Chairman Smith Calls On Haridopolos To Stop Using Agenda-Setting Power To Demand Donations From Lobb

NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
For Immediate Release: February 15, 2011
Chairman Smith Calls On Haridopolos To Stop Using Agenda-Setting Power To Demand Donations From Lobbyists
Responding to Politico’s reporting that Senate President Mike Haridopolos is, ”Planning 15 fundraising events over the next 30-day period,” rather than working to bring jobs to Florida or focusing on jumpstarting the economy, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith released the following statement:
“As a former member of the Florida Senate, I have seen firsthand the near absolute agenda-setting power afforded to the sitting Senate President.
“Over the past several weeks, Mike Haridopolos has clearly used his power to demand donations from lobbyists and special interests for his U.S. Senate campaign.
“While this is unfortunately not surprising given Sen. Haridopolos’ questionable ethics and record of scandal, Floridians deserve better. Therefore, Sen. Haridopolos should either step-down as Senate President or at the very least he needs to immediately stop abusing the power afforded to him by not fundraising until the legislative session ends.”
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