The power of Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis to purge elected officials who disagree with him will be challenged in a federal lawsuit filed by a state attorney suspended for “wokeness.” Andrew Warren was removed as Hillsborough county state attorney after saying he would not enforce a new 15-week abortion ban or prosecute providers of gender transition treatment for young people. DeSantis, seen as a likely candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, attacked Warren’s “woke agenda” and “flagrant violation of his oath of office” for refusing to enforce the law, The Guardian reports. Warren, a twice-elected Democrat, hit back on Wednesday with a lawsuit in federal court in Tallahassee. In a Twitter post, he said he was taking action “against Ron DeSantis’ abuse of power and unlawful suspension”. In a video message, he added: “The governor has broken two laws. He’s violated my First Amendment rights by retaliating against me for speaking out on abortion and transgender rights, and he’s violated the Florida constitution by removing me from office without any legal justification.” DeSantis responded, “It’s not surprising Warren, who was suspended for refusing to follow the law, would file a legally baseless lawsuit challenging his suspension." Some analysts have questioned the legality of DeSantis’s move, pointing out it was based on an action that had not taken place. The governor has taken no action against so-called “constitutional” sheriffs who say they won’t enforce certain gun laws.
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