Florida Democratic Congresswoman's fate hinges on today's ethics hearing
News and commentary from a Florida perspective
Democrats are making the corruption of the Republican Party in general and Donald Trump, in particular, big campaign issues leading up to the midterm elections.
But in Florida, Democrats have their own ethics scandal—namely charges against U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who is accused of stealing $5 million in federal pandemic funds and using some of the money to boost her congressional campaign.
Today, the House Ethics Committee will hold a rare public trial over these charges, which could lead to her censure or even expulsion from Congress.
Were she to be expelled (or resign), Gov. Ron DeSantis would be required to schedule special primary and general elections to replace her. She serves in the state’s 20th Congressional District, which covers portions of Broward and Palm Beach counties and is heavily Democratic.
(However, DeSantis has promised to call a special session of the Legislature to further gerrymander the state’s congressional districts in favor of Republicans, so the makeup of Cherfilus-McCormick’s district could change.)
Today’s hearing is hardly the congresswoman’s only worry. She is on the docket to appear in federal court in April on charges of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements, and she faces up to 53 years in prison. She’s pleaded not guilty.
For Democrats, this is a problem they do not need right now. They have made integrity in government a key campaign issue, and having one of their own in the witness stand undercuts that message.
Which is why increasingly there are calls for Cherfilus-McCormick to resign—most from South Florida political leaders and her likely opponents in the upcoming primary election in August.
While no sitting Florida Democrats in Congress (there are only 8 out of the state’s 28-member delegation) have called for her to resign, that could change after today’s hearing.
After all, Democrats were adamant that New York Republican George Santos resign—and he was later expelled—for misconduct in 2023. Comparisons are inevitable. And Democrats face accusations of hypocrisy if they tolerate similar misbehavior among one of their own.
Today’s hearing could tip the scales on this. It begins at 2 p.m.
Related:
Democrats face test as rare Ethics hearing examines Cherfilus-McCormick fraud allegations
J.C. Bruce is the founder of Tropic Press, a Florida online news service dedicated to sharing news and commentary relevant to Florida readers, whether it originates in the Sunshine State or elsewhere. Bruce is an award-winning former newspaper editor, journalist and author living in Florida, his native state.
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