Bill Posey

WASHINGTON, DC – This afternoon Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) delivered a speech on the House Floor discussing the need to invest more in our nation’s space program. In his speech, Posey outlined what a day without NASA spinoff products would be like.

“NASA has been at the cutting edge of technology, leading to many devices and luxuries that we use every day,” said Congressman Posey who worked on the Apollo 11 mission as a young man.

Posey used his time on the floor to also speak about contaminated Chinese drywall which has been used recently to build hundreds of homes in Florida and across the country.

“It’s a critical time for NASA and our nation’s leadership in space.

“With the looming retirement of the Space Shuttle and the risk of a growing space gap, we risk losing tens of thousands of additional jobs across the U.S.

“These are jobs in industries that develop the cutting edge technology which raises our living standards and helps American businesses compete.

“NASA has been at the cutting edge of technology, leading to many devices and luxuries that we use every day.

“Imagine what a day without NASA products would be like:

“First, you may not have had a good night’s sleep if you normally rest on that temper foam mattress or pillow – originally developed by NASA as a shock absorber.  You may have even overslept without NASA’s quartz timing in your alarm clock.

“Being green won’t help you get ready for work in the morning if you have a solar water heater installed on your roof.  Many cosmetics, toothpaste and perfumes find their roots in NASA.

“Before you head out the door, you may have difficulty getting an accurate weather forecast due to the lack of weather satellites coming out of our nation’s space program.

“Better use a landline telephone to call work and let them know you’re running late because cell phones and other wireless devices are out of service on a day without NASA derived technology.

“Getting to work might be a challenge as well particularly if you drive a hybrid.  The lithium-ion battery in your hybrid was developed with NASA engineering expertise and tested at Kennedy Space Center.  Get rid of that temper foam seat if you ride motorcycle to work.

“Don’t plan on flying to that vacation or important job conference.  NASA developed flight-tracking and management software is used by air traffic controllers.  It probably won’t surprise you that flight safety software was developed by NASA.  Just in case you still find yourself on an airplane, it may be a bumpy ride without NASA software that informs pilots of turbulent conditions.

“Work may be a little difficult too without access to NASA computer technology and wireless headsets.

“On an unrelated but important topic –

“As a member of the Contaminated Drywall Caucus and Representative of an area impacted by contaminated drywall, I wanted to take a few minutes to draw the attention of my colleagues to this issue.

“Between the 2004 and 2008 many homes were been built using what has turned out to be organically contaminated drywall.

“Homes in 26 states and the District of Columbia are affected

“It is particularly problematic in areas, like Florida, with high humidity.

“A little over a year ago, it was discovered that the source of a number of corrosion issues and health symptoms were likely due to contaminated drywall that originating from China.

“Since then we’ve been working to find a solution and what we’ve discovered is disturbing.

“The contaminated drywall contains toxic and semi-toxic substances which release harmful gases.

“Many of these homes are filled with a pungent sulfuric odor which has since been linked to adverse health conditions.

“Some families have already been forced to move out of their homes for fear of long term health effects.

“These gases are also responsible for devastating corrosion to many standard household systems such as copper and brass fittings, air compressor coils, electrical systems, and even fire alarms.

“We don’t know if there is a valid remediation protocol short of pulling all the contaminated boards out and replacing them.

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been tasked as the lead Federal agency and is working with Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency to find solutions.

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission will soon release a study to answer some of the questions. They are also working on a remediation protocol.

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission must work closely with all parties, seriously consider the results of private studies, and share the results of their own studies with all stakeholders. We need all parties to be a part of a quick and permanent solution.

“I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking all those who are working hard on this issue and in calling on the CPSC to bring forward their study results quickly.”

Dorothy Hukill

NEW SMYRNA BEACH– On Monday, August 31st, State Representative Dorothy L. Hukill (R-Port Orange) will deliver a proclamation to the Jane Sheldon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in honor of Constitution Week, which is an annual celebration commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution in September 1787 and celebrated September 17-23 every year. The aims of the celebration include teaching Americans about the importance of citizenship and the achievements of the Founding Fathers in developing the framework for the Nation.

The proclamation will be delivered at the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 South Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach, 32618 at 1:30 pm.

WHO: State Representative Dorothy L. Hukill

WHAT: Proclamation Honoring Constitution Week

WHEN: Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 1:30pm

WHERE: New Smyrna Regional Library, 1001 S Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach, 32168

Roughly 100 projects in Central Florida would get funding next year under spending legislation that passed the U.S. House this summer, including $700,000 to study solar power at the University of Central Florida and $1 million to find jobs for Space Coast workers.

These earmarks, worth as much as $124 million, were inserted into appropriations bills by six Central Florida House members. Pending U.S. Senate approval, the federal dollars would fund projects from roads to research and — sometimes — steer lucrative contracts to political supporters.

About a third of the earmarks were requested by nine-term U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, whose campaign slogan “Corrine Delivers” underscores that one of her top goals is bringing federal dollars to her district, which stretches from Jacksonville to Orlando.

Her $54.7 million in earmarks includes several projects that would benefit current or former clients of the Virginia lobbying firm Alcalde & Fay, which employs her daughter, Shantrel Brown Fields.

For example, Brown steered more than $8 million to the Jacksonville Port Authority for dredging and other maintenance projects. The port authority paid $40,000 to Alcalde & Fay this year, according to lobbyist records.

Lake County officials paid the firm at least $40,000 this year to help get federal funding for an emergency-operations center, among other projects. Brown netted an $800,000 earmark for the center, as well as $500,000 for Edward Waters College, a former Alcalde & Fay client.

Neither the firm nor Brown’s daughter returned calls. Fields is not listed as a lobbyist for the Jacksonville Port Authority or Lake County, but she did represent Edward Waters College in 2006, records show.

In a statement, Brown said, “I have not sought money for any project that was not requested by a state or local governmental entity, service provider or business in my district or the state of Florida. I am fully confident that each of the projects will provide critically needed services and create jobs.”

Still, one Washington watchdog questioned the connection. “At the very least, it creates appearance problems,” said Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “There may be an innocent explanation … but there are always questions when the kids of members become lobbyists.”

Brown’s earmarks aren’t the only ones that have raised eyebrows. U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D- Orlando, was criticized this spring for trying to direct $350,000 to the Florida Civil Rights Association, run by controversial activist J. Willie David.

The earmark was aimed at helping local homeowners avoid foreclosure proceedings but ran into problems because of David’s past — he once demanded a cut of a $1.75 million judgment for two orphans whose parents were killed when a suspect fleeing police hit their car — and a “humanitarian” award the group gave Grayson.

That project did not survive a vote. Grayson did manage to get approval for several other earmarks, including $500,000 to buy library books to help Spanish speakers learn English and $3.4 million for a “study of sugar cane as a viable alternative and reliable form of energy.”

Grayson, who could not be reached for comment, counts sugar producer Florida Crystals as one of his top contributors, with total contributions of $9,200, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. He also received $1,000 from the Florida Sugar Cane League in March.

Most of the earmarks requested by Central Florida lawmakers were bread-and-butter projects, such as $400,000 to upgrade police technology in Maitland or $250,000 to assist a youth community center in DeLand. Most were steered toward municipalities, schools or nonprofits.

The trend reflects changes in recent years to make the earmark system more transparent — a response to the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal in which congressional officials were bribed to get earmarks inserted.

Earmarks also aren’t the only avenue to secure federal funding for projects. U.S. Rep. John Mica, R- Winter Park, snagged $40 million for Central Florida commuter rail in the transportation-spending bill, a project also supported by the White House.

One trend that has continued, however, is that the most expensive items generally were for defense spending.

Brown earmarked $5 million for Lockheed Martin to build an anti-tank missile. She has received $5,000 from the company’s political action committee since 2007.

And U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D- New Smyrna Beach, inserted a $1.2 million request to develop “soldier personal cooling systems.” The earmark is tailor-made for RINI technologies in Oviedo; its founder, Dan Rini, contributed $1,000 to Kosmas’ campaign in April.

“We will definitely be submitting a proposal,” said Rini, who added that Kosmas’ staff alerted him to the earmark when the House passed its spending measure.

Kosmas said the earmark was made to “protect our brave men and women in uniform” and had nothing to do with the campaign contribution: “There is no connection between the two. The request was made upon a need.”

Suzanne Kosmas

In the first of a twin-bill fundraising appearance in Orlando today, Vice President Joe Biden praised “moderate” U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas for her independence and courage to vote for the Recovery Act, which he said helped America come back from the precipice of a depression.

“She played a pivotal role,” Biden said, “and the payoff was real.”

Later, he added, “We are no longer looking over the precipice.”

Biden also touted Kosmas’ efforts to secure funding for a veterans hospital complex in Orlando and in helping deal with layoffs around the NASA program at the heart of her Space Coast district.

“This is a one person chamber of commerce,” Biden said, at one point embracing the congresswoman. “She’s not just fit in, she’s stood out.”

The event precedes another fund raiser for fellow Central Florida lawmaker Alan Grayson, D-Orlando. The event for Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, was attended by 70 people, including Mears executive Roger Chapin, former Orange County Commissioner Fran Pignone and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

The $1,000-per-person affair was expected to raise at least $70,000, though some donors were expected to give more than the minimum.

Biden gave a wide-ranging defense of Kosmas and Democrats, pointing to major initiatives in health care, energy and education reforms under way.

“We’re trying to move the needle here, not just hold the status quo,” Biden said.

The protesters outside the Marriott Hotel downtown only numbered in the two- to three-dozen range, with a few more opponents than Obama-Biden supporters on hand.

Biden stressed that Central Florida has become the “fulcrum” of political power not only in Florida, but also in presidential politics. “How goes Central Florida,” Biden said, so goes the country.

“This woman produces,” Biden said. “It’s really important she be re-elected.”

The menu for the Kosmas event was a cheese and vegetable tray and chicken and pork tray.

Kosmas decisively beat scantal-tinged incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, last year. But her district — which includes parts of Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties — leans Republican, and she’s already drawn opposition from two veteran GOP legislators — state Reps. Sandy Adams of Orlando and Dorothy Hukill of Port Orange — and Winter park Commissioner Beth Diebel.

Joe Biden

Vice President Joe Biden will be in Orlando Wednesday to help Congressman Alan Grayson raise cash.

Biden is also attending a fundraiser for Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, at the same hotel on the same day. But it seems a stealth mission compared with Grayson’s exuberant promotion on his Web site. “Don’t miss the event of the year!” reads a headline.

Grayson’s event,  however, has turned into a bit of a PR disaster because one of the hosts is a federal lobbyist. Florida Hospital Lobbyist Dick Batchelor stepped down after questions were raised but first engaged in e-mail war with Andy Sere, regional press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee. (see the exchange below)

Aug 12. Mr. Seré, Just a moment ago I was provided a copy of your GOP statement attacking Congressman Alan Grayson for having a “fat-cat healthcare lobbyist” as a co-sponsor of his upcoming fundraiser where Vice President Joe Biden will be the guest of honor.

This “fat-cat healthcare lobbyist” does and has since 1993 represented Florida Hospital on a number of matters in Washington during both the Clinton and Bush administration.  Let me hasten to point out that the client is not much of a “fat-cat”.  On the contrary, I would suggest they might be a “lean cat” inasmuch as they are a faith-based, not for profit hospital (Florida Hospital).

However, when reminded of President Barack Obama’s commitment that federally registered healthcare lobbyists, including those who might lobby members of the National Republican Congressional Committee, should not participate as co-sponsors in campaign fundraising, I readily agreed and communicated to Congressman Grayson’s staff that I wish to withdraw my name as a co-sponsor.

In that Congressman Grayson was not aware of that fact when I was asked to co-sponsor this event and out of the deepest respect for the policy of the Obama administration, I certainly will not participate as a co-sponsor nor raise any money or attend the event.

However, in that the National Republican Congressional Committee, whose sole purpose is to raise tens of millions of dollars for congressional incumbents and Republican challengers, has raised this issue of federal healthcare lobbyists being involved in congressional fundraising, I would like to ask for a reciprocal commitment.  Will your Republican committee take a position that no one who is currently a registered lobbyist in Washington be invited or allowed to raise any amount of money (including bundling) for any Republican congressional candidate?

This would go a long way to advance President Obama’s policy to dissuade such participation by registered lobbyists and I am confident that your committee and the Republican campaigns for which you raise money will be more than happy to take the same principled stand as the Administration.  As you probably have heard, there is an old saying in the South, “this dog won’t hunt” – let’s see if your fat-cat will!  I look forward to a prompt response.

Aug. 13 Dear Dick,

Thanks for your press release/letter.

Since you seem to be Congressman Grayson’s new spokesman and chief defender , I’m hoping you can address some unanswered questions.

1)       All invitations to events featuring White House officials must be approved by the White House. Did the White House approve the invitation with your name on it, or did Grayson send the invitation out without White House approval? In other words, who messed up here?

2)       You pledge in your letter below to “not participate as a co-sponsor nor raise any money or attend the event.” That’s all well and good from here on out, but please answer some questions about what has already transpired :

A. When was the invitation with your name on it mailed?
B. To whom of your friends and business associates was the invitation mailed?
C. To whom did you make fundraising phone calls on Grayson’s behalf for this event?
D. How much money has Grayson raised for the event and how much of that is attributable to your efforts?
E. Who, specifically, has contributed money to Grayson as a result of your efforts?

3)       In today’s Sentinel article, you claim to have “never…spoken with Grayson about health-care issues.” Quoting from the boast on your website : “July 2005: According to Orlando Magazine ‘s 2nd Annual ‘50 Most Powerful People,’ ‘ Dick Batchelor is one of those lobbyists with enough clout to get to anyone .’  Moving up the list to #14, ‘ he’s got plenty of friends, and they owe him plenty of favors .’”

A. Have you “gotten to” Grayson yet?
B. What “favors” does Grayson “owe” you?

4)       You also claim in both your letter and today’s Sentinel article that “Grayson was not aware” that you are a federal lobbyist. Since you are widely recognized as the “city’s top lobbyist,” as you point out on your website, why didn’t Grayson think to ask if you were registered with the federal government?  Or did he just not care about White House ethics rules?
5)       Referring back to #2D, is Grayson willing to donate to a worthy cause (and no, Willie David’s “Florida Civil Rights Association” is not an option) all monies he has received and will receive as a result of your efforts on this event?
6)       You distributed your press release within an hour of this news breaking. Did you use a media list provided by Grayson’s staff, or did you use your own?
7)       Why did it take this episode to finally shame Grayson into coming before voters and hearing their concerns about the healthcare takeover he supports? Has a time and place been set yet? By the way, do you plan on attending and yet again serving as Grayson’s chief defender when it inevitably becomes clear that Central Florida families and seniors don’t appreciate the congressman’s support for government-run healthcare and Medicare cuts?

Thanks for your attention to these questions. One final thought: the request you made for a “reciprocal commitment” in your letter below is nothing more than an attempt to distract from the central fact in this controversy: the White House imposed on their events a ban on the participation of federally-registered lobbyists, and Grayson broke that rule.

It’s not your career as a lobbyist that’s the problem – it’s the hypocrisy, Dick.

Sincerely,

Andy

Original Source

Cue the Notre Dame fight song.

Longtime Irish football coach and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz is seriously considering a Congressional campaign against Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-Fla.), first reported by the Orlando Sentinel and confirmed to POLITICO by a senior Republican operative.

Holtz met with National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Pete Sessions last week to express his interest in running for Congress.  The meeting was initiated by Holtz, who flew up from Florida to meet with committee officials.

“It’s a lot more than most celebrity-type candidates do,” said the operative.

Holtz is expected to make his decision in the next several weeks.

Holtz is best-known for his coaching success on the gridiron, leading Notre Dame to a national college football championship in 1988, and later turning around the University of South Carolina’s football program before retiring to ESPN as an analyst.

If he runs, Holtz wouldn’t be guaranteed the GOP nomination. Republicans already have three credible candidates running for the seat – state Reps. Sandy Adams and Dorothy Hukill, and Winter Park Commissioner Karen Diebel. And at 72, Holtz would be one of the oldest members in the House – as a freshman (likely) in the minority.

Holtz, a longtime donor to Republican candidates and causes, stepped into the political spotlight in March, appearing on Sean Hannity’s FOX News show where he expressed his skepticism towards global warming and talked about the high tax rates in Europe.   In a recent Sporting News profile, he said running for public office was number three on his “bucket list” — one of the things he wanted to do in his life.

Holtz’s consideration of a Congressional campaign comes as Sam Wyche, another former football coach, is mulling a campaign for Rep. Gresham Barrett’s seat in South Carolina.

Suzanne Kosmas

Space Coast Area Transit in Brevard County will receive a $6.9 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-Fla.

The grant will help replace aging buses and vans as well as fund a facelift for the 25-year-old Melbourne bus terminal.

The agency will purchase 16 buses to replace existing buses that are scheduled to reach the end of their useful life next year. It will also purchase 20 replacement vans for its vanpool fleet. The vanpool program allows groups to lease vans from the agency and then drivers and passengers decide on a flexible route and schedule.

Suzanne Kosmas

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24) that will provide assistance to small businesses affected by the retirement of the Space Shuttle so they can commercialize their products and preserve jobs. The Kosmas Amendment gives preference to these small businesses when they apply for commercialization grants through the Small Businesses Innovation and Research (SBIR) program.

The Kosmas Amendment was included in the Enhancing Small Business Innovation and Research Act (HR 2965), bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes and increases funding for the successful SBIR program. SBIR is a competitive grants program that encourages small businesses to invest in research and development. The Kosmas Amendment was adopted by a 400-15 vote and the full legislation passed the House 386-41.

“As we work to minimize the spaceflight gap, I want to make sure that the hundreds of small businesses involved with the Shuttle program have the support they need to move forward and keep their employees,” said Congresswoman Kosmas. “The SBIR program has proven successful in helping innovative businesses find a market for their products, and my amendment will give Shuttle-related small businesses a leg up in the grants process.”

The Small Business Innovation and Research Act modernizes the government’s largest small business research and development programs, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, more than doubling the amount of the grants small businesses can apply for (to $250,000 for early stage research and $2 million for later stage research) and helping them engage in cutting-edge research.

The legislation cuts down on red tape in the SBIR and STTR programs, so that participating companies spend less time doing paperwork and more time getting products to market. By establishing a 90-day timeline for issuing a final decision on an SBIR application, the measure will help firms receive SBIR funding in a timely manner. The bill also puts a greater emphasis on helping smaller firms bring their products to market.

Since 1992, the SBIR and STTR programs have awarded 65,000 grants to small companies that are leading research efforts to cure diseases, strengthen national defense and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. Without action by Congress, these programs will expire later this month.

For more info on the SBIR and STTR programs, please visit www.sbir.gov

Jim Greer

On July 2, Republican Party of Florida chairman Jim Greer officially removed Deon Long from his precinct committeeman post with the Orange County Republican Executive Committee as punishment for Long’s attempted takeover of OCREC.

Back in December, longtime OCREC chairman Lew Oliver was re-elected by one vote over the insurgent Long, a Winter Park lawyer, but only after rejecting more than a dozen or so potential Long votes because they didn’t turn in paperwork on time. Long and his allies sued, but a court dismissed his claims.

Calling that election invalid – two OCREC members abstained, which in Long’s view means that Oliver didn’t get the majority he needed – Long held a sort of shadow meeting in February, at which he was elected OCREC chairman. Except he wasn’t, because the state party didn’t recognize his “victory.” Greer summoned Long to a grievance hearing in March, where Oliver presented his case that Long should be ejected from the local GOP. Long didn’t show.

Finally, last week Long received the not-unexpected decision in a terse, one-page letter: “I accept and adopt the [grievance committee’s] unanimous recommendation that you should be removed from the position of Orange County Republican Precinct Committeeman effective immediately,” Greer wrote. “Please govern yourself accordingly.”

Greer’s decision “doesn’t have any consequences,” Long says dismissively. He recently re-filed his lawsuit against OCREC. He’s all but announced his campaign for Congress against Suzanne Kosmas.

This evening brought word of yet another Republican being brought to the grievance committee. Will Pitts of St. John’s County. In his grievance letter he received it stated why he was being brought to the committee.  Here are the reasons

1. Attended a Pro-America Rally in Minneapolis hosted by the Campaign for Liberty and wore a “Ron Paul” button on my lapel after the Republican primary
2. Attended an End the Fed (Federal reserve bank) Rally in Jacksonville
3. Spoke or written things in a manner harmful to the GOP specially regarding RPOF Chairman Jim Greer and Gov. Charlie Crist by stating they are “pathetic and embarrassing” and other comments regarding Senator John McCain and President George Bush.

Is this really a party that I want to be a part of?  I wouldn’t think all Republicans feel the same way Greer does.  It would lead one to think he is on a little bit of an ego trip.

Eating your own does not seem to help the Republican Party either.  With so much effort being put in by the GOP with Drive the Discussion round tables, and the listening tour it would seem that the party wouldn’t want to cause members to jump ship.

If Republicans want to get their party back it is time to stand up. We will not win in 2012 with the same people like Greer destroying the Republican Party.

Republicans are just coming off of a HUGE loss to Democrats.  It would appear that the Republican Party would want to be in a BUILDING PHASE rather than a tearing down stage.

Dorothy Hukill

PORT ORANGE – State Rep. Dorothy Hukill announced today that she has filed paperwork to be a candidate for the U.S. Congress for Florida’s 24^th District. Hukill, a small business owner, state legislator and former mayor, has earned a reputation as an independent-minded, common sense problem-solver with a solid fiscally conservative record.

“Washington is out of touch with the needs of our area,” Hukill said. “The choices being made in Washington will raise taxes on Florida’s families and burden our children and grandchildren with unprecedented new levels of debt. I think we can do better. That’s why I’m running to bring real fiscal responsibility and common sense to Washington.”

In two terms in the Florida House, Dorothy Hukill has earned respect as a leader for health care reform, tax relief, job creation, and economic development. Hukill has won praise from all sides as an independent thinker, willing to reach across the aisle to get things done. As mayor of Port Orange, Hukill was noted for her insistence on holding the line on government spending.

Dorothy Hukill has lived in District 24 since 1988 and is an attorney in private practice, specializing in elder law and probate. She served on the Ponce Inlet Town Council from 1992-1994 before moving to Port Orange, where she currently resides. She served on the Port Orange City Council from 1998-2000, when she was elected Mayor and served until 2004. Since 2004 she has served in the state legislature, where her district overlaps with over 20% of Florida’s 24^th Congressional District.

Hukill has launched a website http://www.dorothyhukill.com Hukill is just one of several GOP candidates eying the seat, in which Kosmas defeated Tom Feeney last year. Florida State Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando, told the Orlando Sentinel last week that there is a “high probability” she will enter the race.

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