Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayNovember 16, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday afternoon his administration will not grant requests to relocate some 425 displaced Syrians inside Florida’s borders, and is asking Congress to help ensure it cannot be coerced to reconsider. Scott addressed the issue in a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The governor told the Congressional Republican leaders though […]

Ryan RayNovember 16, 2015

A prominent father-son pair of Northwest Florida lawmakers are calling on Gov. Rick Scott to join a push by a number of conservative governors to defy the Obama administration’s plan to accept more refugees displaced from war-torn Syria. On Monday, state Sen. Don Gaetz and Rep. Matt Gaetz sent a letter to Scott urging him to not accept […]

Drew WilsonNovember 9, 2015

After a six-figure haul in October Republican George Gainer has passed Shalimar Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz in on-hand money in the race for Senate District 1. The Gainer campaign brought in $118,590 last month and spent $46,887, leaving the Bay County Commissioner with just under $573,000 cash on-hand heading into November. Gaetz’s report wasn’t as […]

Phil AmmannNovember 6, 2015

George Gainer doesn’t talk about Northwest Florida values. He lives them. That’s the gist of the latest mailing from the North Florida businessman, who faces state Rep. Matt Gaetz in the Republican Senate District 1 primary. The ad, set to hit area mailboxes next week, strives to heat up the battle for conservatives by hitting […]

Jim RosicaOctober 30, 2015

Two Republican state senators have filed omnibus education legislation that, among other things, would ease eligibility requirements to play in high school athletics. Sens. Don Gaetz of Niceville and Kelli Stargel of Lakeland filed the 25-page bill (SB 684) on Friday for the 2016 Legislative Session. Lawmakers have filed legislation five years in a row aimed at the Florida […]

Peter SchorschOctober 29, 2015

Did Don Gaetz really say what he said on Wednesday? Did he really apologize for not putting people under oath when his Senate – for the first time in memory – had to plead guilty to violating the Constitution? Did he really use a point of personal privilege to give a speech that should have […]

Phil AmmannOctober 28, 2015

Bay County Commissioner George Gainer pushed back hard on accusations he is “standing alone in the mirror” for his Florida Senate District 1 campaign. As proof, the Northwest Florida Republican hosted a major fundraiser, attended by what supporters call a “who’s who” of Bay County business, civic and political leaders. Gainer faces state Rep. Matt Gaetz […]

Jim RosicaOctober 28, 2015

For the first time in recent memory, a sitting Florida senator invoked the Senate Rules during a floor session to call out a colleague specifically for impugning his integrity. State Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican and previous Senate President, raised a “question of personal privilege” to defend his honor against attacks made in the press […]

Jim RosicaOctober 28, 2015

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed its redrawn district map by a close vote of 22-18, with all 14 Democrats and four Republicans opposed. It’s now up to the House of Representatives to OK the map as is or change it and send it back as the Special Session clock ticks to an end. “We now have […]

Ryan RayOctober 22, 2015

State lawmakers are in Tallahassee for the fourth time this year to amend Senate maps found by courts to contain improper political bias. With little committee action on the calendar Thursday, several majority-party legislators got to work on their priorities ahead of the 2016 Legislative Session, which begins in January. Here’s a quick look at […]

Tag: Don Gaetz
Gabrielle Russon

Rick Scott will refuse 425 Syrian refugees, seek Congressional action to stop federal relocation plans

Don Gaetz, Matt Gaetz call on Rick Scott to refuse Syrian refugees

After October haul, George Gainer passes Matt Gaetz in on-hand cash for SD 1 race

Direct mail roundup: George Gainer doesn’t talk NW Florida values, he lives them

Far-reaching high school athletics bill filed in Senate

On Don Gaetz, Jack Latvala, and bullies

Matt Gaetz opponent George Gainer holds major SD 1 funder, proves he isn’t “standing alone in the mirror”

Don Gaetz strikes back against ‘bully’ Jack Latvala

Senate passes new district map, sends to House

Legislative roundup: Slew of Republican bills introduced Thursday