MIAMI — In what may be the most significant action yet against Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer, a host of the party's most senior fundraisers in Florida are calling for him to resign or be ousted.
Most of the names are allies of Jeb Bush, but their combined influence may prove oirresistible as the aporty prepares for its state convention Jan. 8 and 9 in Orlando.
Here's the text of the letter the fundraisers sent:
LETTER TO ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA
We, the undersigned, constitute a geographically diverse group of professional, civic, and business leaders from all regions of Florida. Nonetheless, we have been over the years, and more so now, singularly united in our firm conviction and support for the principles and values of the Republican Party here in our Great State of Florida.Each one of us has spent many years and many election cycles helping candidates at the local, county and state levels in elections, raising money and doing whatever was needed for the election of Republican candidates in Florida as well as across our country. Our success to date is of course testament to the hard work and dedication of the thousands of workers and generous donors who made possible the incredible successes over the past twelve (12) years.
But, more importantly, our success could not have been possible without the highest ethical principles of not only our candidates for whom we have all supported and worked --- but also our Party Leadership--- holding to the values that make our Florida Republican Party relevant.
If any part of this essential triad relationship-----the Candidate, the Party Leadership and equally, if not most important, the volunteer army of donors at all levels along with campaign workers who give of their time, energy and largesse to willingly support a cause/candidate they believe in for the good of our state and country---does not meet these standards in an integrated and harmonious way so as to provide strong and trusting support of each other----then we have an unstable alignment, and the chances of success are greatly diminished.
Based on the current state of affairs of the Republican Party of Florida today---first, the continued inability to raise the necessary resources to fund its budget; second, its inability to adjust its budget to eliminate unnecessary expenses; and third, its inability to motivate and unite all Republicans in a common effort for our collective benefit--it is evident that one of the elements of that essential triad relationship has fallen short.
This has resulted in a crisis of confidence in our Party with widespread uneasiness, lack of trust, lack of motivation, and raises questions about the leadership of Jim Greer, Chairman of the Party, among the grass roots active members of the Party, elected Leadership and those of us who have historically rallied financial support around the state of Florida.
Thus we can only come to the conclusion that there must be an immediate change of chairmanship of the Republican Party of Florida.
There must be a change in order to restore total confidence in our Party's ability to conserve its assets, save and protect them for the specific purpose of electing Republicans in their campaigns; not only in 2010 election cycle but also to not carry forward debt if possible for the next 2012 election cycle. There must be a change in leadership to successfully execute the strategic plan for victory in 2010 election cycle for Republicans on the ballot in both federal and non-federal races.
There must be a change to reinvigorate, restore confidence and restart all elements of our Republican base so the Party can successfully raise the necessary financial resources to achieve these objectives. We do not take this Call for Action lightly. It is even more agonizing to publically call for this plan of action but it would not have come to this had Jim Greer heeded warning calls and implemented a strategic plan of action for our Republican candidates as a competent State Chairman should and would.
Many months have passed with no response from Mr. Greer to private appeals for a change in course of action, and now with less than a year until the primary elections, we must set our internal house in order straight away to achieve victory in November.
The best interests of the Party would be for Mr. Greer to resign now. Failing this, he should be removed as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your attention to this very serious situation.
Mr. Richard Beard, Tampa Mr. William Becker, Vero Beach
Mr. Seth Bernstein, Orlando Ambassador Charles E. Cobb, Miami
Mr. J.C. Demetree, Jacksonville Mr. Earl Durden, Panama City
Mr. Ed Easton, Miami Mr. Mark Guzetta, Boca Raton
Mr. Charles Hilton, Panama City
Ambassador Al Hoffman, Ft. Myers,
Ambassador Mel Sembler, St. Petersburg
Ambassador Ned Siegel, Boca Raton, Palm Beach
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