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The Buzz: Florida politics

State GOP heads off potential for trouble from scandals

By Times staff writers
Published January 8, 2006

Jeb Bush says Florida Republicans don't have to worry about a voter backlash from a rising tide of special-interest slime emanating from the Jack Abramoff scandal and other ethical lapses in Washington. Why? Because they've taken steps to inoculate themselves from the sleaze factor by outlawing free meals, drinks and gifts from lobbyists.

Questioned as to whether 2006 is already looking like a treacherous year for the party in power (the Republicans) because of the collective damage of Abramoff, Tom DeLay, Scooter Libby, etc., Bush, the titular head of the Florida GOP, said: "It would have, had the Republican Party in Florida not responded, had the leadership of the Legislature just ignored this feeling that I sense, that people are frustrated by the corrupting influence of special interests."

Bush could not resist pointing a finger directly at the gambling industry he so strongly opposes for being at the root of it all. "Where was all the money coming from? Gambling," Bush said. "It's just another example of why I think this state needs to be really cautious going forward about expanding gambling even more. ... It's troubling to me that this is such a big deal for so many people."

TAINTED MONEY: Apparently the state GOP doesn't want to take any chances with that backlash. We can add the Republican Party of Florida to the list of politicians (among them the president and Florida U.S. Reps. Katherine Harris, Tom Feeney and Mark Foley) distancing themselves from Abramoff by giving away campaign money tied to him. The state GOP in 2002 received $5,000 from SunCruz Casino, formerly owned by Abramoff. Party spokeswoman Camille Anderson tells us that in the wake of Abramoff's guilty pleas this week, the party gave $5,000 to the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund.

UNPERSUADED PETERMAN: A lot of Democrats like the idea of amending the state Constitution to make the drawing of political districts less partisan and more competitive by having it done by a commission rather than directly by state lawmakers. But Democratic state Rep. Frank Peterman says he won't vote for the ballot initiative until he's more assured it won't dilute the strength of districts drawn to ensure minorities are elected.

"I definitely have not been pushed to do it that way," Peterman said of the ballot measure in a television interview airing today. He said he's still listening to advocates of the proposal but "if there was any compromising of African-American districts in that particular plan, I could not support that."

Typically African-American Democrats have aligned with Republicans during redistricting years. The more that Democratic black voters can be concentrated into certain districts, the easier it is for Republicans to minimize Democratic voters in other districts.

Peterman's comments came during a taped interview for Political Connections, which airs at 11 a.m. on Bay News 9 and starting Monday can be seen on Ch. 340 (Tampa Bay on Demand).

DAVIS' ODOMETER: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis of Tampa this week won some bragging rights: The Tampa congressman has now campaigned in all 67 counties. The final county was little Liberty County in the Panhandle.

Davis hammered away at his theme that he'll be "a governor for all Floridians" who will break the special interests' stranglehold on state government.

SMITH SUPPORT: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith, meanwhile, touted endorsements from Manatee and Sarasota counties, Davis' backyard. Among them: Sarasota Mayor Mary Anne Servian; Sarasota Vice Mayor Fredd Atkins; former state Rep. Shirley Brown; former Sarasota Democratic chairs Harold Miller, Debbie Roginski and Suzanne Elsoffer; former Manatee Democratic chairman Chuck Cooper; former Sarasota Democratic club president Ellie Woodward; former Venice Area Democratic club president Virginia Bright; Sarasota Planning Commission member Michael Shelton.

Adam C. Smith, Steve Bousquet and Joni James contributed to this week's Buzz. For more political news check out www.sptimes.com/blogs/buzz

[Last modified January 8, 2006, 00:43:05]