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Red Dog Blue Dog
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lorida’s political establishment swapped policy debates for drink orders at the 10th annual Red Dog Blue Dog fundraiser, transforming Tallahassee’s Township bar into the Florida Legislature’s most spirited competition. The milestone event raised nearly $50,000 for local animal shelters while proving that bipartisan cooperation flows freely when the cause is right. The evening’s friendly rivalry between Team Red and Team Blue brought out the competitive spirit in Florida’s lawmakers, who discovered that constituent service takes many forms – including mastering cocktail recipes and keeping tip jars full. Republicans claimed victory with a narrow $2,170 edge, though organizers emphasized that the true winners were the four-legged beneficiaries. Now a decade strong, Red Dog Blue Dog has evolved from a novel fundraising concept into a must-attend Capitol tradition. The event’s success stems from its simple formula: combine Florida’s political leaders with a worthy cause, add generous supporters, and watch bipartisanship flourish. 38
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INFLUENCE Summer 2025
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