Well, heck. Their scheme to dismantle the whole of Florida's partial public financing program for statewide races hasn't panned out, but Republicans in Florida's House can still say they forced a cut in funding for the program. Wrong way guys!

A smaller funding amount -- a reversal of the 2005 vote to increase funding -- will no doubt affect participation in the public financing program, further delaying the possibility of advancing towards a full public financing system for Florida races in the model of Clean Elections.

No, Florida's system isn't perfect, but cutting its funding is a step back in terms of pursuing an even more comprehensive public financing program.