Sands put on defensive over story

Under fire from some legislators for asking for contributions to the state party before handing out committee assignments, House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands was put on the defensive today by a story in the Palm Beach Post. He issued a detailed response today in which he said he regrets any misunderstanding.

Leader Sands, along with other caucus members who helped him develop committee assignment recommendations, stated in an interview that the recommendations were based on an array of considerations --- the least of which involved any legislator’s activity with political party business.

Rather, the factors that Sands and other caucus members said that they primarily considered in making their recommendations for committee assignments included (but were not limited to): member requests, legislator’s familiarity and interest in a policy area, prior service and experience in a committee, the number of allowed Democratic member slots on a given committee, and a caucus member’s overall activity and interest in working on behalf of the caucus.

Although it was communicated to members that a caucus member's contributions to the party was to be one of many factors in committee recommendations, it was, in practice, of very little consequence.

Sands responded to the Palm Beach Post story by saying:

    “I deeply regret if any legislator, or any citizen, is left with an impression that party fundraising activities or political donations would ever have been a quid pro quo for obtaining committee assignment recommendations to Speaker Sansom.

    “I understand the importance of separating political functions from legislative business. I am committed to leading a caucus that will conduct itself in an ethical manner.

    “I am eager to work with my fellow Democratic Caucus members, Governor Charlie Crist and Republican legislative leaders, in addressing the important policy and financial challenges facing state government and all Floridians.”

Mary Ellen Klas

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Comments

Hello pot, this is kettle

So money was a tiebreaker? Well then, I guess that makes it ok?

Look if people want to be critical of Sands for this that is fine, he deserves it. At best, this process was not handled well. But the crimes potentially committed by Sansom should not now be glossed over because of potential other crimes that may have been committed by the Democratic leadership. This process must be cleaned up or the people of Florida will be left in the street with nothing for all of their hard earned tax dollars pour into government.

This is what happens when you go after Ray Ray like you did yesterday. You want us to really start talking? You keep quiet about Ray Ray and you work to protect this thing of ours.

So you have a two members upset because one didn't get the committee assignment they wanted and the other member was beat out for the leader position. Puhlez, this is pathetic at best.

Last time I checked, the Speaker makes the committee assignments.

Funny- if this was a blog about a repub leader...say..sansom or rubio, the comments would up to 30 or 40...LOL- only 4 (now 5) since 12ish...Dem hacks Pathetic

Really sounds kinda like selling a Senate seat..

Captain Renault: Rick, there are many exit visas sold in this café, but we know that YOU'VE never sold one. That is the reason we permit you to remain open.

Rick: Oh? I thought it was because I let you win at roulette.

Captain Renault: That is *another* reason.

non story. both parties expect members to raise money.

this is hardly sneaking 25 million in a budget and getting a job from the same university a few months later.

"both parties expect members to raise money."

Yes, but shouldn't committee assignments be based on a person's knowledge and/or experience in a particular area, rather than how much money they raised for the party?

No? Oh silly me...

4:32 - Yes, silly you!

[get a set]

Sands should not get a bye on this. He is the Minority leader for God's sake! He was selling ranking member positions! He's no better then Blagojevich! There should be an ethics investigation!

"Your cash contributions are a consideration in the decision." How much more blatant can you get?

The House continues to look worse and worse! What an embarrassment that they are all afraid to confront their corrupt leadership. A bunch of spineless cowards.

Will someone up there grow a pair!!