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AG Candidate Returns Funds

Mark Green, who is a candidate for the Attorney General position for the state of Florida, plans to return a $10,000 contribution from a billionaire money manager, Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein is under indictment for allegedly soliciting prostitutes. It is said that between August and October 2005, the Epstein claimed to have had paid for sex at least three times in his Florida mansion.

However, Epstein`s lawyer told the Palm Beach Post that his client "would never knowingly break the law." Mr. Green had received the donation from Epstein in April 2006. The current state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer also received two donations from Epstein last September based on the financial disclosure statements. Spitzer`s spokeswoman, Christine Anderson, said $50,000 worth of Epstein contributions had already been returned.

Green`s return of the contribution might have only come after pressure from others. Florida Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. wrote to Green, noting "The allegations about Mr. Epstein`s behavior are sickening. I believe that as a candidate running to be New York State`s top law enforcement official, it behooves you to return Mr. Epstein`s contribution to your campaign right away."