Rick Scott Uses 527 Law to Circumvent Florida Campaign Finance Law

Tallahassee, FL – Today, McCollum for Governor Campaign Matt Williams issued the following statement regarding Rick Scott’s 527 organization, “Let’s Get to Work,” and the launch of its new negative television advertisement today:

“Rick Scott’s fraud continues.  While baselessly attacking Bill McCollum, a month ago Rick Scott established his own 527 political organization with the sole intent of using it to circumvent the $24.9 million cap on campaign spending. Moreover, while noting to the media the Rick Scott for Governor campaign would be controlling and funding the “Let’s Get to Work” 527, they violated Florida election law by failing to file a statement of solicitation for gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott until almost a month after the creation of the organization.

“In light of the fact that Rick Scott deliberately created a 527 to self-fund more desperate attacks against Attorney General Bill McCollum, we have decided to begin soliciting funding for organizations that will work to educate Floridians on Bill McCollum’s record of solid conservative leadership, expose the fraud and hypocrisy that marks Rick Scott’s record and identify misleading attacks against Bill McCollum and other principled conservative Republican candidates. Today, in an abundance of caution, Bill McCollum filed paperwork noticing he will in part maintain – not run or control – the Florida First Initiative, Inc. and the Sunshine State Freedom Fund. Both of these entities have created the required public websites.

“As has been evidenced in just the last few days, the more we learn about Rick Scott, the more we learn nothing he’s said squares with his record. We are committed to continuing this important education process with Florida voters.”

For more information, campaign news, and updates, visit www.BillMcCollum.com.