Florida's lack of clout shows in summit invitations

The White House has sent an invitation letter for the Feb. 25th health-care summit to 21 members of Congress -- 12 Democrats and nine Republicans.  How many are from Florida? Zero.

That's because the invitations went, in the words of the letter, "the most senior House/Senate bipartisan leadership, as well as the chairmen and ranking members of the committees that oversee health insurance reform legislation in both chambers." 

Since each party leader in each chamber can invite four others to the summit, it's still possible that a Floridian will be present. But it's worth some thought about why it is that Florida's members of Congress have so little sway on a matter that's one of the most important to the citizens of the state.

--Carol Gentry, Editor, can be reached at 727-410-3266 or by e-mail.