It hasn’t been a sweet week for Congressman Steve Southerland, as the questions and news coverage surrounding his scandalous trip to King Ranch – where Congressman Southerland’s sugar lobbyist backers hosted at least one secret meeting with leading Florida Republicans – are only continuing to grow while he shifts his story and refuses to provide answers.
Congressman Southerland has accepted more than $25,000 from sugar interests, including $2,000 from U.S. Sugar. Congressman Southerland’s admission that he visited King Ranch first came to light during his press conference touting a bill supported by the Sugar Industry that would target Florida’s wetlands.
Here’s a quick recap:
Tampa Bay Times: Touting prosugar bill, Southerland first U.S. congressman to confirm King Ranch trip.
“Southerland refused to explain Monday who invited him and who he was there with, saying only, ‘I pay for all of my tickets.’ He referred questions to his spokesman, Matt McCullough, who said he was unable to provide details.”
Tampa Bay Times Column: Visions of sugar dance in legislators’ heads.
“Southerland has entered the cone of silence, refusing to reveal who invited him to King Ranch and whom he socialized with in between pretending to be Ernest Hemingway on safari.”
Panama City News Herald: Southerland responds to criticism over Texas trip.
“The sugar industry supports the legislation, and U.S. Sugar has contributed to Southerland’s re-election campaign… Southerland didn’t provide details either.”
See also: Congressman Southerland’s Response to King Ranch Scandal Raising More Questions
Pensacola News Journal Editorial: Conservatives should conserve.
“The mighty hunters from Florida’s sugar industry have bagged some really big game this time – a U.S. congressman. Meet Rep. Steve Southerland… […] His legislation would not take power from the federal government and give it to citizens. It would seize power from Floridians and hand it to large polluters like U.S. Sugar – because they own Florida’s elected officials. Is that not ‘big government’ of the worst kind?”
Context Florida: Diane Roberts: Southerland and the Clean Water Act: Somebody has to stand up for run-off.
“When he’s not dodging questions about his trip to the King Ranch, Congressman Steve Southerland is touting a bill to help struggling polluters.”
“Instead of answering simple questions Congressman Steve Southerland is acting like the typical Washington politician that he is – refusing to disclose details or provide any documentation to back up his shifting story,” said David Bergstein of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “As this scandal grows and the questions mount, it’s just providing more proof that Congressman Southerland represents everything North Floridians hate about Congress.”
BACKGROUND:
Southerland’s Legislation to Block Oversight of Florida Wetlands Is Supported by Sugar Industry. “Southerland’s bill enjoys wide support from business groups like the Florida Chamber and the Florida sugar industry, which has faced increasing regulation over agricultural pollution, especially in the Everglades.” [Miami Herald, 8/18/14]
Southerland Accepted $2,000 from U.S. Sugar, More Than $25,000 from Sugar Interests. During the 2014 election cycle, Southerland accepted $2,000 from U.S. Sugar. Southerland also accepted at least $25,000 from PACs related to the sugar industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 8/19/14; FEC, accessed 8/19/14]