Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorApril 7, 2016

Everyone should have a friend like Julie Solomon Bame. We met in 1985. There are many stories, some frightening, all funny that I could share to demonstrate her unique value. There’s her now-famous rendition of “I Shot the Sheriff” in high school, with mixed-up lyrics and silly string, that led one particular police officer to […]

Phil AmmannApril 6, 2016

A glance at the March jobs numbers released last week suggests that the national economy is doing fairly well. Over 200,000 jobs were created and the unemployment rate was virtually unchanged at 5 percent. The numbers look even better for Florida, whose state unemployment rate has fallen below 5 percent and which has created nearly […]

Bob SparksFebruary 11, 2016

Tuesday night’s New Hampshire primary election revealed the mood of the electorate of that small state. Polls show that in many of the remaining primary and caucus states, voters in both parties are unhappy with the process of government. Amendments, show votes, executive orders and other process maneuvers have worn thin. The Florida Legislature offers […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 11, 2016

Madeline Albright and Gloria Steinem need to stop obsessing about young women who won’t vote for Hillary Clinton. There’s a better use for their time and energy if they want her to be elected president. That’s to take Clinton by the shoulders, shake her until her teeth rattle, and scream into her ear, “Who do […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 10, 2016

Madeline Albright and Gloria Steinem need to stop obsessing about young women who won’t vote for Hillary Clinton. There’s a better use for their time and energy if they want her to be elected president. That’s to take Clinton by the shoulders, shake her until her teeth rattle, and scream into her ear, “Who do […]

Drew WilsonDecember 22, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday that the Sunshine State’s economic output grew faster than all other large states and even outpaced the national average in the second quarter of 2015. “Florida’s GDP outpacing all other large states, and the nation as a whole, is another indicator that our economy continues to grow,” Scott said in […]

Associated PressNovember 9, 2015

While the presidential campaign commands the public’s attention, political parties and financial contributors are quietly preparing for another less glitzy yet significant set of elections a year from now — battles to determine control of dozens of state legislative chambers. National Republican and Democratic groups have set record-high fundraising goals as they try to influence […]

Marc YachtOctober 12, 2015

Wars never end. The bullets may stop but the hatreds continue. Any family that’s lost a son, daughter, wife or husband will never end their anguish or forget those responsible for their loss. Both sides remember. That’s why the march to war must be carefully considered with all alternatives on the table. Such was not […]

Martin DyckmanSeptember 15, 2015

In the far from perfect world of politics, there’s a place that in one respect is as near to perfection as anyone could expect. The state legislature redistricts itself, yet both parties accept the outcomes as fair, the resulting elections are unusually competitive and the courts don’t have to get involved. Gerrymandering is for the […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

The Florida Constitution requires the Florida Legislature to pass a balanced budget and send it to the governor. This is the Constitution’s primary mandate for the Legislature. The Florida budget, like any budget, is comprised of two components: income and expenses. Governmental income is derived from the taxes and fees paid by Floridians and visitors […]

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Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is developing a 'mini-brain' for those suffering from Lewy body dementia (LBD).

Catherine Durkin Robinson: Amos the cat saved by two special women

Alfredo Ortiz: Helping small businesses will get Florida’s economy rolling

Bob Sparks: Hear the gun bills, don’t restrict debate

Martin Dyckman: Hillary Clinton should acknowledge that her speaking fees are offensive

Martin Dyckman: Hillary Clinton should acknowledge that her speaking fees are offensive

Florida GDP outpacing all other large U.S. states, Rick Scott says

Big spending expected for nation’s state legislative races in 2016

Dr. Marc J. Yacht: Continuing hatreds embody true cost of war

Martin Dyckman: Legislators should consider the Iowa example

Garrett Richter: Health care in Florida: It’s our money and we deserve a return