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

Peter SchorschJuly 13, 2015

School is out for the summer and report cards are in — for Florida legislators. The Foundation for Florida’s Future released Florida’s 2015 Education Report Card, grading Florida legislators on each one’s progress in improving the quality of education in the Sunshine State. Among the most meaningful education advances in the Florida Capitol last session, […]

Peter SchorschJuly 11, 2015

Flush with almost $100 million, a group supporting Republican Jeb Bush’s presidential ambitions is plowing ahead on a parallel campaign, promising to use its immense resources in a way that is untested but could revolutionize presidential politics. Bush’s campaign reported Thursday that it raised $11.4 million in just six days, while an allied super PAC, […]

Peter SchorschJuly 10, 2015

After Thursday’s historic redistricting ruling, I started thinking more about the possible candidates who might run in a redrawn Congressional District 13. Right now, the Democrats only have one official candidate: Eric Lynn. But something about Lynn doesn’t add up. Despite having enough wealth to afford $1.3 million in real estate assets, including a $700,000 townhome in […]

Peter SchorschJuly 10, 2015

Perhaps lost in the deluge of political news was a very interesting development in the race between Jack Latvala and Joe Negron to be president of the Florida Senate in 2016-2018. While the race remains deadlocked — likely until next year’s primary elections — Latvala is preparing to toss the entire Monopoly board in the […]

Peter SchorschJuly 9, 2015

Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush raised $114.4 million in the first six months of the year to fuel his White House ambitions, a historic amount that takes full advantage of the nation’s evolving campaign finance laws. No candidate for president has benefited from so much money so early in a campaign, and the total is […]

Peter SchorschJuly 9, 2015

With all due respect to serious prayer, I just have to say what is on the mind of every political pundit in the state or anyone who loves reading about Florida politics. As U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-No Filter Whatsoever) enters the race for U.S. Senate, we are thrilled. Yes, we are all bowing our […]

Peter SchorschJuly 8, 2015

With all due respect to serious prayer, I just have to say what is on the mind of every political pundit in the state or anyone who loves reading about Florida politics. As Grayson (D-No Filter Whatsoever) enters the race for U.S. Senate, we are thrilled. Yes, we are all bowing our heads and doing […]

Peter SchorschJuly 8, 2015

Florida candidates face a Friday deadline for filing reports showing their campaign finance activity through June 30. With some reports already public, here are 11 candidates to watch as the fundraising reports roll in. How fat is Matt Gaetz‘ wallet? With Bay County Commissioner George Gainer expected to file soon to challenge him for the Senate District 1 seat, Gaetz would […]

Peter SchorschJuly 8, 2015

Florida Hospital announced Wednesday that Jean Van Smith has joined its government-relations team. Van Smith previously was chief legislative assistant to Republican state Sen. David Simmons of Altamonte Springs. In her new role as senior manager, government relations, Van Smith will focus on representing Florida Hospital’s central region with key local and state elected officials. She […]

Peter SchorschJuly 8, 2015

Joe Gruters will report raising more than $87,000 for his House District 73 campaign, sources close to the campaign tell Florida Politics. That figure would rank Gruters, the Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, as the the third-highest monthly fundraising total of any legislative candidate this cycle. Gruters was already shaping up to be […]

Peter Schorsch
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

Foundation for Florida’s Future releases 2015 Education Report Card

Pro-Jeb Bush group promising to use its immense resources to ‘revolutionize politics’

So what’s up with congressional candidate Eric Lynn?

Is Bill Galvano the de facto Senate President Designate?

Pro-Jeb Bush super PAC Right to Rise raised $103 million

Peter Schorsch: Thanks, God, for Alan Grayson!

Thank you, Lord, for having Alan Grayson run for the U.S. Senate

11 state Senate candidates to watch as the fundraising reports roll in

Personnel note: Former David Simmons aide Jean Van Smith joins Florida Hospital’s government relations team

Joe Gruters to report head-turning $87K fundraising haul