00

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, will lead a town hall meeting from noon – 1 p.m., Friday at the 2011 Small Business Growth Conference held during National Small Business Week at the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota Small Business Development Center, 7131 Professional Pkwy. E., Lakewood Ranch.

The town hall meeting, which is an opportunity for small business owners to discuss issues impacting their businesses, is part of a free one-day conference from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. hosted by SCF.

The conference features seminars that address important topics for today’s small business owners, including “Certifications for Growth,” “Growing Globally,” “Growing Through Traditional and New Media Marketing Strategies,” and “Financing Growth.”

Speakers include certified business analysts Maria Yepes, Bill McKown, Jim Parrish, Marty Zients, Art Mahoney, Dave Noel, and Wayne Brass.

For information or to register, visit scf.edu/SBDC or call (941) 408-1412.

Bill Nelson to view Osama bin Laden photos; Marco Rubio declines

2011-05-11T18:38:00.000-04:00

Lesley Clark, our national correspondent in Washington, just blogged this on Naked Politics at MiamiHerald.com:

The Obama administration has offered the opportunity to see the post mortem photos of Osama bin Laden to a select group of Senate and House members, including those on Armed Services or Intelligence committees.

A spokesman for Florida Sen. Bill Nelson said he was invited as a member of the Intelligence Committee and will view the photos Thursday. The photos are only available for viewing by appointment at Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Virginia.

Nelson had supported the president's decision to not release the pictures publicly, but has suggested that they be released at a later date when the commander in chief decides there's no terrorism risk.

Fellow Florida Sen. Marco Rubio on CBS today said he hasn't seen the pictures and isn't sure he needs to.

"I can tell you that I know that Osama bin Laden is dead," said Rubio, who is also on Senate Intelligence. "Al-Qaeda has admitted it. If Bin laden's not dead, why doesn't he produce a new video proving that he's not dead? We need to move beyond that right now."

Did the Florida Legislature accidentally ban sex between humans in Florida?

2011-05-11T17:27:00.000-04:00

Did the Florida Legislature accidentally prohibit humans from having sex when it adopted a measure designed to stamp out bestiality in the Sunshine State?

A blogger with the moniker "Southern Fried Scientist," seems to think so, the crux of his argument being that humans are animals, too, and the bill, Senate Bill 344, is so poorly written that it doesn't make a distinction between you and your dog.

The argument comes complete with a graphic:

The "scientist" concludes:

So if you’re living in Florida on October 1, 2011 and would like to have sexual intercourse with a consenting adult, please check with your veterinarian or local livestock breeder first to make sure you abide by ”accepted animal husbandry practices, conformation judging practices, or accepted veterinary medical practices.”

(H/T The Buzz)

Haridopolos coming to Bradenton

2011-05-10T08:18:00.001-04:00

Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos will be in Bradenton next week to drum up support for his campaign for U.S. Senate.

Tea Party Manatee is sponsoring a "Meet the Candidate" event with Haridopolos from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E.

"This event is open to the public and will give local residents the opportunity to meet a few candidates and ask questions," the Tea Party said in a news release.

Haridopolos is seeking the Republican nomination to take on incumbent Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson in the 2012 elections.

Other candidates expected to attend include Bill Galvano, a former state representative running for the Florida Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Mike Bennett because of term limits. Galvano will introduce Haridopolos at the Tea Party event, according to the release.

The event includes a $5 donation charge to cover expenses.

To ask questions, email Janet Mixon at JanetM@Mixon.com

Bradenton attorney running to be area's top prosecutor

2011-05-09T09:52:00.000-04:00

Ed Brodsky will not have a clear field in his bid to replace his longtime boss, Earl Moreland, as the local state attorney,.

Bradenton defense attorney Peter Lombardo, a former prosecutor who rose to the rank of felony division chief with the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, last month filed to run for the seat being vacated by Moreland, according to the Florida Division of Elections website.

Moreland is not seeking a seventh term and has endorsed his chief deputy Brodsky in the 2012 election. Both Brodsky and Lombardo are running as Republicans.

The 12th Judicial Circuit is comprised of Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

Lombardo drew headlines in May 2010 when he and his wife Maria were arrested on charges that they were operating unlicensed assisted living facilities in Bradenton.

Two months later, however, the case was dismissed after the Hillsborough County state attorney's office determined that civil remedies were more appropriate than a criminal prosecution. Moreland's office had recused itself from the case because of possible conflicts of interest.

For more about Lombardo, watch this video ad for his law practice in which he talks about his experience: