Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Martin DyckmanMarch 8, 2015

After state troopers, sheriff’s deputies savagely attacked voting rights marchers at Selma, Ala., with clubs, tear gas and cattle prods on March 7, 1965, two great Americans rushed to the city to try to take command of the perilous situation. One was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., determined to lead a second march – regardless […]

Martin DyckmanMarch 8, 2015

After state troopers, sheriff’s deputies savagely attacked voting rights marchers at Selma, Ala., with clubs, tear gas and cattle prods on March 7, 1965, two great Americans rushed to the city to try to take command of the perilous situation. One was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., determined to lead a second march – regardless […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 27, 2015

Is the Florida Cabinet worth its keep, or is it simply worthless? That venerable question has been brought front and center again by the Gerald Bailey kerfuffle. In the aftermath of his “resignation” as commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Cabinet – Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 27, 2015

Is the Florida Cabinet worth its keep, or is it simply worthless? That venerable question has been brought front and center again by the Gerald Bailey kerfuffle. In the aftermath of his “resignation” as commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Cabinet – Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and […]

Martin DyckmanAugust 3, 2014

Our texts today are not Biblical, but they are definitely topical. A wise man changes his mind often, a fool never -Spanish proverb. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines –Ralph Waldo Emerson. In every political campaign since the Stone Age, it has been an […]

Martin DyckmanApril 14, 2014

Fifty years ago, Congress was moving toward enacting the first meaningful civil rights law. Lyndon Johnson, the masterful president who was about to accomplish what had seemed impossible, was looking for someone to help implement the legislation. The choice would fall on LeRoy Collins, Florida’s former governor. It would toll the end of his political […]

Martin DyckmanNovember 3, 2013

The sight of Charlie Crist running for governor as a Democrat should not startle anyone old enough to remember that Richard Nixon went to China and began successful strategic arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union. For such an arch Cold Warrior to come to terms with common sense and necessity was in one of […]

Guest AuthorAugust 29, 2013

The vacancy in Florida’s office of lieutenant governor has caused some to question why we have a lieutenant governor. The answer can be found by looking back at history. Following the Civil War, Florida adopted what is known as the “Reconstruction” or “Carpetbag” Constitution in 1868. Seventeen years later, the voters called for a Constitutional […]

Tag: Leroy Collins

Martin Dyckman: In Selma, LeRoy Collins saved lives, suffered political hit

Martin Dyckman: In Selma, LeRoy Collins saved lives, suffered political hit

Martin Dyckman: Is Cabinet worthless? Watch insurance job to find out

Martin Dyckman: Is Cabinet worthless? Watch insurance job to find out

Martin Dyckman: Wise politicians learn, evolve — and change their minds

Martin Dyckman: Battle for civil rights cost some politicians their careers

Martin Dyckman: Who is the real Crist — and do voters care?

Jeff Kottkamp: Having a lieutenant governor makes good sense