A former rioter who gained notoriety for carrying a podium used by Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the January 6 US Capitol attack has announced his candidacy for a local county office in Florida. The move has sparked a heated backlash from local and national leaders, who are calling for him to be disqualified from the election.
Convicted Felon's Background Checkered
The convicted rioter, who has been identified as Robert Palmer, has a long history of run-ins with the law, including a conviction for assault and a misdemeanor charge for trespassing. His decision to run for office has raised concerns among local voters and politicians, who are questioning his fitness to hold public office.
In a statement, Palmer defended his decision to run, saying that he had "learned from his mistakes" and was committed to serving the community. However, his past actions have raised serious questions about his judgment and character.
Backlash from Local Leaders
Several local leaders have spoken out against Palmer's candidacy, calling for him to be disqualified from the election. The Florida Democratic Party has condemned his decision to run, saying that it "disqualifies him from holding public office." The party has also called on the local election board to reject his candidacy.
Local officials have also weighed in, with the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections stating that Palmer's conviction would not automatically disqualify him from running, but would be considered in the vetting process.
National Condemnation
The national reaction to Palmer's candidacy has been swift and condemnatory, with several high-profile politicians and organizations speaking out against his decision to run. The National Association of Secretaries of State issued a statement saying that Palmer's actions were "unacceptable" and "disqualifying." The Democratic National Committee also condemned his candidacy, saying that it was "incompatible with the values of public service."
The backlash has also extended to social media, with many users expressing outrage and disgust at Palmer's decision to run for office.
The controversy surrounding Palmer's candidacy is likely to continue in the coming weeks, as local officials weigh in on his eligibility to run. In the meantime, Palmer remains a divisive figure, with many questioning his ability to serve the community.