Fla. Republican Returns Penthouse Money

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tom Gallagher, a Republican running for governor on a platform of family values, has returned several campaign contributions from Penthouse Media Group, Penthouse Images Acquisitions and other Penthouse-affiliated companies.

Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, had initially accepted seven checks totaling more than $3,000 from the companies but later said accepting money from pornography did not fit with his conservative vision for Florida.

Coincidentally, the decision to return the contributions came a day after rival candidate Charlie Crist brought them to public attention.

Gallagher said his staff failed to notice the source of the contributions because they were under tremendous pressure to collect as much money as possible in a short time and that the checks were refunded “as soon as they were recognized for what they were.”

However, Gallagher said he will keep 18 additional contributions from companies affiliated with Boca Raton-based Marc Bell Capital Partners, which purchased Penthouse after the company for bankruptcy in 2003.

“The other checks that are affiliated with legitimate business interests, those won’t be returned,” Gallagher spokesman Albert Matinez said.

Far from being insulted by Martinez’ insinuation that Penthouse is an illegitimate venture, company owner Marc Bell instead distanced himself and his company from involvement in the adult entertainment industry.

“We’re not in the adult business,” Bell said.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

Nebraska Legislature Passes Republican's Age Verification Bill With No Votes Against It

Nebraska’s unicameral legislature has passed the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still have antitrust claims that they may pursue in the future.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

FSC, Co-Plaintiffs to Ask US Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Texas Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and its co-plaintiffs in the challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law have filed a petition before the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit asking to stay its recent upholding the law because they intend to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law’s constitutionality.

Jade Venus, Kasey Kei Star in 'Trans Rave' From GenderX

Jade Venus and Kasey Kei star in "Trans Rave" from GenderX, directed by Jim Powers.

FSC Vows to Fight Florida Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) issued a statement vowing to continue fighting Florida’s age verification law, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday as part of a comprehensive bill targeting minors’ use of social media.

Show More