GOP legislator urged a "no vote" against Atwater but changed his mind

Rep. Charles Van Zant, who this week sent out an e-mail suggesting GOP candidate for governor Rick Scott would support a near ban on abortion, also told his supporters on Monday that he would not be backing Senate President Jeff Atwater for Chief Financial Officer.

The reason? He said that Atwater during the 2010 session scrapped a meeting with him when Van Zant wanted to talk about the Florida Right to Life Act, the bill that would ban abortion in all nearly all cases except if the mother's life was in danger. Van Zant said that initially Atwater agreed to meet with him but that it was cancelled after Atwater's staff were told it was about Van Zant's bill.

Brian Hughes, communications director for Atwater's campaign, said that "if staff treated Representative Van Zandt unprofessionally that was certainly not Jeff’s intent and it is regrettable. Jeff Atwater has a consistent, conservative record. Jeff has been endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the NRA, and Florida Right to Life.  These endorsements all reflect support for his plan to cut government waste, give more accountability and transparency to Floridians, and champion the entrepreneurs who will grow the state's economy while creating jobs."

Hughes added that "Jeff apologized to Representative Van Zant for the confusion about the meeting, and the representative said he accepted."

Hughes then forwarded a e-mail that Van Zant put out this morning:

Dear friends,

Since my e-mail to you on Monday, I feel compelled to further comment on Jeff Atwater's race for Florida's Chief Financial Officer. 

Tuesday, Mr. Atwater telephoned me and we talked for about 45 minutes.  He apologized for the cancellation of our meeting regarding the Florida for Life Act and said he would never knowingly cancel a meeting on a pro-life issue.  I personally believe he is sincere and have accepted his apology and statement.  In addition, he has accepted full responsibility for what happened.

Jeff Atwater has a standing 10-year pro-life voting record.  His pro-life credentials have always been very clear.  He has also assured me that as a member of Florida's cabinet, his door will always be open to help legislators on pro-life issues. 

Here's what Van Zant said in the e-mail he sent out on Monday:

Chief Financial Officer: NO to Jeff Atwater. 

For the record, last year Jeff Atwater agreed to a legislative meeting with me in his office.  When the Florida for Life Act, that would ban abortion and protect the lives of unborn Floridians was given to his staff as the subject of the meeting, the meeting was abruptly cancelled and he refused to meet with me.  I will not vote for him.