Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJuly 7, 2017

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Kim McDougal, Gov. Rick Scott‘s former chief of staff, is joining GrayRobinson‘s Tallahassee office as a Senior Director of Government Affairs, the law firm announced Friday. “Kim brings tremendous insight and invaluable experience to our firm, and will also substantially increase our expertise in the education policy and appropriations areas,” said Jason Unger, managing partner of the Tallahassee office. “The […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

Jackie Schutz Zeckman has been tapped to serve as Gov. Rick Scott’s right hand woman. The Naples Republican announced Tuesday that Schutz Zeckman will serve has his chief of staff beginning July 1. She’ll replace Kim McDougal, Scott’s current chief of staff, who is departing to pursue opportunities in the private sector. “Jackie has been […]

Peter SchorschJune 29, 2016

Carlos Beruff is a successful man. He has made tens of millions of dollars building homes in Florida in boom times and lean times. He has been a dedicated community leader, serving on one high-profile board after another. A few weeks ago, Beruff — suddenly everywhere as his campaign has spent at least $4 million on television ads and he […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 9, 2016

The political committee backing Gov. Rick Scott continued to boost its coffers in May, raising more than $144,000 in the one-month fundraising period. State records show “Let’s Get to Work“ — the political committee that fueled Scott’s 2010 and 2014 gubernatorial campaigns — raised $145,100 in May. Since January, the political committee has raise more […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 5, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has two new members on his leadership team. On Tuesday, Scott announced Kevin F. Reilly and William N. Spicola will be joining his senior leadership team. Reilly will be Scott’s legislative affairs director, while Spicola has been appointed Scott’s general counsel. Both men start Wednesday. The announcement is the latest of several […]

Peter SchorschMarch 27, 2016

Another year passes, and another Rick Scott Chief of Staff is out the door. The Governor’s office announced last week that Kim McDougal will succeed Melissa Sellers in the top staff position, making McDougal Scott’s fifth CoS in six years. Which makes us wonder: Where are they now? Mike Prendergast, a retired Army colonel, moved over to become Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 21, 2016

Kim McDougal is no stranger to Tallahassee. She’s spent years in the capital city, working for governors, the Legislature and the Department of Education. She’s been described as a policy wonk fiercely loyal to Gov. Rick Scott. And, after nearly 30 years in state government, she can add chief of staff to her long list […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2016

Have you heard the rumor about Melissa Sellers leaving her position as Rick Scott‘s Chief of Staff? Of course you have, because we all have heard the same rumor. It’s basically the same rumor about Sellers we’ve been hearing for more than a year. “Melissa’s leaving.” “Melissa’s leaving soon.” “Melissa’s leaving NOW.” Yawn. Probably the only […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 13, 2016

One of the big stories of last legislative session: Rick Scott was not on the “Bean Team,” with budget vetoes that shocked Aaron Bean, as Tia Mitchell wrote. Since then, Bean has attempted to mend fences. Steve Bousquet documented Bean’s awkward sounding attempt to rebuild a relationship last year. And now, Bean has kissed Scott’s ring anew, signing on in support of […]

Guest AuthorOctober 17, 2015

I attended the annual Tallahassee ritual Wednesday when politicians address the media and take some questions. The Republicans talked in generalities at the AP Legislative Planning Session and, for the most part, refused to respond to direct questions with direct answers. The Democrats, because they have absolutely no power in Florida government, mostly complained. Nonetheless, […]

Tag: Melissa Sellers
Image via DFS

Personnel note: Kim McDougal joins GrayRobinson lobbying team

Rick Scott announces Jackie Schutz Zeckman as next chief of staff

The latest polling strongly suggests Carlos Beruff should drop out of U.S. Senate race

Let’s Get to Work raises $145K in May

Rick Scott appoints Kevin Reilly, William Spicola to leadership team

Peter Schorsch: Five big stories in Tallahassee last week

Capitol veteran Kim McDougal selected as Rick Scott’s next chief of staff

On the rumor about Melissa Sellers’ departure

Aaron Bean courts Rick Scott, backs Enterprise Florida

Tom O’Hara: Banner plane delivered highlight of AP Legislative Planning Day