Ausman Offers $250 'Bounty' for Democrat Ethics Code

Jon Ausman, still reeling from his recent suspension as a state committee member of the Florida Democratic Party, called on state party leaders to institute a statewide code of ethics, which he says is missing from the party.

Ausman, who was suspended by Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith last week for his actions during the 2010 election cycle, which allegedly included taking money to endorse U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene, said the ethics rules cited against him were "selectively enforced."

"The Florida Democratic Party says in its charter --in Article 1, Section 12 -- that it shall be the responsibilty of the Florida Democratic Party to encourage and support codes of political ethics that embody substantive rules of ethical guidance. This is not a code, it is a generalized statement; it's very vague in its nature," Ausman said.

Since no formal code outlining specific rules and punishments is included in state party rules, Ausman contends, he is offering a $250 "bounty" available to any Florida citizen who submits a code of political ethics for the Florida Democratic Party to him. But he also wants the state party leaders to step up to the plate.

"Because I believe that this $250 reward will go unclaimed, I am calling for the Florida Democratic Party to develop and adopt, within the next 60 days, a written code of political ethics which is posted on the party website and distributed to the county party officers and county committee members," Ausman said.

Ausman's suspension is effective through Dec. 1, 2012.