Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJune 7, 2017

David Jolly fully intends to appear on “Real Time with Bill Maher” Friday night, as do previously scheduled guests Ice Cube and Symone Sanders, the former national press secretary for Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. This despite the controversy circling around the comedian, who used the N-word during his show last Friday night, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for HBO to oust […]

Peter SchorschJune 7, 2017

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Lawmakers reached agreement early Wednesday, hours before the start of this week’s Special Session, to include medical marijuana implementation in the call. After FloridaPolitics.com broke this news, the Florida Senate announced that Sen. Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, would “file legislation to implement Article X, section 29 of the Florida Constitution, which allows the use […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

Stephen Lawson has left the post of communications director for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to become Vice President of Government Relations for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing agency. He announced the job change in an email Wednesday. Lawson has been making the rounds of Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, previously serving as communications director […]

Michael MolineJune 7, 2017

The newest project on the state’s priority list for conservation land buys is a 4,700-acre spread in eastern Alachua County, containing valuable wildlife, water, and plant resources, but also largely given over to pine harvesting. That’s if Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet approve an updated Florida Forever work plan during a meeting scheduled for […]

Staff ReportsJune 7, 2017

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2018, issued a brief statement Tuesday calling this week’s Special Session “a complete embarrassment to our state.” Gillum also took a swipe at a education policy bill (HB 7069) Gov. Rick Scott is considering that, among other things, could funnel more money to privately-managed charter […]

Peter SchorschJune 7, 2017

After a news report listed him as one of six candidates in the running for U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, two-term Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg has taken himself out of consideration. “I’m honored that my name was mentioned, but I withdrew from consideration,” Aronberg, 46, told Florida Politics Wednesday morning. “I […]

Associated PressJune 7, 2017

With fired FBI Director James Comey’s highly anticipated congressional testimony just a day away, the White House and its allies are scrambling for ways to offset potential damage. Asked Tuesday about the testimony, President Donald Trump was tight-lipped: “I wish him luck,” he told reporters. Comey’s testimony Thursday before the Senate intelligence committee could expose […]

Gary FineoutJune 7, 2017

An effort by Florida’s Republican leaders to put aside recent acrimony and reach a new budget deal was falling apart on the eve of a three-day special session. If legislators can’t reach an accord, Florida’s public schools could be in danger of losing billions for the upcoming school year. Legislators are scheduled to return to […]

Associated PressJune 6, 2017

A leaked intelligence document outlining alleged attempts by Russian military intelligence to hack into U.S. election systems is the latest evidence suggesting a broad and sophisticated foreign attack on the integrity of the nation’s elections. And it underscores the contention of security experts and computer scientists that the highly decentralized, often ramshackle U.S. election system […]

Mitch PerryJune 6, 2017

Miami Beach House Democrat David Richardson will run for the Congressional District 27 seat being vacated next year by Republican Illeana Ros-Lehtinen. Richardson has served in the Florida House since 2012, when he became the first openly-gay lawmaker elected in Florida. He had been considering entering the race after Ros-Lehtinen announced in late April that she would step […]

Headlines

David Jolly still appearing on Bill Maher’s show Friday; says Al Franken should too

Lawmakers agree to tackle medical marijuana during Special Session

Personnel note: Stephen Lawson moves to VISIT FLORIDA

Governor and Cabinet to take up environmental land-acquisition priorities

Andrew Gillum ‘slams’ Special Session

Dave Aronberg takes himself out of consideration for U.S. Attorney

White House looks for ways to undermine James Comey’s credibility

With school funding in jeopardy, Florida GOP at odds again

Leaked NSA doc highlights deep flaws in U.S. election system

David Richardson seeks to bring his brand of reform politics to D.C.