NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Prominent businesses, top Republicans and political action committees helped Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee raise nearly $2.5 million for his inauguration last month.
According to inaugural figures requested by The Associated Press, the new Republican governor spent almost $1.8 million for the high-profile event. The list shows hundreds of donors ranging from prominent politicians, Lee administration figures, top companies, political action committees and more.
Almost 110 of them gave the top amount allowed, $7,500.
Spanning a variety of industries, some notable donors include Amazon, Microsoft, Vanderbilt University, CoreCivic, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Nissan, Volkswagen, Bristol Motor Speedway, the Tennessee Titans, FedEx, Jack Daniel’s and others.
Republican leaders chipped in too, including Reps. Chuck Fleischmann, Phil Roe, Scott DesJarlais and a number of state lawmakers. Lee received checks from figures in his new administration as well, including Finance Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano. He even received an $800 donation from Democratic Senate Caucus Chairman Raumesh Akbari.