Call it the great whitewash. That's what Floridians can expect from Democratic leaders in the decennial redistricting process going on right now.

Virginia Education Secretary Gerard Robinson was selected Tuesday as the new education commissioner for the Florida Department of Education.

Robinson, one of five finalists for the position, was unanimously chosen by the five DOE board members. He has served as head of education in Virginia since last year, after being tapped by Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell.

So much of Floridas notoriety in recent years is limited to two negative events: a historic crash in real estate values and a massive offshore oil spill.

With a June 30 deadline looming, discussions about continuing Floridas Medicaid pilot program appear headed to overtime.

The Agency for Health Care Administration sent a letter to the federal government Monday seeking a 30-day extension of the pilot, as state and federal officials try to reach agreement on continuing the program for three more years.

Phil Williams, AHCAs assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid finance, said the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requested the letter. He said extra time is needed to fine tune details of the agreement.

"Is our children learning?" as George W. Bush so famously asked. Well, no, they is not learning, especially the history of their country, the school subject at which America's young perform at their worst.