Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry, Ryan Ray, and Jim Rosica.
REMEMBERING FRED LEONHARDT
Fred Leonhardt, a well-liked, longtime Republican lawyer-lobbyist and member of Florida’s GrayRobinson firm, died early Saturday morning. He was 65.
The cause of death was an apparent heart attack, according to a statement from GrayRobinson.
“Fred died in his home and we ask that you keep Fred and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” said GrayRobinson founder, J. Charles Gray. “We will share the details of plans to celebrate Fred’s life and accomplishments as they become available.”
Leonhardt was well-known around the capital and beyond, and at last count was registered to lobby for nearly 50 clients, including the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, the Orlando Magic, Port Canaveral, CenturyLink and Volusia County.
He also represented many nonprofit groups over the years; though an infrequent tweeter, his Twitter handle was “@lobby4good.” He served on a bevy of nonprofit boards and advisory panels.
He is a past chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Floridians for Better Transportation and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.
Leonhardt, based in Central Florida, was regularly named to Orlando Magazine‘s “50 Most Powerful People in Orlando” list.
MUST-READ is the tribute to Leonhardt from his colleagues Chris Carmody and Robert Stuart. Read it here.
REAX
— John Mica: Few individuals have devoted more time to civic affairs or held more volunteer community and state leadership positions than Fred Leonhardt. We are all in shock at his passing and extend our deepest sympathy to his family and are holding his family close in our prayers and sympathy.”
— @PamBondi: Heartbroken at the loss of our Fred Leonhardt … He was always smiling and kind to all.
— @AdamPutnam: “”Fred Leonhardt was relentless. You wouldn’t outwork him or outfox him. He was working it before you got up & long after you called it a day.”
— @SteveCrisafulli: So sad to hear the news about Fred Leonhardt. Prayers for him and his family.
— Nancy Detert: I am truly shocked. I served with him on Enterprise Florida and always looked forward to his smiling face. He will be sorely missed. Very sad.
— @DorothyHukill: Prayers for the family of Fred Leonhardt @lobby4good. Good man passionate abt FL’s future. Always smiling. Will be missed.
— @DaneEagle: Very saddened by the passing of Fred Leonhardt. A true gentleman and friend. You are missed, Fred. Go Gators.
— Mike Miller: It has taken me most of the day to realize that I will not see Fred at the next Gray Robinson event or around Tallahassee ever again. He has been a constant in my life for over 20 years…a person who loved his job, his alma mater, his state and his country. Central Florida is a much better place thanks to his stewardship and I know literally hundreds of us will miss his enthusiasm and wonderful spirit.
— @RepDanaYoung: So sad to hear of the tragic passing of Fred Leonhardt. He was always so cheerful and kind to everyone.
— @JamesGrantFL: Few people in politics were as smart while humble and effective while kind as Fred Leonhardt. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.
— @RepJimBoyd: So saddened by the news of Fred Leonhardt’s passing. Florida has lost a great leader and wonderful man! Prayers for his family.
— Dean Cannon: Fred was a tremendous positive influence on my early career and he truly loved helping people. He was always upbeat and generous to a fault. He will be sorely missed.
— @JimmyPatronis: Prayers for the family of Fred Leonhardt. I’m heartbroken. What a sincerely nice man. You’ll be missed. @UF #gentleman #classygator
— @SethMcKeel: So sorry to hear of this loss. Fred was a wonderful guy with a huge heart! Our state will lift his family up.
— Jennifer Green: Fred’s positive attitude made the difference in a very competitive business. He was always supportive of professional ethics in lobbying and finding ways to highlight the ‘good ones’ in the political process. I will miss his infectious grin and warm handshake.
— @JohnKonkus: Fred was a joy to be around and a good friend to me and many of my clients.
— @JoeMobleyJax: a guy who treated everyone, regardless of whether you could do anything for him, well. Rare in tally. Prayers
— Georgia McKown: Life brought so much to my friend and it was taken away suddenly. We are all left with wonderful memories and shared friendships. He will be missed. I know he left this earth on eagle’s wings. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Christian Minor (be sure to read his entire devotional on his Facebook page): “… Fred was selfless, a man who would help a total stranger and never ask for a thing in return. He was an inspiration, a man who led by example and whose kindness inspired others to be great. He was a visionary, a man who always looked forward to the future and worked to progress those issues that mattered the most. And more importantly, he was beloved. A man loved by all, respected by all, and a friend to all.”
— @JY0365 (Joe York): Heartbroken indeed, Fred was always helpful, supportive and true champion for the state of Florida. Sad news.
— Anonymous: “Fred was the only Dark Sith Lord I ever knew who embraced his Sith-ness fully and joyfully, without the lies and affectations that characterized all the other Leadership Florida big shots, gasbags, and douchebags. I am going to miss him terribly.”
BE SURE TO READ Fred’s “4th Floor File” here.
***Today’s SUNBURN is brought to you by Bright House Networks for Business, your trusted provider of industry leading communications and networking services for any size business – from startup to enterprise, and everything in between. We offer a full portfolio of products and services, including Business Phone and cloud-based Hosted Voice, Business Internet at speeds up to 325 Mbps to fiber-based Dedicated Internet Access, several tiers of high quality HD Video programming, and an array of advanced cloud and managed IT services. Our solutions are customized to fit your business, your budget, and your industry. We own, manage and maintain our network, which means we are 100% accountable; and we’re locally based, which allows us to be immediately responsive to our customers. Find out why so many businesses in your area trust their communications needs to Bright House Networks. Learn more.***
JUDGE’S REDISTRICTING RULING UPENDS FLORIDA’S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE via Gary Fineout of The Associated Press
The political careers of several members of Congress — including a Republican seeking to become the next U.S. House speaker – could come to an abrupt halt under a sweeping overhaul of Florida’s electoral map.
Florida Circuit Judge Terry Lewis on Friday recommended new boundaries for the state’s 27 congressional districts, some of which would make it nearly impossible for U.S. Rep. Dan Webster — one of the hard-line conservatives who pushed John Boehner to resign as speaker and then turned on Boehner’s No. 2, Kevin McCarthy — to win re-election from his current Central Florida district.
Lewis’ ruling caps off a three-year legal battle over the state’s political landscape that has led to lawsuits, special sessions and multiple judicial rulings. The Florida Supreme Court will have the final say, but the decision by Lewis is expected to carry weight since he has been involved with the legal battle from the beginning.
In the end Lewis recommended a series of changes that could lead to the ouster of Democratic U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham from her North Florida seat while resurrecting the political career of former Gov. Charlie Crist, who is expected to run for Congress as a Democrat. The judge also went along with a proposal that would make it harder for South Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo to get re-elected.
Registered Democratic voters outnumber Republicans in Florida, but the GOP holds a 17-10 advantage in the state’s congressional delegation. Even if Graham were to lose re-election, Democrats could pick up as many as an additional three seats under the map recommended by Lewis.
One of the key changes would radically alter the 5th district, now represented by Corrine Brown, a black Democrat, from a north-south configuration to one that stretches east-west across northern Florida, from Jacksonville to just west of Tallahassee. As a result, the city of Tallahassee would be split, and Graham, the daughter of former Gov. Bob Graham, would be placed in a solidly Republican district.
HOW THE REDISTRICTING DECISION PLAYED
New York Times, Judge Picks Voting Map in Florida – “Florida’s long battle over congressional districts approached its finale … when a state judge rejected maps drafted by the Republican Legislature and approved one drawn by the challengers … a coalition of voter-rights groups and Democratic-leaning individuals. WFSU, Judge Lewis Favors Congressional Map From League Of Women Voters – “Despite arguments in court about the presence or lack of partisan intent … he focused his analysis on the compactness measurements of the different proposals.” Wall Street Journal, Florida Judge Recommends Sweeping Changes to State Congressional Map – “That map ‘best complies with the Court’s directions and with all constitutional requirements,’ Judge Lewis wrote.” Roll Call, New Florida Map Likely to Benefit Democrats – “… one of the final steps in a prolonged legal battle that will likely net Democrats a few more House seats in 2016.” Florida Times-Union, Rep. Corrine Brown blasts judge’s decision – “… continues to argue that the new district will disenfranchise minority voters partly because some of the black voters counted in the district live in prisons … ‘As a people, African Americans have fought too hard to get to where we are now, and we certainly are not taking any steps backwards.’” Sunshine State News, Circuit Court Judge Recommends Plaintiffs’ Congressional Maps – “Steve Crisafulli … seemed to criticize the recommended map, which he believed was basically the same map as the House’s proposal.” Bradenton Herald, Judge recommends congressional district map that would keep all of Manatee in same district – “… ruling shuffles the landscape for legislators in the central and northern parts of the state … a redrawn 16th District that includes all of Manatee but only part of Sarasota.”
***Today’s SUNBURN is brought to you by Jamestown Associates – Winning tough campaigns. The record to prove it. Jamestown produces persuasive TV, radio, mail and digital advertising that breaks through the clutter and gets votes. We help our clients in Florida and the nation perfect their message, create powerful ads, micro-target the media buy and WIN. Jamestown’s work has been recognized with 50 Pollie and Reed awards. See our work at www.JamestownAssociates.com/work***
–2016–
MUST-CLICK: JUST 158 FAMILIES HAVE PROVIDED NEARLY HALF OF THE EARLY MONEY FOR EFFORTS TO CAPTURE THE WHITE HOUSE via Nick Confessore of The New York Times
They are overwhelmingly white, rich, older and male … 158 families, along with companies they own or control, contributed $176 million in the first phase of the campaign … Not since before Watergate have so few people … provided so much early money in a campaign, most of it through channels legalized by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision five years ago. …
[T]he families investing the most in presidential politics overwhelmingly lean right, contributing tens of millions of dollars to support Republican candidates who have pledged to pare regulations; cut taxes on income, capital gains and inheritances; and shrink entitlements.
GOOD READ: NO FINGERPRINTS: HOW OPPOSITION RESEARCH IS FUELING CONFLICT IN 2016 CAMPAIGN via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
Opposition research is as old as politics, but the practice has become increasingly agile and relentless in the 2016 cycle, spurred by advances in video live-streaming and capturing software, the accessibility of public records online, the rise of social media and the news media’s appetite for content and conflict.
“Campaigns aren’t just competing for a 24-hour news cycle to win the day … Now they are trying to win the 30-second attention span of Twitter.”
POLL DU JOUR: A new CBS/New York Times poll finds Donald Trump leading the GOP presidential race nationally with 27%, followed by Ben Carson at 21%, Ted Cruz at 9%, Marco Rubio at 8%, Jeb Bush at 6%, Carly Fiorina at 6%, Rand Paul at 4%, Chris Christie at 3%, Mike Huckabee at 2% and John Kasich at 2%.
On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton leads with 46%, followed by Bernie Sanders at 27% and Joe Biden at 16%.
CARL HIASSEN COLUMN ON JEB BUSH: THEY LOVE YOU WHEN YOU’RE GONE Read here
(Bush’s) entire presidential campaign has been crafted around his self-buffed legacy as Florida’s chief executive, touting it in every stump speech and in every debate. Yet now, only 13 months before Election Day, he’s mired in fourth place in the one state where it was supposed to be a slam dunk. How is this possible?
The explanation might be simpler than you think: Jeb broke the cardinal rule of well-liked ex-politicians. He came out of retirement.
Not so long ago, when he was still a private Coral Gables businessman, he was a venerated and unassailable figure among Florida Republicans.
… It’s one thing to be trailing a silly character like Trump in places like Iowa or New Hampshire, but to be 16 points down in a critical swing state, your home state, is truly shocking.
REDDIT USERS HAVE A FIELD DAY WITH BUSH GREEN SCREEN PHOTO via USA TODAY
When Bush tweeted a photo of himself in front of green screen … Reddit users were quick to take advantage of the Photoshop opportunities … The Independent Journal review did a fine job of rounding up the Photoshop battle.
SPOTTED at a Tallahassee fundraiser for Bush hosted by Jeb Jr.: Slater Bayliss, Audrey Brown, Donovan Brown, Gus Corbella, Tom Feeney, Chelsi Henry, Logan McFaddin, Dave Mica, Ed Moore, Toby Philpot, Stephen Shiver, and Cory Tilley.
LIFE IN TOP TIER TESTS MARCO RUBIO via Daniel Strauss of POLITICO
For months … Rubio has run a low-key campaign, designed to keep a slow and steady pace. The past two weeks explain why. Riding a post-debate high in the polls, the newly threatening Rubio suddenly became a 2016 pincushion, pierced by friends (Bush), rivals (Trump) and strangers (Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig) alike.
[The] ascendant Florida senator got whacked again as news of his surprisingly anemic quarterly fundraising went public … he raised just $6 million between the end of June and the end of September … wasn’t even in the same ballpark as first-time candidate Ben Carson, who announced $20 million in contributions. For Rubio, it was a sharp reminder of the perils of rising too fast — and of the inflated expectations now facing his campaign.
But that lay-low, stay-the-course approach won’t be easy to sustain now that Rubio is facing the level of scrutiny afforded top-tier candidates … pressures to grow the campaign’s relatively small staff will only become more heightened as the first contests draw closer … the costs of competing as a top-tier candidate — in the early states … will demand a far more robust fundraising operation.
RUBIO: WE SOMETIMES RESPOND TO TRUMP JUST TO ‘WATCH HIM BLOW UP’ via Mark Arce of BuzzFeed News
Rubio says … his campaign responds to Donald Trump’s attacks “because it’s fun to watch him blow up even more … I mean this is how he gets attention … The other is he’s a guy that’s sensitive to criticism and so he reacts these ways and so it is what it is. And from time to time, you know, we’ll respond because it’s fun to watch him blow up even more.”
— “In Las Vegas, Marco Rubio wrestles with the spotlight” via Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald
— “Marco Rubio is not as moderate as he sounds” via Peter Beinart of the Atlantic
— “Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis win Florida Republican Women straw polls” via Frank Torres of Florida Politics
NEW AD FROM ‘DARK MONEY’ GROUP BACKING RUBIO via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
Conservative Solutions Project, a nonprofit aligned with … Rubio, has produced another TV ad on his behalf … called “American Dream” … The group, which does not disclose its donors, has become a major asset … raised at least $16 million and likely a lot more … “making a new push to peel away supporters of Mr. Bush’s by reminding them that campaign finance law allows them to give to the group anonymously.”
MEANWHILE … CHRIS CHRISTIE RETURNS FROM THE DEAD via Kyle Cheney of POLITICO
At long last … Christie‘s campaign is showing a pulse … signs of life in New Hampshire, where the latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll puts him in the middle of the pack. In Iowa, where expectations were never high for the New Jersey governor, Christie recently announced endorsements from top members of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad‘s political network…His favorability ratings are also on the rebound after a steady slide.
The current frontrunners don’t exactly need to look over their shoulders, but for the first time in months the makings of Christie’s path to contention are beginning to take shape.
MORE PREZ RACE READS
— “Local Ben Carson fundraiser bypasses the usual fundraising suspects” via George Bennett of The Palm Beach Post
— “To become first Latino president, Marco Rubio may have to bridge Hispanic divisions” via Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald
FLORIDA SENATE RACE PITS CROSS-PARTY FRIENDS AGAINST EACH OTHER via Andrea Drusch of the National Journal
Florida’s 2016 Senate race may pit a pair of friends against each other, if moderate voters get their way … Patrick Murphy … and David Jolly … have become close friends and frequent legislative allies during their short time in Congress, sponsoring more than a dozen pieces of legislation together since Jolly was elected in early 2014, during Murphy’s first term.
They never expected that they would someday run against each other, allies say … thanks to a redistricting court case … that’s exactly what’s happening … Jolly and Murphy’s relationship has led to an unusually large overlap in their legislative profiles … no member of Congress—Democrat or Republican—has cosponsored more of Jolly’s bills than Murphy, while Jolly has signed onto more of Murphy’s bills than any other member this Congress. While none of those bills passed, they let Murphy and Jolly tout bipartisan cooperation on environmental and veterans issues, among others.
JOLLY GOES TO BAT FOR DAN WEBSTER via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
Jolly has emerged as Webster’s point man in the race for House speaker … working fellow members and … will send this letter: “We don’t need the next Speaker to be the face of the party as we head into a presidential election year where our party’s nominee will fill that role,” Jolly writes. “We need a Speaker committed to rebuilding the greatness of our institution through legislative leadership, a Speaker who cares less for the limelight and more for the talent of every thought leader in our conference.”
RON DESANTIS SUPER PAC RAISES $1.2 MIL via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
The super PAC backing … Ron DeSantis … Fighting for Florida Fund, reports that it pulled in $1.2 million on contributions as of September 30 … “From our start in late August, we set an internal goal of banking $1 million in our first month of operations. Donor support for Ron’s conservative message proved to be so strong that we cleared that hurdle with room to spare,” said Fighting for Florida Fund’s senior adviser Nelson Warfield.
ALAN GRAYSON SAYS HE HAS CLOSED HIS CAYMANS HEDGE FUNDS via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
Grayson says he has closed down hedge funds that he set up in the notorious offshore tax haven of the Cayman Islands, which have proven to be a considerable political headache … comes on the heels of the millionaire Democrat recently changing the name of his hedge management company — from Grayson Fund to Sibylline Fund – after critics filed official House complaints against him for allegedly violating House rules for improperly using his name in the investment vehicles.
For a candidate who often complains about income inequality and companies evading taxes, setting up his own company in an offshore tax haven created, at the very least, a perception problem. The listed address of Grayson’s Caymans-based hedge fund was the Ugland House in Grand Cayman, where nearly 20,000 companies list their address in order to minimize their taxes.
SNL SKEWERS FOX & FRIENDS AND DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ via J.D. Durkin of Mediaite
The talent in Studio 8H wasted no time in their second episode of the season by opening up with a spot-on impression of the hosts of Fox & Friends.
Actors Taran Killam, Vanessa Bayer, and Bobby Moynihan impersonated Steve Doocy, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Brian Kilmeade respectively in the show’s cold open, skewering the daily cable news morning show. SNL favorite Kate McKinnon played DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the opening sketch as well.
***SUNBURN is brought to you in part by Bascom Communications & Consulting, LLC, a top-notch public affairs, political communications and public relations firm. Visit www.bascomllc.com to read about their growing team, success stories and case studies.***
CHANGING FLORIDA’S POLITICAL SYSTEM REQUIRES TIME, EFFORT AND MONEY via Steve Bousquet and Michael Auslen of the Tampa Bay Times
Across the state, activists are busy collecting voters’ signatures in an effort to get on the next general election ballot. Fed up with a Legislature that they say won’t hear their concerns, they are using a form of direct democracy known as the ballot initiative … trying to change the political system, one signature at a time. But it isn’t easy.
Their goals are as diverse as Florida itself: to legalize medical use of marijuana, promote solar energy, raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour, restore civil rights of ex-convicts, allow all voters to vote in party primaries and prevent future toll road hikes without a vote of the people … More than a dozen groups are trying to put measures on the ballot, but most will fall short.
Many people who gather signatures are from out of state … paid less than $1 for each signature. Thousands more petitions are rejected for other reasons. Some petitions are sent to the wrong county. Some voters don’t list their correct date of birth. In Pinellas County, one-third of 46,000 medical marijuana petitions filed were rejected. In Hillsborough, more than half of the first 25,000 petitions submitted were rejected.
A RECORD 4 MILLION FLORIDIANS ON MEDICAID RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT SCOTT’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY via John Kennedy of The Palm Beach Post
Florida is hitting a milestone this year that may raise questions about the depth of the state’s economic recovery under … Scott. A record more than 4 million Floridians — about 20 percent of the state’s population — will have health coverage provided by Medicaid this year, the state-federal program aimed at low-income families, the elderly and disabled … in the 2015-16 budget year, Medicaid spending will grab 25 percent of the state’s general revenue. And the cost is growing. The increase comes even as the state’s unemployment rate drops sharply, suggesting that while Floridians may find work, it could be low-paying, without health benefits, forcing them to turn to the state for help.
ADAM PUTNAM TRAVELS TO TEL AVIV FOR INTERNATIONAL WATER CONFERENCE via Florida Politics
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam travels to Tel Aviv … to take part in a discussion on strategies for the world’s water and ecological systems … WATEC Israel 2015 … Putnam will participate in “Implementation of Water Scarcity Solutions Worldwide – Lessons Learned from Different Regions” … and discuss Florida programs and technologies to restore and conserve the state’s water supply.
Putnam will hold meetings with researchers, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Agriculture and U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro … will meet with incoming Consul General of Israel to Florida Lior Haiat and visit Woosh Water, a municipal service that allows cleaning and refilling of bottles with purified, chilled drinking water “on the go” and the Israel Export Institute, an Israeli governmental trade agency and Mekorot, Israel’s national water company.
FSU GIVES BIG RAISE AND BONUS TO PRESIDENT JOHN THRASHER via The Associated Press
Florida State University President … Thrasher is getting a big raise and a $90,000 bonus. FSU trustees … unanimously voted to boost Thrasher’s annual salary from $430,000 to $473,000. Trustees also agreed to give the one-time bonus … was eligible for a performance bonus up to $100,000. Thrasher, a former state senator, also has been given a car and a house.
FANTASY SPORTS PROMOTERS RAMP UP POLITICAL PRESENCE IN FLORIDA via Jeremy Wallace of the Tampa Bay Times
Fantasy sports companies and their national trade association have begun ramping up a political profile in Florida, hiring big-name lobbyists and handing out large campaign donations to key state legislators as they aim to protect their lucrative industry from regulatory scrutiny. Although there is no legislation aimed at curtailing fantasy sports businesses in Florida yet, there is early “chatter” … about whether fantasy sports are a form of entertainment or should be treated as unsanctioned gambling.
At issue are two companies … DraftKings and FanDuel … In ads, both companies say they will give out more than $1 billion in 2015 … among the 10 most prolific advertisers nationally over the past 30 days. Both spent more money and aired more commercials than advertisers such as Ford, Chevrolet and McDonald’s, according to iSpot.tv … the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, also hired [Brian] Ballard and [Mac] Stipanovisch as part of a team of six lobbyists.
POLICY NOTES via Legislative IQ powered by Lobby Tools
LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA WORKSHOP
A proposed constitutional amendment for legalizing marijuana is the topic of a Financial Impact Estimating Conference workshop beginning 12:30 p.m. in Room 117 of the Knott Building.
***Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, LLC, is a full-service consulting firm located just steps from the Capitol. The firm specializes in the development and implementation of successful advocacy strategies highly personalized for each client. Team Liberty is comprised of professionals with a track record of successful coalition-building, grassroots efforts and team coordination. The combination of a strong commitment to clients and practical government and private sector experience is why Fortune 500 companies and not-for-profits alike choose Liberty Partners of Tallahassee.***
“Former Tea Party candidate files as Democrat to face Mike LaRosa in HD 42” via Florida Politics
SAVE THE DATE: Speaker Designate Richard Corcoran and state Rep. Jose Oliva host a joint fundraiser for state Reps. Ross Spano, Dan Raulerson and Chris Latvala on Tuesday beginning 5:30 p.m. at the Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive in Tampa.
NEW LOBBYING REGISTRATIONS
Brett Bacot, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: City of Ormond Beach
Diane Carr: Florida Society of Anesthesiologists
Adam Corey, Nick Matthews, Unconventional Strategies: Quest Management Group
Jon Costello, Diana Ferguson, Gary Rutledge, Rutledge Ecenia: Audubon of Florida
Pamela Epting: Office of Financial Regulation
Nick Iarossi, Ashley Kalifeh, Ron LaFace: Capital City Consulting: Indivior PLC
Theresa King: Florida Building and Construction Trades Council
Jeff Kottkamp: DeSoto Memorial Hospital
Frank Mayernick, Tracy Mayernick, Jodi Stevens, The Mayernick Group: MCNA Dental Plans
Allen Mortham, Sandra Mortham: Teaching & Learning Foundation, Inc.
SOUTHERN STRATEGY GROUP GEORGIA TEAM CAPTURES TOP SPOTS FOR LOBBYING FIRMS via James Magazine
Southern Strategy Group’s Georgia team caputred several top spots in the most important categories of Insider Advantage’s prestigious James Magazine 2015 rankings of Georgia’s Top Lobbyists and Associations … based on a survey of the lobbying and business communities. In the “Top Large Firms” category, Southern Strategy Group ranked No. 2 out of the top 10 firms. Callie Michael, the firm’s managing partner, received the No. 1 ranking in the “Top Female Lobbyists” category, while Dave Pratt received the No. 2 ranking in the “Top Lobbyists for an Association” category. Jeremy Betts, the firm’s newest addition, was acknowledged as a “Rising Star.”
ACTUAL HEADLINE: “Man Knocked Out by Hot Sauce in Fight Over Graham Crackers” via NBC 6
MORE CITIES ARE RECOGNIZING NATIVE AMERICANS ON COLUMBUS DAY via Mary Hudez of The Associated Press
More cities are recognizing Native Americans on Columbus Day this year as they revive a movement to change the name of the holiday to celebrate the history and contributions of indigenous cultures around the country. As the U.S. observes Columbus Day … it will also be Indigenous Peoples Day in at least nine cities for the first time this year, including Albuquerque; Portland, Oregon; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Olympia, Washington.
Encouraged by city council votes in Minneapolis and Seattle last year, Native American activists made a push in dozens of cities in recent months to get local leaders to officially recognize the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day … campaigns say the federal holiday honoring Christopher Columbus … overlook a painful history of colonialism, enslavement, discrimination and land grabs that followed the Italian explorer’s 1492 arrival in the Americas. The indigenous holiday takes into account the history and contributions of Native Americans for a more accurate historical record. Columbus Day supporters say the holiday celebrates centuries of cultural exchange between America and Europe, commemorates an iconic explorer and honors Italian-Americans, a group that has endured its own share of discrimination.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to state Rep. Jimmie Smith and Lauren Book, and, this weekend, Cesar Fernandez, Dave Mica, Lucy Morgan, Jared Ross, and Republican activist Joe Triolo.
