Sharp Cheddar. My Rhymes are Better.
Here are my opinions and/or recommendations regarding this year's ballot. For any and all interested parties. (Read: my mom and Beth)
US Senator: Bill Nelson
Let's forget for a moment that his opponent, Katherine Harris, is corrupt and insane. Senator Nelson works well with Republicans - a must for any politician in Florida and the main reason I could never run for office. He also fought to stop off-shore oil drilling and protect our coasts. Senator Nelson supports public schools. Did I mention his opponent is corrupt and insane?
US Representative: John Russell
We need new ideas and a fresh voice in Washington. Iraq war, anyone? In the real world, people know we must bring our soldiers home. In DC, they are convinced we're winning. Ginny Brown-Waite is an embarrassment so let's bring her home first.
Governor and Lt. Governor: Jim Davis and Daryl Jones
Read my reasoning here, here, and here. This your first day?
Attorney General: Walter "Skip" Campbell
Campbell's opponent pushed for Bill Clinton's impeachment. Therefore he has earned my eternal scorn. Campbell is pro-death penalty and fought unconstitutional measures to prolong Terri Schiavo's suffering.
CFO: Alex Sink
Her opponent is the outgoing Senate president who has failing schools and high homeowner's insurance on his list of accomplishments. As a female Democrat, Alex would bring diversity to Tallahassee. Her financial background and attention to fiscal responsibility would only benefit our state.
Commissioner of Agriculture: Eric Copeland
Cause I said so.
State Senator (District 12): Victor Crist
You heard me. Bobby, C, Adam's Professor - you all may commence with mad love letters as I am endorsing a Republican. Not a huge fan of any Crist on the ballot; however, Victor's opponent is too conservative, even by Florida's standards.
State Representative (District 61): Donovan Brown
This is a tough one. Brown's opponent isn't even his opponent anymore. And Brown is a bit unhinged, even by Florida's standards. Vote at your own risk.
Board of County Commissioners: Michael Cox
Cox's opponent surfed the Internet during meetings. That's dismissive, even by Pasco County's standards. This area has grown too much too soon. We don't have enough roads or classroom space. Say it like you mean it: Vote for Cox.
Vote to retain every Justice of the Supreme Court because they are our only hope against a dangerous, right-wing legislature. Justices Lewis, Pariente, and Quince stopped unconstitutional measures to prolong Terri Schiavo's suffering and stopped the school voucher program Bush tried to muscle in. Reward them with retention.
Vote to retain every Judge for the District Court of Appeals as well. They are an important check on the unrestrained power of right-wing fundies in Tally.
Circuit Judge, 6th Circuit, Group 9: Christine "Chris" Helinger
Circuit Judge, 6th Circuit, Group 32: Pat Siracusa
Pat has a ton of experience, does pro bono work, and clearly articulates his views.
County Judge, Group 6: Anne Wansboro
Anne has good character and strong work ethic. Her sound morals and values will serve us well.
County Judge, Group 7: Candy VanDercar
A lifetime of experience outside the courtroom as well as inside makes Candy an asset to our judicial system.
School Board Member, District 1: Allen Altman
Cause why not?
School Board Member, District 3: Cathi Martin
She is a veteran on a board with many new members. We need her experience and leadership.
Mosquito Control Commissioner, Seat 2: Rosemary J. Mastrocolo
I don't know anything about most of the people who want to rid Pasco County of our mosquito problem. John J. Ubele is a white separatist - so he's off the Holiday Card list. Rosemary has already served as commissioner so I'm going to vote that she continues in her post.
Amendment 1: Yes
We need Tallahassee to get with the program and learn fiscal responsibility. Yes it would add another government program; however, it would fix a host of problems.
Amendment 3: No
I've said it before - power to the people. Businesses behind this amendment give me pause to consider why they want this passed so badly. It's important that the amendment process remain an option when Tallahassee turns its back.
Amendment 4: Yes
The legislature was supposed to allocate funds from tobacco settlements to education and prevention. Instead they sent the money elsewhere. Let's put the money back where it belongs.
Amendment 6: Yes
Our neediest citizens, the elderly, deserve a tax break. So do others, yet this is a positive first step. I love when Repubs speak out against this one - they love tax breaks for the wealthy but want to reject a break for anyone else. So Christlike, those conservatives.
Amendment 7: Yes
You can tell who really supports our troops by whether or not they support giving disabled veterans a discount on the Homestead Ad Valorem tax. Those who slap a yellow ribbon on their truck but reject this amendment are really just pro-war and a Bush apologist. The rest of us rock.
Amendment 8: No
Unnecessary.
County - Whether the superintendent should be appointed instead of elected: No
There's high satisfaction rate with teachers in Pasco County. If it ain't broke, trust the voters.
And in Hillsborough County - for the straw poll - Should law enforcement spend more time investigating adult businesses? No
It takes valuable time away from important matters like rape and murder. Not to mention the fact that one of these days, I'm going to get around to visiting a strip club and an arrest would stomp on my buzz.
posted by kate @ 5:50 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
I don't get why we have to vote for Mosquito control. That should be a job. Not even a political appointment. Just a job.
One last thing on Amendment 3. Why would business support this? Raising the threshold means they have to spend more money on the campaign. I don't know about the rest of you, but most businesses I've encountered prefer to spend less on stuff that doesn't directly contribute to the bottom line. And really big businesses already have their legislators bought and paid for.
So, I can't see how making citizens meet the same threshold that the legislature must meet to get an amendment going is that bad.
I agree with you about the mosquito position. So that's something. ;-)
Did you see the debate last night? Crazy came a-callin' when Max Linn walked through the door. Entertaining and frustrating all at the same time. Highlights:
Charlie Crist doesn't think murder is a violent crime.
Jim Davis will use FCAT as a diagnostic tool instead of punishing teachers and students.
Charlie Crist came up with a LAME excuse as to why he wouldn't support a paper trail for voters. WTF? Where'd he come up with that one? Paying people to vote a certain way? I suppose he couldn't say, "We don't want a paper trail because then Diebold and other such companies can't hand Republican candidates their victories every year."
And the cattle out there in Florida (2000) and Ohio (2004) and again in Florida since early voting began? All they say is, "Moo."
Thanks Kate, now do the same for me for all the referendums, addendums, amendments, and other crap out here in CO. There are so many. You understand. Quickly, please, time is of the essence. That would be great. Let me know when you finish. :-)
Vote yes to legalize marijuana. I'll be out there the very next day.
Kate,
I would agree with you on the marijuana as well. Suprised? I am very libertarian on the personal issues, but I think we had that discussion a while ago.
As for the debate, I agree it was a circus, I think all 3 did pretty bad. I know you think Davis won, most papers once again are pretty neutral, and just called it a circus with Linn in it.
We will disagree on the paper trail issue. Paying people for votes is nothing new, and has been done repeatedly in history. I think if Crist would frequin be able to think on his feet, he could say the paper trail should be in the machines, with rolling receipts.
I think Crist did badly, and stumbled a few times, I think Davis did badly, and repeated way too much on George Bush, and stumbled a couple times as well, i think Linn acted like a child.
Wow, Rich, you're almost civil today. What happened to put you in such a chipper mood? Run over a small child on your way to work?
;-)
Frankly Kate,
I dont know how you do this blogging thing, it is so hyper partisan. I go thru cycles of blogging, from explaining my analysis with facts supporting it, to being upset about the rampant partisanship and personal attacks, to now I have almost lost the will to blog.
Bloggers are such hyperpartisans, I dont like falling in that trap. I just want the election over, and Crist to win.
The last time I was this exhausted on the partisanship was after the second debate between Crist and Gallagher, where Gallagher just went so incredibly negative, the slander and arguing was just as exhausting as this debate that just occurred. There too, one week before, I just wanted it over.
I am still 90% sure Crist will win, but Linn and Davis tag teaming him may or may not narrow the win.
With the narrowing win, I think Sink and Campbell will win their seats. Just as suprising to you, I think sink is not bad at all, and thought her first commercial was really funny. I also actually think it is usually best for a democrat to be in the attorney general position, for democrats hate businesses more, and they will keep them in line.
Davis, however, is very divisive. I think he has been in Washington too long. They all end up like that after being up there, including Graham.
For the record, I think republicans in washington come back just as divisive, in case you thought i meant only democrats come back divisive.
Washington DC seems to be as poisionous to bipartisonship as Los Angeles is to the divorce rate.
Not sure if it's true, but apparently Crist, during a gubernatorial debate, said something to the effect of, "Marriage is a sacred relationship. Like I had, before I got divorced." This was offered as a reason for his opposition to gay marriage. If it's true, and regardless of one's feelings about the race, the sound bite is hilarious.
Coupla sound bites last night and that's definitely one of them.
Oh, AP: you make my heart go pitter patter.
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