Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschSeptember 28, 2018

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Sarah Bascom, President of Bascom Communications & Consulting, has joined Republican Ron DeSantis‘ gubernatorial campaign. Bascom, who will join the communications team that has been leading the media efforts for DeSantis, will bring “decades of experience and strategies from notable campaign victories to the effort.” “We are excited to welcome Sarah and her team at […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2018

Former state Sen. Garrett Richter and retired State Attorney Willie Meggs were named to the state’s Commission on Ethics, the Governor’s Office announced Thursday night. Richter, 68, is President and Chief Executive Officer of First Florida Integrity Bank. The Naples Republican served two terms in the state Senate, 2008-16, rising to President pro tempore under […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 27, 2018

Adam Babington, Vice President for External Affairs for Walt Disney World, continues to make The Mouse a force to be reckoned with in the influence world. The company tapped Tajiana Ancora–Brown, most recently chief of staff for the Department of Revenue, as director of external affairs in July. That covers strategic communications, issue management, and […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 26, 2018

The Florida Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday recognized Gov. Rick Scott with its “Spirit of Free Enterprise” award for his “laser-focused” effort to bring jobs to Florida and boost the state’s economy. “I said earlier today that if Florida was a stock, I would buy it,” Florida Chamber CEO Mark Wilson said, adding that he […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 26, 2018

The Florida Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2018 Future of Florida Forum with a presentation from its CEO, Mark Wilson, outlining the current climate of Florida and how it could change over the next decade. “Florida is changing. Our economics, our demographics and our politics are all changing, and these changes bring both opportunities […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 26, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Sandra Stovall is no longer staff directory for the Senate Committee on Health Policy. Off and on: Reynold Meyer, former Deputy Chief of Staff on Policy, replaces Cheri Vancura as Chief of […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 25, 2018

Gainesville Democrat Kayser Enneking bested Republican Sen. Keith Perry for the second reporting cycle in a row in the race for Alachua County-based Senate District 8. Enneking, a physician, raked in nearly $51,000 in hard money during the first two weeks of September, replenishing her campaign account after a primary battle that became costly in […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 25, 2018

Democratic state Rep. Sean Shaw has brought on longtime Gwen Graham staffer Julia Gill Woodward and Alex Sink for Governor alumna Shellie Levin as senior finance consultants for his statewide bid for Attorney General. Woodward, a graduate of Florida State University, was Graham’s campaign manager during her 2018 bid to become Florida Governor, which fell short […]

Jacob OglesSeptember 25, 2018

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Incumbent state Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen reported a modest increase in dollars in early September, but still holds a hefty cash advantage over Democratic challenger Parisima Taeb. Fitzenhagen, a Fort Myers Republican representing Florida House District 78 since 2012, pulled in just $1,400 in early September, less than $200 more than the $1,242 raised by Taeb […]

Jacob OglesSeptember 25, 2018

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Republican candidate Spencer Roach in September has significantly outraised Democratic opponent Mark Lipton in the open race to represent Florida House District 79. But the Democrat still holds an advantage as far as cash on hand. Roach pulled in $10,665 in the last two-week filing period, while Lipton raised just $880 in that time. Still, […]

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

Personnel note: Sarah Bascom joins Team DeSantis

Garrett Richter, Willie Meggs named to Ethics Commission

Personnel note: Disney makes two stellar hires in Tajiana Ancora-Brown and Jose Gonzalez

Rick Scott recognized with ‘Spirit of Free Enterprise’ award

Mark Wilson: Florida is changing, and so are its challenges and opportunities

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Kayser Enneking bounces back in SD 8 money race

Personnel note: Sean Shaw for AG brings on Julia Gill Woodward, Shellie Levin

Heather Fitzenhagen keeps well ahead of Parisima Taeb in fundraising

Spencer Roach outraises Mark Lipton, still trails in cash