Florida Democratic Party chairwoman files ethics complaints against three DeSantis staffers
Jack Birle
Video Embed
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried announced Wednesday she filed ethics complaints against three staffers for Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
Fried’s complaints allege that the staffers participated in the illegal solicitation of campaign contributions from lobbyists, along with an “unethical and illegal” solicitation of endorsements for DeSantis’s presidential campaign during meetings with lawmakers regarding the state budget.
BIDEN’S CLIMATE AGENDA DREAMS COLLIDE WITH MILITARY REALITIES
Fried, who served as the state’s agriculture commissioner from 2019-2023, cited reports from NBC News and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that allege three staffers in the governor’s office committed questionable ethical activities related to DeSantis’s 2024 presidential campaign.
“These allegations represent a gross violation of state laws and ethics, and we could not in good conscience ignore them. If true, they are yet another example of Ron abusing his public office for personal gain. Public officials are employed to serve the people of Florida, not line Ron’s pockets,” Fried said in a statement.
“Any reasonable person could infer from the reporting that our Governor was holding the state budget hostage in exchange for political endorsements and donations — actions that are both unethical and illegal. This corrupt scheme to generate fake support for his failing presidential campaign is both a major threat to our democracy and a sad look into the psyche of a man whose ambitions have driven him and his sycophants to lives of crime,” she continued.
Fried said she filed complaints to the Florida Commission on Ethics and the Florida Elections Commission. Fried filed complaints about Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, Legislative Affairs Director Stephanie Kopelousos, and Director of Policy and Budget Chris Spencer.
“The complaints system is designed to help prevent this kind of abuse of power, and the people of Florida deserve swift and just rulings from both commissions. Future elected officials need to know that they can’t intimidate and harass people into getting what they want — Ron could use that reminder as well,” Fried said in a statement.
The governor’s office dismissed the complaints, calling them a part of a list of “politically motivated attacks” and adding that members of the executive team may do what they wish with their free time.
“Adding this to the list of politically motivated attacks,” Jeremy Redfern, press secretary for the governor, told the Washington Examiner.
“We know the great work he’s accomplished as governor. If the executive team wants to fundraise, knock doors, or volunteer their free time, more power to them — they have First Amendment rights like every American,” he continued.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
DeSantis announced his run for president in May, more than six months after he defeated Democrat Charlie Crist in the Florida gubernatorial race by nearly 20%. Crist defeated Fried in the Democratic gubernatorial primary by a 59%-35% margin.
In the Republican presidential primary field, DeSantis is in second place behind former President Donald Trump. However, some recent polls have shown that Trump’s lead over the GOP field may be fading.