Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerrySeptember 3, 2015

Republicans Polk City state Rep. Neil Combee and Jacksonville state Sen. Aaron Bean have filed the “Self-Defense Protection Act,” a bill that they contend would reform Florida’s “10-20-Life” sentencing law. The bill creates a narrow exception to otherwise applicable mandatory minimum sentences when a court finds a defendant had a good-faith belief that using a firearm […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 3, 2015

Dr. Ben Carson‘s movement in the GOP presidential polls isn’t happening just in Iowa. A new Monmouth University national poll of the Republican presidential candidates released on Thursday shows the staying power of real estate tycoon Donald Trump. He leads the field with 30 percent support – that’s 4 points higher than a similar poll […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 3, 2015

During the 2012 U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts between Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown, the two candidates signed a “People’s Pledge.” Under the pact, a candidate who benefited from a third-party ad had to pay a penalty to a charity chosen by the other. As the candidates wrote in a letter to third-party groups: “Your spending […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 3, 2015

There’s excitement in some quarters this week as it now appears that Carly Fiorina will appear in the second Republican Presidential debate taking place in 13 days in Los Angeles (Okay, Simi Valley, officially). Meanwhile, we’re still more than five weeks away before the first Democratic Presidential debate. And why is that? While some may say […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 2, 2015

For the past three years in the Florida Legislature, attempts to enact a pilot needle exchange program in Miami-Dade County have been unsuccessful. Plantation House Democrat Katie Edwards , though, is going to give it another shot next year. Edwards has filed legislation that aims to alleviate transmission of the HIV and Hepatitis viruses among intravenous drug […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 2, 2015

Showing continued strength in recruiting local allies to his candidacy, Congressional District 13 Democrat Eric Lynn said Wednesday that four Pinellas County elected officials have endorsed him in the race to succeed David Jolly next year. They are Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith, Gulfport City Councilwoman Yolanda Roman, and Bellair Bluffs City Commissioners Joe Barkley […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 2, 2015

The nationwide campaign to raise fast-food workers’ wages to $15 an hour has incorporated child-care workers into the effort. The campaign is being led nationally and in Florida by the Service Employees International Union. “We have to share the story to create a groundwell,” said Monica Russo, president of SEIU Florida State Council, and executive […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 2, 2015

In a major victory for President Barack Obama on Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland announced her support for the Iran nuclear deal, providing the White House the votes it needs to prevent Republicans from scuttling the agreement. That hardly means the move is popular with the public, at least here in Florida. According […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 2, 2015

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For the second straight day, Jeb Bush is taking on Donald Trump directly regarding ideology. Tuesday, the Bush camp posted a web ad featuring Trump parroting liberal positions over the years. On Wednesday, the former Florida governor, who trails Trump everywhere in the polls (including Florida) has posted a quiz on his website asking, “Which candidate are you?” It’s […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 1, 2015

Like so many other Democrats who are coming out in support of the P+5 nuclear deal with Iraq, Delaware Senator Chris Coons said yesterday that while “it was a very hard choice,” he was going to back Barack Obama in the most important foreign policy accord of his presidency. “I will support this agreement because it […]

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American Dunes Golf Club. Image via American Dunes Golf Club.

Bill to reform Florida’s 10-20-Life law filed by Aaron Bean, Neil Combee

National GOP poll: Donald Trump 30%, Ben Carson 18% with Carson beating Trump one-on-one

Patrick Murphy rejects Alan Grayson’s “People’s Pledge” on accepting third-party campaign contributions

Mitch Perry Report for 9.3.15 – The DNC’s nondebate strategy

Katie Edwards introduces needle exchange bill in Legislature

CD 13 candidate Eric Lynn announces more local endorsements

SEIU Fight for $15 embraces child-care workers, wins support of Ed Narain, other local officials

David Jolly chides Patrick Murphy for supporting Iran nuclear deal

Jeb Bush attacks Donald Trump’s conservative bona fides via quiz

Mitch Perry Report for 9.2.15 – Obama getting closer to win on Iran deal