Florida GOP Kicks Out Party Chief Accused Of Rape

The Republican Party of Florida ousted Chairman Christian Ziegler and elected his replacement in a special vote on Monday as police investigate a rape accusation against him, Brendan Farrington reported for the Associated Press (AP).

A vast majority of about 200 Florida GOP members approved the ouster in a voice vote during a closed-door meeting that Ziegler did not attend. I Photo: Christian Ziegler Facebook

The turmoil was an unwelcome distraction for the state’s top Republican, Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been in Iowa campaigning in the final days before the crucial first-in-the-nation presidential caucus.

A vast majority of about 200 Florida GOP members approved the ouster in a voice vote during a closed-door meeting that Ziegler did not attend, according to Republican state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a former party chair who participated in the vote. He said no one spoke in favor of Ziegler.

“We’re spending a lot of time and energy on this meeting instead of focusing on the things we need to focus on, and that’s simply because Christian Ziegler did not do the right thing and resign,” Ingoglia said.

“There’s been some harm done to the Republican Party of Florida.” Evan Power, the vice-chair of the state GOP, was chosen to replace Ziegler. After the vote, he thanked everyone and said he looked forward to working with them.

The party suspended Ziegler last month and demanded his resignation, saying he couldn’t effectively lead during a critical election year with the allegations swirling around him.

WEEKLY FEATURE : Jose Mari Chan And The Christmas Anthem