Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Martin DyckmanFebruary 8, 2016

His reputation as a harsh critic of the Voting Rights Act and an advocate for corporations preceded John Roberts to his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2005. As chief justice, he said, he would be like a baseball umpire impartially calling balls and strikes. “Umpires don’t make the rules. They apply […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 3, 2016

What’s with Republicans when it comes to HIV/AIDS? President Ronald Reagan refused to recognize the reality of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s when it was mysterious and at its peak. Gov. Rick Scott refuses to recognize the reality of the HIV/AIDS crisis today in Florida when the Federal Center for Disease Control (CDC) can […]

Associated PressJanuary 31, 2016

In a final frenzy to inspire supporters to turn out for Monday’s Iowa caucuses, the presidential contenders scrambled to close the deal with the first voters to have a say in the 2016 race for the White House. The result Sunday was a blur of sometimes conflicting messages. Even as the candidates begged backers to […]

Associated PressJanuary 22, 2016

Ted Cruz once proudly wore a belt buckle borrowed from George H.W. Bush that said: “President of the United States.” He campaigned and worked for that former president’s son, Dubya, former President George W. Bush. And Cruz helped write a book lavishing praise on him. Also, the endorsement of George P. Bush, the family’s latest […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 13, 2016

During his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Barack Obama said we have a robust economy, yet we have a shrinking middle class and economic confidence is low. He said his policies in the Middle East are working well, yet in Syria alone we have thousands of killings and millions of people deserting […]

Associated PressJanuary 2, 2016

Ted Cruz‘s reputation as an arrogant, grating, in-your-face ideologue has dogged him throughout the Republican presidential race. But it hasn’t stopped the Texas senator’s rise. Cruz is increasingly embracing his irascible persona, trying to turn what could be a liability into an asset. “If you want someone to grab a beer with, I may not […]

Jim RosicaNovember 13, 2015

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry gave a warning to Sunshine Summit attendees milling about in the hall. “You might want to come back in,” he said. “I’m getting ready to tell you how conservatives win elections.” The Republican Curry, former chair of the state GOP, beat incumbent Democratic Mayor Alvin Brown last year. He castigated Brown as putting […]

Mitch PerryNovember 11, 2015

Former GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole is endorsing Jeb Bush for president and will serve as the 2016 GOP candidate’s chairman for veterans outreach. “I consider nearly all the Republican candidates to be my friends, but I have determined that Jeb Bush is the most qualified,” Dole said in a prepared statement issued by the Bush campaign […]

Peter SchorschOctober 22, 2015

The latest edition of the 4th Floor Files talks with lobbyist Shawn Foster, a government relations consultant with Sunrise Consulting Group. Foster represents about a dozen clients – mostly in the Tampa Bay area – including the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Sarasota County and the city of Brooksville. Here is the file on Shawn Foster. […]

Mitch PerryOctober 13, 2015

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Dr. Ben Carson has been getting hammered in recent days for some of his outlandish comments on the campaign trail. Both the New York Times‘ Charles Blow and the Washington Post’s Eugene Robinson have slammed the GOP presidential candidate for his comments on what he would do if confronted by a mass killer who wanted to […]

Tag: Ronald Reagan

Martin Dyckman: Justice John Roberts has hurt minorities, consumers, democracy

Chris Timmons: Legislature must use common sense, compassion to combat HIV/AIDS

Turnout is name of the game in Monday’s Iowa caucuses

Bad Blood: Ted Cruz-Bush family tension underscores deeper GOP divide

Tim Bryce: Obama’s speech shows that he’s living in Fantasyland

Abrasive Ted Cruz tries to use personality to his advantage

Lenny Curry, Richard Corcoran talk about cronyism, courage

Bob Dole joins Jeb Bush campaign

4th Floor Files talks with Shawn Foster about fried chicken, gratitude and ballin’ with Bousquet

News that Ben Carson only became Republican a year ago isn’t really news