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There appears to be turmoil at the Republican Party of Florida just ten months from the  November General election in which Florida is sure to be a Presidential battleground once again. But as Mike Vasilinda tells us, despite a high staff turnover, the RPOF still has significant advantages.

The longtime CFO of The Republican Party of Florida has been let go as the staff is streamlined. It’s executive Director is leaving to manage a US Senate Campaign. The moves come as the party is reeling from internal dissension and lower fundraising.

The problems began a year ago when the party elected Blaise Ingoglia as it’s chairman over the Governor’s hand picked candidate. The move caused Rick Scott to stop raising money for the party. Since then Scott has put just under 4 million into his own account. He was asked about the split on Monday.

Q:”You’re the governor…first Republican Governor, maybe ever, who hasn’t been aggressively raising money for the party. Are you worried about the state of the party?Are you going to do anything to help them?”

A:”Well, as you know, I ran on a program to get our state back to work” Scott responded without actually answering the question.

Pushed for an answer, Scott would only say: “I’m going to do everything I can to make sure a Republican wins in Florida.”

The former chairwoman has also stopped raising money for the state party and Senate Republicans also pulled their cash from the party coffers.

The RPOF declined to be interviewed but offered this statement, attributed to it’s Chairman, which says in part:

“Our party continues to be debt free, hold a cash on hand advantage over the Florida Democrats while holding significant digital, data and field operational advantages as well.”

Indeed, the RPOF still has a five to one cash on hand advantage over Democrats, but it’s fundraising is down by a third from the same time four years ago.

Reports filed with the state show the state GOP has about 15 million in the bank while Florida Democrats have about three million.

The full statement from the RPOF is below: 

“Our focus is, and will remain, defeating Hillary Clinton in Florida, delivering this state to the Republican nominee, and getting Republicans elected up and down the ballot. We are making these needed adjustments now to ensure that we are in the best position possible to do just that. Our party continues to be debt free, hold a cash on hand advantage over the Florida Democrats while holding significant digital, data and field operational advantages as well.”  – RPOF Chair Blaise Ingoglia