Jeb Bush Inc. - Large sums of GOP cash from special interests

• The Republican Party of Florida raised more than $3 million in the first three months of 2005, much of it in large chunks from special interest groups that have a stake in bills now before the Legislature.

The Republican Party of Florida took in more than $3 million in contributions during the first three months of 2005 -- including nearly $200,000 from gambling interests eager to win passage of a bill that spells out what kind of slot machines will be allowed in Broward County. The Republicans raised more than 10 times the amount of money that went to the Florida Democratic Party so far in 2005, although political organizations controlled by Democratic state legislators also raised as much as the party did during the time period. The money flowing into the Republican Party coffers so far this year reads like a who's who of special interest groups that have a stake in the legislation now being deliberated during the 60-day session, including those in the real estate and development business, as well as healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. That may not be an accident, since top Republican lawmakers like Senate President Tom Lee, a Brandon Republican, hosted fundraisers on behalf of the party prior to the start of the 2005 session in March. Some of those who gave to the party this year include the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund, which gave $10,000 in February. Last week, lawmakers sent to Gov. Jeb Bush legislation sought by the NRA that expands the use of the so-called ''castle doctrine'' in Florida and allows citizens to use deadly force to defend themselves when they feel threatened, even outside their home. [more]

• Corporate welfare: Florida hands out millions in public money to private business to create jobs, but the value of what it gets in return is questionable. [more]