Just last week, the Awake Broward Democrats crowned Florida House Representative Franklin Sands a “Middle Class Champion”. Well, the casino and gaming interests are betting big on this middle class champion, hoping he will “champion” their interests in Tallahassee. Sure, Sands is running for the Broward County School Board, but this week he is in Tallahassee for the start of the legislative session. The legislature will vote on a destination casino bill that would bring mega-casino resorts to South Florida.

Sands’ School Board campaign finance reports shows money coming in from numerous gaming interests, including the Genting Group. Genting is an Asian company seeking to build a casino in downtown Miami.

In all, Sands raised $33, 391.13 of which, $3,700 came from gaming companies. This comes on top of the big bucks the Florida Democratic Party was sending to a consulting company headquartered in Sands’ Weston home.

11-21-11 West Flager Association     $500

11-29-11 JGR Services                       $500

11-29-11 North FL Racing                 $500

11-30-11 Palm Bch Kennel Club       $200

12-08-11 Genting                               $500

12-20-11 PPI, Inc                              $500

12-31-11 Hollywood Concessions    $500

12-31-11 Hartman & Tyner             $500

If you ask Franklin we’re sure he will tell you he’s doing it all “for the kids”.