Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJanuary 2, 2018

Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith is kicking off the new year by kicking off his re-election campaign in Florida’s House District 49, with a new internet campaign video featuring a proud, unrelenting Smith, and a fundraiser set for Friday. Smith, who is openly gay and unabashedly liberal, puts those qualities front-and-center with a re-election […]

Peter SchorschDecember 29, 2017

‘Tis the season, and the Legislature’s dubious Christmas present this year was moving up the 2018 Legislative Session two months from its usual March start date. We will no doubt have many gifts in store, besides the inevitable policy food fights, such as perhaps seeing some lawmakers in their ugly holiday sweaters (the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts “sunny, turning warm” for […]

Scott PowersDecember 28, 2017

Housing continues to be the toughest challenge and most likely the biggest long-term challenge as Central Florida absorbs tens of thousands of people displaced from Puerto Rico because of Hurricane Maria, surmised a new task force formed by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. There still is no clear idea how many of the more than 260,000 […]

Scott PowersDecember 19, 2017

With the scheduled end coming for a federal emergency housing voucher program being used by Puerto Ricans displaced by Hurricane Maria, state Sen. Victor Torres and several other Democratic lawmakers are urging Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello to ask the federal government for an extension. The program provides temporary housing vouchers for people who’ve fled […]

Scott PowersDecember 6, 2017

Stories of first responders to the 2016 massacre at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub who have developed post-traumatic stress disorder, including a police officer dismissed Tuesday night, spurred several Orlando lawmakers Wednesday to renew their call for Florida’s Workers Compensation to provide mental health coverage for them. Democratic state Sen. Victor Torres of Orlando and Democratic state […]

Scott PowersDecember 5, 2017

Note: An earlier version of this story inaccurately reported the vote of state Rep. Chris Latvala. After facing down Democrats’ harsh questioning of the bill’s intentions, a Florida House committee voted nearly along party lines Tuesday to approve a measure to require most public employees’ unions to meet a dues-paying threshold or face recertification. The […]

Staff ReportsNovember 27, 2017

Last week, more than 25 Democratic legislative leaders from Palm Beach County and the state announced endorsing state Rep. Lori Berman in her bid for Senate District 31. Among those lining up behind Berman, a Lantana Democrat who represents HD 90, are Congressman Ted Deutch of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, former Congressmen Patrick Murphy and […]

Scott PowersNovember 13, 2017

Note: a previous version of this story inaccurately reported the campaign finances of Lee Mangold, Democrat running in House District 29 in northern Seminole County. Republican State Rep. David Santiago led all Central Florida candidates for the Florida House of Representatives in October fundraising drawing in $21,000 for his re-election bid in Florida’s House District […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 9, 2017

Darryl Rouson reintroduced the Competitive Workforce Act in the Senate Thursday, a bill that seeks to ban discrimination statewide based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The St. Petersburg Democrat said the legislation makes clear that LGBTQ discrimination will no longer be tolerated in Florida housing, employment, and accommodation decisions. The bill, SB 66, and its House companion, […]

Jim RosicaNovember 9, 2017

A draft of a bill is circulating in the Capitol that would, among other things, expressly legalize steroids and trace amounts of cocaine in racing greyhounds, critics say. One lawmaker made aware of the language on Thursday jokingly asked if it was “written by The Onion.” But an industry representative said the legislation, backed by […]

Tag: Carlos Guillermo Smith
Tom Homan has a stern warning for states that are uncooperative with deportation orders.

Carlos Smith re-election video doesn’t hold back

The 12 Days of Christmas, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and politicos

Puerto Rico evacuees to Florida need immediate, long-term housing, task force concludes

With program set to end, Victor Torres, other Democrats seek extension to Puerto Rican housing

Pulse first responder with PTSD spurs call for mental health coverage

Public union dues-or-recertification bill passes House panel

Lori Berman nabs two dozen endorsements in SD 31 bid

David Santiago leads all Central Florida House candidates in October fundraising

Darryl Rouson reintroduces LGBTQ anti-discrimination bill

Bill would permit trace cocaine amounts in racing dogs