Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryDecember 18, 2014

The term “game-changer” was expressed often during the 90-minute press event that developer Jeff Vinik presented yesterday regarding his plans to revitalize a major part of downtown Tampa. But the true potential game-changer yesterday was President Obama’s announcement regarding a change in policies with Cuba, which has profound implications for both countries. Predictably, reactions were […]

James CallDecember 17, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott’s second-term management team continues to take shape with December appointments and reappointments. Wednesday Scott announced Cynthia O’Connell and Ken Detzner will continue in their roles as Secretary of the Lottery and Secretary of State. O’Connell was appointed Lottery Secretary in 2011 and is a former advertising manager for First Florida Bank Inc. […]

Phil AmmannDecember 17, 2014

Republican state Rep. Travis Hutson adds two local officials to his growing roster of supporters in the special election for John Thrasher’s vacant Senate District 6 seat. Following endorsements from State Attorney R.J. Larizza and Sheriffs David Shoar and Ben Johnson, Hutson announced today the support of St. Johns County Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth and […]

Mitch PerryDecember 17, 2014

Today’s blockbuster announcement that the U.S. will restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba and open an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half-century has been met with mixed emotions across Florida, but perhaps no member of Congress is more ecstatic about the breakthrough than Tampa Democratic Representative Kathy Castor. “It was the […]

Mitch PerryDecember 17, 2014

Today’s blockbuster announcement that the U.S. will restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba and open an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half-century has been met with mixed emotions across Florida, but perhaps no member of Congress is more ecstatic about the breakthrough than Tampa Democratic Representative Kathy Castor. “It was the […]

Associated PressDecember 17, 2014

With his announcement of plans to “actively explore” running for president, former Florida Gov. Jeb. Bush is now — in the minds of many Republican donors and other party leaders — an early front-runner for the GOP’s next presidential nomination. In Favor: 1. The Bush Name As the brother and son of former Republican presidents, […]

Associated PressDecember 17, 2014

With his announcement of plans to “actively explore” running for president, former Florida Gov. Jeb. Bush is now — in the minds of many Republican donors and other party leaders — an early front-runner for the GOP’s next presidential nomination. In Favor: 1. The Bush Name As the brother and son of former Republican presidents, […]

Mitch PerryDecember 17, 2014

The absurdity that has marred the HD 64 contest since last summer continues, with GOP candidate Miriam Steinberg dropping out of the special election GOP primary scheduled for February. That means that Jamie Grant, the former incumbent, will now face (and likely destroy) write-in candidate Daniel Matthews in the special general election contest scheduled for […]

Mitch PerryDecember 17, 2014

Whatever Jeb Bush decided to do regarding the presidential sweepstakes, it would be major news. But in his announcing a leadership PAC (but not an exploratory committee) via Facebook on Tuesday morning, he definitely has made the first strike in attempting to join his father and brother in the most exclusive club in America, if […]

Mitch PerryDecember 16, 2014

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In a close election, Hillsborough County Republicans on Tuesday night chose former state Representative Deborah Tamargo to be their new party chair, defeating former party chair Debbie Cox-Roush on a 110-80 vote. She succeeds Brandon state Senator Tom Lee, who has led the local party for the past two years. Tamargo had been running for […]

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Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Mitch Perry Report for 12.18.14 – Your move now, Raul

Sec State Ken Detzner and Lottery Secretary Cynthia O’Connell stay for second term

Travis Hutson adds endorsements from 2 local officials for SD 6 special election

Kathy Castor calls diplomatic breakthrough "The most historic change in our lifetime when it comes to Cuba"

Kathy Castor calls diplomatic breakthrough “The most historic change in our lifetime when it comes to Cuba”

Why Jeb Bush is – and isn’t – the GOP front-runner

Why Jeb Bush is – and isn't – the GOP front-runner

Miriam Steinberg fails to qualify in HD 64 special election

Mitch Perry Report for 12.17.14 – Jeb starts out first

Hillsborough Republicans choose Deborah Tamargo to be their new party chair