Gov. Charlie Crist is being urged to veto the Legislature’s latest attempt at regulating shadowy political committees, with critics saying the measure may give local governments a new weapon to fight a controversial growth management proposal on the November ballot.
Supporters of Amendment 4, dubbed Hometown Democracy, are spearheading the effort to strike down a wide-ranging elections bill (HB 131) approved overwhelmingly by lawmakers last month. The legislation includes a provision that would tighten state oversight of political spending committees, but also relaxes a year-old restriction on campaign activities by cities and counties.
Since many governments have joined developers and business organizations in fighting Hometown Democracy, those promoting the amendment fear the legislation could give opponents added muscle to work against the amendment. On Wednesday, Crist spokesman Sterling Ivey said the governor’s office had received more than 500 emails, calls and letters demanding a veto.
Crist has until May 28 to act on the measure. Continue reading here.
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