Ron Klein: Profile in Courage

Ron Klein lost to Allen West. Klein can vote any way he wants to in the lame duck session without worrying about the political consequences. What did Klein do with this newfound freedom? Klein voted against extension of the Bush middle class tax cuts. Klein's reasoning was tax cuts for those making above $250,000 were excluded.

“The middle class is the heart and soul of America, and I strongly support middle class tax cuts,” Klein said in a statement released by his office. “However, I couldn’t vote for today’s proposal because it just didn’t go far enough. I have said consistently over the last few months that I believe all tax cuts should be extended for one year while our economy recovers and we work out a stable, long-term tax structure that allows American families and business to reasonably plan ahead.”

Klein may say that middle class tax cuts are "heart and soul of America." Klein will act heartless if tax cuts for the rich are not included.

Side note: who the hell describes any kind of tax cut as "heart and soul of America"? Seriously. I have heard baseball, mom and apple pie described in those terms. Who the hell thinks of tax cut in that manner?

Ron Klein Concedes

Ron Klein concedes by press release.

“This has been a hard-fought campaign, and the votes are in. My family and I are deeply grateful for the strength and support we have received from our friends and neighbors in this community.

“It has been an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve South Florida as a public official for the last 18 years. For most of my adult life, I have dedicated every waking hour to doing my level best for this community. It is my home, and where my wife Dori and I have raised our family. We love this community, and remain devoted to the families and businesses here, both today and tomorrow. We will always find ways to serve, because difficult times require everyday people to give of themselves to move this country forward.”

I find it deeply disturbing that Allan West is a Congressman-elect. West was given the choice of resigning from the Army or face a court-martial for torture. West resigned. West has ties with the Outlaws motorcycle gang. Some of West's biker supporters physically intimidated a Klein campaign staffer. West is simply unfit for office.

Ron Klein For Bush Tax Cuts

Congressman Ron Klein caves on the Bush tax cuts for the rich.

Says Klein: “Every day, I hear from families that are still struggling with bills and people who can’t find a job no matter how hard they try, so I believe right now, our top economic priority has to be job creation. In order to achieve that, we need tax credits for small businesses that will help create new American jobs, while also promoting investment and growth. As we work to rebuild the economy, I support a one-year extension of the so-called Bush tax cuts.”

Actually, big businesses like Walmart and McDonald's create more jobs than small businesses. That is partly because businesses like Walmart and McDonald's squeeze out small businesses. Small businesses do create jobs. Just not as many as they used to.

Update: A Associated Press-GfK Poll finds 54 percent of Americans support raising taxes on those making above $250,000.

Stimulus Dollars in 22nd District

Rep. Ron Klein has an interactive map of how stimulus dollars are being spent in the 22nd districts. Much of the money is being spent on Broward County Transit System, justice assistance grants and health services. My question is are tea baggers against public transportation, law enforcement and public health care? We already know the answer to the last item.

Ron Klein Uncommitted to Public Option

Rep. Ron Klein has been ducking the health care bill question. Klein recently had a 20-minute talk that only allowed one health care question.

Wilson Saavedra, 67, complained that Klein was making himself scarce.

"It's totally unacceptable that we fight fiercely to get these people elected, and when push comes to shove, you can't find them anywhere," said the Boynton Beach resident, who held a sign outside that read, "Medicare 4 All!"

Klein held a teleconference townhall meeting. He leaned against supporting the public option.

Klein, who represents a Palm Beach-Broward district with slightly more Republicans than Democrats, said he hasn’t taken a position yet on a government-run “public option” for health insurance that is a key issue for many Democrats.

“I’m still looking at it. I haven’t committed to it,” Klein said when a caller asked for his position on the public option. Later, he told another caller he would not support a public option that relied on taxpayer subsidy.

“It has to be actuarially sound and independent,” Klein told a caller from Boynton Beach who identified himself as a Republican. “It is not to be subsidized . . . it has to be fully paid for by the premiums.”

Klein fails to understand his lack of commitment pro or con makes him a more vulnerable candidate. Voters like political courage. Klein is showing a serious lack of backbone.

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.

Like A Hurricane

The Florida Democratic Party has started the website HurricaneMcCain.com. Their video attacks the Straight-talker's pathetic Katrina voting record. Where I have policy disagreements with the website is on the national catastrophe fund. I voiced my disapproval of a Florida CAT fund. Governor Charlie Crist sold the CAT fund to voters, without providing the tax revenue to pay for the fund.

If the Florida Democratic Party believes that a national CAT fund is a good idea then they should explain how it will be paid for during a federal deficit. The point is moot since a national CAT fund will never get enough votesd in Congress.

Side note: Barack Obama supports a national CAT fund.

The national catastrophe fund is one seen as favorable to Floridians, and the legislation passed by the House was sponsored by two Florida representatives. Sen. Obama compared the situation facing homeowners in the sunshine state to those living in other parts of the country.

“The bottom line for the residents of Florida is they need protection in the same way that people in the Midwest need protection from tornadoes or other natural disasters,” he said. “And I think its important for us to make sure the federal government is playing a role as a backstop in that process.”

I wonder if a future President Obama wants a national CAT fund to be one of his first battle. One of the Clinton administration's first fights was the BTU tax. Members of both parties hated the idea of taxing carbon emissions. I am no defender of energy companies, John McCain or the Bush administration's handling of natural disasters. What bothers is oversimplified that fail to inform the public.

Ron Klein's bill, the Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007, passed in the House. McCain falsely claimed that the bill would cost $200 billion-a-year. The Maverick should spend time reading bills he is dissing.

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013.

The maximun liability for the Treasury Department "shall not exceed $200,000,000,000 or such lesser amount as is determined by the Secretary based on review of the market for reinsurance coverage under this title."

So many dollar signs and zeros. What is a Senator to do.

Iraq Spending

Congressman Ron Klein wants Iraqis to pay for reconstruction of their country.

“They have tens of billions of dollars they’re just sitting on right now,” Klein said, noting that Iraq has the world’s second-largest known reserves of oil.

Meanwhile, a recent Government Accountability Office study said Iraq has so far paid only 4.4 percent of the amount it owes for reconstruction work since the war, Klein said.

“It’s ridiculous. They’re sitting on billions and billions and billions of dollars and they’re not paying for these things.”

Two problems with Klein's proposal. The Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds can't agree on who owns the oil. I imagine collecting revenue for reconstruction will be equally frustrating. The second is George W. Bush would veto any bill that forced Iraqis to pay for reconstruction. The President has shown no interest in holding the corrupt Iraqi accountable. He isn't about to change his last year in office.

In related news: the President is asking for more money for the war. The Democrats are responding by adding pork to the military spending bills. I'm wondering when someone will seriously address Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ron Klein: Rookie of the Year

Freshman Congressman Ron Klein has been named Politico's rookie of the year.

The designation, expected to be made in Tuesday or Wednesday’s edition, is “tangible proof of promises made, promises kept,” said Jesse McCollum, Klein’s chief of staff.

The selection was based on Klein’s work as a legislator, his reputation in the Congress, his work ethic and “all the things it takes to be a good congressman or congresswoman,” McCollum said.

No one is talking about Clay Shaw these days.

Alberto Gonzales Resigns

It is no coincidence that Alberto Gonzales resigned shortly after Karl Rove. Both were facing immense political pressure from the House and Senate Judiciary committees' investigations into the U.S. Atorney scandal. Both face the choice of staying in office and contradicting the testimony of others or seeking immunity. The choice isn't that difficult.

"Al Gonzales is a man of integrity, decency and principle," said President Bush.

The seal of approval from Bush was Gonzales's kiss of death. It was only a matter of time before the Attorney General was forced out.

“I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales,” Mr. Bush said of his old friend from Texas.

Bush's seal of approval did little to help Michael Brown, Tom Delay or Dennis Hastert. The President's loyalties and political instincts are so misplaced it's as if he is trying to intentionally screw up.

Fired U.S. Attorney David Iglesias had this advise on the qualifications for the next Attorney General.

"Get an attorney general who's respected by the courts and by Capitol Hill and somebody who has experience as a federal prosecutor.... You need someone who understands that the attorney general has to say no to the president sometimes."

One can only hope.

USA Today has an Alberto Gonzales timeline.

Update: Here are comments from Florida congressional members.

Mel Martinez: "Alberto Gonzales is an honorable man whose life history speaks volumes about what’s best about America. ... Alberto Gonzales has conducted himself always with honesty, dedication and integrity. He is my friend and he is a good man. He and his family have my thanks for their sacrifice for serving during difficult times, and my best wishes for the future."

Bill Nelson: “We have an urgent need to restore credibility at the Justice Department. My hope is President Bush’s new pick will take politics out of enforcing the law.”

Adam Putnam: “The Department of Justice now has the opportunity to benefit from fresh leadership. What the American people need right now is an effective, independent Attorney General who will be undistracted in his or her efforts to enforce our laws, secure our borders, and vigorously prosecute the war against militant Islamist jihadists.

Martinez is a Bush loyalist to the end.

Update: Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ron Klein offer their opinions on Gonzo's resignation.

Wasserman Schultz

"We need an Attorney General who will act as a lawyer for the American people rather than a lawyer for President Bush- that is why he has a White House Counsel," said Wasserman Schultz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee. "Attorney General Gonzales was the antithesis of the blindfolded Lady of Justice; rather than providing a blind, balanced justice, he tipped the scales to the right. The President must now appoint an Attorney General who will serve as the nation's chief law enforcement officer and as defender of our constitution independent of political influence."

Klein

"The Attorney General is one of the most critical positions in our government as he or she is tasked with overseeing the enforcement of our laws, and the prosecution of suspected criminals and terrorists. Thus, it's essential that the Attorney General is a person that maintains our sense of justice and keeps Americans safe," Klein said. "Unfortunately, the retention of Alberto Gonzales is another example of President Bush favoring loyalty over competence and integrity. Strong, honest, independent leadership must be restored to the Office of Attorney General or else the American people's faith in our justice system will continue to be comprised. I strongly urge President Bush to appoint a person that meets these high thresholds of character and integrity when searching for a replacement to Mr. Gonzales."

Update: Litbrit has a post on Gonzo. She is surprised by Gonzales's resignation. I'm not. Both Rove and Gonzales know that a grand jury investigation(s) will go beyond Bush's term. The prospects of another Republican president is not guaranteed. They can't rely on a pardon. They need legal council and will likely point blame at Bush and Cheney. The President and Vice-President will hide behind executive privilege and run out the clock.