Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsNovember 14, 2017

Veteran lobbyists Chip Case and Foyt Ralston have formed a new firm, Capitol Advocates, to represent clients before the Legislature, executive branch agencies, and in Washington, according to a news release. “In today’s political climate, clients need advocates in the Capitol who have the expertise to work with policymakers in all branches of government, and […]

Tom JacksonDecember 23, 2016

Like comedy, politics is most often all about timing. No one knows this better than Will Weatherford, who at the age of 26 rocketed from obscure legislative aide to Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives because of unanticipated, but perfectly placed, events (more about which in a moment). Now, arguably, this once-rising star of […]

Mitch PerryOctober 19, 2016

Critics of Amendment 1 on next month’s ballot in Florida teed off on the sponsors of that measure on Wednesday, following an explosive report in the Miami Herald quoting a policy director with the James Madison Institute as saying the utility industry is trying to deceive voters into supporting restrictions on solar power by supporting the amendment. […]

Drew WilsonJune 10, 2016

Gulf Breeze Republican Rep. Doug Broxson widened his fundraising lead over Pensacola Beach Republican Rep. Mike Hill in the Senate District 1 race last month with more than $30,000 in contributions. May marked the third-straight five-figure month for Broxson, who raised $30,700 in May and spent about $10,700. Hill, the only other candidate who filed […]

Drew WilsonJune 7, 2016

House District 3 candidate Jayer Williamson added another $20,000 to his campaign account last month, increasing his lead over fellow Republican Johnathan Walters. Williamson’s $20,102 haul came in across 36 contributions and his expenditures came in at $2,477, leaving the Milton Republican with $85,538 on hand in his campaign to take over for Republican Rep. […]

Drew WilsonMay 31, 2016

Republican Chuck Clemons announced Tuesday that former House Speaker Allan Bense endorsed him in the race for House District 21. “Chuck Clemons has the right experience to be an effective and outstanding leader in the Florida House for North Central Florida,” Bense said in a statement. “A lifelong area resident, Chuck has a deep understanding […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2016

From the Baxley campaign: Today, the Dennis Baxley campaign announced the support of Allan Bense, former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Bense served the Panama City area in the Florida House beginning in 1996 and was Speaker during his final term from 2004 to 2006. Baxley is seeking the District 12 seat in the Florida […]

Associated PressApril 18, 2016

A former Florida House speaker who stood up to Gov. Rick Scott is being pushed off the Florida State University board. Scott on Friday replaced Allan Bense on the FSU board of trustees with Max Alvarez, a Doral businessman and friend of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. He also reappointed two trustees including one, Joe Gruters, who […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 3, 2016

Eight former and current Republican House Speakers are urging New Hampshire residents to vote for Jeb Bush on Election Day. The open letter to New Hampshire voters ran in the New Hampshire Union Leader on Wednesday. Politico reported that the advertisement is meant to highlight the number of Florida leaders backing Bush over Marco Rubio. […]

Peter SchorschDecember 1, 2015

Before you scan through to see who made the very first INFLUENCE 100 list, please allow me to make something very clear. (A link to the digital copy of INFLUENCE Magazine is here.) It’s my list. I’m responsible for the facepalming, out-of-left-field choices, as well as the glaring sins of omission. I’m the one who […]

Tag: Allan Bense

Personnel note: Chip Case, Foyt Ralston start Capitol Advocates

Will Weatherford’s timing off, but only for the moment

Solar power advocates blast ‘deceptive strategy’ behind Amendment 1

With more than $30K, Doug Broxson widens lead over Mike Hill in SD 1

Jayer Williamson adds $20K during May in bid to succeed Doug Broxson

Allan Bense endorses Republican Chuck Clemons for HD 21

Dennis Baxley picks up endorsement from former Speaker Allan Bense

Weekend round-up: Allan Bense booted, Gene Cryer dies, union prez sentenced

Jeb Bush supporters take aim at Marco Rubio in full page ad

Here is the INFLUENCE 100: The most influential people in Florida politics