Peter Schorsch, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJanuary 13, 2016

The financial cold shoulder Republican state Senators had been giving to the Republican Party of Florida appears to be thawing. As reported by several outlets after Monday’s campaign finance reporting deadline, the RPOF’s fundraising totals are their lowest in years. They even failed to double up the Florida Democratic Party, as was standard most years. […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 13, 2016

Political newcomer and multimillionaire businessman Randy Perkins’ entrance into the campaign to succeed Rep. Patrick Murphy has shaken up the dynamics of that race since his November announcement. First, perceived Democratic front-runner Melissa McKinlay, ended her own bid for the 18th District within weeks of Perkins launching his, citing his ability to self-finance and her […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 12, 2016

Reporter Troy Kinsey and I are both card-carrying members of the Society of the Tarpon Belt — an unofficial coalition of supporters of former Gov. Charlie Crist, who was known to wear leather belt featuring both embroidered and embossed tarpon. Kinsey and I also share the fact that our better halves are current or former […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 12, 2016

High-profile lawyer-lobbyist Sean Pittman, who formerly represented the Florida Limousine Association, is switching sides to Uber, the ride-sharing service. Pittman, one of INFLUENCE magazine’s “Top 100 Influencers,” is a big get for Uber, based in San Francisco. Pittman’s reach is statewide, with a presence in Tallahassee, Palm Beach County, and Miami. Expect Pittman and Uber to push lawmakers […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 12, 2016

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Outgoing Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty may have just turned in his resignation, but Gov. Rick Scott already is leaning toward his replacement: Tom Grady, former interim president of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Sources inside the Governor’s Office told FloridaPolitics.com that Grady, a friend of Scott’s and a fellow resident of Naples, is at the top […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 12, 2016

Jennifer Green’s Liberty Partners of Tallahassee has boosted its government affairs portfolio with the addition of Douglas McAlarney as General Counsel. McAlarney will become the firm’s fourth on-staff lobbyist. McAlarney brings more than two decades of experience as a political strategist working with advocacy groups, legislators and prominent political campaigns. As General Counsel, Green says McAlarney will […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 11, 2016

Florida Sunshine Laws, which dictate transparency in government, could be significantly threatened — all with the change of a single word. As reported by Noah Pransky of WTSP, a new bill by Sarasota Republican State Rep. Greg Steube is generating concern among open government advocates, who see it as “legislators trying to further erode citizens’ […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 11, 2016

A week ago, it appeared John Legg and Wilton Simpson were on a collision course to run against each other in 2016 for a seat in the Florida Senate. The two Republicans had been drawn into the same district after the Florida Supreme Court ratified the redrawing of the state’s Senate seats. Today, however, a […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 10, 2016

With the 2016 Legislative Session kicking off on Tuesday, tradition dictates that those in the know will be at the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) pre-session welcome back reception for legislators, lobbyists and sundry politicos. This year marks the 30th time the organization – Florida’s premier business lobby – has held the event, according to spokeswoman Sarah Bascom. “We […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2016

With Florida’s Legislative Session only days away, one of the hottest issues to face lawmakers this year is Open Carry. Two bills (SB 300/HB 163) filed by the Republican father-son tag team of State Sen. Don Gaetz of Niceville and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach, would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry a […]

Peter Schorsch
Elizabeth Martinez Strauss. Image via campaign.

Despite intraparty tension, state Senators pony up cash to Florida GOP

In CD 18 race, Jonathan Chane (mistakenly) casts first stone against Randy Perkins

Why does reporter Troy Kinsey do that?

Lobbyist Sean Pittman switches sides in ride-sharing wars

Report: Governor’s Office eyeing Bill Hager, Tom Grady for insurance commissioner

Personnel note: Liberty Partners of Tallahassee adds Doug McAlarney

Bill changing single word of public records rules could have “disastrous” effect on Sunshine Laws

Deal struck to avoid John Legg vs. Wilton Simpson primary?

Associated Industries of Florida marks 30 years of pre-Session partying

Open Carry advocates in Florida should take careful note of Texas’ new gun-toting law