Reactions to Crist’s special session
by Michael C. Bender | July 8th, 2010Marco Rubio, Republican U.S. Senate candidate
“The Obama/Crist response to the oil spill has been a total failure and Florida families and businesses are suffering because of it. This special session is nothing more than a political sideshow that will do nothing to help Panhandle businesses, keep oil off our beaches, or prevent future spills. In fact, Charlie Crist seeks to ban something that is already illegal under state law. We don’t need more photo ops and finger pointing. We need leadership.
“Every available clean-up skimmer in the world should be along our Gulf coast right now. After two months, there is no reason we don’t have containment boom and barriers protecting every vulnerable beach. We need strong leadership that will challenge government to do more before it’s too late. Instead, Charlie Crist seems more focused on releasing birds than releasing skimmers.
“We all agree that the Gulf oil spill is a tremendous tragedy that must never be repeated. But drilling is going to happen off our coast whether it’s done by America, China and Cuba, which just last week announced plans to drill 60 miles off the Florida Keys. We still need safer and smarter offshore energy exploration to end our addiction to foreign oil.”
U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate:
“What took the Governor so long? On the 80th day of the Gulf oil spill, Governor Crist finally got around to calling a special session to block drilling off Florida beaches. It shouldn’t have come to this. Where was he before the spill? I’ve fought my entire life against Big Oil and against drilling off our beaches — even when it was unpopular to do so. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to tackle tough issues, not politicians who wait to act until it’s politically expedient.”
CFO Alex Sink, Democratic candidate for governor:
“I commend the Governor for agreeing to call for a special session to ban near beach oil drilling, despite the resistance from special interests and some members of the Legislature,” said CFO Sink. “In addition to banning near beach drilling, the special session should also tackle the urgent needs for our business owners and state, including much-needed small business relief, a more streamlined claims process, and the creation of an environmental endowment for additional research.”
State Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general:
“Since May 5th I have been asking the Governor to call a Special Session to address a near-shore drilling ban. I am heartened by Governor Crist’s apparent decision to do precisely that. I would hope, however, that in addition we would address the immediate needs of our citizens who are already feeling pain and anxiety from the spill.
I would hope we would revise statutes to maximize recovery for victims; give Attorney General environmental crimes authority; create compensation commissioner to facilitate recovery; provide Small Business Relief. I know it’s not easy navigating this crisis in the vortex of an election cycle. But that’s a challenge not an excuse. We need action and a Special Session is where we should be.”
Albert Martinez, Republican consultant:
Poll comes out this AM showing Crist’s approval rating dropping 7 pts in past month, and Crist suddenly calls special session. Coincidence?
Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach:
The nature of the Gulf oil crisis and its ramifications are very complex, begging simple answers or quick fixes. Two weeks ago I asked the Select Committee on Florida’s Economy to begin the process of discovery, for the purpose of identifying immediate, discrete, and substantive actions the Legislature could take that would mitigate the impact of the Gulf disaster on the citizens of Florida. I asked that they explore a wide range of options that may include, but not be limited to, concrete statutory recommendations in such areas as tax mitigation, the elimination or suspension of impediments to local crisis response, waivers for certain types of professional assistance, enhancements to the claims compensation process, local involvement in future litigation, the creation of economic recovery zones, and the like. The Committee has identified a number of worthwhile opportunities that would materially address our citizens’ needs.
Unfortunately, while the Governor’s call for a Special Session does not address the substantive concerns of the citizens of the Gulf, it does afford us the opportunity to carefully develop and effectuate the kind of meaningful and long lasting reforms that the situation and the people affected deserve. Given the costs and disruption of a Special Session, Legislative action should be based on solid data and empirical analysis, rather than political contrivance. Thus, I believe it is important for us to consider including additional, ameliorative measures into our agenda, and go beyond the simple expedient of merely confirming what is already in law.
The oil pouring into the Gulf threatens not only some of the nation’s most sensitive environmental resources, it puts at risk the welfare of hardworking families and the future of hundreds of small businesses. These are not simply short term inconveniences, but risks that portend the destruction of cultures and lifestyles for generations to come. Once destroyed, we may forever lose family enterprises that have contributed significantly to our economic well being, and defined a culture that has made Florida and the Gulf Coast unique among the nations.
I have not yet had an opportunity to fully review the proclamation or discuss the prospects of expanding the call with the Speaker. With the ongoing advice and assistance of our partners in the House we will continue working to identify more concrete legislative recommendations for consideration. Floridian’s expect a seriousness of purpose and deserve our undivided attention, free of posturing or politics. As the agenda and schedule unfolds over the next few days I will continue to keep you all informed. Once again, thank you for your dedicated service and your willingness to adjust your plans on such short notice.
House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala:
For the past two days, I have been in the Florida Panhandle to observe the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon incident. Upon my return to Tallahassee, I will review the Proclamation and let you know what to expect regarding any meeting schedule and travel requirements relating to the Governor’s call.
Senate President-Designate Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island:
“I find it ironic that while hundreds of Floridians are gathered today in Orlando to lay the groundwork for both near and long term solutions to our state’s energy needs, the governor has called a hurried special session that will achieve nothing for Floridians. Florida already bans offshore drilling.
“If the governor is really committed to recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, as his press office said, he had better have a host of substantial proposals for us to consider while he spends the taxpayers’ money calling a four-day special session in Tallahassee.”
Rick Minor, Candidate for Florida House District 9:
“I applaud Governor Crist for calling a special session to ban oil drilling close to our shores. I believe it only proper that Floridians have the opportunity to protect one of our most precious resources in our State’s Constitution. Our beaches are an integral part of our cultural heritage and economy. The Deepwater Horizon disaster will have a severe, long-term effect upon our state’s economy, and it’s a painful reminder that the promises “to be careful” were simply not enough. I only hope that those who supported drilling in the past take this opportunity to do the right thing.”
State Rep. and state Senate candidate Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach:
“I applaud the Governor’s call for this special session, and urge my colleagues in the State House to support this amendment. Offshore drilling puts Florida’s most valuable economic engine – our tourism industry – at risk. Republicans who oppose this amendment will be on the wrong side of history.”
Luis Vizcaino, spokesman for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene:
“Charlie Crist has been running from photo-op to photo-op, but he can’t run from his record of being in the pocket of big oil.
“The fact is that career politician Charlie Crist supported offshore oil drilling for many years, and has received 119 contributions totaling more than $70,000 from oil and gas companies since 1998. Floridians have to wonder whether Charlie Crist is exploiting the oil spill catastrophe for personal political gain.
“Unlike his Senate candidate opponents – Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio who have received money from the oil industry, including Kendrick Meek who has taken money from BP – Jeff Greene won’t take a single penny from special interests. He is opposed to offshore oil drilling and believes that in addition to a moratorium on off shore oil drilling, we should also have a moratorium on campaign contributions by oil companies.”
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July 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Typical political junk. We need to drill. We need oil! It’s lefty’s like Christ who forced drillers far & deep offshore!
July 8th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Drilling offshore is NOT the problem people. People not doing their job properly IS the problem. Nobody takes pride in their work anymore, so get used to explosions a lot more.
July 8th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Crist is nothing but a gutless politician abusing his authority to call this special session. This has no more business in the constitution than the pregnant pig amendment. This wasted money would be much better spent giving benefits to unemployed people.
July 8th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
The marine industry, in Florida, employs over 220,000 people. How in God’s name will the industry survive without low priced fuel?
Stop poll shopping Charlie. We need oil whether or not you like the idea. Stop trying to make us dependent on foreign fuels or unattainable alternative fuels.
OIL IS OUR LIFE BLOOD!
July 8th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
The best description of Governor Windblown Wiggling Wafflebutt was written by Shakespeare in ‘King Lear’, as Kent told Oswald, Mr. Cristo-Change-O, we know you for:
“A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a
lily-livered, action-taking knave, a whoreson, glass-gazing, super-serviceable finical rogue; one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a
bawd, in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pandar, and the son and heir of a mongrel 6itch: one whom (we should) beat into clamorous whining, if thou deniest the least syllable of thy addition.”
July 8th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Charlie has no trouble like every low-life lying polito-scum demagoguing an issue. How many thousands of oil rigs do we have off of the coast of the U.S. for the past fifty years without any major accidents? No risks, no rewards.
If these political lightweights could get political benefit they would close down the airline industry after the next plane crash and there will be another plane crash.
Charlie lies and steals from his own friends and political contributors now he is going to get the taxpayers to pay for his grandstanding on an issue he is clueless on; Oh, he is clueless on every issue.
July 8th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Gibe em hell Charlie!
July 8th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Would someone please put this sick piece of shet on the end of a hose and let him and the rest of his cork socker buddies in Florida suck up this oil! Bruce Carlton Jordon has said CharLIE can suck a tennis ball through a 50 foot waterhose!
July 9th, 2010 at 9:22 am
The special session is the right move. We don’t need any more offshore drilling for oil. What we do need are new energy sources, which is exactly what Charlie Crist has been working towards. Charlie loves Florida and cares about our beautiful beaches. He wants to
protect our eco system and move Florida forward towards new and innovative energy opportunities that will create jobs and keep the ones we have.
Charlie is out there fighting to save our coastline, our diving, fishing and
tourism industries. With Charlie in Washington, Florida will continue to benefit from Charlie’s leadership.
July 9th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Governor Crist stated that he wants to call a special legislative session to permanently ban drilling off our coasts “for love of Florida”. Really? Then why didn’t he demand that his buddy Obama lift the Jones Act and bring every skimmer, every bit of boom and every other available technology into the Gulf 80 days ago? The tar balls never should have reached even one Florida beach. But if they hadn’t, then he wouldn’t get the photo-op of him kneeling on the beach looking concerned about the oil on our beaches.
Crist like Obama is stuck on stupid when it comes to this issue. Not only should we not permanently ban drilling in our shallow waters, we should lift the current ban. Drilling in 500 ft of water off our coasts would be safer than bringing in foreign oil via tanker (where most accidents actually happen) and would bring much needed jobs to Florida, instead of Brazil, South Africa, Cuba, China, Russia and Venezuela. That and we wouldn’t be sending American dollars to countries that support terrorism and hate us!
July 9th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Tired of Charlie?
http://www.practicalstate.com/2010/07/09/who-do-you-believe-sammy-the-bull-gravano-or-jim-greer-answer-both/
Cheers
July 12th, 2010 at 7:52 am
Steven. Really? You are running for office? Do you even KNOW what the Jones Act is for? I swear, as a Republican voter it never ceases to amaze me at the lack of intelligence from both sides, but when I see a Republican invoking something that doesnt even apply here, it is disturbing and nauseating on every level. Get a clue sir. It will do wonders for your voter appeal!
July 12th, 2010 at 10:38 am
@NAW.
Actually the Jones Act of 1920 is a protectionist law which is currently preventing foreign vessels from assisting the U.S. in containing and cleaning up the gusher and slick in the Gulf.
I doubt very much that you’re a Republican voter, since most Republicans I speak to fully agree with me.
Have a wonderful day!
July 12th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Steven..Did you ever READ IT? You may want to pay SPECIAL ATTENTION to the actual law that says…”§ 55113. Use of foreign documented oil spill response vessels “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an oil spill response vessel documented under the laws of a foreign country may operate in waters of the United States on an emergency and temporary basis, for the purpose of recovering, transporting,
and unloading in a United States port oil discharged as a result of an oil spill in or near those waters, if–
“(1) an adequate number and type of oil spill response vessels documented under the laws of the United States cannot be engaged to recover oil from an oil spill in or near those waters in a timely manner, as determined by the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for a discharge or threat of a discharge of oil; and
“(2) the foreign country has by its laws accorded to vessels of the United States the same privileges accorded to vessels of the foreign country under this section.
I certainly HOPE there is an intelligent Republican running against you!The FACT that the spill is NOT in US Waters but in the INTERNATIONAL portion of the GULF OF MEXICO is somehow lost on you as well. Perplexing.
July 12th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Steven..In addition, those same voters whom you speak to scare me. One of them should empower you with actual information that you can use if you need help with something. We all need a little help from time to time.
July 12th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Last thing. FYI Steven. Our TERRITORIAL WATERS extend 12 miles from our shores. The Deepwater Horizon is 40 Nautical Miles from the US Coast, making the waters international for the purposes of this discussion. The Jones Act would ONLY apply to incidents WITHIN the Territorial Waters of the United States of America.
July 12th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
So then Obama is totally to blame for not bringing in sufficient U.S. ships to clean up the slick?
The spill isn’t in U.S. Territorial Waters? Really? Tell that to all the workers cleaning up oil on the beaches and marshes in Louisiana. Seems to me that thanks to the anemic response of the Obama Administration the slick has reached far into our waters. But keep ranting. Do you live in CD-22? I ask because of the name you’ve chosen. You would seem to be a Democrat and a Klein supporter based on your tone.
July 13th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Steven, really? The PHYSICAL LOCATION of this well is in INTERNATIONAL WATERS. If you actually took the time to READ what the Jones Act says, since I took the time to copy it for you, you would notice that it does not apply. Is the gusher having a major negative impact on our state in question? Absolutely not. However, when you cite that the POTUS isnt doing something and when you are proven WRONG, it somehow becomes a non factor for you? Since the Deepwater Horizon is the FIRST EVER to rupture at this depth that we know of, why is it that you are holding the POTUS’s feet to the proverbial fire, when BP is the alleged EXPERT HERE! BP is also the company that should be held accountable in every respect. For skimmers, for cleanup, for further polluting the waters of the Gulf that will have a negative impact on our region for DECADES! I do live in CD-22, I am NOT a fan of West, I had hoped for another option and on election day, if he is there, I will NEVER vote for Klein, who IMHO is a disingenuious LIAR and FRAUD who needs to go NOW. I would prefer a Republican candidate who actually knew what the hell they were talking about and not muttering the “talking points” ad nauseum ala Sarah Palin. Stick to the FACTS and just the facts. So far, you havent impressed me. The allegation of an anemic response by this administration is true in some respects. However, last time I checked, the WH is not in the oil business and those that need to be held accountable are being given a pass by the REC and blame shifting is the word of the day. WE can take back the House and Senate, but we wont do it by LYING and mis-stating facts.
July 13th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@Not Allen West. Here’s a fact. You’re hiding behind an alias. Man up and use your real name or you have zero credibility.
Oh and it was Obama who said he accepted full responsibility for the oil spill response, even going so far as to invoke Truman’s “the buck stops here”.
July 13th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
At least Governor Crist is taking a strong position on this issue and proposing that Florida voters decide what is best for Florida. I would like to have the opportunity to make a decision about my state regarding such an important issue. I think it’s good that President Obama is taking a hard line on the offshore oil drilling until oil companies have solutions to fixing all problems that may occur as a result of their drilling in deep waters. I do think there should be strict regulations on the type of drilling and how to deal with problems that may occur so a leak of this magnitude and this long of time does not happen again. This disaster could have been avoided had these laws been in place and dealt with as a priority of the prior administration.
July 14th, 2010 at 8:05 am
Steven, where is it written that I MUST identify myself here? I happen to work for a government entity and I prefer to remain anonymous which is MY right. It is also my right to point out those things that I find to be outright fallacies by people like you, who pander to political agenda rather than real problem solving. Play the blame game all you like, but the facts are these, the blame and SOLE responsiblity for this “accident” (as republican apologists like to call it) was the result of piss poor planning which led directly to horrible performance! *11* PEOPLE lost thier lives and others who have tried to expose BP have been fired. The worst of all is that people like you who invoke the Jones Act as some kind of end all be all are MISLEADING the public. While I did not vote for Mr. Obama, the fact that he stepped up and took responsibilty (for what exactly I havent a clue) shows that he has character in this instance. I disagree with him on health care, how this nation is now being portrayed and a myriad of other things. The point is simply this, tell the TRUTH! Do not mislead the voters, stand up for what is RIGHT and stop the insane rhetoric because it doesnt further your agenda, it makes you look incompetent and ill informed.
July 14th, 2010 at 8:48 am
@Not Alan West.
It’s not WRITTEN anywhere that you must identify yourself. But it sure is easy to spout off when you remain anonymous. And I’ll let the people decide what takes more courage, to speak your mind when your name is out there for all to see in the sunshine, or to be a loud mouth in the cloak of anonymity. Of course you would defend Obama, his bailouts are keeping you in your cushy government job, while millions of people are losing their private sector jobs.
July 15th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Steven, what a pathetic attempt at a lucid argument! Where did I defend Obama? I did NOT vote for him and I disagree with a lot of what he has and has not done as POTUS. My decision to NOT post my real name does not reflect badly upon me, this is a free exchange of ideas and opinion. That being said, your putting YOUR name out there since your DESIRE is to have one of those “cushy govenrment jobs” cracks me up. I risk my LIFE each and every day, for 50K a year, and I have a cushy government job? If elected, you get how much money to sit on your ass and tell me what I should be doing and how to do it despite the fact that YOU never have? What will your benefits package be like? It will surpass mine considerably and by virtue of what? Someone who believes the lies and misinformation that you spout in some popularity contest? Being a politician doesnt take courage, it takes money and the ability to lie for a living. Just like Obama, Clinton, BushII and a myriad of other “so called popular leaders” who seek to serve themselves and their agendas, while telling me that I have a cushy job. Not that I considered you a viable candidate before, but I will VOTE for whoever runs against you, regardless of party affiliation because you dont even have the respect to disagree with FACTS that you can articulate in a simple exchange on a political website. I called you out on not knowing what the Jones Act was, the actual location of the Deep Water Horizon Well which is in international waters rendering the Jones Act IRRELEVANT, and you respond by stating I am in collusion with Obama and that I have a cushy job. BRILLIANT! You sir, should be embarrassed and seek employment elsewhere, there are enough politicians LIKE YOU at every level of goverment, state, local and federal.
July 15th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
@NAW. You have now displayed incredible ignorance. If you make 50K and get benefits, then you will be making far more than me when I get elected and your benefits will also be far greater than what I get. I am not a politician. I have never held or sought office before and unlike many that seek to hold office I have no desire to make it a long term career. If you vote for whichever Dem gets the nomination you will be voting for either a man who is filling his wife’s seat (she being a career politician) or a one term mayor that ran his city into bankruptcy. Bravo for you!
July 15th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Apparently you do not know what the job you are seeking pays Steven. So who would be the ignorant one? Dont forget about your lack of knowledge on many other subjects, so I guess if I vote for a dweeb like you, we taxpayers get to fund you OJT? Should you win, I hope that someone with a brain actually mentors you so we taxpayers dont have to fund your blunders. Now, I am done with you. GodSpeed, Good Luck because if you win, we are all going to need it!
July 15th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
At least there’s something we can agree on. I’m done with you as well.
By the way current salary for a Florida legislator is $29,697. Definitely less than 50K.
July 18th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Crist is a LIAR and and a FRAUD!