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Florida Gov. Rick Scott, right, and his wife Ann, wave after the swearing in for his second term as governor of Florida at the Florida state Capitol in Tallahassee on Jan. 6.(Photo: Mark Wallheiser, AP)
WASHINGTON — The election may be over, but the fundraising hasn't stopped for some of the nation's governors, whose allies are busy collecting more money from donors to help underwrite their inaugural bashes.
In some cases, the donations exceed what their supporters could contribute to their campaigns.
In Illinois, sponsors who give $25,000 to the committee raising funds for Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner's inaugural events get four VIP tickets to his Jan. 12 swearing-in, along with entry to two dinners, a reception and concert featuring country star Toby Keith and blues legend Buddy Guy, according to the committee's website.
State law limits candidates accepting more than $10,500 from a corporation or union or $5,300 from an individual.
In Florida, Republican Gov. Rick Scott decided to skip an inaugural ball and other lavish celebrations Instead, he sponsored a six-city "Jobs Jamboree" tour in December and his supporters held a prayer breakfast and receptions to mark the start of his second term Tuesday.
Even so, the Republican Party of Florida reported raising nearly $780,000 to underwrite his scaled-back inaugural events. Several of the donors — ranging from sugar producer, Florida Crystals, to the Isle of Capri Casinos — have interests in state politics. The Florida Insurance Council was among the top donors, giving $100,000 last month.
Voters selected governors in 36 states last November. Eleven are entering office for the first time.
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Most states don't impose limits on inaugural fundraising, which often are conducted by state parties or tax-exempt groups run by politicians' allies. Government watchdogs, however, point to the influx of post-election cash as another opportunity for special interests to curry favor with new and returning governors.
"At the very least there should be disclosure," said Dale Eisman, a spokesman for liberal-leaning Common Cause.
Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf said the committee has pledged to disclose its donors and won't accept any contributions from people and organizations who are prohibited from donating to candidates. Illinois law, for instance, bars companies with large state contracts from donating to elected officials.
In Florida, meanwhile, Scott's allies say the donations don't influence policy decisions. "A lot of Floridians support Gov. Scott," said Susan Hepworth, a spokeswoman for the state GOP.
In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov.-elect Tom Wolf said he will cap donations to his inaugural festivities at $50,000 per donor. He plans to disclose the names of those who contribute at least $500 on Jan. 15 — five days before he takes the oath of office — and again on March 30. "I am committed to openness and transparency," he said in a statement.
In Colorado, where Democrat John Hickenlooper will begin his second term Jan. 13, the inaugural committee has placed no limits on the size nor source of contributions, but plans to release the names of those who have contributed $100 or more to the events, said inaugural spokesman Ben Davis.
Davis declined to disclose the budget for Hickenlooper's low-key celebrations — which include a buffet barbecue and a concert, featuring Colorado bands, that will benefit charity.
While some governors have scaled back their celebrations, Texas Gov.-elect Greg Abbott is planning a two-day, Texas-style bash. Highlights include performances by country stars Lady Antebellum and Pat Green at his Jan. 20 inaugural ball.
A parade, complete with flyovers by Texas National Guard F-16 fighter jets, will wind through Austin before his formal swearing-in. Four tons of brisket and 2½ tons of potato salad have been ordered to feed the 17,000 people expected for a post-inaugural barbecue on the grounds of the state Capitol, spokesman John Wittman said.
"Everything's bigger in Texas and that includes our inaugural celebration," Wittman said.
The event also comes with a big budget: $4 million, funded by donations and ticket sales. Wittman said the committee has not imposed any caps on the size of donations and will decide soon whether to disclose donors beyond listing sponsors on the inaugural programs and event signage.
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