Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJune 29, 2017

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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity chief of staff Jim Poppell will be the next Secretary of the Lottery, Gov. Rick Scott‘s office announced Thursday. The Lottery’s profits go into the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, which pays for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships, among other things. “During his time at DEO, Jim has helped provide Florida families […]

Associated PressJune 29, 2017

It was a platform most politicians can only hope for: A captivated, 6,000-person crowd and more than an hour of live, prime-time television coverage to hype the Republican vision for a new health care system. But when President Donald Trump got around to talking about the Republican plan — about 15 minutes into his speech — he […]

Staff ReportsJune 29, 2017

Americans for Prosperity wants Sen. Marco Rubio to lead the charge to pass pro-growth tax reform. The organization launched its third ad as part of a grassroots campaign urging members of Congress to “un-rig the economy by seizing the opportunity to enact pro-growth tax reform. The digital ad is part of a summer-long effort by […]

Staff ReportsJune 28, 2017

Chris Hart IV, who stepped down after less than three months as CEO of Enterprise Florida (EFI), has taken a post as Executive Vice President of Florida TaxWatch, the organization announced Thursday. “We are thrilled to welcome Chris as part of the Florida TaxWatch family as a key part of our leadership team,” TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro […]

Jim RosicaJune 28, 2017

Five months after he quit a law firm job following concerns of conflicts of interest, Senate President Joe Negron has joined the Akerman firm’s West Palm Beach office. The firm announced the move Wednesday in a press release. Negron will be “of counsel,” an arrangement usually meaning an attorney works on a case-to-case basis and not […]

Staff ReportsJune 28, 2017

A Venice-based political committee has launched a website taking aim at former Alex Diaz de la Portilla in the special election to replace former Sen. Frank Artiles in Senate District 40. Making a Better Tomorrow has launched a new website, called the “Facts about ADLP.” The site, which is available in both English and Spanish, […]

Staff ReportsJune 28, 2017

Mark Pafford, the former House Democratic Leader, has joined the board of directors of the League of Women Voters of Florida, the organization announced Tuesday. Pafford “brings extensive government experience to the League,” President Pamela Goodman said in a statement. In a phone interview, Pafford told Florida Politics he hopes “to be a great resource, bringing […]

Staff ReportsJune 27, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday appointed Jonathan Zachem as the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Matilde Miller, who had been serving as interim secretary since January, has accepted the job of Vice President of Compliance for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s public-private tourism marketing agency. “DBPR is often on […]

Staff ReportsJune 27, 2017

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Citrus leaders are throwing their support behind Ben Albritton in his bid to replace Sen. Denise Grimsley in Senate District 26. The Albritton campaign announced Tuesday four members of the Florida Citrus Commission, including Chairman Marty McKenna and Vice Chairman Mike Garavaglia, have endorsed Albritton in his Senate District 26 bid. “Citrus is the heart […]

Associated PressJune 27, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill making it easier for parents and residents to challenge school textbooks and school library books. The legislation, which was one of 29 bills signed on Monday, allows parents and residents to review instructional materials and then challenge them as inappropriate before a hearing officer. It was one of […]

Influence

Personnel note: Jim Poppell named Lottery Secretary

GOP ponders whether Donald Trump helps sell health care

Americans for Prosperity urges Marco Rubio to be ‘leading voice in effort to passing pro-growth tax reform’

Personnel note: Chris Hart IV joins Florida TaxWatch

Joe Negron joins Akerman law firm as litigator

New website targets Alex Diaz de la Portilla in SD 40, calls him ‘completely unfit’ to lead

Personnel note: Mark Pafford joins state League of Women Voters board

Personnel note: Jonathan Zachem appointed DBPR secretary

Four members of Florida Citrus Commission back Ben Albritton in SD 26

Education funding, other bills OK’d by Rick Scott