Tag Archive for stephen precourt

Mayor Jacobs Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign with Impressive Fundraiser

May 17, 2013 2014 elections, florida politics, florida state house, orange county commission, stephen precourt, teresa jacobs, tiffany moore russell, val demings No comments

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs will officially kick-off her Re-election Campaign at the end of this month.

Her Re-election slogan “Smart. Tough. Making a Difference”

Her early support? A Bi-Partisan “Who’s Who” of Orange County, not only flexing the power of incumbency but mainstream support she’s maintained through out the course of her first term.

Elected Officials, Philanthropists, and Executives sit on one of the three committees the flyer advertises and the venue booked anticipates a huge turnout of previous supporters and potential donors.

In 2010, Jacobs was the last candidate to enter the race and immediately took control of the contest with a successful combination of financial support and Grassroots GOTV efforts.

This time she’ll be the incumbent and potential opponents include former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings (who lost a Congressional bid last year), Termed out State Representative Stephen Precourt (who could pull big business support if he runs) and most recently termed out Commissioner Tiffany Moore-Russell who’s experience could help but who’s popularity outside of district is untested.

Below is the Campaign Flyer

Mayor Jacobs Re-Election Kickoff

The Orange County Mayor Race is expected to be one of the biggest races of 2014 with no U.S Senate Race on the ballot and no early intriguing match-ups for Congress.

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Orange County Commissioners Brummer, Moore-Russell announce possible plans for 2014

May 15, 2013 2012 elections, 2014 elections, bryan nelson florida, daniel webster, florida house, florida politics, florida state house, fred brummer, governor rick scott, orange county commission, orlando media, orlando politics, state legislature, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, tiffany moore russell, val demings One comment

Yesterday, the Orlando Sentinel reported what two of our current Orange County Commissioners will possibly doing during elections next year.

Orange County District 6 Commissioner Tiffany Moore-Russell announced that she is seeking appointment to the vacant position of County Clerk in Orange County. This vacancy was created when Lydia Gardner passed away last week. Regulations say that Governor Rick Scott must appoint a replacement.

The article says she’s also “entertaining” a run for Mayor next year. The lone Democrat on the board would inherit a portion of that partisan base in the non-partisan election, but would still be the underdog against current Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Still, she could be the local party’s only choice, if no other viable candidates express interests.

Other names rumored to be entertaining a run are former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings (who lost a congressional race last year to Daniel Webster), Termed out State Representative Stephen Precourt (who said there was a leadership crisis in the county and says he’s been asked about running) and fellow Orange Commissioner Ted Edwards.

Staying in Orange County, the Orlando Sentinel also reported, Commissioner Fred Brummer has announced he won’t seek the Florida State House District 31 seat, to replace his fellow Apopka Resident Bryan Nelson.

The unapologetic Conservative on the Commission, would have been favored in the area he’s represented in Tallahassee before. The Republican Primary currently features Terri Seefeldt and Randy Glisson.

Brummer will not seek the Florida House 31 seat. Moore-Russell has applied for the Orange Clerk of Courts appointment

Brummer will not seek the Florida House 31 seat. Moore-Russell has applied for the Orange Clerk of Courts appointment

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Cortes, Sturgill trade Endorsements in House District 30 Contest

May 14, 2013 2014 elections, bob cortes, david santiago, florida house, Florida House District 30, florida politics, florida state house, jason brodeur, karen castor dentel, ritch workman, scott sturgill, stephen precourt No comments

The Republican contenders in the Florida House District 30 race, are wasting no time announcing endorsements and ramping up fundraising efforts.

Longwood City Commissioner and Business owner Bob Cortes is already in full campaign mode. He’s been making public appearances all over the region, throwing fundraisers, and most recently making big endorsement announcements.

Yesterday, Cortes announced official endorsements from House Majority Leader Stephen Precourt, Jason Brodeur, David Santiago, John Tobia, and Ritch Workman.

It’s a big announcement. A Basketball team of Republican lawmakers that are supporting his candidacy and want him to join them in Tallahassee for Session in 2015. Cortes also has more elected officials and power players on his fundraising hosting committee. A very impressive roll-out and power move, to try take control and end this primary before it begins.

Soil-Water Committeeman and Businessman Scott Sturgill entered the contest a couple of weeks, back but responded with a pair of his own endorsements last night.

The email subject line was a jab at Cortes. “CORTES’ FELLOW COMMISSIONERS ENDORSE…. SCOTT STURGILL”

He went on to announce the endorsements of Cortes’ fellow Longwood Commissioners H.G. “Butch” Bundy and Joe Durso. Both Commissioners questioned Cortes’ authenticity and praised Sturgill’s background.

It’s the first attack of this campaign, and at the same time you could argue that it was a necessity.

Sturgill was in danger of having his campaign fall into obscurity. He’s well liked by Politicos in the community and it’s still very early but the timetable on this primary has been drastically shifted to this year. If Sturgill doesn’t act, the money, big name endorsements, and eventually the “boots on the ground” for grassroots efforts will all be gone.

The winner will face Democrat Karen Castor-Dentel in the general election next November.

However, neither of these two are wasting anytime.

Bob Cortes and Scott Sturgill are rolling out early endorsements in their Florida House 30 primary

Bob Cortes and Scott Sturgill are rolling out early endorsements in their Florida House 30 primary

2013 Florida Legislative Session Report Card: State Rep. Stephen Precourt

May 10, 2013 2014 elections, david simmons, florida bills, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, florida state house, governor rick scott, orlando media, orlando politics, stephen precourt, teresa jacobs No comments

State Representative Stephen Precourt is in an interesting position. He’s a termed out, Republican Majority leader in the Florida State Legislature. His political fortress in Ultra-Conservative Windermere awards him the luxury of being aggressive and doing whatever it takes to get his party’s legislation passed and he’s been very successful.

But, he’s termed out. What’s he going to do next?

He came into this session with one huge goal. Pass legislation that would nullify the Orange County Sick time measure that is currently on the ballot for 2014, and he’s succeeded (Unless, Rick Scott gets bored and vetoes it). He’s won the praise of the Central Business Community and should get a strong fundraising push for whatever office he decides to seek next. Like Orange County Mayor. His posture and behavior this session, piled on to his words in the media, indicate he’s positioning himself should he decides to.

This is your 2013 Legislative Session Report Card for State Representative Stephen Precourt:

Campaign Promises: Precourt had only a write-in opponent last November and hasn’t been seriously opposed in years (former Rep. Eric Eisnaugle stood aside for him after redistrictinng) so, there is nothing from a campaign, but his objective was clear, defeat the Orange County Sick Time measure at the state level and he accomplished that. There were also no tax increases and no expansion of medicaid. He got it done.

GRADE: A

Social Media and Communications: C’mon Steve! No Facebook and no Twitter. There is some Youtube Video, a few photos, and he did meet with constituents while making the rounds, with local groups when he was home but he needs to get on the ball.

GRADE: D

Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation: Precourt was in “Beast-mode” this session. He kept the ship steady during the Democrat Medicaid Expansion filibuster-like measure, that forced every bill to be read aloud, and still got his anti-sick time measure passed (even found time to pass competing versions of the bill back and forth with fellow local lawmaker David Simmons). Republicans in the House found a way to get almost everything they wanted done, despite the final week drama.

GRADE: A

Bi-Partisanship: He’s the Republican Majority Leader. It’s not exactly his job to be Bi-partisan. Still, he called for Bi-Partisan support for a budget that included teacher raises, and supported elections reform.

GRADE: C

Media Relations and Mic-Skills: He was the “Republican Boogey-Man” for Democrats in Orange County this session. He came across like an efficient, cold-blooded, destroyer of any legislation that he didn’t like. And if you’re from Precourt’s district, you wouldn’t have it any other way. It wouldn’t hurt him to elaborate a little more and try to win a few of his critics over using the press.

GRADE: B

Conclusion: If he was effective at putting his own message out there, using Social Media he would have gotten an “A”. Still, while Precourt accomplished almost everything he wanted, he’s looking forward at his next move, and that’s what we’ll be speculating over the next few months. This is the last session Precourt will be able to hide his cards. He’ll have to declare for an office before the start of next session, if he wants to build up momentum in time for election season. His actions this session, indicate he’s positioning himself for a possible run against Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, but only he knows for sure.

OVERALL GRADE: B

How the lawmakers are graded HERE

2013 Session Report Card Stephen Precourt

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2013 Florida Legislative Session Report Card: State Senator David Simmons

May 8, 2013 2012 elections, darren soto, david simmons, florida bills, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, florida state house, geraldine thompson, governor rick scott, orlando politics, orlando venues, political events, state legislature, stephen precourt No comments

State Senator David Simmons is a throw-back. He’s one of those “Old School” lawmakers that actually believe in the Art of the Deal and how it benefits both parties, by getting something accomplished. Now days it’s all about that “My way or the Highway” mentality that leads to gridlock. This session, Simmons was able to pull together what lawmakers were able to agree on and produce results.

For an explanation on how the lawmakers are graded, look HERE.

Campaign Promises: Simmons hasn’t had a legitimate challenge in years. In 2012, his platform was more about his record, than what he would do if elected. He jumped on the education train with Governor Scott this year. Now, educators and school officials have a lot to be happy about after last session.

Grade: B

Social Media Communications: Simmons rolled his campaign Facebook over to this year, to let the voters know what he was up to during the session. No twitter. Nothing new on Youtube or other applications. He would be wise to jump on Twitter.

Grade: B-:

Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation: This would have been an “A” if the Senate didn’t get “froggy” over Parent Trigger, but in every other area Simmons excelled. He place tougher restrictions on the state’s Citizens Property Insurance policies, by lowering maximum coverages and trying to ship eligible policies to the private sector. He also gets credit, along with Stephen Precourt for defeating Orange County Sick Time. He did his best to get an audience for the Stadiums bill, and even drew praise from the Orlando City President for his efforts. He fights the battles he can win and that was evident this session.

Grade: B+

Bi-Partisanshp: Simmons introduced a couple of bills with fellow local State Senators Darren Soto and Geraldine Thompson, both Democrats. Both bills failed, but his heart was in the right place. He also refrained from damaging partisan rhetoric. This is a big deal, considering the leadership role he has within the Republican majority in Tally.

Grade: A

Media Relations and “Mic Skills”: It seemed like Simmons was at the center of every major piece of legislation in Tallahassee, and the media coverage reflected that. As usual he was complimentary about his peers and humble about the battles being fought. He made a few television appearances here at home, when he wasn’t in Tally and many times these guys don’t want to see the media when they’re home for the weekends and holidays. He was even the Orlando Sentinel’s “Champ of the Week” recently.

Grade: A

Extra Credit- YES: He called Citizens Property Insurance “Welfare for the Wealthy”. That’s keeping it real.

Conclusion: You could make a strong argument that Simmons was the most effective lawmaker from the area, this last session. When bills were kicked back he checked them down and tried again. It was a relentless effort to get something done on the Taxpayer’s time, especially with all of the drama during that final week. A strong outing for the Senator from Altamonte Springs.

OVERALL GRADE: A-

2013 Session Report Card David Simmons

2013 Florida Legislative Session Report Cards: How they’re Graded

May 6, 2013 bruce antone, bryan nelson florida, darren soto, david simmons, florida bills, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, florida state house, jason brodeur, joe saunders, karen castor dentel, linda stewart florida house, mike clelland, orlando politics, stephen precourt, victor torres florida house 6 comments
Report Card

This week, I’ll start publishing Report Cards for local lawmakers from the 2013 session. We’ll deal primarily with the Orange County delegation but some Seminole County lawmakers will make the cut as well.

Like any other grading system, mine is sure to come under scrutiny. Its what we do. From the credit ratings of countries, to the imaginary rating systems in video games, we fight criticism at every turn.

Especially in Politics!

Anyways, this is how I handle the grading, behind this year’s Legislative Report Cards.

How the grades are determined:

Campaign Promises: Simply put, the candidates words while they were campaigning. I check literature, websites and ads to see if the lawmaker was effective. Did they vote the way they told the voters they would?

Social Media and Communications: Are the lawmakers keeping their constituents “in the loop”. Are they using Facebook, Twitter and email to get the news out? A dialog is preferred even more.

Leadership, Strategy and Innovation: On the job performance. What are the lawmakers doing on the clock, and how is it helping their constituents back home? Are they “moving the chains” for legislation? Are they playing a special role or promoting strong ideas?

Bi-partisanship: “Heaven forbid” they work across the aisle! How have your lawmakers done working with members from the other party? Are they “team players’ or are they “throwing smoke” at the other side?

Media relations or “Mic Skils”: How are your lawmakers representing you in front of the video cameras? What are they doing with their time on the floor in the legislature? Are they helping the cause? Bomb throwing? A mixture of the two?

All of the grades are averaged for an Overall grade.

Extra Credit: X-Factors or Miscellaneous Events: Was there a particular event that helped or hurt a lawmaker’s efforts?

The scope or philosophy in the grading is the effectiveness of the lawmaker. Republican or Democrat, are they accomplishing what they’re trying to succeed?

And remember, it’s one analyst’s opinion.

Thank You!

Florida Legislative Session: Orlando’s Winners and Losers Pt. I

May 3, 2013 2014 elections, david simmons, florida house, florida house 29, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, florida state house, governor rick scott, mike clelland, orange county commission, orlando politics, state legislature, stephen precourt 2 comments

After an exciting finish, the Florida Legislative Session is finally over, and as always, there were some Winners and Losers. The decisions made in Tallahassee over the last couple of months will slowly come into effect here at home and as the quality of life for voters changes for the better (or worse), it will determine the direction our lawmakers take in the future, and whether the next session will be the last, for some of them as the 2014 elections approach.

Let’s Break it Down:

*All of these still need a Governor’s signature*

WINNERS:

Good Teachers: Florida Governor Rick Scott made good on his promises for teacher raises. As a condition of the legislature, it became a merit based pay raise, which means good teachers get more money. Anywhere between $2500 and $3500 dollars.

Karen Castor Dentel: Even though House Dems took a beating this year, Castor-Dentel campaigned on education. And as partisan as 2012 was, she can take those Rick Scott raises and a failed “Parent Trigger” or “Parent Empowerment” bill back to her “toss up” district as a trophy. She wasn’t part of the Senate movement that ultimately killed the bill, but it happened on her watch.

Firefighters: A bill that would have enforced tougher fitness standards for Firefighters was defeated in Tallahassee. District 29 House Democrat and former Firefighter himself, Mike Clelland helped defeat the measure.

Anyone who’s ever been hit by a driver that was texting: After a little suspense, it has finally become illegal for drivers to text while the car is in motion. It’s a weak bill but it’s something. Here is what you have to know.

State Rep. Stephen Precourt: Precourt made it clear from the get go. He was going to Tallahassee to draft a bill that was going to nullify the Orange County Sick Time Initiative. He got it done and there are going to be a lot of grateful business leaders waiting to greet him when he gets back. Here is more on what that initiative really was.

State Senator David Simmons: He also had a goal heading into session, and that was to solve the Citizens property insurance enigma. He didn’t slay the dragon that had stumped Florida lawmakers so many years, but he clipped it, by lowering the maximum coverage for policies and trying to send some of those policies to the private market.

Florida Governor Rick Scott: He wanted raises for teachers. He got raises for teachers. He didn’t get medicaid expanded but he tried (kinda). He could try harder, but it would mean a special session, and the legislature probably won’t play ball. While it’s unlikely his popularity will completely skyrocket after this. It is a start.

Tomorrow we break down the Losers from Session. Have a great Friday night!

Precourt will get high praise from business leaders for defeating a dangerous sick time measure at the state level

Precourt will get high praise from business leaders for defeating a dangerous sick time measure at the state level

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Rick Scott, John Mica fight Airport Delays, Jacobs files for Re-election, Clinton at UCF Friday – WIR

April 29, 2013 2014 elections, barack obama, buddy dyer, florida bills, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, governor rick scott, hilary clinton, orange county commission, orlando politics, orlando venues, sequestration, state legislature, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, val demings No comments

Busy Week brings us to “Week in Review and the big show covers a lot of ground tonight.

We break down Governor Rick Scott and Congressman John Mica’s fight to resolve flight delays caused by Air Traffic Control furloughs caused by sequestration.

The Orlando Magic unveiled plans to build a 100 million dollar entertainment complex downtown. It will be in the general area across the way from the Amway Center.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs filed for re-election. We look at her possible opponents.

Jacobs also visited Rufus the Beagle. Rufus bit his owners young son when the boy rushed him while eating. No one wants the dog destroyed but it might not be up to the owners or even the Mayor. The community has rallied behind the 1 year old pet.

Former President Bill Clinton will be speaking at UCF. The popular ex- Commander in Chief will be giving the commencement speech on Friday.

We also give a quick rundown over what’s left as we enter into the final week of legislative session in Tallahassee. There is so much to do and not enough time. There will be some angry lawmakers driving away from the capitol at the end of the week.

This is your Week in Review.

Video – Rick Scott, John Mica on Sequestration Travel woes, OC Mayor Teresa Jacobs files for Re-election

April 24, 2013 2014 elections, daniel webster, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, governor rick scott, john mica, orange county commission, orlando politics, sequestration, state legislature, stephen precourt, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, val demings No comments

Today, we’ve got lawmakers making noise on all levels.

Florida Governor Rick Scott and Congressman John Mica took to the media over the last 24 hours to discuss the sequestration furloughs that have Air Traffic Controllers out of the tower and tourists on the ground. The delays are affecting thousands of visitors to the Sunshine State.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs officially filed for Re-election today. We break down her chances and potential challengers.

This is your daily wrap for Tuesday, April 23rd 2013.

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Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs running for Re-election

April 23, 2013 2014 elections, daniel webster, florida legislative session, florida politics, orange county commission, stephen precourt, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, val demings One comment

Today, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs made it official by filing papers to run for re-election, and kicking off what promises to be an exciting campaign in her bid for a second term.

This time around it will be a different kind of race for the Mayor. In 2010, she was the last candidate to enter, what was an animated field with a clear frontrunner. This time Jacobs is the frontrunner and while it appears she’s kept the majority of her original supporters in her corner, there is a faction of voters ready to jump behind another candidate.

She’s already been targeted by some of the Democratic Hardliners (even though it’s a non-partisan race) who are blaming her for the failed Sick Time Initiative push which she actually voted to preserve. Major employers have since rallied and are trying to defeat the measure at the state level.

There are some early potential candidates.

Former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings is the first name that comes to mind but, the two have been friendly in the past, and Demings lacks the local infrastructure to run a county wide campaign. She’s also still making the rounds on national television, which indicates another potential showdown for Congress against Daniel Webster in Florida District 10.

There is Current State Representative Stephen Precourt who is termed out and even said there is a “leadership crisis” in Orange County. He’s a major player trying to defeat Sick Time in Tally. If successful he could ride home on a White Horse and potentially siphon some of Jacob’s business support.

There is current Orange District 5 Commissioner Ted Edwards. His recent voting record is similar to Jacobs, and he might be the most formidable challenger to the Mayor, during a long debate series leading up to an election.

This will all shake out in due time, but the race for Orange County Mayor will be one of the biggest elections of 2014.

Teresa Jacobs officially filed for re-election today

Teresa Jacobs officially filed for re-election today

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