Buchanan makes Congress' 'Most Corrupt' list
By RICK BARRY
Pelican Press
[10.8.08]
This district’s congressman, Vern Buchanan, achieved a dubious distinction in his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives: He was named one of the "Twenty Most Corrupt Members of Congress" by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
He is the only freshman on the list.
He joins Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. (allegations: illegally using rent-controlled apartments as his office suite, failing to declare six years’ income from an island villa); Rep. William Jefferson, D-La. (indicted: bribery, fraud, racketeering); Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska (indicted: providing earmarks in exchange for gifts totaling more than $250,000); and fellow Floridian Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo (fourth year on the list; allegations: ethics violations in accepting vacation trips in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal).
Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, was placed on CREW’s "Most Corrupt" list based on information contained in a series of lawsuits alleging campaign and other ethical violations largely involving his businesses, and sworn affidavits filed in support of the lawsuits.
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Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Court records cast doubt on Buchanan success story [St. Petersburg Times, 9.21.08]
Court records cast doubt on Buchanan success story
By SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN
St. Petersburg Times
[9.21.08]
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — It's an inspiring story.
One of six kids in a blue-collar family, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan put himself through college and grad school. While still in his 20s, he founded American Speedy Printing, a Michigan-based chain of franchised print shops. The company boasted 720 stores and $150-million in sales by the time Buchanan sold it in 1989, took an early retirement and moved to Florida.
At least that's how Buchanan, a Sarasota Republican, has often told it.
In reality, voluminous court records show, Buchanan left Michigan just as American Speedy verged on a spectacular collapse. Angry franchise owners accused him of mismanagement, deceit and outright fraud. Michigan's attorney general was threatening to shut down the company. In 1992, American Speedy landed in bankruptcy court, followed by dozens of store owners, some of whom lost their life savings.
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By SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN
St. Petersburg Times
[9.21.08]
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — It's an inspiring story.
One of six kids in a blue-collar family, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan put himself through college and grad school. While still in his 20s, he founded American Speedy Printing, a Michigan-based chain of franchised print shops. The company boasted 720 stores and $150-million in sales by the time Buchanan sold it in 1989, took an early retirement and moved to Florida.
At least that's how Buchanan, a Sarasota Republican, has often told it.
In reality, voluminous court records show, Buchanan left Michigan just as American Speedy verged on a spectacular collapse. Angry franchise owners accused him of mismanagement, deceit and outright fraud. Michigan's attorney general was threatening to shut down the company. In 1992, American Speedy landed in bankruptcy court, followed by dozens of store owners, some of whom lost their life savings.
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Shrewd real estate deals, or tax evasion? [St. Petersburg Times, 9.21.08]
Shrewd real estate deals, or tax evasion?
By SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN
St. Petersburg Times
[9.21.08]
In his campaign ads on TV, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan stresses his modest roots and empathy with the average wage-earner:
"I believe in cutting taxes for working families and small business — the engine of our economy.''
A multimillionaire with vast business holdings, Buchanan cut his own taxes on two real estate deals that experts say were structured to avoid paying more than $300,000 to the federal and state governments.
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By SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN
St. Petersburg Times
[9.21.08]
In his campaign ads on TV, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan stresses his modest roots and empathy with the average wage-earner:
"I believe in cutting taxes for working families and small business — the engine of our economy.''
A multimillionaire with vast business holdings, Buchanan cut his own taxes on two real estate deals that experts say were structured to avoid paying more than $300,000 to the federal and state governments.
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Another lawsuit involving Buchanan [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 9.20.08]
Another lawsuit involving Buchanan
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[9.20.08]
In the latest in a flurry of lawsuits against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, another former high-level employee alleges fraudulent practices at one of Buchanan's car dealerships set up to benefit the firm's owners and partners.
Timothy Thornton, who worked on and off from 2002 to 2006 as a finance director or finance and insurance manager at Buchanan's Suncoast Ford in Port Richey, filed a lawsuit this week alleging that the dealership falsified documents, evaded state taxes and ripped off customers and its own salesmen.
Thornton also alleges that some of the resulting money was then funneled into an offshore account set up for Buchanan and his business partners by John Moran & Associates, an automotive company whose products were sold at the dealership.
Click here for more
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[9.20.08]
In the latest in a flurry of lawsuits against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, another former high-level employee alleges fraudulent practices at one of Buchanan's car dealerships set up to benefit the firm's owners and partners.
Timothy Thornton, who worked on and off from 2002 to 2006 as a finance director or finance and insurance manager at Buchanan's Suncoast Ford in Port Richey, filed a lawsuit this week alleging that the dealership falsified documents, evaded state taxes and ripped off customers and its own salesmen.
Thornton also alleges that some of the resulting money was then funneled into an offshore account set up for Buchanan and his business partners by John Moran & Associates, an automotive company whose products were sold at the dealership.
Click here for more
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Buchanan named to CREW's Top 20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress List
CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington), a nonpartisan watchdog organization, released its 4th annual list of the top 20 most corrupt members of Congress yesterday. Included on this list is Rep. Vern Buchanan, along with other members of Congress from both side of the aisles. For the more information, you can visit CREW's Most Corrupt Web site, or click here to go directly to the portion of the report focusing on Buchanan.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Jennings Campaign Launches New Commercial
Christine Jennings for Congress has launched a new commercial. Entitled "Where's Vern?," it highlights Vern Buchanan's refusal to provide real answers to the allegations that have come out in lawsuits filed by former high-level employees over the past three months.
You can also view this commercial, along with the campaign's first commercial, "Our Congressman in Court," at http://www.ourcongressmanincourt.com/.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Buchanan faces another employee lawsuit [Bradenton Herald, 9.3.08]
Buchanan faces another employee lawsuit
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[9.3.08]
A former controller at Sarasota Ford has filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually harassed, received three death threats on the job and was eventually fired because she refused to "break the law and disregard a federal tax levy."
Melissa Hacker, the controller for Sarasota 500 LLC from September 2005 through November 2006, has joined a handful of former employees suing U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and his car dealerships.
In a lawsuit filed last week in Sarasota County Circuit Court, Hacker alleges that David Long, a former business partner of Buchanan at Sarasota 500, sexually harassed her at the dealership.
Click here for more
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[9.3.08]
A former controller at Sarasota Ford has filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually harassed, received three death threats on the job and was eventually fired because she refused to "break the law and disregard a federal tax levy."
Melissa Hacker, the controller for Sarasota 500 LLC from September 2005 through November 2006, has joined a handful of former employees suing U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and his car dealerships.
In a lawsuit filed last week in Sarasota County Circuit Court, Hacker alleges that David Long, a former business partner of Buchanan at Sarasota 500, sexually harassed her at the dealership.
Click here for more
Monday, September 1, 2008
New suit is eighth against Buchanan [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 8.30.08]
New suit is eighth against Buchanan
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[8.30.08]
A lawsuit filed in Sarasota County on Friday levies new allegations against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and his Florida car dealerships, including sexual harassment, death threats and federal income tax evasion.
It is the eighth in a series of cases that former employees and one consumer have brought against the freshman Sarasota congressman since May.
The new charges come from the highest-level former Buchanan employee yet to file suit -- a former controller at Sarasota 500 LLC, the company registered with the state to operate Sarasota Ford.
The ex-employee, Melissa Hacker, says she was fired in November 2006, after about a year on the job, for refusing to ignore an IRS tax levy on a 20-year employee for whom Sarasota 500 LLC had never withheld federal income tax. Her lawsuit alleges that the employee, Moe Gingerich, was a personal friend of Buchanan's who made more than $100,000 a year.
Hacker also says Buchanan's former business partner at Sarasota 500 LLC, David Long, continued to sexually harass and verbally abuse her after she complained to the company's lawyer. She says three employees made death threats against her while she was with the company, including Gingerich, whom she says responded, "What if I shoot you?" when she refused to ignore the IRS request.
Click here for more
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[8.30.08]
A lawsuit filed in Sarasota County on Friday levies new allegations against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and his Florida car dealerships, including sexual harassment, death threats and federal income tax evasion.
It is the eighth in a series of cases that former employees and one consumer have brought against the freshman Sarasota congressman since May.
The new charges come from the highest-level former Buchanan employee yet to file suit -- a former controller at Sarasota 500 LLC, the company registered with the state to operate Sarasota Ford.
The ex-employee, Melissa Hacker, says she was fired in November 2006, after about a year on the job, for refusing to ignore an IRS tax levy on a 20-year employee for whom Sarasota 500 LLC had never withheld federal income tax. Her lawsuit alleges that the employee, Moe Gingerich, was a personal friend of Buchanan's who made more than $100,000 a year.
Hacker also says Buchanan's former business partner at Sarasota 500 LLC, David Long, continued to sexually harass and verbally abuse her after she complained to the company's lawyer. She says three employees made death threats against her while she was with the company, including Gingerich, whom she says responded, "What if I shoot you?" when she refused to ignore the IRS request.
Click here for more
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Lawsuits target Buchanan's naysayers [Sarasota Herald Tribune, 8.27.08]
Lawsuits target Buchanan's naysayers
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[8.27.08]
SARASOTA - Congressman Vern Buchanan's business partner again fired back at those accusing the District 13 Republican of fostering consumer fraud at his Florida car dealerships and violating federal campaign finance laws.
Darrin Chrisman, Buchanan's business partner at Sarasota 500 LLC, filed two lawsuits in Sarasota County, accusing a former finance manager at Venice Nissan Dodge and a former customer at Sarasota Ford of making false public statements in attempt to destroy their businesses.
Both lawsuits also name Duane Overholt, the Maryland-based consumer fraud consultant who initiated the lawsuits against Buchanan. Chrisman filed a separate lawsuit against Overholt last week.
Click here for more
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[8.27.08]
SARASOTA - Congressman Vern Buchanan's business partner again fired back at those accusing the District 13 Republican of fostering consumer fraud at his Florida car dealerships and violating federal campaign finance laws.
Darrin Chrisman, Buchanan's business partner at Sarasota 500 LLC, filed two lawsuits in Sarasota County, accusing a former finance manager at Venice Nissan Dodge and a former customer at Sarasota Ford of making false public statements in attempt to destroy their businesses.
Both lawsuits also name Duane Overholt, the Maryland-based consumer fraud consultant who initiated the lawsuits against Buchanan. Chrisman filed a separate lawsuit against Overholt last week.
Click here for more
Buchanan's dealerships file two additional lawsuits [Bradenton Herald, 8.27.08]
Buchanan's dealerships file two additional lawsuits
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[8.27.08]
Two car dealerships owned by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan have filed more lawsuits against consumer advocate Duane Overholt as well as complaints against a former customer of Sarasota Ford and a former finance manager of Venice Dodge.
In two lawsuits filed this week in Sarasota County Circuit Court, Sarasota 500 LLC and Venice Dodge accuse former customer Eve Abaza, former finance director David Padilla and Overholt of defaming the dealerships.
Click here for more
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[8.27.08]
Two car dealerships owned by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan have filed more lawsuits against consumer advocate Duane Overholt as well as complaints against a former customer of Sarasota Ford and a former finance manager of Venice Dodge.
In two lawsuits filed this week in Sarasota County Circuit Court, Sarasota 500 LLC and Venice Dodge accuse former customer Eve Abaza, former finance director David Padilla and Overholt of defaming the dealerships.
Click here for more
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Suits target Buchanan's businesses [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 8.24.08]
Suits target Buchanan's businesses
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[8.24.08]
SARASOTA - Much of the attention surrounding the lawsuits filed against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan has focused on accusations from former employees that Buchanan broke federal campaign finance laws during the 2006 Republican primary.
But the thrust of the seven civil cases filed in Sarasota and Pasco counties are his business practices, not his political dealings. The lawsuits allege illegal procedures at Buchanan's Florida car dealerships dating back nearly a decade.
The bulk of the lawsuits accuse Buchanan of fostering a business culture designed to pad company profits by defrauding customers, his own salesmen and Ford Motor Co.
Four of the lawsuits have been filed by former executives at Buchanan's dealerships, including three former finance directors and one former director of operations.
Click here for more
By CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[8.24.08]
SARASOTA - Much of the attention surrounding the lawsuits filed against U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan has focused on accusations from former employees that Buchanan broke federal campaign finance laws during the 2006 Republican primary.
But the thrust of the seven civil cases filed in Sarasota and Pasco counties are his business practices, not his political dealings. The lawsuits allege illegal procedures at Buchanan's Florida car dealerships dating back nearly a decade.
The bulk of the lawsuits accuse Buchanan of fostering a business culture designed to pad company profits by defrauding customers, his own salesmen and Ford Motor Co.
Four of the lawsuits have been filed by former executives at Buchanan's dealerships, including three former finance directors and one former director of operations.
Click here for more
Friday, August 22, 2008
Lawsuit accuses U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan of shenanigans at Pasco car lot [St. Petersburg Times, 8.22.08]
Lawsuit accuses U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan of shenanigans at Pasco car lot
By JAMAL THALJI
St. Petersburg Times
[8.22.08]
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is one of the richest men in Congress thanks in part to his car dealerships.
But those businesses have also made the Sarasota Republican the target of lawsuits in his own county. Ex-employees allege that his dealerships fabricated tax returns, falsified incomes to get loan applications approved and "powerbooked" — faked options to pump up the sales price.
Now those same allegations have been made against Buchanan's dealership in Pasco County: Suncoast Ford Mitsubishi on U.S. 19 in Port Richey.
The congressman's dealership bilked customers, employees and even Ford Motor Co. in a relentless drive to sell cars, according to the suit filed Aug. 13 in Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court.
Click here for more
By JAMAL THALJI
St. Petersburg Times
[8.22.08]
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is one of the richest men in Congress thanks in part to his car dealerships.
But those businesses have also made the Sarasota Republican the target of lawsuits in his own county. Ex-employees allege that his dealerships fabricated tax returns, falsified incomes to get loan applications approved and "powerbooked" — faked options to pump up the sales price.
Now those same allegations have been made against Buchanan's dealership in Pasco County: Suncoast Ford Mitsubishi on U.S. 19 in Port Richey.
The congressman's dealership bilked customers, employees and even Ford Motor Co. in a relentless drive to sell cars, according to the suit filed Aug. 13 in Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court.
Click here for more
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Rival seizes on workers' charges [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 8.21.08]
Rival seizes on workers' charges
By CAROL LEE and JEREMY WALLACE
Sarasota Herald Tribune
[8.21.08]
BRADENTON - Democrat Christine Jennings is seizing on accusations by ex-employees of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan that the Republican congressman violated campaign finance laws, committed business fraud and employed illegal immigrants.
Jennings, who lost narrowly to Buchanan in 2006 and is running against him again in the 13th Congressional District, unveiled a new television ad this week that focuses on current and earlier lawsuits filed against Buchanan over his business dealings. During a news conference Wednesday, Jennings stressed the importance of "character" at least 10 times in 10 minutes.
"It's almost 90 days since the first allegations appeared," Jennings told about 10 reporters in the Marina Room of Mattison's Riverside Grill. "You should be asking my opponent when he is going to hold a press conference like this and answer your questions and let the public know about these allegations."
Click here for more
By CAROL LEE and JEREMY WALLACE
Sarasota Herald Tribune
[8.21.08]
BRADENTON - Democrat Christine Jennings is seizing on accusations by ex-employees of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan that the Republican congressman violated campaign finance laws, committed business fraud and employed illegal immigrants.
Jennings, who lost narrowly to Buchanan in 2006 and is running against him again in the 13th Congressional District, unveiled a new television ad this week that focuses on current and earlier lawsuits filed against Buchanan over his business dealings. During a news conference Wednesday, Jennings stressed the importance of "character" at least 10 times in 10 minutes.
"It's almost 90 days since the first allegations appeared," Jennings told about 10 reporters in the Marina Room of Mattison's Riverside Grill. "You should be asking my opponent when he is going to hold a press conference like this and answer your questions and let the public know about these allegations."
Click here for more
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Watchdog group blasts Buchanan on campaign finance [Associated Press, 8.19.08]
Watchdog group blasts Buchanan on campaign finance
By JESSICA GRESKO
Associated Press
[8.19.08]
MIAMI -- Congressman Vern Buchanan's 2005 campaign violated campaign finance law by pressuring employees at his car dealerships for money and reimbursing some for contributions, a watchdog group alleges in a complaint filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission.
Buchanan, a Republican, was elected in 2006 and represents an area that includes Sarasota and Bradenton. The complaint was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and two former dealership employees. It alleges at least seven employees at two Buchanan-owned dealerships were either reimbursed or coerced into making $1,000 campaign contributions.
Buchanan is not said in the complaint to have directly asked for the contributions, but he did know about them, according to Melanie Sloan, the executive director of the watchdog group.
"It's our understanding that Vern Buchanan was involved. These are Vern Buchanan's dealerships, so none of this could have been happening without Vern Buchanan knowing about it," Sloan said.
Click here for more
By JESSICA GRESKO
Associated Press
[8.19.08]
MIAMI -- Congressman Vern Buchanan's 2005 campaign violated campaign finance law by pressuring employees at his car dealerships for money and reimbursing some for contributions, a watchdog group alleges in a complaint filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission.
Buchanan, a Republican, was elected in 2006 and represents an area that includes Sarasota and Bradenton. The complaint was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and two former dealership employees. It alleges at least seven employees at two Buchanan-owned dealerships were either reimbursed or coerced into making $1,000 campaign contributions.
Buchanan is not said in the complaint to have directly asked for the contributions, but he did know about them, according to Melanie Sloan, the executive director of the watchdog group.
"It's our understanding that Vern Buchanan was involved. These are Vern Buchanan's dealerships, so none of this could have been happening without Vern Buchanan knowing about it," Sloan said.
Click here for more
Florida GOP Congressman Vern Buchanan Facing Seven Legal Complaints.. [Huffington Post, 8.19.08]
Florida GOP Congressman Vern Buchanan Facing Seven Legal Complaints, Accusations Of Wrongdoing From Employees
By JOHN FRIEDMAN
Huffington Post
[8.19.08]
Vern Buchanan, the Republican fundraiser who took over Katherine Harris's seat in southern Florida, is the fourth richest man in Congress. With assets including some fifteen auto dealerships in Florida and elsewhere, properties in several states, and offshore companies, his net worth is estimated to be well over $100 million.
First elected to Congress in 2006 by only 369 votes after a controversial recount, Buchanan is currently in a tight rematch with Democrat Christine Jennings.
But this former co-chair of the Republican National Finance Committee and top fundraiser for JebBush and Senator Mel Martinez may find his career derailed by seven civil suits that were filed against him, his executives, and his dealerships over the past three months in Sarasota County and Pasco County courts.
The explosive allegations indicate that Buchanan and his dealership employees may have taken part in conspiracy, fraud, and retaliatory personnel actions. The plaintiffs, mainly former employees, describe incidents in which Buchanan and his staff appear to have violated campaign finance laws, hired undocumented workers, bilked customers, threatened employees, sent fraudulent information to banks, and misappropriated funds. Additional lawsuits are expected soon.
Click for more
By JOHN FRIEDMAN
Huffington Post
[8.19.08]
Vern Buchanan, the Republican fundraiser who took over Katherine Harris's seat in southern Florida, is the fourth richest man in Congress. With assets including some fifteen auto dealerships in Florida and elsewhere, properties in several states, and offshore companies, his net worth is estimated to be well over $100 million.
First elected to Congress in 2006 by only 369 votes after a controversial recount, Buchanan is currently in a tight rematch with Democrat Christine Jennings.
But this former co-chair of the Republican National Finance Committee and top fundraiser for JebBush and Senator Mel Martinez may find his career derailed by seven civil suits that were filed against him, his executives, and his dealerships over the past three months in Sarasota County and Pasco County courts.
The explosive allegations indicate that Buchanan and his dealership employees may have taken part in conspiracy, fraud, and retaliatory personnel actions. The plaintiffs, mainly former employees, describe incidents in which Buchanan and his staff appear to have violated campaign finance laws, hired undocumented workers, bilked customers, threatened employees, sent fraudulent information to banks, and misappropriated funds. Additional lawsuits are expected soon.
Click for more
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Second complaint filed against Buchanan [Bradenton Herald, 8.5.08]
Second complaint filed against Buchanan
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[8.5.08]
SARASOTA --Another former executive of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's car dealerships has filed a lawsuit claiming he witnessed fraudulent practices at the automotive store and was pressured to contribute to the congressman's 2006 campaign.
Carlo Bell, a former finance director at Venice Nissan Dodge, alleges in a lawsuit filed in Sarasota County Circuit Court that he repeatedly objected to the "falsification of documents" during the sale and financing of cars at the dealership.
"The sales desk frequently and systematically falsified income on credit applications to get the debt loan in line," the lawsuit states. "Consumers were not aware of these falsifications."
Bell states in the lawsuit that he repeatedly objected to these practices and was told by managers not to "rock the boat" and to "do as he was told," even though Bell told them they could "all go to jail if they didn't stop."
During his five-year tenure at the Venice dealership, Bell states these conversations occurred dozens of times.
Bell's lawsuit also alleges that he was pressured to donate $1,000 to Buchanan's campaign for Congress.
Click here for more
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[8.5.08]
SARASOTA --Another former executive of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's car dealerships has filed a lawsuit claiming he witnessed fraudulent practices at the automotive store and was pressured to contribute to the congressman's 2006 campaign.
Carlo Bell, a former finance director at Venice Nissan Dodge, alleges in a lawsuit filed in Sarasota County Circuit Court that he repeatedly objected to the "falsification of documents" during the sale and financing of cars at the dealership.
"The sales desk frequently and systematically falsified income on credit applications to get the debt loan in line," the lawsuit states. "Consumers were not aware of these falsifications."
Bell states in the lawsuit that he repeatedly objected to these practices and was told by managers not to "rock the boat" and to "do as he was told," even though Bell told them they could "all go to jail if they didn't stop."
During his five-year tenure at the Venice dealership, Bell states these conversations occurred dozens of times.
Bell's lawsuit also alleges that he was pressured to donate $1,000 to Buchanan's campaign for Congress.
Click here for more
Sarasota Ford partner defends Buchanan [Bradenton Herald, 7.31.08]
Sarasota Ford partner defends Buchanan
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[7.31.08]
SARASOTA --Even though U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is not involved with the daily operations of his car dealerships, the operating partner at Sarasota Ford thinks the congressman has become the target of allegations against the automotive stores
"Vern doesn't ever come to the store," said Darrin Chrisman, who purchased his percentage of Sarasota Ford in December 2006. Buchanan remains the majority owner in the dealership.
Click here for more
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[7.31.08]
SARASOTA --Even though U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is not involved with the daily operations of his car dealerships, the operating partner at Sarasota Ford thinks the congressman has become the target of allegations against the automotive stores
"Vern doesn't ever come to the store," said Darrin Chrisman, who purchased his percentage of Sarasota Ford in December 2006. Buchanan remains the majority owner in the dealership.
Click here for more
Buchanan's business practices questioned [Bradenton Herald, 7.30.08]
Rep. Buchanan faces more filings
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[7.30.08]
At least nine individuals, including former executives of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's car dealerships, are claiming they either witnessed fraudulent practices at the automotive centers or were pressured to contribute to the congressman's 2006 campaign.
Douglas Lyons, a Tallahassee attorney representing a handful of former employees or business associates of Buchanan, said the congressman should expect to see about one complaint filed each week in Circuit Court of Sarasota County for the next seven weeks.
"They are coming," Lyons said. "I represent all nine of the people and I'm working on those complaints. As I get them done, they will be filed. We have one that is being filed even as we speak."
Click here for more
By STACEY EIDSON
Bradenton Herald
[7.30.08]
At least nine individuals, including former executives of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's car dealerships, are claiming they either witnessed fraudulent practices at the automotive centers or were pressured to contribute to the congressman's 2006 campaign.
Douglas Lyons, a Tallahassee attorney representing a handful of former employees or business associates of Buchanan, said the congressman should expect to see about one complaint filed each week in Circuit Court of Sarasota County for the next seven weeks.
"They are coming," Lyons said. "I represent all nine of the people and I'm working on those complaints. As I get them done, they will be filed. We have one that is being filed even as we speak."
Click here for more
Official denies donation pressure [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 7.29.08]
Official denies donation pressure
By JEREMY WALLACE and CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald Tribune
[7.29.08]
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan on Monday categorically denied accusations by two former executives at his car dealerships that they were pressured to donate to Buchanan's campaign and offered reimbursement for their donations.
Vern Buchanan ties the claims to "disgruntled employees."
"They both are disgruntled employees," Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, said in his first public comments since the accusations surfaced last week.
In addition, Buchanan said he was unaware that managers at his dealerships met with employees to encourage them to make donations to his 2006 campaign. Those meetings, confirmed by several past and current workers, helped Buchanan generate $110,000 in donations from his employees in a seven-day span in September 2005.
It was a critical time in the Republican primary for the District 13 Congressional seat when Buchanan was trying to make up ground against opponent Tramm Hudson.
Click here for more
By JEREMY WALLACE and CAROL E. LEE
Sarasota Herald Tribune
[7.29.08]
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan on Monday categorically denied accusations by two former executives at his car dealerships that they were pressured to donate to Buchanan's campaign and offered reimbursement for their donations.
Vern Buchanan ties the claims to "disgruntled employees."
"They both are disgruntled employees," Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, said in his first public comments since the accusations surfaced last week.
In addition, Buchanan said he was unaware that managers at his dealerships met with employees to encourage them to make donations to his 2006 campaign. Those meetings, confirmed by several past and current workers, helped Buchanan generate $110,000 in donations from his employees in a seven-day span in September 2005.
It was a critical time in the Republican primary for the District 13 Congressional seat when Buchanan was trying to make up ground against opponent Tramm Hudson.
Click here for more
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