by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The primary election for State Attorney is more a year away, but Chief Assistant State Attorney Jay Plotkin has already retained the services of the Dalton Agency in his bid to succeed current State Attorney Harry Shorstein, who announced earlier this year he won’t seek re-election.
“They will work with all aspects of my campaign, from messaging to the best way to get that message to the public,” said Plotkin, who has drawn opposition from only Angela Corey, who used to work under Plotkin but now is a prosecutor in the 7th Judicial Circuit.
According to a release sent by Dalton Agency President and CEO Jim Dalton, his advertising and public relations firm will be Plotkin’s agency of record and develop the strategic campaign plan, fundraising program, message delivery and voter turnout program.
“We are pleased to be working with Jay for this very important election,” said Dalton. “Jay has both the experience as a prosecutor and as an administrator to be able to hit the ground running from day one upon his election. Voters are looking for his style of leadership.”
The Fourth Judicial Circuit serves Duval, Clay and Nassau counties.
Plotkin said he considered other area public relations firms, but eventually decided on the Dalton Agency after talking with friends who had been involved in political races in the past.
“There are lots of good people in Jacksonville, but this was a really easy choice,” said Plotkin. “The Dalton Agency brings the most to the table. I have worked with Michael Munz (Dalton vice president) before and Jim Dalton is involved in some of the same community work I do.
“I was impressed with their work.”
Corey has been in the race since early in the year while Plotkin filed to run just a few months ago. According to the State of Florida’s elections office Web site, Corey raised $115,897 as of June 30 while Plotkin raised $82,778. No one else has filed to run to date.