The Political Whore

UPDATE: Neither Blair nor Beckner has spoken to Creative Loafing about this story, but a Tampa Tribune reporter tells me Blair has now produced a campaign check cut to CBS Outdoor on Sept. 19 and insists he paid for all his campaign advertising himself.

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In the aftermath of my story yesterday about Brian Blair and who is paying for his campaign billboards, several activists showed up at the Hillsborough County Commission meeting this morning, with one reading my story into the record and at least one other demanding Blair resign.

The Kevin Beckner campaign, which is challenging the Republican Blair for his county commission seat, picked up the ball from there, issuing this news release this afternoon:

BLAIR BREAKS LAW
Brian Blair violates election law- Beckner campaign calls for Blair’s resignation

TAMPA: According to a disturbing news article in the weekly newspaper Creative Loafing, it appears that Brian Blair has violated campaign finance laws by participating in an ethically and quite possibly legally challenged campaign activity.

In the news story titled, “Who is behind commissioner Brain Blair’s campaign billboards?” it is revealed that “according to an invoice… controversial and prominent developer” Stephen Dibbs actually paid for the billboard. Contradicting the invoice the billboard’s disclaimer clearly states “Paid political advertisement paid for and approved by Brian Blair, Republican, for Hillsborough County Commission District 6.”

“Throughout this campaign I have focused on the real issues we face in Hillsborough County. I have also expressed that we need real change in our county that focuses on the people and not Special Interests,” stated candidate Kevin Beckner. “This unfortunate indiscretion that my opponent is involved in not only shows a violation of the law and the public trust but is a glaring example of how connected Mr. Blair is to self interest developers.”

“It is obvious that the self interest developers who support Mr. Blair will do whatever is necessary, legal or illegal, to re-elect Mr. Blair and maintain their power and influence over county government,” stated Beckner.

According to campaign finance laws individuals are limited to a $500 maximum contribution by individuals or $500 for corporate contributions. The news article states that the cost of the billboard in question was $2,500.

“Brian Blair should be begging the voters of Hillsborough County for their forgiveness instead of their votes right now,” stated Mitch Kates campaign manager for Kevin Beckner. “Mr. Blair not only broke the law, he violated the public’s trust. If Mr. Blair had any moral courage he would not only suspend his campaign he would step down from his seat on the County Commission immediately.”

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