It's Senator LeMieux

In a move that comes as not much of a surprise but could prove detrimental to Gov. Crist's own Senate hopes, the governor shortly is expected to nominate has chosen his former chief of staff and campaign manager, George LeMieux, to fill the remainder of U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez's term.

We all knew that Crist would choose someone who had no designs on staying in the Senate seat that the governor covets, so that eliminated a number of potential GOP candidates who would have had to give up their current positions or who still had higher political aspirations (see, e.g., Daniel Webster). But the selection of LeMieux brings to mind the old "spoils system" -- you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours -- and while LeMieux surely is nothing more than a placeholder for the next year or so, the appointment is perceived by at least one leading Florida Republican as "only slightly less damaging than appointing himself."

This can only be good news for Rudy Giuliani Marco Rubio, whose strong performance in county GOP straw polls to date shows Crist's weakness among party loyalists. While Crist continues to lead statewide polls and, not incidentally, the fundraising race handily, there's still a long way to go, and I think Rubio is savvy enough and wingnutty enough to make some political hay from this Senate nomination.

Time will tell ... but the early line from here is that Crist doesn't do himself any favors with this pick.

Mel bids farewell

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) announced today that he will resign from the Senate "effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of [his] term." Martinez gave essentially the same reason for this decision that he gave when he announced last December that he would not run for reelection in 2010: like most Republicans these days, it seems, he wants to spend more time with his family. (While that euphemism from a Republican usually means "I'm facing imminent indictment," I actually tend to believe Mel on this one.)

Martinez's name had been thrown around for a number of education related positions in the state, notably president of Florida International University and chancellor of the state university system (SUS), but both of those positions recently were filled, by former SUS chancellor Mark Rosenberg and former Florida Atlantic University president (and lieutenant governor) Frank Brogan, respectively. So I guess we don't really know yet what's next for Mel ... but the more interesting question is: who's next for the Senate from Florida?

Florida law stipulates that the governor declare an election to fill the vacancy at the next general election -- which already was going to happen anyway -- and in the meantime, appoint a replacement. Of course, Gov. Charlie Crist already is running for Martinez's seat in 2010, but even though there appears to be no legal impediment to the governor appointing himself, or resigning and allowing Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp to appoint him, it seems unlikely he'll do that, as Politico already has reported. For one thing, the big knock against Crist from Democrats is that he's "cutting and running" from the governor's office while Florida is facing an economic crisis, and if he went to Washington now, he'd just reinforce that perception. Secondly, Kottkamp is a political disaster, and Republicans undoubtedly want to keep him as far from power as possible.

The only thing certain is that the appointee will be a Republican, so watch for the hopefuls to line up quickly. In the meantime, we thank Sen. Martinez for his service. Even though he's a Republican, his vote for the Sotomayor nomination and support for relatively sensible immigration reform -- both of which went against the tide of his own party -- shows that he's not a total tool, and for that we all should be grateful.

UPDATE (8:51 pm 8/7/09): At least one article refers to Martinez's resignation as "clearing a path" for Crist. I think it's a little early to say that, but the article does reveal a couple of early favorites for the short-term appointment: former Florida secretary of state Jim Smith and former governor Bob Martinez, both (of course) Republicans. Stay tuned ...

No filibuster on Sotomayor nomination ... provided Mel Martinez is a man of his word

One curious (and wholly predictable) phenomenon of the Democratic majority in Congress and the White House has been the degree to which Republicans' past statements can be used against them. On topics like the unitary executive and respect for the president, GOP leaders who were all for them from 2001 till 2009 regularly have been revealed as the hypocrites most thinking people knew they were all along now that Barack Obama occupies the Oval Office.

Another such topic that drew a lot of attention from media and the public alike during the Bush crime syndicate's reign of error was judicial appointments. There are innumerable examples of Republican senators chastising the Democrats for allegedly obstructing Bush appointees, but they've made noise recently about reversing themselves on the filibuster option.

Well, folks, never fear. Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) has stated on the record that he will oppose filibusters and insist on an up-or-down vote for judicial nominees. At least that's what he said shortly after taking office in 2005:

As part of my duties as Senator, according to the Constitution, I have the obligation to provide ‘advise [sic] and consent’ on judicial nominees. I am unable to fulfill this duty when qualified judicial nominees are denied the opportunity for an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.

I have not been a part of the partisan struggles of the last 12 years [1993-2005], and I know there is a lot of water under the bridge on both sides regarding judicial nominees. But I think we need to put the partisanship behind us and look at ways to resolve this in a way that doesn’t exacerbate the partisan atmosphere of the Senate even further. We need to do a better job of working together to do the people’s business.

However, as I traveled the highways and byways of Florida, one of the issues I heard about time and time again was that people wanted to see judges confirmed. I promised I would fight for up-or-down votes for all judicial nominees. I am still hopeful that we can come together, but I will vote if necessary to end the unprecedented filibustering of judicial nominees from having their vote on the Senate floor.

It is an integral part of maintaining a high-caliber judiciary that nominees are treated fairly and with respect. If we continue down this path and leave nominees in limbo for years – as has become common practice – we will be unable to recruit high-level attorneys to leave private practice and serve our federal judiciary. These people deserve their vote on the Senate floor.”

There presently are 59 Democratic senators (pending the seating of Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) and including newly-Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania), just one vote shy of the number needed to invoke cloture and force an end to any filibuster. So, presuming all the Democrats stick together (I'm looking at you, Harry Reid), just a single crossover Republican will ensure that no filibuster can hinder the swift confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sen. Martinez is not running for reelection next year, so he faces no real risk of political fallout either within the Senate or from his constituents. So, how about it, Senator? If push comes to shove, are you going to keep your word?

(h/t to Eric Jotkoff of the Florida Democratic Party)

Blast Off! Radio today at 4:00 pm EDT: "Musical Chairs" in Florida politics

It's been an interesting week in Florida from a political standpoint. First, Gov. Charlie Crist announced that he will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, setting up a tough primary fight with former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, the darling of the extreme Right.

Then, predictably, everyone began to move around the deck chairs on the Titanic. State CFO Alex Sink declared her candidacy for governor, instantly becoming the Democratic front-runner (and earning Blast Off!'s endorsement almost immedicately following her announcement), while on the GOP side, state Attorney General Bill McCollum has announced his own gubernatorial candidacy today; state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson may join him there. And in the most unintentionally hilarious such situation, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, whose tenure in Tallahassee has been plagued with charges of corruption, mused last week about running for ... get this ... Attorney General! (It'd be funny if it weren't so sad ...)

So, naturally, today's Blast Off! Radio will cast its eye on how 2010 is shaping up in Florida politics -- after all, I know we sometimes neglect the fact that the show is part of the Florida Progressive Radio Network! But there is plenty of other news to cover, too, including President Obama's speeches at Arizona State University and the University of Notre Dame (lots of hypocrisy to go around in both venues ... and not by the president), an important court ruling in Florida for same-sex couples wishing to adopt children, and a discussion (maybe even ... a rant?!) about whether certain people (*cough* Republicans *cough*) who benefit personally from federal stimulus money might change their tune about Obama now (short answer: are you kidding?).

All this and more, of course, including your phone calls, emails, and chatting in the always-entertaining chat room. But how can you be a part of this frolicsome festival? As usual, it's oh-so-easy to do:

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(I got the link to the show right today ... for once!)

So whatever you're doing this afternoon at 4:00 Eastern (3:00 Central, etc.), just click on over to yet another exciting edition of Blast Off! Radio -- you'll be glad you did!

UPDATE (3:51 pm 5/18/09): Well, that's never happened before.

A technological glitch with my cell service (yes, my bill is paid up!) caused my call, and thus the show, to end prematurely and abruptly with about 15 minutes to go. I'm trying to figure it out now.

Apologies to all listeners; we'll be back in business next week at the usual time for a special Memorial Day edition of Blast Off! Radio.

Blast Off! endorses Alex Sink for governor

Earlier today, state CFO Alex Sink (right) announced her candidacy for governor of Florida in the 2010 election. Several months ago, she withdrew her name from consideration for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mel Martinez, and that naturally led to increasing speculation regarding her candidacy for governor. With two major political plums up for grabs next year, all eyes have been on Gov. Charlie Crist as he mulled over his options; his announcement yesterday that he would run for Senate made today's statement by Sink almost anticlimactic.

I'm running for Governor.

Floridians from Pensacola over to Jacksonville and all the way down to Key West are facing enormous challenges. Each and every day, the global financial crisis tests our families, our economy and our resolve.

In unique and challenging times like these, our state needs a new and different kind of leadership.

Thousands of Floridians have told me they need leaders committed to protecting the middle class, strengthening our economy and giving our families a fighting chance. As a businesswoman and working mom, I couldn’t agree more.

Before the people of Florida elected me their CFO, I spent nearly three decades in business – creating jobs and economic opportunity in communities all across our state.

During my short time in state government, a couple of things have become crystal clear: Tallahassee’s tired old ways of doing business just aren’t enough to answer the urgent new challenges we face. And a state government influenced by narrow special interests cannot put the best interests of everyday Floridians first.

Today, I’m announcing I will be a candidate for Governor of Florida in the November 2010 election, and put my business experience and know-how to work restoring our economy.

And, as Florida’s CFO, I’ll continue using my business experience to cut wasteful spending, crack down on financial fraud and reform state contracts.

For too long, we’ve had to tolerate a state government that puts playing politics ahead of helping families. Together, we can change all that, and give our state a fresh start.

Alex

p.s. Watch my announcement on video here.

For some time, I've said here and elsewhere that whatever Charlie Crist runs for, he'll win (although I'm hedging my bets a little now, as his primary challenge may well be tougher than the general for him) and that I hoped Alex Sink would run for whatever Charlie didn't. Moreover, I've predicted that the non-Crist race in 2010 (between Senate and governor) will go the Democrats' way. Well, today my forecast officially became half right. Even though I publicly urged Sink to run for Senate, I look at it simply like she and Crist exchanged election races.

But regardless of the office, I have been impressed with Alex Sink every time I've spoken with her and seen her speak, whether it was to a few people or to a whole audience of Democrats. Not only is she the highest-ranking Democratic state official in Florida but, other than Bill Nelson, who already has a job (for a while at least), she's the only Florida Democrat currently holding office who has proven she can win a statewide election.

Alex Sink is the best hope for Florida to stem the tide of Republican malfeasance that has infected the state through Jeb! Bush's two terms as governor and, indeed, right on through the current administration of faux-moderate Charlie Crist. Because of that, and because of my deep respect for her and her proven leadership ability, I am pleased to give Blast Off!'s 2010 gubernatorial endorsement to Alex Sink.

Crist is in for the Senate. Now what?

I'm a little late to the party, I know ... but as you know unless you've been living under a rock for the last few days, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has announced that he's running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Mel Martinez. This sets up a vicious primary fight on the GOP side, featuring Crist taking on neoconservative whackjob and former Florida House speaker Marco Rubio ... and Rubio went on the offensive almost immediately yesterday with this online ad trying to position himself as the true conservative candidate:

Of course, Rubio's difficulty, beyond the mere fact that Crist is arguably the most popular figure in Florida politics since Jeb! Bush, is that his brand of conservatism is anachronistic and generally disdained by most voters -- yes, even here in Florida, as last year's presidential election proved.

Still, the primary election is setting up to be a true humdinger of an electoral battle. My take is that Crist will win the general election handily -- if he gets that far. But despite his popularity, Crist has taken some real political hits from his own party for welcoming the Obama administration's stimulus money and, more generally, just for not being as open to strapping on the swastika armband like the more conservative wing of the GOP.

If Rubio can marshal those wingnut forces and get them behind his candidacy with money and time -- and votes -- he could upset Crist in the primary. But if he does, I believe he's going to be hammered in the general election by whoever emerges on the Democratic side between U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek and state Sen. Dan Gelber ... neither of whom stands a chance, in my estimation, against Crist. Bottom line: Florida remains a deeply divided state, but although the extremes on both sides are noisy, it's usually the moderates who win out. Moderate Republicans (and Democrats) probably will carry the day for Crist in the general election if he's in it ... but are their enough moderates in the GOP to overcome the wingnuts in a party-specific race?

Anyway, barring some unforeseen, Foleyesque misstep between now and next year, I think it boils down to the Republican primary. Will the more extreme GOP voters (and Florida has a whole mess of 'em) stay ideologically consistent and vote for Rubio? Or will they realize that their party's electoral chances overall are far better with Crist in the general and hold their collective noses to vote for him, in order to keep that Senate seat red? Only time will tell ...

Cuba libre?

Well, not exactly. But President Obama is making a bold (and long overdue) move by relaxing the restrictions on travel to Cuba for Cuban-Americans, and there is talk of opening up Cuban travel more broadly in the near future. It's a refreshing change from past policy of either acting like Cuba doesn't exist or behaving hostilely towards it.

"The president has directed that a series of steps be taken to reach out to the Cuban people to support their desire to enjoy basic human rights," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. "These are actions he has taken to open up the flow of information."

U.S. officials said Obama hoped the new measures would encourage Cuba's one-party state to implement democratic reforms long demanded by Washington as a condition for removing sanctions imposed after Fidel Castro took power in 1959.

Shares of companies that stand to gain from a thaw in U.S. ties with Cuba soared on the news, led by Canadian mining and energy company Sherritt International, a major player in Cuba's nickel and oil industry, whose stock rose 24.5 percent.

Miami-based cruise operator Royal Caribbean also saw its shares rise on hopes that the No. 2 cruise ship operator and rival Carnival, could sail to Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States.

U.S. telecommunications companies will now be allowed to set up fiber-optic cable and satellite links with Cuba, start roaming service agreements and permit U.S. residents to pay for telecoms, satellite radio and television services provided to people in Cuba, the White House said.

Obama also directed his government to look at starting regularly scheduled commercial flights to Cuba. Air travel between the United States and Cuba is now limited to charter flights.

Predictably, though, Florida politicians on both sides of the aisle are lining up against the decision. Democratic congresspersons Kendrick Meek and Debbie Wasserman Schultz "disagree[] with part of the Administration's new Cuba policy," and Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.) talks out of both sides of his mouth, as usual. However, it's the notoriously moronic Diaz-Balart brothers, two of Miami's "Three Hyphenated Stooges," who take their Obama Derangement Syndrome and run with it:

Despite the Cuban dictatorship increasing its repression of pro-democracy activists, torturing countless prisoners of conscience, and refusing to allow human rights activists and observers into the country, President Obama has violated his pledge of January 20 by unilaterally granting a concession to the dictatorship which will provide it with hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Unilateral concessions to the dictatorship embolden it to further isolate, imprison and brutalize pro-democracy activists, to continue to dictate which Cubans and Cuban-Americans are able to enter the island, and this unilateral concession provides the dictatorship with critical financial support.

No, you brotherly douchebags, the decision doesn't "provide the dictatorship with critical financial support." It provides real people -- Cubans and Americans -- with an opportunity to visit family and to help the island nation overcome and recover from the Castro regime. Of course, being Republicans, you two wouldn't understand the idea of helping real people, would you?

The idea that the embargo hurts Fidel (and Raul) Castro never really was correct, and it's certainly an antiquated notion now, as Fidel wastes away and Raul is little more than a figurehead. All the embargo has done is keep the Cuban populace from having the ability to help themselves economically. America's shunning of Cuba is anachronistic and essentially useless, at least insofar as the stated goals are concerned.

And you know who gets this, of all people? Florida's GOP U.S. senator, Mel Martinez, himself a Cuban-American:

The announcement today is good news for Cuban families separated by the lack of freedom in Cuba. Likewise the change in remittances should provide help to families in need. Given these changes will benefit the regime in Havana, it would be wise in the implementation to place some reasonable limits on this type of travel and the amounts that can be sent to Cuba.

The President has expressed his commitment to freedom - libertad - for the Cuban people, and policy implementation should advance that objective. To this end, the Administration is right to call on the Cuban government to end the onerous charge of 20 percent on remittances. Lowering remittance charges and allowing travel for Cuban families wishing to see relatives abroad are two steps the Cuban regime could immediately take that would show change in Havana.

Opposition to the president's action here can only be political, because it's certainly not rooted in anything factual or in any realistic foreign policy objectives. I know many Cuban-Americans have long memories. But it's well past time to realize that it's not 1959 anymore.

Annual travel to Cuba OK, says Nelson

The Cuban embargo, in place now for nearly half a century, shows no signs of ending soon. However, a relaxing of restrictions against Cuban-Americans traveling to their native country may be imminent, as the $410 billion spending bill containing provisions on Cuban travel makes its way to the White House.

Yesterday, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) backed down from his earlier objections to the plan once he received assurances from the Obama administration that other parts of the embargo would continue to be enforced.

Nelson released a letter from Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner saying the administration will insist that Cuba pay cash upfront for sales of food and medicine to Cuba. This assurance removed a sticking point, at least for Nelson, as the Senate prepares to vote on a big spending bill that contains controversial provisions on Cuba.

"I believe that if there is to be a new strategy towards Cuba then it must come from our commander in chief, not from the tinkering of a few lawmakers inserting language in a must-pass appropriations bill without any opportunity for debate," Nelson said in remarks he is preparing to give on the Senate floor.

The spending bill – which passed the House and [late yesterday] the Senate – would ease travel restrictions for Cuban-Americans and also make it easier to finance sales of food and medicine. Farmers in this country say this change would help expand a growing market for American products.

But many embargo supporters – notably Nelson, fellow Democrat Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Florida Republican Mel Martinez – oppose attempts to ease financing of food sales for fear it would weaken the embargo and perpetuate the Castro regime.

Geithner’s assurances are an attempt to draw Nelson, Menendez and perhaps others into supporting the spending bill that contains these provisions. The secretary indicated the administration will insist on cash up front, which continues a policy imposed by President Bush.

Unfortunately, there remains strong political pressure to retain the embargo, which actually does little if anything to maintain the crumbling Castro regime and hurts the Cuban populace far more than it does Fidel or Raul. Naturally, the pressure tends to come from Republicans (or, like Nelson, GOP-lite Democrats), who care about as much about the average Cuban as they do the average American. But, as long as that pressure exists, it's unlikely the embargo will be lifted in toto, as it should.

Nevertheless, this is a step in the right direction. The controversy over lifting the Cuban embargo isn't going away, but it's probably going to take baby steps, like today's, to get rid of it entirely.

¡Viva Pensacola!

Thursday morning, Miss July and I strolled downtown to see the public festivities for the royal visit to Pensacola of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. The royals came here to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the first Spanish settlement in the area, which preceded the better-known settlement at St. Augustine by a full six years.

With apologies to those with slower intertubes, here are a few pics of the events:

King Juan Carlos I (blue suit, center) and Queen Sofia (lime green suit) arrive for the wreath laying at the site of Fort George, where the Spanish defeated the British in 1781.

Florida dignitaries arrive for the wreath laying, including U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (red tie), Kitty (Mrs. Mel) Martinez (blonde hair, partially visible to Nelson's left), Florida's First Lady Carole Crist (dark hair, black coat to Nelson's left), Gov. Charlie Crist (behind photographer), and U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (immediately behind Gov. Crist).

"You bet I'll be at the wrestling Friday night!"

The King and Queen await the wreath laying.

The King and Queen (standing at far right) listen to the remarks of University of West Florida president Judith A. Bense (at podium). Observing the proceedings (backs to the camera) are (l-r) Carole Crist, Charlie Crist, Bill Nelson, Mel Martinez, and Kitty Martinez.

Marines salute as the King and Queen present the wreath.

Another view of the wreath laying, featuring the bust of Spanish Field Marshal and Governor General Bernardo de Galvez.

The royals smile after spotting a couple of small girls with flowers, which one of the security guards retrieved and presented to the Queen (the flowers, not the girls) as the motorcade departed from the wreath laying.

The King and Queen greet a crowd of about 2,500 at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum. Immediately to the Queen's left is Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).

Gov. Crist delivers his remarks at the Wentworth Museum while King Juan Carlos looks on.

Palafox Street, like much of downtown Pensacola, was festooned with Spanish flags for the occasion.

Travelogue

I'm on the road today, on the long (but eminently worthwhile) trek up America's Wang™ from Teh Glans™ to Teh Taint™ (how about that imagery, folks?!). Naturally, I'm missing a pretty huge political news day.

I'd love to share my thoughts about President Obama's nomination of Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) to be Commerce Secretary (I don't like it), Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's statement that he'll decide about running for the U.S. Senate after the current legislative session ends ... in May (I'm nonplussed), former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle's (D-S.D.) decision to withdraw his name from consideration for secretary of Health and Human Services (I'm disappointed), and the persistent rumors that Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) will resign from the Senate before his term expires to become the president of Florida International University (I'm cringing). Hell, I'd settle for being able to give you links to all of that.

But, as I'm writing from my Blackberry as I hurtle northward on I-75 (maybe you saw the DFHmobile between, say, Gainesville and Lake City?), it's rather impractical. (Yeah, and not all that safe, either, I know -- but at least I'm not doing my makeup at the same time.) So I'll do my best to catch up on all this stuff later.

In the meantime, I'll just remind you that Google News is your friend. Thanks for your patience.

Blast Off! Radio RETURNS today at 4:00 pm EST: the prodigal (and sucky) radio show is back on the air!

Yes, it's time. After an unexpectedly long (one month) hiatus, Blast Off! Radio returns today with a vengeance. Okay, not really a vengeance, but maybe more like a really bad attitude. Anyway, I'll be broadcasting from my Undisclosed Location™ today and there's a lot about which to talk ...

I don't want to spend a lot of time on my own situation, but I think you listeners -- both of you -- deserve something of an explanation. But once that's out of the way, it's going to be back to the same old snark and silliness that you've come to expect from The Suckiest Show on the Internets™.

Today, naturally, we'll take a look at the first week of the failed Obama administration in a segment I call "Smells Like Regime Change." Plus, we'll point and laugh at Republicans as usual, starting with Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom and his ridiculous scheme to get himself a cushy job by granting legislative favors to a certain college ... ridiculous in the sense that he apparently thought he could get away with it! And 2010 can't come soon enough, as the race to replace Mel Martinez in the U.S. Senate already is buzzing.

All of that plus your phone calls! And all for the cost of ... nothing!! (Hey, you get what you pay for, y'know?) It'd be a bargain at twice the price! And here's how you can be a part of the fun:

TIME: 4:00 pm Eastern TODAY

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Once more into the breach, my friends ... I hope you'll join me this afternoon! It's nice to be back ...

(cross-posted at FPC Blog)

Jeb! has the Senate on his mind

Out of the frying pan into the fire?

That's what we could be facing here in Florida, if you put any stock in this Politico.com report that former governor Jeb! Bush is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez. Apparently Jeb! isn't content merely with destroying Florida's education system, economy, culture, etc. .... he wants to go national.

Asked whether he was interested in running for the seat then, Bush told Politico by e-mail Tuesday night: “I am considering it.”

A source close to Bush said he'll be thoughtful and methodical about the decision-making process. He will consider the impact a race would have on his family and his business and whether or not the U.S. Senate is the best forum from which to continue his advocacy for issues such as education, immigration and GOP solutions to health care reform.

Terrific. Jeb!'s "advocacy" for education has made Florida a laughingstock in everything from K-12 education to the university level. And, of course, don't forget that the name "Bush" is poison pretty much everywhere -- except, of course, in America's Wang™, where stupid grows on trees.

Now, the fact is, of course, that if Jeb! runs, he wins, most likely. We can only hope as a state and as a nation that he decides that his family and business are better off with him staying in Miami rather than Washington. Otherwise, we'll have even more Bush-created mess to clean up in a few years.

Senate race in Florida in 2010 is wide open: Mel Martinez won't run, nor will Alex Sink

The news just broke that U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) has decided not to run for a second term in 2010, in order to -- you guessed it -- spend more time with his family.

Just the other day, I made the case for state CFO Alex Sink to run for this seat rather than for the governorship, but that's apparently off the table as well.

So now what?

On the Democratic side, look for some up-and-comers to consider a run, like state senators Dan Gelber and Dave Aronberg. Unlike some, I don't see Rep. Ron Klein or Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz making a serious run for the gig, simply because I don't think they'd be very strong candidates statewide and they have more potential for leadership in the House (although Klein is being targeted heavily by the GOP for 2010).

For the GOP, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bill McCollum take another crack at it (although he really just needs to sit down and shut up). Also possible: former state House speaker Marco Rubio and maybe even state Sen. Jeff Atwater, if he's willing to give up his Senate leadership position so soon.

No matter what happens, though, with an open seat, there are sure to be suitors aplenty. The silly season is barely over, but here in America's Wang™, it seems to be starting up all over again already.

UPDATE (12:22 pm 12/2/08): TheHill.com suggests other possible candidates, like Democratic congresspersons Allen Boyd, Robert Wexler, and Kathy Castor.

Boyd's too blue-dog to be a viable candidate, and as much as I love Wexler, he would have the same problem, in my opinion, as Klein and Wasserman Schultz: no following statewide. Castor? As Sarah Palin might say, let me get back to you on that one ...

(cross-posted at FPC Blog)

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.

Florida's senators predictably endorse front-runners

Whatever you might feel about Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), you have to admit they're savvy politicians. Yesterday, each senator cleverly, even daringly, endorsed his party's front-runner for the presidential nomination.

I'm somewhat surprised by Nelson's endorsement of Hillary Clinton, not for the choice itself but for the timing of the decision. After all, Sen. Nelson told me (and 120 of my "closest friends") personally that he would wait to endorse until he saw "how the candidates treat Florida." Granted, the announcement is set for Tuesday, but according to the article, he's already informed the Clinton campaign of his decision. So much for wait-and-see.

This may well be an indication that Sen. Clinton is poised to break the no-campaigning-in-Florida pledge, since she has the least to lose politically by doing so and given her statement yesterday that she plans to fight to have Florida's delegates seated at the convention. Nelson would end up looking even more foolish than usual if, say, Obama or Edwards "treats" Florida better by coming here. Of course, Nelson naturally would choose the candidate whom I consider the least progressive of those remaining, but I've already told you how I feel about the senator's lack of progressivism.

Meanwhile, Sen. Martinez has hitched his cart to Huggy Bear, which makes sense on many levels. Huggy is leading nationally right now (although recent Florida polls suggest Mitt Romney now has a lead in America's Wang™) and is a friend and colleague of Martinez in the Senate (I imagine Martinez simply knows Huggy better than he knows the others) but, more importantly, both Huggy and Martinez have spent much of the last several years fellating Drunky McStagger, and it's that shared slobbering that really drives this endorsement.

So, as is so often the case in politics, nothing new under the sun ... including the Florida sun.

A veto override for Florida's sake

Drunky McStagger has never had a veto overridden (although Congress certainly is trying with SCHIP). However, that may be about to change, with profound implications for Florida.

Bush says he supports Everglades restoration and has included funding for it in his proposed budget. But the president objects to the total cost of the water bill, especially after Congress tacked on projects that boosted the total to $23 billion.

Everglades restoration remains trapped in the standoff between Bush and Congress.

While vetoing the bill, Bush said its many projects potentially divert spending from higher priorities, such as Everglades restoration.

"American taxpayers should not be asked to support a pork-barrel system of federal authorization and funding where a project's merit is an afterthought," he said.

On this bill, Bush faces a defiant Congress, including many fellow Republicans who support projects in their states. As a result, proponents of the bill are confident they can round up two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate to pass the bill into law over Bush's veto.

If so, supporters of the various projects, including Everglades funding, would still need to seek annual appropriations. The bill Bush vetoed merely authorizes Congress to spend money within certain limits.

Florida Sens. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, and Mel Martinez, a Republican, said they would vote to override the veto, noting the bill authorizes nearly $2 billion for Florida projects, most of it related to the Everglades.

"No single bill Congress approves this year will have as much positive impact on Florida's environment than this," Martinez said. "The federal partnership in Everglades restoration is long overdue, and this bill brings our federal partners to the table."

The bill includes money for restoration of the Indian River Lagoon and a study of the Herbert Hoover Dike on Lake Okeechobee, both of which would have significant impact on the sustainability of the Everglades.

I'm happy to see Sens. Nelson and Martinez agree on something other than bombing the shit out of other countries. Let's hope they can garner enough support from their colleagues to override the veto and tell Drunky where he can stick his faux "fiscal responsibility."

Mel Martinez won't go down with the ship

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) resigned today as chairman of the Republican National Committee. Something about not wanting to be in charge of a bunch of fucking nutjob losers anymore ...

No, actually, here's what he said:

"I believe that our future as a party and nation is bright and I have every intention of continuing to fight for our president, our party, and our candidates," the Florida senator said in a statement.

He said he was relinquishing the post to spend more time focusing on his constituents, and because the RNC reached the objective it set out to when he assumed the role last fall.

"It was my goal as general chairman to lead the party as it established the structure and raised the resources necessary to support our presidential candidate and ensure Republican victories next November. I believe we have accomplished those goals," Martinez said.

Interesting that he didn't use the old "spend more time with the family" excuse, but then again, he is (unfortunately) staying in the Senate. I'm not sure what "resources" Martinez claims to have "raised," but with fundraising for Republicans lagging far behind Democrats nearly everywhere in the country, his perception of "accomplish[ing] goals" is a little different than, say, reality.

He also knows well enough to leave before the Republican Electoral Disaster of 2008 strikes. I don't know who would replace Martinez, but it's not a job that would be very desirable, I would think ...

Just when you thought the Right couldn't get any dumber ...

Man, there's a couple of ridiculous things bouncing 'round the Intertubes this morning.

First, last night, Drunky McStagger gave his customary remarks at the President's Dinner, a fundraiser that wasn't quite as successful as last year. He made a special acknowledgment of Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.):

I appreciate the chairman of the Republican Party, the general chairman, Mel Martinez -- Senator Mel Martinez from the state of California, and his wife Kitty.

No, Drunky didn't correct himself. Truly, words escape me. (Thanks, Holden.)

Meanwhile, the Creation Museum, which featured a porn-star Adam not long ago, has a lovely planetarium exhibit where you can experience "a thrilling 22-minute ride billions of light-years away to the vast outer regions of our universe."

Okay, I'll ask the obvious question: how can stars be "billions of light-years away" in a universe that allegedly is 6,000 years old? (Thanks, Wes.)

The problem with creationism, like nearly all right-wing rhetoric, is that in order for any of it to make sense, you have to suspend your disbelief to an absurd point. The inconsistencies and hypocrisy boggle the mind.

But, they never let the facts get in the way of a good story, do they?

The sun is rising, meaning that America's Glans™ survived the preznit's appearance

Drunky McStagger has come and gone, and the world hasn't ended, so I guess that's a good thing.

Regrettably, I had to miss the party, but it wasn't anything we haven't heard before ... nor is the fawning press coverage anything we haven't seen before.

For example, this morning's Miami Herald lauds Miami Dade College's choice of Drunky as commencement speaker as "a prudent selection." (Unless they were referring to Drunky's selection of MDC as a site for his speech, which would require me to give the MSM the benefit of the doubt ... and they don't deserve it.)

Typically, he spoke at a location carefully selected for its friendliness to the Bush crime syndicate, and he surrounded himself with his pals, namely Sen. Mel Martinez, Republic (and only Republic) members of the Miami-Dade congressional delegation, and of course Jeb! Bush, whom Drunky skillfully (ha!) identified as "mi hermano."

President Bush seized on hundreds of examples of the American success story at Miami Dade College's Kendall campus graduation on Saturday to make a push for his stalled immigration platform.

"Here at Miami Dade, you know firsthand the contributions that immigrants make to our country," Bush told 1,500 graduates, 77 percent Hispanic, and their families at MDC's Kendall campus gymnasium. "This experience gives you a special responsibility to make your voices heard."

Now, note especially the pandering. Oh, and let's not forget how the protestors were treated...

Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have drawn more controversy as graduation speakers at other campuses this year. Protesters in Kendall were kept on the campus' perimeter. A few professors inside the gym wore green and white ribbons to urge a withdrawal from Iraq.

Bush singled out MDC graduates Gwen Belfon, 42, a single mother of four from Trinidad and Tobago who earned an associate's degree in education, and Jimmy Zapata, 25, a Colombia-born U.S. Marine sergeant who served in Iraq, as examples of immigrants who will contribute to America and climb the socioeconomic ladder. And he noted that MDC President Eduardo Padrón, who came from Cuba when he was 15, also began his education at MDC.

"Today, he is the first president of this college to speak English as a second language," Bush said. "Some people might say I am the first president of the United States who can make that same claim."

Actually, I wouldn't make that claim. Drunky doesn't speak English at all.

Finally, catch the conclusion of the article:

Miami Dade is the nation's largest community college, with more than 100,000 credit and noncredit students. The Kendall campus is in the heart of South Florida's Cuban-American community.

As he always does in Miami, Bush made sure to include language intended to appeal to that base by mentioning "the cruel dictatorship" in Cuba and promising that change on the island is near. But he offered no policy initiatives on that front.

"In Havana and other Cuban cities, there are people just like you who are attending school, and dreaming of a better life," he said. "Unfortunately, those dreams are stifled by a cruel dictatorship that denies all freedom in the name of a dark and discredited ideology."

Before the graduation, Bush spent part of Saturday on Key Biscayne, headlining a $25,000-a-plate fundraiser at the home of developer Edward W. Easton.

I won't give any credit to Bush for being multicultural or openminded or anything. As always, his appearance in south Florida, like anywhere, was done for craven political reasons, and it will get him exactly nowhere, except among the most deluded 30% or so of the American populace.

And I love the unintentional irony: "Unfortunately, those dreams are stifled by a cruel dictatorship that denies all freedom in the name of a dark and discredited ideology." It's like Chimpy was writing a letter to Castro: "Dear Kettle, You are black. Love, Pot."

I won't say "thanks for coming," George. I will, however, say thanks for leaving.

Goodbye, Mehl ... hello, Mel

Trying to rebuild after a resounding spanking in the 2006 election, the GOP will turn to Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Bush Ass Kisser) to be its general chairman, replacing Kenny-boy Mehlman. This explicitly is a move towards attracting more Hispanic/Latino voters, so I guess as usual the GOP figures if you want to attract brown people, put brown people in place as figureheads:

The Republican National Committee's day-to-day operations reportedly would fall to Mike Duncan, its general counsel and a former party treasurer. The Associated Press, quoting unnamed GOP officials, said Duncan would hold the title of chairman and would split the job with Martinez.

The senator would become the new face and spokesman for the party as President Bush's term wanes without an heir apparent.

The real news is buried in the article:

Martinez's name had not been mentioned as a replacement for Mehlman. Instead, speculation had centered on Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who lost a bid for the U.S. Senate last week, and who expressed interest Sunday in becoming the new RNC chairman.

So, Steele's failed bid for the Senate probably is his swan song ... don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, Mike.

Meanwhile, should be interesting to watch Mel in his new role. I'm sure it won't detract from his ability to serve his constituents here in Florida. Get ready, folks, it's business as usual for the Republican Bush Party.