However, the Florida Supreme Court rules on state Sen. Thad Altman's case against Gov. Rick Scott, the Melbourne Republican has virtually assured himself another GOP fight when he stands for re-election in 2012.

"Thad Altman's chance for a primary challenger is 100 percent," said a Tallahassee-based Republican strategist speaking on background.

Though a dozen GOP senators signed a letter in support of the  controversial high-speed rail venture, none of those Republicans signed on to Altman's lawsuit, which he filed with Democratic Sen. Arthenia Joyner.

Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said he disagreed with Scott's rail decision, but also disagreed with Altman's tactics.

"I don't think filing a lawsuit was the best direction to go," Fasano said.

Altman's love for rail projects may be sincere. The Central Florida Republican also supports the proposed SunRail commuter system that would run through part of his district.

Yet Altman's lawsuit has fueled critics' simmering suspicions that he, like neighboring U.S. Rep. John Mica, is just another log-rolling Republican RINO.

A review of Altman's proposed bills for the 2011 Legislature suggests a propensity for targeting taxes and government regulation to benefit corporate interests. For example, he proposes:

• stiffer fines for handing out fliers at public lodging establishments, such as Disney;
• a multimillion-dollar tax on Miami-based Dosal Tobacco, at the behest of Big Tobacco;
• exempting taxes on items used to manufacture gas turbine engine parts, a benefit for the Space Coast region he represents.

Altman also is sponsoring bills to lengthen government's reach, including state-funded education programs for an expanded class of dependents of military veterans, and tighter rules on child-safety devices in cars.

While Altman regularly earns a top rating from the Chamber of Commerce, tea party activists and other fiscal and social conservatives take a dimmer view of his agenda.

"Mr. Altman is the quintessential corporate Republican prophylactic. He's considered pro-Chamber because they like the tax money that flows through their members. He's pro-tax on all issues," says Doug Guetzloe, a consultant for the Florida TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party.

TEA says Altman is No. 1 on its list to challenge in 2012, when all 40 Senate seats are up for election due to redistricting.

"Altman is the epitome of what ails the Republican Party," says Tom Tillison, of the Central Florida Tea Party Council. "And let's not forget his continued support of Charlie Crist over Marco Rubio, even after Crist filed as an independent."

"The Tea Party is brewing against Senator Altman," said Marianne Moran, head of the West Palm Beach-based Tea Party in Action. "His repeated attempts to raise taxes on Florida's small business, and now suing Governor Scott to ensure Florida is on the hook for high-speed rail, proves he is out of touch with taxpayers.

"Unless Altman decides to once again represent the taxpayers instead of special interests, he will be kicked out of office in 2012," Moran predicted.

On rail, Altman may be perceived as a "Mini Mica," eager to grab $2.4 billion in failed stimulus funds. But Altman says he's in good company.

In an interview with Sunshine State News, Altman noted that a dozen Republican state senators (including himself) signed a Feb. 17 letter asking U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to delay revocation of the money until a way could be found to circumvent Scott's decision.

"Quite a few of my fellow (Senate) members are concerned about our high-speed rail money going to California," said Altman. He declined to say which, if any, lawmakers he discussed his lawsuit with.

Altman has been in public office for 18 years. Starting as a Brevard County commissioner, he moved on to the Florida House and then to the Senate. In his 2008 Senate run, when he took over for Bill Posey, Altman received $252,956 in campaign contributions from the Republican Party of Florida that year.

In 2010, he faced a primary challenger, Robert Carmichael, and then breezed to victory in the general election.

Now, by joining a Democrat in suing the titular head of his own party, Altman is threatening to become a polarizing, aggravating "maverick."

"He's on his own," said a Senate insider who asked not to be identified.

RPOF Chairman David Bitner, through spokesman Trey Stapleton, declined to comment on the matter.

Prevailing in his case at the Supreme Court could earn Altman more political capital and win him a few more friends. But for now, he's a lightning rod in the Senate and within his party.

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Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or (772) 801-5341.