Manatee County commission, school board incumbents hold large fund-raising leads

Incumbents running for re-election to either the Manatee County Commission or the Manatee County School Board continue to hold large-fund-raising leads over their respective challengers, according to the latest campaign finance filings.

The latest reports, due this week, cover activity between Jan. 1 to March 31.

Here's a breakdown:

• In Manatee County Commission District 2, incumbent Democrat Michael Gallen reported collecting almost $8,100 in the first quarter of 2014, bringing his total haul so far to more than $13,300. Combined, his three Democratic challengers -- former commissioner Gwen Brown, Corie Holmes and Charles B. Smith -- have raised a total of about $2,900.
• In Manatee County Commission District 4, incumbent Republican Robin DiSabatino reported raising only $1,725 in the first quarter of this year -- but that was on top of the $31,000 she had raised in earlier reporting periods. Her GOP challenger, Tim Norwood, reported receiving no contributions in the most recent reporting period. Earlier, he had reported raising a total of $11,475 -- most of which came in the form of money he loaned to his campaign.
• In Manatee County Commission District 6, which covers the entire county, incumbent Republican Carol Whitmore reported raising $2,600 in the first quarter of 2014, adding to the more than $49,000 she had reported earlier. Democratic challenger Terri Wonder reported raising $1,180 in the most recent reporting period, adding to the more than $5,300 she had collected earlier.
• In Manatee County School Board District 2, Rodney Jones reported collecting $220 in contributions, bringing his total take to $1,710. He currently is the only candidate for the seat now held by Barbara Harvey.
• In Manatee County School Board District 5, Julie Aranibar raised more than $4,200 in contributions in the first quarter of 2014, bringing her total haul to more than $5,700. Challenger Carlton "Les" Nichols reported $150 in contributions this past quarter, bringing his total to more than $2,300.

You can view the reports, which include the names of contributors, here.

U.S. Senate votes to delay flood insurance hikes

From U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. on Thursday:

The U.S. Senate today approved rate-hike relief for millions of homeowners covered by the government’s flood insurance program. 

By a vote of 67-32, lawmakers approved legislation advanced by Sen. Bill Nelson.  The bill would delay many of the flood insurance rate increases for four years, during which time the country's distaster agency, FEMA, would be required to study the affordability of policies and re-evaluate the accuracy of new flood maps. 

“We are finally coming to the point at which we can grant homeowners and businesses some relief from the huge, gargantuan – sometimes tenfold – increases in flood insurance premiums,” Nelson said. 

The Florida Democrat and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) led the charge for a rate-hike delay. 

Congress provided some relief for some of the affected homeowners last month when it passed the $1.1 trillion government funding bill.  

Language in that budget bill prevents the government from spending any money for the remainder of this fiscal year to enforce higher premiums on homeowners who would have seen them under new flood maps.  And it gives FEMA 60 days to provide Congress with a report on ways to keep rates more affordable. 

But, according to Nelson, that was only a partial solution that the legislation passed today seeks to remedy. 

The higher flood rates are the result of Congress having passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012.  It was intended to make the flood insurance program more financially sound.  The program was in a downward spiral exacerbated by damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

The measure the Senate passed today still must pass the House where tea party members have said they intend to defeat it.

Manatee elections office has certified almost 15,000 medical pot signatures

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections has certified 14,746 of the 21,595 petitions it received in support of medical marijuana amendment, Supervisor Mike Bennett said Thursday.

The measure last week had enough petition signatures for the November 2014 ballot, and the Florida Supreme Court earlier this week ruled the ballot language meets all legal requirements.

Statewide, the measure needed 683,149 valid petition signatures by Feb. 1 to qualify for the ballot.

Bennett said his office had certified 8,420 of 11,075 petition signatures received for a water and and conservation amendment.

“My staff has worked hard verifying these two petitions over the last 6 months," Bennett said in a news release. "Both amendments will appear on the November 2014 ballot."

Buchanan votes for farm bill, touts $250 million for citrus greening research

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, on Wednesday voted for the new 5-year farm bill, touting the money it includes for research on citrus greening, a disease threatening Florida's most valuable cash crop.

Here's a news release from Buchanan's office.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, today voted to provide vital research funding to combat citrus greening – the deadly bacterial disease crippling Florida’s citrus industry. The five-year Farm Bill, which passed the House 251-166, includes $125 million in mandatory funding and an additional $125 million in discretionary funding -- all devoted to finding a citrus greening cure. 

“Today’s vote is a win for the Florida citrus industry and Florida jobs,” said Buchanan, the author of House legislation (H.R. 853) to combat citrus greening. “Finding a cure for this destructive disease is vital to maintaining a strong economy and protecting jobs right here at home. This measure represents a crucial step forward by securing a sustainable funding source necessary to combat this pervasive disease.” 

As the top citrus producing state in the nation, the Florida citrus industry generates $9 billion in economic activity and employs nearly 76,000 people. Sarasota and Manatee counties alone support $994 million in economic activity and employ 8,700 workers. 

“This critical funding is a wise investment in one of Florida’s signature industries,” said Michael W. Sparks, Chief Executive Officer of Florida Citrus Mutual. “I cannot thank Congressman Buchanan enough for his tireless work on this issue.” 

Buchanan is the author of separate House legislation, supported by every Florida Democrat and Republican, to provide federal funding for citrus greening research. Citrus greening first appeared in Florida citrus groves in 2005, spreading to all 32 citrus-growing counties across the state within just two years. It now affects crops in California, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Hawaii. Florida is currently suffering from the smallest orange crop harvest in 24 years. 

The measure now goes to the Senate for a vote.

Poll shows Florida Gov. Rick Scott gaining on Democratic challenger Charlie Crist

Marc Caputo of the Miami Herald reports on the latest poll on the race for Florida governor:

Gov. Rick Scott is gaining ground on former Gov. Charlie Crist in the latest survey from Public Policy Polling, which shows the Democrat leads the incumbent by just 2 percentage points. 

In late September, when PPP last polled the Florida race, Crist led by 12 points.

That net loss of 10 for Crist is fueled in great part by Republicans, who appear to be coming home to the once-deeply unpopular Scott.

GOP voters have shifted 22 points in Scott’s direction as the governor solidifies his base, according to a comparison of the two surveys by the firm, which tends to poll for Democrats and liberals.

The poll indicates Democrats have shifted 9 points in Scott’s favor. Independents have barely changed on balance. Put it all together, and Crist’s 58-30 percent lead in September is now 43-41.

Scott’s improvement was bound to happen in Florida, an evenly divided state where close elections are the norm. Indeed, Scott isn't a strong candidate. He barely beats former Weston state Sen. Nan Rich, a Democrat, 40-34 percent.

Still, Scott's fortunes appear to be improving along with the overall condition of the economy. 

Scott and the Republican Party of Florida also spent money on paid TV ads in November bashing Crist, once a Republican governor, as an “opportunist.” 

Recently, the campaign and party have shifted focus and tied Crist closer to Obamacare, which likely helps drive GOP voters farther away from Crist.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2014/01/ppp-rick-scott-gaining-ground-10-points-since-september-on-charlie-crist.html#more#storylink=cpy

PPP also surveyed voters about Obamacare, same-sex marriage, guns, as well as the statewide race for attorney general. Read more here.

Rep. Vern Buchanan recovering after back surgery

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is recovering after undergoing surgery Monday to repair a herniated disc in his back.

"The operation was successful and the congressman is expected to make a full and speedy recovery," his office said Tuesday morning in a news release.

Buchanan, 62, on Saturday postponed a scheduled appearance in Holmes Beach after his office said he had thrown out his back.

National seniors group hits TV airwaves with ad in support of Blake Medical Center's trauma center

The 60Plus Association, a national seniors advocacy group, has hit the airwaves to rally support for Blake Medical Center in Bradenton and other Florida hospitals fighting an effort to force them to close their trauma centers:

Despite all the uncertainty and heated rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C., Florida is fortunate to still have autonomy over one of the most crucial pieces of its healthcare system- its trauma network. 

But if taxpayer-funded hospitals have their way, your local trauma center will be shut down leaving you, your family, your friends and your entire community without access to life-saving trauma care. This move to shut down privately-funded trauma centers is a prime example of anti-competitive behavior by publically-funded institutions that threatens to decrease access to life-saving care and drive up health care costs.

St. Joseph's Hospital and Tampa General Hospital recently filed motions with the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee to ask the court to close the trauma centers at Blake Medical Center in Manatee and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Pasco, citing their own economic hardships if the new centers stay open, said Stephen Ecenia, an attorney representing Blake Medical Center, said earlier this month.

The filings were the latest move in a three-year legal battle by the publicly-funded hospitals to shutter their competitors' trauma centers. As the wrangling continues, Blake's trauma center remains open.

The 60Plus Association says it plans to spend $250,000 on ads defending the new trauma centers, targeting television viewers in the Tampa, Ocala and Tallahassee media markets:


The 60 Plus Association, which on its website acknowledges its reputation as a "conservative alternative" to the AARP, is "a non-partisan seniors advocacy group with a free enterprise, less government, less taxes approach to seniors issues."

Despite apparent decline in wealth, Rep. Vern Buchanan still one of Congress' richest members

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, in 2012 slipped from fifth place to sixth in the latest look at the wealth of members of the U.S. House.

Determining a lawmaker's exact wealth is difficult because representatives and senators only have to report their assets and liabilities in broad ranges. The Center for Responsive Politics, which compiles information gathered from publicly available disclosure forms, derives an average to develop its rankings.

In 2012, CRP said Buchanan's wealth was somewhere between a minimum net worth of minus $58.1 million  to more than $235.7 million, for an average of  $88.8 million, down from $108.2 million a year earlier.

On his 2012 disclosure form, Buchanan listed 142 assets, with a value of between $58.6 million and $259.6 million. His holdings include stocks, bonds, real estate, auto dealerships and an aircraft leasing firm.

He also listed 18 liabilities, mostly mortgages and other loans, worth between more than $26.9 million and $132 million.

Despite the apparent decline in his wealth, Buchanan did remain in the list of 10 wealthiest members of Congress, including both the House and Senate. On that list, he fell between Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., with an average wealth of almost $101.3 million, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., at $88 million.

The wealthiest member of Congress, according to CRP, is Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., at more than $464.1 million.

Jeb Bush endorses Gov. Rick Scott for re-election

Here's the news release from the Florida Republican Party:

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush today released the following statement regarding the 2014 Florida gubernatorial race, endorsing Governor Rick Scott: 

"I'm pleased to endorse Governor Scott for re-election and look forward to supporting his campaign during the coming year. "It's simple why I'm supporting Rick Scott. He campaigned on a platform of getting Florida's economy back on track, and has delivered on that promise. 

"Governor Scott pledged to reinstate a business-friendly climate that fosters growth and job creation. Since taking office, Florida's unemployment rate has fallen 4.1 percent, more than 365,000 jobs have been created and taxes have been cut for families and businesses. 

"While President Obama and Democrats in Congress are fixated on penalizing success, Governor Scott is pursuing policies to restore prosperity for more Floridians while prioritizing core state responsibilities, including increasing the state's investment in education. 

"Rick Scott demonstrated leadership when Florida needed it most, and he is the best candidate to lead our state for four more years." 

Governor Rick Scott said, "I am grateful to have the support and friendship of Governor Jeb Bush. His time as Governor built a strong foundation for Florida's future by making our education system more accountable and our state's economy more attractive to job creators. His positive vision for Florida continues to inspire us today as we work to cut taxes and get our economy back on track." 

Tea Party group targets Rep. Vern Buchanan, other GOP 'traitors'

Upset with how they voted to end the federal government shutdown, a Tea Party-affiliated group is targeting Rep. Vern Buchanan and other Republican "traitors" for defeat in next year's elections.

The group hopes to recruit someone to challenge Buchanan, R-Sarasota, in next year's Republican primary. So far, only Democrat Mitch Mallett of Bradenton has filed to run against Buchanan.

"Help us fund primaries to oust those who caved. Join the Primaries for Traitors Fund and help us fire the showboat RINOS ("Republicans In Name Only") for good!" the Tea Party Leadership Fund said on its website.

Buchanan and the other lawmakers raised the Tea Party's ire last month when they voted to end the federal government shutdown and to raise the nation's debt limit.

For more, watch this video from Tea Party Leadership Fund:

Rep. Vern Buchanan co-sponsors bill to add oversight to National Security Agency

U.S. Vern Buchanan on Thursday signed on as a co-sponsor of the USA Freedom Act, legislation that he says would end the National Security Agency's "indiscriminate collection" of Americans' personal information.

"The National Security Agency needs to stop invading the privacy of ordinary, everyday Americans," Buchanan, a member of the Congressional Privacy Caucus, said in a news release. "Our strength as a nation flows from the values and freedoms laid out in the Constitution, including the right against unreasonable searches and seizures. The USA Freedom Act institutes the proper reforms to protect the privacy and liberties of the American people."

Buchanan, R-Sarasota, said the legislation, which was introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., includes the following reforms:

• End the bulk collection of Americans' communications records under Section 215 of the Patriot Act.
• Reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court by creating new and more robust reporting requirements to ensure Congress is aware of actions by the FISC and intelligence community as a whole.
• Increase transparency by requiring the government to make annual or semiannual public reports estimating the total number of individuals and U.S. persons that were subject to FISA orders authorizing electronic surveillance, pen/trap devices and access to business records.

In the release, Buchanan citied examples of what he called the NSA's "unprecedented invasion into the personal lives of American citizens," including the collection of hundreds of millions of Americans' telephone records, even though they are not under suspicion or investigation; and the extraction of personal information from Google, Facebook and other Internet companies.

Buchanan heading into re-election campaign with a big fund-raising advantage

Democratic candidate Mitch Mallett of Bradenton promises a hearty challenge of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan in next year's election, presuming he wins his party's nomination.

But already, he faces a daunting challenger: Buchanan's ability to raise campaign money, a prowess reinforced by his position on the House Ways & Means Committee, which among other things oversee's the nation's tax policies.

The latest campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission show that as of Sept. 30, the end of the most recent reporting period, Buchanan had almost $543,000 cash on hand, a measure of a candidate's viability.

Mallett, who just filed his paperwork, has not reported any financial activity for his campaign.

Buchanan built up his campaign account by taking in $167,225 in contributions between July 1 and Sept. 30, including $89,340 from individuals and $77,885 from political action and other committees.

So far this election cycle, Buchanan has raised a total $984,410 -- more than $623,000 from individuals and almost $362,000 from political committees.

Disturbed by reports of 'government overreach,' Rep. Vern Buchanan calls for reform of National Security Agency

Here is the news release:

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, today called on congressional leaders to take immediate action to reform the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance programs following reports of “thousands of violations” of Americans’ privacy. 

Last week, an internal NSA audit obtained by the Washington Post cited 2,776 incidents where the spy agency engaged in the “unauthorized collection, storage, access to or distribution of legally protected communications.” 

“These latest revelations of government overreach are extremely disturbing,” said Buchanan, a member of the Congressional Privacy Caucus. “Our strength as a nation flows from the values and freedoms laid out in the Constitution, including the right against unreasonable searches and seizures. It’s imperative the both parties work together and institute reforms to protect the privacy and liberties of the American people.” 

Last month, Buchanan voted for an amendment to the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, offered by Congressman Justin Amash of Michigan, to prevent the NSA from collecting the phone records of Americans who are not under investigation. 

The chief author of the Patriot Act, Congressman James Sensenbrenner, also supported the amendment which was narrowly defeated 205-217. The U.S. House is expected to consider the intelligence reauthorization bill this Fall, legislation Buchanan says is the appropriate vehicle for broader NSA reforms. 

“It is a slippery slope if we allow our basic freedoms to be eroded in the name of security,” said Buchanan.  “The time has come for Congress to address these issues in a transparent, public manner.”

Democrat withdraws from Florida CFO race after news of his bankruptcies

Via the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau:

Democrat Allie Braswell, a political unknown and Urban League official, dropped out of the race against Republican Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on Monday, after a weekend of news reports about his three personal bankruptcies. 

The stories were first reported by the Jacksonville Times Union. 

Here's the press release from the Democratic Party: 

Tallahassee, FL — Today, CFO candidate Allie Braswell made the following statement: 

Against all odds, a boy who played on dirt roads in Oviedo grew up to serve this great nation as a US Marine, and work as an senior leader at one of America's most admired companies. That is what has always inspired me to serve, to ensure that today's boys and girls can live the American Dream. 

At the Urban League, I work every day with people who are struggling to make it. As I have experienced struggles in my life, so many people are struggling, and that is what inspired me to run for Florida's Chief Financial Officer -- to be a champion, standing up for the poor and middle class. 

Before I started this campaign I talked with supporters and friends and family. This weekend, I have again discussed this campaign with those I love, and have reached a decision. Today, I am withdrawing from the race for Florida's Chief Financial Officer. 

I have, at times, faced challenges in life that have not met with the outcomes I have desired. I take full responsibility for my actions, and apologize to my supporters. 

The bright spotlight of a statewide campaign has cast the ups and downs of my life into harsh relief, and I now know that this campaign is not the way I was meant to serve my community. 

Running statewide is a daunting challenge for any candidate; as a political outsider, I have now learned that I underestimated how my campaign would affect those I care about most.

Rep. Vern Buchanan to hold 'listening session' in Lakewood Ranch

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, will hold a "listening session" on jobs, spending and the economy in Lakewood Ranch on Saturday.

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

To RSVP, call 941-951-6643.

Gov. Rick Scott says 'No' to changing Florida's 'stand your ground' law

From Bay News 9, the governor today in Tampa:

Charles Schelle of the Bradenton Herald filed this after Scott appeared at a business roundtable at Mixon Fruit Farm in Bradenton:

Before any reporters could ask Scott, Ernie Withers, general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota asked what many in this country has on its mind: Will the Florida governor repeal the Stand Your Ground law? 

Scott didn't answer the question, and instead retold his history of involvement with the case, but said that the "process was right." 

"We have a jury system that is a sacred part of our country, and these six women put their lives on hold, and it had to be a tough, emotional case. They did their job," Scott said. "I can’t imagine losing a 17-year-old. I got daughters 28 and 30, and I have a grandson and two more on the way. I would not lose one of them, and I’m sure that family, their lives has changed. We should mourn with them."

Gov. Rick Scott to visit Bradenton on Thursday

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday will hold a business roundtable with business leaders from Manatee and Sarasota counties at Mixon Fruit Farms.

About 60-70 people representing the counties' chambers of commerce and tourist bureaus are expected for the event, which is scheduled for 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Mixon, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton.

"We're excited," said Janet Mixon.

Mixon said the meeting will take place in the deli section of the company's store. The store closes at 3 p.m., meaning tourists and other customers won't be able to listen in.

"They wanted it to be at a business," she said. "They didn't just want a meeting room."

Mixon said the roundtable was organized during the past couple of days.

Who paid to defeat health care sales tax in Manatee County

Follow the money, and you just might figure out who paid for the campaign that last month helped defeat a proposed sales tax increase to pay for health care programs in Manatee County.

The answers don't come easily, and they are not all entirely clear.

Most of the anti-tax fliers and automatic telephone calls received by voters before the June 18 election were organized by two groups, Manatee Against Taxation and Common Cents for Manatee, both run by Eric Robinson of Venice.

Manatee Against Taxation

In finance reports filed recently with the Florida Division of Election, Manatee Against Taxation, reported no expenses but $115,000 in contributions -- $50,000 from Robinson's accounting firm and $65,000 from another political committee chaired by Robinson, Committee to Protect Florida's Seniors.

A separate filing by Committee to Protect Florida's Seniors shows that between April 1 and June 30, it received $66,000 in contributions from Veterans for Conservative Principles, a committee based in Tallahassee. The committee also paid Robinson's firm $250 for accounting services, according to records.

During the same period, Veterans for Conservative Principles received $66,000 in contributions from Greenpoint Investors LLC, with a mailing address in downtown Sarasota.

That's where the trail leading back to Manatee Against Taxation stops.  Information about Greenpoint Investors LLC was not available on a Florida Department of State website.

Past contributors to Veterans for Conservative Principles include the Mosaic Co. and companies linked to Bradenton developer Carlos Beruff, but there is no indication that their contributions were spent on the anti-tax campaign.

Common Cents for Manatee

Common Cents for Manatee reported only a single $5,000 contribution from another committee, Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics, based in Tallahassee. That group has been active since at least 2010, but the donation to Common Cents was the only one it made from April 1 to June 30 of this year.

Past donors to Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics include another committee, Citizens for Florida Prosperity, whose treasurer is Robinson.

Healthy Manatee

The campaign in favor of the health care surtax may have actually out-raised the opponents.

New filings with the Manatee elections office show that Healthy Manatee, the committee organized to support the sales tax proposal, spent $181,100 on its campaign, much of it on its own fliers and automated telephone calls.

As previously reported, the group's biggest donors included local hospitals and others in the health care industry. UHS of Delaware, which owns Manatee Memorial and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and HCA, which owns Blake Medical Center, donated $75,000 each, according to records.

Committee for Community Leadership

In the past, companies with ties to local hospitals have contributed to the Palmetto-based Committee for Community Leadership, whose name was mentioned on automatic telephone calls you might have received before the June 18 election.

In the first three months of the year, Blake Medical Center donated a total of $7,000. But during the next three months, contributions and spending by CCL were minimal, according to records filed with the state.

The only expense was $2,813 paid to a North Carolina telecommunications company.

Rep. Vern Buchanan introduce anti-shark finning legislation

From a news release:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-FL, announced today that he has introduced bipartisan legislation condemning the grisly practice of shark finning.  Buchanan’s resolution, H. Res. 285, has been endorsed by the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Humane Society and 31 bipartisan members of Congress. Shark finning is the controversial practice of removing a shark’s fins, a delicacy in Asia, and discarding the live animal back into the ocean to either drown or be eaten alive by other fish.  “The Shark fin trade promotes inhumane practices and is devastating shark populations and valuable fisheries worldwide,” said Buchanan, who serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. "My resolution brings awareness to a cruel practice that, if not stopped, will have irreparable environmental and economic consequences.” Shark finning is the single greatest contributor to the decline in shark populations, accounting for 60 percent of shark mortality.  One third of our ocean’s sharks are threatened with extinction.  The journalScience recently published a study in which 11 shark species in the Atlantic declined by at least 87 percent since 1970.  Some species of sharks in the Gulf of Mexico have seen population declines of well over 90 percent.  While finning is illegal in the United States, it is widely practiced worldwide to satisfy a large Asian market.  Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida reports that up to 73 million sharks are killed annually for their fins.  While shark fins only account for 5 percent of a shark’s body weight, they are the most valuable part of the shark – selling for $500 per kilogram.  Finning is perpetuated by the world demand for shark fin soup, where a bowl typically sells for $120.  Buchanan’s resolution calls for the United States to end the importation of shark fins from foreign fisheries that practice shark finning.  The resolution also highlights the danger that shark finning poses to world shark populations, our oceans and to U.S. fisheries. As apex predators, sharks help maintain the balance of marine life populations. The collapse of shark populations have serious ecological and economic consequences.  A study from the journal Sciencefound that when 11 shark species in the Atlantic became nearly extinct due to overharvesting, the ecosystem was thrown out of balance.  With fewer sharks, the species they prey upon, like cownose rays, dramatically increased in numbers.  As the cownose ray population grew out of control, the rays destroyed the population of North Carolina bay scallops. The scallop industry in North Carolina had been thriving for over 100 years, yet after the increase in rays, the scallop industry was virtually wiped out and the scallop harvest dropped to only 13% of its highest recorded point. Buchanan’s efforts are supported by nearly two dozen marine and wildlife conservation organizations including Mote Marine Laboratory located in the Congressman’s district. “Mote Marine Laboratory supports the conservation of sharks and the sustainable management of U.S. and foreign shark fisheries,” said Dr. Robert Hueter, Director of the National Center for Shark Research at Sarasota based Mote Marine Laboratory.  “We condemn finning and over fishing of sharks and support Congressman Buchanan’s efforts to draw public attention to the need to address and end these detrimental practices.” “The Humane Society of the United States applauds Congressman Buchanan’s outstanding efforts and leadership in introducing a resolution calling for an end to this cruel practice and promoting a healthy future for our oceans,” said Michael Markarian, chief program and policy officer at the Humane Society.  “Sharks are apex predators who play an essential role in marine ecosystems. The cruel and ecologically devastating practice of shark finning endangers their survival—and that of the species that rely on them.” “We truly appreciate the leadership displayed by Congressman Buchanan to protect sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of finning,” said Susan Millward, Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Institute.  “As top predators, sharks are key components of the marine ecosystem and with over 73 million killed for their fins yearly, they clearly need our protection.” With the passage of the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000, the United States banned finning in U.S. waters by U.S. registered vessels. To further strengthen the law and to close loopholes, President Obama signed the Shark Conservation Act in 2011 to prohibit any boat to carry shark fins without the corresponding number and weight of carcasses. Organizations endorsing the “End All Shark Finning Resolution” include: Sierra Club; League of Conservation Voters; US Humane Society; Animal Welfare Institute; Monterey Bay Aquarium; Humane Society International; Oceana; International Animal Rescue; Ocean Geographic Society; Shark Research Institute; Shark Conservation Society; Animal Legal Defense Fund; Shark Attack Survivors; Shark Savers; Sharkprotect; Shark Whisperers; WildAid; British Divers Marine Life Rescue; Lobby for Animals; and SandyHook SeaLife Foundation.
 Original co-sponsors to the “End All Shark Finning Resolution” include: Jared Huffman (D-CA); Sam Farr (D-CA); Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA); Alan Lowenthal (D-CA); Tony Cardenas (D-CA); Jackie Speier (D-CA); Julia Brownely (D-CA); Zoe Lofgren (D-CA); George Miller (D-CA); Scott Peters (D-CA); Lois Capps (D-CA); Michael Grimm (R-NY); Carolyn Maloney (D-NY); Jerrold Nadler (D-NY); Grace Meng (D-NY); Alcee Hastings (D-FL); Ander Crenshaw (R-FL); Bill Young (R-FL); Patrick Murphy (D-FL); Frederica Wilson (D-FL); Jeff Miller (R-FL); Kathy Castor (D-FL); Ted Deutch (D-FL); Jim Moran (D-VA); Betty McCollum (D-MN); Dina Titus (D-NV); Peter DeFazio (D-OR); David Cicilline (D-RI); Raul Grijalva (D-AZ); and Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam).

Keeping track of who's running campaigns in June 18 special election

A variety of political committees have taken the lead in promoting their respective messages about two referendum questions on the June 18 special election ballot in Manatee County.

Here's a rundown of who they are:

Healthy Manatee

Healthy Manatee, chaired by former county commissioner Pat Glass, has taken the lead in the campaign to win voter approval for a half-cent increase in the sales tax to fund health care programs, including services for the indigent.

Despite the group's name, the main thrust of its campaign is the prospect of a higher sales tax meaning a corresponding drop in the property tax rate for county residents. County Administrator Ed Hunzeker has made such a switch part of his proposed 2013-14 county budget, but property tax relief is not part of the ballot question.

As of May 24, Healthy Manatee had raised almost $170,000 in contribution -- mainly from local hospitals and others in the health care industry -- and spent almost $106,000 on its campaign, according to finance reports filed with the county elections office.

A bulk of the spending had gone to The Nolan Group, a Bradenton political consulting firm, to pay for mailers and other materials.

Committee for Community Leadership

You may have received a automated telephone call from Committee for Community Leadership promoting the sales tax proposal.

Since 2012, when the Palmetto-based "electioneering communications organization" was formed, CCL has collected 11 individual donations totaling more than $95,000, according to finance reports filed with the Florida Division of Elections. It has spent an almost equal amount.

The donors include UHS of Delaware Inc., the parent company of Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, $2,000; and Blake Medical Center, two donations totaling $7,000.

Also donating $5,000 each were Schroeder Manatee Ranch, developer of Lakewood Ranch; and Benderson Development, which owns several shopping centers in the region.

More than $46,000 in donations came from Peter S. Rummell, a Jacksonville real estate investor and chairman of the Urban Land Institute; and another $20,000 came from the Jacksonville Civic Council, whose "mission is to create a clear vision for the city of Jacksonville.," according to its website.

Manatee Against Taxation / Common Cents for Manatee

Manatee Against Taxation -- which lists its base as Venice, in Sarasota County --  has taken the lead in opposing the sales tax hike, largely with fliers that have flooded local mailboxes in recent weeks.

The group registered May 30 as a "political action committee," and as yet has not filed financial disclosure reports with the Florida Division of Elections, according to the agency's website.

The group's treasurer is Eric Robinson, who also is listed in documents as the registered agent for Common Cents for Manatee, which also opposes the sales tax hike.

Common Cents, which is registered with the state as an "electioneering communications organization," also has not filed reports detailing contributions and expenditures.

Committee for New Jobs Now

Committee for New Jobs Now is promoting approval of a second ballot measure that would allow the county to provide property tax breaks for new and existing businesses that create new jobs in the county.

Between Jan. 1 and May 24, the Lakewood Ranch-based group had raised more than $78,000 in contributions, and spent more than $46,000. The group's treasurer is Neil Spirtas, an executive with the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce.

Of the money raised, $75,000 had come from the Bradenton Area Economic Development Council, according to a finance report filed with the county elections office.

Citizens for Good Government

On June 7, Citizens for Good Government registered with the county elections office to oppose the "sales tax referendum and economic development ad valorem tax exemption."

The chairman of the group is Steve Vernon, who also president of Tea Party Manatee.

The group has not filed any reports detailing contributions and expenditures.