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GOP lawmakers calling for State Attorney Aramis Ayala to be replaced

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Rep. Bob Cortes and four other Republican lawmakers want Gov. Rick Scott to remove State Attorney Aramis Ayala from office.

Cortes hosted a news conference Tuesday morning at the state Capitol.  Fellow Seminole Republican Rep. Scott Plakon also spoke at the conference calling for Ayala to step down.

The lawmakers also sent the governor a letter Tuesday calling for Ayala’s removal.

On Monday, Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order reassigning 21 murder cases in Orange and Osceola counties to State Attorney Brad King, who is already handling the case against accused cop killer Markeith Loyd.

Ayala criticized Scott's decision Monday, issuing her own written statement saying she learned the cases were being reassigned through local media.

"Ms. Ayala remains steadfast in her position the governor is abusing his authority and has compromised the independence and integrity of the criminal justice system," a spokeswoman for Ayala said.

Cortes issued a written statement a day before Tuesday’s press conference.

"I appreciate the governor’s decisive action to pursue justice for the victims of the unspeakable crimes represented by these cases," Cortes said. "I continue to believe justice would best be served by her suspension from office, and I urge Gov. Scott to seek her removal."

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