Florida Congress Watch

Shameful

2010-03-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

From Heather Beaven:

MICA's SHAMEFUL APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE

No more pre-existing conditions, controlled health care costs, expanded access to affordable health care: I believe that Democrats, Republicans and Independents can agree that these are just a few of the vital health care reforms that needed to be addressed in Congress.

John Mica is not one of those people. He proved it when he voted against healthcare reform, but voted in favor of the Republican healthcare “alternative” bill. To be blunt, the bill he voted for was a, “get richer much quicker” scheme for big insurance companies, HMO’s and pharmaceutical companies.

The plan would only lower health care premiums by 0 to 3 percent by 2016 for 80 percent of Americans. These aren’t my numbers; these are from the bi-partisan Congressional Budget Office.

Mica’s shameful support for this bill, which was obviously written by drug and insurance companies, is a stab in the back to those of us paying more for less coverage in private health care plans (to say nothing of the Floridians who live in fear because they lack any health care coverage).

We all know that John Mica is an uncompromising career politician who puts his party over us. But to vote to spend billions to reduce insurance premiums by 3 percent, and call it reform is insulting. Mica’s small bore thinking is exactly what helped the American health care system to fall into the terrible mess we see today. Simply put, John Mica is applying 20th Century logic to a 21st Century challenge.

I’m running for Congress because we deserve a new approach to the new challenges we face. We cannot continue to allow Mica to apply 20th Century logic to the problems we face in the 21st Century.

If you agree, I hope you’ll stand with me in this campaign to hold Mica accountable for abandoning us on health care reform. Let’s send Mica the message today that we’ve had enough of his work for the insurance companies by contributing $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign today.

THE MOTHER OF ALL JOB CREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Currently there are an estimated 800,000 + jobs directly related to the clean energy sector, and hundreds of thousands more in related industries. Clean energy has the potential to add an additional 1.7 million jobs in the near term and 5 million jobs by 2020. The clean energy market is booming around the world, yet we are behind the curve here in Florida. In fact, the number of American clean energy jobs increased by 9.1% during the last decade as compared to a 3.7% in overall American employment.

But Germany and China are on the hunt too.

The German environmental technology sector is projected to account for some 16% of German industrial production by 2030. China has allotted more than $230 billion in economic stimulus funding to clean energy initiatives and—as a percentage of GDP—is investing 10 times more than the United States on clean power.

We don't need to just imagine these possibilities in Florida; we need to get to work creating these jobs in order to reduce the unemployment rate and get our local economies back on track. In Congress, that's just what I'll do.

MOMMY BOMB UPDATE

Operation Mommy Bomb has been declared a victory. Together with you, we were able to shatter all previous weekly donor records; and received an overwhelming outpouring of positive feedback from supporters like you. Thank you to everyone who helped make Operation Mommy Bomb a huge success!

HELP US KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

Campaigns take money to be successful and, like it or not, Beaven for Seven is not immune to that fact. That's why I hope you'll dig deep to help me keep March strong with a contribution of $5, $25, $50, $100 or more by clicking here.

Your continued help will allow us to talk about creating the jobs of the future right here in Florida while we work to get rid of John Mica's 20th century mindset! So do what you can and contribute online today by clicking here!

Yours truly,

Heather Beaven

Link

From the Blogs

2010-03-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs (and beyond) about Congressional Republicans.

Saint Petersblog: Crist launches atrocious, unfunny anti-Rubio website

The Reid Report: Mason-Dixon poll shows a more reality based GOP contest

Pushing Rope: Crist Continues to Tout Cover Florida

Change in Tallahassee: Crist and Rubio Duke It Out

The Reid Report: Florida follies: Rubio hit with ethics complaint, Charlie is really, really conservative (really) and … Buckwheat?

Pushing Rope: Marco Rubio Protests Too Much

Eye on Miami (gimleteye): Charlie Crist: make your campaign about the sugar billionaires

The Reid Report: Charlie climbs on board the Waterloo express: says he wants repeal too

Saint Petersblog: US Rep. Brown-Waite cites display of support from constituents for opposition to health care reform -- only problem is they're from Pennsylvania

South Florida Daily Blog: Transitioning Out Of Rubio v1.0 [UPDATED]

South Florida Daily Blog: You Don't Speak For Me, Marco

The Campaign Manager: Effects of Healthcare Reform on the Tampa Bay Area

The Reid Report: Marco Rubio’s bad mojo

The Reid Report: For Marco Rubio, expensive chickens roosting

The Reid Report: Rubio’s brand dented with conservatives, Hispanics?

Saint Petersblog: Marco Rubio launches petition against ObamaCare AND Crist

The Reid Report: Uh-oh Rubio …

Smooth Like Remy: Tea Party Darling Marco Rubio's Lavish Lifestyle

South Florida Daily Blog: Fox News, Marco Rubio And Charlie Crist

"Rubio Sets the Record Straight"

2010-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Marco Rubio Attack Ads

2010-03-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Better"

"Yes"

Governor Crist Statement On The House Health Care Vote

2010-03-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

The Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate campaign today released the below statement from Gov. Crist following the House passage of the Senate government run health care bill:

“It is disappointing to see that President Obama and Democrat leadership convinced enough members of their Party, including Rep. Meek, to completely ignore the will of the American people, and pass their government run health care bill.

“This bill is comprised of secret backroom, sweetheart deals, includes a last minute Executive Order, and the passage of such a bill is a direct affront to the American people.

“Americans deserve better than this liberal, partisan legislation that amounts to a government take over of health care while raising rates, raising taxes, and significantly cutting Medicare."

Who Will Tim Pawlenty endorse in Florida Republican Senate Primary?

2010-03-16T19:19:00.001-07:00

From FDP:

As Minn. Gov. and Presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty travels to Orlando today to raise money for the Republican Governor's Association, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman called on Pawlenty to let Floridians know who he will support in the state's primary. Pawlenty has refused to make an endorsement, even though his Political Action Committee's mission is "helping candidates and translating our ideas into policies that everyone can relate to and support."

"It's a simple question -- will Tim Pawlenty let Floridians know where he stands on the Crist/Rubio primary? Will he join Jim DeMint and the rest of the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party in endorsing Speaker Rubio? Or will he risk angering his base by endorsing Gov. Crist? The real question here is this: if Tim Pawlenty really considers himself a national Republican leader, shouldn't he have enough spine to say publically where he stands on the Florida Republican Senate primary?"

Republican Party Agrees With Charlie Justice

2010-03-14T19:23:00.001-07:00

Today in Washington the Republican Congressional Committee joined Charlie Justice as well as Democratic leaders in Congress in the movement to end the corruptive practice of earmarks that continue to drive the U.S. economy and budget out of control.

“It is refreshing to see that even the Republican Party can no longer tolerate the corruptive practice of earmark/pork-barrel spending that has gone on for far too long in our government. Democrats and Republicans agree that earmarks are corrupting our government and wasting taxpayers’ money,” stated Charlie Justice candidate for Congress FL-10. “Cong. Bill Young still clings to the idea that there is nothing wrong with pork-barrel spending and goes so far as to brag about it. About the only person left who thinks pork-barrel spending is a good idea seems to be Bill Young. The fact that he’s bragging about wasteful spending even as his Republican colleagues in Congress are pledging not to request any earmarks acknowledges how out-of-touch Bill Young is with reality and the struggles the people here back home are dealing with.”

According to Alex Leary of the St. Petersburg Time, Rep. Mike Pence, R-Indiana, chairman of the Republican conference acknowledged, “federal spending is out of control and the American people know it. Earmarks have become emblematic of everything that is wrong with spending here in Washington D.C."

Charlie Justice Says Bill Young Milked the STAR Center for $145,000 in Campaign Cash

2010-03-14T19:06:00.001-07:00

Congressman Bill Young has put amendments in the federal budget totaling $33 million for tenants of the STAR Center and has received $145,000 in campaign contributions from tenants there, according to Charlie Justice.

“If you made a movie about Bill Young’s abuse of the STAR Center it wouldn’t win an Oscar because it’s just unbelievable,” Justice said. “Bill Young is using the STAR Center as a cash cow for his campaign.”

Justice’s release of the information today is the fifth installment in his “ten point indictment” of Young’s abuse of power. Before today’s release, Justice criticized Young for sending $13.5 million to New York Harbor for a floating museum and pointed out that Young-backed earmarks have been investigated by law enforcement officials on four separate occasions. Three of those investigations are still open. Justice also revealed that Young has placed amendments on the budget to the tune of $118 million that directly benefited his sons, daughter-in-law and former members of his staff. Young also spent $30,000 of his campaign cash for a luxury car for himself.

One of the tenants of the STAR Center, Raytheon, accounted for approximately $100,000 in contributions, Justice said.

Raytheon is at the center of a battle that pits Justice and his constituents against Young and the defense contractor. Last week, Justice, a state senator, sent a letter to Governor Charlie Crist and other state officials calling for immediate action to clean up a dangerous industrial plume affecting his constituents. The latest remedial action proposal that came from Raytheon suggested that the cleanup of the site won’t be complete for 78 years.

In 1991, the Department of Environmental Protection found the toxic plume to be affecting neighborhoods in Justice’s St. Petersburg district. However, residents were not made aware of the contamination until 2008, seventeen years later. Over the past seventeen years, the dangerous chemicals have migrated 200 acres, affecting two apartment complexes, three neighborhoods, community parks, schools and the waters of Tampa Bay.

“While the people of St. Petersburg wait for action from Raytheon, Congressman Bill Young took $100,000 in campaign contributions from the company and their lobbyists. No wonder the cleanup is being slow walked,” Justice said.

In 1995 the Department of Energy sold its Largo, FL facility to Pinellas County for redevelopment. The county was so pleased with the facility’s success that in 2001 they renamed it in part after Rep. Young. He touts the success of the STAR Center as an example of his ability to bring jobs to Pinellas County. (STAR Center website, Congressman Bill Young brochure)

$145,000 to Young from STAR Center Tenants and their Lobbyists

“Just when it starts to look as though Bill Young is doing something solely to benefit his community – like using his influence over the already-stretched defense budget to direct tens of millions to his district – the other shoe drops,” Justice said. “Each of the seven tenants that received earmarks through Rep. Young’s efforts returned the favor by kicking in for his re-election campaign.”

Since 2006, Young has received $145,000 in contributions from the tenants of the STAR Center and their lobbyists. Young, leaving no stone unturned in his thirst for campaign cash, even received a donation from the facility’s director.

Florida Democratic Party to Speaker Rubio: Where do You Stand on the RNC "Fear-gate" Presentation

2010-03-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

As the fallout from the fear-mongering RNC fundraising presentation continues, Miami lobbyist Marco Rubio has been silent on the issue of the leaked presentation which uses crude images and caricatures of the President and other Democrats to scare the American people.

Today, the Florida Democratic Party called on Speaker Rubio to take a stand on the despicable fundraising tactics by the Republican National Committee which breathlessly uses cries socialism, calls Democrats "The Evil Empire" and depicts President Obama as The Joker.

"It's a very simple question, Speaker Rubio," said Florida Democratic Party Spokesman Eric Jotkoff. "Do you agree with the RNC's tactics to exploit donors and Americans through fear, use images of the President of the United States as The Joker and warn voters of the coming of 'socialism'? If not, will you condemn the use of such political tactics, or is fear really the only thing the Republican Party has left?

"Those who Miami lobbyist Marco Rubio wants to represent deserve to know where he stands on this issue. Leading Republicans have already condemned the RNC's strategy of fundraising on lies and stoking fears, but will Rubio? Speaker Rubio, the people of Florida are eagerly awaiting your answer."

The Republican Party's PowerPoint presentation described high-level Republican donors as "ego-driven" and claimed they could be enticed with "tchochkes." The document also included a slide - titled "The Evil Empire" - with images depicting Obama as the Joker, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella DeVille and Harry Reid as Scooby Doo. Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine called for a "house cleaning" over the incident on Friday.

Please click the link below to see the Democratic National Committee ad titled "Is Fear All They Have Left?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbESRQqg9mg

Kendrick Meek Previews the Governor's 2010 State of the State Address

2010-03-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

Hours before the Governor delivered his 2010 State of the State address, Kendrick Meek issued the following statement regarding Florida's troubled economic state:

"Floridians do not need to wait for this address to know the dire state of our state. We are hurting today because of bankrupt policies of the past that put special interests first and our communities last. That's been the status quo in Florida for over a decade and I have always stood up against the powerful and for the people. High unemployment rates in our counties, cities and towns are more than just numbers--they represent real people with families whose lives are being turned upside down. I see this pain in every living room I visit and every small business I enter. Bringing new, long term jobs to our state was what we were promised by the leadership of this state, but we are being let down. My fight is for all of us. I will continue to work hard to take Florida from recession to recovery. Only then can the state of our state be fully prosperous."

CNN Breaks Down Rubio's Nonsensical Explanation of Credit Card Misuse

2010-03-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

Indictment #4 Young Used Campaign Funds To Buy A Luxury Car

2010-03-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

From Charlie Justice:

Rep. Bill Young Used Campaign Funds To Buy A Luxury Car

Fourth Count of Indictment: Luxury Car with Campaign Funds

Young bought $30,000 car using campaign funds to “keep in touch” with constituents

St. Petersburg, FL - February 18, 2010 - Charlie Justice says Congressman Bill Young is so out of touch with reality that he once used his campaign fund to buy himself a luxury car.

“When a Congressman starts using his campaign funds to buy himself a luxury car then you can bet he thinks he’s untouchable,” Justice said. “The purchase of the car seems to be a point in time when Young became more reckless and arrogant than ever. He began putting more and more amendments in the federal budget for lobbyists and accepting huge campaign contributions in return.”

During the 1990 campaign cycle, Rep. Young purchased a brand new Lincoln Continental using $30,000 in campaign funds. Although questions were raised over a possible ethics violation, Young maintained that there was nothing untoward about the purchase. He claimed the car was necessary for campaigning in his district, but he ran unopposed in the 1990 election.

“Congressman Bill Young doesn’t think he has to answer to anybody. Not the voters, the taxpayers or the Ethics Committee,” Justice said.

Justice’s release of the information today is the fourth installment in his “ten point indictment” of Young’s abuse of power. Before today’s release, Justice criticized Young for sending $13.5 million to New York Harbor for a floating museum and pointed out that Young-backed earmarks have been investigated by law enforcement officials on four separate occasions. Three of those investigations are still open. Justice also revealed that Young has placed amendments on the budget to the tune of $118 million that directly benefited his sons, daughter-in-law and former members of his staff.

“At a time when families and small businesses in Pinellas County are struggling to make ends meet, Bill Young and his friends and family are living the high life at the taxpayers’ expense,” Justice said. “When I see this kind of abuse of trust I completely understand the anger and frustration that is shaking the foundations of our democracy.”

“In his relentless quest for campaign contributions, Congressman Young has taken $737,000 in campaign cash in return for inserting so-called budget ‘earmarks’ into the federal budget. Along the way, investigations have shown that Young’s benefactors have been investigated for a variety of charges including bribery and fraud,” Justice said.

“Here’s what I will do differently. I won’t be buying a luxury car with my campaign funds as your Congressman. To do so would be, in my view, an insult to the people of Pinellas County who are struggling to make ends meet,” Justice said.

Indictment #4 – Luxury Car with Campaign Funds

$30,000 in campaign funds unethically spent by Young.

$30,000 for a Luxury Car

Thanks to defense contractors and others who gave money to his campaign, Rep. C. W. Bill Young of St. Petersburg liked to ride in style in a light blue Lincoln.

The 10th-term Republican bought the car in August of 1990 with $29,124 in campaign money, replacing another Lincoln that Young's campaign leased for the last four years. He also billed the campaign for the new car's taxes and title, a portable telephone and frequent fill-ups at the gas station.

Exercised His Own Discretion Over Ethical Rules

Young didn't reach into his own pocket for the new Lincoln because, he said, the car will be used to drive to political events in his district in and around St. Petersburg.

"There is a very legitimate need for transportation," Young said.

He said he chose a Lincoln because "it's big" and can carry several passengers. The car's standard features include air conditioning, AM/FM stereo cassette, power windows, power antenna and power seats, according to a saleswoman at Scarritt Motors where Young's campaign bought the car.

"I don't think this is the kind of campaign expenditure people are concerned about. This is all up front. It's a pure provision of transportation for political purposes," Young said. "There's nothing hidden here. There's nothing improper about it at all." (St. Petersburg Times, Sep. 27, 1990)

Rivera, Sansom Re-Run, Enters Congressional Race

2010-03-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

Given that State Representative David Rivera was handpicked by scandal-magnet Ray Sansom to head the House Budget Committee, Rivera's announcement today that he'll seek the Republican nomination to run for Congress in Florida's 25th district means Rivera starts his campaign under an ethical cloud.

"It hasn't even been a week since disgraced Speaker Ray Sansom resigned under criminal indictment and now his handpicked Budget Chair says he's running for Congress. Is this an indication of how hard it is to find a Republican candidate in Florida not marked by scandal?" asked Eric Jotkoff, spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party. "Rivera better tell Floridians the truth about his role in the scandal that's gripping the Republican Party of Florida and whether he had an RPOF AmEx card. Until he comes clean with the voters of Florida, he will continue to face serious questions about his shady associations and backroom deals."

Charlie Justice Statement on Bill Young's Announcement to Run Again

2010-02-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

"A huge sigh of relief is being heard from the special-interest lobbyists who fuel Congressman Bill Young's campaigns with contributions in return for questionable earmarks that have become symbolic of everything that is wrong with Washington.

Young has presided over decades of irresponsible spending and misguided policies that have hurt Florida families. While most Floridians struggle to stay afloat, Congressman Young has voted in lock-step with Republican naysayers who seem bent on ignoring the very real problems faced by Florida families and small businesses.

Proving how out-of-touch he is with the community, Congressman Young will actually brag about the 40 years of out-of-control pork-spending he is responsible for.

Over the course of the next ten months I will present my bold vision to improve the lives of all the residents of Pinellas County for the future and fight to bring new jobs and industries to our community, creating new opportunities for our families and small business right here at home.

Since our community first elected me to public office I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight for the hard working families of Pinellas County. Because we need to make sure the values of our community are defended, I plan on taking my experience and continuing that fight as the next Representative of the 10th Congressional District."

Rubio Refuses to Stand By His Words As Republican Ethics Implosion Continues

2010-02-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

As the ethics implosion of the Florida Republican Party continues, GOP Senate candidate Marco Rubio refuses to meet the same standards of accountability he effused from the campaign stump, illustrated by a Web video released by the Florida Democratic Party today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHAwL1M67w8
On the campaign trail, the former lobbyist strongly advocated accountability in government and Florida taxpayers holding their elected official accountable. But as revelations continue about Florida Republican leaders' ethics scandals - specifically questions about former House Speaker Ray Sansom's budget dealings - Rubio called questions on the issue a "distraction." [Rotary Luncheon, 12/7/09, Tampa; Marco Rubio, Miami Herald 1/28/10]

Now it appears as if Rubio is trying to avoid ever testifying on the record about his knowledge of Sansom's dealings and Attorney General Bill McCollum's refusal to investigate the State GOP's practice of giving legislators credit cards means Rubio may yet dodge the accountability for which he previously advocated.

"What does a politician-turned-lobbyist-turned-politician like Speaker Rubio do when he advocates accountability and then gets questions about his own potential involvement in or knowledge of allegedly shady dealings? He gets his political cronies to make sure he doesn't face the same accountability he preaches for other politicians," Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party spokesman said.

Young Inc a $118 Million Business

2010-02-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

From Charlie Justice:

YOUNG, INC.

Former Staff And Family of Rep. Young Benefit from $118 Million In Taxpayers’ Money From Young Earmarks

Young Steers $45 Million Of Taxpayers’ Money to Young, Inc. Clients In Just 4 Years; $73 Million Earmarked for Employers of Young’s Sons

St. Petersburg, FL - February 19, 2010 – Congressman Bill Young has steered more than $118 million in taxpayers’ money to the direct and indirect benefit of his children, daughter-in-law and former staff members.

Along the way, Young has taken $386,000 in campaign cash from the clients of his former staffers.

“This is just wrong,” said Charlie Justice. “Congressman Bill Young treats the federal budget like his personal piggy bank. Since 2005, Bill Young has steered $45 million in taxpayers’ money to his daughter-in-law and former members of his staff. In addition, the employers of his sons have received $73 million in earmarks placed in the budget by their father. At the same time, Young has taken $386,000 in campaign cash from the clients of his former staff.”

Justice, a Florida state senator who is running against Young, said the congressman’s campaign account should be called, “Young, Incorporated.”

“At a time when families and small businesses in Pinellas County are struggling to make ends meet, Bill Young and his friends and family are living the high life at the taxpayers’ expense,” Justice said. “When I see this kind of abuse of trust I completely understand the anger and frustration that is shaking the foundations of our democracy.”

Justice’s release of the information today is the third installment in his “ten point indictment” of Young’s abuse of power. Before today’s release, Justice criticized Young for sending $13.5 million to New York Harbor for a floating museum and pointed out that Young-backed earmarks have been investigated by law enforcement officials on four separate occasions. Three of those investigations are still open.

Justice said, “Every person in Pinellas County should be offended by Bill Young using his support of the military and veterans as a smoke screen to hide this corrupting enterprise that benefits him personally and directly. I will not take a backseat to anyone in my support of the military and our veterans. During a time when veterans are victimized by cuts to health care and the debacle at Walter Reed, Bill Young was happily wearing out a path between his office and the bank with huge contributions from the defense contractors he serves.”

“It is time for Bill Young to go,” Justice said. “Bill Young has embraced the corrupt ethics of a bygone era and made it a part of the federal budget process. Until Bill Young is removed from Congress, the federal budget process cannot be healed and deficits cannot be controlled.”

Indictment #3 – Young, Inc. a $118 Million Business

Sons, daughter-in-law, former staff feed at federal budget trough while Young collects $386,000 in campaign cash.

Earmarks for Daughter-in-law’s Clients

In 2005, clients of Cindy Young, Rep. Young’s daughter-in-law, received $2 million in funding in the defense appropriations bill. Rep. Young was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee at the time. One earmark procured $1 million for a single client of Cindy’s.

Last year, clients of Cindy Young’s firm won $2 million in funding in the defense spending bill that her father-in-law oversaw. In one case, $1 million was directed to one of Cindy Young’s clients, Dynamic Defense Materials, to develop body armor for the military. The money came in the form an “earmark,” a provision that lawmakers add to spending bills for an item or program that wasn’t requested by the agency getting the money, or authorized by previous legislation. (USA Today, Oct. 17, 2006)

Cindy Young was paid $40,000 by Dynamic Defense Materials to lobby Bill Young for the earmark, according to USA Today.

$43 million for Former Staffers’ Clients

Michael Adcock, Bryan Blom, Doug Gregory, and David Jolly have been employed by Van Scoyoc and Associates after leaving Rep. Young’s Congressional staff. Since 2007, Rep. Young has sponsored $43.8 million in earmarks for clients of Van Scoyoc and Associates. (Open Secrets Lobbying Database)

$29.8 million for David Gregory’s Clients: Clients of David Gregory, former senior aide to Rep. Young, have received nearly $30 million in earmark requests thanks to the patronage of Bill Young: $5.3 million for Alaka’i Consulting, $12.2 million for DRS Technologies, $5.4 million for Information Manufacturing Corp, $5.4 million for Revenge Advanced Composites, $1 million for Mikros Systems, $1 million for L-3 Communications, and $577,000 for Lockheed Martin. (Open Secrets Lobbying Database; Office of Management and Budget; Congressional Record)

$14.7 million for Michael Adcock’s Clients: Rep. Young has sponsored $14.7 million in earmarks for clients of former staffer and current Van Scoyoc VP Michael Adcock, including $12.2 million for DRS Technologies, $1.5 million for Baycare Health System, and $1 million for the University of West Florida. (Open Secrets Lobbying Database; Office of Management and Budget; Congressional Record)

$10.5 million for Bryan Blom’s Clients: Former staffer Bryan Blom began working for Van Scoyoc Associates in 2008. He has lobbied on behalf of SAIC, which has benefited from $10.5 million in earmarks sponsored by Rep. Young. (Open Secrets Lobbying Database; Office of Budget and Management; Congressional Record)

$7.8 million for David Jolly’s Clients: David Jolly, former district director for Rep. Young, has been employed by Van Scoyoc Associates since 2007. During that time Rep. Young has requested $7.8 million for Jolly’s lobbying clients: $5.3 million for Alaka’i Consulting, $1.5 million for Baycare Health System, and $1 million for Mikros Systems. (Open Secrets Lobbying Database; Office of Budget and Management; Congressional Record)

Patrick and Billy’s Employers Get $73.2 Million

According to a April 2008 story in the St. Petersburg Times, the employers of Bill Young’s sons have received $73.2 million in earmarks stuck into the federal budget by their father.

According to the Times, “Patrick Young, 20, is a security administrator in the downtown St. Petersburg office of Science Applications International Corp., a large defense contractor more commonly known as SAIC. He has a high-level security clearance and works with intelligence data, Rep. Young said. Another son, Billy Young, 23, is an outreach specialist with National Forensic Science Technology Center, a not-for-profit corporation in Largo that provides training and services for state and local crime labs.”

Justice said, “These earmarks simply don’t pass the smell test. Records show that Rep. Young used his clout to steer millions of dollars to the employers of his sons both before and after they got their jobs.”

$386,641 in Campaign Contributions from Former Staffers’ Clients

While Young says he does not accept campaign contributions from his daugther-in-law’s clients, he does not have a similar prohibition for the clients of his former staffers.

Young has accepted $386,641 in campaign contributions in return for the $43 million in tax dollars he funneled to his former employees.

A full list of all these contributions is on the following pages:

Name, Date, Amount, Employer
Rose, Jeremy 6/19/08 $250.00 Alaka'i Consulting
Waterbury, Robert 6/19/08 $250.00 Alaka'i Consulting
Hipp, Van 3/31/98 $250.00 American Defense Intl.
Hipp, Van 4/16/99 $250.00 American Defense Intl.
Hipp, Van 6/6/02 $500.00 American Defense Intl.
Hipp, Van 4/5/04 $250.00 American Defense Intl.
Brethauer, Craig 3/27/08 $500.00 BayCare
Costello, Robert 3/27/08 $500.00 BayCare
Inzina, Thomas 3/27/08 $250.00 BayCare
Mason, Steve 3/27/08 $1,000.00 BayCare
Sheehan, John 3/27/08 $250.00 BayCare
Cavarocchi, Nicholas 4/20/04 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Cavarocchi, Nicholas 2/17/06 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Cavarocchi, Nicholas 10/5/06 $500.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Cavarocchi, Nicholas 5/7/07 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Cavarocchi, Nicholas 5/28/08 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Cavarocchi, Nicholas 5/18/09 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Dennis, Lyle 2/17/06 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Dennis, Lyle 5/7/07 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Dennis, Lyle 5/28/08 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Dennis, Lyle 5/18/09 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Ruscio, Domenic 4/20/04 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Ruscio, Domenic 2/17/06 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Ruscio, Domenic 5/7/07 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Ruscio, Domenic 5/28/08 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Ruscio, Domenic 5/18/09 $1,000.00 Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis
Shanklin, Charles 10/16/06 $1,000.00 Crestview Aerospace
Shanklin, Charles 5/7/07 $2,300.00 Crestview Aerospace
Shanklin, Myra 10/16/06 $1,000.00 Crestview Aerospace
Burnett, Wallace 3/16/04 $500.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Burnett, Wallace 9/30/04 $500.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Burnett, Wallace 5/15/06 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Burnett, Wallace 9/28/06 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Burnett, Wallace 6/19/07 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
McBee, Steven 4/16/99 $500.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Denny 3/25/98 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Denny 6/5/02 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Denny 6/5/02 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Denny 3/16/04 $1,500.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Denny 6/19/07 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Denny 3/5/08 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 5/14/99 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 6/5/02 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 6/5/02 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 3/16/04 $1,500.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 9/30/04 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 4/26/06 $2,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 9/28/06 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 6/19/07 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Miller, Sandra B. 3/5/08 $1,000.00 Denny Miller Assoc.
Balisle, Phillip 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Bordonaro, Charles 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Bower, Monica 5/27/08 $400.00 DRS Technologies
Bowman, Michael 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Brewer, Larry 5/27/08 $500.00 DRS Technologies
Brooks, Thurston 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Churchman, John 3/24/06 $250.00 DRS Technologies
Churchman, John 10/25/06 $250.00 DRS Technologies
Churchman, John 5/27/08 $1,200.00 DRS Technologies
Clark, Russell Jr. 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Cruze, Gregory 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Danforth, Richard 6/26/07 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Daniels, Gregory 6/19/08 $250.00 DRS Technologies
Dann, Robert 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Epstein, Edwin 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Freeman, Jeffrey 5/27/08 $500.00 DRS Technologies
Garrell, Mark 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Glackin, Brian 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Granger, Michael 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Hansen, Kip 3/24/06 $250.00 DRS Technologies
Hansen, Kip 3/30/07 $500.00 DRS Technologies
Hansen, Kip 3/5/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Hansen, Kip 5/27/08 $200.00 DRS Technologies
Hansen, Kip 5/27/08 $800.00 DRS Technologies
Hart, Joseph 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Kaiser, Harold 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Laughlin, John 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Lewis, Kevin 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Mandel, Andrea 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Marion, Patrick 5/27/08 $1,500.00 DRS Technologies
Marrello, Jeffrey 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
McNatt, Tobin 5/27/08 $500.00 DRS Technologies
Nork, Lawrence 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Platt, Lawrence 5/27/08 $500.00 DRS Technologies
Powers, W.A. 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Ringo, D.W. 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Sinn, Jerry 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Smith, Gary 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Thiran, Logen 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Watson, William 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Wilbrant, Richard 5/27/08 $1,000.00 DRS Technologies
Wood, Jeffrey 5/27/08 $1,500.00 DRS Technologies
Zaborowski, John 5/27/08 $500.00 DRS Technologies
Zwiebel, James 5/27/08 $500.00 DRS Technologies
Boothe, Jeffrey 6/6/02 $250.00 Holland & Knight
Bradner, Robert 9/29/08 $500.00 Holland & Knight
Gold, Richard 6/6/02 $250.00 Holland & Knight
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 3/19/98 $500.00 Holland & Knight
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 12/30/98 $1,000.00 Holland & Knight
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 4/21/99 $1,000.00 Holland & Knight
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 6/3/02 $2,000.00 Holland & Knight
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 3/31/04 $2,500.00 Holland & Knight
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 10/4/04 $2,500.00 Holland & Knight
Martinez, Robert 9/21/04 $250.00 Holland & Knight
Martinez, Robert 10/15/08 $500.00 Holland & Knight
Shirley, James 10/10/02 $250.00 Holland & Knight
Cava, James 3/16/04 $2,000.00 IMC
Cava, James 8/28/06 $1,000.00 IMC
Cava, James 10/18/06 $1,100.00 IMC
Cava, James 6/26/07 $2,300.00 IMC
Cox, Lyle 3/16/04 $2,000.00 IMC
Cox, Lyle 6/20/07 $2,000.00 IMC
Dash, Robert D. 3/16/04 $1,000.00 IMC
Dorn, Peter 3/16/04 $1,000.00 IMC
Grogan, David P. 9/30/08 $2,300.00 IMC
Hoffman, James 3/16/04 $2,000.00 IMC
Hoffman, James 8/28/06 $1,000.00 IMC
Hoffman, James 6/20/07 $2,300.00 IMC
Hoffman, James 3/5/08 $1,000.00 IMC
Hytner, Robert 3/16/04 $2,000.00 IMC
Hytner, Robert 10/12/04 $2,000.00 IMC
Hytner, Robert 8/28/06 $2,100.00 IMC
Hytner, Robert 10/18/06 $2,100.00 IMC
Hytner, Robert 3/30/07 $1,000.00 IMC
Hytner, Robert 5/16/07 $1,300.00 IMC
Hytner, Robert 6/20/07 $2,300.00 IMC
Lopez, Thomas 8/28/06 $1,000.00 IMC
Lopez, Thomas 5/7/07 $1,000.00 IMC
Lopez, Thomas 6/20/07 $1,000.00 IMC
Lopez, Thomas 6/20/07 $1,300.00 IMC
Lopez, Thomas 3/5/08 $1,000.00 IMC
Taylor, Michael 3/5/08 $2,000.00 IMC
Dressendorfer, John 10/16/00 $1,000.00 L-3 Communications
Dressendorfer, John 9/28/06 $1,000.00 L-3 Communications
Krall, Patricia 3/24/06 $250.00 L-3 Communications
Lancaster, Robert 2/24/06 $250.00 L-3 Communications
Penaskovic, Kenneth 3/24/06 $250.00 L-3 Communications
Ray, Gene 10/30/00 $1,000.00 L-3 Communications
Wahl, Frederick 3/24/06 $250.00 L-3 Communications
Martin, J. Allen 10/16/00 $250.00 Livingston Group
Martin, J. Allen 7/25/06 $1,000.00 Livingston Group
Martin, J. Allen 9/19/08 $1,000.00 Livingston Group
Robinson, J. Bernard 9/18/02 $500.00 Livingston Group
Rodgers, Richard 4/2/04 $250.00 Livingston Group
Rodgers, Richard 6/29/07 $1,000.00 Livingston Group
Rodgers, Richard 9/19/08 $500.00 Livingston Group
Zeliff, William 3/24/06 $250.00 Livingston Group
Zeliff, William 7/25/06 $1,500.00 Livingston Group
Zeliff, William 6/29/07 $1,000.00 Livingston Group
Zeliff, William 9/19/08 $1,000.00 Livingston Group
Arthur, Stanley 9/21/04 $300.00 Lockheed Martin
Dalby, Marc 9/23/08 $1,000.00 Mikros Systems
Dalby, Marc 4/3/09 $500.00 Mikros Systems
Meaney, Thomas 6/19/08 $1,000.00 Mikros Systems
Meaney, Thomas 4/3/09 $500.00 Mikros Systems
Hawkins, John R. 11/1/04 $250.00 PMA Group
Parkinson, Charles 3/18/04 $500.00 PMA Group
Walters, Gregory 3/18/04 $500.00 PMA Group
Walters, Gregory 4/19/04 $500.00 PMA Group
Hall, Gary M. 4/19/04 $500.00 Potomac Advocates
Nichols, John 10/5/06 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Nichols, John 5/16/07 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Nichols, John 3/5/08 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Nichols, William 4/5/04 $500.00 Potomac Advocates
Sojka, Gary 6/10/02 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Sojka, Gary 4/5/04 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Sojka, Gary 5/15/06 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Sojka, Gary 5/16/07 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Sojka, Gary 3/5/08 $1,000.00 Potomac Advocates
Bonsell, John 3/5/08 $1,000.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 6/11/04 $500.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 8/28/06 $2,000.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 10/5/06 $500.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 10/18/06 $500.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 5/7/07 $500.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 6/20/07 $1,800.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 3/5/08 $2,000.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 9/29/08 $300.00 Robison International
Dixon, Herbert Lee 5/18/09 $1,000.00 Robison International
Ladd, Richard 8/28/06 $500.00 Robison International
Ladd, Richard 3/5/08 $500.00 Robison International
Ladd, Richard 5/28/08 $250.00 Robison International
Ladd, Richard 5/18/09 $1,000.00 Robison International
West, Randall 3/22/06 $250.00 Robison International
West, Randall 3/24/06 $250.00 Robison International
West, Randall 3/5/08 $1,000.00 Robison International
Andersh, Dennis 8/9/05 $500.00 SAIC
Andersh, Dennis 4/7/06 $250.00 SAIC
Foreman, Edwin 8/9/05 $500.00 SAIC
Foreman, Edwin 3/24/06 $500.00 SAIC
Foreman, Edwin 10/18/06 $500.00 SAIC
Foreman, Edwin 9/23/08 $500.00 SAIC
Karwoski, Stephen 9/23/08 $250.00 SAIC
Miles, Thomas 3/24/06 $250.00 SAIC
Miles, Thomas 10/18/06 $500.00 SAIC
Miles, Thomas 9/23/08 $500.00 SAIC
Silva, Terry 3/31/06 $250.00 SAIC
Adcock, Michael 5/15/06 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Adcock, Michael 10/5/06 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Adcock, Michael 3/30/07 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Adcock, Michael 3/30/07 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Hollis, Andre 5/15/06 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Hollis, Andre 3/30/07 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Kaplan, Joel 3/30/07 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Kaplan, Joel 3/5/08 $500.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Kaplan, Joel 4/3/09 $500.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Lankford, Thomas 3/30/07 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Lankford, Thomas 4/3/09 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Latourette, Jennifer 3/30/07 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Malow, Jessica 5/7/07 $500.00 Van Scoyoc Asoc.
McDaid, Carol 5/7/07 $500.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
McDaid, Carol 6/19/08 $500.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Prenda, Brian 5/15/06 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Quinn, Thomas 3/30/07 $500.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Shupp, Michael 5/7/07 $2,300.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Shupp, Michael 4/3/09 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Van Scoyoc, H. Stewart 3/27/07 $10.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Van Scoyoc, H. Stewart 3/27/07 $325.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Van Scoyoc, H. Stewart 3/27/07 $1,252.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Van Scoyoc, H. Stewart 3/31/09 $10.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Van Scoyoc, H. Stewart 3/31/09 $410.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Van Scoyoc, H. Stewart 4/3/09 $1,000.00 Van Scoyoc Assoc.
Cavarocchi Ruscio Dennis & Assoc. 4/20/04 $2,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 5/2/02 $1,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 6/10/02 $1,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 9/11/02 $1,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 2/26/04 $1,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 2/26/04 $1,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 3/25/04 $3,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 4/13/04 $5,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 3/14/06 $2,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 4/20/06 $2,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 6/22/06 $1,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 6/22/06 $1,500.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 8/2/06 $3,500.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 3/13/07 $2,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 6/1/07 $3,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 4/22/08 $5,000.00
DRS Technologies Inc. Good Government Fund 3/25/09 $2,000.00
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 11/3/05 $1,000.00
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 9/28/06 $1,000.00
Holland & Knight Committee for Effective Govt 2/25/08 $1,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 5/30/02 $1,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 6/3/02 $5,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 1/27/04 $5,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 3/11/04 $1,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 5/9/05 $5,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 7/11/05 $5,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 6/1/06 $2,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 6/5/07 $5,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 2/21/08 $2,500.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 9/15/08 $1,000.00
L-3 Communications Corp Federal PAC 3/31/09 $1,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 4/28/98 $3,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 4/28/98 $5,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 4/21/99 $3,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 9/17/99 $2,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 10/5/00 $5,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 7/12/02 $1,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 9/9/02 $4,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 10/17/02 $5,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 4/14/04 $2,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 8/10/04 $3,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 10/8/04 $5,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 8/2/05 $2,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 3/23/06 $2,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 8/17/06 $1,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 9/27/06 $5,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 10/17/06 ($1,000.00)
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 4/24/07 $2,000.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 3/31/08 $2,500.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 8/20/08 $2,500.00
Lockheed Martin Corp Employees PAC 8/22/08 $5,000.00
PMA Group PAC 3/26/98 $1,000.00
PMA Group PAC 4/15/99 $1,000.00
PMA Group PAC 6/4/02 $1,000.00
PMA Group PAC 6/4/02 $1,000.00
PMA Group PAC 3/16/04 $500.00
PMA Group PAC 3/16/04 $500.00
PMA Group PAC 3/16/04 $500.00
PMA Group PAC 4/2/04 $1,000.00
PMA Group PAC 10/25/04 $1,000.00
PMA Group PAC 9/25/06 $2,000.00
PMA Group PAC 9/9/08 $2,500.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 4/17/97 $1,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 9/29/97 $1,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 4/13/99 $2,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 7/14/99 $1,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 9/28/00 $5,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 6/17/02 $2,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 9/23/02 $5,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 3/17/03 $2,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 3/22/04 $5,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 7/28/05 $4,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 9/12/06 $1,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 9/25/06 $1,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 10/23/06 $1,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 5/11/07 $5,000.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 3/4/08 $2,500.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 9/23/08 $2,500.00
SAIC Inc. Voluntary PAC 5/4/09 $1,000.00
Van Scoyoc Assoc., Inc. PAC 3/31/09 $934.00

What Speaker Rubio Didn't Say At CPAC: How He Will Help Bring Jobs To Florida

2010-02-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

Today, Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff released the following statement reacting to former Miami Lobbyist and Speaker Marco Rubio's empty rhetoric at CPAC, where Rubio regurgitated extreme right-wing platitudes, yet said nothing about how he will bring jobs to Florida or get our state back on track.

"While Marco Rubio may be succeeding in winning the heart and soul of the Republican Party, Speaker Rubio clearly has no new ideas to bring jobs to Florida or get our state back on track.

"While Speaker Rubio continues to offer only Tea Party talking points, Floridians are looking for real solutions to jump start our economy.

"As Florida House Speaker, Marco Rubio crafted the economic policies that took our state's economy down the wrong path. During Speaker Rubio's watch, Florida's economy collapsed. Now as other parts of our country begin to see signs of recovery, Florida is lagging behind thanks to the failed Republican policies from Tallahassee.

"Like the typical politician that he is, Rubio's recent rhetoric doesn't fit his record. Speaker Rubio refuses to tell Floridians if he continues to support the largest sales tax increase in Florida's history, which he sponsored while in the Legislature. He won't say what he will do to diversify Florida's economy. And, Rubio won't say how he will help Floridians suffering during these hard economic times.

"This fall, Floridians are going to send Kendrick Meek to the U.S. Senate because we need leaders that will fight against the status quo to help middle class families. Kendrick knows it takes more than political doublespeak or ideological rhetoric to ensure Florida's economy works for everyone. Throughout his career, Kendrick has been fighting to create jobs and expand opportunity, a fight he will continue in the U.S. Senate."

Briefing Memo To President George W. Bush on Miami Lobbyist Marco Rubio

2010-02-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

To: President George W. Bush
From: Concerned Citizens of Florida
Subject: Briefing Memo on Miami Lobbyist Marco Rubio

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday, while in Naples, Florida, you appeared to be caught off guard when asked about former Speaker and Miami Lobbyist Marco Rubio. According to media accounts you asked, "Who the hell is Marco Rubio?"

It is surprising that you don't know who Rubio is, given the fact much of your family, the family of your former Vice President Dick Cheney, and your former staff members including your so-called "brain" Karl Rove, are leading supporters of Rubio's campaign. We are concerned that any further snubs to Marco Rubio could be an embarrassment to you and him. Therefore, we hope you find the following briefing on Marco Rubio and his exploits helpful for your purposes and for preventing future slights.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Politician-Turned-Lobbyist-Turned-Politician

Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio was a Miami lobbyist, who later became Speaker of the Florida State House of Representatives. While his campaign tries to portray him as an outsider, the facts don't back that up. As the Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau recently reported:

His entire bio underscores that Rubio, despite his supporters describing him as an outsider in his race against fellow Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, is a consummate insider. Consider: City commissioner, lawyer, lobbyist*, one-time Republican Party of Florida American Express card holder, top echelon House leader and, ultimately, House Speaker, Jeb Bush sword-of-Chang bearer.

Mr. President, despite the fact that on most issues Speaker Rubio's recent rhetoric doesn't match his record, there are two areas of which you should find Rubio's stance particularly interesting. Marco Rubio is still fighting two of your failed policy battles: to enact Social Security privatization and to stop life-saving stem cell research.

SOCIAL SECURITY PRIVATIZATION:

Rubio Regurgitates Failed Washington Agenda

Despite the economic crash, and the vast majority of Floridians being against privatizing Social Security, Speaker Rubio is keeping up the fight for your plan to dismantle the program on which so many of Florida's senior citizens depend.

Rubio Supports Privatizing Social Security

On Feb. 2, 2010 the Reid Report reported that, "A spokesman for the Rubio campaign says the candidate 'supports giving people the option of investing a portion of their Social Security in personal retirement accounts,' which essentially is the Bush proposal." [Reid Report, 2/3/2010, Link]

Rubio: Social Security Should Include Private Accounts

On Jan. 31 2010 Tim Nicken the Editor of Editorials for the St. Petersburg Times reported during the previous week Rubio, "resurrected the failed Republican pitch to let people invest part of their Social Security money, a bad idea even before the recession wiped out many Americans' savings." [St. Petersburg Times, 1/31/2010]

Rubio Signed Laura Ingram's Ten for '10 Petition Pledging Support for Privatization

On Sept. 15, 2009 conservative radio host Laura Ingram announced that Rubio was among those who signed her "Ten for '10" pledge that included support for privatization of social security. The relevant part of Ingram's petition reads:

8) End Generational Theft. As few believe America's entitlement programs will be able to pay benefits to future generations, provide younger workers the choice of diverting payroll/Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts. [Laura Ingram, "Ten for '10," 9/15/2009, Link]

Rubio's Embraced Endorsements of Noted Privatization Advocates

Rubio Embraced Endorsement of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.)

On Jan. 6, 2010 Rubio embraced the endorsement of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) stating in a press release that:

Paul Ryan has become one of the Republican Party's brightest stars because of his willingness to tackle today's policy challenges with innovative and compelling conservative ideas. Paul Ryan's willingness to stand up for his principles and offer real solutions to our nation's challenges has made him one of the GOP's intellectual giants and a leader taxpayers can depend on to look after them and their hard-earned dollars. [Marco Rubio for Senate Press Release, 1/6/2010, Link]

Ryan FY 2011 Budget Called for Privatizing Social Security

On Feb. 8, 2010 Roll Call reported that Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) budget plan would slash medicare and privatize social security. Roll Call wrote, "The Budget ranking member's audacious plan to balance the budget by reinventing slimmer versions of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the tax code is forcing Republicans to determine how specific they want to be about taking on the enormous federal debt." [Roll Call, 2/8/2010]

Tax Policy Center: Ryan Plan "Would Reduce Future Social Security Benefits"

On Feb. 4, 2010 the Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution wrote that, "Ryan would reduce future Social Security benefits and create voluntary private accounts, much like the old Bush plan; turn Medicare into a voucher program starting in 2021; and cap spending for Medicaid, now an open-ended entitlement." [Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution, 2/4/2010, Link]

Ezra Kline: Ryan's Social Security Privatization Increases Its Cost

On Feb. 5, 2010 Ezra Kline opined in the Washington Post that Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) proposal to privatize social security would increase the program's cost. Kline wrote, "His proposal to add optional private accounts to Social Security actually increases the program's cost, which is a good reminder that Social Security plays little role in our long-term deficits." [Washington Post, Ezra Kline, 2/5/2010, Link]

Rubio Touted Endorsement of Steve Forbes

On Jan. 28, 2010 Rubio unveiled the endorsement of Steve Forbes who he stated in his press release had run for President touting among his key positions, "a new Social Security system for working Americans." [Marco Rubio for Senate Press Release, 1/28/2010, Link]

Forbes Called for Individuals Privately Investing 75% of Social Security Taxes

On June 10, 1999 according to the Associated Press hat Steve Forbes speaking to the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce said Americans "should be able to invest up to three-fourths of their Social Security taxes in private accounts, out of the reach of politicians in Congress." [Associated Press, 6/10/1999]

Rubio Endorsed by Long Time Privatization Advocate Club for Growth

On Nov. 9, 2009 the Club for Growth endorsed Rubio's Senate campaign noting that he was "an advocate of lower federal spending, tax relief and tax reform." The Club for Growth has long been a vocal supporter of privatization of social security and states on its website that it seeks to "Create Social Security personal retirement accounts that workers would own and could use to build nest eggs for retirement." [Club for Growth Press Release, 11/9/2009, Link; Club for Growth, "Our Philosophy," Link]

STEM CELLS:

Rubio Opposes Medical Research, Opposes Hope For The Sick

Despite medical evidence that it's the best hope for millions of sick or disabled Americans, Marco Rubio opposed stem cell research - even voted against funding for non-embryonic stem cell research - and failed to meet the call of other Republicans for funding for non-embryonic stem cell research. Just like you Mr. President, Marco Rubio knows his personal ideology is more important than anyone else's right to a healthy life. That's why extremists agree on having Marco Rubio in the Senate. He can decide what health care treatment options are available to each of us, because we can't be trusted to make those decisions ourselves.

Rubio Voted Against Funding for Embryonic and Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Roll Call Vote 730

Amendment 990241

Rep. Franklin Sands

4/6/2006

Failed 40-73

On Apr. 6, 2006 Project Vote Smart reported that Rubio voted against an amendment that earmarked $1 million from the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program to fund research grants on adult, umbilical cord and embryonic stem cell projects. The amendment failed in the House 40-73. [Project Vote Smart Florida House Votes, Roll Call Vote 730, 4/6/2006]

Rubio: I Supported Bill That Banned Taxpayer Funding of Stem Cell Research

On his website, Marco Rubio states that he opposes the taxpayer funding of stem cell research, a position he notes he took while in the legislature. Rubio states:

"I am pro-life. As a state legislator, I supported various pieces of pro-life legislation that, among other things, would require doctors to perform ultrasounds before performing abortions and another bill that would ban the use of taxpayer dollars to fund stem cell research." [Marco Rubio for Senate Issues Page, accessed 2/16/2010, Link]

2007 Rubio: "I Oppose State Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research"

On Feb. 1, 2007 the News-Journal reported that Rubio rebuffed Gov. Crist's efforts to fund stem cell research, stating, "I oppose state funding of embryonic stem-cell research." The paper reported that the package Crist introduced "Proposed spending $20 million to spur stem-cell research in Florida but rejected funding for controversial research that involves destroying human embryos." [News-Journal, 2/1/2007]

Rubio 2007 Budget Cut Out Funding Stem Cell Research

On May 4, 2007 the Tallahassee Democrat reported that the budget passed by the Rubio led legislature cut out "nearly $60 million for stem cell research and antiviral flu treatments" requested by Gov. Crist. [Tallahassee Democrat, 5/4/2007]

Family Research Council Endorsement Touted Rubio's Opposition to Embryonic, But Support for Adult Stem Cell Research

On Nov. 5, 2009 the Conservative Family Research Council Action PAC endorsed Rubio's U.S. Senate campaign. In their endorsement the FRC said, "Rubio also understands the importance of adult stem cell research in treating patients. He also endorsed legislation to ensure that taxpayers aren't forced to fund embryonic stem cell research." [Marco Rubio for Senate, "FRC Action PAC Endorses Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate," 11/5/2009, Link]

Rubio Led Legislature Failed to Even Fund Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The News Journal noted on May 6, 2007 that the Rubio led legislature had not addressed funding requested by Gov. Crist for $20 million to fund non-embryonic stem cell research. [News-Journal, 5/6/2007]

In closing, Mr. President, we hope you will find this briefing memo helpful so that when you return to Florida, you will remember the name of the faux-outsider, lobbyist and far-right extremist Marco Rubio.

Justice Indictment of Young #2- Bill Young Has Become The Al Capone Of Earmarks

2010-02-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

Charlie Justice Continues Indictment Of Bill Young For Corrupting Federal Budget, Exploding Deficits

‘Bill Young has become the Al Capone of earmarks’

Three investigations into Young-related earmarking are on going

St. Petersburg, FL - February 19, 2010 – Charlie Justice says Congressman Bill Young has engaged in a systematic “Earmarks for Cash” conspiracy that has corrupted the federal budget process and helped explode the deficit.

“On four different occasions, Congressman Bill Young has provided earmarks to entities that have been investigated by law enforcement for bribery and fraud. In some cases, Young’s benefactors have been indicted,” Justice said today. “In his relentless quest for campaign contributions, Congressman Young has taken $737,000 in campaign cash in return for inserting so-called budget ‘earmarks’ into the federal budget. Along the way, investigations have shown that Young’s benefactors have been investigated for a variety of charges including bribery and fraud.”

Justice said Young’s behavior has helped corrupt the federal budget process even as Congressman Young has fought against reforming the process.

“Bill Young has become the Al Capone of the budget earmark process,” said Justice. “Just a few months ago, federal investigators raided yet another firm that had been the beneficiary of millions of dollars in taxpayers’ money shepherded through the budget process by Congressman Bill Young.”

In his second in a series of indictments leveled at Congressman Bill Young, Justice revealed four different occasions where Young earmarks have drawn the attention of American and international law enforcement officials. Three of the investigations are ongoing.

Justice said his examination of Young’s earmarks show a clear link between earmarks and contributions to his campaign.

“There appears to be a formula for Young’s corrupting behavior. The larger the budget earmark, the higher the contributions to Young’s campaign. For every million dollars in tax money Young has doled out, he receives an average of $7,836 to his campaign,” Justice said. “Bill Young has embraced the corrupt ethics of a bygone era and made it a part of the federal budget process. Until Bill Young is removed from Congress, the federal budget process cannot be healed and deficits cannot be controlled.”

“Bill Young has a record that would make Al Capone proud,” Justice said. “Why would a Florida congressman be so interested in helping companies in Maine and England get money from the federal budget? Perhaps it is because some of that money that then flowed to Young’s campaign account.”

“Here’s what I will do differently as the next Congressman from Florida’s 10th District. I will vote to eliminate the practice of earmarking pet projects in the federal budget. I can bring home federal tax dollars to Pinellas County without engaging in the corrupting earmarking process,” Justice said. “I will also fight for jobs and tourism dollars right here in Pinellas County and let New York, England and Maine take care of themselves. I will do it in the open through the budget process instead of through these corrupting earmarks.”

Indictment #2 – The Al Capone of Congress

Indictments, bribery, fraud taint Young budget shenanigans.

Young took $517,300 from four tainted recipients of earmarks.

Case #1: Maine Defense Contractor Indicted After Receiving Millions in Young Earmarks. Young accepted $11,000 for his campaign from those connected to the scandal. Recipients indicted.

Over the course of seven years, Maurice Subilia, owner of a small Maine-based defense company, managed to fleece more than $5 million from the U.S. government through bribery, fraudulent contracting, and overseas money laundering. Rep. Young accepted over $11,000 from individuals connected to the scandal, including two of those indicted in the conspiracy.

Background

Between 2000 and 2007, a small defense company in Maine procured almost $10 million in government contracts. In return, the company provided worthless parts and services as part of a sham operation. Maurice Subilia, the company’s owner, bribed two Army engineers to steer contracts their way, and he used other subcontractors and an overseas bank account to launder the money. All told, Subilia managed to defraud the government of more than $5 million.

As part of his plea, Subilia admitted to using Lealagi and another company called Sage Technologies LLC to bribe Army officials, rig contracts, and funnel federal dollars to himself and family members from 2000 to early 2007.

In order to make their scheme work, Subilia and Cantrell had to keep the money flowing from Congress to Cantrell’s projects. That’s where the lobbying firm came in. Subilia, through Lealagi, hired Congressional Strategies LLC of Arlington, Va.

Congressional Strategies is run by Grayson Winterling and James Littig. The firm specializes in the defense industry…

During the time of the conspiracy, Lealagi and Sage Technologies wired roughly $5.7 million to overseas bank accounts. (Portland Press-Herald, Mar. 22, 2009)

$11,250 to Young from Individuals Connected to Scandal

From 1999 to 2006, Rep. Young received $11,250 in campaign contributions from individuals connected to the Lealagi scandal. The contributions came from Moe Subilia, Dennis and Joan Darling of Innovative Business Solutions, and Grayson Winterling and James Littig of Congressional Strategies. (Federal Election Commission)

Name, Date, Amount, Employer
Darling, Dennis 9/5/2000 $500.00 Innovative Business Solutions
Darling, Dennis 6/6/2002 $1,000.00 Innovative Business Solutions
Darling, Dennis 10/14/2003 $2,000.00 Innovative Business Solutions
Darling, Dennis 6/7/2005 $2,000.00 Innovative Business Solutions
Darling, Dennis 3/24/2006 $2,000.00 Innovative Business Solutions
Darling, Joan 3/24/2006 $2,000.00 Innovative Business Solutions
Subilia, Maurice 9/5/2000 $500.00 Fiber Materials
Littig, M.J. 4/12/2004 $500.00 Congressional Strategies
Littig, M.J. 3/31/2006 $250.00 Congressional Strategies
Winterling, Grayson 7/26/1999 $500.00 Congressional Strategies

Case #2: Authorities raid company after millions in earmarks by Bill Young. Congressman accepted $6,300 for his campaign. Investigation ongoing.

Bill Young has a long-standing quid pro quo relationship with Conax Corporation. They’ve been a contributor to his campaign for as long as he’s been an earmarker for their projects. In Jul. 2009, federal officials raided the offices of Florida defense contractor Conax Corporation. Rep. Young, who has reportedly sponsored $28.5 million in earmarks for Conax since 2005, withdrew an earmark currently in legislation in an attempt to distance himself from the company.

Earmarks for Conax and Quid Pro Quo

In 2007 and 2008, Bill Young sponsored three earmarks totaling almost $10 million for Florida-based Conax Corporation. Although unverifiable due to the former anonymity of earmark sponsorship, it was reported that Young has secured a total of $28.5 million in earmarks since 2005. In return he has received $6,300 in campaign contributions since 2006 from employees of Conax and its parent corporation, Cobham Life Support Systems. (U.S. Office of Management and Budget; Congressional Record, Sept. 25, 2008, p. E1992 and E1994; Federal Election Commission; St. Petersburg Times, Jul. 17, 2009)

Name, Date, Amount, Employer
Claudon, Chester III 9/12/2007 $300.00 Conax
Claudon, Chester III 10/27/2008 $300.00 Conax
Frederick, Danny 3/24/2006 $500.00 Conax
Gerrish, Kevin 10/27/2008 $200.00 Conax
Guenthardt, Alvin 3/24/2006 $500.00 Conax
Guenthardt, Alvin 9/12/2007 $500.00 Conax
Kovacik, James 9/12/2007 $250.00 Conax
Losi, Robert 3/24/2006 $250.00 Conax
Lutocka, John 3/24/2006 $250.00 Conax
McCracken, Walter 3/24/2006 $250.00 Conax
McCracken, Walter 6/19/2008 $250.00 Conax
Nesslar, Gary 3/24/2006 $250.00 Conax
Nigh, Clifford 3/24/2006 $250.00 Conax
Barbero, Michael 10/27/2008 $500.00 Cobham
Coffield, Kelly 9/12/2007 $500.00 Cobham
Guenthardt, Alvin 10/27/2008 $250.00 Cobham
Suff, Charles 10/27/2008 $1,000.00 Cobham

July 2009: Conax Offices Raided

On Jul. 15, 2009, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service raided Conax’s St. Petersburg offices and seized corporate records in conjunction with a federal investigation.

An official with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service said the agency executed a search warrant for corporate records as part of an ongoing investigation but declined to elaborate. Also involved in the search were the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the offices of inspectors general with the Air Force, NASA and the Defense Department. (Washington Post, Jul. 16, 2009)

Case #3: Young takes $460,000 in campaign cash from corrupt lobbyists and their clients. Investigation ongoing.

In November 2008, federal officials raided the offices of lobbying juggernaut PMA Group of Washington, D.C. Initial indications suggested that the investigation was related to allegations of illegal political contributions. Over the years Rep. Young has accepted a reported $460,000 from PMA and its clients, more than half of which came from clients who had benefited from an earmark sponsored by Young. In Oct. 2009, a leaked report named several legislators involved in the PMA inquiry, one of whom was Young.

November 2008: PMA Under Investigation

In November 2008, federal officials raided the offices of lobbying firm PMA Group. News of the raid broke in February 2009, and sources indicated that the investigation centered around illegal campaign contributions.

Federal investigators have raided the offices of the PMA Group, one of Washington’s biggest lobbying firms, as part of an investigation into potentially improper campaign contributions, a person briefed on the investigators’ questions said Monday night.

The firm specializes in helping its clients obtain multimillion dollar earmarks, the pet items inserted by a single lawmaker into major spending bills that have played a role in several recent Washington scandals. (New York Times, Feb. 10, 2009)

October 2009: Bill Young Named in Congressional Ethics Probe

In October 2009, a leaked report of the House Committee on Standards and Official Conduct named Bill Young as part of the committee’s inquiry into the PMA-related contribution scandal.

The new revelations indicate that the PMA probe has involved a much larger number of lawmakers than previous public reports had indicated. The report shows the Ethics Committee has spoken to seven members of the defense-spending panel in an effort to determine whether lawmakers violated House ethics rules by trading spending earmarks for campaign donations. (Wall Street Journal, Oct. 31, 2009)

Earmarks for PMA Clients

Since 2007, Bill Young has obtained over $20 million in earmarked funds for PMA Group clients AAR Corp, Coda Octopus, Concurrent Technologies, General Dynamics, ITT Corp, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, and Rockwell Collins. (Open Secrets Lobbying Database; U.S. Office of Management and Budget; Congressional Record).

$460,000 to Young from PMA Group and Clients

OpenSecrets.org indicated that Rep. Young has received a grand total of $460,000 in contributions from employees of PMA Group and its clients. PMA clients who received earmarks courtesy of Rep. Young funded his campaign to the tune of $246,700.

Contributions records show Young has received $460,000 from PMA Group and its clients, according to OpenSecrets.org. (St. Petersburg Times, Oct. 29, 2009)

Case #4: A global trail of corruption. Young takes $40,000 from company under investigation by the governments of two countries. Investigation ongoing.

Bill Young has accepted over $40,000 in campaign contributions from a company that is under investigation by the governments of two different countries. British defense company BAE Systems has drawn the attention of the U.S. Justice Department and the British Serious Fraud Office for instances of alleged bribery. Still more impressive is the list of countries in which the alleged offenses took place; if found in violation of all suspected instances, BAE Systems could potentially have committed crimes on four continents.

Background

In late 2007, it was reported that BAE Systems was under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for allegedly bribing Saudi Arabian royalty to procure military contracts. As of October 2009 that investigation was still ongoing. Britain’s Serious Fraud Office is also investigating the company for bribery and has announced its intention to bring a case to the Attorney-General.

The Department of Justice is investigating BAE Systems for alleged bribery in dealings with Saudi Arabia. According to news reports, BAE set up a slush fund with hundreds of millions of dollars in a Washington, D.C. bank to bribe Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan in order to win weapons contracts. (The Hill, Nov. 1, 2007)

The US Department of Justice is still looking into payments worth more than 1 billion made by BAE to Saudi officials…The latest SFO investigation, however, focuses on four other countries where it is alleged that BAE used bribes to secure arms contracts – the Czech Republic, South Africa, Tanzania, and Romania. (London Times, Oct. 2, 2009)

$43,000 in Contributions to Young from BAE Systems

Since 1998, Rep. Young has been a regular recipient of campaign contributions from BAE Systems’ political action committees. He has amassed a total of $43,500. (Federal Election Commission)

Name, Date, Amount
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 3/30/1998 $1,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 4/20/1999 $500.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 10/4/2000 $3,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 11/13/2001 $2,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 7/9/2002 $1,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 9/11/2002 $2,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 3/11/2004 $1,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 10/4/2004 $3,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 4/26/2005 $5,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 4/28/2005 $5,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 6/21/2007 $2,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 3/3/2008 $2,500.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 9/24/2008 $1,000.00
BAE Systems Inc. PAC 9/24/2008 $1,500.00
BAE Systems United Defense Employees PAC 10/7/1998 $1,000.00
BAE Systems United Defense Employees PAC 4/1/1999 $1,000.00
BAE Systems United Defense Employees PAC 6/7/2002 $1,000.00
BAE Systems United Defense Employees PAC 4/16/2004 $5,000.00
BAE Systems United Defense Employees PAC 4/13/2005 $5,000.00

Charlie Justice Begins Indictment of Bill Young

2010-02-17T18:03:00.002-08:00

Charlie Justice Begins Indictment Of Bill Young For Corrupting Federal Budget, Exploding Deficits

‘Bill Young has embraced the corrupt ethics of a bygone era’

First Count of Indictment: The Floating Museum in New York

Young’s New York Museum Engages in Direct Attack on Florida’s Tourism Industry

St. Petersburg, FL - February 16, 2010 - Charlie Justice says Congressman Bill Young has engaged in a systematic “Earmarks for Cash” conspiracy that has corrupted the federal budget process and helped explode the deficit.

“Congressman Bill Young has betrayed the trust of the people of Pinellas County by trading taxpayers’ money for contributions to his campaign,“ Justice said today. “Congressman Young has taken $737,000 in campaign cash in return for inserting so-called budget ‘earmarks’ into the federal budget.”

Justice said Young’s behavior has helped corrupt the federal budget process even as Congressman Young has fought against reforming the process.

“Beginning today, my campaign will present a ten count indictment of Congressman Bill Young’s corrupting abuse of the federal budget process for his own political gain. I believe that Congressman Young’s behavior is disgraceful, disqualifying and completely out of the step with the people of Pinellas County,” Justice said.

Justice said his examination of Young’s earmarks show a clear link between earmarks and contributions to his campaign.

“There appears to be a formula for Young’s corrupting behavior. The larger the budget earmark, the higher the contributions to Young’s campaign. For every million dollars in tax money Young has doled out, he receives an average of $7,836 to his campaign,” Justice said. “Bill Young has embraced the corrupt ethics of a bygone era and made it a part of the federal budget process. Until Bill Young is removed from Congress, the federal budget process cannot be healed and deficits cannot be controlled.”

“Here’s what I will do differently as the next Congressman from Florida’s 10th District. I will vote to eliminate the practice of earmarking pet projects in the federal budget. I can bring home federal tax dollars to Pinellas County without engaging in the corrupting earmarking process,” Justice said. “I will also fight for jobs and tourism dollars right here in Pinellas County and let New York take care of itself.”

Indictment #1 – The Floating New York Museum

$13 million hidden in the federal budget by Young.

$120,000 to Young’s Campaign.

“It’s curious that a congressman who represents a tourist destination state like Florida would hide $13 million in taxpayers’ money for a tourist destination in New York Harbor. It’s curious, at least, until you learn that Congressman Bill Young got $120,000 in contributions to his campaign in return for boosting tourism in New York,” said Charlie Justice.

New York real estate tycoon Zachary Fisher led efforts to restore the USS Intrepid as a museum in the Hudson River. The project received a shot in the arm to the tune of $13 million thanks to an earmark supported by Rep. Young, who served as Appropriations Committee Chairman at the time. In return he received $120,000 in campaign contributions from members of the Fisher family and employees of Wall Street investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, whose CEO was on the museum’s board of directors.

“Congressman Bill Young often crows about bringing money home to Pinellas County. Why then did Bill Young use his influence to hide $13 million in the budget for a floating museum in New York Harbor? Perhaps Young shepherded the $13 million into the budget because he then received $40,000 in campaign contributions to his campaign right after the earmark and $120,000 in total over the last ten years,” said Charlie Justice.

Justice added, “It is particularly galling to see the website for the floating museum promote bringing the Space Shuttle to New York harbor as part of their program. That is a direct attack on the Florida tourism industry.”

Petition to Bring Space Shuttle to New York

How Young Did It: $13 Million Earmark Not Requested by Military

A line-item earmark for $13 million mysteriously appeared in conference report for the fiscal year 1998 military spending bill. The money, though not requested by the military, was to be funneled through the Navy for the benefit the U.S.S. Intrepid museum in New York.

The appropriation - to be routed through the U.S. Navy and given strictly to the Intrepid - was not requested by the Navy.

And the line-item doesn't appear in either the original version passed by the House or a similar spending bill passed through the Senate. But when members of both chambers met under Young's leadership to hammer out their differences, the $13 million grant suddenly appeared in the final version that was ultimately approved by Congress and signed by President Clinton in October 1997. (Tampa Tribune, Jan. 16, 1999)

How Young’s Campaign Benefitted

The Intrepid museum had some powerful patrons, including Zachary Fisher, a wealthy real estate mogul from New York, and Howard Lutnick, CEO of investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald and a member of the museum’s board of directors. Their gratitude came in the form of tens of thousands toward Bill Young’s re-election campaign.

Seven months after he helped secure a $13 million government grant to resurface the flight deck of a New York family’s floating dream, the clan of real-estate moguls and their associates donated a hefty $40,000 to U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young’s uncontested re-election bid.

That total, given in bundles over several days in April and May 1998, amounts to more than a third of all individual contributions to the Pinellas Republican’s campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission. (Tampa Tribune, Jan. 16, 1999)

Name, Date, Amount, Employer

Buehler, Christine 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Buehler, Christine 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Anne E 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Fisher, Anne E 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Fisher, Arnold 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Arnold 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Elissa 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Fisher, Kenneth 4/20/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Kenneth 4/20/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, M Anthony 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, M Anthony 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Richard L 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Richard L 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Steven 4/20/98 $1,000 Plaza Construction
Fisher, Suzanne 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Fisher, Suzanne 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Fisher, Tammy 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Fisher, Tammy 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Fisher, Zachary 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Zachary 4/14/98 $1,000 Fisher Brothers
Fraser, Stuart 5/26/98 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Fraser, Stuart 5/26/98 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Fraser, Elsier 5/26/98 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Fraser, Elsier 5/26/98 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Ginsberg, Philip 5/26/98 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Ginsberg, Philip 5/26/98 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Ginsberg, Leslie 5/26/98 $1,000 SBC Communications
Ginsberg, Leslie 5/26/98 $1,000 SBC Communications
Kenowsky, Sunnie 4/14/98 $1,000 Veterinarian (shared address with Zachary Fisher)
Kenowsky, Sunnie 4/14/98 $1,000 Veterinarian
Lutnick, Howard 5/6/98 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Lutnick, Howard 4/2/97 $1,000 Cantor Fitzgerald
Lutnick, Allison 5/6/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Lutnick, Allison 4/2/97 $1,000 Homemaker
Pope, Lois 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker (friend of Zachary Fisher)
Pope, Lois 4/14/98 $1,000 Homemaker
Stern, Michael 4/14/98 $1,000 Intrepid Board of Directors
Stern, Michael 4/14/98 $1,000 Intrepid Board of Directors
Stern, Margaret 4/20/98 $1,000 Margaret Stern Comm.
Stern, Margaret 4/20/98 $1,000 Margaret Stern Comm.

$120,000 since 1998

Ten years after donating $40,000 to Bill Young, the Fisher family, employees of Cantor Fitzgerald, and employees of the Fisher-owned Plaza Construction donated another $80,000 to Rep. Young’s campaign between June and August 2008. (Federal Election Commission)

Name, Date, Amount, Employer
Fisher, Arnold 8/5/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Arnold 8/5/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Audrey 8/5/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Audrey 8/5/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Karen 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Fisher, Karen 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Fisher, Kenneth 8/5/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Kenneth 8/5/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Steven 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Steven 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Tammy 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Fisher, Tammy 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Fisher, Winston 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Fisher, Winston 8/26/2008 $2,300.00 Fisher Brothers
Lutnick, Allison 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Lutnick, Allison 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Lutnick, Howard 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Lutnick, Howard 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Barnard, Douglas 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Barnard, Douglas 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Fraser, Stuart 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Fraser, Stuart 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Ficarro, James 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Ficarro, James 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Merkel, Stephen 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Merkel, Stephen 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Pion, Paul 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Pion, Paul 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Spar, Anne 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Spar, Anne 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Spar, Elon 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Homemaker
Spar, Elon 6/19/2008 $2,300.00 Cantor Fitzgerald
Whalen, John 8/26/2008 $2,000.00 Plaza Construction
Wood, Richard 8/20/2008 $2,300.00 Plaza Construction
Wood, Richard 8/20/2008 $2,300.00 Plaza Construction

Marco Rubio Affirms He's Part of the Flat Earth Society, What About Charlie Crist?

2010-02-17T18:03:00.001-08:00

From FDP:

Rubio To Tampa Tribune: I Don't Believe In Global Warming

With Both Rubio And Crist Running Hard To Right, Will Crist Also Disavow Global Warming?

Today, the Florida Democratic Party is on the offensive against former Miami lobbyist Marco Rubio after he suggested he doesn't believe in global warming. In an interview with the Tampa Tribune, Speaker Rubio said he doesn't accept the scientific evidence for global warming, which puts him at odds with the vast majority of actually scientists and climatologists. With Rubio declaring himself part of the flat earth society, will embattled Governor Charlie Crist, down big in the polls, join Rubio and try to curry some favor with right-wing, Tea Party activists?

"With his comments late last week suggesting he doesn't believe in global warming, Marco Rubio has positioned himself far outside the Florida mainstream," said Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party spokesman. "Now the spotlight falls on Charlie Crist. Falling further and further behind in the polls and facing a right-wing primary electorate, will Charlie Crist join Rubio in denying the existence of global warming?"

"And, with both Rubio and Crist running hard to the right and right out of the Florida mainstream, what extreme positions will they take next? Will they declare a belief that humans and dinosaurs roamed the earth together? Will they demand that the United States return to the gold standard?" asked Jotkoff.

Tampa Tribune: Rubio questions climate change

WILLIAM MARCH

February 13, 2010

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/feb/13/na-rubio-questions-climate-change/

Senate candidate Marco Rubio said Friday that he doesn't accept the scientific evidence for global warming - a stance Rubio has hinted at before, but which the campaign of Gov. Charlie Crist said is a switch for Rubio.

Rubio denied it's a change in his position on the issue.

Climate change in general, and specifically of a "cap-and-trade" plan to limit carbon emissions, has been an issue in the campaign between Crist and Rubio for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.

In an interview with the Tribune on that subject Friday, Rubio called Crist "a believer in man-made global warming."

"I don't think there's the scientific evidence to justify it," Rubio said.

Asked whether he accepts the scientific evidence that the global climate is undergoing change, he responded, "The climate is always changing. The climate is never static. The question is whether it's caused by man-made activity and whether it justifies economically destructive government regulation."

Rubio hasn't previously denied global warming outright in published statements on the issue.

In December, he told The Miami Herald, "I'm not a scientist. I'm not qualified to make that decision. There's a significant scientific dispute about that."

In an interview with the American Spectator, which used only paraphrase and not direct quotes, Rubio said he was not prepared to challenge the scientific evidence of global warming, but that the evidence didn't justify a cap-and-trade plan.

The Crist camp accuses Rubio of flip-flopping on the issue because while Rubio criticizes Crist for backing a cap-and-trade plan, Rubio also led the state House in 2008 to pass legislation mandating a state cap-and-trade plan.

"If the climate's changing, so are his positions on issues," said Eric Eikenberg, Crist campaign manager. "This is the flavor of the month," an attempt by Rubio to appeal to the right wing, he said.

In a 2007 speech on the issue to the House, Rubio said, "Florida has the opportunity to pursue bold energy policies, not just because they are good for our environment, but because people can actually make money at doing it. This nation, and ultimately the world, is headed towards emission caps and energy diversification."

But Rubio says his position has not changed on the issue.

The 2008 legislation, he said, was a response to Crist's attempt to enact a cap-and-trade plan by executive order - a plan Rubio bashes as "California-style" or "European-style."

Rubio, then state House speaker with control over House legislation, said rather than allow Crist's plan to take effect, he backed legislation to require the state Department of Environmental Protection to develop a "market-based" plan to comply with a potential federal plan.

Jennifer Collins, a meteorologist at the University of South Florida, said it's true the global climate isn't static, as Rubio said, but added, "The evidence is that there is a slow, long-term warming, and that some of that is attributable to humans."

Congresswoman Brown-Waite Took Thousands from Scandal Plagued WellPoint Insurance

2010-02-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

From Jim Piccillo:

Piccillo Challenges Ginny Brown-Waite to Return Thousands in WellPoint “Blood Money”

Congresswoman Brown-Waite Took Thousands from Scandal Plagued WellPoint Insurance
Piccillo: “WellPoint's greedy price-hike scheme is right out of the Wall Street handbook; designed to make them rich while families lose their health care coverage.”

Land O Lakes, FL- Jim Piccillo, the leading opponent to Congresswoman Ginny Brown- Waite, called on her today to return the $2,000 in campaign contributions she took from the controversial insurance company WellPoint. Piccillo issued this challenge after weekend reports revealed that WellPoint insurance increased their premiums by 39% only days after posting a $2.7 Billion profit last fiscal quarter.

“I support bringing down monthly insurance premiums for Florida's families through common-sense reforms to our health care system. Ginny Brown-Waite voted for a health care bill that would take six years to achieve 3% savings in health care premiums for 8 out of 10 Americans. She voted for that bill to protect the same insurance companies, like WellPoint, that pumped over $150,000 into her campaign during last year's health care debate. It should make people wonder who Ginny Brown-Waite is really working for; big insurance companies or us, her constituents,” said Piccillo.
Piccillo is running for Congress to restore common-sense by holding greedy insurance companies and other special interests accountable while Florida families struggle to make ends meet during this crippling recession that has the district facing record unemployment levels.

“What WellPoint did disgusts me. They are the perfect example of what's wrong with the American health care system today. WellPoint's greedy price-hike scheme is right out of the Wall Street handbook; designed to make them rich while families lose their health care coverage. That's why Ginny Brown-Waite should return the $2,000.00 she took from them for her campaign. WellPoint's blood money has no place in this campaign,” concluded Piccillo.

Will Crist, Rubio Meet Answer On Equal Pay?

2010-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

Or Will They Continue Dodge and Weave on Pocketbook Issues?

Tallahassee, FL - On the one-year anniversary of Congress passing the Lilly Ledbetter Act to require equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or national origin, Republican U.S. Senate hopefuls Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist are oddly silent. Would they have supported or opposed the landmark equal-pay legislation had they been in Congress?

"Floridians deserve equal pay for equal work. And the people of our state deserve to know if those who wish to represent us support or oppose equal pay for equal work," Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff said. "How would Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio have voted?"

In January 2009, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act passed Congress with the support of Senator Bill Nelson and despite the opposition of former Republican Senator Mel Martinez.

"Facing a roomful of reporters Wednesday, Florida's Republican candidates for U.S. Senate offered a glimpse of what's ahead in their campaigns when the heat is on: dodge and weave," Reported one newspaper earlier this week in a story headlined, "Rubio, Crist practice dodge, weave with reporters." [Times/Herald, Tampabay.com, 1/28/10]

Will Bill Young Run To Put Washington Republicans First?

2010-01-31T08:42:00.001-08:00

The Florida Democratic Party today urged Congressman Bill Young to seriously consider if he wants to run for re-election to represent the interests of his district or to please national Republican leaders in Congress. In recent days, media reports have made clear that Young might run for re-election because of pressure from national Republican leaders.

"After 39 years in Washington, Congressman Bill Young has lost touch with the people of Pinellas County. Rather than listening to the Floridians demanding change, Congressman Young instead has made it clear that his decision to retire depends on lobbying from the Republican Party bosses in Washington," said Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party Spokesman. "The people of Florida's 10th district need someone to represent them, unfortunately Congressman Young is only listening to Washington Republicans and their special interest friends. So rather than doing what Washington Republicans demand, maybe Young will finally put his district first and retire. If not, the voters will tarnish what legacy Young has left by throwing him out of office this fall."

Background

According to Darryl Paulson, a political science professor with a "long relationship with Young", Rep. Young has changed his mind and decided to run "in response to intense lobbying from national Republicans." [Tampa Tribune, 1/25/2010]
Young has acknowledged that if he decides to run it's because: "I'm getting lobbied big time to run for re-election." [St. Petersburg Times, 1/13/2010]

Speaker Rubio's Just Saying No Won't Bring Jobs To Florida

2010-01-25T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today, Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff released the following statement demanding to know how Speaker Marco Rubio's "just saying no" to efforts to jumpstart Florida's economy will bring new jobs to Florida, after the Crist Administration announced Florida's unemployment rate is up to 11.8 percent:

"As Florida House Speaker, Marco Rubio crafted the economic policies that took our state's economy down the wrong path. During Speaker Rubio's watch, Florida's economy collapsed while Rubio did nothing to bring new jobs to Florida or jumpstart our economy.

"Like the typical politician that he is, Rubio's recent rhetoric doesn't fit his record. Speaker Rubio refuses to tell Floridians if he continues to support the largest sales tax increase in Florida's history, which he sponsored while in the Legislature. And Rubio won't say how he will help Floridians suffering during these hard economic times.

"Floridians deserve answers, but all Speaker Rubio has to say is 'No.'"

Rubio Continues Paying Back Mortgage Industry For Sweetheart Home Loan

2010-01-18T23:58:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

For the second time in as many days, the Florida Democratic Party slammed former House Speaker Marco Rubio for his extremist agenda and putting his fight for the heart and soul of the Republican Party ahead of what is best for Florida after Rubio came out against President Obama's Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee that ensures that Americans are fully compensated for the extraordinary assistance the government has provided Wall Street during the financial crisis.

"Marco Rubio's hypocrisy grew by leaps and bounds today on the news that he's not only been taking sweetheart home loan deals, but also using his position to payback the people who got him those sweetheart deals by opposing the full repayment of taxpayers for their money used to bailout his buddies in the financial industry," said Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party Spokesman. "Marco Rubio has proven to be a typical politician shilling for the special interests, the mortgage and insurance industries that have been gouging Florida customers for years."

Miami Herald: Rubio home equity loan questioned; Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio failed to disclose a $135,000 home equity loan he got from a Miami bank controlled by political supporters.

BYLINE: GARY FINEOUT, SUSANNAH A. NESMITH AND ROB BARRY

March 29, 2008

State House Speaker Marco Rubio abruptly amended his financial disclosure forms Friday after The Miami Herald asked why they lacked a $135,000 home-equity loan he obtained from a bank controlled by his political supporters.

Rubio and his wife bought the West Miami home for $550,000 in December 2005, with a $55,000 down payment. A month later, Rubio qualified for the equity loan from Miami-based U.S. Century Bank because an appraisal valued the home far higher than the purchase price: $735,000.

Real-estate experts said the deal -- on which Rubio gained $185,000 in equity in just 37 days -- was unusual. But the 36-year-old Republican said Friday that it was all above board, that he obtained no special favors and that the failure to disclose the loan was just ``an oversight.''

''There's nothing unusual about the loan or the application,'' Rubio said. ``They went out and ordered the appraisal. . . . They said I qualified for $135,000. I took the equity line.''

Rubio said the appraisal was legitimate, considering the heady days of Miami's real estate boom, but experts aren't so sure.

''It looks a lot like somebody's currying favor with an important political person,'' said Michael Cannon, a market analyst and executive director of Integra Realty Resources-Miami whose real estate column appears in The Herald. ``People off the street don't get this deal because he just purchased the property for $550,000. If it is a true equity loan, there has to be equity in the house to make the loan.''

Though U.S. Century Bank's appraiser said Rubio's new house was worth far more than the purchase price, none of the homes of similar size within a half-mile sold for any more than Rubio paid for his in the year before or after he bought it, according to home sales data.

Rubio provided The Herald a copy of the January 2006 appraisal. Because it was a new home, the appraisal says sales prices near the Rubio home ``do not reflect current market conditions as these were purchased at preconstruction prices prior to price increases in the area, thus these comparables were not used.''

The appraiser, Fidel Petisco of Alliance Appraisal Corp., then compared the home to newer homes located between a mile and a mile and a half away.

Petisco could not be reached Friday.

In his financial disclosure for 2006, Rubio said his home was worth $710,000.

''I definitely knew we had equity for that house when we moved in,'' Rubio said. ``We had spent a year looking for a comparable house in my district.''

Rubio said he went to U.S. Century Bank, whose board of directors includes such South Florida political heavyweights as developer Sergio Pino, lobbyist Rodney Barreto and consultant Jose Cancela, because his sister had a favorable experience with the bank that same year.

Pino, who is vice chairman of the board of Century, said Friday that the bank's decision to lend Rubio the money was based on the value of his home and had nothing to do with politics.

''Whatever loan Marco took, it was backed up by an appraisal,'' he said. ``I'm sure he could have gotten that loan at any other bank. We would not have given Marco a loan that he could not have gotten at any other bank.''

Pino said Rubio never called him personally asking for a loan and that he never called Rubio to suggest that Century could or should lend him money.

He said he didn't remember exactly when he learned of the loan, but that it was too small to require approval from the board of directors.

And Rubio pointed out that it's no surprise that powerful and connected people, like Pino or Cancela, run the bank where he got the loan because ``every bank has politically powerful people on their board.''

Cancela has been deeply involved with Floridians for Property Tax Reform, a group that has gotten behind Rubio's efforts to push for property-tax cuts. Rubio himself has raised money for the organization, which also helped push for a constitutional amendment to cap property taxes.

Rubio said Friday that he followed normal procedures to obtain the financing, saying that the amount U.S. Century agreed to give him was based on the appraisal that the bank ordered. He said he didn't ask for $135,000, the bank came up with that number.

He said he used the money to liquidate a previous debt and fix up his new home with new floors and furniture as he attempted to sell his first home. During much of 2006, he and his wife were carrying five different mortgages, records show.

Besides the two West Miami homes, Rubio owns a town house in Tallahassee which he bought with Republican Rep. David Rivera, the House rules chairman, in early 2005. Rubio sold his first home in West Miami in 2007.

Rubio said his failure to disclose the $135,000 loan on his last financial disclosure, for 2006, ``was an oversight.''

''As soon as I found about it, I corrected it,'' Rubio said. ``I over-disclose. I try to over-disclose as opposed to under-disclose.''

Rubio made the same mistake with another loan, however. He never disclosed a $64,000 equity loan that he took out on his previous home in February 2005. On Friday, he said he plans to amend the disclosure form for that year.

Rubio's most recent disclosure shows that he was earning nearly $32,000 from his position with the Legislature and $300,000 from the law firm of Broad and Cassel, a job he landed in 2004, two years before he became speaker.

Since he began leading the state House of Representatives, Rubio has established himself as the most vociferous of property-tax cutters and has clashed in recent days with Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, against whom he is considering a run later this year.

Rubio has helped build up a formidable political machine, with the help of Cancela, and has long relied on Pino for campaign-finance support. Pino-controlled companies contributed about $3,000 to Rubio in 2006.

''I think that chances are on that board everybody knows Marco, everybody's a friend,'' Pino said. ``Chances are that most people there have given him checks for reelections at some point.''

Pino insisted the financial help from the bank was strictly business.

''I assure you everything is in order,'' Pino said. Rubio ``is a real good guy and it's a real good bank. We're not involved in politics. My bank is not involved in politics.''

Miami Herald staff writers Marc Caputo and Mary Ellen Klas contributed to this report.

Will Crist Follow Rubio's Extreme Pledge To Add to Deficit, Hurt Seniors, And Deny Health Coverage To Floridians?

2010-01-18T23:56:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

While showing once again that he is out of step with mainstream Florida, today Marco Rubio once again showed he is part of Rush Limbaugh/Sarah Palin wing of the Republican Party by pledging to repeal health insurance reforms, which when passed will lower the federal budget deficit, create jobs, and ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. The repeal will also hurt senior citizens across the Sunshine State, by re-opening the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole.

"The real question Floridians are asking today is if Charlie Crist will once again put his political ambition above Florida by following Rubio down the extreme right-wing path of trying to repeal health insurance reforms. Because Rubio is running for Senate to win the heart and soul of the Republican Party, rather than to do what is right for all Floridians, Rubio's actions today once again show he is nothing more than a typical politician who is in the hands of the health insurance industry," said Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party spokesman. "By pledging today to repeal health insurance reforms Marco Rubio not only promised to add to the federal budget deficit and deny Florida's families access to health care, but Rubio's repeal would also force senior citizens to continue paying for the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs out of their pockets by re-opening the Medicare Part D donut hole. Rubio's repeal also means that he wants allow insurance companies to deny coverage when you get sick because of a pre-existing condition."

By pledging to repeal insurance reforms, Rubio wants to undo the follow:

1. PROTECTIONS AGAINST INSURANCE COMPANY DISCRIMINATION AND LOSING COVERAGE WHEN YOU GET SICK: People who have been denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition will finally have access to affordable coverage. Insurers will no longer be able to drop your coverage when you get sick and are in the middle of treatment.

2. LOWER DRUG COSTS FOR SENIORS, LOWER PREMIUMS FOR EARLY RETIREES: Seniors who fall into the Medicare Part D donut hole will see lower prescription drug costs as immediate steps are taken to close the donut hole. Employers who cover their early retirees will receive temporary funds to help offset the cost of expensive claims for retirees' health benefits - lowering premiums and protecting coverage for early retirees.

3. INSURANCE SECURITY IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB: Never again will you lose access to insurance if you get laid off or switch jobs.

4. RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS, JOBS FOR AMERICANS: Small businesses and employers getting crushed by soaring health care costs will see lower costs, allowing them to create as many as 4 million more jobs over the next decade.

5. NO LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE: Never again will you be subject to annual or lifetime limits on what insurance companies will pay, protecting millions of Americans from the threat of medical bankruptcy.

6. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE: Insurers will be required to offer free preventive care, lowering your out-of-pocket expenses and helping ensure that diseases or conditions can be caught early on.

7. INDEPENDENT CONSUMER ADVOCATES AND SUNSHINE ON RATE INCREASES: For the first time, consumers will have independent advocates dedicated to upholding consumer protections, answering their questions, and helping with any problems related to their plans. Insurance companies will be required to disclose their rates to consumers - discouraging them from runaway rate increases.

8. BETTER ACCESS AND STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR WOMEN: Prohibits insurers from charging women more than men for health insurance or discriminating on the basis of domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. Required maternity services as part of the essential benefits package in the exchange.

9. EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR YOUNG ADULTS: Young adults will now be able to stay on their parents' insurance much longer, through their 26th or 27th birthday.

10. AT LEAST 30 MILLION MORE AMERICANS WILL FINALLY HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE: Health reform will finally guarantee access to quality, affordable health insurance for 30-35 million Americans who don't have coverage today, also eliminating the annual hidden tax of $1,100 that American families pay to cover the cost of the uninsured. While the official health insurance exchanges are being created, a temporary insurance pool will be available for individuals with pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.

Reacting to ABC News Investigation, Florida Democrats Question Mica's Conflicts of Interest

2010-01-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

Reacting to the recent ABC News investigation into Congressman John Mica's potential conflicts-of-interests between his daughters public relations work and earmarks Congressman Mica sought, Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff released the following statement:

"This investigation raises major questions regarding potential conflicts of interest for Representative Mica and it is time that the people of Florida got some answers. It's difficult to believe it's a coincidence that Representative Mica consistently uses his power and influence in Washington for big spending projects that his daughter's clients have interests in. His daughter does the spin for the Wash and Dry cycle that gets money from her influential father to her big spending clients. This sort of unsavory backroom dealing is exactly what's wrong with politics as usual and why we need a new direction in Florida's 7th district."

Rooney Needs To Explain Why He Consistently Votes Against Critical Everglades Funding At Everglades Conference

2010-01-18T23:38:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

Florida Democrats today called on Congressman Tom Rooney to explain his consistent opposition to Everglades restoration funding in his speech tomorrow to the Everglades Coalition Conference.

"In tomorrow's speech, we hope Congressman Rooney will come clean and tell the Everglades Coalition why he left the Glades high and dry," said Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party spokesman. "We call on Congressman Rooney to use his speech tomorrow to explain to Everglades supporters why he continues to vote against funding for the restoration of this national treasure. The Everglades needs an advocate in Congress who, unlike Congressman Rooney, will never choose politics over the preservation of this national treasure. The Everglades deserve better and so do the people of the 16th District."

BACKGROUND:

Rooney is scheduled to speak tomorrow to the Everglades Coalition Conference being held this weekend in Palm Beach Gardens.

While in Congress, Rooney consistently voted against critical funding to keep Everglades restoration on track.

o Congressman Rooney voted against the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation, 2010 which included over $240 million in funding for Everglades restoration, including the critical modified waters delivery program [Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation, 2010, Roll Call 475, 6/26/09].

o Had Congressman Rooney gotten his way, $4 million to restore the Indian River Lagoon would not have been available. NOAA will award a $4 million grant for the Indian River Lagoon restoration through the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act [NOAA Press Release, 6/30/09]. Congressman Rooney, however, voted against the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act [Roll Call 70,, 2/13/2009].

Armitage Supporter Goes Off Deep End

2009-12-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Originally posted on:

RantsOfRob.Com

Armitage Supporter Ed Slavin, in his blog “Clean Up St. Augustine” went a bit too far in his search for contrast between his favored candidate for FL-7 and apparent front-runner Heather Beaven. In his post supporting Republican incumbent John Mica’s bid to ban smartphones and laptops from US airlines, Slavin got a bit carried away:

"It is a matter of air safety. When we fly, we don’t want to die."

While lithium batteries have caught on fire, the number of times this has happened is dwarfed by the billions of units in service around the world. Clearly, the facts do not justify the kind of hyperbolic language on display in this post.

Likewise, Slavin’s spin of this issue as an attack on Beaven was a bit out of left field:

"Heather Beaven, the Stealth corporativist candidate from the 'monumental, $20 million dollar, growth campaign' that teaches workers nothing about OSHA."

"Heather Beaven: unsafe at any speed?"

Wait, what?

Reading this kind of bizarre vitriol, I was compelled to respond:

"Banning lithium batteries from aircraft would mean eliminating all laptops and smartphones from air travel. This is unrealistic in the extreme, because such devices have become indispensable tools for the business traveler. Airlines have recently added WiFi to their flights in recognition of this fact. Every airport in the US has facilities for wireless networking. These devices allow business travelers to receive, send, and edit data and voice communications with their home offices, out-of-town clients, and suppliers. Banning or confiscating such devices would do much to render business travel impractical.

There have been incidents of batteries catching fire, but of the billions of units in service, the number of documented fires have numbered in the hundreds. Considering the percentage of a device’s life represented by a trans-continental flight, such a ban would represent a gross over-reaction to a very small threat. Even the arch-paranoiac Dick Cheney only applied a one-percent doctrine to his worst-case models. This would be more like a .00001 percent model, and Cheney was talking about nukes!

Look, these things have been in widespread use for a decade, and there are billions of air-miles logged a year. If this were a danger worth imposing this kind of cost, it really would have happened by now.

Furthermore, this issue is hardly the focus of Ms. Beaven’s campaign, and does not justify the inflammatory ad hominem tactics represented in this post. There are plenty of points of disagreement between Armitage and Beaven which could have been explored here, but the Bush-style scaremongering displayed here is unworthy of you or this fine blog."

It’s hard to understand why such an erratic campaigner as Armitage inspires such fervent loyalty. Whatever the political qualities of Beaven, at least she has been running a campaign. She’s been building a team, making appearances, raising money, hiring consultants, and using the media. Armitage has filed no campaign finance reports, has hired no staff, made few public appearances, and refuses to return repeated calls about her status as a candidate.

When she ran last year, she showed little aptitude for retail politics. She was able to win the primary based on the personal loyalties of fellow health care activists in her home county, but got beaten by more than twenty points in the most favorable environment for Democrats in this district since 2002. I’m personally prepared to blame myself for her primary win in 2008, but her idiosyncratic interpersonal style is a strange choice for someone who aspires to elected office. Apparently, her combative and quixotic approach is contagious.

Crist uses special session bill to criticize Senate opponent

2009-12-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

Pot? Kettle?

CAUTION: Rubio FOR Cap and Trade Before He Was Against It

2009-12-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Latest ad from Charlie Crist:

'Call On Crist to End His Culture of Corrupt Cronyism' Urges New Facebook Group

2009-12-06T08:13:00.001-08:00

From FDP:

Florida voters were urged to "Ask Gov. Crist to end the 'culture-of-corruption'-cronyism" by joining a new social networking group, "Stop Crist Now" in an online video launched by the Florida Democratic Party, today.

The video can be viewed online at http://www.FlaDems.com/CristVideo.

"Last week, when George LeMieux (R-Crist) derided Florida's 'culture of corruption,' he conveniently left out his and Charlie Crist's starring role in so many of the recent corruption scandals. That's why today we have formed the Stop Crist group to end Crist and LeMieux's corrupt cronyism," Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux said. "Floridians are fed up with Gov. Crist's lack of leadership and his repeatedly putting his own political ambitions ahead of our state's people."

"'[P]olitical scandals have uncovered 'a culture of corruption' that must be stamped
out,' freshman Florida Sen. George LeMieux said." LeMieux's statement is particularly hypocritical given the fact he was appointed by his former boss Charlie Crist to hold the same vacant U.S. Senate seat Crist is now seeking. Since then, LeMeiux has come under scrutiny for exploiting his new found position to aid Crist and his political ambition. [Miami Herald, 12/1/09; Miami Herald, 11/27/09]

The Facebook group, "Stop Crist Now" is open to the public and can be found online at www.Facebook.com or through the FDP Web site, www.FlaDems.com/StopCrist. The social networking group features news updates on Crist's failure to provide leadership as Governor and ways to join online events.

"People are fed up with Charlie Crist and online organizing is another way Floridians are calling for a change for the better in the Sunshine State," Arceneaux added.

Sunshine: Watch the video

2009-12-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

Since over 4,500 of you stood up and asked Governor Crist to put his job as Governor over his personal ambition he's shown no sign of heading our call. In fact he joined his handpicked political crony Senator George LeMieux for a fundraiser in Washington D.C.

Earlier this week, we asked you to help us combat their collusion with the only thing Governor Crist does these days - raising money. But to win next November we need to go one step further: We need to get organized and spread the message.

We need your help to bring what Crist is doing into the light of day and bring it to the attention of every Floridian. Take a minute and watch this video, that every Floridian needs to see, about the relationship between Governor Crist and Senator LeMeiux:

http://www.fladems.com/cristvideo

The best way to combat the culture of cronyism and corruption displayed by Crist and LeMeiux to make sure that people know it and aren't fooled by their recent lip service about "stopping" corruption. Together we can Stop Crist by making sure that he can't get away with using his office to further his own political fortunes anymore.

As the old saying goes, "Sunshine is the most powerful of disinfectants," so with your help we can bring their tactics into the light of day. Please help us by watching this video about Crist and LeMeiux, and then forward it on to all you friends:

http://www.fladems.com/cristvideo

After you watch the video, please join our Stop Crist group on Facebook. With this group we hope to reach out to thousands of voters that may not know about the Republican culture of cronyism and corruption in Tallahassee - and show them what their Governor is doing.

If we work together we can bring Crist and LeMeiux's dealings in to the light of day and put a stop to them once and for all next November.

Sincerely,

Scott Arceneaux
Executive Director
Florida Democratic Party

Rush Limbaugh: "I Like Rubio."

2009-12-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

George LeMieux And Republican Party Of NO Try to Stop Discussion of Health Insurance Reform In Senate

2009-11-22T10:21:00.001-08:00

Today, Senator George LeMieux voted against continuing discussion of health insurance reform legislation in the Senate. Instead of standing with his constituents, Senator LeMieux has decided to stand with the Republican 'Party of NO," which is offering no real alternatives and no real solutions. Senator LeMieux's unwillingness to even discuss the issue of health insurance in our country--which has been on the minds of Floridians for many years--shows that neither he nor Governor Charlie Crist are interested in fixing our broken health insurance system and are only interested in seeing Democrats and President Obama fail.

Floridians have made it clear that the status quo is no longer sustainable. Families, businesses and governments can no longer bear the burden of skyrocketing premiums and unfair insurance industry practices.

"Today, Senator LeMieux chose to put health insurance companies ahead of the people of Floridians. By voting to stop debate on health insurance reform legislation, Senator LeMieux has proven that he is more interested in playing politics than coming up with solutions for Florida," said Florida Democratic Party Spokesman Eric Jotkoff. "Floridians can no longer bear the burden of our broken health insurance system, and we need reform now. Despite Senator LeMieux's vote, Democrats look forward to having an honest debate about how best to put an end to decades of unfair insurance company practices and skyrocketing premiums."

Fact Check LeMieux: Siding With Insurance Companies

2009-11-22T10:19:00.001-08:00

From the DNC:

Please see below for a fact check responding to Senator George LeMieux's hypocritical attack on the Senate floor today on the bill's provision to end wasteful subsidies to health insurers under Medicare Advantage and force them to compete for patients through competitive bidding. Sen. LeMieux's comments today prove that he is willing to side with the insurance companies and against the American people despite the fact that ending such subsidies has support even from members of his own party.

LeMieux Defended Wasteful Subsidies To Health Insurance Companies Through Medicare Advantage. Senator George LeMieux: "I think I understand that you're saying that states that have these folks that are on Medicare Advantage now are going to have big reductions in the benefits that they receive. ... You'll hear some say medicare benefits aren't being cut by these proposals. That is a real stretch. But when you look at medicare advantage, it's an outright misrepresentation. Because the benefits they get are vision benefits, dental benefits, the kinds of preventive medicine and the tests and the other types of things that we have found now help you to dramatically increase your health if you pursue these kinds of preventive medicine options are the ones that will be deprived through these benefits." [Senate Floor, 11/20/09]

REPUBLICANS ARE DEFENDING WASTEFUL SUBSIDIES TO HEALTH INSURERS TO MEDICARE ADVANTAGE THAT PROVIDE PERKS LIKE FREE GYM MEMBERSHIPS

Medicare Advantage Provides Extra Perks, Like Free Gym Memberships, That Are Subsidized By The Government And The High Costs Of The Plans Are Passed On To Seniors. "Seniors in this Sun Belt retirement haven and across the country revel in the free perks that private insurance companies bundle with legally mandated benefits to entice people 65 and older to forgo traditional Medicare and sign up for private Medicare Advantage policies. The trouble is, the extra benefits are not exactly free; they are subsidized by the government. And some of the plans pass their costs on to seniors, who pay higher co-pays and additional fees to get care. ... In a health-care debate defined by big numbers and confusing details, the prospect of losing benefits such as a free gym membership through the Silver Sneakers program is tangible, and it has spooked some seniors, who are the nation's most reliable voters and have been most skeptical about reform." [Washington Post, 10/15/09
]

GOP Opposition To Medicare Advantage Competitive Bidding Is Interesting: “Republicans Have Mounted A Ferocious Defense Of The Market’s Right To Continue Burning Through Taxpayer Dollars.” The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein commented on Republican anger at the prospect of competitive bidding to lower overpayments to Medicare Advantage programs: “[i]t is also an interesting moment of insight into the conservative philosophy on these matters. The problem with government programs, we're often told, is that they are expensive and wasteful, and the private market could do better. But faced with an instance where the government program proved relatively lean and efficient, and the private market expensive and wasteful, Republicans have mounted a ferocious defense of the market's right to continue burning through taxpayer dollars.” [Washington Post – Ezra Klein, 9/24/09]

REPUBLICANS ARE CRITICIZING A PLAN TO FORCE INSURERS TO COMPETE...

Health Insurance Reform Would Reduce The Difference In Costs Between Medicare And Medicare Advantage Through A Competitive Bidding System. “Federal subsidies to private Medicare plans average about 14 percent higher than those involved in fee-for-service coverage. The health care bills pending in Congress would reduce or eliminate the difference in part by introducing a competitive bidding system to pay the plans. ‘Health insurance reform will strengthen Medicare for seniors, not diminish it,’ said White House spokesman Reid Cherlin. ‘Even under the competitive bidding proposal in the legislation, Medicare Advantage plans will still be paid more than traditional Medicare plans. Yes, they'll need to compete, and they'll need to be more efficient, but they'll still have more money to work with than traditional Medicare.’” [AP, 9/22/09]

AARP Lead Lobbyist On Medicare Advantage Competitive Bidding: “We Think The Proposals Actually Will Improve Access And Quality,” Not Cut Benefits. The Boston Globe reported that, “[t]he $120 billion cut to Medicare Advantage is part of spending reductions in Medicare totaling $460 billion to $540 billion over 10 years that have been proposed by Democrats. The cuts would fall on the government reimbursement rates for a broad variety of providers such as hospitals and home health agencies, which could probably absorb them without affecting the services elderly Americans receive, many specialists said in interviews. Though some industry groups complain the spending reductions are too severe, adjustments could be made if problems arose because they would be phased in gradually. Most are aimed at making the programs more efficient. ‘We think the proposals actually will improve access and quality,’ John Rother, a leading lobbyist for the AARP, the large lobbying organization for senior citizens, said in an e-mail.” [Boston Globe, 9/24/09]

... THAT THEY SUPPORTED EARLIER THIS YEAR
Senate Republicans Introduced an Alternative Health Care Reform Bill that Included Similar Provisions to the Finance Committee Bill to Introduce Competitive Bidding into Medicare Advantage to Eliminate Inefficiencies. Senate Republicans introduced a bill that would include competitive bidding in Medicare Advantage to eliminate inefficiencies and increasing choice. The bill was sponsored by Senator Coburn, and co-sponsored by Senators Alexander, Bunning, Burr, Chambliss, Graham, Inhofe and Isakson. [S. 1099, Introduced 5/20/09, Title V, Subtitle A.]

We Stand Corrected And Apologize...

2009-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

From FDP:

...to anyone who may have been offended by our understated approach to this matter. We would like to be clear that the Florida Democratic Party continues to be disappointed in Charlie Crist, and what increasing looks like Blagojevich-esq deal struck between Crist and LeMieux as it relates to fundraising.

Orlando Sentinel: A few slugs, a hug — and a little ugh
Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
November 19, 2009
…

• An ugh to the Florida Democratic Party for its (non-)news release about U.S. Sen. George LeMieux helping raise money for Charlie Crist. The Dems urged the media to look into this, saying, "Questions remain about the legitimacy of LeMieux's appointment and the cronyism that led to it." Questions remain? Are you kidding me? No, they don't. There are no questions about the legitimacy of LeMieux's appointment. We know it was cronyism. That's what LeMieux was — Charlie's crony. That's why he appointed him. That's why people were irritated — including Republicans who wanted a more respected and experienced statesman to get the job. And all that has been pretty widely documented by the press and everyone else. What's next, Dems? You going to suggest that top-secret sources have suggested Charlie likes to see himself on TV? Stop the presses!

Read Scott Maxwell’s entire column here:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-scott-maxwell-hugs-slugs-112009-20091119,0,988667.column

Scary Brown People

2009-11-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

I hate Marco Rubio, but this ad is reprehensible:

Crist's "Great Moment" in Political History

2009-11-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

C.W. Bill Young among lawmakers named in House investigation

2009-11-10T18:00:00.001-08:00

From the Buzz:

U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores, is among a group of lawmakers under scrutiny by House ethics investigators looking at ties between defense appropriators and lobbyists, the Washington Post reported late Thursday.

The story is based on a confidential document posted online by a House staffer who has been fired. It shows investigators have been probing the relationship between seven members of the defense appropriations subcommittee and PMA, a lobbying firm founded by Paul Magliocchetti that has been under criminal investigation by the Justice Department.

But the chair of the House ethics committee, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif, issued a statement that said many lawmakers may be under review by the committee at any point in time. "No inference to any misconduct can be made from the fact that a matter is simply before the committee," she said in her statement.

Contribution records show Young has received $460,000 from PMA Group and its clients, according to OpenSecrets.org.
Young's ties to lobbyists recently came under scrutiny in another context -- for former staffers of his that now work for defense contractors. (background here) Young has faulted the report for insinuating impropriety.

And Young this summer tried to put some distance between himself and a St. Petersburg contractor, Conax Florida Corp, by withdrawing earmark requests after the company's offices were raided by the FBI. That investigation continues.

From the Blogs

2009-11-04T19:18:00.001-08:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs (and beyond) about Congressional Republicans.

Tally: Lessons for FL from Tuesday's Elections

Smooth Like Remy: The Abyss Comes To Florida

Incertus: RedState, Come On Down!

Saint Petersblog 2.0: Crist raises $125K in Mich. (with Greer in tow) as report shows he's off 10 weeks a year

Trish Ponder: Crist Losing Ground in Senate Race

From the Blogs

2009-10-24T20:08:00.001-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs about Congressional Republicans.

The Campaign Manager: Bill Young Accused of Being in the Pocket of the Insurance Companies

Down With Tyranny: Right-wingers Vow Revenge Against Mary Bono Mack AND Her Husband

Down With Tyranny!: Tom Rooney-- The Worst Member Of Florida's Congressional Delegation

Blast Off!: Vern Buchanan needs remedial reading comprehension

Blast Off!: Too stupid to breathe: Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Dumbfuckistan)

Mario Diaz-Balart Leads Special Order on Honduras

2009-10-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Heather Beaven Earns Fraternal Order of Police Endorsement in Bid to Unseat John Mica

2009-10-23T16:46:00.001-07:00

Beaven: “I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with America’s first-responders before, and I’ll continue to do so as the first female veteran from Florida elected to Congress.”

78.5% of FOP Endorsed Congressional Candidates Won in 2008

PALM COAST, FL (October 22, 2009) – Heather Beaven, Navy veteran and candidate for Congress against John Mica, announced today that her campaign has received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. This endorsement adds to Beaven’s growing list of endorsers including: the Women Under Forty PAC and the Women’s Campaign Forum.

“The brave men and women of the Fraternal Order of Police willfully run into harm's way, at the same moment that most run away from it. That’s why earning this endorsement means the world to me. During my service in the US Navy, I was on the frontlines of the War on Drugs so I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with America’s first-responders before, and I’ll continue to do so as the first female veteran from Florida elected to Congress,” said Heather Beaven.

The Fraternal Order of Police is comprised of over 325,000 sworn law enforcement officers that have considerable political power in Florida. In 2008, the FOP endorsed 14 congressional candidates; 11 of those candidates went on to victory on Election Day.

ABOUT HEATHER BEAVEN

Heather is a Mom, wife, Navy veteran (who served during Operation Desert Storm) and CEO of The Foundation for Florida’s Graduates. The Foundation focuses on bringing education, workforce development and economic development together to help young people better themselves through education and personal responsibility. Find out more about her campaign at http://www.BeavenForCongress.com

Welcome

2009-10-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

This blog combines all of FPC's previous congressional watch blogs into one. So, we'll be covering all of the Florida Republicans in Congress. More updates and additions to the blog soon.