SOME "STRAIGHT TALK..."

ON THE FLORIDA PRIMARY:

Floridians if you're still thinking about who to vote for this Tuesday in the GOP contest - your Mittiot has a little info he'd like to share for your consideration:

In 2003 (Cong. Record - S14221) McCain sought a special exemption for specific South Carolina beach front property to ensure flood insurance coverage. It went as follows:

EXEMPTING CERTAIN COASTAL BARRIER PROPERTY FROM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND FLOOD INSURANCE LIMITATIONS

Mr. MCCAIN: Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 352, S. 1643.

The PRESIDING OFFICER: The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1643) to exempt certain coastal barrier property from financial assistance and flood insurance limitations under the Coastal Barriers Resources Act and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, which had been reported from the Committee on Environment and Public Works, with amendments, as follows: [Strike the parts shown in black brackets and insert the parts shown in italic.]

S. 1643 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; FLOOD INSURANCE. The limitations on Federal expenditures or financial assistance in section 6. section 5 of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3504) and the limitations on flood insurance coverage in section 1321(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4028(a)) shall not apply to lots 15, 16, 25, and 29 within the Jeremy Cay Subdivision on Edisto Island, South Carolina, depicted on the map. (reference map entitled ‘‘John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Edisto Complex M09/M09P’’ dated January 24, 2003.)

Now, I'd be less then honest if I let it dangle that I support the idea of the "nation" insuring only certain parts of the U.S. at the expense of us "non beachfront property owning" citizens (I think the Romney approach to "regional pooling" makes much more sense), but this is about "Straight Talk:"

In 2003, McCain supported exempting specific properties (including some in Texas) from the financial assistance and flood insurance LIMITATIONS - there by making the nation pony up to cover the gap in insurance fees - TODAY, it's "screw Florida. . . my friends."

What gives? I'd like to know who owns "lots 15, 16, 25, and 29 within the Jeremy Cay Subdivision on Edisto Island, South Carolina."

ON ENDORSEMENTS (JUST A REMINDER):

U.S. Congressman Connie Mack Endorses Governor Mitt Romney For President

Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL) has endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States. Congressman Mack will serve as a Chair of Governor Romney's Florida Statewide Steering Committee and as a campaign surrogate to help communicate Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington.

"Congressman Mack has been a champion of conservative leadership in Florida and in the United States Congress. I am proud to have his support and counsel," said Governor Romney. "We agree that we have lost our way in Washington and that it is time for us to return to the core Republican principles of fiscal discipline, lower taxes, a strong military and less government. I look forward to working with Congressman Mack to take our message of strong new leadership to Floridians across the state during the coming months."

"Governor Romney is a proven problem solver with an unparalleled record of success in both the public and private sectors," said Congressman Mack. "Governor Romney is a mainstream conservative leader who will be a champion of hope and opportunity for every American, a catalyst for conservative change in Washington, and a staunch defender of our freedom, security and prosperity. I'm pleased to offer Governor Romney my endorsement and look forward to working hard to help elect him the next President of the United States."

Congressman Mack joins former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, former Speakers of the House Allan Bense and John Thrasher, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson, former Chairman of the Florida Republican Party Al Cardenas and U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney (R-FL) as a leader of Governor Romney's Florida Steering Committee. Additional Co-Chairs include St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, State Representatives Anitere Flores and Trey Traviesa, former Representatives Dennis Baxley and Dudley Goodlette, David Griffin, former Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood and former Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Van Poole. U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) also serves as a member of Governor Romney's Congressional Whip Team.

Background On U.S. Congressman Connie Mack: United States Congressman Connie Mack Is A Highly Regarded Leader In The Fight To Protect Freedom, Safeguard Security And Forge A New Era Of Prosperity For Every American. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mack is Congress' leading critic of Venezuela's Communist President Hugo Chavez, and the countless actions that Chavez and his allies are taking to snuff-out freedom and democracy in Latin America and to destabilize the Western Hemisphere.

As a member of the Budget Committee, Mack has been a champion for lower taxes and less spending, so that people can continue to receive the services they need, but at a price they can afford.

And as a member of the Transportation Committee, Mack has helped lead the charge for sound investments to meet both the nation's growing infrastructure and environmental needs, including the expansion of Interstate 75 and the restoration of the Everglades. Congressman Mack was previously a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003 and served as Deputy Majority Leader. Prior to being elected to Congress, Mack was a business executive and an independent business and marketing consultant. Connie Mack was born and raised in Southwest Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida. He is the son of former United States Senator Connie Mack and well-known cancer prevention advocate Priscilla Mack.

Mack resides in Fort Myers and is the proud father of two children, Addison and Connie.

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

WE'RE GOING TO WIN FLORIDA!

~ so sayeth the Mittiot