Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMay 25, 2016

Associated Industries of Florida’s, the state’s premier lobbying group, has announced the latest awardees of its “Champions for Business.” The group gives the awards every year to state lawmakers “whose extraordinary efforts provide model leadership on key legislation for the success of Florida’s business community,” according to a news release. On this year’s list are: Sen. Jack […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 25, 2016

Count Matt Caldwell out. Caldwell said Wednesday he won’t run in for the Congressional District 19 seat being vacated by Rep. Curt Clawson. Caldwell believes he can best serve Florida from a position in the Florida House. “As I told many this weekend, my overwhelming desire is to have a Congressperson that was competent on […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 22, 2016

Two years after announcing his 2014 congressional bid there, Curt Clawson returned to Doc’s Beach House in Bonita Springs to say thank you. Clawson announced Thursday he was not running for re-election in Congressional District 19, saying he wanted to spend more time at home with his ailing father. On Sunday, dozens of supporters crowded […]

Peter SchorschMay 22, 2016

For Lizbeth Benacquisto, it’s will not be deja vu all over again. The Fort Myers Republican released a statement Sunday saying she will not run for the Congressional District 19 seat being vacated by Rep. Curt Clawson. Benacquisto finished second to Clawson in the 2014 special election to replace Trey Radel, who resigned after being […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 21, 2016

Naples Republican Francis Rooney isn’t ruling out a congressional bid. The former ambassador to the Holy See said Saturday “it would be premature” to say he was considering a run. However, he said he is researching his options and intends to make a decision about whether to mount a bid for Congressional District 19 in […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 20, 2016

For the third time since 2012, Southwest Florida will have an open congressional seat. On Thursday, Rep. Curt Clawson announced he was not running for re-election in Congressional District 19. The Bonita Springs Republican said he wanted to spend more time at home with his family. “I was shocked,” said Byron Donalds, a Collier County […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 7, 2016

On Everglades Action Day, Gov. Rick Scott took steps to make sure there’s a dedicated funding source to restore the River of Grass. Scott signed a bill (HB 989) into law on Thursday to create an annual dedicated funding source to protect Florida’s environment. The Legacy Florida bill sets aside up to $200 million a […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 21, 2016

A Monday email from state Reps. Richard Corcoran and Jose Oliva on behalf of the House Majority 2016 campaign outlined the five guiding principles of the 2016 State House campaign in light of the “volatility of this campaign season.” One such principle: staying out of the primary scrum. “We will not interfere in primary races in open House […]

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2016

The Legislature didn’t pass any assignment of benefits legislation in the 2016 Session, and the Florida Property and Casualty Association said property owners can thank Miami Republican Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla when their insurance premiums go up. The group described assignment of benefits, whereby policyholders can sign over their rights to a third party to get home […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 15, 2016

Lee County incumbents continued to build their campaign accounts in January. All four Lee County state House members are running unopposed. But that didn’t stop them from raising thousands of dollars, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Florida Division of Elections. Lawmakers can’t raise money during the Legislative Session, which started Jan. 12. […]

Tag: Matt Caldwell

AIF announces “Champions for Business”

Matt Caldwell passes on CD 19 run

Curt Clawson on not running for re-election: ‘I just followed my heart’

Lizbeth Benacquisto takes pass on running for Curt Clawson’s congressional seat

Naples Republican Francis Rooney not ruling out CD 19 bid

Curt Clawson not running for re-election changes political landscape in southwest Florida

Rick Scott signs Legacy Florida bill on Everglades Action Day

House Majority outlines November strategy

Florida Property and Casualty Association says thank Legislature for AOB inaction

Lee County incumbents raise thousands in January