Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryApril 12, 2016

After months of contemplation, former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said Tuesday that he will not run for the Republican nomination for the CD 13 seat being vacated by David Jolly. “After a significant amount of thought, prayer and review, I have decided not to run for Congress this November,” Baker said in a statement. Baker has not been in […]

Mitch PerryApril 11, 2016

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is endorsing Eric Lynn in the race for the open Pinellas County 13th Congressional District seat being vacated by David Jolly. “I am proud to endorse Eric Lynn for Congress,” Panetta said in a prepared statement. “I know Eric well, and as a valued adviser to me during my time as Secretary of Defense, he […]

Mitch PerryApril 8, 2016

Florida’s Congressional District 13 seat based in Pinellas County has received a lot of attention in recent years. The special election to replace the late C.W. “Bill” Young in 2014 was one of the most expensive congressional elections in U.S. history. After the Florida Supreme Court ordered the state Legislature to redraw the district last year which […]

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2016

Last week, I wrote about a possible Rick Baker campaign for Florida’s 13th Congressional District. In response to that post, I received this email Monday from Aonya McCruiston of SKD Knickerbocker, the top-flight public affairs firm working with CD 13 candidate Eric Lynn: “I read your article on a potential Rick Baker candidacy, but you didn’t mention […]

Peter SchorschMarch 18, 2016

Charlie Crist is in Rick Baker‘s sights, but when will the former mayor take the shot? That’s the question on many politicos’ minds in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Like Iceman in “Top Gun,” Baker appears to have his target lined up, but just “can’t get the angle.” There’s little doubt in my mind that Baker will eventually run in CD […]

Mitch PerryMarch 18, 2016

In a major announcement, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Inc. said Thursday it will stop breeding captive killer whales. On the company’s blog, the company said it’s phasing out over the next three years theatrical performances featuring orcas. “We will introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters rather than theatrical shows, as part of our ongoing commitment to education, marine […]

Mitch PerryMarch 17, 2016

With the Florida presidential primary now history, attention and energy will now go to some of the congressional elections upcoming later this summer. Former Governor Charlie Crist is the leading candidate at the moment to win the open CD 13 seat in Pinellas County, and he got a shot in the arm Thursday with no fewer than […]

Mitch PerryMarch 17, 2016

Rick Baker is still thinking about entering the CD 13 race. The former St. Petersburg Mayor said so last Saturday night at the Pinellas County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner in St. Pete. When asked what his timetable was, Baker replied, “It’s gotta be soon.” Conventional wisdom is that the newly configured district is no longer viable for […]

Mitch PerryMarch 16, 2016

Two of the most astute observers (and participants) in Florida politics are Steve Schale and Adam Goodman. In recent years, the Democrat from Jacksonville and Republican from Tampa (or has he moved to St. Petersburg yet?) have sat down before audiences to give their breakdowns on the state of Florida politics, and it’s always a treat for political […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 16, 2016

As incumbent Rick Kriseman barrels towards a second term as mayor of St. Petersburg, a not-so-silent minority displeased with the uber-liberal policies of Hizzoner is struggling to find even nominal opposition to run against Kriseman in 2017. Former Mayor Rick Baker? He appears more interested in running for Congress than returning to City Hall. Newly […]

Tag: Rick Baker

Rick Baker decides not to run for Florida’s 13th Congressional District

Leon Panetta is backing Eric Lynn in CD 13 race

Mark Bircher: I wouldn’t run if I couldn’t win CD 13

Should I have included Eric Lynn in my post about a possible Rick Baker candidacy?

When will Rick Baker take the shot?

Mitch Perry Report for 3.17.16 – SeaWorld takes seminal step for animal rights

Five St. Pete City Council endorse Charlie Crist in CD 13 race

Rick Baker expected to announce soon whether he’s in or out in CD 13 contest

5 questions for Adam Goodman and Steve Schale at Wednesday’s Suncoast Tiger Bay meeting

Jeff Brandes for Mayor of St. Petersburg?