The scent of money was overwhelming in Tallahassee this week. It's a wonder the entire town didn't turn green.
Our Legislature is preparing for its annual 60-day session that begins March 2.
They are like squirrels worried about a long cold winter, stashing cash instead of nuts.
House and Senate rules forbid fundraising when the Legislature is in session.
You can tell how close the session is by the number of fundraisers scheduled during a week ostensibly called for committee meetings. This was the last week lawmakers will be in town together before they return to haunt us for 60 days.
They were busy little bees. Not passing bills, but mostly raising money. Some weeks these folks come to town and spend more time fundraising than they do in committee meetings - a clear sign of their priorities.
At least 45 fundraisers were scheduled for 66 different lawmakers on four different nights. They ran the gamut from small affairs in a corner at Clyde's, a popular watering hole a block from the Capitol, to fancy affairs at the University Club and the Governor's Club. There was even a skybox affair at the FSU-Virginia basketball game.
Republicans and Democrats alike participated in the money chase. There was even a "welcome back" money collecting session for Rep. Cary Baker, R-Eustis, a National Guard officer back from the war.
It has become so unseemly even most lawmakers admit they are embarassed to always have their hands out.
This year the spectacle will be worse. Although the rules say members cannot raise campaign money during session, lawyers in the House and Senate have decreed the rules don't apply to candidates for federal office.
The federal candidates say it would be unfair if they couldn't raise money while their opponents can. One might make the same argument for incumbent lawmakers. There is nothing constraining those who would run against them from raising money during the 60 days lawmakers are confined to Tallahassee.
That means we're likely to see more fundraisers from at least four members who are running for the U.S. House and Senate.
They include House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City, and Sen. Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden. They are both in the hunt for the GOP nomination for the seat Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Graham is leaving.
At least two members are running for Congress. Sen. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, D-Weston, is seeking the seat being vacated by Democratic U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch of Broward County. At least she took her fundraising home to Plantation Tuesday night instead of taking advantage of the captive audience of lobbyists near the Capitol.
Rep. Carole Green, R-Fort Myers, is seeking the seat being abandoned by U.S. Rep. Porter Goss of Sanibel.
It's an odd situation that allows some lawmakers to raise money while others can't and some are questioning whether it is legal since the rule is designed to control the behavior of lawmakers. The lawyers say state rules or laws can't govern a federal election, but others say all legislators should comply with all rules.
It won't be quite as bad if the federal candidates confine their fundraising to areas outside Tallahassee. But if they are strongarming lobbyists in the middle of session, it will get about as bad as it can get.
Tallahassee is not filled with citizens hoping to donate money to these folks. But it is filled with lobbyists who bring checks. And yes, they want something in return.
Money buys access. If you don't believe it, just ask some of the lobbyists who represent clients who don't have any money to donate.
