Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Tommy Gregory, a Republican candidate for House District 73, threw some serious shade at primary opponent Melissa Howard this week, but it looks like he should double check his sources. At issue is Howard’s party affiliation, not an uncommon avenue of attack in the primary season. Earlier this week, the Gregory campaign alleged that Howard […]

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2018

Sarasota Republican Melissa Howard raised more than $20,000 last month for her bid to replace exiting Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. Howard raised $10,550 through her campaign account and raised another $10,000 through her affiliated political committee, Citizens for Transparency in Government. The campaign haul came in via 26 contributions, including five for the […]

Drew WilsonJune 5, 2018

Republican Melissa Howard has scheduled a June 13 fundraiser for her campaign to succeed state Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. The reception will be held at Medallion Homes, 1651 Whitfield Ave., in Sarasota from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Supporters can RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 941-587-8166. Making the host committee for […]

Drew WilsonMay 29, 2018

Former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack III on Tuesday endorsed Tommy Gregory in the race for House District 73. “Tommy Gregory is a patriot and a proven leader,” Mack said. “His military experience has effectively prepared him to enter this new sphere of public service, and there’s no question in my mind that he will be […]

Drew WilsonMay 17, 2018

Republican Tommy Gregory announced Thursday that former Manatee Sherriff Brad Steube has endorsed his campaign to replace Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Tommy Gregory’s character and values will make him a very effective legislator,” Steube said. “His military career demonstrates his commitment to public service, and I believe he will bring the same […]

Drew WilsonMay 14, 2018

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh weighed in on the Republican Primary battle for House District 73, announcing Monday she is backing Melissa Howard. “Today I am proud to announce my endorsement of Melissa Howard for House District 73. Melissa has a proven track record as a leader who cares for our community and its values. […]

Drew WilsonApril 2, 2018

Republican Tommy Gregory announced Thursday that Lakewood Ranch Republican Club President Steve Vernon endorsed his campaign to replace Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Tommy Gregory is a patriot and a true conservative. He understands how our economy works and how important it is to keep taxes low and government regulations to a minimum,” […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 26, 2018

Last week U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney put out the “Rooney out” message, launching a wave of speculation over who could step in and win the heavily Republican CD 17 in the fall. So far, all the GOP candidates running to replace Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam – former Winter Haven Rep. Baxter Troutman, Lehigh Acres Rep. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 10, 2016

For Joe Gruters, being a dad to three small children in an asset. His opponent, it appears, thinks otherwise. Gruters is demanding an apology after his House District 73 opponent — Lakewood Ranch Republican Steve Vernon — sent a mailer that, among other things, said Gruters’ three young children would be a distraction. The mailer said […]

Phil AmmannJune 29, 2015

Sarasota GOP Chair Joe Gruters announced a solid Sarasota-area political roster on Monday to his campaign team in the House District 73 race. Although primaries are still more than a year away, Gruters – a prolific fundraiser himself – said strategic planning and fundraising has been in the works for the past month. “I’ve put […]

Tag: House District 73
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

Melissa Howard rebuts allegation that she’s a former Democrat

Melissa Howard raises more than $20K in May

Melissa Howard holding HD 73 fundraiser June 13

Connie Mack endorses Tommy Gregory for HD 73

Tommy Gregory endorsed by former Manatee Sheriff

Vanessa Baugh endorses Melissa Howard for HD 73

Tommy Gregory endorsed by Steve Vernon in HD 73 race

How the dominoes could fall after ‘Rooney out’

Joe Gruters says mailer calling his children a distraction should disqualify HD 73 opponent

Joe Gruters names campaign leadership team