Rep. Bob Rommel, state legislator for Naples and Chairman of the Regulatory Reform Subcommittee, strongly condemned political threats delivered during public testimony this week.
In a committee meeting this week, during the consideration of HB 219, a lobbyist and former legislator resorted to political threats against the members of the Regulatory Reform Subcommittee should they vote in support of the bill. This individual threatened retaliation in the form of well-funded campaign mailings and other negative messages and even referenced a specific political consultant who might seek their defeat in the upcoming election.
Chairman Rommel swiftly condemned the tactic and delivered an unambiguous message to his colleagues on the committee: “Members, no matter which way you vote, Republican or Democrat, yes or no, I hope nobody ever—not whether it’s this bill or any other bill—votes up or down on a bill because of a political threat. It should be based on pure policy. And whether you are a Republican or Democrat, if somebody threatens you in any way, please come see me, and I will help out and back you up.”
Later, Rommel added: “When we step inside the Capitol, we are to examine and debate the merits of legislation on behalf of our constituents and in light of our values and governing principles. No one should ever threaten my colleagues with political threats. We will always encourage public participation in these debates, but there is no place for reckless attempts at intimidation.”
ON THE WEB: www.BobRommel.com
