Investigators: Fla. Gambling Probe That Led to Resignation of Lieutenant Governor Will Grow
“Large sums of money have been spent on lobbying efforts and donations to political campaigns,” Bailey said.
Records showed Allied Veterans paid at least $490,000 to Florida lobbyists between 2009 and 2012. International Internet Technologies, the software company that investigators said created the products used at the gambling centers, spent more than $1.2 million on Florida lobbyists during that same period. All of International Internet Technologies’ Florida lobbyists resigned Wednesday.
Florida campaign records also showed International Internet Technologies has poured in nearly $500,000 into campaign accounts since 2009, including more than $230,000 to the Republican Party of Florida and $60,000 to the Florida Democratic Party.Donations have gone to political committees affiliated with legislators and the direct campaign accounts of dozens of legislators, including current Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford.
Weatherford received a check for $500 in 2011, although he voted last year to ban the types of storefront operations.
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