Morgan’s departure may hurt Democrats

His move to leave party could harm its fundraising ability

TALLAHASSEE — John Morgan’s decision not to run for governor as a Democrat leaves a wide-open field for the nomination, but his move to leave the party altogether could also put a big dent in the party’s ability to raise money as it gears up for a crucial election cycle next year.

Morgan, a major Democratic fundraiser who helped rake in money for Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Charlie Crist, tweeted on Friday that he was frustrated with both parties and would become an independent. He continued the theme in Twitter posts Sunday and Monday.

“@BernieSanders and @realDonaldTrump taught us that the party doesn’t matter. Ideas, vision and inspiration do. For better or worse. #ForThePeople,” Morgan tweeted.

For a party that’s struggled to keep up with Republicans in the search for cash, it could be a major blow.

It also comes amid turmoil at the Florida Democratic Party.

Its chairman, Stephen Bittel, resigned this month after Politico reported six former staffers and consultants complained of inappropriate behavior. All four Democratic candidates for governor — Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, Winter Park businessman Chris King and former Miami Beach Mayor Phil Levine — called for him to step down.

And two major GOP candidates — Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and state Sen. Jack Latvala — each brought in more money in August than Gillum, Graham and King raised combined.

Morgan has also been increasingly frustrated with how funds are spent by the Democratic National Committee and other entities he helps raise money for.

“When you send money to one of these organizations, I always have a vision of this black hole with total incompetence with running and managing the money,” Morgan said in an interview Wednesday, before he decided to leave the party.