Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschDecember 6, 2017

There is a scene in the always-watchable movie “The Late Shift” — a behind-the-scenes look at the network politics that embroil television executives responsible for late-night programming after 1991’s retirement announcement of Johnny Carson — in which Tonight Show producer Peter Lassally (played by Steven Gilborn) has a come-to-Jesus conversation with David Letterman in which […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 6, 2017

On Tuesday, the Florida Democratic Party broke its conspicuous silence on whether Sen. Jack Latvala should resign in light of sexual harassment charges and his moves to discredit the one accuser who has been made public, Rachel Perrin Rogers. However, Democratic Senate colleagues of the former Appropriations Chair are somewhat more cautious. Sen. Audrey Gibson, the Leader-designate of Senate […]

Ana CeballosDecember 5, 2017

Embattled Sen. Jack Latvala is facing yet another complaint, this time by one of his allies accusing him of interfering in a Senate investigation by using defense tactics that aim to publicly attack and shame the woman who is accusing him of sexual harassment. Sen. Lauren Book field the formal complaint late on Tuesday with […]

Jim RosicaDecember 5, 2017

The Florida Democratic Party now says Sen. Jack Latvala “must resign” in light of “the numerous allegations of sexual harassment against” him. The party released a statement Tuesday through its spokeswoman, Johanna Cervone. It follows calls from fellow GOP senators also calling for him to, or suggesting that he, step down from office. “Latvala’s behavior is […]

Peter SchorschDecember 5, 2017

If you want to blame someone, blame Charlie Justice. Or, for that matter, you can blame the late C.W. “Bill” Young. Because when the Florida Senate is reduced to proverbial ashes in early 2018, those still standing will be left to wonder where everything went wrong. And that’s why you should start blaming Justice. Or […]

Peter SchorschDecember 5, 2017

A new poll from St. Leo University found Gov. Rick Scott has surpassed U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup in for Nelson’s seat in 2018. The poll, conducted online between Nov. 19 and Nov. 24, showed Scott with a double-digit lead over Nelson in the matchup, 42-32, with 8 percent preferring another […]

Staff ReportsDecember 5, 2017

A Senate bill seeking to control overcharging by marine salvage and towing companies passed its first committee Monday — despite some industry concerns. SB 664, sponsored by Tampa Republican Dana Young, will require written cost estimates — if requested by customers — before a salvage or towing company can provide work costing more than $500. […]

Ana CeballosDecember 4, 2017

As he advocates for specific changes to the Senate’s sexual harassment policy currently under review, Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez said Monday “serious rules” are needed to make sure powerful senators like Jack Latvala stop making a “mockery of serious allegations.” “Without independent investigation or serious rules, persons in power will game the system, intimidate victims […]

Jim RosicaDecember 4, 2017

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Gov. Rick Scott‘s top lawyer has – at least for now – turned down a request to appoint a special prosecutor from the attorney representing Rachel Perrin Rogers, a Senate staffer who has accused Sen. Jack Latvala of sexual harassment. The reason: Scott doesn’t yet have “the legal authority” to appoint a prosecutor. “This morning, […]

Ana CeballosDecember 4, 2017

Before she filed a sexual harassment complaint against Sen. Jack Latvala, Senate aide Rachel Perrin Rogers allegedly engaged in a pattern of raising claims against fellow staffers at the Senate Majority Office, according to a sworn affidavit released Monday. But the head of that office, Republican Sen. Wilton Simpson, now says it is part of […]

Tag: Jack Latvala

Et tu, Lauren Book

Audrey Gibson stops short of calling for Jack Latvala resignation

Senator files complaint against Jack Latvala for hindering Senate probe

Florida Democratic Party: Jack Latvala ‘must resign’

The coming nuclear war in the Florida Senate

Hmmm … poll shows Rick Scott with 10-point lead over Bill Nelson for U.S. Senate seat

Senate advances ‘modern-day piracy’ bill requiring marine towing estimates

State Senator says Jack Latvala is making ‘mockery of serious allegations’

Request denied: Rick Scott won’t (yet) appoint special prosecutor in Jack Latvala case

Affidavit: Jack Latvala accuser boasted about sabotaging people’s careers