Just days before voters cast their final ballots, Republicans are wondering about a certain candidate in Orange County.
By Jacob Engels
GOP State Committeeman candidate Scott Peelen is facing questions over his cozy relationship with turncoat Republican-Independent-now liberal Democrat Charlie Crist.
When Charlie Crist decided to abandon the Republican Party, there were only a handful of major fundraisers who stuck with him, in direct violation of the Republican Party Oath that prohibits supporting Democrats.
Scott Peelen was one of those fundraisers who decided to join Crist in his betrayal of the GOP. Featured in an Associated Press article of July 8, 2013 said, “Peelen, who supported Crist after he left the GOP…”
“Those roots (with Crist) run deep.”
In an Orlando Sentinel article, Peelen boasted about how much he had raised for Crist as a Democrat and Independent.
“For me, friendship comes first, so I’ll be there.”
The article goes on to state: “Peelen is a Crist guy from way back. Peelen estimates he has raised $1.6 million for Crist campaigns.”
Peelen: Pay To Play Politics
As a partial reward for the $1.6 million raised for Crist, Crist appoints Peelen to the prestigious Enterprise Florida board of directors. Pay to Play politics at its worst.
Identified in the Palm Beach post as “former Governor Crist’s big fundraisers”, Governor Rick Scott removed Peelen immediately after being sworn in.
Peelen: Violates Party Oath He Now Seeks To Enforce
According to party loyalty oaths and guidelines, it is forbidden and a violation to support a Democrat or Independent in a race where there is a Republican candidate.
While Peelen says his friendship with Crist transcends politics, we need to look at his true motivations, which aren’t friendship.
Instead, the special access he received for his proximity to Crist was more important than standing for his party and conservative principles.
How many times have you told a friend: “Love you man, but just can’t get on the same page with your politics.”
That is what he should have done, yet he decided to pull a Roose Bolton, a la Game of Thrones, and betray his party.
“It’s apparent that Scott Peelen cannot be trusted to be a Republican, why in the world would any Republican vote for him as GOP state committeeman,” stated Doug Guetzloe, leader of Ax the Tax and a longtime member of the Republican Executive Committee. “
Just say NO to the Crist candidate, Scott Peelen.”
The election for State Committee positions will be held on the August 30th Primary ballot.
There are five candidates seeking the position, with longtime GOP leader Paul Paulson the acknowledged front-runner for the post.
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
