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

Ryan RayMay 26, 2015

If things shake out in the right way, Florida medical malpractice tycoon and Democratic advisor to the stars John Morgan may end up being the only person in American to have both Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton over to his house before the 2016 election cycle is over, writes Betsy Woodruff in the Daily Beast. What he will tell both […]

Ryan RayMay 23, 2015

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Sen. Marco Rubio, one half of “Jebio” if you’ll excuse the tacky neologism, is quick to tell you who he is on the campaign trail: He’s the American Dream incarnate, prophet of a bold, totally not balding New American Century. And lest you believe Rubio’s definition of his major Democratic rival — a vestige of […]

Ryan RayMay 22, 2015

Just one day after Lee County man Richard McDade was acquitted on charges of a decade of child sexual abuse, Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a bill that would have allowed into evidence reportedly damning secret recordings made by his accuser as a teenager. HB 7001, sponsored by the House Criminal Justice panel and […]

Ryan RayMay 22, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott — as part of an avalanche of bills he granted final approval to go onto the books Friday — signed into law SB 7028 on Thursday afternoon. The bill, carried by the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee and its chairman Republican Sen. Thad Altman in the Senate and Broward Democratic Rep. Richard […]

Ryan RayMay 21, 2015

Commissioner-elect Shelli Freeland Eddie’s historic city commission victory over Stan Zimmerman in Sarasota’s District 3 came after months of comprehensive voter targeting and messaging, according to an analysis released by Keen Campaigning exclusive to FloridaPolitics.com. With the guidance of campaign strategy and coordination of Keen consultants Andre Torkelson and Chris Hawes, Eddie aggressively courted a targeted […]

Ryan RayMay 21, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday afternoon granted final approval to a measure sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes aimed at increasing flexibility and lowering premiums on flood insurance. SB 1094 was co-sponsored by Brandes’ fellow Pinellas County Republican Rep. Larry Ahern. Brandes and Ahern both represent moderate coastal districts where flood insurance is among voters’ highest priorities. Brandes has […]

Ryan RayMay 21, 2015

House budget chief and Speaker Designate Richard Corcoran drew a primary opponent Thursday in Ronson Hale Biedrzycki of Brooksville, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Biedrzycki filed paperwork to run for House District 37 on May 12 as a Republican. The 36-year-old with libertarian leanings is unlikely to raise much money compared with the vast sums Corcoran is […]

Ryan RayMay 20, 2015

Two very different state House seats drew new Democratic challengers last week and on Monday, according to filings with the Florida Division of Elections. State Rep. Rene Plasencia, a Republican from the Orlando area, will face at least one challenger from the other side of the aisle in his quest for a third term representing the […]

Ryan RayMay 18, 2015

SaintPetersblog has learned that Democrat Edward James, III is in the early stages of a likely run for the state House in northern Sarasota-based House District 72. “I’m exploring the idea right now,” said James on Friday. “Several people have reached out to me about running for that particular seat. I’m seriously considering it and consulting […]

Ryan RayMay 18, 2015

Former state Rep. Loranne Ausley will hold an event at Tuesday evening to launch her bid to succeed Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda in Ausley’s erstwhile District 9 House seat. Ausley — a voluminous fundraiser, particularly for a Democrat — lists several Capitol regulars on her host committee, still in formation. Longtime pol and former Florida State University […]

Ryan Ray
Image via X (Duke Energy).

John Morgan: Hillary Clinton, Democrats ought to ease up on medical marijuana

Jeb Bush’s daring gambit: Be yourself

After Richard McDade acquittal, Rick Scott signs child abuse recordings bill into law

Rick Scott signs into law an educational boost for veterans

Shelli Eddie’s historic commission victory in Sarasota due in part to Keen strategists

Rick Scott signs flood insurance flexibility bill into law

Richard Corcoran draws long-shot opponent in 2016

Democratic challengers emerge in HD 49, HD 95

Democrat Edward James “seriously considering” taking on Ray Pilon for HD 72

Loranne Ausley holding campaign debut Tuesday evening