Cannon transfers $665,000 out of RPOF for safekeeping
Concerned about spending at the Republican Party of Florida, incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon transferred $665,000 from the party's coffers into a separate political committee called the Florida Liberty Fund.
The web site for the Florida Liberty Fund shows a transfer of $555,000 from the RPOF into the committee on Jan. 5 — the day RPOF Chairman Jim Greer announced he was stepping down amid allegations of using party money for personal expenses — and another $100,000 one week later.
Cannon, along with other members of the Republican leadership in Tallahassee, are key fundraisers for the RPOF.
"The speaker designate has the obligation to help elect Republican House members, and moving the money to the (committee) was part of his plan for ensuring success in the 2010 election,'' said Andy Palmer, the state party's director of House campaigns.
Public records show the committee was created on Nov. 17. Cannon is listed as the director. Harkley Thornton, an Orlando fundraiser and former board member of the South Florida Water Management District appointed by Jeb Bush, is listed as the chairman.
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