Thurman Chastises Thrasher For Attempt To Deflect Blame On Republican Corruption Scandal

NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

For Immediate Release: June 04, 2010

Thurman Chastises Thrasher For Attempt To Deflect Blame On Republican Corruption Scandal

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman today responded to Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher's attempts to deflect blame from the massive corruption at the Republican Party, sending the following letter:

June 4, 2010

The Honorable John Thrasher
Republican Party of Florida
420 E. Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Dear John,

I read your response to my letter to Statewide Prosecutor William Shepherd, demanding his recusal from the case involving the massive corruption in the Republican Party due to his conflicts of interest, and was deeply disappointed by your implication.

I understand you have a personal interest in deflecting blame and keeping Shepherd in control of the scope of the investigation given your role, along with Attorney General Bill McCollum, Rep. Dean Cannon, and Sen. Mike Haridopolos, in working to cover up indicted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer's alleged crimes by paying him off with hush money. But, to suggest I have anything but the utmost respect for the brave men and women of FDLE and all those who put themselves in harm's way to protect Florida communities is beyond contemptible.

As you may know, Shepherd not only was appointed by and works under AG McCollum, but Shepherd also invested $500 in McCollum's campaign for Governor, the maximum allowed by law. Additionally, Shepherd is a registered Republican who has also donated to Republicans, such as Senate President Jeff Atwater and Gov. Charlie Crist, who have a stake in this investigation.

To clear the air and ensure the many criminal investigations into the Republican Party and Republican leaders are credible to the people of our great state, we need a full and independent investigation.

While your statement to the news media smacks of the typical politics as usual Floridians have come to expect from the Republican Party, your party should look in the mirror before making such claims. As you know, several weeks ago your party "mocked and insulted" Florida's law enforcement officers according to the Florida Police Benevolent Association when you fought to deny them the tools they needed in an "effort to score some cheap political points."

And, as I have watched you and your fellow Republicans in the Florida Legislature, who over the past few years have slashed law enforcement budgets and forced communities to lay off thousands of first responders across Florida, I have been proud to watch the Democrats fight back against these efforts.

Because the men and women of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement deserve better than your treating them as pawns in your political games, you should apologize to them today.

Sincerely,

Karen Thurman

Chair, Florida Democratic Party

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