Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 31, 2017

Ballard Partners is extending its reach, announcing it is opening an office in Washington, D.C. Brian Ballard, the firm’s president, announced this week Ballard Partners has opened an office in the nation’s capital. The announcement comes just weeks after President Donald Trump, who Ballard supported, took the oath of office. “There is great enthusiasm with […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 17, 2017

This isn’t Brian Ballard’s first inauguration, but it will likely be one of his most memorable. Ballard, the president of Ballard Partners, is one of several Floridians expected to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration this week. And while his schedule is flush with lunches and galas, he’s most looking forward to the moment Trump takes the oath […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 17, 2017

When Jacksonville political consultant Susie Wiles signed on with the Donald Trump campaign, many locals — who thought it was the year of Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio — wondered what she was doing. Through March of 2016, Wiles was the sole high-profile Jacksonville Republican on the Trump train. Her role shifted, and she took control of the Sunshine State operation […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 2, 2017

Ballard Partners will continue its representation of daily fantasy sports (DFS) companies into 2017, according to lobbying registration records reviewed Monday. Brian Ballard and the lobbyists who work for him, including former state Rep. Chris Dorworth, have begun registering their representation for the 2017 Legislative Session, some effective as early as this week. Chief among those interests are DraftKings and FanDuel, the DFS giants who announced […]

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 […]

Staff ReportsDecember 8, 2016

Florida State University says it is beginning renovations on the downtown building that will be the new home of schools named after the late car dealer and philanthropist Jim Moran. The site, donated by lobbyist Brian Ballard and his wife Kathryn, will host the College of Business’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship and the university’s new interdisciplinary Jim […]

Gary FineoutNovember 28, 2016

He was opposed by the Republican establishment. During a contentious campaign, he spoke forcefully about the need to crack down on immigration. And he used millions of his own money to bolster his political career. President-elect Donald Trump? No, Rick Scott, the current governor of Florida. While they are oceans apart in temperament and public […]

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 […]

Peter SchorschNovember 22, 2016

Second in a series. Most people are familiar with this joke about lawyers. Q: What do you call 2,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean? A: A good start. Well, to newly installed House Speaker Richard Corcoran, if you substitute “lobbyists” for “lawyers” in that joke, it’d be twice as funny. Despite his brother being a lobbyist, Corcoran does […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 15, 2016

The inaugural committee for Donald Trump has a Florida feel, with the president-elect tapping two prominent Floridians to serve as its finance vice chairs. Trump tapped former Ambassador Mel Sembler and Brian Ballard to serve as vice chairs of his inaugural committee. The two men join more than a dozen other high profile Trump supporters […]

Tag: Brian Ballard

Ballard Partners going national, opens D.C. office

Donald Trump inauguration a special moment for Brian Ballard

Susie Wiles, architect of Donald Trump’s Florida win, heads to D.C. for inauguration

Ballard Partners will continue repping daily fantasy sports sites

Ballard Partners teams up with leading Illinois influence shop

Jim Moran building renovations on track in Tallahassee

Rick Scott may serve as model, and warning, for Donald Trump

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

How to get around Richard Corcoran’s new rules — Volume 2

Donald Trump presidential inaugural committee has a Florida feel