Vern Buchanan, the Republican fundraiser who took over Katherine Harris's seat in southern Florida, is the fourth richest man in Congress. With assets including some fifteen auto dealerships in Florida and elsewhere, properties in several states, and offshore companies, his net worth is estimated to be well over $100 million.
First elected to Congress in 2006 by only 369 votes after a controversial recount, Buchanan is currently in a tight rematch with Democrat Christine Jennings.
But this former co-chair of the Republican National Finance Committee and top fundraiser for Jeb Bush and Senator Mel Martinez may find his career derailed by seven civil suits that were filed against him, his executives, and his dealerships over the past three months in Sarasota County and Pasco County courts. (George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Mitt Romney all appeared on his behalf in his campaign)
The explosive allegations indicate that Buchanan and his dealership employees may have taken part in conspiracy, fraud, and retaliatory personnel actions. The plaintiffs, mainly former employees, describe incidents in which Buchanan and his staff appear to have violated campaign finance laws, hired undocumented workers, bilked customers, threatened employees, sent fraudulent information to banks, and misappropriated funds. Additional lawsuits are expected soon.
On August 13, the Florida Democratic Party called on the FBI and other authorities to investigate the allegations that Buchanan violated the law. But the lawsuits do not appear to be a partisan hit job. Three of the former employees who filed lawsuits--Joe Kezer, Carlo Bell, and Willie Lee--are longtime Republicans, while two others, Scott Russ and Richard Thomas, are political independents. The sixth and final plaintiff, Jeffrey Sutton, was never an employee of Buchanan's and his political affiliation could not be confirmed.
read the full article here at HuffPo
read the full article here at HuffPo
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