GOP has Chance to Paint Democrat CFO Candidate as Ally of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton

News emerged on Thursday that Allie Braswell, currently leading the Central Florida Urban League and a former Marine Corps vet, will run for the Democratic nomination to challenge Florida CFO Jeff Atwater. Braswell also worked for Walt Disney World as a diversity manager and with technology.

But Braswell could be open to a recent line of Republican attacks. The GOP has ripped Jesse Jackson for calling Florida an apartheid state after a jury found George Zimmerman not guilty in the death of Trayvon Martin and demanded he apologize. Republican officeholders -- from Gov. Rick Scott to legislators -- have demanded apologies from Jackson and have brought up previous comments he has made, including calling New York Hymietown. Braswell marched with Jackson back in March 2012 demanding justice in the aftermath of Martins death.

The GOP will have every chance to link Braswell to both Jackson and other controversial figures like Al Sharpton. Braswell spoke at forums with both Jackson and Sharpton. Braswell also demanded Zimmerman be arrested. With polls showing most Floridians supporting the jury decision, Braswell could be a hindrance to Florida Democrats in 2014 despite some solid credentials.