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

Peter SchorschApril 12, 2015

At approximately three o’clock in the afternoon this past Wednesday, the Florida political Twitterverse exploded with news that an effort was underway — in real time — to dislodge Rep. Eric Eisnaugle from a leadership post in the state House few before this week had publicly acknowledged he had won and one he won’t hold until 2021. A “coup” was […]

Peter SchorschApril 11, 2015

Reacting to news that Republican Jeff Atwater will not run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Marco Rubio, Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy said he respects Atwater’s decision. “Everyone who puts themselves forward for public service has to be able to devote a significant amount of time to the people of this state, […]

Peter SchorschApril 11, 2015

Just in case the Tampa Bay Times‘ Adam Smith has not written his column picking the Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics, there is a clear-cut winner… U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy. Sure, Murphy has taken some flak this past week from his left flank, but other than that, he couldn’t ask for a […]

Peter SchorschApril 11, 2015

With a hat-tip to LobbyTools, here is latest on who is on and who is off the legislative staffing merry-go-round. On: Matthew Kauffmann, J.J. Whitson are recently-elected Travis Hutson’s new legislative assistants. Danielle Curbow will be Hutson’s district secretary. On: Ned Luczynski is now deputy staff director of the House Regulatory Affairs Committee. Off: Travis McCurdy is no longer an administrative assistant to Sen. Geri Thompson. […]

Peter SchorschApril 11, 2015

They are not what you’d call shrinking violet conservatives. No, these brave right-wing souls – and truth be told, there aren’t many of them – are members of a merry band of less-government brothers who call themselves, “The Article V Caucus.” And state Rep. John Wood is a member. Founded on the premise that the D.C.-ists […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2015

Tallahassee recently played host to a Miami billionaire who came to town to share his wisdom — and maybe some of his wealth. Jeffrey Soffer earned his money the old fashioned way — he inherited it. And among the many assets of the Turnberry empire founded by his father is the sprawling cathedral of commerce known as Aventura Mall — a […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2015

Responding to a backlash about the continued use of high-stakes standardized tests, the Legislature on Thursday passed significant changes to the system that was primarily put in place by then-Gov. Jeb Bush. The changes, though not as wide as critics wanted, still represent a departure for Republicans who had fully embraced the reforms championed by […]

Peter SchorschApril 8, 2015

John Morgan is a serious person. He certainly spent serious money trying to pass Amendment 2 in 2014. He sounds serious, sometimes even emphatic. And sometimes sounding serious is all one needs to get their friends and enemies to act the way they want them too. At least that’s what Morgan hopes. Elected officials pay […]

Peter SchorschApril 8, 2015

I’ve been thinking about the possible reasons the Florida Cabinet might reject the sale of surplus land to Miami-Dade County for the American Dream Miami mega-mall. Truthfully, it’s hard to come up with any real reasons. The entire process was followed to the letter and in the spirit of the law. We all know far too […]

Peter SchorschApril 7, 2015

Last week, the Senate Commerce Committee heard Senate Bill 742. As Sen. Nancy Detert pointed out, “ticket wars” happen session after session. The battle has traditionally been viewed as a power struggle between Ticketmaster and StubHub. This year, things have changed. Sen. Wilton Simpson amended his bill in committee and stated that with the changes, this […]

Peter Schorsch

The coup that wasn’t against Eric Eisnaugle

Patrick Murphy says he “respects” Jeff Atwater’s decision to skip 2016 bid

Clear-cut “Winner of the Week in Florida politics”? Patrick Murphy

The latest on the legislative merry-go-round

John Wood and the Article V caucus

Jeffrey Soffer: A man with a billion ways to say no

After backlash, Legislature puts limits on standardized testing

Peter Schorsch: Will John Morgan give a pot of money for medical pot?

Top 10 reasons to reject the American Dream Miami mega-mall land deal

Peter Schorsch: Florida ticket-buyers need consumer protection