Jim Rosica, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaAugust 29, 2018

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Sean Shaw, the Democratic nominee for Attorney General, on Wednesday added his voice to those condemning GOP gubernatorial hopeful and congressman Ron DeSantis. On FOX News earlier in the day, DeSantis – who won the Republican primary Tuesday night – commented on his Democratic counterpart, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. “The last thing we need to do is […]

Jim RosicaAugust 29, 2018

FOX News announced that Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum would appear on the network later Wednesday as it distanced itself from a controversial statement made by Republican candidate Ron DeSantis on an earlier program. After that appearance, host Sandra Smith did a follow-up segment on “America’s Newsroom.” “A little while ago we had Ron DeSantis, the Republican nominee […]

Jim RosicaAugust 29, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court will now consider whether general election voters will get to see a constitutional amendment ending live greyhound racing. Lawyers for the state and the Florida Greyhound Association gave argument Wednesday before the state’s seven justices. As usual, the court offered no clue when it might rule. The association challenged the amendment, saying […]

Jim RosicaAugust 28, 2018

Sean Shaw captured the Democratic nomination for state Attorney General in historic fashion. First, he sued and won in having his only same-party opponent knocked off the primary ballot, the first time that had happened. Then, after an appellate court suspended the effect of that ruling pending review, Shaw overcame Ryan Torrens on Primary Election Day. By […]

Jim RosicaAugust 28, 2018

Rebecca Kapusta will become interim Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after the resignation of Secretary Mike Carroll, who’s leaving the post Sept. 6. Gov. Rick Scott announced the move Tuesday afternoon. He did not say when he expected to name a full-time replacement, if any; the term-limited governor departs office in […]

Jim RosicaAugust 28, 2018

The state’s highest court has punted a challenge that six proposed constitutional amendments were wrongfully “bundled.” Without explanation, the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously kicked the case to the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, with a proviso that the trial judge assigned the case “should not interpret the transfer of this case as an […]

Jim RosicaAugust 27, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott appointed two Tallahassee attorneys to the Florida Elections Commission, his office announced Friday night. Coincidentally, both specialize in representing automotive dealers. Martin Hayes, 62, is a partner at the Akerman firm. Hayes fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning Aug. 24 and ending Dec. 31, 2020. Hayes, a litigator, mainly […]

Jim RosicaAugust 26, 2018

Tampa attorney Ryan Torrens on Saturday said he filed a notice of appeal, requesting a “halt (of) the implementation of a lower court judge’s 11th hour ruling” decertifying him as a Democratic candidate for Attorney General. The day before, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers of Tallahassee ordered him out of the race, saying he “clearly acted contrary to the law” when […]

Jim RosicaAugust 25, 2018

In what could be a first in Florida, a judge has decertified Democrat Ryan Torrens as a candidate for state Attorney General, saying his testimony was “not credible” and that he “clearly acted contrary to the law, knowingly” when he qualified to run. Friday’s ruling by Circuit Judge Karen Gievers of Tallahassee means—barring appellate action otherwise—Sean Shaw becomes the Democratic […]

Jim RosicaAugust 22, 2018

A Tallahassee judge now controls the political fate of Democratic candidate for Attorney General Ryan Torrens. Circuit Judge Karen Gievers held a bench trial Wednesday on whether to disqualify the Tampa attorney. For now, the Tampa consumer affairs attorney faces state Rep. Sean Shaw – also a Tampa lawyer – in next Tuesday’s primary election. Gievers did not say […]

Jim Rosica
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Sean Shaw: Ron DeSantis ‘monkey’ comment ‘was racist and offensive’

FOX News on Ron DeSantis’ ‘monkey’ comment: ‘We do not condone this language’

High court hears argument on dog racing ban

The race that almost wasn’t: How Sean Shaw won Democratic Attorney General bid

Personnel note: Rebecca Kapusta made interim DCF Secretary

Supreme Court passes on ‘bundling’ challenge to constitutional amendments

Rick Scott names lawyers to Florida Elections Commission

Ryan Torrens appeals decision kicking him off primary ballot

Judge tosses Attorney General candidate Ryan Torrens off primary ballot

Judge will now decide whether Ryan Torrens stays on ballot