Buzz Blog on Rick Scott inauguration: Best Seats in the House Belong to Lobbyists [View All]

JANUARY 04, 2011

Best seats in the house belong to lobbyists

Rick Scott ran for governor by running against the entrenched special interests in Tallahassee. But, as is always the case, lobbyists have some of the best seats in the house at the inauguration. Front row center: Brian Ballard, who co-chaired the inaugural fundraising committee. Close by were U.S. Sugar lobbyist Bob Coker, South Florida lobbyist Ron Book, Blue Cross' Mike Hightower, Barney Bishop of Associated Industries, and Scott's close friend, Fort Lauderdale lobbyist (and lifelong Democrat) Bill Rubin. "I'm excited," Rubin said from his front-row perch. "I didn't think I'd ever be here. Never."

- Steve Bousquet, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/breakfast-rick-scott-prayers-americas-sick-culture