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

Guest AuthorJune 16, 2014

In 1862, the most important naval battle of the Civil War took place in Hampton Roads, Va., the clash between the Monitor and the Merrimac. My relative, John L. Porter, was the engineer who designed and constructed the Confederacy’s first ironclad ship, the Merrimac. Naval records show that the Merrimac destroyed a fleet of wooden […]

Guest AuthorJune 15, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott has signed the state budget, the only legislative enactment that has to become law. In so doing, he went light with his veto pen, not wanting to offend any legislators by killing any pet projects. A large stack of bills remains on his desk. He will sign most, veto a few and […]

Guest AuthorJune 15, 2014

Family-related holidays bring out the best in people. Social media has made the ability to see into the hearts of many as they express their feelings for the people that mean the most to them, family. As I have read the many posts about fathers, it is clear to me that we are a nation […]

Guest AuthorJune 12, 2014

A political earthquake shook D.C. this week with the upset primary defeat of GOP Majority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia. Cantor, who outspent his opponent 10 to 1, lost what was regarded as one of the GOP’s safest seats to David Brat, an economics professor at George Mason University and political novice. He was favored […]

Guest AuthorJune 12, 2014

I am not a liberal, just a Florida Cracker. That is why I am voting for Amendment 1, the Water and Land Conservation Amendment. I support Amendment 1 because without raising new taxes it will enhance drinking water sources, manage fish and wildlife habitats, add and restore lands, protect beaches and shores, and maintain state and […]

Guest AuthorJune 11, 2014

Reporters and political operatives breathlessly tell us almost daily what the polling numbers are in the all-important governor’s race. Interestingly, the numbers are always bouncing around — and they should. That’s because essentially what we are seeing in the collective sense are tracking polls that provide us with an almost daily barrage of numbers. Well-funded […]

Guest AuthorJune 11, 2014

As the premier association representing professionally managed senior living communities that care for more than 28,000 Floridians, FLORIDA ALFA is deeply disappointed that the Legislature did not pass comprehensive reform of the assisted living facility industry in Florida. The proposed legislation, championed by Sen. Eleanor Sobel in the Senate and Rep. Larry Ahern in the […]

Guest AuthorJune 10, 2014

The jury is still out on the Bowe Bergdahl case but the verdict is in. Bergdahl is a traitor. The five Talibani prisoners we swapped for him are the most dangerous people on the planet and we’ll pay the price on the battle field. The Obama administration pulled a fast one by keeping Congress in […]

Guest AuthorJune 10, 2014

Florida’s state-run insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., is due for another investigation. This review is needed following the report “Revolving door of Citizens executives to companies with contracts raises questions” by Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times. The Herald/Times report found that at least three senior executives at Citizens went to work […]

Guest AuthorJune 9, 2014

Frustrated parents often ask their misbehaving children this question, “When are you going to learn your lesson?” It’s the lesson that philosopher George Santayana phrased so eloquently, “People who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Let’s start with General Motors, where apparently no one ever learned the lessons of Watergate, which include […]

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This exhibit celebrates late-blooming artistry, proving it’s never too late for bold creativity.

Bob Porter: What my grandfather taught me about strategy

John Grant: The Scott vs. Crist campaign is going to be ugly and expensive

Ed Moore: Loving your family is the best approach to having a happy life

Steve Kurlander: Cantor’s defeat shows Americans are disgusted with D.C.

Allison DeFoor: Florida-loving conservatives should support Amendment 1

Barney Bishop: If Crist is governor, expect to see D.C. antics in Tallahassee

Gail Matillo: Legislature must pass assisted-living reform in 2015 session

Doug Clifton: Bergdahl case: Another GOP-inflated controversy to discredit Obama

Dan Krassner: Citizens Property Insurance due for another investigation

Mark O’Brien: GM, Obama, Blue Angels should heed standard parental warnings