Notes For Friday, June 06, 2003
UPDATE - GAO ISSUES REQUNQIST REPORT - The New York Times writes that the General Accounting Office report on Janet Reqnquist's misconduct prior to her resignation as inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services included her having "delayed an audit at the request of Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida while he was running for re-election last year. The audit eventually found that Florida had overcharged the federal government for the cost of state employees working on federal programs. Ms. Rehnquist said the delay was not related to the election." See "Report Calls Health Department Inspector General a Poor Manager".
John Ellis Bush is starting to get it from some in the media for his cynical manipulation of state finances to shore up hi brothers reelection effort. In "Jeb finds W.'s campaign much more stimulating", the Post opines that "Florida won't participate in President Bush's efforts to stimulate the economy because of its full participation in his election campaign." In "Bush the miser'", the Bradenton Herald notes that "having this nestegg in the bank to avoid potential tax increases next year will help him ["Jeb!] look good during a presidential election year so his brother President George W. Bush can carry Florida. If this is his motive, it's a cynical manipulation of state finances that does not serve the public interest." You don't think?"
News Flash - "Jeb's friend to raise presidential funds".
The Second Primary - "So long to second primary race".
Duh? - Someone in Bush's office wrote this: '''Gov. Bush passionately supports the right to self-determination, but is committed to ensuring a system that matches the individual's need for decision-making assistance with the appropriate legal options''". See "Focus on 'vulnerable' adults".
Big Sugar Smears Judge - Sugar Goes After Judge"Unable to flood the federal court of Senior U.S. District Judge William Hoeveler with paid lobbyists, as it did the Florida Legislature and Gov. Jeb Bush's office, Big Sugar now wants to remove the judge from continuing to supervise the cleanup of the Florida Everglades. . . . The attack by Big Sugar on Judge Hoeveler, who is known for his legal and judicial ability, his even temper and his intellect, is a totally uncalled-for attempt to smear his character for the sake of industry dollars. "See "Still manipulating".
The St Pete Times puts it this way: "The sugar lobby has long had a lock on Congress and on the Florida Capitol, as evidenced most recently when the Legislature and Gov. Jeb Bush agreed, indefensibly, to prolong the Everglades cleanup by a decade. Now this arrogant industry wants to dispose of the federal judge who insists on holding its Tallahassee subsidiary to the state's original agreement. It's too much." See "Sugar's lock on the Legislature".
Graham - "Graham stands out as guy criticizing handling of 9/11". 7:54 AM
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