Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 2, 2018

The House and Senate gambling bills were heard separately Friday, but one lawmaker already is folding his hand. “The chances of a gaming bill passing this session are none,” said Rep. Joe Abruzzo, a Boynton Beach Democrat. “Let’s go home.” A strike-all amendment had been OK’d on the Senate’s legislation (SB 840) in the Appropriations […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 4, 2018

Former Margate Sen. Jeremy Ring announced Thursday that 19 Democratic state lawmakers have endorsed him in the chief financial officer race. “From the very beginning I have believed that our campaign is all about people power,” Ring said. “I am proud to have the support of each and every one of these legislators. Over the […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 21, 2017

A House bill to ban red-light cameras cleared its final committee Tuesday and is ready for a floor vote when the 2017 Legislative Session kicks off next month. The House Government Accountability Committee approved HB 6007 with a 13-3 vote; the only no votes came from Democratic Reps. Joe Abruzzo, Carlos Guillermo Smith and Clovis Watson. Last month, the bill had made […]

Ryan RayJune 24, 2016

As of the close of business for the state Division of Elections, it appears candidates in some 29 state House seats — nearly a quarter of the 120-member body — are already headed to Tallahassee. About 15 Republicans and 14 Democrats will have no need for a campaign manager this election cycle, according to a preliminary […]

Drew WilsonJune 22, 2016

A third Democrat has filed to run against state Reps. Kevin Rader and Irv Slosberg in the race for Senate District 29. Mindy Koch, the president of the Democratic Club of Boca Raton and Delray Beach, filed to run in SD 29 on Tuesday, turning the contest into a three-way primary. So far, Rader is […]

Peter SchorschJune 8, 2016

The latest bout of redistricting drama has Democratic Rep. Kevin Rader and Sen. Joe Abruzzo looking to trade places in the fall. Rader, in his second term in House District 81, announced Wednesday he will forgo re-election and instead run in the newly redrawn Senate District 29 with Abruzzo’s blessing. “Joe Abruzzo is an incredible […]

Ryan RayMay 26, 2016

Though he may be running in some new territory this fall, Sen. Jeff Clemens says he is not short on support from across his redrawn Senate District 31. The Lake Worth Democrat unveiled more than two dozen endorsements on Thursday from local elected leaders and advocacy groups. Those giving the often left-leaning Democrat the nod included Palm Beach Reps. Dave […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

A motion to reconsider a contentious bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people failed in a Senate panel Tuesday, signaling its virtual demise for the 2016 Legislative Session. On a voice vote, the Judiciary Committee deadlocked again on a procedural move to bring the bill (SB 120) back, one day after the bill died on […]

Ryan RayFebruary 8, 2016

A bill to prohibit gender- and sexuality-based workplace discrimination died momentarily in a Senate panel, before being revived by legislative maneuvering. Monday afternoon’s meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee was likely the most controversial of the 2016, in both form and in substance. Senators took up SB 120, a bill supporters are calling the “Competitive Workforce Act,” […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 21, 2016

The Florida Competitive Workforce Act will finally see the light of day, after what has been a long road to be heard by any committee in the Florida Legislature. Miami Republican Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla placed Senate Bill 120, sponsored by Boynton Beach Democrat Sen. Joe Abruzzo, on the schedule for his Judiciary Committee. […]

Tag: Joe Abruzzo

Sucker bet? Gambling bills on the move in both chambers

Jeremy Ring snags a pile of endorsements from state lawmakers

Red-light camera ban clears final House committee

More than two dozen House members automatically re-elected

Third Democrat enters SD 29 race to face Kevin Rader, Irv Slosberg

Kevin Rader, Joe Abruzzo forgo re-election, look to trade places

Jeff Clemens announces raft of local endorsements

Dead again: Senators kill anti-LGBT discrimination bill

Anti-LGBT discrimination bill on life support after contentious vote

After long road, Florida Competitive Workforce Act gets first Senate committee hearing