If you missed it, the city of Fort Myers explained how it came to promote Democrat Charlie Crist’s campaign for governor.
As The Free Press reported earlier this week, the city’s official Twitter account posted a tweet that featured a photo of Crist’s campaign bus, with his large mug on the side alongside the phrase “Crist Hernandez,” referring to his running mate, Miami teachers’ union boss Karla Hernandez.
The flyer posted by the city noted that Crist would be present at an event where “supplies and a warm lunch” would be provided to Hurricane Ian victims.
The conservative website Florida’s and the Twitter account DeSantis War Room, which supports incumbent Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, pointed out that the city, as anyone could plainly see, was helping promote Crist’s campaign.
The tweet was reportedly removed after Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson realized what had happened and ordered that it be deleted. Anderson also told Florida’s Voice that Ian “should never be politicized.”
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In response to all this, Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ campaign spokeswoman, said on Twitter, “I wonder if it was really backed by the city or if one of their communications staffers went rogue with this tweet. At any rate, they should post an explanation.”
The city responded.
“Neither!” city officials tweeted in reply to Pushaw.
“The city received a flyer of a distribution at STARS [a city facility] with supplies for residents and the flyer showed the truck that transported those good.(sic) We shared as we have all others. The city doesn’t back candidates and in this moment of need we appreciate all donations!”
Pushaw appeared to accept that, answering, “Thanks for the explanation!”
Others, however, were not so magnanimous.
“If your claim of not backing candidates is true, why was this flyer approved for release?” asked Twitter user KM. “The flyer clearly shows Crist/Hernandez and ‘For Choice.’ That is a marketing ploy.” “In any event,” KM added, “yes, all donations for Hurricane Ian are much appreciated.”
Another user with the handle eye95 added in response, “Whether it was your intention or not (I believe it was), your tweet promoted a candidate. Despicable.”
The city did not respond to its critics.
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