Republican National Committee

Florida's Republican Director of Hispanic Outreach Is Now a Democrat

How badly are Republican's efforts to win over Hispanic voters in Florida going? Well, the man once in charge of the effort announced that he's quit the party and is now a registered Democrat. Pablo Pantoja, the former State Director of Florida Hispanic Outreach for the Republican National Committ ... More >>

WTF Florida Awards: 2012's Worst Politicians and Best Sex Scandals

2012 in Weird Florida Politics: Part One of the WTF Florida Awards

Welcome to the first annual WTF Florida Awards ceremony. It's the only award show celebrating the special brand of bizarre depravity we excel at down here in the Sunshine State. Black tie isn't required. In fact, jorts and a NASCAR cap are preferred.We'll be giving away awards in four categories all ... More >>

GOP Chair Reince Priebus Sued for "Underfranchising" Hispanic Voters

After last month's electoral loss, the Republican Party is desperately trying to make it self over as a Hispanic friendly group, but the fact that a group representing Hispanic Republican voters in Florida has now filed a lawsuit against  Reince Priebus, the national GOP chair with a name that ... More >>

Mitt Romney Had Virtually No Convention Bounce in Florida

National polls are showing that President Barack Obama definitely sustained a significant post-convention bounce after last week's DNC, but what about ol' Mitt Romney? One would figure that by virtue of hosting the Republican National Convention right here in Florida, that the GOP candidate would at ... More >>

RNC Madness: Scenes From a Week Among the GOP Faithful in Tampa

Three Lessons Democrats Can Learn From the RNC

Former Rick Scott Spokeswoman Posing as Dissatisfied Obama Voter in National Republican Ad

In the worst acted anti-Obama ad released, well, since this little homophobic ditty that came out earlier this week, a new National Republican Committee ad features a pretty, young woman pretending to be a dissatisfied former Obama voter who decides to "break up" with the president. Except the woman ... More >>

DNC 2012: Three Lessons Democrats Can Learn From Republicans' Florida Fiasco

For the first time in decades, all of America can finally agree on something: Clint Eastwood has gone completely batshit insane. This was the real legacy of last week's Republican National Convention in Tampa, where the 82-year-old actor pretended to interview President Obama (AKA an empty chair) on ... More >>

RNC Madness: Scenes From a Week Among the GOP Faithful in Tampa

Amid the sound, fury, and heated arguments between 82-year-old actors and empty chairs at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, I stopped briefly to listen to Mommy Lobby President Cindy Chafian argue with a French blogger. "All I'm saying is that there should be a 48-hour cool-off period an ... More >>

New Times' Five Best RNC 2012 Videos: High-Fives, Welsh Cake, and the H-Word

All last week, New Times' own Jacob Katel and Victor Gonzalez dove headfirst into the $75 million dollar lake of fire that was the Republican National Convention in Tampa, all so they could ask the tough questions the rest of the media wouldn't. Should Jesus be on the dollar bill? What the F is a We ... More >>

RNC 2012: What Were They Thinking? Our Best Thought-Bubbles On Photos

Have you ever wondered what's going on inside the heads of Republican delegates at the GOP's National Convention? We have. If it's true that the eyes are the windows into one's soul, there was a lot of twisted shit going in Tampa during the RNC. Quite frankly, we'd like to forget about most it, bu ... More >>

Clint Eastwood's Insane RNC Speech: A First-Hand Perspective of Chairgate

"Clint Eastwood and an empty chair. This should be good," I thought from a media riser inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, site of the 2012 Republican National Convention. The delegates from Vermont and Kansas seated just below me were enthusiastic, anxious to hear what the former mayor of Carmel-by-t ... More >>

Newt Gingrich and Michele Bachmann Hugging All Up On Each Other While Talking About Cake (Video)

Yesterday, New Times' correspondent Victor Gonzalez caught up with none other than former GOP presidential hopefuls (and, hence, rivals) Newt Gingrich and Michele Bachmann. The primary battle apparently didn't come between their friendship, because the two caressed each others' Republican backs with ... More >>

RNC 2012: Ron Paul Supporters Walk Out of RNC After Romney Nomination

A conservative herd of elephants trampled a septuagenarian's army yesterday during the first full day of the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Texas Congressman Ron Paul fell 1,871 delegates short of becoming the GOP's presidential nominee during yesterday's roll call, but the 73-year-old's s ... More >>

RNC Visitor Booted For Throwing Nuts At Black Camerawoman, Saying "This Is How We Feed Animals"

After GOP Party Chairman Reince Priebus got into a heated shouting match on Monday with Chris Matthews over accusations that his party plays the "race card" against Obama, Republicans crowed that the clip showed the liberal media in its worst kind of attack mode. Race? We've never even heard of race ... More >>

RNC 2012: Geraldo Rivera On "Slut Stamps," Swingers, and Drugs In The Bathroom

When we ran into Geraldo Rivera broadcasting live from the Republican National Convention, we asked him what everyone wanted to know: whether he was among the nearly 6 million people who watched our recent "Girl Gets Butt Hole Tattoo" video. "Can't say that I have," he replied. "But I have plenty of ... More >>

RNC 2012: The Seven Craziest GOP Souvenirs at the Republican National Convention

Check out our slide shows: "Inside the Republican National Convention 2012 at Tampa Bay Times Forum," and "Republican National Convention 2012 Tampa Day Two." Tampa's rich with GOP swag this week as thousands of Republicans gather to show off their favorite Mitt Romney mementos and Paul Ryan tchot ... More >>

Here's RNC Delegates' Dance Moves Set to "My Neck, My Back" For Some Reason

Have you been watching the Republican National Convention? If not you're missing out on learning all the latest white people dance moves like the "cowboy hat wave," the "granny clap and shuffle," and the "index finger shimmy." Get caught up with this video set to "My Neck, My Back" by rapper Khia, w ... More >>

RNC 2012: Five Hottest Parties, From Kid Rock to Sarah Palin's Porn Doppelganger!

See also "Ten Most Musical Politicians Ever: Barry Obama, Mitt the Mormon Honky, and Others!" and "DEVO's New Song About Mitt Romney's Dog-on-Roof Incident." There is an old conservative adage that goes something like, "There ain't no party like a right-wing party, 'cause a right-wing party don't s ... More >>

The RNC Just Forgot To Send Buses To Pick Up Florida's Delegation

Florida's Republican delegation hasn't exactly been getting the warmest welcome at the party's national convention in Tampa. First, Tropical Storm Isaac forced Rick Scott to cancel his big prime-time speech. Then, insiders floated the idea of taking away Sen. Marco Rubio's big moment introducing Mit ... More >>

Tropical Storm Isaac: Tampa's RNC Still In The Danger Zone

Riptide's Crack Weather Team has just issued this update on Tropical Storm Isaac: 9:45 AM EST/ Wind shear and disorganized flow have hampered Isaac's development, but a dip in low pressure means by that this afternoon Isaac will begin inexorably raging with the blind, horrible fury of a pack of muta ... More >>

Five RNC Contingency Plans If Tropical Storm Isaac Ruins The GOP Party

Is tropical storm Isaac God's way of smiting Tod Akin for saying stupid sh*t? Is it a coincidence that the squall is set to touch down at the very moment that Rick Scott takes to the podium in Tampa? Does Jesus just hate the GOP?Get a hold of yourself, man! Rule No. 1 in an emergency like this: don' ... More >>

Fear and Loathing in Tampa: Your Gonzo Guide to the Republican National Convention

Tropical Storm Isaac: On Track to Destroy the RNC In Tampa

In a story straight out of a twisted fever dream shared by Michael Bay and Aaron Sorkin -- not to mention the sick fantasies of thousands of catastrophe-seeking journalists everywhere -- Tropical Storm Isaac looks more likely than ever to strengthen into a hurricane just in time to bear down on Tamp ... More >>

Tropical Storm Isaac: Welcome To The Cone of Concern, Miami

Riptide's crack meteorological team has just issued this update on Tropical Storm Isaac: 09:17:00 AM EST Due to favorable wind shear and hot ocean temps, by Monday TS Isaac is expected to rage with the devastating power of ten thousand nuclear bombs. It will personally find your house, smash each in ... More >>

Tampa's Mayor Ready To Call Off GOP Convention If Isaac Hits

Tropical Storm Isaac now has the vast majority of Florida within its cone of concern, with most models having creep up the west coast early next week. Of course, there's already a disaster planned for Florida's west coast next week: The Republican National Convention in Tampa.However, Tampa Mayor Bo ... More >>

Tropical Storm Isaac Close To Forming, Could Threaten RNC In Tampa

Between the cash-hungry strip clubs, the prime-time Rick Scott speech, and the 50,000-plus conservatives and 20,000 protestors squaring off, Tampa is already going to be one insane circus from hell next week. The only thing that could possibly make the Republican National Convention better would be ... More >>

GOP Decides to Let Rick Scott Speak at RNC

So, the Republican are having their National Convention in Florida, which is slightly uncomfortable for conservatives as Florida has one of the least popular Republican governors in the country. Despite some early speculation to the contrary, however, the Romney campaign has given Gov. Rick Scott a ... More >>

Tampa Police Cracking Down On Prostitution As Sex-Crazed Republicans Come To Town

Tampa's strip club industry is preparing for a cash-making bonanza next week as tens of thousands of Republicans come to town to blather on about family values all day before hitting Ybor City at night to get hammered and ogle some T&A. But Tampa police are drawing a line in the sand: GOP delega ... More >>

Politics of Miami Plates: Cap'n Crunch Pancakes Are Gay Friendly

These days, a chicken sandwich is seen as the meal of champions for right wing conservatives and a bowl of cereal can mean you want to lead the next pride parade. This got us thinking...what other political statements are our foods making? Now granted, no one will ever know how a sandwich feels abou ... More >>

Sarah Palin's Porn Doppelganger Will Be in Tampa for Republican National Convention

All of Tampa is preparing for the Republican National Convention in late August, but no industry seems as excited for the conservative conference as the Tampa Bay area's strip clubs. Several titty bars are undergoing renovations and trying to outdo themselves to lure GOP fat cats' fat wallets, but o ... More >>

Code Pink Wants You to "Bring Your Vagina" to RNC in Tampa Bay

The Republican National Convention is coming to Tampa Bay in August, and along with it will comes thousands of protestors. Women's rights group Code Pink, which isn't shy about causing a commotion, is already planning its protest and is asking members to "bring their vagina to the RNC." Yes, they're ... More >>

Want to Protest GOP Convention In Tampa? Be Ready to Pay $50, Leave Knives at Home

​Attention Miami-area anarchists, liberals, and Occupiers: Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is worried about "knuckleheads" causing trouble during the Republican National Convention this August. So to keep all the Romney-disturbers in line, last night he proposed a "Clean Zone" across most of downtown Tam ... More >>

"We're Screwed": Florida Republicans Punished with Crappy Convention Hotel Rooms and Loss of VIP Passes

​For the second time in the row, Florida politicians decided to ignore the rules of the Republican National Committee and moved ahead with their plan for an early primary. Like 2008, this means that Florida Republicans will lose half of their delegates at the national convention, but this time aro ... More >>

Florida Looking at Early March Primary, Might Again Lose Half Its Delegates

​Republican leaders are still eager to host Florida's presidential primary election earlier than most states, but they're hoping to avoid a repeat of 2008's fiasco. Leaders plan to set the primary in early March, just days before the traditional Super Tuesday -- even if that means holding the ... More >>

Marco Rubio to Appear with Sarah Palin This Weekend

Tea Party dreams do come true! Two stars of the conservative movement, Florida's Republican senate candidate Marco Rubio and right wing queen bee Sarah Palin will share a stage this weekend in Orlando. Somewhere an eagle is surely weeping with joy.

Michael Steele Will Grace Miami with His Presence

Awkward Republican National Committee Chairmen Michael Steele is coming to Miami Monday! Hooray! If you're the kind of person who likes to protest the GOP, Steele is probably the best thing that could have happened to that party. It hasn't been announced exactly where Steele will be, but Riptide has ... More >>

Mel Martinez Has Been Searching His Soul Tonight, And He Is So Done With Public Service

For a man who has held so many government positions, Mel Martinez never seemed too gung-ho about public service. As he put it in his book, A Sense of Belonging, politics, "sort of sneaked up and tapped me softly on the shoulder." But after all these years he would like that gentle tapping to leave h ... More >>

Greer Calls for "Unwavering Loyalty and Support" To Michael Steele

You know what Howard Dean did in his first few months as chair of the DNC? He raised $86.3 million and started working on his 50-state strategy. You know what Michael Steele has done so far as RNC chair? Turned himself into a political sideshow with his dumb feuds with Rush Limbaugh, promised "off t ... More >>

What Does Mel Martinez Do Now?

One has to wonder what was going through Sen. Mel Martinez's mind when President Bush's helicopter took off from Washington this past Tuesday. Before Bush chose Martinez to be his first HUD secretary, he was a little-known Florida fixture who had run an unsuccessful lieutenant governor campaign ... More >>

Jeb Bush Senate Speculation Downgraded To "Iffy"

Last week, Jeb Bush's possible Senate conquest seemed like all but a sure thing, but today The St. Pete Times has declared its status as "iffy." Bush is expected to make an official statement soon, possibly by week's end. Jeb Bush seemed more intent on saving the GOP than serving Florida, and Th ... More >>

A Cavalcade of Dumb 2008 Political Quotes

This full rotation around the sun that we have designated as 2008 was a very busy political year. And while we may be soon saying so long to our dear President George W. Bush, thus ending a golden age of dumb political quotes, there are plenty of other blow hards and hot air machines to  fill t ... More >>

Mel Martinez Decides One Term is Enough, 2010 Senate Race Wide Open

It's been our fear that something huge politic-wise would happen while we were away looking at pretty, little art things, and what do you know it happens on the first day. Sonofa. Senator Mel Martinez has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2010. His Senate seat was generally seen ... More >>

Looking Forward to 2010

Would You Get on a Plane with a Pilot Who Has Never Flown?

Elizabeth Hasselbeck Dumbs Down the Florida Electorate

News Roundup

Surprise! GOP Suspected of Sleazy Tactics in Florida

Who is: Stanley Price?