Notes For Monday, August 25, 2003

As you know, "[e]x-Florida Senate President John McKay and ex-Comptroller Bob Milligan are recycling an old, controversial but beneficial idea about the need to fix a badly flawed state sales-tax system." "Tax Reform = Tax Fairness". You have to wonder how "Jeb!" and the Jebbites will retaliate against GOPers McKay and Milligan now that they aren't running for office.

The Florida Times Union has had its web page redesigned. Unfortunately, the substance of the editorial pages - which make the WSJ editors look thoughtful - seems not to have changed.

Not a lot of political news today, particularly with football season about to get underway in Florida.

Deutsch Rips Penelas - Bill Marchman had this out yesterday: "Mudslinging Bogs Down Senate Race". Today, there are several pieces about the continuing, shall we call it "tension", between Deutsch and Penelas. The Miami Herald writes:

Rep. Peter Deutsch tore into his U.S. Senate Democratic rival Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas in person Sunday, accusing Penelas before a stunned audience of "single-handedly doing as much as anyone to help George W. Bush become president.''

As a stone-faced Penelas sat beside him, staring straight ahead, Deutsch, of Pembroke Pines, looked at the mayor and called him a ''pathological liar'' for suggesting that he had labored to elect Al Gore during the 2000 presidential race.

Then Deutsch repeated his accusations that Penelas has engaged in ''illegal and criminal'' fundraising in his bid for Senate.
"Deutsch attacks rival Penelas". See also "Deutsch rips Penelas at Senate race forum" and "Deutsch rips Penelas in forum for Democratic Senate candidates".

Nelson Shows Some Spine - "Florida Senators criticize postwar Iraq policy".

Thanks "Jeb!" - "Fewer but larger classes at Fla. state universities". See also "Universities begin year under budget constraints".

Voter Demographics - 23,000 Volusia and Flagler county residents between the ages of 18 and 25 help comprise what will be Florida's youngest and most diverse electorate ever. "Local voters more diverse".

At Least The Pig Amendment Made Sense - "Lawmakers should seek facts, not fluff".

Get A Life - "Ex-senator is eager to return to Tallahassee". 6:21 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]