Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschApril 26, 2018

Brian Ballard announced Thursday that the lobbying firm is dropping a client accused of having connections to brutal Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Ballard Partners added Dubai-based trading company ASM International General Trading LLC to its client roster on March 15 and an analysis of the company published Wednesday by the The Daily Beast indicated it […]

Jim RosicaApril 23, 2018

The Florida Bar is asking the state’s Supreme Court to give it the “W” in a case against an upstart Miami firm that’s allegedly practicing law without a license. In its case against TIKD, The Bar is requesting for a “judgment on the pleadings,” bypassing oral arguments “when the outcome of the case rests on the […]

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2018

Qatar has hired Donald Trump-connected Ballard Partners for counsel and assistance related to its outreach to government officials and business/NGO executives in Washington and Florida. The firm is to receive $2.1 million in fees, plus “reasonable costs,” during the one-year campaign that runs through March 31, 2019. Brian Ballard chaired the Trump Victory organization in Florida […]

Peter SchorschMarch 16, 2018

Once the hanky dropped on the 2013 Legislative Session, my family headed to St. Augustine Beach to recuperate from the 60 days of working in that pressure cooker. Michelle and I had been married for just over a year and our daughter, Ella Joyce, was only months old. Our business was just starting to take […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 26, 2018

Florida lobbyist Brian Ballard is facing possibly his biggest challenge yet, representing the Maldives, a nation embroiled in an internal crisis. Last week, Ballard Partners inked a deal with the Indian Ocean island for a one-year contract worth $600,000 to help build support from policymakers and the U.S. government. Ballard has been called on for his considerable […]

Washington PostFebruary 23, 2018

The governor is planning to roll out his legislative proposal Friday that, according to a spokesman, will be “aimed at keeping Florida schools safe and keeping firearms out of the hands of mentally ill people.” With Florida now at the epicenter of a fast-changing national gun debate, the state’s Republican governor is so far refusing […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 16, 2018

Ballard Partners was the top-earning lobbying firm in the fourth quarter of 2017 and the past year overall according to an analysis of newly filed compensation reports. Southern Strategy Group and Ron Book, P.A., finished second and third, respectively. Joining those three firms in the $1 million-per-quarter club are Capital City Consulting, Greenberg Traurig and […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 7, 2018

Let me offer some short, free and subtle (ahem) advice to our friends, The Seminole Tribe of Florida. Go easy. Our man in Tallahassee, Jim Rosica, reported this week that the Tribe’s lawyer “said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state.” They won’t agree to a new Seminole […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 30, 2018

With billionaire casino magnate Steve Wynn’s exit as Republican National Committee finance chair over sexual harassment allegations, eyes turned to lobbyist and significant Donald Trump fundraiser Brian Ballard to fill the role. But the GOP will have to look elsewhere, Ballard said. “I would basically have to go on leave from my duties at the […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 26, 2018

Former state Rep. Jose Felix “Pepi” Diaz remains at Ballard Partners, but has taken a second position at the law firm of Panza, Maurer & Maynard, the firm announced. Diaz, executive vice president at Ballard’s lobbying firm, also will be a partner in the law firm’s Coral Gables office. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, the firm also has an office in […]

Tag: Brian Ballard

Ballard Partners dumps client with suspected ties to Assad regime

Florida Bar seeks early win in traffic ticket firm case

Qatar taps Ballard Partners for $2.1 million push ahead of emir’s visit

The Schorsch governing theory of Florida politics — Part 1

Brian Ballard’s newest challenge: representing Maldives in crisis

Rick Scott stays in sync with the NRA as he faces a reckoning on guns

Ballard Partners tops in lobbying compensation for 2017; SSG, Ron Book round-out Top 3

Maybe it’s time for the Seminole Tribe to make a deal

Brian Ballard says he won’t put lobbying practice on hold to be RNC Finance Chair

Personnel note: Jose Felix Diaz also joins Panza Maurer