U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker ruled Gov. Rick Scott can continue to oversee the Florida election system that validates his own race for the Senate.
The judge said Scott’s “campaign-trail bombast” has not resulted in a constitutional violation,” according to BuzzFeed News.
“Scott has toed the line between imprudent campaign-trail rhetoric and problematic state action,” said the judge’s order. “But he has not crossed the line.”
“He has not suspended any election official.”
It also noted Scott has recused himself from the state canvassing board that will certify election results.
“He has not ordered any investigation,” the judge said. “He has not interfered with the recount so far.”
A group of Florida voters and organizations, including the League of Women Voters of Florida, had filed a lawsuit on Monday claiming Scott illegally abused his power as governor to swing the outcome of his race with Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., BuzzFeed noted.
But the judge noted: “While campaign-trail rhetoric is increasingly bombastic, imprudent, and not necessarily rooted in objective facts, there is a critical line between campaign rhetoric and that rhetoric transforming into state action that requires judicially imposed recusal.”
Meanwhile, a hand recount began Friday in the Senate contest. An initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Scott and Nelson separated by fewer than 13,000 votes.
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