Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJuly 20, 2015

For the first time since severing ties in 1961, the U.S. and Cuba reopened embassies in each other’s capitals Monday. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla traveled to the Cuban Embassy in Washington to raise his country’s flag, an event that was broadcast live on the island’s state-run TV. Tampa Bay area Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor has […]

Mitch PerryJuly 1, 2015

Although much of the Florida Congressional delegation is critical, Tampa Bay area Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor hails President Barack Obama‘s announcement that the U.S. and Cuba are ready to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals. “Today we turn the page on 50 years of acrimony between our two countries with the intent to empower the […]

Mitch PerryMay 19, 2015

Republican U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and David Vitter of Louisiana contend there remains $7 billion to $8 billion in unsettled debt from property that Fidel and Raul Castro in Cuba confiscated from American citizens and businesses. They introduced legislation Tuesday that would require the communist government to address those claims before re-establishing full diplomatic relations […]

Mitch PerryApril 17, 2015

Jeb Bush attempted to convince skeptical Republicans in New Hampshire on Friday that he’s not as moderate as he has been depicted because of his stances on immigration and Common Core. “The funny thing is in Florida, those that are on the left that are really upset that people are calling me something I’m not,” […]

Mitch PerryApril 14, 2015

The White House announced Tuesday that President Barack Obama intends to remove Cuba from the U.S. government’s list of nations that sponsor terrorism, eliminating a major obstacle to the restoration of diplomatic relations after decades of hostilities. The move had been a top priority with the Raul Castro-led Cuban government since diplomatic relations between the […]

Mitch PerryApril 13, 2015

When Marco Rubio announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president Monday in downtown Miami, there are certain themes he will undoubtedly hit upon (albeit in a speech of only 12 minutes, its reported duration). Fresh off President Barack Obama‘s meeting up with Raul Castro this past weekend at the Summit of the Americas […]

Associated PressMarch 17, 2015

A third round of U.S.-Cuban negotiations over the restoration of full diplomatic relations ended after a day of talks, Cuban and U.S. officials said Tuesday. They provided no details on whether progress was made toward a deal on reopening embassies in Washington and Havana. The two countries have been trying to strike an agreement on […]

Associated PressMarch 5, 2015

Republican state lawmakers on Thursday blasted President Barack Obama‘s decision to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, saying it will only serve to empower the communist nation that’s been ruled by a dictatorship since 1959. Republican members of the House Local & Federal Affairs Committee speaking before a nearly empty meeting room gave forceful speeches in […]

Associated PressMarch 5, 2015

Republican state lawmakers on Thursday blasted President Barack Obama‘s decision to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, saying it will only serve to empower the communist nation that’s been ruled by a dictatorship since 1959. Republican members of the House Local & Federal Affairs Committee speaking before a nearly empty meeting room gave forceful speeches in […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 28, 2015

In recent years, a number of Tampa elected officials have made the hour-long plane flight to Cuba — Mary Mulhern, Yolie Capin, Harry Cohen and Charlie Miranda — though none representing Hillsborough County. But as high-level officials with the White House and the Raul Castro-led Cuban government have now commenced formal discussions for the first […]

Tag: raul castro

Kathy Castor says economic sanctions on Cuba must go

Kathy Castor hails Obama announcement on opening an embassy in Havana

Marco Rubio co-sponsors legislation requiring Cuba to settle legal claims with U.S.

Jeb Bush offers forward-looking appeal to GOP leadership summit

Kathy Castor praises, Marco Rubio condemns Cuba’s removal from terrorist list

Things to look for in Marco Rubio’s announcement speech

Cuba, U.S. say 3rd round of diplomatic negotiations ends

Florida lawmakers criticize Obama’s changes to Cuba policy

Florida lawmakers criticize Obama's changes to Cuba policy

Janet Long wants Pinellas County to be a player in Cuba