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

Ryan RayMarch 3, 2015

“If you don’t measure, you don’t really care.” That’s what Jeb Bush told a crowd of supporters at his recent education forum in Tallahassee. The more data, the better, it would seem. Well, not since the days of this amazing vintage footage of Steve Bousquet covering the late Gov. Reubin Askew‘s 1984 presidential run has there been […]

Ryan RayMarch 2, 2015

Republican Party of Florida Chairman – and state Rep. – Blaise Ingoglia held a meeting Monday evening in which he divested himself of his fundraising duties and transferred them to party Vice Chairman Joe Gruters and Republican State Committeeman Peter Feaman for the duration of the 2015 Legislative Session. The move was made in order to remain in compliance […]

Ryan RayMarch 2, 2015

Just minutes after House Majority Leader Dana Young released her much-awaited casino gambling legislation on Monday, Orlando-based group No Casinos Inc. released a set of statements blasting the proposal. “This bill would cause the biggest expansion of gambling in Florida history,” said No Casinos President John Sowinski. “It invites wall-to-wall casino gambling in Florida, and the social costs and […]

Ryan RayMarch 2, 2015

Just minutes after House Majority Leader Dana Young released her much-awaited casino gambling legislation on Monday, Orlando-based group No Casinos Inc. released a set of statements blasting the proposal. “This bill would cause the biggest expansion of gambling in Florida history,” said No Casinos President John Sowinski. “It invites wall-to-wall casino gambling in Florida, and the social costs and […]

Ryan RayMarch 1, 2015

Editor’s Note: As the 2015 Legislative Session approaches, FloridaPolitics.com is reporting on several “legislative food fights” likely to break out during the annual lawmaking period. These food fights don’t always make the front page of the Tampa Bay Times, but they are the kind of industry vs. industry or intra-industry turfbattles that drive Tallahassee — and expand […]

Ryan RayMarch 1, 2015

What does it mean to own property? Are app-based lodging and transportation services showing the way toward an enlightened age of the Sharing Economy or simply enabling a kindler, gentler gentrification? Can I crash at your parents’ house in Boca for 70 bucks a night? As Airbnb expands its presence in Florida, such are the stakes in […]

Ryan RayMarch 1, 2015

Session starts on Tuesday, which means three things for Monday: the drink, drop and dash fundraising frenzy before the 60-day curtain falls; last minute roommate arrangements; and the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) pre-Session welcome back reception for legislators, staff and politicos, drawing easily 2,000 attendees each year. Tallahassee reaches full capacity during March and April, bringing […]

Ryan RayFebruary 28, 2015

Former Enterprise Florida CEO and de facto Scott administration jobs czar Gray Swoope penned a farewell letter on Friday, marking the final chapter of his transition from the public-private sector to the private sector. After expressing his gratitude to the likes of Gov. Rick Scott and EFI Vice Chair Alan Becker, Swoope included an interesting detail at the missive’s very end: […]

Ryan RayFebruary 27, 2015

Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala announced Thursday that he will seek passage of SB 534, a bill to increase reporting of human trafficking by expanding the public’s awareness of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. The legislation would mandate that the number be posted in all Florida transportation hubs and establishments near major roads, where employees and patrons […]

Ryan RayFebruary 26, 2015

If you believe the most recent rumblings, Marco Rubio has decided to take his chances and make a run for the White House, damn the torpedoes — and Jeb Bush. Though early polls have Bush and Scott Walker way out in front of him, recent history shows that an exciting, up-and-coming U.S. Senator with a […]

Ryan Ray

Will Florida Republicans hold a Presidency 6 straw poll this year?

Blaise Ingoglia delegates RPOF fundraising to Joe Gruters, Peter Feaman

No Casinos comes out tearing into Dana Young’s gambling bill

No Casinos comes out tearing into Dana Young's gambling bill

2015 Legislative Session Preview: Dogfight breaking out over jet fuel sales tax exemption

2015 Legislative Session Preview: Will Airbnb make itself at home in Florida?

Associated Industries of Florida to host annual pre-Session blowout Monday night

Gray Swoope joins Gov. Haley Barbour at VisionFirst Advisors

Jack Latvala to pursue human trafficking legislation with House Dem Dave Kerner

Known unknowns: Marco Rubio's unanswerable dilemma