Writers

Alex Leary, Times Washington bureau chief

Alex Leary is the Washington bureau chief for the Tampa Bay Times. He previously worked in the Times' state capital bureau, and before that covered local politics, environmental issues and law enforcement. His career in journalism began at the Valley News in New Hampshire.

Nelson declares vindication on Russia hacking claim

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bill Nelson declared vindication Friday over his still unsubstantiated claim that Russians hacked into some county election systems in Florida, pointing to a news report that stated there is a "classified basis for...

Updated: 10 hours ago

An election supervisor gives Bill Nelson �a fit� over his Russian claims

When U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson made a campaign stop in Madison this week, Tommy Hardee asked for a face-to-face meeting — to "eat his lunch.""I was trying to give him as much of a fit as I could," Hardee said.Hardee is the...

Published: 08/17/18

Larry Keefe's picture from his law firm's website.

Trump nominates U.S. attorney with close ties to Matt Gaetz

WASHINGTON – President Trump has nominated a former law partner of Rep. Matt Gaetz to become U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Florida.The buzz is the nomination of Larry Keefe, subject to Senate confirmation, has stirred...

Published: 08/16/18

Sen. Bill Nelson on the Senate floor on May 23, 2018, criticizing the state of Florida's response to election security concerns.

Florida election officials to Bill Nelson: You must reveal more about Russian hacking claim

Two top Florida election officials demanded Thursday that Sen. Bill Nelson reveal more about his unsubstantiated claim that Russians have hacked some county election systems."We are aware of the threat and the need to stay vigilant, but...

Published: 08/16/18

President Trump with Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh, his nominee for the Supreme Court, in the White House residence on Monday. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)

Nelson not likely to meet with SCOTUS nominee Kavanaugh until after hearings

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bill Nelson is not likely to meet with President Trump's Supreme Court nominee until after confirmation hearings begin, his office says.Nelson had offered next Wednesday, when contacted, but Brett Kavanaugh's team...

Published: 08/15/18

Setting up equipment for early voting in Hillsborough [Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office]

Scott on Nelson: �If he does have classified information how did he get it?�

Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday continued to question the motive and origin of Sen. Bill Nelson's vague warning over Russian hacking."If he does have classified information how did he get it? I don't think he's entitled to it, and why would...

Published: 08/14/18

GOP candidate with fake degree bails on House race

By Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-TribuneA day after saying she planned to continue running for a state House seat despite revelations that she lied about having a degree from Miami University and went to great lengths to...

Published: 08/14/18

Trump and Omarosa in happier times (Associated Press)

Rep. Frederica Wilson: �How dare� Trump call Omarosa a �dog�

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on Omarosa Manigault Newman, the former White House aide who is on a tell-all spree, calling her "that dog."When you...

Published: 08/14/18

Spending in Florida�s marquee political fights hits $129 million

Florida is home to the most expensive U.S. Senate and gubernatorial race in the country, according to the newest ad spending figures.The Senate race between Bill Nelson and Rick Scott has hit $40.5 million.The gubernatorial race,...

Published: 08/14/18

State House candidate admits faking college degree, says she'll stay in race

�By Zac Anderson at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Published: 08/13/18

Updated: 08/14/18