Peter Schorsch
Matthew Hunter is a die-hard Florida State fan and got his first taste of public affairs working in the press office at the University while in college.
But he got his real start in the political process by working for state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, a Fort Myers Republican, who he still works for today.
Here’s Hunter in his own words.
I am (age) … 29
I live in … Fort Myers
I got into politics because … I was working full-time in a nonpolitical Sergeant of Arms position in the Florida Senate. While watching floor session one day I asked then-agency Legislative Affairs Director Darrick McGhee how to get into the process, and he said go work on a campaign. Three months later I did.
One principle I always put above politics is … loyalty in friendships. Often times in our world we have to be brutally honest and say “I can’t be there with you on this one” whether it is an issue or a campaign. However, loyalty has always made sure those relationships remain strong.
Person or people who gave me my first shot … my current boss, Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, more than six years ago.
I’ve already worked for/on (campaign, issues, etc.) … my first job in graduate school was in the press shop at FSU under President T.K. Wetherell, which gave me a taste of public affairs. I have been the aide to Senator Benacquisto for six years, and during that time I have taken sabbaticals to help elect majorities with Republican Senate Campaigns, supported good folks in SWFL, and worked in the Senate Majority Office.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for … information. Whether it is an issue in front of the legislature or a campaign, I believe that before we create a path to victory we should understand the road map and the potential barriers.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors … first and foremost is my boss, but beyond that it is Rich Johnston of Public Concepts. I’ve also had the good fortune to learn from friends Tim Baker of Data Targeting, who was my first campaign boss, and Brian Hughes of Meteoric Media.
The people I most admire in politics are … pragmatists. The people who seek to solve problems instead of seeking to obfuscate issues through rhetoric. I won’t name any names, in fear I forget some, but there are a great many people I call friends in this process who I admire and do just that.
One lesson I’ve already learned is … you don’t have to be ‘the smartest guy in the room’ all the time, even if you think you are. In this process, you probably aren’t.
If I wasn’t working in politics … I’d be probably be working to support my alma mater and passion, Florida State University.
In 10 years, you’ll read about me … Well, a lot of what we do means we shouldn’t be written about, but if I am, I hope it is working for clients, bosses or issues that help push Florida forward, not backward.
