Politics

This session we will debate and vote on issues of substance. Taxes, the size of government, criminal justice, gambling, medical marijuana and much more. The debates will be passionate, and no one will get everything they want.

If you’re one of those rare breeds who thrive on the excitement of retail politics, then you’re already counting the days until the next local, state and national contest. This year we have municipal elections and a few special elections for legislative seats in play. Looking forward to 2020, it’s never too early to start planning for the big national conventions.

Tributes come in large and small narratives and are always impactful. President Bush’s influence on my career began when I opened his 1988 Florida campaign office. I worked on his inauguration, and later, enjoyed a four-year stint at the Republican National Committee, campaigning on Republican ideals and believing in a cause greater than myself.

There was a time when political debates allowed voters an opportunity to learn a candidate’s position on issues, their vision for the future and how they would govern if elected. From local city council races to presidential contests, banter ranges from thoughtful dialogue at best to outrageous attacks at worst. Either way, they’re not to be missed.

New bills have been introduced in Congress to find a dedicated funding solution for the $11.6 billion maintenance backlog in the National Park Service. Florida’s 11 parks contributed $904 million in economic output last year but need $262 million for repairs and deferred maintenance.

It’s time to register to vote if you have not already done so. July 30 is the last day Florida voters can register if they want to vote in the primary election.

Florida Senate President Joe Negron recently announced his decision to resign early and not complete his final two years in office.

Political campaigns are getting more expensive every year, yet individuals are only allowed to donate limited amounts of money per election. Many candidates have opened up Political Committees (PCs) to make up the difference.

The sine die hanky first took the spotlight in the 1920s when the House and Senate Chambers were not within sight lines and leadership were unable to see when their respective gavels came down for session adjournment.

March 26 marked the first day of Children’s Week, when hundreds of volunteers gathered in the Capitol Rotunda for “Hanging of the Hands” as a reminder of the enormous impact legislators have on Florida’s next generation.

During the election cycle, adversaries of the United States implemented disinformation campaigns aimed at eroding Americans’ faith in our electoral system and processes.

Americans recognize the second Tuesday in November as Election Day, but some campaigns start packing up the cardboard boxes the day after the primary. That’s the beauty when you’re the only one on the ballot in November.