Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonApril 8, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday said the state of Florida did not cut off negotiations with the federal government and put blame for the Medicaid meltdown on the federal government instead. Scott told a group of reporters Wednesday afternoon that negotiators with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services told Medicaid Deputy Director Justin Senior […]

James CallApril 8, 2015

The state’s top elections chief got a dressing down Wednesday from Sen. Jack Latvala. Secretary of State Ken Detzner is opposing an on-line voter registration proposal moving in the House and Senate. “We’re all for it,” said Latvala after the meeting gesturing to include members of the Transportation, Economic Development Committee. And the House is […]

Bruce RitchieApril 8, 2015

A Senate comprehensive water bill was rewritten Wednesday with changes requested from business and environmental groups, but neither side is yet supporting the bill. SB 918 would establish springs protection zones, provide consistency in pollution regulations dealing with Lake Okeechobee, and incorporate Central Florida water supply planning in state law. The bill passed its second […]

Phil AmmannApril 8, 2015

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) recognized six Florida lawmakers this week for their efforts helping individuals and families touched by epilepsy. The EFOF “Champions of the Heart” are state Sens. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Rene Garcia of Hialeah and Denise Grimsley from Sebring, and Reps. Katie Edwards of Plantation, Matt Gaetz of Shalimar and Matt Hudson from […]

Mitch PerryApril 8, 2015

A bill that would make it much easier for doctors to test patients for the HIV virus made its way through a Florida Senate Committee on Wednesday. The measure (SB 512) is sponsored by Orlando Democrat Geraldine Thompson. She said it would eliminate paperwork that “burdens doctors” when they test in a health screening, such […]

Mitch PerryApril 8, 2015

Legislation that would authorize the University of Miami and its affiliates to establish a single sterile needle and syringe exchange pilot program in Miami-Dade County as a means to prevent the transmission of blood-borne diseases passed unanimously in a Senate committee this morning. The bill (SB 1040) is being advanced by Palm Gardens Democrat Oscar Braynon, It’s […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 8, 2015

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy made a visit to the Senate Democratic Caucus Wednesday morning and told members to hold the line on Medicaid expansion because it it’s a key component of the federal Affordable Care Act. Murphy said the Senate FHIX plan is “not perfect” but said the chamber was working in a bipartisan way to […]

Ryan RayApril 8, 2015

Former Coconut Creek City Commissioner and former state Rep. Jim Waldman has kicked in $200,00 of his own money to his bid to succeed Margate Sen. Jeremy Ring in the state Senate, according to recent filings with the Division of Elections. Waldman is putting his money where his mouth is with a substantial personal investment in taking over for the […]

Phil AmmannApril 8, 2015

Jeb Bush hired veteran operative Emily Benavides to help bolster Hispanic outreach in his likely presidential campaign. Benavides joins Right to Rise PAC as communications adviser and spokesperson specializing in Hispanic media. This would then become a senior position in a potential campaign, reports Adrian Carrasquillo for BuzzFeed News. “I’m excited to join Governor Bush’s […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 8, 2015

1402373_1815700018655336_1579186071247258319_o-1024x1024.jpg

All politics is local. Except for the Jacksonville mayoral race, in which the Florida Democratic Party has taken a lead in messaging since the First Election in March and the subsequent “amicable” departure of Deputy Campaign Manager Fabien Levy, a Louisiana operative who handled most of the media outreach up until that point. These days, Campaign Manager Isaiah […]

Uncategorized
Ron DeSantis. Image via Rumble.

Rick Scott says feds told state, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” on LIP talks

Jack Latvala calls Ken Detzner opposition to online voter registration “bullshit!”

Industry, environmentalists say rewritten Senate water bill better, could be improved

State lawmakers honored as epilepsy “Champions of the Heart”

Bill aimed to make HIV testing easier passes Florida Senate committee

Needle exchange program for Miami-Dade advances in Florida Senate

Patrick Murphy tells Senate Democrats “its critical” to hold the line on Medicaid expansion

Jim Waldman lends himself $200k to jump start campaign

Jeb Bush adds veteran Hispanic operative Emily Benavides to bolster outreach

Email Insights: Florida Democratic Party attacks “Party Boss” Lenny Curry