Tallahassee, Fla., (WTXL) - Today the Leon County Sheriff's office is saying, they continue to obtain records, investigating Mayor Andrew Gillum's alleged use of a publicly funded email server for personal political gain.
According to Sachs Media Group's campaign and branding director, Michelle Ubben, Gillum's early declaration of his intentions to run for governor may explain why his email headaches remain in the spotlight.
"Being to a political race early has its advantages and disadvantages. All of the focus is on you which is good, especially in a small market area like Tallahassee and you're trying to introduce yourself to the entire state." Ubben says, "On the other hand all the focus is on you, so any missteps are going to get a lot of attention."
Gillum told WTXL earlier this month about the email scandal. "I had three emails that were more political than what should of come out through my office. One announcing that as mayor of the City of Tallahassee." Gillum told us, "The use of that logo was deemed to be inappropriate."
As for the rest of his campaign, Gillum says Floridians are hungry for leadership.
Next Gillum's best move might be to focus on the issues that matter to him as a candidate. Ubben emphasizes the importance of establishing a campaign's message in the early days of a campaign.
"The first 30 days is critical to any political candidate. It's the time they set their message, its the time they decide what their brand is about. For Governor Scott it was Jobs, jobs, jobs. He showed a lot of message discipline which he still shows today. For President Trump it was all about draining the swamp and making America great again."
Gillum sent us this statement in regards to his first 30 days:
"It's been an incredible first month for our campaign - from Jacksonville to Miami to Tampa and here at home - we're seeing an incredible hunger for leadership that can put Floridians back to work at every rung of the income ladder and open affordable healthcare to all. Today in Miami, we talked about the critical importance of Obamacare and how I'll expand Medicaid as Governor - it's essential for our future. We won't let partisan games distract us from this important opportunity to improve the quality of life for all Floridians."
