Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Tamara LushAugust 30, 2016

He’s been Florida’s Republican governor, was considered a potential vice presidential candidate and almost became a U.S. Senator. But Charlie Crist is aiming a bit lower for his political comeback in 2016, running for the U.S. House after switching his party to Democrat. The always smiling, always suntanned Crist is running against U.S. Rep. David […]

Associated PressAugust 30, 2016

Recent redistricting makes the U.S. House seat from the eastern part of Florida’s Panhandle one of the few nationally that are likely to flip from Democrat to Republican this year. Democratic incumbent Gwen Graham cited the redrawn 2nd Congressional District’s heavy Republican presence in saying she won’t seek a second term. A physician, a former […]

Michael MolineAugust 29, 2016

Mary Thomas has secured another conservative woman’s backing in her bid for the Republican nomination in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. The endorsement came from U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican associated with the tea party movement. “The U.S. House needs more conservative women, more moms, and more energized Christians like Mary,” Blackburn said. “I know firsthand […]

Peter SchorschAugust 25, 2016

Former Gov. Charlie Crist heard many messages from Pinellas educators during a roundtable discussion Thursday. But one message stood out: There’s a “disconnect” between schools, upper-level administrators and policymakers. Policymakers and administrators have created a rigid, one-size-fits-all system that prevents teachers and schools from being flexible enough to meet the needs of individual students and […]

Bob SparksAugust 24, 2016

Whether or not one is following the GOP primary for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, it is getting a lot of attention both inside and outside of the Panhandle. The winner will succeed Democrat Gwen Graham, who chose not to seek re-election in a Florida Supreme Court-inspired redrawn district. Attorney Mary Thomas is under assault in […]

Michael MolineAugust 24, 2016

A lawyer acting on behalf of Republican congressional candidate Mary Thomas is demanding Florida broadcasters pull ads labeling her “a Charlie Crist appointee.” But the political committee behind the spots appears uncowed. A spokesman for the ESAFund confirmed that, as of Tuesday evening, all ad buys were still in place. Craig Engle, a partner in the Arent Fox law […]

Anne LindbergAugust 23, 2016

U.S. Rep. David Jolly and former Gov. Charlie Crist don’t agree on much. But Tuesday they agreed Congress’ failure to provide funding to combat the Zika virus is unconscionable. They were reacting to news released by Gov. Rick Scott that the Department of Health had confirmed a non-travel-related case of Zika in Pinellas County. Crist, a […]

Mitch PerryAugust 22, 2016

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is perennially one of the strongest financial supporters of Republicans around the country. The group spent more than $35 million in the 2014 midterms, and has already spent more than $1.9 million on behalf of embattled Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, more than a million for Arizona Sen. John McCain, and $1.5 million in ads against […]

Joe HendersonAugust 19, 2016

It was a big story earlier this year when U.S. Rep. David Jolly proposed a law that would stop lawmakers, especially those named David Jolly, from spending at least four hours a day on the phone begging for money. He even went on “60 Minutes” to promote his bill, called the Stop Act. He told […]

Mitch PerryAugust 18, 2016

There’s more news about the Affordable Care Act this week, and it ain’t that good. Aetna announced Tuesday it would be pulling out of Florida and 10 other states next year, giving those on the government plan less options for choice here in the Sunshine State. There have always been problems with the ACA, and […]

Tag: Charlie Crist

Charlie Crist aims low for political comeback, running for U.S. House

U.S. House district in Florida Panhandle likely to flip to GOP

Tea Party enthusiast Marsha Blackburn endorses Mary Thomas in Florida’s CD 2

Pinellas schools need greater flexibility to meet needs of students, Charlie Crist says

Being a Charlie Crist appointee will not determine the fate of Mary Thomas

Lawyers for Mary Thomas attempt to get ad yanked, but spot linking her to Charlie Crist still running

As Zika comes to Pinellas, Charlie Crist and David Jolly condemn congressional failure to deal with disease

U.S. Chamber of Commerce holding off supporting David Jolly … for now

Joe Henderson: GOP message for David Jolly, ‘Play along. Or else.’

Mitch Perry Report for 8.18.16 — The Affordable Care Act is getting less affordable