Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonAugust 7, 2018

Lithia Republican Mike Beltran has been touting an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association in his campaign to succeed exiting Rep. Jake Raburn in House District 57, but a look at the gradebook shows that’s a misrepresentation. Contrary to communications from his campaign, including a mailer that went out to HD 57 voters, the NRA says it […]

Drew WilsonAugust 4, 2018

Businessman and U.S. Army veteran Sean McCoy added another $7,150 to his campaign account last week, building his edge in outside fundraising in ahead of his Aug. 28 showdown with attorney Mike Beltran. McCoy and Beltran, both of Lithia, are vying for the Republican nomination in House District 57, a southeastern Hillsborough County district that’s currently represented […]

Drew WilsonAugust 3, 2018

Florida Realtors PAC, the political arm of the state’s largest professional trade association, gave its blessing to another five candidates running for state legislative seats in the fall. Making the cut in the new round of endorsements were five state House candidates, three of them Republicans and two of them Democrats. In southeastern Hillsborough County’s […]

Drew WilsonJuly 31, 2018

Lithia Republican Mike Beltran is starting to gain some traction in his bid to succeed Republican Rep. Jake Raburn in Hillsborough County’s House District 57. The attorney and father of two entered the race for HD 57 a day before the end of the candidate qualifying period and has since piled on endorsements from staunch […]

Staff ReportsJuly 4, 2018

A compilation of Independence Day messages from Florida’s elected officials and politicians: President Donald Trump: https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1014519862482407424 Attorney General Pam Bondi: “On this day, 242 years ago, 13 American colonies united in signing the Declaration of Independence becoming the United States of America. Since its inception, the USA continues to ensure our right to life, liberty […]

Drew WilsonJune 19, 2018

Another handful of candidates put their names down Tuesday for Florida House seats, just three days ahead of the qualifying deadline for state legislative races. Port St. Lucie Republican Teri Pinney opened filed for House District 84, setting up a GOP primary between her and Mark Gotz. HD 84 is a swing seat currently held […]

Drew WilsonJune 19, 2018

Republican businessman and U.S. Army veteran Sean McCoy announced Tuesday that he has filed for House District 57, the seat currently held by Lithia Republican Rep. Jake Raburn. McCoy’s announcement comes one day after Raburn announced he would not run for re-election to devote more time to his family and business. “Our community enjoyed six […]

Drew WilsonJune 19, 2018

State Rep. Jake Raburn announced Monday that he is not running for a fourth term in the Florida House this fall, citing the need to spend more time with family. “The past six years have been the most surreal, humbling, overwhelming, exciting, challenging and gratifying on my journey thus far,” said Raburn, a Lithia Republican, in […]

Staff ReportsJune 5, 2018

The wait is almost over. We’re finalizing our sixth annual ranking of Tampa Bay’s most powerful politicians. It will be published next Monday. As has been the case in years prior, the results are rooted in the opinions of leading political consultants, activists, bloggers, operatives and local lobbyists around the Bay area who reached out […]

Peter SchorschMay 20, 2018

Hundreds of people – including U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Congressman Charlie Crist – held hands on Florida beaches Saturday in protest of proposed nearshore oil drilling. “Hands Across the Sand” was held in Pinellas County, one of nearly 120 events taking place on beaches nationwide. The annual protest first started during the Deepwater Horizon […]

Tag: Jake Raburn

Mike Beltran inflated his NRA grade, scoresheet shows

Sean McCoy outpaces Mike Beltran in HD 57 fundraising

Florida Realtors release third wave of legislative endorsements

Mike Beltran gaining traction in HD 57 race

Compilation of Independence Day messages from Florida’s elected officials, political leaders

As qualifying deadline nears, more candidates file for House races

Sean McCoy files to succeed Jake Raburn in HD 57

Jake Raburn won’t seek re-election in 2018

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 6.5.18

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 5.20.18