As the $789 billion economic stimulus package headed to President Barack Obama's desk, the question on everyone's mind was, "Will it work?" ...more

February 15, 2009

As the $789 billion economic stimulus package headed to President Barack Obama's desk, the question on everyone's mind was, "Will it work?" ...more

February 14, 2009

A generally accepted premise is expecting different results from the same behavior is completely irrational. During the Reagan administration, David Stockman, Reagan's budget director, persuaded the Republicans to embrace the concepts of supply side economics and the theory that if the top earners earn more it will "trickle down" to the rest of the economy. To achieve this result, major tax cuts for those in the highest tax brackets were implemented, with the result that the national debt was doubled during the Reagan years. ...more

February 14, 2009

Republicans are up in arms about Gov. Crist's support of the stimulus package. Many are also surprised that the governor is contemplating a Senate run rather than standing for re-election. A possible reason for both relates to something I have pondered for some time: Florida should raise the sales tax by one cent, at least temporarily. The stimulus package, manna for our charmed governor, will likely enable Florida to balance its budget this year. But unless the economy improves significantly, next year we will be back to where we are now, cutting into the marrow of our already bare bones state programs. Perhaps the governor sees raising taxes in the near future as the only logical way to maintain the modest quality of life the state provides to its citizens, while understanding that, as a Republican, raising taxes would likely end his political career. The smart thing is to let someone else do it. ...more

February 14, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist appeared today in St. Petersburg with Mayor Rick Baker and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio to continue his public relations push for the federal stimulus package, despite taking increasing criticism from members of his own party who oppose the bill. ...more

February 13, 2009

Some Democratic lawmakers hope that Florida's share of the federal stimulus package will give them a powerful advantage during state budget negotiations this spring. ...more

February 13, 2009

Andy Tuck has been elected to chair the Republican Party of Highlands County. Robert Garcia is the new vice chairman, Sandra Fantauzzi is the secretary, Nadine Tedstone is the treasurer, Joan Hartt is the state committeewoman, and Chuck Oakes is the state committeeman. ...more

February 12, 2009

Gov. Charlie Crist confirmed today he'll introduce President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Fort Myers Tuesday, where Obama will appear to push his economic stimulus package. ...more

February 9, 2009

While millions of people were either directly or indirectly involved in the causes for A.I.G. and other necessary bailouts, if we were limited to only five words as the most responsible, they would be: Bill Clinton and Barney Frank. ...more

February 5, 2009

House Republicans unanimously chose Rep. Larry Cretul as their new leader, setting the stage for him to replace Ray Sansom as House Speaker next month. ...more

February 2, 2009