The Buzz warned us yesterday that the Club for Growth would mobilize to demand that Charlie Crist refund donation if, as expected, he drops out of the GOP primary and runs for the U.S. Senate as an Independent. Well, now the Club for Growth has shown its hand, announcing via a press release today:
The Club for Growth PAC today announced it is planning to lead a campaign contribution refund effort in the event Florida Governor Charlie Crist leaves the Republican Senate primary and runs as an Independent.
“Candidates who switch parties in the middle of a campaign have an obligation to return contributions on request,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “If and when Charlie Crist leaves the Republican Party, we will contact his contributors and help them make formal refund requests to his campaign.”
Last year, the Club for Growth sought and received permission from the Federal Election Commission to facilitate refund requests after U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) switched parties to run for re-election as a Democrat. According to campaign finance reports, Specter’s campaign has refunded approximately $1.2 million, most of it triggered by the Club PAC’s effort.
