Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 6, 2018

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Political candidates spend months rallying volunteers, knocking on doors, hobnobbing with voters at public events and, of course, raising cash. Come Election Night they’re ready, win or lose, to cut loose and either get to work or get back to their families. Whether the champagne is flowing or supporters are drowning disappointing election results at […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 6, 2018

Political expert Susan MacManus doesn’t foresee a “blue tsunami” in Tampa Bay area races, but thinks a smaller wave is possible. She sees, for example, potential flips for Democrats in one Congressional race and two State Senate contests. Those include the Ross Spano/Kristen Carlson Congressional matchup in East Hillsborough and Lakeland, the Ed Hooper/Amanda Murphy state Senate […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 5, 2018

Voter turnout so far in the Pinellas County portion of Congressional District 12 is very low. Only eight percent of registered voters have cast a ballot in precincts voting in the race between incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis and his Democratic challenger Chris Hunter. Election supervisors cannot release voter turnout by party in individual precincts or […]

Jacob OglesNovember 4, 2018

Every Republican candidate seeking statewide office in Florida attended at least one of President Donald Trump’s rallies here during the week leading into Election Day. But no candidates from Florida’s tightest Congressional races bothered to show. The attendance habits shows the varying worth of appearing close to a president whose approval ratings remain underwater overall […]

Jacob OglesNovember 1, 2018

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When President Donald Trump held a rally days before the midterms, it drew a number of prominent Republican leaders to Fort Myers. But it failed to draw a few others. U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney and Congressional hopeful Greg Steube both gave speeches from the stage promoting the president’s agenda. And from the stage, Trump praised […]

Ryan NicolOctober 23, 2018

A new round of Florida lawmakers gave their endorsement for Amendment 6 on Tuesday, off the heels of civil-rights legend Jesse Jackson Sr. stating his support for the measure. The amendment aims to increase rights for crime victims in the state of Florida. It was modeled after “Marsy’s Law.” Advocates say Amendment 6 will help victims […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 18, 2018

The Chris Hunter for Congress campaign released a new ad Thursday entitled “Sold Out” attacking incumbent Gus Bilirakis for supporting dangerous pharmaceutical industry legislation. “Gus Bilirakis inherited his seat in Congress, took more drug money than any current Florida Congressman, then sponsored the law that let drug companies push more opioid pills,” the ad begins. […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 18, 2018

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis has released a new ad that highlights his efforts to help service members and veterans during his time representing Florida’s 12 Congressional District. The ad, titled “Fighting for Warriors,” features a veteran, Bryan A., speaking about the lawmaker’s efforts and features clips of Bilirakis, a Tarpon Springs Republican, walking alongside Bryan […]

Danny McAuliffeSeptember 10, 2018

Professional football is underway. And so is professional politicking. Consider this a highlight reel of Florida politicians’ activity from over the weekend. Vice President Mike Pence hit the trail for Rick Scott: I had a great time with Vice President Pence and our Republican ticket in Orlando on Thursday! It was amazing to see so many […]

Jacob OglesSeptember 9, 2018

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis picked a high-stakes fight with a high-ranking member of House leadership—on whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. The Tarpon Springs Republican on Friday afternoon challenged Majority Whip Steve Scalise to a duel, a prelude to the NFL season opening game between his home team and […]

Tag: Gus Bilirakis
Kurt Wenner. Image via Florida TaxWatch.

It’s not the party … it’s the after party! A rundown of where Tampa Bay-area candidates will be on election night

Susan MacManus: Blue wave, maybe; blue tsunami, nope

Voting trends suggest edge for Gus Bilirakis, but there’s a catch

MAGA roll call: Who partied with Donald Trump this week? Who stayed home?

Which Republicans snubbed the Florida #MAGA rally?

Jesse Jackson, Florida lawmakers support ‘crime victims’ bill of rights’

New Chris Hunter ad says Gus Bilirakis ‘Sold Out’ to drug companies

New CD 12 ad says Gus Bilirakis ‘is addressing the real issues’

#FlaPol in Review: A weekend roundup

Gus Bilirakis puts honor, safety and Cuban sandwich on line for Tampa Bay Buccaneers