Michael Moskowitz, a Democrat attorney and lobbyist, has been a long-time supporter of Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs. Recently, Moskowitz has made headlines by representing Florida House District 96 write-in candidate Ronald Bray. Moskowitz convinced a Leon County Circuit Judge that Bray should not be removed from the race even though he admits he violated Florida election law. The law requires a write-in candidate to live in the district at the time of qualifying. Bray admits he does not live in district 96. If Bray had been removed, non-Democrats would have been allowed to vote in the August 26th Democratic primary. The two candidates in the primary are Steve Perman and Kristin Jacobs.
In June, RED BROWARD revealed Bray was Kristin Jacobs’ “campaign aide extraordinaire” during her ill-fated 2012 Congressional campaign. Under “work and education” on his Facebook profile, Bray lists “campaign field organizer, May 2012 to Jul 2012.” Federal financial reports show Bray was a paid member of Kristin Jacobs’ 2012 U.S. Congressional campaign. Jacobs paid Bray $506.10 on June 29, 2012. Bray posted several pictures on Facebook of himself canvassing for voters with Jacobs. One of his Facebook friends called him Jacobs’ “campaign aide extraordinaire.” Bray even asked Facebook friends to help make phone calls. He said, “i will buy the pizza and sodas.”
Political insiders believe Jacobs benefits from a closed primary. She has been a staunch supporter of extreme environmental ideas and other liberal issues. Jacobs spearheaded the County Commission’s efforts to defy State officials by allowing Obamacare navigators into State-owned facilities. In a open primary, Republican and Independent voters may punish Jacobs for her extreme liberal views.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATE WITH ZERO NET WORTH HIRES HIGH-PRICED LAWYER
In official campaign records, Bray lists his net worth as zero. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Miami. So how can Bray afford a high-priced attorney like Michael Moskowitz?
The Sun-Sentinel tried to ask Moskowitz this very question.”Moskowitz said he can’t reveal who’s paying him, but he isn’t doing the job as a favor to Jacobs or at her request.” He claims Democrats asked him to get involved to stop Republicans. “I was requested by a bunch of leading Democrats in this county and in this state to get involved in the matter,” he said. “People may want to assume this was Kristin-engineered. I can tell you that’s not what led to my involvement.”
Moskowitz lobbies for several clients before the Jacobs and the Broward County Commission. He represents Sheltair, Metropica and the entities behind the Florida Panthers hockey club. But Moskowitz said “one thing has nothing to do with the other.”
JACOBS RECEIVES BIG BUCKS FROM FLORIDA PANTHERS
Last April, an investigation showed Kristin Jacobs often accepts money from special interests tied to the Florida Panthers. Since 2012, Jacobs has received at least $38,000 from Florida Panthers officials and lobbyists. Since September of 2013, Florida Panthers officials, subsidiaries, and lobbyists have contributed $6,000 to Jacobs’ House race. In March, another investigation detailed how Jacobs received campaign contributions from an individual who attempted to hide his connection to the Florida Panthers.
(Moskowitz represents the bank suing Commissioner Chip LaMarca in his foreclosure case.)
“When someone gives to the campaign of Kristin Jacobs do they get a favor in return? The answer is no,” said Jacobs, referring to herself in the third person
MOSKOWITZ AND JACOBS TOGETHER AT POLITICAL RALLY
On April 19, 2014, Charlie Crist opened a campaign office in Plantation. While Crist addressed supporters in the parking lot, Moskowitz and Jacobs spent the time chatting. RED BROWARD obtained several photographs of them. Isn’t nice that our politicians get along with the local lobbyists?
