OF ALL PEOPLE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND HIS CAMPAIGN STAFF SHOULD KNOW...

A very interesting note in the Florida media this week that Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist's campaign, in it's rush to shatter previous fundraising records, violated election rules by 1) accepting at least two dozen contributions over the individual legal limit of $500 (Florida Statutes 106.08 (1)(a)), and 2) accepting over 1,800 contributions over $100 from people who did not list their occupations.

The Miami Herald reported the violations Thursday. Crist campaign advisor Mac Stipanovich told the newspaper that those contributions over the individual limit had been returned, although it was not reflected in the financial report as the checks were cut after the quarterly period ended June 30. Volunteers were attempting to contact those who failed to list their occupations as required by law.

It didn't take long for the campaign of GOP challenger and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher to opine on the situation. Campaign senior strategist David Johnson said the AG should abide by the letter of the law, which required complete reports be filed with the state elections office within ten days of the close of the reporting period.