Irreverent View» Chris Ingram’s “Irreverent View”

Scott/McCollum…a very irreverent view

cingram — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:11:23 +0000

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.

The Democrats had just re-nominated Jimmy Carter as their standard bearer and former Congressman John Anderson was running as an Independent. The Republicans, who had just completed an expensive and divisive primary of their own, chose California Governor Ronald Reagan, “the political outsider” over former Texas Congressman and U.S. Ambassador to China, George H.W. Bush, the “Republican insider” to be their nominee in the 1980 elections.

Fast forward to today. Florida has one of the highest unemployment and home foreclosure rates in the country; coupled with and economy built on tourism that is suffering as a result of the ailing national economy and the recent BP oil spill. Floridians are justifiably concerned about their economic futures and they want change.

The Democrats, who seem deaf to the economic concerns of the electorate, have nominated political activist and businesswoman Alex Sink who also happens to be the wife of Bill McBride, a former Democratic gubernatorial nominee who lost to Jeb Bush in 2002. Sink is supported by the same usual big government and liberal constituencies that supported her husband in his failed quest for the governorship. Sink, like her husband will no doubt support the same tax and spend agenda for Florida that the Obama-Pelosi-Reid regime is currently pursuing on a national level to cure our current economic and societal ills. Sink recently chose former state senator Rod Smith – the runner-up candidate to her husband in 2002 –to be her running mate. While it may have taken years to do so, the Democrats have chosen the path of unification in their attempt to win back the governorship for the first time since 1994. Republicans need to do the same.

In a divisive and the most expensive gubernatorial primary in Florida history, the Republicans chose Rick Scott, an accomplished businessman and “political outsider” over former Congressman and current Attorney General Bill McCollum, the “establishment’s candidate” to lead our party in the fall elections. Make no mistake, the only way the Sink-Smith ticket wins this November, is if the Republican Party remains divided.

As Mr. Scott’s choice for a running mate will signal what type of governor he will be. That is why it is important that he and his advisors keep in mind the time tested words of President Abraham Lincoln who astutely observed from the Scripture, “A house divided against itself will not stand;” and a divided Republican constituency in our state cannot achieve a general election victory for Governor in 2010 if our party remains divided.

Lincoln was not only a great President but he was also a very smart politician. He knew in order to be successful it was important he keep his political rivals close to him and appointed many of them to be key members of his administration.

Just as Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush were able to put aside their personal and political differences, they were able to form a formidable political ticket, unify our party, and win the 1980 presidential election in a landslide; in the process they formed one of the greatest administrations in our nation’s history. I believe Mr. Scott needs to follow the example of Lincoln and Reagan and choose Bill McCollum to be his running mate for the upcoming general election. Conversely, Mr. McCollum needs to put aside any personal grievances he and his supports have, unify our party, and keep the leadership of Florida out of the hands of tax and spend liberals.

A Scott-McCollum ticket will be very formidable and almost impossible to beat. Scott not only brings personal wealth but a businessman’s approach and a fresh face to state government. By choosing McCollum as his running mate, Scott will unify our party, bring McCollum’s vast public service experience at the state and federal level and be able to use McCollum’s political statewide organization all of which will be necessary if we are to be successful in defeating the Democrats this November. Moreover, should Scott be successful in becoming our next Governor, with or without McCollum as his Lt. Governor, he will need to work with the Republican-led legislature, many of whom supported McCollum in the primary, in order to successfully enact his legislative agenda and get Floridians back to work.

Gregory Williams was a Senior Policy Advisor under President George W. Bush at the U.S. Department of Energy where he also served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and had extensive experience working with the nation’s Governors and State Legislators on energy issues. He has also worked on Capital Hill in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1986 where he majored in Public Relations and Communications. E-mail him at GMWilliams@myway.com.

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Scott may not be a Saint, but Sink is no Angel

cingram — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:17:37 +0000

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.

For the record, I am not a Scott supporter. I have issues with a guy who wants a job so bad that he’s willing to spend $50 plus million on his own campaign for a job that pays a low six figure salary, a salary he has reportedly vowed not to accept should he win. It all just doesn’t make sense, and just reeks of the escapades of an egotist.

However, I believe that for any party to survive, it cannot make a habit of eating its own members. This view is shared by Republican Party leaders, who after showing strong support for McCollum, have since come out and issued strong statements supporting Scott. These leaders recognize the importance of unity within the party.

Although registered as a Republican, I consider myself an independent thinker and voter. The Republican Party of Florida has done much to anger me and a lot of other voters in the past few years, so I find it difficult to support the G.O.P. sometimes. I frequently must reexamine my core beliefs and talk myself into voting for the lesser of two evils – that lesser often being Republican.

In the case of Scott vs. Sink, I find that lesser to be Rick Scott. Unfortunately, anger is clouding the judgment of some very influential leaders, and there are rumblings of a mutiny in the Florida Republican Party as it relates to the governor’s race. There are many McCollum supporters who are angry enough to already be making noises about supporting the Democrat’s nominee, Alex Sink. To those who are thinking this, please stop and use some reason and logic for a moment.

While it’s true that Rick Scott was involved in the largest Medicare fraud case in history, to his credit he never denied his involvement and was never criminally charged. Since he has never been politically connected, he would have been one big fish for the United States Attorney to cook, clean, and fry without hesitation. However, he was never charged because there was no evidence of his direct involvement in any crime.

Alex Sink was never charged with a crime, either. However, that doesn’t make her actions morally superior to Rick Scott. If you’re wondering what I am talking about, follow along closely here.

Remember Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis? He was forced to resign due to some “oversights” involved with taking over Merrill Lynch, almost causing the bank to fail? You know, asking for government bailouts on one hand while holding the other out for large bonuses? Guess who he mentored? Alex Sink, when she was President of the Florida division of Bank of America. She learned well.

She learned how to pad her pockets on the backs of hard working Floridians. When she was in charge, Bank of America crafted a merger with what was then Barnett Bank. Her first move? Lay-off (fire) 6,000 people (Orlando Sentinel, 01/01/98). Why on earth would she do that, you ask? Well, when you do a lay-off, it causes the short term profits to rise and hence a rise in stock price.

It just so happens that Alex Sink owned stock and stock options…lots of them. According to the Associated Press (2002), Alex Sink earned more than $2.8 million in stock options and compensation in 2001, shortly after the lay-offs. That was a bit lower than the $3.4 plus million she made in year 2000.

That Alex Sink, she’s something else…at least, that’s what Ken Lewis said of her, shortly before he was indicted in New York. Said Lewis, “She’s bright. She’s a good communicator. She’s a winner. She’s driven to do all she can to succeed.” (Orlando Sentinel, 02/05/10) Including the firing of 6,000 people?

Rick Scott’s company over-billed Medicare. Medicare billing is so complicated, that many people have made entire careers out of manipulating the billing system for large companies and small, earning the respect of their peers for the profits they reap. When the government decided to make an example of someone, they went for the biggest fish. That fish was HCA, the company Rick Scott founded.

However, Alex Sink fired people. Firing people is so difficult, some people have made a career out of it, as demonstrated in the George Clooney movie “Up In The Air.” Clooney played the part of a corporate downsizer, a hired gun if you will. His job was to fire people, one at a time. Alex Sink fired 6,000 at one time, and never blinked. No hired gun was necessary. After all, her stock options were at stake.

Is that who you really want as your governor?

A Floridian, Scott Factor is a graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. and earned his M.B.A. at St. Leo University. He writes conservative rants focusing on the national political landscape. E-mail him at: scott.factor@yahoo.com.

The Water Cooler: Sam’s pal Kevin White; 11th Dist. love fest; mending fences X2

cingram — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:48:18 +0000

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!

Yeah, Kevin White the disgraced liberal Democrat who can’t keep his noodle in his pants. Sam Rashid likes him too. Not as much as he liked Josh Burgin mind you — Sam only gave White a grand, versus like thirty Gs to Josh. But boy, when I saw this contribution I thought to myself (plant tongue in cheek here), “That dear old Sam. He’s such a consistent conservative, always looking out for what’s best for me and my fellow Hillsborough County citizens, and conservative Republicans. I know when he gave a thousand bucks to Kevin White it was probably filled with fatherly encouragement from Sam about how White should get his life in order and live and work and represent fellow conservatives in a manner any God-fearing, blue-blooded, Reagan-loving, train-loathing, anti-tax, Red Bull drinkin’, conservative like Sam would want in the form of representation from the dumbest, most liberal, and by far most embarrassing member of the county commission.”

Then my phone rang and I awoke from this daydream. Reality reminded me Sam Rashid is not some altruistic, conservative ideologue with core beliefs. No, Sam Rashid is out for Sam Rashid and being a king-making, puppeteer for whatever self-interest, ego-gratifying reasons this little man from Brandon needs to feel important.

It is what it is. And like everything in politics, if you’re patient and you follow the money, the story tells itself.

See Sam’s contributions to White for yourself by clicking here to view White’s finance report as shown by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office. Rashid and his company Holtec are both listed on the report. Note both contributions were made just days ago — long after all of White’s antics were exposed. There’s no “I didn’t realize he was a dirtbag” excuse here for Sam.

11th District GOP candidates sing “Kumbaya”

Tony Buntyn, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District e-mailed me this afternoon to tell me he and fellow losing candidate Eddie Adams met with Mike Prendergast to show candidate unity for the man who won the G.O.P. nomination to face Kathy Castor in November. The fourth candidate in the race Tommy Castellano was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior committment. Others suggested they believe he is right on board the “unity” team but I was not able to confirm this.

It’s nice to see this type of spirited cooperation from the defeated candidates to help the victor. It is not something you see in politics every day. Reason is, all four of these guys ran totally issues based campaigns. No negative mail. Not even a nasty whisper campaign as far as I can tell. That makes making nice-nice a lot easier after the votes are counted.

When some winning candidate like Dana Young or Jim Norman shamelessly engage in calling their conservative opponents a liberal during the race, you can understand why their defeated opponents don’t want to go out and give them a big hug the day after losing the election. Or in the case of Sandy Murman challenging her opponent’s “leadership” — when said opponent was a Marine Corp officer who lead soldiers in Iraq while she was organizing car washes for charities – making nice-nice is not to be immediately expected.

Shame on those who engage in this gutter politics, and congratulations to the 11th District G.O.P. candidates for running clean campaigns!

Roush Rushes to Rick

Hillsborough County G.O.P. Chair Deborah Cox-Roush told me this afternoon she is “200 percent behind Rick Scott.” DCR (as Ms. Roush is fondly referred to by local party activists) gets it. Let’s hope 66 other county party chairs do too and that they use their influence to rally the grassroots behind Rick Scott. The alternative is a a big government, pro-union, liberal who probably wants to tax you out of house and home – of course she won’t tell you that until after she’s elected. Heck, she’s probably even pals with Sam Rashid.

Along similar lines, I spoke to former RNC National Finance Chair Al Hoffman on Tuesday and asked him a hypothetical question about “what if Rick Scott wins the Primary?” Hoffman who was a McCollum supporter said, “I’ll support him and the grassroots better vote for him too – he’s still better than any Democrat.”

Mr. Scott, you ought to give Al Hoffman a call. He can help you unify this party…

David’s redemption

David Campo who earlier this week proclaimed himself to be one of the top three most important political puppeteers in Hillsborough County (my words, not his) e-mailed me and apologized for his actions/proclomations the other day. Apology accepted. It showed some class owning up to the mistake. Lord knows we all make ‘em.

Chris Ingram is the president and founder of 411 Communications a corporate and political communications firm, and publisher of www.IrreverentView.com. Ingram is a frequent pundit on Fox News and CNN, and has written opinion columns for the Washington Times, UPI, Front Page Florida, and National Review online. E-mail him at: Chris@IrreverentView.com.

Bill McCollum picks up his marbles and heads home

cingram — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:04:37 +0000

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 class in refusing to acknowledge opponent Rick Scott won the race fair and square. While McCollum may disdain Scott’s millions, Scott played by the rules.

McCollum refused to concede his defeat until well after midnight long after the Associated Press had called the race for Scott, and did so in the form of a press release filled with negativity and anger.

This of course was preceded by McCollum’s speech in which he refused to concede, but didn’t fail to mention every establishment career politician in the state who supported him.

Memo to Bill: establishment career politicians are the reason you lost. And because you’re one of them.

Rick Scott has his work cut out for him in healing the divisions within the GOP. Be a big man Rick and offer these babies an olive branch. They’ve already picked up their marbles and are ready to go home. Bring ‘em back to the game or your chances in November are not good.

A jerk Sam Rashid would be proud of

cingram — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:26:26 +0000

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?

Please enlighten me as to whose reservation I am off? Yours? The GOP’s? If you knew anything about me other than how well intentioned I am you would know I’m not on any reservation.

To which Mr. Campo replied:

There are about 3 of us who control Hillsborough County politics. You aren’t one of them.

That being said, you shouldn’t confuse the stupid ellectorate with your ability to influence them.

I am class of ’86 from Brandon, with Paul Phillips.

The reservation your off of is the GOP.

Sometimes its better to accept the lesser of two evils, and while you live in a world that’s idealistic, its not the real world.

If you won’t eat lunch with me, that’s your loss. This is the last time I will humor you.

Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in Hillsborough just long enough to know which side of the Bay the sun sets on, and where to find a good Cuban sandwich, and I know names like Al Austin, Ralph Hughes, Don Phillips, and yes, even Sam Rashid among those who wield or think they wield significant power in Hillsborough. While I’ve heard of David Campo, I had to phone a friend to find out who this guy is.

In addition to a real horses ass with a huge ego, it should come as no surprise he’s a developer. And despite the fact that his level of importance, (not to mention ego, and general “jackassadness”) is far superior than mine, remember, he solicited me to go to lunch not once, but twice. Not the other way around.

Folks, I point this trivial little exchange out for a simple reason. Despite just being a real dipstick with a super sense of self-importantce, people like David Campo with their money and the influence it wields are ruining our nation, our state, and yes, our local community.

Wanna know what stinks in politics? Just follow the money and the people it comes from and goes to. Or sniff around for people like David Campo. You won’t find him at the zoo, but the smell he emits is the same as the stuff dropped by all the animals there.

Irreverent View exclusive: Ethics complaint filed against Jim Norman

cingram — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:18:07 +0000

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 assets he owns including two boats moored at an Arkansas lake house that were part of the purchase of said house by Norman’s wife. Norman claims the lake house purchase was legit and was made by his wife independently from him and that he was only put on the boat registrations for “liability” reasons. However, the Normans have refused to disclose where the money came from other than to say from “investors.” Arkansas law conveniently does not require disclosure of such “investors.”

Tastes great or less filling? It doesn't matter to Jim Norman.

According to Phillips’ complaint, Mrs. Norman has no obvious known source of income which would allow for the purchase of a $435,000 lake front home. Phillips’ complaint claims deceased Hillsborough County political puppeteer Ralph Hughes fronted the money and that it constitutes either an unreported loan or unreported income. The Normans have refused to release their income tax returns to clear the answer to that question.

Phillips’ lengthy ethics complaint, (Click here to view: Norman Ethics Complaint (2)) notes that the home was sold to the Normans by Ed Roleson, Jr. a now deceased former Miller Beer Co. distributor. The real estate transaction was conducted around the same time the Tampa Sports Authority (which Norman served on) approved a patio deck in the south end-zone of Raymond James Stadium for Miller Beer.

Phillips alleges Norman’s solely listing his wife on the title to the house was “done deliberately to conceal an obvious conflict of interest for Mr. Norman and illegal gift to him and/or his spouse.”

When asked why he filed the complaint, Phillips told Irreverent View, “I’m sick of it all –the state [Republican] party leaders endorsing people for reasons other than qualifications. Voters getting zero representation. The bottom lines is, we all know there were a bunch of guys on the Hillsborough Commission put up by Ralph Hughes. And I see it happening again with [Josh] Burgin,” Phillips said referring to the county commission candidate who has been accused of being a pawn of businessman Sam Rashid.

He added, “I’m appalled at all the backroom deals. I’m just sick of it.”

Who knows how this whole thing will shake out, but Phillips is to be commended for filing his complaint and bringing further scrutiny to this subject. Norman is entitled to tell his story but has so far chosen not to say much.

One thing is clear, in politics, the story can usually be told by following the money.

Sandy Murman the sheep

cingram — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:29:39 +0000

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.”

One has to wonder what Murman means since Rustmann, who is a business executive with his MBA from the University of Tampa and a former Marine Corp officer who did a stint in Iraq and the Bosnia crisis when Murman was organizing fundraising car washes for one of the 8 million Tampa charities she claims to be on the board of, has not advocated raising taxes if elected to the commission. Furthermore, Murman’s blanket statement suggests all other Republicans running for Hillsborough County Commission will raise taxes. Murman and her campaign advisor Anthony Pedicini (who by the way is also pimping himself out to none-other than Mark Sharpe who apparently has no problem with his consultant going both ways) both know the claim is a bunch of crap but have failed to own up to the lie.

For the record, Murman, who was once referred to as a “sheep” by House Speaker Johnnie Byrd while she was in the state legislature (not sure if it was when she was a Democrat or not, because it’s hard to keep up with which party she is loyal to) responded to Byrd calling her a sheep by saying, “We all use analogies like that. I think of sheep as kind animals. They’re just out in the field working hard for the farm.” While she may not mind loose analogies or blanket statements not based on facts used against her, it doesn’t give her the right to use lies and false suggestions against her opponents or every other Republican running for Hillsborough County Commission.

It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows her that Murman is also a stooge to Hillsborough County political gadfly Sam Rashid – whom she has taken countless dollars from in her quest to be elected to something. Anything at all! So long as it keeps her name in the papers because she is really, really bored not being in the limelight.

Oh yeah, one last thing, Rustmann is a friend and has been a client of mine. And I would be saying all of this about Murman even if he weren’t… because it’s the truth. Oh yeah, one more one last thing: Rustmann has been endorsed by the Tampa Tribune and LaGaceta newspapers. The Tribune said, “Rustmann would bring a much-needed fresh perspective and can-do attidude to the commission.” Murman got the liberal paper over on the other side of the Bay’s endorsement — they called her career in the legislature “so-so” but endorsed this do-nothing anyway.

How low will Guetzloe go?

cingram — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:25:31 +0000

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 Libertarian Party U.S. Senate candidate Alex Snitker (the only half-legitimate candidate in the race which I base on the fact that he is the only “major” candidate in the race who is not under some sort of criminal investigation or cloud of ethical controversy) would be attending and would be endorsing Mark Sharpe’s opponent for Hillsborough County Commission.

I called Snitker at 7:00 a.m. (hoping that he, like me, with young kids was already awake – fortunately he was) to ask him about this. Snitker said he was NOT endorsing Sharpe’s opponent saying, “I don’t even know the guy and I don’t endorse Republicans.”

Later in the afternoon Snitker called me to say Guetzloe’s “rally” had been cancelled because they couldn’t even get five people to show up.

Sam Rashid and his staff were apparently busy.

State and Congressional candidate recommendations

cingram — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:02:32 +0000

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 Mike Tyson, Heidi Fleiss, and Lindsey Lohan, Jeff Green is facing Congressman Kendrick Meek. Neither one of these guys deserve anything other than a swift kick in the you know what. Meek is career politician and out of touch with Main Street Floridians. Green is just weird and he has really bad judgment (the best-man in his wedding was rapist Mike Tyson and Hollywood Madame Heidi Fleiss used to be his “houseguest” – whatever that means). My recommendation to Democrats who want to win this race…find a nice tall bridge and jump. Charlie Crist is the only electable liberal in this race for all intents and purposes, but Democrats will have to wait until November to cast a vote for the Tan Man.

In the Republican Primary for U.S. Senate two unknown candidates are challenging Marco Rubio (remember, Charlie “Pander Pants” Crist bolted the party). Rubio will certainly win and he deserves to be the nominee of the G.O.P.

In the race for governor, Rick Scott could be the guy that ran over my dog – and I’d still vote for him. Bill McCollum is part of the problem, not part of the solution. I can’t tell you how many McCollum supporters and money-men of his who have said they too like Rick Scott and have long been down on Bill “Howdy Doody” McCollum who thinks he should be governor because “it’s his turn.” Sorry Bill. I think you’re going to have to start thinking about making an honest living and get off the taxpayer’s dime for the first time in your life in oh, about four weeks.

There are two qualified and competent Republican candidates running for Attorney General. One of them is not Jeff Kottkamp – Florida’s current Lt. Governor best known for flying around in state airplanes to attend rock’n’roll concerts and other dubious events – all at taxpayer expense mind you. The LG is also known for shaving his goofy mustache – which was probably the best political advice he ever took as he no longer looks like some guy your kids would run from. Where was the consultant who gave him that advice when Kottkamp was screwing the taxpayers with all his travel on state airplanes? The other two candidates are uniquely qualified and are good people. I recommend Pam Bondi who has tons of courtroom experience. Though she has made a few mistakes on the campaign trail, the fact that she’s not a polished candidate is endearing in this day full of overly polished career politicians. The other candidate in this race is Holly Benson who is certainly capable, though her “resume” is thin with real-world courtroom experience and is a little too heavy on jobs working for the government.

In the Democratic Primary for Attorney General Dave Aronberg and Dan Gelber are running a heated campaign. Gelber probably has better experience which includes having been a prosecutor, but both of these guys are basically career politicians. Pick ‘em.

In Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, soldier/farmer/businessman Dean Black is the best “token” G.O.P. challenger to incumbent Democrat Congresswoman Corrine Brown. Unfortunately for Black, this is a solidly safe Democrat district. If he wins in November, look for pigs to fly.

In the 5th Congressional District Hernando County Sherriff Richard Nugent faces off against Jason Sager, a Tea Party Activist. Nugent faced criticism in the way he came to be a candidate when Ginny Brown-Waite decided not to run for reelection. I normally don’t like this type of trickery, but we can all thank our lucky stars it happened this way since it kept State Senator (and Charlie Crist apologist) Mike Fasano from appearing on the ballot, and thus potentially going to Washington. Sheriff Nugent is a competent man and will serve the district well, while Sager appears to be a one-trick pony.

In District 6 businessman and Navy vet Don Browning faces incumbent Cliff Stearns. Browning is a long-shot against Stearns who has the support of the party establishment. Republican voters have the chance to send a strong message to D.C. that they are tired of the same old career politicians by nominating Browning. Whoever wins the primary will likely win in November as there is only token opposition from an Independent candidate in the General Election.

In District 8 ex-state Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster is in a crowded field to take on Democrat Alan Grayson. Webster is a solid conservative, if just a little too closely associated with the establishment of the G.O.P. But he is a decent man, a conservative, and represents the best chance to take back this Republican seat and GOP Primary voters should support him.

In District 9 Democrats Anita de Palma and Phil Hindahl are battling to face incumbent Gus Bilirakis in November. Bilirakis who is arguably the dumbest Republican member of Congress currently serving in the House of Representatives is a shoe-in for reelection. Despite his intellectual challenges, Bilirakis will more than likely be easily reelected.

In the 11th Congressional District currently held by Kathy Castor, four guys who have no chance of defeating the incumbent Democrat face off. Perennial candidate Eddie Adams has the best organization, Mike Pendergast the most financial support, Thomas Castellano the most enthusiasm, and Tony Buntyn is the nicest guy in Bay-area politics. Adams has proven he can’t win, so it comes down to the other three. Any one of them would make a great token opponent against Castor who for all intents and purposes will have the seat until she doesn’t want it because voter registration in the district is so far to the left. Castor faces a token Primary opponent in Tim Curtis who is a Tea Party activist. Bay-area Democrat voters have the opportunity to send the national party a message that they’ve had enough by voting for Curtis but I doubt that is going to happen.

In the 12th District, former State Rep. Dennis Ross faces Tea Party activist John Lindsey in the G.O.P. Primary. Ross has the connections, money, and name ID to be a formidable opponent in November and an he will be an effective Member of Congress. In the Democratic Primary it’s a toss-up between Lori Edwards and ’08 nominee Doug Tudor. Either one will end up a token nominee as this is a district that should remain in Republican hands (the district is currently represented by Adam Putnam).

In the 13th District formerly represented by Katherine Harris, incumbent Vern Buchanan faces Don Baldauf in the Primary. Baldauf is a nice guy who should be running for the state legislature. He presents little more than token opposition to Buchanan who deserves reelection. Rick Eaton and James Golden are running in the Democratic Primary and neither has a shot of beating Buchanan.

In District 17 (currently held by Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek), there is a crowded field of Democrats running. The winner of the Primary will likely be the next Congressman from the district as there is no Republican and only a token Independent candidate in November. Among the Democrats, Rudy Moise is the only candidate in the crowded field who has never previously held elective office. Moise is a physician and community activist (you know, like Obama was). On the grounds that he has a real job and isn’t a career politician, I suggest voting for Moise.

In District 20, three Republicans are seeking the nomination to challenge incumbent Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Any one of the Republicans would mount a serious challenge to Schultz who supported Obama-care and is vulnerable. I like Donna Milo who is a plumbing contractor – yes, SHE is a plumbing contractor. Any gal who is willing to get into this nearly 99% male-dominated business probably has what it takes to “take on the boys” in Washington.

In District 22, Allen West is the ONLY candidate Republican’s should consider to take on Democrat incumbent Ron Klein. West was the ’08 nominee, and is a retired Army officer and Iraq War Vet. West will not disappoint, and is exactly the type of person we need in Washington.

In District 24, five Republicans are seeking the nomination to defeat incumbent Democrat Suzanne Kosmas. Kosmas is vulnerable for voting too frequently with Obama and the Pelosi Democrats. The crowded G.O.P. field has too many qualified candidates for me to make a judgment on without first-hand knowledge. The party should consider itself lucky that just about any one of these candidates will represent Republican voters well in November. Pick ‘em.

In Disrict 25, David Rivera, Marili Cancio, and Paul Crespo battle for the GOP nod. This is probably a race between Crespo and Rivera, which also could be defined as the anti-establishment (Crespo), versus the establishment (Rivera). Rivera is basically a career politician – he is also Marco Rubio’s pal and co-owns a house in Tallahassee with Rubio that the two were five months late paying the mortgage on. These guys who can’t keep their own houses in order shouldn’t be expected to keep Washington’s in order. Republican’s should look to Paul Crespo for real fiscal leadership.

These recommendations are made independent of any candidate or committee. The individual’s have not been contacted and these recommendations are without any authorization, financial consideration or consultation with any candidate.

Chris Ingram is the president and founder of 411 Communications a corporate and political communications firm, and publisher of www.IrreverentView.com. Ingram is a frequent pundit on Fox News and CNN, and has written opinion columns for the Washington Times, UPI, and National Review online. He currently serves as the Republican political analyst for Bay News 9 in Florida’s largest media market. E-mail him at: Chris@IrreverentView.com.

Burgin planning election-night party at Chuck-e-Cheese

cingram — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:46:35 +0000

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

Josh: (smiling proudly) Actually miss, I am running for Hillsborough County Commission district 7, political advertisement paid for and approved by Sam Rashid. But I do think running for County Mayor will be in my cards.

Waitress: Sam is opposed to the County Mayor initiative. And we don’t serve Hamburger Helper here. This is the finest diner, I mean “bistro” in Brandon. Closest thing we’ve got to Hamburger Helper is a patty melt.

Josh: That would be awesome! Can you like put extra cheese on it? I’d also like a glass of chocolate milk with that.

Waitress: (walking away laughing to herself) You got it kid. I’ll bring you some crayons and a menu you can draw on too.

(A few hours later Sam walks in)

Sam: (looking angry) The newspapers are all over us for what they are suggesting is my questionable spending on your behalf and the campaign contributions my nineteen companies made to you. Don’t they know laws are made to be broken? And haven’t you done anything to raise money from anyone else?

Josh: I was going to like have a lemonade stand yesterday but it was raining, so I just planned my victory party instead. I’m like thinking we could rent a bounce house and serve hot dogs and snow cones or maybe just have it at Chuck-e-Cheese – they have like the coolest games there.

Sam: Chuck-e-Cheese! What are you an idiot?

Josh: No sir. I was home schooled and am very smart. Renting a bounce house is fine with me if you don’t like Chuck-e (Sam interrupts)

Sam: (getting angrier) There won’t be a victory party if we don’t get the press off this story! They’re all over the fact that I gave you thirty grand in “severance” money, and now they’re also focusing on the TV ad I helped fund through Guetzloe’s group.

Josh: (smiling) Oh yeah, I saw that when I was watching Nickelodeon last night. Don’t tell my mom, but I was watching Sponge Bob when it came on. Sponge Bob was like doing some silly stuff! He had this puppet and he was like pulling its strings… oh never mind. Then the ad came on talking about Mark Sharpe and it ended with that John Kerry guy. It was like confusing because it didn’t make any sense for a big government liberal to be in an ad with Mark Sharpe. But I do like John Kerry ‘cause he’s married to that lady Heinz who inherited the ketchup company when her first husband died. I LOVE ketchup!

Sam: You really are an idiot, but maybe not as much as Buddy Johnson was.

Josh: Oh man, Buddy Johnson, he is so cool! I was thinking he might come to the victory party and dress up as a clown and make animal balloons.

Sam: (under his breath) Well that’s certainly something he’s qualified to do.

Sam: Listen, I’m thinking maybe this isn’t such a good idea.

Josh: Renting the bounce house?

Sam: No you fool. I’m talking about getting you to run in this race.

Josh: But you told me there could be a house in Arkansas in it for me if I won.

Sam: Jim Norman screwed the pooch for you on that one. There will be no house in Arkansas.

Josh: Mississippi?

Sam: Forget the house. The voters are on to us and it’s looking bad. I think what I will do is set up a 527 and run some ads suggesting Mark Sharpe is an out-of-touch geek who supports abortion on demand and wants to take away people’s guns. I’ll get Bill Bunting to say something stupid about the gun stuff.

Josh: (looking concerned) But that isn’t true.

Sam: Kid, nothing is true in politics when I get involved. We just need to fire up the base because this tax thing isn’t going according to plan. People seem to understand Sharpe hasn’t raised anybody’s taxes and that this referendum is about letting the voters decide if they want to pay an extra penny sales tax so they aren’t stuck in traffic. They keep whining about “democracy!” Screw democracy. Why the other day someone opposed to the tax told me they were still planning to vote for Mark Sharpe because he “is a decent public servant.” They’ve obviously watched Mr. Smith Goes to Washington too many times.

Josh: (agreeing) Yeah, traffic does really stink. I was on my way to the Children’s museum the other day and it took like FOREVER to get down Kennedy! And my babysitter who lives in New Tampa said Bruce B. Downs takes like an hour to navigate.

Sam: (with a furrowed brow) Do you ever listen to the stuff you say?

Josh: Aw shucks! I just like to talk Uncle Sam.

Sam: Do not ever call me Uncle Sam again. You and I do not share the same DNA!

Josh: (pouting) Yes sir.

Sam: Here’s what you do. Go home and stay there until Election Day. Don’t talk to the press because they’re going to ask you questions you can’t answer without me. Avoid going to events because people are starting to see you have no grasp of how things work. And by all means, forget about Chuck-e-Cheese. I’ll get to work on some new mailings and will make some calls to the press about how biased and bigoted they are toward me.

Josh: (feeling dejected) Okay Sam. But if I win, can we still go to Disney World?