Shocking News: Rick Scott Not Truthful

Gov. Rick Scott told the media that no taxpayer money has been committed to All Aboard Florida.

Q: Governor, considering the recent story about All Aboard Florida, can you tell us how big a role Adam Hollingsworth played in paving the way for All Aboard Florida?

Scott: So, All Aboard Florida is 100% private venture. It’s a private company. What was important to me is that we extended the time frame for anybody that wanted to ask questions, the public comment period, that’s what I expect.

Q: But they are apparently going to seek $44 million in state grants.

Scott: The All Aboard project is 100% privately funded.

There is just one problem with Scott's statement. Scott has committed $200 million to a train depot for Orlando International Airport. The train stop will be used by All Aboard Florida. Scott's current Chief of Staff Adam Hollingsworth formerly worked for Flagler Development Group and Parallel Infrastructure. Gary Fineout reports Hollingsworth sent several text messages to the Scott administration regarding All Aboard Florida.

Hollingsworth, who worked on Scott’s transition team in late 2010, exchanged several text messages with Scott’s deputy chief of staff shortly before the All Aboard Florida project was publicly announced. Hours before the release came out he texted Carrie O’Rourke and told her she would get a copy of it in advance. “If you see any hiccups, let me know,” Hollingsworth texted. “Thanks for all your help.”

Scott came out against federal money for a high-speed rail line from Tampa to Orlando. Florida Republican elected officials such as John Mica and Jack Latvala came out against Scott's decision. Scott had no problem approving SunRail funding that would financially benefit former State Sen. J.D. Alexander. I wrote about why Alexander wanted to SunRail project approved.

The blog Stop CSX in Polk County broke the story that Alexander's was purchasing Phoenix Industries. Alexander owns Altantic Blue. The company bought Phoenix Industries, a frozen food vender that does business with CSX. The transporation bill would have placed CSX's new hub near Alexander's warehouse. One needs a scorecard to track Alexander's conflicts of interest.

Scott isn't a fiscal conservative. He is a crony capitalist.

A Look At Rick Kriseman's Run For St. Petersburg Mayor

Rick Kriseman in running for St. Petersburg mayor. Kriseman has been piling up some impressive endorsements.

West Central Florida Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO)

Former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink

St. Petersburg Councilman Charlie Gerdes

Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala

Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long

Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice

Incoming House Minority Leader Darryl Rouson

State Representative Dwight Dudley

Former state Senator Paula Dockery

Largo Mayor Pat Gerard

I like Kriseman's more realistic approach to the situation of the Tampa Rays wanting a new stadium.

St. Petersburg and its residents have invested much time, energy, and money into the Tampa Bay Rays. The African-American Community, and particularly residents of the Gas Plant Neighborhood, made great sacrifices to make way for Tropicana Field. My preference is for the team to remain in St. Pete and to thrive here. If that proves to be unrealistic - if the Rays simply do not want to be here any longer - then they should be given the opportunity to pay an exploratory fee in order to look at other locations, provided those locations are in the Tampa Bay area.

I would like to know what Kriseman means by this statement.

Throughout the negotiating process and regardless of the outcome, I will ensure that our taxpayers are protected.

Kriseman is vague on if he would support funding for a new Rays stadium. The fact that he is willing to let the Rays leave St. Petersburg means he doesn't want to take this to the voters. I don't blame him. Voters don't want to pay off a second Rays stadium.

I wonder if Kriseman is hinting at light rail and other infrastructure projects as economic stimulus. I'm for that. The question is where will the funding come from.

We must do a better job of attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones in order to compete with other cities. Avoiding high taxes, unreasonable regulations, and burdensome permitting is important, but the best way to grow and sustain our local economy is by having a top notch public education system, efficient mass transit, and sound infrastructure. We want to embrace and celebrate diversity. We want vibrant neighborhoods and we want well-trained, properly funded and fully-staffed public safety personnel. These are quality of life issues. Our residents and visitors deserve the best -- and the best will bring businesses looking for a home.

Kriseman is sounding like Ed Turanchik with his idea about a ferry to Key West. Really?

Why not - at last - transform our underused port? Good leadership can turn it into one of our most important assets. Imagine a ferry service to and from Tampa or a high speed catamaran to Key West. The port already is ideal for research vessels; let's generate other uses to serve the general public.

I don't see it.

Kriseman's announcement for his candidacy.

Where Florida's High Speed Rail Money Went

Gov. Rick Scott made the false claim that he refusal to take federal funding for high speed rail helped prevented a shutdown.

The rail project from Tampa to Orlando could have created 48,800 direct and indirect jobs from the construction of the project. Scott dismissed that as saying the jobs would be temporary. However, all construction jobs last only until the project is finished. 1,100 permanent jobs would be created once the rail line was completed. For a state with a 10.7 unemployment rate, killing the high speed rail project was incredibly stupid.

Scott showed either ignorance by stating he refused the funding so it wouldn't add to the federal deficit. The problem with Scott's statement was that the funding was already appropriated. $449.94 million of the money that was to be used for the construction of the Tampa to Orlando line is now being used for the Amtrak Northeast Corridor. $400 million is being diverted to the repair and construction of Mideast rail lines. $300 million will help build a high speed line in California.

Scott turned down federal rail money on the claim that he helped stop the government shutdown because the funds would never be spent. The high speed rail money is being spent. I wonder what does Scott have to say now?

More SunRail Madness

Bad news for SunRail: Congress may eliminate funding for New Starts program. That is the program federal funding for SunRail may come from. Congress has yet to approve the $178 million grant recommended by the Federal Transit Administration. Transportation analyst Matthew Zisman sent this report to Joyce Rose, staff director of the House's Railroads Subcommittee.

It is true that Congress will still need to appropriate funding for New Starts program in order for Florida DOT to receive the final $72 million under the SunRail FFGA. However, full funding grant agreements are contracts between the federal government and project sponsors – a fact that is recognized by Congressional committees. Traditionally, the first dollars appropriated for New Starts (or allocated by FTA in the years there have not been New Starts earmarks) have been to honor FFGA commitments.

SunRail is not alone in this situation. There are a dozen other rail transit projects nationwide that are currently under a full funding grant agreement and will require federal funding in FY 2012.

The House Budget Resolution report language does call for the termination of the New Starts program. However, this is a non-binding resolution – the bill language of the resolution itself does not make a cut to New Starts. The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee will have the flexibility to allocate their General Fund budget authority as they see fit. These will be tough choices, because we must do more with less. But the House action will not be the last word -- the annual appropriations process requires both House and Senate action, followed by a conference to come to a unified agreement before the bill becomes law.

The SunRail project fares would not cover the cost of the first seven years of the rail running. SunRail must be operating by May 1, 2014 or be considered in breach of contract. This project is a mess backed because it serves the political and financial interests of John Mica, J.D. Alexander and Dean Cannon.

Horrible SunRail Project Approved

Florida state Sen. Paula Dockery comes out against Gov. Rick Scott's decision to move SunRail forward.

“This morning, Governor Scott had his Secretary of Transportation announce that he will betray the trust of the conservative electorate who put him in office by moving forward with the least cost-efficient commuter rail project in the nation. This decision has completed the governor’s transformation from businessman to political insider. When the SunRail/CSX commuter project is viewed from a purely business vantage point, the project falls so far below what a savvy business owner would accept that it is somewhat baffling. It is unclear if when making the decision the governor had a change of heart, if he simply succumbed to the desires of the big money special interests, or if he has a severe case of amnesia and thought that he was supposed to be representing CSX instead of Florida’s taxpayers. Governor Scott’s general counsel, a former CSX executive, admitted to giving blatantly false financial facts regarding High Speed Rail in front of the Florida Supreme Court. For that reason, it is overwhelmingly disappointing but not altogether surprising that the facts about SunRail, a sacred cow of special interests, would be ignored and the decision would be based upon arguments put forward by highly paid public relations consultants, using Floridians tax dollars. The facts are as follows: nationwide, this is the lowest rated project for cost-effectiveness by the federal government, low ridership estimates, excessive liability is transferred from a for-profit corporation onto all Florida citizens, and it is a blank check waiting to be written by the taxpayers for any and all cost-overruns and operating subsidies. While ‘warnings’ were given to the local governments during Tuesday’s dog and pony show, this fact remains: the agreement between the federal government and the State of Florida clearly places the financial responsibility for all but $300 million of a $2.6 billion project squarely on the backs of Florida taxpayers.”

Dockery is correct. SunRail is rated the least cost effective rail project. I wrote that I had problem with the fact that Florida pays CSX for the tracks. CSX is also off the hook for any liability, if CSX is responsible for faulty upkeep of the tracks.

I noted the Sen. J.D. Alexander pushed for SunRail because he stood to financially gain.

The blog Stop CSX in Polk County broke the story that Alexander's was purchasing Phoenix Industries. Alexander owns Altantic Blue. The company bought Phoenix Industries, a frozen food vender that does business with CSX. The transporation bill would have placed CSX's new hub near Alexander's warehouse. One needs a scorecard to track Alexander's conflicts of interest.

Below is a cost comparison between SunRail and high speed rail. The maximum cost of the federally funded high speed rail project for Florida would be $280 million. The maximum cost of the SunRail project would cost Florida taxpayers $901 million. The counties that would have been involved with the high speed rail project would have zero tax obligation. Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties would have to pay $526 million. Scott's idea of fiscal conservatism is turning down federal money and making Floridians pay for a rail project few people wanted.

23,000 would have been created from the high speed rail project. Only 8,000 jobs would have been created from SunRail. There are no private investors involved with SunRail. The high speed rail project has secured $400 million. Scott hates President Obama so much that he took the better deal. It also puts the rest the bogus claim that Scott has a brilliant business mind. No smart business man would take SunRail over the high speed rail project. It makes no fiscal sense.

High Speed Rail v. SunRail

Update: A very big reason SunRail was approved by Scott. Florida Chamber of Commerce President Mark Wilson approves of the project.

“SunRail is a smart infrastructure investment. This is another example of Gov. Scott and the legislature putting Florida’s long-term goals ahead of the short-term interests of a few.”

Scott gives a reason for approving SunRail that I don't buy.

Scott said his lawyers told him there was a “significant risk” he would have lost a similar court challenge had he tried to block the commuter project.

Scott's Florida Supreme Court victory set a (very bad) legal precedent. Scott was given legal authority to ignore legislation approved by his predecessor Charlie Crist. Scott claims that the legal ramifications of high speed rail and SunRail are totally different. Scott fails to cite how that is so. I call bullshit on Scott's legal claim.

Rick Scott Has Receives Negative E-mails

You will be less than shocked to learn that Gov. Rick Scott's office is receiving negative e-mails over his line-item veto $4,799,11 for public broadcasting funding. Scott's office has received 3,316 e-mails in support of public broadcasting funding. 976 e-mails were in support of the SunRail project Scott has put on hold. The vast majorities of the e-mails were against Scott's policies on public broadcasting and SunRail. I'm sure Scott will send communications director Brian Burgess to tell us up is down and down is up.

Rick Scott's High-Speed B.S.

Gov. Rick Scott made the laughable claim that his refusal to take federal high-speed rail money helped prevent the government shutdown. The rail money was $2.4 billion. That amount of money was not going to make or break whether or not there would be a government shutdown. The rail money was already appropriated by the federal government. It does not go into a magic lockbox if Florida does not use the money. Federal funds are not used to pay down the deficit. (There is talk of legislation to reclaim loss appropriated revenue.)

$800 million of the Florida high-speed rail money has been appropriated to New York. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand gave Scott back-handed thanks.

Expanding high speed rail across New York has been a top priority for Senator Gillibrand throughout her time in the Senate. In February, Senator Gillibrand urged Secretary LaHood to redirect $2.4 billion in federal funding for high speed rail to New York that had been turned away by Florida Governor Rick Scott. In a letter last month to Secretary LaHood, Senator Gillibrand urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to award funding to New York State Department of Transportation and Amtrak's applications for high speed rail infrastructure. In May 2010, Gillibrand urged for the appointment of a new high speed rail project manager at the state level to ensure New York is securing and managing all federal funds available to us. In January 2010, Senator Gillibrand helped secure $151 million for high speed rail projects across New York State.

Republican State Sen. Thad Altman unsuccessfully sued Scott in attempt to keep the high-speed rail funding. Altman tore into Scott.

Altman said Scott' has lost several other arguments. Scott's claim that high-speed rail was a "boondoggle" was contradicted by a Florida Department of Transportation study and Scott's top attorney, Charles Trippe, had to walk back a key fact his Supreme Court argument about how much the state had spend on the project.

"This is almost propaganda," Altman said. "It's all proven to be false and as a result we've lost money for would have been the most modern transportation system in America, if not the world."

"He intentionally ignored the facts to make a political point," Altman continued. "It was a political move to prevent the president from having a project awarded to Florida.

"In his disdain for the president and his zeal to make him look bad, he was even willing to hurt the people of Florida."

That is what happens when Floridians elect a man unfit to serve as governor.

Scott Gave False Numbers on High Speed Rail

Gov. Rick Scott's general council, Charles Trippe, sent Chief Justice Charles Canady a leeter admitting the governor's office gave the Florida Supreme Court false numbers on the high speed rail project. The governor's office was taken to court after overriding of high speed rail the Florida legislature and former Gov. Charlie Crist's approval of federal rail money. Scott won the case.

This was never about whether or not high speed rail was good for Florida. This was Scott pleasing tea party supporters. I don't believe high speed rail is a cure all. However, I-4 between Tampa and Orlando is a mess.

Rick Scott Claims He Helped Stop Government Shutdown

Gov. Rick Scott hysterically claims his refusal of high speed rail money helped avoid a federal government shutdown. Scott's press release was so delussional that Sen. Bill Nelson's spokesman Dan McLaughlin didn't think it was worth responding to.


Team Scott is desperately seeking positive publicity. Scott or his staffers realize the governor is unpopular.

Trains Are Cool

Paul Krugman notes that George Will doesn't like trains. Except when Will rides on a train.

High-Speed Lawsuit Against Rick Scott

Sen. Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) and state Sen. Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) are are preparing for a possible lawsuit against Gov> Rick Scott. Altman told the Miami Herald that Scott did not have to authority to turn down federal rail money. The Orlando to Tampa high-speed rail project had already been approved by former Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida legislature.

“I believe that he exceeded his executive authority and in a very strong sense we have a Constitutional crisis on our hands,” Altman said. Senate Republican leader Andy Gardiner acknowledged there are concerns about the “parameters” of the governor’s use of his executive power. He did not reject the possibility that a fellow caucus member would have a legitimate basis for suing the Republican governor. Altman noted that the Legislature voted to accept the federal money and build high-speed rail in a special session.

“We have a law on the books,” he said, and quoted the portion of the Florida Constitution that reads: “The Governor shall take care that the laws of Florida are faithfully executed.”

“The governor has completely ignored that,” Altman said.

Scott Randolph shared Altman's view that Scott is acting without legislative approval.

"It's time to play hardball," said state Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando. "It's a tough situation for the legislature but I think at some point in members of his own party, are going to have to stand up, and say that we are an independent branch of government and you're going to respect us."

I wouldn't be surprised if Scott reacts to losing the lawsuit by throwing a hissy fit and going back to the private sector. We now have a Governor who is creating a state constitutional crisis by failing to legally honor laws. This isn't governing. This is the reckless behavior of a man too immature to govern.

Florida's Constitutional Crisis

Gov. Rick Scott does not care about the constitutional authority given to the Florida legislature. Florida Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander questioned whether Scott had the authority to sell state planes without legislative approval. Bruce R. Jacob, dean emeritus and law professor, at Stetson University told Politifact Scott overstepped his authority as governor.

"What Alexander is complaining about is that, under this section, where the Legislature has appropriated money for the expense of the planes, the governor is required to spend that money," Jacob said. "I am sure the governor from time to time does not spend money that the Legislature has appropriated for a particular purpose, and I doubt that anyone gets upset about it.

"However, the main point, it seems to me, is that if the governor was thinking of doing this, he needed to consult with the leadership of the Legislature," he said. "Common courtesy called for such consultation. The governor and the Legislature have to work together. The governor should not be allowed to 'go it on his own,' so to speak, in a situation such as this."

Jacob also says Alexander has a "point" by claiming that the amount owed on the Cessna should have been appropriated by the Legislature and paid from the state treasury. "Money of the state should not be spent unless it is for an authorized purpose and complete records should be kept so that anyone in the state can see what was spent and for what purpose. In this case it seems to me that the governor short-circuited the process," Jacob said.

Scott overstepped his authority again by killing the Orlando to Tampa high-speed rail project. Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida legislature approved the plan. Scott can not change what has been made into law just because he opposes it. State and the federal governments have three separate branches of government to insure that such power grabs do not happen. Scott's actions dictate a man with utter contempt for the rule of law.

Scott rejected the last ditch proposal to the high-speed rail project. Republican lawmakers are now talking about suing the newly elected governor.

Read more »

High-Speed Rail Talks Going Nowhere

The Department of Transportation have held discussions with Gov. Rick Scott's office for the past two days. There is no indication that Scott is going to change his mind on the Orlando to Tampa high-speed rail line.

"Nothing in the discussions so far alleviates the governor's concerns that Florida's state taxpayers would still be on the hook," spokesman Brian Hughes said.

Scott has faced criticism from members of his own party for making the decision before the bidding process and cost projection study was completed. What influenced Scott's decision was a meeting with Sharon Calbert of the Tampa Tea Party and Karen Jaroch of the Tampa 9-12 Project. The Tea Party activists urged Scott to kill the high-speed rail project. Scott makes his policy decisions based on politics. Little things like facts don't concern him.

Nelson on High-Speed Rail

Sen Bill Nelson explains that the Department of Transportation is looking for other ways to get the Tampa to Orlando high-speed rail line started.

Side note: the Florida legislature and Gov. Charlie Crist already approved this plan. It is unheard of for a governor to go against end a transportation project that has already been passed under state and federal law. It is seriously questionable if Scott has the legal authority to do this. Don't be surprised if a fight over the high-speed rail project goes to the court.

Joel Award: Mike Haridopolos

It is time to give out the Joel Award. The award goes any celebrity, pundit, blogger or politician that purposely contradicts himself or herself.

"I was never a big supporter of high-speed rail."

Florida Senate President Mike Hariopolos, reacting on 26 Republican Senators signing a letter urging Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood give high-speed rail money to Florida.

Gov. Rick Scott announced that he would kill the Orlando to Tampa high-speed rail project. Back in November of 2010, Haridopolos sang a different tune.

Haridopolos spokesman David Bush said the senator still supports SunRail and the Tampa-Orlando train but would not back expanding the high-speed route to Miami, as has been proposed. "It's clear Washington won't have the money for that," Bush said.

For someone who wasn't a big supporter of high-speed rail, it sounds like Haridopolos was supporting high-speed. Could it be that Haridopolos' change of heart has something to do with announcing his U.S. Senate bid and need to pander to the Tea Party? Judging by Haridopolos' flip flop he has the perfect makings for a United States Senator.

Congratulations to Haridopolos on winning the Joel Award.

Awake the State

There is an online Facebook movement that started in Rick Scott's rejection of federal high-speed rail funding.

Awake The State

Ethically challenged Senate President Mike Haridopolos (aka "Dirty Hari") is supporting Gov. Scott's reckless decision to reject $2.4 billion in federal high speed rail funding which could cost Florida thousands of jobs. This is another reason why it's time to Awake The State, balance Florida's budget responsibly, and get our state on the right track. Click "like" if you agree and tell your friends about this page.

Details are sketchy and I am not sure who started the Facebook page. You can contact Awake the State at info@awakethestate.com.

Pam Iorio Statement On High-Speed Rail Project DOA

Pam Iorio

“This was a project that was good for all Floridians, not just Tampa. This was a project that would have created jobs, by some accounts more than 20,000. Now that federal tax money and the jobs it would have created are headed for other states.”

It is interesting how Rick Scott ran on creating jobs and is now killing jobs.

Rick Scott Rejects High-Speed Rail Money

Gov. Rick Scott has rejected $2.4 billion in federal money for the Orlando to Tampa high-speed rail project.

Scott said he was not sure high-speed rail would bring taxpayers a return on their investment and he felt money would be better spent on state highway and seaport improvements.

The problem is the Obama administration is not going to give the $2.4 billion to Florida for highways and seaports. The federal funds have been allotted for rail projects. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will give the money to another state for a rail project. The $2.4 billion comes from federal money budgeted for rail projects.

Scott gave his explanation for refusing the funds in a poorly planned press conference. As usual, Scott sounded like a talking points robot.

"Government has become addicted to spending beyond its means and we cannot continue this flawed policy," Scott said at a hastily-called press conference this morning.

Scott continued his political tone deaf ways by alienating Republicans. I wonder how many allies Scott is going to have near the end of term.

"I am deeply disappointed in the decision to not move forward with the Orlando to Tampa passenger rail project.

"This is a huge setback for the state of Florida, our transportation, economic development, and important tourism industry.

"I have urged the Governor to reconsider going forward and allow the private sector to assume the risk and any future costs for the project. I made this appeal to the Governor this morning. With the federal government assuming 90% of the cost of the project, I am disappointed the private sector will not have an opportunity to even offer innovative proposals to help finance the balance of the costs and to construct and operate this system.

"I will continue to work with the Governor and all those interested in developing cost-effective 21st century transportation alternatives for Florida and the nation, with systems that can improve quality of life and help meet our future transportation needs."

John Mica, U.S. House Transportation chair

"I am deeply disappointed in the decision to not move forward with the Orlando to Tampa passenger rail project.

"This is a huge setback for the state of Florida, our transportation, economic development, and important tourism industry.

"I have urged the Governor to reconsider going forward and allow the private sector to assume the risk and any future costs for the project. I made this appeal to the Governor this morning. With the federal government assuming 90% of the cost of the project, I am disappointed the private sector will not have an opportunity to even offer innovative proposals to help finance the balance of the costs and to construct and operate this system.

Sen. Jack Latvala

"Making this decision, at this point, on a project that could mean 12,000 to 14,000 jobs is very premature,'' said Latvala, R-St. Petersburg. "I have been consistent in saying we ought to at least let the private companies go to bid and let it play out."

"It's in his court and I'm very disappointed he made this decision without consulting the Legislative branch,'' he said. "I visited with him yesterday and I had no inkling that they were heading in this direction. It shows kind of a lack of understanding and respect for the Legislative process. It's supposed to be a collaborative process -- where the governor and Legislature work together -- and this is not an example of working together."

J.D. Alexander, Senate budget chairman

"The Constitution doesn't allow the governor to not-spend appropriations funds" and there is $300 million appropriated in the budget to put into development of the rail line between Orlando and Tampa, Alexander said.

He said he agrees there is widespread doubt as to whether the project would have succeeded in drawing enough riders. "I think the governor is making the right choice on this rail system,'' he said."I personally would like to have seen the bids come in to see where they really were."

Alexander said that if the legislature puts it in the transportation budget, he expects Scott to veto it and "I don't believe there would be the support to override a veto." The question now is, "where do we go from here" and if the governor wants to cancel it, he will need the approval of the Legislative Budget Commission. "We'll certainly encourage him to pay more attention to the Constitution and budgeting rules," Alexander said.

Sen. Thad Altman

"He's using government to short-change the private sector's opportunity to bid and show case how this can work. Don't use your position as governor to stand in the way of the private sector to show what it can do."

Sen. Paula Dockery

"Florida is a donor state for transportation dollars receiving only 62 cents on every transit dollars and 87 cents on every highway dollar we send to Washington, and this $2.4 billion in federal transportation dollars would have brought Florida in line with other states,'' Dockery said in a statement. "It appears that Secretary LaHood will direct these billions lost by Florida to California where true high speed rail has the next best opportunity to succeed."

Scott based his decision on killing the high-speed rail project on a 2011 Reason Foundation study> All you need to know about the libertarian think tank is that Drew Carey is on the Board of Trustees. David H. Koch is another member of Reason's board and the think tank's main source of revenue. Koch has advocated for abolishing Social Security and the Federal Reserve, minimum-wage laws and federal government agencies. Florida has a governor getting his ideas from a game show host and a business man with radical ideas.

Rail Update

Florida will get another $800 million for the Orlando to Tampa rail project. The state has already received $1.25 billion. Sen. Bill Nelson made the announcement.

“This will ensure the state remains full speed ahead with high-speed rail construction,” Nelson said. “As I’ve said many times, high-speed rail will be a game-changer for Florida’s economy, along the likes of the Interstate system and Disney.”

There are also plans for an Orlando to Miami rail line. $8 million has been allocated. The rail line will need much more money than that. Don't count on Marco Rubio in the Senate earmarking that money into a bill. Unless a crony like Max Alvarez.

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio makes her pitch for the rail project.

Fearmongering From Marco Rubio

Republican Seante candidate Marco Rubio is not above fearmongering. Rubio falsely accused President Barack Obama and Charlie Crist of supporting sex offenders. The accusation was baseless and shameless.

STIMULUS SPENDING WOULD HELP SEXUAL PREDATORS INSTEAD OF CREATING "JOBS, JOBS, JOBS"

Rubio: "As Floridians endure an economic crisis, it is outrageous that stimulus dollars that falsely promised to put them back to work are instead being considered to house sex offenders and predators."

Miami, FL - As Vice President Joe Biden touts the Charlie Crist-backed stimulus bill in Washington today, U.S. Senate candidate and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio issued the following statement regarding a new report showing federal stimulus dollars are being considered to house sexual predators in Florida:

"Even as Floridians suffer double-digit unemployment, $2.2 billion in new taxes, plummeting home values, rising property taxes and the first population decline since World War II, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Governor Crist audaciously insist the stimulus is working. The numbers don't lie. The stimulus is not stimulating anything except big government and our deficit.

"Today, there is even more evidence that instead of creating jobs, stimulus money is being lavished on just about anything politicians can think of as new spending is considered to house sex offenders and predators in Florida. As Floridians endure an economic crisis, it is outrageous that stimulus dollars that falsely promised to put them back to work are instead being considered to house sex offenders and predators.
"When Governor Crist joined forces with President Obama to help ram this stimulus through Congress, he said it was 'all about jobs, jobs, jobs.' In reality, it has been all about waste, waste, waste, with nothing to show for it."

Obama and Crist never used stimulus dollars to house sex offenders. In their email, the Rubio campaign changed the Miami Herald article (that they failed to link to) from "Stimulus cash may help move sex offenders from causeway to "Federal Stimulus Spending Is Being Considered To Help Homeless Sex Offenders And Predators In Florida." Homeless advocate and lobbyist Ron Book asked the Miami-Dade Commission for funding to house homeless sex predators. The reason Book asked for the funding was so it would be easier to monitor these men. Book correctly felt it was unsafe to have these men unmonitered on the streets. Book's own daughter was assaulted by a sexual predator. Book is hardly a bleeding heart on this issue.

In 1996 Ron and Pat Book hired a nanny to help manage their frenetic household in Plantation, Fla. Ron is one of the state's most powerful lobbyists and was traveling constantly. Pat was consumed with running a chocolate shop she had recently opened. So they needed a hand tending to their three kids: Lauren, 11; Samantha, 7; and Chase, 4. The couple had already cycled through numerous nannies who didn't work out and felt fortunate to find Waldina Flores, who seemed attentive, efficient, and firm-handed. (Article continued below...)

For Lauren, though, Flores's arrival marked the beginning of a private horror. One day early on, the nanny asked the girl to spit out her chewing gum. When Lauren refused, Flores leaned in, stuck her tongue into Lauren's mouth, and removed the gum with it. Flores explained herself the next day by saying that was how people behaved when they loved each other. Soon she began molesting the girl in bed at night and watching her shower in the morning. Over time, Flores became more violent. She beat the girl and threw her down the stairs. Once, when Lauren joked to her father at Flores's expense, the nanny later confronted her. "You think you are funny?" Flores asked, according to Lauren. "No. You are s--t." And then she defecated on her.

Book's efforts have nothing to do with Obama or Crist. Rubio's attack was one of the most despicable things I have seen. Rubio doesn't propose a solution for getting potentially dangerous sex offenders off the streets of his home county. Rubio is willing to trivialize a serious issue to damn potical rivals with an explosive claim. There are probably many Rubio supporters whom read that email and falsely believe that Obama and Crist want their children to be raped.

Rubio is at it again with his latest fearmongering. Rubio says we can't have rail because the terrorists would blow it up.

"Our enemies dream of a Greece-like day of reckoning for America as much as they do another 9/11," Rubio said when asked whether the bullet train should continue to be funded, suggesting he thought it should not.

For a guy who tries to sound tough on terrorism Rubio is sounding like a pussy. We can't have rail because we have to live in fear of what terrorists might do. "The only thing we have to fear Is fear itself," Franklin D. Roosevelt said. Marco Rubio is telling voters to fear Obama, Crist, rail, taxes, and health care because appearing to the lowest common denominator is always an easy sales pitch.