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Another top GOP donor says he won’t give to anyone who doesn’t support major gun control

Mike Fernandez, who was Rick Scott's top contributor in 2014, says "I will not give one cent to anyone who doesn't support major change regarding military-style weapons being sold."
Gun buyers look through a selection of AR-15 rifles at the In Guns We Trust LLC booth during the Tampa Gun Show Saturday. [CHRIS URSO | Tampa Bay Ttimes]
Gun buyers look through a selection of AR-15 rifles at the In Guns We Trust LLC booth during the Tampa Gun Show Saturday. [CHRIS URSO | Tampa Bay Ttimes]
Published Feb. 26, 2018

Four days after the Parkland shooting, Al Hoffman, a top GOP fundraiser, said he won't give anymore money to candidates who don't support banning assault weapons.

But since then, no other major donors announced a similar litmus test.

Until Mike Fernandez that is.

The chairman of MBF Healthcare Partners and Rick Scott's top contributor in 2014 with $1.3 million in donations, said he will no longer support candidates who "common sense, life saying positions" on guns.

Mike and Constance Fernandez in 2014.
Mike and Constance Fernandez in 2014.

According to Tom Hudson, of WLRN-Miami Herald, Fernandez made his pledge before Scott and legislative leaders announced their proposals to address the Parkland shooting on Friday.

"I will not give one cent to anyone who does not support major change regarding military-type weapons being sold," Ferandez said, according to Hudson.

Fernandez said he's a member of the National Rifle Association, but doesn't plan to renew his membership.

"Those of us who are active in the political system have an obligation to use the tools we have, and the tool that we have that they understand the most is money. They have to understand that if they're going to act in response to the very few, such as the NRA and their outdated position, they are not going to get a penny from me."

Read the story here.