Peter Schorsch
Sunburn – The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Mitch Perry and Jim Rosica.
While the Democratic field for Governor continues to swell, we’re seeing just the opposite happen on the Republican side. What was once a large crop of prospective candidates, has now boiled down to the classic “establishment” versus “conservative” matchup.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has long been the GOP favorite for 2018. He has put together exactly the kind of campaign that we all expected, raising impressive sums of money each month and putting together a veteran team of DC-based consultants.
Putnam, who announced his campaign nearly 18 months before the election, is leaning on his extensive political experience and disciplined campaigning to outlast and outwork any potential opponents.
On the other side of this coin are the conservatives: House Speaker Richard Corcoran and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis. Both potential candidates share a principled-conservative philosophy, and they both would bring a background that would resonate with today’s conservative grassroots.
Now, if you watch Fox News, you’ve probably seen DeSantis — he has become a frequent guest. However, you’d think several weekly appearances on the most-watched channel of Republican primary voters would put DeSantis on their radar. It hasn’t. A recent poll from St. Leo University shows DeSantis bunched up with Corcoran in the low single digits. And if he were to get in the race, he would not be able to benefit from additional free media attention.
For either candidate to gain ground on Putnam, they’ll need to put together a serious statewide operation and raise real money. And while Corcoran has raised $5.5 million in six months, DeSantis has only been able to pocket $1.8, coming mostly from a small handful of six-figure donors.
So, when it comes to fundraising, DeSantis has yet to show any signs that he can put together a viable statewide campaign. For those whom may have forgotten, DeSantis ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2016, but like what’s unfolding today, he struggled to raise money, and his campaign never got off the ground.
Now, maybe it’s possible that President Donald Trump will get into a contested primary six (or seven) months before the election, backing an unproven candidate. Maybe that endorsement will bring in a few more big checks.
And then, maybe, DeSantis will be able to put together a serious campaign.
Continue reading an extended version of this op-ed by clicking here on Florida Politics.
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— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
Philip Levine committee launches new bilingual television ads – Former Miami Beach Mayor Levine’s political committee, All About Florida, is launching two new televisions ads in his bid for Florida governor – “Mom” and “Familia” – in English and Spanish respectively, featuring his mother Diane, his fiancé Carolina, his two step-kids, Mica and Beno, and their son Henry. In “Mom,” Levine’s mother expresses how Philip has made her proud by living a life guided by the values of hard work, empathy, and selflessness that she instilled in him as a child. In “Familia,” his fiancé speaks about Philip’s devotion to their family, and his drive to do the right thing for others. The two ads will air for several weeks in a vast majority of the state’s media markets.
Click on the image below to watch the ads:
Citrus Sheriff Mike Prendergast endorses Ashley Moody for Attorney General – “When the security of our community hangs in the balance, we want leaders with a proven track record of keeping our state safe. Ashley Moody has spent her career protecting Floridians and the rule of law. As a federal prosecutor, she fought alongside law enforcement to put criminals behind bars. Her strong commitment to ensuring justice is served is exactly what we need in our next Attorney General, and I proudly support and endorse Ashley Moody,” Prendergast said.
“Jay Fant wants RPOF to disavow Moody in attorney general race” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida – State Rep. Fant wants the Republican Party of Florida to cut support for Moody, because her family once sued President Donald Trump and her father was a President Bill Clinton nominee for a federal judgeship. “During the first week of January, Florida Republicans will gather in Orlando for our annual meeting. I believe that it is in the party’s best interest that Ashley Moody, a closet liberal and Clinton ally who has sued Trump, be denied access to our meeting,” Fant wrote in a letter to RPOF Chairman Blaise Ingoglia … Fant also asked Ingoglia to “discontinue RPOF’s indirect support of her campaign,” including in-kind support of the type she received in November when the party provided $23,000 worth of support staff and services. Ingoglia said he needed time to review Fant’s request.
>>>Ingoglia responds: “All Republicans running for statewide office are welcome to attend RPOF meetings. We will not, and should not, interject ourselves in the middle of primaries. Nor, should the RPOF become the arbiter of a candidates conservative credentials. If Rep. Fant thinks this will resonate with the electorate, then take it directly to the primary voters.”
>>>Christina Johnson, the spokeswoman for the Moody campaign, responds: “It is laughable that a candidate running to be Florida’s Chief Legal Officer would offer up such erroneous and egregious attacks on the proven record of a former and well respected federal prosecutor and circuit court judge. Ashley Moody is pro-Second Amendment and the only candidate who has supported Second Amendment priorities like Stand Your Ground in the courtroom. These are real world distinctions that matter to voters, and issues which Ashley Moody has shared with Republican activists across the state these last months and throughout her career. Not only is Ashley Moody a staunch supporter of our President, but she has secured the endorsements of those who worked tirelessly on behalf of the President’s campaign, including law enforcement officials and elected leaders across the state. We look forward to highlighting these conservative values at the January RPOF meeting.”
“Reggie Brown considering primary challenge to Audrey Gibson” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – As first floated by Chris Hong of the Florida Times-Union via Twitter, Jacksonville City Councilman Brownis mulling a run for Senate … that was contingent on Gibson running for Congress — though a challenge to Rep. Al Lawson would seem to directly conflict with Gibson leading the Democratic Caucus this year. Florida Politics asked Brown about “possibly running against Sen. Gibson.” He didn’t shoot down that possibility. “All options are being considered,” Brown texted. “I’m reviewing the possibilities and will make a decision early January.”
“Dana Young has now raised more than $1M for re-election bid” via Florida Politics – A broad range of supporters helped Young raise over $1 million between her state Senate campaign and committee accounts — with more than $100,000 in just the last month — according to new reports filed with the Florida Division of Elections. The Tampa Republican has now amassed a million-dollar war chest — of which $800,000 remains in on-hand cash — for her 2018 re-election bid, a robust fundraising prowess that is helping Young remain unopposed. She has served Florida Senate District 18 since 2016. Through her committee, Friends of Dana Young, Young added $75,500 in November, with another $21,000 going to her campaign. Among last month’s top donors to the committee include $12,500 from the GOPAC Election Fund — a nationwide group that seeks to support a “healthy roster of prepared and tested Republican leaders.” Heading into December, Young enjoys a significant cash advantage, with $658,579 on-hand for the committee and another $145,183 for her campaign account — $803,762 between the two.
“HD 2 Republican Alex Andrade tops $50K in first finance report” via Florida Politics – Republican Andrade brought in more than $50,000 in his first month campaigning to replace Rep. Frank White in House District 2. Andrade took in $42,626 in contributions and put $10,000 of his own money into his campaign last month. After spending a little under $2,000 on fundraising, event expenses and travel reimbursements, he finished the month with $50,678 in the bank. Making the inaugural donor roll were a few other Andrades, each pitching in $1,000, as well as lobby shop Suskey Consulting, Orlando attorney Chris Dawson, Pensacola physician Sidney Clements and wife Katherine Clements and a handful of real estate and construction firms. Andrade filed to run for the Pensacola-based district early last month after White announced he would leave the House next year to take a crack at succeeding termed-out Attorney General Pam Bondi.
First in Sunburn – Endorsements, money flow to Deede Weithorn in HD 113 race – Former Miami Beach Commissioner Weithorn earned the backing of Mayor Dan Gelber along with Commissioners Michael Gongora, Mark Samuelian, and Micky Steinberg in the race to replace outgoing Rep. David Richardson in HD 113. She has also unveiled endorsements from Cuban-American businessman and former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Paul Cejas, current North Bay Village Commissioner Andreana Jackson, and Former Miami Beach Commissioner Ed Tobin. Weithorn, who has been running for the seat since July, is expected to close the year with approximately $60,000 raised into her campaign account.
“Vance Aloupis has $200K banked for HD 115 bid” via Florida Politics – The leading Republican running to replace termed-out Rep. Michael Bileca hit the $200,000 mark in cash on hand last month … Aloupisadded $27,678 to his campaign account last month and spent just $1,360, putting his fundraising total at 220,312 and his cash on hand just $42 shy of $200K. “With contributions from more than 640 individual donors, the endorsement of incumbent Rep. Michael Bileca, and the continued dialogue with residents about the future of our community, our campaign is in a very strong position moving forward,” Aloupis said … Aloupis, the CEO of The Children’s Movement of Florida, faces Carlos Gobel, Rhonda Rebman-Lopez and Carmen Sotomayor in the Republican Primary.
— CRC IN FOCUS —
“Pam Bondi explains why she won’t endorse dog racing ban” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – The attorney general finally explained why she won’t publicly support a proposed ban on greyhound racing in Florida or any other constitutional amendment. Bondi sits on the 37-member Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), which convenes every 20 years to review and propose changes to the state’s governing document. But, as the state’s chief legal officer, she’s also “the one who has to review all of these (amendments) for constitutionality … before they go on the ballot,” Bondi told reporters after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
“ ‘Certificates of need’ could land on ballot” via Christine Sexton of News Service of Florida – Free-market advocates for years have tried unsuccessfully to convince the Florida Legislature to eliminate requirements for the state to approve the construction of new nursing homes and hospitals and the provision of new services such as organ transplants or pediatric open-heart surgery. Unable to get lawmakers to go along, supporters of eliminating the requirements now hope to accomplish their goal by convincing the 37 members of the Constitution Revision Commission that Florida voters should decide next year whether to repeal the so-called “certificate of need” requirements. The commission’s General Provisions Committee on Thursday will discuss a proposed constitutional amendment, filed by Commissioner Frank Kruppenbacher, that would eliminate CON requirements. The proposal would prohibit the state from limiting the number of hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, or intermediate care facilities for individuals with disabilities. As filed, the proposal wouldn’t limit the state’s ability to require certificates of need for services provided at the facilities, but Commissioner Brecht Heuchan has offered a potential change that would broaden the proposal to also include services.
“Show ’em the money? Campaign financing repeal yanked by sponsor” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – A proposal to repeal Florida’s system of public financing for statewide campaigns won’t make it into the state constitution, at least for now. Frank Kruppenbacher, the proposed amendment’s sponsor, withdrew it from consideration at Wednesday’s meeting of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission’s Ethics and Election committee. That was after representatives of progressive groups, including the League of Women Voters of Florida, uniformly opposed the idea (P 56). But Kruppenbacher, a CRC appointee of Gov. Rick Scott, said he instead will press lawmakers to think about reforming the system this year. The state spent over $4.3 million in the 2014 election cycle financing campaigns, according to records.
— STATEWIDE —
What the Governor’s Office is reading – “Florida lost 7,400 private sector jobs in November“ – The State of Florida lost 7,400 private sector jobs during the month of November, according to the ADP Regional Employment Report … Broken down by sector, Florida lost 4,200 jobs in the service industries and 3,100 jobs in goods producing industries … The select industry breakdown shows “Natural Resources/Mining and Construction” lost 4,600 jobs while “Professional and Business Services” lost 800 jobs … The report wasn’t all bad news: “Trade, Transportation and Utilities” saw a net gain of 2,100 jobs and the manufacturing industry added 1,500 … the ADP report, released monthly, uses in-house data to measure the change in regional and state nonfarm private employment each month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
“Rick Scott orders new policies for state workers on reporting, investigating sexual harassment complaints” via Alexandra Glorioso of POLITICO Florida – Scott issued an executive order that he says will protect state employees from sexual harassment by improving the reporting and investigation of complaints, and by training all new employees on dealing with the issue in the workplace. “Everyone deserves to work in an environment that is safe and free from any form of harassment,” Scott said in a statement with the executive order. “We cannot tolerate sexual harassment at all in Florida.” … “In Florida, we stand with victims and against those who mistreat others,” he said. His executive order and remarks about not tolerating sexual harassment prompted reporters to pepper Scott — following the regular Cabinet meeting — with questions about his actions in dealing with a state senator’s recent complaints against Ritch Workman, a former state legislator and Scott’s nominee for the Florida Public Service Commission. State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto accused Workman of making “vulgar and inappropriate comments and gestures” at a charity event last year.
“Scott mum on misconduct questions about appointee” via Gary Fineout of the Associated Press – “Workman did the right thing for his family,” said Scott, but when asked about his meeting said “I’m not going to comment on conversations I have with members of the Legislature.” Gwen Graham, a top Democratic nominee for governor, said “it’s outrageous and inexcusable if Governor Rick Scott knew his handpicked appointee sexually harassed a senator, yet did nothing about it. “Scott’s refusal to simply answer yes or no only compounds the outrage,” said Graham, who last week called for an overhaul of sexual harassment policies in Florida government. “On sexual harassment in any state government office, we need full transparency and zero tolerance.”
“Court records shed light on Scott administration sexual harassment settlements” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics – In one case a female Florida Department of Transportation worker was grabbed by the throat and beaten by her male supervisor. He was not fired. In another, a Department of Corrections worker was photographed fully nude by an inspector who erroneously told her photos of her naked body parts were needed to investigate an inmate complaint against her. In a third case, a female Department of Health worker was sexually harassed and later put on administrative leave. She was relocated after reporting the incident. These are snapshots of seven harassment settlements, mostly related to sexual misconduct, agreed to by Gov. Rick Scott’s administration since he took office in 2011, according to court documents obtained by Florida Politics.
“Appeals court dismisses Florida school-funding lawsuit” via Gary Fineout of the Associated Press – For eight years, education groups and parents from two counties have pursued a lawsuit that contends a lack of funding for Florida’s schools has been damaging to minorities and students from poor families. The lawsuit has maintained that state legislators were flouting a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 1998. But in its ruling, the 1st District Court of Appeal maintained that the state constitution did not contain a way for judges to determine if Florida had violated its “paramount duty” to provide for a “high quality system of free public schools.”
“Seminole Tribe now going after Jax ‘gambling parlors’ ” via Jim Rosica of Florida Politics – The Tribe has filed suit against 25 operators of what’s called “electronic gambling parlors” in the Jacksonville area. The suit says they violate its deal with the state to exclusively offer Vegas-style games … The gambling parlors “infringe upon the Tribe’s right to substantial exclusivity in the operation of casino-style gambling,” says the complaint, filed by the Tribe’s outside counsel, Barry Richard of Greenberg Traurig’s Tallahassee office … “Most of these places don’t even offer internet access,” he said in a phone interview. “The games they offer are resident on an in-house server. We’re talking (electronic) blackjack, all other kinds of games. It’s just straight-up gambling. People are betting money to win.” The Seminoles seek a court order shutting down the parlors.
“State backs land buy for Central Florida trail” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida – Gov. Scott and the state Cabinet agreed to spend $1.08 million for land that will help link to an ambitious bicycle and pedestrian trail planned to stretch across Central Florida, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The deal to acquire 35.2 acres to help complete the Shingle Creek Regional Trail – which includes areas in Kissimmee, Osceola County, Orange County and Orlando – was approved with little comment. Money to buy the land from Billie Yates, Cecil Todd Yates, Jody Ketchum-Koger, and the Derrick Koger Trust is slated to come from the state’s Florida Forever land acquisition program. The trail will serve as a north-south link to larger existing regional trails in Central Florida, including the West Orange Trail and the Pine Hills Trail Corridor, which are being put together as part of a 250-mile Coast-to-Coast Connector, envisioned as a winding course from St. Petersburg to the Canaveral National Seashore. The Department of Environmental Protection has targeted the completion of the connector for 2021, according to its website.
“Hearing postponed in black farmer marijuana case” via the News Service of Florida – A Leon County circuit judge has moved to Dec. 28 a hearing in a legal dispute about part of a new state law that calls for issuing a medical-marijuana license to a black farmer. Judge Charles Dodson was scheduled to hear arguments on a request for a temporary injunction. But an online court docket said the hearing has been rescheduled to Dec. 28. Attorneys for Columbus Smith, a black farmer from Panama City, filed a lawsuit in September challenging the law and are seeking an injunction. Smith alleges that the law is what is known as an unconstitutional “special law” because it is so narrowly drawn that only a handful of black farmers could qualify for the highly coveted license … the black farmer who receives a license would have to be a member of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association-Florida Chapter. The lawsuit said Smith meets the qualification of being part of the litigation about discrimination against black farmers. But it said he has not been allowed to join the black farmers association, effectively preventing him from receiving a license.
Happening today – State Sen. Dennis Baxley, state Rep. Stan McClain, Marion County Sheriff Chief Deputy Robert Douglas and Ocala Mayor Kent Gwinn will appear at Community Coming Together Day, hosted by the Florida Department of Corrections, Farm Share and the Florida Police Benevolent Association. The event will have free food, health care checks and employment aid from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Probation & Parole Office, 5640 SW. 6th Place, Suite 100, in Ocala.
“Sexual harassment is common, Miami Beach hotel workers say. Would panic buttons help?” via Chabeli Herrera of the Miami Herald – The tourism town, where the majority of Miami-Dade’s estimated 11,500 housekeepers and other hotel workers are employed, may soon be the nation’s next city to enact laws aimed at protecting hotel workers from assault or improper advances by hotel guests. The Miami Beach proposal is modeled after mandatory practices in other cities, including Chicago and Seattle, that arm staff with panic buttons in case there is an incident. The portable panic buttons would be connected to hotel security or management, allowing them to act quickly if a worker is harassed or assaulted. The laws also create a framework for reporting incidents, including allowing workers to contact police, prohibiting hotels from firing workers who speak out and monitoring guests who act improperly toward staff.
— ASSIGNMENT EDITORS —
“Get Ready, Florida!” conference call to examine hurricane preparedness, future readiness – Former Federal Emergency Management Agency director Craig Fugate, former state Sen. W. Lockwood (Locke) Burt, and others will take part in a media conference call as part of a new comprehensive, multifaceted campaign called “Get Ready, Florida!” Experts will discuss the “new normal” of the hurricane season that just ended, what was learned from it, and what to expect moving forward. The call, hosted by Sachs Media Group, will also announce results of a statewide poll and unveil a website that seeks to fill gaps in knowledge about hurricane preparation, as well as offer critical, life-saving information for all Floridians. Conference call begins 2 p.m. at (888) 392-4560; Access Code: 6629239.
***Nursing home care is better in states with a Certificate of Need process, because it ensures seniors have access to the right type of care where in the areas they need it most. The best way to ensure a high-quality long-term care sector that balances the need for nursing home care and home and community-based services is to preserve Florida’s Certificate of Need process. That’s why everyone who cares about Florida’s elders should reject the Constitution Revision Commission proposal to eliminate Certificate of Need in Florida.***
— OPINION —
“Chikara Parks: finding a safe school is better than waiting for one” via Florida Politics – I considered myself Campbell Park Elementary family. Not only did four of my children attend this school, but I was so actively involved in mentoring students, volunteering and attending PTA meetings that I was often mistaken for staff. So, it was a surprise to me that my daughter Tanijah was bullied as long as she was. The adults, I promised her, would keep her safe. But they hadn’t. My kids have each had great teachers at Campbell Park, so I’m not sure why they or the principals weren’t able to put a stop to the bullying after several years. I recognize that students in this community come with their own set of baggage, but good teachers and a zero-tolerance policy couldn’t end the bullying. Thankfully, I qualified for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and enrolled Tanijah at Academy Prep of St. Petersburg. Academy Prep handles bullying issues immediately. Not only do I feel like I’m finally being heard, but I also know I’ve found a place where Tanijah will be safe. I think the Hope Scholarship is an awesome idea and I hope that parents take advantage of it.
— MOVEMENTS —
“Ethics Commission dings Matt Shirk for pushing ‘Sober 101’” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – Former 4th Circuit Public Defender Shirk took a hit from the Florida Ethics Commission last week in a closed session. But despite the finding of probable cause, it won’t matter much. “The Commission accepted the recommendation of its Advocate, finding probable cause,” read a press release … the commission “also decided to take no further action on the matter, unless he requests a hearing, due to the circumstances including Mr. Shirk losing his bid for re-election.” The complaint, filed by Jacksonville’s Thomas Duffy, asserted that Shirk contacted judges and court administrators on behalf of “Sober 101,” a company offering “substance abuse services.” Sober 101 reps also attempted a pitch — in a parking garage, at Shirk’s behest — to current PD Charles Cofer, who was a judge at the time. A grand jury judged Shirk as having indulged in “reckless behavior” in office, including asking female employees to shower with him. That same grand jury recommended Shirk’s resignation.
Appointed – Chandra Hosler (reappointed), Andrea Cichon and Tiffany Bell to the Hillsborough County Civil Service Board.
News and renewed lobbying registrations:
Slater Bayliss, The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners: The Paxen Group
Nicholas Iarossi, Ashley Kalifeh, Ronald LaFace, Gerald Wester, Capital City Consulting: Applied Underwriters
Jenna Paladino, Paladino Public Affairs: Lodak Properties
David Ramba, Allison Carvajal, Sue Mullins, Evan Power, Ramba Consulting Group: Northwest Florida State College Foundation
Steve Rumsey: Pioneer Technology Group
Nancy Black Stewart: The Paxen Group
— ALOE —
“Google top searches for 2017” via YouTube – For the United States, the “2017 Year in Search” is: Hurricane Irma, Matt Lauer, Tom Petty, Super Bowl, Las Vegas Shooting, Mayweather vs. McGregor Fight, Solar Eclipse, Hurricane Harvey, Aaron Hernandez and Fidget Spinner.
“Where have the stone crabs gone? Shortage of Florida delicacy drives up prices” via Jenny Staletovich of the Miami Herald – Less than halfway through Florida’s lucrative stone crab season, traps are drying up, dealing another blow to a fishing industry still recovering from a beating delivered by a brutal Hurricane Irma. “Everybody’s feeling it,” said Walter Flores, owner of the Golden Rule Seafood in Palmetto Bay, which has been selling and serving stone crabs since 1943. Normally Flores starts taking orders for holiday crabs about now. But this year, he said, it’s first come, first serve. “We have them,” he said, “but you have to offer more money to get them. It’s almost a bidding war.” Medium claws that sold for about $19 a pound last year are now going for $26.99, he said. Large claws are pulling in $45 a pound.
Happy birthday belatedly to Dick Batchelor, Roger Chapin, Hayden Dempsey of Greenberg Traurig, and Nikki Fried. Celebrating today are Rep. David Santiago, Julie Ingoglia, Kyra Jennings, and Judge Terry Lewis.
