Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 2, 2015

First District Court of Appeal Judge Nikki Ann Clark is retiring effective June 1. In an interview with Florida Politics, Clark said she has been a judge 22 years and before that worked as an attorney for 17 years. “That’s enough,” said Clark, 63. “It’s time to turn that page and start that new chapter.” […]

Ryan RayFebruary 27, 2015

Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala announced Thursday that he will seek passage of SB 534, a bill to increase reporting of human trafficking by expanding the public’s awareness of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. The legislation would mandate that the number be posted in all Florida transportation hubs and establishments near major roads, where employees and patrons […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 26, 2015

Everyone – and I mean, EVERYONE – seems to be completely blowing off Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s candidacy and thinks her chances of winning a 2016 Senate race are about the same as mine. At the risk of condemning myself to outlier status for eternity, I will make the case for her. (I can hear it now, […]

Jac VerSteegFebruary 25, 2015

Miami Herald political editor Sergio Bustos provided the most fascinating tidbit at Tuesday’s Media Panel sponsored by TaxWatch and held at Gunster law firm in Fort Lauderdale. The topic was gambling in Florida. Will the state reach a new compact with the Seminoles? Will the interests pushing for Las Vegas-style resort casinos finally get clearance […]

James CallFebruary 24, 2015

Five minutes with Andy Ford, where the FEA Chief suggests respect could go a long way to getting teachers and lawmakers on the same page: Q: The FEA has been challenging in court for at least the past 15 years education policy decisions made by the Legislature. What would a truce to the legal wrangling […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 24, 2015

Whether or not Marco Rubio opts to seek another term for his Senate seat next year, speculation has already begun to determine which Florida Democrats may compete for their party’s nomination. Along with Alan Grayson, Patrick Murphy and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, another member of the state’s congressional delegation has had her name thrown in the […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 20, 2015

Mike Fasano represented Pasco County in the Florida Legislature 19 years before being appointed tax collector in 2013 by Gov. Rick Scott. Having spent almost an equal amount of time between both chambers, he says there’s a vast gulf of difference between the two GOP-controlled bodies in Tallahassee as far as independence, philosophy, and temperament. “In […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 18, 2015

Adding to an increasingly probable bid for the White House in 2016, Jeb Bush has been busy courting GOP members from his home state of Florida. The former governor has now snagged firm support from least five members of Florida’s GOP congressional delegation, with several others leaning his way. This aggressive move is in clear […]

Ryan RayFebruary 16, 2015

The 2016 Republican presidential field will have little problem finding veteran hands in Florida. Everybody knows Brett Doster, Randy Enwright, David Johnson, Marc Reichenfelder etc. will end up be gainfully employed this cycle. The last few GOP bumper crops — including 2010 and 2014 — though, have produced talented operatives, some perhaps off the radar of the […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 8, 2015

Despite his impending book tour with its planned trips to Iowa and Nevada, an increasing number of signs point to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio forgoing a full-scale presidential run, seeking re-election in 2016 and running for Florida governor in 2018. In early January, devout Rubio-watcher Marc Caputo of Politico wrote that there is “increasing political chatter that Rubio is well-positioned to run […]

Tag: Charlie Crist
Image via AP.

1st DCA Judge Nikki Ann Clark announces June 1 retirement

Jack Latvala to pursue human trafficking legislation with House Dem Dave Kerner

Peter Schorsch: Debbie Wasserman Schultz can win Senate race. Really!

Jac VerSteeg: Why casinos might be out of luck in Florida

Five minutes with Florida Education Association chief Andy Ford

Kathy Castor not ruling out future run for higher office

At Tampa Tiger Bay, Mike Fasano says GOP leadership’s rein too tight on state House

Jeb Bush leads Marco Rubio in support among Florida GOP delegation

5 Florida political operatives GOP presidential candidates should hire — now

Peter Schorsch: Rick Scott could seize Marco Rubio's Senate seat