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

Peter SchorschNovember 19, 2014

A Gainesville-based political consultant is asking the Florida Supreme Court to delay the release of emails and documents that could expose the role that Republican consultants played in drawing new congressional districts. Lawyers for Pat Bainter and his firm Data Targeting told the high court Tuesday that they are considering whether to appeal their case […]

Peter SchorschNovember 18, 2014

The total number of immigrants living in the United States illegally hasn’t changed much since 2009, but just where they live has. A report from the Pew Research Center released Tuesday shows Florida saw the biggest increase in residents without legal immigration status. Between 2009 and 2012, some 55,000 new immigrants in the country illegally […]

Peter SchorschNovember 18, 2014

Florida’s top four lobbying firms took in about $18 million, nearly 20 percent of the total money spent by organizations on advocacy in 2014, according to Q3 lobbying compensation data finalized on Monday. Topping the list is Ballard Partners, headed by Republican fundraiser Brian Ballard, with nearly $5.6 million year to date. With about $1.8 million taken […]

Peter SchorschNovember 17, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott is appointing his campaign manager to be his new chief of staff. Scott announced on Monday that Melissa Sellers will take over the position that has been held by Adam Hollingsworth since 2012. Sellers was communications director for Scott before she stepped down to run Scott’s re-election campaign. Scott, a Republican, defeated […]

Peter SchorschNovember 17, 2014

Incoming Speaker of the Florida House Steve Crisafulli made an announcement today which could mean that former — yes, former, at least for the time being — state Rep. James Grant could serve in the House until 2024. Here’s how we got here, according to the Tampa Tribune‘s James Rosica: In June, Tampa attorney Michael Steinberg filed […]

Peter SchorschNovember 13, 2014

Imagine you are a Vietnam veteran, a hunter, and an NRA member. And imagine that in your retirement you set up a remote homestead and you buy – yes, you buy – 60 acres of solitude where you can live peacefully and raise your horses and dogs. Sounds like you found your own slice of heaven. But […]

Peter SchorschNovember 8, 2014

State Sen. John Thrasher, Florida State University’s soon-to-be president, submitted his letter of resignation from the Legislature on Monday. His departure is effective midnight Sunday. The move set off a series of political events, beginning with formal filings by Republican state Reps. Ronald “Doc” Renuart and Travis Hutson to run for Thrasher’s Senate District 6 […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2014

When a candidate loses an election, there’s a tendency to ask what could have been done differently. Coulda, woulda, shoulda is a natural part of the post-election period. But when a candidate loses by a margin as tight as Charlie Crist fell short against Rick Scott — 48.2 to 47.1 percent — there’s an obligation […]

Peter SchorschNovember 6, 2014

When a candidate loses an election, there’s a tendency to ask what could have been done differently. Coulda, woulda, shoulda is a natural part of the post-election period. But when a candidate loses by a margin as tight as Charlie Crist fell short against Rick Scott — 48.2 to 47.1 percent — there’s an obligation […]

Peter SchorschNovember 5, 2014

Tuesday’s slate of elections in Florida certainly provided a list of winners and losers and I’m not just talking about the candidates. Here is my list of the real winners and losers. Let me know if I missed anyone. Winners Rick Scottworld’s brain trust and communications shop, Curt Anderson, Melissa Sellers, Justin Johnson, Tim Saler, Matt Moon, […]

Peter Schorsch

GOP consultants want to delay release of documents

Florida sees biggest rise of residents in U.S. illegally

Ballard Partners, Southern Strategy top list of Q3 lobbyist compensation

Gov. Scott taps campaign manager Melissa Sellers as top aide

Could James Grant serve in the Florida House until 2024 (give or take a few months)?

Peter Schorsch: The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s inexplicable refusal to stop deer-dog hunting where Florida families reside

John Thrasher submits resignation letter, Travis Hutson, Doc Renuart angle for his seat

Peter Schorsch: Here are 16 factors that contributed to Charlie Crist’s loss

The ultimate post-mortem: 16 reasons why Charlie Crist fell short

The ultimate list of Florida election 2014 Winners & Losers