Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Supporters of the proposed ban on greyhound racing have landed a top dog: Republican political consultant and lobbyist Marc Reichelderfer has joined the team.
Reichelderfer, president of Landmarc Strategies, will serve as a Senior Advisor to the “Protect Dogs–Yes on 13” campaign, the organization announced Wednesday.
He’s worked for a bevy of Florida lawmakers, including former Sen. and now FSU president John Thrasher and Sen. Aaron Bean, to name two. And he was the “resident guru” on Attorney General Pam Bondi’s 2014 re-election campaign.
Bondi, a member of the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission, supports Amendment 13, which would outlaw the racing of dogs and wagering on such races. Amendments need at least 60 percent approval to be added to the state constitution.
“There are few big races that this guy is not somehow a part of,” SaintPetersblog once wrote of Reichelderfer.
“This is long overdue,” Reichelderfer said in a statement. “We have seen overwhelming support from voters wanting to end dog racing. I’ve been a part of the effort to protect greyhounds in Florida for nearly 20 years. It’s exciting to be a part of this winning campaign.”
The campaign also announced it had chosen Deno Seder Productions of Maryland for its “media production, strategic counsel, and messaging.” The firm has worked on successful animal welfare campaigns and ballot measures in 11 states, including a 2008 initiative that outlawed greyhound racing in Massachusetts.
Earlier this month, the campaign said it had hired the firm of Trippi Norton Rossmeissl. The Democratic-aligned team worked on Doug Jones’ U.S. Senate victory in Alabama, the “first Democrat to win the U.S. Senate in Alabama in 25 years,” the group noted.
Evening Reads
“Russia meddled with goal of helping Donald Trump, Senate Intel Committee says” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Top Dem presidential hopefuls audition for 2020” via Edward-Isaac Dovere of POLITICO
“John Morgan: ‘If I was Bill Nelson, I’d be worried’ ” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida
“Publix clarifies: We support Adam Putnam, not the NRA” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Rick Scott earmarks federal Hurricane Irma block grant for housing, infrastructure” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics
“Scott says he can’t strip ex-Parkland deputy of pension” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Clerks ‘appreciate’ Scott funding request, but want permanent fix to gun background check gap” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“Judge hears patients’ challenge to state ban on smoking medical marijuana” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida
“TECO to be target of criminal probe if this Democrat is elected Attorney General” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times
“College may not be worth it anymore” via Eileen Shell of the New York Times
Quote of the Day
“Enough is enough. Let’s stop the politics. Let’s let these people live.” — John Morgan, speaking after Wednesday’s trial on his lawsuit to allow the smoking of medical marijuana in Florida.
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The Florida Defense Support Task Force, which works to protect and enhance military bases, will meet at 9 a.m., Residence Inn Marriott Tallahassee, 600 West Gaines St., Tallahassee.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will participate in the Manatee Fraternal Order of Police’s Memorial Service. That’s at 9 a.m., First Baptist Church of Bradenton, 1306 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.
Florida TaxWatch will host the Prudential Productivity Awards program, which honors state workers who reduce government costs and improve services. That’s at 10 a.m., Florida TaxWatch, 106 North Bronough St., Tallahassee.
The Gulf Consortium Board of Directors, which works on issues related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, is scheduled to meet in Bay County. That’s at 10 a.m. (Central time), Edgewater Beach Resort Conference Center, 520 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
With the annual hurricane season ready to start June 1, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Advisory Council will meet to discuss issues including claims-paying capacity. That’s at 1:30 p.m., Hermitage Centre, 1801 Hermitage Blvd., Tallahassee. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 7135858151.
A “Governor’s Veterans Service Awards” ceremony will be held in Jackson County. That’s at 2 p.m. Central time, National Guard Armory, 3645 U.S. 90 West, Marianna.
Newly elected Sen. Lori Berman, a Lantana Democrat, will hold an office-opening event. Berman, a longtime House member, was elected in an April 10 special election in Palm Beach County’s Senate District 31. That’s at 5:30 p.m., Children Services Council Building, 2300 High Ridge Road-Suite 161, Boynton Beach.
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican, will take part in the annual “Motor Officer of the Year” ceremony in Volusia County. That’s at 6 p.m., Duff’s Original Buffet, 2667 North Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, will deliver the keynote address during the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce 70th Annual Dinner. The dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.; Wilson is scheduled to speak at 7:30 p.m. That’s at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples.
Rep. Dane Eagle, a Cape Coral Republican, will discuss the 2018 legislative session during a dinner meeting of the Republican Women of Cape Coral, Federated. That’s at 6 p.m., Personal Touch Banquet & Catering, 1530 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral.
