Jeb and Charlie, together at last ...

To raise money for the GOP. (click image to enlarge).

UPDATE: Bush is not expected to attend, having a prior obligation.

Crist and Sembler team up, again, to raise $

Powerful State rep. sidesteps fundraising ban

Like his colleagues, Rep. Stan Mayfield is not allowed to raise campaign money when the Florida Legislature is in session, because of the perception that lawmakers would be trading votes for donations.

But that has not stopped lobbyists and corporations with business before the Vero Beach Republican from giving him $96,000 since the session began in March.

Mayfield, a powerful committee chairman who wants to be Florida's next agriculture commissioner, legally sidesteps the fundraising ban by steering those unrestricted donations to a political committee known as a 527, a reference to the section of the IRS code that regulates such committees. (story here)

Obama'$ 52,000 FL donors

Here's what the campaign reports through 3/31. Impressive:

$9,138,833. 52,173 donors. 96,292 contributions. March: 17,905 donors. 22,320 contributions. 94% under $200.

McCain's top FL money bags

George W. Bush had his Rangers and Pioneers, and John McCain has his "Innovators" (who have raised at least $250,000)  and "trailblazers" (at least $100,000). Among the Arizona senator's top bundlers, here are the Floridians:

At least $250,000: Brian Ballard, Tallahassee; Manuel Kadre, Miami; John Moran, Palm Beach; Scott Rothstein, Fort Lauderdale. At least $100,000: Charles Cobb, Jr., Miami; John Dasburg, Miami; John Donahue, Naples; Marty Fiorentino, Ponte Vedra Beach; Alfred Hoffman, Jr., Fort Myers; Harry Sargeant, III, Gulf Stream; Glenn Steil, Sr., Bonita Springs

Atwater$' haul, Campbell's loan

State Sen. Jeff Atwater reports raising a whopping $512,000 in Jan and Feb, before the session started. His chief Democratic rival, former state Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell reports raising $70,000 in the quarter and loaning his campaign $100,000.

"I know we’ll face continued attacks from the Democrats and special interests as the campaign goes forward, but with the continued support of our grassroots fundraising network I’m confident we’ll have the resources to prevail against them in the election,” said a statement from Atwater, who as the designated senate president for 2009 should not be at a loss for people willing to write checks.

Jim Greer welcomes Michelle Obama

In honor of her fundraising jaunt through Florida, the RPOF chairman weighs in: "“Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama has completely isolated himself from the people of Florida, failing to meet with Floridians face to face for a substantive discussion of critical issues as we head into the Presidential Election this fall. 

“I understand that Senator Obama may finally grace the state of Florida with his presence in the coming weeks.  However, Florida Democrats should have some serious questions for him when he gets here—like how he can stomach using Florida as an ATM, while failing to take a stand for the inclusion of the votes of 1.7 million Floridians in the selection of the Democrat nominee for President.

Kosmas raises another $300k

Former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, one of the candidates national Democrats are most excited about in Florida, reports raising more than $300,000 in the last quarter and has more than $550,000 in the bank for her campaign against U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney. We haven't seen his latest numbers, but he had $455,000 on hand at the start of the year.

"I am extremely humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from Floridians who are ready for change in Washington," said Kosmas.  "People are joining our campaign because they want a representative who is in line with their priorities and who can find common-sense, effective solutions to the challenges we face." 

FL GOP money going slow to McCain

John McCain should be sitting pretty — catching his breath, building his campaign organization and filling up his campaign account — while Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton rip each other to shreds.Except that in the must-win state of Florida, many of the top Republican money-raisers have yet to step up for their presidential nominee.

Consider that of Florida's 66 so-called Pioneers or Rangers who raised at least $100,000 for Bush-Cheney in 2000 or 2004, only nine have contributed to McCain, a St. Petersburg Times analysis finds. While losing election after election throughout February, Clinton raised more than twice as much money from Florida — $1.25-million — as McCain, who drew $489,000. So did Obama, taking in more than $1-million from Florida.

JAX bucks for McCain

Among the bold-faced names helping John McCain in Jacksonville 4/3 catch up to Barack and Hillary in FL money-raising: former Bush-Cheney Rangers Tom Petway, Marty Fiorentino and John Rood are event chairmen, along with Ed Burr, JB Coxwell, Daniel Davis, John Falconetti, Michael Munz, John Peyton. Rood was a Mitt guy in the primary, Petway uncommitted, and Fiorentino with McCain.

The $2,300 per person luncheon reception is at the Hyatt. See here  for the full host committee.

Sanchez's national leadership post w/Obama

Frank Sanchez, the Tampa businessman, former mayoral candidate and former Clinton administration official, has been tapped to be Barack Obama's national chairman for Latino and Hispanic fundraising.

"I am proud to have the support of such an influential pioneer in the Latino community," Senator Obama said. "Frank will play a key role in reaching out to Latinos about our campaign’s vision to unite our country and expand our growing enthusiasm in the Latino community."

Michelle Obama returning to FL

The Mrs. will be raising coin in Tallahassee, Broward and Miami April 9.

Bush to visit Jax and West Palm Tuesday

President Bush will attend two fund-raisers and make a speech on trade in Florida on Tuesday.

He starts in Jacksonville where he'll attend a private Republican National Committee luncheon and make a speech on trade policy at the Jacksonville Port Authority. He then visits West Palm Beach for a quick fundraiser before flying back to Washington.

Bill Clinton returns to Florida

He'll be raising money for the Mrs. on Sunday: at the Home of Broward County Commissioner Diana-Wasserman Rubin and  Richard Rubin; at the home of former Fort Lauderdale city commissioner Dean Trantalis and Richard Smith in downtown Fort Lauderdale; at the Home of National Finance co-chair Chris and Irene Korge in Miami.

Arnold has his back

Rep. C.W. Bill Young got a little help from a celebrity friend and fellow Republican pol today: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger headlined a $1,000-per-plate fundraiser for the long-time Pinellas County congressman on Capitol Hill.

Turns out that Schwarzenegger, a former actor and body-building champion, has been pals with Young and his wife, Beverly, since 2003, when he visited Young while trying to convince Congress to restore $400-million the Bush administration had cut from after-school programs.

Young, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee at the time, was receptive to his cause. But what really got to Schwarzenegger was Mrs. Young's invitation for him to join her in visiting wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

"She held my hand and said, 'Before you leave to go back to California, can I take you out to the hospital, Walter Reed hospital?'" Schwarzenegger, who was in town for a National Governors Association meeting, told the crowd. "I said yes."

Roasting of Sen. Steve Geller

Crist raising coin in DC

Charlie Crist headlines a $5,000-per person state GOP fundraising reception at the Willard Inter-Continental Saturday evening. Jim Greer will be there. Host committee:  Brian Ballard, Dan Berger, Jason Roe, Harry Sargeant, Brent Sembler, Michael Wilson.

Welcome back, now hand over your wallets

Yee-haw, the 2008 session is about to begin. Budget cuts, property taxes, energy policy ... serious stuff to consider.

But first, a word from our sponsors.

With time fading to stuff the bank for November elections, House members are taking full advantage of committee week (remember: no money can be raised during session). Democrats take over The Moon tonight for a $500-a-head "welcome back" party featuring Tallahassee's Crooked Shooz.

Republicans continue where they left off Monday with eight fundraisers. Details here and here.

Korge v. Wagar

We transcribe, you decide: Mass e-mail from Clinton Florida Finance Chair Chris Korge: "...I am tired of my vote not counting! As Democrats and as Floridians, we should all be concerned that our voices are not being heard by our own national Democratic party. To have the largest democratic primary turnout in Florida’s history and then have those votes not count is unconscionable. We must demand that our votes be counted. ..."

Mass e-mail response to Korge from Obama FL finance chair Kirk Wagar: "I assume you know what you are doing when you incorrectly and dishonestly try to include Barack Obama’s campaign with any of this nonsense that has gone on with regards to the situation we, as Florida Democrats, find ourselves in.  You should be ashamed of yourself for such disingenuous tactics and you do not serve Senator Clinton, Florida Democrats or yourself well by outright lying simply because your candidate has a tougher fight on her hands for this nomination than you expected. When this issue arose, in AUGUST 2006, myself and many others immediately contacted the Democratic leaders in the state House, the State Senate, Senator Nelson, Karen Thurman as well as the DNC.  These state leaders chose to play chicken with the DNC, despite many of our protestations AT THE TIME of the consequences. ..."

And Korge's response below:

A bipartisan leg up for Sen. Margolis

Jeb backing McCain

At least that's the Buzz we're hearing today, that the former governor with impeccable conservative credentials has sent a check to the presumptive GOP nominee. It's a clear message to Republicans skeptical of McCain.

A word of caution, however - we haven't heard confirmation yet from Jeb himself.

Obama beating Clinton in Tampa Bay $

Where are Tampa Bay Democrats sending their campaign checks? Mainly to Barack Obama. Last year he raised more than $790,00 from Tampa Bay, compared to $417,000 in for Clinton. The Illinois senator nearly tripled her Tampa Bay haul in the final three months of '07, raising $306,000 to Clinton's $112,000.

Thanks to south Florida,Hillary still leads in Florida money-raising. She took in more than $6-million in Florida last year, compared to $3.5-million for Obama and $1.3-million for Edwards.

The Crist-Ballard-McCain axis of influence

Gov. Charlie Crist is campaigning out of state for the next two days with John McCain in advance of the Super Tuesday election results. Joining them is Tallahassee lawyer-lobbyist Brian Ballard, a Crist ally and leading Florida fund-raiser for McCain. Read the full story here.

Democrats outraising GOP in FL

After years of being outspent in presidential races, the top Democratic candidates in this election are collecting as much or more campaign cash than their leading Republican rivals, according to data released Friday.

The top Democratic finishers in this week's Florida primary, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, raised $6.2-million and $3.6-million respectively during 2007 in Florida, according to new figures from the Federal Election Commission. That compares to $2.3-million for John McCain and $3.7-million for Mitt Romney, the top two finishers on the Republican side. The most successful Republican fundraiser in Florida was former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who raked in $5-million in Florida, but finished third in the voting and has since dropped out.

More here.

Jumping from John Edwards to...Bloomberg

Pensacola trial lawyer Fred Levin, a bigtime John Edwards fundraiser, can't muster much enthusiasm for Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or any Republican. "I would hope that after Super Tuesday Michael Bloomberg would see that he is probably the best answer for this country,'' said Levin "He would have no obligation to anyone and the economy is the issue."

There's a lot of outreach and courting going on across Florida to former Edwards and Rudy Giuliani fundraisers. Edwards' former Fl chairman Mitchell Berger is with Obama, while we've yet to hear of a significant former Rudy fundraiser going with Mitt. Among those jumping to McCain: Giuliani Florida finance chairman Joe Fogg, Harry and Dan Sargent, Sarasota chiropractor Gary Kompothecras. Tampa developer Al Austin said he hasn't made up his mind, but Buzz recalls how Mrs. Austin always wanted him to go with McCain. 

Clinton fundraises, ignores nonpaying voters

Sen. Hillary Clinton flew to Florida Sunday to hit three fundraisers, one in the Sarasota area and two in Miami. About 1,000 people are expected to pay at least $1,000 and as much as $2,300 to see her. They expect to raise $750,000 Sunday, according to Clinton's financial team.

The first was at the home of Myrna and David Bank in Siesta Key, where neighbors like Susan Callahan waited outside for an hour for a chance to speak with Clinton. Callahan even put a sign her dog Polo, "Jack Russells for Hillary," although she is undecided as to who she'll vote for in the Democratic primary on Tuesday.  "Polo likes Hillary," Callahan said. "I admire her, but I'm undecided."

Yet, Clinton blew by in a motorcade and didn't stop on her way down a private road blocked off to the media and non-paying attendees.

Meet the governor - for $1,000

Gov. Charlie Crist is taking a breather from his Yes on 1 duties to raise cash for the RPOF.

Tonight, he'll be at the St. Petersburg mansion of Fazal Fazlin with party chair Jim Greer.

$1,000 gets you in the door.

Romney picks up some Thompson high rollers

Buzz hears a number of former Fred Thompson supporters -- including some top fund-raisers -- are joining Mitt Romney's campaign.

A formal announcement is expected to follow in the next day but the Romney campaign confirmed the addition of these folks: Former State Rep. Sandy Safley, Robin Safley, Brewser Brown, Foyt Ralston, Pete Dunbar, Clark Smith, Anita Mitchell. State Rep. Garrett Richter also was spotted at a Romney event in Naples yesterday.

Crossing party lines at the Governor's Club

Lawmakers are back in Tallahassee this week for committee meetings -- and to raise some money.

At least nine events are planned through Wednesday, including this one tomorrow at the Governor's Club. At the same time, in a different room, Democratic Sens. Dave Aronberg, Larcenia Bullard, Tony Hill and Gary Siplin hold court.

U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young running again

Rep. C.W. Bill Young, the white-haired Republican who has brought hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money to Pinellas County, has decided to run for re-election.

Young hasn't made a formal announcement, but he confirmed Thursday that he planned to file for his 20th term and that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will headline a Washington fundraiser for Young on Feb. 25.

Young, the senior Republican on the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, said he wanted to run for re-election so he could address the needs of the military.

"When we leave Iraq with victory and the Iraqis have a stable operation, we're going to have to do a lot of rebuilding," he said. "We're going to have worn out our equipment. That's what I do -- that's my job -- to make sure the military has the proper equipment."

Acquitted, Siplin hits fundraising circuit

Recently cleared of a felony conviction, state Sen. Gary Siplin has a new lease on political life. What better way to celebrate than a re-election fundraiser?

The Orlando Democrat will be at a $500 a person reception next week at the Governor's Club.

Lieberman hearts McCain

The GOP's favorite Democrat, Sen. Joe Lieberman, will be headlining a John McCain fundraiser Wednesday at Scott Rothstein's Fort Lauderdale home. $1k per person.

Atwater's Retail Federation bundling...

...is something else. Check out State Sen. Jeff Atwater's 4th quarter campaign donations and you'll see $500 contributions from the FRF General Ratailers PAC, the FRF Grocery Council PAC, the FRF Home Furnishings PAC, the FRF Merchants PAC, the FRF Pharmacy Council PAC, the FRF Quick Service Restaurant PAC, FRF Retailers & Merchants PAC, the FRF Specialty Retailers PAC - eight CCEs that share the same address as the Florida Retail Federation.

Maybe it's time we stop pretending Florida caps campaign contributions?

Is Karen Unger working for free?

The question arises amid Buzz that the Rudy Giuliani campaign, hurting for cash, is asking staffers to work for free. True? "Nope,'' said Giuliani spokesman Elliott Bundy. The Giuliani just announced it has more than $7-million on hand for the primary.

"From day one our campaign has been focused on a national strategy built around the new primary calendar.  As such, we’ve budgeted conservatively and effectively targeted our resources to win under this new system.  We will have the funds necessary to carry out our campaign plan and deliver the Mayor’s message in Floridaand beyond," said Giuliani Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime.

A six-figure penalty in elections case

In one of the biggest fines ever levied by the Florida Elections Commission, long-time Democratic fund-raiser Jeff Ryan has agreed to pay $209,000 to settle a case in which the FEC found that a committee he once headed committed 203 violations of the elections code by accepting donations above the $500 limit, plus six additional violations.

The charges stem from Ryan's involvement with Florida House Victory in 2004 and 2005, when former Rep. Chris Smith of Fort Lauderdale was House minority leader. The investigation, prompted by a Miami Herald news account,  found the committee routinely accepted donations in excess of the limit which applied to House Victory because it was created to support candidates, not issues.

The first installment of $100,000 was paid last month and the remaining $109,000 is due by June 30. As monstrous as the fine is, it could have been much worse, because the law allows a maximum fine equivalent to triple the amount of the violations. "The potential penalties were probably in excess of $1.5-million," said Ryan's lawyer, Mark Herron. He said it wasn't worth the risk of taking the case through a trial -- and the likelihood of much bigger fines.

The $19-million bundler

Interesting read: "...Zach P. Zachariah, president of the Fort Lauderdale Heart Institute, who is arguably the biggest Indian American bundler ever, most certainly for Republicans, is thus far sitting out this primary season. Over the years, Zachariah, a leading Florida cardiologist, is reputed to have helped raise almost $19 million dollars for Republican campaigns ranging from those of Bob Dole and the elder Bush to the current president and his brother, the former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. Almost a fifth of his fundraising money, Zachariah says, comes from Indian Americans. "

Last we knew, Zachariah was helping Fred Thompson. Other big Florida bundlers listed: Karim Alibhai (over $50,000 for Obama); AK Desai and R Vijay, Tampa Bay bundlers backing Romney.

Thompson have fuel to make it to Florida?

Tucked deep inside a Thompson campaign statement today about its focus on the upcoming South Carolina primary was this revealing statement:

"The campaign's headquarters staff is going above and beyond the call of duty to shift the focus to South Carolina, as well. National office staff will work for reduced pay through the South Carolina voting." (Emphasis added).

A victory for the native Southern son in the Palmetto state -- where an average of polls put him virtually tied for fourth with Rudy Giuliani -- is key to his plans for a big show in Florida. But will he have the money to make it here?

Riding the soft money train

TALLAHASSEE - State Sen. Jeff Atwater can't accept a free cup of coffee when he meets with a lobbyist because of a gift ban intended to lessen the influence of special interests on Florida's Legislature. But the North Palm Beach Republican rakes in donations of up to $25,000 for a political committee under his control.

Roughly a year before he is expected to assume the Senate presidency, Atwater sits atop a $521,000 fund raised from a few dozen donors in the past 11 months. Among the $25,000 contributors were AutoNation, political action committees for car dealers and Realtors, and Hartman & Tyner, a gambling company. Atwater is one of more than two dozen lawmakers who together have amassed millions of dollars under a continuing anomaly in Florida' political fundraising laws.

More here.

A very rare bird, that Rep. Don Brown

It's that time again. Back by popular demand is state Rep. Don Brown's Duck Hunt, the two-day Panhandle extravaganza of food, drink, fellowship, pheasant and quail hunting (and no doubt some quiet talk about all the terrible things Gov. Charlie Crist has done to the property insurance market in Florida).

Brown, a DeFuniak Springs Republican, is inviting lobbyists and others to sign up for the event the weekend of Feb. 22-23. Like other legislators who put on similar events, Brown has in his quiver a legal opinion that says lobbyist donations don't violate the ban on freebies because proceeds benefit area charities. It's all there at www.donsduckhunt.com, including the photo at left from the 2005 event. (Can we count on you, United Auto Insurance Co., to be a platinum sponsor again this year?)

Obama's muscle in FL

MIAMI -- In any conversation of more than a few minutes, Barack Obama's top advocate in Florida is apt to bellow, "I'll kick your a--," become agonizingly corny about the greatness of America, make an off-color ethnic joke, and predict that Republicans will nominate John McCain "because he's like the last chick left in the bar." Suffice to say, Miami lawyer Kirk Wagar, Obama's roguish Florida chairman, has not mastered the soaring rhetoric of the politics of hope.

But at 38, this cocky, born-again son of an arctic ship captain has emerged as one of the most important and courted Democratic players in America's biggest battleground state. Beneath Wagar's legendary political incorrectness is a ferociously loyal and idealistic champion who, not incidentally, can reel in reams of campaign checks. "He's just an unceasingly optimistic guy who doesn't know the meaning of the word 'quit. In the darkest days before the Iowa caucuses, this guy was just a horse calling in every favor and chit he had to keep our doors open because he was absolutely convinced we were going to win," said Sen. John Kerry, for whom Wagar raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and in 2004.

Story here.

Diaz de la Portilla helping Huckabee

Along with Marco Rubio and David Rivera, Miami state Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla is hosting the 12/26 $200-per-person Mike Huckabee fundraiser at the Miami home of Carlos and Michelle Pastor.

Al Hoffman jumps aboard team McCain

This is a big deal. The two-time RNC finance chairman, former Jeb finance chairman, and one of the most elite GOP fundraisers in America has cut short his ambassadorship in Portugal so he can help out Arizona Sen. John McCain.  "I couldn't stand by on the sidelines for '08 and let tha battle wage on and not be part of it,'' the southwest FL developer told Buzz today. "I feel like I can make a greater impact impact on the future of America doing that than serving out my ambassadorship."

Hoffman, who's hosting a McCain fundraiser at his home Sunday, said he's been surprised how many donors remain undecided after Romney and Giuliani have scoured the state for money so thoroughly, and that McCain's growing strength in New Hampshire makes it easier to persuade people.

"It all came down to one question: who would I want to be president in a time of national crisis, and what president is best qualified to keep us safe? I trust his judgement, I trust his character and I trust his understanding of what conflict is all about. It was a no-brainer."

More money-chasing than legislating

Florida lawmakers spent this week at the state Capitol, but many of them didn't accomplish much until the sun went down. By day, legislators were on light duty, meeting in committees to review programs and proposed laws.

By night, they flocked to clubs, law firms and trade-group suites to collect campaign checks from lobbyists and their clients. The ritual of plain white envelopes changing hands in the shadow of the Capitol is nothing new. What's different, lobbyists and some legislators say, is the frequency and intensity of the solicitations. (story here.)

The 'Battle' is on

Adams Street came back to life Monday evening as lawmakers here for committee week squeezed in some fundraising. The main event was a House Republican "battleground fundraiser" at the Doubletree.

"We've got to be on offense," said Rep. Will Weatherford of Wesley Chapel. "We've got to make sure we have a good message. We've got to make sure we're knocking on doors. But we also have to raise money."

Lobbyists migrated to the Governor's Club, where Senate President Ken Pruitt hosted a reception for Sens. Jeff Atwater, Mike Bennett, Paula Dockery and Steve Wise.

Democrats are also trying to gather checks for upcoming elections. Tomorrow, Rep. Dan Gelber will help raise money for five Democrats whose seats are vulnerable. The following day, Sens. Gwen Margolis and Nan Rich will hold an event at Chez Pierre.

Michelle Obama headed to Florida

Michelle Obama, seen here campaigning with her husband in Iowa this summer, is heading to Florida next week for a trio of fundraisers. First up: A gathering Thursday at the Tampa home of Lynda and Donald Temple.

Then, on Friday afternoon, Mrs. Obama heads to Caren and Dick Lobo's home in Sarasota. That evening, she'll go to Coral Gables for a fundraiser at the Biltmore. (See the jump for a list of hosts.)

The Donald says 'Yes' to tax initiative and Crist

He's the People's Donald, after all, and a pal of Charlie Crist. So Crist will join Donald Trump Thursday at Trump Tower in New York at a $1,000-per-person fundraiser for the "Yes on 1 - Save Our Homes" organization working to tax the Jan. 29 tax initiative. A number of Hamptons society types are on host committee: Linda Argila, Ed Bulgin, Carole Rome, and Jill and Bobby Zarin. (Invite is here.)

Rudy raising bucks in Fort Lauderdale

Got $2,300? Head to the St. Regis Resort in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow for a VIP reception and photo-op with Rudy Giuliani.

Or, for a paltry $100, tip a gin and tonic.

McCain: stop the madness

Before heading to three fundraisers in southwest Florida, John McCain this morning bemoaned the "crazy" compressed primary schedule , even as he promised that as the nominee he'd restore all of Florida's delegates to the national convention. He called it "bizarre" to have the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. "I mean, we're still recovering."

"I'd restore (Florida's delegates). But I have to tell you I'd also sit down with the Democrat nominee and try to work out a system so we make order out of this chaos,'' said McCain who would supporting keeping IA, NH, and SC as the first elections, followed by regional primaries stretched out over a longer period. "It's now over on Feb. 5, as you know, and we don't the convention until September. It's crazy. It's way too compressed and we've got to sit down and fix it. If the parties won't fix it, then I would suggest congressional action to fix it."

Florida Is The Center of the Political Universe

"Tonight Florida is the center of the political universe," said Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp at a private pre-debate Republican Party of Florida fundraiser that cost $1,000 to attend at the Vinoy in St. Petersburg Wednesday afternoon.

About 100 people, including lobbyists and several big name Republican fundraisers, attended the event. Guests included Gov. Charlie Crist, Congressman C.W. Bill Young, Mayor Rick Baker and Rep. Ed Homan among others.

Democrats drill for dollars

House Democratic leaders Dan Gelber and Franklin Sands will host a Dec. 11 fundraiser for a few colleagues who could face tough re-election campaigns.

Appropriately, the event will be held at the Florida Dental Association's Tallahassee office.

Also, Sens. Gwen Margolis and Nan Rich will preside over a "women in politics" fundraiser Dec. 12 at Chez Pierre.

Pruitt, Atwater get in the fundraising game

 

 

Dec. 10 is shaping up as a major fundraising day in Tallahassee. These events come on the heels of the House "battleground" gathering at the Doubletree.

The 'battleground' returns

Postponed during the special session on property taxes, the House "battleground fundraiser" is back on, for Dec. 10.

The event now includes 18 House members, so lobbyists may want to stock their checkbooks -- 18 x $500 is $9,000.

Hillary snags Buckhorn

Former Tampa city council member Bob Buckhorn, a savvy political strategist, fundraiser, and former Evan Bayh supporter, has signed on with Hillary Clinton's campaign. He's helping  host a Dec. 4 $250-per head Clinton fundraiser at the home of Pat Frank. The headliner is Clinton campaign chairman and former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe. 

"It is clear to me than nobody is better prepared to be the next president of the United States than Sen. Clinton,'' Buckhorn said. "Throughout the campaign she has proven her mettle, demonstrated her command of the issues and offered a vision for an America that we all aspire for. Now more than ever we need a president that inspires us, not divides us and who is ready on day one to lead this country."

Obama's Florida rainmakers

The Obama presidential campaign has released a list of its top fundraisers, known as bundlers, and categorized them by dollar amounts. At least 19 people from Florida make the list, which you can see here.

$50,000 to $100,000: Ricky Arriola, Jean-Philippe Austin, Lea Black, Barbara Garrett, Max Holtzman, Lynn Overmann.

$100,000 to $200,000: Jeremy Alters, Eddy Arriola, Donald Hinkle, Caren Lobo, Bob Mandell, Steve Pajcic, Bobby Stein.

More than $200,000: Charles "Bucky" Clarkson, Mark Gilbert, Marilyn and Allan Katz, Frank Sanchez, Kirk Wagar.

Political watchdog groups have credited Obama for releasing more detail than some of his competitors, yet the list still does not break down amounts raised or say where a person is from or what they do for a living. That part is up to us (reporters and the public.)

Huckabee's Tampa Bay bound

In the midst of a boomlet that has him in second place in several Iowa polls and fourth place in the latest FL public poll, Mike Huckabee is scheduled to be in Tampa Nov. 20 raising coin near the Palma Ceia Country club. There's a $250 reception and $500 one with photos and signed books. Hosts include:  BART & JAN AZZARELLI; STEWART & TAMMY BERTRON; BRIAN & DEBBIE BOLVES; BOB & TRICIA COLLINS; PHIL & KIM DINGLE; DAVID DUNKEL; CARY & ANN GAYLORD; ALEN & GAYE JONES; HELEN KERR; JED & KATIE KIRBY; SCOTT & LAURA LUTTRELL; BILL & ANN TEMPLETON; GIBBS & LORI WILSON.

In a sign that Huckabee might have some GOP rivals worried we received this footage of then-Gov. Huckabee ticking off all the tax increases he'd support:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaJW7nXw30A

Money bags Klein and Buchanan

A couple of Florida's rookie members of Congress - Republican Vern Buchanan and Democrat Ron Klein - are on CQ's list of top 10 incumbent fundraisers. With $1.8-million, Klein comes in at no. 4, while Buchanan, with $1.4-mil, comes in at no. 10.

Obama $arasota bound

Barack Obama will be in Sarasota this evening for a fundraiser, his second in Florida in as many days. He'll attend a $1,000-a-head reception at the home of Lisa and David Grain. Last night, the Democratic presidential candidate was in Boca Raton.

"I was a little reticent going to Sarasota with a Democrat," Florida finance chairman Kirk Wagar told the Buzz. "We'd go to Tampa, maybe St. Pete. But really it's pretty gratifying knowing how well we’ve been able to do in Sarasota." Wagar would not discuss the expected two-day take, only that it will be "well into the six-figures."

The Florida campaign is trying to schedule a December appearance by Michelle Obama. Barack Obama himself has joined other top Democrats in a pledge not to campaign in Florida. Fundraising, of course, does not fall under that pledge.

Put away the clubs, GOP donors

The Legislature's on-again, off-again effort to get a property tax plan right the second time has been likened to a mulligan in golf, a do-over. So it's fitting that as the session goes right down to the wire Monday, it has now forced the postponement of a Senate Republican fund-raiser and annual golf tournament at The Villages retirement complex. The Republican Party has told guests to cancel their room reservations and wait for word of a do-over.