Clelland, Simmons rake in cash for Senate races

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Hoping to return to Tallahassee, Democratic Senate candidate Mike Clelland raised $139,105 for his campaign account in January, according to a newly filed finance report. Clelland drew widespread attention in 2012 when he knocked off Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary, in a Seminole County House district. At the time, Dorworth had been in line to become House speaker. Clelland, however, lost a re-election bid in 2014 against Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood. In addition to the money raised for the campaign fund, a Clelland-led political committee, known as "Common Sense for Central Florida," raised $72,000 in January, the filings show.

Also in Central Florida, Senate Rules Chairman David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, raised $87,150 in January and had nearly $105,000 in available cash as of the end of the month. Simmons collected the contributions during the first 11 days of January, as lawmakers are barred from raising money during the legislative session, which started Jan. 12. State candidates and committees face a Wednesday deadline for filing reports reflecting campaign-finance activity through Jan. 31.