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Wilton Simpson - page 9

Time runs out before Senate panel can vote on LGBT rights bill

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A bill that would extend protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in Florida was to be debated and voted in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. However, time considerations precluded that from happening so it will come back before the same committee next week. “We’re going to dedicate up to an hour next week to debate on the bill,” vowed Committee Chairman Miguel Diaz de la Portilla. “We’re going to have it fully vetted.” Boynton…

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Former lawmaker Ed Hooper filing to succeed Jack Latvala in state Senate

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Before the Republican leadership in the Florida Senate coronates John Legg as Jack Latvala‘s successor, it might want to check with former state Rep. Ed Hooper. On Tuesday, Hooper told FloridaPolitics.com that he has mailed his paperwork to the Florida Division of Elections making him a candidate for Latvala’s north Pinellas seat, which will be up for grabs in 2018. “It just upset me … that a deal had been cut for a lifelong Pasco guy,” Hooper told FloridaPolitics.com. The…

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What is John Legg thinking (Part 2)?

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In the Florida Legislature, John Legg is one of the good guys. A protege of populist Mike Fasano, Legg is a dedicated, policy-driven lawmaker with years of legislative experience that run counter to his boyish looks. That said, Legg has been somewhat of an enigma lately, although it’s understandable why he’s been acting the way he has. After being drawn into the new Senate District 10, Legg first told insiders that he would not run against fellow Republican Wilton Simpson, who is slated to become…

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Jeff Brandes driver’s license suspension reform bill passes unanimously in committee

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A bill that would that would reform the driver’s license and revocation process in Florida passed unanimously Thursday in the Senate Transportation Commission. The legislation (SB 7046) sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes would revise requirements relating to the payment of court-related fines or other monetary penalties, fees, charges, and costs. It would also require traffic citation forms to include certain language relating to payment of a penalty and require a court to inquire regarding a person’s ability to pay at…

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Despite intraparty tension, state Senators pony up cash to Florida GOP

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The financial cold shoulder Republican state Senators had been giving to the Republican Party of Florida appears to be thawing. As reported by several outlets after Monday’s campaign finance reporting deadline, the RPOF’s fundraising totals are their lowest in years. They even failed to double up the Florida Democratic Party, as was standard most years. Observers blamed internecine conflict spurred by the defeat of Gov. Rick Scott‘s handpicked party chairman in favor of Rep. Blaise Ingoglia. Scott no longer raises money for…

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Deal struck to avoid John Legg vs. Wilton Simpson primary?

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A week ago, it appeared John Legg and Wilton Simpson were on a collision course to run against each other in 2016 for a seat in the Florida Senate. The two Republicans had been drawn into the same district after the Florida Supreme Court ratified the redrawing of the state’s Senate seats. Today, however, a deal to avoid a Simpson vs. Legg showdown appears to be in the works. According to two Republican campaign consultant sources not attached to either campaign, Legg has…

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Wilton Simpson seeks to strengthen state’s synthetic drug laws

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Sen. Wilton Simpson has filed a 203-page bill aimed at cracking down on synthetic drug use and manufacturing, and closing various loopholes that have allowed their continued presence in Florida. Simpson’s SB 1528, filed Friday, authorizes the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and Department of Business and Professional Regulation to suspend business licenses over drug violations, adds new drugs to the list of contraband substances, and increases criminal penalties for trading synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs such as “flakka” have proven a scourge in…

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Pam Bondi goes to Nevada

Drawing on lessons learned after a nightclub massacre last year in Orlando, Attorney General Pam Bondi and members of her

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