Former Republican ex-governor from Florida changes tune on voter legitimacy

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to calculate the odds of ineligible votes determining who the next U.S. president is. After all, we have roughly 11 million foreign nationals in our country at present and President Barack Obama ignored current federal laws and Congress to offer them what amounts to amnesty.

It’s also generally known that identity documents are easy to come by.

Now Florida's ex-governor Charlie Crist has jumped into the debate.

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Amid furor over voter ID, RPOF statement reveals bombshell about DHS

Florida precinct parking lot on past voting day. Obviously, there is no deluge. Early vote days can easily be consolidated without impacting anyone, as Florida's voter reforms are implemented. (Photo: The US Report)As news of a judge’s decision about Florida’s voting reforms reached the Sunshine State, Republican women and the state party chair issued a rapid response.

Ironically, a statement from RPOF chair Lenny Curry contained a bombshell, and it puts President Barack Obama’s Dept. of Homeland Security in an even worse light.

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For top CPAC blogger, life can’t get more bizarre than ‘Shark-Gate’ in Broward

Javier Manjarres' website 'The Shark Tank' won CPAC's Blogger of the Year Award.Javier Manjarres has built his website The Shark Tank into an influential voice in conservative political circles, first in Florida and then expanding the reach to the national arena. Manjarres’ work was recognized when he won the CPAC Blogger of the Year Award.

So I have to say I was speechless to learn that some members of the Broward Republican Executive Committee filed what Manjarres said is a  “false police incident report” accusing him of—this is the extremely bizarre part—“wiretapping.”

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RPOF chairman Bitner will be missed

Republican Party of Florida chairman Dave Bitner with his wife Wendy. (Photo RPOF.org)I learned today of the passing of the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. To say I am sad is an understatement. Chairman Bitner had a long, distinguished life spent in both the private sector and public service. What I will always appreciate is his leadership during difficult times.

RPOF vice-chairman Lenny Curry said, "It has been the honor of a lifetime to work by Chairman Bitner’s side. Not only was Dave a born leader, he was an exemplary man in every sense. In honor of his example, I am committed to ensure that the Republican Party of Florida continues its tradition of service to our beloved state."

Cindy Graves, president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women also praised Bitner. Graves said, "It is hard to believe that only a week has passed since he made his announcement that he would be stepping down. We can take comfort that he is with the Lord and finally free of the terrible pain that has crippled him these last many months. Dave Bitner was a hero to me. The Chairman's unparallelled dedication to his state and country will forever serve as an example to us all."

The US Report sends sympathy to Chairman Bitner's family and we will keep them in our prayers. He will be sorely missed. 

(Filed by Kay B. Day/Sept. 8, 2011)
 

Putting Florida GOP financial dustup in context

By Kay B. Day

At the moment there’s a big dustup in Florida over spending by the state GOP officials. Former state party chair Jim Greer has been accused of wrongdoing and Gov. Charlie Crist has asked for a federal investigation. At issue is GOP party money, not taxpayer money.

Allegations against Greer are complicated, ranging from the manner in which donor funds were spent to the setup of a shell company by Greer’s executive director. Greer was allegedly majority owner of the fundraising company. And Greer's problems go far beyond tax return issues common in campaigns.

Because there is so much at stake in the 2012 elections—not just for the GOP but for the country as well—the negative attention creates political opportunity. And because media swings left, it's useful to put the whole controversy in context.

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