Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayApril 23, 2015

Boca Raton businessman Jospeh “J.B.” Bensmihen will give two-term U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel a general election challenge that his camp thinks has a serious shot in the Democratic-leaning district based in Palm Beach and Broward. Bensmihen’s candidacy was first reported by The Palm Beach Post‘s George Bennett. Bensmihen describes himself as a moderate Republican, and stresses […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 23, 2015

On Sunday, the Florida Times-Union reported that Jacksonville City Council candidate Katrina Brown, running in a heated race in District 8, had an overdue property tax bill of $22,000. It was related to a manufacturing plant for one of her family businesses, Jerome Brown BBQ The politically connected company’s namesake has endorsed Alvin Brown for mayor and has given thousands […]

Associated PressApril 23, 2015

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is in New York preparing for his likely presidential run. Bush spoke to a closed breakfast meeting of the Metropolitan Republican Club in Manhattan on Thursday. He said afterward that he’ll make up his mind about whether to seek the Republican nomination “at some point soon.” Bush was asked about […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 23, 2015

A mailer from the Republican Party of Florida touts Lenny Curry as a “unifying conservative with a plan to fix Jacksonville,” and its centerpiece is a message from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who wants Republicans to vote by mail for the Jacksonville Republican for mayor. Citing his frequent travels to Jacksonville, which Bush describes as a “special […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

$3-31-15-ban-fracking-sign-1024x1024.jpg$

We knew from the first day of Session that bills sponsored by Democrats that would impose a moratorium on “fracking” were DOA. But, Sen. Garrett Richter and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, along with the DEP, have developed common-sense legislation that strengthens regulations on the oil and gas industry. Let me repeat that, they want to REGULATE the […]

Bruce RitchieApril 23, 2015

$fracking-well-1024x1024.jpg$

A public records bill oil and natural gas hydraulic fracturing passed its final committee stop with the bill sponsor indicating it is in trouble as it heads to the Senate floor. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as high-pressure well stimulation or fracking, involves the use of water, sand and chemicals to extract oil and gas from […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

The Florida Constitution requires the Florida Legislature to pass a balanced budget and send it to the governor. This is the primary mandate required of the Legislature by the constitution. The Florida budget, like any budget is comprised of two components; income and expenses. Governmental income is derived from the taxes and fees paid by […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 23, 2015

[Updated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday with comment from Lenny Curry campaign.] In what the Alvin Brown campaign trumpets as a “major announcement,” and that the Curry campaign characterizes as somewhat less meaningful, Brown has ordered his Office of General Counsel to conduct a comparative study of federal, state, and local laws that combat discrimination. It “will ensure […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 23, 2015

One of the arguments the Lenny Curry campaign has made in recent weeks is the overt linkage of Alvin Brown to Hillary Clinton. In a mass email sent Thursday morning with three calls to action designed to drive donations to the Curry campaign, that case is again made explicitly that Alvin Brown is a “Clinton Crony.” “Hillary Clinton […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 23, 2015

The Lenny Curry and Alvin Brown campaigns have both made concerted plays for Jacksonville voters to cast votes by mail, and we are seeing a surge in votes from Republicans and Democrats alike. As of 8:30 Thursday morning, 4,799 absentee ballots were cast. The break is still toward the Republicans, but a more even split is emerging between […]

Uncategorized

Republican Joseph Bensmihen challenges Lois Frankel for U.S. House

Katrina Brown pays property tax bill, 3 weeks late

Jeb Bush speaks to Republican group in Manhattan

Jeb Bush urges Republicans to vote by mail for Lenny Curry

Democrats whip votes AGAINST more regs on the oil and gas industry

Hydraulic fracturing public records bill passes Senate panel as opposition mounts

Garrett Richter: It’s our money and we deserve a return

Alvin Brown orders review of discrimination policies

Email Insights: Lenny Curry team calls Alvin Brown a “Clinton Crony”

Vote by mail is picking up in Duval County