Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaNovember 30, 2015

The last committee week before the 2016 Legislative Session means — what else — a post-Thanksgiving cornucopia of fundraisers. The Republican Party of Florida sent an email last week listing all the events, coinciding with the December committee week, the last one before session begins Jan. 12. In chronological order, here are the events, subject to change and […]

Jim RosicaNovember 25, 2015

One of several bills aimed at overhauling the state’s oversight body for high school athletics will be heard by a House panel next week. The bill (HB 31) is set to be considered by the Education Appropriations subcommittee next Tuesday, records show. State Rep. Ross Spano, a Dover Republican, filed the legislation for the 2016 Legislative Session. […]

Drew WilsonNovember 11, 2015

October fundraising numbers show there may be a shift in the tide House District 59. Incumbent Republican Rep. Ross Spano, who has represented the Hillsborough County district since 2012, has been surpassed in fundraising by Democrat Rena Upshaw-Frazier, who brought in $11,000 last month to bring her on-hand total to $38,525 after just three months […]

Drew WilsonOctober 31, 2015

Early committee finance numbers for Republican Sens. Jack Latvala and Joe Negron show the two rivals for Senate President are as close as ever in fundraising. Latvala’s outfit, Florida Leadership Committee, entered October with a little more than $1.6 million on-hand, and the committee should get a little boost above that mark once final reports […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 18, 2015

As was the case with Fox News last month, CNN received record ratings for airing their prime time Republican presidential debate this week, with 23 million tuning in. Thanks to Donald Trump the debates have become Must See TV. Too bad the Democrats don’t have one of those. Or how about even holding a debate? […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 17, 2015

Did you know that it’s technically illegal in the Sunshine State to live with a member of the opposite sex in Florida? Not that it’s being actively enforced, but yes, there has been a prohibition on cohabitation in the Sunshine State since 1968. (Michigan and Mississippi are the only other states with such a law). Which […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 2, 2015

At least one legislator is trying again to change the law on the state’s oversight body for public high school athletics, including ensuring that it is revenue-neutral, among other things. State Rep. Ross Spano, a Dover Republican, has filed a bill (HB 31) for next session that tweaks state law governing the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). This will make the fifth year […]

Drew WilsonAugust 21, 2015

A second Democrat filed for the House District 59 seat on Thursday, setting up a primary battle to face Dover Republican Rep. Ross Spano in the general election next year. Rena Jade Upshaw-Frazier, a partner at Quarles and Brady law firm in Tampa and a Stetson School of Law graduate, will take on schoolteacher Golnaz […]

Phil AmmannJuly 23, 2015

On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott took the time to highlight Florida’s fight against human trafficking with a ceremonial bill signing of four bills to raise protect survivors and set harsher penalties for exploitation of victims. “While Florida has a 44-year crime low,” Scott said at the Citrus Health Network Family Medical Center in Hialeah, “even one victim […]

Mitch PerryJuly 22, 2015

Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced his presidential candidacy at Ohio State University on Tuesday. When you look at his résumé and his center-right political persona, he could/should be a top-tier contender. But nobody seems to be talking about that today. Instead, the focus is on the fact that he’s entering the race some seven months […]

Tag: Ross Spano

Email insights: More House GOP fundraising

High school athletics bill set for hearing

Democrat Rena Upshaw-Frazier surpasses incumbent Ross Spano in Oct. HD 59 fundraising

Fundraising reports show Senate rivals Jack Latvala, Joe Negron close as ever

Mitch Perry Report for 9.18.15 – Hillary Clinton says she’s up for more debates

Rena Frazier blasts Ross Spano for opposing repealer on shacking up law

Battle over high school sports looms in Legislature

2nd Democrat files for Ross Spano’s House seat

Gov. Scott highlights human trafficking fight with four new Florida laws

Mitch Perry Report for 7.22.15 — Stop saying John Kasich needs to be in first debate