Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMay 19, 2015

Republican U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and David Vitter of Louisiana contend there remains $7 billion to $8 billion in unsettled debt from property that Fidel and Raul Castro in Cuba confiscated from American citizens and businesses. They introduced legislation Tuesday that would require the communist government to address those claims before re-establishing full diplomatic relations […]

Mitch PerryApril 13, 2015

When Marco Rubio announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president Monday in downtown Miami, there are certain themes he will undoubtedly hit upon (albeit in a speech of only 12 minutes, its reported duration). Fresh off President Barack Obama‘s meeting up with Raul Castro this past weekend at the Summit of the Americas […]

Mitch PerryMarch 24, 2015

President Barack Obama‘s diplomatic breakthrough with Cuba in December has been met mostly with approval in the Tampa Bay area from political and business leaders. A Pinellas County delegation visited the communist island for the first time in January, while the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is planning another visit in May. Tampa area U.S. […]

Associated PressMarch 17, 2015

A third round of U.S.-Cuban negotiations over the restoration of full diplomatic relations ended after a day of talks, Cuban and U.S. officials said Tuesday. They provided no details on whether progress was made toward a deal on reopening embassies in Washington and Havana. The two countries have been trying to strike an agreement on […]

Associated PressMarch 5, 2015

Republican state lawmakers on Thursday blasted President Barack Obama‘s decision to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, saying it will only serve to empower the communist nation that’s been ruled by a dictatorship since 1959. Republican members of the House Local & Federal Affairs Committee speaking before a nearly empty meeting room gave forceful speeches in […]

Associated PressMarch 5, 2015

Republican state lawmakers on Thursday blasted President Barack Obama‘s decision to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, saying it will only serve to empower the communist nation that’s been ruled by a dictatorship since 1959. Republican members of the House Local & Federal Affairs Committee speaking before a nearly empty meeting room gave forceful speeches in […]

Bob SparksFebruary 5, 2015

More than 50 years after it happened, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy remains a regular topic of discussion. Among those who remember both, only the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, matched the lingering psychological trauma inflicted by the events of November 22, 1963. It can be safely said that no event created […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 31, 2015

A renewed plea to continue Florida’s Tax Credit Scholarship program is the subject of new TV spot set to run in the Tallahassee during tomorrow’s Super Bowl XLIX. The scholarships are under fire in a lawsuit filed by the Florida Teacher’s Union and School Boards Association. The legal challenge aims to end the 13-year old program, […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 13, 2015

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is demanding President Barack Obama explain the exact terms behind Cuba’s promised release of 53 political prisoners, completed on Monday as the start of renewed relations with the United States. Rubio, a prospective 2016 presidential candidate, continued to press the president on the conditions under which former political prisoners were released. […]

Associated PressDecember 20, 2014

For decades, the politics of Cuba in Florida were simple: anything less than a hard line stance against Fidel Castro was a sure way to lose a race for office. President Barack Obama’s surprise decision this week to restore diplomatic relations with the communist nation is the surest sign yet that his is no longer […]

Tag: Fidel Castro

Marco Rubio co-sponsors legislation requiring Cuba to settle legal claims with U.S.

Things to look for in Marco Rubio’s announcement speech

Senate denounces Obama overture to Cuba

Cuba, U.S. say 3rd round of diplomatic negotiations ends

Florida lawmakers criticize Obama’s changes to Cuba policy

Florida lawmakers criticize Obama's changes to Cuba policy

Bob Sparks: A plausible November 22, 1963, cover-up story emerges

Super Bowl ad debuts to save Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Marco Rubio demands answers on Cuban political prisoner deal

Obama’s Cuba moves reflect Florida political shift