Mario Diaz-Balart slams challenger's list of donors
BY LESLEY CLARK
U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart accused Democratic challenger Joe Garcia Thursday of ''hiding'' campaign money by not identifying the source of more than $51,000 worth of political contributions
The Miami Republican's campaign said not disclosing names of the contributors ``raises serious questions.''
''I believe in sunshine and transparency, and I am proud that my campaign disclosed information for every contribution it received,'' Diaz-Balart said in a release. ``It is disappointing that Joe Garcia refuses to reveal the sources of more than $51,000 in campaign contributions. I urge him to disclose the identity of all his contributors immediately.''
Federal campaign finance laws do not require disclosure of donors' identities if the contributions do not exceed $200 in an election cycle. Garcia said the contributions Diaz-Balart refers to are in that category.
Garcia accused Diaz-Balart of ''disparaging'' what he said were more than 1,800 small-pocket ''Americans that want real change and leadership in Washington'' and whom he said gave his campaign contributions that average $28.
''These are real people who are struggling with $4 for gas, soaring foreclosures and rising unemployment,'' Giancarlo Sopo, a spokesman for Garcia, said in a release. ``To disrespect their political involvement is disgraceful.''
Garcia said he would make the list of donors available to anyone who asks. The former Miami-Dade Democratic Party chairman reported raising $331,385 in his first fundraising quarter, which ended March 31. Diaz-Balart raised $330,564 in the same quarter and has $747,694 on hand. He noted several contributions for less than $200, including one for $25 and one for $50.
