Florida GOP finances under scrutiny

MIAMI, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The finances of the Republican Party of Florida are under scrutiny amid complaints the state GOP squandered its resources, party insiders say.

State party Chairman Jim Greer is being asked to answer allegations that party officials wasted money on chartered jets, five-star hotels, sports event tickets and even men's clothing shops during the most recent election cycle, The Miami Herald reported Sunday. Critics within the party have called for an audit, the newspaper said.

"There are many folks who believe it's time for the RPOF to run the party with an eye toward fiscal discipline,'' said Brian Ballard, Florida finance chairman for the John McCain campaign. "Not a day goes by where somebody won't grab me and say you have to get control of the party -- it's out of control."

New Port Richey, Fla., Republican Joe Aloisio Thursday called for an audit of party finances, asking why the party spent money on Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankee games and trips to Disney World -- and why the party spent $682,000 on chartered planes rather than investing the money in McCain's presidential bid.

Greer defended the expenditures, saying they are a part of fundraising.

''If you're going to ask someone to contribute $50,000 to $100,000, you want an event the donor would be receptive to attending,'' Greer said.