Florida Repub Senate President in full mode for campaign fund raising. Private and Pricey.

[The Backlash Cometh]

Haridopolos plans U.S. Senate ’strategy meeting.’ Admission Price: $10,000

TALLAHASSEE — Senate President Mike Haridopolos is inviting big Republican donors to a “private strategy meeting” in Orlando next month and asking them to bring $10,000 checks, according to an e-mail a GOP fundraiser sent out yesterday.

“Senator Mike Haridopolos asked that I invite you to a private strategy session on Thursday, February 3rd in Orlando to discuss his candidacy for United States Senate. The meeting will take place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport at 11:00 am.,” reads the e-mail from former Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist fundraiser Meredith O’Rourke.

“The Senator would greatly appreciate it if you would consider raising $10,000 to Friends of Mike H and have it in hand for the strategy session.”

Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has been widely expected to jump into the 2012 U.S. Senate race to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson. But judging by the e-mail, he’s already running. The solicitation asks donors to write checks to his ”Friends of Mike H” campaign committee, although it doesn’t appear as a political committee on the Federal Election Commission Web site yet. We’re told it will be there soon.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2011/01/haridopolos-plans-u-s-senate-strategy-meeting-admission-price-10000.html