Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Kate BradshawJune 13, 2018

State Sen. Tom Lee of Senate District 20 generated plenty of buzz over the last year as Tampa Bay politicos speculated his next steps: a run for state chief financial officer? Perhaps a go at outgoing Congressman Dennis Ross’s open seat? But the Thonotosassa Republican went with none of the above — and that could shape up […]

Jim RosicaMay 17, 2018

Photo above: Greyhounds racing on the track in Bonita Springs. Credit: Van Abernathy. As promised, the group that represents Florida’s greyhound owners and breeders is suing to keep a proposed constitutional amendment to rid the state of dog racing off the November ballot. But a top greyhound racing opponent quickly called the suit “dead on […]

Phil AmmannMay 15, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Alexa Chappell is no longer staff director for the House Democratic Leader’s office. Off: Bo Pittman is no longer program manager for the House Property Management Division. Off: Whitney Langston is no longer an attorney for the House Health […]

Drew WilsonMay 9, 2018

The Florida Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that it’s backing sitting CFO Jimmy Patronis’ bid for a full term in the Cabinet post. Florida Chamber CEO Mark Wilson, Mike Sheely of Allstate Insurance, and Tampa Republican Rep. Jackie Toledo made the announcement La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City. “From ensuring that Floridians have the tools […]

Drew WilsonApril 27, 2018

Thonotosassa Sen. Tom Lee closed down his political committee Thursday, possibly indicating his decision to run for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross. William S. Jones, who chaired The Conservative, sent a letter to the Florida Division of Elections Thursday shuttering the longstanding fundraising account effective immediately. The committee had […]

Jim RosicaApril 17, 2018

The group that represents the state’s racing-greyhound breeders and owners will challenge a proposed constitutional amendment to outlaw dog racing, its spokesman and lobbyist told Florida Politics Tuesday. Jack Cory, who represents the Florida Greyhound Association (FGA), said former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and former appellate judge Paul Hawkes, who also now represent the group, are working on […]

Jim RosicaApril 16, 2018

Florida voters will decide whether to outlaw greyhound racing under a proposed constitutional amendment approved Monday. The proposal (P6012) was passed by the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) on a 27-10 vote; it needed at least 22 votes. It will go directly to November’s statewide ballot, where it needs at least 60 percent approval to be added to […]

Drew WilsonApril 16, 2018

State Rep. Ross Spano is officially exiting the Attorney General race to run for Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which is opening up due to the retirement of U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross. The Dover Republican had already said he would run for Congress, and he’s now followed through by retooling his campaign website and filing paperwork with […]

Drew WilsonApril 16, 2018

Former Republican state Rep. Neil Combee said he’ll make a “big announcement” on Tuesday, likely a run for Congress. “Stay tuned HIGH NOON tomorrow we make a big announcement! I am forever grateful to the folks in my community, this region and most recently this country as a strong supporter of President [Donald] Trump and […]

Peter SchorschApril 15, 2018

There’s still a couple weeks left before voters pick Neil Combee’s replacement in the Florida House, but the Auburndale Republican may already be thinking of running for another seat – this time in Congress. In a cryptic Facebook post, Combee seemed to indicate he’s considering a run to succeed U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross in Florida’s […]

Tag: Tom Lee
Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Image via Visit Florida.

#14 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Tom Lee

Greyhound owners sue over proposed dog racing ban

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Florida Chamber endorses Jimmy Patronis for CFO

Is closing of Tom Lee political committee sign of congressional run?

Greyhound owners plan legal challenge of dog racing ban

Greyhound racing ban heads to voters

Ross Spano exits AG race, files for CD 15

Neil Combee teases big announcement for Tuesday

Neil Combee considering bid for Dennis Ross’ seat, Kelli Stargel passes