A.G. Gancarski
Lawyered up amid a reported federal investigation and a House ethics inquiry into accusations of sex trafficking and other serious allegations, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz is pushing back with a new ad.
The ad, released Wednesday, features footage from a CNN executive saying Gaetz is a “problem for the Democratic Party because he’s so conservative, and he can cause a lot of hiccups in passing laws.”
“It would be great for the Democratic Party to get him out, so we’re going to keep running our stories,” CNN Creative Director Charlie Chester said in the video.
Gaetz hopes his Twitter followers will “help us fight back,” a reasonable ask given the dire and well-documented circumstances he faces. Gaetz is facing scrutiny from the Justice Department and the FBI, reportedly for issues potentially related to sex trafficking. Gaetz has not been charged, and he maintains complete innocence.
Though the Justice Department has not charged Gaetz, a House Ethics Committee investigation could lead to censure or expulsion for him down the road regardless of whether a DOJ indictment drops.
That Ethics probe will cover a lot of ground.
“The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct,” a statement from the Ethics Committee declared.
Florida Republicans, whether historic allies or adversaries of the pyrotechnic Congressman, have steered clear of specific condemnation or denial as speculation swirls about the arrangement between Gaetz and the disgraced Joel Greenberg, who was working toward a plea deal, which in theory might involve him testifying against Gaetz.
Gov. Ron DeSantis shirked a reporter’s question before he could even finish it Monday. And former President Donald Trump has issued a couple of circular statements that serve, at best, as conditional defenses of Gaetz. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said the important thing was to “get the facts out.”
Leading Republicans in the House, meanwhile, have no problem saying the caucus would “take action” against Gaetz if an indictment drops from the Biden Justice Department.
Check out our new campaign spot and help us fight back! https://t.co/MyqMPrqjkM pic.twitter.com/Ny5A5O8kf6
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) April 14, 2021
8 comments
Frankie M.
April 14, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Looks like Gaetz stole a page out of Trump’s playbook & is now raising $donation$ for his defense/campaign fund.
When asked about Gaetz DuhSantis said who? When asked about “creepy Gaetz” Ronnie was all like I know that guy!
FrankM (really!)
April 15, 2021 at 9:50 pm
You remember ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,’ and the biblical story of Eve and that apple? Now think of Trump as the (diseased) tree, and Gaetz as the apple…
Charles
April 14, 2021 at 8:06 pm
nice to see your legal system says guilty – prove your innocence. In America it’s innocent- prove the guilt. Nice to see legal consideration to hold journalists accountable for being truthful. With your bias reporting they will be afterfloridapolitics staff.
FrankM
April 15, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Or, in ReTrumplican America, you are innocent until 10 or more Republican U.S. Senators say that you’re not, regardless of massive video proof. Hasn’t happened yet, and don’t hold your breath!
Ocean Joe
April 15, 2021 at 5:36 am
Matt’s ad campaign will be aimed at Greenberg and will be called “Stop the Squeal.”
Kevin Chambers
April 15, 2021 at 7:31 am
He’s actually not a toe-the-line conservative. And for that, I’m sad to see him embroiled in this scandal.
Floridapolitics is one of the least-biased sources of reporting, especially for a free website. I don’t know who “they” are that will be after their staff, but there’s nothing in this article that is untrue.
Frankie M.
April 15, 2021 at 9:04 am
Nobody in this country is worried about Matt Gaetz’ legislative bonafides…not CNN, the Democrats, or his constituents. Creepy Gaetz did not run for office to pass laws because that would require actual work. No he ran for the perks and to continue his frat boy hijinks. Much like his benefactors DeSantis and Trump Gaetz isn’t interested in the job itself. Only the next one.
PeterH
April 15, 2021 at 10:47 am
New headline for this article:
“Kelly Ann Conjob assists Matt Gaetz to formulate ‘alternative facts’ to sway public opinion.”
Comments are closed.