[Hamden, CT] Neither of the remaining two Republican contenders for the nomination is currently challenging President Obama in Florida, according to the latest Florida poll.

Yes, I said two – Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are mere sideshow distractions from what is really going on.

And what is really going on is that the latest Quinnipiac University Florida poll shows Obama having a comfortable lead over both former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney (49% to 42%) and former U.S. Sen. from Pennsylvania Rick Santorum (50% to 37%).

The poll also included Ohio and Pennsylvania – Santorum’s home turf – both considered to be crucial swing states. And things – somewhat surprisingly – don’t get any better for the “only true conservative left in this race” (or something like that) at home. Or in Ohio. Did I mention Florida?

“President Barack Obama is on a roll in the key swing states. If the election were today, he would carry at least two states. And if history repeats itself, that means he would be re- elected,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

“But the election is not today. It is seven months away. Two months ago President Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney were in a statistical tie in Ohio and Florida,” Brown added.

The big story is Florida women, who favor Obama big time over Romney or Santorum. Actually, in all three key states, women back the President over Romney or Santorum by 6% to 19%. Men are split right down the middle.

Photo: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate Images

Romney is losing ground to Obama in Florida poll

For Romney, he still struggles with is favorables, although he still has undecideds to woo. In the Sunshine State, he polled at 41% “favorable,” 36% “unfavorable” and 19% “haven’t heard enough.”

Santorum’s numbers are much worse, although he has much more room to grow: 28% “favorable,” 39% “unfavorable” and 30% “haven’t heard enough.”

Compared to Obama – 51% “favorable,” 44% “unfavorable” and 2% “haven’t heard enough” – both men have a long way to goo in this department. As for Obama’s job approval ratings, 50% of Florida voters say he deserves to be re-elected.

“The biggest reason for the president’s improving prospects probably is the economy. Roughly 6-in-10 voters in all three states think the economy is recovering. Moreover, voters blame the oil companies and oil-producing countries for the rise in gasoline prices and only about one in six voters blame them on President Obama,” says Brown.

Let’s break down the oil price blame game: oil companies are most to blame (32%), oil-producing countries are to blame (23%); Obama is to blame (18%), supply and demand is to blame (16%). Florida voters also oppose (54%-36%) releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to curb rising gas prices.

All of that helps Obama, who is aggressively firing back at the GOP on the oil issue, going forward.

Photo: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate Images

A recent Florida poll shows that Rick Santorum has no chance in the state

In terms of issues, this is how important Florida voters see a candidate’s positions on them: economy (90%), unemployment (81%), 2010 health care law (78%), federal budget deficit (76%), war in Afghanistan (67%), gas prices (66%), immigration (55%), women’s reproductive health issues (48%),
and abortion/gay marriage (39%).

However, voters say that Romney would do a better job versus Obama when it comes to handling the economy 48% to 45%. Santorum? Obama crushes him.

Oh, and how did Gov. Rick Scott do in the polling? Florida voters still disapprove of the job he is doing (52%-36%), which, as the poll summary points out, continues his “year-long streak of negative ratings.”

From March 20 – 26, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,228 Florida voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent; Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Virginia and nationwide as a public service and for research. For individual statewide crosstabs and trends visit – http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2881.xml or call (203) 582-5201.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Lead photo: Barack Obama stopped in Terre Haute, IN, on Sept 6, 2008. He talked to Wabash Valley voters at the fairgrounds (photo: BeckyF)

Florida poll

[Tallahassee, FL] Sure, this one’s a little fluffy, but we’ll indulge them: A new industry study shows the impact that third-party debt collection has on Florida’s economy. You know, the people that come after you if you don’t pay your bills.

According to a new study based on 2010 data by ACA International and business booster Ernst & Young, Florida’s third-party debt collection agencies recovered $2.8 billion. The study also points out that those same agencies employed 7,494 people making a combined $236 million.

“These findings reinforce the critical role the third-party debt collection industry plays as a service provider in recovering unpaid consumer debt on behalf of the public, private and non-profit sectors,” said Florida Collectors Association President Quinn Simpson.

Florida Collectors Association is a unit of ACA International, a 5,000-member association for the credit and collection industry.

“Moreover, third-party collectors are actively engaged in Florida communities as employers, volunteers, philanthropists and taxpayers.”

And what about those taxes? Florida’s third-party debt collection agencies and their employees “paid $23 million in state and local taxes and $24 million in federal taxes,” according to the report.

“Our nation was built on the premise that those who provide credit, goods and services to consumers have the expectation of being repaid,” said ACA International CEO Pat Morris. “Recovering these debts helps organizations survive; prevents layoffs; keeps cost down and credit, goods and services available; and reduces the need for tax increases to cover government budget shortfalls.”

No doubt this study is meant to counteract the negative publicity the debt collection industry gets on a regular basis. But it is worth noting their impact as an overall business.

Just as long as they don’t call during the dinner hour.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: AMagill

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License

So

[Orlando, FL] Perhaps it is a strategic appearance ahead of the Florida presidential primary on Jan. 31. Or maybe he just wants to get the heck out of Washington (who wouldn’t).

Whatever his underlying reasons, President Barack Obama plans to deliver remarks on the economy in Orlando on Jan. 19.

That’s about as much info that’s available at the moment. President Obama in Orlando. Jan. 19. Wish we could tell you more.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: official White House photo

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President Obama in Orlando

[Tallahassee, FL] Every day we are being bombarded with an influx of dismal messages regarding how millions of Americans are without employment. Even those who have employment are feeling the pain of societal changes.

As a people we cannot afford to place our heads in the sands of time. We must become proactive participants in creating viable solutions through courage, tenacity and the will to arise above our economic plight.

The only thing certain about our world is the uncertainty that lies ahead of us which will require an innovative mindset on a daily basis. If we desire to thrive, we must become adept in improvisational movement as a skillful dancer and maneuver through the maze of life as a master chess player.

It has been stated by Presidential Medal of Freedom-winning social commentator Eric Hoffer that, “In times of change the learners will inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to succeed in a world that no longer exists.”

We live in a capitalistic society, one closely resembling a chameleon that is constantly changing and evolving. If we desire to rise above the tides of turmoil, we must possess the finesse of a jazz vocalist who scats sounds of contentment in every note performed.

Here are four ways to thrive during our ever changing times:

S-pend and Save wisely:

Monitor your cash flow on a daily basis. Find alternate ways of entertaining for less. A rainy day is sure to come, the question is how prepared will you be when it arrives?

C-ollaborate with others:

There is power in partnerships. Seek out individuals who have a track record of success, a proven history of achieving consistent results in their personal and professional life.

A-ttain new skill sets:

Increase your value in the market place by attaining additional knowledge and education. Focus on becoming a specialist rather generalist and pursue certifications, licensing or graduate degrees from higher learning institutions.

T-each your expertise:

Position yourself as a credible source of wisdom to benefit the personal and professional growth of others. As you share your knowledge an abundance of opportunities will begin to flow in your direction.

Lastly, instead of viewing today’s challenges as a crisis, allow it to spawn a host of creative ideas that will produce results that abolish limited thinking. Success is a state of mind so guard your thoughts with all diligence both day and night.

By: Kristie Kennedy/Sunshine Slate

Kristie Kennedy is a women’s empowerment speaker, professional makeup artist, jewelry designer, author and recording artist. She is also the current Ms. Tallahassee, FL, for Ms. Corporate America 2012 and 2010-2011 American Image National Pageant Queen. Her website is www.kristiekennedy.com.

Image: oskay via Flickr