A.G. Gancarski
In a month thus far full of Ws or low-dollar takes for Northeast Florida legislators, Rep. Clay Yarborough‘s $6,100 of May money stands out.
That $6,100: the best month of 2017 for Yarborough, who now has over $14,000 on hand to defend a safe Republican seat on Jacksonville’s Southside.
Of that money, $2,000 came via four different companies owned by Volusia GOP powerbroker Mori Hosseini, such as “Richmond Hill Property Acquisition” (which does business in Georgia) and “Jax Construction Holdings,” which does business in Jacksonville.
Meanwhile, $4,000 more came from household names for fans of the Jacksonville donor class: John Rood, Vestcor, CSX, and Florida East Coast Industries all gave the maximum $1,000.
Another $100 was dropped into Yarborough’s account via lobbyist Matt Brockelman of Southern Strategy Group.
In the competitive primary of 2016, donors gnashed their teeth regarding whether to back Yarborough or Terrance Freeman, a primary opponent backed by the Chamber.
That scrum relegated to historical memory, the donor class will continue to make its peace with Yarborough, who may have been a lightning rod on the Jacksonville City Council, but who is regarded as a knowledgeable and capable advocate for the city’s policy priorities.
