The Republican Party Of Florida “purge” of those who aren’t really…”true Republicans?” continues.
Yesterday after Charlie Crist suffered the wrath of “The Cheney” when Dick endorsed Marco Rubio, The Republican Party Of Florida sent a memo to party officials stating that anyone who supports Charlie Crist or gives him any money, should he decide to run as an Independent, will be removed from any State and County Republican committees.
“Any member who fails to formally revoke his or her public support and request the return of any contributions made to a candidate running against the candidate of the Republican Party would be in violation of RPOF rules,” Jason Gonzalez wrote.
Now Crist’s former adviser and the man he placed in the U.S. Senate seat Crist is running for as a “placeholder” George LeMieux, is facing pressure himself. Should LeMieux support Crist as an Independent if it comes to that, he could be damaging his own political future. That’s not the way the Crist-LeMieux “plan” was supposed to work though.
Crist handpicked LeMieux and placed him in the Senate seat until which time Crist won that same seat. LeMieux would then run against Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson for his current seat in 2012. Now that the plan has changed, LeMieux may have to make some tough choices.
So far, LeMieux hasn’t signaled what he’ll do. Will that change now?
Yesterday while President Obama was speaking about the upcoming financial reform legislation, a fundraiser was held and hosted by two JP Morgan Chase & Co. lobbyists to raise money for none other than George LeMiuex and the Protect America’s Future PAC.
The Grassley breakfast was hosted by two JP Morgan Chase & Co. lobbyists, Nathan Gatten and Steve Patterson. Both were listed on a lobbying disclosure form for the first quarter of 2010; the company reported spending $1.5 million to raise issues on Capitol Hill related to credit card transaction fees, the modification of home mortgage loans, the regulatory oversight of bonds, short-selling practices, and use of derivatives to hedge risk.
In addition to raising money for the beneficiaries, the lobbyists hosting the events also had a chance for face time with other influential lawmakers. In fact, at a fundraiser today, three powerful members of the agriculture committee–Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa., are listed as honorary hosts of a noon fundraiser for the Sen. George LeMieux’s, R-Fla, Protect America’s Future Political Action Committee….]
[....The invitation to LeMieux's fundraiser asks for a contribution of $2,500 for a PAC host, $1,000 for an individual host, $1,000 for a PAC and $250 for an individual for the “reception-style luncheon” at the National Republican Senatorial Committee to raise money for the PAC which “supports candidates who embody the values of fiscal conservatism, smaller government and strong national security.”
A fundraiser held for LeMiuex by lobbyists from the financial industry just as financial reform legislation is being shaped in Washington. No "pressure" there. Loyalty to Crist comes at a price. Perhaps this was a little "reminder" courtesy of the GOP?
On a side note here, I'm always amused by people who benefit from these pricey fundraisers while calling themselves "fiscal conservatives":
[....asks for a contribution of $2,500 for a PAC host, $1,000 for an individual host, $1,000 for a PAC and $250 for an individual....]
Fundraisers held for members of a party who could lose those contributions if they don’t back the chosen candidate, and those funds are raised by lobbyists who will benefit from possible future legislation, should that member back their industry.
Yet we’re supposed to believe this:
[....to raise money for the PAC which “supports candidates who embody the values of fiscal conservatism, smaller government and strong national security.”
Right.
[...] Sen. George “Stand-In” LeMieux (R-FL). [...]