Politics

Off message: A Republican takes heat for impeachment remarks

Published

7 years ago

October 1, 2019

LAS VEGAS (AP) — GOP Rep. Mark Amodei’s comment seemed harmless enough. Asked what he thought of the Democrats’ impeachment probe into President Donald Trump, the Nevada Republican gave reporters a vague dodge: “Let’s put it through the process and see what happens.”

Within about an hour, Amodei was on phone calls with his party’s leaders and the White House, explaining himself. No, he did not intend to be the first Republican to endorse the investigation, he told House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, as his Facebook page exploded with angry Republicans.

Amodei’s episode stemming from a phone call with reporters last Friday is something of a cautionary tale for Republicans as they try to answer questions about impeachment, Trump’s behavior and the rocky road ahead. In the highly charged partisan environment, even nods to bipartisanship or process can sound like betrayal.

“I’m a big fan of oversight, so let’s let the committees get to work and see where it goes,” Amodei said in the call.

Amodei is a moderate who sometimes makes a point of striking a nonpartisan tone. But he’s also the chair of Trump’s campaign in the state. His apparent endorsement of the Democrats’ investigation quickly became a headline. His Facebook page filled up with people calling him a “traitor” and “RINO” (Republican in name only) who should be voted out of office — along with some scattered praise from those across the aisle.

The backlash is one gauge of the pressure rank-and-file Republicans face. House GOP leaders have aggressively defended Trump against accusations that he abused his power when he asked the Ukrainian president to investigate Joe Biden and his son.

They’ve tried to shift the focus to Biden and dismiss the president’s request as unimportant. Over the weekend, several of those defenses resulted in viral videos of Republicans dodging questions and uncomfortable interviews. Trump, meanwhile, has gone to new levels of outrage, suggesting the people leading the probe should be arrested and charged with treason.

For Republicans seeking to appear measured and who may need anti-Trump voters to win their elections, the safest move may be to keep the mess at a distance.

Amodei is not considered in danger in his northern Nevada district, which encompasses Reno and a swath of rural towns. Republicans make up 4 in every 10 voters in the district, while Democrats count every 3 voters out of 10. Last year, Amodei easily defeated a primary challenge from tea party favorite Sharron Angle and a general election challenge from former Obama administration official Clint Koble.

Still, the congressman has at times struggled to break from the president. In 2017, he initially opposed Republican plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, saying the plan would gut Medicaid funding for the state. He later decided to support the plan, saying that upon further research and conversations, he concluded that deep cuts would be avoided.

In his meandering remarks to reporters on Friday, Amodei said he does not think “at this point in time” that the president committed an impeachable offense but did not come down hard on the Democrats’ probe.

A whistleblower complaint that touched off the controversy should be processed by “all the committees that have a dog in that fight for oversight,” Amodei said.

His remarks in some ways echoed the name game Democrats played for months before the Ukraine scandal broke. Democrats claimed they had effectively launched an impeachment probe by conducting oversight investigations into Trump on a host of matters, even though none of those investigations carried the impeachment label. The argument was aimed at appeasing progressives in the party who wanted them to be more aggressive. On Friday, Amodei seemed to adopt that view, backing an investigation, just not an impeachment investigation.

The comments quickly prompted the congressman’s phone call with McCarthy, as well as calls with No. 2 GOP House leader Steve Scalise and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

Amodei issued a statement attempting to clarify his remarks, although he did not succeed. “In no way, shape or form did I indicate support for impeachment,” he said. But he also said that the first news article that said he “supports the House’s inquiry into whether President Donald Trump should be impeached” is “absolutely an accurate statement.”

In a weekend interview with conservative Breitbart News, Amodei declared that he does not support the impeachment inquiry — but again reiterated that he felt the initial news article was fair and accurate.

Amodei’s spokeswoman Logan Tucker said Amodei is “a process guy that doesn’t get into ‘inside-the-beltway’ word semantics. From any logical standpoint, “inquiry”, “process”, and “fact finding” are interchangeable.”

She noted the congressman voted twice last week in favor of a resolution officially disapproving of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to open an impeachment inquiry.
On the calls from party leaders she noted, “Everyone in leadership and in the administration that Mark has talked to heard him out.”

Politics

Gov. Ron DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

Published

19 hours ago

April 16, 2026

FNN NEWS

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen, who was killed April 1 in what authorities describe as a domestic violence incident.

The directive calls for U.S. and Florida state flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset Friday, April 17, 2026, at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Coral Springs.

According to Coral Springs Police, officers conducted a wellness check at Metayer Bowen’s home after city staff raised concerns when she missed scheduled meetings and could not be reached. Responding officers found her deceased inside the residence.

Investigators said the killing appears to be a domestic violence incident. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later taken into custody and faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. The case remains under active investigation.

State and local leaders say the half-staff order honors Metayer Bowen’s service and legacy in the Coral Springs community, where she was recognized for her leadership and commitment to public service.

What We Know About Her Death
Police say Metayer Bowen was killed April 1 at her Coral Springs home. Officers discovered her body during a wellness check prompted by her unexplained absence from official duties and lack of communication.

Husband Arrested, Faces Charges
Authorities arrested her husband, Stephen Bowen, who now faces premeditated murder and evidence-tampering charges. Investigators have identified the case as an apparent domestic violence incident.

State Honors Her Legacy
Gov. DeSantis ordered flags lowered across key government buildings in Tallahassee and Coral Springs, recognizing Metayer Bowen’s public service and the impact of her loss on the community.

Crimes and Courts

Florida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — James Uthmeier announced the launch of the Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening investigations and prosecutions of fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.

As part of the effort, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Scott Strauss has been appointed as special prosecutor to oversee complex, multi-circuit fraud cases and coordinate legal strategies across agencies.

TASK FORCE TO TARGET FRAUD

The task force is designed to provide legal counsel and streamline criminal prosecutions for state agencies and law enforcement, enhancing Florida’s ability to build strong cases against individuals accused of fraud.

“We are launching this task force to bring accountability and prosecute those who are stealing from Floridians,” Uthmeier said. “Florida is not Minnesota or California, and we will safeguard the taxpayers’ investment in the services meant for the vulnerable.”

MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION

State leaders emphasized the importance of coordination across agencies to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Florida has continued to identify, address, and prevent fraud,” said Shevaun L. Harris, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. “This multi-agency initiative creates an opportunity to collectively reaffirm that commitment.”

Brad McVay added that protecting taxpayer-funded programs is essential to maintaining public trust.

“Floridians deserve a government that safeguards their taxpayer dollars from fraudsters,” McVay said.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass also stressed enforcement.

“If you commit fraud against public assistance programs, you will be held accountable,” Glass said.

ROLE OF SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

The special prosecutor will evaluate and oversee ongoing multi-circuit investigations, assist in developing cases for prosecution, and support law enforcement with legal tools such as warrants and affidavits.

Kathleen Von Hoene said the initiative will strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.

“Our goal is to protect the public, preserve the integrity of the Medicaid program, and safeguard the populations it serves,” she said.

PROGRAMS AND ENFORCEMENT

Florida’s public assistance programs include Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, housing assistance and reemployment services. Fraud involving these programs can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, restitution and incarceration.

Law enforcement agencies interested in participating in the task force can contact the Office of Statewide Prosecution for more information.

Florida

Former Property Appraiser Rick Singh Launches Clerk of Courts Bid, Passes on Mayor and CFO Races

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2026

Willie David

Photo credit: The Honorable Rick Singh, who served two terms as Orange County Property Appraiser.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Rick Singh, a U.S. Army veteran, business leader and former Orange County property appraiser, has announced his candidacy for Orange County Clerk of Courts, outlining a platform focused on efficiency, modernization and improved customer service.

While some observers expected Singh to pursue higher-profile offices such as Orange County mayor, Florida chief financial officer or Congress, his decision to run for Clerk of Courts reflects a focus on operational leadership and improving local government services.

“I’m running to make government work faster, smarter and more efficiently for the people of Orange County,” Singh said. “Residents deserve a Clerk’s Office that is responsive, transparent and built for today’s needs.”

PLAN TO MODERNIZE AND IMPROVE SERVICES

Singh outlined several immediate priorities if elected, including upgrading technology and expanding digital access.

“We will modernize the system by reducing long lines, enhancing online services and making it easier for residents to access records, make payments and interact with the Clerk’s Office,” Singh said.

His plan includes improving website and mobile access, streamlining in-person services and reducing wait times for residents.

FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

In addition to modernization, Singh said he will prioritize operational improvements and customer service reforms.

“We will overhaul customer service to prioritize speed, respect and accountability,” Singh said. “That includes auditing operations to eliminate delays and inefficiencies that frustrate residents.”

Singh emphasized that creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience will be a top priority from day one.

EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE FIELD

During his tenure as property appraiser, Singh led the office with the scope and visibility of a countywide constitutional role, implementing reforms that improved transparency, accuracy and efficiency.

His annual “State of Orange County Real Estate” events drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, real estate professionals, financial leaders and community stakeholders, positioning the office as a key platform for economic insight and public engagement.

Supporters point to Singh’s track record of innovation — including modernizing systems and improving operational performance — as a model for how he would lead the Clerk of Courts office.

“I’ve led a large countywide office and delivered results,” Singh said. “I’m ready to bring that same level of leadership, innovation and accountability to the Clerk of Courts.”

His entry into the race adds to an already competitive field that includes Maribel Gomez Cordero, a current county commissioner and former vice mayor, and Emily Bonilla, a former commissioner and vice mayor, both of whom bring experience in local government leadership and community engagement.