Sep
29
Congressman Mark Foley Resigns Amid Sex Scandal With Teenage Former Page
September 29, 2006 | 2 Comments
In the political lexicon, there is a quote that has been moprhed and transformed over the years. Most people attribute it to Huey Long, but that could be as much as urban myth. However, Congressman Mark Foley has given us a modern example:
“The only way I can lose is if they find me [...]
Sep
27
New York City to Ban Fats…
September 27, 2006 | 4 Comments
As a preface, I realize that some of you may ask what does this have to do with Florida politics. Well, New York City was among the first places in the country to ban in-door smoking. That effort moved around the country, eventually passing as a citizen’s initiative here in Florida.
Moreover, when the [...]
Sep
27
GOP Slights Tampa, Picks Minneapolis for 2008 Republican Convention
September 27, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Breaking News: MSNBC reported from Republican sources that the Republican National Committee has selected Minneapolis-St. Paul for the 2008 Republican Convention. Tampa was one of the finalists, and had been reported as being the favorite. Tampa was also a finalist for the 2004 convention that was awarded to New York City.
UPDATE: This is [...]
Sep
25
The Housing Bubble Has Burst
September 25, 2006 | 2 Comments
The National Association of Realtors came out with their August home sales figures and showed some major issues.
Not only are sales of existing homes down, but the inventory is up to a 7.5 month supply. I think Kate at Out in Left Field could personally vouch for the fact that homes are not selling [...]
Sep
22
Madam Mayor, I have an Idea
September 22, 2006 | 3 Comments
Recently, the Tampa Tribune reported that City of Tampa Attorney David Smith has sent a letter to the Office of the Attorney General to determine if the City has the statuory authority to limit drink specials offered by bars and nightclubs. The Tribune said that “Iorio has looked for ways to curb alcohol use [...]
Sep
22
Honoring Laura Angilletta
September 22, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Our loyal readers may recall that, in rememberance of 9/11, I participated in the 2,996 Project - honoring Laura Angilletta, a victim of the attacks.
When I posted the tribute, I wasn’t sure if her friends and family would find my blog, or appreciate my attempt to honor her memory. Today, I received this email:
Jim,
I [...]
Sep
21
Inverse Relationship: Gas Prices & GOP Success
September 21, 2006 | 2 Comments
In July, State of Sunshine posted about record gas prices in Florida, when the statewide average topped $3 per gallon. At the time, we reflected that high gas prices would have an advserse effect on Republican candidates, primarily because they haven’t really done anything to help keep them down.
Well, gas prices have since come [...]
Sep
21
Heading to BlogOrlando tomorrow
September 21, 2006 | 2 Comments
I will be heading to BlogOrlando tomorrow. It’s an “unconference” of bloggers from across Florida and the country. Almost 100 people will be attending - running across the spectrum of the blogosphere.
What is BlogOrlando? Well…
Hyku, in partnership with Rollins College will host this FREE event that is open to bloggers and non-bloggers [...]
Sep
20
Creative Loafing Picks State of Sunshine as Best New Political Blog
September 20, 2006 | 2 Comments
The Weekly Planet has officially been renamed, back to it’s old name: Creative Loafing.
One of the best things CL/WP/CL has done is their Best of the Bay selections. Many people look forward to the issue, and determining if the readers were right and seeing the staff selections.
The readers gave kudos to Sticks of Fire [...]
Sep
14
Kottkamp and Jones
September 14, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Now that both campaigns have announced their picks for Lieutenant Governor, the State of Sunshine wanted to say that neither did a bad job. Let’s look at the picks:
Democrat: Daryl Jones
(Photo from the Orlando Sentinel)
Democratic candidate Jim Davis made history by selecting an African-American in former Miami-Dade state senator Daryl Jones. Jones, [...]





















