Get your checkbooks ready, PAC chairs and Tallahassee uber-lobbyists, there are a handful of fundraisers for legislative candidates planned for Monday, the final day before session begins.
Legislators are prohibited from raising money during the session, so the hours leading up to the gaveling in of the annual lawmaking period are packed with fundraising receptions, many held just a few hundred feet from the Capitol.
Because of recent changes to the state’s campaign finance laws, legislators are now able to receive checks up to $1,000 per election cycle.
The final day of fundraising begins with a reception to support candidates Fred Costello in his effort to return to House District 26; Eric Eisnaugle in his campaign for the House District 44 special election; and Scott Plakon as he tries for another shot at House District 29.
Hosts include Speaker Will Weatherford, Speaker Designate Steve Crisafulli and chairs Richard Corcoran and Jose Oliva. The event begins 11:30 a.m. at the Library Room of the Governors Club, 202 South Adams Street in Tallahassee.
The Beer Industry of Florida is hosting a reception for the re-election effort of State Rep. Jamie Grant for House District 64, beginning 4 p.m. Monday. Weatherford, Crisafulli, Corcoran and Oliva are chairs. The Beer Industry offices are 110 South Monroe Street, Suite B.
Democratic Leader Rep. Perry Thurston, Leader Designate Mark Pafford and finance chair Janet Cruz are hosting the Pre-Session Round-Up beginning 4 p.m. at the Governors Club Third Floor Dining Room. RESVs are welcome by emailing deputy Finance Director Yani Andre at [email protected] or call (850) 224-0888.
A little later, Crisafulli, Corcoran and Oliva will run over to the Governors Board Room of the Governors Club for a reception supporting the re-election of freshman Rep. Mike La Rosa in House District 42, which includes Osceola County and eastern Polk County. The event begins 5 p.m. at 202 1/2 South Adams Street. For those who cannot attend, but still want to give — before the March 4 deadline — visit www.MikeLaRosa.com.
The three GOP leaders will split their time with a reception for Rep. Pat Rooney, who will also be honored 5 p.m. in the Capital Room of the Governors Club.
Also at 5 p.m., Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith and Leader-Designate Arthenia Joyner are holding the “Drink, Drop, Dash” reception also at the Governors Club Library.
Capping off the night, Crisafulli and Corcoran will honor Republican Party chair Eddy Gonzales for Hialeah City Council, as well as a dozen GOP re-election efforts — Reps. Ben Albritton, Frank Artiles, Michael Bileca, Matt Caldwell, Jose Felix Diaz, Erik Fresen, Jeanette Nuñez, Jose Oliva, Carlos Trujillo, Manny Diaz, Jr., Holly Raschein, and Ray Rodrigues.
The event begins 6 p.m. at 510 North Adams Street.
