Ray Sansom's G Men Problem

The FBI investigation of Ray Sansom continues.

The House will provide the FBI with dozens of pages of travel reimbursement records for Sansom, R-Destin, and several of his staffers. On their own the documents reveal little, and federal authorities have not said precisely what they are looking for. But travel records could mean authorities will look at how Sansom used taxpayer funds.

Sansom is facing tax questions over his use of a Republican Party of Florida credit card. A RPOF internal report said that not all of Sansom's credit card expenses were related to party business.

Sansom's FBI Problem

Gary Fineout has a good breakdown how why former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom is being investigated by the FBI.

Records during Sansom’s time in office -- from 2002 to 2010 -- show that he used the leftover campaign funds for printing costs, cellphone bills, office supplies, meals and on a computer from Best Buy.

But those same records also show that he used the account to reimburse himself directly, especially after he resigned from a $110,000 job from Northwest Florida State College in early 2009. It was Sansom’s decision to take that job that increased scrutiny over his decisions while budget chairman to steer state money to the college. Sansom was charged in connection with his handling of the budget, but prosecutors dropped the charges midway through Sansom's trial.

In 2009 records show that Sansom reimbursed himself $4,700. The records are conflicting about how much he received in 2010. Sansom was reimbursed another $1401 during the first three months of 2010, but then the records show that Sansom received an additional $1,200 in April and May after he had resigned from office. A follow-up document, however, says that report should be disregarded and that an earlier document showing “no activity” was correct.

If Sansom didn't get into legal trouble he would mostly likely be a U.S. Senate candidate. Ray Sansom is the United States Senate is a scary thought.

Ray Sansom's Legal Troubles Are Not Over

The FBI has subpoenaed former Ray Sansom aide Samantha Sullivan. She now works for Rep. Matt Gaetz.

“The subpoena compels testimony before the grand jury and the production of documents regarding how Rep. Sansom utilized funds designated for office use,” Gaetz said.

The state charges against Sanson were dropped. Samson said the reason he didn't go to prison was because God had ordained it.

"God has sustained us," Sansom said after the case was dismissed. "We held strong with his grace."

Perhaps God told Samson to place pork in the Florida House budget that would land him a no-bid job and spend $173,000 on a Republican Party of Florida credit card.

Ray Sansom: Man of Values Part II

I wrote a post called "Ray Sansom: Man of Values." I noted that Sansom's professed religious values didn't match his actions. The charges against Sansom have been dropped. Sansom immediately lays it on thick with his Christian spiel.

"God has sustained us," Sansom said after the case was dismissed. "We held strong with his grace."

Perhaps Sansom can explain how inserting a secret earmark to get a $110,000-a-year job was following the gospel. In return for the job, Samson gave Northwest Florida State College $750,000 in start up funds. Jay Odom, a longtime campaign contributor to Sansom, got a remodeled hanger.
Sansom did another secret earmark to Xe Services, formerly known as Blackwater. The legislation would allow Xe to run privatized prisons in Florida. Fortunately, the legislation died.

The job Sansom received was was no-bid. Former Northwest Florida State College president Bob Richburg kept the meeting closed to the public. Richburg did not hold the meeting at NWFSC, instead at Florida State University. Florida Sunshine laws requires that the meeting for job opening, involving anelected official, have the minutes recorded. Richburg waited ten mouths to post the minutes.

Sansom spent $173,000 of the nonprofit Republican Party of Florida money, on lavish meals and tuxedo rentals. Sansom's crwedit card spending spree hardly follows the Christ parable of the Good Sararitan. Especial when Sansom his not spending someone else's money.

In my two years of covering Sansom, I haven't seen him do one thing that wasn't too his personnal benefit. Sansom's faith is no different than Jimmy Swagart or Jim Bakker professing a love of Jesus after publicly being caught in a scandal. If Sansom wants to make me believe he is a Christian then he can start by professing his ethical lapses. I doubt Sansom's values are strong enough for that kind of candor.

Florida Has A Corruption Problem

From 1998 to 2007 Florida has had 824 public official convicted of various crimes. New York came in second with 704. This is a good time to bring this up that Charlie Crist, Marco Rubio, Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene have all made the CREW list for corrupt candidates. One of these men will end up being a United States Senator.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White was caught breaking campaign finance rules by spending $6,100 on his personal wardrobe. White tried to get away with the bogus billing by citing the owner of BC Men's Wear as his fashion consultant. White was found guilty in court of sexually harrassing former employee Alyssa Ogden. White is the favorite to win the District 3 race.

Former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom was charged with official misconduct, grand theft and conspiracy. He also used nonprofit money from the Republican Party of Florida to charge $173,000 on a credit card. Sansom still has not repaid the money. Sansom got a standing ovation from fellow Republicans when he steeped down as Speaker.

Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer was indicted on several counts of felong grand theft. Greer set up the bogus company Victory Strategies to profit from billing the RPOF. Greer attempted to destroy the paper trail by bringing a paper shredding machine to the RPOF offices. Crist defended Greer until the near end.

Florida has an obvious corruption problem. It is time for citizens to back changes that will hold public officials to a higher standard. The Florida Commission on Ethics lacks teeth. The Attorney General office under Bill McCollum showed an unwillingness to investigate Sansom. This isn't a partisan issue. This is about having honest public officials. A democracy cannot run if the people do not trust their elected officials.

Republicans Still Heart Ray Sansom

Florida House Republicans just don't get it. Sansom got into a major trouble for budgeting money to Northwest Florida College. The money was suppose to build a Community Services Complex for the school. The money actually went to building a hanger for Jay Odom's private planes. Odom has been a longtime campaign contributor to Sansom.

Northwest Florida College received money for questionable projects. NFC President Bob Richburg gave Sansom a no-bid job with the school. The job opening was advertised only a day in advance. The meeting was closed to the public. Sansom set up the office for the job interview at Florida State University. Richburg waited ten months to file the minutes of the meeting.

Sansom got a well-paying job. Odom got a hanger. Richburg got money for the school. Sansom, Richburg and Jay Odom ended up being indicted. When Sansom stepped down as House Speaker, his Republican colleagues gave him a standing ovation. House Republicans are still singing the praises of Sansom.

But apparently some lawmakers see it differently. Reps. Juan Zapata, Mary Bradenburg and Baxter Troutman all thanked Sansom for his leadership and friendship. It's striking given that most House members were reluctant to defend Sansom as the criminal investigation unfolded.

On Tuesday, Troutman, a Winter Haven Republican, called the Sansom scandal an "unnecessary witch hunt."

These people are unbelievable.

Where Has Republican Party of Florida Money Gone

Here is a breakdown of RPoF money spent on American Express credit cards. Much of the RPoF money is still unaccounted for.

Percent Of RPOF AmEx Spending Detailed31.25%
Percent Still Unknown68.75%

RPOF Individual Spending On AmEx Cards

Speaker Marco Rubio - $110,000
Indicted Speaker Ray Sansom - $173,000
Speaker-designate Dean Cannon - $175,000
Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos - *$2,347
Rubio Chief of Staff Richard Corcoran - $70,000
RPOF Executive Director Delmar Johnson - $500,000
Jr. Party Staffer Melanie Phister - $1,258,000
Total Charges Made Public - $2,286,000

[Sources: Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times, 4/11/10, Orlando Sentinel 4/12/10 ]
*Haridopolos only had AmEx card for 2 months, during period of intense media scrutiny before it was taken away.

Ray Sansom's Blackwater Deal

In 2008, former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom inserted an amendment that would privatize five state prisons. The contracts would go to Blackwater. The company is now known as Xe Services LLC. Blackwater best known for the controversial killing of 17 Iraqi civilians. Judge Ricardo M. Urbina dropped the charges against the accused Blackwater guards.

Florida Sen. Paula Dockery is opposed to the Blackwater contract. The town of Sneads's economy depends of the state jobs provided by the prison. Dockery issued a press release.

Senator Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland), is strongly opposed to the lengthy proviso language that was quietly inserted into the Senate’s proposed budget during last week’s Ways & Means Committee hearing. “The proposal to close unnamed existing correctional facilities resulting in the layoffs of over 1,000 state corrections officers to move inmates to private facilities is a policy decision that deserves to be vetted through a completely transparent process. As chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, I find it outrageous that major change in how we run our state correctional facilities was not reviewed by committees that were created for this explicit purpose,” said Senator Dockery. “Transparency cannot exist when there has been no opportunity for debate or testimony.”

A hush contract given to Blackwater. Maybe this is what Ray Sansom meant by saying he was a man of values. Those same values allowed Sansom to use the Republican Party of Florida credit card to buy expensive meals and tuxedo rentals. Sansom's strong values allowed him to never repay the RPoF for his lavish spending.

Sansom, Richburg and Odom Charged With Grand Theft

State Attorney Willie Meggs has charged former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom, Jay Odom and former Northwest Florida State College president Bob Richburg with grand theft. The charge stems form Sanson allocating $6 million in the state budget for an aircraft hanger for the Destin Aiport. The city of Destin never had any interest in funding Richburg's hanger project. Richburg has private planes.

"It doesn't benefit him at all," Sansom said at the time. "He wasn't involved with me. I worked with the college." Odom told the St. Petersburg Times the hanger would not be used for Richburg's plane. That was contradicted by Airport operation manager Bill Blackford.

The shady deal worked like this: Odom leased a half acre to Northwest Florida College for $1 dollar. Sanson got a $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College. Richburg's school got $750,000 of start up funds. Odom got a remodeled hanger. The three men waged their plans in a series of emails. Richburg and Sansom had a private meeting to put the hanger in the budget. The hanger was (laughably) sold a classrooms.

My favorite thing about Sansom is him selling himself as a values candidate. This is the bill for a meal Sansom and Richburg at the University Center Club. Sansom charged the meal on his Republican Party of Florida American Express card.

Ray Sansom's Credit Card Problem

I loved how former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom would tout his fiscal conservatism. Sansom spent $173,000 on a Republican Party of Florida issued American Express card. Records showed Sansom used his RPoF credit card for personsal expenses.

• $348 for personal babysitting services from Nanny Can in December 2006.

• $320 at Cole Haan in Destin in May 2008 and $224 at Kenneth Cole in October 2007.

• $1,953 for tuxedo rentals.

• $69.50 for fabric and yarn at Jo-Ann Fabrics in Fort Walton Beach in March 2007.

Sansom charged meals in restaurants as disparate as Diva in the SOHO district of Manhattan and Burger King in Orlando. He bought subscriptions to Time and Sports Illustrated.

Sansom never reimbused the RPoF for his credit card expenses. Republican State Sen. Don Gaetz called Sansom and asked if he was willing to reimburse the RPoF.

"I asked him if he used the party credit card to fly his family to Europe and he said that he did but said he offered to pay the party back. He said Chairman Greer did not accept the check."

The media asked RPoF chairman Jim Greer if he attempted to have Samsom repay the money. Greer gave a truly bizarre response.

"Mhhhhhaaaaaaaaaawwwww," Greer bellowed with laughter.

If I was a Republican, I would be angry this clown was running the RPoF. Greer eventually got around to (sort of) answering the question.

"There was some discussions I had with the speaker last year when I made the decision to end the ability to spend (translation: He took Sansom's card away) and there were some talk about reimbursement. But they never came to fruition. The party was never reimbursed," Greer said."That's all I'll say."

Translation: Greer is not going to press Sansom to repay the money. Republicans treat donations the same as tax dollars. As long as it is not their money they don't care.

Ray Sansom Troubles Continues

Ray Sansom preaches he is a man of values. Perhaps Sansom can explain what in his values made him feel it was appropriate to charge $597 for a private dinner with Bob Richburg to a RPoF American Express card. This dinner was part of a meeting between Sansom and Richburg that violated Sunshine laws. The dinner took place at the University Center Club. The establishment bills itself as "Tallahassee's premier private club experience." At $30.00 a steak and and 29.00 for grouper it maybe Tallahassee's most expensive private club experience.

Sansom faces up to five years in prison official misconduct charges. Richburg has been indicted on perjury. The charges stem from a aircraft hanger project Sansom, Richburg and Jay Odom personally benefitted from.

Below is what Sansom and Richburg ordered. All together they ordered 222 items. Click the image to enlarge.



In related news: State Attorney Wilie Meggs is seeking a search warrant for Ray Samson's laptop. If granted the warrant, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will examine the computer.

Meggs is not happy with how slowly the process has been going. He wanted Sansom's computer torn apart yesterday.

“Since the legislature is building airport hangers instead of funding FDLE, they’re a little behind,” Meggs said.

Smack!

Write A Caption: Ray Sansom & Marco Rubio Edition

Republicans are going to regret giving the indicted Ray Sansom a standing ovation.

This classic Marco Rubio quote from January is cringe-inducing.

"Ray Sansom is a high quality person. He's one of the best people I ever interacted with in the legislative process. ... He's in the middle of a process, and he'll have to let the process go through,'' the Miami Republican said when asked if Sansom should step down as Speaker for the good of the legislature and his party. "He understands he's got a perception problem. ... It comes down to his ability to his ability to focus on the job, and if he can focus on the job then I don't think it's a problem."

There is two ways to interpret Rubio's statement. The literal version is Rubio is so naive he actually believes Sansom is "one of the best people" he worked with in the Florida legislature. The cynical version is Rubio is bullshitting to help maintain GOP damage control. Pick your poison. Neither interpretation distinguishes Rubio as a public servant.

Write A Caption: Ray Sansom Booking Photo

Ray Sansom has been indicted. "Because I am innocent of these charges,' said Sansom. "I will be vindicated at trial."

You know a politician is in trouble when he starts sounding like Rod Bladojevich.

Ray Sansom Indicted

Gov. Charlie Crist blew off criticism of former House Speaker Ray Sansom's ethical lapses. Sansom was forced to stepped down as House Speaker because of several related scandals. House Republicans showed their support by giving Sansom a standing ovation. Conserrvative pundit Joe Scarborough called the GOP response a "moral crisis." A grand jury today indicted Sansom and Northwest Florida State College president Bob Richburg. Both have been charged with the third degree crime of official misconduct. They must surrender to authorities. That means there will soon be a booking picture of Sansom on the internet.

"We believe that Speaker-designate Ray Sansom because of his friendship and political contributions violated the trust that the citizens of Florida should expect from its elected representatives," the grand jury report said.

Sansom secured $6 million of taxpayer dollars for Jay Odom's hanger. Odom has a long history of financially contributing to Sansom's campaigns. Sansom, Odom, and Richburg publicly denied discussing the hanger project. The St. Petersburg Times reported the three discussed the hanger in several emails. Sansom got a $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College, the same day he became House Speaker. Richburg got the school funding at a time of budget cuts. Odom got a pimped out hanger deck to park his private planes.

On news of the indictment: Crist said, "That's distressing to hear." Really Governor? Where was your dismay when the Sansom allegations first surfaced?

When asked whether he'd be willing to investigate, Gov. Charlie Crist said, "Who asked me to do that?"

"Karen Thurman," replied Tampa Tribune reporter Catherine Dolinski.

"Yeah, next question," Crist said.

Why did Attorney General tell Panhandle resident he had no jurisdiction to investigate Sansom? When the St. Petersburg Times published McCollum's email the Attorney General suddenly realized he did have jurisdiction. It must have been a light bulb over the head moments.

It is hypocritical for Crist to now be distressed about Sansom. Republicans that gave a standing ovation to Sansom have no credibility to denounce Sansom's actions. I spent time on this blog bashing Gary Siplin and Rod Blagojevich. I don't need trolls and conservative bloggers giving me a fucking lecture about being fair and balanced. Ideology is one thing. Corruption is illegal. There is no grey area. What part of breaking the law do people not understand?

After the Bill Clinton impreachment, Democrats learned to stay away from radioactive pols. Republicans start a fucking defense fund (spare me Marty Peretz being a Dem) for Lewis "Scooter" Libby. The insanity of defending Libby's indefensible outing of Valerie Plame is symptomatic of what is wrong with the GOP.

Quote of the Day

"Well, I just wish them the best. Obviously, it’s a bit of a challenging time. But it is a House issue. The lieutenant governor and I respect that. We have been following it closely and I think they’ll have a good meeting tonight."

Charlie Crist, refusing to give his opinion on the vote for Ray Sansom's successor.

Bonus Quote

"That’s up to the House. I’m sure he’d do a fine job."

Crist, asked if Larry Cretul would make a good Speaker.

Crist wouldn't even fight the Florida legislature for his own Indian gaming pact. Crist isn't going to get a jolt of courage and offer an opinion of members of his own party.

Ray Sansom: Man of Values

Ray Sansom has stepped down as Speaker of the House.

"Effective immediately, I have decided to recuse myself from the exercise of my duties as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Ongoing legal proceedings have temporarily created an inability for me to carry out my responsibilities as Speaker. Under the House rules, during this temporary inability, Speaker pro tempore Larry Cretul will exercise all the duties, powers and prerogatives of Speaker.

I know Larry will manage the House with distinction and it will be an honor for me to serve under him at this time, until any legal proceedings I face are resolved. The allegations and reports associated with these proceedings have caused my family grave pain and this has prompted my decision. I expect positive outcomes and am confident that when the facts are known, my honesty and integrity will be confirmed."

Journalists need to ask Republicans, that gave Sansom a standing ovation, if they will rise again for Sansom? Charlie Crist defended Sansom? Will Crist continue to defend his party's Speaker?

Republicans talk about values. Those values are now being tested, as their former Speaker faces a grand jury investigation. Florida Republicans defended Sansom. Turning their backs now would show hypocrisy.

Samsom told supporters he will use his faith in family and God to guide him.

Like A Bad Neighbor State Farm Is Not There

Earlier this month, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty rejected State Farm Florida's request to raise homeowners insurance 47.1 percent. State Farm Fl decided to drop all Florida property insurance policies. It will take State Farm two years to end all policies. The Office of Insurance Regulation has 90 days to approve the plan.

Florida leaders have reacted angrily to State Farm's announcement. McCarthy subpoenaed State Farm. The subpoena is a fishing expedition into any manner of State Fam documents. State Farm is certain to fight the subpoena.

Gov. Charlie Crist maintains his my-way-or-the-highway stance.

"They probably charge the highest rates in the state anyway," Crist said. "Floridians will be much better off without them." The problem with Crist's statement is he doesn't have a back up plan. Citizens Property Insurance has $3.6 billion on-hand. The Cat fund: $2.8 billion. Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, wants to stop State Farm from leaving. Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom is convening a meeting State Farm representatives. My fear is Crist does nothing.

State Farm Fl is the largest property insurance insurer in the state. Citizens Property Insurance can not absorb those policies. Either Crist courts private insurers into Florida or he gives in.

Update: Fasano is sponsoring legislation prohibiting State Farm from selling auto insurance, if State Farm no longer seels property insurance. Crist has voiced his approval of the pending bill. I am no fan of State Farm, but what happened to Republicans' Laissez-faire economic principles?

The Ray Sansom Scandals

Ray Sansom faces two ethics complaints from David Plyer and Susan Smith. The State Commission on Ethics ruled Plyers' complaint was "legally sufficient." Leon County State Attorney Willie Meggs will have a grand jury hear the ethics complaints.

Democrats quickly abandoned William Jefferson and Rod Blagojevich. The GOP operates differently. Sansom's position as Florida House Speaker caused Republicans to circle the wagons. Gov. Charlie Crist blew off a question to investigate Sansom. Attorney General Bill McCollum told a Panhandle resident he did not have the jurisdiction to investigate. After the St. Petersburg Times reported McCollum's email, the Attorney General suddenly put his investigative powers into action.



Columnist Howard Troxler breaks down the Sanson scandals.

To keep track, let's divide the "things to investigate" list about House Speaker Ray Sansom into three categories:

The Job.

The Meeting.

The Building.

I would add the possible violation of Florida's Sunshine laws.

Q. Does the Sunshine Law apply to the Legislature?
A. Florida's Constitution provides that meetings of the Legislature be open and noticed except those specifically exempted by the Legislature or specifically closed by the Constitution. Each house is responsible through its rules of procedures for interpreting, implementing and enforcing these provisions. Information on the rules governing openness in the Legislature can be obtained from the respective houses.

Q. Does the Sunshine Law applies to members-elect?
A. Members-elect of public boards or commissions are covered by the Sunshine law immediately upon their election to public off ice.

Q. What qualifies as a meeting?
A. The Sunshine law applies to all discussions or deliberations as well as the formal action taken by a board or commission. The law, in essence, is applicable to any gathering, whether formal or casual, of two or more members of the same board or commission to discuss some matter on which foreseeable action will be taken by the public board or commission. There is no requirement that a quorum be present for a meeting to be covered under the law.

Northwest Florida State College president Bob Richburg kept the meeting to hire Sansom closed to the public. The law requires minutes of the meeting be submitted for public record. Richburg waited 10 months to file the minutes. Richburg still hasn't explained why the meeting was held at Florida State University.

On the political side: how long can the Republican Party of Florida have their legislative spokesman mired in scandal. Sansom is toast. Keeping Sansom around hurts the state and gives Democrats an easy target. Is that what Florida Republicans want?

Update: Sansom has hired defense attorney Peter Antonacci.

Charlie Crist Asks More More Time

Governor Charlie Crist is sent a letter to Seanate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Ray Sansom. Crist wishes to delay submitting his budget. The law requires the Governor to file a budget by February 20th.

Atwater and Sansom will most likely grant Crist's extension. Crist said is wasn't worried and delayed calling an emergency session. Crist is now saying he can't submit a budget in time. What gives?

Quote of the Day

"Well if you would have told me today that if you take this job no matter how pure your intentions, no matter clear or transparent that you, I believe that you and, and even if you could tell people and they would believe you that your intentions are clear and you knew all this would happen, you would have taken the job and I would have said No. And here's the reason why...I didnt do anything wrong."

Ray Sansom, explaining that knowing what he knows now, he wouldn't take the Northwest Florida State College job because he "didn't do anything wrong."

This will go down as one of the most staggeringly stupid quotes of the year.