GOP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES PULL IN THE DOUGH

The candidates for governor are beginning to announce their fundraising efforts for the quarter ending June 30, and the Republican candidates are raking in the money at a record setting pace, according to this story in the Palm Beach Post.

Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher announced last week that his campaign raised just over $3.02 million during the three month period, but Attorney General Charlie Crist has apparantly shattered that record, announcing Wednesday that he has collected more than $3.8 million.

The Democratic candidates are far behind in the amount raised. Congressman Jim Davis of Tampa only reported contributions of $390,000 during the three month period and $809,000 for the year. State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua reported $349,000 raised during the quarter. Smith got a late start in fundraising as state legislators are not permitted to raise contributions while in session. Scott Maddox, former mayor of Tallahassee and Florida Democratic Party chairman, has said that he does not expect to begin doing any serious fundraising until the beginning of this quarter, which began last Friday (July 1).