The Real PAC of Georgia raised the funds largely from corporations and political action committees that either do business with the state or have a financial stake in legislation, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Companies, lobbyists and others can give the fund donations of up to $50,000, well beyond the limit on contributions to Deal's official re-election campaign.
The disclosure was the fund's first since early 2012. The newspaper and Atlantaunfiltered.com earlier reported that the PAC had taken in at least $459,000, but had not recently filed campaign finance disclosures.
The fund was established by Deal supporters and has connections to the Republican governor. It paid $30,000 to Southern Magnolia Capital, a fundraising firm founded by Deal's daughter-in-law, Denise Deal of Gainesville. It also paid Ken Cronan, who co-owned a Gainesville salvage yard with Deal, more than $10,000 in December for pilot and plane expenses.
The fund's treasurer, Rick Thompson, said the PAC will use its money to promote Republican causes, not a specific candidate. Thompson formerly headed the state's ethics commission.
The PAC's biggest donors included:
- Georgia Crown Distributing Co., $50,000. Its chairman, Donald Leebern, is a major Deal campaign contributor. The governor reappointed him to the University System Board of Regents.
- United Health Group, $50,000. The company in 2012 lost a state contract to administer health insurance for about 650,000 teachers and state employees.
- AT&T, $50,000. The company was one of several that backed legislation to limit the power of local governments to regulate new cellphone towers.
The fund was established by Deal supporters and has connections to the Republican governor, above. It paid $30,000 to Southern Magnolia Capital, a fundraising firm founded by Deal's daughter-in-law, Denise Deal of Gainesville. It also paid Ken Cronan
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/9/265111