Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryApril 12, 2016

The New York Yankees are worth at least $3.4 billion, according to Forbes. Depending on what survey you look at, they are either the 2nd or 3rd most valuable sports property in the world (behind only Real Madrid and maybe the Dallas Cowboys). Despite that vast wealth, the ball club and the Tampa Sports Authority are […]

Mitch PerryApril 8, 2016

A mentally ill inmate who was in protective custody was found dead at the Columbia Correctional Institution on Tuesday, a day after a corrections officer was hospitalized in an attack. It’s yet another black mark on Florida’s prison system, one that many say is overcrowded and underfunded. The Department of Corrections, though, insists those issues had nothing […]

Mitch PerryMarch 10, 2016

In what is being dubbed by critics as the “low-energy” summit, Jeb Bush is scheduled to meet today in Miami separately with John Kasich and Ted Cruz, after reportedly already meeting with Marco Rubio on Wednesday. The idea being, I take it, is that Jeb might come out with an endorsement. If he’s going to do […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 16, 2016

The Tampa Greater Chamber of Commerce has hired Cardenas Partners to lobby on legislative matters. Al Cardenas, a former two-time chairman for the Republican Party of Florida, oversees the Government Affairs Practice at the firm. He’s also a senior partner with the Washington-based lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs. In December, the Chamber listed their priorities […]

Peter SchorschDecember 3, 2015

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce headed up to Tallahassee Thursday to discuss its 2016 legislative agenda with lawmakers. “We had the privilege today to meet with our local delegation members to express what is important to the Chamber and to the business community as a whole,” said Guy King III, the group’s chair-elect. “It […]

Mitch PerryOctober 28, 2015

As he continues to pile up missed votes, Marco Rubio hasn’t been shy about the fact that he can’t stand the U.S. Senate. Fine, say his critics. Resign and let someone else do the job instead. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel is calling for Rubio to step down in their lead editorial. If you hate your […]

Jim RosicaOctober 26, 2015

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Gov. Rick Scott got a figurative swift kick in the pants Monday when the head of Tampa’s leading business group told him to get a move on in filling a vacancy on the local aviation authority’s board. “Possibly unlike any appointment you will make, this next appointment is both an opportunity and your responsibility to make […]

Mitch PerryAugust 18, 2015

Four years ago, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was considered a strong challenger to Mitt Romney for the GOP presidential nomination. Then the Iowa Straw Poll happened. Pawlenty fared poorly, and on August 11, 2011, he was stunningly out of the race. Flash forward four years later: Is Scott Walker this year’s version of Tim Pawlenty? Walker has […]

Mitch PerryMarch 30, 2015

Ron Christaldi, chairman of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, said Monday that in 2013, a half-dozen members of the chamber visited Vice President Joe Biden and other White House officials to discuss the potential for business with Cuba. “They asked me about what the business community wanted and were we ready to take advantage […]

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. […]

Tag: Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Last time this happened, the Earth got plants. Image via Popular Science.

Mitch Perry Report for 4.12.16 – Will anyone question the NY Yankees/Steinbrenner field $40 million upgrade?

Jeff Brandes say his next focus will be on reforming Florida prison system

Mitch Perry Report for 3.10.16 – Why hasn’t the Florida GOP establishment rallied around Marco Rubio?

Greater Tampa Chamber hires Cardenas Partners to lobby in Tallahassee

Tampa Chamber outlines 2016 agenda, supports Florida Enterprise Fund

Mitch Perry Report for 10.28.15 – Pressure grows on Rubio to leave U.S. Senate

Tampa Chamber CEO to Rick Scott: “You owe us” after Sam Rashid fiasco

Mitch Perry Report for 8.18.15 – It’s not going as planned for Scott Walker

Tampa officials host conference on Cuba

Senate denounces Obama overture to Cuba