Pam Bondi's Biography

A 1987 graduate of the University of Florida (B.A. in Criminal Justice) and Stetson Law School (J.D. – 1990), for the past 18 years, Bondi has been a front-line prosecutor. 

As an Assistant State Attorney, Bondi has served under five State Attorneys in the 13th Judicial Circuit, a department of more than 100 attorneys.

Bondi’s investigative and courtroom experience came into play with nationally celebrated cases, including putting Adam Davis on death row for the murder of Vicky Robinson and convicting Melvin Givens of first degree murder for the stabbing death of local NBC-News Producer Danielle Cipriani.

Bondi regularly travels to Tallahassee to oppose the parole of convicted murderers and rapists.

Bondi has served as Felony Bureau Chief and a key member of internal homicide, vehicular homicide, and DUI manslaughter committees.  She also sits on the Executive Committee responsible for budget, personnel and legal strategies. 

Bondi has served as the Vice Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee, and theTampa Bay United Way, the Children’s Board, Junior League, and on the University of Florida Gator Club Board of Directors. 

Bondi received the Tampa Bay Review’s 2001 “Lawyers of Distinction” and has also received the “Women of Excellence in Government” award.
A native of Tampa, Bondi is a fourth generation Floridian, and hails from a family dedicated to service, including three generations of educators.

Questions:

1.  Please explain your strategy for distinguishing your candidacy to best ensure the possibility of winning the primary.


What distinguishes me from my opponents is my legal experience.
 
I am the most qualified candidate in the race because I have spent my entire career, nearly two decades, prosecuting every imaginable crime in this state.  An Assistant State Attorney in Hillsborough County, I have prosecuted and investigated every major category of crime including crimes against children, the elderly, identity theft, homicides, robberies, burglaries, kidnapping, fraud, theft, gang related cases, DUI manslaughters, drug trafficking cases and domestic violence.   I have never been a politician, or run for political office.  
 
My opponents are both career politicians, one of whom was a personal injury attorney at Morgan and Morgan and the other who is a part-time bond attorney and has never tried a case in a courtroom.
 
In addition to my experience as a prosecutor, I have helped manage and supervise the Hillsborough State Attorney Office that has 340 staff members, including 130 attorneys, and a multi-million budget for the last ten years, which has fully prepared me for the challenge of managing the Attorney General’s office.
 
Fighting to put dangerous criminals behind bars and give justice to victims isn’t a fleeting political interest to me, or a stepping-stone to my next political career.  Instead, it has defined my career and given me the experience, insight and motivation necessary to be Florida’s “top cop.”  
 
2.  If you were to become the nominee how would you distinguish yourself from the Democratic candidate?
 
I believe that my conservative principles and record of fighting to protect the people of our state will provide a very clear distinction between the Democrat nominee and myself.  
 
Our nation and state are facing a time of constitutional crisis, where there is a great discord between the rule of our government and the rule of law.
 
That is why now– more than ever - it is essential to elect an Attorney General who will vigorously and courageously defend the Constitution and the sovereign rights and freedoms it codifies.
 
Unlike the Democratic candidates, I am committed to ensuring that protection of Florida’s citizens and fighting to defend the rights protected by the Constitution, rather than advancing the agenda of Congress and the President.
 
3.  What do you think is the proper role of government? What specific plan do you have for setting the State government on this course?

I believe in a limited role of government; one in which the actions of our state and federal government improve the lives of its citizens, rather than create additional burdens or intrude on the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
 
I feel that an essential part of the job of the AG is to defend the rights of our citizens as granted to us all in our Constitution.  While I believe that our nation definitely needs to reform our healthcare system, the new federal health care law signed into law is one of the largest, most expensive and most expansive entitlement programs ever.  It is my legal opinion is that it violates our Constitution, sovereign rights and freedoms and I strongly believe that we must never permit the federal government to expand their power in violation of the Constitution. Your next attorney general will be the one to lead this important constitutional fight, and I have the legal and courtroom experience necessary to successfully defend the people of this state in a court of law.  
 
In addition to fighting the health care mandate from Washington D.C., I will also defend the right to bear arms, as provided under the 2nd Amendment.  This right should not be taken for granted, and new challenges attempting to test and question the authority of our Constitution emerge all too frequently.
 
4.  What steps can the AG’s office take to help reign in spending here in Florida?
 
During this time of economic challenge, Florida has over a million people out of work, and our families and businesses are suffering.  As a member of Florida’s Cabinet I would encourage conservative, time-tested and responsible investments of taxpayer dollars and retirement funds and be an advocate for less taxation and more responsible government spending.
 
Further, with a struggling economy, scam artists are out in full force.  Mortgage fraud has grown nationally by nearly 400% in the last five years; Florida has received the dubious distinction of being #1 in home healthcare fraud in the nation; and millions and millions of dollars being misused in our Medicaid system every year.
 
As Attorney General, I will tirelessly defend Floridians from all types of fraud and bring accountability to those actively working to defraud and defund our state.
 
5.  What is your position on H.R.3590 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act? What do you intend to do once elected to promote your position on this legislation? Will you prosecute the lawsuit against the mandate for individuals as now authorized under the law?

I believe that the federal healthcare mandate is unconstitutional, and I absolutely support lawsuits by the State of Florida to stop the mandate.  
 
There is no doubt that our health care system is broken and that addressing its’ failings in a manner that is constitutional, fair to all Americans, bipartisan, and respectful of right to life should be a priority.  However, the legal question being asked among scholars across the country today is whether the Constitution’s Commerce Clause grants Congress broad enough powers to order Americans to comply with the health insurance mandate, or pay a penalty. I don’t believe that it does.
 
I am gravely concerned that this health reform bill infringes on the rights of our state’s sovereignty, as guaranteed by the 10th Amendment of our Constitution, and I will do everything in my power to protect those rights.
 
6.  Do you feel that we need to enact an income tax here in Florida?
 
Absolutely not.  First and foremost, I believe that keeping taxes low encourages private sector growth, which ultimately will lead our state and nation out of economic recession.  Raising taxes – or enacting new taxes - will not solve our fiscal problems, but exacerbate them and stifle businesses that are at the heart of job creation that will put help Floridians back to work.
 
Getting Floridians working again will naturally stimulate consumer spending, and increase state revenues under our current tax structure.  I firmly believe-in keeping taxes low and will support efforts to review government programs in order to reign-in state spending and eliminate waste, rather than impose new burdens on taxpayers.
 
7.  Do you believe that the recent decision by the Federal Courts against certain provisions of the Arizona Immigration Law will stand up to appeal?  Can you suggest improvements that would help to make a similar law here in Florida survive such a challenge?
 
I support the Arizona immigration law and would support a similar law for Florida.
 
I believe the appellate courts (including, if necessary, the U.S. Supreme Court) will ultimately uphold the Arizona immigration law.  The reason is that the Arizona law complements and supports federal immigration law.  A federal policy of non-enforcement of immigration laws already on the books should never serve as a basis for invalidating a state's efforts to protect its own citizens.
 
As for "improvements" to the Arizona law, I believe the critical point is to ensure that any such law--whether in Arizona or in Florida--is implemented fairly and consistently. As Attorney General, I would work to ensure that local law enforcement receive proper training as to what constitutes "reasonable suspicion" to believe someone is in our country illegally.  Such training would make law enforcement more effective and protect against illegal and (unacceptable) racial profiling.
 
As a veteran prosecutor, the safety and protection of our legal and law-abiding citizens is a priority to me, and it would be a horrible irony in our quest to help the rule of law if we actually undermined it through the process.
 
8.  Do you feel that the recent decision by the Congress to eliminate the mandatory sentence for first possession of crack cocaine was correct?  Do we have, or need a similar mandatory sentence in Florida?

Crack cocaine is associated with violence, especially in poor communities, and I would be reluctant to reduce penalties for possession of that drug. Florida imposes mandatory minimum sentences for cocaine possession (at specified levels), and I would not support making our sentencing laws more lenient.
 
9.  Can the AG's office sue to recover damages against negligent companies whose actions lead to similar disasters as the BP oil spill?

The Attorney General has a great responsibility to protect the needs and rights of Florida's families, businesses, consumers and our environment.  As a career prosecutor, I have the training and experience needed to do so. In a court of law, if necessary.
 
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has created serious problems for our fishing and tourism industries; will lead to costly and long-term environmental and beach clean-up efforts; and place significant financial burdens for coastal homeowners and businesses.  
 
Proactive and voluntary action by the business or industry to responsibly correct errors and compensate victims without the state intervening is in the best interest of Florida's consumers, and I would encourage the exploration of every possible option. By working together to encourage proactive action by these companies, we ensure that claim money is being paid today, which is essential to the immediate needs of those whose livelihoods have been crippled.
 
However, if legal action became necessary because a crime against the state or citizens was committed, or a business did not live up to the corrective actions necessary to appropriately compensate or correct wrongs against our state and citizens, I would aggressively seek to resolve those issues in a court of law.
 
10.  Do you support the creation of a registry to record the decisions of judges in the state of Florida to allow citizens to easily search their decisions to understand their judicial leanings?
 

I support any policy that enables our people to become better informed about all of our public servants. I would nevertheless caution people about criticizing the judiciary when they make decisions that may not be popular.
 

 
11.  What do you propose to help curb the influx of illegal immigrants into Florida? What would you propose to deal with illegals already living amongst us? What can the AG's office do to pursue ID theft charges against illegals who are caught using the Social Security number of a citizen to work illegally in the US? Would we need a new law in Florida to do so?
 
In order to adequately deal with the illegal immigration crisis in our country, I believe we must first secure our borders.  However, even if appropriate measures were put into place immediately, Florida already has one of the highest populations of illegal immigrants in the nation.  
 
In order to deal with this problem, I believe that we must take appropriate measures to hold employers accountable that employ undocumented workers. Further, legal action should be taken against anyone – illegal immigrant or not – who is involved in the theft of another individual’s identity.
 
12.  What is the most important thing that you would like to change in Tallahassee once you are elected?

I believe that your Attorney General must defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep our families, seniors, elderly and children safe from crime and criminals.  
 
As your next AG, I will crack down on scam artists who commit mortgage fraud scams, home healthcare fraud, and Medicaid fraud; shut down the pill mills in our state; and go after the increasing violent and criminal activity related to gangs.  As a career prosecutor, I have the courtroom-tested experience to ensure that your public safety is top priority.
 
Another area of particular interest to me is the reduction of crimes associated with gangs.  Gangs are a very real and growing danger in our state.  I will work to bring better communication and intelligence information to law enforcement and to set up a statewide task force to proactively seek out, investigate, arrest and prosecute gang members.  In my area, we currently have a program called Multi Agency Gang Task Force ( MAGTAF ) which includes multiple state and federal agencies all working as a team to combat gang violence. This task force has been extremely successful and I have had multiple meetings with MAGTAF about expanding this program statewide.    

We as a state, we must also must reach to our students, educators, and schools to develop programs to prevent our children from wanting to join gangs.  Education is a key component to prevention.

I have personally handled many gang related cases in my career and know firsthand how deadly and terrifying gangs can be to our community.  
 
I also believe that while it is important to use the bully pulpit of the AG’s office to draw attention to these important topics, it is also essential to think outside the box and use creative ways to successfully catch and prosecute offenders.  During my two decades as a prosecutor in Hillsborough, I helped to create a unique and highly effective relationship between the state attorney’s office, local law enforcement and the US attorney’s office to ensure that there was no duplication of resources; funds were being spent most effectively; tools and strategies were being shared; and the team who could get the most time for such criminals were the ones doing the prosecuting.  
 
Creating inter-agency workforce relationships is a simple, efficient and cost-effective way to make sure we are getting the most out of our resources and prosecuting criminals to the fullest extent possible.
 
 
13.  What is your opinion on the nomination of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court?

The role of our Supreme Court Justices is one of the most important roles in our nation.  It will hear the most important cases that comes before our nation, it will set legal precedent for issues that will impact every day Americans for years to come.
 
Now that Justice Kagan has been confirmed, we all should hope that she will be committed to the ideals of respect for the constitutional text and for the limited--but vital--role of the courts in our constitutional republic.
 

14.  If there were to be a Democratic Governor sitting over you, what could the AG do to protect the redistricting effort of the State House and Senate from attack by an opposing Governor?

 
The Florida Constitution gives the Legislature--not the courts or the Governor--ultimate authority to draw state legislative districts.  As Attorney General, I would work to ensure that the constitutional text is respected and the Legislature's authority is preserved.

15.  What are your thoughts and plans on legal tort reform here in Florida?

I believe that we must ensure fairness, personal responsibility and predictability in Florida’s civil justice system, and this can only be achieved through meaningful reform of our state’s liability laws.

Tort reform is an issue that has been crippling businesses and driving physicians from our state and must be addressed with adequate legislative action.
 
I believe that we must ensure fairness, personal responsibility and predictability in Florida’s civil justice system, and that there must be a level playing field for both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases. No system of justice serves the people effectively unless the laws are fair to all parties. I will work to ensure a level playing field for all parties, including businesses and consumers. My job as Attorney General will be to protect all of our citizens and to make certain that the law is working for everyone.

16.  Do you believe that Florida should and/or could enact a “Loser pays legal fees” in civil lawsuits?

I believe the current demand for judgment and offer of judgment statute is effective in holding litigants accountable in civil actions.

17.  What other reforms in the legal system in Florida would you like to see enacted?

As attorney general, my highest priority will be protecting the public from fraud and other crimes. I will be proactive in recommending any changes to Florida law necessary to ensure that the attorney general has all tools necessary to fulfill that mission.

Holly Benson

Republican Candidate

Florida Attorney General

 

Please explain your strategy for distinguishing your candidacy to best ensure the possibility of winning the primary.

When I launched this campaign, I vowed to use the power of the Attorney General’s office to improve our economy by reducing unnecessary regulation and by championing efforts to reform our tort system.  In March, this race fundamentally changed with the passage of Federal health care reform, and now I am running to ensure that Florida pursues the lawsuit challenging health care reform and wins.

 

My experience as the head of two large state agencies, as a health care leader in the Florida House of Representatives and as a municipal bond lawyer, makes me the best qualified candidate to run the Office of Florida’s Attorney General.   I am the only candidate who has led an organization of any size.

 

In my capacity as the Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, as Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and as a Representative of Florida House District 3, I have:

 

·         Chaired the Florida House Health Care Council and worked with Governor Bush to transform Medicaid and contain health care costs

·         Led the successful reorganization of Florida’s court system

·         Eliminated excessive business regulations in Florida government and reduced fees on businesses, and

·         Voted for Governor Bush’s comprehensive litigation reform and was only candidate for Attorney General to do so.

 

In addition, my experience as the Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration overseeing Florida’s $18 billion Medicaid program, makes me the best qualified candidate to continue General McCollum’s lawsuit against Federal health care reform.

 

As a municipal bond lawyer, I know that not all criminals carry guns, and my experience with financial regulations makes me best prepared to fight against the ponzi schemes that have been perpetrated against our citizens and to combat mortgage fraud.  My experience will also make me a good steward of taxpayers’ money and guardian of the state’s assets as a member of the Cabinet.

 

 If you were to become the nominee how would you distinguish yourself from the Democratic candidate?

The two Democrats will drop the lawsuit challenging Obamacare, do not support tort reform and support increased regulation and fees.  I will pursue the lawsuit, have a consistent record of supporting tort reform and will work to reduce unnecessary regulation and fees.

 

What do you think is the proper role of government? What specific plan do you have for setting the State government on this course?

I have a record of working to reduce the size and scope of government.  I will create a Regulatory Strike Force to identify unnecessary regulations and will work to eliminate them.  I will work to ensure that we keep the public safe.  My every day mission will be to put the bad guys behind bars and to put the good guys back to work, and I will focus on reform that achieves those results.

 

What steps can the AG’s office take to help reign in spending here in Florida?

As part of the efforts of our Regulatory Strike Force, I will work to identify unnecessary fees and reduce them.  I will work to reduce costs in the Attorney General’s office and reduce overhead.

 

What is your position on H.R.3590 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act? What do you intend to do once elected to promote your position on this legislation? Will you prosecute the lawsuit against the mandate for individuals as now authorized under the law?

I support H.R. 3590.  I will continue the lawsuit challenging Obamacare all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

Do you feel that we need to enact an income tax here in Florida?

No.

 

Do you believe that the recent decision by the Federal Courts against certain provisions of the Arizona Immigration Law will stand up to appeal. Can you suggest improvements that would help to make a similar law here in Florida survive such a challenge?

I believe the Arizona Immigration Law should stand up on appeal, but we will work to craft a Florida version in order to incorporate the lessons from the Arizona law.

 

Do you feel that the recent decision by the Congress to eliminate the mandatory sentence for first possession of crack cocaine was correct. Do we have, or need a similar mandatory sentence in Florida?

No.

 

Can the AG's office sue to recover damages against negligent companies whose actions lead to similar disasters as the BP oil spill?

Yes.

 

Do you support the creation of a registry to record the decisions of judges in the state of Florida to allow citizens to easily search their decisions to understand their judicial leanings?

Yes.

 

What do you propose to help curb the influx of illegal immigrants into Florida? What would you propose to deal with illegals already living amongst us? What can the AG's office do to persue ID theft charges against illegals who are caught using the Social Security number of a citizen to work illegally in the US? Would we need a new law in Florida to do so?

I will hold the federal government accountable for the costs incurred by Floridians to provide services for illegal immigrants.  I will advocate for an Arizona-style immigration law here in Florida.  I will aggressively pursue ID theft charges against any illegal aliens.

 

What is the most important thing that you would like to change in Tallahassee once you are elected?

With 12% unemployment, we must all focus on how to get our economy back on track.  I would like to lead the effort to reduce the regulatory burden that is placed on businesses across our state.

 

What is your opinion on the nomination of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court?

Her political philosophy is too liberal, and she lacks the experience and qualifications to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

If there were to be a Democratic Governor sitting over you, what could the AG do to protect the redistricting effort of the State House and Senate from attack by an opposing Governor?

There is no gubernatorial approval of state maps in the redistricting process.  The Governor does however have to sign off on the congressional redistricting maps.  I will work hard to ensure the Legislature retains its authority over the redistricting process.

 

What are your thoughts and plans on legal tort reform here in Florida?

I am the only candidate in this race with a consistent record of supporting tort reform.  I will do everything I can to champion tort reform and to stop the frivolous lawsuits that are clogging our court system.

 

Do you believe that Florida should and/or could enact a “Loser pays legal fees” in civil lawsuits?

Yes.

 

What other reforms in the legal system in Florida would you like to see enacted?

Fraudulent insurance claims are driving up costs of insurance for all of us, and we must narrow the opportunities for individuals to file fraudulent claims.  If we can do more to establish notice requirements and give businesses an opportunity to remedy grievances before a lawsuit is necessary, we should.  We should modify the appeals process for convicted criminals in state court to mirror the process in federal court.

 

Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp

Republican Committee of St. Johns County

PO Box 860252

St. Augustine, Florida 32086


1. Please explain your strategy for distinguishing your candidacy to best ensure the

possibility of winning the primary.


I have prepared my entire career for the position of Attorney General. I will match my legal

career with anyone in the race. I am the only candidate in the race who has handled trials in

both state and federal court. I am also the only candidate to handle appeals in state and federal

court---as well as the only candidate to be licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

I have received an AV rating as a lawyer--the highest rating you can receive. I have taught

criminal law at the college level. And I have successfully defended hundreds of people, small

business owner as well as cities and counties against personal injury suits.


I am also the only candidate who has served the people of Florida in a statewide capacity. As

Lt. Governor I oversee the Office of Drug Control and work closely with local law enforcement.

That is part of the reason 21 of the 28 Republican Sheriffs, the PBA, and the Fraternal Order

of Police have endorsed me. I am very proud of my campaigns strong connection with law

enforcement.


As a member of the legislature I sponsored legislation to make sure repeat violent felons stay

in prison and off the streets of Florida. I also sponsored legislation to enhance penalties for

those that harm our children and our senior citizens. I earned a reputation for passing “tough on

crime” legislation.


In summary---I am ready to go to work as Attorney General on Day 1 in office.


2. If you were the nominee how would you distinguish yourself from the Democratic

candidate?


The next Attorney General will inherit some VERY important issues including Florida’s legal

challenge to Obamacare. Both Democrats have already pledged to dismiss the suit if elected.

I will aggressively pursue the suit. This legal challenge is not about healthcare it’s about our

freedom---whether or not the Constitution means what it says…whether the 10th Amendment

means what it says---whether we as a people draw a line in the sand and say to the federal

government NO MORE!


The next Attorney General will also inherit the aftermath of the oilspill in the Gulf. I have flown

over the site of the spill with the current Attorney General, have talked to his staff about legal

strategy to pursue damages for the state, have met with small business owners impacted by the

oil leak, and have met with local government officials to find out how they have been affected. I

am ready to take on this challenge.


The Democratic candidates have a VERY different political philosophy. When I was in the

legislature I sponsored the Parental Notice of Abortion bill that was ultimately signed in to law by

Gov. Bush. They opposed the bill. I co-sponsored the castle doctrine bill to preserve our 2nd

Amendment rights---they opposed the bill. I sponsored legislation to lower taxes---they opposed

the bills. In short—I believe in lower taxes, reduced government spending and limited

government---they do not.


3. What do you think is the proper role of government? What specific plan do you have for

setting the State government on this course?


The first and foremost responsibility of government is to provide for the safety and security

of its citizens. The Constitution spells out the specific powers of the federal government---all

other power is reserved to the states and the people. We can best support this principle by

aggressively fighting the legal challenge to Obamacare.


4. What steps can the AG’s office take to help reign in spending here in Florida?

Fortunately Florida’s Constitution requires the legislature to pass a balanced budget.

During my first three years in office as Lt. Governor the state budget was reduced by

$7 billion. The budget will be reduced by as much as $6 billion next year. The AG’s

office can certainly lead by example and reduce the budget and improve efficiency in the

office.


5. What is your position on H.R. 3590- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act? What

do you intend to do once elected to promote your position on this legislation? Will you

prosecute the lawsuit against the mandate for individuals as now authorized under the

law?


Like our founding fathers I believe in limited government. There are only a few areas of our daily

lives that government should be involved in-in all other matters government should get out of

the way. Over the years we have seen the power of the federal government increased primarily

through a generous interpretation of the Commerce Clause by Federal Courts. Even so, nothing

compares to the health care legislation currently being pushed in Congress, which appears

to be an all out assault on the 10th Amendment. Where in the Constitution is the federal

government granted the power (a power which comes FROM the people) to force citizens to

buy ANYTHING-let alone health insurance?


I will aggresively continue General McCollum’s lawsuit against the federal government. In fact,

I was the first candidate for Attorney General to support a legal challenge to the federal health

care legislation. I believe that this case is so important that I would personally argue the case

before the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. I am the only

candidate in the race who is qualified to do so.


   6.

      Do you feel that we need to enact an income tax here in Florida?


No. Fortunately, the Florida Constitution prohibits a state income tax so even if some short

sighted politician supported such a move it would require a vote by the citizens of Florida to

change the Constitution.


7. Do you believe that the recent decision by the Federal Courts against certain provisions

of the Arizona Immigration Law will stand up to appeal? Can you suggest improvements

that would help to make a similar law here in Florida survive such a challenge?


Unfortunately, any appeal of the Court’s decision will go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

which is the most liberal federal Court in America. Consequently, the only hope of reversing the

trial court rests with the U.S. Supreme Court.


There are some things we can learn from the Arizona case that will help us pass legislation in

Florida that will withstand a legal challenge. If I have the honor of serving as Attorney General

I will pursue legal action against the federal government to recover all of the costs incurred by

the taxpayers of Florida which are the result of the federal government’s failure to secure our

border.


8. Do you feel that the recent decision by Congress to eliminate the mandatory sentence

for first possession of crack/cocaine was correct? Do we have, or need a similar

mandatory sentence in Florida?


In Florida, Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into

this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more, but

less than 200 grams of cocaine will be sentenced to a minimum of 3 years and pay a fine of

$50,000. Florida Statutes §893.15(1)(b)(1). I believe it is necessary to have mandatory minimum

sentences in order to show that as a state Florida will not be lenient on drugs, especially

narcotics. I do not support the change made to the federal law.


9. Can the AG’s office sue to recover damages against negligent companies whose actions

lead to similar disasters as the BP oil spill?


Yes. The Attorney General represents the State of Florida—as well as the people of Florida. In

the case of the oil spill---I would put together a litigation team who’s sole responsibility would be

to pursue legal action against all parties responsible for the oil leak.


10. Do you support the creation of a registry to record the decisions of judges in the State

of Florida to allow citizens to easily search their decisions to understand their judicial

leanings?

Yes.


  11.      What do you propose to help curb the influx of illegal immigrants into Florida?


12. What would you propose to deal with illegals already living amongst us? What can

the AG’s office do to pursue ID theft charges against illegals who are caught using the

Social Security number of a citizen to work illegally in the US? Would we need a new law

in Florida to do so?

Secure the border! We don’t need a new law to crack down on the use of social security

numbers. We should require the use of e-verify (which is free) and we should be

aggressive in deporting those that have broken the law to come in to our country but

have again broken the law.


13. What is the most important thing that you would like to change in Tallahassee once you

are elected?


I feel that it is important to establish a public corruption unit within the Attorney General’s Office.

There have been far too many instances of elected officials breaking the laws through the

influence of their office.

14. What is your opinion on the nomination of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court?

She is not qualified and her philosophy is far outside the mainstream.

15. If there were to be a Democratic Governor sitting over you, what could the AG do to

protect the redistricting effort of the State House and Senate from attack by an opposing

Governor?

As a member of the House of Representatives I sat on the Redistricting Committee so I

am very familiar with the process and the legal standards that must be followed. I would

vigorously oppose any efforts to undo the work of the legislature.


16. What are your thoughts and plans on legal tort reform here in Florida?

I am the only candidate in the race who has actually passed tort reform legislation. What

we need is “litigation reform”. This would start by making it easier to obtain a Summary

Judgment in cases that lack any merit but are often settled because it would cost more

to defend than to settle. In the area of commercial litigation or business v. business

litigation we should adopt the British Rule or the “loser pays” rule for attorneys fees.

This will sharply reduce the amount of litigation currently taking place.


17. Do you believe that Florida should and/or could enact a “loser pays legal fees” in civil

lawsuits?


We should try it first in commercial litigation where attorneys fees often exceed the

amount at stake.


  18.

      What other reforms in the legal system in Florida would you like to see enacted?


We should consider changes to employment law cases. Currently the deck is stacked

against anyone defending such a suit