Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

James CallMay 7, 2015

Included in the package of bills sent to Gov. Rick Scott Thursday is SB 248, which would make a body camera recording by police exempt from public record disclosure when the recording is taken: Within the interior of a private residence; The interior of a mental health care or social service facility, or; In a […]

Ryan RayApril 30, 2015

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has been racking up major Democratic endorsements at a rapid clip since he launched his bid for the U.S. Senate in late March. On Thursday he continued that trend, announcing via news release that he has secured the support of 25 sitting Florida state legislators. “From South Florida to Tampa, from Orlando […]

Ryan RayApril 28, 2015

Former Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chris Smith debated on the Senate floor against SB 284, a private property rights enhancement bill telling his colleagues — coyly at first — “It’s hard to argue against a bill with so many House co-sponsors,” and later, more directly, “I mean, if we want to send a message …” […]

Mitch PerryApril 8, 2015

A bill that would make it much easier for doctors to test patients for the HIV virus made its way through a Florida Senate Committee on Wednesday. The measure (SB 512) is sponsored by Orlando Democrat Geraldine Thompson. She said it would eliminate paperwork that “burdens doctors” when they test in a health screening, such […]

Ryan RayApril 7, 2015

As she portrayed her SB 840 as a mostly technical bill that simply clears up a legal conflict currently circulating in the courts, Sen. Eleanor Sobel probably was not prepared for the maelstrom of criticism from both parties that befell her effort. Following an easy and perfunctory confirmation process for a score of various agency officials — a process that […]

Guest AuthorApril 6, 2015

If there was any doubt that House Appropriations Chairman and Speaker-In-Waiting Richard Corcoran is a conservative crusader whose commitment to his principles leaves him indifferent to comity, convention and the nuances of legislative diplomacy, that doubt was laid to rest last week when he went on a rampage through the legislative china shop. It began […]

Guest AuthorApril 6, 2015

If there was any doubt that House Appropriations Chairman and Speaker-In-Waiting Richard Corcoran is a conservative crusader whose commitment to his principles leaves him indifferent to comity, convention and the nuances of legislative diplomacy, that doubt was laid to rest last week when he went on a rampage through the legislative china shop. It began […]

Tag: Chris Smith
Ashley Moody and Jimmy Patronis talk hurricane prep. Image via Moody office.

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

Body camera public record exemption sent to Governor

Patrick Murphy announces endorsements by almost half of Democratic state lawmakers

Bills dying en masse as House adjourns Sine Die

Bill aimed to make HIV testing easier passes Florida Senate committee

Write-in residency requirements bill goes down in bipartisan flames

Jack Stevenson: House will pay for Richard Corcoran’s Medicaid rant

Jack Stevenson: House will pay for Richard Corcoran's Medicaid rant