Miguel Diaz de la Portilla Put to the Malarky Test

 

Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell puts Florida state Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portia's statement that changing the legal limit campaign contributions from $500 to 10,000 is pure "malarkey."

Details of the bill.

* Up to $10,000 to a candidate for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, or any political committee supporting or opposing only such candidates. The bill maintains that candidates for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor are considered a single candidate for the purpose of this section.

* Up to $5,000 to a candidate for statewide office other than Governor and Lieutenant Governor, or any political committee supporting or opposing only such candidates (such as a candidate for Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, or Commissioner of Agriculture).

* Up to $2,500 to a candidate for legislative or multicounty office, or any political committee supporting or opposing only such candidates.

* Up to $1,000 to a candidate for countywide office or any election conducted on a less than countywide basis; a candidate for county court judge or circuit judge; a candidate for retention as a judge of a district court of appeal or as a justice of the Supreme Court; or any political committee supporting or opposing only such candidates.

Unsurprisingly, lobbyists aren't happy about being shakedown for more money.

I realize that campaigns are more expensive. I am opening to a higher contribution limit. What bothers me is Portilla's B.S. sales pitch. He should have the decency to sell his bill on its merits.

We are talking about a guy who is a former lobbyist and whose brother, Alex specializes in running dirty campaigns. Alex has also been been accused of stalking his ex-wife. You will be happy to know that Alex has ambitions of running for Congress.

Side note: The Orlando Sentinel video uses a picture of Alex. Maxwell meant to use a photo of Miguel. It is so hard to keep track of which brother is more ethically-challenged.