Trump Allies Pressure DeSantis Over Florida ‘Resign-to-Run’ Law

An ethics investigation is being conducted against Florida Governor by a political action committee (PAC), which was allied to former President Donald Trump. Ron DeSantis, a presumed challenger to Trump’s bid to become the 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

Taylor Budowich is the head of a PAC called “Make America Great Again Inc.,” DeSantis is accused of running an illegal operation “shadow campaign” For president of the United States while skirting Florida “resign-to-run” law.

The allegations, including concerns about DeSantis-aligned fundraising and expenditures, are detailed in a 15-page letter asking the Florida Commission on Ethics to investigate DeSantis’ activities.

The website of the PAC states that the group’s mission can be found on its website “to ensure a second Trump administration and to promote America First candidates.” However, the PAC also cites a Federal Elections Commission (FEC), stating that it is. “not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.”

Taryn Feenske, communications director at DeSantis, responded to the PAC’s ethics accusation by sending The Epoch Times: “Adding this to the list of frivolous and politically motivated attacks. It’s inappropriate to use state ethics complaints for partisan purposes.”

Lynn Blais, a spokeswoman of the ethics commission, stated to The Epoch Times she couldn’t confirm or deny that a formal complaint had been filed against DeSantis, or any other person.

Initial complaints to that office are confidential. However, she stated that specific commission actions are made public, which includes findings of “probable cause” Following investigations.

Undeclared Candidate for Book Tour

Budowich’s note says that DeSantis was “already a de facto candidate” for President while on a multi-state tour in support of his new book.

DeSantis’s tour started in Florida on February 28, 2008. His book. “The Courage to be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival,” The book soared up to No. No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List.

The governor-author traveled to Nevada and Iowa last week for book-promoting talks. Both states are holding early presidential primaries. The book-promoting talks that DeSantis gave in these states were widely considered preludes for a presidential campaign. These states are coveted by candidates for the Republican presidential nomination. They try to win voters in these states early and often.

DeSantis, however, is not yet a declared presidential candidate. Trump announced his candidacy for president in November 2022. Since then, four others have jumped into the fray—former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson and Steve Laffey, a former mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island.

None has received as much attention as the DeSantis, which are still undeclared.

“DeSantis’s failure to declare his candidacy is no mere oversight; it is a coordinated effort specifically designed for him to accept, as unethical gifts, illegal campaign contributions, and certain personal benefits,” Budowich’s letter claims.

Budowich also claims DeSantis’ actions “have rendered him irreparably conflicted and have left the statehouse vacant” While he embarks upon his national book tour, “cover” His presidential campaign.

“Governor DeSantis will be on his book tour for much of Florida’s legislative session,” Budowich wrote. He also asked the ethics committee to investigate DeSantis’ contract with his book publisher “to ensure that such contractual relationship will not further conflict with the full and faithful discharge of his public duties.”

Resign-To Run Law presents a Hurdle

DeSantis, who is currently governor of Florida and a candidate for the Presumptive Presidential Election, finds himself in an unusual position. Florida’s “resign-to-run” Law requires that any state officeholder be resigned. “qualifies” An overlapping federal term. However, when that resignation must be tendered is in dispute, The Epoch Times has reported.

DeSantis was elected Florida’s governor in 2019. In January, he started his second four-year term. If he resigns, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez will succeed him to the governorship.

Budowich’s PAC releases the following news release: “Florida law has unique and unambiguous restrictions related to state officials accepting gifts, personally benefiting from outside income, and being influenced into making specific decisions.”

The PAC alleges DeSantis inappropriately solicited gifts and accepted them with the understanding that he would run as president and resign his role as Florida governor.

These activities are alleged. “in direct violation of state ethics laws, the spirit and the letter of the state’s resign-to-run law, and his commitment to America’s taxpayers,” The PAC stated.

If DeSantis is found guilty of violating ethics, the PAC recommends that the commission punish him or remove him from office. “disqualifying him from any future ballot” Florida

Possible Law Change Draws Opposition

There are rumours that Florida legislators may be looking at changing the resign to run law. However, there has been opposition to such a move.

Reporting Laura Loomer, a former Congressional Candidate who often comments on politics via Twitter, stated that the Citrus County Republican Club adopted a resolution calling for the enforcement of the existing right to run law.

DeSantis must be held in office for all four years for which he was elected, according to the resolution. DeSantis is also urged to remain in office for the entire four-year term he was elected. “to accommodate any individual’s political aspirations.”

Loomer wrote on Twitter that she drafted the Citrus County resolution as a “concerned Florida citizen and voter,” in collaboration with precinct officers from Lake and Citrus county.

Loomer tweeted that he predicted that more counties would adopt similar resolutions and asked state legislators to oppose any alteration to the right-to run law.