Florida SoS Ken Detzner's Spin Tour

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner is not doing a lot of listening on his listening tour. Detzner is on a listening tour to hear Floridians and bring back reccommendations to the Florida legislature. This comment by Detzner suggests he has been wearing ear plugs.

On restoring early voting times: "When you look at the turnout, which was larger than it was in 2008, that obviously speaks to the point that people were satisfied with the current law. People responded, reacted and turned out in greater numbers."

People turned out to vote despite voter suppression. Detzner would have you believe that the laws enhanced voting. Increased voter turnout is because of the Obama campaign's GOTV.

Proof the the listening tour is a sham. Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer told the Tampa Bay Times Department of State council Gary Holland wasn't interested in listening.

Return early voting to 14 days, from eight during this year's general election, they advised Don't tamp down voter registration by placing additional restrictions on third-party groups. And don't limit early voting sites to libraries and government buildings.

The response from Department of State interim general council Gary Holland, on at least that last point: "Talk to the Legislature."

"I was a little taken aback by that," said incoming Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. "I was like, I thought that's why you are here."

This listening tour is a damage control tour.

No Shock: Craig Latimer Running For SOE

I predicted that Craig Latimer, Chief of Staff to Earl Lennard, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections would run for the SOE post. Peter Schorsch tweeted that Latimer has filed to run.

As expected, current Chief of Staff has filed to run for Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections.

I told you so.

Latimer has wanted the job for a long time. Latimer retired from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office with the rank of Major. He worked on Phyllis Busansky's campaign for SOE.

Co-Starring Craig Latimer

Peter Schorsch asks a really good question. Why the hell is Chief of Staff Craig Latimer featured on the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections web site, with his boss Earl Lennard? It is rather odd for a Chief of Staff to be featured on the front page of a government web site.

Peter should have done a little googling. After Latimer retired from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office. Latimer tried to gain grassroots support and have Gov. Charlie Crist appoint him to replace Phyllis Busansky as the next supervisor of elections. Crist decided to appoint Lennerd. Pat Kemp sent this letter out urging people to support Latimer being appointed as supervisor of elections.

Short answer: Lennerd doesn't want to run for supervisor of elections and is helping Latimer get the job.