Phil Ammann
In successfully hosting seven presidential candidates in Orlando this month, Gov. Rick Scott had one invaluable partner: Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts.
As first reported by the Tampa Bay Times, campaign finance records show that on June 2, the day of the Economic Growth Summit, the Walt Disney Co. gave nearly a quarter million dollars to Scott’s Let’s Get to Work fundraising committee.
The summit, held at the Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center, drew most of the top GOP candidates for 2016: former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, citing a Senate schedule conflict, appeared via video.
“Work” reported receiving $252,503.34 from Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts for “travel, food and beverages.” Apart from the Republican Party of Florida, the Disney check was the largest single donation to Scott’s political committee this year. The RPOF gave $500,000 in January.
The summit focused on the Republican governor’s role in improving the Sunshine State economy since taking office in 2011.
