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Special Session Fundraising Freeze Could Affect a Local Matchup August 7, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando -- Florida legislators up for reelection have until noon Thursday to raise money for their campaigns. Incumbent fundraising must stop once the special session starts. House and Senate rules prevent lawmakers from fundraising while the chambers are in session. That includes during the special session to redraw district maps and comply with a judge’s ruling. The Legislature convenes at noon, and 90.7 Political Commentator Dick Batchelor says every minute before then counts. "They can spend the last moments and basically use the upcoming session as a reason to say, 'I can’t raise money during the session, so I need your help now,'” he says. "They just have to work those phones and work those phones." Batchelor says incumbents usually win re-election and enjoy strong financial support. But, some have tight races this year. He points to Central Florida’s Democratic primary in which Senator Geraldine Thompson faces former Senator Gary Siplin. That race is in 19 days – and Thompson could be off the campaign trail for half of them. |
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