ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —Prominent local attorney and longtime political donor John Morgan has suspended his campaign contributions in the face of an unpredictable presidential election year.
"Who knows what's going to happen here? We are in uncharted territory like we've never been before," said Morgan, expressing the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election.
Morgan's decision came after President Joe Biden's announcement that he would not seek re-election and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
"I can get enthusiastic about somebody I like. I can't about somebody that I am very neutral on at best. I'm not saying who I am voting for. I'm just saying, I'm not raising money for Kamala Harris," Morgan said.
He had previously scheduled a Biden fundraiser for Harris but has since notified the Democratic National Committee of his decision to not host the event.
Morgan, who has been a significant fundraiser for Democratic presidents, including Barack Obama and Joe Biden, posted on the social media platform X, "You can keep my million. And good luck."
He has hosted exclusive, big-ticket fundraisers at his Heathrow home and has been a force behind the successful passage of medical marijuana and higher minimum wage amendments. Morgan has also supported Republicans, including Charlie Crist when he was governor.
"That's what's frustrated me about politics today, the extreme right and the extreme left. I'm not an extremist. What's that song? Stuck in the middle with you? That's me," Morgan added.
He said he respects Biden, whom he describes as an old-school politician, and struggles to embrace today's sharply partisan politicians, placing Harris in the latter class.
However, not all donors are abandoning Harris. She raised a record $81 million in campaign dollars in the 24 hours since Biden announced his exit from the presidential race.
Local former homebuilding executive Christian Swann told WESH, "I'm planning to donate to Harris because Democrats are better for the economy, (and) would move to codify reproductive rights."
Another local attorney, Mark NeJame, has held democratic fundraisers in the past and provided this statement to WESH:
"We hosted Biden previously at our home four years ago. He was smart, spry, funny, energetic, and amazingly articulate. Clearly the 4 years of presidency had taken its toll. I had not contributed yet this year. I believe Vice President Harris is a formidable candidate, a great choice, and has quickly energized the electorate. President Biden’s dropping out was a true act of patriotism. Him quickly supporting Vice President Harris was politically masterful. It stopped any chaos and inter party political sniping that may have otherwise occurred. ... I will enthusiastically support her and would be honored to have a fundraiser for her at our home as we did for President Biden."Source: Wesh.com
