Patronis Claims Democrats Are “Mudslinging” For Calling Out His NYC Fundraiser
September 5, 2019
Tallahassee, Fl. –– On September 5, the News Service of Florida reported that CFO Jimmy Patronis’ team responded to FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo’s calling out of his decision to leave Florida for a fundraiser in NYC ahead of Hurricane Dorian possibly hitting the state, calling it "mudslinging." According to Politico, Patronis was the only cabinet member to skip a briefing last Friday morning at Florida’s Emergency Operations Center. Alex Morash, FDP press secretary, found Patronis’ response lacking: “CFO Jimmy Patronis’ team claimed the Democrats are playing dirty for calling out actions his own team admitted to. He got caught skipping town to raise money in New York City and reminded everyone that Patronis’ first priority is Jimmy Patronis. Instead of pouting, perhaps Patronis and his team should spend some time working for the people of Florida.” The article got the attention of the head of Florida Politics, Peter Schorsch, who tweeted at the Florida Democrats in response to the report calling the party’s response to Patronis’ actions as trolling and that “the Jerk Store called, and they're running out of you.” From the News Service of Florida via the Tampa Bay Times: The Florida Democratic Party is calling out state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for traveling to a fundraiser in New York City while much of Florida faced the threat of Hurricane Dorian. Patronis’ camp is calling a Democratic email blast Tuesday “mudslinging” and “surely meant to rally their own party’s fundraising!” Patronis left for New York last Thursday for what his camp called an “evening event” and was back at the state Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee the next day. [...] Terrie Rizzo, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, said Patronis “walked off the job” for a fundraiser. “Instead of doing his duty to the state of Florida as we all prepared for a potentially dangerous storm, Patronis was busy cashing checks in New York City,” Rizzo said in a statement. Other Democrats used Twitter to question Patronis’ priorities, with one even calling for his resignation. Previously: Florida Dems Respond to Criminal Investigation Around CFO Patronis' Release of Sexual Harassment Claims
September 5, 2019
For Immediate Release
Contact: Alex Morash
774-208-8291