DeSantis cleared of ethics complaint filed by Trump-aligned PAC
Florida Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Against Governor DeSantis
Are you curious about the latest political drama in Florida? The Florida Commission on Ethics recently dismissed a complaint filed by a Trump-aligned super PAC against Governor Ron DeSantis. The complaint accused DeSantis of violating state law by using his state to fundraise and court a presidential run without declaring his candidacy.
The Allegations
- The Make America Great Again Inc. PAC filed the complaint in March, alleging DeSantis is guilty of “illegal conduct” by using his Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC to fundraise in the early months of 2023 despite not launching a White House bid.
- The group accused DeSantis of possibly violating state law by using his “personally lucrative book tour” to court voters, alleging that the governor likely used the opportunity to solicit or accept gifts.
However, the Florida commission shot down those allegations in a 12-page report released this week, ruling that MAGA Inc. failed to cite specific allegations that were in violation of the law.
Trump vs. DeSantis
The ethics complaint marked the latest escalation from former President Donald Trump’s allies to attack DeSantis, who has not yet announced whether he intends to run for president but is considered to be Trump’s closest rival. Although once friendly, Trump and DeSantis have since distanced themselves as they both eye the GOP nomination in 2024 — with the former president especially ramping up attacks against the Florida governor in recent weeks.
More than half (51%) of Republican voters say they’d back Trump compared to just 38% who said they’d vote for DeSantis, giving the former president a substantial lead over his closest rival, according to a recent poll from the Wall Street Journal. However, DeSantis dominates the field when it comes to campaign cash, far outraising his possible opponents for the GOP nomination.
What’s Next for DeSantis?
DeSantis has ramped up efforts to establish a national standing before deciding whether to run for president, as the Republican governor held scheduled meetings with several members of Congress in Washington this month. However, that plan seemed to backfire in some cases after a handful of GOP members publicly endorsed Trump just hours after meeting with DeSantis.
Stay tuned for more updates on the political landscape in Florida.
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