ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates discovered Disney is contributing heavily to both the Republican and Democratic parties in Florida, while also conveying the message that it does not want to see casino-style gambling expanded in the state.
Since 2012, Disney has contributed $2.4 million dollars to the state Republican and Democratic parties. The company even gave $250,000 to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which in-turn, has contributed $250,000 to Florida Gov. Rick Scott's re-election PAC "Let's Get to Work."
"The company has really stepped up its political contributions," said WFTV political analyst Rick Foglesong, who wrote the book on the Disney's relationship with Central Florida called "Married to the Mouse."
Foglesong points out that comments made by Disney executives in the state's gambling study, warn against the expansion of destination casinos.
In part one of the study, Thea Sargent, the general manager of Disney's Contemporary Resort in Orlando, said that the absence of gaming and the focus on other attractions "differentiates us as a family-friendly destination."
"This is not partisan, this is not philosophical. This is about having friends at court," said Foglesong.
A statement from Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger explained the company's position:
"We oppose the expansion of casino gambling in our state for many reasons, including the fact that it is inconsistent with Florida's brand as a family-friendly destination, and with efforts to diversify Florida's economy through research, innovation and entrepreneurship," Finger wrote.
An Eyewitness News review of state records shows the Republican Party as the prime beneficiary of Disney cash, receiving $1.7 million since 2012. That's more than twice $759,000 donated to the Democratic Party.
"The Disney Company wants to maintain the entertainment purity in central Florida as it exists today," said Foglesong. "They want people in positions of power in state government to be on their side."
Part of the reason Disney is spending so much money is because of the donations being made by the other side.
Sheldon Adleson, the president of the Sands gave Scott $250,000. That donation was matched by the Seminole Tribe, owners of the Hard Rock Casino.
Part two of the state's gambling study was expected to be released earlier this month, but has been pushed back to November.
Meanwhile, Florida Senate President Pro Tem Garrett Richter (R-Naples), who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Gaming, has set up a series of four statewide public workshops to discuss gambling, in addition to launching a website -- http://www.flsenate.gov/topics/gaming -- that will allow Floridians to voice their opinion on casinos.