I thought Rick Scott was desperate for endorsements when he held a fundraiser featuring Chris Christie - at the height of the bridge scandal. (Scott didn't allow the press or public because he didn't want any pics of him with Christie. Funny, because I'm sure Christie had the same demand.)
Then Rick Scott released an ad featuring one of his cronies: former South Bay City manager Corey Alston. Alston resigned over charges of corruption, misuse of office and grand theft. In other words, he is just like Rick Scott, but without the moral fortitude to resign. (Alston has since been convicted.)
Now, the latest ad from Rick Scott's campaign features Maikel Duarte-Torres in Scott's utterly ridiculous and insulting Spanish outreach campaign. The ad shows Duarte-Torres hugging the governor and saying:
“Four years ago, the economy was very bad. Rick Scott helped Florida’s economy and you can see the difference. He’s created jobs. That’s why I support Rick Scott.”
Duarte-Torres headed a human smuggling ring in St. Maarten four years ago. He was convicted and sent to prison.
After endorsing Rick Scott, Duarte-Torres stated "I'm just like him!"
That is the one statement I agree with. Both of you are sociopaths who will do anything to make money no matter who it hurts.
As usual, the Scott campaign handled this gaffe with all of the class you'd expect from his tone-deaf campaign team. They pulled the ad after complaints, but claimed they did only because the ad "had run its course". Which means they had every intention to feature an endorsement from this slimeball?
Sadly, not surprising. This is the same man who attended fundraisers by two horrible men: one responsible for massive child abuse and the other who allowed a cesspool of unconstitutional and inhuman acts and conditions to germinate in his facility. (That's not hyperbolic, those are the exact words the judge used.) He also gave them both awards.
These are the friends of Rick Scott. Keep in mind that we have also had a record number of arrests, resignations, and convictions due to the criminal activity in Rick Scott's own cabinet. These are the people who he proudly associates with while running for office. Imagine who he'll put in charge next year if he wins.
Let's NOT find out.
HT to Indiethinker for alerting me to this