Candidates cannot pay to speak

Brooksville, Fla. - Plans for Chamber candidate event just went up in smoke after a cease and desist order is issued.

Hernando County Supervisor of Elections office puts the brakes on local Chamber plans for Politics in the Parks event in July.  Election campaign financing rules strictly prohibit candidates from paying for the privilege of speaking to promote their platform.

Hernando County Greater Chamber of Commerce had plans for the upcoming Primary Election. Local candidates were invited to participate in "Politics in the Park" which is new event to showcase candidates on July 12, 2012.

The  Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee planned to charge all candidates an entry fee of $250.00 to participate in the event.

This is first time, candidates were being asked to pay to participate in Chamber event, unlike in previous years when political forums were conducted by the Chamber for free.

Office staff said Annie Williams, supervisor of elections has put a quick stop to Hernando County Greater Chamber of Commerce plans to charge candidates for the privilege of speaking at their Politics in the Park.  Officials cited Florida Election law 106.15(1)FS  as a prohibited act under campaign financing rules.

Hernando County Supervisor of Elections officials said a call was placed to Chamber President Pat Crowley to inform her of campaign finance rules.  Officials informed the Chamber that candidates cannot be pay money for the privilege of speaking at a campaign event.