Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJuly 25, 2017

While serving in the state Legislature, Rick Kriseman was so repelled by a 2011 bill that prohibited pediatricians from asking any questions about gun use or ownership unless it was relevant to their patients’ care or safety that he filed a bill to repeal it. Though that proposal went nowhere in the GOP-led Legislature, critics of […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2017

As coy as he has been with the local media and as busy as he is promoting the Rowdies referendum, Rick Baker is almost certain to run for St. Petersburg mayor this year. Last week, Baker was in Tallahassee for a series of not-exactly-clandestine meetings with top Republican donors like Brian Ballard and Nick Iarossi. […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 27, 2017

I really don’t know Kevin King, the Chief of Staff to Mayor Rick Kriseman. I believe — and Kevin can correct me if I am wrong — the last time he and I spoke was in early 2006. It was after my spiral from politics, when I was waiting tables at a now-defunct joint on Fourth Street. If I remember correctly, Kevin […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 10, 2017

South Florida Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch has introduced two bills this week that would protect immigrants from fraud schemes and ensure that they are informed of their legal rights. The Protecting Immigrants from Legal Exploitation Act (H.R. 912) would impose a fine and possible jail sentence for offering fraudulent immigration legal services. The Immigrant Detainee […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 26, 2017

Rick Kriseman says he ran for Mayor four years ago because he felt that the big issues in St. Petersburg weren’t being addressed. Kicking off his re-election campaign Wednesday night, he said, “It’s so important to keep our foot on the gas pedal.” “This is a time that’s really important for the city of St. Petersburg,” Kriseman told a […]

Joe HendersonDecember 14, 2016

If we have learned anything from the just-completed election, it is this: People are fed up with the political status quo. I mean, isn’t that obvious? Apparently not to St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. He wants to shift an additional $14 million into his city’s Pier project, which could bring the overall cost to $80 […]

Staff ReportsOctober 31, 2016

Incumbent Republican Rep. John Mica added another $160,000 to his campaign account, according to a pair of notices filed with the Federal Election Commission last week. Mica filed the notices on Oct. 26 and Oct 28, showing a combined 76 contributions totaling $158,500 for his campaign. Among the donors were fellow Republican representatives Vicky Hatzler […]

Mitch PerryJune 29, 2016

Two-and-a-half years into his mayoralty, voters in St. Petersburg are strongly supportive of Rick Kriseman. Yet a new poll suggests his re-election isn’t guaranteed, especially if former Mayor Rick Baker challenges him in 2017. A St. Pete Polls survey conducted Tuesday of 600 registered voters in the ‘Burg shows that Baker gets 37 percent support, […]

Drew WilsonApril 27, 2016

State Sen. Jeff Brandes is hosting a kickoff reception Wednesday evening for his re-election effort. More than three dozen current and former local officials are on the host committee for the event, set for the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Host committee members include Republican Reps. Larry Ahern, Chris Latvala, Kathleen Peters, Chris Sprowls and Dana Young, as well as former Rep. Frank […]

Mitch PerryJuly 9, 2015

You’ve gotta love Tom Lambdon. Well, let me take that back. You don’t have to love anybody. In fact, there are many people in St. Petersburg who would hope to never hear this man’s name mentioned in polite company ever again. But civic activists like Lambdon wouldn’t get anywhere if they weren’t representing others who need someone to lead […]

Tag: Bill Foster
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Rick Kriseman: ‘NRA-owned politicians’ should pay legal fees from ‘Docs. vs. Glocks’

The case against Rick Baker running for St. Petersburg mayor

I really don’t know Kevin King

Ted Deutch co-sponsors two bills to protect immigrants

In campaign kickoff speech, Rick Kriseman aims to take St. Petersburg to next level

By asking for more Pier money, Rick Kriseman misreads political mood

John Mica adds $160K, pulls far ahead of Stephanie Murphy in CD 7

New poll shows Rick Kriseman is popular, but could lose to Rick Baker in 2017

Who’s who of Pinellas politics join Jeff Brandes for campaign kickoff in St. Pete

Mitch Perry Report for 7.9.15 — Pier politics returns yet again in St. Pete