FLORIDA (SNN TV) – Top aides to Governor Ron DeSantis were involved in getting endorsements from members of the Florida legislature while the legislature was in session. That’s raising ethical questions.
This is according to three Republican sources. A Republican lawmaker told the Herald-Tribune that DeSantis‘ budget director discussed the budget with state lawmakers as well as endorsements in the same conversation. The lawmaker says people felt blindsided talking about endorsements in the same conversation as budget projects as some GOP lawmakers saw this as an implied threat that their budget items would be vetoed if they didn’t endorse DeSantis‘ 2024 presidential bid.
That lawmaker said, “People felt blindsided by having a conversation where they’re talking about (budget) projects and then in the very same conversation talking about support for the governor and endorsing him.”
One GOP consultant told the Tribune, “When top administration officials including the budget chief are calling lawmakers to endorse before a budget is even signed, there is an unmistakable message being sent that you either get on board or see your projects and bills go bye-bye.”
This raises concerns that DeSantis used tax-funded employees for political purposes, which is only allowed outside of work hours.
Republican state representative Randy Fine endorsed DeSantis and calls these accusations “garbage,” saying none of his colleagues thought they were pressured into endorsing. DeSantis was endorsed by 99 members of the Florida Legislature this month.