A.G. Gancarski
Florida’s Governor isn’t committing to let two State Attorneys he removed from office serve if they’re elected this November.
When asked directly if he would be willing to “tell the voters” that he “overthrew the popular vote” if he removed Democrats Andrew Warren and Monique Worrell from office again in the 13th and 9th Judicial Circuits, respectively, Gov. Ron DeSantis offered no such commitment in Pinellas Park.
“When both of those folks were in office, they took the position that they didn’t have to enforce laws they disagreed with that caused people to be put back on the street who then victimized folks that should not have been victimized,” DeSantis said, adding that “law enforcement” shared his concerns.
Warren won his Democratic Primary with more than 70% of the vote; Worrell was unopposed in her Primary. Their opponents, backed by DeSantis after he appointed them as fill-ins, are Republicans Suzy Lopez and Andrew Bain. Bain is running as an independent against Worrell.
The Democrats were removed for “neglect of duty” in Warren’s case and “neglecting her duty to faithfully prosecute crime in her jurisdiction” in Worrell’s.
“You need prosecutors that are going to be guided by the law and that are going to enforce the law without fear or favor. They are not going to be bringing in a political agenda. And certainly, you cannot have prosecutors that are going to coddle the criminals and care more about the feelings and the rights of criminals than they do about the well-being of the victims of the crimes,” DeSantis argued.
The goal, DeSantis said, is to “make sure that our state is safe,” especially in population centers.
“We want to make sure law and order prevails, but particularly in some of the more urban areas, you’ve got to hold criminals accountable,” he added. “You cannot have a revolving door where they just keep going out and out.”
Democrats, meanwhile, are vowing to defend the former and possibly future legal officers in the wake of DeSantis’ threats.
Per Chair Nikki Fried, they “have a chance to right the wrongs of the DeSantis administration by re-electing the duly-elected State Attorneys Ron threw out in a fit of political retaliation.”
“Monique Worrell and Andrew Warren represented their constituents faithfully and were wrongly removed from office, and Florida Democrats will do everything in our power to re-elect them on November 5,” Fried added.
61 comments
Stephen D
September 19, 2024 at 10:35 am
You will not find a better Governor than Ron DeSantis. Why don’t those Liberal Attorney Generals go move and campaign in NY. They will be more welcome there.
Frankie M.
September 19, 2024 at 10:38 am
Those liberal states attorneys are accountable to the people not to one man. Why bother having elections at all when you can just subvert the will of the people? RDS is now judge, jury, & executioner.
William Burr
September 23, 2024 at 9:28 am
They still have to do the job. If they take a political oath not to do the job, they’re in dereliction of duty and can’t be in that position anymore. This isn’t that hard to understand.
JD
September 23, 2024 at 10:08 am
Governor DeSantis’ removal of State Attorneys Andrew Warren and Monique Worrell was based on their opposition to certain laws, but Warren never actually executed his promise to selectively enforce those laws before being removed. While DeSantis claimed Worrell mishandled a case where a reoffender was released, one case doesn’t justify her removal or prove dereliction of duty.
Importantly, DeSantis’ actions raise questions about whether a governor can remove elected officials from another party. Under Florida law, a governor does have the authority to suspend elected officials for reasons like neglect of duty, but this power is controversial, especially when used against political opponents. A more balanced approach would involve oversight or collaboration rather than undermining the voters’ choices. This would address public safety concerns without overstepping democratic boundaries. Is this hard to understand?
cassandra was right
September 23, 2024 at 10:08 am
What law did Warren fail to prosecute? What about Worrell?
THE ACTUAL FACTS:
“What American viewers weren’t told….behind the scenes, the governor’s office had quietly
conspired with local sheriffs to tarnish the reputations of these democratically elected prosecutors—turning local cops against the state attorneys they’re supposed to partner with and trust….
In the latest instance, the governor did one sheriff a huge favor by firing Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell just as she was about to crack down on a wide-ranging cover-up by deputies who, she says, were faking documents to hide lethal and abusive behavior….
Worrell…”there are approximately 20 law enforcement agencies in Central Florida…. I was prosecuting their cops, the ones who used to do things and get away with them,” she said.”
Dailybeast.com
NO TO THE TYRANT!!!
YES on 3!
YES on 4!
cassandra was right
September 23, 2024 at 10:27 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
What law did Warren fail to prosecute?
THE ACTUAL FACTS:
“What American viewers weren’t told….behind the scenes, the governor’s office had quietly
conspired with local sheriffs to tarnish the reputations of these democratically elected prosecutors—turning local cops against the state attorneys they’re supposed to partner with and trust….
In the latest instance, the governor did one sheriff a huge favor by firing Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell just as she was about to crack down on a wide-ranging cover-up by deputies who, she says, were faking documents to hide lethal and abusive behavior….
Worrell…”there are approximately 20 law enforcement agencies in Central Florida…. I was prosecuting their cops, the ones who used to do things and get away with them,” she said.”
Dailybeast.com
NO TO THE TYRANT!!!
YES on 3!
YES on 4!
Joe
September 19, 2024 at 11:27 am
Your state is a joke under Tiny D, Stephen, and your lil guv’nor has been objectively terrible for homeowners and students at all levels.
William Burr
September 23, 2024 at 9:32 am
Of course, a joke. Surely that’s why FL has been gaining tens of thousands of new residents per month since 2020. While most blue States have been hemorrhaging population like they were on fire (sometimes they are literally on fire, either because they don’t control their looters, or due to terrible woodland management). If FL is a joke, it’s the people of FL who are laughing.
JD
September 23, 2024 at 9:53 am
Florida’s population growth has slowed after a rapid increase post-2020. The state saw a small 1.9% growth in 2021-2022, but projections for 2024 indicate a slower rate of 1.5% annually. This moderation is partly due to factors like higher housing costs, climate concerns, and demographic shifts, particularly among younger residents and retirees according to the Census Bureau and Florida Realtors.
As for the rest of your comment, it’s drivel and conjecture to illict panic.
rick whitaker
September 23, 2024 at 10:53 am
WILLIAM BURR, your post is a lie. i fact checked it dude. lying don’t help. you probably can’t afford to leave, many floridians would leave if they could. i did, and i haven’t regretted it at all. actual growth records won’t be available till the 2030 census.
MH/Duuuval
September 19, 2024 at 12:34 pm
AG Moody, who misrepresents Florida, spends a lot of time out of town, especially Texas. Isn’t that enough for you?
Aaron D
September 19, 2024 at 2:16 pm
So we’re ignoring what the voters want then?
What happened to Democracy if the government ignores what the people wants?
So weird.
Dr. Franklin Waters
September 20, 2024 at 10:44 am
Modern Republicans are openly Authoritarian now.
Stephen D probably has a Swastika hanging in his house somewhere.
rick whitaker
September 20, 2024 at 10:50 am
DR. FRANKLIN WATERS, he, stephen d, probably has crucifix’s all over the house. the christian death cult fits him well
Fck Maga
September 19, 2024 at 4:06 pm
Of course the magat is A-ok with 1 man subverting the will of the voters, just like he did when we voted to restore voting rights for felons who completed their sentences, just like he will surely do when we vote to protect abortion and legalize cannabis….and you wonder why you clowns are called fascists.
Kim Wilson
September 19, 2024 at 5:27 pm
Your quite wrong an American would be a better choice
rick whitaker
September 20, 2024 at 10:53 am
KIM WILSON, american white christian nationalist for sure.
Edward myers
September 19, 2024 at 10:47 pm
The voters of the district they are elected in say where they should go you do not have any right to threaten or harass prin desantis case criminally Violate the rights of the liberal attorneys anymore than a Democratic governor has the right to remove Republican officials.
Edward myers
September 19, 2024 at 10:49 pm
Again there fellow there are welcome in the districts that they were elected in, you have no right whatsoever to suggest that they go anywhere hey have rights as well .
Dr. Franklin Waters
September 20, 2024 at 9:56 am
Why do you hate democracy Stephen?
Ron DeSantis is not a King, no matter how much he tries to be.
Aaron Moyana
September 20, 2024 at 10:57 pm
You seem to cuddle dictatorship. When the people vote, respect their wishes no matter who you are. This world is meant for everybody and no a few powerful ones.
Jennifer Keehner
September 21, 2024 at 9:32 am
Maybe because they were elected by the people that’s who the people in that jurisdiction voted for. That’s who those people chose to put in office. DeSantis doesn’t like them because they’re Democrats and has nothing to do with anything else He’s just making excuses just like Republicans do. If you can’t win you cheat that’s what Republicans are a bunch of sore losers. Like a bunch of little bullies on the playground that’s what they remind me of. If the people voted them in that’s who needs to be in office not DeSantises picks… I believe they have a name for that and I don’t think it’s good! Quit trying to overthrow the people’s wishes. Same with the marijuana amendment same with the abortion amendment let the people vote and let the vote stand. Anything other than that you’ve become a fascist authoritarian piece of crap! Free State is such a joke! He proves that day in and day out that we’re not free in this state!
Recall Ron Desantis
September 19, 2024 at 10:57 am
This is election fraud in its highest form. People elect officials based on the popular vote.
Adolf Biden
September 19, 2024 at 11:21 am
There are no recalls in florida, stupid.
WTH would you choose Adolph
September 19, 2024 at 2:06 pm
You’re stupid. You must live in chiefland, MAGAt
Lisa Mims
September 20, 2024 at 8:29 am
Ron Desantis is a Joke. This state use to be the place…well now it’s the place people cannot afford to live anymore. I pray his children don’t ever disappoint their parents, honestly they look at any situation with complete authority no understanding what so ever.
Michael
September 19, 2024 at 11:09 am
The issue will be moot with regard to Andrew Warren because he was removed by DeSantis for saying he would not prosecute young women who received abortions past 6 weeks. When #4 passes, Warren will end up being a political visionary and DeSantis will be rendered impotent.
Larry Gillis, Libertarian (Cape Coral)
September 19, 2024 at 11:12 am
CAFETERIA-STYLE PROSECUTION:
Prosecutors have “prosecutorial discretion” in individual cases. This allows an actual human being to supervise and manage the otherwise mechanical application of the law.
However, prosecutors do NOT have the authority to veto legislation that has been constitutionally enacted. Lemme put it this way: exactly what part of “faithfully execute” don’t they get?
I am Larry Gillis and I approve this message.
MH/Duuuval
September 19, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Next you’ll be touting the theory of constitutional sheriffs being the top elected official in their county. Could the sheriff remove the state attorney?
rick whitaker
September 20, 2024 at 11:00 am
LARRY, why are you willing to flush your vote for a unattainable dream? you won’t answer, you have no valid answer that’s why.
cassandra was right
September 20, 2024 at 11:07 pm
What laws did Warren not “faithfully execute”? Name of anyone arrested / charged but not prosecuted? Citations Larry!
“constitutionally enacted”
I believe constitutionality was still being decided by the Florida Supreme Court at the time Warren exercised his FREE SPEECH RIGHTS!
NO KINGS! KICK OUT THE TYRANTS!
Vote YES on 4!
rick whitaker
September 24, 2024 at 3:40 pm
LARY GILLIS, i asked you why you are willing to flush your vote for an unattainable dream, still waiting for your well thought out answer.
Adolf Biden
September 19, 2024 at 11:23 am
This is one of many reasons why he was reelected by almost 20%. Florida Flushed the blue turds away
Joe
September 19, 2024 at 11:30 am
Andrew Warren was elected too, twice. Florida’s RepubliQan voters allow Tiny D to flushing democracy away, to their own detriment.
MH/Duuuval
September 19, 2024 at 12:37 pm
Adolf and his magic lantern show … its mind is slower than its hands.
Adolph is stupid
September 20, 2024 at 7:49 am
You’re stupid, stupid
UNF
September 20, 2024 at 10:07 am
Wouldn’t happen today
Michael K
September 19, 2024 at 11:34 am
What is it about “we the people” that our Ivy-League elitist grifting governor does not understand?
MH/Duuuval
September 19, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Dee subscribes to the Maoist theory of governance: Power comes from the barrel of a gun.
Jennifer Keehner
September 21, 2024 at 9:36 am
He misread it and thought it said “me the people”
LT
September 19, 2024 at 12:12 pm
Again, the will of the people is being subverted. Disenfranchised before a vote is even cast. DeSantis needs to go and we need to put recall measures back in the Florida Constitution.
MH/Duuuval
September 20, 2024 at 10:43 pm
In our dreams recall is put in Fla. Constitution. But, if Dee tries to eject the SAs again, this is a case for the Supreme Court.
PeterH
September 19, 2024 at 12:36 pm
DeSantis’s long long history of extreme executive actions will follow him wherever he goes! Ron DeSantis will never win an election on the national stage.
Elmo
September 19, 2024 at 1:15 pm
DeSantis is running an illegal operation out of Tallahassee. He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
33781
September 19, 2024 at 1:22 pm
DeSantis speaking from Pinellas Park, geographic perfection for his exile.
Sandra
September 19, 2024 at 3:42 pm
DeSantis is the best governor ever! Why don’t all of you left wing radical extremists get the hell out of Florida. We hate your dirt politics!!!
Jtr
September 19, 2024 at 4:48 pm
More of us are moving here. Your kind are dying off.
rick whitaker
September 20, 2024 at 11:04 am
SANDRA, i believe you when you say you hate half of the people in florida. hating is the maga cult way. BTW , desantis is the worst gov in florida history. maga has got your head turned around. poor sandra
Jennifer Keehner
September 21, 2024 at 9:37 am
Why don’t you get the hell out of Florida cuz some of us have been here our whole lives we’re just not ignorant like those of you that want to follow a fascist dictator piece of crap and have to be told what to do. You’re probably a white middle-aged male if I had to guess! Shocker
cassandra was right
September 24, 2024 at 3:06 pm
“left wing radical extremists”
You mean the people who believe you— as a woman—have rights—like education, property, contracts, choosing children or not, even VOTING? DeSantis despises women. Google Wikipedia Project 2025. That’s what’s going on in Florida.
BTW: The Taliban morality police are now surveilling men. Clothing, beard length, mosque attendance! Men silently (even approvingly) watched Taliban torturing women! Now men are whining and afraid. Talking about leaving the country now that it affects them! Moral? A lot of people think everything’s great—until it affects them personally. Then it does..
CKA
September 19, 2024 at 4:02 pm
How is this even legal? DeSantis acts like FL is his own dictatorship country. Kick him out! WE ARE STILL A DEMOCRACY!
MH/Duuuval
September 19, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Best to remember Ben Franklin: We got a republic, if we can keep it.
university of n fl
September 20, 2024 at 10:06 am
Terrible, terrible Gov
MH/Duuuval
September 20, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Abraham Lincoln: You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
Melody Smithey
September 20, 2024 at 2:43 pm
DeSantis is a facist!
Debra
September 20, 2024 at 3:09 pm
Tiny D took our freedom away. He is not a doctor. Women’s health issues are between the woman and the doctor. I want a new law. I want me to document each time their penis gets an election and when they use it and with whom.
tom palmer
September 20, 2024 at 8:17 pm
DeSantis is one of the worst governors in my memory, which goes back to LeRoy Collins. DeSantis did not discuss the claim that this was a plot cooked up by some law enforcement officials. some of whom did not like to held accountable for sloppy case work if not outright corruption
LawLib
September 20, 2024 at 9:30 pm
What a smug, vertically challenged demagogue who has absolutely no idea what a “man of the people” is about. The Napoleonic complex has found a friend in our governor.
MH/Duuuval
September 20, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Overcompensation.
Elizabeth
September 21, 2024 at 9:43 am
How long are we stuck with this governor who overrides the will of the people? !!!!!!
Old news
September 24, 2024 at 9:20 am
They’re priced like Manhatten and los Angeles. They will have leadership guards of Manhatten and los Angeles stimulus