Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaOctober 25, 2018

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It’s big news in Florida’s gambling world: The pari-mutuel formerly known as Calder Race Course has gotten the OK from state gambling regulators to get out of the horse racing business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering granted its petition for a declaratory statement on Thursday, records show. “Calder may operate […]

Drew WilsonOctober 25, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation PAC, the political arm of the state’s retail trade organization, endorsed more than two dozen candidates seeking to earn their first terms in the state House next month. The bulk of the 26 candidates getting FRF’s seal of approval are seeking open seats in the state House, but a handful of […]

Staff ReportsOctober 23, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis urged financial institutions on Tuesday to waive late fees and charges for using ATMs in the Hurricane Michael impact zone, among other forms of disaster assistance. “It is absolutely essential that financial institutions support those impacted by Hurricane Michael by waiving fees and penalties to aid the victims,” Patronis said in […]

Drew WilsonOctober 23, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation on Tuesday endorsed five non-incumbent Republicans running for Florida Senate seats in November’s elections, including one who is looking to unseat an incumbent Democrat. Among the five candidates getting the nod was Tommy Wright, the newly anointed nominee for Senate District 14. The New Smyrna Beach businessman was selected for the nomination after […]

Drew WilsonOctober 23, 2018

The committee sponsoring the “Voting Restoration Amendment,” which would restore voting rights to Florida felons who have completed their sentences, spent more than $1.8 million of its reserves pushing the proposal on the airwaves, online and via direct mail between Oct. 6 and Oct. 12. Floridians for a Fair Democracy, which led the drive to […]

Staff ReportsOctober 23, 2018

Just like in 2016, we’re again asking every candidate, including incumbents, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email [email protected]. Significant other? Kids? I have no significant other, and no […]

Staff ReportsOctober 22, 2018

Florida’s small businesses are most concerned about the quality of the state’s workforce as voters prepare to pick their next governor Nov. 6, according to survey results released Monday by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. At the same time, the Chamber issued a guide showing that Republican Ron DeSantis ticks every box on the organization’s issues checklist. Democrat […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 22, 2018

Republican Ed Hooper continues to out-raise his Democratic opponent, Amanda Murphy, in the battle to replace former state Sen. Jack Latvala for Senate District 16 (north Pinellas County). Hooper has raised more than $1.1 million between his campaign and affiliated political committee. Murphy has raised just $445,000 between her campaign and Taxpayers for Responsible Government […]

Staff ReportsOctober 21, 2018

Florida Realtors PAC, the political arm of the state’s largest trade organization, announced Friday that it had endorsed four more candidates seeking election to the state legislature this year. The nods went to four Republican candidates for the state House: Chuck Brannan, who is seeking to replace term-limited Rep. Elizabeth Porter in HD 10; Anthony […]

Jacob OglesOctober 19, 2018

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A series of election complications, outright errors and now multiple ballots in the field has created chaos in the House District 56 contest. Worse, it remains possible controversy could spread should any statewide races end with results close enough for Hardee County voters to swing the outcome.. “I’ve been in politics close to 30 years, […]

Influence
U.S. Rep. Cory Mills delivering Starlink systems to Florida Highway Patrol. Image via Mills.

Scratched: State says track can stop racing horses, keep slots

Florida Retailers recommend bundle of new state representatives

Jimmy Patronis: Banks need to give a break to hurricane victims

Florida Retailers endorse five fresh faces for Florida Senate

Voter restoration amendment backers spend another $1.8M on ads

Meet Cynthia Brown, Democrat running for Florida House District 32

Workforce quality tops small biz agenda in Florida Chamber survey

The money race: Ed Hooper double-plus over Amanda Murphy

Florida Realtors endorse four more state legislative candidates

Hardee County ballot blunder could impact statewide races