Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiMay 31, 2017

With Jacksonville candidates mulling a challenge to Tallahassee Democrat Rep. Al Lawson in Florida’s 5th Congressional District, Lawson begins his fundraising in earnest June 1 with a fundraiser heavy on big names in the State Capital. Among those names: State Reps. Ramon Alexander and Lorraine Ausley; FSU basketball coach Leonard Hamilton; State Sen. Bill Montford; and Allison Tant, the most recent […]

Michael MolineMay 5, 2017

The Senate’s leading education expert unloaded Friday on spending levels for schools contemplated in the Legislature’s compromise $83 billion state budget. During debate on extending Florida’s corporate tax exemption scholarship program, Sen. Bill Montford complained that base spending per student would decline in the public schools next fiscal year, notwithstanding a modest increase in the school […]

Rosanne DunkelbergerApril 17, 2017

In the venue where newly qualified, but unlikely, candidate Rick Scott introduced himself to Tallahassee in 2010 and another potential gubernatorial candidate, John Morgan, came to visit in February, Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala paid a visit Monday to the Capital Tiger Bay Club. While rumors swirl about Latvala’s possible 2018 run for Florida’s top […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 3, 2017

A Senate panel is moving forward with its version of a bill to implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment, approving an amended version of the proposal during its meeting. The Senate Health Policy Committee approved a bill (SB 406), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, that would implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment. Facing […]

Erin ClarkMarch 27, 2017

The Florida Senate Education Committee dedicated most of its weekly meeting to tackling issues of assessment bloat running counter to students’ best interests. In the House, the motto has been “fewer, better tests.” Similarly, in the Senate, the bills that have spurred the most comment from committee members are those that address Florida’s testing protocols. At […]

Mitch PerryMarch 15, 2017

A proposal by Port Orange Republican Dorothy Hukill to require high-school students to take a half-credit of instruction in personal financial literacy and money management easily won approval in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Pre-K-12 Education on Wednesday. However, several lawmakers expressed reservations about the fact that unless lawmakers extend the hours of the school day or […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 14, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Tiffany Harrington has replaced Heather Williamson as House staff director of the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining. On: Teri Cariota, formerly an aide to former Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 23, 2016

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support behind 79 candidates ahead of the general election. “We believe these candidates will put Florida’s long-term future ahead of short-term fixes and will help ensure our state remains competitive,” said Marian Johnson, senior vice president of political operations for the Florida Chamber. “We are proud to […]

Scott PowersSeptember 6, 2016

If campaign money is any measure, eight of the 17 contested Florida Senate seats appear competitive this fall, according to data gathered, compiled and provided by On 3 Public Relations of Tallahassee on Tuesday. That’s after 13 senators were elected either in the Aug. 30 primary or before because of lack of competition, and that’s not counting 10 other […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 15, 2016

Sen. Bill Montford has a staggering fundraising lead over his little-known opponent, according to new campaign reports. Montford, the Democratic incumbent from Tallahassee, has raised $271,000 through July 8, while challenger Nancy Miller, a Steinhatchee Republican, reported raising $631 for the Senate District 3 race. She also has previously reported an $1,800 loan and $1,330 in […]

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

Al Lawson draws on Tallahassee base for first re-election fundraiser

Bill Montford complains about school spending during scholarships debate

House ‘assault’ derails Senate, budget chief Jack Latvala tells Tiger Bay

Senate panel OKs medical marijuana bill, speeds up pace for new licenses

Senate Education Committee talks testing tweaks

Senate advances high school financial literacy bill

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Florida Chamber endorses in 79 legislative races

Few state Senate races are financially competitive

Bill Montford holds large fundraising lead over little-known opponent in SD 3 race