Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair has agreed to pay a $750 fine to the Florida Elections Commission for violating campaign contribution limits during his 2008 re-election campaign.
In a proposed consent order, Blair admits to two counts of accepting more than the $500 campaign contribution limit during a reporting period.
The consent order shows Blair received $100 from civil engineer Hung Mai on Feb. 27, 2008, after receiving $500 from Mai on Oct. 1, 2007.
On June 2, 2008, Blair accepted $500 from A.R. Savage & Son, a maritime shipping company, after previously accepting a $500 contribution from Savage on Feb. 12 of that year.
Blair signed the consent order Jan. 31. It does not take effect until the Elections Commission approves is in a public meeting. The order is on Tuesday's agenda.
George Niemann, a Dover activist, filed the complaint that triggered the commission's investigation. Niemann said elections commission investigators found a handwritten note from Blair to Savage, thanking him for the contribution but saying Savage had paid double.
"Then Blair turns around and doesn't return it," Niemann said. "That's what gave them all the power in the case."
Blair was defeated in that election by current County Commissioner Kevin Beckner. He could not be reached for comment.
Mike Salinero
(813) 259-8303
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