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

Mitch PerryDecember 10, 2017

Terrie Rizzo, who began her political career as a campaign volunteer a little more than a dozen years ago, was selected Saturday by Florida Democrats to lead their party for the next three years. Rizzo, chairwoman of the Palm Beach County Democrats, easily beat Brevard County Democratic Chairwoman Stacey Patel in an 830-291 vote by […]

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2017

Last month, the Trump administration decided to sunset a humanitarian program in 18 months that allowed some 59,000 Haitians to live and work in the United States after a 2010 earthquake ravaged their country. In response, several members of South Florida’s congressional delegation (from both sides of the aisle) sponsored legislation to address the issue. […]

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2017

Two days after bowing out of the race, Monica Russo of the Service Employees International Union is endorsing Brevard County DEC Chair Stacey Patel in the election for Florida Democratic Party Chair. “We are at a moment where we need to embrace our young leaders and bring them into the fold to help us reach […]

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2017

Vito Sheeley, who has filed to oppose Wengay Newton in 2018 for House District 70, blasted the St. Petersburg Democrat Friday for proposing legislation that would criminally charge car theft victims. “This is one of the worst ideas I’ve ever heard out of Wengay Newton,” Sheeley said. “And that’s saying a lot.” Making his first run […]

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2017

Tallahassee Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum doesn’t have a pick in the election Saturday for Florida Democratic Party chair, but he does believe the process needs serious reform. “I think we’ve had too many instances of the pooh-bah’s of the party stepping in, chasing rules, creating all kinds of situations under which we can […]

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2017

While the Florida Democratic Party has called for Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala of Clearwater to step down in the wake of accusations of sexual harassment, only two of the 15 Democratic senators have followed suit. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum says that may be because of the institutional structure and the nature of relationships in the […]

Mitch PerryDecember 7, 2017

Less than 48 hours before a select group of Florida Democrats chooses their new state leader, Alma Gonzalez announced a series of new endorsements in the race for the party’s state chair. Tampa Rep. Kathy Castor announced that she was backing the Hillsborough County State Committeewoman, who is competing against Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Terrie […]

Mitch PerryDecember 7, 2017

Ever since the 9/11 attacks, the nation hails firefighters and other first responders as heroes for entering burning buildings while others run away. However, in Florida, workers’ compensation does not cover mental stress injuries of first responders dealing with intense experiences. In some circumstances, PTSD is covered, but only if accompanied by a physical injury. Megan Vila is […]

Mitch PerryDecember 7, 2017

Long before he was a member of the St. Petersburg City Council, Karl Nurse was an environmental activist. So it’s no surprise during his time in office he’s built a long and distinguished record on the environment. With just weeks left in his Council career, the local lawmaker was surprised Thursday when he was feted by members of […]

Mitch PerryDecember 7, 2017

Vern Buchanan is now the first member of Congress to call for a federal court to unseal secret testimony from former IRS senior executive Lois Lerner. Lerner and her immediate subordinate, Holly Paz, emerged as two key figures after it was discovered in 2013 that the IRS had given extra scrutiny to hundreds of conservative groups seeking nonprofit […]

Mitch Perry

Terrie Rizzo is the new Florida Democratic Party Chair

Advocates wonder why Marco Rubio is hesitant about legislation protecting Haitians

Monica Russo backs Stacey Patel for Florida Democratic Party Chair

Wengay Newton shrugs off Vito Sheeley criticism of car theft measure

Andrew Gillum wants reforms in electing Florida Democratic Party chair

Andrew Gillum questions Senate Democrats’ silence on Jack Latvala

Alma Gonzalez backed by Kathy Castor and Democratic Labor Caucus as chair election nears

Jimmy Patronis visits Tampa to fight for first responder workers comp bill

Karl Nurse surprised with Sierra Club honor during one of his final City Council meetings

Vern Buchanan wants Lois Lerner’s secret testimony in IRS scandal unsealed