Summary: The Florida Democratic Senate candidate vying for Marco Rubio’s seat has been given donations by two known Colombo organized crime members.
Senator Marco Rubio’s competition is getting help from known Colombo organized crime members. The Democratic congressman wanting to take over Rubio’s seat received the maximum campaign contributions from two Florida businessmen.
The Federal Election Commission reported that Representative Patrick Murphy accepted $5400 each to his political committee for the 2016 election cycle from John Rosatti and John Staluppi. The FEC rules allow up to $5400 in donations from a single person. The primary campaign can be given $2700 and the general election can be given another $2700.
See Is the Clinton Foundation the Clinton Mafia?
Staluppi’s contributions were received on March 31. Rosatti gave an initial $1000 to Murphy’s campaign last September and then gave the remaining $4400 in March. Murphy won the Democratic Party vote with 59 percent, propelling him forwards to the general election fight against Rubio. The district the position covers includes the southeastern parts of Florida such as St. Lucie and Martin counties.
Rosatti and Staluppi each own a number of car dealerships in Florida and New York. They are both from Brooklyn, superyacht owners, convicted felons, and as the FBI describes, prized Mafia “earners.” They are registered as Republicans, even donating $2000 each to the Bush-Cheney reelection campaign in 2004.
Read Senate Candidate Sacrifices Goat, Drinks Its Blood.
FBI reports detail their involvement with the Colombo gang, including being ranked members of the crime group. Both men were against Carmine “The Snake” Persico in the early-90’s, providing financing to the insurgent forces trying to oust the imprisoned Persico. However, the men switched sides after meeting with jailed Colombo captain Dominick “Donny Shacks” Montemarano, a strong Persico supporter. The men have since been spotted at a wedding reception of a Persico son and other Colombo family figures.
Staluppi worked with Donald Trump in 1988 to develop a series of Cadillac stretch limousines. The limos – Trump Golden Series and Trump Executive Series – were the first products Trump licensed under his name.
Do you think politicians should be allowed to accept money from known gang members? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
To learn more about Marco Rubio, read Senator Rubio Introduces Legislation to Waive Tax on Olympic Winnings.
Photo: miami.cbslocal.com