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

Peter SchorschJanuary 28, 2016

It’s one thing to attack Donald Trump when he’s standing on the presidential debate stage. But what about when he’s not? It’s a complicated question for the seven presidential candidates in the seventh prime time Republican presidential debate, who expect a no-show from the front-runner who has eclipsed the contest for months — on the brink of […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 28, 2016

Rick Scott is at it again, calling for more government meddling in health care, by featuring a plan for government-regulated prices on inpatient admissions, outpatient visits and other medical procedures. Scott may have consistently paid lip service to the idea of free-market competition, but in 2016, he has renewed a push for legislation that, if […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 27, 2016

A proposal to change the state’s jet fuel tax was rerouted Wednesday by the House Finance and Tax Committee, chaired by Rep. Matt Gaetz, to where it may possibly be rolled into a larger tax package. In addition to being absorbed into the overall tax package, the move could make the jet fuel tax revenue-neutral. […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 27, 2016

For one night, Florida’s Capitol Press Corps took a break from making state lawmakers squirm and instead did its best to make them — and several hundred other spectators of The Process — laugh. The Skits took over the Tallahassee music venue The Moon on Tuesday. Better than last year’s event, the “sometimes annual” rite […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 27, 2016

As the Iowa caucuses approach, voters with any lingering doubts about the vigor of Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign could be in for a last-minute shock. On Wednesday, Bush’s campaign released a massive list of Florida supporters, signaling a move that just might put to rest any misgivings about the former governor’s political stature in his […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 26, 2016

Robert and Nancy Watkins may be the two most essential players in Florida’s political universe. Through their South Tampa accounting firm moves tens, if not hundreds, of millions in political contributions and expenditures. Nancy is the treasurer for dozens of candidates and committees, including Conservative Solutions PAC, the most prominent super PAC supporting Marco Rubio’s bid for the White House. Among […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

One of the hottest issues facing lawmakers in the 2016 Legislative Session is the regulation of the daily fantasy sports industry. Moving toward that goal is HB 707: Fantasy Contests, sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gaetz, has recently move out the Business & Professions Subcommittee, its first stop in the Florida House. What the bill seeks to […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

As Florida lawmakers once again consider a proposal to allow open carry of firearms, opponents, including the League of Women Voters Florida, argue that if passed, such a law would devastate the state’s biggest industry: tourism. There’s a compromise solution, though, says Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner of MomsRising.org, a grassroots organization that seeks economic security for all […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

Robert and Nancy Watkins may be the two most essential players in Florida’s political universe. Through their South Tampa accounting firm moves tens, if not hundreds, of millions in political contributions and expenditures. Nancy is the treasurer for dozens of candidates and committees, including Conservative Solutions PAC, the most prominent super PAC supporting Marco Rubio’s bid for the White House. Among […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

UPDATE – 10:07 p.m.: Charlie Crist told donors during a Monday morning conference call that he has raised “more than half a million dollars” since entering the race for Florida’s 13th Congressional District on Oct.20. The Crist camp says the $500K haul is a record for Florida Democrat for a candidate who’s not an incumbent […]

Peter Schorsch
College students pass out Plan B at Florida Atlantic University while campaigning on abortion measure. Image via A.

Previewing the GOP debate sans Donald Trump

As Rick Scott travels to D.C. for hospital transparency talk, he again pushes price-fixing proposal at home

Jet fuel tax proposal rerouted to House tax package, future uncertain

Press Skits tease lawmakers, tickle Tallahassee

With Iowa caucuses days away, Jeb Bush releases massive roll call of supporters, best grassroots in Florida

Peter Schorsch: Politicos watch parade — of candidates in 2016 races

5 questions for Fantasy Sports Trade Association after DFS bill first committee stop

Email insight: Open Carry opponents praise Florida Sheriffs compromise proposal

The state of Florida politics, as viewed through the Gasparilla Children’s Parade

Charlie Crist’s record-setting haul: $500K since Oct. 20