Sen. Mike Fasano says Senate President Mike Haridopolos ordered him this month to drop further scrutiny of the lavish new courthouse critics call the "Taj Mahal." Haridopolos says he did no such thing.

The point-counterpoint developed after Fasano told the St. Petersburg Times that Haridopolos "made it clear he didn't want me to deal with this issue anymore. I was told to leave this issue alone."

At a midday press availability Wednesday, Haridopolos was asked if he ordered Fasano to end the investigation. "I think the point has been made," Haridopolos said. "I've asked Sen. Fasano for recommendations based on his work." Read more here.

*