Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayApril 6, 2015

The pro-business political action committee Americans for Prosperity — Florida continues to make waves this Session as it prepares to distribute mailers to a handful of legislators thanking them for their advocacy on charter school expansion. The move to gain good will among members of the Florida GOP majority serves as the carrot to AFP’s punitive stick, […]

James CallMarch 30, 2015

The day at the state Capitol began dark Monday. As we approach the midpoint of the 60-day of the Legislative Session, apparently the grind is starting to get to people. Someone forgot to turn on the lights this morning in the hallway leading to the Senate press room. It was eerie walking a usually bustling […]

Daniel TilsonMarch 30, 2015

Military veteran and longtime Miami police Officer Robert Asencio has announced his 2016 candidacy for Florida State Representative in House District 118. He’s seeking the Democratic nomination and the opportunity to unseat two-time incumbent Rep. Frank Artiles in the general election. Given recent events, plenty of people will applaud the news. That’s because Artiles has become a poster boy for […]

Mitch PerryMarch 28, 2015

Members of the GLBT community and their allies flocked to Ybor City under idyllic conditions on Saturday, as Tampa held its first gay pride event in more than a decade. In his public remarks, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner referred to what he called one of the “darkest moments in this country’s history” — the June 15, […]

Ryan RayMarch 26, 2015

With the compasses of most statehouse watchers fixed north as the 2015 Legislative session takes over Tallahassee, a pair of Democrats set their sites this week on House seats in Broward and Miami-Dade, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Roxanne Valies of Tamarac in heavily-Democratic District 95 has filed to succeed term-limited Rep. Hazelle […]

Mitch PerryMarch 18, 2015

Debbie Wasserman Schultz will not be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate next year, but lets hope that doesn’t “pave the way” for fellow South Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy to become the groomed nominee in 2016. As a Tampa Bay area-based political reporter, I have to admit knowing very little about […]

James CallMarch 17, 2015

There’s a development in the Gerald Bailey affair I want to tell you about, but first its FSU Day. Not that I attended the school or anything, but if I’m put on a beat it’s what’s in the front of my mind, you know? Like, I’m all FSU, fascinated by Charlotte’s Web rule-making, intrigued by the personalities […]

Mitch PerryMarch 17, 2015

According to Miami state House Republican Frank Artiles, the only reason he has introduced his legislation that would stop transgender people from using public restrooms aligned with their gender identity is because Miami-Dade County Commissioners wouldn’t change their own ordinance. “I am here because the Miami Dade ordinance is overbroad and subjective,” he told lawmakers […]

Mitch PerryMarch 17, 2015

According to Miami state House Republican Frank Artiles, the only reason he has introduced his legislation that would stop transgender people from using public restrooms aligned with their gender identity is because Miami-Dade County Commissioners wouldn’t change their own ordinance. “I am here because the Miami Dade ordinance is overbroad and subjective,” he told lawmakers […]

Mitch PerryMarch 16, 2015

Miami Republican Rep. Frank Artiles‘ controversial bill that would criminalize bathroom use for transgender people moves to its second committee in the House Tuesday, and LGBT activists are now in Tallahassee lobbying legislators to vote against it. The Government Operations Subcommittee will consider HB 583, which would make it illegal for transgend people to enter sex segregated […]

Tag: Frank Artiles
Melania and Donald Trump with Pope Francis. Image via AP.

Americans for Prosperity sends mid-Session mailers thanking supportive lawmakers

The day that was in Florida politics — March 30

Robert Asencio steps up to challenge Republican Frank Artiles

Activists at Tampa Pride urge celebrants to fight adoption bill

Roxanne Valies, Robert Asencio gear up for South Florida House runs in 2016

Mitch Perry Report for 3.18.15 — No DWS, no problem, right Dems?

The day that was in Florida politics — March 17

Frank Artiles admits his "bathroom bill" is still a work in progress as it advances in Florida House

Frank Artiles admits his “bathroom bill” is still a work in progress as it advances in Florida House

Equality Florida hits Capitol to lobby against transgender bill