Drew Dixon
The Florida GOP posted its fundraising numbers for the first quarter of 2020, raising nearly $2.5 million in the first three months of the year.
Data from the Florida division of elections show more than 150 individual contributions to the Republican Party of Florida between January and March. More than 100 of those contributions were made in January, another 27 came in February and despite the coronavirus crisis, another 20 contributions were made in March accounting for a total of $2.47 million collected in three months.
March contributions slowed as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the nation with just $364,000 of the total first quarter haul.
Contributions slowed as increased restrictions and social distancing guidelines hit most municipalities in the state. The committee fundraising was solid in the beginning of the month, peaking with eight contributions made on March 11 alone. There were another five contributions on March 13.
Then contributions to the Florida GOP came almost to a complete halt with only four more contributions for the rest of the month. There was only one contribution to the committee between after March 13.
Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. donated $50,000 on March 11, elections data showed.
Other large contributors to the GOP committee in the first quarter included Duke Energy which kicked in $175,0000; RAI Services Co. tobacco ponied up $100,000; Leon Medical Centers in Miami-Dade County also contributed $100,000; and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts contributed another $122,000 in in-kind contributions that included lodging, food and beverages, according to state elections records.
One comment
Lisa Martell
April 10, 2020 at 8:57 pm
Mr. Dixon,
Normally, the topic of this piece would be met by me with a “whatever” kind of response.
Given the state of our world, I feel the need to share my thoughts.
I apologize in advance if I come off as being “snarky”.
No surprise that the FLGOP raked in some decent $ for Q1.
It’s encouraging that things really slowed down by mid-March. When we were already in
the thick of it being led by the 2nd worst Crisis Mgr I have ever seen.
I suspect that we will still be in some sort of pandemic/”recovery” mode for awhile. I’m wondering whether the money will once again start pouring in, and from whom? Hmmm
Let’s wait and watch.
This crisis is owned by POTUS, DeSantis and US/State level GOP elected officials. I’m seeing comments from the likes of Sen. Lindsey Graham, WSJ and Trump supporters that he is no longer running against Biden in November. He is running against covid-19. I agree completely. Trump and all down ticket GOP’ers are in serious peril in terms of whether or not they will prevail in November. Will the Florida base show up enthusiastically? If the money does start pouring in, the optics of these contributions would look bad in my opinion as only the largest among them will have the means and thus be given all of the help and support while leaving the “regular” people in our State with precious little assistance.
Since this virus does not discriminate and is now present in all 67 counties, will Trump country still be behind him?
Will the Florida GOP have enough in their coffers to contribute where necessary, have their convention and perhaps participate in the general beyond our borders.
If we put an “open for business” sign on this State before it is scientifically and data driven safe to do so, we could experience a second wave in which case, any hope for meaningful GOP success is over. It’s all on them.
A silver lining during these horrific times.
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