Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJune 6, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Hope Holt, formerly calendar coordinator in the House Clerk’s Office, is now serving as a program specialist for the Office of Professional Development. Off: Tina White stepped down as policy chief for the House Criminal Justice […]

Staff ReportsApril 21, 2017

Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto said she believes Frank Artiles’ decision to resign was the “best decision for himself and his family.” Benacquisto, the Fort Myers Republican who chairs the Senate Rules Committee, said Sen. Perry Thurston has withdrawn his complaint against Artiles, and as such “no further action on the part of the part of the […]

Jim RosicaApril 12, 2017

A proposed conference to resolve differences between the House and Senate gambling bills, originally planned for this week, was postponed till next week. That’s because, as of Wednesday, lawmakers continued to talk with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which has six casinos in the state. One lobbyist suggested an end game: Passing only a new […]

Peter SchorschApril 2, 2017

A pro tip for anyone seeking to curry favor with the Florida Legislature: get your facts straight — or at least know which state you’re trying to lobby. A couple of months ago, state Sen. Jack Latvala and Rep. Jason Brodeur announced supporting the “Protect Florida Small Business Act” (SB 750), which seeks to “promote […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

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Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

Scott PowersFebruary 10, 2017

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Never mind who’s running for Governor in 2018, Floridians want to know which Republicans are in the running for Florida Chief Financial Officer now that CFO Jeff Atwater announced he is leaving this year, with speculation starting with Tom Grady, Tom Lee, Will Weatherford and Teresa Jacobs and including seven or eight others. Grady, a securities lawyer who is a former state representative who also has held several […]

Staff ReportsDecember 29, 2016

It’s now up to his new colleagues whether Bobby Powell gets to stay a state senator. Powell, a Riviera Beach Democrat, was elected to Senate District 30 this year after serving four years in the House. But his opponent, Republican candidate Ron Berman, challenged the results with a “notice of contest,” according to reports. Because the Senate […]

Staff ReportsOctober 25, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Mia Simon is no longer a legislative assistant for Fort Myers Republican state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto. On: Dane Bennett is now Benacquisto’s new legislative assistant. Off: Cameron Pennant is no longer a district secretary for Naples Republican Rep. Matt Hudson. […]

Phil AmmannOctober 11, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Mary Kassabaum is no longer legislative assistant for Trilby Republican state Sen. Wilton Simpson. Off: Caroline Crow is no longer district secretary for Rockledge Republican state Sen. Thad Altman. On: Matthew Hunter is returning as legislative assistant for Fort […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 1, 2016

Put Jason Maughan in the sore loser column. The Sanibel Island Republican had hoped to unseat Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto in Senate District 27. He failed — receiving 31 percent of the vote to Benacquisto’s 70 percent. But rather than concede gracefully, Maughan took to Facebook to bash Benacquisto, who is expected to play a prominent role […]

Tag: Lizbeth Benacquisto

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Lizbeth Benacquisto: Frank Artiles made the ‘best decision for himself and his family, his constitutes, and the Florida Senate’

Legislature still hasn’t begun conferencing on gambling legislation

Franchise group tweets tone-deaf opposition to ‘Florida Small Business Act’

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

Jeff Atwater’s surprise departure makes CFO job the hottest in state

Senate will determine whether Bobby Powell stays or goes

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Jason Maughan posts lengthy rant on Facebook after SD 27 loss