Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressJuly 1, 2015

Big-time donors to a nonprofit educational group founded by Jeb Bush, disclosed for the first time Wednesday, highlight the intersection between Bush’s roles in the worlds of business, policy and politics years before he began running for president. Bush provided the names to The Associated Press. After leaving the Florida governor’s office in 2007, Bush […]

Ryan RayJanuary 19, 2015

Toby Philpot has confirmed to FloridaPolitics.com that he will be leaving his job as Florida director of government relations at Health Management Associates to assume the role of chief of staff for the Florida Lottery. Philpot has previously served as political director for Senate President Mike Haridopolos before moving over to HMA. His new appointment, […]

James CallDecember 17, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott’s second-term management team continues to take shape with December appointments and reappointments. Wednesday Scott announced Cynthia O’Connell and Ken Detzner will continue in their roles as Secretary of the Lottery and Secretary of State. O’Connell was appointed Lottery Secretary in 2011 and is a former advertising manager for First Florida Bank Inc. […]

Guest AuthorJuly 31, 2014

We need a state constitutional amendment to ban all wagering in Florida. Oddly, raising taxes is considered a cardinal sin, but gambling is supposedly a blessing — especially since the state began pimping it through the Florida Lottery. Republicans have consistently refused to increase taxes in a bad economy, in a good economy, and in […]

Guest AuthorJuly 29, 2014

Among the country’s lower 48, Florida was a land of almost unequaled promise. Surrounded by navigable waters, the peninsula’s unique geography and pristine natural beauty beckoned all to visit and emigrate–and thrive. Mother Nature shined on the state, along with women like Marjory Stoneman Douglas (who saved the Everglades) and Barbara Capitman (who saved South […]

Guest AuthorJune 8, 2014

Must democracy be a scam? Today, the Florida Constitution has all the moral weight of a dry-cleaning ticket. That’s not the way that venerable document is usually perceived or how it’s supposed to be perceived. Yet, to be honest, that’s just the way it is — or how it has devolved. Politicians invoke the Constitution […]

Peter SchorschMarch 31, 2014

Economics textbooks talk about “rent seeking” — the practice of obtaining benefits through the political arena. Typically, “rents” are gained via subsidies or tariffs. Today in Florida, though, the best example of rent seeking is via regulation — rules that benefit an industry by hampering its competitors. Much of the time these efforts are obvious […]

Bob SparksNovember 17, 2013

In 2014, Florida’s legislators will make a significant policy decision when they decide whether to give the green light for an expansion of gambling. Both sides of the issue are well armed. Supporters of expanded gambling have lobbyists and public relations people. Those against more casinos have plenty of advocates, including a number of legislators. […]

Tag: Florida Lottery

Jeb Bush nonprofit backers include banks, schools, lottery

Toby Philpot next chief of staff at Florida Lottery

Sec State Ken Detzner and Lottery Secretary Cynthia O’Connell stay for second term

Stephen Goldstein: Gambling is for losers; we should ban it in Florida

Stephen Goldstein: 17 sensible initiatives to make Florida world-class

Stephen Goldstein: Florida elected officials trash constitutional amendments

Peter Schorsch: Tribe’s opposition to point-of-sale lotto tickets seems impolitic

Bob Sparks: A generation later, Floridians more open to gaming