Fla. GOP donors continue to seek refunds of Crist donations made before he became independent

Fla. GOP donors appeal ruling on Crist refunds

MIAMI — Republicans aren’t giving up their quest for refunds of donations they gave Gov. Charlie Crist’s U.S. Senate campaign before he abandoned the GOP to run as an independent.

The attorney for two GOP donors said Monday he will appeal a Naples judge’s denial last week of class-action status in the case. The ruling means each contributor to the Crist campaign would have to seek a refund through individual court action.

Some Republicans contend Crist should return at least $7.5 million given to his Senate bid before he left the GOP and became an independent last spring. Crist’s attorneys say donors have many reasons besides party affiliation to contribute money.

The 2nd District Court of Appeal in Lakeland is being asked to prevent the Crist campaign from spending the money in question.

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. corrects location of court hearing appeal on spending of campaign money.)