Stop Alex Sink, Please Stop Alex Sink

St. Petersburg Times columnist Adam C. Smith named Alex Sink "Loser of the Week." The Florida Insider poll asked political operatives who would be the strongest Democratic candidate. Charlie Crist, Rod Smith and Pam Iorio polled higher than Sink. Losing to Rick Scott, a guy that paid the largest Medicare fine in history and is currently polling at freezing temperatures, has a way of to make Democrats not want Sink to run again.

Sink appeared at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner to keep herself in the spotlight. Smith asked Sink if she was planning to run for governor in 2014. Sink said is was too early to say. It is not too early to say if Sink has no plans on running. For some unknown reason Sink has it in her mind that she can unite Florida Democrats and beat Rick Scott. Sink was able to do either things in 2010. How is four years going to make a difference?

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.

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.

TIA Likes Some Rail

There have been questions if the Tampa International Airport would allow light to go to the airport. The good news is TIA has agreed to allow stations at the airport.

"High-speed rail is a non-issue," said board member Steve Burton. Board member Joseph Diaco concurred, as did Al Austin, who more than two years ago announced his advocacy of light rail.

The comments followed a similar sentiment by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who was outspoken in backing light rail connections between the airport and the proposed downtown high-speed rail terminal. Iorio has made the issue a cornerstone of her mayoral tenure.

"The federal government would never fund a high-speed station at the airport," Iorio said.

The statements actually makes the light rail at TIA more murky. Why wouldn't the federal government want light rail at the airport. TBO.com reports TIA plans to have light rail stations at the airport. The flip side is the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board have made it clear a high-speed rail station is not a "suitable option." That likely translates to a rail station built by the
Area Regional Transit Authority will be allowed. The Orlando to Tampa line will most likely not go to TIA.

Iorio got the local light rail line to go to TIA. The state will have to deal with getting the Tampa to Orlando line onto TIA property.

Pam Iorio At USF to Speak About Light Rail

Mayor Pam Iorio will be the keynote speaker at the “University Area Transportation Summit.” Jim Davis will also be a speaker. The event will be held at USF and is hosted by Moving Hillsborough Forward. Check out the USF web site for more information.

Where: University of South Florida
Galleria at the University Research Park building,
3720 Spectrum Blvd.

When: Wednesday, July 14,
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m

Stupid Rumor of the Day

Follow this under why did this media outlet even write the article. The Buzz reports there is a rumor Pam Iorio will challenge Alex Sink in the US Senate Democratic primary. My first reaction was this is a joke. Apparently, Iorio thinks so.

The Buzz has heard rumors that Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio is once again considering jumping into the race for the U.S. Senate. Iorio broke out into peals of laughter when she heard about it. "I don't know who's saying that," she said. "I haven't changed my view on running for statewide office in 2010."

Translation: Pam Iorio's inner-thoughts : "Alex Sink would kick my ass in the primary. Hell no! I'm not running."

The Chutzpah of Pam Iorio

Everyone with a basic knowledge of the legislative process understands all budgets contain financial line items of financial statements. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio submitted a budget to the Tampa City Council with no line items. The City Council knew Iorio wanted to spend $754 million for city needs. The City Council had no idea what those needs were. This is where things take a turn for the hysterical. Iorio's office said they did not put the line items in the budget because they wanted to save money on paper. The City Council wasn't buying that nonsense.

"It doesn't serve any public purpose for us not to have transparency," council member Mary Mulhern said at a budget workshop on Thursday. "The devil's in the details. We need to see the details."

The bogus green claim claimed. Finance director Bonnie Wise got more blunt and said the law doesn't require budgets with line items.

"I was kind of taken aback," Scott said.

Chief of Staff Darrell Smith said they were just trying to save costs. This has to be the worst spin I have heard. Iorio didn't want the City Council to pick her budget apart. Mulhern says at much.

"They don't want anyone to question their appropriations," Mulhern said after the meeting, although she declined to speculate on why that might be. "The fact they didn't want us to see it makes me suspicious."

It is bad when a Democrat is making such a statement about a Democratic Mayor. This takes amazing Chutzpah for a Mayor to submit a budget without financial statements and claim it is a cost-cutting move. Wow.

Jim Davis Endorses Dan Gelber

Florida Attorney General candidate Dan Gelber has been endorsed by Jim Davis. You may remember Davis as managing to alienate grassroots activists and black voters. The Davis endorsement will carry zero weight.

My take is Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio got Gelber the Davis endorsement. Iorio endorsed Gelber. Iorio is a friend of Davis and has publicly suggested the former Congressman as Tampa's next Mayor.

Endorses are nice but by themselves don't mean much. What Gelber needs is Iorio's and Davis's political resources. It wouldn't hurt if Iorio stumped for Gelber.

Shocker of the Day: Iorio Hands Out An Endorsement

Dan Gelber posted a tweet that surprised me.

I am immensely proud that today Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio endorsed my AG campaign. She is a great public servant.

Iorio wouldn't endorse her friend Phyllis Busansky over the highly controversal Buddy Johnson.

"I'm not a very partisan person," said Iorio, who stayed far away from John Kerry in 2004 but did endorse Barack Obama in late May, once he had the nomination all but won. "If that's the rap on me, it's true because I believe that when you are elected to local office particularly, you represent everyone and you're supposed top be a problem solver."

Iorio was neutral on the 2004 presidential election. She governs a highly Democratic city. It wasn't like endorsing John Keery would cost her anything. Obama is the safest endorsement any Democrat in the last twenty years could make.

How the hell did Gelber get an squeeze an endorsement out of Iorio? This is the most mysterious thing since Season 2 of Lost - Jack decided the best way to rescue Walt was to take Hurley and walk himself into an ambush. (What was that about?)

What could have made Iorio want to endorse Gelber? I'm too cynical to believe Iorio is strictly doing this because she believes Gelber would be the best Attorney General.

Alex Sink Endorsements

Florida's Democratic delegation has endorsed Alex Sink for Governor. The Florida Democratic Party is quickly rally around Sink.

U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd (FL - District 2)

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown (FL - District 3)

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL - District 11)
"Like so many Floridians I am pleased to hear the great news that Alex Sink is running for Governor. We need Alex to continue to be a watchdog for Florida's resources and stand up for all of us against the special interests in Tallahassee. I am personally pleased that we can continue our partnership, working to expand health insurance for children, and fighting for seniors to stop Medicare fraud."

U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (FL - District 8)

U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL - District 23)
"Alex Sink is an accomplished business woman who has demonstrated her excellence as CFO of the State of Florida. She will not only be the next Governor of Florida, she will be an excellent Governor. I stand behind her candidacy and will campaign for her tirelessly to ensure that she gets elected."

U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL - District 22)
"I am proud to announce my endorsement of Alex Sink for Governor of Florida. CFO Sink has demonstrated strong and steady leadership in Tallahassee, working hard every day for Florida's families. Her experience in the business world makes her uniquely qualified to guide our state during these difficult economic times. I look forward to continuing to stand side-by-side with Alex through her election next November and beyond."

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (FL - District 24)
"Alex Sink understands the need to work towards common-sense, fiscally-responsible solutions that will help middle-class families and get Florida's economy back on the right track. Her experience as a business leader and her personal commitment to improving the quality of life for all of Florida's communities for many years make Alex the kind of person we need as governor for Florida's future. She will bring a fresh approach and strong leadership to Tallahassee and I am proud to endorse her candidacy for governor of our great state."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (FL - District 17)

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL - District 20)

U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (FL - District 19)
"There are few elected officials who are as impressive as Alex Sink and I am proud to endorse her for Governor. As CFO, she utilized her years of business experience to save Floridians money and safeguard their investments. As Governor, she will have the leadership skills and knowhow to rebuild Florida's economy and get our state moving again."

I read a commenter on Facebook wish Sink would get a primary opponent. The question is what candidate would be foolish enough to challenge Sink. Pay no intention to what Mayor Pam Iorio told Sue Carlton about wanting to serve out her term. Iorio left the Supervisor of Election office to become Mayor and Jeb Bush appointed Buddy Johnson as her replacement. (How did that work out?) Iorio knows Tampa area Democrats are firmly behind Sink. Sink is the most popular Democratic politician in Tampa. Iorio doesn't come close.

Is Pam Iorio Running?

News reports send out mixed signals about Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio's political ambitions. The Hill speculates Iorio may run for a statewide office in 2010. Iorio being female, a Mayor and near the I-4 crridor makes her an electable candidate. The Mayor released a statement saying she will not run for any public office next year.

“My four year term as mayor does not end until March, 2011 and I believe that running both the city of Tampa and a state-wide campaign at the same time over the next 18 months would short change the citizens of Tampa,” Iorio said.

Iorio said in 2002 she would not run for Mayor. Her reasoning was there was much work to be done in the Supervisor of Elections office. We know now she ran. Iorio could make a future announcement about running for Chief Financial Officer. Color me skeptical, but I don't see the wonky Iorio with a burning desire to go back into the private sector.

Quinnell Is Wrong About Senate Race

Kenneth Quinnell writes a post on the Senate race. Quinnell states the Governors race is the one to follow. I would if I actually knew who was running. Quinnell believes if Crist doesn't run for the Senate: "No other Republican has much of a shot against Meek or Gelber, particularly now that they have a fund-raising head start and the Republican party is consistently playing the anti-progress fool on the national stage."

Quinnell is wrong. Marco Rubio is Florida's GOP rising star. Rubio hired Jeb Bush fundraiser Ann Herberger. Rubio's Cuban heritage and Miami roots will make him competitive in Democratic-leaning South Florida. Progressives don't like Rubio. That doesn't mean Rubio doesn't have charisma and political savvy. Kendrick Meek and Dan Gelber (whom I like.) don't excite people. Both are beatable. Neither has as much name recognition as Rubio.

The best potential candidate hasn't entered the race and that is Pam Iorio. Iorio never lost a campaign. Iorio has executive experience and is from the I-4 corridor. If a Democratic candidate can't win voting districts along I-4 then Mel Martinez's replacement will be a Republican. Democrats need to talk Iorio into the race.

South Florida Democratic consultant Derek Newton told the St. Petersburg Times Iorio could "win the primary and general."

More City of Tampa Layoffs

Another great example of how trickle down economics does not create new jobs.

In a surprise move, Mayor Pam Iorio on Wednesday announced plans to lay off 100 more city employees by consolidating some operations and privatizing others, such as security and janitorial services.

Iorio attributed the move to reduced revenue because of property tax reform.

The measure is expected to save the city $3.4 million a year. This is the first phase of a three-year program likely to result in even more layoffs, she said.

I would love to hear Marco Rubio explain (besides Riverwalk) where the fat is in the City of Tampa's budget. Rubio needs to explain why Floridians are paying Donna Arduin $10,000 a month.

Write A Caption: Pam Iorio

The stupidity of this photo-op makes my brain hurt. Yes, they really were going for the Wile E. Coyote look.

Pam Iorio's Second Term

This makes me grit my teeth.

If re-elected, Iorio pledges to continue making neighborhoods a priority and to proceed with construction of the Riverwalk, the new Tampa Museum of Art and Children's Museum.

I have been on-record stating Riverwalk is a waste of taxpayer dollars. Iorio has bullied the Art Museum's board. Forcing director Emily Kass to resign. Iorio attempted to have the musuem moved to the old Federal Courthouse building. A study found the site unsuitable. Then came years of Iorio constantly charging her mind of where the musuem will be. Her two legacy projects leave much to be desired.