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Informed Personalities from Across the State, Across the Spectrum
"I want readers to see what I see by going where I go: into the private fundraisers, the strategy meetings and behind other closed doors. Why? Because governing and politics matters more than it has in decades and it's critical that each of us have a clearer, fuller picture of what is really going on in the public arena."
Thursday, January 24, 2013 — Peter Schorsch

In a pivotal story arc on HBO's seminal series, The Wire, veteran police commander Howard "Bunny" Colvin attempts to effect some real change in the troubled neighborhoods for which he has long been responsible.

Without the knowledge of central command, Colvin sets up areas where police would monitor but not punish drug trade.  The police crack down severely on violence in these areas and also on drug...

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 — Peter Schorsch

Governor Rick Scott will not face a serious primary challenge when he runs for re-election.

Governor Rick Scott will not face a serious primary challenge when he runs for re-election.

Governor Rick Scott will not face a serious primary challenge when he runs for re-election.

...

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 — Peter Schorsch

A wiser political consultant once recommended to me to save a few extra shillings I earned during the height of the campaign season, as feast quickly turns to famine in this business once all of the votes have been counted and the campaigns have run their course.

Yes, and rocks weighed more in the ol' days as well.

...

Wednesday, January 09, 2013 — Peter Schorsch

At first glance, the bulky black box looks as if it is a product of Northrop Grumman or some other defense contractor. On it are images of crosshairs and rockets with descriptions of the device's technologies, including "Advanced missile load and release system," "Lock-on sequencing," and "Sensor Intelligence."

Is this some sort of anti-aircraft system destined for a Middle East buyer? No, it's the "Battle Tracker" -- the latest offering from Air Hogs that promises "head-to-head interactive combat" for children 10 to 12 years old. The "Battle Tracker" is one piece of a fearsome...

Wednesday, January 02, 2013 — Peter Schorsch

In 1988, during a period of prolonged drought in Florida, catastrophic wildfires burned numerous homes.

At first, the dry conditions caused by the drought were blamed. Upon further study, forestry managers concluded that the underlying cause was cessation of controlled burning. This was prompted by complaints from some of the same homeowners who saw their properties destroyed by the wildfires....

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 — Peter Schorsch

Newly elected State Sen. Jeff Brandes filed paperwork earlier this month to start the process of running for re-election in 2014, according to the state Division of Elections.

This gives Brandes the distinction of being one of the only politicians to file to run for three different offices in one calendar year (House District 68 in '12, Senate District 22 in '12 and Senate District 22 in '14)....

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 — Peter Schorsch

With Florida's politicians, it's not a question of who has been naughty and who has been nice, it's a matter of who's been naughty and who's been naughtier. So here's a helpful gift guide for Santa as he decides what political presents to place under the tree.

For Governor Rick Scott -- A second chance, but not a second term: The longer Gov. Scott remains stuck with negative approval...

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 — Peter Schorsch

After seeing the reaction of Florida Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry and other state Republicans, Charlie Crist’s signing up to be a Democrat will only further exacerbate the messy divorce between Crist and his former party.
And therein lay the courage -- and danger -- of Crist’s bold stroke.

The courage in Crist’s decision comes from his charting a path here no one has previously traveled...

Tuesday, December 04, 2012 — Peter Schorsch

Before all the votes cast in Florida for the presidential election had even been fully mishandled, political consultants began looking toward the 2014 gubernatorial race.

There has not been this level of post-election intensity since 1994, when Jeb Bush lost his first bid for the Governor's mansion. Governor Lawton Chiles had barely finished his acceptance speech when Bush's supporters were ramping up...