BS BULLETIN:
- Palm Beach Republicans removed Mike Caruso from an updated voter guide after criticism from DeSantis and other GOP leaders.
- The suspended clerk faces five felony charges involving alleged child sexual abuse.
- Caruso maintains his innocence and remains in the race; the state GOP wants him to withdraw.
The Palm Beach County Republican Party has removed suspended clerk Mike Caruso from its voter guide after Republican leaders publicly challenged his inclusion. Caruso faces felony charges involving alleged child sexual abuse, but has refused to abandon his November campaign.
Apparently, it took a public intervention to remind somebody that a Republican voter guide still requires judgment.
Gov. Ron DeSantis called the decision disappointing and urged Republicans to put citizens, their state and their country first. His clearest line: “Some things are bigger than party.”
Sen. Rick Scott was considerably less delicate: “This is disgusting. Mike Caruso should IMMEDIATELY withdraw.” Republican Party of Florida chairman Evan Power also said the state organization had withdrawn support upon Caruso’s arrest and wanted him out of the race.
Caruso, a former state legislator whom DeSantis appointed clerk in 2025, was arrested in August. The five charges include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. He has pleaded not guilty; the allegations have not been proven at trial. DeSantis suspended him after the arrest.
The county party subsequently posted an updated guide without Caruso. It defended the original listing by saying its guide included every Republican nominee, “as Florida Statute requires,” and said it removed him when permitted. That is the party’s explanation.
Local Young Republicans had already broken ranks, announcing they would encourage voters to support Democratic opponent Yvette Drucker. Caruso, meanwhile, said through a spokesman that he maintains his innocence and intends to win.
MY QUICK TAKE:
DeSantis has this right. A party label does not relieve anybody of the obligation to exercise judgment.
Caruso deserves due process. He deserves the opportunity to defend himself in court. That does not obligate Republican leaders to promote his candidacy while these serious charges are pending.
I want Republicans to win. I also want them to understand that voters are choosing people to hold public office, not collecting candidates because they come with the correct letter after their names.
Removing him from the guide was the right decision. Needing a public scolding to get there was the embarrassing part.
And that explanation about what the law required? Fine. Show voters the statute and explain the timeline. A little clarity would go considerably further than another round of political damage control.
DBS WIRE SOURCES:
- Mediaite: DeSantis criticism and updated voter guide removing Caruso
- Florida’s Voice: Republican reactions, charges and Caruso’s response
- CBS12: DeSantis responds to the county GOP’s decision
