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Several Lawmakers Work for Lobbying Firms, Group Says

Brandon Larrabee News Service of Florida

July 30, 2012 - 6:00pm

At least 11 sitting lawmakers derive some of their income from work with firms that lobby the Legislature, according to a new report by the watchdog group Integrity Florida.

But the legislators involved say they've done nothing wrong and that their firms take pains to separate them from the daily operations of lobbying practices.

Dan Krassner, executive director of Integrity Florida, said the findings of his group's report show the need for greater transparency in the personal finances of elected officials.

Is Mitt Being Neoconned Into War?

Pat Buchanan

July 30, 2012 - 6:00pm

Has Mitt Romney given Israel a blank check for war?

Good Sport

July 30, 2012 - 6:00pm

Pam Bondi: Restitution Ordered for Miami Nursing Students

Submitted by Anonymous on July 30, 2012 - 4:38pm

The state's attorney general has obtained $469,000 in restitution for nursing students deceived into enrolling in year-long classes at JLF University taught in Miami and Jamaica.

The state had sued JFL and its principals in May 2011 for allegedly violating the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

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HD 100: Joe Gibbons Has Financial Edge But Faces Democratic Primary Threat

Kevin Derby

July 29, 2012 - 6:00pm

Joe Gibbons, D-Pembroke Park, is seeking a fourth term in the Florida House but faces a serious opponent in the Democratic primary come Aug. 14. But Gibbons has kept his money in the bank, giving him a healthy war chest as the primary battle enters its final days.

CD 14: Kathy Castor a Heavy Favorite to Win Fourth Term in Congress

Kevin Derby

July 29, 2012 - 6:00pm

As she continues to run for a fourth term in Congress, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., is a heavy favorite to keep her seat in the Tampa Bay area.

An easy winner over architect Eddie Adams, the Republican who faced her in 2006 and 2008, Castor had a harder time with Mike Prendergast, a veteran and businessman who emerged out of the GOP primary to challenge her in 2010. While Adams took 30 percent in 2006 and 29 percent in 2008 against Castor, Prendergast pulled 40 percent -- but Castor still won handily.

Rick Scott: Appeal Filed Backing Law to Prohibit Docs Asking about Guns

Submitted by Anonymous on July 30, 2012 - 12:40pm

Florida will challenge the June 29 ruling by a federal judge that blocked the state from prohibiting doctors from discussing gun ownership with their patients.

The Department of Health today filed an appeal to the federal court decision blocking enforcement of the Firearm Owners Privacy Act, Gov. Rick Scott announced in a statement.

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Bobby Jindal’s Financial Disclosure Reform Right for Florida, Says Ethics Group

Jim Turner

July 29, 2012 - 6:00pm

A start-up, nonprofit group focused on statewide ethics reform is calling on Florida lawmakers to follow Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindals push for increased financial disclosure.

Integrity Florida released a 26-page report Monday that highlighted the potential risks in Floridas current personal financial disclosure rules for state lawmakers.

Among Integritys findings:

During the 2012 session, 11 legislators worked for lobbying firms.

A total of 33 potential voting conflicts in 2012 were disclosed by 12 legislators.

SD 27: Two Dem State Reps Battle for Open Florida Seat in Palm Beach County

Kevin Derby

July 29, 2012 - 6:00pm

On Aug. 14, two Democrats serving together in the Florida House of Representatives -- Jeff Clemens of Lake Worth and Mack Bernard of West Palm Beach -- will clash in a primary for the SD 27 open seat in the state Senate that represents parts of Palm Beach County.

Both Democratic hopefuls have done well fundraising, but Clemens has the edge in the money chase. As of July 20, he had raised more than $119,500 and relied on more than $23,000 in loans. Of that, he had spent more than $83,000, giving him just under $60,000 in the final weeks before the primary.

Early Voting Under Way in Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough and Monroe

Jim Turner

July 29, 2012 - 6:00pm

While absentee ballots are already being cast across the state for the Aug. 14 primary, citizens in five counties began showing up at designated early voting locations Monday due to long-unchanged federal preclearance rules.

Early voting is under way in Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough and Monroe counties, five counties with a history of civil rights voting infractions.

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