Investigative Reporting, Public Pressure Force Embattled Speaker to Resign

ST. PETERSBURG – Progress Florida’s executive director, Mark Ferrulo, today released the following statement in response to Ray Sansom’s resignation as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives:

“This is a perfect example of democracy at work. Engaged and informed citizens, combined with a vigorous and undeterred media, have forced one of Florida’s most powerful politicians to answer for his actions.

“For months, Ray Sansom has been a student of the Rod Blagojevich school of denial. In the end, the tide of public opinion trumped personal ego. In December we launched SackSansom.com after our online poll found that 96% of respondents wanted Speaker Sansom held accountable for his ‘cash and carry’ style of leadership.

“Today, Sansom got sacked, and it was long overdue.

“Floridians are tired of hypocrisy and abuse of power in our political system and Ray Sansom is the embodiment of both.

“This is a victory for good government and a testament to the importance of an independent press. From today forward, Florida’s elected officials should be on notice – they will be held accountable.”

Progress Florida is a non-profit, statewide organization supporting progressive solutions for Florida. Visit us at www.ProgressFlorida.org.

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