WASHINGTON (AP) — A Florida man who pleaded guilty to landing a gyrocopter outside the U.S. Capitol as a political protest is getting a little bit more freedom as he awaits sentencing and works to plan a congressional campaign.
Douglas Hughes, a Democrat from Ruskin, Florida, has said he plans to challenge South Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Because of his court case, however, a judge had ordered him to largely stay in the county where he lives. He sought permission to travel throughout Florida.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled Thursday that for campaign purposes Hughes can travel to, from and around the 23rd Congressional District, currently represented by Wasserman Schultz. He would need court approval to attend any events outside the district or his home county.
Hughes’ sentencing is set for April 13.
