According to Florida lobbyists, they have been contacted by state employees with instructions to send payments to the campaign of Ron DeSantis. The ethical problems within this effort are numerous and could potentially be legally liable for DeSantis government officials participating.
At best, the issue is extreme swamp behavior, where DeSantis officials are pressuring lobbyists in Florida to donate to the DeSantis 2024 election campaign or their advocacy may be disregarded in state budget considerations.
When state employees use their offices to solicit payments to political entities, the legal issues become very murky. Then again, this is swamp behavior – and when you hire the swamp to push your agenda, these are the types of outcomes that surface.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Officials who work for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration — not his campaign — have been sending text messages to Florida lobbyists soliciting political contributions for DeSantis’ presidential bid, a breach of traditional norms that has raised ethical and legal questions and left many here in the state capital shocked.
NBC News reviewed text messages from four DeSantis administration officials, including those directly in the governor’s office and with leadership positions in state agencies. They requested the recipient of the message contribute to the governor’s campaign through a specific link that appeared to track who is giving as part of a “bundle” program.
“The bottom line is that the administration appears to be keeping tabs on who is giving, and are doing it using state staff,” a longtime Florida lobbyist said. “You are in a prisoner’s dilemma. They are going to remain in power. We all understand that.”
The legality of the solicitations depends on a series of factors, including whether they were sent on state-owned phones, or if they were sent on state property. A longtime Florida election law attorney said that even if the DeSantis aides are fundraising for the campaign in their personal capacity, off the government clock, it still raised ethical questions.
“At a minimum, even if they are sitting in their home at 9 p.m. using their personal phone and contacting lobbyists that they somehow magically met in their personal capacity and not through their role in the governor’s office, it still smells yucky,” the attorney said. “There’s a misuse of public position issue here that is obvious to anyone paying attention.”
But the practice was still jaw-dropping for those who have long been involved in Florida politics.
NBC News spoke with 10 Republican lobbyists in Florida, all of whom said they couldn’t remember being solicited for donations so overtly by administration officials — especially at a time when the governor still has to act on the state budget.
[…] DeSantis has framed much of his political persona as a political outsider whose goal is to “drain the swamp.” His campaign store quickly started offering t-shirts saying “DeSantis breaks systems” after the flubbed Twitter rollout, which his campaign is saying was due to such a high level of interest that the social media platform simply could not handle.
“The practice feeds the DeSantis corrupt swampy meme perfectly for opponents. For no f—— reason,” said another veteran Florida Republican. “Hard to be Mr. Break the Internet and Swamp when you do this. Really dumb.”
Republican consultants and fundraisers in other states told NBC News they have not heard of a similar situation of state employees trying to get political contributions, and it would raise serious questions if their clients tried a similar approach.
“If any of my clients had legislative staff sending out donation links, we would be having a hard conversation,” a Republican fundraiser who works on federal elections said.
The person added that regardless of legal implications, the optics of taxpayer-funded staff asking lobbyists for political cash are bad.
“Whoever is telling these kids to do this has lost their damn mind,” said another Florida Republican lobbyist. (read more)
Hang around a one-legged tribe long enough, and eventually you are going to start limping.
The swamp rats doing their thing.
Play Swamp Games, win Swamp Prizes.
“They requested the recipient of the message contribute to the governor’s campaign through a specific link that appeared to track who is giving […]”
This is like inverse-Swamp tactics, though. Instead of Lobbyists luring Politicians with money in exchange for political considerations… we have Politicians luring Lobbyists with “requests” for money in exchange for political considerations. Oops… I made a big assumption on that “in exchange for political considerations” part.. I’m sure it’s all on the up ‘n up.
Completely disgusting.
this is S.O.P. in chicago.
sad that’s florida’s role model now.
Like minds! I posted my response before reading yours, but they are similar I see!
Remember when piglosi and the dems were begging for $1 donations? They needed lots of small donations to offset the huge ones from the elites. Had to bring the average down so that it looked like millions of people were donating.
Went for a walk with my FOX-watching neighbor this morning and he asked me what I thought of DeSantis. I calmly told him that President Trump is the duly elected POTUS, the election was stolen from him (and US!), and that the Republican Party should be supporting Trump and MAGA 100%.
And they responded?
Just in, Blob DeSantis suffering from ‘stiff person syndrome.’
And CONstipation.
There should be no avenues by which any entity may gain advantageous access to a government official–PERIOD.
Lobbying is by definition legalized bribery.
Sundance started an article about something similar once:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/11/06/desantis-megadonor-billionaire-head-of-citadel-investments-ken-griffin-explains-why-he-purchased-ron-desantis-for-2024-and-what-he-expects-from-his-investment
The RNC CORP Swampsters must be counting on their democRat cousins convicting Trump in the District of Criminals and elsewhere.
Estab Repubs are at Best “useful idiots “, the Bolshevik democRats will Never Relinquish Power via mere elections. COUPS have Consequences, Comrades.
If we ever get a Department of Justice again, I hope they go after this meatball.
Agree, but we should also agree the list of prosecutable corrupt crooks ahead of him is long, with many of them having hard evidence against them…….
The only way to get DOJ straight again is using the ultimate drain cleaner. Donald. Don’t think he’ll be fooled again.
President Trump returning from exile would definitely mean prison time for a growing list of influential criminals. Including Chicago Jesus himself. Dont think a lawless cabal like that are going to allow that to take place through a simple election. We would have to force them to turn themselves in or drag them kicking and screaming.
My vote goes toward kicking and screaming. Just as THEY would do US.
Isn’t it against the law for government employees to get involved in a federal election or presidential campaign when they are lobbying for money ?
If the progressive (Lazy communist) are not helping RD in Florida them Florida government employees better be careful that the FEC or other agency doesn’t come after them.
Hatch Act. The never go after Democrats.
That is for federal employees. Not Florida State employees.
We are long past guv agencies doing what they are supposed to do.
5/25/23 South Carolina 2024 Republican Nomination Poll:
Trump — 43%
DeSantis — 18%
Undecided — 13%
T. Scott — 12%
Haley — 10%
Ramaswamy — 1%
Hutchinson — 1%
Pence — 1%
Sununu — 1%
Undecideds are catching up to Desantis. Hahaha!
I live in SC. I find myself looking forward to the inevitable Desantis “rally’s”. I’m already planning appropriate MAGA signage to bring with me. I’ve never actually protested outside a republican “rally” before. Should be fun!
Keep folks apprised here please.
At this rate he might be out of the race by July 4
My thoughts as well.
DeSaster isn’t just a meme. It might now be the RNC strategy.
Which puts every citizen in Florida in a perilous future.
Thanks, Ron.
DeSantis leaving the governorship to run for president puts Florida’s status as one of the few large red states in jeopardy. All part of the GOPe plan to make Florida competitive again for their Democrat Deep State buddies for its electoral votes. DeSantis clearly knows this. A few weeks ago I thought maybe he was just an overly ambitious politician letting himself be used by the GOPe. Seeing how his run for the presidency jeopardizes Florida’s political future shows he’s fully in with the GOPe. To the few DeSantis supporters around here you’ve been fooled big time!
…it’s all by design. They can’t let the world’s #10 economy continue to be MAGA. That’s counterrevolutionary.
Exactly… He will leave is with Trump-hating VP, right at a critical time for us. He’s getting paid under false premises. Ugh
My thoughts exactly! He has really screwed FL.
And this is legal, how?
So do you think the Democrats are doing this? Hell Yeah!!
DeSantisgate?
If so, that would be the shortest rise and fall ever.
Well… he is rather short….
This is disgusting.
I am ashamed to have voted for this.
You didn’t knowingly vote for this.
No reason to be ashamed, be angry because of the deception and betrayal
On some level I knew this would happen when I filled in the bubble next to ron!’s name on the ballot that is why I had a full body chill followed by a general malaise at the polling booth.
That still does not make it your fault.
Speaking of rats, this was from the FL. AG yesterday: “Ron DeSaster has proven he has the commitment, character, and courage necessary to restore hope and reignite the American dream. I’m honored to endorse him to be the next President of the United States as he leads our great American comeback.” She is a vapid person.
Lord Have Mercy.
Courage would be following the law and Resigning To Run.
Commitment would be putting your nose to the grindstone and doing the job you were elected and are paid to do.
Character -See above
Puke!
I’m just reminded of this:
”Jeb Bush, unable to muster enthusiasm for his presidential bid beyond the family network that helped him raise a record sum exceeding $150 million, is suspending his campaign following a disappointing finish in South Carolina.”
“Get out da Bushes” and “pLeaSe cLAp”
https://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/breaking-news-jeb-bush-is-suspending-his-presidential-campaign-219564
Huh. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Uncle Ron is/was having such a hard time scaring up endorsements from the Florida political contingent. Of course, tell a RonBot this info and they will brush it off and cite the source as fake news.
I’m not sure I’ve seen a more crass and greedy move by a sitting governor.
Jeez Rob..
Meatball is getting steamrolled and not even dark money will save him.
If all of us forward on these articles to friends, these corrupt people don’t stand a chance.
Throwing sand, throwing gravel, throwing boulders!
I am shocked. Not.
How is all this corporate money good for the economic interests of Americans first?
It’s shit like this ….
Not one vote for anyone.
“If voting made any difference they wouldn’t let us do it” – Mark Twain
My, how “Democrat” and Anti-MAGA of the Meatball!
It sound like something like the Obola would do on a regular basis.
BREAKING: Attorney Todd Callender reveals Biden officials are IMPOSTORS who swore no oaths to America
https://www.brighteon.com/e7bffb6c-2064-41c4-ae05-e9d75d1c0098
One thing’s for sure…the Tampa/Orlando Soros/communist crowd is going to nail him on this.
Trump is already questioning his use of funds prior to announcement.
The Gainesville Faction are frothy mouthed over Sasse..
Yes, because they all want jobs in the White House! Never getting there in 2024!
DeSantis = Biden in the making.
The only difference is age.
Are these folks intentionally crashing Florida?
Yes.
swamp
DeSantis campaign must be desperate for cash. We’ve never lived in Florida, only vacation there on occasion, but received a solicitation from his campaign for a donation. We live in South Carolina! 🙄🤷🏼♀️
Lived in both states, currently SC also. Get Meatball mailings in my box every day for the last week.
Don’t even use them for compost; they go straight in the bin.
Mine go straight to the shredder.
They don’t need the money. It’s a loyalty test
Likely also a trap?
deep state ploy so Florida goes Blue
“Listen, whoever comes to you with this Barzini meeting, he’s the traitor. Don’t forget that.” – Don Corleone
Sheesh, it’s like Ron is top
dog of the gang who couldn’t shoot straight. 🤦♀️
This is obviously amateur hour in that campaign. But dopey stuff like that could destroy you.
This is the very reason he should have given up his office as Govenor. This really looks BAD. What is he thinking. Gov DeSantis just the bill changed the law that let him keep his jobs as Governor. This is so wrong. His team is really DUMB!
I don’t think it’s stupidity, I think it’s arrogance. They think they’re untouchable.
I think you are right.
Puddin’ Fingers needs to take some time and consider whether his junior varsity team is ready for the big leagues. This kind of stuff will kill a campaign. Even if an investigation determines it wasn’t strictly illegal (i.e., private solicitations on personal phones during off-duty hours), an investigation is needed and it STINKS. Much hay can be made of a misstep like this.
https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/breaking-desantis-admin-using-florida-state-employees-to-hit-up-donors-mstef/
I talked to my fox watching Republican friend today. She has been convinced that DeSantis is the only way to get Biden out of power, and that’s the end all, because he is polling as more popular than Mr T. I send her links, but it’s a whole other kind of repetitive brain washing she is getting, reserved for traditional conservatives who don’t trust the lone voices of ‘conspiracy theorists’ that say anything different than the chorus of fox newscasters with whom they have spent years developing a trusted bond.
Troll alert.
Flag it.
Flag it good!
I have never posted the same content in more than one of Sundance’s articles. This time the content applies to multiple places and I believe you’ll see why. Thank you.
Fox News / the Murdochs have to be furious that this interview was broadcast tonight, let alone put online. The link takes you to the video in progress at the key point where Miller says “Let me give you some cold stark reality. You know what happens to the man that wins the nomination and then wins the Presidency? Come January you meet with the (federal) law enforcement agencies and you come away with their clear message. If you let us do our thing we’ll leave you alone but if you challenge our message we will destroy you and the ones you love. Donald Trump is the only man that people know has already crossed that Rubicon and burned the ships to cinders. There’s no going back there’s only finishing the job. Who else is going to be given this clear message “You screw with our Ukraine plans, you screw with our Middle East plans, you screw with our trade plans, you screw with our career plans and it’s over for you. Who else is going to say oh yeah I’m going to cross the the Deep State, I’m going to cross the FBI, I’m going to cross the DOJ, I’m going to cross the CIA? Who else is going to do that Jesse? Donald Trump has only one option and that is to get in there and bring this thing home to democracy, goodbye to Deep State. Who else is going to do that Jesse? Donald Trump has only one option and he says it all the time which is to get in there and bring this home, goodbye deep state hello democracy. That’s the play here. Drive the ball to the end zone and finish this battle.
You go Miller!
Odd but I was most distracted by Jesse not blinking like an average person does (between 15 to 20 times per minute). He started towards the end of Miller’s hammering.
Strange.
Jesse was in deer in the headlights mode.
He was thinking this is too much truth for Fox so was waiting for random “technical glitch”
I had said this
Fox News / the Murdochs have to be furious that this interview was broadcast tonight, let alone put online
It’s gone now.
shove it prick
The RNC and the DNC are both self greasing wheels of corruption.
DeSantis has lost any high ground he had and is now dealing from the swamp!
This sounds like it’s coming from the Democrat playbook. Next thing you know Ron’s campaign will be money laundering through small donations from anyone who has used WinRed and you’ll see hundreds of small donations which add up to thousands from a retiree who lives on a fixed income – all to Ronnie. OMG (O’Keefe) had better get his army of truth seekers on the job to expose Lil Ronnie and his gang of corruptocrats.
Bingo!
I wonder how much more the State Sanctioned Medical Marijuana Cartel had to kick upstairs to the DerpSantis Protection Racket? “Nice business you have there”..
The FL behavior would be expected in IL, the most corrupt state in America. People of FL need to stop it, NOW!
It is possible that DeSantis did not know of this, but that his staff did it on their own. But that raises serious questions about who controls DeSantis and whether he would be another brain-dead Biden.
I’m a Florida resident. I like Ron as my governor but not for president, at least not yet. I emailed him and told him so, but I doubt he cares what I think.
I absolutely love curious cat and I bet that “curious” cat is or was a member of your family. I guess handlers around RD are pretty freaking stupid.
Let’s all remember why we have this holiday on Monday — home of the free because of the brave and by remembering the Americans who gave the “ultimate sacrifice.” 🇺🇸
Here’s a link to a leaked audio between DeSantis and donors, encouraging him to be for abortion now for the primary and move to the middle for the general election. It is a 42 minute audio.