Gov. Rick Scott continues to pile up the money for his political committee Let's Get to Work especially with former Gov. Charlie Crist now jumping into the mix.
Since Scott reactivated his 527 committee in the summer of 2011 it has raised $24.5 million. The vast bulk of that total has come in the last 11 months - some $19.3 million since the start of the year. It means that a year out from the election Scott in many ways has nearly achieved his goal of having $25 million to define his opponent by early 2014.
Much of the money has come from individuals and corporations that rely heavily on what actions are taken by the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature and Scott.
That includes gambling companies, health insurance companies and health care executives, utilities, business groups, and Florida agricultural interests such as Florida Crystals.
In fact, Florida Crystals gave a $500,000 check for Let's Get to Work on Nov. 8 - or four days after Crist made his bid for governor official. It stands as one of the largest single contributions to Let's Get to Work in the last two years. (The largest amount remains $1 million from Coral Gables health care executive Mike Fernandez.)
Florida Crystals has now contributed $650,000 to Let's Get to Work in 2013. Rival company U.S. Sugar _ and through one of its affiliates _ has put in $330,000 this year.
But what is slightly curious about the Florida Crystals donation is that it was given on Nov. 8 - yet it and a handful of other donations were not included in the list placed on the Let's Get to Work website until recently. Florida Crystals, as many may recall, had a contentious history with Crist and staunchly opposed his plans to purchase land that was owned by U.S. Sugar.
So that means that the amount raised by Scott's political committee since Crist made it official and filed his paperwork now stands at $5.2 million.
Crist, through his fundraising vehicle, has piled up $913,500 since he jumped into the race earlier this month. Crist has not reported donations to his main election account since that report is not required to be filed with the state until next month.
Comments