For decades, sex has been a tool and a toy for the politically powerful in the male-dominated world of politics in Florida's capital. Now it's a weapon. Allegations of sexual assault, harassment and infidelity among the state's legislators flew like shrapnel from a bomb blast in recent weeks, destroying much of the trust left in a Republican-controlled Legislature and replacing it with suspicion and finger pointing.
The latest target, Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala, has been accused by six unnamed women of inappropriate touching and verbal harassment. Shortly after Politico Florida first reported the allegations on Friday, Senate President Joe Negron called them "atrocious and horrendous" and ordered an investigation.
Latvala, a Clearwater Republican and candidate for governor, denied the allegations, said he welcomed the investigation, and vowed a fight to "clear my name. Priorities are shaped more by relationships, he said, and not by actual policy. For decades, that culture used attractive people as tools to cajole the powerful, and rumors of affairs were used to extort favors. Now, in the era of Harvey Weinstein and social media, women are speaking out about sexual harassment.
But in Tallahassee, where questions are raised about the political motive of every leaked allegation, claims by unidentified accusers can get tangled in the bitter political forces of Florida's election year. Complicating the quest for justice, said Jose Felix Diaz, a Republican Miami lawyer and recently retired state legislator, are those questions about political motives. The dangerous mix of exploiting rumors of sex between consenting adults, and serious accusations about victimizing women, has the potential to turn Florida's next legislative session into an emotional powder keg.
They described a culture that fosters conditions ripe for sexual exploitation:. The exploitation goes both ways. Legislators, buoyed by power and away from home, may take advantage of subordinates โ interns and aides โ or lobbyists, who want attention and access. Powerful lobbyists, who can steer money to political campaigns, may take advantage of younger lawmakers eager to raise funds and increase their clout.
