Influence100 Rick Wilson {player} “No better friend, no worse enemy,” sums up Rick Wilson perfectly, and there’s an ever-growing list of people who have discovered the multitude of reasons why you want this guy on your side. He has a long and impressive résumé, some of it well-known gigs with names like Giuliani, Cheney, Bush and Rubio, and some of it the subject of wild speculation (much of which likely comes from rumors started by Rick himself). Few work harder or smarter than Rick, but as those who have worked with him can attest, even fewer genuinely enjoy their work as much as he does. Rick believes in consulting as a profession, believes in his clients, and believes in the conservative cause, but perhaps his biggest effect will be the many people he has mentored over the years. Fiercely loyal, Rick shows such genuine joy when one of his friends finds success, and even more so if he was able to offer a word of advice, an introduction, or some other help along the way. As unfiltered and entertaining as @TheRickWilson might be on Twitter, The Real Life Rick Wilson is of an entirely different order of magnitude. His recent TV commentary has provided a glimpse into the consummate storyteller and mischief maker well known to those who have been lucky enough to get an invite to a #WilsonParty at his Tallahassee home. So go ahead and follow Rick’s Twitter account, but if you can get to know him in real life too, you’ll be better for it. Sarah Rumpf is a journalist and attorney living in Austin, Texas. Follow her on Twitter at @rumpfshaker.
Ellen Freidin {player} PHOTOS: Mary Beth Tyson (Wilson); Courtesy Ellen Freidin and Courtesy Nancy Watkins
Nancy Watkins {player}
I’m honored to have this opportunity to describe why Nancy Watkins is easily one of the 100 most influential people in Florida politics. It’s a relatively simple decision to place her on this list because quite frankly, Nancy sits on a pedestal by herself. If there were a Hall of Fame for Republican all-stars, Nancy Watkins would deserve a wing all to herself. She is THE Republican accountant, not just in Florida but nationally. Nancy not only manages the bank accounts for GOP candidates, committees and super PACs, but she has also succeeded in understanding and complying with state and federal election laws. That’s not an easy task. Most importantly, she keeps her clients out of trouble. There’s a rumor that I on rare occasions can be difficult to deal with. Nancy has mastered the skill in dealing with me. I would be hard pressed to identify a person in the political-campaigning business who has earned my trust like Nancy. Her advice is the gold standard. Jack Latvala represents District 20 in the Florida Senate, which covers much of north Pinellas County.
Ellen Freidin has spent the better part of a decade working independently to restore the people’s faith and trust in our state government. Through her unwavering and personal commitment to the Fair Districts Amendments, Ellen has shown what it means to be a top influencer in our state and nation. She’s gutsy and made it clear she was not backing down from a fight many thought impossible. She challenged the status quo in a thoughtful way that made the case that the redistricting process was fraught with political opportunism that caused average Floridians to lose faith in the electoral process. Determined to make a difference, even if it meant ruffling feathers, Ellen embarked on a journey with an uncertain outcome. History has been made. Often we see elected officials make proclamations and honor people’s work with catchy phrases. 2015 should be proclaimed as the Ellen Freidin Year because her voluntary work through Fair Districts is rebuilding faith in our democracy and going down in the history books. Christian Ulvert is president and founder of EDGE Communications and a former political director of the Florida Democratic Party.
FALL 2015 INFLUENCE | 103