Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMay 13, 2016

Well, so much for that much-anticipated San Antonio-Golden State NBA Western Final. Congrats to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who took down the Spurs in six. Gotta love the unexpected. Today the Republican Party of Florida hosts the first of a two-day spring meeting in Tampa. I just realized the Republicans always hold these type of […]

Peter SchorschApril 27, 2016

A North Florida school board approved a measure on Tuesday that will limit restrooms to students based on their birth sex, not their gender identity. The Marion County School Board approved the ban, which took effect Wednesday morning. The decision came despite a warning from the American Civil Liberties Union that the ban is unlawful, […]

Drew WilsonMarch 6, 2016

Lady Lake Republican Rep. Marlene O’Toole has filed to run for the newly redrawn Senate District 12 seat, setting up a primary battle between her and fellow Republican Rep. Dennis Baxley. O’Toole currently represents District 33 in the Florida House and, like Baxley, is finishing up her last term as a Representative, though her Lake […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 16, 2016

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As the Legislature continues debating a new Seminole Compact, the issue of decoupling has once again moved to the forefront. Publicly, one of the chief opponents of decoupling — which removes live race requirements for facilities to host slots and card rooms at pari-mutuels — is the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association (FTBOA). However, in the backrooms of Tallahassee, the FTBOA […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 11, 2016

Belleview Republican Rep. Dennis Baxley said Thursday he’s shifting his Senate campaign to newly redrawn District 12, because of incumbent Republican Sen. Alan Hays‘ decision to run for the Lake County elections supervisor post. “This district is my home. It is where I have done business, raised children, and served the public. I am honored […]

Mitch PerryAugust 24, 2015

In two Florida counties, the Confederate flag continues to fly proudly. That would no longer be allowed under proposed legislation introduced last week by Orlando Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Her bill would ban the display of Confederate flags on state and local government property in Florida. “Public buildings are supported by taxpayers, and taxpayers come […]

Marc YachtJuly 13, 2015

It’s tough looking at a newspaper these days. In fact, any media news is hard on the digestion. Fox commentary focuses on how terrible President Obama is, CNN beats a story to death ad nauseam, MSNBC and HNL have their own array of talking heads, and don’t forget newspapers that relegate any good news to […]

Associated PressJuly 9, 2015

About a half-dozen people protested a north Florida county’s decision to fly the Confederate flag in front of a government building. People gathered Wednesday in front of the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala to show disapproval of Marion County’s decision to fly the banner. The county had taken it down weeks earlier after nine black […]

Mitch PerryMarch 17, 2015

The Marion County Republican Executive Committee on Monday night approved a resolution criticizing House Republicans Dennis Baxley, Charlie Stone, and Marlene O’Toole for their votes last week in support of an amendment that would repeal the 38-year ban on same-sex couple adoption in Florida. Committee members said the three representatives’ support of the measure was […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 15, 2015

The premise underlying Florida’s death penalty is that it will be carried out fairly. To borrow a phrase, that is a bright and shining lie. As the first to re-enact capital punishment after the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down in 1972, Florida’s Legislature provided specific criteria for death sentences and required the state Supreme […]

Tag: Marion County
Image via AP

Mitch Perry Report for 5.13.16 – Friday 13th edition

Marion County School Board blocks transgender kids from choosing restroom

Marlene O’Toole files for SD 12 race, setting up primary battle with Dennis Baxley

During Seminole Compact debate, lawmaker uncovers obscure sweetheart deal for Thoroughbred Breeders group

Dennis Baxley shifts Senate campaign to newly redrawn SD 12

Geraldine Thompson wants state to ban Confederate flags on government property

Marc Yacht: Some good news – Please!

Group protests Marion County’s Confederate flag display

Local GOP condemns Dennis Baxley, 2 others for gay adoption votes

Martin Dyckman: Capital punishment in Florida is death by judicial whim