Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannMay 30, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Chris Hudtwalcker is no longer legislative assistant for Miami Democratic Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez. On: Felecia Armstrong is a new district secretary for Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Kimberly Daniels. Off: Troy Gras is […]

Phil AmmannMay 24, 2018

Mark-Hanisee-executive-director-of-the-Hillsborough-County-Democratic-Party.jpg

Hillsborough Democratic Party Executive Director Mark Hanisee announced Thursday he is leaving his post to manage the David Straz for Tampa Mayor campaign. Hanisee, who will replace Susan Cleary, will start July 1. “I am delighted to welcome Mark to the campaign,” Straz said in a statement. “Mark Hanisee’s deep roots and love for Tampa will […]

Phil AmmannMay 22, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Connie Ennis is a new administrative assistant for the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee. On: Karina Pereira is a new legislative assistant for Fort Lauderdale Democratic Sen. Gary Farmer. On: Elise Minkoff is the new legislative assistant […]

Phil AmmannMay 22, 2018

If there is one thing fueling Ron DeSantis’ ambition to be Florida governor, it is this: A full-throated endorsement (on Twitter, at least) from President Donald Trump. But when Congressman Matt Gaetz takes to Breitbart to say “Trump knows he can trust DeSantis to make tough decisions,” it seems as if DeSantis also has the […]

Phil AmmannMay 15, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Alexa Chappell is no longer staff director for the House Democratic Leader’s office. Off: Bo Pittman is no longer program manager for the House Property Management Division. Off: Whitney Langston is no longer an attorney for the House Health […]

Phil AmmannMay 8, 2018

A Sarasota Democratic leader is targeting Gov. Rick Scott, accusing his month-old U.S. Senate campaign of violating federal election law. Sarasota County Democratic Executive Committee chair JoAnne DeVries filed the Federal Election Commission complaint Tuesday, claiming Scott hid campaign donors and therefore leading to conflicts of interest. According to the complaint, Scott’s campaign emailed donors as […]

Phil AmmannMay 7, 2018

As the 2018 election cycle heats up, there’s no shortage of easy targets for campaigns and candidates. Attorney General hopeful Jay Fant has been quick to bash his opponent for taking campaign contributions from trial attorneys. Fant — himself an attorney — took former Hillsborough judge Ashley Moody to task in a recent email fundraising plea: […]

Phil AmmannMay 4, 2018

Democrat Becca Tieder says she will not challenge Clearwater Republican state Rep. Chris Latvala in House District 67. Tieder, a Clearwater native and third-generation Floridian, made the announcement on Twitter Thursday afternoon. “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to run for #FLHD67,” she wrote. “While I would be honored to represent my […]

Phil AmmannMay 3, 2018

To take back the Florida Senate, state Democrats are quick to profess they will rely on anti-establishment, corruption-fighting champions. But in the Senate District 36 race, would Alex Penelas indeed be the right candidate to face state Rep. Manny Diaz? As mayor of Miami-Dade from 1996 to 2004, Penelas’ earned the kind of reputation which […]

Phil AmmannApril 25, 2018

Democrat Becca Tieder took another step toward challenging Clearwater Republican state Rep. Chris Latvala in House District 67. Tieder, a Clearwater native and third-generation Floridian, has set up a Facebook political candidate page — @BeccaforFlorida — slated to “start May 1.” According to DNS records, the domain name Becca4Florida.com has also been registered since March […]

Phil Ammann
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

David Straz taps Mark Hanisee to manage campaign for Tampa mayor

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Ron DeSantis hasn’t always been a full-throated supporter of Donald Trump

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Sarasota Democrat files election law complaint against Rick Scott

Fundraising from attorneys may be easier for Jay Fant, if he didn’t bash trial lawyers first

Becca Teider declines to challenge Chris Latvala in HD 67

With his background, Alex Penelas should consider a hard pass on SD 36

With Facebook page, Becca Tieder inches toward challenging Chris Latvala