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

Guest AuthorJuly 13, 2016

I’ve served with more than two dozen veterans in the Florida Legislature. All are heroes who contributed to Florida’s pro-military laws. It’s why I was shocked and humbled recently when the Veterans of Foreign Wars & American Legion both honored me as their “Legislator of the Year.” I’m proud that the causes we championed together […]

Guest AuthorJuly 13, 2016

Until the mid-20th century, toil and scarcity were unavoidable facts of life for most people. By contrast, the aristocrats and a few clergy and merchants could indulge themselves in the finest things of life — the arts, sciences, philosophy, athletics, travel and politics. These privileged few could live as amateurs and dilettantes, expending their effort […]

Guest AuthorJuly 11, 2016

We can all agree the toxic algae blooms plaguing the Treasure Coast are a tragedy that needs to be fixed. No one living in any community should have to experience the type of algae we have seen in recent weeks. But the relentless clamoring of environmental activists, who say the solution lies in taking land […]

Guest AuthorJuly 8, 2016

Politics makes strange bedfellows — especially when enjoying a quickie at the Dollar Tree. Lesson learned Independence Day weekend after I popped into the discount store for some cleaning supplies. As luck would have it, I chose precisely the moment that only the manager was on duty and every Apopkan felt it his or her duty […]

Guest AuthorJuly 7, 2016

Editor’s note: Democratic state Rep. David Richardson offers his reply to an open letter published July 5 on FloridaPolitics.com from Florida Family Action president John Stemberger: First, I want to thank you for following my work and words as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. While your letter was addressed to me, it was […]

Guest AuthorJuly 6, 2016

One recent night I sat in a stadium — being eaten by mosquitoes — with my 14-year-old daughter and watched a women’s soccer game. Last summer, after saving for a year, I took my daughter to Canada two weeks for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I walked a mile from parking to the stadium every […]

Guest AuthorJuly 5, 2016

Regarding your repeated charge that fellow legislators make others “prone to committing violent acts” when they make “speeches” in opposition to bills which call for special and new LGBT rights in the Legislature. Dear Rep. Richardson: Since your election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 until now, I have always known your reputation as […]

Guest AuthorJune 30, 2016

Pat Summitt’s death presented a solemn moment for reflection on an accomplished life. In a legendary 38-year career, the former University of Tennessee coach with a Hall of Fame scowl put women’s basketball on the map. She guided her Lady Vols to 18 NCAA Final Four appearances and eight national championships while exploding myths about […]

Guest AuthorJune 30, 2016

After the Pulse tragedy, gun control talks predictably spiked. The gun lobby trained its sights on proposals that supposedly kneecapped the Second Amendment. Weary anti-gun violence crusaders petitioned Congress to holster massacres by doing something — anything. Shouting, pleading, debating, cajoling, exhorting — and a brief political theater revival of circa ‘60s sit-ins — appallingly […]

Guest AuthorJune 29, 2016

As Immigrant Heritage Month ends, I’ve taken the time to reflect on my humble beginnings and all the opportunities this great country has provided me with. As the director of policy and advocacy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, I have worked with many, many immigrants who have made America their home in order to escape […]

Guest Author

Matt Gaetz: Restore strength, destroy ISIS

Barry Jason Mauer: What holds us back from achieving a better society?

J.P. Sasser: Activists’ fixation on land buy ignores reality during algae crisis

Darryl E. Owens: Cheap bleach and polarized politics don’t mix at discount store

David Richardson: An open reply letter to John Stemberger

Yolanda Hood: The sacrifices we parents make — even when we don’t understand why

John Stemberger: An open letter to David Richardson

Darryl E. Owens: Pat Summitt’s death is slam-dunk signal of need for more funding to fight Alzheimer’s Disease

Darryl E. Owens: SCOTUS hits mark for domestic violence with disarming Voisine ruling

Francesca Menes: Celebrating Florida’s immigrants during Immigrant Heritage Month