FISCAL CHASM WIDENS BETWEEN FLORIDA GOP, DEMS

While the Republican Party of Florida has nearly five million dollars in "federal money" available, the Florida Democratic Party has exactly $523 with over $294,000 in outstanding debt as of August 31. Those figures are according to financial reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, and only reflect the amount of money the parties can legally use to support candidates for the U.S. House and Senate and for "get out the vote" efforts.

We may very well see a slightly narrower chasm in the next few weeks, when the parties will file statements with the Florida Division of Elections which reflect so-called "state money", funds raised mainly from in-state groups that can be used to directly help candidates for governor, the Cabinet and Legislature.

At least one FDP official didn't mind taking a whack at former Executive Director and current gubernatorial candidate Scott Maddox.

State Senator Steve Geller (D - Hallandale Beach), who is in charge of Democratic races for his legislative chamber next year, blamed the party's poor financial state on Maddox's divided attention, according to Joe Follick's story in the Lakeland Ledger today:

"Having (current Executive Director and former Congresswoman) Karen (Thurman) there is a tremendous help and candidly, having Scott there is one of the reasons we're in the difficulties were in," Geller said.

Among the gubernatorial candidates, the two major GOP candidates have raised far more than their Democratic rivals. Attorney General Charlie Crist has built up a campaign fund of about $3.7 million, while Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher has raised more than $3 million.

In comparision, Democratic front runner Congressman Jim Davis (D - Tampa) has a war chest of about $900,000, State Senator Rod Smith (D - Alachua) about $800,000, and Maddox only about $300,000 since his belated entry.