Chiropractors, physicians, and medical clinics have donated a third of state House candidate Merick Lewin's campaign contributions so far, and many donors are members of the 1-800 411-PAIN Referral Service owned by Lewin's family.
Lewin, a Republican candidate from Davie, told New Times he did not want to be judged by his "familial relationships" -- namely, his uncle Harley Lewin's co-ownership of 411-PAIN. The well-known referral service has recently been the subject of a class-action lawsuit and a civil investigation by Florida's attorney general.
Yet Lewin's campaign shows a strong influence from the family business. He has collected at least $21,800 from chiropractors, doctors, and medical clinics. Donors include:
-- Barry Raxenberg, a Palm Beach chiropractor who is part of the 411-PAIN network and has publicly praised the referral service.
-- Broward Rehabilitation Center, a Lauderdale Lakes chiropractic clinic co-owned by Harley Lewin and his twin brother, Robert. Merick Lewin was a lobbyist for Broward Rehab in Tallahassee last year.
-- Dade Injury Rehabilitation, a 411-PAIN clinic co-owned by Robert and Harley Lewin.
-- Hollywood Injury Rehab Center, a 411-PAIN clinic co-owned by Robert and Harley Lewin.
-- Injury Centers of Central Tampa, a 411-PAIN Clinic co-owned by Robert Lewin.
-- Injury Centers of North Tampa, a 411-PAIN clinic co-owned by Robert Lewin.
-- Jacksonville Injury & Rehab, a 411-PAIN clinic co-owned by Robert Lewin.
-- Metro Injury & Rehab Center (Aventura), a 411-PAIN clinic co-owned by Harley and Robert Lewin.
-- Pines Injury Center, a 411-PAIN clinic co-owned by Robert and Harley Lewin.
-- Polo Medical Center North, a 411-PAIN clinic whose president is Raxenberg.
