In the News

Court Documents: Southerland Failed To Properly Bury a Veteran, Left Body Exposed to Elements for Days

TALLAHASSEE, FL — As Congressman Southerland prepares to hold a Town Hall with veterans in Panama City this evening, the Florida Democratic today released court documents showing that Southerland’s company failed to properly bury a veteran: leaving the fallen service member exposed to the elements for over three days because Southerland’s company refused to remove a tree stump which was obstructing the burial site. The court documents show that Southerland’s company was aware of the complications created by the tree stump before the burial, but refused to remove it before the service.  

“Congressman Southerland’s failure to properly bury a Florida veteran — leaving the fallen service-member exposed to the elements for over three days — shows a shocking lack of judgment and a level of blatant disrespect for our brave American heroes that is frankly appalling,” said Florida Democratic Party spokesman David Bergstein. “Before Congressman Southerland addresses veterans tonight, he should take responsibility and apologize to the Gaff family and those who served alongside him for the egregious indignity Southerland inflicted upon Mr. Gaffe and his family.”

The court documents are available on line here (and attached) and show

Recent polling shows that the race between Congressman Southerland and Al Lawson is tied, with the embattled incumbent looking increasingly vulnerable.

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