Christian Ziegler, the chair of the Republican Party of Florida, is under criminal investigation for sexual battery, including rape. Six Republican sources have revealed that a "soft landing" deal is being discussed as part of a resignation agreement, and former party chair Joe Gruters and Republican National Committeeman Peter Faeman are discussing ways to end the party's direct tie to Ziegler. The scandal has caused a great deal of controversy and has put the party in a difficult position.