Ryan Ray, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayNovember 11, 2015

Republican Rep. Ray Pilon narrowly topped his Democratic challenger Edward James in October fundraising, amid what has become a hotly contested race for a moderate-leaning swing seat in Sarasota ahead of 2016 statehouse elections. Pilon, elected to the House in 2010 when he ousted then-incumbent Keith Fitzgerald, raised $8,000 during last month’s fundraising reporting period in HD 72. The former […]

Ryan RayNovember 10, 2015

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham visited Florida’s capital city Tuesday while the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments that could reshape the course of her political career. That’s not why she was at Tallahassee City Hall a few blocks from the court, though. She was in town to recognize a pair of veteran-friendly North Florida employers […]

Ryan RayNovember 9, 2015

An group opposed to the expansion of passenger rail in South Florida – Citizens Against Passenger Rail in Florida, or CARE FL – said despite what they called a “PR move” to rename the project, the group is still dead set against it. In an announcement Monday, the company behind All Aboard Florida trumpeted a “brand release” of Brightline, which […]

Ryan RayNovember 9, 2015

Former Florida Democratic Party chairman Rod Smith and former Sen. Nan Rich were among a handful of state Dems who rebuked U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson Monday for harsh comments he made against Senate rival U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy last week. Grayson went in on Murphy at a meeting of the Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee – Murphy’s home county party – last Thursday. Besides […]

Ryan RayNovember 9, 2015

The 2016 Senate campaign of U.S. Rep. David Jolly rolled out a new petition Monday in support of Jolly’s so-called “Freedom Card” Veterans Affairs reform plan. The Clearwater Republican unveiled a new website, VeteransforJolly.com, where voters can register their support for Jolly’s proposal to issue new ID cards to vets which would allow them to access care outside […]

Ryan RayNovember 9, 2015

Republican presidential candidate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took to the airwaves Monday morning on MSNBC’s II Morning Joe, where he told host Joe Scarborough Americans need to change their thinking when it comes to illegal drug use. Asked by a panelist about why Christie is surging in the early primary state of New Hampshire, Christie said his views […]

Ryan RayNovember 6, 2015

The 60 Plus Association awarded its Guardian of Seniors Rights award to Sarasota U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan at a ceremony in Tampa. The conservative-leaning seniors advocacy group gives the award to public officials who advance “positions in support of seniors, including his stance as a vocal leader on the need for tax reform to create jobs and stimulate the economy.” […]

Ryan RayNovember 5, 2015

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Thursday that former Miami Sen. Alex Diaz de La Portilla was not in “direct criminal contempt” of the court when he failed to deliver a dog he owned with his wife and appear for court amid an ongoing divorce case. The high court ruled in an 18-page opinion Diaz de la Portilla […]

Ryan RayNovember 4, 2015

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross have unveiled a bipartisan effort in Congress to boost civics education across the nation. Graham, a freshman Democrat from Tallahassee is teaming up with Ross, a Polk County Republican, will pursue a resolution encouraging high schools to administer a civics test to high school seniors. The questions are taken from the […]

Ryan RayNovember 4, 2015

In a quick 20-minute hearing Wednesday morning, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee passed bills to allow lottery tickets to be sold in machines and to require cosmetics makers to register with the state. The Senate panel, led by Chairman Sen. Rob Bradley, an Orange Park Republican and former prosecutor, passed both bills without much debate. Sen. Jeff Brandes said […]

Ryan Ray

Ray Pilon raises $8k in October; challenger Edward James takes in $7k

On eve of Veterans’ Day, Gwen Graham recognizes local companies hiring vets

Anti-rail group: Still against All Aboard Florida, by any other name

Florida Democrats bash Alan Grayson for “self-centered rhetoric” against Patrick Murphy

David Jolly campaign unveils “Freedom Card” petition

Chris Christie on Morning Joe: Drug addiction is a disease

Seniors group awards Congressman Vern Buchanan for tax reform actions

State high court rules Alex DLP not in direct contempt for defying court in divorce case

Gwen Graham, Dennis Ross unveil new civics education push

Regulated Industries panel clears automated lotto tickets, cosmetics bills