Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayApril 23, 2016

Rep. Matt Gaetz knows voters are angry. He’s angry too. Invective against “spineless politicians” and “lawless bureaucrats” peppered the Ft. Walton Beach Republican’s campaign kick off tour around Northwest Florida on Saturday. The 33-year-old lawmaker is seeking to succeed U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, whose announced retirement from Congress has set off a chain reaction of electoral maneuvering across […]

Ryan RayApril 4, 2016

Rep. Matt Gaetz‘s campaign said Monday his U.S. House bid is picking up steam quickly, raising $350,000 during his first 10 days, including a $100,000 commitment from Gaetz himself. Gaetz is running for Congressional District 1, an open seat incumbent U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller is exiting after announcing his retirement from Congress in March. The Gaetz camp touted the big […]

Mitch PerryMarch 30, 2016

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An activist group is running a radio ad in the Tampa Bay area questioning St. Petersburg-based state Sen. Jeff Brandes’ ethics. The 60-second spot from Florida Strong is called “Let’s Make a (corrupt) Deal.” It attacks the Pinellas Republican for receiving campaign contributions from companies such as Duke Energy and insurance lobbyists, and then claims that he […]

Jim RosicaMarch 24, 2016

Because of differences between federal and state campaign finance laws, Mike Haridopolos can use money left over from his failed U.S. Senate bid to run for state Senate, but Matt Gaetz, who switched from a state Senate seat to a congressional bid, is out of luck. Haridopolos, a Merritt Island Republican and former Senate President, is […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 23, 2016

Campus carry will be back, at least according to one co-sponsor of the 2016 legislation. Rep. Dane Eagle said a bill to allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns on college and university campuses will be proposed again in the next Legislative Session. However, he seemed less sure about the future of […]

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2016

I was not sure if today was state Sen. Jack Latvala’s birthday, so I double-checked the list of lawmakers birthdays furnished by LobbyTools. Nope, today is definitely not the senior Latvala’s birthday. It’s Nov. 3. Still … If you had told Sen. Latvala last year that come the first day of spring he would be: on […]

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2016

State Rep. Matt Gaetz is ready to bring his fiery brand of northwest Florida conservatism to Washington D.C. The Fort Walton Beach Republican is abandoning his bid for the Florida Senate and instead will run for the congressional seat now held by Republican Jeff Miller. He announced he will retire at the end of his eighth and current term. […]

Ryan RayMarch 15, 2016

Former Senate President Don Gaetz on Tuesday declared he will not seek the Congressional District 1 seat left open by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller‘s recent decision to retire in 2016. Gaetz put an end to rumors he may try to make the leap to federal office in a memo to supporters Tuesday afternoon. “Gratified as I am by the many offers […]

Ryan RayMarch 15, 2016

Amid a cascade of statehouse dominoes in Northwest Florida in the aftermath of U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller‘s decision not to run for reelection to Congress, Rep. Mike Hill announced Monday he’ll run for Senate District 1. The seat is currently held by Baker Republican Sen. Greg Evers. Hill reportedly told his local Republican Executive Committee the move should not […]

Guest AuthorMarch 11, 2016

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller has set off a series of dominoes with his announcement Thursday that he will not seek a ninth term in Congress. Congressional openings are rare. Over the past 45 years, Northwest Florida has only had four U.S. Representatives: Bob Sikes, Earl Hutto, Joe Scarborough, and Miller. The last two, Scarborough and […]

Tag: Don Gaetz

Matt Gaetz kicks off U.S. House campaign with “Fight Washington” bus tour

Matt Gaetz says he’s raised $350K in first 10 days for congressional bid

Radio ad blasts Jeff Brandes on ethics

Campaign finance laws can help or hinder candidates, like Matt Gaetz or Mike Haridopolos, switching races

Dane Eagle talks gun legislation during SWFL Tiger Bay Club

It’s not Jack Latvala’s birthday!

Matt Gaetz launching campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District

Don Gaetz says he won’t pursue U.S. House seat

Mike Hill to run for NW Florida Senate seat as dominoes fall

Rick Outzen: Political domino games begin with Jeff Miller’s announcement