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

Jim RosicaSeptember 17, 2015

Dr. John Armstrong, Florida’s surgeon general and Health Department secretary, on Thursday said he has colon cancer and will be undergoing surgery Friday. Armstrong, appointed in 2012, disclosed his diagnosis in a note to department employees. “We all know health is personal, and today I need to share with you how it is impacting my […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 17, 2015

Saying there’s six more days before a possible shutdown of the federal government, Congresswoman Gwen Graham called on Republican leadership to pass a budget extension. The government’s money is running out, with a partial shutdown set for Oct. 1 unless lawmakers approve more funds. According to the Associated Press, Congress also “likely will need to vote to […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 17, 2015

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater Thursday compared Democratic members of the U.S. Senate to the man who ordered the execution of Jesus Christ for obstructing a vote on the pending nuclear deal with Iran. In an blistering statement, he said, “History will remember them as the cowards who abdicated their duty to vote on one of the most […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 17, 2015

Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga “is resting comfortably amid a room full of Florida ‘Gator gifts and balloons from well-wishers” after successful surgery for kidney cancer, a court spokesman said Thursday. Labarga, who got his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Florida, underwent the operation at Shands Hospital in Gainesville this […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 17, 2015

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As a nod to his new “Humble” nickname, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday said the previous night’s candidate debate was “a little bit unfair to a lot of other people, frankly.” “I thought I was on too much,” Trump said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program. “I felt badly for everybody else. Every question had […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 16, 2015

An 86-page policy paper from Florida House Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran (nicknamed “The Manifesto” by reporters) calls for a new “legislative culture of purpose” that includes, among other things, a more transparent budget process. Many of the reforms proposed by Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican, in his Wednesday acceptance speech are also in the manifesto, […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 16, 2015

State Rep. Matt Gaetz on Wednesday filed – then speedily withdrew – a bill that would reserve regulation of Uber and other hired-car services to the state. According to House of Representatives records, Gaetz submitted his bill (HB 175) at 8:53 a.m., then withdrew it at 10:30 a.m. Reached by phone, the Fort Walton Beach […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 16, 2015

Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Florida House Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran was big on high concepts but stingy with detail on how he would press his wide-ranging agenda of ethical reform. Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican, had just been selected Speaker of the GOP-controlled House of Representatives by his colleagues for the 2016-18 term. The speaker-to-be […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 16, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott, who attended state Rep. Richard Corcoran‘s designation ceremony Wednesday, took time for a few questions afterward. On Corcoran’s proposed 12-year term limit for Florida judges: “When I see all the things that are proposed by the House and the Senate, I’ll be glad to review them.” On funding for the state’s economic […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 16, 2015

The head of the state’s economic development agency told lawmakers Wednesday he was on the cusp of a big deal with a certain “genius.” Bill Johnson, who leads Enterprise Florida, said he’s talking to a technology guru who lives in London, but also has a house in Florida, about doing a big project here. He didn’t […]

Jim Rosica

State’s surgeon general says he has colon cancer

Gwen Graham calls for federal budget extension

Jeff Atwater: U.S. Senate Democrats are like Pontius Pilate

Jorge Labarga recovering from cancer surgery

Donald Trump says #CNNDebate was unfair to other candidates

Read here without downloading: Richard Corcoran’s “manifesto”

Matt Gaetz files – then deletes – Uber preemption bill

Richard Corcoran promises “controversy” as speaker

Rick Scott “gaggles” with reporters after designation ceremony

Bill Johnson won’t identify his “genius”