A big splash in the Democratic primary race for Attorney General has come in the form of a lawsuit. Candidate Sean Shaw is suing his opponent Ryan Torrens, in an effort to get him off the ballot.
The suit names Torrens, Florida’s Division of Elections and Secretary of State as defendants. Shaw alleges Torrens didn’t properly qualify as a candidate.
Shaw says Torrens didn’t have enough cash on hand to cover the qualifying fee. The suit claims in order to pay the fee, Torrens disclosed a campaign contribution as a loan, only later correcting its designation on finance reports as a contribution check. The check exceeded the contribution limit candidates can accept from individuals.
Torrens’ campaign treasurer later told the Department of State she wrote a refund check covering most of the contribution.
Michael Hopkins, Shaw’s spokesman, says the suit is an example of Shaw “keeping his promise to be an active and aggressive Attorney General.”
Meanwhile Torrens has responded with a statement himself, calling the suit a “sham.”
Torrens says he plans to “aggressively” defend his campaign in circuit court.
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