Drew Wilson
Jacksonville lawyer and former Duval County Court Judge Jerilynn O’Hara has filed elections complaints against House District 15 candidate Emily Nunez for not filing forms to disclose her relationship to a political committee.
Nunez, a Yulee Republican, opened a campaign account in early January and entered the race for HD 15 in March after it was redrawn by the Legislature.
O’Hara’s complaints, however, note Nunez’s campaign website was paid for by a political committee known as Conservative Leadership Coalition without Nunez filing the required “statement of solicitation” form notifying the Division of Elections.
State statute requires candidates to submit the form if they raise money through a political committee. Violations of the statute are punishable by a fine of up to $50 per day.
O’Hara has also filed a complaint against Conservative Leadership Coalition over its finance reports alleging it has under-reported contributions. It cites as evidence that the committee’s filings show its account has a negative balance, which is prohibited under state elections law.
A third complaint says Nunez has sent fundraising emails and other campaign communications without the required disclosures — state law requires campaign communications state the candidate’s name, political party and the office they are running for.
“I believe in the rule of law and Emily Nunez has — now on multiple occasions — chosen to ignore Florida Statutes,” O’Hara said. “I hope the Elections Commission will investigate these serious allegations and come to the conclusion that is best for the voters of House District 15. Potential lawmakers shouldn’t break the law.”
Nunez is one of two Republicans running for HD 15, which includes parts of Northern and Western Duval County. It is an open seat.
She faces Dean Black, the Chair of the Duval County Republican Party, in the Aug. 23 Primary. Black is considered the frontrunner and holds a substantial lead over Nunez in fundraising and has received endorsements from several organizations, most recently the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters and the Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals.
The HD 15 Republican Primary will be closed to non-GOP voters due to Jerry Steckloff qualifying as a write-in candidate after filing on June 13.
5 comments
Michael Y
July 14, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Oh wow!!! Did you know that her opponent Dean Black, who is ALSO chair of the Duval REC has been raising money with Democrat Lobbyists?? So who is the “whack job” now sweetheart??
I happen to KNOW EMILY PERSONALLY and someone that is working for votes is NOT a “whack job”, she qualified by petition, and is sending a message that establishment RINO’s gotta go.
KLF
July 15, 2022 at 10:11 pm
You have no idea what you’re talking about…I agree with the Michael Y. Also…did you know that each time Emily and Black were to debate or speak at the same functions….he never shows? All Black cares about are his endorsements! Nunez…she’s wearing out shoes and knocking on doors…get educated!
Nassau Conservative, S
July 18, 2022 at 4:06 pm
I support Emily. The establishment, which is what Dean Black is and apparently this former Judge O’hara. They know Emily has a lot of support in Nassau County. We do not like establishment politicians, as Aaron Bean will find out as well, in his election. Leave Emily alone
Karen Jones
July 19, 2022 at 8:39 am
Dean is a long time local property & small business owner who understands our district needs. He does what he says, he doesn’t throw bombs at his opponent, he works hard for his neighbors. He will be a positive addition to the state legislature & will represent his neighbors honestly & fairly.
Go Dean Black!
Joan Beam
July 19, 2022 at 9:13 am
Did you provide Ms Nunez the opportunity to reply to these allegations?
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