Democrats Trying to Re-make Florida into Battleground State

California Congressman Henry Waxman (D) of California called on Jeb Bush to explain his role in the award of the "lucrative contract," which was given to the Florida-based company without a full competitive bid process. The e-mails Waxman released were provided to Congress by Michael Brown, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The governor's spokesman, Russell Schweiss made a statement regarding the issue. "The governor's involvement was merely facilitating contact with a corporate citizen of Florida that was seeking to provide immediate housing relief. Any assertion the governor had to do with any contracting negotiations or further action by FEMA is unfounded."

Congressman Waxman is trying to make a scandal where there just isn't one. Sure it was a lucrative contract. Americans are familiar with the convenience store concept. You pay a premium for convenience and expediency.

The need for expediency was definitely evident in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. Congressman Waxman wants to Know why Jeb didn't go through the slow bureaucratic process of competitive bids. If he had this would still be in a bidding situation.

This appears to be an attempt by Democrats to weaken Jeb's popularity in the state in order to take over the governor's mansion and other legislative seats. Should anything become of this it could put Florida in play for many seats this year and potentially for the 2008 Presidential elections.