Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMay 21, 2018

University of Florida President Kent Fuchs said in an internal memo Monday that the flagship university is bringing aboard Mark Kaplan as its new vice president of government and community relations. “Mark comes to us as a proven leader with in-depth government and community relations expertise as well as strong experience at the state, national, […]

Peter SchorschMay 21, 2018

No one is surprised that guns are the big political issue in Florida this year. With a deadly school shooting this week in Santa Fe, Texas, and the Parkland tragedy in February, guns and school safety are assured to be at the forefront in both Florida and nationwide for 2018. The best evidence of this […]

Scott PowersMay 21, 2018

The pro-Democrats Senate Majority PAC is launching a new statewide commercial for U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson that largely counters the attack ads he’s been facing from his opponent Gov. Rick Scott and his New Republican PAC. The new 30-second spot, “Served,” portrays Nelson as someone who has served in the military and as an astronaut […]

Joe HendersonMay 21, 2018

The only way to avoid Rick Scott’s ad blitz thus far in his campaign for the U.S. Senate is to unplug your TV set and, well, who wants to do that? That would mean you missed the Royal wedding and the Tampa Bay Lightning’s ongoing run toward the Stanley Cup, so I guess being subjected […]

Peter SchorschMay 20, 2018

Hundreds of people – including U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Congressman Charlie Crist – held hands on Florida beaches Saturday in protest of proposed nearshore oil drilling. “Hands Across the Sand” was held in Pinellas County, one of nearly 120 events taking place on beaches nationwide. The annual protest first started during the Deepwater Horizon […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 18, 2018

Friday afternoon brought Sen. Bill Nelson to Jacksonville for various events, including a fundraiser at Baptist Health, a nod to facing the staunchest challenge of his political career from Republican Gov. Rick Scott. “Scott for Florida” has spent $3.2 million on ads just this week, and $8 million since the Governor entered the race. So Nelson is […]

Staff ReportsMay 18, 2018

As Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is fond of saying: politics is a “relationship business.” So, this edition of Bold spotlights the utility of political friendships. Whether running for Congress or state or local office, you’d better have your friends’ endorsements (well-timed) and the interest of the donor class (early, and often). In each category, there will be […]

Danny McAuliffeMay 17, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday appointed the former chief financial officer of Verizon and former New York higher education authority Fred Salerno to the State University System Board of Governors. Salerno, 74, fills a vacant seat on the board for a term effective immediately and ending January 6, 2019. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Of […]

Jim RosicaMay 16, 2018

Orlando attorney John Morgan told reporters Wednesday that he supported the decision of his friend, outgoing House Speaker Richard Corcoran, to end his bid for the Governor’s Office before it even formally started. Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican, last week endorsed Republican candidate for governor Adam Putnam, currently term-limited as Commissioner of Agriculture. Morgan, who aligns with […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott continues his full court press of Florida airwaves in his bid for Senate against Bill Nelson, with a new Spanish language ad released Wednesday. “Cambiar,” a Spanish language ad running in South Florida, spotlights Scott’s efforts in job creation, with citizens extolling his efforts. Among the kind words from various speakers: “Rick Scott has […]

Tag: Rick Scott

Personnel note: UF taps Mark Kaplan for government relations VP

Janet Cruz’s school safety vote is the kind of vote that could haunt Democrats in November

Senate Majority PAC launches Bill Nelson commercial

Joe Henderson: Rick Scott following familiar campaign formula vs. Bill Nelson

Not Just A Body Of Water — A briefing about Tampa Bay politics — 5.20.18

Bill Nelson confronts Rick Scott, restive base as campaign ramps up

Jacksonville Bold for 5.18.18 — Relationship business

Former Verizon executive appointed to state university board

John Morgan on Richard Corcoran: Don’t go to your own ‘ass kicking’

Rick Scott rolls out new Spanish language campaign ad, spends $3.2M on air this week