Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, is launching a political action committee to influence electoral outcomes in Florida with the ultimate goal of improving the positioning of the NFL franchise.
Previously, he spent $10 million on a project to pass a tax increase that would fund renovations on the Dolphins’ stadium. The effort failed.
Ross plans to support Republican Governor Rick Scott, who he feels is a pro-business governor. Scott could face a tough re-election effort next year against likely opponent, Charlie Crist, the former Republican governor who is now a Democrat.
The PAC, called Florida Jobs First, will play in both parties and will be run by former George Pataki operatives Kieran Mahoney and Michael McKeon. Ross is expected to be able to bring on additional donors, and the PAC sent around the first batch of mailers last week.