State: Florida answers 'last call' for Bush

The state that funneled millions of dollars to George W. Bush's campaign and ultimately handed him the presidency is sending more cash to Washington to help him celebrate.

Florida businesses and executives have contributed more than $1.3-million to help pay for Bush's inauguration Saturday, according to figures released by Bush's inaugural committee.

The total includes $100,000 contributions from two Tampa Bay residents: James MacDougald of St. Petersburg, the founder of ABR Information Services; and John Sykes of Tampa, the founder of Sykes Enterprises and former leader of the group seeking to bring the Olympics to the area.

MacDougald, a registered independent who described himself as "not all that political," said Tuesday he was asked to donate to the inauguration by Tampa developer and GOP fundraiser Al Austin.

"I believe George W. is a conciliator," he said. "I'm hopeful he'll have a very centrist government with no one out on either edge."

Al Hoffman, the Bonita Springs developer who was Bush's state finance chairman, also helped raise the money for the inauguration and contributed $100,000. He said Tuesday that contributing money to a campaign is different than writing a check to help cover the expenses for the inauguration, which could top $40-million.

"Theoretically it's not political -- Republicans aren't benefiting from it nor are Democrats," said Hoffman, who is succeeding St. Petersburg area developer Mel Sembler as the Republican National Committee's finance chairman. "They're doing it out of charity, basically. He's going to be president whether they donate or not."

But Larry Makinson of the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign finance watchdog group, said the contributions send a signal to the new president and carry little risk.

"It's like the last call for drinks at the bar as it's just about to close," Makinson said. "It's the last chance to get in on the election after you already know what the outcome is. They will be grateful for it -- and they will remember it."

Most of the contributors from Florida are among more than 150 individuals or businesses nationwide that gave $100,000 each to help pay for the inauguration. In return, those contributors will receive tickets to each of the eight inaugural balls and other invitation-only events.

"A real bargain," Hoffman said. "It's been a long, long road. I'm worn out. A lot of people are, but not so worn out they can't celebrate for one day."

Several of the $100,000 contributors to the inauguration also were prominent fundraisers for Bush's campaign, which raised more than $5.7-million in Florida.

Besides Hoffman, five others raised $100,000 for the president-elect's campaign. They include Jacksonville insurance executive Tom Petway, who also is the chairman of the state Board of Regents that oversees the university system; and developers Mark Guzzetta of Boca Raton, Gary Morse, who developed the sprawling Villages retirement community in North Florida, and Ned Siegel of Boca Raton.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida and two of its subsidiaries combined to contribute $100,000 to the inauguration. Mike Hightower of Jacksonville, a Blue Cross/Blue Shield lobbyist and executive, raised $100,000 for the Bush campaign.

Overall, the Bush inaugural committee has raised more than $17-million. Florida's total is the fifth-highest, after Texas, California, the District of Columbia and Ohio.

- Times researcher Kitty Bennett contributed to this report.

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Lucy Morgan

From the Times state desk