Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschApril 20, 2017

A great deal has already been said about the yes-he-really-said-it Frank Artiles saga. And there seems to be near-universal agreement on these points: — Artiles is a world-class jerk. — What he said goes far beyond the limits of acceptable. — This was not his first foray into the unacceptable. — Artiles needs professional help. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 10, 2017

A Senate bill filed this week would create a task force to address the state’s affordable housing needs. The bill (SB 854), filed Friday by Sen. Jeff Brandes, would create an affordable housing task force assigned to the Florida Housing Finance Corp. According to the St. Petersburg Republican’s proposal, the task force would be charged […]

Scott PowersDecember 9, 2016

With his potentially-groundbreaking appointment to chair the Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee, state Sen. Randolph Bracy is pledging to take an aggressive approach to criminal justice reform in Florida. The Orlando-area Democrat’s chairmanship, announced last week by Republican Senate President Joe Negron, is highly unusual for three reasons: because Bracy is a Democrat, a freshman […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 10, 2016

Senate President-designate Joe Negron has picked a longtime ally to be his right hand woman in the Senate. The Stuart Republican announced Thursday he selected Sen. Anitere Flores, a Miami Republican, to serve as Senate president pro tempore. The appointment is effective Nov. 22, when the Legislature convenes for its organizational session. “The role of […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 26, 2016

An expert political fundraiser is joining Joe Negron’s team as he prepares to become the new President of the Florida Senate. Ashley Ross will become a Deputy Chief of Staff, according to spokeswoman Katie Betta. She also will be a Senior Policy Advisor to the President for commerce and tourism, military and veterans affairs, space and […]

Peter SchorschAugust 13, 2016

A report in the TCPalm about incoming Florida Senate President Joe Negron‘s fundraising activities offers an incomplete, naive, and laughable insight into the otherwise serious subjects of campaign finance and how legislative leaders rise to the top of their respective chambers. Investigative reporter George Andreassi paints by the numbers with his exaggerations of the fundraising circuit; use of well-regarded, […]

Drew WilsonApril 12, 2016

Bradenton Republican Sen. Bill Galvano will host a campaign kickoff fundraiser April 21 in Sarasota, his campaign announced Tuesday. The event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Dolphin Aviation, located at 8191 N Tamiami Trail, and will be preceded by a half-hour VIP reception. For more information about the fundraiser, or to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 7, 2016

Senate President-Designate Joe Negron has selected a former top aide to be his chief of staff. Cheri Vancura, a deputy clerk for the Martin County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, has been tapped as Negron’s right-hand woman during his two-year term as Senate President. “Cheri has an extraordinary background and experience in both public service […]

Peter SchorschMarch 27, 2016

Another year passes, and another Rick Scott Chief of Staff is out the door. The Governor’s office announced last week that Kim McDougal will succeed Melissa Sellers in the top staff position, making McDougal Scott’s fifth CoS in six years. Which makes us wonder: Where are they now? Mike Prendergast, a retired Army colonel, moved over to become Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 5, 2016

As the sun sets on the Florida Senate’s magical day of random numbering, one of the clearest winners after the court-mandated district lottery is Sen. Wilton Simpson. When his home district from the CPS4a changed from a placeholder number 11 to Florida Senate District 10, the even numeral ensured the two extra years that could carry […]

Tag: Senate President

How Frank Artiles colleagues should respond to his defiance

Jeff Brandes files bill to create affordable housing task force

Randolph Bracy intends to be aggressive toward reform as Senate Criminal Justice Committee chair

Joe Negron picks Anitere Flores to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore

Personnel note: Ashley Ross to join Senate President’s office

TCPalm ‘report’ on Joe Negron’s fundraising is a naive, laughable look at Florida politics

Bill Galvano to host campaign kickoff fundraiser in Sarasota Apr. 21

Cheri Vancura to be Senate President Joe Negron’s chief of staff

Peter Schorsch: Five big stories in Tallahassee last week

What is John Legg thinking?