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

Bob SparksJune 25, 2015

The Florida Senate and several communities hoping to receive state money for local projects or programs are unhappy. The public food fight between legislative chambers and the governor was an embarrassment that could have serious ramifications. A governor’s use of line-item veto authority is often likened to a surgeon conducting delicate surgery with a scalpel. […]

Bob SparksJune 18, 2015

Recently, New York Times columnist David Brooks described the group of Democrats blocking President Obama’s expanded trade authority as the “Democrats’ Tea Party.” By their rigid stance in obstructing the president from negotiating a fast-track trade agreement with Asian countries, Democrats are violating their own principles. By taking Big Labor’s lead in opposing such agreements, […]

Bob SparksJune 11, 2015

There is no way to sugar coat it. The relationship and level of trust between urban African-American communities and police is at its lowest point in decades. Bringing people together will take an honest assessment of where we are followed by good-faith suggestions for solutions. Everyone must understand it is tough being a cop and […]

Bob SparksJune 3, 2015

The major Republican contenders came to Orlando this week at the invitation of Gov. Rick Scott. At Gov. Scott’s direction their presentations to the Economic Growth Summit were to be limited to the economy and jobs. Seeing these candidates, or soon to be candidates, converging on Florida gives the feel of a campaign for the […]

Bob SparksMay 28, 2015

Next week the Florida Legislature returns for an overtime session to fulfill their sole constitutional requirement of passing a budget. Not a Washington budget, but one where bean counters must have the same number of beans on the expense side as well as the revenue side. Conversations containing the word “shutdown” have gained a little […]

Bob SparksMay 20, 2015

One year ago not many figured northeast Floridians would be using the words “Mayor-elect Lenny Curry.” Yet, that’s precisely the water cooler chatter not only in Jacksonville, but among the political class across Florida. Curry, former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, was a long shot to defeat incumbent Mayor Alvin Brown, the city’s […]

Bob SparksMay 20, 2015

One year ago not many figured northeast Floridians would be using the words “Mayor-elect Lenny Curry.” Yet, that is precisely the water cooler chatter not only in Jacksonville, but among the political class around the state of Florida. Curry, the former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, was a long shot to defeat incumbent […]

Bob SparksMay 14, 2015

Campaigns are not foreign to Jeb Bush. While running three statewide campaigns in Florida, he also learned the ups and downs of national campaigns with his father and brother, George H.W. Bush (Bush 41) and George W. Bush (Bush 43), respectively. Since 1980, a Bush has appeared at the top of the national ticket six […]

Bob SparksMay 8, 2015

As the Florida Senate debated itself in Tallahassee last week, a smoldering issue re-ignited thanks to the National Football League draft. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the very first pick, looked to Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston as the player best suited to lead them to the playoffs. Millions are aware of the Winston story. […]

Bob SparksApril 30, 2015

What a week. First, Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Florida is suing the Obama administration over the Medicaid expansion issue. Then, we witnessed some remarkable political gamesmanship when the House adjourned three days early. The words “insurmountable differences” on the budget and Medicaid expansion accompanied the banging gavel in the House […]

Bob Sparks

Bob Sparks: 2015 leaves Florida Republicans in a dangerous place for 2016

Bob Sparks: Progressive extremism, Florida style

Bob Sparks: Police body cameras can exonerate as well as implicate

Bob Sparks: How many GOP presidential candidates will fight for Florida's delegates?

Bob Sparks: Shutdowns, Obamacare and July special sessions

Bob Sparks: Lenny Curry shows Republicans the way to win

Bob Sparks: Lenny Curry shows Republicans the way to win

Bob Sparks: Jeb Bush moves to change the subject

Bob Sparks: Jameis Winston sideshow relocates from Tallahassee to Tampa

Bob Sparks: Do new statements jump-start budget negotiations?