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

Ryan RayJanuary 15, 2015

Pro-business group Associated Industries of Florida will focus more of its lobbying muscle on the aerospace industry in 2015, according to an announcement issued Wednesday. The announcement came shortly after AIF President & CEO Tom Feeney was elected to serve on the Cocoa Beach-based Space Foundation’s board of directors. AIF hopes to marshal increasing state […]

Ryan RayJanuary 15, 2015

Sharply rebuking what she called “political games” on the part of the U.S. House’s Republican leadership, U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham today explained her No vote on today’s Department of Homeland Security funding bill, which contained an amendment reversing course on President Obama’s recent actions on immigration. “The people of North Florida are tired of political games in […]

Ryan RayJanuary 14, 2015

Fresh off an upset victory and a noteworthy first week in office, U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham continues to distinguish herself among freshmen in either party. Wednesday morning her office announced she’ll serve on the House Armed Services Committee, a plum and electorally useful appointment that she requested. The reason why Speaker John Boehner gave it to her is […]

Ryan RayJanuary 14, 2015

As with any majority-party legislative leadership race, the Senate presidency battle between Clearwater state Sen. Jack Latvala and state Sen. Joe Negron of Stuart is going to cost a lot of money. Neither hopeful has been a slouch raising it, according to end-of-year finance reports. Latvala’s Florida Leadership Committee took in about $75,000 in December […]

Ryan RayJanuary 14, 2015

Even in the wake of so much success for the Florida GOP in the 2014 midterms, this year’s race for chair of the state Republican Party has become a contentious affair. With three serious contenders after her job — Spring Hill state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, former Marion County state Rep. Kurt Kelley and Martin County […]

Ryan RayJanuary 13, 2015

Fueling controversy over turf and legacy in South Florida, North Miami Beach Democrat Rep. David Richardson has filed to run in 2016 for the District 35 Senate seat currently held by the Dean of the Florida Senate, Gwen Margolis. Despite rumors that she may retire, former Senate President Margolis took to social media on Friday to clarify: Dear Friends, […]

Ryan RayJanuary 13, 2015

Fueling controversy over turf and legacy in South Florida, North Miami Beach Democrat Rep. David Richardson has filed to run in 2016 for the District 35 Senate seat currently held by the Dean of the Florida Senate, Gwen Margolis. Despite rumors that she may retire, former Senate President Margolis took to social media on Friday to clarify: Dear Friends, […]

Ryan RayJanuary 12, 2015

Amid recent press about State House candidate Mike Davis’ fundraising advantage over Republican primary opponent Cyndi Stevenson, Stevenson’s polling firm American Public Dialogue has released internal survey data on her behalf and an insistent message that she remains the favorite in the race. According to APD President John Libby, Stevenson holds a distinct advantage being an incumbent St. […]

Ryan RayJanuary 12, 2015

Americans for Prosperity released a poll on Monday that shows substantial majorities of Floridians in favor of priorities backed by the Koch Brothers-funded political group. Among the top-line findings from the poll, available here: 73 percent of Floridians in support of school choice broadly construed, including 58 percent supportive of a voucher system in particular; […]

Ryan RayJanuary 12, 2015

St. Pete City Council member Steve Kornell has officially declared he will run for a final term representing St. Pete residents in South St. Pete. “It’s been an honor to serve our community” Kornell said, “I’m seeking re-election to a final term on City Council, because I want to continue the work we’ve started.” Kornell […]

Ryan Ray

AIF to make aerospace a priority in 2015

Gwen Graham calls for a clean Homeland Security approps bill

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham lands Armed Services Committee post

Political committees for Joe Negron, Jack Latvala rake in campaign cash

With contest uncertain, RPOF chair Leslie Dougher brandishes endorsements from former party leaders

Fellow Democrats bristle at David Richardson’s talk of primarying Gwen Margolis

Fellow Democrats bristle at David Richardson's talk of primarying Gwen Margolis

In HD 17 special election, Cyndi Stevenson fires back

AFP Poll: Floridians want more economic, educational opportunity

Steve Kornell launches re-election bid for final term on St. Pete City Council