Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Diane RobertsSeptember 24, 2014

And in Florida State University news: the Heisman-winning quarterback is a clueless brat with a million-dollar arm and a five-cent head; the feds are investigating our handling of sexual assault accusations; and the new president-elect is a Koch-head political hack known for ethics violations. Higher education in Florida, y’all. The presidential “search” was a farce. […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 22, 2014

Florida State University trustees should not select state Sen. John Thrasher as the university’s next president when they vote today. Not on the grounds faculty and students claim: he lacks academic credentials, prefers creationist myths to sound science, and conveniently forgot several of his key votes on climate change. But for more compelling reasons: — […]

Adam WeinsteinSeptember 21, 2014

As early as Tuesday, we may learn who the trustees of Florida State University care about more: The FSU learning community, or their cronies. They can choose as college president any of three highly qualified administrators, fundraisers, and professors at other top-notch public universities. Or they can pick the man they’ve always wanted for the […]

Julie DelegalSeptember 21, 2014

The most powerful Republican in Florida, State Sen. John Thrasher from St. Augustine, wants to be President of Florida State University. He’s put in his papers and submitted to interviews. His qualifications are impressive. Thrasher brought a medical school to the university, after all, providing new prestige to the Tallahassee institution. But while his proponents […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 17, 2014

Recently some FSU professors bought a full-page ad in the Tallahassee Democrat and another professor wrote an op-ed criticizing Sen. John Thrasher, who is a candidate to become FSU’s next president. I was appalled when I read the advertisement because it seemed like I was reading a political ad. There was a kernel of truth […]

Adam WeinsteinSeptember 11, 2014

Two years ago, a Florida state senator introduced a bill “to halt the revolving door between the Legislature and state universities” and bar lawmakers from running to jobs at colleges they fund. He explained to the Florida Times-Union that “even in cases where lawmakers are doing everything ethically,” such a relationship could raise “red flags,” adding: “It […]

Adam WeinsteinAugust 31, 2014

The state of Florida and one of its flagship universities are about to embark on an exciting new experiment: What happens when you turn an institution of higher learning into an annex of the Legislature and lobbyists? That’s about the only conclusion I can come to when I look at the presidential search process — […]

Guest AuthorJune 23, 2014

I am frequently asked, “why do you favor John Thrasher for president of FSU?” “Don’t you have your PhD?” “You are so involved in higher education, what makes you support him?” The questions never seem to end — but the answers are easy. I know John Thrasher well. He is focused, smart, driven to success, […]

Daniel TilsonJune 5, 2014

University presidents should be special, but for the right reasons. This came to mind as Florida State University clumsily lurched along the road to picking a new president. Eric Barron resigned somewhat suddenly in early April, to take the presidency at Penn State. With a long pre-FSU faculty/administration history there, this was a “dream” move […]

Peter SchorschNovember 18, 2013

Allow me to share the rumor du jour out of Tallahassee. It’s one that is really out of left field; actually it’s out of right field, i.e., East Hillsborough. The rumor is that state Sen. Tom Lee is at the top of the list to be Gov. Rick Scott’s new Lieutenant Governor. I guess it’s […]

Tag: John Thrasher
Image via AP

Diane Roberts: The search for a new FSU president was a farce

Chris Timmons: Thrasher is the wrong choice for new FSU president

Adam Weinstein: In the FSU presidential battle, Thrasher is his own worst enemy

Julie Delegal: The curse of the warrior: Why Thrasher can’t catch a break at FSU

Barney Bishop: FSU faculty criticisms of Thrasher are hypocritical

Adam Weinstein: Don’t let FSU become another Penn State

Adam Weinstein: Presidential search is latest battle for free-market lobbyists trying to transform FSU

Ed Moore: Thrasher is the perfect choice for FSU presidency

Daniel Tilson: FSU president should be special for right reasons

Peter Schorsch: Is Tom Lee going to be the next Lieutenant Governor?