Crist and "the Savior"

Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to be many things to many people as he rounds out his gubernatorial term and continues his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Apparently the latest of those things is football expert.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist thinks Tim Tebow could be the answer to the Jacksonville Jaguars attendance problems.

Crist said Monday that he's talked with the Jaguars ownership about taking the celebrated Florida quarterback in the NFL draft next April as a means to sell more season tickets and keep the team from moving out of Jacksonville.

About 17,000 fans chose not to renew their season tickets this year, many citing the economic climate. About 30,000 seats were empty Sunday for Jacksonville's 23-18 victory over Houston.

Tebow, who grew up in Jacksonville, won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and led the Gators to a national championship last year.

Floridians like me who have lived in the state for many years probably remember Bob Graham's famous "workdays," when he would take on a different job for a day to learn what the state's citizens were dealing with on a daily basis. Well, it looks to me like Crist has taken a page from Graham's book, anointing himself de facto general manager of the Jaguars. Of course, Graham conducted his workdays to understand Florida and Floridians better, while Crist's new "job" smacks more of political pandering, but that's pretty much been Charlie's M.O. for his whole career -- why should he change now?

Seriously, though, I hope Crist thrives in his apparent new role evaluating talent for the Jags. After all, it's a hell of a lot better for our state than his current job ... not to mention the job he wants next.

Tom and Andy, make way for Bob and the Kennedys

I really like this idea:

Following a trend around the state, the Hillsborough County Democratic Party has dumped Jefferson/Jackson from the name of its annual fundraising dinner and replaced it with Kennedy/Graham. "I just don't think people relate to Jefferson/Jackson," said party chairman Pat Kemp. "And some people objected to the name because they were slave owners. It's a new generation."

The Graham is, of course, former Florida governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. Kemp cited respect for Graham's independence and "the fact that he’s still a strong voice in Florida for Democratic ideals.” The Kennedy is all-inclusive, Kemp said. Supporters of the name-change talked a lot about Ted Kennedy and his leadership on health care reform, but in the end the name honors Ted, Bobby and John, she said.

Although my college career kind of compels me to hold Thomas Jefferson in high esteem, I think this is a great move. The Kennedys -- all three of them -- are paragons of the Democratic Party and, in fact, were far more progressive (for the most part) than Democratic leadership is today. And as for Bob Graham, well, longtime Blast Off! readers know how highly I think of him.

So, how about it, Florida Democratic Party? Isn't it time to consider making this change on a statewide level? I'd love to hear something about it this weekend ....

Jefferson-Jackson Dinner 2009: liveblogging, page 4

Next up are each of the U.S. Senate candidates. First is North Miami mayor Kevin Burns. "I have to deal with the issues that they deal with in Washington, but I have to deal with them every day." "I disagree with Gov. Charlie Crist that it's okay to have an oil rig three miles off the state of Florida. No offshore oil drilling in Florida!" Mayor Burns has an uphill climb, but he's making a decent showing for himself, I'll say that. "I support President Obama's position for an open and responsible dialogue for Cuba." Pretty decent applause for that. He's also advocating for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. And, as an openly gay man who with his partner has a 7-year-old daughter, he is tired of being "treated like a second-class citizen."

Now state Sen. Dan Gelber. He starts by saying, "I have an announcement." The crowd goes quiet for the first time as he draws out the suspense ... then says, "Will the owner of a silver car ..." Laughter. Next, he states that there is "one adult in the Florida Cabinet, and that's Alex Sink." Yes, he's accusing the Republicans on the Cabinet of being petulant children (I wish more Democrats would talk like that! -- ed.) Then he says he is "stepping back" from his Senate bid. That sounds a lot more like a withdrawal than it did in the Netroots meeting! (Rumor has it that he was "pressured" to withdraw. I can neither confirm nor deny ... but he reiterated that he wants to "explore his options" with regard to the state Cabinet. The intrigue is that he's kicking around the AG spot ... but so is state Sen. Dave Aronberg. Should be interesting ...

Finally, the favorite for the nomination, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, steps to the podium. A number of Meek signs pop up around the ballroom. I'm sure it's spontaneous ...

He's hitting all the hotspots ... employment, education, environment, and so on ... but he's talking like the nominee already, which is exactly the right thing to do politically at this point.

Next up, my political hero (well, one of two), former governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham. Graham starts by congratulating Dan Gelber for his "courageous" statement in putting aside his ambition for the good of the party. Now he's marveling that a small baby born into relatively modest circumstances was imbued with leadership characteristics that led to us knowing him today as the president of the United States. But at about the same time, there was a little girl baby "who had the potential for some unique characteristics. She ... grew up in America as it really is ... who married a wonderful man and has raised a beautiful family ... who has worked to serve the private sector and the public service. ... In the Bible, it says that if the people are without vision, they will perish. My friends, Florida has been without vision for the last ten years. What an opportunity we're going to have to support someone in whom we have complete confidence." He compares November 2010 to November 2008 and expresses how proud he is that he could endorse this woman ... and he introduces a short film to show us who Alex Sink is. Roll film ...

Sink for Senate? Or governor?

Democrats in Florida are hoping to maintain some momentum in 2010 following Barack Obama's big win, and they're looking right at Sen. Mel Martinez.

With Dems already branding Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez a top target for 2010, much speculation has focused on Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink as a potential Democratic challenger. Sink is also a hot commodity in the 2010 gubernatorial speculation market. Sink, for the record, says she's focusing on her job and not commenting on 2010 rumors.

If Sink doesn't run for Senate, U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, will be among those attracting speculation. One of the most prodigious money-raisers in Congress, Klein has about $1.7 million left over in his campaign account. Klein says he's too busy dealing with the nation's financial meltdown and national catastrophe insurance to think about 2010.

Okay, first of all, let's be realistic here: Democrats in Florida have no momentum. Not really. Yeah, we went blue for president, but that was about the extent of the excitement. Democrats had a net gain of one -- count it, one -- congressional seat, and the Legislature remains deep red. And as far as ballot initiatives, one need only look at the atrocious Amendment 2, the constitutional ban on all non-one-man-one-woman unions, to see that Florida has far to go to consider itself even on the on-ramp to the progressive road.

But, let's fast-forward a couple of years. If President Obama is successful at restoring economic health in America (and, presumably, in Florida by association) and the Iraq War is over or nearly so, the Democrats might be able to make some gains in the mid-term elections. Besides, we have to have someone to run against Martinez, as well as against incumbent governor Charlie Crist who, despite being a Republican (or maybe because of it), remains highly popular. Martinez clearly is the easier target of the two, and Alex Sink is the Democrats' strongest statewide candidate at this point; she and Sen. Bill Nelson are the only Democrats presently holding statewide office.

As much as I like Ron Klein, though, I believe he would be a poor statewide candidate (as would his congressional colleagues Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Robert Wexler). Floridians outside of south Florida tend to distrust those from this area (the exception being Miamians like Jeb! Bush, Bob Graham, and Claude Pepper), and even though Klein is a prodigious fundraiser, I don't think he has the pedigree nor the experience to succeed in a statewide race.

So, for my money, Alex Sink should step up and take on Mel Martinez in 2010. Florida was a pioneer in sending a woman to the Senate (Paula Hawkins, elected in 1980). It's time for another one, but this time a Democrat. As for the gubernatorial race, it's going to be frankly tough to beat Charlie ... so let's not sacrifice a successful member of Congress for the cause.

Liveblogging Obama in Miami, part 1

Looks like the best I can do, if I want to see what's going on, is to post via Blackberry. I have my laptop with me and a clear (albeit distant) view of the podium, but if I go somewhere to set up, I'll lose my spot. Decisions, decisions ...

So far, speakers have included Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), and right now, former Florida governor and U.S senator Bob Graham. Nelson talked about Obama's great choice of Joe Biden as his running mate, and Graham is introducing Michelle Obama - onstage now.

Getting decent photos, too ... will post 'em as soon as possible.

Playing catch-up on DNC photos: Wednesday, part one

Better late than never, as I always say ... have a look at some images from Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Blue Dog Democratic congressman Allen Boyd speaks to the Florida delegation breakfast.

Joe Garcia, congressional candidate from Florida's 25th District, addresses the delegates' breakfast.

18th District congressional candidate Annette Taddeo waits for her turn to speak to the delegates' breakfast.

Following breakfast, the Florida delegates cast their votes for the presidential nomination.

Not that you needed to see more pictures of this sucky blogger, but I just had to post this one of me with my all-time political hero, former Florida governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham.

Later, at a special lunch for Florida officeholders at the federal and state levels, Sen. Graham introduced us to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

At the Florida luncheon: (l-r) Florida Progressive Coalition blogger and Progress Florida webmaster Ray Seaman, Sen. Bob Graham, Florida House Minority Leader and state Senate candidate Dan Gelber, state Rep. Loranne Ausley, and Ausley's husband Bill Hollimon.

Never let it be said that Kos (Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, pictured here) can't even give away his latest book. He gave stacks of them out to us at the Big Tent. (And he's wearing that button I liked so well, but never obtained.)

Cool senator, sucky blogger. Here I am with Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

The "security theatre" strategy was omnipresent in Denver -- police in full riot gear were everywhere, presumably to scare us out of protesting or utilizing our First Amendment rights. You can't tell from this picture, unfortunately, but the vehicle on which they are standing was decorated like a birthday cake and it said "Eat Me" on the side.

Better food, better speakers

For the third straight morning (of four), I'm starting my day in Denver at the Florida delegation breakfast. The food yesterday ... well, it sucked (is sausage gravy supposed to taste like it was made in an ashtray?) ... but today it's much better.

And the speakers? First-rate today, folks, led by a Special Guest, Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana. Speaking right now is my personal hero of Florida politics, former governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham. And it was good to see and hear my friend state, Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres, who arrived yesterday in time to see Hillary Clinton's speech.

Last night we told Florida Democratic Party (and former congressperson) Karen Thurman about the fact that America's Wang™ has the largest blogger contingent of any state* -- there are nine of us -- and she asked me to remind her so she could mention it today at the breakfast. I did my part. It's her turn now ... :)

UPDATE (11:15 am 8/27/08): Moments ago, Leon County DEC chair Rick Minor was invited to the podium, at which time he proposed to his girlfriend, NOW lobbyist and FSU doctoral student Jessica Lowe. Brought the house down, it did. I'm sure if I weren't a two-time loser myself, I would have been all sentimental and shit. (Kidding, Rick and Jessica! Congrats!)

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* No, I didn't say "America's Wang™" to her. But I still might.

More hyperventilating

Wow.

Remember earlier today I told you how I bumped into one of my heroes, Bob Graham, at the University of Miami this afternoon?

This evening, I received an e-mail ... from Sen. Graham's lovely wife, Adele. I don't know how she found it, but Mrs. Graham read my blog post (for the first time, I'm somewhat embarrassed about the, um, coarse language I occasionally use elsewhere here) and wrote an extraordinarily gracious note to me in response. (There's that word again ... "gracious" ... something about the Grahams and being gracious, I guess ...)

I hope Mrs. Graham will forgive me for sharing just one sentence from the e-mail -- but this is just wonderful. After she described how she met her husband at the University of Florida in 1956, she concluded:

Your praise was a much appreciated Valentine for us both..... Adele Graham

I'm truly honored and touched. Other than the "I love yous" I got from my kids tonight, that's the best Valentine's Day gift I could have hoped for.

Thank you, Sen. and Mrs. Graham, for the years of selfless and loyal service you gave and continue to give to our beautiful state. Your example inspires and sustains me and, I dare say, all those who, like me, proudly call themselves Florida Democrats. We all will keep fighting the good fight ... for Florida and for America.

Hyperventilating ...

Ohmygodohmygodohmygod ...

Minutes ago, I ran into (almost literally) one of my all-time political heroes.

I'm at the University of Miami running an errand, and I had to go to the University President's office. As I stepped into the building, there in front of me, looking slightly bewildered, was former U.S. senator, Florida governor, and presidential candidate Bob Graham. He apparently was looking for the President's Office, too, I concluded as I awkwardly stammered, "Hello, Governor." I momentarily forgot about his years in the Senate ...

As I climbed the stairs behind him, though, I regained my composure and, properly calling him "Senator" this time, I introduced myself, gave him my card, and told him how much I admire him. He couldn't have been more gracious, even when I recalled that the first time we met was when I was a delegate to Florida's American Legion Boys' State and he was governor ... back in 1982.

He said he appreciated my kind words and wished me luck in my work with [unnamed state] University. I'm not the type to be starstruck, but this was special.

I wish I had my camera with me ...

UPDATE (11:53 pm 2/14/08): But wait ... there's more!

An expert looks at Florida's fiscal fracas

The expert is none other than former governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham, whose op-ed in the St. Petersburg Times yesterday reminds us that Florida has far to go in fixing the current budget crisis, and short-term solutions are only going to make it worse.

With vital needs escalating but revenues falling, legislators should take several steps in the special session to protect Florida from future economic storms.

The first is to heed the adage that when you're in a hole, stop digging. Earlier this year, the Legislature put a proposed constitutional amendment to slash local property taxes. That may look good on the surface, but consider the fine print. Under that amendment, Florida public schools would lose $7-billion over the next five years.Last week, teachers and students won a reprieve when a Florida circuit court struck the amendment from the ballot. Rather than spending more taxpayer dollars to appeal the decision or using valuable time in the October special session to revise the amendment, the Legislature should defer it to a better fiscal climate or at least develop a credible plan to hold public schools harmless from its impacts.

Second, we must jump start long-term economic growth. From 1985 to 1990, Florida's average per capita income was 100.3 percent of the national average. By the 2000 to 2005 period, our average was only 96.4 percent. Had we not experienced that drop, Florida families would have earned, on average, almost $4,000 more each year. The governor and Legislature should commit to policies designed to return Florida families to an above national average per capita income - and the best way to do that is to provide our public schools and universities with the financial support they need.

Third, we must evaluate past revenue reductions. Many of the tax breaks enacted over the last decade were justified as necessary to stimulate economic growth. Those particular cuts cost the state $2.5-billion last year alone. Given the current state of Florida's economy and the slide in relative per capita income, the Legislature should repeal any tax cuts which do not more than pay their way in verifiable economic growth.

I've been saying for quite some time now that Florida is just one bad hurricane or other disaster away from bankruptcy. Some have said I'm too pessimistic, but I continue to believe that the Republicans in charge of the state's pursestrings will stop at nothing to prove that they're all for tax cuts ... even if that means killing the state economically.

When you read "tax cuts," think "service cuts," and think about what a Florida without municipal services (for the municipalities are the ones who end up bearing the brunt of the Legislature's "generosity") might look like. In short, tax cuts for their own sake will strangle us. And we'll only have the Republicans to thank for that.

__________/Crist 2008?

In an editorial this morning appropriately titled "Campaign silly season," the editors of the Palm Beach Post pick up on the growing speculation that Florida governor Charlie Crist (R) is, or should be, on the short lists of running mates for GOP presidential candidates. Indeed, they accuse Crist of giving a "non-denial denial" when asked about such speculation.

Gov. Crist, of course, is only being modest - a desirable trait in itself after so many years of Vice President Dick Cheney. In fact, Gov. Crist should be on every GOP hopeful's short list. He is the very popular governor of an enormously important swing state. He has significant legislative victories on his résumé, including property insurance reform and property-tax relief.

Gov. Crist's remark that speculation about him as a veep is "silly talk" isn't really a denial for the simple reason that in Washington - and especially on the campaign trail that candidates hope will lead to Washington - lots of silly talk is offered as if it were serious.

Talk of Crist on a national ticket is "silly" for more reasons than I can list here. Sure, his approval numbers are in the 70s, and even your uncivil host has written in positive terms about the governor's record thus far. But approval numbers and three dollars will get you a gallon of gas these days ...

Crist's high numbers are a result largely of two key factors: first, the "honeymoon" period common to nearly all newly-elected officials, and second, the simple fact that he's not Jeb! Bush. His positions have been far more socially progressive than those of his predecessor, but then again, a canned ham would be an improvement over Jeb! in that regard. In the last few weeks, Crist's fiscal conservatism (in line with that of the legislature) has proven to be a detriment, as the state has found itself in dire budgetary straits; notably, Crist's veto of a 5% tuition increase for state universities has led to a lawsuit by none other than former Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.), joined by (among others) the State University System's Board of Governors.

But, when it comes right down to it, Crist won't be on the GOP ticket in 2008 for the same reason that Rudy Giuliani won't be: he's not batshit crazy right-wing enough for the neo-cons who still control the Republican Party.

Setting aside the rumors that Crist is gay, the fact is that the Religious Right and the wingnuts will never tolerate a moderate like Crist on the ticket. In little more than six months at the helm, he's already vetoed some significant pro-business legislation, including a bill that would have reduced nursing home inspections and one that would have empowered landlords at the expense of tenants. Of course, he's been a strong advocate of a paper trail for elections and, needless to say, the vote-stealers in the GOP would never stand for that.

Yes, politics makes strange bedfellows and stranger things have happened (see, e.g., Gore/Lieberman 2000), but I agree with Gov. Crist: the speculation about him on the GOP ticket next year is really nothing more than "silly talk."