Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, Jan. 30
Jan 30, 2008
To view a complete story, click on a headline below:
Double wins put Crist in control
A budget proposal for tough times is the next challenge for the riding-high governor.
The biggest winner Tuesday night may have been Gov. Charlie Crist, who made two risky bets that both paid off.
Voters say yes to property tax breaks
Florida voters decided Tuesday that property owners should get a tax break. So now, local government and school officials are starting to figure out how to deal with the loss of anticipated revenue.
Slot machine proponents hit jackpot in Miami-Dade County
Slot machine supporters hit the jackpot Tuesday as Miami-Dade County voters approved the installation of the devices at three pari-mutuel facilities, with tax dollars from gambling funneled into a state education fund.
Campbell, Sasso win nods in race for Bob Allen’s seat
In the race to replace state Rep. Bob Allen, Democrat Tony Sasso and Republican Sean Campbell won primaries Tuesday to advance to a special general election less than a month away.
Sen. Sununu Exits Banking Committee
One of the U.S. senators who has sponsored legislation to give insurance companies the option of being regulated by the federal government instead of by states is leaving the Senate Banking Committee that deals with many property/casualty insurance issues.
EDITORIAL: Catastrophe fund proposal a disaster; McCain’s is better
The Post’s Jan. 26 editorial, ‘McCain’s mistaken policy,’ contains errors that lead to a misstatement of Sen. John McCain’s position on helping Florida address the costs of hurricanes and high insurance rates.
Did Hillary Clinton really win in Florida?
She trounced Obama by 17 points — but in an outlaw primary whose delegates won’t count. Or will they? It all depends on Feb. 5 — and Democratic Party rules.
Florida Democrats wrote two conflicting story lines in Tuesday’s primary.
Fla. voters set record for numbers in presidential primary
Florida voters turned out in record numbers for Tuesday’s primary, drawn by a fierce presidential campaign on both sides and a proposal to lower property taxes.
Brown & Brown creates acquisitions division
Brown & Brown Inc., whose seemingly nonstop acquisitions of insurance agencies around the country have built the company into a major player in its industry, has formalized its efforts with a new mergers and acquisitions division.
It’s Easy to Get Burned At the Sunshine State
If yesterday was the beginning of the end for Rudy Giuliani, it’s fitting that it happened in Florida.
Voter registration form blamed
A badly designed voter registration form led ‘hundreds’ of Miami-Dade County residents to be given ballots for the wrong political party, Secretary of State Kurt Browning confirms.
Countrywide CEO to give up severance
The chief executive officer of Countrywide Financial Corp. said he will give up $37.5 million in cash severance and other perks he would have gained from the company’s acquisition by Bank of America Corp.
Walk-in clinics spread as others close down
While one financially troubled company is shutting 23 walk-in health clinics in Wal-Marts, at least four other firms are roaring ahead and starting more than 20 clinics inside retail stores in Broward and Miami-Dade.
FBI probes 14 companies over home loans
The FBI on Tuesday said it is investigating 14 companies for possible accounting fraud, insider trading or other violations in connection with home loans made to risky borrowers.
Bond insurer woes may mean end of loophole: report
Troubles among U.S. bond insurers are forcing regulators to rethink a 1998 loophole that let an industry expand into the complex and now costly world of derivatives, the Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site Tuesday.
State steps up scrutiny of insurers
The Assembly passes a bill that would bar bonuses tied to policy rescissions. Regulators order company audits.
Lawmakers and regulators took aim at California health insurers Tuesday in efforts aimed at making sure they cover members’ medical needs and pay physicians and hospitals what they owe them — and on time.
Pa. Court Upholds Rights of Terminated Insurance Agents
A new decision by a Pennsylvania court could have far-ranging implications on what happens to an insurance agency’s book of business if a carrier terminates its contract.
Mississippi Commissioner: Coastal Insurance Rates to Increase
The state’s new insurance commissioner says Mississippi Gulf Coast residents can expect an insurance rate increase this year.