DailyExpertNews
—
A super-PAC closely associated with former President Donald Trump is demanding that Florida ethics researchers investigate whether Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent political activities violate state law.
In a 15-page letter to the Florida Commission on Ethics, Make America Great Again Inc. DeSantis of running a “shadow presidential campaign” and says the Republican governor would have to resign under a state law that prohibits people from holding elected office while seeking another. The letter, which a spokesman said will be sent Wednesday, argues that DeSantis’ book tour, ongoing fundraising efforts and reported efforts to recruit agents for his likely presidential campaign all suggest he is a de facto candidate for president while also serving as governor. serves.
MAGA Inc. also accuses DeSantis of enriching himself through his book tour and profiting from financial aid designed to influence his decision to run — allegations that tie in with criticism Trump has faced since he first entered the political scene. It also notes that several political committees are trying to recruit DeSantis to raise money on his behalf, including one set up by Ken Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration official.
The contents of the planned letter were first reported by NBC News.
“Adding this to the list of frivolous and politically motivated attacks,” DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said in a statement. “It is inappropriate to use state ethics complaints for partisan purposes.”
The letter is a clear escalation by Trump’s allies in their efforts to stall his main rival for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. While DeSantis has not yet announced his intention to enter, his likely entry into the race is highly anticipated and polls suggest he is a credible contender to stop Trump, who has lately continued his attack on his former political ally. intensified.
Less clear, however, is whether MAGA Inc.’s list of allegations will actually lead to any action against DeSantis.
The state’s ethics committee is notoriously slow in reviewing potential violations. Once received, a complaint would first prompt a review by the commission’s attorneys to see if the allegations would fall within its jurisdiction. Then it would go to an investigator, followed by a hearing about the probable cause. The committee meets only eight times a year, and the board is composed entirely of people appointed by the Florida governor and the state legislature. Most violations, if validated, will result in a nominal fine.
By the time the case is resolved, Florida lawmakers will likely move to the state’s “resign to govern” law to clarify that DeSantis can serve as governor while he campaigns for the GOP nomination for president.
Nevertheless, MAGA Inc. outlined how it intends to turn DeSantis’ political fundraising and activities against him as he lays the groundwork for a campaign. Trump’s allies object to the $12 million DeSantis raised through a state political committee — much of it in the form of seven-figure donations from wealthy donors — likely to be siphoned off to a federal committee, DailyExpertNews previously reported .
“The Make America Great Again movement was created to stop career politicians using public services to amass personal wealth and power,” said MAGA Inc. in a statement on Wednesday. “There needs to be an investigation by the Florida Ethics Commission as soon as possible.”
