JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A authorized dispute between a former Jacksonville Metropolis Councilmember and the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) is unfolding in Duval County courts over unique rights to the phrase “Republican.”
Robin Lumb, who additionally served on the Duval County Republican Govt Committee (REC), filed a lawsuit in opposition to the RPOF and its chairman, Evan Energy, after his elimination from the REC.
Lumb is difficult each his ousting and the social gathering’s enforcement of guidelines regulating using its identify, abbreviations, and symbols.
The RPOF claims its actions are supported by state regulation, citing Florida Statute 103.081, which permits political events to register their identify, abbreviation, and image for unique use.
The social gathering says it has registered “Republican” with the Florida Division of State and enforces guidelines, together with RPOF Rule 1, that prohibits unauthorized use of the social gathering’s identify.
In response to the RPOF, Lumb’s group, the Duval Conservative Republican Assembly (DCRA), violated these guidelines through the use of the time period “Republican” with out permission. The grievance in opposition to Lumb was filed in July 2024 by the Duval REC chairman and reviewed by the RPOF Grievance Committee, which unanimously beneficial his elimination.
Chairman Energy upheld the choice, and the RPOF barred Lumb from holding any social gathering place for 2 years, citing violations of branding and membership guidelines.
In his lawsuit, Lumb seeks reinstatement to his REC place and argues the RPOF can not declare unique rights to the phrase “Republican.” He asserts that the time period has historic significance and can’t be trademarked by the social gathering.
Lumb additionally contends that his elimination violated Florida Statute 103.141, which governs the elimination of county govt committee members.
“This will probably be a landmark case in Florida,” Lumb stated in a cellphone interview with News4JAX.
The RPOF, nonetheless, argues this statute doesn’t apply as a result of Lumb was eliminated by the state govt committee, not for an oath violation as outlined within the regulation.
The RPOF maintains that its guidelines are in step with state regulation and that political events have the constitutional proper to control their inside affairs. Citing freedom of affiliation, the social gathering argues it could possibly set up and implement guidelines for membership and management, with disputes over social gathering governance deemed nonjusticiable.
Lumb informed News4JAX {that a} listening to was held on Jan. 27, the place a decide denied a movement to dismiss the case, permitting it to maneuver ahead. Nevertheless, the Duval County Clerk has not but up to date court docket information on-line for impartial verification.
The court docket’s choice may have far-reaching implications for a way political events regulate their branding and implement compliance with social gathering guidelines.
The Republican Celebration of Florida and Evan Energy didn’t reply to requests for remark.
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