Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiAugust 12, 2016

Received a mailer supporting State Senate District 19 Democrat Daryl Rouson lately on Obamacare support? Or mailers hitting SD 31 Democrat Jeff Clemens on “allowing a Lake Worth utility to dump harmful waste near a pristine coral reef” and supporting high power bills? If so, they came from an interesting committee: “Floridians for a Better Florida.” The committee […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 8, 2016

In a letter delivered Monday to Florida Times-Union editor Frank Denton, Public Defender Matt Shirk called on the Jacksonville newspaper to withhold endorsement in the 4th Circuit public defender race. The problem, said Shirk, stemmed from his late July editorial board interview, which “shocked” and “disappointed” Shirk. Hank Coxe, a supporter of Shirk’s opponent, is a citizen member of […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 4, 2016

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Former Judge Charles Cofer collected $6,500 during the week from July 23 to July 29, giving him a total of $166,000 raised, with over $85,000 on hand as he battles incumbent Matt Shirk to become the Republican nominee for 4th Circuit public defender. Cofer, in what has become a chippy election complete with allegations of tampered signs and […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 3, 2016

Running the risk of courting controversy with the local press, and perhaps some friction with Democrats and independents ahead of the Aug. 30 pension tax referendum, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry served as master of ceremonies at the Donald Trump rally Wednesday in front of a crowd of roughly 8,000 Trump supporters, which filled out further after his portion […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 17, 2016

Earlier in July, 4th Circuit Public Defender Matt Shirk raised eyebrows with a tweet about President Barack Obama that many found inflammatory. “Obama has deep ties to Islam,” Shirk tweeted. “Is this why he refuses to call Radical Islam what it actually is??” FloridaPolitics.com reached out to Shirk, and he doubled down on his position on Friday, […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 14, 2016

The latest filing for 4th Circuit Public Defender candidate Charles Cofer has him finally breaking the $150,000 barrier in money raised. New contributions of $13,535 brought Cofer’s total up to $150,045. Of that, he has roughly $67,500 on hand. Of the 61 contributors between June 25 and July 8, a lot were retired law enforcement members, along with […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 6, 2016

When Jacksonville City Councilman Aaron Bowman endorsed the re-election bid of 4th Circuit State Attorney Angela Corey Tuesday, he cited Corey’s commitment to Veterans Court. “Veterans Treatment Court is designed to help veterans who have been honorably discharged, but who are charged with nonviolent felonies or misdemeanors, oftentimes stemming from substance abuse or mental health issues,” said the […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 6, 2016

Despite primaries being closed to Republicans only in the 4th Circuit State Attorney and Public Defender race, the incumbents find themselves in trouble, according to a poll of 747 likely voters released Wednesday morning by the Public Opinion Research Lab of the University of North Florida. Ironically, they may face more trouble because of the […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 24, 2016

Fourth Circuit Public Defender Matt Shirk is in real trouble. On Friday, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and the police and fire unions endorsed his challenger, Charles Cofer. Williams’ endorsing statement has to be considered damning for the two-term incumbent. “The Public Defender’s Office is an important part of our criminal justice system,” Williams said. “Charlie Cofer’s 36 years of […]

Melissa RossJune 14, 2016

Sign-waving protest rallies are planned tonight at several downtown Jacksonville locations as hearings continue into the lawsuit over the city’s August 30th closed primary. Both State Attorney Angela Corey and Public Defender Matt Shirk will face only GOP voters on that date due to the presence on the ballot of controversial write-in candidates. More than […]

Tag: Matt Shirk

Controversial Jax public defender employee heads PAC playing in Dem State Senate races

Matt Shirk calls on Florida Times-Union not to endorse in public defender’s race

Charles Cofer extends money lead over Matt Shirk in public defender race

Lenny Curry serves as master of ceremonies on the Trump Train

Matt Shirk: Barack Obama is ‘comfortable’ with deaths from terrorism

Charles Cofer breaks $150K barrier in public defender race

Matt Shirk blasts Angela Corey on Veterans Court advocacy claims

Angela Corey, Matt Shirk in trouble in GOP primaries, new poll says

Jax sheriff, public safety unions back Charles Cofer for public defender

Protests planned in downtown Jacksonville over closed primary election