TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Four Florida gubernatorial candidates from both major parties are receiving public matching money from taxpayers.
On the Democratic side, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham has received $1.1 million, while Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum got a check Friday for about $436,000. On the Republican side, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has received $1 million and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis has gotten about $886,000 even though some GOP leaders have called the program “welfare for politicians.”
So far the state Division of Elections has distributed $4.5 million, with most of it going to gubernatorial candidates. Democratic attorney general candidate Ryan Torrens received $89,000 Friday.
Any candidate for state office can qualify. The amount each receives is based on how much money they raise from Florida residents.
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