The Floridians funding DeSantis’ shadow campaign

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/florida-playbook/2023/08/01/the-floridians-funding-desantis-shadow-campaign-00109145 ^ | 08/01/2023 | GARY FINEOUT and KIMBERLY LEONARD

[Miami Rebel]

BREAKING OVERNIGHT — The Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis-affiliated super PAC, Never Back Down, reported its finances for the first time late last night, showing who is donating money for the effort and how it’s being spent.

Unsurprisingly, many of the high-dollar donors are Florida-based businesspeople.

CAUGHT OUR EYE — Destin-based developer Jay Odom contributed $400,000 to the group aiding DeSantis’ 2024 presidential run, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

THE BACKSTORY — Odom was indicted in 2013 over a straw donation scheme supporting 2008 candidate Mike Huckabee’s presidential campaign. He’s a well-known GOP donor who also played a central role in a controversy surrounding one-time state House Speaker Ray Sansom that ultimately led to Sansom’s resignation.

[Miami Rebel]

These are all public filings. Missing is any mention of Ken Griffin, the multibillionaire head of Citadel Capital. He moved his outfit from Chicago to Miami recently and has become the biggest philanthropist in the state. Up until recently he has regularly praised the governor.

[elenvee]

“Shadow” campaign? No bias there. They’re called PACs and SuperPacs. You may have heard of them.

Floridians support their governor’s bid for the presidency. The horror. Let me clutch my pearls.