Philip Levine Throws Money At Broward Ds
BY BUDDY NEVINS
Multi-millionaire Philip Levine is throwing money at Broward Democrats to win the Democratic primary for governor.
Levine has money. Lots of it.
He reportedly sold in 2000 his Onboard Media, which handled everything from magazines to in-cabin TV programming for cruise ships. His financial disclosure when he ran for Miami Beach mayor in 2013 showed he owned 18 separate real estate properties in Miami Beach and 31 throughout Florida.
It adds up to millions upon millions upon millions.
And Levine is spending it freely on his campaign for governor.
Although Broward is just a few miles from Levine’s Miami Beach campaign headquarters, the candidate has promised to soon open a field office in Broward. He also will appoint staff specifically assigned to turn out Broward Democrats. He recently video taped an ad for his campaign in West Park highlighting his support for a $15-na-hour minimum wage.
Last month Levine’s All About Florida committee donated $10,000 to the Broward Democratic Party, the biggest single donation in the three months ending March 31, 2018.
Philip Levine in recent campaign photo
The moves are designed to counter support that two of his Democratic opponents — Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and former U. S. Rep. Gwen Graham — already have in Broward.
Gillum has snared endorsements from much of the African American and Caribbean American political community. Heavy hitters like U. S. Rep. Alcee Hastings and County Commissioner Dale Holness are in his corner. His backers also include many progressives and leaders like Property Appraiser Marty Kiar.
Graham has much of the rest of the Broward Democratic establishment on her team, including pols like state Reps. Evan Jenne of Hollywood, Kristin Jacobs of Coconut Creek and Richard Stark of Weston.
The strategy in Broward is being repeated across the state, including places that seldom see a Democratic campaign like The Villages, a sprawling community that is a stronghold of Republican strength in Central Florida. He has already appointed a coordinator for the all-important I-4 Corridor, a must-win section of the state also in Central Florida.
In addition to the money given to the Broward party, Levine’s committee donated $250,000 to the Florida Democratic Party and threw thousands at other local party organizations around the state.
A wealthy cruise industry entrepreneur and once Miami Beach mayor (2013-2017), Levine spent $6 million from his pocket on statewide TV ads. The media blitz propelled him from the back of the pack. He is now running running neck-and-neck in some polls with Graham, daughter of former U. S. Senator and Gov. Bob Graham.
Gillum is trailing in polls along with Winter Park businessman Chris King.
Levine’s recent appearance in Plantation drew a crowd from all ages from the Democratic base. His remarks and answers to audience questions were repeatedly applauded, according to a Democrat in the auditorium.
Levine “is the only one who has the wealth to go toe-to-toe with the Republicans. His strong climate change stance (as mayor of Miami Beach) should resonate with Democrats. He is the Democrats best chance for governor,” said another long-time South Florida political observer who is uncommitted.
April 19th, 2018 at 11:59 am
Levine should win because he is realistic and not a crackpot progressive who want to remake government by taxing everybody. Candidates like that may be able to get elected in Vermont. Not in Florida
April 19th, 2018 at 7:43 pm
Let him have the dem endorsement.
Ron DeSantis will be the next FL guv. The other 64 counties will make that happen.
Keep Scott away from Wash DC and vote Nelson.
April 19th, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Philip Levine grew up in Broward and graduated from Hollywood Hills High School. After college he moved to Miami Beach. He’s a great guy!
April 20th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Guccifer 2.0 dropped opposition research (on Dem candidate) that benefited DeSantis.
But surely that has nothing to do with why DeSantis would want to undermine the legitimacy of the Russia investigation…
….right?
April 24th, 2018 at 5:21 pm
It is apparent from all the tv ads that Mr. Levine has no shortage of money. Discounting that – I like what he has to say – so far, he has my vote.