Thread by @mattgaetz

.@politico is writing a smear piece on me as shills for the @SenatorBurr camp. (Probably in exchange for some other intel story.)

The scandalous oppo they’ve dumped:

I have an office lease at or below market rate, approved by the House, from Merrill Land Company.

Collier Merrill (one MLC principle):
- Fmr Pcola Chamber head
- Fmr Chair State Education Board
- Fmr Chair Florida Arts Council
- has hosted fundraisers for me
- once praised a bill I sponsored to kill Lionfish on our reefs (helpful to every FL seafood establishment, equally)

- was a legal client of mine many years ago on a local noise violation at his restaurant
- has attended various official functions I’ve hosted with other community leaders to discuss issues (all open to press & live-streamed to everyone).

So I’ve been busted possibly getting a deal for taxpayers while allowing a beloved, multi-generation local community leader to donate some free food to students who excel in Art.

As a congressman, my office has returned over $500k 2 taxpayers by not spending all we are allocated

They will compare to Burr’s actual cheating but remember this:

Burr got a deal for himself (probably more than one).

At worst, I got a deal for taxpayers (and some fish sandwiches for students) never ever realizing personal financial gain as a consequence of elected office.

Correction: replace Merrill Land Company with “Empire Partners, LLC” as the entity that bills me for rent. (Shows how much I’m involved...)

Here is the monthly invoice in full transparency.