Haridopolos Under Fire for Campaign Contributions and Legislative Favoritism

Haridopolos Under Fire for Campaign Contributions and Legislative Favoritism

[Satellite Beach, FL] — John Hearton today demanded answers from Mike Haridopolos

regarding his extensive political campaign contributions from the horse racing and gambling

industries, which have fueled his campaigns while he introduced and pushed legislative

measures benefiting his donors. This pattern of behavior calls into question Haridopolos’

integrity and commitment to serving the people of Florida.

Haridopolos’ political career has been marked by significant contributions from gambling

and racing organizations, most notably from Gulfstream Park. These contributions appear to

be directly linked to legislative actions Haridopolos took while in office and lobbying efforts

he pursued after leaving the legislature.

Key Incidents Highlighting Haridopolos’ Favoritism:

April 2004 - Horse Track Funding Bill:

Haridopolos pushed a bill allowing $50 million to be spent on a horse track in Ocala and

$100 million to renovate racing tracks at Gulfstream Park. The Orlando Sentinel reported

that Haridopolos abandoned the bill due to opposition within the gambling industry but

vowed to continue support the following year. Gulfstream Chairman Douglas Donn

acknowledged the delay in their renovation plans but affirmed their commitment to

upgrading the facility.

April 2011 - Blocking Amendments to Decoupling Bill:

Haridopolos played a crucial role in blocking amendments to a bill allowing racetracks to

decouple their card room gambling from their racing operations. The Naples Daily News

reported that Haridopolos stopped debate and prevented amendments from being

considered, a dramatic move that aligned with the interests of the gambling industry.

After leaving the legislature, Haridopolos lobbied on behalf of Gulfstream Park, further

entangling his political actions with his donors’ interests. His legislative efforts and

subsequent lobbying for Gulfstream Park illustrate a pattern of prioritizing the financial

backers of his campaigns over the needs of Florida’s citizens.

“Floridians deserve leaders who act in their best interests, not politicians like Mike

Haridopolos who push legislation to benefit their wealthy donors,” said John Hearton. “It’s

time for Haridopolos to explain his actions and his ties to the gambling industry. Our state

needs transparency and accountability, not backroom deals.”

John Hearton remains committed to serving the people of Florida with integrity, ensuring

that legislative actions benefit the broader community rather than special interest groups.

Unlike Haridopolos, Hearton pledges to prioritize the needs and safety of Floridians above

all else.