The Republican Liberty Caucus of Central East Florida (RLCCEF) passed a resolution Monday night urging the state legislature not to consider over-riding Governor Crist's veto of $9.7 million in funding for Shands Teaching Hospital during their special legislative session next week. The appropriation would trigger another $12 million in federal matching funds.

The resolution was also presented to the Brevard Republican Executive Committee Thursday night, where a motion was made to endorse the resolution; the motion passed with overwhelming support.

According to RLCCEF Chairman Bob White the resolution puts the Republicans in the state legislature on notice  they will be held to account for not adhering to the most basic principles of the Republican Party of Florida, specifically less government and lower taxes. "The Republican Party appears to have an identity crisis," said White. "Many of our Republican elected officials campaign on the party platform of less government, lower taxes and more freedom, but once elected vote in ways that are in direct contradiction of those stated principles."

Should the appropriations bill be taken up, the resolution asks not just for the legislature to vote against it, but that incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos refrain from voting at all because he is a paid guest lecturer at the University of Florida.

"Given past scandals like the one involving former House Speaker Ray Sansom, developer Jay Odom and Northwest Florida State College we believe our elected officials should avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest," White said.

You can view the actual resolution below.

RLCCEF Resolution 20101108-01 Signed