Why Jim Norman Represents What is Wrong With Florida GOP

Jim Norman is a candidate for the Florida Senate. Norman was taken off the ballot by Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford. In her ruling, Fulford disqualified Norman because he did not disclosed the $500,000 gift the late Ralph Hughes gave to Norman and his wife to purchase an Arkansas home. Fulford also ruled Kevin Amber cannot replace Norman on the ballot. Amber filed a lawsuit to have Norman thrown off the ballot. Amber lost to Norman in the Republican primary.The Pasco and Hillsborough county Republican parties will form a six member panel to decide who will replace Norman.

What is troubling is the Florida Republican establishment chose to double down on Norman after his ethical lapses were well known. On September 28, Norman received $25,000 of GOP money for his general election campaign. On this date there was already media reports of Norman being investigated by the FBI. Republicans gave Norman $29,932 on October 5th. This was four days after Norman admitted in court Hughes helped pay for the Arkansas house. There was no effort by county and state Republicans to do their own internal investigation to see if the allegations against Norman were true. Republicans went into damage control and ignored Norman's highly-publicized scandal.

Norman also received media scrutiny for using a Salvation Army company car for political business. As a Hillsborough County commissioner, Norman received a $233 monthly car allowance. Norman was collecting an taxpaid allowance for an automobile he does not own. Norman receives $95,000-a-year for working part-time for the Salvation Army. Norman has been vague about what his duties for that job entail.

Norman has been a lightning rod for controversy for years. He is another example of the Florida Republican establishment's unwillingness to police itself.