Republican Executive Committee closes office while under investigation

PORT CHARLOTTE — No impromptu vetting was held Friday as planned, instead the Charlotte County Republican Club closed its doors.

On Friday, members received an email marked "urgent" from Bill Abbatematteo, Charlotte County Republican Executive Committee chair.

"I had been given notice by the Republican Party of Florida and others, that allegations of violations of RPOF Rules of Procedure, member's Party Loyalty Oath and also the possibility of civil action and criminal violations under Florida Election and Campaign laws against the Charlotte County Republican Executive Committee," it stated.

New complaints could be forthcoming by "a number of different people," he wrote.

"While I am not privy to every detail, these allegations all pertain to the operation of our Headquarters and the conduct of REC members while at HQ over the last several months," he wrote.

Abbatematteo wrote he couldn't "weigh in on any" allegations, as he's not the "investigating authority."

"Furthermore, as the Chairman of the Charlotte County Republican Executive Committee, I have exposure and could also be named in any civil and/or criminal complaint along with other members of our REC if such allegations are sustained," he wrote.

Abbatematteo wrote that, as the chairman for the past six weeks, his priority is to "protect the integrity" of the party and prevent further potential violations.

Until the matter is investigated and resolved by other entities, "which could include the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Republican Party of Florida," Abbatematteo wrote, he will "fully cooperate with any authorities."

"Effective immediately, REC Headquarters at 2171 Tamiami Trail is closed until further notice," he wrote. "Also, I would advise all members, as elected Party Officials, to not comment publicly to anyone about this matter, especially if a criminal investigation is launched under Florida Election Laws."

REC volunteers can get their personal items from the building for two hours on Tuesday.

"No one is permitted to enter the building prior to or after that, including other key holders," he wrote. "I will temporarily need to get everyone's keys back while any investigation is pending to ensure no one has access into our building.

Abbatematteo wrote it might seem like a drastic, but necessary action.

"Potential election interference, if that is indeed the case here, is a serious matter and if sustained, would be devastating to our local Republican Party," he wrote. "I am hoping that this matter is resolved quickly and favorably, and that we can reopen and return to the job of getting Donald Trump reelected as our next President."

On Friday, the REC planned to hold a meeting to pick Republican candidates to endorse in the upcoming elections. Some candidates didn't think it was necessary for the REC to pick one Republican candidate over another.

Incumbent Charlotte County Commissioner Joe Tiseo, who was out of town Friday representing Charlotte County at a Tampa conference, said the recommendation process wasn't appropriate.

He said candidates in each seat were to give a five-minute speech and then REC members would vote which one to recommend.

Tiseo said no debating of the the issues or a question-and-answer session was offered, just short speeches.

"The voters wouldn't know this process wasn't vetted, they would just see the REC was picking these candidates," he said. "It's up to the voters to decide which Republican candidate they want based on their research."

Incumbent County Commissioner Bill Truex, who was at the same convention, said he sent an email to the REC to be read for him before any decisions were made Friday.

Truex said the some of the newer REC members are looking to remove "all sitting elected officials."

Other candidates complained the REC would surrender more than $19,000 if it endorsed one Republican candidate over another. While the state REC allows for these endorsements, the local chapter must return the money given by the state generated by filing fees. That money is used by the local REC for Republican rallies and encouraging residents to get out and vote.

"The REC is absolutely allowed to make recommendations," said David Kalin, who is running for Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections. "Each candidate would have been given the same amount of time to speak."