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

Michael MolineNovember 9, 2016

When the campaigning finally ended, the Florida Chamber had invested $7.2 million in 113 television, radio, and digital ads in state races. It had mailed 600,000 campaign fliers to voters; interviewed more than 200 candidates and endorsed 116. The result was that 76 of 89 Florida Chamber-backed candidates won during the primary elections, and 74 […]

Michael MolineNovember 9, 2016

Florida added 15,800 private sector jobs during October, more than any other state, according to the monthly ADP Regional Employment Report released Wednesday. That number represented 0.22 percent growth over September, and a nearly 11 percent share of national jobs growth. The services sector predominated, creating 13,800 non-farm jobs, compared to 2,000 in the goods-producing […]

Michael MolineNovember 8, 2016

If Tuesday’s elections proved one thing, it was that Fair Districts didn’t make much difference in the Florida Legislature. That was the assessment from Marian Johnson, senior vice president for political strategy for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, who spent the Chamber’s election-night party in Tallahassee crunching data. The state Senate appeared to be shifting […]

Michael MolineNovember 8, 2016

In Jacksonville, a man not authorized as a poll watcher took up a position inside a polling place in a majority African-American precinct and initially refused to leave. In Palm Beach County, officials at a voting site told Florida Atlantic University students that they could cast only provisional ballots because their a dorm addresses qualified […]

Michael MolineNovember 7, 2016

Business interests and local governments urged the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Monday to slow the rush toward an emergency pollution spill warning regulation being pushed by Gov. Rick Scott. Still, a department representative said during a hearing before an administrative officer that public comments would remain open only until 5 p.m. Wednesday, after which […]

Michael MolineNovember 2, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission signed off Wednesday on a moratorium on hedging of natural gas purchases by Florida’s major public electric utilities, pending negotiations over how the practice could stop costing ratepayers so much. The stipulated agreement calls for the commission to oversee one or more workshops beginning early next year in which the […]

Michael MolineNovember 1, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved nearly $558 million in water and wastewater rate increases for Utilities Inc. of Florida customers in 10 counties, but some customers would receive refunds. The new rates are intended to be temporary, to keep the company solvent pending further review of its finances and operating expenses by […]

Michael MolineOctober 31, 2016

Hurricane Matthew-related insurance claims have surpassed 100,000, with losses valued at $606 million. According to information posted on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website Monday morning, the total claims filed as of Friday totaled 100,589. They included 85,473 residential property claims; 4,872 for commercial property; and 4,245 involving federal and private flood insurance. Claims […]

Michael MolineOctober 28, 2016

Democrats shouldn’t let Hillary Clinton’s lead in many polls lull them into false confidence, her running mate Tim Kaine urged a student audience at Florida State University Friday. “If we win in Florida, it’s over,” Kaine said. “We like the way it looks right now, but we can’t take anything for granted. Our polls looked pretty good on […]

Michael MolineOctober 28, 2016

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A federal judge said Friday that he was satisfied the Florida Department of State has been diligent in processing more than 100,000 voter forms submitted during the state’s extended registration period. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker went so far as to commend the department. “You’ve certainly provided me with useful information,” Walker told Maria Matthews, […]

Michael Moline

Florida Chamber feels its campaign investments paid off

Report: Florida led nation in private-sector jobs growth last month

On election night, Florida Chamber happy about ‘pro-business’ Legislature

Episodes of Election Day voter intimidation reported in Florida

Agency urged to take more time with Rick Scott’s pollution spill rule

PSC approves one-year halt to hedging of natural gas prices by utilities

PSC approves higher water, wastewater rates for Utilities Inc. customers

Hurricane Matthew insurance claims climb to $606 million

Tim Kaine warns Democrats against complacency in Tallahassee speech

Judge commends state’s processing of voter registration forms

Florida politics had 11 questions before federal qualifying week. Here are the answers.