http://www.flapolitics.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2858
RPOFer who slimed opponent "cleared""
The Florida House of Representatives will not pursue action against a state lawmaker accused of using his office to undermine a political opponent."
Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, did not engage in electioneering — asking people to vote for or against someone — when he raised questions about the education background of his opponent, a panel of his peers determined Tuesday after a probable cause hearing.
The three lawmakers on the House panel quickly dispensed of the case, but the sole Democrat said the incident left much concern.
"I hope, if nothing else, that this sends a message to our colleagues in the Legislature, future legislators, that this kind of action is troubling," said Rep. Curtis Richardson, D-Tallahassee.
Here's what happened:
Kreegel was notified in September that his opponent in the 2008 election, Keith Richter, had a job at a Hodges University campus in Fort Myers but claimed to be obtaining a doctorate from a school that is not accredited in the United States.
Records show that Kreegel's legislative aide, Barry Millman, contacted the school, and Richter was demoted from adjunct professor to teaching assistant. Kreegel said he asked Millman to make the call, according to a statement he provided.But while Millman lost his job amid the controversy, the House panel said there was not sufficient evidence to suggest his boss violated a state law forbidding employees from using their state office during working hours to further a political campaign.
Kreegel still faces FDLE, Commision on Ethics and Elections Commission complaints
Pd. Pol. Adv. House Dist 72 Coalition for Better Leadership PAC
RPOFer who slimed opponent "cleared"
