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

Bob SparksNovember 17, 2013

In 2014, Florida’s legislators will make a significant policy decision when they decide whether to give the green light for an expansion of gambling. Both sides of the issue are well armed. Supporters of expanded gambling have lobbyists and public relations people. Those against more casinos have plenty of advocates, including a number of legislators. […]

Bob SparksNovember 3, 2013

The divide between our political parties is wider than at any time in memory. There is some palpable hatred out there. Within Florida government the speech and interaction between the parties is mostly civil. That is a credit to both parties. But in Washington, we witnessed the spectacle of the government shutdown, which briefly distracted […]

Bob SparksOctober 21, 2013

Odd numbered years are not a political junkie’s delight. Though millions of Americans may wish otherwise, no U.S. House or Senate members are up for re-election. Florida politicos must satisfy their political appetites through local races or ballot issues. One Florida campaign clearly worth watching is for mayor of St. Petersburg. While this is officially […]

Bob SparksOctober 6, 2013

A Boca Raton orthodontist is asking a court to clarify whether the president can decide to enforce part of Obamacare but not other provisions of it. Dr. Larry Kawa is seeking an injunction in federal court against Obamacare on the grounds the Obama administration exceeded its constitutional authority with the law’s implementation. Specifically, Kawa contends […]

Bob SparksSeptember 23, 2013

Politicians and pundits either use or lament the findings of PolitiFact. Mostly True, Mostly False or even Pants on Fire is content for either a positive or a negative ad. Who among us knew that Mark Twain was an inspiration for PolitiFact? After all, wasn’t it he who uttered the famous line about “lies, damn […]

Bob SparksSeptember 9, 2013

For Baby Boomers, we are now seeing a clearer picture of the America we will leave behind in the not-too-distant future. It is a country of unimagined technical advances that provided most, but not all, of us with opportunities to advance as far as our capabilities and work ethic would lead. Scientific breakthroughs have eliminated […]

Bob SparksAugust 27, 2013

Over the years, Florida has been home to some well-known public servants. Some have had Tallahassee government buildings named after them. Leroy Collins, Claude Pepper, Doyle Conner and Ralph Turlington are just a few. All were Democrats. Republican Gov. Bob Martinez has one of the Department of Environmental Protection buildings named after him, but that’s […]

Bob Sparks

Bob Sparks: A generation later, Floridians more open to gaming

Bob Sparks: Add more ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ to the menu

Bob Sparks: Campaign for St. Pete Mayor is worth watching

Bob Sparks: Boca doctor wants court to define president’s power

Bob Sparks: the PolitiFacts of life

Bob Sparks: Only Democrats can lead on entitlement reform

Bob Sparks: It’s time for Gov. Scott to name a new lieutenant governor