Bob Sparks, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bob SparksMarch 17, 2014

Now that the dust has settled from the David Jolly vs. Alex Sink race for Congressional District 13, the message machines are in full spin cycle. We have heard most of the analysis from both sides. Was this simply, as Democrats say, a race won by a Republican in a district held by Republicans for […]

Bob SparksMarch 2, 2014

During the 60-day 2014 legislative session, the Florida House and Senate will create, debate, tweak, pass or reject hundreds of bills. The only clearly defined mandate placed upon the Legislature is to pass a budget. Everything else is optional. One of the proposed bills has generated national attention. House Bill 7029 and its companion, Senate […]

Bob SparksFebruary 25, 2014

Next week the conservative movement receives its annual check-up in National Harbor, Md. The three-day exam known as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will feature speeches and panels starring the Who’s Who of political conservatism. If one is considering a run for the White House in 2016, more than likely that potential candidate will […]

Bob SparksFebruary 10, 2014

There can be little argument that immigration reform is sorely needed. Current law, whether or not it’s enforced, is simply inadequate. Last week, Martin Dyckman wrote for Context Florida on this issue from the progressive side. He artfully made the case about real reform trumping ideological purity from both sides. Speaking from the conservative side, […]

Bob SparksJanuary 20, 2014

Judging by the furor and hyperbole over two recent events, it is safe to conclude that the 2016 campaign for the White House is unofficially on. As of this moment, polls indicate former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are the front-runners for their respective parties. Guess who is the […]

Bob SparksJanuary 8, 2014

This week, a federal judge issued a ruling involving Florida’s approach to clean water. The lawsuit is about whether state or federal standards should govern Florida’s water bodies Florida argues that federal rules are far too costly and unworkable. Opponents say Florida’s standards are full of loopholes. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled […]

Bob SparksJanuary 1, 2014

Days before Florida State plays Auburn on Monday night for the BCS national championship, the Seminoles and Coach Jimbo Fisher announced a five-year contract extension. The deal will keep Fisher in Tallahassee through the 2018 season. Or will it? As this unexpected run toward the summit of college football developed, FSU boosters and fans began […]

Bob SparksDecember 29, 2013

On New Year’s Day, Pasadena, Calif. serves as host for the 100th Rose Bowl Game. Five days later, the Florida State Seminoles meet the Auburn Tigers for the BCS National Championship in the same stadium. When that game ends, baseball fans around the country, but especially in Florida, can start the countdown: five weeks until […]

Bob SparksDecember 18, 2013

Over the next 11 months, education policy will be debated in many forums, including the legislative session. The campaign for governor will not be silent on the future of our schools. Yes, jobs, health care and the economy will be front and center, but how Florida’s public education system responds to life after the FCAT […]

Bob SparksDecember 2, 2013

On Thursday the Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the proposed constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would legalize medical marijuana in this state. Attorney General Pam Bondi and others are asking the court to throw the amendment off the ballot because the title and summary “do not convey the Amendment’s true […]

Bob Sparks

Bob Sparks: Republican brand tries to catch the wave

Bob Sparks: Children have a right to brandish Pop-Tarts

Bob Sparks: CPAC hopes to lead GOP toward tidal wave election

Bob Sparks: Republicans can help shape immigration reform

Bob Sparks: Quite a contrast between Chris Christie and Hillary Clinton

Bob Sparks: States have important role in environmental regulation

Bob Sparks: FSU’s Jimbo should rule out a move to Texas

Bob Sparks: Sports teams are an important part of Florida’s economy

Bob Sparks: Despite its promise, will Florida abandon Common Core?

Bob Sparks: Medical marijuana issue now front and center