Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorApril 15, 2018

This week members of the Florida Constitutional Revision (CRC) will meet to examine proposals to amend the Florida Constitution and make recommendations to voters. The constitutional revision process is unique to Florida. No other state has such a body, one that meets every 20 years and takes recommendations for amendments directly to the voters, without […]

Scott PowersApril 11, 2017

Arguing Gov. Rick Scott had no legal basis to strip murder cases from her jurisdiction, Orlando’s State Attorney Aramis Ayala filed challenges Tuesday morning in both the Florida Supreme Court and federal court. In complaints filed by her attorney, Roy Austin Jr. of Washington D.C., Ayala contends that she legally exercised prosecutorial discretion in deciding not […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 1, 2017

When I was a member of the Florida Legislature, I always supported efforts to expand access to justice. It’s a right that’s enshrined in the Pledge of Allegiance, the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution: “The courts shall be open to every person for redress of any injury, and justice shall be administered without sale, […]

Guest AuthorMarch 22, 2016

I forced myself the other night to watch in totality Donald Trump speak at two rallies in Ohio before that state’s primary — and initially I had great reservations about voting for him. At these rallies Trump rarely spoke more than five or six words in a sentence. When he was not repeating his canned slogans […]

Jac VerSteegFebruary 7, 2016

What do Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush and some Florida lawmakers have in common? They’ve all said some pretty disturbing things recently about the use of military power. Hmmm. I guess I also should add Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio to the list. Start with Jeb. By now you’ve probably seen his latest cringe-worthy […]

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 […]

Jac VerSteegDecember 15, 2015

The 2016 presidential race hasn’t had any official votes yet. But as things are shaping up for two candidates with Florida ties – Jeb Bush and Donald Trump – the contest already has bearing on at least two constitutional issues. They are whether contributing money to candidates is a form of protected free speech; and […]

Jac VerSteegDecember 14, 2015

The 2016 presidential race hasn’t had any official votes yet. But as things are shaping up for two candidates with Florida ties – Jeb Bush and Donald Trump – the contest already has bearing on at least two constitutional issues. They are whether contributing money to candidates is a form of protected free speech; and […]

Guest AuthorDecember 6, 2015

“ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida …So help me God.” Article II Section 5 Constitution of the State of Florida. The Florida Constitution requires every elected or duly appointed member of the executive, […]

Martin DyckmanDecember 4, 2015

“Another day in the United States of America. Another day of gunfire, panic and fear. This time in the city of San Bernardino in California, where a civic building was apparently under attack.” That is the voice, tinged with sorrow and shock, of a BBC reporter describing yet another day in America. Just another day […]

Tag: U.S. Constitution

M. Stephen Turner, Leonard Collins, Christine Dorchak: Let Florida voters decide fate of dog racing

Aramis Ayala files challenges of Rick Scott with Florida Supreme Court, federal court

Carl Domino: Bridging the justice gap pays off for Floridians in multiple ways

Steven Kurlander: Trump will grow up to be a great president

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Hold your applause for Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton

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

Jac VerSteeg: Picture Donald Trump at the head of an army

Jac VerSteeg: Picture Donald Trump at the head of an army

John Wood: Defending our constitutions

Martin Dyckman: Insanity fueled by fraud keeps on killing