Tag Archive for barack obama

Bobby Olszewski exploring run in State House 44, Clelland rebels against Dems in Budget Fight

April 11, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

A lot of headlines today that could affect big elections in 2014. Let’s get started.

The Orlando Sentinel reported today that Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olszewski is exploring a run in Florida State House 44. This could set up a potential match-up between “Bobby O” and another popular Republican in the region, former State Representative Eric Eisnaugle. This showdown is making many within the party nervous. I’ll explain why that tension might be premature.

Seminole County Democrat Mike Clelland serving in a very Republican district 29 for “Yes” on a budget against the wishes of fellow how Democrats. Clelland sided with Republicans mentioning he will not be held hostage by insisting on the medi-caid expansion to accommodate the President’s Healthcare plan on a budget that contains increases on education and many other public services.

We’ve also got a cameo by Congressman Alan Grayson who is, like his In-State Counterpart is going against his party by protesting the Presidents changes to Social Security COLA proposed in his new budget.

All of this in your Daily Wrap Up for Wednesday, April 10th 2013.

Video Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. This is your Daily Wrap-up for Wednesday April 10th 2013. The big news coming from the Orlando Sentinel Blog reporting that Eric Eisnaugle might be facing primary opposition in Florida State House 44 to replace termed out Stephen Precourt. Now, he already has one opponent but there was buzz a couple of weeks back about someone else potentially jumping in the race that someone turns out to be Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olszewski. This piece was published today, Olszewski says he’s exploring his options but there is a lot of nervousness in that political environment over those two potentially squaring off, a lot of side taking, a lot of opinions being thrown out there. Believe me. This is an elections videocast, an elections blog, no one loves hype more than me and my readership enjoys it but I think in this case it’s a little premature, to automatically assume these two are going after each other. Way too early to predict a showdown between those two to replace Stephen Precourt. Let’s wait to see how things turnout, you look at Olszewski’s sound byte he’s just taking a look at how he can serve his community the best. Both lawmakers have positive reputations, let’s wait to see how things go. Should Olszewski decide to run against Eisnaugle.. well the good people of District 44 will have a lot of talent in their Republican primary. By the way Eisnaugle already has one Republican opponent Ronney Olivera who ran last year and lost.

Moving on, State Representative Mike Clelland serving in the very Republican District 29 out there in Seminole County, rebelling against the Democratic Caucus in Tallahassee he has decided to vote “Yes” on the House Budget supported by many Republican in Tallahassee. Now, the Democrats are balking at this thing because it does not include the medicaid expansion required by the President’s healthcare plan or “Obamacare”. Clelland is voting for it, he says it includes a lot of the other conditions wanted by Democrats and he won’t be held hostage by this one issue. And if you look at the budget, it does. It’s a budget that sends money to educators, and many public services. I’ve got some sound footage from the Democratic leadership in Tally responding to a question about Clelland breaking ranks.

(Roll sound on Dem Leadership)

So there you have it. A tense answer by Democratic leadership in Tally about Clelland rebelling on the budget but, if you’re Clelland you got to look down the road, if he wants to be a State Representative for longer then two years then he must work across the aisle. He is in a very conservative district and has very tough upcoming opposition from former State Representative Scott Plakon so, he’s going to have to make these very tough decisions, in order to keep his constituents happy.

We’ve got another Democrat going against the grain. This one in Washington. I’m talking about Osceola Congressman Alan Grayson who, won his job back last November. Defying President Obama on the conditions of his new budget referring to alterations in the Cost of Living Adjustments in Social Security. The chained CPI is a no for him, and he’s shaking the boat with Democrats up there.

It’s been a very busy day with controversial day with these headlines, in a very busy week. For now I’m Frank Torres and I’ll see you next time!

Val Demings contra Teresa Jacobs contra.. Stephen Precourt? Y La RNC Autopsia

March 19, 2013 Uncategorized No comments
Jerry Demings OC Sherriff

Si tu aprobar a los rumores de candidatos y elecciones un ano y media temprano bueno, esto es el articulo para ti. Nosotros ya sabemos para un tiempo que ex jefe de policia Val Demings querer correr otra vez para una posicion pero no estan segudo que este poscion es para la Alcade de Orange conodado.

Y tambien no sabemos que un Florida estado Representante Stephen Precourt tenia un problema con presente Alcade Teresa Jacobs. Que peleas esperar nosotros en 2014?

Tambien nosotros hablamos de la autopsia de los Republicanos de el ano pasado y que los Republicanos puede hacer para reglar los problemas con los votantes.

Transcripo de Video:

Florida Politica con Frank Torres and Bienvenido a su cotidiano reporte para Lunes Marzo 18. El grande argumento hoy es de un articulo en El Orlando Sentinel que dijo que Ex Jefe de Orlando Policia queria a correr contra Teresa Jacobs para alcade de Orange county. Hay mucho para mirar con esto articulo, recuerdo que Demings correr contra Daniel Webster el ano pasado y pierdo porque no tenia los botas a la tierra para luchar con el fuerte campana de Webster aunque ella tenia mas dinero y Presidente Obama en la boleta.

Ahora, ella tiene dos opciones. Ella se puede correr otra vez contra Webster sin Obama y con meno votantes para ella o se puede o se puede ir contra Alcalde Jacobs pero Jacobs tienie muchos mas experienca con conodado gobierno. Ningunas hay fuerte opciones.

Pero Jacobs no sin problemas de ella. Hay muchos gentes que creen que el problema con los tiempo afuera de trabajo para enfermas es algo que ella necesito mas atencion y porque estaban problemas con los comunaciones es el fallo de ella.

Despues, de ningun sitio viene Stephen Precourt que dijo El Sentinel que estaban un problema en el conodad con liderazago. Y hay gentes que querer que el correr contra Jacobs. Esto es muy extrano para Precourt ques es uno de los Representantes que piensa ante que hablando.

Quien es pidiendo que el correr? Yo no oigo nadie. Los prioridades de los Republicanos en Central Florida en 2014 es para ganar para Gobernador Rick Scott y para seguir con los Representantes que ya tiene. Bueno, vamos a ve.

en otro noticias, el lider de el party Republicano liberado un informe con la nombre “La Autopsia” que hablas de la problema que los Republicano tenio el ano pasado con los votantes hispanico y los jovenes. Yo pienso comos los Politicos de Florida como Jeb Bush y Marco Rubio va a trabajar con los concepto nuevo. Yo creo que ellos ya es mas intellegente con los temas de mas otro.

*EN INGLES*

Val Demings vs. Teresa Jacobs .. vs. Stephen Precourt in 2014 for OC Mayor? and the RNC Autopsy

March 19, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

If you’re a fan of rumors and speculation involving local politics, then this article in the Orlando Sentinel was a welcome surprise for what is usually a slow Monday. We’ve all know for sometime that former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings was looking at another run and that she could set her sites on Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs next year. We haven’t know that popular State Rep. Stephen Precourt has been urged to run too and unloaded a few shots at Jacobs as well. How hostile can it get this early?

We’ve also got the RNC autopsy from Reince Priebus. Where do our GOP lawmakers stand.

This is your Daily Wrap Up!

Video Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres and this is your Daily Wrap for Monday March 18th, 2013. Let’s look at the big story in the Orlando Sentinel this morning that said that Val Demings was a considering a run at Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs for Orange County Mayor in 2014. A lot of layers to this, let’s look at Val Demings, She ran against Daniel Webster last November for Congress and lost in that Republican heavy district with President Obama on the ballot and a decisive money advantage. Couldn’t come up with the grassroots support needed to counter Daniel Webster’s efforts on the ground and ultimately lost that race.

She’s got two choices. She can run against Daniel Webster again without President Obama on the ballot, the DCCC is still attacking Daniel Webster on a weekly basis, trying to pick apart what he’s been doing in Washington this year but she would still be an underdog going into a congressional race, even with the money being there.

She could run against Teresa Jacobs for Orange County Mayor. She won’t be able to match policy wits against Teresa Jacobs, it’s true that Demings is more at home with municipal issues but Jacobs has 12 years of experience with County Policy.

So, you look at her options, neither look very good, but she’s got to do something. If you look at what she would face against Teresa Jacobs in 2014, it would be a mid-term, she’d have to find the money, and raise the grassroots, running a campaign in Orange County is no easy task, it’s huge. You have to wonder if she’s got the infrastructure there to stay competitive.

Jacobs has been underfire recently for “Textgate” or the text messages exchange about the Orange County Sick time initiative. She was targeted by activists, but this isn’t about Sick Time, you can’t think that, this is about flipping seats. Those activists will be able to give Val Demings a push should she decide to run against her. But the policy knowledge isn’t there, she debated Daniel Webster once and didn’t do well, she would have to debate Teresa Jacobs at least 4 times if you look at the debate schedule from 2010. She is a strong candidate with a good background so it’s only a matter of time before she picks her next race.

Out of nowhere, State Representative Stephen Precourt taking some shots at Teresa Jacobs in the media saying there is a leadership crisis in Orange County and that he’s been urged to run. Precourt a pretty reasonable guy, one of the sharper Reps in the area and well spoken but, you’ve got to wonder where this is coming from. He says he’s being urged to run. Who’s urging him? Friends and family? The political community hasn’t been urging him because from the Republican side the two biggest priorities for 2014 is getting Rick Scott elected (which is a task in itself) and reinforcing it’s incumbents. He’s termed out so, he’ll have time to figure out what he wants to do next but really bizarre behavior from Stephen Precourt from what I’ve seen so far. I know some of his buddies tried to throw her off the Expressway Board sometime back.

So, if you look at Jacobs’ role in all of this. She’s going to be attacked for being too lax on the rules from Val Demings in “Textgate” and she’s going to be attacked for being too strict with regulations from Precourt, you just can’t win if you’re the Orange County Mayor.

A very intriguing story it looks like a lot of people are already gearing up for next year, it looks like it’s going to be exciting. 2010 had some interesting personalities and made for a good race and with the potentials already kicking the tires on a potential run, it could be even bigger in 2014.

Other news today, The RNC releasing what is being called “The Autopsy” put out by Chairman Reince Priebus, illustrating the talking points over what went wrong with the Republican party last November. Most of it is stuff we already know. More technology, more outreach or inclusion of minority voters. What I’m interested in is how the local politicians will react. You’ve got John Mica and Daniel Webster who were re-elected and you’ve also got Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush who are already moving in the new direction. You’ve got to wonder what these lawmakers in the state will do. Will they stick with old script? Or the new one?

Big day. Buzz over who’s running for what and national reports being published. We’ll keep an eye on it for you. For now, I’m Frank Torres and I’ll see you next time.

Rubio Played Right Role in Rand Filibuster

March 8, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

Yesterday, in Washington D.C there was a good ole’ filibuster by Kentucky Senator and Tea Party Firebrand Rand Paul.

The filibuster protesting the nomination of John Brennan as CIA Director lasted about 13 hours and was well received by Republicans across the nation. The hashtag #istandwithrand is still trending on Twitter right now. Paul’s major point was the use of Drone strikes by the Government and authorized killing of Americans by those drones. The Junior Senator from the Bluegrass state was asking for transparency on the issue from the Obama administration.

Conservatives pundits were keeping an eye on who was doing their part to support Paul on a controversial issue that even drew one Democrat to the floor to help out in this Old School style of legislating.

Florida Senator and fellow 2016 GOP hopeful Marco Rubio was there and the role he played during the filibuster was the one he exactly needed to play.

Rubio made a couple of appearances during Paul’s marathon that stretched into the late evening, using humor to keep the energy from escaping the room and leaving no question that he was an ally to Paul during an event where many hardcore Republican voters were keeping score.

Senator Rubio offered friendly advice like keeping a drink of water near by, making light of his flub during the Republican State of the Union response, that had him reaching for a drink on camera, and quoting the Rapper Wiz Kalifa and “The Godfather”. He kept it simple and friendly.

He was present but not there to steal the spotlight. This was Paul’s event and Rubio was there to support him. Nothing more. Nothing less.

These two disagree often. Where many mainstream Republicans see room for hope on the issues, Rand Paul sees nothing resembling acceptable conditions on issues such as, the economy, immigration, and national defense.

There is a real possibility these two could be staring across a debate stage at each other a few years from now, and both lawmakers and gifted orators, will produce some great discussions on the road to the nomination.

Last night they were on the same page and both came out looking like winners.

Potential 2016 Foes were Allies during the filibuster last night

Potential 2016 Foes were Allies during the filibuster last night

Sunday Funnies: Top 10 Reasons it’s Good to be the Mayor of Orlando

March 3, 2013 Uncategorized 2 comments

Welcome to another edition of the FPFT Sunday Funnies.

Earlier this week, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced that he would not be running for Governor in 2014. There were many reasons not to go after Rick Scott in 2014, one of them being that it’s great to be the Mayor of Orlando!

Today, we point out the reasons why!

10. You get to hang out with a lot of costumed characters:
MAYOR DYER STATE OF DOWNTOWN 2011

9. You get to interact with wildlife:
Buddy Dyer Black Swans

8. You get to turn to the Darkside!
Buddy Dyer Storm Trooper

7. You run unopposed for re-election:
buddy-vs-the-field

6. None of those “Politics” on the City Commission:
Orlando City Commission

5. Box Seats to Every Magic Game:
Orlando magic losing

4. The Commute:
Orlando Traffic Jam

3. You can do this to the Lake Eola Fountain:
rick-scott-golfing

2. Tough Decision? Short on Cash? You can let her handle it!

What do you mean, he said WE'D pay for Citrus Bowl Renovations?!

What do you mean, he said WE’D pay for Citrus Bowl Renovations?!

1. This.
Buddy Dyer Barack Obama Air Force One

Buddy Dyer made right choice Passing on Florida Governor Run

February 27, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced he would not run for Florida Governor in 2014. Much like he did with his re-election campaign last year, he used his State of the City Address to springboard into the announcement using the progress he’s made with the city over the previous year

Buddy Dyer not running for Governor

The rumors that he was considering a run started well over a year ago, before election year politics made 2014 seem like an eternity away. Throughout the year, the media observed his behavior to see if the signs were there. We watched how he interacted and campaigned with President Barack Obama in the important I4 corridor, we watched any unusual fundraising activity, when Dyer took verbal shots at current Governor Rick Scott, we tried to find a trend. There wasn’t one. Our interest returned when the Mayor of the City Beautiful, said he was still considering a run at the Democratic National Convention.

Today, he put an end to all speculation. The answer is no.

It was the right call. Buddy Dyer made the right decision passing on a run to be the next Governor of Florida. Why was it the right decision? Let’s break it down.

He was Invisible in early polling: He’s the Mayor of one of the most visited Cities on the planet, but he wasn’t registering in early polling against potential opponents in a Democratic primary. I say not registering which means his Name ID wasn’t even high enough to even make him relevant in the decision portion of the poll. He won re-election by a landslide here in Orlando but, he’s still widely unknown to casual voters across the state.

He’s Kinda Busy: Sunrail, DPAC, Citrus Bowl renovations, Creative Village, More condos downtown, and the paint hasn’t even dried on the Amway center yet. Now, he’s blessed the idea of a new soccer stadium (with weak numbers but that’s another post). These are all projects, he’s been “outfront” on and if he hits the campaign trail and leaves these behind, there’s no telling what direction they’d go.

Charlie Crist officially became a Democrat: When the former Republican Governor made it official by switching parties during the holidays, he essentially ended not only Dyer’s chances at a run, but many of the others taking a long look at challenging Rick Scott. Right now it’s Charlie and Alex Sink unless something changes.

It’s great to be the Mayor of Orlando: This is a pretty good job to have. This is a dynamic city with a lot of moving parts and a lot of room to grow. He’s been here for a decade and there are no serious political challengers on the horizon. He’s got the big city vision in his mind and a canvas with enough space to make it happen.

So, Buddy says no. I thought he would go the other way, until Crist switched parties. Now, with plenty of time until his next next re-election campaign, Dyer will continue push to make Orlando a major City that will influence the way the country moves.

Here is Mayor Dyer’s State of the City Address. The announcement comes at the 30:40 mark.

Why the Rick Scott Push towards the middle isn’t working Part I

February 25, 2013 Uncategorized 2 comments

When we officially turned the the calendar to 2013, we saw a new attitude from Florida Governor Rick Scott. A more moderate leader of the state. In fact, if you took a sample from his administration that stretch over the first two months of 2013 and put it to a blind political taste test in front of a casual politico, they would tell you it’s the agenda of a Democrat running a state, not the Tea Party Republican narrowly elected in 2010.

More money for education, pay raises for teachers, a slightly (OK very slightly) cautious approach to granting tax breaks for companies, and last week finally agreeing to expand the state’s medicaid program to accommodate the President’s Health Care Plan or “Obamacare” in a story that got national attention and is being considered a major “caving in” by fellow Republicans. It even prompted this response from a member of his cabinet. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

FireShot Screen Capture #145 - 'Facebook' - www_facebook_com

A reply that is not to be taken lightly. Especially, since many would like to see Rick Scott face a Primary Challenger. Tea Party Activists have already started looking at alternatives like Putnam, and CFO Jeff Atwater.

All of this to try to and raise his popularity with moderates from both sides and Independent voters, and it’s not working. Now, he’s upset his base and there is the sentiment of betrayal among some of his supporters.

Why isn’t this working? What is Governor Scott doing wrong?

His timing on the Medicaid expansion was off: He was one of the big talkers after the SCOTUS ruling came down last year. He was going to stand with his fellow Republican Governors and do everything to fight the Affordable Care Act at the state level. Instead, he folded in the middle of the week with a weak message and didn’t anticipate that he was going to be all alone on this. He’s not popular enough to do that.

His Education push lacks sincerity: No one is buying that this is anything but a re-election tactic, and since he’s made the announcement about “Making Florida the number 1 place to find a job and get an education” he’s been silent on the topic. Teachers are going to take the money but they’re not convinced he’s going to keep his promises if re-elected.

He has no Bi-Partisan Street Cred: Quick, before this year, name 2 strong examples of Bi-Partisanship by Rick Scott? There might be some “Cupcake Legislation” that might have led to a photo op that I’m sure an Democratic lawmaker regrets taking, but no hard stuff.

It’s easy to just sit back and diss the Governor’s approach to widen his appeal, and most bloggers would be content with doing just that. Not me. Tomorrow, I’m going to tell you what I would do fix Rick Scott’s problems with the moderates.

Rick Scott Approval rating

Water aside, Rubio Delivered with Republican Response

February 13, 2013 Uncategorized One comment

Alright, first things first. Last night when Florida Senator Marco Rubio gave the Republican response following President Barack Obama‘s State of the Union Address, he got a little thirsty.

What’s an elected official going to do? He’s gonna get a drink of water. He’s human, he had just taped a Spanish version of the response a minute earlier. It happens.

Still, in the Twitter blasting, Facebook fueled, Meme generating society we live in, this was the story last night. A human being consuming a fluid which makes up a large majority of our bodies.

We do plenty of television in this business and you know that you’re not suppose to touch your face or take a drink when talking to a television audience. In this case he couldn’t help it and even though he’s tried his best to stay out in front of this story, he’s going to catch a lot of static for it.

That’s unfortunate because if it wasn’t for that moment of vulnerability, we’d be talking about how he made a real connection with the middle class and made some of the President’s talking points look uninformed.

We’d be talking about how he created some space between the affluent stereotypes linked to the Republican party, how he reminded the country of where he’s from and that everyone in the GOP is not wealthy, and does value important entitlement programs. We’d also be talking about how he made the opening arguments to support the bi-partisan immigration plan, or a respectful call to protect the 2nd amendment.

He delivered and did a great job doing it.

This isn’t going to do any serious damage to the GOP favorite. They’ll be some jokes on late night TV, maybe an SNL skit, and constant reminders from his “haters” but, the future is still bright for the Junior Senator from Florida.

It was a missed opportunity for a national audience to really see why GOP believes in him so much, and who knows when he’ll get another chance.

Rubio had a little fun with his flub last night after the Response

Rubio had a little fun with his flub last night after the Response

Potencial Eleccione con Rick Scott contra Charlie Crist tiene Nacional Atencion

February 7, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

Este manana POLITICO salio con un articulo que pones el eleccione para Gobernador en 2014 que puede hace la mas caro en el pais.

El articulo dijo que Gobernador Rick Scott tiene presupuesto ciento millon para luchar con el predecesor, el Republicano y ahora Democrata Charlie Crist.

El articulo (aqui) tambien hablar de Crists problemas con Jim Greer el ex lider de el party Republicano en Florida que va a frente de un tribunal el semana que viene, y el clima politico que miro Rick Scott ganar con un marginal menudo.

El tono hace como Crist ya gano el nominacion pero todavia hablar de Alex Sink y Nan Rich. No hay una mencione de alcade de Orlando Buddy Dyer.

La mayor de el articulo habla de Scott vamos para un momento a hablar de Crist.

Scott puede sacar much dinero el gasto 75 millones en 2010 pero Crist tambien puede elevar dinero tambien y Allison Tant la nueva principal de los Democratas es un recaudadors de fondos eso es por que ella gano el posicion el semana que paso.

Crist es mejor hablando con los votantes, el tiene fuerte aprobar numeros, y ya nosotros sabes el tiene experiencia. Es tambien seguro que Presidente Obama va campana para el y correr.

Esto concurso tiene el atencion de la nacion porque verdad es un luchar muy interesante vamos a ve como esto dos politicos polemico andar.

*EN INGLES*

Rubio Republican Response for SOTU is First Audition for 2016.

February 7, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

Earlier this afternoon, it was announced that Florida Senator Marco Rubio will be giving the Republican response for President Barack Obama‘s State of the Union address on Tuesday night. He’ll be the ambassador for the GOP on a night when President Obama sets the table for his 2nd term political agenda.

For Rubio it will be his first real introduction to a primetime, bi-partisan, national audience, and it allow him the last word, in what will be a comparison challenge between the GOP’s vision for Immigration reform and the Presidents.

We’ve talked about the tough assignment Rubio had selling the Bi-Partisan Senate plan to the most Conservative opinion leaders, now he’ll get to do it to a moderate electorate, where Independents rule and he’ll get the last word of the evening. There he can push for the enforcement triggers on the deal that the President hasn’t committed on, and is considered a deal breaker for the elected officials with Tea Party support.

Last fall at NALEO, Rubio pushed for similar reform that’s in the conversation now, only to have the President come in and take the points from Rubio’s plan and integrate them into his own.

Let’s not forget the implications for 2016. This is the first audition for Rubio as far as his Presidential plans go.

The Republican response has long been a launching pad for Presidential hopefuls. In 2011, it was Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan who eventually was selected by Mitt Romney to be his running mate last year. In 2012, it was Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who many hoped would throw his hat into the Presidential race.

Now it will be Rubio, and he’s got a clear objective. Make your argument for Immigration and the other issues bigger and better than the Presidents, and with all of America watching it might be the most important night of his political career.

Rubio will be following with Republican response at the State of Union

Rubio will be following with Republican response at the State of Union

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