Audio By Carbonatix
Independent Journalism in Miami Needs You
We need to raise $10,000 by August 9 to support the reporting our community depends on. Reader support keeps us independent and is playing a larger role in funding local journalism and shaping what comes next. If you believe independent local journalism matters, make a contribution today.
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.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
