campaign finance

The Democratic congresswoman's federal indictment for campaign fraud could lead to 53 years in prison. It is rooted in her successful campaign to win a 2021 special election for the seat of longtime incumbent Alcee Hastings - after losing in two previous primaries against him. The difference for Cherfilus-McCormick in 2021: Money. Lots of money.

Embattled South Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who was indicted Thursday in Miami federal court for stealing $5 million in federal funds and campaign fraud, called the investigation a “sham,” “unjust” and “baseless.”

A Miami federal grand jury returned an indictment against South Florida Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants, alleging that she and the others stole federal disaster funds, laundered the proceeds, and used the cash to support her 2021 congressional election campaign, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

A non-partisan group is planning a march this Sunday in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach to rally local residents behind a national movement to remove “the corrupting influence of money in American politics.”

Amendment 6 requires the approval of at least 60% of Florida voters.

The Federal Election Commission alleged that Rivera, who also is a former member of the Florida House, violated a law that bars contributions made in the names of other people. A federal appeals court tossed out that ruling.

The Miami congresswoman, a vocal critic of President Joe Biden's policies toward Cuba, had received two donations totaling $750 last year from Manuel Rocha, the former U.S. ambassador in Latin America from Miami charged this week for being a covert agent for Cuba for decades.

Eric Silagy, the CEO of Florida Power & Light unexpectedly announced his retirement. The company said the move was not connected to a burgeoning political spending scandal.

Campaign finance rules say the PAC money can't be used for his campaign if Trump decides he'll run, but there are questions on whether any potential violations would be enforced by the FEC.

One study found that the U.S. government spends as much maintaining parking facilities across the country as it does running elections.

The Florida House approved a campaign-finance bill that would make it more difficult for groups to place proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. The measure would also prevent local governments from sending mailers promoting or opposing proposed referendums, ballot initiatives or issues.

The For the People Act would dramatically overhaul the U.S. voting system and seek to limit the amount of dark money in politics. It is not expected to advance in the Senate.