Mike Haridopolos
Now’s the Time for Unflinching Leadership
February 12,2011 | 03:17 PM Filed in: Florida Politics | 2011 Legislative Session
Will this Florida Legislative Session be more of the same? Or, will the Republican majority in Tallahassee finally advance the conservative agenda for which they were elected?
I hate to say it, but I’m not holding my breath. Yes, I do have heightened expectations for this legislative session, but all of us in the ‘great unwashed’ have been let down before. We’ve seen too many of our hometown representatives head to Tallahassee or D.C. claiming to be unflinching conservatives, but turning turn to ‘butter’ in the face of wave after wave of special interest advocacy.
I was greatly encouraged by Senate President Mike Haridopolos in his recent pre-session video interview with House Speaker Dean Cannon. President ‘Mike’ warmed my heart when he said that the Senate would no longer be the graveyard for good conservative legislation from the House. God only knows how many great ideas I saw shot down by the state senate RINOs during my tenure as Speaker.
The conservative pronouncements of the new legislative leaders notwithstanding, the ‘backbone’ or lack thereof shown by the legislative committee chairs and their committee members will tell the tale. For better or worse, these legislative leaders are on a first name basis with lobbyists for each and every industry they regulate – everything from corrections to education. You name it, the legislators will be inundated with cries that the world will end if a lobbyist’s special interest is cut. Legislators will be warned that cutting the budget of a particular interest group will have dire consequences, such as a loss of campaign support, endorsements, contributions and grassroots efforts. Many knees will buckle. Many hearts will grow faith. Many forward looking legislators will contemplate their careers in public service as being more important than getting crossed up with the teachers union, the healthcare industry, government employees, local government officials, road builders, trial lawyers, etc., etc., etc. Many will head for the middle of the road, trying to firmly place a foot in each camp. It will be a sight to see.
Yet, one thing is different this time around: Governor Rick Scott is a ‘new sheriff in town’ who got there without having to suck up to anyone or any special interest. That is a difference. That could be and should be a big deal. So far it is. Rolling out the budget in Eustis was good stuff.
While writing this article my cell phone buzzed with an encouraging email from Rick Scott (via the RPOF) touting his budget plan, asking for me to give it a thumbs up on Facebook. Yes Governor, I will. This is awesome stuff. The Governor needs to embrace every social media and alternative to the main stream Tallahassee media which is salivating over a possible intra-party budget fight.
How could Governor Scott stumble? Well, first and foremost if he would rather have ‘half a loaf’ than no loaf, he’s done. If he starts looking over the horizon toward re-election, then all is lost. If he starts playing defense, it’s over.
Now is the time for Scott to take the offense and remind the legislators of the important Republican talking points that seem to be forgotten once the legislators get to Tallahassee. A good start would be for Governor Scott to anticipate and shut down what I call the public education ‘rites of spring.’ Without exception, every spring the public school lobbyists come to Tallahassee and ‘hold a gun to the head’ of some particular aspect of the public schools and threaten to pull the trigger unless the taxpayer dollars keep flowing. Scott needs to remind the Republicans of our conviction that the problem with public education is not ‘inputs’ (lack of money) but more to do with lack of measuring ‘output’ (are children learning and what are they learning). In other words, if Governor Scott treats public school funding as an untouchable ‘third rail’ then he’s done. Take my word for it.
So, we are off to the races on the first Tuesday in March. Who will be unflinching?
I hate to say it, but I’m not holding my breath. Yes, I do have heightened expectations for this legislative session, but all of us in the ‘great unwashed’ have been let down before. We’ve seen too many of our hometown representatives head to Tallahassee or D.C. claiming to be unflinching conservatives, but turning turn to ‘butter’ in the face of wave after wave of special interest advocacy.
I was greatly encouraged by Senate President Mike Haridopolos in his recent pre-session video interview with House Speaker Dean Cannon. President ‘Mike’ warmed my heart when he said that the Senate would no longer be the graveyard for good conservative legislation from the House. God only knows how many great ideas I saw shot down by the state senate RINOs during my tenure as Speaker.
The conservative pronouncements of the new legislative leaders notwithstanding, the ‘backbone’ or lack thereof shown by the legislative committee chairs and their committee members will tell the tale. For better or worse, these legislative leaders are on a first name basis with lobbyists for each and every industry they regulate – everything from corrections to education. You name it, the legislators will be inundated with cries that the world will end if a lobbyist’s special interest is cut. Legislators will be warned that cutting the budget of a particular interest group will have dire consequences, such as a loss of campaign support, endorsements, contributions and grassroots efforts. Many knees will buckle. Many hearts will grow faith. Many forward looking legislators will contemplate their careers in public service as being more important than getting crossed up with the teachers union, the healthcare industry, government employees, local government officials, road builders, trial lawyers, etc., etc., etc. Many will head for the middle of the road, trying to firmly place a foot in each camp. It will be a sight to see.
Yet, one thing is different this time around: Governor Rick Scott is a ‘new sheriff in town’ who got there without having to suck up to anyone or any special interest. That is a difference. That could be and should be a big deal. So far it is. Rolling out the budget in Eustis was good stuff.
While writing this article my cell phone buzzed with an encouraging email from Rick Scott (via the RPOF) touting his budget plan, asking for me to give it a thumbs up on Facebook. Yes Governor, I will. This is awesome stuff. The Governor needs to embrace every social media and alternative to the main stream Tallahassee media which is salivating over a possible intra-party budget fight.
How could Governor Scott stumble? Well, first and foremost if he would rather have ‘half a loaf’ than no loaf, he’s done. If he starts looking over the horizon toward re-election, then all is lost. If he starts playing defense, it’s over.
Now is the time for Scott to take the offense and remind the legislators of the important Republican talking points that seem to be forgotten once the legislators get to Tallahassee. A good start would be for Governor Scott to anticipate and shut down what I call the public education ‘rites of spring.’ Without exception, every spring the public school lobbyists come to Tallahassee and ‘hold a gun to the head’ of some particular aspect of the public schools and threaten to pull the trigger unless the taxpayer dollars keep flowing. Scott needs to remind the Republicans of our conviction that the problem with public education is not ‘inputs’ (lack of money) but more to do with lack of measuring ‘output’ (are children learning and what are they learning). In other words, if Governor Scott treats public school funding as an untouchable ‘third rail’ then he’s done. Take my word for it.
So, we are off to the races on the first Tuesday in March. Who will be unflinching?
Comments
Rick Scott & Republican Hypocrisy
August 28,2010 | 11:16 AM Filed in: 2010 Elections | Florida Governors Race
RULE 8 - Endorsements A. The State Executive Committee may endorse, certify or recommend candidates in contested Republican primaries only upon unanimous approval of the Executive Board and the approval of 60% of the State Executive Committee at a meeting called for that purpose and at which a quorum is present. Republican Party of Florida Rules of Procedure
I have two very good reasons to be thankful on this Johnnie Byrd weekend: Rick Scott & Republican Hypocrisy
Thank Goodness for Rick Scott.
I might add that every Republican in the state of Florida actually owes an additional debt of gratitude to Rick Scott. He is the only person right now who actually can deliver on the stated purpose of the Florida Republican Party:
ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this State Committee shall be:
A. To develop a strong, effective, and informed Republican Party in Florida.
B. To support the principles, objectives, and platforms of the Republican Party and to
secure the election of all duly nominated Republican candidates.
C. To encourage able and qualified Republicans to seek office at all levels of government.
The wonderful thing is that Rick Scott has a message; he has a plan. Rick Scott’s plan to rejuvenate Florida’s economy excites people. The rank and file Republicans will now support Scott gleefully. They have been unfettered from having to support the guy whose ‘turn is next’. We have been freed from the Bob Dole effect and can get behind someone who exudes confidence in less taxes, less regulation and more personal freedom. We can get behind someone who doesn’t believe government is the answer. People are excited about the chance. I predict a Scott blowout in November and some real change for the better in Florida government and politics.
Thank Goodness for Republican Hypocrisy
The RPOF has just had the proverbial Aqua Velva slap. RPOF Chairman John Thrasher needs to regain his moral authority - and in a hurry. By taking sides in the Republican primary, Chairman Thrasher made a big mistake. It wasn’t a technical violation for him to endorse in a personal capacity, but it gave the wrong impression. At any rate, this hypocrisy revealed can allow the RPOF to redeem itself, and I believe it will.
It’s time to shake off this issue and win in November - the future of our state and country depends on it. Now’s the time for every good conservative to call the RPOF office and ask what you can do. You can’t do everything, but you can do something. Hillsborough County Chairwoman Deborah Cox can use your help. Go to the RPOF website and check it out and then step out to do something for your state and county.
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