Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryAugust 3, 2016

An initiative that would give a property tax break for renewable energy to residents and businesses, is getting strong support heading into the Aug. 30 primary election in Florida. A St. Pete Polls survey released Wednesday shows Amendment 4 is garnering 56 percent in support to 16 percent against, with 27 percent undecided. Florida hasn’t had a constitutional […]

Guest AuthorMay 18, 2016

Bob Sparks, an articulate and well-regarded writer for this publication, simply got it wrong when he offered that voters have plenty of choices without open primaries. They do not. His premise is that voters already have the choice to join one of two major political parties if they want to participate in — case in point […]

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2016

Florida’s current closed primary system means that the 3.25 million registered independents – roughly 27% of Florida’s voters, the fastest growing part of the electorate, are ineligible to cast their vote in the March 15th primary. As of Tuesday morning, over 690,000 Republicans and 541,000 Democrats have cast either in-person early votes or via absentee ballots. morning. In […]

Julie DelegalDecember 17, 2015

Dear Santa, The kids are getting older, and I’m afraid the little one might not believe in you anymore. Sixteen is way too young for that kind of cynicism. So, with apologies to the inimitable Jesse Jackson, I’m struggling in my little corner of the world to “Keep Santa Alive.” Call me idealistic, but I’m […]

Julie DelegalDecember 15, 2015

Dear Santa, The kids are getting older, and I’m afraid the little one might not believe in you anymore. Sixteen is way too young for that kind of cynicism. So, with apologies to the inimitable Jesse Jackson, I’m struggling in my little corner of the world to “Keep Santa Alive.” Call me idealistic, but I’m […]

Jac VerSteegAugust 10, 2015

The outrage is not that Donald Trump raised his hand. The outrage is that none of the other Republican candidates for president raised his hand. Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio and the others should have lifted their hands high Thursday night when the questioner asked them whether they would not pledge to support the eventual GOP […]

Guest AuthorMay 6, 2015

Florida lawmakers are required to do two things. First, prior to taking office, each member must take an oath. That oath obliges them to “support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government…of the State of Florida.” “I do solemnly swear…” Second, in upholding that same charter document, they must also pass a budget. The Florida […]

Guest AuthorJuly 29, 2014

Among the country’s lower 48, Florida was a land of almost unequaled promise. Surrounded by navigable waters, the peninsula’s unique geography and pristine natural beauty beckoned all to visit and emigrate–and thrive. Mother Nature shined on the state, along with women like Marjory Stoneman Douglas (who saved the Everglades) and Barbara Capitman (who saved South […]

Tag: open primaries
Debate party at Sports Grill Kendall. Image via AP.

New survey shows Amendment 4 solar initiative getting 56 percent support

John Opdycke: Closed primaries do not give voters ‘plenty of choices’

Shut out of voting for president, Indie voters in Florida feels the state needs a more inclusive process for them

Julie Delegal: Here’s my Christmas wish list for Florida

Julie Delegal: Here’s my Christmas wish list for Florida

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio should have raised hands against Donald Trump

Ray Hudkins: Imagine if all Florida voters were allowed to have a choice in elections

Stephen Goldstein: 17 sensible initiatives to make Florida world-class