Atwater Weighs in on Sink's Approval of Felon Applications

Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, seeking to succeed Alex Sink as the state's chief financial officer, took the Democrat to task over reports that she approved applications from felons to sell insurance in Florida.

The chief financial officer is obligated to look out for the financial security of Florida's families," Atwater said in a statement. "Instead, the record shows the CFO has routinely granted licensure to applicants who have been convicted of felonies and therefore may pose a threat to consumers."

Atwater, the outgoing state Senate president, said, "The CFO has clear authority to deny licensure to any applicant with a criminal history. As CFO, I will exercise that authority.

"We must protect citizens from financial crimes. Denying licensure to convicted felons is a good place to start," said Atwater.