Arbitrator rejects claims against Graham

© St. Petersburg Times
published December 11, 2002

TALLAHASSEE -- An Orlando arbitrator has rejected the wrongful termination claims of a political consultant who worked for U.S. Sen. Bob Graham during the 2002 election.

Robert Kaplan, owner of Zonetal, a fundraising company, was hired by Graham a year ago to raise money for the Committee for Education Excellence and fired a short time later.

The Graham committee successfully backed an amendment to the Florida Constitution that restores a statewide governing board to run the state's university system. Florida voters approved it Nov. 5.

Kaplan filed suit alleging he was wrongfully discharged and should be paid $470,000 in damages. The arbitrator, former California Appellate Judge Macklin Fleming said Kaplan's "heavy handedness and aggressiveness" alienated coworkers, prospective solicitors and potential donors and was cause for termination of his contract.

The arbitrator approved a $5,804 payment suggested by attorneys for the Graham committee.

"We are pleased and grateful for the arbitrator's decision," said Joan Ruffier, chair of the committee.

Kaplan filed numerous complaints against the committee, including a complaint that it laundered money to illegally grant tax exemptions for some donors. Those complaints are still pending before the Florida Elections Commission.

Graham denied wrongdoing, saying no money passed between his committee and a company that can legally provide tax exemptions for donations.

Robin Gibson, the attorney for the Graham committee, described Kaplan as a disgruntled former employee who has filed more than 30 complaints with various state and federal agencies in an effort to retaliate against Graham.

Kaplan said the arbitrator's decision "is just one man's opinion." He said Graham hired him because he was an aggressive fundraiser, but apparently changed his mind.

Members of the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee dismissed another complaint Kaplan filed against Graham several months ago, saying it lacked substantial merit. Kaplan had accused Graham of using Senate staff and property to kick start the campaign.

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