The police officers are having a "Party to Leave the Party" in Broward County next month. Partygoers will be able to switch from Republican to Independent or Democrat. Many are fed up with his attempts to bust unions.
The Broward County Police Benevolent Association supported Republicans for governor for the past 20 years. But
...this one's antics may be too much for the traditionally red-voting, gun-wielding, meat-eating, hippie-busting (OK, we'll stop) cops to stomach,reports the Broward Palm Beach New Times. Broward County PBA President Patrick Hanrihan said a union dues deduction bill supported by Scott was a "flat-out union-busting bill."
"Under the law, a government agency wouldn't be allowed to collect union dues if it was involved in political campaigns." He notes that Scott had "no problem" taking money from the police union in the past election. Scott did get significant pushback on the bill from some Republican representatives, but the House eventually passed it.(The bill failed in the Senate. Some observers noted that it reminded Cuban-Americans of Castro's union-busting efforts.)
Here's the invitation to the party:
The Broward PBA wants to send a message to the Republican Party, the governor and the Republican-led legislature-- those that are wreaking havoc on the lives of public employees--that we will not sit idly by and take it. Supporting the GOP means supporting those that are working hard against your interests and those who believe that labor unions are bent on destroying America.
On July 16, we want you, our members, your friends and your family, to leave the Republican Party. Law enforcement, firefighters, teachers and other public employees are invited to join us in switching from the Republican party to the party of their choice. Those who are not registered voters are welcome to come register so their voices can also be heard. Reg- istering or switching parties takes two minutes. All you need is a government-issued ID like a Florida Driver's License or a Florida ID.
There is one more legislative session before the 2012 elections--let's put them on notice.
