The business of politics: A look at how much money Central Florida companies put into campaigns
Central Florida businesses apparently don’t believe in trying to buy influence.
Their political contributions so far make up just $2.6 million, or 2.9 percent, of all money given toward politics in the state so far this year.
Overall, Floridians contributed $88.1 million to the political machine this year. Of that, businesses statewide contributed $37.4 million, or about 42 percent, according to an Orlando Business Journal analysis of data for the first nine months of 2011 from the Florida Division of State, which tracks contributions to candidates, committees, political action committees and parties.
“At first blush, [the numbers] seem low for Central Florida,” said Dick Batchelor, a political consultant and owner of Dick Batchelor Management Group Inc. “I would have thought the contributions would have been much higher.”
So why do businesses donate to campaigns?
“There’s no use in sugar coating it: The real reason is access with results,” Batchelor said. “They want favorable treatment of their issues.”
Meanwhile, Tallahassee will spring to life Jan. 10 for the 2012 legislative session in which state lawmakers will tackle such issues as drawing district lines, dealing with a $3.5 billion hole in the budget and whether to allow destination casinos.