If you’re a state senator with primary opposition next month, Sen. Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, is making sure you know he’s on your side. And he’s doing it with his campaign checkbook in hand.
Since the General Assembly session let out last month, Miller has donated at least $17,500 from his ample campaign account to at least seven senators, most facing long-shot opponents.
Other senators with primary oppositon have likely gotten contributions as well, but many of them won’t file disclosures again until after the election.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Sunday that Miller, a floor leader for Gov. Nathan Deal, had the fourth largest campaign warchest in the General Assembly as of March 31, with $355,000 in the bank. None of the top four face opposition for re-election this fall.
Miller is doing what many top lawmakers who don't face re-election do this time of year: re-gifting contributions they receive, often from lobbyists and the people they represent, and giving the money to incumbents to help them win re-election.
Critics say the practice ties the recipients to the donor, allowing them to count on their votes and help keep them in leadership posts.
“The candidate that receives the money from the (legislative) leaders has some implied obligation to support them, and it takes away their independence as a legislator,” said Bill Bozarth, former head of Common Cause Georgia and a one-tme legislative candidate. “When people see that, they develop an even greater skepticism about how government works.”
Read more about the vast resources many lawmakers have to run for re-election, and the huge financial disadvantage challengers face in the May 24 primaries, on myajc.com.
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