Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschFebruary 23, 2017

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As long expected, Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda is pulling a reverse Charlie Crist. The former state representative for Tallahassee, who quit the Democratic Party and became an independent shortly before being term limited out of office last year, now has officially become a Republican. Rehwinkel Vasilinda, 56, officially announced the switch at the 2017 Leon GOP Lincoln Day Dinner held in […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

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Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 15, 2017

I will give state Rep. Chris Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, the benefit of the doubt that he believes he is doing the right thing by filing HB 661 – a measure that prohibits the public release of video and audio recordings of someone’s death. Latvala originally filed the measure last October to cover only the […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 14, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Tiffany Harrington has replaced Heather Williamson as House staff director of the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining. On: Teri Cariota, formerly an aide to former Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 24, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Charles Smith, previously district secretary for Broward County Republican Rep. George Moraitis, is now his legislative assistant. On: Dennis Ragosta is the new district secretary for Ocala Republican Rep. Charlie […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 7, 2016

Count them in for 2018. Dozens of state lawmakers have already filed to run for the state House and Senate in 2018. For some, their decision comes before their first bills get a hearing. Others have their eye on the higher office as they embark on their final term in the House. State elections records […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2016

On Friday, candidates released their final campaign finance reports before Election Day, and reports out of Senate District 18 show Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young pressing her fundraising advantage in the race with $1.2 million in spending. Young spent more than $500,000 of campaign’s war chest in between Oct. 22 and Nov. 3, most of […]

Peter SchorschOctober 31, 2016

A new mailer from Clearwater Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala offers a simple message: “This election is not just about Washington D.C.” Latvala’s mailer lets Pinellas County voters know what he believes is at stake this November — at both the state and local levels — with a handy voters’ guide for down-ballot races. “It’s also about […]

Peter SchorschOctober 25, 2016

With two weeks to go until Election Day, the Tampa Bay area’s Senate seats are pretty much decided. Welcome back Sens. Jack Latvala and Tom Lee and say hello to Darryl Rouson, who should cruise past John “Mr. Manners” Houman to win the SD 19 seat. Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young still has a race […]

Anne LindbergOctober 19, 2016

When candidates run for local nonpartisan offices — mayor, council member, or commissioner — they’re supposed to keep party politics out of the conversation. And, for the most part, that’s the way it is. But in some races this year, partisan money is helping finance local candidates. Take the City of Largo, for example, where […]

Tag: Chris Latvala

Surprise (or not): Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda joins the Republican Party

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

Bill blocking public release of death recordings a slippery slope for transparency, truth

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Dana Young, Randy Fine, others file to run for re-election in 2018

Final round-up of the money chase in Tampa Bay’s legislative races

Direct mail round-up: Jack Latvala reminds Pinellas voters what’s at stake this election

Here’s where sh*t stands in Tampa Bay’s legislative races

Party, PAC money seeps into nonpartisan municipal races