Jim Rosica, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 10, 2016

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, a Tallahassee Democrat, is “the most independent-voting member of the Florida delegation,” according to a CQ Roll Call vote study released Wednesday. Her Republican opponent’s spokesman, though, countered that her voting record is “downright liberal.” The annual study, which takes into account voting records, bipartisanship and productivity, “shows I’m following through on […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 10, 2016

A lawyer for lobbyist Frank Tsamoutales on Wednesday said former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos‘ countersuit in an ongoing breach of contract dispute is “baseless.” “It is just sad and disappointing that after having been treated for years with nothing but kindness and generosity that Mike Haridopolos is now making these baseless claims for money he did […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 10, 2016

Equal time for both parents after a divorce would be the starting line in child custody cases under a bill heading to the Senate floor. The Rules Committee cleared the measure (SB 250) on a 7-4 party-line vote on Wednesday. The legislation, sponsored by Brandon Republican Tom Lee, creates a legal assumption that 50-50 time-sharing is in the best […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 10, 2016

With the half-way mark of the 60-day 2016 Legislative Session on Wednesday, the theme so far is like a line from a Frankie Valli song: “… so close/And yet so far.” Take the 2016-17 state budget, the only bill lawmakers are required to pass each year. The House came in at $79.9 billion with the Senate […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

The day after lobbyist Frank Tsamoutales sued former Senate President Mike Haridopolos for fraud and breach of contract, Haridopolos shot back with his own lawsuit, saying Tsamoutales never paid him. Haridopolos filed his own breach of contract claim Tuesday in Brevard Circuit Civil Court; the former senator lives in Merritt Island. He served as President in 2010-12 and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate, ending his campaign […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

A motion to reconsider a contentious bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people failed in a Senate panel Tuesday, signaling its virtual demise for the 2016 Legislative Session. On a voice vote, the Judiciary Committee deadlocked again on a procedural move to bring the bill (SB 120) back, one day after the bill died on […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

As the state House of Representatives moved on its package of gambling bills Tuesday, the Senate hit pause and delayed consideration of the Seminole Compact and related legislation for another week. “My intention is to (temporarily postpone) the gaming bills today for one week to give our committee members the opportunity to digest the various amendments being filed,” state […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

Longtime lobbyist Frank Tsamoutales has filed suit against former Senate President Mike Haridopolos, who until recently worked for him, saying the ex-politician committed fraud and breach of contract by “trading on his former political positions to receive large sums of money” instead of “performing meaningful work,” according to a complaint. Haridopolos called the suit “laughable,” saying […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 8, 2016

As lawmakers get ready to consider another early Legislative Session for 2018, this year’s early Session so far has been a mixed bag for Tallahassee’s hospitality businesses. “We’re not a big fan of it,” said John McCarroll, general manager of the Hotel Duval, saying his group reservations have been dropping out more often this year, […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 8, 2016

A new television advertisement for the Seminole Compact ratchets up the drama, highlighting the current casino workers that the Seminole Tribe of Florida is threatening to lay off if lawmakers don’t OK the new gambling deal. The 60-second ad, “Saving Florida Jobs,” shows highlights from last Monday’s meeting between Gov. Rick Scott, tribal leaders, and Seminole […]

Jim Rosica

Gwen Graham ranked Florida’s “most independent” member of Congress

Mike Haridopolos “sad and disappointing,” Frank Tsamoutales’ lawyer says

Bill on equal time in child custody heads to full Senate

Gut check: Legislative Session reaches midpoint

Don’t blink: Now Mike Haridopolos is suing Frank Tsamoutales

Dead again: Senators kill anti-LGBT discrimination bill

Senate punts — for now — on Seminole Compact, gambling bill

In war of words, Frank Tsamoutales sues Mike Haridopolos first

Early Session a mixed bag for downtown Tallahassee businesses

Seminole Tribe releases emotional ad urging Compact passage