CNN
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super PAC with close ties to former president donald trump Ask Florida ethics investigators to look into whether governor ron desantis‘The recent political campaign violated state law.
In a 15-page letter to Florida’s ethics commission, Make America Great Again Inc. accused DeSantis of running a “shadow presidential campaign” and said Republican governors should not be allowed to vote under state laws that bar people from holding elections. Don’t quit one office while seeking another. A spokesman said the letter, due to be mailed Wednesday, noted that DeSantis’ book tour, ongoing fundraising efforts and reported efforts to recruit agents for his possible presidential campaign were all shows that he is the de facto presidential candidate while also serving as governor.
MAGA Inc. also accused DeSantis of benefiting from his book tour and from financial support designed to influence his decision to run — charges that echo criticism Trump has faced since his political debut Echoes. It also noted that several political committees trying to recruit DeSantis to the candidacy were already raising money for him, including one started by former Trump administration official Ken Cuccinelli.
The content of the planned letter was first written by nbc news.
“Add this to the list of frivolous and politically motivated attacks,” DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said in a statement. “It is inappropriate to use a national morals complaint for partisan purposes.”
The letter markedly escalates efforts by Trump’s allies to slow down his top opponent for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Though DeSantis has yet to announce his intention to run, anticipation is high that he may run, with polls showing him as a credible contender to stop Trump, who has recently stepped up his attacks on his one-time political ally .
Less clear, though, is whether MAGA Inc.’s list of charges will actually lead to any action against DeSantis.
National ethics boards have been notoriously slow to review potential violations. Once a complaint is received, the committee’s lawyers will first review it to determine whether the allegations fall within its jurisdiction. It will then go to investigators, followed by a probable cause hearing. The commission meets just eight times a year, and its board is made up entirely of appointees from Florida’s governor and state legislature. Most violations, if proven, result in a nominal fine.
By the time the matter is resolved, Florida lawmakers may amend the state’s “resign to run” law to make it clear that DeSantis can serve as governor while running for the Republican presidential nomination.
Still, MAGA Inc. has spelled out how it intends to turn its political fundraising and activities against DeSantis as he lays the groundwork for his campaign. Trump allies have raised questions about the $12 million DeSantis raised through state political committees — much of it in the form of seven-figure donations from wealthy donors — that may will be transferred to the Federal Council.
“The Make America Great Again movement was born to stop career politicians from using public service to amass personal wealth and power,” MAGA Inc. said in a statement Wednesday. “The Florida Ethics Board must investigate as soon as possible.”