Days before the Florida Legislature convenes for its annual 60-day session, state lawmakers already are busy and shifting into overdrive — raising money from special interests, that is.
In what has become an annual rite, most state legislators are in an all-out fundraising binge, collecting as many checks from special interest groups as possible before the legislative session formally starts on March 3.
In this 2009 file photo lobbyists and political onlookers crowd the rotunda between the House and Senate chambers on May 1, 2009. (AP archivePhil Coale)
That’s because House and Senate rules prohibit lawmakers from raising money during the session, in an effort to eliminate the appearance of votes being cast as a quid pro quo for checks from various interest groups affected by legislation.
In response, the special interest groups have turned to using the week before the session as their best chance to influence lawmakers.
Former state Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, said that, within the shadow of the towering Capitol building, lobbyists pack bars and restaurants on nearby Adams Street at this time of year, passing checks to seemingly anyone they think can help them get bills passed — especially on the day before the session starts.
“It is like a New York City ticker tape parade, but instead of confetti flying, there are envelopes with checks,” Bennett said.
Former State Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, a New College of Florida political science professor, said the week before the Legislature meets is “just plain awful” because of the sheer amount of money that trades hands at local bars and clubs. Fitzgerald said he told one lobbyist while he was in office that he would not support the desired legislation during the session, yet still received a check in the apparent hope he would change his mind.
The practice is not confined to Tallahassee. Back in their home districts, legislators hit the fundraiser circuit just as hard during the week before session.
On Tuesday night, for instance, a Sarasota rum distiller hosted a fundraiser for state Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, who is sponsoring a bill that would allow the firm to sell more of its products.
“It’s the only time we can do it,” Steube said of the fundraising blitz. “I can’t raise any money again until May.”
Greg Steube is congradulated by his supporters after his win, at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch. (Herald-Tribune archive / Michael Short)
Steube said he had no problem holding a fundraiser at the rum distillery, even though his legislation would benefit the company if it passes. Steube said he has been working on the legislation for years, long before Drum Circle Distilling offered to help his campaign.
Also on Tuesday, state Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, sent a mass fundraising email to potential donors with an explanation for why he needed money now.
“By law Legislators are prohibited from accepting contributions during session (March 3 to May 1), but our goal is still to have a good base by summer,” Pilon wrote. “I am asking all of you who have supported me in the past to consider a contribution before the deadline.”
Important week
History shows why this week is so important to legislators.
In 2014, state Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, raised just under $52,000 for her campaign account for the whole year. Almost $46,000 of it came in the two weeks before the session. Of that, $23,000 came on the day before the session.
Similarly, Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, raised $82,000 in all of 2014 for his re-election. About $60,000 came in the four weeks before the Legislature started — $20,000 on the day before the session.
Ray Pilon wins the state House District 72 race in 2012 and spoke during the Sarasota GOP party at the Hyatt in Sarasota. (Herald-Tribune archive / 2012 / Thomas Bender)
For Steube and Pilon, there is added pressure to raise money early, because of the potential they may soon be battling for a state Senate seat in the 2016 election.
Detert is leaning toward running for a Sarasota County Commission in 2016 instead of staying in the Senate. If her seat opens, Pilon and Steube have said they will run for it and are trying to stockpile money a campaign. Former state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Venice, and former Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson are also eyeing the seat. Patterson, Pilon, Steube and Holder are all Republicans.
Holder is not in the Legislature after being term-limited from office, and is not prevented from raising money during the session. Still, the Venice Republican said he is headed to Tallahassee this week with hopes of capitalizing on the fundraising action.
For the candidates with eyes on the Senate, the next few days offer a chance to amass contributions to show the media, party activists and other donors who are the strongest candidates.
