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

Peter SchorschJune 18, 2017

Rep. Randy Fine has officially dropped out of the Speaker’s race, telling his colleagues he would rather be a “member of a unified team than the leader of a fractured one.” In a lengthy email to his classmates Friday night, the Brevard County Republican explained why initially got into the Speaker’s race and why — […]

Peter SchorschJune 18, 2017

The Florida Democratic Party is wrapping up a successful weekend after having hosted their annual Leadership Blue Gala at the Westin Diplomat. This year’s Leadership Blue Gala raised over $1 million dollars with over 1300 attendees. “I am thrilled to announce that the Florida Democratic Party raised over $1 million at our annual Leadership Blue Gala. 1300 people […]

Peter SchorschJune 17, 2017

Couched in the latest crime statistics is a sobering reality: “The attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando helped drive up Florida’s murder rate in 2016 to its highest level since 2008.” The Associated Press noted that fact as Gov. Rick Scott trumpeted this week that “Florida’s crime rate is now at a 46-year low,” according […]

Peter SchorschJune 17, 2017

Jacksonville Republican Paul Renner could be on the cusp of winning an intra-party contest to determine who will serve as House Speaker beginning in 2022. The first-term state Representative currently commands a majority of his 26 colleague’s votes, after Melbourne’s Randy Fine put aside his own bid to be Speaker on Friday and decided to take on the […]

Peter SchorschJune 16, 2017

Tampa Bay Times’ political editor Adam Smith just declared Andrew Gillum the Democratic frontrunner for Governor. Based on what? Before I go one inch further, let me say this. Gillum may be the frontrunner. He is a thoughtful progressive and charismatic speaker and if he can turn the ship of his campaign around, he could be the star […]

Peter SchorschJune 16, 2017

A group of House Republicans reacted strongly to a FloridaPolitics.com story about the House Speaker’s race, with one calling it “a shameful tool,” according to emails provided to the media organization. The post in question, wrote state Rep. Mike Grant, “suggested Rep. (Cord) Byrd would be targeted for a primary challenge based on his vote for […]

Peter SchorschJune 16, 2017

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Ben Albritton is receiving the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, who represents Florida’s 17th Congressional District. Albritton is seeking the District 26 seat in the Florida Senate, now held by Denise Grimsley, who is running for Agriculture Commissioner. “Ben Albritton is a tireless and dedicated servant leader committed to strengthening our communities,” Rooney said […]

Peter SchorschJune 16, 2017

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Ryan Duffy, who joined Hill+Knowlton Strategies after serving as former House Speaker Will Weatherford‘s spokesman, now will be heading to U.S. Sugar as its Director of Corporate Communications, the company announced Friday. “We are pleased to add Mr. Duffy to U.S. Sugar’s leadership team, where he will help articulate the company’s positions and share our vision of sustainable […]

Peter SchorschJune 16, 2017

Despite ideological differences, the people in a given legislative process tend to bond — and a vivid example was rendered this week when a gunman took shots at a Congressional baseball practice. One Northeast Florida Republican, as you’ll see below, was close to being part of the wave of shots that led to the injury […]

Peter SchorschJune 16, 2017

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. — DONALD TRUMP TO MIAMI, WILL ANNOUNCE PLAN TO STOP CASH FLOW TO CUBAN MILITARY — Stopping short of a complete turnabout, President Donald Trump is expected to announce a revised Cuba policy aimed […]

Peter Schorsch
Secretary of State Marco Rubio/ Image via AP.

Epilogue: Randy Fine explains to colleagues why he dropped out of Speaker’s race

Florida Democrats raise more than $1 million from weekend gala as they eye 2018 opportunities

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Pulse killings bump up Florida’s murder stats

Paul Renner on cusp of winning 2022-24 House Speaker’s race

It’s unclear how Adam Smith decided Andrew Gillum is Florida Democrats’ ‘best hope’

Tempers flaring as Speaker’s race barrels to conclusion

Tom Rooney backs Ben Albritton for Florida Senate

Personnel note: Ryan Duffy joining U.S. Sugar

Jacksonville Bold for 6.16.17 — Clique

Sunburn for 6.16.17 – POTUS to MIA; Donkey gathering; Landmark education bill signed; Tim Canova’s back; Happy Dad’s Day