Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Tamara LushAugust 9, 2017

When 49 people were killed at a gay nightclub in Florida in 2016, Gov. Rick Scott publicly offered his sympathy to the victims’ families and the LGBT community. “These are individuals. Let’s love every one of them,” he said then. Behind the scenes, gay rights advocates say his staffers went a step further, promising to […]

Guest AuthorAugust 9, 2017

Ask the average Floridian on the street, “Who does the business of state government?” and you’ll likely hear responses such as the governor or the name of a local senator or representative. Though these are figures the media covers on a daily basis, in reality, it is the thousands of government employees that make up […]

Mitch PerryAugust 9, 2017

Lawrence McClure, the 30-year-old Plant City Republican who announced last week that he was entering the special House District 58 election to succeed Dan Raulerson, has qualified for the ballot by petition, his campaign announced Wednesday. “It’s humbling to have hundreds of voters from across our community respond so enthusiastically to our campaign and the […]

Phil AmmannAugust 8, 2017

On Monday, Gov. Rick Scott announced five appointments to a variety of courts and state boards. Alachua County Court Scott began by naming Kristine Van Vorst to the Alachua County Court. Van Vorst, 40, of Gainesville, serves as General Magistrate and Judicial Hearing Officer for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Earlier, she was a solo practitioner […]

Peter SchorschAugust 7, 2017

Democrat Gwen Graham announced Sunday that she raised another $350,000 in July for her bid to be Florida’s next governor. Graham raised $220,000 of that money through her campaign account, with the other $130,000 coming in through her political committee, “Our Florida.” The former congresswoman ended June with $1.6 million in her committee account and […]

Guest AuthorAugust 4, 2017

Just one day following the conclusion of the shameful Constituent Assembly aimed to empower Nicolas Maduro’s regime, the dictator and his gang of thugs have struck again. This time, during a cowardly overnight raid to seize two members of the opposition party, Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma. The world saw the devastating images from Venezuela […]

Guest AuthorAugust 3, 2017

So far, seven states have opted-in to the FirstNet network. It is my hope that Governor Rick Scott will soon have Florida join them and give the members of the public safety community access to advanced tools available to protect our cities and towns. FirstNet is the long overdue result of the communications barrier first […]

Peter SchorschAugust 2, 2017

And then there were two. Not less than a day after Gov. Rick Scott set the calendar for a special election to replace retiring Dan Raulerson, self-described conservative Republican Lawrence McClure filed paperwork with the Division of Election for the race. Raulerson announced Tuesday he is resigning from the House District 58 seat effective Aug. […]

Mitch PerryAugust 1, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has named Mike Griffin, a well-regarded local leader and current chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, to the Tampa Port Authority. While announcing Griffin’s appointment, Scott took a shot at the agency over reports of excessive spending. “Recently, I was concerned to see media reports detailing wasteful spending by the executives at Port […]

Staff ReportsAugust 1, 2017

Chester Spellman, the long-time chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida, has appointed by the White House to serve as the director of AmeriCorps for the Corporation for National and Community Service. “I believe there is no greater calling than the calling to serve,” said Spellman. “I am deeply honored to be appointed by the White […]

Tag: Rick Scott
One of several proposed designs for Florida's new Margaritaville license plates. Image via the office of Rep. Linda Chaney.

Lawmaker: Governor’s office broke promise to LGBTQs

Dominic Calabro, Bob Ward: Without state workers, there is no Florida

Lawrence McClure collects enough signatures to qualify for ballot in HD 58 special election

Rick Scott announces five court, board appointments

Gwen Graham has now raised $3 million for 2018 bid

Rick Scott: We will not give up until Venezuela is free

Ed Davis: Opting in to FirstNet is best choice for Florida. public safety professionals

Lawrence McClure enters HD 58 special election

Rick Scott names Mike Griffin to Tampa Port Authority, slams agency’s wasteful spending

Personnel note: Chester Spellman tapped to lead AmeriCorps