Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2018

Money talks, and for candidates just a few months away from the primary and general elections, it can speak volumes. This edition brings you up to speed on state House candidate money chases in the Bay area. It’s early yet, but monthly fundraising hauls — and spends — provide valuable insights into how things might […]

Drew WilsonMay 14, 2018

Dover state Rep. Ross Spano announced Monday that he’s earned the support of 12 more current and former officials within Florida’s 15th Congressional District. The Hillsborough Republican shored up support from in his home county with endorsements from Valrico Rep. Jake Raburn, former Plant City Rep. Rich Glorioso, Hillsborough Tax Collector Doug Belden Hillsborough County […]

Drew WilsonMay 1, 2018

The Associated Industries of Florida on Tuesday released a report measuring how closely Florida lawmakers’ votes aligned with its interests. The conservative business group’s 2018 Voting Records report found a slight uptick in lawmaker support for AIF-backed legislation, with 78 percent of the Senate and 91 percent of the House voting in favor of its […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 25, 2018

A group supporting a wave of first-time candidates for elected office took out a full-page ad in the Sunday edition of the Sun-Sentinel calling on Floridians to run against NRA-backed state lawmakers in 2018. The Run for Something ad states “The NRA is killing our kids” at the top and then includes an sheet with […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 15, 2018

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam on Thursday said he was asking lawmakers to postpone a measure including language that would allow his department to issue concealed weapon licenses without complete criminal background information. But Putnam, also a Republican candidate for governor, did not say whether he asked for the provision to be withdrawn from the bills. The announcement […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 14, 2018

Ruskin resident Ron Vatalaro‘s short stint as a Democratic candidate for the Legislature has ended. That means Hillsborough County Democrats are again now looking at the possibility of allowing House District 57 GOP incumbent Jake Raburn to win re-election without any opposition. Vatalaro filed at the end of January to run against Raburn in the Hillsborough […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 31, 2018

For the first time since he won the eastern Hillsborough County District 57 House seat in 2012, Republican Jake Raburn will face competition in a general election. Democrat Ronald James Vatalaro, a 34-year-old Ruskin resident who works in digital marketing, filed paperwork on Monday with the Division of Elections to run in the seat. It’s […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

The Tampa Bay area will have three Senate seats and 14 House seats on the 2018 ballot; while most of the Pinellas and Hillsborough delegations will be the same when the 2019 Legislative Session rolls around, a few races are starting to heat up. First, the sure things. Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young is still […]

Staff ReportsOctober 4, 2017

A measure to overhaul community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, has been filed for the 2018 Legislative Session. Rep. Jake Raburn, a Lithia Republican, is sponsoring the bill (HB 17). Lawmakers designed the programs to combat blight and slums and build affordable housing, WFSU explained. Critics argue more regulations are needed to ensure […]

Mitch PerryAugust 10, 2017

Brandon-area state Sen. Tom Lee and Lithia Rep. Jake Raburn rankled members of the Tampa City Council earlier this year after they learned of the legislative proposal that would ultimately prevent cities and counties from creating Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA’s). While the bill did not make it to Gov. Rick Scott‘s desk, it might next year, St. Petersburg […]

Tag: Jake Raburn

Ninja Bow — Tampa Bay campaign finance roundup — April 2018

Ross Spano lands a dozen endorsements for CD 15 campaign

Republican lawmakers earn high grades on Associated Industries’ report card

Run for Something ad highlights unopposed Florida lawmakers with NRA ties

Adam Putnam asks for delay on gun license-background check bill

Democrat Ron Vatalaro drops out of HD 57 race

Democrat Ron Vatalaro looks to challenge Jake Raburn in House District 57

Here’s where Tampa Bay legislative races stand heading into the 2018 Legislative Session

Bill would rein in community redevelopment agencies

Wengay Newton warns Tampa City Council about the threat to CRA’s