Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryDecember 1, 2014

She’s had the audacity to do what no one else in Tampa has been willing to do – challenge Bob Buckhorn in his bid for re-election next March. But Becky Rubright now says it’s doubtful she’ll be a candidate for mayor, because she’s not sure she’ll be able to generate enough signatures on her petition […]

Mitch PerryNovember 24, 2014

Two weeks ago, Bob Buckhorn became a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Florida in 2018. But as he begins to start up what should be a relatively easy re-election campaign in early 2015, the lifelong Democrat (who made news by staying neutral in this year’s gubernatorial contest) has some advice for his […]

Mitch PerryNovember 24, 2014

A ceremony heralding the groundbreaking for the $943 million master plan for Tampa International Airport took place Thursday morning, and it was a major production indeed. Held on the roof of the airport’s economy parking garage under a large tent equipped with heaters, wide screen television monitors, and 60’s style flight attendants, the event was […]

Mitch PerryNovember 24, 2014

A ceremony heralding the groundbreaking for the $943 million master plan for Tampa International Airport took place Thursday morning, and it was a major production indeed. Held on the roof of the airport’s economy parking garage under a large tent equipped with heaters, wide screen television monitors, and 60’s style flight attendants, the event was […]

Mitch PerryNovember 21, 2014

Democratic Party political adviser Steve Schale and Republican consultant Adam Goodman are two of the very best strategists in Florida, so it was entertaining to hear the two pontificating about this month’s election results in Florida on Friday. Speaking at a Tampa Tiger Bay event at Maestro’s restaurant inside the Straz Performing Arts Center on […]

Mitch PerryNovember 21, 2014

Oh yes he did. To the surprise of absolutely no one, President Obama last night announced his plan to shield millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation and grant them work permits in a 15-prime time speech. Now what happens? That’s something that Congressional Republicans will have to decide in the coming weeks, and we’ve heard […]

Mitch PerryNovember 20, 2014

Some random thoughts and observations, hours before President Obama probably melts down the conservative Twitterverse with his Executive Action on immigration in his prime-time address later tonight…. Congrats to the Tampa Bay Times’ Michael Kruse, the gifted wordsmith who will be taking his talents to the Beltway and write for Politico, along with editor Bill […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2014

When a candidate loses an election, there’s a tendency to ask what could have been done differently. Coulda, woulda, shoulda is a natural part of the post-election period. But when a candidate loses by a margin as tight as Charlie Crist fell short against Rick Scott — 48.2 to 47.1 percent — there’s an obligation […]

Peter SchorschJuly 2, 2014

In a one-two punch from the Tampa Bay Times, columnists John Romano and Daniel Ruth both blame the lack of competitive legislative races this election cycle on the redistricting process. They believe gerrymandering has turned the system into an anti-Democratic incumbent protection plan. There’s no denying the lack of competitive (never mind interesting) legislative races […]

Guest AuthorOctober 22, 2013

Florida Democrats have not had a winning gubernatorial candidate since the late Lawton Chiles won a second term in 1994. Whether the outcome will be different next year is debatable because it appears the party will choose a candidate who is not a true Democrat but a former Republican-turned- Independent-turned-Democrat. Suffice it to say that […]

Tag: Bob Buckhorn
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Bob Buckhorn’s only opponent dropping out of the race before it begins?

Bob Buckhorn says Florida Dems must have a centrist message to win

Groundbreaking begins on Tampa airport's $943 million master plan

Groundbreaking begins on Tampa airport’s $943 million master plan

Steve Schale and Adam Goodman break down 2014 election

Mitch Perry Report 11.21.14

Mitch Perry Report 11.20.14

The ultimate post-mortem: 16 reasons why Charlie Crist fell short

Peter Schorsch: Don’t blame gerrymandering for lack of competitive races

Barney Bishop: Democrats finally have a stronger backbench