South Florida linked congressional candidate slammed by conservative radio host for misusing campaign money and for his ties to a South Florida political blog with a history of false reports.
By Jacob Engels
Early Tuesday morning famed Hispanic conservative radio host Ray Cruz launched an investigation into Jorge Bonilla’s campaign and spent several segments discussing the congressional candidates odd campaign spending and ties to a murky South Florida political hit blog with a history of retracting false stories.
Bonilla is running in the Republican primary to take on liberal firestarter Alan Grayson. He faces Businessman Peter Vivaldi and longtime Bush activist and realtor Carol Platt.
During his daily radio show on 1270am and 1160am – Ray Cruz exposed that the Bonilla campaign had been using campaign contributions for personal use to eat at McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Cheese Burger-Cheese Burger and other fast food hotspots. He also pointed out one of multiple reimbursements for gas of over $800.00. The campaign has also paid for plane tickets for Mr. Bonilla and rental cars for travel far outside the Central Florida congressional district.
At several recent political events, attendees have been buzzing about Bonilla’s focus on out of state issues and reluctance to partake in local meetings.
“While it is not uncommon for political candidates to use campaign money for these purposes, most legitimate candidates pay for these type of expenses out-of-pocket. We have discussed this with Jorge before and it’s disappointing to see this type of spending continue,” a consultant familiar with the campaign told the East Orlando Post.
The consultant also expressed concern with Jorge’s ties to shady South Florida political blog.
“We understand that Jorge used to work with these people. There is no place for the type of dirty campaigning these people are known for in Central Florida, maybe Miami is more forgiving – but that does not work here,” the consultant continued.
Mr. Cruz brought further concerns about the campaign – asking why another Bonilla is named as campaign treasurer. He suggested that Bonilla should not be using family members when it comes to handling campaign funds.
“If Bonilla doesn’t have a problem with spending $1.92 in McDonalds from campaign donations – what will happen if he would be in Congress using tax payer money? The FEC report reflects that over 90% of Bonilla donations do not come from residents in the district. Where will Bonilla’s loyalty be? With out of state donors, South Florida political manipulators or the constituents of FLD9?” Cruz told the East Orlando Post.
In the past few months, Mr. Bonilla has resigned from his courthouse job in Osceola County to start a translation service for anyone interested in documents translation and has been endorsed by Texas Congressman Pete Sessions — we all know his sleazy history with Central Florida congressional candidates.
On Wednesday, Jorge Bonilla appeared on a radio show with Luis Hernandez discussing his campaign. Bonilla touted his out of district donors stating the he was a “national candidate,” and that people should be aware of how “big” he really is.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
