Breaking News: In swift and stunning fashion, the Florida Supreme Court struck from the Nov. 4 ballot the Amendment 5 "tax swap" and two equally controversial school voucher proposals.

The unanimous decisions came only hours after justices heard oral arguments and repeatedly agreed with critics that the ballot language was misleading. "No motion for rehearing will be entertained," the court wrote.

"It’s very disappointing," John McKay, the former state Senate president who championed the Amendment 5 tax swap, told the Buzz. “After many years of trying to change the tax system in Florida, to provide a fairer system, this shows it’s a huge mountain to climb. ... The Florida Supreme Court is denying Floridians the right to decide how they are taxed to pay for the education system."

If McKay is the face of defeat on taxes, Jeb Bush is the symbol on vouchers. The former Republican governor worked behind the scenes to advance the proposals on the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, hoping to reverse past court losses.

Amendments 7 and 9 withstood a challenge in circuit court but today were stopped dead.

"This ruling puts an end to a dangerous assault on the religious liberty rights of all Floridians,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director. “These reckless and deceptive amendments had no business being on the ballot in the first place, and we’re glad to see them go."

We are seeking comment from Bush.

*