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

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2016

In an attempt to bring tourists and young people back to aging downtown districts, many cities have legalized outdoor drinking — and it has been somewhat successful in revitalizing those areas, according to an article from The Pew Charitable Trusts. In 2016, cities in Mississippi and Ohio legalized “outdoor refreshment areas,” zones where patrons can […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2016

After marijuana amendments passed in eight of the nine states where it was on the ballot Tuesday, now nearly a quarter of all Americans live in states where recreational use of marijuana is legal. Voters in California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada approved recreational marijuana amendments last week, giving nearly 50 million more Americans the right […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2016

As Florida Democrats begin to think about who might lead their party out of the wilderness they found themselves in after last Tuesday’s elections, a familiar, respected name is emerging as one of the possible contenders. Dan Gelber is interested in serving as chair of the Florida Democratic Party (FDP), according to a prominent Democratic operative close […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2016

Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend and one of the top five best House Speakers of the last decade, Will Weatherford. In all seriousness, I keep hearing about how happy Weatherford is spending more time at […]

Peter SchorschNovember 13, 2016

Donald Trump named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus his White House chief of staff, elevating one of his loyal GOP advisers with a deep expertise of the Washington establishment Trump has vowed to shake up. Priebus, a close ally of House Speaker Paul Ryan, called the appointment “an honor” and predicted the billionaire “will be a great president […]

Peter SchorschNovember 13, 2016

A major pillar of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign was bringing outsourced manufacturing jobs back to America, though increasing factory automation may make that goal a difficult one to accomplish. According to an article from Inverse, many Trump supporters are realistic about the role automation is playing in the future of manufacturing, and see the change as inevitable […]

Peter SchorschNovember 13, 2016

Donald Trump may take a victory tour to states that elected him president, an aide said Saturday, as boisterous protests unfolded outside the tower where he holed up with members of his transition team and fielded calls congratulating him. While he’s announced one decision — putting Vice President-elect Mike Pence in charge of the transition […]

Peter SchorschNovember 12, 2016

Florida House members better get used to flying commercial. One of the new House rules, rolled out this week, prohibits members from flying on planes owned, leased, or paid for by lobbyists. The proposed change is meant to end a common practice among lawmakers and the influence industry, according to House Speaker-designate Richard Corcoran. The practice […]

Peter SchorschNovember 12, 2016

Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan said last week he planned to keep pushing for a bill that would even out the tax rates between taxes for small businesses and corporations in the next Congress. Many small businesses are formed as S-Corporations, which operate as pass-throughs for shareholders. Shareholders of these businesses pay no business taxes, […]

Peter SchorschNovember 11, 2016

A compilation of Veterans Day messages from Florida’s elected officials and politicians: Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam: In honor of Veterans Day, I want to tell you about a little-known program that’s honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s wounded veterans. It’s called Operation Outdoor Freedom. Since 2011, we’ve invited more than 2,000 wounded veterans to enjoy […]

Peter Schorsch

Can public drinking revitalize downtowns?

Marijuana reform went 8 for 9 on the ballot; is it at a tipping point?

Dan Gelber for chair of the Florida Democratic Party?

Sunburn for 11.14.16 – John Morgan for Gov?; Dan Gelber to lead FDP?; Reince Preibus new COS; Pam Bondi tapped for transition

Donald Trump names Reince Priebus White House chief of staff

Trump voters not sweating their robot overlords

Donald Trump may revisit Trump Country during a victory tour

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Grounded

Vern Buchanan to focus on tax reform in next Congress

Compilation of Veterans Day messages from Florida’s elected officials and politicians