FEC report reveals doubts about Buchanan’s credibility

A report obtained by TPM Muckraker sheds lights on the FEC’s investigation into allegations about donations made to the 2006 and 2008 congressional campaigns of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. Though Buchanan himself wasn’t named in the FEC lawsuit, a car dealership he once owned (Hyundai of North Jacksonville) and his former business partner (Sam Kazran) were. Buchanan has long maintained his innocence but, according to the FEC report, some of the congressman’s statements “didn’t seem credible.”

VIDEO: Occupy Tampa supporters protest at campaign finance HQ

Occupy Tampa protesters today targeted the accounting firm Robert Watkins and Co., famous in Florida political circles for handling the finances for dozens of campaign funds and political action committees.

Report: Florida’s poor disclosure laws hide impact of independent spending

A new report released by the National Institute on Money in State Politics finds that Florida’s campaign finance disclosure laws make it hard to see what effect independent spending has on elections in the state.

How one Tampa address handles millions in campaign cash, influences elections nationwide (Corrected)

An accounting firm located at 610 South Blvd., Tampa, handles millions in special interest cash for more than 60 political committees that pour money into elections around the state, and around the nation.

Millions of ‘Super PAC’ dollars flow through Tampa and into races nationwide (Corrected)

Political operatives are exploiting new loopholes to create outside groups that can spend unlimited amounts opposing or supporting candidates nationwide. Many of these so-called “Super PACs” have only registered within the last few weeks, meaning voters won’t know who is funding them till well after election day.

One Tampa address — 610 South Blvd. — has become synonymous with the phenomenon.

Shady Florida PAC continues to spend big in national races

The Ending Spending Fund, a recently incorporated “super PAC” registered to CPA Nancy Watkins at a Tampa address housing 32 other active political committees in Florida, spent $555,562 in media buys Thursday in three close House races as…