Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJune 20, 2016

A new poll by the conservative pollster Rasmussen Reports finds Americans think the Orlando massacre is more about terrorism than guns. The survey found 57 percent of those polled consider the shooting primarily a terrorism issue, while 38 percent thought it was primarily a gun-control issue. However, even those who consider it a terrorism issue […]

Guest AuthorJune 16, 2016

Hey, NRA. Yeah, I’m talking to you, you ruggedly handsome, semi-terrifying devil. Who am I? Why, I’m your worst nightmare. The one you’re always talking about. The one that keeps those membership dues flowing. I’m the Democrat who wants to take away your guns. Turns out, I’m not just a purely hyperbolic invention. I believe […]

Larry GriffinJune 15, 2016

After the Pulse nightclub shooting last weekend, Florida Democratic lawmakers made it public Wednesday morning: they’re calling on Gov. Rick Scott and Senate President Andy Gardiner for a special legislative session to try and pass laws to ban suspected terror suspects from buying guns. Sen. Darren Soto, Rep. John Cortes, Sen. Geraldine Thompson and others gathered in […]

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, whose office also handles security guard licenses and concealed carry permits, says the Orlando shooter held security guard licenses that allowed him to carry firearms. Putnam spoke Monday to a group of reporters outside the state’s Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. The commissioner said Omar Mateen of Fort Pierce had a “D” license […]

Larry GriffinJune 12, 2016

In the wake of the 2 a.m. shooting at The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, The League of Women Voters issued a news release by email Sunday morning titled “Florida Must Lead on Gun Safety,” calling for tightening background checks and “extensive, required safety training” for any gun buyers. “The time for action is NOW,” the press release […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

A plethora of high-profile matters is scheduled for argument before the Florida Supreme Court next week. The state’s justices will consider questions related to gambling, guns, capital punishment and medical malpractice. Another case involves claim bills, passed by lawmakers to pay people for injuries suffered at the hands of government or a public entity. Still two others involve attorneys […]

Bob SparksFebruary 11, 2016

Tuesday night’s New Hampshire primary election revealed the mood of the electorate of that small state. Polls show that in many of the remaining primary and caucus states, voters in both parties are unhappy with the process of government. Amendments, show votes, executive orders and other process maneuvers have worn thin. The Florida Legislature offers […]

Associated PressJanuary 9, 2016

Hillary Clinton jumped at a chance Friday to portray rival Sen. Bernie Sanders as being at odds with President Barack Obama on gun control after the president denounced legislation protecting gun-makers from lawsuits. Clinton’s campaign chairman, former Obama adviser John Podesta, called on Sanders to join Obama and Clinton by taking on the issue of […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2016

With Florida’s Legislative Session only days away, one of the hottest issues to face lawmakers this year is Open Carry. Two bills (SB 300/HB 163) filed by the Republican father-son tag team of State Sen. Don Gaetz of Niceville and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach, would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry a […]

Associated PressJanuary 2, 2016

Laws taking effect at the start of the new year show states diverging on some hot-button issues. Restrictions on carrying guns eased in Texas, for example, but got tighter in California. It is easier to register to vote in Oregon, but there is another step to take at the polls in North Carolina. The opposing […]

Tag: guns

Rasmussen poll: Orlando massacre a terrorist issue, not a gun matter

Ben Pollara: Unsolicited advice to the NRA

Florida Democrats call for special legislation to ban terror suspects from buying guns

Orlando shooter was licensed as armed security guard in Florida

League of Women Voters calls for stricter gun laws after Orlando shooting

Bevy of big cases awaits state Supreme Court

Bob Sparks: Hear the gun bills, don’t restrict debate

Hillary Clinton portrays Bernie Sanders as at odds with Barack Obama on guns

Open Carry advocates in Florida should take careful note of Texas’ new gun-toting law

New laws in 2016 show states are diverging on guns, voting