Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jac VerSteegApril 4, 2016

It’s bugging me that Florida, now the third-most populous state, never has managed to get a Floridian elected president. It looked like there was a great chance this year, with Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio starting out as strong possibles. Even Ben Carson looked like he had a shot at one time. But each saw […]

Associated PressSeptember 16, 2015

Jeb Bush calls his tax-cut plan “Reagan-inspired.” Scott Walker says “the greatest foreign policy president … was a governor from California.” Ted Cruz pitches himself as the leader for a new “Reagan revolution.” Donald Trump makes time for Ronald Reagan, too, alluding to the 40th president’s support of Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal as […]

Associated PressSeptember 16, 2015

The second GOP presidential debate is giving a prime-time stage to long shots trying to prove they’re worthy of attention and to weakened veterans fighting to reassert their viability — all still struggling against the campaign’s phenomenon, Donald Trump. The billionaire businessman, who has shown striking durability through the summer, will be standing at center […]

Darryl PaulsonJanuary 23, 2014

Some background about Republicans and race is in order after a black Republican candidate for a Florida House seat embarrassed the party with his Tweet calling for the hanging of President Obama. The Republican Party formed in 1854 to combat slavery. Six years later, Abe Lincoln became the first Republican president. Within months of Lincoln’s […]

Guest AuthorOctober 7, 2013

Second of four parts. It was an era devoid of long and expensive political campaigns. Since Democrats enjoyed an overwhelming numerical advantage, candidates only had to win the Democratic primary. Winning the primary, so the saying went, “was tantamount to election.” The 1944 gubernatorial field was crowded. The favored candidate was Robert “Lex” Green. Born […]

Darryl PaulsonSeptember 24, 2013

Eighth in a series. Republicans and blacks dominated politics in Florida for about 20 years immediately after the Civil War. The end of Reconstruction also brought an end to Republican dominance for the next 115 years. Even though the Democrats drew the election district lines in 1992, Republicans took control of the Florida Senate in […]

Tag: Franklin Roosevelt

Jac VerSteeg: Want a president from Florida? Don’t send Rick Scott to the Senate

Ronald Reagan a certain star at GOP debate, whoever else does well

GOP candidates vie to break out of Donald Trump’s shadow in debate

Darryl Paulson: Republicans and race: From Lincoln to Joshua Black

Gary Mormino: Florida’s 1944 race for governor

Darryl Paulson: Black voter discrimination in Florida: The Republican Party