Shafted In Florida
In Florida, a simmering behind-the-scenes battle involving allegations of political meddling by Gov. Rick Scott’s office erupted publicly Tuesday as the ousted director of Florida’s top law enforcement agency called Scott a liar for claiming he resigned voluntarily. Former Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey said he was forced to quit without explanation Dec. 16 after eight years as commissioner and more than two decades with the agency.
For four weeks, Scott has refused to give any reason why he wanted Bailey removed as head of an independent agency that strives to stay above politics and is charged with investigating suspected criminal wrongdoing by public officials in Florida.