A.G. Gancarski
Republican James Fishback’s campaign is a political movable feast: a performance art exhibit spending money as fast as it raises it and dependent on a handful of major donors to his political committee.
The Florida First PAC has raised nearly $535,000 through May, according to reports filed this week. Daniel Hassan of Palm Beach, who was born in Pakistan, contributed $375,000, with $300,000 given in the last two months. He is the CEO of Primawork Capital.
Christina Lavery Caruso, the registered agent for Tampa’s Integrity Motors of Florida, seems to have donated $50,000 to the PAC under the name “Christina Caruso” and another $50,000 as “Christina Lavery.” Both donations were sent from a business address.
Although it is not unusual for candidates to depend on one or two donors, Fishback’s activity stands out because most of the money is being spent quickly. Nearly $280,000 went to consulting fees, as well as food, gas, and lodging over the last two months.
The account currently has about $95,000 on hand.
Fishback’s campaign account has limits on how much can be donated by each person, so it cannot accept hundreds of thousands from just two sources. The campaign raised $92,300 from 437 contributors, spent over $102,000, and now has just over $17,000 on hand.
At the moment, Fishback is raising more money than former House Speaker Paul Renner, who brought in just over $106,000 in the last two months. In comparison, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins raised more than $5 million during that time.
Front-runner Byron Donalds has raised $81 million as a candidate, giving him a major advantage in funding as the campaign continues against his rivals.
