Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 23, 2015

South Florida Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy has formally declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Florida in 2016. “It just boils down to where I think being in the U.S. Senate, we can really have a great impact,” Murphy told Florida Politics late Sunday afternoon, giving his first interview since declaring he is a […]

Steve SchaleMarch 22, 2015

The revolving door that is Bob Graham’s old U.S. Senate seat will continue in 2016. Barring a surprise, Florida will have its fourth Senator representing that seat since Sen. Graham retired – and for Democrats, Congressman Patrick Murphy gives us a real chance to return the seat to our column. At this point, there is […]

James CallMarch 22, 2015

This week in Florida Politics we shall seek clarity. By week’s end we will know about the House and Senate’s competing budget proposals, how Sen. Rob Bradley intends to solve the Charlotte’s Web mystery, and whether service in the Confederate Army is Hall of Fame material. The highlight of a busy week comes Wednesday when both the Senate Appropriations and […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 18, 2015

It was the insurance industry versus the provider community when a House subcommittee took up a bill that prohibits balance billing for emergency services on Wednesday, with the insurance and HMO industry emerging the victor. Over the objections of the Florida Medical Association, the Florida Hospital Association, the Florida Radiological Association, and the Florida Chapter […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

The other day Mason-Dixon did a poll on the 2016 Florida U.S. Senate race, and its content was somewhat pedestrian. Pedestrian in the respect that it only put forth four names: Marco Rubio and Jeff Atwater for the Republicans; Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Patrick Murphy for the Democrats. With more than a year and a half until the […]

James CallMarch 11, 2015

The Florida Senate’s creative use of music and a whimsical self-awareness among members of the Florida Cabinet were among the highlights of the 60th (Sometimes) Annual Capitol Press Corps Skits Tuesday night. Reporters and politicos lampooned each other with the House and Attorney General Pam Bondi paying Times reporter Michael Van Sickler maybe the profession’s […]

Mitch PerryMarch 11, 2015

Like it or not, Hollywood productions, like sports owners, have been able to play cities and states against each other for years to get the best deal for themselves. Tampa Bay area residents are all too familiar with getting burned by giving welfare to rich folks. You don’t have to have lived in the area […]

James CallMarch 10, 2015

No movement Tuesday in clearing up confusion over next year’s state budget. While state economists counted up how much money Florida will have to spend for the year beginning July 1, the stances of the players involved seemed to harden. The Revenue Estimating Conference met but by sunset had yet to release the report lawmakers will […]

Mitch PerryMarch 10, 2015

Marco Rubio looks to be in good shape for his re-election chances for the U.S. Senate next year, at least against South Florida Democratic U.S. Reps. Patrick Murphy and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. A Mason-Dixon poll released Tuesday shows Rubio with double digit leads over both Democrats. Against Murphy, he’s on top 50% to 38%. Against Wasserman Schultz, […]

James CallMarch 9, 2015

It was a day of testing at the state Capitol. The House Education Committee took about an hour to dispose of an overhaul of Florida’s school accountability system. The measure reducing testing and allowing an earlier start date of the school year sailed through with a few concerns expressed and a unanimous vote. While the […]

Tag: Jeff Atwater

Patrick Murphy announces U.S. Senate bid

Steven Schale: Patrick Murphy gives Democrats a real shot at Senate seat

The week ahead in the Legislature

Round one of emergency care and billing tussle goes to insurers over docs

Mitch Perry Report for 3.12.15 — Charlie Crist for Senate?

Jose Oliva, Jeff Atwater, Senate stars of Capitol Press Corps Skits

Mitch Perry Report for 3.11.15 — Film incentives bill takes firstst step in Tally

The Day That Was in Florida Politics – March 10

New poll shows Marco Rubio, Jeff Atwater lead Dems in 2016 Florida Senate race

The day that was in Florida Politics — March 9