Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorNovember 17, 2014

Since its creation in 2000, the U.S. State Department’s Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) has called out governments for allowing the prostitution of minors, the confinement of domestic workers by employers and the recruitment of child soldiers. It has highlighted governments’ failure to liberate bonded laborers from disadvantaged castes or protect migrant women […]

Guest AuthorOctober 31, 2014

Earlier this year, Gov. Rick Scott on a re-election mission through Tampa posed among overflowing fruit bins to film a campaign ad claiming his support for small business. In perhaps one of his most candid statements since taking office in 2010, the former health care CEO proclaimed: “I love selling things to people.” Indeed he […]

Bob SparksOctober 29, 2014

Charlie Crist first ran for Governor in 2006. His victory marked the first time a Republican succeeded another Republican as Florida’s chief executive. It is helpful to remember the circumstances at the time. Many of those same circumstances are present today. Heading into the 2006 election, President George W. Bush had approval ratings hovering near […]

Martin DyckmanOctober 21, 2014

There are 100 potential questions on the test for immigrants wanting to become naturalized citizens. While reviewing them with a candidate whom I’m coaching, something odd stood out. He’s expected to know that the United States has a “market” or “capitalist” economy, but not what kind of government we have. He needs to know only […]

Guest AuthorOctober 21, 2014

“The early evidence indicates that this strategy is succeeding.” These are the words of White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, defending President Barack Obama’s strategy to address the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Let’s review some of that early evidence. As I write this, Islamic State jihadists in Iraq have […]

Guest AuthorOctober 13, 2014

If you follow Vice President Joe Biden, you know he has a reputation for being politically incorrect and too blunt. Recently, he made a series of comments that earned him the title of “Having The Worst Week in Washington” from the Washington Post. In September, he referred to greedy military contractors as “Shylocks,” indicated that […]

Bob SparksOctober 6, 2014

Few races for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives fall into the competitive category, but Florida has one of the top 10 most watched campaigns in the country. Democrat Gwen Graham’s challenge to Republican Rep. Steve Southerland for the Congressional District 2 seat is a political scientist’s dream. The numbers for District 2 paint […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 15, 2014

On Sept. 10, I flew from Boston to Fort Lauderdale on JetBlue just before 8 p.m. That meant we would be airborne during President Barack Obama’s speech at 9 p.m., outlining his plan to destroy ISIS (or ISIL as he calls it). Well before the president began to speak, on the TV monitor at my […]

Mark FerruloAugust 31, 2014

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Student loan debt is crushing the American Dream for far too many Floridians and poses a significant threat to our nation’s economy. More than 40 million people across the country are burdened by student loan debt, and many college graduates will be hampered by this encumbrance their entire lives. But there is a simple, common […]

Guest AuthorAugust 27, 2014

Much is made of the rise of the Tea Party and its continued hold on Republican politics nationwide, particularly after former GOP House leader Eric Cantor of Virginia was defeated. But just as much as the success of the Tea Party in converting the disgust of conservative voters with American politics into wins in primary […]

Tag: President Barack Obama

Kelley and Lagon: A strong voice for the voiceless

Arthenia Joyner: Scott loves ‘selling things to people,’ but ‘buyer beware’ on Election Day

Bob Sparks: Don’t underestimate Crist’s ability to connect with people

Martin Dyckman: We’re living in an oligarchy; only voters can restore democracy

Thomas Rooney: Obama must use more military force against the Islamic State

Steve Kurlander: Even with “gaffes,” Biden building momentum for 2016 nomination

Bob Sparks: Gwen Graham must overcome Steve Southerland and Barack Obama

Stephen Goldstein: Everything that’s wrong with America I saw at 30,000 feet

Mark Ferrulo: We need Higher Education, not higher student debt

Steve Kurlander: Socialist Sanders can defeat Hillary for 2016 Democratic nomination