Focus on Feeney

From the Blogs

2009-03-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

The latest stories from the Florida blogs...

Talk to Me: Tom Feeney: Back in the House

Thanks and Farewell

2008-11-06T07:24:00.001-08:00

Good riddance to Tom Feeney, a blight on the state of Florida. We now have one less person to appear on the annual "most corrupt members of Congress" list. I want to thank the contributors to this blog, the readers, and the people who sent us information on Feeney. We're proud to have played a part in spreading the truth about Tom and we're even prouder to no longer have to do it.

See Ya

2008-11-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Suzanne Kosmas, a well-funded Democrat challenger, has ousted incumbent Tom Feeney from Congress in what has shaped up as a blowout win in the 24th District.

Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, represents a central Florida district that was drawn up for him to win while he was the leader of the state House.

Kosmas' campaign said that Feeney just called to concede the race. Feeney has not yet commented.

With 77 percent of precincts reporting, Kosmas has 58 percent of the votes so far compared to Feeney's 41 percent.

The Associated Press has called the race for Kosmas.

--Florida Today
11/4/2008

DCCC Takes on Feeney

2008-10-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Kosmas: My Values

2008-10-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

Feeney Scrapes Bottom of the Barrel

2008-10-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

He attempts to link Suzanne Kosmas to terrorists:

This is nonsensical and shameful. Voters shouldn't fall for this type of hate speech and should vote people like Feeney out of office. Contribute to Kosmas.

Fla. Dems Good on Environment, Reps Not So Much

2008-10-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

The League of Conservation Voters released their scorecards for Congress. Can you guess what the pattern is? Of Florida Republicans, only Ileana Ros-Lehtinen does as good as any Democrat and that's only one person. Beyond that, all Democrats do way better than all Republicans. No shocker there.

Alcee Hastings (D), 92%
Ron Klein (D), 92%
Timothy Mahoney (D), 92%
Kendrick Meek (D), 92%
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), 92%
Bill Nelson (D), 91%
F. Allen Boyd (D), 85%
Corrine Brown (D), 85%
Kathy Castor (D), 85%
Robert Wexler (D), 69%
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R), 69%
Vern Buchanan (R), 62%
Gus Bilirakis (R), 38%
Ginny Brown-Waite (R), 38%
Mario Diaz-Balart (R), 38%
C.W. Bill Young (R), 38%
Mel Martinez (R), 36%
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R), 31%
Ander Crenshaw (R), 15%
Ric Keller (R), 15%
Connie Mack (R), 8%
John Mica (R), 8%
Adam Putnam (R), 8%
Dave Weldon (R), 8%
Tom Feeney (R), 0%
Jeff Miller (R), 0%
Cliff Stearns (R), 0%

Esquire Endorsement

2008-10-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Esquire endorsed Suzanne Kosmas over Fenney:

Tom Feeney was an Abramoff bagman in 2004, he remained one in 2006, and he is still one today.

From the Blogs

2008-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Boiling Mad: Congressman Feeney is questionable at best

Seminole County Democrats: Tom Feeney's new ad

Seminole County Democrats: Feeney/Kosmas race on Rachel Maddow show MSNBC

Seminole County Democrats: Feeney ad exploded on Daily Kos

Seminole County Democrats: Tom Feeney's Race Update

Daily Kos: House Race Roundup

madfloridian: Feeney: "Just A Poor Lamb Who Lost His Way"...Trib's Daniel Ruth Column

Ybor City Stogie: Empty Chair Charlie Holds Feeney Fundraiser

Republicans Don't Support Troops As Well As Dems

2008-10-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest scorecards from Disabled American Veterans and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America...

DAV:

Bill Nelson, 100
Allen Boyd, 100
Corrine Brown, 100
Kendrick Meek, 100
Robert Wexler, 100
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, 100
Alcee Hastings, 100

Mel Martinez, 60
Jeff Miller, 66
Ander Crenshaw, 66
Ginny Brown-Waite, 66
Cliff Stearns, 66
John Mica, 66
Ric Keller, 50
C.W. Bill Young, 66
Adam Putnam, 66
Connie Mack, 66
David Weldon, 66
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, 66
Lincoln Diaz-Balart, 66
Tom Feeney, 66
Mario Diaz-Balart, 66

Notice a pattern here? All of the Dems have 100%, while none of the Republicans has anything better than a mid-range "D." So much for supporting disabled troops.

IAVA:

Bill Nelson, A+
Allen Boyd, A
Corrine Brown, A
Kathy Castor, A
Timothy Mahoney, A
Kendrick Meek, B
Robert Wexler, A
D. Wasserman Schultz, A+
Ron Klein, A+
Alcee Hastings, A

Mel Martinez, B
Jeff Miller, B
Ander Crenshaw, B
G. Brown-Waite, B
Cliff Stearns, B
John Mica, B
Ric Keller, A
Gus Bilirakis, A
C.W. Bill Young, B
Adam Putnam, C
Vern Buchanan, B
Connie Mack, B
Dave Weldon, C
I. Ros-Lehtinen, A
L. Diaz-Balart, B
Tom Feeney, B
M. Diaz-Balart, B

Republicans do a little better on this one, with Keller, Bilirakis and Ros-Lehtinen all getting an "A." Dems still do better, Meek has the lowest grade on our side of the aisle, and he still has a "B." The only "A+" grades amongst Florida's delegation are Dems and the only grades below "B" are all Republicans. Again, which party actually supports the troops?

Crist and Greer Should Follow Own Advice on Ethics and Honesty, Cancel Feeney Fundraiser‏

2008-10-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

For Immediate Release: October 7, 2008

Crist and Greer Should Follow Own Advice on Ethics and Honesty, Cancel Feeney Fundraiser

As Governor Charlie Crist and RPOF Chairman Jim Greer host a fundraiser today for the FBI's Representative # 3, aka Congressman Tom Feeney, it appears that their words about ethics and honesty don't match up with their deeds.

While defending his decision to host a Feeney fundraiser, Greer said: "People make mistakes. He said he made a mistake, and I think voters like to have someone who's honest." [Orlando Sentinel, 10/5/08]

We think voters like to have someone who's honest as well, which is why voters in Florida's 24^th District are supporting Suzanne Kosmas, a candidate who shares their priorities and doesn't have to apologize for a record of corruption.

Crist also should answer for this hypocritical fundraiser, given that he promised "the most ethical government possible, the most open and transparent government possible," [Pensacola News Journal, 1/07/07] and yet is helping fill the coffers of one of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress.

Since Feeney was named the 6^th Most Vulnerable Incumbent in the country by Roll Call today, Empty Chair Charlie must have decided he could put that promise on hold.

"If Governor Crist and Jim Greer were taking their own advice when it comes to ethics and honesty, there is no way they would be hosting a fundraiser for Tom Feeney, who is plagued by ethical problems and under FBI investigation," said Eric Jotkoff, spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party. "Governor Crist should cancel tonight's fundraiser, since Feeney's unethical behavior and record of deception is exactly what's wrong with politics today."

Get all of the facts about Feeney's corruption scandal at: www.feeneysfullofit.com.

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DCCC Slams Feeney for Abramoff Scandal

2008-10-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Kosmas Responds to Feeney's Apology

2008-10-06T20:43:00.001-07:00

Feeney Apology Remix

2008-10-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

(Sent to me by a friend in South Florida who wishes to remain anonymous...)

Tom Feeney gave a fake apology over his ethical troubles, here are the facts...

If you want Feeney out of Washington, contribute to Suzanne Kosmas

Fox Fact Checks Feeney's Apology Ad -- It's Dishonest, What A Shocker

2008-09-25T19:25:00.001-07:00

See the full report

From the Blogs

2008-09-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

Talk to Me: Feeney's Downhill Lie

Pushing Rope: Tom Feeney Is Sorry

Flablog: Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Interstate4Jamming2: Florida Republicans: Filled With Corrupt Politicians, Conflicts Of Interest, And More

Feeney's Full Of It

2008-09-24T17:56:00.001-07:00

Have you checked out the web site Feeney's Full of It lately? You should.

Feeney's Sorry. Really.

2008-09-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

For Immediate Release, 2008

It's Time for Tom Feeney to Come Clean -- Floridians Deserve Real Apology and Real Answers

Tallahassee, FL - In a desperate political move, Representative Tom Feeney (FL-24) began airing ads "apologizing" for his Scotland Golf Junket with corrupt, convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and saying "I embarrassed myself, I embarrassed you and for that, I'm very sorry."

Unfortunately for the voters of Florida's 24^th District who deserve to know the truth about Feeney's unethical actions, his new ad is long on excuses and lies, and short on the facts.

Feeney calls his connections to the convicted lobbyist a "rookie mistake." Yet before Tom Feeney was elected in 2002, he served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives (and a lobbyist at the same time), meaning he was fully aware of the way these pay-to-play trips worked.

Feeney also has the audacity to claim "I did everything I could to make it right," even though for almost a year and a half newspapers across the district have been calling on Feeney to come clean about why he is involved in an FBI investigation. The Orlando Sentinel wrote in April 2007, "U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney has a lot more explaining to do about his 2003 golfing trip to Scotland with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff," but Feeney has yet to 'fess up.

"What Tom Feeney should truly be embarrassed about is his continued failure to come clean about his connections to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his pay-to-play antics," said Eric Jotkoff, spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party. "Tom Feeney owes his voters real answers about what he did for the corrupt lobbyist in exchange for his luxury trip and how much his golf junket really costs. But instead of the facts, Feeney just offers more excuses and lies. If anything, Feeney should apologize for this desperate, political ad."

Get all of the facts at: www.feeneysfullofit.com.

Below are four headlines surrounding Feeney's 2003 Golf Trip that he still hasn't told the truth about:

Rep. Feeney sought rule change tied to Abramoff
http://www.fladems.com/content/w/rep_feeney_sought_rule_change_tied_to_abramoff

What Feeney Says:

In an e-mail sent to the St. Petersburg Times last year, which is now being sought by the FBI, Feeney's then-chief of staff Jason Roe vehemently denied any improper relationship with Abramoff.

"Tom has never written a letter for Abramoff. Abramoff has never been in our office. Abramoff has never asked anything of us," Roe wrote. "There is no accusation of a quid pro quo. No quid pro quo exists."

The Truth:

In 2003 Feeney was among several lawmakers who wrote to the Energy Department opposing changes to a federal program that also were being fought by an Abramoff client.

The members of Congress sent their letter in March 2003, the same week that Atofina Chemicals sent a similar letter to the department criticizing a proposed change in the federal Energy Star program that rates consumer products for energy efficiency.

E-mail details false trip data
http://www.fladems.com/content/w/e_mail_details_false_trip_data

What Feeney Says:

Feeney has maintained he did not know Abramoff coordinated the trip.

Pepper Pennington, the lawmaker's spokeswoman, said Wednesday that Feeney relied on the estimates relayed to him by the sponsor of the trip, which he thought was the National Center for Public Policy Research, a Washington-based conservative think tank.

The Truth:

An e-mail obtained by the St. Petersburg Times on Wednesday shows that Abramoff's office sent specific instructions on how to report the trip expenses to a handful of people, including Feeney's congressional assistant.

The e-mail, written in September 2003, a month after the trip, was sent to Feeney's then-executive assistant Eliza Baker. Others on the e-mail list included Mark Zachares, a former House aide who last week pleaded guilty to conspiracy for his relationship with Abramoff.

According to court documents, Zachares said he knew the expense details for the Scotland trip were lies coordinated by Abramoff.

Feeney trip tied to Abramoff 'slush fund'
http://www.fladems.com/content/w/feeney_trip_tied_to_abramoff_slush_fund

What Feeney Says:

In a 2005 Orlando Sentinel story, Feeney, an Oviedo Republican, said he was misled about who paid for the Scotland visit. In January of this year, he used stronger language, saying he was "duped and lied to" about what he thought was a fact-finding trip with Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to corruption charges.

"Any assertion that this office knew Abramoff paid for the Scotland trip is a g--d----- lie," Feeney's former Chief of Staff Jason Roe wrote in the email being sought by the FBI.

The Truth:

Documents obtained by the Sentinel on Thursday from the Senate Indian Affairs Committee show that Abramoff's personal charity, Capital Athletic Foundation, paid $150,226.32 for a "Scotland fundraiser" in 2003.

The 2003 Scotland trip that included Feeney, Abramoff and six others is the only one that has come to light for that year.

Documents raise questions on trip cost
http://www.fladems.com/content/w/documents_raise_questions_on_trip_cost

What Feeney Says:

Tom Feeney of Oviedo reported the cost of a 2003 trip to Scotland with lobbyist Jack Abramoff at $5,643.

Feeney spokeswoman Pepper Pennington would not provide many details Wednesday when asked how Feeney derived the $5,643 figure he listed on his disclosure forms.

The Truth:

Court documents released this week show the expenses for the eight people on the trip exceeded $160,000. If that number were divided among the eight travelers, the cost would have amounted to at least $20,000 per person -- not the figure Feeney, a Republican, reported to the House ethics committee and later agreed to pay to the U.S. Treasury after the trip was disclosed.

-###-

Feeney's Downhill Lie

2008-09-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Mentioning the name Jack Abramoff in a room full of politicians is the equivalent of yelling FORE! on the golf course. Everyone ducks for cover.

So for Tom Feeney to remind voters of his prior association with the convicted lobbyist via an apologetic I'm human, I made a mistake commercial this late in the game well, that's quite the risky chip shot from a downhill lie.

All I can say is Old Tom must be teed off anxious over the very real potential loss of his congressional seat to Democrat challenger Suzanne Kosmas.

Guess the voting gallery of District 24--a gerrymandered course carved out personally by the then-Speaker of the Florida House destined to be the Congressman who Golfed Scotland 2003--isn't so quick to caddy the incumbent's golf bag this election cycle.

Especially after they all witnessed Feeney waggle about the back nine of Course Abramoff these past five years.

Feeney Loves High Energy Prices

2008-09-21T18:44:00.001-07:00

Americans United for Change, the non-profit advocacy group sponsoring the national Bush Legacy Tour, today questioned how anyone, even Congressman Tom Feeney, could possibly support reckless energy speculation at the expense of their constituents?

Feeney today voted against common sense legislation that would enforce transparency in energy markets and reign in the excessive speculation that has helped to send prices at the pump soaring.

“Even for someone who almost always votes with oilmen Bush and Cheney, this is a pretty hard one to explain,” said Jeremy Funk, communications director for Americans United for Change. “Just who does he think he’s protecting here? Or more to the point, who does he think he’s representing?”

The Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008, which passed with an overwhelming majority today, is part of a comprehensive plan put forth by House Democrats to put America on the road to a new energy future. Yesterday the House passed landmark legislation to encourage renewable energy sources, require Big Oil to pay taxpayers what they owe them, and allow for offshore drilling of remaining oil sources.

From the Blogs

2008-09-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Pam's House Blend: CREW's 20 most corrupt members of Congress

FLORIDA POLITICS: Feeney in trouble in Orlando

Fore! Years for Jack Abramoff

2008-09-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

With the Right all ga-ga over Sarah Palin, the spotlight wavered off the Alaskan babe just long enough to capture the sentencing of former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Four years in prison for fraud and trying to corrupt public officials in a Washington scandal that also sent a Republican congressman to jail.

“I come before you as a broken man,” Abramoff said in court. “I’m not the same man who happily and arrogantly engaged in a lifestyle of political and business corruption.”

Check out Muckety's interactive map of Abramoff connections.

Keep playing with it and my guess is, Florida Rep Tom Feeney will eventually surface, a chip shot away from the ties leading to his golf buddy, big Jack.

Read more about their relationship here.

And here.

By the way, Feeney's up for reelection.

Vote him out.

Feeney Is Scared, Hates Ethics

2008-08-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Afraid to try to win the election on his own merits, Tom Feeney is resorting to divisive dirty tricks in his effort to hold on to his congressional seat:

Democrat Clint Curtis may have a new friend in Republican congressman Tom Feeney.

The third-term lawmaker from Oviedo -– who defeated Curtis in 2006 – has been making robo-calls on behalf of Curtis, who is running for the US House again as an underdog in the Democratic primary against former state lawmaker Suzanne Kosmas.

In calls to Central Florida residents, a spokeswoman for the Feeney campaign calls lauds Curtis and calls him the “only Democrat taking on Tom Feeney that has consistently opposed the war in Iraq.” At the end of the call, the spokeswoman said the calls were “paid for by Tom Feeney for Congress.”

This isn't the first time that Feeney has tried to help a challenger. In a release sent a few weeks ago, Feeney touted independent candidate Gaurav Bhola as "the only candidate talking sense” at a candidate debate that Feeney never attended.

Obviously, both Curtis and Kosmas would make better members of Congress than Feeney -- my cat would be a better member of Congress than Feeney and Feeney has no real record to run on, so he's trying to turn the Democrats against each other, hoping they'll take each other out. That's not the strategy of a confident person.

From the Blogs

2008-08-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Down With Tyranny: Stalinism Inside The DCCC-- Beware The Red To Blue Program

Feeney Hates Working Families, Loves Big Oil

2008-07-04T12:18:00.001-07:00

Tom voted against the "Use It Or Lose It" bill at a time when working families (like mine) are struggling to pay for rising gas costs. Republicans are touting drilling closer to Florida's coast as a way to bring prices down -- a claim that is ridiculous when the oil companies already have leases to 68 million acres they aren't currently drilling, apparently because they won't get big enough profits quick enough on those acres. The bill would've required oil companies to drill on the leases they already have or they wouldn't get further leases. Tom voted against that and for continued high prices for working families and potentially for oil spills on our beaches. Thanks, Tom!

The Latest from the Blogs

2008-07-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here's what are other blogs are saying about Tom.

FLA Politics (Progressive Florida) - FL-21, 24, & 25: Diaz-Balarts and Feeney added to ROMP

Tom Hates America and Its Values

2008-06-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

It's clear that Americans generally favor more progressive values most of the time. Not Tom. With a lifetime Progressive Punch voting score of 2.75%, it's clear he hates Americans and their values.

Tom is Wasting Your Time in Washington

2008-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

According to Congress.org, Tom is the 261st most powerful member of the House and as part of the hugely ineffectual Florida Republican delegation in Washington, helps make Florida one of the least powerful states in Congress. Thanks for the great work!

Feeney Sends Out Push Poll

2008-06-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Via Red Queen Meg, we get this push poll sent out by Tom Feeney:

CENTRAL FLORIDA SURVEY
I want to know what you think.

1. Do you support a gas tax holiday that suspends the federal gas tax to provide temporary relief?
2. Do you support a more simple and fair tax code that eliminates red tape and hundreds of forms?
3. Do you support exploring new energy sources and developing renewable energy?
4. To reduce dependence on foreign oil, do you support drilling in 2,000 of the 19,600,000 acres of Alaska's ANWR?
5. Are you personally feeling the impact of tax increases at home?

This kind of polling only works on people who are wholly partisan or just don't pay attention. Watch Feeney trumpet it as the "will of the people" or some such nonsense.

Tom Hates the Environment

2008-02-24T19:35:00.001-08:00

The League of Conservation Voters recently released scorecards for Congress. How did Tom do? Poorly:

Tom Feeney (REP), 5%

Not only did all of the Democrats do better than all of the Republicans, With one exception, all of the Democrats did more than twice as good as all the Republicans. And most of the Democrats voted in favor of the environment more than four times as frequently as most of the Republicans.

I wonder how many of these Republicans own property that will be beachfront property when most of Florida is under water because of global warming? I'm just saying...

Tom Pledges NOT

2008-02-01T02:32:00.000-08:00

Look's like old Tom plans to stick around.

U.S. Representative Tom Feeney, the Republican representing northern Brevard, has signed a pledge to reform the use of budget earmarks, or special member projects, by Congress.

The measure is being pushed by Citizens Against Government Waste, a conservative watchhdog group.

"This pledge, currently commits lawmakers to providing taxpayers with greater transparency and accountability for earmarks," says a prepared statement from Feeney.

Earlier this week, Rep. Feeney also signed the House Earmark Reform Concurrent Resolution, it says.

The pledge has been signed by only seven members of Congress and two Senators.

Among other things, pledge-makers agree to 10 provisions:

Fully disclose all earmarked funding or targeted tax benefit requests on their congressional websites;

Not request any earmarked funding or targeted tax benefit provision that does not serve a federal interest and/or have a federal nexus;

Not request any earmarked funding or targeted tax benefit provision that would be directed toward a specific private entity that was not requested by an agency;

Support legislation that would end the linkage between campaign contributions and earmarks.

"Central Floridians are forced to greatly reduce their family's budget and send that money to Washington and in turn, lawmakers need to offer them

transparency and sunshine," Feeney says in his statement

(What a guy).

Current signatories as of 1/30/08:

Senators Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)

Reps. John Campbell (R-Calif.), Tom Feeney (R-Fla.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), Tom Price (R-Ga.), Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), and John Shadegg (R-Ariz.).

Feeney Hates the Truth

2007-11-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

Feeney is trying to buy his way out of his ethical troubles:

U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney has paid a Baltimore firm nearly $28,000 to help handle a federal inquiry about his ties to convicted ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Aides to Feeney, R-Oviedo, would not say why he hired FTI Consulting, which specializes in computer forensics such as e-mail recovery and responding to requests for electronic information. But the aides did confirm that Feeney recently gave documents to the Department of Justice.

The $28,000 was paid between July and September, according to records from Feeney's legal-defense fund.

That's a lot of money to get the truth out. Honesty is free. It's expensive to get people to believe lies.

Feeney Hates Both Hispanic People AND the Federal Budget

2007-11-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

Central Florida Political Pulse:

Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, wants the federal government to go on a hiring spree to crack down on illegal immigration. Feeney this morning proposed legislation that would add 8,000 border agents. He also wants to require private employers to use a federal electornic system for verifying whether their workers are legal to work. Feeney is one of 75 cosponsors of the bill.

It's great strategy in Florida to attack Hispanic people. Please keep that up, Tom. At a time that we are involved in two wars and have a $9 trillion debt, we really need to waste money like this.

There are two candidates running against Feeney, let's make sure that they win.

Feeney Hates Both Campaign Finance Law AND Free and Fair Elections

2007-11-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

Tampa Bay Blue. Campaign finance:

Feeney, like several of his Republican colleagues who faced election problems in 2006, has had to deal with the revelation that he participated in one of several expensive golfing trips to Scotland arranged by lobbyist Abramoff, who was later convicted on corruption charges.

Free and fair elections:

The partisan edge that Republican Tom Feeney typically enjoys in east-central Florida’s 24th Congressional District is by design — essentially his own design. As speaker of the state House, he oversaw Florida’s most recent congressional redistricting, then segued in 2002 to win the first election in the newly drawn 24th District....

There are two candidates running against Feeney, let's make sure that they win.

Calling Tom Hanks

2007-10-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

When is Tom Feeney most like a member of the Space Shuttle flight crew?

When he's manipulating the robot arm of his politician of choice.

This time it's Charlie Crist. Feeney is asking the Governor to get commitments from every visiting presidential candidate to plant their flag of support for space exploration.

Better yet, Tom. How about launching for economic liftoff here at home by rounding up the Florida home boys--our state legislators--for a field trip? It's a safe bet many have likely never step foot on NASA property.

From Escambia to Monroe counties, a day or two of condensed space talk --expounded upon by a NASA USO type--for example, actor Tom Hanks--could rally the troops. As an ambassador who lives and breathes space, Hanks could dazzle and tap dance the elected officials crowd into an energized, focused stakeholder lobby for the Florida space industry.

Hanks as a cheerleader for Brevard would prove much more effective than a few empty campaign promises from those who will say just about anything for a vote.

They can tell their friends who tell their friends who tell their friends who may even tell your friend Tyng-Lin Yang, president of Yang Enterprises, Inc--currently seeking a logistics operation contract from NASA--with a little help from their friends in politically high places.

A strong Florida coalition would best lobby--and protect--the state's interests as NASA prepares to transition past--and beyond--the Space Shuttle.

Tom Loves Bush

2007-10-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Pushing Rope notes the percentage of the time Florida Republicans vote in line with President Bush, one of the worst presidents in American history. Not surprisingly, Tom loves Bush:

2007 - 96%
2006 - 90%

And note that in a time when everybody is abandoning the president and his crazy ideas, Tom loves Bush even more.

Feeney Hates Workers

2007-10-05T12:22:00.001-07:00

Bad news at the Kennedy Space Center:

United Space Alliance said it plans to hire hundreds of workers to replace members of the Machinists union on strike at Kennedy Space Center since June 14 over failed contract negotiations.

But wait, Congress to the rescue! Well, sort of:

Meanwhile, a letter dated Friday from 23 members of Congress to Michael McCulley, president and chief executive officer of United Space Alliance, encourages the company "to reach an agreement in a timely manner."

And where's Tom Feeney on even this modest response:

The two members of Congress who represent Brevard County -- Reps. Tom Feeney of Oviedo and Dave Weldon of Indialantic, both Republicans -- did not sign the letter.

Weldon spokesman Kurt Heath said Weldon was not aware of the letter, and he did not know if Weldon would have signed it if he had been asked.

A representative for Feeney could not be reached for comment.

Figures. Probably out playing golf or something like that.

Needed: Your Two Cents

2007-09-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Quite the Feeney conversation going on at Brevard Watchlist, a Florida Today blog.

Jump into the conversation here.

Corrupt: Tom Feeney

2007-09-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

Drum Roll, please.

Change in Tallahassee is reporting that Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has released its third annual report on the most corrupt members of Congress entitled Beyond DeLay: The 22 Most Corrupt Members of Congress (and two to watch).

Winning the distinction for the second time since inclusion in 2006..

Florida's favorite U.S. Rep....

The man who never met a travel agent he didn't like...

That's right!

Tom Feeney (R-FL)

"Rep. Feeney’s ethics violations stem from his relationship with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and three trips he took in apparent violation of House travel and gift rules. Rep. Feeney was included in CREW’s 2006 congressional corruption report."

Read the news stories and the footnotes in all the ibid glory here.

Could not happen to a more worthy guy.

Ain't it the truth, ain't it the truth.

<crossposted from Smashed Frog>

Political Jello

2007-09-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

This isn't the first time this year that U.S. Reps Dave Weldon and Tom Feeney have attempted to calm the wild beasts of their constituency through use of the editorial page.

Dr. Dave played defense against an August 2007 spot-on FT editorial cartoon by Jeff Parker, Why Don't Republicans Support Children? This past July, the good doctor wrote a script--Rebuilding after a storm-- spinning homeowners storm relief via introduction of a bill permitting individuals to withdraw money from their retirement accounts, penalty-free, to pay for repairs not covered by their homeowners insurance.

Old Tom's known to pen guest columns for the local press. The FT editorial "A foul odor" questioned a $5,000 donation the U.S. Rep. accepted for his legal defense fund. In May, Feeney clarified facts about his Scotland golf trip to the Orlando Sentinel.

Enough, Congressmen.

While you two write op-ed columns, our country wriggles in political jello.

It's real simple.

Many children and young adults are uninsured in this country.

Cut out the philosophical calligraphy...and get our kids health care.

<crossposted from Talk to Me>

Just Wild

2007-09-17T03:09:00.000-07:00

I read once somewhere that the early pioneers of Florida could forecast the approach of a hurricane through the observations of wild animals.

The sightings of different species of animals traveling together was a sure sign that a storm was brewing somewhere in the direction that the critters were heading away from.

Perhaps Florida author and historian Patrick Smith can verify this bit of folklore.

One fact I can vouch for--Your Views--as published Sunday by Florida Today--featured the river otters and the field mice nipping at the heels of two Florida panthers on the run from Hurricane SCHIP.

Will U.S. Reps Tom Feeney and Dave Weldon safely reach shelter through the kids insurance storm or will their constituency eat them alive on the way over?

Let the wild rumpus begin.

<crossposted from Talk to Me>

Feeney's Kitchen Sink

2007-09-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, Comet ran a split-screen commercial that featured two kitchen sinks with identical stains, something wicked hard to spic and span from the porcelain sinks of yesteryear.

Cleanser X always left a shadow of the stain on Kitchen Sink A, never powerful enough to rid the spot completely. Comet--on the other hand--the Magic Eraser of the day--successfully scoured the icky mess sparkling clean from Kitchen Sink B.

Something ain't too clean in the kitchen sink of Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo).

He's been accused of computer fraud by Clint Curtis. Tagged by CREW as one of the top 20 Most Corrupt members of Congress, Feeney has ties to ousted House hammer Tom Delay and lobbyist golf buddy Jack Abramoff. Although the FBI is all over Feeney about that Scotland trip. the Florida rep sets up a legal defense fund, and accepts $5000 from Oviedo businessman Tyng-Lin Yang--Feeney's former employer during his Florida Speaker of the House days when he was accused of computer fraud.

A full complete circle--much like that wicked stain.

If that's not enough to commit political suicide, Ralph Gonzalez--president of the Strategum Group, an Orlando political consulting firm, who listed Feeney as a client--ends up dead with two other guys--one being Jason Drake, an ex-Marine whose picture of Albanian children rubbing his head was snapped back in 1999 at a NATO run refugee camp in Stenkovac near Skopje, Macedonia.

The mainstream press reported the deaths as an apparent double murder-suicide sparked by a lovers' quarrel.

Meanwhile, Patrick McHenry (R-NC) gets outed for his intimate connection with Drake and admits it.

As we mentioned yesterday, Drake, a former marine, also is alleged to have a strong relationship-- both intimate and business/political-- with right-wing Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC). When I spoke to McHenry's office about this they at first insisted they never heard of Drake then, confronted with specifics, admitted they know him. They refused to put Congressman McHenry on the phone. There is every indication that McHenry may have been one of the Republican elected officials who was using the services of the gay prostitution agency connected to Drake. Our pals over at the BradBlog points out the connections between Florida's ultra-corrupt, vote-tampering congressman, Tom Feeney, and Gonzalez and reports the threat to expose the list of Republican elected officials who were using the gay escort service.

Tom's name surfaces again, linked to yet another stain.

Feeney better invest in a truckload of Comet.

Read more here and here and here

and over at Wonkette, even more weirdness here.

<crossposted from Smashed Frog>

SCHIP Ruins "Sugar"?

2007-09-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

Tom Feeney prefers the use of political swear words-- "Hillarycare" and "secret socialized medicine" and "illegal aliens"--to explain his NO vote on SCHIP,

SCHIP provides health coverage for 225,593 Florida youngsters from low-income households who do not qualify for Medicaid. A study has shown most of the recipients are black or Hispanic, live in poverty and went without any health insurance before signing up for the program.

"I did not support some of the changes that turned this into an international socialized medicine program," Feeney said. "When you mix sugar with rotten garbage, you don't improve the garbage. And you ruin the sugar."

How would he know? I doubt Feeney has ever worried about health insurance coverage for his family.

Time to get your head out of the garbage, Tom. Or are your Party's moral values lurking somewhere near the bottom of the can?

A Foul Odor

2007-08-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

As editorialized by Florida Today, 8/31/2007

It keeps smelling worse for Rep. Tom Feeney.

If you'll remember, the FBI is investigating the Oviedo Republican as part of an ongoing probe of lobbyist Jack Abramoff's crimes.

Feeney went on a Scotland golf junket in 2003 with Abramoff -- now convicted on corruption charges -- but insists he has broken no laws.

That didn't stop him from setting up a legal defense fund in June, which indicates he doesn't expect his Abramoff problem to go away anytime soon.

And that a criminal probe may be underway.

Now comes this:

One $5,000 contributor to the fund is Oviedo businessman Tyng-Lin Yang.

Feeney lobbied for Yang's engineering company when he was Florida's Speaker of the House, and was accused of using his influence to help him in a state contract dispute, but cleared by the Florida Ethics Commission.

Yang's company wants a contract from NASA. Meanwhile, Feeney sits on the House Science space subcommittee, raising the specter of potential conflict.

It's all legal, but the Yang donation just further muddies the dank ethical waters around Feeney.

He should clear them by coming forward and answering detailed questions about the Abramoff case in public.

And while he's at it, return the $5,000 to Yang.

Political Suicide?

2007-08-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that three men in their 30s have been found dead in a residence owned by the former Executive Director of the Georgia Republican Party in Orlando, Florida, Ralph Gonzalez.

Gonzalez--president of the Strategum Group, an Orlando political consulting firm--has been identified as one of the deceased. Republican candidates represented by the group include many that call Central Florida home--state Rep. Andy Gardiner-Orlando and recently indicted former state Rep of District 36, Sheri McInvale.

Strategum Group also counted U.S. Rep Tom Feeney-District 24 as a client.

Taking Names Scott Maxwell writes "Ralph was always been a hard worker who ate, slept and breathed politics. Lately, he was gearing up for a special legislative election. And when we talked Monday he said he thought he might have a tough campaign ahead ... but that he was ready for it."

Police are calling the crime scene a double murder-suicide.

Read more about the developing story here.

--crossposted from Talk to Me--

Tom Feeney Resources

2007-08-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

For those interested in learning more about Tom, here are a list of relevant resources:

FPC Wiki Page

Official House Site

Official Campaign Site

Wikipedia Page

Congresspedia Page

WaPo Voting Database

FEC Report

On the Issues

Open Secrets.org

Project Vote Smart

Beyond Delay

Tom's Yin for Yang

2007-08-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Seems wherever Feeney goes, Yang follows.

TampaBay Blue is reporting that Tom Feeney received a $5000 donation from Oviedo businessman Tyng-Lin Yang to help offset legal expenses incurred since his golf junket over to Scotland on Jack Abramoff's dime.

Yang--the owner of Pyramid Technology--is also president of Yang Enterprises, a software and engineering company.

The Yin to Yang, Feeney enjoyed strong support from his former boss, who has donated more than $18,000 to his election campaigns during the past six years.

Feeney worked for Yang Enterprises as a lawyer and local government lobbyist when he was a state lawmaker. Local Democratic officials accused him of using his powerful position as House speaker to help Yang Enterprises as it pursued state work and of interceding for Yang in a dispute over an $8 million state contract. (The Florida Commission on Ethics cleared Teflon Tom of any ethical wrongdoing).

Then there's that nasty alleged voter rigging thing that raised its ugly head back in 2000 when Feeney worked as technical advisor and programmer at Yang Enterprises, Inc. Read more about the alliance here.

Yang Enterprises, Inc. currently seeks a logistics operation contract from NASA.

Tom Feeney sits on the House Science space subcommittee.

The cosmic force of Yin and Yang seemingly correlate for yet another go round.

Feeney Compromises Personal Values?

2007-08-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Call me confused.

Didn't Tom Feeney--then a freshman member of the House--vote against Medicare reform in 2003, citing the proposed prescription drug benefit for senior citizens as too expensive?

And now he's worried seniors will lose the very coverage he voted against?

The Campaign for America's Future clears the smoke clouding Feeney's claim that "this bill (SCHIP) cuts Medicare by $200 billion, causing 3.2 million seniors to lose their Medicare Advantage coverage."

The House bill cuts payments not for seniors on Medicare, but for private insurers in the Medicare Advantage program. Conservatives, and the insurance industry, are trying to blur the issue.

Medicare Advantage is an attempt at partial privatization of Medicare, subsidizing private insurers to deliver Medicare benefits. The program is a waste of money -- taxpayers pay more per beneficiary in Medicare Advantage than in traditional Medicare.

The House bill, in part to pay for a larger expansion of SCHIP than the Senate bill, equalizes the payments for Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare (while repealing a planned cut in payments to doctors). If the private insurers can't survive without the extra subsidy, their beneficiaries would just go to traditional Medicare.

The Health Care Blog raises this question. Just how is it that Medicare Advantage has turned out to be such a lucrative business? It may have something to do with the fact that Medicare is paying insurers an average of 12 percent more (or about $1,000 more, per beneficiary) than Medicare would spend if it covered those same seniors directly.

Does Feeney's renewed interest in this "Great Society Program"--for which he professes great abhorrence--have anything to do with the potential loss of dollars to the many insurers who contributed to his campaign?

Sorry Tom, Your Excuses Are Bunk

2007-08-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Recently Congressman Tom Feeney has come under fire for voting against an expansion of the SCHIP program that will provide health insurance to 6 million children and additional benefits to seniors.

Feeney has provided an explanation for his NO vote that is, let’s say less than honest or logical.

You can read it in its entirety at Brevard Watchlist, but I'm going to take it piece-by-piece:

TOM FEENEY SAID:

"At the beginning of this month, I asked you if you believe that illegal immigrants should receive health care benefits at the expense of hardworking taxpayers. An overwhelming 94% of you agree with me and said NO!"

Very impressive, a survey of your biased wing-nut supporters was favorable to a question phrased to suit your own needs. Earth to Tom: this bill isn't about illegal immigrants, it's about making sure children have the health care they need.

Let's me cue you in to some other surveys, scientific surveys that actually have, you know, credibility. A poll by CBS shows that Americans favor expanding health care to all children by an 84-11 margin. A large majority favor covering children's health insurance even if their own taxes are raised and this bill only raised taxes on cigarettes!

TOM FEENEY SAID:

"This was one of many reasons I voted against SCHIP, a so-called State Children's Health Insurance Program that creates a new entitlement program that would be available to large numbers of adults and illegal immigrants."

Entitlement programs like the lavish Congressional health benefits you receive?

I'll let Sheree at Talk to Me explain:

Called the Rolls Royce of Health Care, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) has covered federal workers and retirees for over 40 years. Federal employees share the cost of health care benefits coverage with their employer, the U.S. Government.

The government (meaning taxpayers like you and me) pays 72% of the average premium but not more than 75%. A rank-and-file Congressman saw the remaining 25% deducted from his $13,766 monthly paycheck (also paid for by you and me).

(Interesting enough, FEHBP has long been considered the model for Medicare reform, yet many members of Congress have strongly opposed such a creation. Read more here).

TOM FEENEY SAID:

"I did not vote against health care for children, I voted against offering illegal immigrants healthcare services at the expense of hardworking taxpayers. I opposed the plan because it eliminates proof-of-citizenship requirements for anyone applying for Medicaid and SCHIP."

To say that the bill "eliminates" proof-of-citizenship requirements is misleading if not outright false. The bill allows states to verify citizenship. That makes sense, since the people applying for these programs are going through the states (that's why it's called the "State Children's Health Insurance Program"). Verifying citizenship won't be a problem in Florida now, Mr. Feeney, will it?

TOM FEENEY SAID:

"In addition, this legislation will cost taxpayers over $105 billion during the next five years. In order to pay for this bill, Democrats are cutting funding for free-market Medicare programs. In fact, this bill cuts Medicare by $200 billion, causing 3.2 million seniors to lose their Medicare Advantage coverage."

Before I break down this entire quote let me focus on the phrase "cutting funding for free-market programs". Earth to Congressmen Tom Feeney: it's not "free-market" if the taxpayer is paying for it! Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the definition of "free-market?"

Free-market: A market economy based on supply and demand with little or no government control. A completely free market is an idealized form of a market economy where buyers and sells are allowed to transact freely (i.e. buy/sell/trade) based on a mutual agreement on price without state intervention in the form of taxes, subsidies or regulation.

Government funding for private programs is a subsidy. You can't have it both ways, Mr. Feeney. You say your constituents don't want their taxpayer money going to illegal immigrants, I wonder how they'll feel when they find out you want their hard earned money to go to private corporations instead.

As to the charge that this bill harms seniors, I wonder why the AARP supports this legislation? The AARP is the largest lobby for senior Americans, and I would think that if seniors were poorly affected, they would be against it.

AARP CEO Bill Novelli had this to say about the SCHIP bill:

AARP CEO Bill Novelli applauded the House bill. "This legislation helps older Americans, helps kids and helps doctors," he said. "It is opposed by the tobacco and insurance companies. Who are the American people going to side with?"

Helps older Americans, kids, and doctors, but opposed by the tabacco and insurance industry? It's not surprising which side Congressman Feeney comes down on. You may want to check the contributions to his campaign fund. Perhaps you'll notice all of the insurance companies and PACs listed.

For more on Feeney's Follies check out Sunny's post at Smashed Frog.

Tom Hates Children and the Elderly

2007-08-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Congress recently had a chance to help out children and seniors across the country. Guess which way the Florida delegation voted?

FL-1: Jeff Miller (R) - Nay
FL-2: Allen Boyd (D) - Yea
FL-3: Corrine Brown (D) - Yea
FL-4: Ander Crenshaw (R) - Did not vote
FL-5: Ginny Brown-Waite (R) - Nay
FL-6: Cliff Stearns (R) - Nay
FL-7: John Mica (R) - Nay
FL-8: Ric Keller (R) - Nay
FL-9: Gus Bilirakis (R) - Nay
FL-10: CW Bill Young (R) - Nay
FL-11: Kathy Castor (D) - Yea
FL-12: Adam Putnam (R) - Nay
FL-13: Vern Buchanan (R) - Nay
FL-14: Connie Mack (R) - Nay
FL-15: Dave Weldon (R) - Nay
FL-16: Tim Mahoney (D) - Yea
FL-17: Kendrick Meek (D) - Yea
FL-18: Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) - Nay
FL-19: Robert Wexler (D) - Yea
FL-20: Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) - Yea
FL-21: Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R) - Nay
FL-22: Ron Klein (D) - Yea
FL-23: Alcee Hastings (D) - Yea
FL-24: Tom Feeney (R) - Nay
FL-25: Mario Diaz-Balart (R) - Nay

Let these people know what you think about them. Go to their page at the FPC Wiki to find their contact info.

Listen to the DCCC ad targeting Tom Feeney

Tom's SCHIP

2007-08-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Can't get enough of Feeney's SCHIP?

Focus On Feeney - SCHIP's Down for Feeney: "the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Wednesday that it was launching radio ads attacking Feeney and two other Florida Republicans for their votes against expanding a state/federal program that offers health-insurance to uninsured children (SCHIP--State Children Health Insurance Program) as well increasing Medicare benefits."

Talk to Me - "U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) called the recent expansion of SCHIP--the State Children's Health Insurance Program that insures poor children and is set to expire September 30--"irresponsible legislation" and "one giant leap toward socialized medicine. Sort of like the health care benefits Feeney receives as a member of Congress?"

Brevard Watchlist - Democrats say Feeney is vulnerable and plan radio ads attacking his votes: "At one time, Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, seemed unbeatable in his heavily Republican Central Florida district. Now, Democrats think he is vulnerable."

Miami-Herald - "The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is running a week of radio ads to target three Florida Republicans - Reps. Vern Buchanan of Sarasota, Tom Feeney of Oviedo and Bill Young of St. Petersburg."

The Buzz - "The ads highlight the Republican incumbents' votes on Medicare deductibles and, using the standard DCCC language, urge listeners to call the congressman and tell him "to put seniors first."

Also remember that the other Republican Congressman respresenting Brevard County, Dave Weldon, also voted against the recent SCHIP bill that provided health insurance to six million children and additional benefits to seniors.

Visit Grassroots Brevard for full coverage.

SCHIPs Down for Feeney

2007-08-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

"Did you know Tom Feeney receives health care at taxpayers' expense, but voted against lowering senior's Medicare deductibles and co-payments for preventative care? Tell Congressman Feeney to put seniors first."

Hear the audio here.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Wednesday that it was launching radio ads attacking Feeney and two other Florida Republicans for their votes against expanding a state/federal program that offers health-insurance to uninsured children (SCHIP--State Children Health Insurance Program) as well increasing Medicare benefits.

"We believe voters want answers not only on his ethical record, but on his voting record, since it is more conservative than his district,"said Kyra Jennings, spokeswoman for DCCC's southern region. "We think he's a very vulnerable member." (Brevard Watchlist, Florida Today, 8/13/2007)

Read more here and here.

Tom is a Target

2007-08-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

Naked Politics:

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is running a week of radio ads to target three Florida Republicans - Reps. Vern Buchanan of Sarasota, Tom Feeney of Oviedo and Bill Young of St. Petersburg.

DCCC chair Rep. Chris Van Hollen said the three will be targeted for voting against a proposal to expand health insurance to children. Only 5 Republicans voted for the bill and President Bush has threatened a veto.

"Republicans who continue to vote in lockstep with President Bush and against seniors and children in their districts will be held accountable," Van Hollen said.

To the Moon

2007-08-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Leave it to Florida Congressman Tom Feeney to use astronaut Lisa Nowak's troubles to link his way through the history of the space program and wax rhapsodic in the guise of a press release.

First Lisa.

"After the Astronaut Lisa Nowak incident early this year, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin convened a distinguished panel of aerospace medicine experts to examine the astronaut health care system. This committee has produced a thoughtful and troubling report."

Next the Challenger and Columbia tragedies.

"Apparently, flight surgeons and astronauts are hesitant to report 'major crew medical or behavioral problems' because their concerns would be disregarded or ignored. This same culture called a normalization of deviance contributed to the Challenger and Columbia accidents. It cannot be allowed to flourish in the most demanding of human endeavors--human spaceflight."

Wrapping it up with putting men back on the moon.

"After the Shuttle is retired in 2010, NASA's Constellation program will return Americans to the moon for extended stays. An astronaut's physical and psychological well-being will be more and not less important. So it is imperative to thoroughly investigate these matters and establish an astronaut health care system that properly addresses future and not just current medical concerns."

Don't stress too much over the astronaut program, Mr. Feeney. We hope to relieve you of your worries come 2008.

Voters won't be fooled by your moon illusion.

FDP Feeney Site

2007-08-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

The Florida Democratic Party has a site dedicated to Tom called Feeney's Full of It. Check it out...

Something to Hide?

2007-08-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

From an e-mail I just got:

I see that Tom Feeney's legal defense fund got $5,000 from Pyramid Technology, Inc. The president of Pyramid Technology is Tyng-Lin Yang - much better known as the president of Yang Enterprises.

If they were trying to hide the Yangs' contribution to Feeney's legal defense fund they sure did a lousy job.

Keep the tips coming in...

Tom Feeney and Voter Fraud

2007-08-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

The Ledger recently reported that neither Feeney nor his representatives have commented to reporters from The Daytona Beach News-Journal since the newspaper reported accusations that Feeney used his position as Florida House speaker to gain privileges for a computer firm he represented.

A Florida House ethics panel cleared Feeney of the charges in 2002.

Clint Curtis, Democratic challenger for Florida's Congressional District--had no problem talking about Feeney's alleged fascination with the ins and outs of voter fraud in 2004.

As the story goes, Mr. Feeney allegedly requested a prototype program that would allow for elections to be invisibly rigged. Curtis delivered the program to the owner believing the prototype was to be used in some way to prevent election fraud. That was until the owner informed him that it was to be used to "control the vote in South Florida."

Read the rest of the Curtis sworn affidavit here.

Tom Feeney has categorically denied all charges made by Curtis and has refused to comment on the record about any of the allegations, which is typical of Turtle Tom, who tucks his head in his shell and hides after he's had his say.

--crossposted from Smashed Frog August 16, 2006--

Eternal Vigilance

Vulnerable

2007-08-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Is Tom Feeney vulnerable in 2008?

Listed by the Center For Responsibility And Ethics In Washington as one of the 20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress, pollsters seem to think so.

A poll to test the Feeney vulnerability waters is out there, asking voters their preference between Feeney and former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach. (Kosmas permitted the use of her name opposite the legislator for poll purposes only. She has no plans at this time to run as the opposition candidate for Florida District 24).

Continued fallout from the Jack Abramoff scandal continues to haunt Feeney.

"It's sort of like a Los Angeles smog, it's settled in and it won't go away," said Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political science professor.

Read more Feeney Folly here.

Tom Does Mitt

2007-08-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Flablog caught the Romney event August 7 over at the Speedway and was sort of shocked to hear Tom Feeney talking up the Republican candidate for President.

"I'm pretty impervious to public political hypocrisy, but even I was taken aback during the intros to hear Rep. Tom Feeney talk about the need to "shake up Washington to its core."

So true, Flablog, so true.

U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, who represents part of Volusia County, said he is supporting an outsider like Romney "because Washington needs a total shakeup."

Feeney is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for his ties to Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist who was convicted of conspiracy to bribe public officials. Feeney has agreed to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for a golfing trip he took to Scotland with Abramoff in 2003 after an ethics committee found that he violated U.S. House rules.

In a brief interview at the rally, Feeney dismissed the ongoing probe by the Justice Department. "It's nothing new," he said. "These are the same questions they asked four years ago."

So, why do feds keep asking, Tom?

Hey Mitt, I'd cut Feeney from my pit crew if I were you.

Legal Defense PAC $$$

2007-08-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

As reported by Brevard Watchlist--Florida Today--(8/3/2007)

All four politicians representing Brevard County in Congress voted in favor of a major lobbying and ethics reform bill.

Under the bill, politicians would have to disclose their earmarks, or hometown pet projects, 48 hours before a vote on the proposals. They also would have to certify that neither they, nor their relatives, would directly benefit from the project.

Tom Feeney (Northern Brevard) voted in favor of the bill, which passed 411-8.The bill now goes to President Bush to be signed into law.

The measure has drawn much attention because of recent lobbying abuses that have sent several lawmakers and former lobbyist Jack Abramoff to prison.

Feeney has said he's cooperating with an FBI probe into a swank golfing trip to Scotland he took in 2003 with Abramoff and several others. Feeney later paid the government back $5,643 to cover the trip's expenses, although court documents later revealed the trip actually cost about $20,000 per person.

Feeney has opened a legal defense fund, which has raised at least $33,500 in contributions, according to documents obtained this week.

Political organizations contributed more than half of the money -- $18,500. The remainder came from two individuals and one corporation, Pyramid Technology, Inc., of Oviedo.

The Political Committees and their donations:

Friends of Jeb Hensarling, Dallas: $5,000

People for Enterprise, Trade & Economic Growth, Alexandria, VA: $5,000

Growth & Prosperity PAC: $5,000

Conservative & Republican Together Equals Results, Bethesda, MD: $2,500

Principles Exalt a Nation PAC, Anderson, IN: $1,000

Welcome

2007-08-03T12:44:00.001-07:00

This is a new local blog for Florida's twenty-fourth Congressional district and watching the actions of Tom Feeney, the Republican representative who misserves us in Washington.

If you are interested in posting at Focus on Feeney, drop me a line at quinnelk@hotmail.com with some idea of your Democratic and/or progressive credentials and I'll add you as a blogger.