Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

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, […]

Staff ReportsDecember 25, 2017

The holidays have arrived. Carols and cookies, family and friends, brightly lit Christmas trees, twinkling menorahs, and a nip of eggnog from that trusty Marty Moose glass to keep you warm at night. While the festivities that come along with the holiday season are anticipated by all, the season also gives us a chance to […]

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 22, 2017

From the soup kitchens of Tallahassee to the conch houses of Key West, from the toniest mansions in Coral Gables to the double wides in Dixie County, people from all walks of life will sit down to celebrate the most American of holidays: Thanksgiving. “Americans traditionally recognize the ‘first’ Thanksgiving as having taken place at […]

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, […]

Tag: Brian Ballard
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

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

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

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

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

What Florida’s political elite should be thankful for

Personnel note: Katherine San Pedro joins Ballard Partners