By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, October 28, 2010
TAMPA — Kevin Ambler says he will not fight an appellate court's ruling that put Jim Norman back on Tuesday's ballot for state Senate District 12.
Norman was yanked off the ballot after a Tallahassee judge ruled that he violated election rules by not disclosing a half-million dollar gift from an influential businessman. The ruling was a result of a lawsuit filed by Ambler, who lost to Norman in the Republican primary.
Norman appealed and was returned to the ballot Wednesday by the 1st District Court of Appeal, even though the Republican Party already tapped a replacement candidate, former state Rep. Rob Wallace.
In an interview Thursday, Ambler said he was disappointed with the appellate court's ruling but happy that the court clarified how and when future election lawsuits should be filed. He also said he was glad voters have "the whole story."
"Voters now have a much more complete set of facts and information available to them," Ambler said. "Having that complete information is important. It's the most important thing in any election."
Ambler added there was insufficient time before Tuesday's election to take any further action.
Ambler said the future of the District 12 seat now rests in the hands of Republican Senate leadership, the Florida Commission on Ethics and Federal law enforcement.
Meanwhile, an FBI inquiry into Norman's relationship with the late businessman at the heart of Ambler's challenge, Ralph Hughes, continues.