Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bob SparksApril 2, 2014

Florida’s Secretary of State as well as the former United States Secretary of State both have been in the news recently. Ken Detzner may not know Condoleeza Rice, but they could compare notes about freedom of speech. Detzner, and by extension the administration of Gov. Rick Scott, are accused of silencing a critic by […]

Bob SparksMarch 24, 2014

The right to express one’s opinion unhindered by the government stands at the top of the list of citizen rights. The founders thought it important enough to rank it first on the list of the Bill of Rights. With minimal limitation, people can pretty much say what they wish, no matter how distasteful, hurtful or […]

Bob SparksMarch 19, 2014

As most of Tallahassee and those enrolled in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) throughout the state know, the Legislature is again taking up what is called public pension overhaul. Both House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz seek to change a system that is not broken. In fact, more than 86 percent […]

Bob SparksMarch 17, 2014

Now that the dust has settled from the David Jolly vs. Alex Sink race for Congressional District 13, the message machines are in full spin cycle. We have heard most of the analysis from both sides. Was this simply, as Democrats say, a race won by a Republican in a district held by Republicans for […]

Bob SparksMarch 2, 2014

During the 60-day 2014 legislative session, the Florida House and Senate will create, debate, tweak, pass or reject hundreds of bills. The only clearly defined mandate placed upon the Legislature is to pass a budget. Everything else is optional. One of the proposed bills has generated national attention. House Bill 7029 and its companion, Senate […]

Bob SparksFebruary 25, 2014

Next week the conservative movement receives its annual check-up in National Harbor, Md. The three-day exam known as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will feature speeches and panels starring the Who’s Who of political conservatism. If one is considering a run for the White House in 2016, more than likely that potential candidate will […]

Bob SparksFebruary 10, 2014

There can be little argument that immigration reform is sorely needed. Current law, whether or not it’s enforced, is simply inadequate. Last week, Martin Dyckman wrote for Context Florida on this issue from the progressive side. He artfully made the case about real reform trumping ideological purity from both sides. Speaking from the conservative side, […]

Bob SparksJanuary 20, 2014

Judging by the furor and hyperbole over two recent events, it is safe to conclude that the 2016 campaign for the White House is unofficially on. As of this moment, polls indicate former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are the front-runners for their respective parties. Guess who is the […]

Bob SparksJanuary 8, 2014

This week, a federal judge issued a ruling involving Florida’s approach to clean water. The lawsuit is about whether state or federal standards should govern Florida’s water bodies Florida argues that federal rules are far too costly and unworkable. Opponents say Florida’s standards are full of loopholes. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled […]

Bob SparksJanuary 1, 2014

Days before Florida State plays Auburn on Monday night for the BCS national championship, the Seminoles and Coach Jimbo Fisher announced a five-year contract extension. The deal will keep Fisher in Tallahassee through the 2018 season. Or will it? As this unexpected run toward the summit of college football developed, FSU boosters and fans began […]

Tag: Bob Sparks

Bob Sparks: Attempts to limit critical voices is usually a bad idea

Bob Sparks: Government can foster, not define, civility

Bob Sparks: Is overhauling FRS a greater risk than doing nothing?

Bob Sparks: Republican brand tries to catch the wave

Bob Sparks: Children have a right to brandish Pop-Tarts

Bob Sparks: CPAC hopes to lead GOP toward tidal wave election

Bob Sparks: Republicans can help shape immigration reform

Bob Sparks: Quite a contrast between Chris Christie and Hillary Clinton

Bob Sparks: States have important role in environmental regulation

Bob Sparks: FSU’s Jimbo should rule out a move to Texas