One stop shop - The bold lobbying firm, congressional office. by SunshineUnderground

Francisco Alvarado, for my money the best feature writer in Miami Dade, has a comprehensive piece on the Diaz-Balarts in this week's New Times. Alvarado briefly mentions Mario Diaz-Balart's alleged conflict of interest problems involving his PR firm, Gordon Diaz-Balart and Partners. The firm has a web site which boldly states,

"Gordon Diaz-Balart gives you access to the highest levels within the government decision-making process, and ensures your company is in a position to communicate issues effectively."

Consider that in the context that Alvarado describes:

"In the mid-Nineties, critics say, Mario used his position as an appointed member of the Florida Entertainment Commission to gain advantage for clients — including filmmakers and production companies — of his private PR firm, Gordon Diaz-Balart and Partners.

That public relations firm also represented Florida Power & Light in 1997, when Mario voted for a state budget that included $900,000 for FPL's campaign to promote electric cars."

The Gordon in the firm's name is of course, Seth Gordon, the firm's managing partner and MDB's longtime friend and associate. Tia Diaz-Balart, MDB's wife, is also a partner.

Gordon has a lot riding on this election, so it should be no surpise then that he is helping out with the campaign. You'll see in the document to the left an invitation sent out by Gordon to a fundraiser held for Mario on Oct. 17.

Now, there is nothing wrong or illegal about this, it's just friends helping friends, but I think it is interesting to see the campaign behind the campaign, which is why I'm posting this letter here.