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Fire The Party of "No" - February 14, 2010 - Fire the Party of "No" is in response of listening to the lies of the Republican Party and seeing the disruption of our new President.

Republican strategy: Filibuster everything, win in November - February 14, 2010 - WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans are using the filibuster to limit and often derail Democrats' initiatives, paralyzing the Senate and making it nearly impossible to accomplish even the most routine matters.

A New Chair, a New Chance - February 10, 010 - After a turbulent period in the direction and performance of the MDCDEC, we finally have a Chair who seems to be committed to have the party do what is necessary to fulfill the mission of the DEC.

Marco Rubio to run for the US Senate - February 10, 2010 - The thought of any more Florida Republicans in Congress is enough to make any thoughtful Democrat have a sudden attack of what will probably feel like “swine-flu”.

Obama: Expand two lending programs - February 7, 2010 - President Barack Obama wants Congress to expand two lending programs to get more money in the hands of small business owners.

Solidarity with Concurrent Pro Democracy Protests in Iran on February 11th 2010 - February 3, 2010 - Call to Action!
Solidarity with Democracy Movement in Iran
February 11, 2010 6pm to 8:30pm at Torch of Friendship, Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami

The President Holds an Open Discussion Across the Aisle

Redistrict plan on ballot - January 23, 2010 - Organizers for the Fair Districts proposal have gathered enough signatures to put the measure -- to change the way lawmakers draw legislative districts -- on the November ballot.

Meek gains as Ferre's Senate bid takes a hit - January 16, 2010 - Haiti's tragedy has raised the profile of the Democratic front-runner for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat, Miami U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek.

Politifact: Kendrick Meek's `tossup race' claim not substantiated - January 16, 2010 - With Republicans Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio dominating news coverage about Florida's U.S. Senate race, Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek would like you to know he's running, too.

Democrat running for Senate Kendrick Meek

I wanted to invite you to the BBQ Kendrick Meek, the Democrat running for Senate, is having in North Broward. It will be a lot of fun and the tickets will help pay for the food and help get Kendrick elected.

Kendrick Meek Defends Class Size

Haiti president describes `unimaginable' catastrophe after earthquake - January 13, 2010 - PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Haitian President René Préval issued an urgent appeal for his earthquake-shattered nation Wednesday, saying he had been stepping over dead bodies and hearing the cries of those trapped under the rubble of the national Parliament.

Ethics commission meets with public to clean up Broward schools - January 11, 2010 - Residents had many suggestions for an ethics commission examining the Broward school district's practices.

GOP infighting boost Kendrick Meek's campaign status - January 10, 2010 - Kendrick Meek wants to introduce you to the learning-impaired child who overcame dyslexia to get through college, joined the Florida Highway Patrol, won a seat in the Legislature and worked his way into a prime position of influence in Congress.

Senate hopeful Kendrick Meek visits university - January 10, 2010 - While national attention has been focused on Florida's Republican contenders for the U.S. Senate, Kendrick Meek has been flying under the radar.

Meek's Senate drive is low profile - January 10, 2009 - TAMPA - Gov. Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio can't seem to avoid headlines, but U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek can't buy one.

Several reasons why Broward County is awash in corruption - January 10, 2010 - Last year, when an ambitious Fort Lauderdale lawyer named Scott Rothstein decided to hire someone to develop political strategies for businesses seeking government contracts, he turned to none other than Ken Jenne, the disgraced former sheriff who had just been released from jail

Court records reveal trouble at Turkey Point - January 4, 2010 - When Coleen Ware walked into Turkey Point, she was shocked to see that the indicators showing control rod positions looked like something out of an early '70s sci-fi movie.

School districts gear up to comply with class size amendment in 2010 - January 1, 2010 - Of all of the issues facing local school districts in 2010, no issue is more important than the class size amendment.

Metrorail, Metromover to run all night - December 31, 2009 - Miami-Dade Transit has advice for downtown revelers on New Year's Eve: Use public transit, put at least $4 on your card and don't forget that daily passes expire at 2 a.m.

Strange? Odd? Weird? Bizarre? _ That's Florida! - December 29, 2009 - TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- You know you're living in a weird state when the governor promotes a pay-per-minute sex chat line.

Miami taxpayers may be hit by city's financial woes - December 15, 2009 - With the Securities and Exchange Commission investigating Miami's budgeting practices once again, experts say `this is a very big issue' for the city.

Homestead cop arrested for falsifying citizenship documents - December 15, 2009 - A Homestead police officer was arrested Friday, accused of falsifying documents to obtain U.S. citizenship.

State government run like a Ponzi scheme - December 4, 20009 - In recent days, the biggest names in big Florida Ponzi schemes have been Madoff and Rothstein. No question, they've been huge and have hurt lots of people. But they are small potatoes compared to the biggest Ponzi of them all: the humongous one run for 10 years by our Republican-dominated Legislature and two governors. It has left every man, woman, and child in Florida holding the bag and has bankrupted the state.

Sen. LeMieux decries `culture of corruption' in S. Florida - November 25, 2009 - Asked about accused Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein, Sen. George LeMieux spoke out against South Florida corruption.

Can you win a lawsuit accusing the Legislature of doing a lousy job? - November 22, 2009 - Can you win a lawsuit that accuses the Florida Legislature of doing a lousy job?

Góngora, Exposito win Miami Beach commission runoffs - November 18, 2009 - Miami voters elected attorney Francis Suarez -- the son of former mayor Xavier Suarez -- to the city commission.

  Countdown With Keith Olbermann

Court dismisses suit by lesbian who couldn’t see dying partner at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital - September 30, 2009 - A federal court in Miami has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Washington state lesbian who was not allowed to visit her dying partner at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Feds Might Arrest More Broward Politicans - September 27, 2009 - Last week, three Broward politicans were arrested

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXPIRING - September 23, 2009 - Time is running out to take advantage of the Federal government's offer of an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. To qualify, homebuyers must complete a first-time home purchase before December 1, 2009. This means the last day to close on a home and take advantage of the credit is November 30. I encourage potential homebuyers to take advantage of market prices and this tax credit.

Miami Beach sends short-term rental law back to drawing board - September 12, 2009 - Miami Beach commissioners balked at a measure to regulate short-term rental communities on Wednesday, saying the proposed rule still needs work

Miami-Dade commissioner predicts `more people will lose their jobs' - September 9, 2009 - County Commissioner Katy Sorenson warned of major cuts to jobs, services and programs in next week's final county budget hearing at a meeting in Palmetto Bay.

Overtaxed homeowners will hit the road - September 2, 2009 - Tell us it was a misprint or perhaps a belated April Fool's joke. In a recent Home & Design's How Does Your Home Compare, the real-estate taxes on a home in El Portal that sold for $232,500 were listed at $11,866. Another home in North Miami sold for $595,000 with taxes at $21,264. But a home in Bal Harbour, which sold for $1.3 million, had taxes of $7,668. Bal Harbour gets, by far, superior services and schools than El Portal and North Miami, so why are the taxes so drastically different?

Medicare works; everyone should be covered - September 2, 2009 - I want Medicare for everyone. Before Medicare, old people just died of old age. But Medicare expanded the elderly market so there was money for research and development. Then we began to understand geriatric diseases. It was Medicare that provided money for the technology that created, for example, innovative coronary care. So everyone, even those with private wealth and insurance, got healthcare that wasn't possible without Medicare.

Writer Peter Orvetti - Ain't That America - September 1, 2009 - Officer Wesley Cheeks, Jr., inadvertently revealed a sad truth during a confrontation with a peaceful demonstrator last Tuesday in Reston, Virginia. The man was one of several holding up signs outside a town hall forum on health care hosted by Rep. James Moran. Cheeks, a security officer employed by the public through the Fairfax County Public Schools, singled out this man because he did not like his sign.

So much is riding on the outcome of the health care reform debate. That's why it is essential that decisions be based on facts and on an understanding of the actual content of the bills under consideration. The following is an (edited) compilation of various responses to the most common myths and misleading claims raised by critics. The responses pertain most closely to the House version, where all committee review has been completed.

Budget snafu leaves Miami-Dade transit tax spending in limbo - August 20, 2009 - Miami-Dade won't be able to use half-penny transit sales surtax proceeds to support existing transportation services should commissioners follow Mayor Carlos Alvarez's lead and choose not to increase the county transit outlay in the upcoming fiscal year.

Bad Judge, Teretha Lundy Thomas - August 8, 2009 - When you think the laws are correct then you have to get a judge to read them the way the law was meant to be read.  All of the Landlord/Tenant laws have been thrown in the thrash when it comes to Teretha Lundy Thomas.  Florida Statute 83.51  Landlord’s obligation to maintain premises.  Florida Statute 83.51 is what the landlord is suppose to do to maintain their apartment building up Florida Building Codes.  They are required to....

Is Judge Shelley Kravirtz Just PlainStupid - August 8, 2009 - Florida Statute 83.49 (2) The landlord shall, within 30 days of receipt of advance rent or a security deposit, notify the tenant in writing of the manner in which the landlord is holding the advance rent or security deposit and the rate of interest, if any, which the tenant

Proposed Mastectomy Law Change - August 7, 2009 - Ladies & Gents; I know we know someone who has been has the surgery and could have benefitted from this bill. Let's encourage our respresentative to support this bill. Please sign the petition and keep this e-mail 

ImTapping your cell phone - June 29, 2009 -

Imagine someone watching your every move, hearing everything you say and knowing where you are at every moment. If you have a cell phone, it could happen to you. 13 Investigates explains how your cell phone can be secretly hijacked and used against you - and how to protect yourself.

4 police officers caught in crash cover-up - July 29, 2009 - Miami Herald - HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Four Hollywood police officers are accused of faking a crash report - and it was caught on an officer's dashboard camera.

DCF ignored case of baby who later died- July 29, 2009 - A Broward Circuit judge sought state intervention repeatedly for a vulnerable baby. But help for Bryce Barros came too late.

2 unions endorse Tomás Regalado for Miami mayor - July 16, 2009 - Miami Herald - Two powerful city of Miami employee unions Thursday endorsed Commissioner Tomás Regalado for mayor.

Joe Sanchez for Mayor – I think “NOT" - July 16, 2009 - I was reading an article stating that City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez was thinking about running for Mayor  for the City of Miami replacing Mayor Manny Diaz at the end of his term in 2009.  The question is, “Is Joe Sanchez ready to become Mayor?”, and I think not.  I will explai

Republicans are trying to find a voice and a direction - March 4, 2009 - The governor's annual report card on the state of Florida exposed the nationwide rift in the Republican Party over whether increased government spending will repair the economy.

In stimulus plan, how much bang for the buck? - February 24, 2009 - Thousands of cities, counties compete for scarce infrastructure funds

Latest 'phishing' scam lures you with tax return - February 19. 2009 - Cyber-thieves' e-mail looks like it's from the IRS, but it's a rip-off

Gov. Charlie Crist defends support of stimulus package - February 19. 2009 - Republican voters who said they don't share Gov. Charlie Crist's support of the recently passed economic stimulus plan said they believe he's trying to do the right thing.

Beware Of Latest Scheme Targeting Social Networking Sites - February 4. 2009 - Friends of Bryan Rutberg were alarmed to hear Bryan was in trouble overseas recently, and one sent money to help out

Obama slams Wall Street on bonuses - January 29, 2009 - President calls the $18.4 billion in bonuses paid last year 'shameful'.

Postmaster Gen'l: Mail Delivery Could Be Cut - January 28, 2009 - Agency Could Cut One Day Of Delivery

House passes Obama economic stimulus plan - January 28, 2009 - President: 'Perilous moment' requires swift action to kick-start economy

Fighting corruption with the 'honest services' doctrine - January 25, 2009 - It might be a good idea for public officials and those who lobby them in Florida to pay attention to what's going on in federal courtrooms around the nation. Especially state legislators.

Crist praises Obama's promised stimulus package - January 23, 2009 - West Palm Beach - Gov. Charlie Crist told a crowd of 700 today the stimulus package promised by President Barack Obama offers hope on the heels of severe budget cuts.

Foreclosure Fightback - January 22, 2009 - "This is a crowd that won't scatter," James Steele wrote in the pages of The Nation some seventy-five years ago.

Political Interference Seen in Bank Bailout Decisions - January 22, 2009 - Barney Frank Goes to Bat for Lender, and It Gets an Infusion

Senate Select Committee on Florida's Economy brain-storms solutions to the state's economic crisis - January 21, 2009 - BOYNTON BEACH — Dozens of local citizens lined up to offer advice to state senators today as they met to address Florida's economic crisis.

Poll: Inaugural boosts American hopes - January 21, 2009 - WASHINGTON — President Obama's inauguration has given a recession-battered nation a boost.

President Obama makes his way to new office - January 20, 2009 - Inaugural parade heads to White House, celebrating first black U.S. leader

Interest Rate Drop Has Dire Results for Legal Aid - January 19, 2009 - BOSTON — Scores of legal aid societies that help poor people with noncriminal cases — like disputes over foreclosures, evictions and eligibility for unemployment benefits — are being forced to cut their staffs and services, even as requests for help have soared.

Obama Has Chance to Shape U.S. Courts - January 19, 2009 - Vacancies of Appellate Judges, Makeup in Congress Should Give New President Sway Over How Laws Will Be Interpreted

Bush's legacy is America's shame - January 18, 2009 - Although Americans would be wary of admitting it to others, we know the wreckage left behind by the outgoing administration

Congress takes up foreclosure relief plans - January 14, 2009 - After a year of debate, effective government solutions remain elusive

Poll: Solid support for Obama's economic plan - January 14, 2009 - WASHINGTON - A solid plurality of the American public supports the economic stimulus plan that President-elect Barack Obama has proposed, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

Legislators Expect Deal By Monday On Budget Cuts - January 11, 2009 - Deal Made To Help Nursing Homes - New Traffic Fines, Other Changes To Help Plug Deficit

Crisis getting worse, lawmakers are told - January 6, 2009 - Lawmakers returned to Tallahassee to cut the state budget and close the deficit but were greeted with more bad financial news.

Education Union Proposes Sales Tax Increase - January 5, 2009 - Lawmakers Addressing Budget Crisis Wednesday

5 governors unite, seek $1 trillion in federal aid - January 3, 2009 - Governor Deval Patrick and four other influential Democratic governors pleaded their case yesterday for up to $1 trillion in federal assistance over the next two years, to help alleviate budget cuts, create jobs, and avoid inflicting irreversible damage to schools during a fiscal crisis.

U.S. Debt Expected To Soar This Year - January 3, 2009 - $2 Trillion Increase May Test Federal Ability to Borrow

The Student Loan Bailout - January 2, 2009 - As the economic crisis deepened during 2008, the turmoil in the housing and credit markets generated most of the more dramatic headlines. But higher education, and particularly the market for student loans, has also been feeling the effects of the ongoing recession.

Federal Panel Pushes Big Bump In Gas Tax - January 1, 2009 - A 50 percent increase in gasoline and diesel fuel taxes is being urged by a federal commission to finance highway construction and repair until the government devises another way for motorists to pay for using public roads.

An Irresponsible Budget - - December 31, 2008 - House Speaker Ray Sansom and Senate President Jeff Atwater on Tuesday officially released their call for the special budget-cutting session set to start next week and it closely mirrors the trust-fund raids and cuts Gov. Charlie Crist recommended.

Reform judicial nominations - December 28, 2008 - As became evident this month, Florida gives the governor too much power over selecting judges.

Double dipping rises despite outrage - December 28, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE — This year some of Florida's public officials are giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "home for the holidays.''

Lawmaker: End tax money for candidates - December 27, 2008 - UMATILLA - State Rep. Alan Hays wants Florida to end the practice of giving public money to statewide candidates to help finance their campaigns.

Stop Being Stupid - December 27, 2008 - I’ve got a new year’s resolution and a new slogan for the country.

States slash Medicaid amid economic woes - December 26, 2008 - States from Rhode Island to California are being forced to curtail Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor, as they struggle to cope with the deteriorating economy.

3 Legislators Are In Favor Of Forgoing Their Raises - December 25, 2008 - WASHINGTON - With the economy teetering and thousands of Floridians and other Americans losing their jobs, three Florida members of Congress say they would vote to give up their automatic $4,700 pay raise next year.

Florida lags in school funding - December 24, 2008 - Florida ranks below the national average for teachers' pay and per pupil spending, according to the 65th annual report from the country's largest teachers' union.

Florida prisons will have new cooks in the kitchen - December 23, 2008 - Florida’s inmates will soon have a new chef in the kitchen. By the second week of January all food served in state prisons will be prepared by state employees and inmates.

Up is Down, Down is Up - December 22, 2008 - According to the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, here were some of our state's rankings in 2007:

Optimism High About Obama Policies, Poll Finds - December 21, 2008 - Majorities Concur on Economy, but Rifts Abound on Initial Priorities

Lawmakers cash in with campus jobs - December 21, 2008 - Former and current lawmakers are finding employment at community colleges and state universities, even in times of cutbacks and curbs on enrollment.

Transit hires after tax hike included the well-connected - December 21, 2008 - Aides and secretaries to current and former public officials found new jobs at the transit agency after voters backed a sales tax for transportation in 2002.

Tax money inflated salaries, overtime - December 21, 2008 - It was Nov. 1, 2002, four days before a historic election aimed at reshaping the transit landscape in Miami-Dade County, and a backroom deal was quietly being cemented at County Hall.

Obama increases jobs goal to 3 million - December 21, 2008 - ‘We're going to have to be bold,’ president-elect says of economic plan

$1.6 billion went to bailed-out bank execs - December 21, 2008 - Records show bonuses, chauffeurs, health club benefits, financial planning

Obama moves toward unity politics - December 20, 2008 - Democrats have complained for years about bitter partisan politics under George Bush. They blame it on Bush even though, logically, it takes two sides to produce a standoff. Now some Dems are irked at Barack Obama for giving his administration a big-tent look with moderates in the cabinet and elsewhere.

Burst bubble pushes Florida jobless rate to 15-year high - December 20, 2008 - Normally, Florida’s jobless rate falls in November as the holiday hiring season gears up. But, as President Bush said this morning, these aren’t normal times.

Unemployment Inches Up - December 20, 2008 - Unemployment in Florida inched up three-tenths of a percent in November. 680,000 Floridians are now out of work. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, there are now 200,000 more Floridians out of work than there were a year ago.

Automakers get $17.4 billion lifeline from gov't - December 19, 2008 - Government would have option to become stockholder in companies.

Where's the Leadership?- December 18, 2008 - It's a question every Floridian should be asking themselves about our state government these days. We're facing a $2 billion dollar deficit, with an economy that isn't predicted to recover until 2010.

DeFede: Hooray, Florida Still #1 For Corruption - December 18, 2008 - Ever since Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested, there has been a lot of talk about whether Illinois is the most corrupt state in the country.

More Americans feel downturn's pain, poll finds - December 17, 2008 - 63 percent are hurting, think U.S. has entered long-term economic decline

Battle Continues Over Miami-Dade Teachers' Raises - December 15, 2008 - Teachers, School Board Members Attend Mediation

Fla. Legislature Meeting In 2009 To Slash Budget - December 15, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ― In today's economy of budget shortfalls at the private and public level, many experts predicted Florida's legislature would hold a special session to deal with a budget deficit of millions, and Monday the announcement was made official.

States’ Funds for Jobless Are Drying Up - December 14, 2008 - With unemployment claims reaching their highest levels in decades, states are running out of money to pay benefits, and some are turning to the federal government for loans or increasing taxes on businesses to make the payment

Ros-Lehtinen Talks About Auto Bailout - December 12, 2008 - S. Fla. Representative Voted Against Bill

Treasury Dept. To Step In, Save Automakers - December 12, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- The Treasury Department said Friday it's prepared to act to avoid any possible collapse of nation's three largest auto companies given that rescue efforts in Congress have failed.

Ron Paul: Bailouts Will 'Destroy the Dollar' - December 11, 2008 - U.S. Representative and former presidential candidate Ron Paul tells Newsmax that bailouts of U.S. corporations are “bad morally” — and says current federal economic policies “will literally destroy the dollar.”

Many Parents Clueless About Newborn Genetic Tests - December 10, 2008 - (WCCO) Each year blood samples are taken from thousands of newborns to screen for more than 50 medical conditions.

$14 billion auto bailout bill clears the House - December 10, 2008 - White house lobbies GOP; Tough Senate battle for loan program remains

Bailout lacks oversight despite billions pledged - November 13, 2008 - Watchdog panel is empty; unfinished monitoring report misses deadline

Onslaught of dirty tricks as election day nears Nov. 3, 2008 - In the final hours of the campaign, bogus fliers, e-mails and calls increase

Election Deception: The Web's 12 Dirtiest Tricks Nov. 3, 2008 - If scammers have things their way -- with the help of a dozen sneaky ploys -- plenty of ballots will never make it to the boxes.

Social Security Hike Largest in 26 Years October 16, 2008 -
Rising inflation drove the 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to greatly surpass this year’s 2.3 percent raise. The 5.8 percent adjustment is the highest since 1982

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Early Voting Locations Miami-Dade County

Early Voting Locations Broward County

Early Voting Locations Monroe County

Laws in Florida ... Still on the Books!

Great Video on ACORN

African American Voters Turn out Early

Attention Voters: Here's What You Have to Do to Make Sure You Get to Vote

Marriage amendment backers accused of election fraud

House GOP leader asks Bush to cut off ACORN funds - October 22, 2008 - House Republican leader John Boehner on Wednesday urged President Bush to block all federal funds to a grass-roots community group that has been accused of voter registration fraud.