Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2015

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Uber, the hired-car company seeking to secure its presence in Florida, has taken on former Florida-based lobbyist Stephanie Smith to oversee its public policy initiatives in the Sunshine State. Smith will leave her Atlanta-based post as AT&T’s director of public affairs for Florida and Georgia. As part of her job, she’ll have a hand in Uber’s media and public relations […]

Ryan RaySeptember 24, 2015

Next month, Steve Schale is taking his talents to sub-Saharan Africa. The Democratic strategist will lead a bipartisan delegation of American political professionals to Namibia and Botswana as part of an exchange program sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders. Schale will escort a cohort of Americans to meet and swap electoral insights with the National Youth […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 10, 2015

A powerful new tool to make state lawmakers more responsive to constituents launched Thursday — literally. Rocket Lobby, a free legislative accountability search engine from public relations firm CATE COMM, reached the stratosphere with its logo attached to a high-altitude weather balloon. Video of the launch is available on YouTube. RocketLobby.com allows anyone in the […]

Mitch PerryJune 29, 2015

With Florida again figuring to be one of the most valued swing-state nations in the country, local television stations up and down the state’s 10 biggest media markets are undoubtedly salivating for the campaign to get more intense. As first reported on Twitter by Kevin Cate, Jeb Bush’s super PAC, Right to Rise, is starting to […]

Phil AmmannJune 3, 2015

As the Florida Legislature takes another stab with a 20-day Special Session, Kevin Cate is once again taking bets on when the 2015-2016 state spending plan will be approved. By the Florida Constitution, lawmakers must pass a budget by June 30, and the special session is scheduled through June 20. This time, its #CateBudget, where […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 28, 2015

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Looking at the 2015 Jacksonville Campaign, Kevin Cate asserts that Democrats can learn lessons for the future. One important lesson: outspend your opponent 2 to 1 on TV, as Lenny Curry did Alvin Brown. Cate contends that Brown suffered from a spending deficit, as well as from a “self-inflicted late start to the campaign,” both […]

James CallApril 20, 2015

It may not compare to the estimated $4 billion wagered in office betting pools during the NCAA basketball tournament, but Capitol observers have some side bets going on about the 2015 Legislative Session. One is when will the hanky drop. Entries for #CateSineDie are due by 10 a.m. Tuesday. Predict when lawmakers adjourn the 2015 Legislative Session, […]

Guest AuthorNovember 30, 2014

Everyone knows how Charlie Crist lost: votes. But not enough has been said about how Charlie Crist won. First, the People’s Governor willingly walked into a $100 million wall. Rick Scott had $25 million in negative ads waiting to bully any challengers on day one and his campaign was boasting about an unprecedented, and almost […]

Guest AuthorNovember 13, 2014

Richard Nixon helped end, but can still save, the Florida Democratic Party. It’s no secret that Florida Democrats have yet to figure out how to increase voter turnout during midterm elections. That’s why, despite Democratic voter registration advantages, Republicans have dominated state government for two-plus decades. But it’s not like Democrats haven’t tried. This election […]

Peter SchorschJune 30, 2014

Charlie Crist’s difficult June was capped off by a highly critical column by Tim Nickens, the editor of the Tampa Bay Times editorial page. “As we head into July, the race appears essentially tied and Charlie Crist is not maximizing his greatest assets as the likeable guy who understands Floridians and their priorities,” writes Nickens. […]

Tag: Kevin Cate
Image via AP.

Stephanie Smith to join Uber in Florida

Steve Schale’s big news

New search engine linking lawmakers, constituents launches … literally

Jeb Bush super PAC to soon begin airing ads in Florida

#CateBudget: placing bets on a final budget agreement

Kevin Cate talks earned media and gives the secret to winning elections

#CateSineDie: placing bets on Session’s end

Kevin Cate: How Charlie Crist won

Kevin Cate: Florida Democrats should change the rules, again

Peter Schorsch: It’s been frustrating watching Crist’s big lead evaporate