Florida Republican leaders vote to strip authority from party chairman accused of rape
NBCDec 04, 2023
The Facts
Florida’s Republican Party on Sunday during an emergency meeting censured Chairman Christian Ziegler and demanded his resignation while police investigate a rape accusation against him.
The Sarasota Police Department is investigating accusations from a woman who had previously engaged in a consensual relationship with Ziegler and his wife, Bridget Ziegler. The accuser claims that Ziegler raped her in early October.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Although former Pres. Trump has yet to weigh in on Ziegler’s future, it’s probably best he step aside or be removed so he doesn’t serve as a distraction in the crucial state of Florida. With pretty much every Republican heavyweight telling him to go, Ziegler should take the hint. Allegations this serious cannot be taken lightly, and his resignation is best for the party and the victim.
Democratic narrative
The hypocrisy of the Zieglers seemingly knows no bounds. Beyond the criminal charges — which should be at minimum worth removal of Christian Ziegler from his post — their acknowledged interactions with this woman are coming to light at a time when Bridget Ziegler is actively pushing policies that are discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community. If Republicans are hoping this wouldn’t be a distraction, it’s too late.
