The Empire State is crumbling, at least in terms of its once-mighty influence over the nation’s politics, says Politico. Which state is rising up to take its place? That’s right - it’s our own little corner of paradise, home of political heavyweights Charlie Crist, Bill Nelson ... and Susan Stanton.

We’ve seen plenty of bad economic news in Florida lately, including the shameful fact that this state is responsible for more than its share of the nation’s economic troubles. (How’s that for clout?) So it’s good to read about an area of public life in which our influence is growing.

Or is it? Maybe not, when you consider what our elected officials have put on their agenda in these trying times.

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