Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 21, 2015

As of June, none of the 12 Florida Senators running for reelection is facing much of a challenge — Democratic Sen. Jeff Clemens is the only incumbent to draw an opponent so far, but it won’t derail him from another term. District 29 looks set as well, with Democratic Rep. Jim Waldman having a clear path to take over for outgoing Sen. Jeremy […]

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2015

The race to take over termed-out Republican Sen. Garrett Richter’s District 23 seat was already setting up to be a hard-fought battle between Republican Reps. Matt Hudson and Kathleen Passidomo, when the May entry of Naples businessman Gary Price brought on what will likely be an even more contentious three-way primary. Campaign finance numbers for May show Hudson is […]

Peter SchorschMay 14, 2015

The half-decade-long race to determine who will serve as president of the Florida Senate from 2016 to 2018 — either Jack Latvala or Joe Negron — has taken on all the difficulty of a Chinese finger puzzle after a series of recent developments designed to solve the matter have only made the issue more complicated. Most […]

Peter SchorschMay 13, 2015

As a Special Session of the Legislature inches closer to hammering out Florida’s spending plan ahead of the June 30 deadline, some lawmakers have even more pressing business to conduct: fundraising. A new email from Naples Republican Rep. Kathleen Passidomo does just that, as she announces she will seek the Senate seat of term-limited Sen. Garrett Richter. […]

Peter SchorschMay 8, 2015

The picture to the right is of the dock in front of the beach house where the Griswolds, er, the Schorsches are vacationing this week. This was supposed to be a recuperative, post-session retreat, and although it has been an enjoyable time here in St. Augustine, it feels like just a break before the next […]

Ryan RayMay 4, 2015

Southwest Florida businessman Gary Price announced on Monday that he will seek the District 23 Senate seat being vacated by the departure of Garrett Richter due to term limits. In an exclusive conversation with SaintPetersBlog, Price said he will look to leverage his extensive municipal government background – he served on the Naples City Commission for […]

Bruce RitchieMay 1, 2015

Another legislative session dubbed the “year of water” failed to deliver in 2015 as the House went home early over a health care spending dispute with the Senate. HB 7003, a water bill that was a legislative priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, passed the House by a 106-9 vote on the second day of […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 1, 2015

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli late Thursday night apologized for a controversial Twitter post made by Rep. Matt Gaetz. Crisafulli said he “does not condone the Tweet by @MattGaetz. He is an agitator, yes, but not a racist. Please accept my apology to those offended.” Gaetz started a Twitter war Thursday afternoon after remarking that the Senate Democrats […]

Bruce RitchieApril 29, 2015

A House bill establishing comprehensive water policy was amended and passed by the Senate on Wednesday, but was dead because the House had adjourned on Tuesday. House bills dealing with hydraulic fracturing were not voted on in the Senate because their Senate sponsor said they lacked the two-thirds vote needed. The 2015 Legislative Session continued […]

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2015

The onshore oil and gas industry has been under heavy scrutiny during the 2015 Legislative Session, as GOP Sen. Garrett Richter of Naples and GOP Rep. Ray Rodrigues of Estero have filed legislation to provide regulatory certainty to the state of Florida that will ensure the industry is appropriately regulated. The legislation, Senate Bill 1468 […]

Tag: Garrett Richter

Keep your eyes on these 8 state Senate campaigns

Gary Price posts $64K in May, though Matt Hudson still in commanding lead

The race for Senate President has become a Chinese finger puzzle

Email insights: State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo needs a new calendar

Takeaways from Tallahassee, er, St. Augustine

Gary Price announces run state Senate run in District 23

“Year of water” failed along with most environmental bills

Steve Crisafulli apologizes for Matt Gaetz’s “disgraceful” tweet

Water, fracking bills die as Senate meets without House

Brewster Bevis: Support regulatory certainty for oil and gas industry