Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryFebruary 17, 2016

In the wake of last year’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, Republicans in the Florida Legislature this year are backing a “Pastor Protection Act.” The bill would prevent clergy members from being forced to perform marriage ceremonies contrary to their principles. On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee voted on a straight, 7-3 […]

Scott PowersFebruary 16, 2016

Orlando’s theme park behemoths – mostly Walt Disney companies – have already poured $2.77 million into campaign and political committees and parties for this election cycle so far, preferring Republicans by almost 3 to 1 over Democrats. Disney, as usual, leads the way, with a combination of cash and in-kind services (typically providing tickets or […]

Scott PowersFebruary 14, 2016

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There is Valleri Crabtree at the Rotary Club of Celebration. There she at Place for Grace in St. Cloud. There’s Crabtree at the Leadership Osceola reception, and the Osceola Council on Aging, and the Polk County Democratic Executive Committee, and the Poinciana Villages Community Meeting, and at a Fashion Square Mall festival, and at her […]

Scott PowersFebruary 10, 2016

Two years ago Thursday Orange County Deputy Sheriff Jonathan “Scott” Pine was gunned down while pursuing a suspect. On Wednesday the Florida Senate did all it could to make sure his surviving family – and others – won’t have to wait another year for financial security. The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 7012, which would increase […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 9, 2016

A bill revamping the state’s process of public land acquisition and management passed its first Senate committee Tuesday. LobbyTools reports that SB 1290, filed by Trilby Republican Sen. Wilton Simpson is nearly identical to House equivalent, HB 1075, filed by Lehigh Acres Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell. Orlando Democratic Sen. Darren Soto submitted an amendment to strip language that […]

Scott PowersFebruary 9, 2016

State Sen. Darren Soto‘s bid to become the first Floridian of Puerto Rican descent to be elected to Congress has won the endorsement of New Yorker U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, also of Puerto Rican descent. Soto said Tuesday he has the backing of Democrat Velázquez, a 23-year House member from Brooklyn, in his Democratic bid […]

Scott PowersFebruary 1, 2016

The Democratic race for the nomination in Florida’s 9th Congressional District is turning to a fundraising battle with two candidates claiming leads and a third not far behind. Orlando Democratic State Sen. Darren Soto claimed a campaign cash victory Monday after reporting his team had raised $156,000 in the fourth quarter of 2015, $30,000 more than […]

Scott PowersFebruary 1, 2016

Democrat Susannah Randolph is claiming the campaign money lead in the Orlando-based Congressional District 9 race, saying she raised $125,000 in the third quarter and started 2016 with $225,000 in the bank. Her announcement, combined with campaign finance reports of other candidates posted Sunday evening with the Federal Elections Commission, show three Democrats have broken the […]

Bill RuftyJanuary 30, 2016

Darren Soto was the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be elected to the Florida Senate. The Orlando Democrat, a commercial and civil rights attorney, is now working to become the first in the U.S. Congress from Florida by winning the 9th Congressional District But he has an array of competing Democrats with more […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 28, 2016

The Florida Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Jon Steverson to be the state’s Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. The full Senate confirmed Steverson by 29-8 after a handful of Democratic senators raised concerns. Steverson has raised hackles for suggesting that the state allow timber harvesting and cattle grazing to help state parks […]

Tag: Darren Soto
Image via X (Duke Energy).

Contentious “Pastor Protection Act” now moves to Senate floor

Orlando’s theme park companies pour at least $2.77 million into state politics

Valleri Crabtree, Dena Minning, trying opposite approaches to being CD 9 X-factors

Senate approves first responders’ survivors’ benefit bill honoring Orange County deputy

Senate committee passes bill restructuring public land acquisition and management

Darren Soto endorsed by New York U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez

Darren Soto raises $156K in CD 9, topping Susannah Randolph by $30K

Susannah Randolph claims fundraising lead in CD 9 race

Darren Soto running in interwoven race for 9th Congressional District

Jon Steverson wins full Senate confirmation as DEP head