Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannOctober 20, 2015

In politics, timing is everything. A new GOP email – coinciding with Democrat Charlie Crist’s not-quite-yet announcement for his congressional candidacy – points out his “eerie similarity” with the seagulls of the Disney movie “Finding Nemo.” “All of those silly little seagulls just fly around obnoxiously screaming, ‘Mine! Mine! Mine!’” says the email from the […]

Phil AmmannOctober 20, 2015

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With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Bobbye Iseminger is the new senior administrative assistant for the House Select Committee on Affordable Healthcare Access. On: Jasmine Govan and Ambar Pimentel became legislative assistants for Democratic […]

Phil AmmannOctober 19, 2015

Cruises and related activities continue to be some of Florida’s biggest economic drivers. Last year, travelers spent more than $8 billion in Florida on cruises and related items, which the Miami Herald says made up 38 percent of the $21 billion spent in the United States on such trips. According to Legislative IQ powered by Lobby Tools, […]

Phil AmmannOctober 19, 2015

Florida racehorse owners are facing what could become an industry game changer as lawmakers consider “decoupling” horse racing to allow card rooms or slot machines. Decoupling removes Florida’s requirement that pari-mutuel facilities must offer live horse racing, dog racing or jai alai games to allow card rooms and/or slot machines. Many major media outlets are reporting […]

Phil AmmannOctober 18, 2015

A round-up of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers: Tampa Bay Times — Let investigation play out before setting Hillsborough transit referendum If the Go Hillsborough transit initiative goes anywhere, city and county leaders have to quickly focus on the right priorities. They should concentrate on creating a robust, detailed plan they could sell to […]

Phil AmmannOctober 16, 2015

Jeb Bush raised $13.4 million over the summer for his Republican presidential bid — more than almost any other primary competitor, but far less than political newcomer Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who collected about $20 million during the same time period. Meanwhile, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bernie Sanders, the two leading Democrats in the […]

Phil AmmannOctober 16, 2015

Republican Adam Barringer boosted his lead in Florida’s 6th Congressional District with $83,590.07 total contributions in the third quarter and $151,694.73 cash-on-hand. Barringer, the conservative former mayor of New Smyrna Beach, is seeking the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who is running for Senate. Former U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams, Barringer’s Republican opponent, came […]

Phil AmmannOctober 12, 2015

Clearwater state Sen. Jack Latvala was the special guest at a fundraiser for Republican business executive Gary Price in his bid for Senate District 23. The theme of the $100-a-ticket lunch, held at The Grandezza in Estero, was that Tallahassee is broken and new leadership is required. The event drew an audience of about 100. Price, who […]

Phil AmmannOctober 12, 2015

Florida Democrats are launching a first-ever partnership with progressive activist group Ruth’s List to prepare the next generation of women seeking elected office. The Florida Democratic Party House and Senate Victory committee announced the yearlong collaboration with Ruth’s List Florida — the state’s largest resource for Democratic women – which include a series of political retreats […]

Phil AmmannOctober 11, 2015

A round-up of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers: Tampa Bay Times — Justice for federal offenders The U.S. Justice Department is courageously moving forward with plans for the early release of prisoners who are serving sentences that don’t fit their crimes. In the coming weeks, the department plans to free 6,000 federal inmates. This […]

Phil Ammann
Ron DeSantis. Image via Rumble.

Email insights: Charlie Crist, seagulls and the GOP’s impeccable timing

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Florida cruise industry grows again, becomes $46B economic driver

Florida Horsemen launch new website to oppose decoupling

A round-up of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers

Jeb Bush, Ben Carson lead GOP presidential fundraising

Adam Barringer continues fundraising lead in CD 6 race

At lunch forum, SD 23 hopeful Gary Price says new leadership is coming

Ruth’s List partners with Florida Democratic Party for female candidate retreat

A round-up of Sunday editorials from Florida’s leading newspapers