While Rick Scott is best known for his opposition to President Barack Obamas health-care plan, the Republican gubernatorial candidates conservative positions extend to other issues as well. While Scott has not released a statement about Gov. Charlie Crists veto of teacher performance pay legislation, Jennifer Coxe-Baker, the media contact for Scotts fledgling campaign, said on Thursday night that he would have signed the measure.

Mars Attacks!

By Kevin Derby

Get ready, America: We're heading to Mars. During his Thursday speech at the Kennedy Space Center, President Barack Obama took a swing at critics who have questioned his space plans, according to the Associated Press. Not only is Obama "100 percent committed to the mission of NASA and its future," he said, but he also expects to see Americans land on Mars in his lifetime. Chant with me now: USA! USA!

McCollum Likens Crist to Alex Sink on SB 6 Veto

By Kevin Derby

Attorney General Bill McCollum linked Gov. Charlie Crist to Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner and state CFO Alex Sink in his statement on Crists veto of teacher performance pay and pledged, if elected, to continue to fight for the idea. I am deeply disappointed Gov. Crist succumbed to the pressure from Democrat Alex Sink and the unions by putting bureaucracy above the best interest of our children and teachers.

The Son Also Rises: Matt Gaetz Joins the House

By Kevin Derby

The House welcomed a new member today. Having won a special election Tuesday, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, took his seat in the House today, replacing former Speaker Ray Sansom who resigned in disgrace after a number of scandals emerged. His father, Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and a number of senators were on hand to watch the newest member of the Legislature join the House.

George Sheldon Still True to His Word: Not Talking About Gubenatorial Bid

By Kevin Derby

When his name emerged as a possible independent candidate for governor, Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon said that he would wait until the end of the legislative session before he commented on any possible campaign. So far, he has been true to his word. When asked about his plans today after a media event for the governors Task Force on Autism, Sheldon said he was focused on his department, namely trying to keep DCF intact. Thats where the fight is, he said.

Crist Takes Aim at GOP in Veto Message

By Kevin Derby

Gov. Charlie Crist had harsh words for the Republican-controlled Legislature in the media event a few moments ago where he announced his veto of teacher performance pay. Crist said he vetoed the bill due to its impact on special education, its encroachment on local control and the way legislators sped the measure through committee without including the input of teachers, students and parents.

Reaction on Crist Veto of SB 6

By Kevin Derby

Reaction is pouring in from both sides after Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed the teacher performance pay measure. Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, the chief sponosor of the legislation, said, "It goes without saying that I am disappointed this legislation has been vetoed by Gov. Crist, and I continue to think that one day it will be fully implemented in our state.

Crist Announces Teacher Performance Pay Veto

By Kevin Derby

Gov. Charlie Crist announced in a press conference that he vetoed a controversial bill authorizing teacher performance pay, a decision that could imperil his standing with the Republican Party. The bill, proposed in the Senate by Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, has drawn massive oppposition from teachers' unions and drawn national attention. Lawmakers and everyone else have been waiting on tenterhooks since the bill arrived on the governor's desk last week.

Ka-Ching! Senate OKs Gambling Compact

By Kevin Derby

The Senate approved a long-awaited gaming compact Thursday that expands gaming rights at Seminole casinos and nets at least $1 billion for the state. Senators voted 29-9 in favor of the compact, moving it quickly past the floor. The compact still needs to pass the House and be signed by the governor to be passed into law.

Florida House Debuts Census Site

By Kevin Derby

The House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning met Thursday to tackle redistricting at both the congressional and state levels. It also released its My Florida Census site, which will help the federal government count as many residents of the state as possible. We found 18 streets in Osceola County that the census did not account for, said Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. The areas of concern are areas of new construction.

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