Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonNovember 8, 2016

Incumbent Ross Spano was returned to the Florida House, defeating Democratic newcomer Rena Frazier. With all 41 precincts reporting in the HD 59 contest, Spano led by about 10 points out of 73,095 votes cast. This race to represent a district that covers much of eastern Hillsborough turned ugly in the closing days, with charges […]

Mitch PerryNovember 7, 2016

BRANDON — Although Marco Rubio is a clear favorite to win re-election to his U.S. Senate seat tomorrow night, he wasn’t doing a victory lap when he made a visit to the Hillsborough County Republican Party headquarters in Brandon Monday morning. “Two-hundred and seventy-five thousand Republicans who requested a mail ballot have not returned it […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2016

On Friday, candidates released their final campaign finance reports before Election Day, and reports out of Senate District 18 show Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young pressing her fundraising advantage in the race with $1.2 million in spending. Young spent more than $500,000 of campaign’s war chest in between Oct. 22 and Nov. 3, most of […]

Mitch PerryNovember 1, 2016

The Tampa Bay area gets one last, large dose of Bill and Hillary Clinton today. Hillary makes her first campaign appearance in what used to be considered a crucial bellwether — Pasco County, for an appearance this afternoon at Pasco-Hernando State College. Bill Clinton, meanwhile, makes his second appearance in the past 14 days in Pinellas County, […]

Mitch PerryOctober 31, 2016

The Florida Democratic Party is accusing Ross Spano of sexism after the Dover Republican sent out a mailer questioning the experience of Rena Frazier, his Democratic opponent in the House District 59 race. The front of the mailer in question reads, “Important Message: Turn This Card over to learn more about Rena Frazier’s experience.” The flip side shows a mock […]

Mitch PerryOctober 25, 2016

The Greater Tampa Realtors unveiled their list of endorsements in the upcoming election on Tuesday, and one of their most provocative selections is choosing Democrat David Singer over Republican Jackie Toledo in the House District 60 campaign. The Realtors made 20 selections in all: 10 Republicans, six Democrats, and four candidates running in nonpartisan races. All of the Democrats, except […]

Peter SchorschOctober 25, 2016

With two weeks to go until Election Day, the Tampa Bay area’s Senate seats are pretty much decided. Welcome back Sens. Jack Latvala and Tom Lee and say hello to Darryl Rouson, who should cruise past John “Mr. Manners” Houman to win the SD 19 seat. Tampa Republican Rep. Dana Young still has a race […]

Peter SchorschOctober 14, 2016

Let’s put aside for a moment the argument about whether newspaper endorsements matter much in modern campaigns. Even if not a single likely voter was swayed by the opinions of editorial boards, the endorsements still matter because they matter to the candidates themselves. That’s why you see even the most Republican of candidates — with their […]

Staff ReportsOctober 14, 2016

With just a few weeks until the election, organizations across the state are rolling out endorsements for state and federal candidates. Several organizations — the Florida Retail Federation, Florida Conservation Voters, and the NRA Political Victory Fund — issued endorsements. — Neal Dunn has received the backing of the NRA Political Victory Fund. “As a staunch […]

Staff ReportsOctober 11, 2016

The Florida Retail Federation is backing Ross Spano in House District 59. The trade association announced Tuesday it had endorsed Spano, a Dover Republican, in his re-election bid. “During his time in the House, Ross has been focused on small businesses and providing them the support they need to succeed,” said Randy Miller, the president […]

Tag: Ross Spano

Ross Spano victorious over Rena Frazier in HD 59

Marco Rubio is confident heavy Latino turnout will help him win Senate race

Final round-up of the money chase in Tampa Bay’s legislative races

Mitch Perry Report for 11.1.16 — Russian ‘involvement’ in presidential election still a mystery

Florida Democrats accuse Ross Spano of ‘sexism’ for questioning Rena Frazier’s experience

Realtors back David Singer in HD 60 race

Here’s where sh*t stands in Tampa Bay’s legislative races

11 things I think I think about the Tampa Bay Times’ endorsements in state House races

Endorsement Watch: Florida Retail Federation, Florida Conservation Voters, NRA issue endorsements

FRF endorses Ross Spano in HD 59