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

Joe HendersonMarch 25, 2018

Maybe the March For Our Lives pulled some people off the sideline and converted them to the cause of ending gun violence here and around the world. I hope so. But you know what? I know how the other side thinks, and they are betting against that. They figure that within a few more days, maybe […]

Joe HendersonMarch 22, 2018

Some of the state’s leading Republicans are finding their new dance steps a little tricky to master. Many of them, including outgoing House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, have long pledged support for the National Rifle Association and, by association, its no-compromise stance on the Second Amendment. But Corcoran drew the wrath […]

Joe HendersonMarch 21, 2018

When someone complains the government did something they don’t like, I sometimes engage in a fun little exercise known as “name your lawmaker.” Sure, everyone knows Donald Trump, and Stormy Daniels is on the way to becoming a household name. However, the laws that most directly affect our lives are made closer to home. So, I’ll ask […]

Joe HendersonMarch 20, 2018

Outgoing Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran is a savvy and, if needed, ruthless political operative. With that in mind, I can only conclude he knew what he was doing when he helped steer the recent gun-control bill through the Legislature. Gov. Rick Scott signed it, and now Mama Gun is very angry with her boys. Mama, […]

Joe HendersonMarch 19, 2018

I wish Marco Rubio would just let it go and tell everyone how he really feels about President Donald Trump. I think Florida’s junior U.S. Senator, like many Republicans, really wants to do that. He tiptoes up the edge but can’t quite go there. He doesn’t unleash oratory of fire and fury the likes of […]

Joe HendersonMarch 15, 2018

Tobacco Free Florida is working. The number of Floridians using tobacco has declined dramatically. As Jim Rosica reported for Florida Politics, former state Attorney General Bob Butterworth said the number of high school students using tobacco has dropped to 4.2 percent. It was at more than 27 percent two decades ago when Tobacco Free Florida […]

Joe HendersonMarch 14, 2018

Because it’s best to never rule out anything in politics, I offer this qualifier: Perhaps the time will come again for David Jolly to make another run for public office. Having said that, I honestly doubt it. In a tweet late Tuesday night, Jolly said he won’t try to regain his seat in Congress by challenging […]

Joe HendersonMarch 12, 2018

The 2018 Florida Legislative Session is over and all that messy lawmaking stuff is complete, so our representatives now can focus on their real jobs — raising money and plotting their next elected gig. Um, not you Jack Latvala. Sorry. For everyone else though, there are ELECTIONS coming SOON!!! But hey, we can’t just say Sine […]

Joe HendersonMarch 9, 2018

The last time I saw Ronda Storms was more than five years ago. I was interviewing her about her campaign for Property Appraiser in Hillsborough County. She won the Republican primary but thumped by nine points in the general election by Bob Henriquez. We met at Starbucks in Valrico, about 15 miles east of downtown […]

Joe HendersonMarch 9, 2018

Republican Ronda Storms, whose controversial career has included two terms each in the Florida Senate and Hillsborough County Commission, has decided to attempt a political comeback. Storms announced Friday on her Facebook page that she will run for HD 59, a seat currently held by Ross Spano, who is running for the Republican nomination for Attorney […]

Joe Henderson

Joe Henderson: March leaders’ next challenge is keeping momentum

Joe Henderson: Some GOP leaders dancing around gun issue

Joe Henderson: Do we really need amendment about teaching civics? Maybe

Joe Henderson: NRA drops Hammer on Richard Corcoran, but will it matter?

Joe Henderson: Marco Rubio should let it loose on Trump

Joe Henderson: Leave Tobacco Free Florida funding alone

Joe Henderson: Timing may never be right again for David Jolly

Joe Henderson: A proper goodbye to 2018 Legislative Session

Joe Henderson: Ronda Storms is back; don’t underestimate her

Ronda Storms announces HD 59 bid