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Politics

Convicted lawmaker files bill for felons' vote

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published December 27, 2006


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TALLAHASSEE - State Sen. Gary Siplin lost his right to vote in elections because he's a convicted felon. But he can still vote in the Florida Legislature and he is trying to make sure he and other felons automatically get their rights back after they finish their sentence.

Siplin, D-Orlando, introduced a bill last week that would change the state's long-standing constitutional ban on felon voting. Now, the state's clemency board has to hear each case to decide whether to restore the rights, a process that can take months or years.

"It probably wasn't the smartest bill for Gary to file," said Senate Minority Leader Steven Geller, D-Cooper City.

"He would be well served to leave it to Sen. (Mandy) Dawson, who has been the champion of that legislation," said Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie.

Dawson, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, filed a similar bill (SB 202) a week before Siplin, the first Florida legislator to remain in office after a felony conviction .

"Before all this happened, he's always been very supportive with this issue," Dawson said Tuesday, shortly after speaking by phone with Siplin. "He did indicate he'd be willing to withdraw it and work with us."

Messages left for the 52-year-old attorney at his district office in Orlando and at his Capitol office were not returned.

Siplin was convicted in August on felony grand theft charges for having employees work on his 2004 re-election campaign on state time. He was sentenced last month to three years' probation and 300 hours of community service, but that was later postponed pending an appeal.

Siplin's attorney, Bruce Rogow, said Tuesday that briefs are due in the case in late January.

[Last modified December 27, 2006, 00:21:07]


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Comments on this article
by Gary 02/07/07 10:09 PM
First off...I think that Jimbo is an idiot! I am a ex-felon. Committed a crime in 1991 when I was 18 and now im 34. We are not inhumane people. By the way jimbo....I voted for Bush. I have always been a republican. Get off your f'ing stereotype binge
by elizabeth 01/29/07 02:58 PM
I am a reformed drug addict,did my time,did my probation,paid fines, restitution and court costs.Ibought a business because of backgroundchecks,now the city wont allow me to sell Italian Ice.I have been drug free for 3yrs.Costantly persecuted NOTFAIR
by K 01/04/07 07:46 PM
I wounder who was to determine the term felony when there is no dollar value on it for a conviction but to only state that fraud by perscription from doctor pusher to be punishment to civilion whom can not live or work by own choice servd out time.
by jimbo 12/28/06 03:15 PM
Just what America needs. Felons decide who is elected. This will help liberal Democrats since criminals are their constituency. Democrats tried to invalidate military ballots in 2000. Soldiers can't vote but Felons CAN. Gotta love those Democrats
by Fran 12/27/06 10:47 PM
If people are always going to be judged based upon their previous bad acts, why bother reforming? If the crime is not one warranted with a life term, then rehabilitation is SUPPOSED to be the goal. Oh, wait, I'm in FL, what was I thinking?
by Ashley 12/27/06 04:50 PM
Wow...you guys act like he committed rape or child abuse...I read this story waiting for the big felony he committed but come on! The guy didn't commit that horrendous of a crime and I don't think his right to vote should be taken away in this case.
by Gilbert 12/27/06 04:23 PM
Deferred Adjudication, Withheld Adjudication are specific circumstances the US Supr. Ct. has determined are not convictions. Only under these circumstances should voting rights be kept. A conviction (Felony) in any form is grounds for No voting.
by Mike 12/27/06 02:21 PM
Before felons get their voting rights back, they should be vetted as trustworthy enough to get their gun rights back - If we can't trust a man to carry a gun, how can we trust him to vote? Mike Stollenwerk www dot OpenCarry.org
by Rick 12/27/06 02:05 PM
Re: James comment - There are consequences for actions, they are called prison terms. When the sentence is up, they have done their time and should have ALL rights restored. Why try to rehab if there is no hope or compassion from people like this?
by James 12/27/06 11:49 AM
Mr. Siplin should have lost all rights to run for public office, besides losing his rights to vote. There must be consequences for actions, especially criminal ones.
by sherman 12/27/06 10:45 AM
In our state last year we removed a state senator tennessee law says a convicted felon can't serve in office even on appeal sherman
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