The St Pete Times' editorial board writes that "Byrd's preening has a purpose": "The Florida Legislature is into its fourth session in four months, and House Speaker Johnnie Byrd couldn't be happier. Where other lawmakers may see controversy and contention, he sees dollar signs. This is how Jon Shebel, president of Associated Industries of Florida, describes the cheerful work of Byrd. 'He did, in this particular instance, call us," Shebel told a reporter. 'He said, I'm gearing up my fundraising. I said, The check will be in the mail today.' No wonder it's a great day in Florida."
Special Session Extended Until Monday - "Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday extended a special legislative session on medical malpractice insurance through Monday, saying he was hopeful that he, the Senate and House could reach a compromise on limiting some types of lawsuit damages. Late in the evening, the Senate sent Bush its latest proposal." See "Gov. Bush extends malpractice session; Senate makes new offer". See also "Legislature's malpractice gap narrows", "No deal: Bush extends session" and "Bush muscles senators for deal" ("Bush ordered lawmakers to keep working on a medical malpractice bill Wednesday, hours after he privately declared war on Republican senators who disagree with him").
It Ain't Us - "As the rancorous debate over medical malpractice continues in Tallahassee, lawyers are proving both a powerful lobby and a barn-sized target for those seeking an explanation - or scapegoat, lawyers say - for rising health care costs." See "Trial lawyers present their defense".
Budget Threat - "Over the past few years, "getting tough" on run-of-the-mill crimes -- robbery, drug possession, even violent crimes like assault and rape -- has fallen to the second tier of political issues in Florida. But the lock-em-up mania of the late 1990s is producing a silent budget threat today. State lawmakers can either ignore the threat -- courting fiscal disaster-- or face reality and repeal the draconian and ineffective sentencing laws that threaten public safety and fiscal security." See "In-corrections".
Our Boys And Girls In Tallahassee - "Florida legislators have accepted free gifts and trips even though a 1990 law prohibits such undisclosed favors". See "Legislative freebies".
How Nice - "Gov. Jeb Bush acknowledged Wednesday that he is personally orchestrating the effort to choke off campaign contributions to fellow Republicans in the state Senate who oppose his medical malpractice agenda." See "Governor's Agenda Squeezes Senate".
Special Election - was called by Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday to fill the House seat left vacant when John Carassas, R-Belleair, resigned to head Attorney General Charlie Crist's Tampa office. rassas resigned in late June. sh said the special primary election for House District 54 would be held Sept. 9, with a special general election to be held Oct. 7." See "Special election set for seat of Rep. Carassas, who resigned".