If you thought Trump was the only one to embrace blatant corruption in office, think again

Created
Sat, 27/05/2023 - 06:30
Updated
Sat, 27/05/2023 - 06:30
DeSantis knows these are the new rules and he’s taking advantage of it: Officials who work for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration — not his campaign — have been sending text messages to Florida lobbyists soliciting political contributions for DeSantis’ presidential bid, a breach of traditional norms that has raised ethical and legal questions and left many here in the state capital shocked. NBC News reviewed text messages from four DeSantis administration officials, including those directly in the governor’s office and with leadership positions in state agencies. They requested the recipient of the message contribute to the governor’s campaign through a specific link that appeared to track who is giving as part of a “bundle” program.  “The bottom line is that the administration appears to be keeping tabs on who is giving, and are doing it using state staff,” a longtime Florida lobbyist said. “You are in a prisoner’s dilemma. They are going to remain in power. We all understand that.” NBC News is not naming the specific staffers who sent the text messages because it could out the lobbyists who received the messages and shared them. DeSantis’ office did not return a request seeking comment, but one administration official acknowledged that they were fundraising for the campaign. “I’m not sure what every EOG staffer does on their free time and after hours, with their first amendment rights, but I wouldn’t be shocked if team eog somehow raised more money than lobbyists,” the administration official said in a text message, referring…