http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-914177.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A Democratic National Committee member was paid for his services by billionaire U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene - before endorsing Greene in the Democratic primary. Margie Menzel has more.
Last month DNC member Jon Ausman of Tallahassee sent out an e-mail blast, asking recipients to complete a survey on the U.S. Senate race and saying it would help him decide his endorsement. He says he sent the e-mail on June 11, although an Associated Press reporter on the list received it June 13. The next day, Greene, who's running against Rep. Kendrick Meek for the Democratic nomination, wrote Ausman a $4,000 check. Six days later, Ausman endorsed Greene - but now says he'd likely have done so even had he not been paid.
"Probably so, just like I supported Bill Clinton without getting paid," said Ausman. "But other candidates that I have supported have paid me, and that's appropriate because I'm a political consultant."
Ausman signed the endorsement e-mail as a DNC member but didn't mention that he was being paid by Greene.