Gary Fineout's must-read briefing on what's hot, crazy or shady about politics in the Sunshine State
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Hello and welcome to Friday.
Bold statement — “The DNC is absolutely not giving up on Florida,” says Democratic National Committee Finance Director Chris Korge. Go on.
The Florida project — Korge made that comment to POLITICO’s Matt Dixon while discussing the state and the odd dynamic going on among Democrats.
The road not taken — President Joe Biden and the White House have pushed for policies that don’t play well in Florida. Polls show Biden underwater in the state. And so far there’s been little direct evidence that national Democratic groups plan to invest a lot of money this cycle in a state where they have come so close in recent years but still haven’t won.
The record — As Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried likes to note, her narrow victory in 2018 is the lone win in the state since President Barack Obama and Sen. Bill Nelson won in 2012. Republicans have also overtaken Democrats in voter registration and control all levels of state government.
But, but, but — Still….there’s the DeSantis factor. Florida’s Republican governor is seen as a rising star who is widely expected to run for president. “I think the White House absolutely thinks we need to be engaged there now rather than waiting until 2024 when it becomes more expensive to stop [DeSantis],” Korge also told Matt.
Not done yet— There are signs that the Biden administration is ratcheting up its engagement with Florida — and its criticism of DeSantis. Biden administration officials have been coming to the state and drawing attention to their contrasts with DeSantis. John Morgan, the prominent lawyer and major donor, said Democrats can’t write off Florida entirely because of its large number of Electoral College votes and its long line of big contributors. He said he was just asked to hold a fundraiser for Biden.
Bring it on — DeSantis, however, has been more than willing to bash Biden and clash with federal authorities. The governor has made it clear that his opponent in the fall isn’t Fried or Rep. Charlie Crist. It’s Biden. He mentions the president at nearly every public appearance as he rips into the president over inflation, gas prices and immigration. DeSantis has also made it abundantly clear that he wants the 2022 election to be the one that finishes Democrats in Florida for the foreseeable future. The question is whether Democrats are serious about trying to stop him.
— WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis.
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RIVALRIES — White House takes aim at DeSantis — even as Florida slips away from Dems, by POLITICO’s Matt Dixon: Florida has the White House and national Democrats stumped. President Joe Biden’s policies loosening sanctions on Venezuela and easing restrictions on Cuba could be politically toxic in Latino-heavy South Florida. The administration was seen as making moves without considering political outcomes or improving Biden’s standing with a demographic key to winning the state. And funds from national donor groups have dried up after Florida Democrats suffered stinging losses in recent years.
NO SUNSHINE FOR SCOTT— The Republican Party of Florida has rolled out a list of speakers for this month’s Sunshine Summit and there is one prominent name not on the list: Sen. Rick Scott. The two-day event being held at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Hotel will feature a line of well-known conservative media stars and elected officials such as DeSantis as well as Sen. Marco Rubio, incoming legislative leaders, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
When asked about Scott’s absence RPOF executive director Helen Aguirre Ferré replied in an email that “Most of our speakers are not elected officials and those elected officials who are speaking are seeking re-election this year.” Yes, it’s true Scott is not on the ballot but he’s also the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee seeking to flip control of the Senate back to the Republicans. Also noteworthy: Scott is seen as a potential 2024 presidential contender who has had a strained relationship with DeSantis.
READY FOR HER CLOSEUP — Ashley Moody is having Fox News moment as she charts political future, by POLITICO’s Matt Dixon: Her appearance on Fox News was just one of dozens in recent months for the 47-year-old former Tampa-area circuit judge. And those appearances have fueled continued speculation about [Attorney General Ashley] Moody’s political future. Moody, who pledged when she first ran in 2018 to keep politics out of her office, has become the latest Florida politician to make frequent appearances on Fox News’ airwaves as they try to expand their presence with conservative base voters, and help lay the groundwork for grander political ambitions. For Moody, that could mean a run for governor in 2026, a race that has already seen quiet jockeying begin among a handful of Republican gubernatorial aspirants.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks to reporters in March 2021 | Gary Fineout/Politico
QUITE THE READ— A new group led by political strategist Ed Rollins that wants DeSantis for president has submitted a lengthy request for an advisory opinion to the Federal Elections Commission. The correspondence from Ready for Ron lays out quite the game plan to convince DeSantis to run for the White House, including spending thousands of dollars on various types of advertisements. “R4R seeks to generate nationwide awareness of Governor DeSantis, his philosophy, and his numerous accomplishments in order to cultivate widespread public support for him as the 2024 Republican presidential nomination,” the letter states.
But the main thing that the group is doing is gathering up signatures for a petition encouraging a DeSantis run that will eventually be presented to the governor. The FEC letter states Ready for Ron was expected to have 58,000 signatures by the end of June and more than a million by the end of the year. The letter is asking various questions about the legality of the effort, including whether the petition can be given to DeSantis if he hasn’t started exploring a run for president.
A spokesman for DeSantis’ reelection campaign did not respond to a question about the Ready for Ron push.
SAME OFFER AS BEFORE — “Trump doesn’t rule out running with DeSantis as his VP: ‘I get along with him,’” by The Hill’s Max Greenwood: “Former President Trump isn’t ruling out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) as a running mate in a potential 2024 White House bid. Asked in an interview with Newsmax’s Rob Finnerty on Thursday about the possibility of a Trump-DeSantis ticket in 2024, Trump noted that he has a good relationship with the Florida governor before taking credit for his political success. 'Well, I get along with him,' Trump said. 'I was very responsible for his success, because I endorsed him and he went up like a rocket ship.'”
MEANWHILE— “As the Jan. 6 hearings portray an enraged Trump, DeSantis may be biggest winner,” by Reuters’ Joseph Ax and Alexandra Ulmer: “But still, there are signs that DeSantis' star is rising. Dan Eberhart, a prominent Republican donor, estimated three-quarters of roughly 150 fellow donors with whom he regularly interacts backed Trump six months ago, with a quarter going for DeSantis. Now, the balance has shifted: about two-thirds want DeSantis as the 2024 nominee. ‘The donor class is ready for something new,’ said Eberhart, who supports both politicians but says he's much more excited about DeSantis. ‘And DeSantis feels more fresh and more calibrated than Trump. He's easier to defend, he's less likely to embarrass, and he's got the momentum.’”
SHOWDOWN— “Lauren Book and Barbara Sharief face off in contentious election for Florida Senate,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man: “The official business is picking a Florida state senator. But the election between Lauren Book and Barbara Sharief, the most continuous contest of 2022 in Broward County, is far more consequential. It’s consuming time and money Democrats had hoped to use elsewhere, and it could stoke racial tensions between essential Democratic Party constituencies, potentially leaving political scars when the campaign is over.”
— “Nikki Fried won’t back down – and she’s got the rights to the classic song boosting her,” by Florida Politics’ Anne Geggis
ROUND ONE — Florida’s new abortion law halted as DeSantis vows to fight on, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: In announcing his decision, Circuit Judge John C. Cooper said the new law was likely unconstitutional because it runs afoul of a voter-approved provision in the state Constitution that bars the government from intruding on people’s personal lives. [Gov. Ron] DeSantis, during a Thursday press conference in central Florida, said that the judge’s ruling was not a surprise, but added “it was not something of course that we were happy to see.” He vowed to appeal the ruling.
All the way to top— The judge’s ruling is just the opening round of a legal battle that is expected to eventually reach the Florida Supreme Court, which has previously blocked abortion restrictions because of the state’s privacy amendment. DeSantis’ office said on Thursday that it would eventually ask the state Supreme Court to “reverse its existing precedent regarding Florida’s right to privacy. The struggle for life is not over.” Cooper acknowledged that the state Supreme Court could revisit its past decisions but he said that “I do think this law complies with the present state of the law in Florida.”
— “Florida advocates of legal abortion cheer rare victory. Foes say they’ll win in the end,” by Miami Herald’s Amy Claudia Chacin and Alyssa Johnson
— “West Palm Beach abortion clinics scrambled this week as Florida’s 15-week ban loomed,” by Palm Beach Post’s Hannah Phillips
PIECRUST PROMISE? — “Fried’s office hasn’t moved to reform vague reports on theme park injuries,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Katie Rice: “Nearly two years after the Florida agency responsible for amusement ride safety vowed to reevaluate rules that allow major theme parks to self-report ride injuries, the system has not changed, even as visitors continue to be hurt. As a result, the theme parks still issue vague reports with few details and follow-ups. Experts and advocates for those injured say the system lacks accountability and puts theme park guests at risk.”
JULY 1 IS HERE — “Some new Florida laws will boost DeSantis’ conservative base,” by The Associated Press’ Brendan Farrington: “About 150 bills will become laws in Florida on Friday — several of which Gov. Ron DeSantis is using to motivate his conservative base as he seeks reelection and a possible 2024 bid for president. But the ones with the most appeal to his political base are also the subject of legal challenges: A ban on abortion after 15 weeks, legislation limiting how race can be discussed in classrooms and at private companies and a law which opponents call 'Don’t Say Gay' that prevents teachers from talking about gender identity and sexual orientation with younger students.”
EXIT STAGE RIGHT — Florida university system Chancellor Marshall Criser departing, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Florida’s state university system Chancellor Marshall Criser on Thursday announced he will depart from the top role when his contract expires in December, paving the way for a major leadership change in the coming months. “It’s better to leave too early than too late,” Criser told the university system Board of Governors at a meeting in Orlando. “This is the right time and place.” Criser’s departure is set to open a major void in the state university system that will likely be viewed as a coveted position in the DeSantis administration. Already, state Sen. Ray Rodrigues (R-Estero) has been linked to the job, which will ultimately be filled by the Board of Governors.
— “DeSantis touts civics program criticized by teachers as ‘Christian fundamentalist,’” by USA Today Network-Florida’s Zac Anderson
— “As Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law takes effect, schools roll out LGBTQ restrictions,” by NBC News’ Matt Lavietes
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ON THE BENCH — “Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in as first Black woman, 116th justice on U.S. Supreme Court,” by McClatchy D.C.’s Alex Roarty: “Ketanji Brown Jackson formally joined the Supreme Court on Thursday, making history as the first Black woman — and first Floridian — to reach the pinnacle of the country’s judiciary. Jackson, a graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High School in 1988, was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts and retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, the latter of whom Jackson is replacing.”
— “Black Florida law students see Supreme Court Justice Jackson as an ‘inspiration,’” by Tampa Bay Times’ Lauren Peace
REACTION — Dems blast SCOTUS decision on climate change while Rubio applauds, by POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling restricting a federal agency's regulation over power plant carbon emissions likely will have little effect on Florida utilities but still generated criticism from elected Democrats. The Supreme Court ruling focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency is a major barrier to President Joe Biden’s hopes of addressing global warming even as scientists warn that immediate action is needed to halt the planet's warming.
Split — But Florida's three largest utilities have announced plans to drastically reduce carbon emissions through 2045, so they likely would have been ahead of any restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from coal plants. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) praised the Supreme Court decision as "long overdue" while his re-election opponent, Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.), was critical of the ruling.
— “Eastern Shipbuilding not awarded second phase of Offshore Patrol Cutter program,” by WJHG
AFTERMATH — “Insurance hikes are just first hit in a costly legacy for this condo’s owners after Surfside,” by Palm Beach Post’s Kimberly Miller: “The specter of Champlain Towers South came in an email alert this month for residents of a West Palm Beach waterside condominium. Insurance on the 12-story building across from the Lake Worth Lagoon increased 82%, requiring a special meeting to hike the budget and jack up dues. It was a blow for the association, which had planned for just a 25% rate jump on top of a 25% increase the previous year. ‘Everyone is shocked,’ said Mary McSwain, who bought her one-bedroom unit in the 51-year-old Portofino South Condominium in January.”
THE PITCH — “Miami’s World Cup win: bid documents pitched big spending, human rights, mega airport,” by Miami Herald’s Douglas Hanks and Joey Flechas: “Miami-Dade County’s pitch to secure World Cup games in 2026 included assurances the metropolitan area could support pricey ticket sales, absorb a crush of visitors and shield organizers from the kind of criticism on human-rights issues surrounding the tournament’s current host, Qatar. A package of bid documents, obtained by the Miami Herald through a public records request, highlights some of the priorities for World Cup organizers in selecting the 16 North American cities to host matches when the global tournament shifts to the Western Hemisphere in four years.”
— “Miami to get $5 million to prepare for 2026 World Cup,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Turner
— “Listeria outbreak tied to 23 illnesses, 1 death, CDC says. Is there a Florida link?” by Associated Press’s Mike Stobbe
— “Commission recommends Seminole County judge be suspended after swearing at defendant,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Cristóbal Reyes
— “Miami-Dade plans to build homes on three campuses for teachers needing affordable housing,” by Miami Herald’s Michael Butler
— “Michael Lohan, father of ‘Mean Girls’ star Lindsay Lohan, gets probation for patient brokering,” by Palm Beach Post’s Julius Whigham II
— “Will Disney get on board the Brightline, SunRail Sunshine Corridor?” by Orlando Sentinel’s Kevin Spear
— “Fireworks are legal in Florida on 3 major holidays, including the 4th. Here’s what to know,” by Palm Beach Post’s Nancy Niles
— “Look out, Pasco: Here come giants African land snails,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Zachary T. Sampson: “A gardener in Pasco County recently found a giant African land snail — or what Florida officials call ‘one of the most damaging snails in the world.’ The giant African land snail gobbles up plants and can carry a parasite known to give people meningitis, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The state last week confirmed the sighting. The snail was found in the New Port Richey area. The agency said it would start putting snail bait on properties within about 600 feet of where the snail was spotted. The snails can grow to be about the size of a fist, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They eat many plants, including peas, beans and cucumbers. But if they can’t find enough vegetation, the federal agency says, giant African land snails will eat paint or stucco off a house.”
BIRTHDAYS:(Saturday) Sandi Poreda of Bulldog Strategy Group ... Meredith Woodrum Snowden, VP of legislative affairs for Leath Consulting … (Monday) State Rep. Randy Maggard