Governor Ron DeSantis hit with an ethics complaint from MAGA PAC
The America Mission Mid Day Twitter Space was hosted by Millie Weaver and TrashDiscourse. The Ethics Complaint was the ‘main event.’
This is the summary from the Conduct Violations by Governor DeSantis document as submitted by Taylor Budowich and obtained by NBCnews.com.
Introduction
Governor DeSantis is focused on his “Shadow Presidential Campaign”
Shadow campaign refers to spending meant to influence political outcomes where the source of the money is not publicly disclosed or is difficult to trace. These campaigns leaves voters uninformed about important political information and it can obscure potential conflicts of interest for judges and legislators alike. Wikipedia, last viewed 03.15.23
He solicited and/or received millions of dollars of benefits in connection with his “Shadow Presidential Campaign.”
Gifts from Political Committees.
Gifts from Issue-Advocacy Organizations.
Gifts related to his book tour.
Argument
Solicitation or acceptance of gifts Florida Statute Section 112.313(2).
Solicited and received illegal gifts
Gifts are intended to influence his official judgment
Did not file a disclosure of their financial interests pursuant to subsection (i)(1) Article II, Section 8(h)(2) of the Florida Constitution
Received a disproportionate benefit.
Acted with wrongful intent by knowingly violating Federal Campaign Finance Laws.
Acted with wrongful intent by knowingly violating laws against illegal gifts from Political Committees and against illegal lobbying.
Misuse of Public Position Section 112.313(6)
Conflicting employment of contractual relationship Section 112.313(7).
To ponder and discuss
The Mid Day America Mission Twitter Space was divided into two sessions:
The complaint needs to prove “Governor DeSantis is already a de facto candidate for President of the United States under federal election laws.” DeSantis has not explicitly stated he is running for President.
Under current Florida state law, Ron DeSantis would not be able to run for president without stepping down. However, some state lawmakers are considering changing this law in order to allow DeSantis to run and work at the same time. ~ Brave AI, 03.15.23
Is it ethical to ‘force’ Congress to change the law so DeSantis can run for President?
Was DeSantis planning to run all along? Why run for Governor the last election?
What about the PACs?
What about the Presidential-style Ad that was released on his YouTube Channel? 02.26.23
DeSantis is to embark on a national book tour (03.01.23)
Is this is his “de-facto run for President?” If so, that is against Federal Election Laws.
“The Courage to Be Free”
A firsthand account from the blue-collar boy who grew up to take on Disney and Dr. Fauci, The Courage to Be Free delivers something rare from an elected leader: stories of victory.
This book is a winning blueprint for patriots across the country.
And it is a rallying cry for every American who wishes to preserve our liberties.
Who is getting the book proceeds from the sale of his book?
Who is paying for all the related expenses for his book tour (lodging, security, food)?
Is it raising an appearance of impropriety?
Governor DeSantis response:
Reactions from around Twitter
Doc:
DeSantis used to have honor. He resigned from Congress to run for Governor in 2018. He's pledged to ethical and moral oaths as an attorney and member of the Bar, as a Sworn Constitutional Officer as a former Congressman, and under the oath of office he took twice as the Governor of the Great State of Florida.
Ron DeSantis is in likely violation of both federal and state election law by running a full-fledged shadow presidential campaign, signaling a “substantial certainty” under well-established FEC rules, that he’s running for president.
DeSantis is currently on a Swamp funded tour through early primary states running a shadow presidential campaign & enriching himself. All Ron has to do is resign to run then this would be legal. But he won’t because he knows he’ll lose to Trump & MAGA so he’s trying to change the laws.
Hilarious and pathetic.
Of course Trump is playing dirty. That's what he does and why I can no longer support him. He's a thug.
Desperate stuff here. If his super PACs were engaging Democrats in lawfare instead of pissing in their own tent, Trump would be in much better shape right now.
And, last, but not least:
I hope this isn't true. If MAGA supporters are forced to take side, nobody wins.