Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayFebruary 23, 2016

The Senate Democratic caucus met Tuesday morning to strategize before a busy legislative day in Tallahassee, where Minority Leader Sen. Arthenia Joyner led her caucus through discussions on a handful of controversial bills set to be taken up later in the day. Of particular interest to Joyner was the Sen. Tom Lee-sponsored alimony bill, SB 250. Joyner advised members to […]

Ryan RayFebruary 5, 2016

A bill to require the use of body cameras for Florida law enforcement officers is ready for a vote before the full House after getting final approval in a committee. The House Judiciary Committee passed HB 93 by Rep. Shevrin Jones by a unanimous vote Thursday. Jones, a Broward Democrat, said his bill would provide comprehensive protections for both citizens […]

Ryan RayJanuary 21, 2016

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz made an appearance in the Tallahassee on Thursday to join legislators and activists in opposing a raft of controversial gun bills now circulating in the Capitol Remarks from Wasserman Schultz and longtime friend and fellow Broward Democrat Sen. Chris Smith seemingly were meant to shame GOP lawmakers into voting the bills down, […]

Ryan RayJanuary 20, 2016

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will speak to reporters and the public about a pair of controversial gun bills circulating in the Legislature at her old state Capitol stamping grounds Thursday. Broward Sen. Chris Smith will join the Democratic National Committee chairwoman in Tallahassee to oppose legislative proposals to allow Floridians to openly carry firearms and to strike […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 17, 2015

For its newly launched Broward County office, lobbying firm Ballard Partners said Thursday it has hired government relations and fundraising expert Stephanie Grutman. Grutman brings more than 17 years of experience, which included being one of Politics Magazine’s most influential Democrats in Florida for 2009. She also spent four years as finance director of Senate […]

Ryan RaySeptember 9, 2015

Former Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chris Smith filed Division of Elections paperwork Wednesday for a run in Broward County Commission in 2016. The Fort Lauderdale lawmaker first elected to the state House in 1998 will take on incumbent Commissioner Dale Holness in District 9 in central Broward. “Just filed for Broward County commission District nine. Excited to start […]

Phil AmmannJuly 14, 2015

Florida’s leading law enforcement association recognized 10 legislators this week for providing significant advancements in 2015 to the state’s overall public safety. Florida Sheriffs Association is a for-profit corporation representing Florida Sheriffs, as well as nearly 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 Floridians. The association released its annual list of Legislative Champions on Monday night during the group’s Summer Conference […]

Mitch PerryJuly 14, 2015

Associated Industries of Florida, considered a powerhouse lobbyist group for the business establishment in Tallahassee, has produced their annual scorecard on how often state lawmakers have maintained the AFI line, and the discrepancy isn’t that large between Democrats and Republicans in the state Senate, at least. AIF’s 2015 Voting Records contains each of the state’s 120 legislators voting […]

Drew WilsonJune 21, 2015

As of June, none of the 12 Florida Senators running for reelection is facing much of a challenge — Democratic Sen. Jeff Clemens is the only incumbent to draw an opponent so far, but it won’t derail him from another term. District 29 looks set as well, with Democratic Rep. Jim Waldman having a clear path to take over for outgoing Sen. Jeremy […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJune 1, 2015

Three state lawmakers have been recognized by the Florida League of Cities for their dedication to ensuring localities are able to function without too much state interference. Among the recipients is Pinellas County Senator Jack Latvala. He is one of three recipients of the League of Cities Defender of Home Rule Award. Fort Lauderdale Senator […]

Tag: Chris Smith
Mike Johnson. Image via AP.

Senate Democrats strategize ahead of busy legislative day

Body cameras bill poised for House vote

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, state Dems decry gun proposals

Chris Smith to appear with Debbie Wasserman Schultz to address state gun measures

Personnel note: Stephanie Grutman joins Ballard Partners’ new Broward office

Chris Smith files for 2016 Broward County Commission run

Florida Sheriffs Association picks Legislative Champions for 2015

Florida Democratic state Senators score high in AIF’s 2015 voting scorecard

Keep your eyes on these 8 state Senate campaigns

Pinellas’ Jack Latvala lauded as Home Rule hero