Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Larry GriffinNovember 17, 2016

The Orlando Political Observer, a local political news site, has changed hands — now it’s owned Doug Kaplan, a Winter Park-based pollster and president of market research firm Gravis Marketing. Kaplan purchased the Orlando Political Observer from founder Frank Torres, according to a story on the site written by Torres himself. Kaplan assured readers in the OPO story […]

Scott PowersAugust 31, 2016

Don’t expect U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson to offer any support to fellow Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy in what is likely to be a brutal U.S. Senate contest with Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. “Absolutely not,” Grayson told FloridaPolitics.com Wednesday, before accusing Murphy of running “possibly the dirtiest campaign that Florida has ever seen” and […]

Michael MolineAugust 24, 2016

Former NBC News correspondent Luke Russert will deliver the keynote address during the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists annual conference next month. “The FAPL Foundation thrives on offering educational opportunities for Florida’s lobbyists and showcasing new avenues for learning,” foundation chairwoman Keyna Cory said. “Luke’s accomplished career and valuable insight will give our lobbyists the freedom […]

Scott PowersJuly 27, 2016

With wars, terrorism, gun violence, economic problems, national debt, immigration issues and other national crises, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton might be excused for focusing on them, yet many Floridians — particularly Central Floridians — are eagerly waiting to hear what they aren’t yet talking about, space. The futures of NASA, commercial space initiatives, and defense […]

Guest AuthorJuly 13, 2016

Until the mid-20th century, toil and scarcity were unavoidable facts of life for most people. By contrast, the aristocrats and a few clergy and merchants could indulge themselves in the finest things of life — the arts, sciences, philosophy, athletics, travel and politics. These privileged few could live as amateurs and dilettantes, expending their effort […]

Guest AuthorJuly 8, 2016

Politics makes strange bedfellows — especially when enjoying a quickie at the Dollar Tree. Lesson learned Independence Day weekend after I popped into the discount store for some cleaning supplies. As luck would have it, I chose precisely the moment that only the manager was on duty and every Apopkan felt it his or her duty […]

Steve SchaleDecember 13, 2015

Most years, I spend a good chunk of my December talking to kids getting ready to graduate and young professionals looking to get into politics. It is one of the more enjoyable things I do. Of all the things I’m proud of in my career, the biggest achievement isn’t the wins or mentions, it’s seeing […]

Phil AmmannDecember 11, 2015

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without the highly awaited holiday greetings from Southern Strategy Group, Tallahassee’s foremost lobbying house. Every year, the SSG Christmas card offers a fun take on the year’s biggest political stories, something always guaranteed to bring a buzz – not to mention a few snickers – throughout Florida’s Capitol. And […]

Jac VerSteegOctober 12, 2015

A recent Dana Summers political cartoon in the South Florida Sun Sentinel and other Tribune newspapers depicts in its first frame a thoughtful-looking Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama saying, “In light of the recent shootings, we need to think about guns and ask ourselves the obvious question.” Then, in the punchline frame, Clinton and […]

Jac VerSteegOctober 11, 2015

A recent Dana Summers political cartoon in the South Florida Sun Sentinel and other Tribune newspapers depicts in its first frame a thoughtful-looking Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama saying, “In light of the recent shootings, we need to think about guns and ask ourselves the obvious question.” Then, in the punchline frame, Clinton and […]

Tag: politics

Orlando Political Observer purchased by Doug Kaplan-led group

Alan and Dena Grayson blame losses on ‘sewer money,’ don’t rule out political comebacks

Luke Russert to address lobbyists convention in Tampa

America’s future space policy still a mystery from Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton

Barry Jason Mauer: What holds us back from achieving a better society?

Darryl E. Owens: Cheap bleach and polarized politics don’t mix at discount store

Steven Schale: Tis the season – for career advice

Southern Strategy Group “trumps” the holidays with annual Christmas card

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Gun foes should “politicize” deaths

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Gun foes should “politicize” deaths