RFK Jr. files collusion complaint with the FEC, and Orlando Attorney John Morgan voices support for marijuana Amendment.
Kennedy Jr. campaign files FEC complaint alleging debate collusion between CNN, Biden and Trump
The campaign for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging CNN and the Biden and Trump campaigns colluded to keep other candidates out of next month’s debate in Atlanta.
The Kennedy campaign claims the TV network and campaigns engaged in “flagrant violations” of federal campaign finance law, adding that it believes CNN is illegally demanding Kennedy meet different criteria than Biden and Trump. It also argues FEC law requires broadcasters to use “pre-established” and “objective” criteria to determine debate participants and cannot pre-select candidates.
“By demanding our campaign meet different criteria to participate in the debate than Presidents Biden and Trump, CNN’s debate violates FEC law and is a large prohibited corporate contribution to both the Biden and Trump campaigns,” Kennedy said in a statement.
Plans for the June 27 debate hosted by CNN came together quickly earlier this month after Biden announced he would agree to debate Trump twice, once in June and September. ABC News will hold the second debate Sept. 10.
To qualify for the CNN debate, candidates must reach at least 15% in four approved national polls of registered or likely voters and be registered in enough states to secure the 270 electoral votes needed to be elected president.
The Kennedy campaign is scrambling to qualify for the debate by the June 20 deadline. Kennedy has cleared the 15% threshold in three national polls to date and needs one more.
The campaign says it has already submitted the necessary signatures to appear on ballots in nine states that account for 171 electoral votes. It also says it has secured enough signatures in seven others states that would bring its total to 229 electoral votes. Kennedy says he’s on track to have his name on ballots in all 50 states.
But a major hurdle facing the Kennedy campaign is not only collecting the needed signatures, but also having the states verify them in time for the debate.
Meanwhile, the Kennedy campaign’s FEC complaint argues Biden and Trump will not meet CNN’s requirements because neither candidate will have secured ballot access in any state before the debate. That’s because the Republican and Democratic conventions will not be held until July and August, respectively.
The Democratic National Committee said Tuesday it will nominate Biden through a virtual roll call before the convention to meet a deadline in Ohio. It’s not clear when the roll call will be held.
John Morgan supports Marijuana Amendment
The proposed amendment to legalize recreational marijuana in the state of Florida has a prominent new supporter.
Orlando-area attorney and longtime political figure John Morgan today announced his intention to back Amendment 3.
Amendment 3 would permit recreational use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21.
But it will first require 60% support to pass.
Morgan said Wednesday that he believes it is time to treat the drug the same way we treat alcohol.
“Marijuana laws in the United States of America have been the most unjust, most unfair, most draconian laws ever. So many people have been incarcerated, lost scholarships, lost careers, lost military careers, lost being a doctor, just wasted over marijuana,” Morgan said.
Morgan also praised President Joe Biden for his recent moves to reschedule marijuana from a schedule 1 drug to a schedule 3 drug.
The change would essentially label it less dangerous, while also clearing the way for additional research on marijuana.
Morgan helped spearhead the ballot measure that led to Florida legalizing medical marijuana back in 2016.
HOA's will be required to approve home hardening projects
Homeowners associations may no longer deny applications from homeowners to install certain storm-hardening equipment under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this week.
“We deserve to protect our investment, which shelters the people we love the most in the world,” said Tallahassee Democratic Rep. Allison Tant, who voted in favor of the bill.
The bill, House Bill 293, covers numerous improvements, including permanent fixed storm shutters, roll-down track storm shutters, impact-resistent windows and doors, reinforced garage doors, exterior fixed generators, fuel storage tanks and more.
Lawmakers unanimously approved the bill in the 2024 legislative session.
“If you do some of these things, we can get your insurance costs down and start moving in the right direction,” said Tallahassee Republican Sen. Corey Simon.
However, there are limitations — HOAs have to set specifications for hurricane protection products, and can regulate the style and color of a storm-hardening product.
The new law is among Florida’s latest efforts to fortify itself and improve the state’s ailing property insurance market.
Among other initiatives, lawmakers pumped millions of dollars into the MySafeFlorida Home Program, which offers homeowners up to $10,000 to harden their homes.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on Saturday, June 1. NOAA is forecasting an “above normal” season, with 17 to 25 total named storms.