State GOP leaders unanimously vote to censure Christian Ziegler

Following a 39-0 vote of state Republican Party leaders during an emergency meeting in Orlando on Sunday, Chairman Christian Ziegler has been stripped of all responsibilities and his salary reduced to $1 as he continues to be mired in rape allegations by a Sarasota woman.

The Sarasota Police Department continues its investigation into the case of the former Sarasota County commissioner, who had been involved in a three-way relationship with his wife, Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler, and the accuser. 

When Bridget Ziegler was unable to attend a planned encounter on Oct. 2, the third party said she canceled but that Christian Ziegler arrived anyway and sexually assaulted her. 

She reported the incident to police on Oct. 4. According to an affidavit, the woman said she was in no condition to consent because she had been drinking tequila all day.

That affidavit included multiple text messages between Ziegler and his accuser in the days following the alleged rape. 

As of yet, SPD has not charged Ziegler with a crime, but the accusation — and the admission of the three-way relationship with the woman — is enough for the state GOP to want Ziegler out.

If he does not resign, a meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8 when a vote of the full state GOP executive committee to remove him from office and to name a new chairman will be held.