Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJuly 12, 2018

State Rep. Tom Leek hit another milestone with his new campaign finance report. The Ormond Beach Republican, currently in his first term representing House District 25, brought in nearly $47,000 in hard money between June 23 and July 6. That makes for more than $200,000 in total fundraising for his re-election bid thus far. “I […]

Drew WilsonJuly 10, 2018

The political arm of the Florida Realtors rolled out endorsements Monday for nearly every state legislative election slated for the 2018 ballot. “As Realtors, we pride ourselves on our long-standing efforts to defend private property rights, promote community prosperity and preserve a professional climate that ensures the economic growth of Florida,” said Ann DeFries, chair […]

Phil AmmannMay 22, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Connie Ennis is a new administrative assistant for the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee. On: Karina Pereira is a new legislative assistant for Fort Lauderdale Democratic Sen. Gary Farmer. On: Elise Minkoff is the new legislative assistant […]

Drew WilsonMay 1, 2018

The Associated Industries of Florida on Tuesday released a report measuring how closely Florida lawmakers’ votes aligned with its interests. The conservative business group’s 2018 Voting Records report found a slight uptick in lawmaker support for AIF-backed legislation, with 78 percent of the Senate and 91 percent of the House voting in favor of its […]

Drew WilsonApril 2, 2018

Ormond Beach Republican Rep. Tom Leek picked up two Democratic challengers this week in his re-election campaign for the Volusia County based seat. Katie Tripp filed for the seat on Wednesday, and was followed by Brandon Schwedes, who put in his paperwork Thursday. The pair join Leek and Libertarian Party candidate Joseph Hannoush in the […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 26, 2018

A new state law could mean harsher penalties for animal abusers. Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill on Friday that bumps animal cruelty to a level 5 offense up from level 3, meaning convicted offenders are more likely to serve prison time (selling cocaine also is a level 5 offense). The change comes into effect […]

Michael MolineFebruary 14, 2018

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A bill OK’d Wednesday would clear the way for a likeness of Florida educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune to replace one of a Confederate general representing Florida in the U.S. Capitol. The House Appropriations Committee unanimously cleared the measure (HB 139), making it available for the floor. The Senate version (SB 472) also cleared the floor […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2018

Rep. Kathleen Peters‘ attempt to amend an House ethics reform bill resulted in virtual fireworks Thursday, with a prominent lobbyist saying Peters was targeting him and a lawmaker bemoaning “political gymnastics” that temporarily gummed up the measure. One of Peters’ amendments would have banned sitting lawmakers and their immediate family members from working for lobbying firms. The […]

Peter SchorschNovember 4, 2017

After a puppy was beaten to death in Volusia County earlier this year, the fight to give animal abusers harsher penalties is gaining momentum at the state Capitol. And if passed, those who are convicted could be banned from owning or contacting animals. It all began in April when neighbors heard a racket coming from […]

Jim RosicaOctober 12, 2017

The House’s ethics panel on Thursday set a Dec. 4 hearing on a charge that Democratic Miami-Dade Rep. Daisy Baez doesn’t live in the district she was elected to represent. The Public Integrity and Ethics Committee will conduct an evidentiary hearing “somewhat like a court trial,” said chair Larry Metz, a Yalaha Republican. “You’re trying to […]

Tag: Tom Leek

Tom Leek cracks $200K raised for HD 25 re-election

Florida Realtors make endorsements in 87 legislative races

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Republican lawmakers earn high grades on Associated Industries’ report card

Tom Leek faces two Democrats in HD 25 re-election bid

Florida strengthens animal cruelty laws

Mary McLeod Bethune statue proposal heading to House floor

‘Political gymnastics’: House panel kills Kathleen Peters’ ethics proposals

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Seeking justice for puppies

House ethics panel sets trial in Daisy Baez residency case