Carlos Alvarez and Natacha Seijas Turn to Alex Diaz de la Portilla To Fight Recall

Alex Diaz de la Portilla, a former state senator known for engaging in dirty political campaigns, is rounding up votes to stop Mayor Carlos Alvarez and County Commissioner Natacha Seijas from getting recalled, according to two sources close to both politicians. In the midterm elections, Diaz de la Portilla helped...

By Francisco Alvarado

February 25, 2011

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Alex Diaz de la Portilla, a former state senator known for engaging in dirty political campaigns, is rounding up votes to stop Mayor Carlos Alvarez and County Commissioner Natacha Seijas from getting recalled, according to two sources close to both politicians. In the midterm elections, Diaz de la Portilla helped his brother Miguel win the state senate seat he had in a brutal campaign against former state Rep. Julio Robaina of South Miami. At least one of the insiders views Alvarez's hiring of Diaz de la Portilla as a sign of desperation.

For one Alvarez has not been kind to brother Miguel, a lawyer lobbyist who has been on the losing end of some of the mayor's vetoes. "Alvarez has cost Miguel Diaz de la Portilla money," says the source. "Now he is turning to his brother. These are the people who are going to save him? If that is the case, then the mayor is screwed."

Nevertheless, Diaz de la Portilla is also known for his proficient absentee ballot collection, which will likely constitute a large portion of the votes cast in both recall elections.

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Francisco Alvarado was born in Nicaragua and grew up in Miami, giving him unique insight into the Magic City and all its dark corners. An investigative reporter with a knack for uncovering corruption, Alvarado made his bones as a staff writer at Miami New Times and remains in dogged pursuit of the next juicy story.

Contact: Francisco Alvarado

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