House and Senate Override Crist Veto of Leadership Funds Bill

In the latest knockdown of the diminishing legacy of former Gov. Charlie Crist, the House and Senate voted Thursday to override one of his vetoes, passing a bill that allows legislative leaders to control campaign funds.

"Governor Crist vetoed some things he shouldnt have vetoed," Sen. Don Gaetz said before the override vote in the Senate.

Under the law, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, are now able to raise unlimited funds for campaigns. Haridopolos and other supporters of the law had dubbed it the "transparency funds" bill, because they say it will provide greater transparency for donors and the public.

"That money right now goes into the party -- into a big washing machine -- into the Republican and Democratic parties. The money goes in and not all of it goes out. It'll be clear, it'll be transparent. All of the reporting that's currently in place will be in place for the leadership," said Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg.

Even though Haridopolos will be able to control campaign funds, he said Gaetz will be running the Senate campaigns during the next election cycle.

The votes for the law were 89-31 in the House and 30-9 in the Senate. The House vote went largely along party lines, but in the Senate, six members crossed the aisle, with Republican Sens. Paula Dockery of Lakeland and Mike Fasano of New Port Richey voting against it and Democratic Sens. Gwen Margolis of Sunny Isles, Bill Montford of Tallahassee, Jeremy Ring of Margate and Gary Siplin of Orlando voting for it.

Full story to follow.