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

Bob SparksAugust 27, 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 SparksAugust 20, 2015

Florida A & M University, unfortunately, is again in the news. President Elmira Mangum and the university’s Board of Trustees are in conflict and have been for some time. Public spats between Mangum and Board Chairman Rufus Montgomery have escalated. On Wednesday, four sitting legislators and the mayor of Tallahassee called a news conference to […]

Bob SparksAugust 13, 2015

The dartboard known as the draft Florida congressional district maps is receiving the kind of comments and attacks one might expect. Some are happy, but others fall into the range of sad and outraged. In the end, few new faces are likely to join the Congressional Club in 2017. U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, for one, […]

Bob SparksAugust 6, 2015

The first debate among the top 10 Republican candidates is set for prime time on Thursday. Debate is not the right word. Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Scott Walker and other contenders will basically play to the base. Some will try to look presentable to independents at the same time. Most of us have […]

Bob SparksJuly 30, 2015

President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump goes to Washington. How does that sound? He has become the rage a little over a month into his version of a campaign. Trump seems to have an attack line, along with a rapid response, for those among the 15 other candidates polling above 3 percent. The national media can’t […]

Bob SparksJuly 24, 2015

The Florida Supreme Court has the final say in all things concerning the Florida Constitution. They determine, among other things, whether actions taken by the legislative and executive branch are compliant with the constitution. When it comes to redistricting, they have assumed the lead role in the process. No one, other than a fellow justice, […]

Bob SparksJuly 23, 2015

The Florida Supreme Court has the final say in all things concerning the Florida Constitution. They determine, among other things, if actions taken by the legislative and executive branch are compliant with the Constitution. When it comes to redistricting, they have assumed the lead role in the process. No one, other than a fellow justice, […]

Bob SparksJuly 16, 2015

Whether or not one agrees about the presence of climate change, or the cause of it, there is some agreement in the area of energy diversification. For example, liberals and conservatives routinely join forces to promote the benefits of solar energy. Those living outside Florida are surprised to discover we do not come anywhere near […]

Bob SparksJuly 9, 2015

A great deal of column-inch space and cable television time lately is devoted daily to Donald Trump. His controversial comments are analyzed, dissected and put before other candidates. “Do you (fill in GOP presidential candidate’s name) condemn Trump’s comments about undocumented immigrants?” Another regular subject of speculation is whether Trump is damaging the GOP brand. […]

Bob SparksJuly 2, 2015

For all of Charleston, S.C.’s attractiveness, history will always record that the Civil War began there 154 years ago when rebels fired on Fort Sumter. The institution of slavery was the foundation of the conflict. History will also record that on June 17, 2015, a young gunman slaughtered nine good people in a racially motivated […]

Bob Sparks

Bob Sparks: Gwen Graham will soon reveal her 2016 intentions

Bob Sparks: FAMU drama heads into next act

Bob Sparks: Despite court requirements, new congressional maps will put few incumbents at risk

Bob Sparks: Politics of abortion front and center at GOP debate

Bob Sparks: Trump-mania nearing its high-water mark

Bob Sparks: Supreme Court takes command in redistricting process

Bob Sparks: Supreme Court takes command in redistricting process

Bob Sparks: Florida should be a solar haven for consumers, entrepreneurs

Bob Sparks: Establishment Democrats hope Alan Grayson campaign dies quickly

Bob Sparks: People have the right to fly the Confederate flag — on private property