State Republican Party to cut up American Express cards

Piece of advice: Don't say "American Express" around Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer.

Greer took out a party American Express card today and cut it in half in front of a roomful of party activists and warned the group never to talk about the party's credit cards again. He also announced every party leader, including himself, has turned their card in and no more will be issued.

He hopes that stops months of questions about the party's American Express bills, capped this week by news that former House Speaker racked up $173,000 in AmEx charges, including a family trip to Europe and other personal expenses.

"We're done. I hope I never hear American Express again," Greer said showing obvious frustration. "For those people who want to keep talking about the issue, they're doing it for one reason and that is to cause trouble."

Sansom's American Express charges were released this week by a prosecutor. Sansom, R-Destin, is facing trial later this year on charges of official misconduct and perjury. He is accused of funneling millions to a state college that then gave him a $110,000 job and then lying to a grand jury.

It's the first glimpse anyone outside the party has seen about how the cards were being used. The party had a practice of giving its leaders American Express cards to be used when traveling, entertaining or raising money on behalf of the party.

Greer insisted the practice was acceptable and said the credit cards are not being abused. He compared the party to a multimillion company and credit cards issued to executives.

For months, the party has refused requests to release its American Express card statements. After Sansom's were released, Greer told activists people are asking him if he will also reveal the other statements.

"No! No! No! That's not what we're going to do. We're just like a private company," Greer said. "No! Never, as long as I am chairman and I'm tired of talking about it."