Jim Norman kicked off ballot During the October trial, Second Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford stated that she found Norman's explanation that he knew nothing about the house, "patently absurd," and ordered him off the ballot. Former State Rep. Rob Wallace named to replace Norman on ballot As provided under state law, six Republican representatives from Hillsborough and Pasco counties selected the candidate to replace Norman on the 2010 General Election ballot, choosing former State Rep. Rob Wallace. Wallace served eight years in the Florida House from 1994 to 2002 and was succeeded by Ambler. 1st District Court of Appeal restores Norman to ballot Norman appealed Fulford's decision and a three-judge panel of the First District Court of Appeal reversed the lower court, placing Norman back on the ballot. During the appeal, the judge noted that Norman could still face perjury charges, but it is up to the Legislature to remove a candidate from the ballot based on a recommendation of the Commission of Ethics. After being reinstated, Norman won the general election against two write-in candidates. Despite the token opposition, however, 45,573 voters cast ballots for someone other than Norman. FBI and Grand Jury investigation After the story aired, the FBI and a Grand Jury began investigation of Norman. State Commission on Ethics investigation In response to the media coverage, ethics complaints were filed against Norman by Tampa attorney Paul Phillips and by Dover activist George Niemann. According to Phillips' complaint, Mrs. Norman had no obvious known source of income which would allow for the purchase of a $435,000 lake front home. Phillips' complaint claimed Ralph Hughes fronted the money and that it constituted either an unreported loan or unreported income. The Normans refused to release their income tax returns to clear the answer to that question. Phillips' complaint noted that the home was sold to the Normans by Ed Roleson, Jr. a now deceased former Miller Beer Co. distributor. The real estate transaction was conducted around the same time the Tampa Sports Authority (which Norman served on) approved a patio deck in the south end-zone of Raymond James Stadium for Miller Beer. Phillips alleged Norman's solely listing his wife on the title to the house was "done deliberately to conceal an obvious conflict of interest for Mr. Norman and illegal gift to him and/or his spouse." Electoral history See also Government of Florida Florida State Capitol Florida House of