Crist Campaign Boosted by $1 Million in Public Cash

Former Gov. Charlie Crist got a financial shot in the arm for his campaign to unseat Gov. Rick Scott Friday when the state paid out $474,000 in public funds Friday.

All told, Crist’s campaign has received just over $1 million in state funding, according The Tampa Tribune. Crist isn’t alone in accepting public dollars either. Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi has accepted about $343,000 while her Democratic opponent George Sheldon has collected $139,000. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam have also collected cash courtesy of the state, Bay News 9 reported.

Notably missing from the list of recipients is Scott, who turned down cash in 2010 and is again refusing a boost from taxpayers.

While Scott and others, such as former Gov. Jeb Bush and former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink, have said no to public funding, the practice of using state dollars to fund political campaigns isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s been voter approved. Back in 2010 the GOP tried to push a constitutional amendment that would have repealed giving political candidates public financing, but it was voted down.

The state’s program allows candidates to receive matching dollars for donations made by Florida residents. Money that comes from out-of-state donors and corporations isn’t eligible for matching funds. Those who accept the cash must also agree to spending limits.

Some Republicans say the practice amounts to “welfare for politicians.”

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