For every lengthy letter from one Republican to another over Gov. Crist's
U.S. Senate run, there's a lengthy response. Here's what Republican Party of
Florida Chairman Jim Greer has to say to the Hillsborough
County Republican Executive Committee's cease-and-desist request:

November 5, 2009

Dear Chairman Cox-Roush,

I have reviewed your recent correspondence and appreciate you taking the
time to convey your concerns. After reviewing Rule 8 in consultation with our
general counsel, I am providing the following response:

First, the RPOF pays certain allocable and non-allocable expenses at the
request of the statewide campaigns. With regard to state races, these expenses
include: paying rent, phones, internet, copies, etc. With regard to federal
races, no party resources are being provided to either federal campaign that are
not reimbursed at cost. This practice of providing candidates access to these
resources is nothing new, is in complete compliance with all campaign finance
laws, and has been done many times over the years, including prior to my
chairmanship. In fact, you and others may not be aware, but the current policies
for all candidates relating to this matter, including campaigns where there is a
Republican primary, are much more stringent than in previous cycles.  Let me
reiterate that this is a long-standing practice within the RPOF and these
resources are available to any statewide campaign.

As it relates to my personal support of Governor Crist and his candidacy
for the U.S. Senate, I have made it clear on a regular basis that the party has
not formally endorsed the Governor nor has the Crist campaign been provided any
resources that they have not paid and that are not available to all other GOP
campaigns. Personally, my family and I, along with many loyal Republicans, are
supporting our Republican incumbent governor because he is a conservative who
has fought for the people of Florida every day of his administration and
believes in our party’s principles of less taxes, less government, the 2nd
Amendment and his unwavering support of pro-life and traditional marriage.
Although the Governor is a candidate for the U.S. Senate, he is still the
titular head of the Republican Party of Florida and the person primarily
responsible for our party’s financial success and election victories. In
addition as he is a Republican Governor and titular head of the party, I, as
Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, will continue to attend any and all
political events to which I am invited by the Governor, our Republican
candidates or any local party leaders.

In regards to the Florida Victory 2010 program, Governor Crist, Attorney
General McCollum and other statewide Republican candidates support this is a
program, which has been used many times over the years. The Finance Chairman’s
role for this initiative is no different than in previous cycles, in which all
aspects of the program are subject standard oversight procedures and are all at
the direction of the Chairman.

In response to your suggestion to terminate any political consultants
which the Republican Party has or will use who may be supporting individual
candidates, this request is unreasonable as this decision to employ such
consultants is made with consideration to their expertise and past success in
winning Republican campaigns. Specifically, Mr. Heffley’s relationship with the
party is one in which his firm provides many valuable services, and he has been
credited with winning countless Republican campaigns.  His support of Governor
Crist is not, nor would I permit it to be, part of his business relationship
with the RPOF. Any support that he provides to individual candidates is not in
any way associated with his services to RPOF. I have however reiterated to all
RPOF employees that conducting any activities for any candidates which would be
deemed inappropriate, would result in disciplinary action including termination,
which unfortunately has recently been necessary. RPOF employees like REC members
are permitted to work for individual candidates on their own time and not in
their official capacity, should they wish to do so.

In conclusion, I hope that this letter has clarified to you and others
that neither myself, in my official capacity, nor the RPOF is providing any
undue preferential support to one Republican campaign over another. Any campaign
that is not currently utilizing resources available may contact our political
department for information regarding doing so.  I, just like you and many of our
grassroots leaders across Florida, am not supporting any Republican campaign in
my official capacity, thus there is absolutely no violation of Rule 8, any more
than when a county conducts a straw poll, which some believe to be the same as
an endorsement and may be in violation of Rule 8.  While many in and out of our
party seem to be committed to promoting discord, publicly attacking our
Republican elected leaders, embarrassing our party and providing ammunition for
the Democrats and the media to promote the idea that the Republican Party is on
a path of self destruction, I do not believe this is true.  Since becoming
Chairman, I have been committed to providing greater resources to grassroots
volunteers, enhancing communication between the county REC’s and state party and
promoting diversity and inclusiveness of all Republicans, so that our party may
continue to grow and be victorious on Election Day! I encourage you and all of
our Republican leaders to do the same.

Warmest Regards,

Jim