Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorMay 4, 2014

Here are two simple questions. The right answers will save the state of Florida; the wrong answers — I don’t want to think of them or their disastrous consequences. As things stand, which way things will go is a toss-up, which should give people who see beyond their noses heartburn. First, are Floridians, especially voters, […]

Daniel TilsonApril 26, 2014

Like a crew of clumsy card sharks armed with trick decks, Gov. Rick Scott and Republican legislators have turned the final days of the 2014 session into a rigged political poker tournament. Bankrolled by our tax dollars, they keep betting, raising and bluffing with bravado. But we’re the ones with most of the skin in […]

Daniel TilsonApril 23, 2014

What if two intrepid reporters cornered Gov. Rick Scott and… Reporter A: Governor, why are you suddenly and so publicly supporting in-state tuition legislation that would let undocumented immigrants pay the same college tuition as legal residents? Scott: Anybody who grew up in Florida should get to go to a state university without paying 15 […]

Daniel TilsonApril 21, 2014

The fast-approaching, official end of the Florida legislative session is known as “Sine Die.” That’s Latin. It means the legislature adjourns with no fixed date for future meetings. True to form, when the respective House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms stand side by side in the Capitol Rotunda on May 2 and drop their white hankies signifying […]

Peter SchorschApril 14, 2014

Time was, all politicians up for election, whether it be to the Mosquito Control Board or U.S. Congress, had to submit a campaign treasurer’s report no later than 10 days after the quarterly period ended. This made the 10th of January, April, July, and October as eagerly anticipated by political aficionados as Christmas morning is […]

Daniel TilsonApril 13, 2014

It is what it is. Most Floridians seem resigned to the corporate welfare system their elected officials have quietly created and perpetuated. As a result, another legislative session winds down without the welfare reform we need. You may remember how debate about a growing “culture of entitlement” drove the Clinton administration in 1996 to reform […]

Peter SchorschApril 9, 2014

With lawmakers dressed in sweaters to stave off the cold and holiday displays set in the Capitol Rotunda, Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli gaveled in a rare December special session of the Florida Legislature. Almost immediately after Democrat Charlie Crist unseated Republican Rick Scott last month in the most expensive gubernatorial […]

Guest AuthorApril 9, 2014

In the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting, Florida legislators recently sent Gov. Rick Scott new legislation that will allow a gun owner to fire warning shots during a similar altercation. The Legislature passed a “warning shot” bill and Scott will probably sign it into law. It allows a person without a criminal record to […]

Daniel TilsonApril 7, 2014

Several bills moving forward through the 2014 Florida legislative session offer excellent opportunities for opponents of both big and bad government to join forces. Imagine, conservatives concerned with shrinking and disempowering government, uniting with liberals more concerned with its purpose and impact. Imagine, agreeing to disagree on divisive social issues, but agreeing to work together […]

Mark FerruloApril 6, 2014

No state’s government has done more than Florida’s to throw up barriers for uninsured citizens to get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Gov. Rick Scott and his army of re-election consultants will undoubtedly hold up this dubious distinction as a badge of honor. Fortunately, Florida families have taken matters into their own hands […]

Tag: Rick Scott

Stephen Goldstein: Who’s dumber–Floridians or Rick Scott and the Legislature?

Daniel Tilson: Going for broke in the Capitol casino

Daniel Tilson: Rick Scott’s Hispanic transparency

Daniel Tilson: ‘Live And Let Die’ legislators

Peter Schorsch: Too much money data makes it tough to determine who’s winning

Daniel Tilson: Florida’s corporate welfare crisis

Peter Schorsch: Here’s what a December special session might look like

Steve Kurlander: Time to eliminate, not expand ‘stand your ground’ defense

Daniel Tilson: Beware Rick Scott’s legislative control freaks

Mark Ferrulo: Scott, Legislature foolishly blocking expansion of health insurance