The RNC has broken its silence on the arrest of former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer who was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of fraud, felony grand theft, and money laundering.
CNN reports on the RNC's reaction to allegations of criminal misconduct leveled against Greer, who through his attorney, has denied the charges:
RNC spokesman Doug Heye called the accusations "unacceptable" and said donors "have a right to know that that their hard earned money is being used, as they expect, to elect candidates who stand for their principles."
"We have complete confidence in the judicial system of the State of Florida and look forward to justice being served," Heye said in a statement to CNN.
Heye also managed to take a swipe at Democrats and the White House in responding to the controversy: "Sweetheart deals and personal enrichment are every bit as unacceptable as the offering of political appointments to keep Democratic candidates out of primaries," the committee spokesman said.
Also at issue in the controversy surrounding Greer is the former state party chairman's close ties to RNC Chairman Michael Steele, who Greer has described as "visionary." In 2009 when Steele was vying for the national committee's top spot, Greer endorsed the his candidacy after withdrawing a bid of his own for the leadership position.
Politico reports on what Greer had to say about Steele's character at the time:
Calling for "drastic change" in the GOP's leadership, Florida Republican Party Chair Jim Greer announced Wednesday afternoon that he will not run for the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, and instead endorsed the campaign of former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
"We have to have someone that can be an effective manager, but most importantly can be a visionary," Greer said. "We have to have someone that can convey the message."
Steele reciprocated his support for Greer when he backed the Florida Republican for a spot on the RNC Rules Committee.
CNN reports:
Steele later backed Greer to chair the powerful RNC Rules Committee, a position Greer gave up when he resigned as Florida GOP chairman earlier this year under pressure from party activists upset his with handling of party funds