TALLAHASSEE — The Republican Party of Florida's executive committee met swiftly Friday morning and, within 10 minutes of convening, concluded that former party chairman Jim Greer had "injured the name and status" of the party and removed him from any position of power.
Chairman John Thrasher issued a statement saying that, based on an independent audit of party finances, Greer had "grossly interfered with the activities of the Republican Party."
The internal audit included a review of the fundraising corporation set up by Greer and former executive director Delmar Johnson and credit card expenses for Greer, Johnson and others.
Greer, who was ousted from his chairmanship in February but remained as an executive committeeman from Seminole County and held the official position of immediate past chairman, did not attend the meeting.
According to American Express billing statements obtained by the Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times, he charged nearly $500,000 to his American Express card since he was hand-picked by Gov. Charlie Crist in January 2007 to head the party.
"I would ask that Mr. Greer please govern himself accordingly for the best interest of our effort to restore the integrity of our party, the faith of our membership and the public's trust," Thrasher said in the statement.
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