A.G. Gancarski
As we continue to read the tea leaves in the current Florida House Speaker’s race, we see evidence of how Northeast Florida is folding in behind Paul Renner.
The latest example: an email sent out by Renner on behalf of Rep. Jason Fischer, pitching a big-dollar fundraiser with a deep host committee and an even more interesting roster of special guests: including Rep. Cord Byrd, a figure of interest to those counting votes regionally and beyond. [Jason Fischer Fundraiser Invitation]
If Byrd is still undecided in the Speaker’s race, chances are he may encounter some compelling arguments at the Jun. 26 event, to be held at 6 p.m. at the Acosta Corporate HQ.
“Please join me in supporting Rep. Jason Fischer for his kickoff fundraiser on June 26, 2017. Jason has quickly established himself as a rising star in the Florida House. Having served with him this session,” Renner writes, “I can tell you that Jason has the big ideas Florida needs as we plan for the future.”
“He has an amazing work ethic and has provided immediate expertise and leadership to the Florida House in the areas of education reform, appropriations, transportation and technology,” Renner adds.
“This first re-election campaign for him will be the most important, so your support is critical. Jason’s June 26, 2017 fundraiser is our next opportunity to show the strength of our delegation and the community for those who are fighting for us in Tallahassee. Without question,” Renner concludes, “Jason deserves our support and I am proud to be on his host committee. Please do whatever you can to make this event a great success for Jason. Thank you!”
Renner is one of five co-chairs: the other four are Jim Horne, John Rood, Gary Chartrand, and John Baker, the latter three with some of the deepest pockets in the Northeast Florida donor class.
Beyond Byrd, special guests include a phalanx of Northeast Florida politicians: Sens. Aaron Bean, Rob Bradley, and Travis Hutson, along with Reps. Travis Cummings, Jay Fant, Bobby Payne, Cyndi Stevenson, and Clay Yarborough.
Getting top billing on that special guest list: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
The host committee includes Curry’s strategists, Tim Baker and Brian Hughes, along with key Northeast Florida donors, such as Ed Burr, Mori Hosseini, Michael Munz, Peter Rummell, and Jamie Shelton.
Lobbyists are also well-represented: Marty Fiorentino and Deno Hicks.
And once-and-maybe-future politicians feature also: Lake Ray and John Delaney offer fine examples of that category.
