Johnnie Byrd: lobbyist?

Former House Speaker Johnnie Byrd once harangued lobbyists (and lawmakers) who didn't follow his lead. For a month this spring, however, he changed sides, registering as a lobbyist for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association of Dover.

Byrd, a Plant City lawyer, was registered to lobby (without much notice) from Feb. 15 until he withdrew March 17. For what, the Buzz knows not. Byrd and the association didn't return calls.

But Byrd, who also expressed disdain for the press, continues other recent pursuits: Saturday radio show host on WGUL in Tampa Bay, and a columnist at Townhall.com.

Comments

[John McCain]

I am so proud that Speaker Byrd has continued to uphold his pledge to look out for his constituents. His family is doing so well.

Byrd's radio show is pretty good.

cool

If by "cool" you mean mean spirited, bully, and self centered - you are correct.

Other than PK - not one person in the House (members and staff) was sad to see him go.

I think this reporter got it wrong. Johnnie Byrd never expressed disdain for the press; he expressed disdain for the L-I-B-E-R-A-L press who have never been anything but a mouthpiece for tax-raising Democrats in Tallahassee.

Johnny Byrd has always been a 'lobbyist' for the alzheimer's center in Tampa and I'm glad he has. He is trying to do something about a terrible disease that is going to devastate a whole lot more of us than we realize.

does byrd have any original thoughts? go ahead and read his columns at townhall - they are replete with quotes from other people - heck i can write like that - give me google and a well greased " key and I too can write just as good as byrd

well go ahead 10:44!