Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer issued a news release today clarifying that he won’t pay for positive editorials in the state’s black media outlets.

“We’re looking for the opportunity to share our ideas and values, many of which we believe resonate with the African American community, and asking for African American voters to consider voting Republican,” Greer said in a release. (Full release here)

Greer’s statement comes after a story in the Orlando Sentinel on Saturday about a meeting he held with members of the Florida Association of Black Owned Media. The party created a “African American Republican Leadership Council” last year.

At the meeting, several of the media representatives said pretty clearly that Republicans enjoy positive stories if the party advertised in the papers.

“At the end of the day, it’s about money. If you buy advertising, you’re more likely to get coverage,” said Johnny Hunter, president of the Florida Association of Black Owned Media and publisher of Sarasota’s Tempo News.

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