Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Marc YachtJanuary 17, 2016

The assault on Florida’s environment continues as a Senate committee last week approved a bill that would make it easier for companies to use fracking technology to drill for oil and gas in the state. Lest we forget, the administration of Gov. Rick Scott has ordered the words “climate change” scrubbed from official speeches and […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 17, 2016

Let’s face it. Most people ought not be wearing tattoos. No one over 40 ought sport one at all because by 45, the eagle spreads to a vulture and the cute kitties to a saggy, baggy elephant. Back when I was young, stupid and thought I could make fun of being old, I shared a […]

Diane RobertsJanuary 14, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – David Bowie is dead, Rick Scott is alive, and the whole idiocracy is back in town, hell-bent on pimping for polluters, arming students, and destroying Florida’s Sunshine Laws. Legislators don’t think you should trouble your pretty little head over what they’re doing with your money. The governor agrees. On Tuesday, he held […]

Bob SparksJanuary 14, 2016

On Tuesday night, the U.S. House and Senate gathered in a joint session to hear President Barack Obama deliver his final State of the Union address. Tuesday morning, the Florida House of Representatives and Senate also convened in joint session for Gov. Rick Scott’s State of the State remarks. These speeches normally provide a roadmap […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 14, 2016

Oh, it’s not good looking for the citizens of Florida. The Florida Legislature is back in session, and nothing is likely to get done. Don’t take this columnist’s word for it. Go to the state’s Capitol building in Tallahassee, specifically, on the fourth floor, pull up a camping chair and talk with the fourth branch […]

Shannon NickinsonJanuary 14, 2016

Montclair Elementary School is a long way from the Pensacola Bay Center. It is light-years away from the spectacle that unfolded at the Pensacola landmark when Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump addressed a packed house Wednesday at the 10,000-person capacity arena. There were plenty of movers and shakers at the Trump event, and a lot […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 13, 2016

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The political journalism of careers of Mark Halperin and John Heilemann ascended to a different plateau in 2010 with the publication of their book, “Game Change,” their reporting on the historic presidential election of 2008. That tome was loaded with juicy details of that campaign: the fears about Bill Clinton‘s reputation as a ladies man […]

Jac VerSteegJanuary 12, 2016

FAU professor James Tracy is creating an opening for Florida politicians who don’t like tenure and don’t like faculty unions. Because of Tracy’s case, tenure opponents could go on the attack and look good doing it. Tracy is the Florida Atlantic University communications professor who claims the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre is a […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 12, 2016

On a cold and bitter night, we stood across the street from Florida State Prison. Waiting. When Julie Solomon Bame suggested months earlier that we drive to Starke for the execution of the man who murdered our friend and high school classmate, Stephanie Anne Collins in 1986, a few of us agreed to go to […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 12, 2016

After Jim King became Florida Senate President in late 2002, he did something that today might seem radical on both sides of the aisle: he elevated members of the other party. Just a few weeks earlier, Florida Republicans had reached a new zenith in their political ascendancy. For the first time in modern history, not […]

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Marc Yacht: Florida moves fracking regulation bill forward

Linda Cunningham: Really? You quoted Jimmy Buffett on tattoos?

Diane Roberts: Annoyed legislators drafting more bills to keep government secret

Bob Sparks: U.S. Supreme Court adds to Legislature’s “to do” list

Chris Timmons: Lawmakers must embrace the joy of true public service

Shannon Nickinson: Reading Pals help youngsters get a strong start in school

“Game Change” authors take act to Showtime

Jac VerSteeg: FAU professor James Tracy's case helps anti-tenure forces

Catherine Durkin Robinson: Waiting for a murderer to die

Chris Hand: Jim King’s legacy still holding court