Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMay 30, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Chris Hudtwalcker is no longer legislative assistant for Miami Democratic Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez. On: Felecia Armstrong is a new district secretary for Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Kimberly Daniels. Off: Troy Gras is […]

Peter SchorschMay 30, 2018

A sexual harassment investigation is what spurred Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis to tell Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) Commissioner Drew Breakspear that he “no longer ha(s) confidence” in Breakspear’s ability to lead the office, sources tell Florida Politics. Public records released Tuesday show that OFR Deputy Commissioner Pamela Epting received a copy of results of an investigation that could not substantiate sexual […]

Drew WilsonMay 29, 2018

Term-limited Rep. Clay Ingram on Tuesday endorsed Rebekah Bydlak in the Republican Primary battle to succeed him in House District 1. “Rebekah Bydlak is the conservative champion we need for Northwest Florida,” Ingram said. “Rebekah’s life and career have been in service to conservative values, defending the Constitution and our way of life. I’m confident […]

Peter SchorschMay 29, 2018

florida-flag-Eileen-Stuart-Head-Shot-e1526659694557.jpg

Big news in the influence industry: After almost 10 years leading fertilizer giant Mosaic’s lobbying efforts in Tallahassee and Washington, Eileen Stuart is moving on to a new role. She’s joining the Tallahassee law firm of Hopping Green & Sams (HGS) in June to helm its government affairs practice. Stuart will be a shareholder of […]

Staff ReportsMay 29, 2018

Fausto Gomez, President of Gomez Barker Advisors, recently joined the Board of Trustees of Florida TaxWatch, the taxpayer research institute and watchdog organization. With his addition, TaxWatch says it’s bringing one of Florida’s “most-respected government relations counselors” on board. “We are thrilled to welcome Fausto Gomez,” TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said in a […]

Drew WilsonMay 28, 2018

Summertime is here — well, almost. While Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces, the holiday also marks the unofficial start to summer. And for many people, that means it’s time to start thinking about summer vacation. Nearly 42 million Americans are hitting the road for the long weekend […]

Drew WilsonMay 25, 2018

New lobbying compensation reports show Larry Overton and his two partners reeled in enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with some much larger firms. The trio, which also includes James Card and Joel Overton, earned an estimated $580,000 in lobbying pay during the first quarter — $430,000 from its legislative clients and $150,000 from its […]

Drew WilsonMay 25, 2018

Lewis Longman & Walker earned an estimated $380,000 in lobbying pay during the first three months of the year, according to newly filed lobbying compensation reports. Lobbyists report their pay for each client in ranges covering $10,000 increments up to $50,000. If Lewis Longman & Walker’s clients maxed out in their respective compensation ranges, the […]

Drew WilsonMay 25, 2018

Jones Walker reported median earnings of $521,000 during the first quarter of 2018, which included the whole of the 2018 Legislative Session. Lobbyists must report their quarterly earnings in ranges covering $10,000 increments up to $50,000. If Jones Walker’s clients paid the top dollar in their reported ranges, the firm could have brought up to $750,000 […]

Drew WilsonMay 25, 2018

New compensation reports put Johnson & Blanton just outside of the top-10 in legislative lobbying pay during the first three months of 2018. The seven-member team headed up by Jon Johnson and Travis Blanton received between $750,000 and $1.5 million from its 79 principals in Q1, with the median earnings estimate clocking in at $1.25 […]

Influence

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Jimmy Patronis’ ire at Drew Breakspear stems from sexual harassment case

Clay Ingram endorses Rebekah Bydlak as his successor in HD 1

Personnel note: Eileen Stuart departs Mosaic Co. for Hopping Green & Sams

Personnel note: Fausto Gomez joins TaxWatch board

Memorial Day Weekend brought to you by these lobbyists and political associations

Larry J. Overton & Associates maintains top-20 status in Q1

Lewis Longman & Walker starts 2018 with $380K haul

Jones Walker earns $500K-plus in Q1

Johnson & Blanton clears $1.25M in first quarter