MARLINS NAME NEW LOBBY GROUP TO AID TAXING STADIUM ISSUE

          The Marlins have selected Tallahassee-based lobbyists
     Brian Ballard of Smith, Ballard and Logan and Pete Dunbar of
     the Pennington Law Firm to "get tourist taxes through the
     state legislature" for a $400M ballpark, according to
     Charles Elmore of the PALM BEACH POST, who writes, "Both men
     have longstanding Republican connections, not a liability
     with the GOP in control of the legislature and governor's
     mansion."  Ballard has represented the Yankees in past
     dealings with the FL Legislature.  The Marlins have "parted
     ways" with lobbyist Ron Book, "making a complete sweep of
     political operatives with ties" to former Owner Wayne
     Huizenga.  The lobbying firm of Poole & McKinley "already
     resigned from representing" the Marlins because Huizenga is
     "opposed" to a tax on rental cars to help fund the ballpark
     (P.B. POST, 10/13).  The Marlins are expected to announce
     next week that they have "narrowed their search" for a
     ballpark site to one in downtown Miami and one in downtown
     Ft. Lauderdale (MIAMI HERALD, 10/13).