UPDATE #2: Calls for the Resignation of Senator Frank Artiles Escalate, Complaint Filed
Thursday, April 20, 2017
As more is learned about the racist, sexist tirade of State Senator Frank Artiles on Monday evening in Tallahassee’s exclusive Governors Club, the calls for his resignation escalate.
Some earlier reports of the incident implied Senators Artiles, Gibson and Thurston were socializing together. You know, drinks among friends. However, Senator Artiles “approached” Senators Gibson and Thurston when he unleashed his verbal attack on her.
We also learned that Artiles felt emboldened to drop the other “f-bomb” that evening, and called two lobbyists faggots. Once again, alcohol is a truth serum.
As expected, Artiles “apologized” from the Senate floor. No other comments were allowed by Senate President Joe Negron. If you’ve been following this situation, Negron is the colleague Artiles referred to as a “pussy.” If you happen to view video of that moment, please note that Artiles read a prepared statement that was lacking in sincerity. The way the scene rolled out was sterile and dismissive.
Senator Perry Thurston filed a formal complaint to expel Senator Frank Artiles. Senate Rules Chair Lizbeth Benacquisto has appointed Dawn Roberts, Senate general counsel, to complete and report on the investigation of the complaint by next Tuesday, April 25.
In the meantime, continue this CALL TO ACTION.
1. Contact Senator Frank Artiles and ask him to resign. There is no place for his hateful, racist and sexist thinking in American politics.
Here are ways to contact Senator Artiles:
District Office
13501 SW 128th Street
Unit 115A
Miami, FL 33186
(305) 252-4300
Tallahassee Office
308 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(850) 487-5040
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artiles40
Twitter: @Artiles40 (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)
2. Contact Senator Joe Negron, President of the Florida Senate, and ask him to have Senator Artiles to resign.
Here are ways to Contact Senator Negron:
District Office
3500 Southwest Corporate Parkway
Suite 204
Palm City, FL 34990
(772) 219-1665
Toll-Free (888) 759-0791
Tallahassee Office
305 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(850) 487-5025
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joenegronfl/
Twitter: @joenegronfl (Use hashtag #ArtilesMustResign.)
3. Stay tuned as this is an evolving situation. We are expected to react with anger and then go away. Not this time. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for taking action.
If Senator Artiles’ apology was sincere, he would have made it to Senator Gibson earlier and without being forced. If Senator Artiles’ “apology” were sincere, he would have already resigned. He brought disgrace to the Florida Legislature via prior bad behavior and insults. Enough is enough.
Shame on everyone who hasn’t called for the resignation of Senator Frank Artiles. Shame on everyone who is putting Party over people in this latest situation. Senator Frank #ArtilesMustResign.
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