RPOF Congratulates Marco Rubio on a Decisive Victory Tonight

TALLAHASSEE – Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher issued the following statement after the Associated Press reports that U.S. Senator-elect Marco Rubio won in a decisive victory tonight:

“I congratulate Senator-elect Marco Rubio on a great victory tonight. Millions of Floridians spoke in this election, and they overwhelmingly want Marco to represent them. Through this campaign, Marco has connected with millions of Floridians – voters that overwhelmingly want someone who will challenge the direction that politicians in Washington are taking our country. His incredible life story, message, and ideas to reclaim our country have clearly struck a chord with Florida voters of all political parties. We need a change in direction from the Obama-Pelosi agenda and Marco Rubio is exactly the leader Floridians want to challenge Washington and its politicians that will say and do anything simply to win an election.”

RPOF calls on the Florida Education Association and Perennial Candidate Scott Maddox to Stop Lying to Voters

FEA funds robo-calls to promote Maddox supporter and fake Tea Party candidate

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Education Association (FEA) is funding robo-calls to voters promoting fake Tea Party Candidate and Maddox supporter Ira Chester in the Commissioner of Agriculture race. The calls appear to be another ploy by Democrat Candidate Scott Maddox, who was endorsed by the FEA earlier this year, to siphon votes away from Adam Putnam by using a life-long support of Maddox.

The FEA is using a recently formed 527 called Less Government Now. The major funding for this 527 is the Floridians for Education and Development, the FEA Solidarity Fund, as well as the Trial Attorneys through another 527 called Floridians for Effective Leadership.

This is a sleazy attempt by Maddox and the Teachers Union to confuse voters with a fake Tea Party candidate. Chester, a 75-year-old registered Democrat until a few months ago, was planted in the Commissioner of Agriculture race by Maddox in an attempt to siphon votes from Republican Candidate Adam Putnam.  Chester has contributed financially to every Maddox campaign including this current campaign.

“The Florida Education Association should explain to the teachers of Florida why they would spend their members’ dues to support a fake TEA Party candidate and interfere in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture when they have no stake in the issues pertinent to the office,” said RPOF Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker.  “These calls are just another example of desperation by career politician Scott Maddox and his pathetic attempt to gain power.”

Maddox’s lack of substance may be one of the reasons an overwhelming majority of newspapers, the Florida Law Enforcement community, every agriculture organization, firefighters and the business community have endorsed Putnam’s candidacy and vision for the future of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For more information on Adam Putnam’s campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture, visit www.AdamPutnam.com or follow him on Facebook, www.facebook.com/adamputnam, and Twitter, @adamputnam.

RPOF Makes Public Records Request for Communication Between CFO Sink and Insurance Lobbyist Brian May

Floridians need to know the communications between Sink and CFO Office with Insurance Lobbyist/Sink Campaign Advisor

TALLAHASSEE – On the heels of Alex Sink cheating during the debate, firing an insurance lobbyist campaign advisor to pawn off responsibility on someone else, and then getting caught lying about cheating on national news, the Republican Party of Florida filed a Public Records Request today for communications between insurance lobbyist Brian May and Alex Sink and current and former employees of the CFO office.

The request asks for “any and all communications including, but not limited to, private and public e-mails, texts, PIN, and written communications” during the 2010 calendar year between insurance lobbyist May and CFO Sink, as well as with lobbyist May and current and former employees of the office of the CFO. Numerous, if not many, former CFO employees are current Sink campaign staff and advisors – some in prominent positions like Mr. May.

Mr. May is currently registered to lobby the office of the CFO, according to the Legislature’s website.

“Floridians have been shocked to find out that the very campaign advisor spoon-feeding her lines during the debate is actually an insurance lobbyist, lobbying Sink’s very own office,” said RPOF Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker. “There is clearly an undeniable web between May, Sink, CFO employees, and Sink campaign staff that requires significantly more inspection in the wake of the iCheat scandal. From the get-go, Alex Sink hasn’t been honest or shown integrity about the iCheat scandal. Considering we’ve now seen her cheat, throw a lobbyist-advisor under the bus to cover it up, and then lie about it on national television, Floridians are rightfully questioning her competence and honesty in the final week.”

The specific information requested from the letter is:

1. During the Calendar year 2010, any and all communications including but not limited to private and public e-mails, texts, PIN, information sent from Droid smartphones, and written communications between CFO Alex Sink and insurance lobbyist Brian E. May.

2. During the calendar year 2010, any and all communications including but not limited to private and public e-mails, texts, PIN, information sent from Droid smartphones, and written communications between any current or former employees of the Department of Financial Services under CFO Sink and insurance lobbyist Brian May, including, but not limited to, former CFO office employees currently on the Sink campaign. Numerous senior Sink campaign advisors are previous CFO office employees.

The full text of the letter that was delivered is below.

October 27, 2010

Jerri Franz
Communications Director, Office of Chief Financial Officer
PL 11, The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL, 32999-0301

Re: Public Records Request

Dear Director Franz:

I am writing to request copies of the following documents and that those documents be produced for inspection pursuant to the Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, and Article I, Section 24, of Florida’s Constitution.

1. During the Calendar year 2010, any and all communications including but not limited to private and public e-mails, texts, PIN, information sent from Droid smartphones, and written communications between CFO Alex Sink and insurance lobbyist Brian E. May.

2. During the calendar year 2010, any and all communications including but not limited to private and public e-mails, texts, PIN, information sent from Droid smartphones, and written communications between any current or former employees of the Department of Financial Services under CFO Sink and insurance lobbyist Brian May, including, but not limited to, former CFO office employees currently on the Sink campaign. Numerous senior Sink campaign advisors are previous CFO office employees.

This request includes copies of every document related to the matter, regardless of the format in which the information is stored. This request includes information stored on any State of Florida computer.

If you refuse to provide this information, Chapter 119 requires you advise me in writing and indicate the applicable exemption to the Public Records Act. Also, please state with particularity the reasons for your decision, as required by Section 119.07(2)(a). If the exemption you are claiming only applies to a portion of the records, please delete that portion and provide photocopies of the remainder of the records, according to Section 119.07(2)(a).

I agree to pay the actual cost of duplication as defined in Section 119.07(1)(a).
I request that these records be produced as soon as possible, but in any case within two days of the date of this request. If you have any questions or need more information in order to expedite this request, please call me at 850-222-7920.  I can also be reached at this number when your office has prepared the copies of the requested documents.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Ronnie Whitaker
Executive Director
Republican Party of Florida

RPOF: What They’re Saying About Amendments 5 & 6

No: Amendments 5 & 6 benefit outside interests, not voters
Orlando Sentinel
By: Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-myword-haridopolus-102710-20101026,0,194204.story

In 2008, President Obama won 20 of Florida’s 40 Senate districts. Still, there are those who suggest that Florida’s districts are uncompetitive and gerrymandered.

Of course, everybody supports fair redistricting. But Amendments 5 and 6 are not the answer. These amendments would impose new rules on redistricting — rules written by liberal union bosses, trial lawyers, and special interests, many located outside Florida.

Just follow the money.

The amendments’ sponsor, Fair Districts, has raised $3 million from lawyers and labor unions, including $1 million from state and national teachers unions and $625,000 from the Service Employees International Union.

Fair Districts received $400,000 from America Votes, a union-backed coalition whose members include the AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood and MoveOn.org. Its stated mission is “to advance progressive policies.” Fair Districts is also funded by EMILY’s List, an extremist group dedicated to the election of pro-abortion Democrats. It even accepted $25,000 in 2007 from the Florida affiliate of ACORN, the shady, left-wing organization suspected of nationwide voter-registration fraud.

These highly partisan, liberal groups did not invest millions for nothing. Their agenda is not disinterested civic reform, but a more liberal Congress and Legislature.

“Tell me what company you keep,” Cervantes wrote, “and I will tell you what you are.” From the company that Fair Districts keeps, we know that Amendments 5 and 6 are a power grab by liberal interest groups — plain and simple.

Fair Districts is not a grassroots movement of mainstream Florida citizens. In the last four weeks alone, Fair Districts raised nearly $2 million from four ultra-partisan Democratic mega-donors. Most of these funds came from Washington.

Amendments 5 and 6 are an attempt by Washington special interests to amend our constitution for their political gain. It’s no secret. One prominent, out-of-state supporter of the amendments boasted in news accounts that, if the amendments pass, Democrats would gain up to five seats in Congress. Florida voters — not Washington special interests —should make these decisions.

To date, Fair Districts has spent $5.8 million to convince voters that Florida’s redistricting process is broken. They claim that Republicans owe their legislative majority to gerrymandered districts, but plain facts prove otherwise:

First, Republicans gained their majority under a map drawn by Democrats.

Second, the number of Republicans in the Legislature today, under Republican-drawn districts, is exactly the same as one decade ago, under Democratic-drawn districts.

Third, while Republicans hold 63 percent of seats drawn by the Legislature, they fare even better where redistricting is not a factor, winning 73 percent of statewide elections in the last decade.

The Legislature takes redistricting very seriously. Florida will conduct an open and responsible redistricting process, with or without the partisan rules proposed by trial lawyers and union bosses. Floridians should vote “no” on Amendments 5 and 6.

Mike Haridopolos is the incoming Florida Senate President.

The left’s ploy to kill the conservative comeback
Northwest Florida Daily News
By Rep. Matt Gaetz

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/opinion/left-34297-conservative-rep.html

The air is cooler, the humidity is lower and political TV ads are virtually staked on top of one another. That’s right: It’s campaign season, and excitement is in the air among conservative voters this year.

Republicans are poised to have the most significant revival in a generation. Congress is likely to switch. If the election were held today, Florida would elect Republicans to the U.S. Senate, the governorship and every cabinet position.

So, is there any reason for conservatives to worry? Absolutely.

Floridians have become all too willing to amend our state constitution at a whim. This election cycle is no exception. In fact, Amendments 5 and 6 pose a greater risk to the conservative cause than any liberal currently running for office.

If passed, Amendments 5 and 6 would essentially toss the redistricting process to the Florida Supreme Court to draw legislative and congressional district lines. Keep in mind that this same court sided with President Obama and denied Floridians the right to reject federal health care reform by removing Amendment 9 from the ballot. Not very unbiased, in my book.

The standards set forth in Amendments 5 and 6 are blatantly inconsistent. According to the proposals, no district lines could be drawn that would favor any incumbent. Likewise, no lines could be drawn that would disfavor any incumbent. Thus, there would always be a basis for endless litigation of the redistricting process, which would cost taxpayers millions of dollars in a tough economy.

This is the strategy of the left: Try to win in courtrooms what cannot be won in the ballot box. Besides, in 1994, Republicans won majorities in districts drawn by Democrats.

It is no surprise that Amendments 5 and 6 have been funded almost exclusively by left-leaning interest groups. ACORN, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Service Employees International Union and George Soros have been major supporters. Only 8 percent of the contributions to Amendments 5 and 6 have been under $500.

If the special interests are successful — if Amendments 5 and 6 pass — Florida will be a very different place to live and do business. Democrats could sue their way into a majority in the Florida Legislature. State income taxes, increased business regulations and limitations on the free market would all be back on the table. Our state would move quickly in the wrong direction. A weakened conservative minority could offer only token resistance.

We all get it. This election is critically important to the future of our nation and our state. Vote no on Amendments 5 and 6 and keep the conservative comeback alive in Florida.

RPOF: Time For Alex Sink to Apologize for Willingly Cheating in CNN Debate

Sink Once Again Refuses to Accept Responsibility for Actions; Now Actually Denying She Cheated

TALLAHASSEE – In a brazen attempt to deny basic facts and pawn responsibility off on others, Alex Sink has yet to apologize for cheating in yesterday’s debate, has yet to accept responsibility for her actions, and is actually now denying that she cheated – although video clearly shows otherwise. This is just the latest in an unmistakable trend of Obama liberal Sink refusing to own up to and accept responsibility for her own actions.

Concerned that Alex Sink can’t answer questions on her own, her campaign staffers illegally spoon-fed a line to her in yesterday’s debate. Yet, as the CNN video clearly shows, Sink had the opportunity not to cheat, yet still decided to look at the handheld device with notes. The debate moderator wrote afterwards that “Alex Sink cheated during the debate.” Strikingly, in response to a question about this today, a Sink campaign spokesman said, “That is not cheating. That’s taking action when somebody on your staff breaks a rule or makes a mistake.”

“It’s time for Alex Sink to apologize for willingly cheating and now refusing to accept responsibility for it,” said Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker. “Sink has had scandal after scandal where she refuses to accept responsibility and claims ignorance, like after losing billions at the SBA and allowing criminals to sell insurance. Floridians were disturbed to see an unvarnished snapshot into how Sink-world works, illegally being spoon-fed notes by staff since neither have confidence in her ability to answer questions. How is Alex Sink prepared to be governor if she can’t answer the questions, won’t accept responsibility for her actions, and even refuses to admit the actions she clearly took.”

RPOF: Rick Scott Clear Winner in Final Gubernatorial Debate

RPOF: “The fact is that Alex Sink as governor would mean higher taxes, higher spending, and higher unemployment for Floridians – sounds awfully like President Obama.”

TALLAHASSEE – RPOF Communications Director Dan Conston issued the following statement following Rick Scott’s clear victory in tonight’s gubernatorial debate:

“Rick Scott was the only one with a clear plan tonight for creating jobs, getting Florida’s economy back on track, and reducing our near 12% unemployment. Meanwhile, Obama liberal Alex Sink refused to promise that she wouldn’t raise taxes and wouldn’t answer questions about her high-spending proposals and failed record as a ‘fiscal watchdog.’ The fact is that Alex Sink as governor would mean higher taxes, higher spending, and higher unemployment for Floridians – sounds awfully like President Obama.”

RPOF: Rick Scott Goes Two-For-Two in Debate Wins

TALLAHASSEE – RPOF Communications Director Dan Conston released the following statement after Rick Scott’s victory in the gubernatorial debate tonight at NOVA Southeastern University:

“Rick Scott’s victory tonight shows Floridians have a clear choice this November. They can move forward with a leader like Rick Scott who has a real jobs plan or they can bring the Obama economic agenda to Florida with Alex Sink. Alex Sink’s inability to answer how she would differ from Obama was a disturbing foreshadowing of what Florida will have to suffer through if she’s elected governor. Alex Sink would cost too much, be far too liberal, and her election would only mean more lost jobs in Florida.”

RPOF Announces Florida Honest Voter Hotline for Voting Problems and Early Voting Web Site

GOP Candidates Across the State Holding Early Voting Events Today

TALLAHASSEE – With early voting set to begin later today, the Republican Party of Florida announced the creation of the Florida Honest Voter hotline – 877-602-2010 – a resource for Floridians to report any voting irregularities, intimidation, violence, electioneering or any other potential voting problems. They also announced the creation of their early voting website, www.earlyvotefl.com to help inform Floridians how and where to vote early.

In addition to a long-underway significant voter turnout operation by the RPOF and Florida GOP candidates, Republican candidates are holding events across the state today to mark the beginning of early voting. Gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott is holding an early voting event in Plant City, Apopka and Sarasota. U.S. Sen. George LeMieux will be at an early voting event in Jacksonville.

“We want to ensure that every eligible Florida voter has the opportunity to vote,” said RPOF Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker. “That is why we launched the Florida Honest Voter hotline, allowing Floridians to report any voting irregularities, examples of intimidation, violence, electioneering, or any other potential voting problems. Floridians can reach the hotline at 877-602-2010.”

“One of the chief complaints I hear from Floridians is they don’t believe their government is on their side,” said U.S. Sen. George LeMieux. “They don’t believe those in power in Washington are listening or acting in our best interest.  One of the best ways to change course is by casting your vote for those candidates who most closely reflect your principles and beliefs.  I encourage all eligible Floridians to take advantage of the early voting or visit the polls on November 2. The outcomes of this election will send a loud and clear message to policymakers at all levels of government.”

If Floridians have questions about their polling location or voter registration status, they can go to www.earlyvotefl.com to get the relevant information about how to directly contact their Supervisor of Elections.

The RPOF recommends that Floridians vote for Marco Rubio for the U.S. Senate, Rick Scott for Governor, Pam Bondi for Attorney General, Jeff Atwater for Chief Financial Officer, and Adam Putnam for Agriculture Commissioner. The RPOF also strongly urges Floridians to vote NO on Amendments 4, 5 and 6, and urges a YES vote on Amendments 2 and 8.

RPOF: Sink Endorser Declares Obamacare’s Problem is “It Didn’t Go Far Enough” At Campaign Event

True Colors Showing: Sink Receives Endorsement Partly For Support of Obamacare

TALLAHASSEE – In remarks endorsing CFO Alex Sink this past Friday, the president of the Florida chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans declared that “the only thing wrong with the Obama health care plan is that it didn’t go far enough.” The organization endorsed Sink partly because of her support for Obamacare. The Palm Beach Post reports that Florida President Tony Fransetta made the remarks on Friday, in Wellington, at an endorsement event attended by Lt. Gov. candidate Rod Smith.

This is the latest example of Alex Sink’s deep liberal roots, getting endorsements from far-left leaning groups for support of far-left policies, while still claiming she is not an Obama liberal.

“This endorsement from the far left is not surprising for an Obama liberal, but it also raises significant questions about Alex Sink’s views on Obamacare,” said RPOF Communications Director Dan Conston. “Why if Alex Sink claims to be moderate, are her endorsers declaring that Obamacare ‘didn’t go far enough’ during their endorsements of her? How much more liberal does she believe Obamacare should’ve been? Will Alex Sink accept responsibility for the statement? If she disagrees and believes Obamacare is right as it currently is, will she repudiate them and reject their endorsement?”

Alex Sink has a long pattern of supporting liberal Washington proposals, and then running from her record in the campaign. She said that “Barack Obama has the right message and solutions for turning our economy around right here in Florida.” She also supported the Pelosi-Obama failed ‘stimulus’ plan and Obamacare – yet she’s run from her record during the campaign. Last week, she went as far as to avoid President Obama during his trip to Florida, even though the U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek was on hand.

BACKGROUND:

While Endorsing Sink, the President of the Florida chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans Said Obamacare’s Problem Was That it “Didn’t Go Far Enough.” “‘The only thing wrong with the Obama health care plan is that it didn’t go far enough,’ Fransetta said.” (Jeff Ostrowski, “Candidate-for-governor Alex Sink, in West Palm, urges biotech tax breaks, to create jobs,” Palm Beach Post, 10/15/10)

Sink Received the Endorsement At Least in Part for Support of Obamacare. “Also Friday, Sink running mate Rod Smith traveled to Wellington to accept the endorsement of the Florida chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans. Tony Fransetta, president of the 218,000-member Florida group, pointed both to the fines paid by Columbia/HCA and to Scott’s opposition to the Obama health reform.” (Jeff Ostrowski, “Candidate-for-governor Alex Sink, in West Palm, urges biotech tax breaks, to create jobs,” Palm Beach Post, 10/15/10)

RPOF: Vote Early: Get Information About How to Vote Early and Report Voting Problems

We have 11.7% unemployment in Florida and are feeling the effects of the Obama-Pelosi agenda of record reckless spending and debt in Washington. A failed “stimulus,” an endless stream of bailouts, a government takeover of healthcare that raises taxes and costs trillions but cuts Medicare benefits for seniors. Today, you can finally do something about it and vote early for Florida Republicans that will help create jobs and hold Washington’s spending and debt accountable.

Early voting begins later this morning. It’s easy to do, and I urge you to vote early and send a strong message to liberals in Washington that we need to restore America. Here are some helpful resources for early voting:

RPOF Early Voting Website – You can find your early voting location by clicking here to visit the RPOF’s new early voting website www.earlyvotefl.com.

Florida Voter Alert Hotline – We want to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote early or on election day. That is why we set up the Florida Voter Alert Hotline – at 800-602-2010 – so Floridians can report any voting problems, like voting irregularities, intimidation, violence, electioneering, and more.

Support the GOP – We now have the opportunity to vote for great Florida Republican candidates that will work to create jobs and oppose Washington’s mentality of reckless spending and debt. We strongly urge you to vote for Marco Rubio for the U.S. Senate, Rick Scott for Governor, Pam Bondi for Attorney General, Jeff Atwater for Chief Financial Officer, and Adam Putnam for Agriculture Commissioner.

Vote NO On Amendments 4, 5 and 6 – We strongly urge Floridians to vote NO on Amendments 4, 5 and 6. Amendment 4 will be a major jobs-killer if passed, and Amendments 5 and 6 are outside partisan liberal attempts to hurt our democracy and strip redistricting from the legislature. The pro-5 and 6 campaign is funded by millions upon millions in outside liberal donors including ACORN, the SEIU, teachers unions, and George Soros. It is critical For Florida that we defeat 4, 5 and 6. We also support a YES vote on Amendments 2 and 8.
We are only 15 days away from an election where you can finally do something to oppose the direction liberal Washington politicians are taking our country. Go to www.voteearlyfl.com to find information about voting early, vote for strong GOP candidates, and call the Florida Voter Alert Hotline at 800-602-2010 if you see or experience any voting problems.

On to Victory!

Ronnie Whitaker
Executive Director

RPOF: BREAKING: “Poll: Obama, Dems Poised to Lose Grayson House Seat”

Majority of FL-8 voters hold unfavorable view of Grayson as he is embroiled in latest controversy

TALLAHASSEE – With 34 days to go before election day, Florida Republicans are continuing to rise in races all across the state. According to the latest independent poll, commissioned by Sunshine State News, FL-8 GOP Candidate Daniel Webster now holds a 7-point lead over his Democratic opponent, Rep. Alan Grayson. This poll comes as Grayson is under fire for two misleading and highly offensive ads released in the last two weeks – the latest garnering widespread national condemnation.

Read about the Sunshine State News poll here:

Poll: Obama, Dems Poised to Lose Grayson House Seat
Sunshine State News
Kenric Ward
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/poll-obama-democrats-poised-lose-grayson-house-seat

In one of the most closely watched U.S. House races in the nation, Republican Daniel Webster now holds a 7-point lead over Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson in Central Florida’s 8th Congressional District, according to a new Sunshine State News Poll.

Webster, a former state senator, leads the freshman congressman 43-36 in the survey of 559 likely voters conducted Sept. 25-27. TEA (“Taxed Enough Already”) Party candidate Peg Dunmire drew 6 percent and NPA hopeful George Metcalfe garnered 3 percent, while 9 percent remained undecided (2 percent cited “other” and 1 percent refused to state).

Digging deeper, the numbers look even worse for Grayson as 51 percent of respondents said they had an unfavorable view of the Orlando-area congressman.
“Grayson has real problems here,” said Jim Lee, president of Voter Survey Service, which conducted the poll for Sunshine State News.

“He’s even more unpopular than the president, which is not surprising given how controversial he has been with his rhetoric, overall style and TV ads.”

Lee added, “It’s fascinating that both Grayson and the president have virtually the same image (a positive/negative ratio of 34/51), but Grayson is actually disliked more by independents (36/47 favorable/unfavorable) while Obama is only 36/37.”

Andy Sere, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington, D.C., said the Central Florida district “is ripe for a Republican pick-up, even if we weren’t running against Alan Grayson.”

Calling Grayson’s views “so far outside the maintstream,” Sere predicted that “a large swath of independents and conservative Democrats will hand him a resounding defeat in November.”

Tom Gaitens, Florida director for FreedomWorks, said the Washington, D.C-based tea group has focused on the CD8 race “from the beginning.”

“Grayson is an obnoxious antagonist to tea partiers and raised the ire of the movement,” Gaitens said. “He’s probably the biggest lightning rod-type candidate in the nation.”

With controversial TV ads like “Taliban Dan,” in which the Democrat tried to portray the Baptist Webster as a religious extremist, “Grayson put himself in the crosshairs,” Gaitens said.

“It’s his character to say foolish things, and he doesn’t handle stress well. He’ll see this poll and get more desperate,” said Gaitens, who predicts a 10-point victory for Webster.

But Webster has challenges, as well. Though the SSN poll shows him getting 72 percent of the GOP vote, Dunmire picks off 10 percent of Republicans and Metcalfe gets 1 percent.

“They have the potential to be real spoilers in this race and could allow Grayson to squeak through,” Lee said.

The key appears to be what happens with the remaining 10 percent of Republicans who are undecided (47 percent of all undecided voters remaining).

Metcalfe appears to be a factor with independents, attracting 10 percent of that vote (vs. Webster at 33 percent, Grayson at 42 percent and Dunmire at 2 percent).

Among poll respondents who said their chances of voting this fall were “excellent,” Webster retains a 7-point advantage over Grayson, 44-37.

Lee said it will be key whether the “third-party” vote evaporates closer to Election Day.

“A good reference point is last year’s New Jersey governor’s race when Chris Christie defeated incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine,” Lee observed.

“There was an independent candidate getting double-digit support in all the polling (including ours), but by the time Election Day rolled around voters realized it was a wasted vote and he only got 7 percent, which meant Christie was able to defeat Corzine with less than 50 percent of the vote. If I were Webster, I would be trying to convince conservative Republicans that a vote for Dunmire/Metcalfe is a vote for the incumbent.”

Webster’s image with Republicans is healthy (58/4 favorable to unfavorable) but 30 percent still don’t have an opinion of him and 7 percent still don’t know him.

Female voters are anything but ambivalent about Grayson — “They really loathe him,” Lee reported. With Grayson’s 33/53 favorable/unfavorable rating among women, Webster’s lead among females is much stronger (45/33 over Grayson) compared to a statistical tie (41/40 Webster) among males.

“This is important, because we usually see a gender gap in polling where females tend to vote more Democrat than males, but it’s the reverse in this poll,” Lee said.

Grayson’s campaign manager Susannah Randolph agrees that the female vote is crucial — noting that 53 percent of CD 8′s registered voters are women — but she predicted that Webster’s support will erode.

“Webster’s record on women is starting to get out there. As soon as they realize he sponsored a bill to outlaw divorce, opposes abortion in cases of rape and incest, and voted for cuts in funding to domestic violence shelters, they’ll see he’s incredibly anti-women,” Randolph said.

“Alan Grayson is a champion for women’s rights, and we will be in a commanding lead,” she predicted.

The Democratic Party also is banking that the district’s relatively high percentage of minority voters (34.4 percent) will come out again for Grayson on Nov. 2. Grayson knocked off GOP incumbent Ric Keller with 52 percent of the vote in 2008.

Webster spokesman Brian Graham said Grayson’s attack-dog style of campaigning will catch up with him this time around.

“Alan Grayson has been caught misleading voters in four different ads this month — and it’s backfiring,” Graham said.

“The people of Central Florida deserve better than Alan Grayson’s lies and extreme liberal positions. Daniel Webster is the leader Central Florida needs to create jobs and balance our budgets.”

Metcalfe says the Republican-Democrat bickering is self-defeating.

“Voters are disgusted with both parties and will support my election in growing numbers. I could not hold my nose and vote GOP just to be betrayed again,” Metcalfe said.

And Dunmire believes that the poll vastly understated TEA’s power at the polling booth.

“All the polls to date that involved ‘tea party’ candidates have shown similar results in the weeks and months leading up to the election. Every one of those polls has undervalued tea-supported candidates and this race will be no different,” Dunmire said.

Jerry Dorchuck, a Florida-based political consultant, forecast that Webster will “eke out a small victory, thanks to independent voters.

“The tea party activists will, I think, sit back and look at supporting one of their own vs. the prospect of giving the race back to Grayson, and they’ll close their eyes and vote for Webster,” said Dorchuck, who operates PMI Polling, a non-partisan research and voter-contact firm.

While the Cook and Rothenberg political reports have rated CD8 a “toss-up” and “toss-up/tilt Republican,” Grayson still has an edge in personal wealth and campaign cash.

Sere said NRCC has committed $817,000 for advertising and “will do whatever we can to elect Dan Webster.”

“The way Grayson is spending money has negated his advantage,” Sere added. “His over-the-top and, in some cases, despicable ads have been deemed false. Even left-wing bloggers are coming out against him.

“Dan Webster is the perfect contrast — a respected statesman.”

As for the tea party effect, FreedomWorks, which has pledged to support Webster with yard signs and a get-out-the-vote drive, cautioned that no Republican should take tea movement for granted.

“You will stay in the office by honoring the Constitution, fiscal discipline and free markets. If you stray, we’ll come after you too, just like we did with Charlie Crist,” Gaitens warned.

The Sunshine State News poll was conducted by Voter Survey Service, a division of Pennsylvania-based Susquehanna Polling and Research. Live calls were made from the VSS telephone call center in Harrisburg, Pa., and the survey has a margin of error of +/- 4.14 percent.

RPOF Releases Latest TV Ad: Florida’s Pension Fund Loses Billions Despite Warnings To Sink

Ad: “But with Alex Sink in charge, Florida’s pension fund has lost 24 billion dollars. That’s not a typo. $24 billion gone. Experts even warned Sink she was making risky investments.”

TALLAHASSEE – The Republican Party of Florida today launched a new ad, “Pensions,” highlighting CFO Alex Sink’s mismanagement as trustee of the State Board of Administration (SBA), which lost $24 billion under her watch. After huge losses, SBA followed up by rewarding employees with bonuses.

“Despite knowing the risky nature of SBA’s investment strategy for Florida, CFO Alex Sink ignored the warnings and now Florida’s seniors are suffering because of that,” said RPOF Communications Director Dan Conston. “With 11.7% unemployment, the last thing Florida needs is a Governor with a record showing incompetence and no accountability.”

The RPOF has begun sponsoring and airing the advertisement today in select broadcast and cable markets throughout Florida.

You can watch the ad here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeonjMjN8Zc

Text of “Pensions”:

ANNOUNCER:

You worked your whole life.

You saved.

It’s your pension.

You earned it.

But with Alex Sink in charge, Florida’s pension fund has lost 24 billion dollars.

That’s not a typo.

$24 billion gone.

Experts even warned Sink she was making risky investments.

Sink gave bonuses to staffers.

They were hired to invest our seniors money.

Lost billions.

Then Sink gave them bonuses.

And now she wants a promotion?

Background:

“In the last 13 months, the state pension plan lost more than a quarter of its value, or $37.9-billion. It peaked at $138.4-billion on Sept. 30, 2007, and was worth $100.5-billion on Oct. 31.” (Freedburg, Sydney & Humburg, Connie, “Pension Fund Plummets,” St. Petersburg Times, 11/17/08)

“The Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) posted a 14.03 percent return for the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Fund for fiscal year 2009-2010. The FRS Pension Fund, the largest mandate for the SBA, had a market value of $109.34 billion on June 30, 2010, representing an increase of $9.77 billion over June 30, 2009 figures after net payments of $4.5 billion to retirees.” (Press Release: “Florida Retirement System Rebounds In FY 2009-2010” SBA Florida, 07/29/10)

“But in audit after audit over the past eight years, the supposedly low-risk agency was warned again and again about making risky, complex investments, without proper controls.  Now, with the economy tanking, the overexposure to risk highlighted in those audits has come back to haunt the SBA. In the past 18 months, one-third of the agency’s assets — $61.4-billion — have been wiped out… But the audits tell a different story: Senior managers repeatedly were told to take steps to reduce risk, but for the most part, they stayed their risky course… Back in 2007, just before the credit crunch blew property markets to pieces, the agency invested in a $5.4-billion apartment complex on 80 acres in Manhattan. Known as Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, it was the priciest real estate buy in American history.  Some real estate experts questioned the sky-high price tag and huge amount of debt used to finance the deal. They said investors could be waiting at least seven to 10 years to see meaningful profits, which might be too long for a pension fund to tie up its money.  The SBA invested $250-million anyway.  Now the property’s value has dropped 10 percent and Wall Street credit firms have downgraded bonds tied to the deal. Low on cash, the private sponsors have asked investors to put up more money. The SBA’s share: $30-million more.” (Freedberg, Sydney “How to Scramble State’s Nest Egg” St. Petersburg Times, 01/25/09)

“In the two years since the state of Florida invested its money, the property lost more than half of its value. In September, the state announced the value of its investment was zero.  Memos from 2007 show state leaders knew the risks, including the declining market, soil contamination, lawsuits, and cash flow problems. Channel 9 counted 17 pages of risks, but could only view a partial list because the state blacked out some of the records.” (“Florida’s $250M Investment Bust” www.wftv.com, 10/29/09)

“Three years ago, the state of Florida made bad investments that lost hundreds of millions in value. State leaders blamed the sharks of Wall Street, who they said duped Florida money managers into buying way-too-risky securities… Now the St. Petersburg Times has obtained e-mails and internal memos that document a story at odds with the one told by Crist, Sink and McCollum, the elected officials responsible for oversight of the state’s money managers.  The securities Wall Street ‘dumped’ on Florida? The records show the state was anything but an innocent dupe; it was an eager partner…’They were chomping at the bit to buy risky securities. … These weren’t lambs being led to the slaughter. They weren’t fooled. … They seemed to go along quite happily.’” (Freedberg, Sydney P. “Risk Won; Taxpayers Lost” St. Petersburg Times, 09/19/10)

“The State Board of Administration, which put $1.2 billion in local government tax collections at risk of being devoured by the U.S. mortgage crisis, has paid more than $28,000 in bonuses this year to employees for their teamwork and ‘superior accomplishments,’ state records show.  Records obtained Monday by The Palm Beach Post show that 17 of the employees received awards from $371 to $2,500 for their work during an unprecedented two-week, $16 billion run of withdrawals set off by news in November that the board had invested state pensions, local taxes and insurance premiums in risky mortgage-backed securities… Florida CFO Alex Sink, a trustee of the State Board of Administration, said through a spokesman that she supported Milligan’s decision to hand out bonuses..” (Bender, Michael “Bonuses Despite Perilous Investing” Palm Beach Post, 04/16/08)

RPOF: Pam Bondi: An Experienced Crime Fighter Ready To Take On Gangs

TAMPA, Fla. — Today marks the fourth week of “nine weeks and nine distinct differences,” a weekly comparison highlighting significant differences between Pam Bondi, Republican candidate for Attorney General, and her Democratic opponent. Week #4 highlights the difference in crime-fighting experience between Bondi, a nearly two-decade career prosecutor who has personally handled many gang-related cases, including the prosecution of first-degree gang-related murder; and her opponent, a one-time prosecutor, turned criminal defense attorney and long-time politician.

“As a prosecutor, I handled many cases of gang-related violence and crime, and I know firsthand that gangs are a very real and growing danger in our state,” said Bondi. “As attorney general, I will do everything in my power to fight crime and keep Floridians safe. Locking up dangerous gang criminals is a personal and top priority of mine.”

During her career as a prosecutor, Bondi has fought against dangerous criminals and has two prisoners currently on death row. She has also argued numerous times before the Parole Commission to keep serial killers and rapists behind bars.

According to current Attorney General Bill McCollum’s Gang Reduction Strategy Report and the Florida Department of Corrections, Florida’s gang problem is the 4th worse in the nation and all together, convicted gang members cost Florida’s taxpayers more than $132 million a year. As attorney general, Bondi has pledged to use her experience as a career prosecutor to help go after gangs by expanding on current efforts to increase gang awareness education and by expanding existing regional task forces, such as Hillsborough’s successful anti-gang unit, Multi Agency Gang Task Force (MAGTF), to a statewide level to improve and share communication and intelligence information and resources of multiple state and federal law enforcement agencies.

“In addition to investigating and prosecuting gang criminals, I have personally gone into schools to speak to thousands of kids about the dangers of drunk driving, drugs, gangs, and the importance of staying in school,” said Bondi. “Education is a key component to prevention, and it terrifies me that although I used to get asked to give these lectures to high-school students, I now know that if we don’t start in middle school, it is already too late for many of these kids.”

In stark contrast to Bondi’s career of more than 18 years of service as a prosecutor, her Democratic opponent switched sides from his early service as a prosecutor to work as a criminal defense attorney and a long-time politician.

Week #1 highlighted Bondi’s commitment to stand up against the federal health care law and her opponent’s position to immediately dismiss the lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of the law. Week #2 showed the clear difference in backgrounds between Bondi, a career prosecutor and first time political candidate and her opponent, a one-time prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney turned long-time politician. Week #3 outlined Bondi’s commitment as a fiscal conservative who supports low taxes, limited government and job creating measures, compared to her opponent who has a long political record of voting against tax relief and job-creating measures.

* * *

About Pam Bondi for Attorney General
In December, Pam Bondi stepped down from an 18-year career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s office to run for Attorney General. She won the Republican nomination in August after a competitive primary contest with two other candidates. She is a fourth-generation Floridian and is committed to being an advocate for the small businesses and working families of Florida. Bondi is endorsed by the National Rifle Association. She has been endorsed by the Susan B. Anthony List Fund, which supports pro-life candidates; by Speaker of the Florida House Larry Cretul, former Governor Bob Martinez, and former Attorney General Jim Smith; by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Realtors, Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, the Associated Industries of Florida PAC, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, the Florida Retail Federation, and the Florida Home Builders Association; and by numerous other conservative grassroots leaders and elected officials.

ON THE WEB: www.pambondi.com

RPOF Names Dan Conston Communications Director

Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher today announced that Dan Conston will serve as the Party’s Communications Director.

“Dan is joining the RPOF Team fresh off of a primary victory in Kansas, where he served as the communications director for Jerry Moran’s U.S. Senate campaign,” said Chairman Thrasher. “He previously worked as communications director for Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and also in the national press offices of the Fred Thompson Campaign and the McCain-Palin Campaign.

“Dan will make a great addition our staff at the RPOF and we are excited to welcome him to the team,” continued Chairman Thrasher.

Dan can be reached via DConston@rpof.org or (850) 222-7920. Katie Betta will transition to the Speaker’s Office beginning on October 1.  In the mean time, she will continue to serve as Speaker-Designate Dean Cannon’s spokesperson and will be available via Katie@DeanCannon.com or (850) 339-7087.

RPOF: Democrat Ausley Objects to Democrat Sink’s Taj Mahal

Democrat CFO and Gubernatorial Candidates at Odds over New Courthouse

Tallahassee–This week, CFO Alex Sink started back-peddling to get away from the controversy stirred up by her protégé and aspiring replacement Lorranne Ausley over the so-called “Taj Mahal” courthouse.  Sink hastily called for an audit of the construction project when Ausley wrongly placed blame for the issue on legislative actions. In fact, state records show that it was Sink who moved – in an August 12, 2008 cabinet meeting – to authorize the funding for the courthouse. … Continue Reading

Statement by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner regarding Rick Scott’s victory in Florida’s Republican Gubernatorial Primary

“I congratulate Rick Scott, his wife Ann, their campaign team, and his supporters on their victory.  Today, I urge all Florida Republicans to join me in uniting behind Rick and his optimistic vision for this state we all love.

“Primaries are often difficult, and Republicans are known to fight passionately for the candidates they support. But we must also recognize that our next Governor faces serious challenges.

“Rick Scott’s common-sense approach for reforming government, cutting wasteful spending and putting Floridians back to work through his plan for job creation represents a clean break from the failed leadership and political opportunism we’ve witnessed for the past four years under Charlie Crist.

“On the other hand, the Sink/Smith ticket represents more of the same government-knows-best politics that Floridians reject. They will no doubt try to reinvent themselves as centrists, but the reality is that they will walk in lockstep with the Democratic establishment in Washington to impose President Obama’s massive new healthcare overhaul, reverse accountability-based education reforms, and bow to liberal special interests.

“This is an important election for the future of our state and our country, and  there are two very different paths for Floridians to choose. As past election cycles have proven, elections have consequences. And with less than 70 days remaining before Election Day, Republicans cannot afford to waste any time in unifying behind Rick Scott and leading the way to victory in November.”

RPOF National Committeeman Paul Senft Congratulates Rick Scott on Primary Victory

Haines City-RPOF National Committeeman Paul Senft today congratulated Rick Scott on his primary victory.

“I look forward to standing with Rick Scott and working to keep Republican leadership in the governor’s office in Tallahassee.

“Rick Scott has the hands on experience of creating jobs.  He has a record of listening to the people and standing up for people as he did in his fight against the wasteful and expensive healthcare plans that have been proposed and passed by the Democrats.

“Republicans know what is at stake and will rally in support of Rick Scott as the campaign for governor moves forward.  Mr. Scott is a good listener who connects with the conservative base of Florida voters.  He has good, new and fresh ideas that will help the state of Florida during these difficult budget times.”

“Let’s get to work, for Florida and for Rick Scott!”

National Committeewoman and RNC Secretary Sharon Day Congratulates Rick Scott

As Florida’s National Committeewoman and the Republican National Committee Secretary, I want to congratulate Rick Scott and his campaign staff on their victory.

It is a good day for Republicans across the State of Florida as we have now selected our candidate for Governor. I look forward to standing with my fellow Republican Party of Florida leaders and Republicans across this great state to ensure that on Tuesday, November 2, Rick Scott will be victorious against liberal Democrat Alex Sink and her support of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s dangerous schemes.

As Florida Republicans, we look forward to working on behalf of all our Republican candidates and the opportunity to share our proud Republican beliefs of less government, less taxes and more freedom.

RPOF Congratulates Rick Scott

Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher today congratulated Rick Scott for his victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary election.

“The stakes are high and I look forward to the debate ahead as we contrast Alex Sink’s record of support for President Obama’s ultra liberal, left-wing ideology in the form of donations to his campaign, endorsements of his government takeover of our health care system and support for his failed stimulus package, with Rick Scott’s vision for Florida that will create 700,000 new jobs without expanding the size and scope government.

I’m confident that Republicans across the state will rally around our new nominee as we move forward together towards the November election.

RPOF Applauds Steve Southerland

Tallahassee–The Republican Party of Florida today congratulated Steve Southerland, winner of the Republican Primary in Florida’s Second Congressional District. RPOF Chairman John Thrasher released the following statement.

“A small business owner with deep roots in the district, Steve Southerland understands firsthand the pressures that businesses face and what it takes to create jobs, make payroll and provide health care coverage for employees. His knowledge and experience will enable him to fight to enact the policies we need to create and keep good paying jobs and to bring about true economic recovery.

“It’s clear that the conservative voters of Congressional District 2 are fed up with Allen Boyd’s attempts to win favor with the Obama Administration at the expense of local jobs. Boyd has proven that when push comes to shove, he’ll vote in favor of the Obama-Pelosi agenda, regardless of the consequences to his constituents. Voters have had enough of Boyd’s flip-flops, and I know that Steve Southerland will be the refreshing voice we need in Washington.