Peter Schorsch
If you work in the political process, your email inbox won’t go five minutes without being filled with yet another fundraising appeal from some candidate running for some office.
Representing multi-million-dollar companies, Florida lobbyists are especially inundated with these solicitations for campaign donations.
Ninety-nine percent of the time, these emails are deleted as quickly as they arrive.
That is, unless your email has the misfortune of landing in Chip Case‘s inbox.
“Don’t send me your shit,” is how Case began his response to an email from state House candidate Erin Grall.
Case is a well-regarded political consultant and lobbyist who represents, among others, the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the Florida Independent Pharmacy Network. Grall is a Republican running in House District 54.
“I hate trial lawyers,” continued Case, well aware Grall is a Vero Beach attorney and managing partner at the Grall Law Group.
“Kicked your ass with Tom Goodson,” writes Case, known in Tallahassee circles for being a devout Christian, his affinity for wearing athletic shoes in formal settings, and his collection of wristwatches. “Hope Lange does the same.”
Grall is running against Lange Sykes, Dale Glading, and Greg McKay. In a candidate forum earlier this year, Sykes — a 30-year-old first-time candidate — had consistently criticized trial lawyers, even with a vow not to stoop to mudslinging in the House District 54 campaign. Sykes did, however, mention tort reform several times during a forum at the Republican Club of Indian River County, an obvious dig at Grall.
HD 54, which covers Indian River County and part of St. Lucie County, is an open seat currently held by state Rep. Debbie Mayfield, who is now seeking a Senate seat.
Grall said she was surprised at the level of unprofessionalism in Case’s email.
“The lack of professionalism is unmatched in my experience — and I have a really tough job,” said Grall.
“I would hope someone who lobbies for a living would have more tact,” said Grall. “My intention is to work with everyone, even if they weren’t a supporter of my campaign.”
Case, an advertiser on this website, would not answer questions about his email to Grall. But he did have the last word with Grall.
“Needless to say,” Case closes in his email, “Your emails not need to be sent here.”
***Update — 1:59 p.m.*** Case emailed an apology to Grall:
“I am truly sorry for sending my previous email. It was unprofessional and I wished I had not done it. I was having a bad day. Not your problem, rather it’s my problem. I strive to be a better person most every day. Yesterday was not one of my best days.”
