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{{other people||Jim Norman (disambiguation){{!}}Jim Norman}} |
{{other people||Jim Norman (disambiguation){{!}}Jim Norman}} |
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{{Infobox State Senator |
{{Infobox State Senator |
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|name =Jim Norman |
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|honorific-prefix = |
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|image =Senator Jim Norman.jpg |
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|caption =Jim Norman |
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|honorific-suffix = |
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|party =[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
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|image = Senator Jim Norman.jpg |
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|state_senate =Florida |
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|alt = |
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|district =12 |
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|state_senate = Florida |
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|term_start =2010 |
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|term_end =2012 |
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|predecessor =[[Victor Crist]] |
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|term_end = 2012 |
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|successor =[[John Legg]] |
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|birth_date ={{birth date and age|1953|09|03}} |
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|successor = [[John Legg]] |
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|birth_place =[[Jacksonville, Florida]] |
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<!-- start of personal data --> |
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|residence =[[Tampa, Florida]] |
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|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|09|03}} |
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|death_date = |
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|birth_place = [[Jacksonville, Florida]] |
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|death_place = |
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|spouse =Mearline Norman |
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|alma_mater = |
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|occupation =Unemployed |
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|restingplacecoordinates = |
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|website = |
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|citizenship = |
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|nationality = |
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|party = [[Republican Party of Florida|Republican]] |
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|otherparty = <!--For additional political affiliations--> |
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|spouse = Mearline |
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|partner = <!--For those with a domestic partner and not married--> |
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|relations = |
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|children = |
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|residence = |
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|alma_mater = |
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|cabinet = |
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|committees = |
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|portfolio = |
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|religion = |
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|signature = |
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|website = |
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<!--Military service--> |
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'''Jim Norman''' (born 1953) was a Republican politician in the US state of [[Florida]]. Norman was elected to the Florida State Senate in 2010. Because of redistricting, he had to run again in 2012. He filed for reelection, but then withdrew following a corruption scandal involving accepting favors from various industry lobbyists.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thefloridacurrent.com/article.cfm?id=28070866 |title= Sen. Norman ends his re-election bid |last= Rohrer |first= Gray |date= June 12, 2012 |publisher= The Florida Current |accessdate=November 27, 2012}}</ref>. Norman attempted to rejoin the Hillsborough County Commission, but was defeated by Tim Schock in the primary election.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://saintpetersblog.com/tim-schock-defeats-one-time-rising-gop-star-jim-norman-hillsborough-county-primary/ |title= Tim Schock defeats one-time GOP power Jim Norman in Hillsborough primary |last= Henderson |first= Joe |date= August 30, 2016 |publisher= Saint Petersblog |accessdate=November 10, 2017}}</ref>. |
'''Jim Norman''' (born 1953) was a Republican politician in the US state of [[Florida]]. Norman was elected to the Florida State Senate in 2010. Because of redistricting, he had to run again in 2012. He filed for reelection, but then withdrew following a corruption scandal involving accepting favors from various industry lobbyists.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thefloridacurrent.com/article.cfm?id=28070866 |title= Sen. Norman ends his re-election bid |last= Rohrer |first= Gray |date= June 12, 2012 |publisher= The Florida Current |accessdate=November 27, 2012}}</ref>. Norman attempted to rejoin the Hillsborough County Commission, but was defeated by Tim Schock in the primary election.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://saintpetersblog.com/tim-schock-defeats-one-time-rising-gop-star-jim-norman-hillsborough-county-primary/ |title= Tim Schock defeats one-time GOP power Jim Norman in Hillsborough primary |last= Henderson |first= Joe |date= August 30, 2016 |publisher= Saint Petersblog |accessdate=November 10, 2017}}</ref>. |
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===2010 Florida Senate Primary Election=== |
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In 2010, Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman filed to run against Ambler in the Senate District 12 Primary Election. Norman had volunteered on Ambler’s previous campaigns for the House District 47 seat and had expressed his intentions to run for the seat when Ambler reached term-limits. Instead, Norman filed to run against Ambler for the Senate seat at the last second.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://floridaindependent.com/longtime-republican-allies-face-off-in-bitter-state-senate-primary-news-politics-media/|title=Longtime Republican allies face off in bitter state Senate primary: News. Politics. Media|publisher=Florida Independent}}</ref> |
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During the campaign, news broke that Norman had failed to disclose a $435,000 Arkansas vacation home “given” to his wife, Mearline, by Ralph Hughes.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> Hughes was the millionaire founder of Cast-Crete, pre-cast concrete products used in construction jobs around the county.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccfj.net/CORRUPTIONJNinvdropped.htm|title= U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> The east Hillsborough County power broker benefitted over the years from the county's pro-development decisions and was a longtime friend of Norman.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> |
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Mearline Norman used the "gift" to buy and renovate a lakefront house and two boats in Arkansas, which Norman failed to disclose on his financial disclosure forms. |
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Norman claims he had nothing to do with the loan or the purchase of the home. Norman and his attorney failed to explain how Mearline, who is not employed, could buy a home. |
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On July 28, 2010, Ambler received endorsement of Tampa Tribune "...ultimately, Ambler conveys a firmer grasp on the need to deal creatively with Florida's fiscal crisis. And Norman's failure to deal more openly with the Arkansas matter gives us pause. For the Florida Senate, District 12, the Tribune endorses Kevin Ambler."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/jul/28/na-ambler-gets-nod-in-state-senate-race/|title=TAMPA TRIBUNE - Ambler gets nod in state Senate race|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> |
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On August 6, 2010, Ambler received the endorsement of the Saint Petersburg Times: "Ambler, was a solidly conservative voice in his eight years representing the greater Carrollwood area in the Florida House. The former federal prosecutor and judge advocate for the Air Force has a good grasp of statewide policy. He has sensible proposals for cutting the size of government, targeting tax incentives to attract high-paying jobs and improving the quality of teachers. Ambler would subject property insurers to much more rigorous review before they could raise rates, a key concern for a district that is highly vulnerable to hurricane and sinkhole damage. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/times-recommends-for-florida-legislature/1113477|title=ST. PETERSBURG TIMES ENDORSES KEVIN AMBLER|publisher=Saint Petersburg Times }}</ref> |
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====Salvation Army scandal==== |
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Questions about Norman’s employment at the Salvation Army arose during the heated primary election campaign. The charity paid him $95,000 a year for work that Norman said is done largely on weekends and provided him with a car. During the 2010 Primary Election, Norman was photographed using the vehicle for political activity, jeopardizing the Salvation Army's tax exempt status. Salvation Army officials stated that donors are complained about Norman being on the charity’s payroll. At least a dozen readers sent letters or e-mails to the Saint Petersburg Times expressing their disappointment in the charity’s handling of the Norman issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theledger.com/news/20101022/hillsborough-commissioners-woes-spill-over-to-salvation-army|title=Hillsborough Commissioner’s Woes Spill Over to Salvation Army|publisher=Lakeland Ledger}}</ref> |
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Ambler lost to Norman by just under 4 thousand votes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Norman_vs_Ambler_in_District_Court_of_Appeal_105822313.html|title=Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal|publisher=WCTV}}</ref> |
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====Norman v. Ambler==== |
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Kevin Ambler first disclosed Hughes' gift to Mearline Norman in a lawsuit seeking to overturn his August 2010 Republican Primary loss Norman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccfj.net/CORRUPTIONJNinvdropped.htm|title= U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> In the lawsuit, Ambler argued that Norman was not qualified to run because he failed to disclose the gift for the Arkansas home on state ethics forms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccfj.net/CORRUPTIONJNinvdropped.htm|title= U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman|publisher=Tampa Tribune}}</ref> |
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During the proceedings, the Normans testified that Mearline partnered with Hughes, who gave her money to buy and furnish a home. Norman insisted he didn't disclose the house because he doesn't own it and had no knowledge of his wife’s partnership with Hughes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/|title=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}</ref> |
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====Jim Norman kicked off ballot==== |
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During the October trial, Leon County circuit judge Jackie Fulford stated that she found Norman’s explanation that he knew nothing about the house, “patently absurd,” and ordered him off the ballot. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://floridapolitics.com/archives/188290-jim-norman-speaks-the-former-hillsborough-county-commissioner-is-plotting-a-comeback|title=Jim Norman speaks: The former Hillsborough County commissioner sizes up a comeback|publisher=Florida Politics }}</ref> |
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====Former State Rep. Rob Wallace named to replace Norman on ballot==== |
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As provided under state law, six Republican representatives from Hillsborough and Pasco counties selected the candidate to replace Norman on the 2010 General Election ballot, choosing former State Rep. Rob Wallace. Wallace served eight years in the Florida House from 1994-2002 and was succeeded by Ambler<ref>{{cite web|url=https://irreverentview.com/2010/10/|title=The Water Cooler: Wallace to State Senate; U.S. Senate Debate Sunday a.m.; pathetic pageant participants; October surprise for Rubio?|publisher=Irreverent View}}</ref> |
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====1st District Court of Appeal restores Norman to ballot==== |
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Norman appealed Fulford's decision<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Norman_vs_Ambler_in_District_Court_of_Appeal_105822313.html|title=Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal|publisher=WCTV}}</ref> and a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal reversed the lower court, placing Norman back on the ballot.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://news.wfsu.org/post/norman-headed-senate-after-1st-dca-ruling|title= Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling|publisher=WFSU}}</ref> During the appeal, the judge noted that Norman could still face perjury charges, but it is up to the Legislature to remove a candidate from the ballot based on a recommendation of the Commission of Ethics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/|title=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}</ref> |
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After being reinstated, Norman won the general election against two write-in candidates. Despite the token opposition, however, 45,573 voters cast ballots for someone other than Norman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandymurman.com/2012/06/murman-re-elected-without-opposition/|title= Murman Re-Elected Without Opposition|Publisher=Sandy Murman}}</ref> |
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====FBI and Grand Jury investigation==== |
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After the story aired, the FBI and a Grand Jury began investigation of Norman. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://irreverentview.com/2010/10/28/the-water-cooler-shameless-politicians-edition/#more-2124|title=The Water Cooler: shameless politicians edition|publisher=Irreverent View}}</ref> |
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====State Commission on Ethics investigation==== |
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In response to the media coverage, ethics complaints were filed against Norman by Tampa attorney Paul Phillips and by Dover activist George Niemann. |
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According to Phillips’ complaint, Mrs. Norman had no obvious known source of income which would allow for the purchase of a $435,000 lake front home. Phillips’ complaint claimed Ralph Hughes fronted the money and that it constituted either an unreported loan or unreported income. The Normans refused to release their income tax returns to clear the answer to that question. Phillips’ complaint noted that the home was sold to the Normans by Ed Roleson, Jr. a now deceased former Miller Beer Co. distributor. The real estate transaction was conducted around the same time the Tampa Sports Authority (which Norman served on) approved a patio deck in the south end-zone of Raymond James Stadium for Miller Beer. Phillips alleged Norman’s solely listing his wife on the title to the house was “done deliberately to conceal an obvious conflict of interest for Mr. Norman and illegal gift to him and/or his spouse.” <ref>{{cite web|url=https://irreverentview.com/2010/08/20/irreverent-view-exclusive-ethics-complaint-filed-against-jim-norman/|title=Irreverent View exclusive: Ethics complaint filed against Jim Norman|publisher=Irreverent View}}</ref> |
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==Electoral history== |
==Electoral history== |
Revision as of 04:41, 3 December 2017
Jim Norman | |
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Member of the Florida Senate from the 12 district | |
In office 2010–2012 | |
Preceded by | Victor Crist |
Succeeded by | John Legg |
Personal details | |
Born | Jacksonville, Florida | September 3, 1953
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Mearline Norman |
Residence | Tampa, Florida |
Occupation | Unemployed |
Jim Norman (born 1953) was a Republican politician in the US state of Florida. Norman was elected to the Florida State Senate in 2010. Because of redistricting, he had to run again in 2012. He filed for reelection, but then withdrew following a corruption scandal involving accepting favors from various industry lobbyists.[1]. Norman attempted to rejoin the Hillsborough County Commission, but was defeated by Tim Schock in the primary election.[2].
2010 Florida Senate Primary Election
In 2010, Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman filed to run against Ambler in the Senate District 12 Primary Election. Norman had volunteered on Ambler’s previous campaigns for the House District 47 seat and had expressed his intentions to run for the seat when Ambler reached term-limits. Instead, Norman filed to run against Ambler for the Senate seat at the last second.[3]
During the campaign, news broke that Norman had failed to disclose a $435,000 Arkansas vacation home “given” to his wife, Mearline, by Ralph Hughes.[4] Hughes was the millionaire founder of Cast-Crete, pre-cast concrete products used in construction jobs around the county.[5] The east Hillsborough County power broker benefitted over the years from the county's pro-development decisions and was a longtime friend of Norman.[6]
Mearline Norman used the "gift" to buy and renovate a lakefront house and two boats in Arkansas, which Norman failed to disclose on his financial disclosure forms. Norman claims he had nothing to do with the loan or the purchase of the home. Norman and his attorney failed to explain how Mearline, who is not employed, could buy a home.
On July 28, 2010, Ambler received endorsement of Tampa Tribune "...ultimately, Ambler conveys a firmer grasp on the need to deal creatively with Florida's fiscal crisis. And Norman's failure to deal more openly with the Arkansas matter gives us pause. For the Florida Senate, District 12, the Tribune endorses Kevin Ambler."[7]
On August 6, 2010, Ambler received the endorsement of the Saint Petersburg Times: "Ambler, was a solidly conservative voice in his eight years representing the greater Carrollwood area in the Florida House. The former federal prosecutor and judge advocate for the Air Force has a good grasp of statewide policy. He has sensible proposals for cutting the size of government, targeting tax incentives to attract high-paying jobs and improving the quality of teachers. Ambler would subject property insurers to much more rigorous review before they could raise rates, a key concern for a district that is highly vulnerable to hurricane and sinkhole damage. [8]
Salvation Army scandal
Questions about Norman’s employment at the Salvation Army arose during the heated primary election campaign. The charity paid him $95,000 a year for work that Norman said is done largely on weekends and provided him with a car. During the 2010 Primary Election, Norman was photographed using the vehicle for political activity, jeopardizing the Salvation Army's tax exempt status. Salvation Army officials stated that donors are complained about Norman being on the charity’s payroll. At least a dozen readers sent letters or e-mails to the Saint Petersburg Times expressing their disappointment in the charity’s handling of the Norman issue.[9]
Ambler lost to Norman by just under 4 thousand votes[10]
Norman v. Ambler
Kevin Ambler first disclosed Hughes' gift to Mearline Norman in a lawsuit seeking to overturn his August 2010 Republican Primary loss Norman.[11] In the lawsuit, Ambler argued that Norman was not qualified to run because he failed to disclose the gift for the Arkansas home on state ethics forms.[12]
During the proceedings, the Normans testified that Mearline partnered with Hughes, who gave her money to buy and furnish a home. Norman insisted he didn't disclose the house because he doesn't own it and had no knowledge of his wife’s partnership with Hughes.[13]
Jim Norman kicked off ballot
During the October trial, Leon County circuit judge Jackie Fulford stated that she found Norman’s explanation that he knew nothing about the house, “patently absurd,” and ordered him off the ballot. [14]
Former State Rep. Rob Wallace named to replace Norman on ballot
As provided under state law, six Republican representatives from Hillsborough and Pasco counties selected the candidate to replace Norman on the 2010 General Election ballot, choosing former State Rep. Rob Wallace. Wallace served eight years in the Florida House from 1994-2002 and was succeeded by Ambler[15]
1st District Court of Appeal restores Norman to ballot
Norman appealed Fulford's decision[16] and a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal reversed the lower court, placing Norman back on the ballot.[17] During the appeal, the judge noted that Norman could still face perjury charges, but it is up to the Legislature to remove a candidate from the ballot based on a recommendation of the Commission of Ethics.[18]
After being reinstated, Norman won the general election against two write-in candidates. Despite the token opposition, however, 45,573 voters cast ballots for someone other than Norman.[19]
FBI and Grand Jury investigation
After the story aired, the FBI and a Grand Jury began investigation of Norman. [20]
State Commission on Ethics investigation
In response to the media coverage, ethics complaints were filed against Norman by Tampa attorney Paul Phillips and by Dover activist George Niemann.
According to Phillips’ complaint, Mrs. Norman had no obvious known source of income which would allow for the purchase of a $435,000 lake front home. Phillips’ complaint claimed Ralph Hughes fronted the money and that it constituted either an unreported loan or unreported income. The Normans refused to release their income tax returns to clear the answer to that question. Phillips’ complaint noted that the home was sold to the Normans by Ed Roleson, Jr. a now deceased former Miller Beer Co. distributor. The real estate transaction was conducted around the same time the Tampa Sports Authority (which Norman served on) approved a patio deck in the south end-zone of Raymond James Stadium for Miller Beer. Phillips alleged Norman’s solely listing his wife on the title to the house was “done deliberately to conceal an obvious conflict of interest for Mr. Norman and illegal gift to him and/or his spouse.” [21]
Electoral history
Year | Republican | Votes | Pct | Write-in | Votes | Pct | Write-in | Votes | Pct | |||
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2010 | Jim Norman | 85,324 | 99.2% | Derek Crabb | 364 | 0.4% | Kimberly Renspie | 348 | 0.4% |
References
- ^ Rohrer, Gray (June 12, 2012). "Sen. Norman ends his re-election bid". The Florida Current. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
- ^ Henderson, Joe (August 30, 2016). "Tim Schock defeats one-time GOP power Jim Norman in Hillsborough primary". Saint Petersblog. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ "Longtime Republican allies face off in bitter state Senate primary: News. Politics. Media". Florida Independent.
- ^ "Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling". WFSU.
- ^ "U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ "Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling". WFSU.
- ^ "TAMPA TRIBUNE - Ambler gets nod in state Senate race". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ "ST. PETERSBURG TIMES ENDORSES KEVIN AMBLER". Saint Petersburg Times.
- ^ "Hillsborough Commissioner's Woes Spill Over to Salvation Army". Lakeland Ledger.
- ^ "Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal". WCTV.
- ^ "U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ "U.S. Attorney drops investigation of Jim Norman". Tampa Tribune.
- ^ {{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/%7Ctitle=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}
- ^ "Jim Norman speaks: The former Hillsborough County commissioner sizes up a comeback". Florida Politics.
- ^ "The Water Cooler: Wallace to State Senate; U.S. Senate Debate Sunday a.m.; pathetic pageant participants; October surprise for Rubio?". Irreverent View.
- ^ "Norman vs. Ambler in District Court of Appeal". WCTV.
- ^ "Norman Headed for Senate After 1st DCA Ruling". WFSU.
- ^ {{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/court-puts-florida-senatecandidate-back-on-ballot/%7Ctitle=Court Puts Florida Senate Candidate Back on Ballot|publisher=Court House News}
- ^ "Murman Re-Elected Without Opposition".
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|Publisher=
ignored (|publisher=
suggested) (help) - ^ "The Water Cooler: shameless politicians edition". Irreverent View.
- ^ "Irreverent View exclusive: Ethics complaint filed against Jim Norman". Irreverent View.
- ^ "November 2, 2010 General Election". Florida Department of State Division of Elections. Retrieved November 20, 2011.