Crist to Obama: Show us the money, and come watch a Shuttle launch

by Aaron Deslatte, Orlando Sentinel

Gov. Charlie Crist has offered a silver-tongued "show me the money" request to President-Elect Barack Obama Tuesday as the nation's governors collectively gathered with him in Philadelphia today to air out their concerns.
Crist's office also sent out a letter to Obama detailing Florida's fiscal plight and asking the feds to provide more Medicaid dollars, road-building assistance and passage of the Columbian Free Trade Agreement.
Crist argues Florida has "the third-highest home foreclosure rate in the nation, a 7 percent unemployment rate, and a projected state revenue shortfall of roughly $6 billion for the current and next fiscal year." He then takes credit for speeding up some 179 transportation projects in August, claims that created 38,000 jobs (even though employment levels continue to plummet), and touts the Cover Florida health isurance plan that will be implemented next month to try and cover some of the 4.8 million uninsured with bare-bones coverage.
His requests:
1. Relax Federal Medical Assistance Percntage (FMAP) rules, so Florida can draw down $991 million in federal dollars for its Medicaid populations.
2. Devote more dollars to infrastructure. Crist said the state has $7 billion in projects that could be completed within four months that would create 195,000 jobs.
3. Pass the much-debated Colombian Free Trade Agreement, which Obama has raised objections about during the campaign.
And by the way, Crist reminds Obama in the letter Florida will need help with that whole Space Shuttle retirement party, and will require "a strong federal-state partnership and commitment to working with local communities to provide economic opportunities for individuals impacted by the shuttle retirement."
"I invite you to join me in Florida for an upcoming launch of the Space Shuttle and to discuss the future of our nation's space program," he writes.

Breaking: Sink Not Running for US Senate?

From (yet again) Politico, just posted:

Sink not running against Martinez

One of the Democrats’ leading candidates to challenge Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) in 2010 has decided to pass up the opportunity, according to a source familiar with her thinking.

Florida’s chief financial officer, Alex Sink, has decided to run for a second term as CFO and forego a run against Martinez. She made the decision over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Sink’s office did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Georgia on our Minds...

The folks at Politico sum up the short Obama coattails in GA, noting, "Democrats have given a lot of lip service to the Georgia runoff, but don’t seem to have put their money behind their man. USA Today reports that Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss “raised $1.6 million in large contributions — amounts of $1,000 or more — from Nov. 13 through Nov. 21 compared with $462,000 for [Jim] Martin.” Outside groups have done even more, as the NRSC has put $2.5 million into the race, more than twice that of outside Democratic groups.

Belinda Ortiz to Head Hispanic Outreach for RPOF

Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today announced his appointment of Belinda Ortiz to serve as Director of Hispanic Outreach and Deputy Director of the Minority Outreach and Coalitions Department for the Republican Party of Florida.

“Hispanic voters in Florida are an important part of our party’s future success and the appointment of Belinda Ortiz demonstrates that gaining the confidence and ultimately the Hispanic vote is a top priority,” said Chairman Greer.

Ortiz most recently served as president and chief executive officer for Zitro of Orlando, Inc., a public relations and business development firm in Central Florida. She previously served as director of public policy for the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. Visit RPOF's website for more.

Conventional Wisdom is Back

Kosmas Backer Caught Making Sweetheart Deals

Will Suzanne Kosmas Condemn Her Benefactor or Keep Taking His Dirty Money?

Washington- It’s no secret that Suzanne Kosmas' recent bid for a seat in Congress was bankrolled by the ethically tarnished New York Congressman Charlie Rangel. And now, Kosmas' financier is in even more hot water - Rangel has been called upon to step down from his position as House Ways and Means Chair by yet another major editorial board for his appalling disregard of the most basic ethical standards.
The Washington Post takes Rangel to task for a possible quid pro quo deal with a major donor:

“[The] latest revelation of Mr. Rangel’s ethical tin ear is the most galling yet. While he remains innocent until proven otherwise, he should step aside as chairman while the ethics committee expands its inquiry."

Read more here.

Mortgage Lenders Answer Governor Crist's Call for Foreclosure Relief During Holidays

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist joined representatives of the banking and mortgage lending industry to announce a voluntary agreement to provide foreclosure relief to Florida homestead property owners for the next 45 days. Governor Crist encouraged lenders to continue their efforts to actively negotiate with struggling homeowners during the coming months to help people stay in their homes.

“I applaud these bankers and lenders for giving people hope during this challenging economic time,” Governor Crist said. “Struggling families and homeowners should rest easier during this holiday season, knowing that these lenders have heard the pleas of homeowners.”

Read more here