Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 13, 2017

The ongoing war of words between Florida Gov. Rick Scott and President Barack Obama is continuing until Obama’s last day. Friday’s installment: a gubernatorial excoriation of Obama’s overtures to the Communist island nation, including this week’s cessation of the “wet foot, dry foot” policy. Scott, predictably, sees this as yet another example of Obama’s failings. “President Obama’s […]

Scott PowersJanuary 13, 2017

Not counting the fact that he’s running from Gadsden County, little about Dwight Bullard is any mystery to many Florida Democrats who’ll be gathering in Orlando this weekend to consider electing him or one of four other candidates as the new state party chairman. “People know exactly where I stand,” said Bullard, the former Florida senator […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 13, 2017

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, whose bid for the presidency was derailed by businessman and eventual winner Donald Trump, says it’s unlikely he’ll ever run for office again. Bush, who is spending two weeks at a Texas A&M University teaching a course on the role of governors, said Thursday that he’s focused on building up […]

Associated PressJanuary 13, 2017

The lack of fireworks surrounding Senate consideration of President-elect Donald Trump‘s Cabinet picks may reflect a slew of statements his choices have made contradicting the billionaire businessman’s position on key issues. Trump acknowledged the differences early Friday, posting a message on his Twitter account saying: “All my Cabinet nominee are looking good and doing a […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2017

More lawmakers are gearing up for a re-election bid. State elections records show dozens of members of the state House and Senate have filed to run for re-election in 2018, and several more are looking ahead to 2020. Sen. Greg Steube is one of those lawmakers who is starting to think about his next race. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags at half-staff to honor two first responders killed in Central Florida. The governor issued the directive Thursday. “My wife Ann and I join Floridians across the state in praying for these officers and their families during this unimaginable time,” he said. “We ask that God provide them with much needed […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 12, 2017

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch contacted FBI Director James Comey Thursday, asking for an update on whether the bureau is investigating potential illegal meddling in U.S. foreign affairs by individuals connected to the Donald Trump presidential campaign. In late September during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Deutch asked Comey if the FBI would investigate potential violations of the Logan Act, […]

Associated PressJanuary 12, 2017

The Obama administration is ending the “wet foot, dry foot” policy that granted residency to Cubans who arrived in the United States without visas. That’s according to a senior administration official, who said the policy change was effective immediately. The official said the U.S. and Cuba have spent several months negotiating the change, including an […]

Scott PowersJanuary 12, 2017

Leah Carius said she knows something about being in a medium- or small county and feeling largely ignored by Democratic Party leaders Tallahassee, yet she also knows more than a little about strengthening a Democratic powerhouse. Carius, the chair of the Osceola County Democratic Party, is one of the dark horses seeking election as chair […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

The latest estimates show “a slight decrease” in Florida orange production to 71 million boxes for the 2016-17 season, according to the Florida Department of Citrus. The department on Thursday shared the results of the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast, the first in 2017. The state’s citrus industry has been hurt by the citrus greening epidemic. The so-far incurable disease […]

Headlines

Rick Scott: Barack Obama ‘turned his back’ on Cuba

Dwight Bullard talks of Democrats the party has ignored

Jeb Bush unlikely to run for office again

Week 1: Cabinet picks contradict Donald Trump stands on some issues

Legislative hopefuls file to run in 2018, 2020

Rick Scott orders flags at half-staff for Central Florida officers

Ted Deutch asks James Comey for FBI update on potential connection between Donald Trump campaign, Russian officials

Obama scrapping ‘wet foot, dry foot’ policy for Cubans

Leah Carius seeking to be the local-control candidate for state Democrats

Citrus crop production trending down again ‘slightly’