Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
If you’re looking for criticism of Donald Trump’s reaction to the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, don’t look to Gov. Rick Scott or Attorney General Pam Bondi. Both have been steadfast supporters of the president.
“Trump yesterday revived his initial claim that ‘both sides’ are to blame for the horrific violence at a white supremacist rally over the weekend in Charlottesville,” the Washington Post’s Daily 202 newsletter reported this morning. “The president then complained that not everyone who came to the ‘Unite the Right’ rally was a neo-Nazi or white nationalist. ‘And the press has treated them absolutely unfairly,’ ” he said.
After Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Scott again called the weekend rally and attending violence “disgusting” and “evil,” adding that “there’s no moral equivalence between the two sides.”
But the Naples Republican and likely U.S. Senate candidate wouldn’t bite on questions about the president’s reaction: “You can ask the president what he said. I’ve been clear … I’m telling you right now: I don’t believe in racism. I don’t believe in bigotry.”
Bondi, the Tampa Republican who was rumored for months to be getting an appointment in the Trump administration—until she didn’t, said she “did not see his last press conference” and hadn’t “talked to him about it.”
“All I can tell you is how I feel,” she told reporters. “The KKK, white supremacists, neo-Nazis, are filled with hatred and violence and should not be tolerated … They’re horrible.”
When asked whether Trump should “tone down” his comments, Bondi added: “No one’s going to tell him what to do.”
Evening Reads
“FBI agents went undercover in Florida’s capital for the ‘biggest investigation in years’” via Sean Rossman of USA TODAY
“Adam Putnam: fight hatred, but don’t fight over statues” via Brendan Farrington of The Associated Press
“Jack Latvala on Charlottesville blame: ‘I wasn’t there’” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida
“There will be no Florida investment in Venezuela, governor and Cabinet affirm” via Mary Ellen Klas of the Miami Herald
“Judge rejects Corrine Brown’s bid for new trial” via Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union
“Florida Realtors kick off ‘Amendment 2 Is For Everybody’ campaign” via Florida Politics
“Matt Caldwell to announce Southwest Florida legislative endorsements” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida
“University say new money helps with faculty, courses” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the News Service of Florida
Quote of the Day
“A lot of times people will say that about me, and they also say, ‘But he’s my a–hole.’ “ —Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, who announced today he is running for Florida governor.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
In similar style to Jack Latvala’s Wednesday morning campaign kickoff at Hialeah Fire Station #7, Adam Putnam plans be in West Palm Beach at 10 a.m. Thursday to make an announcement alongside the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County.
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who could make a run for Governor as well, will be close by at the Polo Club of Boca Raton for the Palm Beach County Republican Party’s annual “Lobsterfest” event at 6:30 p.m. Freshman U.S. Rep. Brian Mast will also attend.
2018 spectators looking for a reprieve from “Governor! Governor! Governor!” should be on the lookout for an announcement from Lehigh Acres representative and Ag Commissioner candidate Matt Caldwell, who is expected to roll out a lengthy list of legislative endorsements for his campaign Thursday.
Latvala, still the only other major Republican to declare, will be a few hours up the road in Orlando, where the bulk of Thursday’s newsworthy events will be held. The Senate Appropriations Chair will give a talk around 12:30 p.m. to Florida Behavioral Health Conference at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Expected topics are the 2018 Legislative Session and the opioid crisis.
The opioid epidemic, which kills 20 Floridians daily, will be in focus at the Florida League of Cities’ annual conference, too. The all-day event at the World Center Marriott will have workshops on social advocacy, wireless communication infrastructure, city ballot initiatives and Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission. Guest speakers include former Dallas Police Chief David Brown, and National League of Cities President Matt Zone.
The City Beautiful will also play host to the Florida Public Service Commission Nominating Council as well, which plans to meet at 10 a.m. at the Orlando International Airport. The council will interview candidates and pick finalists for three PSC seats that opened up due to the departures of Ronald Brise, Art Graham and Jimmy Patronis.
The boards of trustees for three state schools are also scheduled to meet Thursday: The FAMU board will be at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront at 8:30 am; The University of West Florida board will meet in the UWF Conference Center Lounge at 9 a.m.; and the Daytona State College board will convene at 2 p.m. on the Advanced Technology College campus.
