Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJanuary 24, 2018

Could anyone be leading a more charmed life than super-lobbyist Brian Ballard? He’s putting the finishing touches on his new downtown Tallahassee headquarters for Ballard Partners, his governmental affairs firm; he’s basking in the glow of his friendship with President Donald Trump, and he’s adding talent at an almost breakneck clip. His latest acquisition: Jose Felix […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 16, 2018

What a birthday president for Jose Felix Diaz, the former state representative who last year lost a high-profile special election for the Florida Senate. Diaz, who turns 38 Tuesday, is joining Ballard Partners, the governmental affairs firm led by Brian Ballard. A well-respected name in Miami-Dade County, Diaz most recently served seven years representing Districts […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 11, 2018

Brian Ballard continues to cement his status as Master of the Universe. The veteran Tallahassee lobbyist, Republican fundraiser and friend of President Donald Trump Thursday announced his firm’s hiring of James P. Rubin, Assistant Secretary of State under former President Bill Clinton. “Our firm is positioned to expand on last year’s dramatic growth in international business, […]

Peter SchorschDecember 29, 2017

‘Tis the season, and the Legislature’s dubious Christmas present this year was moving up the 2018 Legislative Session two months from its usual March start date. We will no doubt have many gifts in store, besides the inevitable policy food fights, such as perhaps seeing some lawmakers in their ugly holiday sweaters (the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts “sunny, turning warm” for […]

Peter SchorschDecember 5, 2017

In what’s shaping up to be one of the 2018 Legislative Session’s “food fights,” an upstart Miami firm has hired Ballard Partners’ Brian Ballard and Mat Forrest. It’s not so much a traditional food fight as usually riles the Capitol halls, but a David and Goliath battle of the “status quo” versus a “market disrupter.” […]

Peter SchorschNovember 23, 2017

It’s time to talk turkey. And stuffing, pie, football and 4 a.m. lines outside your favorite store. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the winter holiday season; the first stop in a month of non-stop holiday parties and celebrations. It’s also a day for Americans to reflect on what they’re grateful for, something that is especially […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2017

Ballard Partners has hired Katherine San Pedro as its newest partner in the lobbying firms’s Tallahassee and Miami offices, according to a Tuesday news release. “Katherine has a stellar reputation in Florida politics, having forged key relationships with members of the Florida Legislature from her years campaigning and working in the Capitol,” said Brian Ballard, […]

Peter SchorschOctober 31, 2017

The witching hour is upon us. Ghosts and ghouls fill the streets. Zombies walk side-by-side with princesses and superheroes. Their mission the same: Spook and scare their neighbors in hopes of scoring enough candy to sustain them for the next year. Total spending for Halloween is expected to reach $9.1 billion in 2017, according to the […]

Jim RosicaOctober 25, 2017

The Florida Commission on Ethics is moving against lobbyist Justin Sayfie and another firm for problems arising from random audits of their compensation reports, according to a Wednesday press release. But Sayfie called the problem “a simple math error.” The commission also dropped cases against three other executive-branch lobbying concerns. The ethics board, which said it […]

Staff ReportsOctober 12, 2017

POLITICO reports that Ballard Partners continues to build its client list, taking advantage of its unique closeness with the White House. New adds: Advanced Roofing, Inc., Crowley Maritime Corporation, and Hawkers USA. Ballard, which opened a Washington DC office after President Donald Trump won the election, has been busy — signing 47 new clients, per POLITICO. As […]

Tag: Ballard Partners

Could Pepi Diaz one day take the reins of the Brian Ballard empire in Florida?

Personnel note: Jose Felix Diaz joins Ballard Partners

Personnel note: Foreign policy pro James P. Rubin joins Ballard Partners

The 12 Days of Christmas, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and politicos

Lobby up: TIKD hires Ballard Partners for traffic ticket ‘food fight’

Thanksgiving 2017, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political organizations

Personnel note: Katherine San Pedro joins Ballard Partners

Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Ethics board cites Justin Sayfie, Capitol Group for reporting violations

Ballard Partners brings in more clients: Report