Democrats and never-Trumpers help fund anti-Leek attacks, pro-David Shoar ad in SD 7
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Records reviewed by Florida’s Voice reveal that major donors to a committee helping attack Rep. Tom Leek in the Senate District 7 race have given millions of dollars to Democratic candidates and causes over the past several years.
Some major totals by these donors include over a quarter million dollars to President Joe Biden, over $3 million to various Democratic parties and groups, over $320,000 to the American Association for Justice, nearly $100,000 to The Lincoln Project, over $100,000 to former Sen. Bill Nelson, over $168,000 to former President Barack Obama and more.
The donors have given money recently to Floridians for Accountability, Freedom and Opportunity, including trial lawyer Mark Avera to the tune of $50,000, who is vehemently anti-Trump, according to several of his social media posts.
This committee has given nearly $2 million to another political committee, The Truth Matters, which is spearheading attacks on Leek from the right, despite its Democratic backing.
The Truth Matters operates a website slamming “Liberal Leek” and claiming to link him to “liberal Democrats.”
The group also ran an ad, titled “Fights For Us,” supporting former St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar in challenging Leek.
Donors have given more than $94,000 to Immigrants’ List, over $44,000 to former Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum, and more than $75,000 to Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.
They also gave over $40,000 to 2010 Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink.
Some other recipients of these groups’ backers include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Ct., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Rep. Pramila Jaypal, D-Wash., and Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif.
Thousands have been given to pro-Democratic groups, such as MoveOn Political Action.
The district sought by Leek includes St. Johns, Putman, Flagler and northern Volusia County. The primary takes place Aug. 20, and general election Nov. 5. It is currently represented by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast.
Former St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar, a Republican, is seeking Senate District 7 as well.
The other Republican is Gerald James, and there is only one Democrat filed: George Hill II.
Leek has gained the endorsement of several prominent Florida Republicans for the seat, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, the sheriffs from his district, and others.
