Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschSeptember 29, 2018

The two major parties are likely “actively recruiting” lawyers for any election-related disputes that arise Nov. 6. That’s according to Dr. Susan MacManus, a retired University of South Florida political science professor, who moderated an election controversy panel during the 2018 Florida Bar Reporters’ Workshop this week. Addressing a room of media, MacManus discussed with […]

Jim RosicaAugust 27, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott appointed two Tallahassee attorneys to the Florida Elections Commission, his office announced Friday night. Coincidentally, both specialize in representing automotive dealers. Martin Hayes, 62, is a partner at the Akerman firm. Hayes fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning Aug. 24 and ending Dec. 31, 2020. Hayes, a litigator, mainly […]

Peter SchorschAugust 25, 2018

The work of the Constitution Revision Commission is under attack in the courts. And that’s fair, according to Brecht Heuchan, who led the CRC’s drafting process. “I’m not mad about the lawsuits,” he told us. “That’s what people do when they feel aggrieved.” But a new effort spawned this week encouraging Floridians to opt for […]

Staff ReportsMay 1, 2018

President Donald Trump is meeting with former Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller this week to talk about the open position running the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The upcoming meeting was reported by the Washington Examiner’s Gabby Morrongiello, who said she received the tip from a senior official at the White House. Miller, now a […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2018

In a surprise announcement Sunday from the dais of the Florida House, Gov. Rick Scott said he had appointed Republican Rep. Larry Metz as a circuit judge. Metz, a Yalaha Republican and 62-year-old lawyer in private practice, applied for a judgeship in the 5th Judicial Circuit, covering Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties. He’s term-limited in the House […]

Scott PowersFebruary 26, 2018

With little opposition raised — except for Democrats’ votes against three recent appointments to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee recommended Monday that the chamber back all 89 appointments and nominations awaiting confirmation. The committee’s favorable recommendations include Florida Secretary of Environmental Protection Noah Valenstein, Florida Fish and […]

Jim RosicaDecember 14, 2017

Saying the issue wasn’t ready for judicial review, the state’s highest court Thursday dismissed a challenge to Gov. Rick Scott‘s power to appoint three new justices on his last day in office in 2019. In a 6-1 decision, the Florida Supreme Court said it couldn’t step into the controversy because the governor hasn’t taken any […]

Phil AmmannAugust 25, 2017

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced 12 appointments to a variety of state boards. Task Force on Affordable Housing Scott began by naming five people to the Task Force on Affordable Housing, formed in 2017 to develop recommendations for discussing the state’s affordable housing needs. Jack Humburg, 60, of Saint Petersburg, is the executive vice […]

Peter SchorschAugust 23, 2017

Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt announced Wednesday that Alabamian Trey Glenn has been tapped as the Environmental Protection Agency’s new regional administrator in the Southeast. “Trey Glenn will bring invaluable experience as regional administrator having spent over two decades working in the field of environmental and regulatory policy,” Pruitt said. “Mr. Glenn will help […]

Phil AmmannJuly 31, 2017

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced four appointments to both judicial courts and state boards. 12th Judicial Circuit Court Scott began by appointing Judge Charles Sniffen to the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, which covers DeSoto Manatee and Sarasota counties. Sniffen, 44, of Parrish, is currently a county judge for Manatee County. He previously worked in […]

Tag: appointments

Takeaways from Tallahassee — An army of (election) lawyers

Rick Scott names lawyers to Florida Elections Commission

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Second-guessing the CRC

Donald Trump eyes Jeff Miller as next VA Secretary

Rick Scott surprises Larry Metz: He’s a judge

All nominations clear Senate Ethics and Elections Committee

‘We decline’: Court tosses challenge to Rick Scott’s appointment power

Rick Scott announces 12 state board appointments

Personnel note: Trey Glenn appointed as EPA’s administrator for Florida, southeast

Rick Scott announces four judicial, board appointments