Trial lawyers spend campaign cash at bondage bar
Friday, October 16th, 2009 by Dara Kam
Last year's Leather Masked Ball at Purgatory
The Florida trial lawyers political organization – Florida Justice PAC – spent more than $23,000 on food and beverages since the November election, including a $1,700 bash at a Miami Beach nightclub and two inexpensive tabs at a Ft. Lauderdale gay bar, according to state campaign records.
The expenses were filed under “other distributions” unlike most other campaign filings which include food and lodging spending under “expenditures.”
State records show that the association’s political arm spent a total of $125 at Purgatory bar in Ft. Lauderdale – $45 on July 8 and $80 on Sept. 15. The bar’s web site boasts of hosting the annual Leather Masked Ball, the “premier leather event in South Florida.”
The lawyers PAC also spent $1,706.93 on May 14 at Set Nightclub on trendy Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
Set is a high-end, VIP lounge popular with celebs. Last year, Kevin Federline dropped $1,500 at the hot spot (and left a $700 tip) according to the bar’s web site. Pamela Anderson and Justin Timberlake also made appearances there.
Check back later for a response from the trial lawyers, who are now huddling in Orlando for an executive meeting.
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