Linda Stewart, Lori Berman among pols denouncing Nazi robocalls against Andrew Gillum

Linda Stewart, Lori Berman

Politicians across the state Saturday condemned robocalls put out by racist groups against Andrew Gillum, the first black major party nominee for Governor.

“The vile and racist robocalls attacking Andrew Gillum represent an attack on every Floridian and have no place in our politics,” said state Sen. Linda Stewart, an Orlando Democrat.

“This disgusting attempt to divide the people of Florida will only bring us closer together. We will reject the politics of hate and, with Andrew Gillum as governor, build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”

Audio of robocalls from Road to Power, an Idaho-based Neo-Nazi group, was first obtained by The Tallahassee Democrat and reported on Friday. Politico later reported it also had obtained robocalls sent out by the same group.

State Sen. Lori Berman, a Boynton Beach Democrat, echoed Stewart’s concerns but said the hateful rhetoric should rally progressives together.

“I am proud of the way Andrew has focused on laying out a positive vision for the people of Florida and I sincerely hope this election focuses on the way we can move this state forward and improve the lives of Florida’s working families,” Berman said.

“We must make unequivocally clear that racism and hatred have no place in this election —and won’t be tolerated in our beautiful, diverse state.”

Campaign officials for Republican Ron DeSantis quickly denounced the calls.

“This is absolutely appalling and disgusting,” DeSantis spokesman Stephen Lawson told Politico, “and hopefully whoever is behind this has to answer for this despicable action.”

Republican Gov. Rick Scott also denounced the calls.

“There is no room for any racial politics here in Florida — none,” Scott said on social media. “Florida is a melting pot of people from all over the globe, and we are proud of it. No attempts to divide people by race or ethnicity will be tolerated from anyone.”

Gillum’s campaign responded with measured concern, condemning the calls while fearful of drawing further notoriety to the organization.

“This is reprehensible—and could only have come from someone with intentions to fuel hatred and seek publicity,” Geoff Burgan, communications director for Gillum’s campaign, told the Democrat. “Please don’t give it undeserved attention.”

The unwelcome injection of Nazi rhetoric into the campaign comes while DeSantis deals with an early general election season gaffe, telling Fox News the morning after his and Gillum’s primary wins that Florida voters shouldn’t “monkey this up” and elect Gillum, a comment he said was a phrase he used regularly but in which many others heard racist undertones.

“The Neo-Nazi robocalls against Andrew Gillum are simply horrifying. Floridians deserve to hear from the candidates about their solutions to expand access to health care and improve public education,” said Berman. “Instead, Ron DeSantis started the general election with a racist dog whistle and the tone has unfortunately only gone downhill from there.”