Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Diane RobertsFebruary 24, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE — This is what the Florida Constitution says, right up top, Article I, Section 1: All political power is inherent in the people. I’m guessing most Florida legislators have never read it. Either that or they don’t give a good goddamn. For the second year in a row, they are misappropriating — stealing, […]

Julie DelegalJanuary 27, 2016

Second of three parts ACLU staff attorney Adam Tebrugge and Jacksonville criminal defense attorney D. Gray Thomas say that Florida law destroys the jury-deliberations process in the penalty phase of first-degree murder trials. But they are not the first people who have noticed the difference between a majority vote and a unanimous one. And it’s […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 22, 2016

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Travis Keels says he’s leaving the James Madison Institute for the press secretary gig at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Keels, who’s been JMI’s Director of Public Affairs for the past two years, announced the move Friday. The organization is a “free-market think tank” based in Tallahassee. His time there “allowed me the opportunity to grow […]

Bob SparksJanuary 14, 2016

On Tuesday night, the U.S. House and Senate gathered in a joint session to hear President Barack Obama deliver his final State of the Union address. Tuesday morning, the Florida House of Representatives and Senate also convened in joint session for Gov. Rick Scott’s State of the State remarks. These speeches normally provide a roadmap […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 14, 2016

Nothing else that government does costs as much as the death penalty in order to accomplish so little. That ought to concern even the most conservative legislators as they cope with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision Tuesday, in Hurst v. Florida, that the state’s capital sentencing process is unconstitutional. The choice now is to […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 13, 2016

Nothing else that government does costs as much as the death penalty in order to accomplish so little. This ought to concern even the most conservative legislators as they cope with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision Tuesday, in Hurst v. Florida, that the state’s capital sentencing process is unconstitutional. The choice now is to […]

Guest AuthorMarch 10, 2014

Florida is firing the first cannon in a battle to convince veterans across the country and around the world to retire here. Today in Tallahassee is Military Day when the Legislature honors the deeds of men and women who have committed themselves to the defense of our country. So placed around the Capitol Courtyard will […]

Tag: Sen. Thad Altman

Diane Roberts: Legislators are stealing the money meant to protect the environment

Julie Delegal: The Florida Legislature’s history of intransigence

Personnel note: Travis Keels to DBPR from JMI

Bob Sparks: U.S. Supreme Court adds to Legislature’s “to do” list

Martin Dyckman: U.S. Supreme Court ruling should prompt Legislature to abolish death penalty

Martin Dyckman: Supreme Court ruling should prompt Legislature to abolish death penalty

Barney Bishop: Legislation designed to make Florida more attractive to veterans