In their pursuit for a new ballpark, the Marlins are
battling FL's "high-powered cruise industry" over a $4 per
passenger surcharge on multiday cruises, and the Ft.
Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL's Linda Kleindienst wrote that
"before the end of this game, both sides may employ more
lobbyists" than players on an MLB roster. The Marlins
"already have 28 registered lobbyists, the cruise industry,
18." On the Marlins' side is a "battery of high-powered,
well-connected lobbyists," a "low-budget TV ad campaign and
a simple message: let the voters decide." The cruise
industry "has its own bank of lobbyists," as well as
"billboards, phone banks, TV and radio ads, and an alarmist
message: millions of dollars, jobs and the local economy are
at stake." Kleindienst wrote that the "battle does not
promise to be a pretty one," and the Marlins have "been busy
working Cuban radio and black leaders for support." In "raw
political clout, the Marlins have the clear edge," as they
have hired "people who can persuade legislative leaders to
clear the path the bills have to take through committee"
(Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 3/26).
SUPPORT BY GEORGE: Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner
offered his support for a new Marlins ballpark and said he
would recommend the team relocate if it does not secure one.
Steinbrenner: "I want [Marlins Owner John Henry] to know
that if he wants to move that team, he'll have my support
and the support of the [Yankees]. There's a lot of places
out there that want franchises." Henry is a former minority
shareholder in the Yankees (MIAMI HERALD, 3/26).
