Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 2, 2017

Now that 2017 is all but upon us — after a tumultuous 2016 electorally — what’s next for Northeast Florida politics? One assurance: unlike in 2016, with a massive electoral turnover in the region’s Washington and Tallahassee delegations, as well as in both the state attorney and public defender offices, 2017 won’t see that. With […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 27, 2016

When 2016 kicked off, the world was different, and our political prognoses reflected those false assurances. We didn’t imagine President Donald Trump on a national level. We figured Hillary Clinton would end up taking on Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio in the general election. And we expected the rhetoric would sound like the previous two or three campaigns. Regarding #jaxpol, we had a pretty good […]

Peter SchorschDecember 23, 2016

The holidays are here. That means carols and cookies, brightly lit Christmas trees and twinkling menorahs, and nip of eggnog (or whatever seasonal cocktail tickles your fancy) to keep you warm at night. But the festive holiday season is also a chance for people to spend time with their family and friends, make resolutions for […]

Peter SchorschDecember 15, 2016

Ballard Partners on Thursday announced a “strategic alliance” with the Chicago-based All-Circo political consulting firm. “It gives us a marketing opportunity in a very important part of the country,” firm president Brian Ballard said. “We try to find the ‘best of class’ wherever we go.” John J. Kelly Jr., All-Circo’s president and owner, has been […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2016

Despite major turnover in the Duval County legislative delegation, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry‘s priorities are largely unchanged. Money for public safety. Money for infrastructure, such as the city’s ongoing septic tank removal project. And one big ask: Curry wants $50 million in state money for Hart Expressway ramp modifications, noting the current setup has outmoded designs and creates […]

Peter SchorschNovember 23, 2016

It’s time to talk turkey. And stuffing, pie and football. 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 important in these tense times. But it’s […]

Jim RosicaNovember 15, 2016

The latest lobbyist compensation reports may have readers think they’re seeing in triple vision. For the third quarter, the Top 5 earners in registered legislative lobbying, in order, were Ballard Partners, Ron Book, Southern Strategy Group, Capital City Consulting, and Greenberg Traurig. Look familiar? That’s because that was the same Top 5 for the second quarter, though in a […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2016

Six firms are in the running to be St. Petersburg’s lobbyist in Tallahassee. The contract, worth $50,000 last year, belonged to Peebles and Smith from Tallahassee. Its contract with the city expired Sept. 30 and the group has submitted a proposal to continue representing St. Pete. The five other firms who have responded to the city’s […]

Peter SchorschOctober 30, 2016

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 $8.2 billion in 2016, according to […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 19, 2016

It looks quite possible that Democrat Al Lawson, who dispatched incumbent Corrine Brown in the primary in Congressional District 5, will win the election against Republican Glo Smith in the end. With that in mind, a review of Lawson’s financial disclosure form shows if Lawson does go to Washington, he’s going to lose out on a number of lobbying and […]

Tag: Ballard Partners
Donald Trump. Image via AP.

A.G. Gancarski’s 10 predictions for Jacksonville politics in 2017

A.G. Gancarski surveys the wreckage of his 2016 predictions

This holiday season brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Ballard Partners teams up with leading Illinois influence shop

Jacksonville wants $50M to remove, replace Hart Bridge ramps at sports complex

Thanksgiving 2016, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political organizations

Déjà vu all over again in lobbyist compensation reports

Six firms vie for City of St. Pete’s lobbying contract

Halloween is brought you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Al Lawson’s financial disclosure shows lobbying pays well