Political Weasel Words

If you want a straight answer to a question here are two folks you don’t want to ask: lawyers and politicians. Here’s proof of the latter.

We just wanted to know if a group of like-minded individuals could run as a "ticket" in the non-partisan Zephyrhills municipal election.

We asked the City Clerk, Linda Boan, and she opined that there was nothing in the City Charter to prevent it. Just to be on the safe side we wrote a letter to the county’s Supervisor of Elections.

Here’s that letter:

January 29, 2006

Hon. Kurt S. Browning

Supervisor of Elections

West Pasco Government Center

7530 Little Rd, Suite 110

New Port Richey, FL 34654

Dear Mr. Browning:

If possible, I would like a written opinion from you regarding formation of a ‘ticket’ of candidates for the upcoming City Council election in Zephyrhills.

I have spoken with Linda Boan, the City Clerk, and she can find no prohibition in the City Charter. I have spoken with Trish in your Dade City office and she was going to get back to me if she could find a prohibition in the State Statutes. She hasn’t called.

The proposal is simply this:

There are three Council seats open this election. The idea is to field three candidates who would campaign and advertise their candidacy as a group – say Three Good Men for City Council. However, for election purposes they would each be running as a nonpartisan individual with separate organizations, treasurers, etc. The only difference would be that the three would band together to purchase advertising materials in the name of the group, but would simply split the expense three ways and report the expenditure on their individual expense reports.

In no way would their mutual candidacy be considered a political party, it would just be an association for a single election. The voters would still have to cast their ballots for the individuals since that is how they would have to appear on Election Day.

Since time is of the essence in this election season, I would appreciate a timely reply since it would make no sense to move this idea forward if somehow it was not permissible.

Sincerely,

Rj Morgan

Here’s Browning’s reply

February 6, 2006

Pursuant to your letter dated January 29, 2006, please be advised that I do not have the authority, under Florida Statutes, to issue written advisory opinions regarding election law. Legal opinions may only be provided by the Attorney General of Florida or the Secretary of State through the Division of Elections.

However, I would remind you that candidates are treated independently from one another except when the statutes specifically states (sic) that they run as a "ticket." This would included (sic) the office of President of the United States and Governor of the State of Florida.

I wish I could give you a more definite response but I am unable to do so.

/s/ Browning

xc: Linda Boan

Yeah, your guess is as good as mine. Fact is, if we wait for an answer from either the state Attorney General or the Secretary of State the election will be over. Watch your local political signboards for developments.

Arjay Morgan