Today, the Florida Democratic Party sent a letter to television stations in all ten Florida media markets requesting that they refuse to broadcast Rick Scott’s first campaign ad because it violates Florida law.
The disclaimer on the ad states that it is “Sponsored by Let’s Get to Work.” This disclaimer could not be more clearly in violation of Florida law, which requires that all television ads “prominently state ‘Paid electioneering communication paid for by (name and address of person paying for the communication).'”
“[T]his political advertisement should not be allowed to air in light of its disregard for the requirements of Florida law,” the letter states.
“Following the law isn’t hard for most Floridians, but apparently Rick Scott just doesn’t care,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant. “Florida’s leaders need to set an example, and unfortunately Rick Scott is just an example of everything Floridians dislike about politicians. Rick Scott just doesn’t think the rules apply to him, and that’s why he’s lost the trust of Floridians.”
Updated – Susan Hepworth, a spokesperson for the Florida GOP explains that Let’s Get To Work purchased the TV ads in question on March 11th. Under section 106.1437, FS, the “Families” spot as sponsored by a political committee is a miscellaneous advertisement. Therefore, the spot has the correct disclaimer, including the required oral voice over of the statement of sponsorship.
“Instead of wasting their time and energy trying to be election law lawyers, the Florida Democratic Party should focus on winning races and figuring out how they’re going to help their Obamacare-embracing favored candidate, Charlie Crist, win in November,” said Hepworth. “After all, that didn’t work so well for Alex Sink.”
