Vincent Harris, a prominent digital strategist for several Republican politicians, including, at one time, Florida Governor Rick Scott, was arrested earlier this month in Austin, Texas on a charge of public intoxication, according to records from the Austin Police Department.
Harris was booked by the APD on March 9. Perhaps not coincidentally, the South By Southwest conference ran in Austin from March 7 through March 16.
Harris first appeared on the national stage as an adviser to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. During the 2010 election cycle, Harris helped political newcomer Rick Scott navigate the digital landscape, although some competitors in Florida said they were rubbed the wrong way by Harris’ aggressive business tactics he employed after Scott was elected.
Harris’ firm drew further criticism when it hired Scott’s daughter, Allison Guimard.
In 2012, Harris served as an online strategist to presidential candidate Rick Perry. After Perry dropped out of the race and endorsed Newt Gingrich, Harris was hired to run the Gingrich campaign’s online and social media operations.
For the record, Harris has publicly accused me of attempting to extort him for advertising money. An investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office determined that these accusations were false.
