Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Brendan FarringtonOctober 7, 2015

A bill that would allow churches to refuse to marry gay couples won its first approval Wednesday even though its sponsor said churches already have that right and he knows of no cases in which a church has been forced to perform a same-sex wedding ceremony. After listening to dozens of pastors, most of whom […]

Associated PressOctober 7, 2015

Jeb Bush‘s signature achievement in education policy as Florida governor may be at risk of coming apart. A champion of what became known as Common Core education standards, Bush pushed a set of high-stakes tests for students and a system of grading schools as the centerpiece of an education agenda that defines much of his […]

Ryan RaySeptember 21, 2015

A new report released Monday by online financial services firm WalletHub says Florida ranks near the bottom nationally when it comes to the fairness of its state and local taxes. The survey evaluated the taxes levied by all 50 states – broken down by income, property, sales & excise and “other” taxes – and how they are levied […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 8, 2015

If you’re keeping track of time, there is B.T. and A.T.: Before Trump and After Trump. At the beginning of summer, there were (at least) 10 big questions facing Florida politics. But those questions, particularly the ones involving the myriad of presidential candidates hailing from the Sunshine State, are so B.T. On June 16, Donald Trump entered the […]

Ryan RaySeptember 2, 2015

Republican candidate Neal Dunn said Wednesday morning that former House Speaker Will Weatherford has endorsed his bid in Florida’s soon-to-be-altered 2nd Congressional District. In a release, the former Wesley Chapel lawmaker explained his rationale for choosing Dunn rather than primary opponent Mary Thomas. She also seeks the GOP nomination in the race to succeed Democratic U.S. […]

Phil AmmannAugust 27, 2015

Local entrepreneur Jay Woodbury is endorsing Republican candidate Wayne Harris in his bid for House District 4, citing a strong support of Second Amendment rights for his decision. An Okaloosa County Commissioner, Harris is running for the seat being vacated in 2016 by state Rep. Matt Gaetz, who is seeking to replace his father, state […]

Peter SchorschAugust 26, 2015

State Senator Joe Negron this morning upped the ante in the poker game to be President of the Florida Senate in 2016-18 by releasing the names of his colleagues who have pledged their support to him. Unfortunately for Negron, this latest ploy will likely fall flat. Claiming that he has the support of “Senators who […]

Phil AmmannAugust 24, 2015

Former Senate President Don Gaetz is endorsing Panama City Republican urologist Neal Dunn in his bid for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District seat. An endorsement from the longtime Niceville Republican should surprise few in North Florida. In 2014, Gaetz appointed Dunn in 2014 as the Senate’s representative on the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors, the public-private […]

Ryan RayAugust 24, 2015

Former Senate President Don Gaetz — fresh from bad publicity for his role in the 2011 redistricting fiasco, when he was chairman of his chamber’s map-making committee — accentuated the positive Sunday in an email to his constituents in his sprawling Senate District 1, which runs from Walton to Jackson counties in the western Panhandle. Legislators […]

Ryan RayAugust 20, 2015

Recently filed documents in Leon County Court as part of an ongoing legal challenge to the process unveiled a legislative underworld of lobbyists and consultants colluding with GOP lawmakers to help preserve the GOP’s 26-14 advantage and to protect incumbents. As recently reported by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald, and previous to the documents’ […]

Tag: Don Gaetz

Bill would allow Florida churches to say no to gay marriages

As Jeb Bush campaigns, Florida struggles with his schools legacy

Reliance on property, sales taxes holds Florida back in new tax-fairness report

Peter Schorsch: Answers to top 10 big questions in Florida politics lurch into view

Will Weatherford endorses Neal Dunn in CD 2

Panhandle businessman endorses Wayne Harris for HD 4, citing 2nd Amendment support

Sorry, Joe Negron, but this latest ploy for Senate Presidency is weak sauce

Don Gaetz endorses Neal Dunn in North Florida congressional bid

Don Gaetz says BP recovery bill a coup for Northwest Florida

Report: Shadow process plagued 2011 Senate redistricting