Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 2, 2017

As storm clouds continue to build around Sen. Jack Latvala in the wake of sexual harassment charges, many politicians with statewide notoriety have made their positions clear. The tipping point occurred this week, when Rachel Perrin Rogers, a legislative aide to Republican Sen. Wilton Simpson, went public with her accusations against Latvala. Perrin Rogers was tired of Latvala lying […]

Ana CeballosDecember 1, 2017

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday said her “heart breaks” for the Senate staffer who in a sworn statement said Sen. Jack Latvala groped her private body parts and sexually harassed her for years, and called for legislation to protect sexual harassment victims. “I was astonished to learn that one of the victims of […]

Tag: Jack Latvala
Dr. Leak Roberts. Image via AP.

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

Rob Bradley on Jack Latvala investigation: ‘There is a process in place’

Pam Bondi calls for legislation to protect sexual harassment victims