Ryan Ray, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayAugust 11, 2015

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Miami-based governmental affairs firm Gomez Barker took in an estimated $230,000 during the second quarter of 2015, according to recently submitted compensation reports. The firm’s three-lobbyist team — composed of Fausto Gomez, Manny Reyes, and William Helmich — represented 29 clients between the months of April and June, all for legislative work. The roster of interests was heavily South Floridian: […]

Ryan RayAugust 11, 2015

Democrat Edward James says he not only out-raised his opponent incumbent Rep. Ray Pilon last month – he also raised more than all other candidates for the House. According to an analysis conducted by James’ finance chairman and campaign treasurer, James’ July campaign finance haul – $26,388, on top of $10,100 that came into a political committee, New Direction […]

Ryan RayAugust 10, 2015

The Senate is considering changing its policies related to legislative employees who take time off to work on their boss’ campaigns, according to a memo sent to Republican senators and staff by the Senate Majority Office on Monday afternoon. “The revision will result in removing the option for Senate employees to take a leave of […]

Ryan RayAugust 10, 2015

The Florida Department Agriculture & Consumer Services announced Monday that longtime agency employee Darica Smith has been promoted to the position of director of marketing. In a news release from Commissioner Adam Putnam, the department welcomed Smith to her new role. “During her time at the department, Darica has proven herself to be a strong leader with […]

Ryan RayAugust 10, 2015

For many political pros, influencing state lawmakers in Tallahassee is more of a side gig. And for some of them, it’s a highly profitable one. For instance: Republican lawyer and curator of Sayfie Review Justin Sayfie took in an estimated $25,000 between April 1 and June 30 from just three executive and two legislative lobbying contracts. City […]

Ryan RayAugust 10, 2015

It’s more than a year out from 2016 legislative elections, normally a quiet time when warring factions retreat to their camps and use the odd-numbered year to strategize and keep their powder dry. But with recent drama surrounding the race for the 2021-22 speakership, state party infighting involving sitting House Rep./RPOF Chairman Blaise Ingoglia and an imminent […]

Ryan RayAugust 7, 2015

In an ironic reversal of fortune, a tough and ideological primary process is threatening to divide Democrats as they pursue swing Senate seats like that one abdicated by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio in 2016, writes Alex Roarty in National Journal. In a quartet of key battlegrounds, Democrats are bracing for bitter primaries that party leaders worry […]

Ryan RayAugust 6, 2015

PooleMcKinley’s six-strong team of influence professionals put together a nice haul during the second quarter of 2015: According to just-released records from the state’s lobbying registry, the firm took in an estimated $575,000 between April 1 and June 30. Their 37 legislative and 38 executive clients combined to compensate the firm, led by senior partner Van […]

Ryan RayAugust 6, 2015

Another in the growing numbers of small or one-person lobbying shops is Chip Case‘s solo practice, Jefferson Monroe. Another thing that’s growing: his client list. According to recently released lobbying compensation reports, the firm took in an estimated $70,000 between April 1 and June 30 – not bad for three months’ work. Without a doubt the […]

Ryan RayAugust 6, 2015

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The two-man team at Louis Betz & Associates hauled in an estimated $110,000 in compensation for their work during the second quarter of 2015, according to recently release state lobbying records. The lion’s share of the fees — all from work within the Legislature, as opposed to executive branch lobbying — came from four major […]

Ryan Ray

Gomez Barker firm pulls in $230K in Q2 lobbying fees

Edward James says his HD 72 July fundraising is No. 1 among all House candidates

Obamacare cited as why Florida Senate may close staff-to-campaign revolving door

Darica Smith promoted to marketing director for Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam

One-man lobby shops do nicely in 2015 Q2

2016 House field continues to shape up in central Florida, Tallahassee

U.S. Senate tables turn against Florida Democrats

PooleMcKinley pulls in $575k in lobbying compensation for Q2

Chip Case’s Jefferson Monroe shop takes in $70k in 2016 Q2

Louis Betz & Associates collects $110K in Q2