Democrats criticize Bush, J. Byrd in TV ad (Florida)

[Nambe]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)

he state Democratic Party is conducting a three-day television ad campaign accusing Gov. Jeb Bush of using strong-arm tactics to push through a medical malpractice bill and House Speaker Johnnie Byrd of using the issue to raise campaign money.

The self-produced ads were to begin airing Wednesday evening and run through Friday on Florida's News Channel, a cable access channel that covers most of the state's major markets.

"This is in response to what really is bad behavior," said Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddux. "It's unbecoming for a governor of the state of Florida to make political threats and strong-arm tactics to get his way, especially among members of his own party, and to allow no dissension nor diversity of thought."

One ad depicts a shadowy figure confronting another person on steps near the Capitol with a voiceover that says "Jeb Bush is threatening legislators of his own party to force them to vote for bad policy - policy that will hurt injured Floridians."

The second ad depicts a piggy bank superimposed over the House chamber and says "Some see medical malpractice as an issue affecting jobs, others see it as an issue affecting health. House Speaker Johnnie Byrd sees it as an opportunity to raise money." ---

[kimchi]

1. Excellent.

Sounds like the local dems in TX and FL are getting spines. We need to battle like this in every state over every issue.

[peekaloo]

2. not just the Dems, Jebthro has the Pukes barking!

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030723/NEWS/307230366/1134

Lawmakers: Bush Should Butt Out


LAKELAND -- Some Polk County lawmakers, like a growing number of their colleagues in the Florida Legislature, say the medical malpractice dispute could be settled quickly if Gov. Jeb Bush would just butt out.
---------
Some Polk legislators said they are getting discouraged with Bush, who has said he will call a third special session on medical malpractice Aug. 5. They say the governor should stay out of the legislative process and wait his turn.
---------

:nopity:

[soup]

3. Good!

Unfortunately, I don't know how many people watch Florida's News Channel, I've never even heard of it. Wish the message would be more 'mainstream'.

The insurance company lobby in Florida - how big are they? - I think I read somewhere that they have the largest number of lobbyists. How many are Republican backers? - I don't know, but jeb sure is fighting for them, so I figure there's gotta be money involved somewhere. As for legislators stuffing pockets with money right now? Oh, you bet they are.

Here's a blip from an article during June's special session: :grr:

"TALLAHASSEE -- As a line of injured patients marched to the Florida Capitol courtyard Monday for the start of a tense high-stakes special session on medical malpractice, House budget chairman Bruce Kyle strode the other direction.

He was headed a block away to the private Governor's Club, for a little pre-session fundraising.

The Fort Myers Republican was soliciting money Monday from the same lobbyists who solicit him for legislation, including on medical malpractice."


>snip<
"Special sessions have become significant engines for campaign cash, state records show.

There were two such sessions in 2002. Including the day before and the day after, 67 incumbent lawmakers raised more than $190,000 while they were in Tallahassee to rewrite the state schools code and to cut the state budget. Though Democrats also held fundraisers, the Republicans who outnumber them raised the most money.

Even bigger is the money raised the day before the regular session of the Legislature -- parties in Tallahassee put $425,000 into lawmakers' pockets in those 24 hours.

The biggest beneficiary of special session fundraising was House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, who pulled in $25,500 during special sessions 2002D and 2002E, according to his campaign reports. Jacksonville Rep. Mark Mahon placed second with $19,350 and Rep. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, brought in $8,550."
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=5042

[otohara]

4. Bush's Behaving Badly

Imagine that? Well boys, it's good to see you've awaken from your sleep through this nightmare.