A party divided will not stand. Is a Scott/McCollum ticket the answer?

(Is Williams’ idea absurd? Stranger things have happened…)

By Gregory M. Williams

The time was 1980 and our nation was stuck in economic malaise; foreclosures were taking place, unemployment was on the rise; there was uncertainty in the stock market, and we were facing a gloomy future and a new term was introduced into the lexicon: the Misery Index.  The Democrats, who were in charge of the Congress and White House at that time were pursuing an economic agenda of higher taxes, deficit spending, and more government in an attempt to pull our nation out of an economic tailspin. (more…)

Once again, voters will get to pick from the lesser of two evils. Which one is it?

By Scott Factor

The 2010 primary races are over in Florida, and the Republican primary nominee for Governor is Rick Scott. The race wasn’t even close, with Scott winning in 53 of 67 counties. A win this big for a virtual political outsider should send a strong message to those who control the Republican Party of Florida. Unfortunately, that message isn’t resonating with quite a few people. (more…)

The Water Cooler is a snapshot view of some of the things people are talking about in politics

By Chris Ingram

Sam Rashid: the gift that keeps on giving (in more ways than one)

I felt a little sadness last night now that the Primary Election is over and Sam Rashid’s Hillsborough County Commission candidate Josh Burgin lost to Mark Sharpe. I mean, what am I going to do for columns? I feel like a late night comic mourning the loss of Dan Quayle being in office.

But Sam doesn’t disappoint. He is the gift that keeps on giving.

And not just to people who write political columns.

To Kevin White too! (more…)

Losing stinks. But being a sore loser shows a lack of class.

By Chris Ingram

In his loss last night Bill McCollum showed why he is a three-time loser in statewide elections. He doesn’t know Florida, he’s out of touch, and as he showed last night, he is a sore loser.

Don’t get me wrong, losing stinks, but McCollum who is generally regarded as a good man, and a likeable guy demonstrated a lack of (more…)

David Campo demonstrates what’s wrong with politics in America: his inflated sense of self-importance.

By Chris Ingram

After a morning of swimming in the pool with my three girls followed by lunch sans mom, I put my girls down for a nap and went and checked my e-mail.

I had an email from one David Campo which read like this:

We should talk. You’re off the reservation. I know you’re well intentioned, but you need to focus on the big picture.

I’d be happy to buy you lunch this week. Let me know if you’re available.

Best -
David Campo
Save Jobs, Vote No on Amendment 4

I e-mailed him back the following:

David,

I’m always more than happy and willing to talk with anyone that has “issues” with me but honestly, you need to try again. I mean come on, you start out your invitation by telling me I’m “off the reservation” and need to focus on the big picture. Big picture for what? Amendment 4, or something else? (more…)

Complainant alleges money for lake house came from Ralph Hughes 

By Chris Ingram 

Tampa attorney and local Republican Paul Phillips has filed a wide-ranging ethics complaint against eighteen-year incumbent Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman who is currently seeking a seat in the Florida Senate. Norman is term limited from seeking the county commission job again. He faces State Representative Kevin Ambler in the G.O.P. Primary on Tuesday.  

Phillips’ complaint which was sent to the State Ethics Commission yesterday alleges Norman has failed to accurately reveal financial information on state-mandated candidate financial disclosure forms. It claims Norman has withheld information about (more…)

Another one of Sam Rashid’s flock being lead out to pasture

By Chris Ingram

Conservative Hillsborough County Commission candidate Trey Rustmann’s (R) opponent Sandra Murman (R or D – depending on the wind) who has run for, considered running for, or otherwise sought the following elective offices or appointed positions in the last few years: (Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections, State Senator, Tampa City Council, County Commission, Tampa Port Authority, Mayor of Tampa), is currently sending a mail piece to Republican voters in her district claiming she is “The ONLY Republican running for County Commissioner WHO WON’T RAISE TAXES.”  (more…)

Guetzloe gets low

By Chris Ingram

Orlando bad-boy and faux Tea Party leader Doug Guetzloe sent out an e-mail blast Wednesday night calling for his followers to attend an “Ax the Tax” rally at the Hillsborough County Government Center at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. Guetzloe’s e-mail claimed (more…)

See who Irrevernet View likes/doesn’t like in all of Florida’s statewide and congressional races

By Chris Ingram

Florida’s Primary Election is fast approaching. Election Day is August 24th, but voters can request an absentee ballot and avoid lines and last minute excuses and vote from the comfort of home. Early voting at select polling locations begins August 9th and runs through August 21st.

With ballots already in the mail, it’s time for a quick assessment of the candidates. You can call these recommendations if you will, as “endorsement” seems a bit haughty.

In the Democrat Primary for U.S. Senate billionaire and friend of countless disgraced celebrities like (more…)

 The Diner, Part II

A political satire about the antics of Sam and Josh

By Chris Ingram

(5:12 p.m. In the heart of Brandon at “Sam’s Café” in walks Josh, candidate for Hillsborough County Commission)

(Josh sits down and a lovely waitress hands him a menu)

Josh: Good afternoon, I’m Josh. I’m meeting Sam at 1:00 p.m.

Waitress: (looking at her watch) It’s 5:15.

Josh: I know. But Sam doesn’t really respect my time, and he usually shows up really late.

Waitress: (nodding in understanding) Okay honey, what would you like today?

Josh: Hamburger Helper and some French fries please!

Waitress: (rolling her eyes) Oh, I remember you. You’re the kid running for Mayor or something, right?

Commission candidate Josh Burgin

(more…)