Not having learned their lesson from the Rubio-Crist race a couple years back, it appears that the RNC (Republican National Committee) and the National Republican Senatorial Committee are trying to clear the field for U.S. Congressman Connie Mack.

In the last few days businessman Craig Miller has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race turning his attention to a newly drawn Florida U.S. Congressional district.  Today, we heard that former State House Majority Leader Adam Hasner will do the same and enter a different Congressional race.

If that happens the pressure will come on former U.S. Senator George LeMieux and outsider Mike McCalister to drop out.  Apologies to anyone I did not list that is in the race, but others do not show up in the polling anywhere.

McCalister has reasonated with some Tea Partiers due to his military background and his no-nonsense style.  On the other hand, LeMieux did a solid job while in the Senate, completing Sen. Mel Martinez' term, and has a certain polish and likeability that is very easy on the electorate.

There is no doubt that longtime U.S. Bill Nelson is vulnerable.  There is also little doubt that U.S. Rep. Connie Mack has a leg up on everyone else due to his father's reputation and great name recognition.  His dad was a U.S. Senator that earned high marks while in office.  The younger Connie Mack is a little more of an unknown, despite being a Congressman.

My complaint is that the aforementioned organizations are trying to manipulate the primary field for Mack.  Mack may or may not be the right candidate to beat Bill Nelson.  I would prefer for voters to decide it.  Let us hold our debates and vett the candidates.  The last time we were in this spot Marco Rubio resisted and stayed in the race and crushed the establishment's choice, Charlie Crist. 

Memo to the RNC (Republican National Committee) and the National Republican Senatorial Committee: stay out of it.

- PRS

The Florida primary is about here and for the second state in a row former VP candidate and Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, is up to something.  But, what exactly is it?

Palin has found a place in American conservatives' hearts since she came to the attention of the public when Sen. John McCain picked hert as his Vice-Presidential running mate in 2008.  Since that ill-fated campaign Palin stepped down as Governor of Alaska (a state that has more reality TV shows about than any other state in the nation); written a book or two; signed a gig with FOX News.  Palin has also parlayed her convictions and life experiences into one of the most sought after speakers in the country.

That's why her actions in advance of the South Carolina and, now, Florida primary are so compelling.  Palin has offered two "one-state endorsements" of Newt Gingrich.  However, with her Florida announcement of a limited nod fo Newt, Sarah Palin opened up the blogosphere with this tantalizing tid-bit: "So, if for no other reason, rage against the machine, vote for Newt, annoy a liveral, vote Newt, keep this vetting process going, keep the debate going."

I get the "annoy a liberal" thing, but what intrigues me is why she wants to keep the vetting, the debate going.  I would understand it had she endorsed Rick Santorum which would lift his campaign and keep him in the game with some grassroots momentum.  But Palin is wanting to keep a process going that has become increasingly nasty and not sure what good comes of that.

So, it begs the qustion...What is Sarah Palin up to with these one-state only endorsements of Gingrich?

I have no clue what the end game might be only that there is one.

- PRS

It will likely be an especially gusty whirlwind of talk on TMS as the Florida primary draws near.  Granted, more Republican voters have already had their say in Florida through absentee ballot and early voting than any of the previous three states had in total, and we still have THE big day of voting on Tuesday.

Today we spent an amazing few minutes with former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum who might be considered the candidate least likely to still be standing after all these months of campaigning.  What made the time amazing? 

You can listen for yourself, if you like.   Santorum 012612

What I was impressed by was how passionately Santorum advocates his philosophies and positions on issues.  His explanation on how to confront the mess that is Social Security will win him votes, IF he is ever given the chance to express it.

In the coming few days before the primary we will likely hear from Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, and Newt Gingrich.  Stay tuned and invite a friend to do the same.

- PRS

Commissioners, 

You all know me and you also know that I have tried my best to offer thoughtful arguments for and against different issues over the years.  However, for reasons I cannot fathom the mirage that is the performing arts center continues to get, not only your time on an agenda item, but our and our visitors’ tax dollars.  I have repeatedly recommended that bed tax money be used for existing business that could benefit from it as opposed to putting in a project that will likely never be built.

I see that in tomorrow's agenda the PAC will, once again, ask for more money.  I ask you all to consider the following before voting:

1. The PAC has money in the bank that its supporters have raised.  If they believe in the future of this venture they should be required to support it.  

2. Tax payers have already paid more than $1 million dollars and the likelihood of this project ever being approved by voters (given the tax payer costs to build and maintain its operation) is simply nonexistent.

3. The PAC board has suspended fund raising and let go its executive director.  How can it be justified for tax payer money to be used for a project whose own supporters do not support it?

4. The actual need does not exist.  Consider that we will have a massive outdoor amphitheater at Cascades Park; we have new facilities for performances on the campus of FAMU; a newly refurbished Ruby Diamond Auditorium at FSU (yes, we can attend events there, too); the Civic Center (poor acoustics and all) still hosts some events; TCC has an auditorium; each county high school has its own auditorium; we have stage theater operating in Tallahassee and neighboring Quincy; and, in an interview last week on my show, the developer of FSU's College Town announced a concert performance venue that will be partnered with "Live Nation".  Lest you think that is not a big deal, go to www.LiveNation.com and look at the roster of talent under its tent. 

5. How many venues for the "arts" do we need?  Look at the list above and you will find about four or five venues within a mile or so from each other.

Approving the expenditure of this money is delaying the inevitable (voters will NOT approve this project) and, worst of all, wasting precious tax dollars.

Please deny this request. 

Respectfully,

Preston Scott

The local effort to build a performing arts center on your dime continues despite: no longer having an executive director; no longer making an effort to raise money (they are counting on bundling it with true infrastructure projects when the Blueprint 2000 extension comes up for a vote); no meaningful public support.

Still, on Tuesday the "crowd" will ask for more of your money to operate.  The request is for about $160,000.  I hope you contact County Commissioners and tell them, "Enough is enough...NO!"

If the supporters of this ridiculous project cannot even raise the money to support one staffer (who knew there was one left?) then they have no chance of raising the tens of millions needed to fund the building and running of the PAC.

Step up, folks.  Tell Commissioners, "No!"

- PRS