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

Peter SchorschMarch 9, 2017

Rock breaks scissors, but scissors cut paper, which, of course, covers rock. Neither Rick Scott, Richard Corcoran nor Joe Negron knew they were playing a game of Rochambeau when making their appointments to the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). But the way final picks played out, they may well have. The CRC meets every 20 years to review and suggest changes to the state’s governing document. […]

Peter SchorschMarch 9, 2017

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced Thursday morning that would forego running for Florida governor in 2018. “I am not planning to be a candidate for Governor in 2018,” Buckhorn, 58, wrote in an email to supporters. “While I absolutely believe that the State of Florida needs a course correction and a new direction, the timing for me […]

Peter SchorschMarch 9, 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. BREAKING OVERNIGHT – Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn has decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for Florida governor. The Mayor made the announcement on his social media accounts early Thursday. REMEMBERING JIM KING The late state […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2017

Akerman, one of the state’s largest law firms, and lobbyists Eliakim Nortelus and David Roberts have parted ways after a vote in a legislative committee to repeal the state law requiring businesses to have separate stores to sell liquor was postponed. Marisa Serrano, a spokesperson for Akerman said Nortelus and Roberts “have resigned from the firm to pursue other interests.” Sources close to the two […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2017

We’re not campaign finance experts, but we think Charlie Crist pulled an oopsie when he named his new Political Action Committee after himself. Simple reason: Federal law doesn’t allow it. Former Republican Gov. and now Democratic Congressman Crist opened “Charlie Crist PAC” Monday, calling it “a Leadership PAC.” In doing so, Crist – or his money people – forgot the […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 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. #HUMBLEBRAG It’s that time of year when everyone in the process emails around CATECOMM’s annual legislative aide study — even the clients he’s working against. It’s a must-read perennial reminder for advocacy groups and […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2017

First-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist opened a political action committee Monday that he can use for his own re-election and help other candidates. The former Florida governor is listed as the chair of Charlie Crist PAC, with Peggy Gagnon serving as custodian of records and Joseph Saunders taking the treasurer job. The FEC filing […]

Peter SchorschMarch 7, 2017

The House version of the “whiskey and Wheaties” bill stumbled and then face planted in its second committee hearing Tuesday afternoon. The Walmart-backed HB 81, sponsored by Hialeah Republican Rep. Bryan Avila, would allow grocery stores and other retailers to sell liquor, rather than keeping up the so-called “liquor wall.” The issue is a top priority for […]

Peter SchorschMarch 7, 2017

Later this morning, Gov. Rick Scott will give his seventh State of the State address as lawmakers kick off their annual 60-day legislative session. After the applause from his fellow Republicans dies down, Florida Democrats and progressives will offer a response to the GOP’s agenda. “Labor leaders, legislators and advocates for access to health care, […]

Peter SchorschMarch 7, 2017

On Monday, Chris Hart IV abruptly resigned as Enterprise Florida CEO. Hart cited an ongoing conflict with Gov. Rick Scott over the future of the outfit responsible for recruiting companies to the state. Hart’s departure comes during a critical time. House Speaker Richard Corcoran is pushing a bill to scuttle the organization and strip it of all […]

Peter Schorsch

Scott, Corcoran, Negron play Rochambeau with picks to the Constitution Revision Commission

Bob Buckhorn will not run for Governor in 2018

Sunburn for 3.9.17 – Buckhorn out; King remembered; Negron’s priorities vetted; Akerman lobbyists gone; Lyft in Tally

Akerman law firm, lobbyists Eli Nortelus, David Roberts part ways after ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ issue postponed

Did Charlie Crist pull an oopsie naming his PAC after himself?

Sunburn for 3.8.17 – Governor gets personal; Speaker gets joyful; Bills get moving; Don Gaetz’ next run?; It’s Space Day!

Charlie Crist opens political action committee

Hmmm… House’s whiskey & Wheaties bill stumbles in second committee

Isn’t it time Florida progressive put the ‘Awake the State’ mantra to bed?

What do you do after you quit Enterprise Florida? Enjoy a glass of red wine, of course!