Fearing a major victory for Gov, Charlie Crist, Florida Republican leaders are prepared to take drastic action next week -- even blocking a historic vote on a constitutional amendment banning offshore oil drilling.
Legislators are expected to reluctantly convene a special session Tuesday called by the governor, then swiftly reject a plan that could drive his supporters to the polls.
A survey of House Republicans shows the party's caucus is so deeply divided over the amendment that leaders fear it would be difficult for Republicans to stand up to Crist and vote against bringing the issue to the voters.
At least 14 Republicans and one Democrat who supported legislation in 2009 to open Florida waters to oil drilling now support asking voters to decide on a ban, according to a survey of legislators by The Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times. More here.
Here's how House Republicans told the Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times they plan to vote on the proposed constitutional ban on oil drilling. All 44 House Democrats are likely to support the proposal, except for Rep. Debbie Boyd of Newberry:
Rep. Marti Coley, Marianna
Rep. Faye Culp, Tampa
Rep. Greg Evers, Baker
Rep. Anitere Flores, Miami
Rep. Clay Ford, Gulf Breeze
Rep. Jim Frishe, St. Petersburg
Rep. Ed Homan, Tampa
Rep. Marcelo Llorente, Miami
Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Miami (leaning yes)
Rep. Peter Nehr, Tarpon Springs
Rep. Jimmy Patronis, Panama City
Rep. J.C. Planas, Miami (leaning yes)
Rep. Ron Schultz, Homosassa
Rep. Baxter Troutman, Winter Haven
Rep. Juan Zapata, Miami
No:
Rep. Sandy Adams, Oviedo
Rep. Dean Cannon, Winter Park
Rep. Larry Cretul, Ocala
Rep. Steve Crisafulli, Merritt Island
Rep. Chris Dorworth, Lake Mary
Rep. Rich Glorioso, Plant City
Rep. Eddy Gonzalez, Hialeah
Rep. Denise Grimsley, Lake Placid
Rep. Alan Hays, Umatilla
Rep. Ed Hooper, Clearwater
Rep. Mike Horner, Kissimmee
Rep. Mike Hudson, Naples
Rep. Kurt Kelly, Ocala
Rep. Paige Kreegel, Punta Gorda
Rep. Debbie Mayfield, Vero Beach
Rep. Seth McKeel, Lakeland
Rep. Dave Murzin, Pensacola
Rep. Pat Patterson, DeLand
Rep. Scott Plakon, Longwood
Rep. Ralph Poppell, Vero Beach
Rep. Ron Renuart, Ponte Verda Beach
Rep. Julio Robaina, Miami
Rep. Matt Gaetz, Fort Walton Beach
Rep. Will Snyder, Stuart
Rep. John Tobia, Satellite Beach
Rep. Will Weatherford, Wesley Chapel
Rep. Mike Weinstein, Jacksonville
Rep. Rich Workman, Melbourne
Won't answer/unsure:
Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Adam Hasner, Delray Beach
Rep. Doug Holder, Sarasota
Rep. John Legg, Port Richey
Rep. Marlene O'Toole, Lady Lake
Rep. David Rivera, Miami
Rep. Rob Schenck, Spring Hill
Rep. Kelli Stargel, Lakeland
Could not be reached:
Rep. Janet Adkins, Fernandina Beach
Rep. Kevin Ambler, Tampa
Rep. Tom Anderson, Dunedin
Rep. Gary Aubuchon, Cape Coral
Rep. Steve Bovo, Hialeah
Rep. Jennifer Caroll, Fleming Island
Rep. Carl Domino, Jupiter
Rep. Brad Drake, Eucheeanna
Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, Orlando
Rep. Erik Fresen, Miami
Rep. Tom Grady, Naples
Rep. Dorothy Hukill, Port Orange
Rep. Charles McBurney, Jacksonville
Rep. Bryan Nelson, Apopka
Rep. Steve Precourt, Orlando
Rep. Bill Proctor, St. Augustine
Rep. Lake Ray, Jacksonville
Rep. Ron Reagan, Bradenton
Rep. Ken Roberson, Port Charlotte
Rep. Nick Thompson, Fort Myers
Rep. Charles Van Zant, Keystone Heights
Rep. Trudi Williams, Fort Myers
Rep. John Wood, Winter Haven
Of course, the best way to handle this is to NOT put it to a vote. That way these G. NO P'ers can claim anything they want and continue to bambozzle the Florida voters.
Posted by: True Blue | July 19, 2010 at 04:35 PM