Thread by @PeterSchorschFL

A couple of thoughts on the latest developments on the upcoming Special Session to ratify the Compact with the Seminole Tribe.

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I moderated a post-Session panel today for the Tampa Chamber of Commerce

I was surprised to hear lawmakers flat-out say they view this new Compact as an "expansion" of gambling in Florida.

This raises at least two possible scenarios given that Fla. voters just amended the Constitution to limit gambling expansion.

1. The lawmakers are against the Compact because they view it as expansion and they want to uphold the will of people.

Or...

2. Lawmakers agree that the Compact is expansion but they will, like legislators before them, put the will of the people to the side, and vote for the Compact.

The panel also reinforced what I am hearing about where the House stands on the Compact and that is, 'the House has made no promises' re: support for Compact and that the Speaker has made it clear this is a 'jump ball' vote and members are free to vote as they want.

Not that House members aren't always free to vote as they want.

But I think there is trouble in the House for the Compact.

How do House members running in competitive primaries for the Senate OR are fearful of being drawn into a re-election primary explains to conservative voters they voted for sports betting controlled by the Tribe?

Then again, this trouble may not be trouble.

Did anyone notice that a lobbyist who was signed to work against Compact quickly de-registered from new client? That's the Gov Office and Sen Prez putting the smack down.