Between the Lines with Dara Kam

Hot off the presses! Senate Ethics and Elections Committee Chairman Don Gaetz joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs for a deep dive into a congressional map that could significantly change Florida's political landscape.  Gaetz, a former Senate president, explores how Gov. Ron DeSantis's congressional map and the redistricting process differed dramatically from previous years. Plus, the senator offers a frank take on his fellow Republicans in this week's freewheeling discussion. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

Defending death row inmates in Florida amid the state's "conveyor belt" of executions puts Maria DeLiberato, senior counsel for the ACLU's Capital Punishment Project, on the front lines of the fight against the death penalty. Maria joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs to take listeners through Gov. Ron DeSantis's record-breaking number of death warrants. The capital punishment expert also examines the impact numerous lethal injections have on the state's judicial resources, the emotional toll taken on the people involved in the process, and how the Florida governor's authority to order executions differs from other states. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

With major election law changes set to take effect next year, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs this week to dive into the new law's ID requirements and other impacts on voters. Saying that no one is turned away from voting in Florida, Byrd explains why he believes people have "ample time" to prepare for the new proof-of-ID law. The state's chief elections official also digs into the complex mix of federal and state laws that shape the state's voting processes. Plus, Byrd shares "Florida Fun Facts" with "Between the Lines" listeners in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and helps with the pronunciation of America's semiquincentennial! Fireworks, too! Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

Recent upsets in Republican‑held state Senate districts have some political pundits speculating that Democrats' victories signal shifting headwinds in Florida. But Florida Atlantic University political science professor Kevin Wagner says not so fast — the data doesn't back that up. Wagner joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs this week to explain why he believes meaningful success for Democrats would require a much longer‑term strategy than the boost provided by Florida's recent special elections. Plus, Wagner digs into different types of "independent" voters and explains why having no party affiliation doesn't necessarily mean they're undecided. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

Brian Nathan, the Tampa Democrat who just pulled off a surprise flip of a key Florida Senate seat, joins our host for this week's "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs. The senator breaks down how he won the Hillsborough County special election, the issues that resonated most with voters, and the strategy behind his upset victory. Looking ahead, the duo also discusses what Dems' twin victories in the SD 14 race and a House district that includes President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate reveal about the political landscape heading into the November midterm elections. Tune in for the full conversation. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

Barbara Petersen, founder of the Florida Center for Government Accountability, is the tip of the spear in defending the public's right to access government records. The doyenne of open government joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs this week to discuss a landscape where citizens and reporters are met with government officials' "total refusal" to turn over records. We dive into the erosion of Floridians' right to information, high-profile public-records litigation, and a comparison of how Florida governors have complied with what was once the nation's model for government-in-the-sunshine. Plus, hear Petersen recount her tangles with the powerful in Tallahassee over access. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

AFL‑CIO Director of Politics and Public Policy Rich Templin joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs to reflect on a quarter‑century of advocacy for unions in Florida. Templin breaks down legislation from the 2025 session that he says complicates union members' ability to exercise their rights — and what those changes could mean for teachers, bus drivers, and others. A longtime fixture in the Florida Capitol, the labor-union leader also tells Dara why he believes "rebellions are built on hope."

Is there a lane for centrists in today's political climate? Florida U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs this week to dig into the fate of centrism in the era of social media-fueled political pugilism. Wasserman Schultz also gives listeners an inside line into the effect of the Department of Homeland Security's shutdown, ICE "running through cities, brutalizing communities," and changes Democrats are seeking to reign in immigration enforcement. Plus, the congresswoman breaks down the "new Democratic Coalition," shares a clean-eating recipe and so much more!   Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

University of West Florida President Manny Diaz Jr. joins "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs this week for a candid discussion about leadership in Florida's higher-ed system and debate on campus. A former Florida education commissioner who was one of the architects of the state's school voucher system during his tenure in the state House and Senate, the Hialeah native also delves into controversy over his selection as president of the Panhandle university.  Plus, tune in to hear why President Diaz says athletics are "the front door" to universities. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

Incoming House Minority Leader Christine Hunschofsky dives into Democrats' fight for Florida on this week's "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs. Rep. Hunschofsky outlines how Democrats, despite holding superminorities in both chambers, can impact policies to help Floridians.    The former mayor of Parkland also talks with Dara about how the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shaped her as a leader and lawmaker.    Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier breaks news about euphoria-inducing hemp products during this week's "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" from State Affairs. The attorney general also addresses reports about his six-figure salary as an adjunct law professor.  Dara and the AG dig into redistricting, racism, the Federalist Society, and much, much more. Plus, a "rapid-fire foodie" round! Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.  

Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner joins Between the Lines this week to discuss his candidacy in the red-hot governor's race, what he calls a "Grand Canyon gap" in leadership between himself and his leading primary opponent, and how social media shapes personalities in politics.   Plus, Renner gives us a window into his routine on the road as he travels the Sunshine State. Spoiler: It involves country music and beef jerky.   Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.  

Veteran reporter Dara Kam is back with Between the Lines, the podcast from State Affairs that cuts through the clutter and gives you the clarity on the policy decisions that impact Floridians and the politics behind them. Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is our inaugural guest. A former Florida governor, Senator Scott doesn't hold back about critical Florida issues such as property taxes, the cost of living, an ongoing jobs crunch and so much more. Plus, former governor Scott makes it clear: It never snowed in Tallahassee under his watch! Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.