TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Bad news for the state Republican Party isn't ending just because Chairman Jim Greer is leaving.
Greer is stepping down Feb. 20 after criticism of financial mismanagement. Since his announcement, the Orlando Sentinel reported he signed a secret contract with executive director Delmar Johnson that helped boost Johnson's compensation to $408,000.
The newspaper also reported lavish spending by Johnson on private jets, $3,000 restaurant tabs and even flowers for Greer's wife, all charged to the party.
And Monday, it reported that House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon transferred $655,000 out of the party's bank account to protect it for House races.
Party leaders will meet Feb. 20 to elect a new chairman. Johnson left the party last month.
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Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com
