Campaign fundraising robust in spite of Irma

Republicans rake in five times as much cash as the state’s Democrats.

Florida Republicans pulled in $2.6 million, about five times as much as the Democrats, for the upcoming gubernatorial race.

Hurricane Irma put the brakes on fundraising for a few days, but the major announced and potential candidates for Florida governor ended up collecting nearly as much campaign cash in September as they did the month before.

Candidates and committees raised a combined $3.1 million in September after collecting $3.4 million in August. The difference was almost entirely attributable to one committee — Democratic Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine’s All About Florida PAC — raising no money in September after snagging $251,015 in August.

Republicans raised $2.6 million during September, nearly identical to their August haul. Democrats raised $530,429 in September after collecting $755,573 in August.

Irma swept through the state Sept. 10. Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala of Clearwater raised eyebrows by going ahead with a previously scheduled kickoff fundraiser Sept. 7 as the storm approached. In the week after

Irma hit, Latvala’s campaign reported $47,250 in contributions, but spokesman Preston Rudie said Latvala did not campaign or solicit money during that period.

Similarly, Democrat Gwen Graham collected $19,658 from Sept. 10-16, but spokesman Matt Harringer said checks or online contributions were not solicited by Graham or the campaign. Among the Republicans:

■ Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam was the top money-raiser in September, garnering $252,292 for his main campaign and $926,550 for his Florida Grown political committee during the month. Between the two entities, Putnam began October with nearly $14 million in cash on hand for the 2018 race.

■ Latvala raised $824,200 during September between his principal campaign and his Florida Leadership Committee. He began October with more than $4.6 million in cash on hand.

■ House Speaker and potential gubernatorial candidate Richard Corcoran of Land O’Lakes raised $434,000 through his Watchdog PAC in September and has $3.9 million on hand.

■ The Fund for Florida’s Future, a PAC expected to support U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Palm Coast, raised $173,333 during the month and has $1.6 million in the bank. Among the Democrats:

■ Graham’s campaign and her Our Florida committee raised a combined $304,211 in September and have $2.5 million in the bank.

■ It was a slower fundraising month for the other declared candidates. Winter Park businessman Chris King collected $148,044 and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum raised $78,174.

■ Levine, pondering a Democratic run for governor, did not raise any September money through his All About Florida PAC. Levine has contributed $2.6 million of his own money to the committee, which began October with $4.6 million in the bank. In an indication that Levine is likely to run, the committee this week announced the hiring of veteran Democratic fundraiser Courtney Whitney, who has helped raise money for Sen. Bill Nelson and Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign.