By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog TAMPA — Florida Gov. Rick Scott was dealt a blow Thursday morning when a federal judge declared unconstitutional mandatory drug screening for state employees. The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro in the Southern District of Florida,…
Posts tagged statehousenews
Connie Mack IV, FL’s not-so-inevitable Senate candidate
By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog MIAMI — The past few months haven’t been kind to the fourth-generation Cornelius Harvey McGillicuddy. The four-term Fort Myers Republican congressman, better known as Connie Mack IV, was once considered the conservative…
Rubio wraps up week-long audition in national spotlight
By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog TAMPA — Dogged by rumors of a potential vice presidential nomination, the junior U.S. senator from Florida spent the week giving speeches on the campaign trail and in national interviews, boosting…
Analysis: Do changes in early voting laws affect minorities?
By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog TAMPA — The number 537 forever will be burned in the minds of Florida legislators. After 35 days of fumbled recounts, disappearing ballots and deliberations by the U.S. Supreme Court, the weight…
Polls show Florida as key battleground state in 2012
By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog TAMPA — Following tradition, the Sunshine State is setting the stage for another unforgettable year of election politics. That’s according to the latest Fox News poll conducted April 15-17, sampling 757 Florida registered voters in a…
Shooting thrusts FL city into epicenter for social activism, justice
By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog SANFORD — In more tranquil times, the city of Sanford was known as the Historic Waterfront Gateway City, a tribute to its comfortable position between Lakes Monroe and Jesup. But, since the death of Trayvon Martinin…
Welfare drug tests: Noble effort or needless stigma?
By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog TAMPA — The measure was intended to promote “personal responsibility” and put an end to millions in “misused” tax dollars. If welfare recipients expect to receive a check, warned Sunshine…