A war of words broke out in the Florida Capitol on Wednesday over Gov. Rick Scotts firing of Florida Department of Law Enforcement chief Gerald Bailey.
Florida Senate Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, came out swinging at Scott and the Florida Cabinet at the Associated Press's pre-session meeting over the incident.
"Hubris appears to be the organizing principle of our executive branch," Joyner said.
"These last few weeks have been a miserable lesson in bad government and the citizens whom I've had the opportunity to speak with -- many of whom have written letters to the editor in your newspapers -- have stated ... what is going on and why can't we get the truth out of the firing of Commissioner Bailey, a gentleman with an esteemed record of service in this state and law enforcement whose own statement contradicts that of the governor's office," Joyner continued.
Joyner also called for an investigation of the firing.
Later in the morning, Scott fired back after being asked about her hubris characterization.
Shes not partisan, is she? Scott asked.
Here are the facts, the governor continued, before pointing to his experience in the private sector. I think its important to constantly look at your business team.
I have looked at all of our agencies, Scott continued. Gerald Bailey was given the opportunity to step down and he did.
Scott insisted his team did nothing wrong with removing Bailey and noted that the former FDLE commissioner did not even raise his claims about being forced out of office illegally until after he was gone and a replacement chosen.
The attacks against me are untrue and theyre ridiculous, Scott said. The governor said the same thing of attacks against his staff.
Joyner had lashed out at Scotts team as the Louisiana mafia, noting Chief of Staff Melissa Sellers ties to Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., and heavy speculation that Ron Henderson from that state will soon replace Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty,
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email atallison@sunshinestatenews.comor follow her on Twitter:@AllisonNielsen.Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN.
