A Florida businessman sent an email to 15,000 of his employees this week asking them to vote for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
David Siegel, founder of Westgate Resorts, blasted out an electronic message to his large staff urging them to take part in the biggest election of his lifetime.
“George W. won by 537 votes. You know, this could be another close election; maybe my employees can make the difference. I hope so,” Siegel told Orlando television station WFTV on Wednesday, referring to the Sunshine State’s recount in 2000.
Siegel sent a similar message in 2012, when he threatened employees could lose their jobs if President Obama was re-elected. This year’s email, he explained, was just his “advice” to employees.
“David Siegel has evolved here. He’s learned from his experience from his last letter. He’s not making threats now, he’s offering advice,” said WFTV political analyst Dr. Rick Foglesong.
Private business owners are allowed to offer advice on who to vote for, making Siegel’s pitch perfectly legal.
“I’m not coercing anybody. I’m just putting out the facts as I see them. If they have respect for me like I think they do, they’ll vote for Trump,” Siegel said.
