Corcoran campaign spending drops
Since January 2013, state Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, was spending more than $9,000 a month on a campaign without an opponent — a statistic shared in the March 20 edition of The Laker/Lutz News. But now that spending has slowed significantly.
In March, Corcoran spent just $1,550 — a fraction of the nearly $16,500 expended the month before, and an 83 percent drop from his average, according to state election records.
Corcoran’s biggest bill in March was to his accounting firm, which he paid $1,050. He also attended and bought advertising at an event hosted by LifeChoices Women’s Care in Lutz.
Corcoran defended the fact that he’s spent more money than any other candidate in House races — including those with opponents — because it gives him a chance to connect with constituents.
“If there’s any chance you get where you can communicate with the voters and get their input, we do it,” Corcoran said in March. “Anytime you get input from the voters, that just makes you much more effective.”
Corcoran’s fundraising has not slowed down, however. He raised $21,000 in March, well ahead of his $14,500 monthly average. Some $7,500 of it came from out-of-state, including $1,000 from Pepsico, and $1,000 each from DirecTV LLC and Dish.
Through March, Corcoran has raised just under $207,500, with $87,000 in the bank.
Clay shoot for Mike Moore
Mike Moore is looking to raise more money for his Pasco County Commission campaign with a clay shoot June 21.
It will take place at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cost would be $125 per person, or $500 per team of four. All payments would be considered political donations.
MacManus to speak at PFRWC luncheon
University of South Florida professor Susan MacManus is the guest speaker at the Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club monthly luncheon, May 2 at 11:30 a.m., at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.
MacManus, a distinguished professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at USF, will speak on government and international affairs.
Cost is $15.
For reservations, call Fran Scerbo at (727) 597-3727, or email her at .
Aging group gives Bilirakis award
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. has given its Distinguished Leadership Award to U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor.
The nonprofit group coordinates services and care for senior citizens, the disabled and caregivers throughout the two-county area.
“I am humbled and inspired by this honor, and remain committed to ensuring older Americans are treated with the dignity they deserve,” Bilirakis said in a release.
Bilirakis, who represents District 12 in Washington, D.C., faces James Denton Jr. in the August primary, and recently pulled another challenger in the form of Lois Duncan, who has no party affiliation.
Coffee with Burgess fundraiser
Danny Burgess, who is seeking to succeed Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, in state House District 38, is hosting a coffee fundraiser April 29 at 9 a.m., at Rose’s Café, 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.
Suggested political donation is $20.
For information, visit VoteDannyBurgess.com.
