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(Orlando, FL - July 26, 2010) An official complaint lodged late last week with the Florida Elections Commission (FEC) reveals a disturbing pattern of possible campaign finance violations committed by Florida Hometown Democracy, the sponsor of Amendment 4. The complaint-filed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce-lists more than 70 possible violations that have occurred within the last two years and which carry a potential penalty of more than $70,000. However, incomplete financial reports from Florida Hometown Democracy reveal a long history of failing to report donor information, dating back to 2003.
"We don't yet know how deep the rabbit hole goes," said Ryan Houck, executive director of Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy. "But we know that these violations are serious. For example, they have failed to include important donor information for an individual who has contributed nearly $50,000 to their campaign. That's absolutely outrageous, especially since their campaign has a long history of attracting donations from fringe interests."
Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc. has received more than $800,000 from a special interest lawyer, more than $35,000 from an adult entertainment mogul, and more than $30,000 from a radical population control group known as "Floridians for a Sustainable Population."
"This may be just the tip of the iceberg," said Adam Babington, vice president of Government Affairs for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, who filed the complaint with the FEC. "Florida Hometown Democracy has routinely chosen to ignore Florida's campaign finance laws. Hometown Democracy special interest lawyers want to change Florida's constitution, but they can't even follow Florida's law. This is very concerning to me, and should be to every voter in Florida. I urge the Florida Elections Commission to investigate further."
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