Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Kate BradshawJune 12, 2018

Since taking office after her 2012 election, Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long has been a potent force at the dais. She’s never been afraid to speak her mind or temper her criticisms when she thinks someone is full of B.S. That said, she’s also been a key proponent of collaboration among all of Tampa Bay’s local governments […]

Kate BradshawJune 11, 2018

If anyone is the antithesis to the notion that Republicanism’s days are numbered, it’s state Rep. Chris Latvala. First elected to his north-central Pinellas district (House District 67) in 2014, he was just 32 when he took office. Since then, he’s brought a fresh perspective to the Legislature and hasn’t been afraid to take positions that […]

Staff ReportsJune 5, 2018

The wait is almost over. We’re finalizing our sixth annual ranking of Tampa Bay’s most powerful politicians. It will be published next Monday. As has been the case in years prior, the results are rooted in the opinions of leading political consultants, activists, bloggers, operatives and local lobbyists around the Bay area who reached out […]

Phil AmmannMay 22, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Connie Ennis is a new administrative assistant for the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee. On: Karina Pereira is a new legislative assistant for Fort Lauderdale Democratic Sen. Gary Farmer. On: Elise Minkoff is the new legislative assistant […]

Peter SchorschMay 20, 2018

Hundreds of people – including U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Congressman Charlie Crist – held hands on Florida beaches Saturday in protest of proposed nearshore oil drilling. “Hands Across the Sand” was held in Pinellas County, one of nearly 120 events taking place on beaches nationwide. The annual protest first started during the Deepwater Horizon […]

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2018

Money talks, and for candidates just a few months away from the primary and general elections, it can speak volumes. This edition brings you up to speed on state House candidate money chases in the Bay area. It’s early yet, but monthly fundraising hauls — and spends — provide valuable insights into how things might […]

Drew WilsonMay 9, 2018

Karen Skyers showed nearly $33,000 in contributions in her inaugural campaign finance report, putting her in the driver’s seat in the crowded Democratic Primary to replace Tampa Rep. Sean Shaw, who is leaving the House to run for Attorney General. Skyers brought in 174 contributions in April, with the vast majority coming in from small-dollar […]

Drew WilsonMay 8, 2018

Clearwater Republican Rep. Chris Latvala brought in $43,675 for his House District 67 re-election campaign last month – his best report of the 2018 election cycle. The April money came in across 93 contributions, including 30 checks for $1,000, the maximum allowable contribution for a state legislative race. Another 15 donors chipped in $500 apiece, […]

Phil AmmannMay 4, 2018

Democrat Becca Tieder says she will not challenge Clearwater Republican state Rep. Chris Latvala in House District 67. Tieder, a Clearwater native and third-generation Floridian, made the announcement on Twitter Thursday afternoon. “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to run for #FLHD67,” she wrote. “While I would be honored to represent my […]

Drew WilsonMay 1, 2018

The Associated Industries of Florida on Tuesday released a report measuring how closely Florida lawmakers’ votes aligned with its interests. The conservative business group’s 2018 Voting Records report found a slight uptick in lawmaker support for AIF-backed legislation, with 78 percent of the Senate and 91 percent of the House voting in favor of its […]

Tag: Chris Latvala
Image via Governor's Rumble

#19 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Janet Long

#24 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Chris Latvala

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 6.5.18

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 5.20.18

Ninja Bow — Tampa Bay campaign finance roundup — April 2018

Karen Skyers’ first finance report puts her atop HD 61 field

In face of possible challenge, Chris Latvala added more than $43K in April

Becca Teider declines to challenge Chris Latvala in HD 67

Republican lawmakers earn high grades on Associated Industries’ report card