Politics

Lawmaker accused of records violations

By LUCY MORGAN, Times Senior Correspondent
Published December 15, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Paige Kreegel could face a reprimand, censure or removal.

TALLAHASSEE - Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, has been accused of violating state election and open records laws in a formal complaint filed Friday with House Speaker Marco Rubio.

The allegations stem from the actions of Barry Millman, a Kreegel aide who was forced to resign last month after an internal investigation determined that Millman violated the state's public record law, lied to a constituent and used state computers to research the background of Keith Richter, Kreegel's 2008 GOP opponent.

Robert J. Anderson, a Lehigh Acres resident, filed the complaint, accusing Kreegel of violating the law by instructing his staff to spread negative information about his opponent, as well as abusing his public position in violation of House rules.

Kreegel's conduct involved "a series of actions and inactions that besmirch the integrity of the House of Representatives and mock its rules," Anderson alleged in his written complaint.

Kreegel could not be reached for comment.

House Rules Chairman David Rivera, R-Miami, will review the complaint and determine whether it should go before a special panel of members for a full investigation. If the panel finds probable cause to believe the rules have been violated, Kreegel could face a reprimand, censure or removal from office.

[Last modified December 14, 2007, 23:55:17]