Brian Ballard Lobbyist: Florida is Key State for Romney Campaign

As the nation's attention is increasingly focused on the 2012 Presidential race, many commentators are looking to the State of Florida—and not without reason, according to lobbyist Brian Ballard.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As November draws closer, more and more Americans are turning their attention to politics—in particular, to the Presidential Election. With the race for the White House gaining momentum, many commentators are turning their attention to the State of Florida; the Obama and Romney campaigns themselves are similarly focused on the Sunshine State. This increased prominence for the State of Florida is no great surprise, says long-time state lobbyist Brian Ballard.

"Every political cycle has one or two states that seem to be the crux of the entire election," says Ballard in a new statement to the press. "In past years Ohio has often played that role, but this year it is Florida that will likely be one of the decisive battlegrounds. The stakes could not be higher, and the polls shows that it could be a real horse race—something that is evident simply from the amount of time that both candidates have spent campaigning there."

Just last week, President Obama and Governor Romney both made campaign stops in Florida, and they are hardly the only ones. The Romney campaign is making use of one of its most significant weapons in the battle for Florida—namely, the support of popular Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). Stumping for the Romney campaign, Rubio drew applause and cheers as he both swiped at the President and also spoke seriously about the economic needs that face the nation, and the State of Florida.

Rubio also made note of the importance of Central Florida as a political battleground, something Brian Ballard says is dead on. "The Senator is right to say that no candidate is going to win Florida if he does not win Central Florida, particularly around Orlando," Ballard confirms. In the battle for this crucial demographic, however, Ballard says the Republican contender has a significant advantage.

"Central Florida is an area that's populated with many proud small business owners, who believe in free enterprise but also need a leader who can address their particular economic needs," says Brian Ballard. "Mitt Romney has a leg up here, because he is someone with a great track record in supporting small business owners. His business-friendly approach to politics is what will ultimately help him the most in the battle for Florida, and indeed, for the White House."

Brian Ballard has served for many years as a lobbyist in the State of Florida, and was recently appointed as the Florida Finance Co-Chair by the Romney campaign.

ABOUT:

Brian Ballard is a government relations professional and long-time lobbyist who currently presides over his own firm, Ballard Partners, Inc. He possesses a wealth of expertise in fields such as health care, education, and election reform, and has represented clients from across the State of Florida before the legislative and executive branches of the state's government. He previously served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor, where he oversaw 11 cabinet positions while also playing a crucial role in policy development. Ballard is a member of the National Leadership Team for the Mitt Romney campaign, as well as its Florida Finance Co-Chair.

SOURCE Brian Ballard