Cruz up Trump down and some local stuff

Dynasty politics continued as the Bush family and the Clintons rolled out family members claiming a rite of passage to the White House

St. Petersburg, Fl
Opinion by: E. Eugene Webb PhD
Author: In Search of Robin

  

The media can finally have its field day as a new NBC News/Wall Street journal poll shows Cruz leading Trump nationally. Chuck Todd(NBC) and the rest of the media who have been predicting and praying for Trumps political demise has a glimmer of hope. The numbers were Cruz 28% and Trump 26% all within the margin of error. Nonetheless, the media is taking the moment they have been longing for basking in the glow. Let us see how things look on Monday.

Speaking of Trump the Pinellas County Republican Party has announced some Trump events:  

Saturday February 20, 2016 at Quaker Steak and Lube on 49^th Street in Pinellas Park

7:00 PM  Onsite Training for Call Fire and Ground game 2.

8:00 PM you can meet the Trump Team Co Chairs for Pinellas County and watch the South Carolina returns.

Dynasty politics continued this week as the two competing dynasties, the Bush family and the Clintons rolled out their history and family members claiming a rite of passage to the White House. It would all be somewhat funny if it were not so sad. I was never sure what political linage has to do with successful execution of the presidency of the United States. I certainly agree that we learn from the past, I just do not think now is the time to replicate it.

I was a bit disappointed to see South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley endorse Marco Rubio, Tampa Bay Times Alex Leary, Nikki Haley endorse Marko Rubio. Haley, I thought, was a strong Vice Presidential candidate. Throwing her support to Rubio may have short-circuited that opportunity. Let's hope not.

Locally, the saintpetersblog, Janelle Irwin, Pinellas County Charter Review Commission killed the addition of term limits to the Pinellas County Charter. Not surprisingly, all the County's constitutional officers opposed the move as do a number of the members of the Pinellas County Commission. Term limits offset the power of incumbency, encourage new comers to the political process, and help reduce the ability of elected officials to peddle influence and favors to get reelected year after year.

The Charter Review committee did not do Pinellas County or its citizens a favor by not putting term limits on the ballot. All they did was ensure the same tilted political process will remain in place in Pinellas County and made sure the elected political class in this county can stay as long as they want.

All of which goes to affirm that a committee well chosen will usually produce the results desired.   

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Disclosures:
Contributor: Bob Gualtieri for Pinellas County Sheriff