Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Martin DyckmanNovember 17, 2014

Nearly 70 years ago, when the Florida Democratic Party was a monopoly, the political scientist V. O. Key Jr., saw a problem that haunts it to the present day. In Florida, he wrote, it was “every man for himself.” Individual candidates built their own organizations, which dissolved when they left office or gave up running. […]

Darryl PaulsonFebruary 6, 2014

I am going to say a dirty word. Lobbyist. I am not sure if lobbyist ranks above or below politician, but both words evoke mistrust and derision. Even more shocking, I like most lobbyists and I respect what they do. When did you last read the Constitution? I would suggest reading the First Amendment. It […]

Darryl PaulsonNovember 18, 2013

First of a four-part series on political humor For 35 years, I told incoming political science students that politics comes from the ancient Greek word “poly” meaning “many” and “tics” meaning “ugly bloodsucking parasites.” For the first 20 years, the students would laugh. For the last 15 years, students would busily write the definition in […]

Guest AuthorNovember 14, 2013

One of the great wonders in the study of history is how things so remote can still hold valuable lessons for us today. Such is the case with the presidency and assassination of John F. Kennedy, whose brief but energizing administration came to a shocking and tragic end 50 years ago this month. To the […]

Tag: John F. Kennedy

Martin Dyckman: Fla. Democrats need to find a message with a broad appeal

Darryl Paulson: In defense of lobbying

Darryl Paulson: Ugly bloodsucking parasites

George L. Hanbury II: JFK’s dynamic skills hold a good example for today’s leaders