Florida lawmakers are allowed to raise campaign funds while in session, but several GOP legislators did very well in February before the 2015 session opened.
Political committees linked to four powerful Senate Republicans collected nearly $1.7 million in contributions in February, according to campaign-finance information posted on the state Division of Elections website.
A committee called “The Conservative,” which is linked to Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon, hauled in $743,500 during the month, bringing its overall total to $1,580,294. It had spent $458,376 as of Feb. 28. The committee’s contribution total included a $250,000 infusion from the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, which has been led by Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando.
Also last month, the “Florida Leadership Committee,” which is headed by Senate presidential hopeful Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, raised $487,625 in contributions, bringing its overall total to $3,255,788. The Latvala committee had spent $2,331,723 as of Feb. 28.
Meanwhile, the committee “Innovate Florida,” which is chaired by Senate Majority Leader Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, collected $317,150 in February, bringing its overall total to $1,828,129. The committee had spent $850,907 as of Feb. 28.
Also, a committee known as the “Treasure Coast Alliance,” raised $137,750 in February, bringing its overall total to $2,181,100.
The committee, headed by Senate presidential hopeful Joe Negron, R-Stuart, had spent $1,717,779 as of Feb. 28 — including sending $51,000 last month to the “Right to Rise” PAC that is supporting the potential 2016 presidential candidacy of former Gov. Jeb Bush.