Alex Sink and Obamacare Messaging

This will give credence to Alex Sink supporters who felt the Washington establishment is responsible for her horrible messaging on Obamacare.

A Democratic Party aide, speaking on the condition he not be identified by name, said Senate Democrats received a memo from pollster Geoff Garin in recent days alerting them of a poll taken in conjunction with this week's Florida special election.

The poll found that "keeping parts" of the Affordable Care Act that work and "fixing those that don't" drew higher numbers than "the Republican message of repeal," the aide said, adding that this is the message senators are urged to campaign on.

I doubt Sink would have defended Obamacare 1005 if the DCCC told her. This is the same Alex Sink who supports the Simpson-Bowles plan. Even though the Simpson-Bowles plan cuts Social Security. Under the plan, some low paid workers may not even qualify for Social Security. Cost of living adjustments would reduce under the plan. Alex Sink campaigns for protecting Social Security and backing a plan that cuts Social Security. This was Sink's idea of playing 3-D chess against David Jolly.

Democrats have a messaging problem with Social Security. That alone isn't the reason for Alex Sink's defeat. Others will surely disagree. I will note that this the same Alex Sink that ducked the media the last week of her campaign. Any candidate who can't face the media during crunch time has no business running for Congress.

Young Turks Rips Alex Sink

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feel this way about Alex Sink. She is a horrible politician.

Is Alex Sink Trying to Lose?

I wrote before that Alex Sink is making false promises by guaranteeing she can make Congress bipartisan as a freshman member of Congress. If Sink wins the general election she would be a back bencher in Congress. Short answer: Sink would have little power. John Boehner and Eric Cantor aren't going to listen to a first term Democrat. Never the less: Sink continues to campaign on bipartisanship.

Sink did this campaign ad with her father Kester.

Transcript of the ad.

Kester Sink: You’ve probably heard all the nasty things Washington is saying about my daughter

Alex Sink: That’s my dad, Kester Sink.

Kester: I know Alex is a big girl, she can defend herself.

Alex: All that fighting and lying is why Washington doesn’t get anything done.

Kester: So what are we going to do about it?

Alex: Democrats and Republicans have to work together to cap flood insurance and protect Social Security and Medicare.

Kester: She always did know how to solve problems. Got that from her mom.

Alex: Thanks dad. I’m Alex Sink and I approve this message.

Kester: And so do I.

Does Sink seriously believe that Republicans are going to help her "protect Social Security and Medicare"? The Center of Budget and Policy Priorities did a study of Rep. Paul Ryan's budget. Social Security would be cut under the the Ryan Plan.

The first element is price indexing. Under current law, Social Security benefits for new retirees are designed to keep pace with the growth of average wages. Under Rep. Ryan’s plan, initial benefits for 70 percent of earners would instead be related to the growth in prices, which in the long run grow less rapidly than wages.

Rep. Ryan’s indexing proposal imposes the greatest reductions on those with the highest earnings, and it exempts those with the very lowest earnings, so it is sometimes called “progressive” price indexing. Nonetheless, it would affect fully 70 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries — everyone with earnings above $22,000 in today’s terms. Over time, price indexing would turn Social Security into a program that provides only a small retirement benefit — and one that is largely unrelated to prior earnings.

The problem is Sink is terrified to state her policy positions so she retreats to empty rhetoric. Sink's "On The Issues" pages is filled with talking points but lacks policy proposals. Here is an example.

Improving the Affordable Care Act: Keep the Good, Fix the Bad

The rollout of the website and problems that have arisen with the implementation are unacceptable: The Obama Administration needs to be held accountable to get the website running, and making any necessary changes to fix any problems with the law. If these changes cannot be made in a timely way, then components of the law should be delayed until these issues are addressed.

But we cannot go back to a time when individuals with pre-existing conditions were denied care, seniors were forced to pay more for medicine, or insurance companies could do whatever they wanted – including kicking families off their plans because they got sick.

What is not helpful in Congress’ conversation about America’s healthcare was the government shutdown, or the gridlock in Washington that is holding Republicans and Democrats back from working together to get results and solutions – and it’s exactly this culture of dysfunction that I’m running to change.

If we delay the law there are Americans with pre-existing conditions would be denied health care coverage. Employees would not be able to get coverage through their employees by buying from exchanges. Alex Sink doesn't have a proposal for how Americans will get coverage if the law is delayed a year. The Obama administration has already delayed the penalties against employers that don't provide health care coverage. Does Sink support delaying penalties against employers for two years? Sink is more concerned with throwing talking points about the shutdown than outlining health care proposals.

Proof that Sink is scared of stating her policy positions is her avoidance of the media. Curtis Krueger reports that Sink hasn't held a press conference since Feb. 26. Sink did not stay to speak to the media after a recent candidate forum. Sink's opponents Republican David Jolly and Libertarian Lucas Overby stayed to talk to the media. Candidates speak to the media because they view it as free publicity. It is obvious that Sink has become spooked after her misconstrued statement on immigration.

Sink has denied this.

In an interview Wednesday, Sink denied taking a cautious approach in the last week of the race and stressed she wasn't avoiding the media.

"I have been all over the place" urging supporters to vote, she said, and also to "find every undecided voter that we possibly can." As examples, she said she went to the Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg, a festival in Pass-a-Grille and spent a few hours knocking on doors.

Sink's campaign has been scant on details to the media on where she will campaign. That is definitely a sign Sink is avoiding the media.

Rick Kriseman Endorses Alex Sink

You really didn't think St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman was going to endorse Republican David Jolly? The Alex Sink campaign sent out this email.

“I am proud to support Alex Sink because I know she will bring the bipartisan, results oriented values she’s practiced all her life to Washington and finally get Congress focused on solving problems that matter,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “At City Hall, we know firsthand that the challenges facing our community are not partisan issues – that’s why we need a leader like Alex Sink who will bring Republicans, Democrats and Independents together to tackle our most pressing problems, and I know we can trust Alex to take the voices of every Pinellas resident to Washington.”

“Every day Mayors and local leaders across Pinellas put problem solving over politics to serve residents – and I’m running to bring this same brand of bipartisan leadership back to Washington,” said Alex Sink. “From protecting Social Security and Medicare, to cutting wasteful spending, to helping businesses create jobs, the challenges facing are community are too important to let partisan finger-pointing stand in the way of getting results. I am honored to receive the support of Mayor Rick Kriseman, and I look forward to serving as an effective partner for Pinellas residents in Congress.”

Sink is running for the Florida congressional District 13 seat. The seat is currently empty after the passing of Bill Young.

What Was Alex Sink Thinking? (Updated)

I bet Alex Sink really wishes she could take this quote back.

"We have a lot of employers over on the beaches that rely upon workers and especially in this high-growth environment, where are you going to get people to work to clean our hotel rooms or do our landscaping?"

Alex Sink sees Hispanic people as cleaning maids and landscapers. How about future corporate executives or political leaders. Sink doesn't dream big.

Update: Dave Weigel provides context and the entire quote of Alex Sink's statement. Turns out the outrage over Sink's statement is much ado about nothing. Sink stressed the need for immigrants to have better opportunities. Sink told the story of the child of illegal immigrants who became a high school valedictorian and is now an attorney.

Immigration reform is important in our country. It's one of the main agenda items of the beaches' chamber of commerce, for obvious reasons, because we have a lot of employers over on the beaches that rely upon workers, and especially in this high-growth environment, where are you going to get people to work to clean our hotel rooms or do our landscaping? And we don’t need to put those employers in a position of hiring undocumented and illegal workers.

I believe that the Senate came together in a bipartisan way to forge a solution. It was a very tough negotiation, and Sen. Marco Rubio was a participant in that, and one of the leaders, and members of his own party has even come against him. For every example that you hear, I think about the high school valedictorian -- I believe he lives in this district now. High school valedictorian.

He was brought here when he was a young man, 9 or 10 years old. He didn’t choose to come here. His parents brought him. He was undocumented. And what does he do? How does he get an education? He did everything right. He became an incredible student. He even eventually ended up going to law school and becoming a lawyer. But right now he can't practice law because of his undocumented status. That’s not right. We need to bring these people out the shadows so that they're paying into Social Security, paying into Medicare, paying federal income taxes, so that they're not security issues. But they have to earn their way. So we need immigration reform and I would definitely join with Democrats and Republicans in the House and pass immigration reform as soon as possible.

I'm not the world's biggest Alex Sink fan but I do owe her an apology for not properly fact-checking her statement. Dave Jolly and the Republican Party of Florida should stop accusing Sink of racism.

Education Endorsement For Alex Sink

The Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association has officially has endorsed Alex Sink for Florida's congressional District 13.

“As a teacher, I want a representative in Congress that will take my voice and the voices of my students and fellow teachers to Washington to fight for us, and that’s why Alex Sink has my vote” said Dale Koning, a classroom teacher and registered Republican. “Investing in our children should not be a partisan issue, and Alex Sink has built her career on bringing Republicans and Democrats together to tackle the challenges facing our community . I support Alex because she’s the only candidate in this race with a bipartisan record of fighting for students, teachers, and our schools.”

“With her years of experience as a business leader and as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer – and a proven record of fighting for public education – we are proud to endorse Alex Sink and are confident Alex will take the voices of teachers, students and parents to Washington,” said Kim Black, President of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association. “Alex understands that supporting Pinellas County schools, colleges, and Universities is an investment in the future of our community and the economic growth of our state. We are confident Alex will be a passionate and effective advocate for Pinellas schools and families.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Pinellas County Classroom Teachers Association,” said Alex Sink. “As the mother of two children who attended public school here in Florida, I know firsthand the importance of working to strengthen and improve our schools. One of the most important investments we can make to grow our economy for middle class families is in the education and future of our children. We need to bring Republicans, Democrats and Independents together to focus on issues that matter like improving our schools and supporting our teachers -- it’s these bipartisan, results oriented values I’ve practiced my entire life and it’s these values that I’ll bring to Congress.”

Alex Sink Endorsements

The Alex Sink campaign announced the endorsements of 40 Pinellas County small businesses.

Salon 131, Mandi Tucker;

Shield Insurance, Gordon Chernecky;

Reel Deal Outdoors Inc., Keith Burden;

Monitors & More, Kirk Smith;

Joe's Produce, Choon Hee Tou;

All Florida Fire, Daniel Beauchesne;

Barkley Insurance Agency, Joe Barkley;

Domain Home Gallery, Michael Mcloe;

QFC Cleaning & Supply Company, Jack Stringfellow;

Home Trust Real Estate Group, Jim Mayes;

Coleman Insurance Agency, Dave Coleman;

JA Vassel Art & Antiques Gallery, John A. Vassel;

Time Systems, Barry Rubin;

El Cap Restaurant, Mary Jean Bonfili;

Russel property Group, Toni Russell;

ConceptBait, Frank Clemente;

Playbook Public Relations, Sally Dee;

Bella Brava, Robert Sanderson & Dice Craig;

The Body Electric Yoga, Jenny Miller;

Your Neighborhood Realty Inc, Brian Longstreth;

Providence Printing Inc., Linda Norris;

World Power & Water, Frank Wells;

Olde Bay Cafe, Walt Wickman;

Tudor Doctor, Richard Russo;

Scarr Insurance Group, Barry Scarr;

Lawrence Floriani MD LLC., Larry Floriani;

Institute For Creative Arts; Bill Coleman;

The Cookie Cutter, Joanne Kennedy;

Musical Fabrics.com, Karen Donnelly;

DDA Development, Bowen Arnold;

Haypennie Jewelers, John Grim;

Kally K's, Nora & Alex Mihopoulos;

Gone To The Dogs, Greg Phillips;

Bayprint, Al Karnavicius;

M. Williams Jewelers, Melvin Williams;

James Kennedy Law, James Kennedy;

Salon GW, Gregory Brady;

The Alden Suites, Gary Renfrow;

Long Term Care Advisors; Eric Green;

Tampa Bay Smile.com, Kristine Marshall.

Most Obvious Email Ever

I got this breaking news email from the Alex Sink campaign under the headline "Disturbing."

We just learned that Tea Party Governor Rick Scott is hosting a massive fundraiser for Alex’s opponent, David Jolly.

Remember, this is the same Rick Scott responsible for the largest Medicare fraud case in U.S. history, taking advantage of Florida seniors for his own company’s profits.

Every big check that Scott and Jolly raise will go directly towards airing deceitful attacks against Alex -- ads designed to distract Pinellas voters from Jolly’s career as a Washington lobbyist.

And I thought David Jolly was raising money to buy Alex Sink flowers. Who knew that Jolly was going to run attack ads against against Sink. I am shocked that a Republican would host a fundraiser for another Republican. It almost gives you the idea that Republicans like to see Republicans win elections.

You know if Sink didn't spend so much time attacking Obama during the 2010 election the President might hold a fundraiser for her. Sink kissed that goodbye when Sink hysterically blamed Obama for her losing the Panhandle.

Alex Sink on Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

Alex Sink sent out a fundraising email explaining her support of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Sink has been rather vague about her policy positions. It is important that Sink outline exactly what she stands for.

In 2014, it's hard to believe women still earn less than men for the same work.

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a law that is helping women receive equal pay for equal work.

It's inexplicable that in a day where more women are the sole breadwinners in their families, they still onl make 77 cents" on the dollar compared to men. This not only holds back women but also the Aerican nomy.

I did a Google search to find out where Sink stands on employment issues. Sink has not filled out the political courage test at Vote Smart. The political courage test asks candidates their positions on issues. I wonder if Sink would have even sent out a fundraising email mentioning the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act if President Barack Obama didn't advocate for equal pay for women in his State of the Union address. Sink seems to be hopping from issue to issue based on what is in the news cycle.

Update Alex Sink released this statement.

“Today is an important day to reflect on how far women have come in gaining equal pay, but also how far we still need to go. It is unacceptable that women are on average only making 77 cents on the dollar compared to men – especially since more women are now the sole breadwinners in their families. This kind of wage discrimination not only hurts women, it holds our entire American economy back. Pinellas residents deserve a representative that women can trust to fight for paycheck fairness.”

Alex Sink & David Jolly Debates

Alex Sink sent out an email announcing upcoming debates with Republican nominee David Jolly.

February 3rd: Bay News 9 / Tampa Bay Times Debate - 7:00p.m. at St. Petersburg College.

February 25th: Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum - 6:00p.m. at the Pinellas Realtors Association.

February 28th: WEDU Debate - 3:30p.m. to air 8:30p.m. and again at 12:30p.m. on February 29th, location TBD.

I hope this provides the same level of excitement as Bill Nelson and Connie Mack debate cows. I am not making that up.

Mack blasted Nelson for having an agricultural property tax exemption on 55 acres of land of pasture land he owns in Brevard County, saying it saves Nelson $43,000 in property taxes a year, even though Nelson has advocated closing tax loopholes for the wealthy.

Nelson responded that his family has pastured cattle on the land for 60 years. The second time Mack brought it up, Nelson shot back, "Not only has it been a cow pasture for 60 years, why don't we ask him why he takes two homestead exemptions, which is directly contrary to the Florida Constitution?"

Don't mess with Bill Nelson's cows.

Alex Sink on Flood Insurance Reform

Congressional candidate Alex Sink has unveiled her plan for flood insurance reform.

Stopping the unfair flood insurance rate spike, promoting affordability and choice. Alex supports the immediate delay of the rate spike, and a roll back for those who have received premium increases under the current flawed system. Congress should delay the spike until fair rates can be accurately calculated.

Alex will also work with FEMA to educate homeowners on how to save money and better prepare for disasters – such as through the elevation of HVAC systems and the installation of backflow preventers and breakaway walls, which should result in lower premiums. Congress should consider tax credits and supporting low-interest loans for homeowners related to these and other improvements, which should save money in the long run. Alex will also work with the private sector and FEMA to explore expanding insurance options and choices for consumers, such as offering higher deductible policies to reduce premiums.

FEMA Should Complete the Affordability and Re-Mapping Studies, Reevaluate Rate Calculations. FEMA should complete the affordability and re-mapping studies that were promised and are part of the basis for rate calculations. FEMA should include outside industry experts in completing these studies to ensure a fair review of procedures and accurate mapping in Florida.

Enhancing FEMA’s Transparency. FEMA should disclose the methodology for calculating flood insurance rates in a consumer friendly way. Formulas related to calculations should be reviewed by independent experts and stakeholders.

Increasing FEMA’s Accountability. Alex will work to create a simplified appeals process and consumer advocacy services to facilitate communications between stakeholders, ensure that homeowners can file complaints, hold politicians and FEMA accountable, and make sure homeowners receive their claim checks quickly.

The details are scant on what exactly would be the appeals process for homeowners. The best long-term solution Sink provided is revamping rate calculations and the maps of high risk flood areas.

Rates went up because Congress voted for the increase.

Congress approved the increase in 2012 in an attempt to put the program on stable fiscal footing after Hurricane Katrina nearly drove it to bankruptcy. The program has doled out billions of dollars in claims since its inception in 1968, including $7.7 billion last year, according to its website.

FEMA said on its website that the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 would increase rates.

In July 2012, the U.S. Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12) which calls on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other agencies, to make a number of changes to the way the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is run. Some of these changes already have occurred, and others will be implemented in the coming months. Key provisions of the legislation will require the NFIP to raise rates to reflect true flood risk, make the program more financially stable, and change how Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) updates impact policyholders. The changes will mean premium rate increases for some—but not all—policyholders over time. Homeowners and business owners are encouraged to learn their flood risk and talk to their insurance agent to determine if their policy will be affected by BW-12.

An explanation of the rate increases from the FEMA website.

FEMA Rate Increases by Michael Robert Hussey

Alex Sink Still Making False Promise to Make Congress Bipartisan

I wrote before that if Alex Sink was elected to House of Representatives she would have zero ability as a congressional Freshman to create bipartisanship in Congress. Sink would lack to seniority and committee chairmanships to make bipartisanship change. Yet this is the only issue Sink is campaigning on. Sink released this statement on primary night.

“Our campaign is about one important message: bringing Republicans and Democrats together to focus on challenges that matter most to Pinellas. Congress’s gridlock is standing in the way of tackling challenges that impact our lives -- like helping businesses create jobs, protecting our seniors and veterans, and stopping flood insurance rate spikes that hurt homeowners. As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and a business leader, my life has always been guided by bipartisan, results-oriented values. As our campaign continues, I look forward to continuing our conversation with Pinellas residents about bringing these values to Congress.”

There is bipartisan agreement on lowering flood insurance rates. The only other two positions Sink has clearly outlined is she does no new tax increases and is a fiscal conservative. Sink has in no way distinguished herself from a Republican. This is exactly why she lost to Rick Scott in 2010.

Mac Stipanovich made this on point comment about Sink.

“I’m not sure she wins at the end of the day,” said Mac Stipanovich, a Republican lobbyist in the state and former top adviser to onetime Gov. Jeb Bush. “She’s anti-charisma. She’s not a very good campaigner.”

Memo to Alex Sink: Stop Running A Republican Campaign

It is no secret I am not a fan of Alex Sink. I wrote that Sink did herself no favors by harshly attacking the Obamacare rollout. That is fine if you are running in a Republican primary. The problem is that Sink is running unopposed in a Democratic Congressional primary.

Sink has rolled out her rapid response site the Alex Sink Truth Team. If you didn't know that Sink was a Democrat you would think that Sink was a Republican. These are the truths Sink is revealing.

FACT: Alex is a fiscal conservative who cut wasteful spending

Alex Sink is a fiscal conservative with a record of bringing Republicans and Democrats together to cut wasteful spending and protect tax dollars by making government do more with less. The Florida Times-Union said Alex saved taxpayers money by streamlining her department as Chief Financial Officer, while PolitiFact wrote that misleading claims about Alex Sink increasing the debt were "Mostly False."

More.

The Tampa Tribune wrote that Alex Sink "is a fiscal conservative who opposes new taxes" and the Tampa Bay Times wrote that Alex Sink "has no interest in raising taxes and proposes tax breaks." Newspapers across Florida have applauded Alex as a fiscal hawk who "attacked wasteful spending." In Congress Alex will apply the results oriented values she practiced as a business leader and Florida's Chief Financial Officer to cutting wasteful spending in Washington.

Sink's Republican opponents David Jolly and Kathleen Peters have been too busy bashing each other to focus on Sink. Now would be a time for Sink to distinguish herself from her Republican opponents. I highly doubt Jolly and Peters are going to advocate more taxes and debt. Sink is a scared and unimaginative. Once the GOP primary is settled a lot of national money will come in to fund the Republican nominee. Republicans are going to fight hard to keep this seat. Sink is the woman who lost to the charisma-challenged Rick Scott. Democrats should be concerned.

I am really fighting the urge to not start the Stop Alex Sink campaign again.

Alex Sink the Policy Lightweight

It is no secret that I am not a fan of Alex Sink. Sink was the worst state-wide candidate of tje 2010 election. Benjamin Kirby and Joy-Ann Reid wrote must-read posts on what a disaster Sink's campaign was. Sink's brilliant strategy was target the red districts in the Panhandle and constantly attack President Barack Obama. Naturally, Sink lost to Rick Scott.

The year is 2013 and Sink is still attacking President Obama.

What is Sink's position on health care? Does she support a market-based solution? Does Sink support universal health care? Sink doesn't say on her on the issues page. In fact, Sink fails to outline her policy positions. Sink does say she will end gridlock in Washington. If Sink thinks people believe that she can end gridlock as a freshman member of Congress than she really has contempt for the intelligence of voters.

Sink continues to run for office and I still have no idea what her policy positions are.

Kathy Castor Hosts a Fundraiser for Alex Sink

No surprise. The Tampa Tribune reports Rep. Kathy Castor will host a fundraiser for congressional candidate Alex Sink.

The event will be Dec. 17 at the new Carlton Ward photography gallery in Hyde Oark. Prices are $5,000 to be a chair, $1,000 to be a host or $250 for admission.

Castor's endorsement and fundraising support is a big help for Sink. Castor is respected by the Democratic establishment and the base.

It is no secret that I am not a Sink fan. However, I am resigned to the fact that Sink will be the Democratic nominee. Sink needs Castor's help convincing progressives to support her. Sink will not run with Obama on the top of the ballot. Sink also needs to have policy pisitions. Sink can't go on MSNBC and draw a blank when asked what she would do about the situation in Syria.

Alex Sink Filed Paperwork

This from the Alex Sink campaign.

It’s official:

Alex just filed her papers. She’s on the ballot in the race for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.

Let's be real. Alex Sink will be the Democratic nominee for the late Bill Young's seat.

Pinellas Democratic Establishment Endorses Sink

Congressional candidate Alex Sink has received endorsements from the Pinellas County Democratic establishment. Here is the list if endorsements sent out by the Sink campaign.

Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice; Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long; Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch; Pinellas School Board Member Linda Lerner; Pinellas School Board Member Rene Flowers; State Representative Dwight Dudley; State Representative Darryl Rouson; State Representative Carl Zimmermann; St. Petersburg City Council member Darden Rice; St. Petersburg City Council member Karl Nurse; St. Petersburg City Council member Steve Kornell; Seminole Councilor Patricia Plantamura; Largo Mayor Pat Gerard; Former Largo Mayor Robert Jackson; Largo Commissioner Mike Smith; Belleair Bluffs Commissioner Joseph Barkley;

Alex Sink Running For Congress

It appears I am going to have to eat my words. I had serious doubts that Alex Sink would run for the seat of the late Bill Young. Sink told the Tampa Bay Times she is officially running.

"Washington's broken. And I, like everybody else I know, is angry and mad about the logjam, about shutting down the government, about not understanding the impact it was going to have on small businesses and people. The people up there just don't seem to be able to work together," said Sink, who had considered running for governor again but ruled that out in late September.

"I'm somebody who's solved problems, has a long history of working with Republicans and Democrats to get things done," said Sink, who used to run Bank of America's Florida operations and was the state's CFO from 2007-11. "I believe I can be an effective advocate for the people of Pinellas County and get to Washington and make a difference."

Saying "Washington is broken" is the most unoriginal thing a politician running for Congress can say. Would you actively campaign for a job at Wal-Mart or some other company you feel is broken? Sink needs to be more creative with her talking points. I wonder how progressive activists will feel about Sink's Bank of America background. These activists relate more to Occupy Wallstreet than Lawrence Summers.

Sink plans on moving to Pinellas County. Sink currently lives in Thonotosassa. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, chairma of the National Republican Congressional Committee, is accusing Sink of being a carpetbagger. Moving across the Bay is hardly carpetbagging.

It appears that the Florida Democratic establishment will discard Jessica Ehrlich for Sink. TBT political reporter Adam Smith asks is it sexist for the Democratic establishment to only allow one woman to run in the primary. The answer is hell yes.

Sink worked in the banking industry. Ehrlich worked at Goldman Sachs.Welcome to the 1percent primary. Democrats need the seat in order to win the House. Progressives should be under no illusion that either of these women are the next Elizabeth Warren.

The Kim Kardashian of Florida Politics

Who the hell constantly talks to the media about maybe running for public office? Maybe running for public office is not a news story. Alex Sink spent over a year constantly telling the media she might run for governor. Never mind she already lost once to Rick Scott and would be Scott's best chance of winning a second term. Alex Sink tells William March of the Tampa Tribune that maybe she will run for the House seat of the retiring Bil Young.

“After making my decision in the governor’s race I’ve been sitting here for two weeks listening to all this ridiculousness in Washington, and thinking maybe we need some new people there, a different approach. I’ll need to make a decision fairly soon, but I am seriously considering it.”

Sink is not running. She craves attention. Potential candidates stay mum until they have an announcement to make. Sink led Florida Democrats on for over a year and never attempted to build a political operation that could unseat Rick Scott's $100 million campaign in 2014. A person serious about running for governor would of had face to face meetings with the DNC and the Obama political team. Sink throws a well placed leak to Saint Petersblog and the Florida political media treats this like it is news. It's not news. It is media whoring.

To give you an idea of how desperately Sink craves atention; she told the Tampa Bay Times people are literally crying at the thought she might not run for governor again.

"I don't go anywhere without strangers walking up to me on the street and asking me, and sometimes begging me and sometimes crying about their desire to see me run again."

Sink's ego craves the spotlight more than the job.

For the sake of argument, do you think Alex Sink Sink is going to raise Elizabeth Warren or Alan Grayson levels of money online. How much effort is Daily Kos or Firedoglake going to make for a Blue Dog Democrat who backed the Bush tax cuts, refused to support a public health insurance option and publicly bashed Muslims.

How much money will the DCCC spend on a Sink campaign after she took to Politico to blame President Obama for her 2010 loss. Never mind that her campaign was so bad MSNBC named her the worst candidate of 2010.

Sink isn't running. She just wants Florida Democratic insiders and the media to keep asking her if she is running. Alex Sink is the Kim Kardashian of Florida politics.

A Republican Offers Alex Sink Good Advice

Former Pinellas County GOP chair Paul Bedinghaus nicely told Alex Sink that she should consider very carefully if she wants to run for governor again. Bedinghaus made the statement on Florida This Week.

"Alex Sink is a terrific lady and a very capable CFO," the former treasurer of the state GOP said. "But when I'm voting for somebody, I don't want to vote for somebody that's a reluctant candidate. I want someone that has the passion in their gut to serve this state. So I think she really has to think that through. The image that she's projecting is that she's a reluctant candidate, and I don't think that's a winning formula.

Sink often fumbled through interviews during the 2010 campaign. Sink is just not a good candidate and will get killed in the primary against Charlie Crist. Progressives won't be happy about the Democratic establishment backing Crist. However, Sink is a proven loser against Rick Scott.