Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJune 13, 2017

Though Rep. Paul Renner’s political committee was the clubhouse leader in Northeast Florida fundraising in May with $261,500, donors didn’t shy away from other committees and candidates. Below are those who have reported thus far with May numbers. Among committees of note: Lenny Curry’s “Build Something That Lasts” brought in $27,000. Sen. Rob Bradley‘s “Working for Florida’s […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 12, 2017

Back in May, we reported on Northeast Florida powerbrokers going “all in” for Rep. Paul Renner as the region’s best hope for Florida House Speaker. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, essentially the model Republican of his generation in this part of the state, delivered an altar call at a Duval fundraiser. And the donor class delivered something better […]

Michael MolineJune 9, 2017

The House passed the economic incentives package Friday over complaints it would hand Gov. Rick Scott a “slush fund” and make a mockery of the leadership’s professed opposition to picking winners and losers in the economy. The vote was 111-4. The “no” votes were John Cortes, Evan Jenne, McGhee, and Emily Slosberg — all Democrats. The […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

The House’s main budgeting panel on Wednesday cleared one of the bills planned for the Special Session dealing with tourism promotion, job training and public infrastructure. The Appropriations Committee, on a unanimous vote, OK’d the measure (HB 1A). Among other things, it creates the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, and awards $76 million to and imposes accountability […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 31, 2017

Northeast Florida, like the rest of the state, waits for Gov. Rick Scott to review the budget from the Florida Legislature. Scott has been typically vague on his real disposition on the budget: the new-school “Veto Corleone” hasn’t ruled out a full-on veto, or line item vetoes. And in recent months, Gov. Scott has been […]

Peter SchorschMay 26, 2017

After Florida Politics’ most recent report about the mostly behind-the-scenes scrum within the Florida House GOP freshman class to determine which of its members will one day be Speaker, the conclusion was that for either Jamie Grant or Frank White to win, one of them would have to drop out of the race quickly. Not much sooner after this was […]

Peter SchorschMay 25, 2017

Rep. Joe Gruters is backing Rep. Paul Renner to be House Speaker in 2022-24. The Sarasota Republican said while he thinks everyone in the running for the position would do a great job, he felt Renner is the best person at this time. Gruters said he’s decided to make his position known because he didn’t want […]

Peter SchorschMay 21, 2017

Freshman House Republicans are inching closer to picking their leader, holding a weekend caucus meeting to hear from candidates. A majority of GOP freshmen met this weekend at a Central Florida law firm to discuss the 2022 Speaker’s Race. The meeting, which was first reported by Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida, comes about a week after […]

Peter SchorschMay 8, 2017

Even after meeting dozens of times throughout the 2017 Legislative Session, the House GOP freshman caucus failed to adopt new rules on how to pick a leader. A caucus to ratify rules — drafted by Reps. Ralph Massullo and Michael Grant — to guide the freshman class’s decision-making process met Friday during a break in the […]

Jim RosicaMay 8, 2017

House members on Monday approved a measure dealing with VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida funding on a 74-34 vote. If vetoed, however, the “conforming bill” would need 80 votes to overcome Gov. Rick Scott‘s red pen. Both chambers have begun discussing the 2017-18 state budget, which wasn’t completed on time to finish the 2017 Legislative Session last Friday. […]

Tag: Paul Renner

Northeast Florida fundraising roundup: Paul Renner’s committee leads field

Northeast Florida delivers $260K in May to Paul Renner committee

The economic incentives bill clears the House by a lopsided vote

House panel clears Special Session infrastructure, job training bill

Will Rick Scott’s veto pen affect Northeast Florida priorities?

With Frank White out of Speaker’s race is Northeast Florida ready to rally to one of its own?

Joe Gruters makes his pick for House Speaker

Speaker’s race heads toward June 30 vote after weekend meeting

House GOP freshmen fail to adopt rules for Speaker’s race, putting leadership battle into chaos

House OKs VISIT FLORIDA, Enterprise Florida funding cuts