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

Mitch PerryApril 2, 2015

e’s lot of stories in the news this week about the Republican Party and social issues. Both Mike Pence in Indiana (considered a 2016 presidential possibility) and Asa Hutchison in Arkansas have asked for tweaks in their Religious Freedom Restoration Act bills, after the firestorm it’s created nationally, particularly amongst business groups. Another issue that […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

At an elaborate ceremony he acknowledged seemed as much a church revival as a political event, Bob Buckhorn was sworn in to his second term as Tampa’s mayor Wednesday. Buckhorn took office again with most people understanding that if things go his way, he won’t be be mayor four years from now. Instead, he would be […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

It was over in less than a minute. The much anticipated vote for Tampa City Council chairman was decided quickly Wednesday afternoon, as the newly sworn-in council picked Frank Reddick to be their chairman for the next year. As expected, it was a close vote, with Reddick defeating current chair Charlie Miranda on a 4-3 vote. […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

A new candidate has emerged in the battle between former Govs. Jeb Bush and Scott Walker for national supremacy amongst GOP 2016 presidential hopefuls in a new poll. It’s Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz became the first “official” entrant into the presidential sweepstakes last week, and a new national survey of Republican voters by […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

Talks to secure a preliminary accord that would limit Iran’s nuclear program continued Wednesday in Lausanne, Switzerland, a day after negotiators extended the March 31 deadline. There is tremendous pressure on the Obama administration, with members of Congress already prepared to denounce an agreement between the P+1 nations and Iran that has yet to be finalized. A […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

Speaking to talk-show host Bill Bunkley on Tuesday, Ocala House Republican Dennis Baxley stood by his decision to reverse his vote on the gay adoption issue. He initially voted for HB 7013, which would provide incentives to state workers who adopt children from foster care — while also repealing part of state law that in […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

Speaking to talk-show host Bill Bunkley on Tuesday, Ocala House Republican Dennis Baxley stood by his decision to reverse his vote on the gay adoption issue. He initially voted for HB 7013, which would provide incentives to state workers who adopt children from foster care — while also repealing part of state law that in […]

Mitch PerryApril 1, 2015

The St. Petersburg City Council won’t be voting on that newly revised agreement that Mayor Rick Kriseman worked out with the Tampa Bay Rays last week that seemed to resolve the main conflict in why the Council didn’t approve the deal last December: the redevelopment rights to Tropicana Field. The new deal the mayor negotiated […]

Mitch PerryMarch 31, 2015

A Florida House Committee on Tuesday passed a bill (HB 451) that would replenish a tax incentives program to woo Hollywood film, television and digital productions to Florida, but it wasn’t easy. Orlando Republican Mike Miller is sponsoring the bill in the House, while Nancy Detert from Venice is carrying it once again in the Senate. For the past […]

Mitch PerryMarch 31, 2015

Tampa Democratic Party strategist Ana Cruz is moving on up, having recently been named to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. A former executive director with the Florida Democratic Party, Cruz currently manages the Floridian Partner’s Central Florida office in Ybor City, a lobbying firm with offices across the state. She can […]

Mitch Perry

Mitch Perry Report for 4.2.15 — Florida Republicans and immigration

In inaugural speech, Bob Buckhorn hints at bigger things for Tampa, himself

Tampa City Council picks Frank Reddick to be new chairman

Jeb Bush struggles with “very conservative voters” in poll

House panel votes to urge more sanctions on Iran

Dennis Baxley on gay adoption reversal: “I simply can’t affirm homosexuality”

Dennis Baxley on gay adoption reversal: "I simply can't affirm homosexuality"

Mitch Perry Report for 4.1.15 — TBT slams city council members over Rays impasse

Film tax incentives package gets through House panel

Democratic strategist Ana Cruz named to Tampa Chamber of Commerce Board