The official City of Fort Myers account tweeted on Monday that Democrat Charlie Crist would be at the STARS Complex from 12:30-2 p.m. to help distribute “supplies and a warm lunch” to Hurricane Ian victims in need. Attached to the tweet was a front-and-center image of Crist’s campaign bus, with the election only a month away.
Jonathan Martin, Lee County GOP Chairman, shared his thoughts with Florida’s Voice, saying that the city “openly advocating” for Crist on social media was unacceptable. He continued that the move was “shocking and egregious considering what the people of Fort Myers are going through,” referencing Hurricane Ian.
“All taxpayer funded resources should be focused on the rescue efforts of our brave first responders and the recovery efforts of the entire City government to help those who are suffering the most.”
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Crist is already in hot water on this front, given his recent scandal asking Hurricane Ian victims for donations.
Later that same day, Broward removed the image of Crist, likely realizing their mistake.
Today at STARS Complex, 2980 Edison Ave, Fort Myers, 12:30-2PM, supplies and a warm lunch will be distributed to all those in need.
— City of Fort Myers (@cityftmyers) October 10, 2022
Floridians, however, didn’t forget.
Got busted, huh? Tell the mayor he can campaign for Dems still. We won't be mad.
— Whatever you do… (@BrerRabbitBurnr) October 10, 2022
Oh looky here. You figured out you’d messed up.
— Terri J (@TerriSchehr57) October 10, 2022
The DeSantis War Room was quick to point out the scandal, as usual.
Using city resources to campaign is “shocking and egregious considering what the people of Fort Myers are going through. All taxpayer funded resources should be focused on…recovery efforts of the entire City government to help those who are suffering.” https://t.co/O4tmBGD0qY
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 #FloridaStrong (@DeSantisWarRoom) October 10, 2022
Governor DeSantis had been attacked online for simply wearing a vest with his campaign logo while assisting in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Occupy Democrats argued that DeSantis personally wearing this vest violates campaign rules.
Ragin' Ron, rockin' the rain boots in dad jeans and a campaign-rules-violating vest.https://t.co/wJGO1TJWgt
— Occupy Democrats (@OccupyDemocrats) October 4, 2022
If one is to apply this standard equally, The city of Fort Myers promoting Crist’s campaign bus is a flagrant and obvious violation. Rapid response director Christina Pushaw pointed out the double standard, which is now a mainstay of the modern political landscape.
Is this not political campaigning? But somehow Gov. DeSantis wearing a vest with his name and title on it is? Tbh I don’t care what Charlie’s bus does, it’s good if they want to try to help in some way, but the double standard is getting blatant.
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) October 10, 2022
The GOP Chair Jonathan Martin agreed and affirmed that he wouldn’t let the matter be swept under the rug.
“Whomever handles the social media accounts of the City must be immediately suspended and investigated for using government resources to advance the Democrat party and its candidates.”
Additional stories you may want to read:
Breaking Video: Cowardly Charlie Crist Runs from Questions, Staff Bullies Reporter
Glass Houses: Florida Democrats CENSOR Negative Responses to Their Attacks on DeSantis
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