In 2007, former Florida Republican Governor Charlie Crist championed felon rights, convincing his Cabinet to ease restrictions on voting rights for certain felons who have paid their debt to society just as long as the state parole commission approved.
Now Democrat Congressman Crist, who has broadened his support of felon’s voting rights, is calling for the restoration of voting rights of all felons, regardless of the crimes committed,
Crist criticized Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s request to the FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to donate $16 million convicted felons so that they can pay their existing fines and be able to vote.
“I think it’s absurd,” said Rep. Crist of Moody’s request. An American citizen is trying to give the second chance to former felons who have paid their debt to society, and the attorney general of our state is trying to challenge that with some kind of investigation.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) was the first Republican to call for an investigation into Bloomberg’s offer to felons, saying that the gesture could be unlawful.
But shouldn’t elected officials to look into any possible tactics that cold compromise the election process, regardless of their political affiliation?
Remember, both Republicans and Democrats are accusing each other of voter intimidation, voter fraud, and election tampering, so a compelling argument can be made to look into whether Bloomberg’s donation is legal, or not.
Congressman @CharlieCrist tonight tells us @AGAshleyMoody's call for an FBI probe of @MikeBloomberg's donation to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition is "absurd." pic.twitter.com/xQ9dCi0dS4
— Troy Kinsey (@TroyKinsey) September 24, 2020
