Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersFebruary 16, 2016

Orlando’s theme park behemoths – mostly Walt Disney companies – have already poured $2.77 million into campaign and political committees and parties for this election cycle so far, preferring Republicans by almost 3 to 1 over Democrats. Disney, as usual, leads the way, with a combination of cash and in-kind services (typically providing tickets or […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 8, 2016

Lawmakers could only raise money for the first 11 days of the year, but that didn’t stop some of the top Republicans in Legislature the posting six-figure hauls to start the year. Campaign and committee finance reports aren’t due until Wednesday, though Sen. Bill Galvano’s political committee, Innovate Florida, leads early filers after posting $216,000 […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 19, 2016

Before the Republican leadership in the Florida Senate coronates John Legg as Jack Latvala‘s successor, it might want to check with former state Rep. Ed Hooper. On Tuesday, Hooper told FloridaPolitics.com that he has mailed his paperwork to the Florida Division of Elections making him a candidate for Latvala’s north Pinellas seat, which will be […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 14, 2016

With the MLK Birthday Breakfast Friday calling him back to Jacksonville, Mayor Lenny Curry will wrap up his Tallahassee trip Thursday after meetings galore. One would surmise that those meetings are intended to create buy-in for his pension sales tax proposal, which some worry was advanced a bit late for this Legislative Session. Curry’s meeting schedule […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

Florida Chamber of Commerce members are taking over Tallahassee. The 2016 Florida Chamber’s Capitol Days kicks off Wednesday. The two-day event is meant to give the business community a chance to interact with lawmakers and advocate for issues that are important to them. Edie Ousley, the chamber’s vice president of public affairs, said the annual […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

Senate Republican Leader Bill Galvano on Tuesday said he was “surprised” that Gov. Rick Scott made no mention of a new deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that would allow them to keep offering blackjack at their casinos. “It is what it is,” he said. “I think everybody involved in the process around that […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

The start of the 2016 Legislative Session means a cessation of political fundraising – sitting lawmakers are barred from ginning up cash while they legislate. But session begins Tuesday, so the Monday before is the usual orgy of tippling, grip-and-grinning and check writing. House Majority 2016, Senate Majority 2016 and others sent out emails last week detailing the various events, subject […]

Peter SchorschDecember 17, 2015

As much as we would like to think otherwise, in politics, not everyone can be a winner. To put it another way, as Judge Smails did in the eminently quotable “Caddyshack”: “The world needs ditch-diggers, too.” Few will disagree that 2015 was a particularly fertile political year, one that produced a bumper crop of political disappointments. That’s what […]

Peter SchorschDecember 17, 2015

As much as we would like to think otherwise, in politics, not everyone can be a winner. To put it another way, as Judge Smails did in the eminently quotable Caddyshack: “The world needs ditch-diggers, too.” Few will disagree that 2015 was a particularly fertile political year, one that produced a bumper crop of political disappointments – that’s what we get […]

Gary FineoutDecember 17, 2015

State Sen. Bill Galvano testified Wednesday that he did not push a new map for Florida Senate districts with the aim of aiding incumbents or fellow GOP legislators. Galvano, who is in line to become Senate president in 2018 if the Republicans maintain control, spent more than two hours on the witness stand defending his […]

Tag: Bill Galvano

Orlando’s theme park companies pour at least $2.77 million into state politics

Republican committees post 6-figure hauls in first days of 2016

Former lawmaker Ed Hooper filing to succeed Jack Latvala in state Senate

Lenny Curry wraps up Tallahassee junket Thursday with more pension tax meetings

Florida Chamber: Capitol Days focus on issues important to business community

State of the State: Bill Galvano “surprised” at no mention of Seminole Compact

Fundraising galore before start of 2016 Legislative Session

Peter Schorsch: The 5 most disappointing Florida politicians of 2015

The 5 most disappointing Florida politicians of 2015

Bill Galvano sticks to his story: No partisan intent behind redistricting