Top Florida Democrat denies rewards for cash

The Palm Beach Post ^ | 12/15/2008 | Michael C. Bender

[Ron in Acreage]

TALLAHASSEE — The top Democrat in the Florida House considered the amount of money lawmakers gave to the state Democratic Party and their willingness to contribute in the future before he recommended who should sit on some of the state's most powerful legislative panels.

"There may be three or four people that raised money that had (top) ranking positions, but that was not really a major consideration," Minority Leader Franklin Sands said Monday. Ben Wilcox, director of Florida Common Cause, said the possibility of a "quid pro quo" raises ethical and legal questions.

"We all know that some committees are more powerful than other committees, and they seem to be saying you need to make a contribution if you want to be a part of that."

One Democratic lawmaker, Yolly Roberson of Miami, said Sands put the price for his recommendation to the House's top health care committee at $50,000.

Sands said he did not remember that conversation.

"I'm very, very hard pressed to believe I ever said that," said Sands, 68, a business consultant from Weston. "I have no recollection of ever saying anything like that. I think it has to be a misunderstanding."

But Sands' top lieutenant, Rep. Geraldine Thompson of Orlando, left several lawmakers cellphone messages, including one obtained by The Palm Beach Post, explicitly describing Sands' committee recommendations as a reward for top fund-raisers.

[Ron in Acreage]

Go to the link and you can listen to the phone message recording of the democrat asking for donations. He's on TAPE and still denies any wrong doing.

[icwhatudo]

I have no recollection...

sigh

[Lurker]

Unreal.

One day, there's going to be a reckoning with these clowns and it won't be pretty.

L

[edcoil]

Anyone keeping a summary list of dem’s in trouble or investigation? Seems we are up to about a dozen.

[Army Air Corps]

At least. And the list continues to grow. Fox published a list of Dems in the House and Senate who received contributions from Madoff. The list included Obama, Schumer, Dodd, Kerry, and the usual gang of idiots.

[hoosiermama]

Hmmm Pay for play the FLorida way?.....NAW...Must be snowbirds from CHicago!

[realdifferent1]

"There may be three or four people that raised money that had (top) ranking positions, but that was not really a major consideration," Minority Leader Franklin Sands said Monday.

[In my best Lewis Black imitation]: LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE.

[edcoil]

Rengal
Leader of the Florida House
Some dem in florida
Richerson in NM for PtP

[Joe Brower]

[hoosiermama]

New tag line....THe MSM would have us think that Obama is a Virgin in a Chicago Whorehouse.