Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschDecember 1, 2013

It’s pretty clear by now that no elected Republican, other than perhaps the overly eager state Rep. Doug Holder, wants to be Gov. Rick Scott’s next lieutenant governor. The rumor du jour currently circulating along Tallahassee’s Adams Street is that Chief of Staff Adam Hollingsworth wants it that way. Last week, Seminole County Sheriff Don […]

Guest AuthorDecember 1, 2013

When is the most wonderful time of the year? December—right?—despite the many people and things that try to blur the calendar. Early October my grandson and I were shopping. As our shopping cart glided along the aisles, he excitedly exclaimed, “Look, Grandma, there’s a snowman!” He is 4 and I am nearly 15 times his […]

Guest AuthorDecember 1, 2013

‘Tis the season, the season of giving—whether giving thanks, praises, spare change, an extra tip or bonus. You name it, and it’s officially “the season” for it. For me, the beginning of “the season” is evidenced by the conversion of one of my pre-set radio stations to play Christmas and holiday tunes on a loop. […]

Steve SchaleDecember 1, 2013

In late September, state Rep. Ray Pilon, a Republican legislator from Sarasota, filed a piece of legislation that makes an interesting, and probably unintended, statement about the state of presidential politics in Florida. Rep. Pilon’s bill, House Bill 75, would change the way that Florida allocates its presidential electors from winner take all, to an allocation […]

Guest AuthorNovember 27, 2013

What happened to the GOP philosophy of recruiting better candidates, running better campaigns and working harder to win elections? In a name, Karl Rove. Following the 2000 election, Rove took a strategic position for the 2004 election to have President Bush govern from the right and register “right-minded” voters instead of reaching out toward the […]

Julie DelegalNovember 27, 2013

As we approach the anniversary of one of the saddest days in recent history, Adam Lanza, the man who murdered 20 first graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School, has reappeared in the news. This week, the Connecticut State Police released a report that compiles odd details about the shooter’s life. But, as […]

Guest AuthorNovember 27, 2013

The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season officially comes to a close at midnight on Saturday, November 30, and Mother Nature has again spared Florida from a major storm. Here at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, we have been busy taking advantage of that good fortune. Citizens’ overall exposure has dropped 33 percent in the past 15 months, while […]

Guest AuthorNovember 26, 2013

In these days of warring ideologies, red vs. blue, it’s comforting to know that officeholders from either party can agree on something. Too bad it’s the wrong thing, keeping secrets from the public. The pages of our newspapers are not big enough to record the daily violations of our open-government laws, so the public only […]

Daniel TilsonNovember 26, 2013

Looking back at Florida politics in 2013, I’m thankful for memories that will serve as critical reminders heading into the midterm elections. Thank you, Republican state representatives, for refusing to take $51 billion in federal dollars for Medicaid or some equivalent kind of healthcare expansion in Florida. Talk about killing two birds! You must’ve been […]

Guest AuthorNovember 26, 2013

If you’ve lived in Florida for a while, you’ve heard stories of people repeatedly rebuilding homes damaged by storms because subsidized insurance and other government programs cover the cost. Now, there’s a move to eliminate the practice, especially on homes that are not primary residences and structures that repeatedly get flooded. So far, so good, […]

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Peter Schorsch: Will Hollingsworth pull a LeMieux?

Rebekah McCloud: The most wonderful time of the year

Erin O’Flaherty: Let’s set aside differences – not just during this season, but all year

Steve Schale: Ray Pilon bill confirms Florida’s swing-state status

Jamie Miller: Rick Scott misses yet another chance to be inclusive

Julie Delegal: Not everyone’s joyful, but we can help each other

Barry Gilway: Goodbye 2013 Hurricane Season

Doug Clifton: Expect dark days ahead for government in the sunshine

Daniel Tilson: Giving thanks to Florida politicians who make 2014 matter

Mark O’Brien: Expensive flood insurance would have ‘huge implications’