The Sentinel's "liberal" columnist, Myriam Marquez, always a John Ellis Bush supporter, tags McBride for not being "specific". Marquez, reading from the GOP playbook, as she so frequently does, is unfairly criticizing McBride for not being “specific” about how he would fund the class size amendment if it were approved by the Florida electorate. Although McBride says he will personally vote for the amendment, the amendment itself is not and never has been part of McBride’s education platform. Indeed, the distinguishing feature of McBride’s candidacy is that he, alone among the candidates, has specifically explained how he would fund his education proposals. And what is John Ellis Bush's answer (when he is being candid) about what he would do if the amendment passes: "devious" plans to subvert the will of the people. Heck, even the Miami Herald has noted the hipocrisy. 9:25 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]

Another piece on McBride "homespun" strategy. If this letter to the editor is any indication, the strategy is working:

"Character education

A lesson in character education was given to our "education governor" during the Tuesday night debate. I learned that Bill McBride may not score many points as a polished public figure, but he goes to the head of the class as a man to trust.

McBride says he trusts our teachers and is proud of their support; Jeb Bush touts skewed FCAT test results and cries union influence. Both candidates say the issue is leadership.

After last year's legislative clash of the Titan egos between men of the same party, we got to see firsthand how our governor leads, or hides. I also have seen the results of high-stakes testing in Florida schools. This is one Floridian ready for a change.

For the record, I am an Orange County teacher of 25 years. I am a native Floridian -- born and educated in the Sunshine State. I am not affiliated with any "union." And, for the record, I am not one of the five state teachers of the year Bush proudly brings up who support him.

R. E.
1988 Orange County Teacher of the Year
Orlando" 9:21 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]

"Grim GOP Poll": Republican party internal polling shows the following:

60 percent of voters favor the class-size initiative even when told it might cost
$30 billion.


65 percent believed Florida spends too little on schools.


32 percent believed Bush has cut school funding while in office. He claims spending on schools has increased $3 billion during his term.
9:18 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]