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Senate GOP leaders haul in money


Political committees linked to four powerful Senate Republicans collected nearly $1.7 million in contributions in February as lawmakers readied for the 2015 session, according to campaign-finance information posted on the state Division of Elections website. A committee called "The Conservative," which is linked to Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon, hauled in $743,500 during the month, bringing its overall total to $1,580,294. It had spent $458,376 as of Feb. 28. The committee's contribution total included a $250,000 infusion from the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, which has been led by Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando. Also last month, the "Florida Leadership Committee,'' which is headed by Senate presidential hopeful Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, raised $487,625 in contributions, bringing its overall total to $3,255,788. The Latvala committee had spent $2,331,723 as of Feb. 28. Meanwhile, the committee "Innovate Florida," which is chaired by Senate Majority Leader Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, collected $317,150 in February, bringing its overall total to $1,828,129. The committee had spent $850,907 as of Feb. 28. Also, a committee known as the "Treasure Coast Alliance," raised $137,750 in February, bringing its overall total to $2,181,100. The committee, headed by Senate presidential hopeful Joe Negron, R-Stuart, had spent $1,717,779 as of Feb. 28 --- including sending $51,000 last month to the "Right to Rise" PAC that is supporting the potential 2016 presidential candidacy of former Gov. Jeb Bush.