Drew Wilson
It’s been a six weeks since Lauren Book began her run for termed-out Sen. Eleanor Sobel’s Senate District 33 seat, and her first campaign finance report showed quite the haul.
The author and advocate entered the race Sept. 1 with more than $660,000 in committee money on-hand. September saw a $42,000 gain in committee money, with an astounding $354,974 in contributions to her campaign account, which can only accept contributions up to $1,000. Expenditures were minimal at $2,796.
Cash on-hand totals for Book’s campaign account and political committee, Leadership for Broward, already add up to more than $1 million and easily top what the other 15 Democrats running for Senate seats in 2016 have been able to raise – combined.
The first-time candidate brought in 475 contributions across the two accounts – not quite a full box of thank-you cards, but still an impressive amount of support.
Donors hailed from all corners of the state, especially the lobbying meccas of South Florida and Tallahassee. Dozens of Florida lobbyists, attorneys and consultants sent a check, including Book’s father, Ron Book. Other notable donors include Disney, Florida Power & Light, and former Miami Heat all-star Alonzo Mourning.
Book’s opponent, Democrat Emmanuel Blimie, also filed to run in September but hasn’t filed his first campaign finance report yet. When he does, he’s sure to prove woefully overmatched. Other party candidates are also a minor threat in the district, which carries a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage for Democrats.
