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Latvala's Donations Dry Up Amidst Harassment Allegations

Jack Latvala announces his candidacy for governor in Clearwater
Courtesy Latvala for Governor campaign
Jack Latvala announces his candidacy for governor in Clearwater

Campaign donations for State Senator and candidate for governor Jack Latvala have dried up since allegations of sexual harassment surfaced.

What a difference a month makes. Since the allegations came to light in early November, only $60,000 was raised for Latvala's campaign for governor. More than half of that came from in-kind services provided by the state Republican party. And state records indicate he spent nearly all the revenue on his Tallahassee lawyer and a Los Angeles media consultant.

The month before, in October, Latvala raised six times that amount.

Meanwhile, Adam Putnam, his chief rival for the Republican nod for governor, collected $270,000 in November. The month's top fundraiser was Democratic candidate Philip Levine, who raised more than $800,000.

Latvala's campaign has been battered by allegations of sexual harassment by six women, and he is currently being investigated by the Senate. Latvala has denied the allegations.

Copyright 2020 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7. To see more, visit WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7.

Steve Newborn is WUSF's assistant news director as well as a reporter and producer at WUSF covering environmental issues and politics in the Tampa Bay area.