State Rep. Ambler critical of Cretul over curtailed special session

A failed effort to fast-track Arizona-style immigration bills by state Rep. Kevin Ambler during this week’s special session has the legislator critical of his colleagues and House leadership.

Ambler — who is also a candidate for the District 12 Florida Senate seat — voted against adjourning the special session called by Gov. Charlie Crist to discuss an amendment to ban offshore oil drilling, losing to a majority of House members who closed the session without a vote on drilling or any other issue.

On Thursday, Ambler, R-Tampa, said his colleagues failed to address a “critical public safety issue,” and he also said letters he sent on immigration to House Speaker Larry Cretul prior to the special session went unanswered. Cretul, R-Ocala, could not immediately be reached for comment.

“I was disappointed that I didn’t receive any feedback from him,” Ambler said of Cretul.