We've told you about the dirty politics in Collier County for weeks now after a barrage of misinformation has gone out to voters from political PACs and others.
The Republican Executive Committee last week sent out text messages accusing Democrats of endorsing Republican Melissa Blazier for Collier County Supervisor of Elections.
The Democratic Party is refuting that claim as an outright lie.
Jane Schlechtweg is chairwoman of the Democratic headquarters in Collier County and is demanding an apology from the Republican Party for making such a misleading claim.
“I do not endorse Republicans. Period,” Schlechtweg exclaimed.
Her comment comes after the CCREC sent out this text message to voters claiming Democrats endorsed Republican Melissa Blazier.
“The democratic party is not here to be used as a tool for the Republican Party to promote their candidate,” Schlechtweg continued.
She is now demanding an apology from the GOP chairman.
“I want an apology! I want him to call me and tell me he is sorry he used the Democratic Party. I want him to put out a press release taking back what he said,” Schlechtweg demanded.
We reached out to the GOP Chairman John Meo who did not immediately respond.
Schlechtweg’s demand comes after ABC7 has reported numerous false claims that have been sent to Republican voters.
“The balance of power in Collier County is so tilted towards the republican party they think they can do anything that they want,” Schlechtweg said.
Including labeling Blazier as a Democrat when she in fact is not.
She said there are voters who saw the message sent by Republicans and believe it.
“I've received some nasty emails since those emails went out basically telling me I'm a liar. I must be a Democrat because they read it on a mailer or someone told them so,” Blazier explained.
Blazier stressed that Democrats could be in jeopardy of losing funding for even endorsing a Republican candidate.
“If they (Democrats) want to have a say they should have found an opponent to run against me and the other two men,” Blazier said.
Schlechtweg said had the party put up a Democratic candidate they would not have made it very far, as Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 3-1 in Collier County.
The Primary Election is Aug. 20.