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

Bob SparksOctober 15, 2015

The end of the process for redrawing Florida’s congressional districts is in sight. It may be one cycle late, but if the Florida Supreme Court rules favorably on the recommended final map, candidates and potential candidates can make informed decisions. Last week, Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis signed off on one of seven maps […]

Bob SparksOctober 8, 2015

Fifteen months before the presidential election, New Hampshire and Iowa is where the action is. That is true every four years. Winning the nomination and the general election requires a strong performance in several key states. In 2016, the next president will have won at least two of a group of three swing states that […]

Bob SparksOctober 2, 2015

John Boehner sure knows how to make news. At least he waited until Pope Francis left Washington before he dropped his resignation bombshell last week. The soon-to-be-former Speaker set off a media and Capitol frenzy with his Friday announcement. Boehner’s decision elicited respectful reflection from one side matched by jubilation from the conservative wing of […]

Bob SparksOctober 1, 2015

John Boehner sure knows how to make news. At least he waited until Pope Francis left Washington before he dropped his resignation bombshell last week. The soon-to-be-former Speaker set off a media and Capitol frenzy with his Friday announcement. Boehner’s decision elicited respectful reflection from one side matched by jubilation from the conservative wing of the […]

Bob SparksSeptember 24, 2015

Polling for the 2016 presidential campaign is a political scientist’s dream. It is not too bad for pundits, either. There is something in it for everyone. The Quinnipiac University poll released on Thursday is the latest example. The poll reaffirms that Donald Trump still polls the highest in some areas and the lowest in others. […]

Bob SparksSeptember 17, 2015

The second GOP debate is history. In a few days, polls will tell us who did well, or not so well, in the minds of voters. The final debate is set for Florida on March 10, just five days before the Florida Primary (although early voting begins March 5). It is impossible to predict how […]

Bob SparksSeptember 11, 2015

Most anyone remotely paying attention to current affairs recognizes the name of Kim Davis. Some would relish picking her out of a police lineup. For those avoiding news consumption, Davis is the county clerk of Rowan County, Ky. Davis, a Democrat, was elected in 2014, defeating Republican John Cox with 53 percent of the vote. […]

Bob SparksSeptember 10, 2015

Most anyone remotely paying attention to current affairs recognizes the name of Kim Davis. Some would relish picking her out of a police lineup. For those avoiding news consumption, Davis is the county clerk of Rowan County, Ky. Davis, a Democrat, was elected in 2014, defeating Republican John Cox with 53 percent of the vote. […]

Bob SparksSeptember 3, 2015

Vice President Joe Biden visited Florida this week supposedly to do what vice presidents do. He came to raise money for Democrats and talk about a college readiness policy initiative on behalf of President Obama. The media interest in his Florida stop centered not on the traditional role of a vice president, but whether he […]

Bob SparksAugust 28, 2015

Down deep, U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham may already know whether she will run for re-election next year. With the Florida House and Senate in agreement on the new look of her District 2 and Corrine Brown’s District 5, the writing (or map) appears to be on the wall. Graham is doing the right thing by […]

Bob Sparks
(L-R) Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Cpl. Luis Paez and Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller died Thursday after being struck by an SUV on Southern Boulevard in Loxahatchee. Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz was struck as well and remained in critical condition Friday. Images via Palm Beach Sheriff's Office.

Bob Sparks: Even Florida’s nonpartisan congressional maps are deemed unfair

Bob Sparks: When likability and the desire for leadership and experience collide

Bob Sparks: Dan Webster runs for Speaker; for whom will Gwen Graham vote?

Bob Sparks: Dan Webster runs for Speaker; for whom will Gwen Graham vote?

Bob Sparks: Poll shows presidential race slowly starting to take shape

Bob Sparks: Will Republican Party of Florida force presidential candidates to attend November summit?

Bob Sparks: Some Republicans backing the wrong horse in Kim Davis

Bob Sparks: Some Republicans backing the wrong horse in Kim Davis

Bob Sparks: Joe Biden’s Florida visit starts decision-making tour

Gwen Graham will soon reveal her 2016 intentions