Lawsuit Filed on Florida's Lack of Lt. Governor

I have written previously that the Florida Constitution requires a Lt. Governor to be serving in office.

Lieutenant governor.— There shall be a lieutenant governor, who shall perform such duties pertaining to the office of governor as shall be assigned by the governor, except when otherwise provided by law, and such other duties as may be prescribed by law.

Former Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll resigned in March of last year. Gov. Rick Scott can't use the excuse he hasn't had time to find a Lt. Governor. Scott has had nearly ten months to find a replacement.

Barbara DeVane of the Florida National Organization For Women has filed a lawsuit against Scott. DeVane is asking the Florida Supreme Court to make Scott meet his constitutional obligation by appointing a Lt. Governor. Unsuprisingly, Team Scott's chief counsel, Pete Antonacci, is publicly dismissing the lawsuit.

"Nothing is required of us until the court acts," Antonacci said. "If the court acts and it requires a response, we will respond."

Translation: the lawsuit isn't going to compell Scott to appoint a Lt. Governor. Why is Scott so determined to drag his feet on appointing a Lt. Governor. How hard is it to find someone who will do nothing more than attend ribbon cuttings?

Marleine Bastien on GriTtv

More GRITtv

Florida congressional candidate Marleine Bastien talks to GriTtv about her campaign and her homeland of Haiti.

In related new: Bastien held a press conference to announce her endorsement of NOW.

NOW Endorses Marleine Bastien

National Organization for Women PAC has endorsed Florida congressional candidate Marleine Bastien.

"The National NOW PAC only endorses in a crowded primary when the woman stands head and shoulders above the others. Marleine Bastien is such a candidate. Her strong civil rights record and commitment to fairness assure that she will be a champion for women's issues in the US Congress," said Janet M. Canterbury, Co-chair of NOW's Advisory Committee.

Marleine Bastien has been a fixture in District 17 for decades - and has served as a tremendous advocate for South Florida's women. The experience that Marleine can leverage on these issues make her an easy choice.

"My whole life has been devoted to advocacy - and to have NOW PAC's endorsement of my campaign, given the large field of candidates, is a tremendous boost for which I am deeply grateful," said Marleine Bastien.