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Crist kicks off fundraising in Tampa

More than 200 Republicans from across the state committed to raising thousands of dollars for Crist's gubernatorial campaign.

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published May 24, 2005

TAMPA - Dozens of Florida's top Republican money raisers converged Tuesday at the Tampa Airport Marriott, promising to help pump millions into Charlie Crist's campaign for governor.

"It was the biggest kick-off event I've ever been to. Amazing, just amazing. A very impressive group of people," said Pinellas state Committeeman Paul Bedinghaus, one of more than 200 Republicans from across the state who showed up and committed to raise thousands of dollars for the Crist campaign.

Crist is the early frontrunner in what promises to be a tough and unpredictable Republican primary against Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher. The standing room-only crowd at the airport hotel Tuesday was Crist's "Founders Club" of top fundraisers aiming to raise at least $10,000 apiece.

Gallagher backers are confident. Some veteran strategists supporting him contend that in a large state where TV ads are crucial, Gallagher's team of proven campaign professionals and his extensive fundraising network will be decisive.

Gallagher this week announced that his finance team would be led by Jacksonville insurance executive Tom Petway and Boca Raton developers Mark Guzzetta and Ned Siegel. Each has been a major fundraiser for Jeb and George Bush and earned the title of Bush-Cheney "Rangers" by bringing in at least $200,000 for the president's re-election.

But the crowd gathered to kick off Crist's fundraising effort showed that the attorney general from St. Petersburg is positioned to be a mighty fundraiser himself. His finance chairman is St. Petersburg developer Brent Sembler, son of Ambassador Mel Sembler, the former finance chairman for the Republican National Committee.

Those gathered with Crist at the airport included Bush-Cheney "Rangers" Marty Fiorentino, a lobbyist from Jacksonville, and Husein Cumber, a railroad executive from Broward County.

Others included Mitch Bainwol, chairman of the Recording Industry Association of America and former chief of staff to Sen. Connie Mack; Brian Ballard, a lobbyist and former chief of staff to former Gov. Bob Martinez; David Rancourt, lobbyist and former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Bush; Jim Magill, lobbyist and former legislative director to Gov. Bush; Vern Buchanan, an auto dealership owner who served as finance chairman of Mel Martinez's U.S. Senate campaign last year; former education commissioner Jim Horne; Dr. A.K. Desai of St. Petersburg; and Treasure Island businessman Bill Edwards.

"I was overwhelmed," Crist said of the turnout in Tampa, a few hours before heading to a fundraiser in Tallahassee.

Democrats running for governor include U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa, former state Democratic Chairman Scott Maddox of Tallahassee and state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua.

-- Staff Writer Steve Bousquet contributed to this report. Adam C. Smith can be reached at 727893-8241 or adam@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 24, 2005, 19:30:04]