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

Ryan RayMay 11, 2015

State Rep. Travis Cummings looks to have a more or less clear shot at re-election to his third term in the state House, though Libertarian Ken Willey announced Friday he’ll take another shot at overtaking the sophomore Republican. Willey — not to be confused with fellow minor-party crusader Adrian Wyllie who mounted a 2014 Libertarian run for governor […]

Ryan RayMay 11, 2015

A battle between two Republicans is shaping up in Polk County-based House District 41, where Winter Haven Rep. John Wood won’t stand for re-election in 2016 because of term limits. To date, the open seat has attracted Polk County Commissioner Ed Smith as well as Sam Killebrew, a retired contractor who joined the race — a la Dick Cheney — after recruiting and […]

Ryan RayMay 11, 2015

Now that Lake Worth state Sen. Jeff Clemens is reportedly the favorite to become the leader of Florida’s Senate Democrats and has received national press attention for provoking officials in the Gov. Rick Scott administration, it’s easy to forget Clemens’ path to the Senate in the first place. He won a 17-vote nail-biter of a Democratic primary in […]

Ryan RayMay 7, 2015

As part of an en masse drop of dozens of bills onto Gov. Rick Scott‘s desk courtesy of the Florida Senate, a bill to allow online voting registration awaits his review. Scott administration Secretary of State Ken Detzner openly opposed Sen. Jeff Clemen‘s measure, SB 228, as it wended its way through committee, saying it would interfere […]

Ryan RayMay 7, 2015

After a deafeningly loud interim of silence in which Gov. Rick Scott was left with no bills subject to his review for either approval into law or veto, the Senate has just cranked up the legislative volume: The upper chamber on Thursday afternoon dropped all 68 bills it passed during 2015 regular Session on the governor’s desk. […]

Ryan RayMay 7, 2015

The Florida Democratic Party on Thursday announced it will bring Brice Barnes on board to be the party’s new finance director. Barnes comes to Florida after years working in North Carolina in similar roles with U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan — who lost her pivotal swing state Senate seat to Sen. Thom Tillis in November during a difficult midterm […]

Ryan RayMay 7, 2015

Potential Speaker-to-be Eric Eisnaugle has now drawn a challenger: Democrat Scott Cox, a 19-year-old first-time candidate. The challenge was first reported by Frank Torres in The Orlando Political Observer. As a physics major attending Valencia Community College, Cox cites “proven leadership” on his campaign website for his roles with the Democratic National Committee, American Atheists and Mensa International. He attends Mormon services at the Olympia […]

Ryan RayMay 6, 2015

On the heels of U.S. Rep. Ron DeDantis announcing a 2016 U.S. Senate bid, Florida politicians across the state are processing and reacting as the ever-shifting field of play shifts yet again. Pinellas Congressman David Jolly — also said to have taken an interest in the seat after demurrals from Vern Buchanan and Jeff Atwater — offered […]

Ryan RayMay 5, 2015

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The popular ridesharing app company Uber is appealing to the public for support in its effort to persuade lawmakers to include legislation to regulate its industry in the call for a Special Session. “We need your help to make sure the Legislature doesn’t go home again without taking up ridesharing legislation during the special session,” the […]

Ryan RayMay 5, 2015

Lobbyist Cameron Yarbrough has taken his talents — and his increasing roster of clients — to the law firm of Gunster Yoakley & Stewart this week, leaving behind his one-man shop Yarbrough Consulting. Responding to inquiry about the move, Yarbrough told SaintPetersBlog it was a choice he made gladly. “As a sole proprietor I was looking for an alliance […]

Ryan Ray
Image via AP.

3rd-party hopeful to challenge Travis Cummings for house seat

Race to succeed John Wood heats up in Polk County House district

Jeff Clemens draws primary challenger for Palm Beach Senate seat

Despite pushback, online voting bill goes to Rick Scott’s desk

Senate drops 68 bills at Rick Scott’s door, with 15 days to OK or veto

Florida Democratic Party taps Brice Barnes as new finance director

Eric Eisnaugle draws challenger in House District 44

Patrick Murphy, David Jolly react to Ron DeSantis’ 2016 Senate bid

Uber wants ridesharing on agenda during Special Session

Personnel note: Cameron Yarbrough joins lobbying team at Gunster