Ausley Starts Fundraising Events, Attacking Atwater

Loranne Ausley, the favorite to become the Democratic CFO candidate, jumped into the race late, and she is starting her campaign fundraising with an event at Chez Pierre in Tallahassee on Tuesday.

She is also starting to go on the offensive by taking shots at the GOP frontrunner, Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach.

Ausleys campaign website is clearly taking Atwater to task for his involvement in the RPOF fundraising and the credit card scandals. Yesterday, at her website, the campaign asked:

How can anyone claim the mantle of public watchdog when they are unwilling to take a strong stand on hidden contracts, outrageous expenditures, lavish spending and irresponsible use of campaign dollars?

How can anyone speak about a record of integrity while, at the same time, be in the middle of a massive cover up within their own ranks.

Ausley, a former state representative from Tallahassee, spent most of 2009 gearing up for a run at a state senate seat. However, she switched over to the CFO race and already has the backing of many established Democratic leaders, including being backed by former governor and U..S. Senator Bob Graham, current U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, Rep. Kendrick Meek and state CFO Alex Sink.

Ausley does have competition in the Democratic primary. She faces Ken Mazzie, a CPA from Palm Coast, who has been very active in affairs in Flagler County.