Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersMarch 6, 2018

In an endorsement sure to get the attention of Florida’s establishment progressive Democrats, former Florida Democratic Party Chair Bob Poe announced his backing Tuesday of Andrew Gillum for governor. In a video released over his Twitter account, Poe, a longtime Democratic activist, donor, and fundraiser from Orlando, said he had intended to stay on the […]

Scott PowersMarch 6, 2018

Expressing frustration with what the Florida Legislature is doing with guns and schools, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine is placing another nearly $2 million buy for statewide TV commercials this month, his campaign announced Monday. The commercials will continue for a while with his “We Will” spot that launched in late February on a $750,000 […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A Tallahassee judge has set a one-day trial for May 16 in the legal effort to overturn the state’s ban on smoking medical marijuana. But in her order, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers said she will first hear the state’s motion for summary judgment at 10 o’clock that morning; summary judgments allow parties to win a case without a […]

Peter SchorschMarch 5, 2018

As the deadline to qualify for the statewide ballot comes into focus, former state Senator Jeremy Ring has picked up the endorsement of a fellow Democrat occasionally mentioned as a possible primary opponent. Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy signaled his support for Ring’s bid to be Chief Financial Officer, citing the former Yahoo executive’s “acuity.” […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 3, 2018

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The Florida Senate took the better part of eight hours during a rare Saturday session to work through 128 amendments — only one of which passed the floor — on a single bill. And even with the amendment’s approval, partisan spirits haven’t changed on the proposal designed to address issues unearthed in the wake of […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

The Florida Senate on Saturday began its consideration of a school safety bill in response to the Valentine’s Day deadly shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, presented the latest version of the bill (SB 7026), a summary of which is below. He was still taking […]

Peter SchorschMarch 3, 2018

Negotiations over a new state budget moved Friday to the top House and Senate budget chairmen, with lawmakers predicting a timely resolution. “As we move forward and narrow the differences, if you look at where we are now, the amount of things that we’re arguing over now are very modest,” Senate President Joe Negron said. “I […]

Drew WilsonMarch 2, 2018

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam raised another $431,000 last month for his political committee, Florida Grown, according to records on the committee’s website. The new numbers show Florida Grown at nearly $20 million in total fundraising since it was formed in early 2015. Putnam is running for the GOP nomination for Governor. He currently faces Northeast […]

Mitch PerryMarch 2, 2018

On Friday, Senate leaders put off a vote on a package of school safety measures. That delay led Rep. Jay Fant to suggest that if the Legislature can’t get everything right on such an important issue by the end of next week, a special Session “would not be inappropriate.” “I do think that sometimes when we […]

Peter SchorschMarch 2, 2018

Lehigh Acres Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell said Thursday that retailers are within their rights to pull guns from their shelves, but consumers who don’t favor such policies can vote with their dollars. “The Citizens United case confirmed that the 1st Amendment protects everyone’s free speech, both individuals and corporations like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart. […]

Headlines
Screenshot via youtube

Bob Poe endorses Andrew Gillum in governor’s race

Philip Levine placing another nearly $2 million in TV ads

Judge sets trial for medical marijuana ‘no smoke’ case

Jeremy Ring picks up endorsement of Patrick Murphy, once mentioned as possible CFO candidate

Post-Parkland Senate bill primed for floor vote

Senate begins discussing school safety bill

Budget talks could be on a ‘clear path’

Adam Putnam committee raises $431K in February

Jay Fant: Special Session may be needed for gun issues

Matt Caldwell takes issue with retailers ‘caving’ on guns