Coates Law Fir, PL 115 Ener Pan Avene, Sure + "Tanuasan, Froid 3350t 50) Bi ony ‘Ricnano E. Contes Fr 8) seg ‘Osiober 9, 2020 Via ema: Thomas Bymes@charter.com ‘Spectrum ‘Charter Communications, ne. LATIN: Tom Byrnes 2231 Lucien Way ‘Maitland, FL 32751 fe: CEASE AND DESIST NOTICE - ADVERTISEMENT ‘Dear Mr. Byres: 1 represent the Pinellas County Republican Excoutive Committes It has come to my attention that the Democratic Party of Florida is broadcasting and paying fora television advertisement. (*Ad") currently airing in Pinellas County, Florida. The Ad concems only state candidat, including a republican. The Ad contains blatantly false statements. Contrary to Florida law, specifically Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, the Ad purports to be a eandidate Ad, presumable entitled to candidate run rats, Subsection 106.1435}, Florida Statutes, requires any advertisement offered on behalf of a ‘candidate be approved by such candidate or candidates. Any such contention that all the referenced candidates have approved the Adis false andthe Ad is illegal. The purpose of this letter i to notify you ofthe specific false statements, and a demand that you not continue to run the false Ad. 1. The Ad falsely provides thatthe Ad was approved by Representative Jennifer Webb. To ‘the contrary, news reports uote Representative Webb as saying, “I strongly denounce the use of ‘my name in association with the attack ad against Sheriff Galtieri ..” Additionally, Representative Webb stated, “... !am outraged at having my name used with such horrible attack ads without my kaowledge or consent.” (emphasis added), Based on Representative ‘Webbs statements the ATD ie patently fake2, Addtionally, the Ad falsely tates thatthe Ad was approved by candidate Jessica Harrington. Ms. Harrington is quoted stating “[w]ithout my knowledge or permission, my name was used inthis ad. I never saw the mailer or ad beforehand, nor did I approve ofthis ad," (emphasis added). Again, Ms, Harington’s statement render the Ad false. ‘As the Adis patently filse and misleading on its fae, it is designed to deceive and scare Florida’s voters. AS two of the mentioned candidates have disavowed the Ad, the Ad is false and misleading, By disavowing the Ad, the Ad is rendered a non-candidate Ad and should be immediately taken down, ‘urge you comply with the procedures followed by responsible media outets and cease and ‘desist tom the continued airing ofthe Ad unless the Democrat Party of Fenda produces ‘sufficient documentation to establish the validity of the false statements in the Ad. Lasty, the ‘Ade illegal under tho Florida Election Code. “Thank you for your immediate attention to this mater. ‘Sincerely, ‘Richard F. Coates