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

Peter SchorschAugust 14, 2014

If you’ve been involved in Florida politics for any amount of time in the past decade you know, or know of, Darrick McGhee. And starting August 1, you will know him as the newest member of Johnson & Blanton’s lobbying team. McGhee has been the face of legislative and governmental affairs for the Florida Department of […]

Peter SchorschAugust 14, 2014

If you’ve been involved in Florida politics for any amount of time in the past decade you know, or know of, Darrick McGhee. And starting August 1, you will know him as the newest member of Johnson & Blanton’s lobbying team. McGhee has been the face of legislative and governmental affairs for the Florida Department of […]

Peter SchorschJuly 31, 2014

Writers like Carl Hiaasen have made careers pointing to the corruption and absurdity of Florida’s brand of government. But, despite our frequent failings, there have been a few bright shining moments when Floridians could point with pride to the innovations of their public officials. On rare occasion, there has been a positive confluence of visionary […]

Peter SchorschJuly 28, 2014

While upsets in sports are generally enjoyed by the masses (some opponents included!) and provide excellent fodder for inspirational stories and movies, the same is not true in electoral contests — at least according to a new study out of the University of Georgia. To the contrary, the study finds that people who backed a […]

Peter SchorschJuly 18, 2014

Say what you will about Republican-turned-Independent-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist, but the man is certainly campaigning to the beat of his own drummer. Crist endorsed President Barack Obama’s re-election on his own timetable, just as he switched his party registration on a whim while attending a White House Christmas Party. Crist set no timetable for when he […]

Peter SchorschJuly 2, 2014

In a one-two punch from the Tampa Bay Times, columnists John Romano and Daniel Ruth both blame the lack of competitive legislative races this election cycle on the redistricting process. They believe gerrymandering has turned the system into an anti-Democratic incumbent protection plan. There’s no denying the lack of competitive (never mind interesting) legislative races […]

Peter SchorschJune 30, 2014

Charlie Crist’s difficult June was capped off by a highly critical column by Tim Nickens, the editor of the Tampa Bay Times editorial page. “As we head into July, the race appears essentially tied and Charlie Crist is not maximizing his greatest assets as the likeable guy who understands Floridians and their priorities,” writes Nickens. […]

Peter SchorschJune 23, 2014

Dozens of state legislators earned new terms in office as Florida’s qualifying period for the 2014 election ended Friday. With qualifying week over, here are 11 takeaways for this fall’s elections: 1. Eight state senators — or nearly one-quarter of the Florida Senate — were re-elected without opposition. Nearly one-third of the members in the Florida House also earned […]

Peter SchorschJune 18, 2014

By the time whoever is chosen to serve as Speaker of the Florida House in 2020-21, there will be a new occupant of the White House and a new governor of Florida. The Sunshine State’s population is expected to be over 21 million by the time of the next census. By 2020, there will be two […]

Peter SchorschJune 9, 2014

J. Stanley Marshall, former president of Florida State University (1969-76) and founder of the James Madison Institute, died Sunday at 91. “Ol’ Stan Marshall puts his pants on one leg at time,” the barber said as he trimmed the back of my head, which may have been trembling too much for him to cut in […]

Peter Schorsch

Personnel note: Darrick McGhee joining lobbying firm Johnson & Blanton

Personnel note: Darrick McGhee joining lobbying firm Johnson & Blanton

Peter Schorsch: Florida should be a leader in regulation of medical marijuana

Peter Schorsch: Supporters of losing candidate lose trust in process, study says

Peter Schorsch: Charlie Crist’s LG pick an oddly timed decision influenced by reality of identity politics

Peter Schorsch: Don’t blame gerrymandering for lack of competitive races

Peter Schorsch: It’s been frustrating watching Crist’s big lead evaporate

Peter Schorsch: Qualifying for 2014 elections is over and here’s what you should know

Peter Schorsch: Here’s everything you didn’t know about the 2020-21 Speaker race

Peter Schorsch: On the death of J. Stanley Marshall: Florida has lost a giant