One is a rising star of one of Florida’s leading governmental affairs firms, while another is a veteran lobbyist who is a familiar face on Adams Street. One is one of the hardest working operators backed by one of largest law firms in the country, while another is a soft-spoken family man considered one of the most effective advocates in the capital.
Together, they are the Final Four of TallyMadness — an online voting competition to determine the “best” lobbyist in Tallahassee: Scott Ross, Jim Magill, Mark Delegal, and Jon Johnson.
#10 seed Ross is this year’s Cinderella contender, making his way into the Final Four with a series of upsets against higher-seeded opponents. But he’s also part of the Floridian Partners team and that brings with it the backing of several other prominent lobbyists. But most important to Ross’ improbable run is his wife, Ashley, who has been his top booster throughout the competition.
Ross will face-off against agill, a savvy veteran who won his way into the Final Four with wins over Rich Heffley, Ron Book, and Mercer Fearington. Getting by those three was no easy task, but Magill enjoys broad support from a career’s worth of friends and associates.
On the other side of the bracket is Delegal, the face of Holland & Knight in Tallahassee. Delegal has racked up a series of wins that have seen him draw the most votes of any of the Final Four contenders. Perhaps the entire H & K support staff is voting for their favorite son?
Delegal’s next match is against the last remaining #1 seed in the competition — Johnson of Johnson & Blanton. One of the classiest gentlemen in the process, Johnson is also one of the fiercest competitors in the capital.
Ross vs. Magill; Delegal vs. Johnson. What a foursome!
Voting to determine who will play in the championship match-up ends on Tuesday, April 22.
