TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A top statewide official is calling on Gov. Rick Scott to start a fresh search for a leader at the state's main law enforcement agency.
Last week, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater joined with Scott and two other officials to appoint Richard Swearingen as the new commissioner for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
But questions over the ouster of the former commissioner prompted Atwater on Tuesday night to send a letter to Scott demanding a new search. Atwater in his letter encouraged Swearingen to apply.
Scott quickly responded and said he would not support a new search. Scott did say he wants to replace three other agency officials, including the state's insurance commissioner.
Several top positions in state government report to both the governor and the three Cabinet members.
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