Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics.
By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson.
Please, Democratic candidates for governor, don’t make us go all “dark” again.
Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham, Chris King and Philip Levine are scheduled to take part in a gubernatorial debate in Pinellas County Saturday.
The debate will be televised by Spectrum Bay News 9 in the Tampa Bay area and Spectrum News 13 in the Orlando area. That’s at 6:30 p.m. in the Pinellas Park High School auditorium, 6305 118th Ave. North, Largo.
Now, recall that back in April we decided that SUNBURN, the state’s premier AM political newsletter, and our weekend “Takeaways from Tallahassee” newsletter, were “going dark” and not publishing.
That was a message to the four leading Democratic candidates after their last debate. Three of the four admitted they get their morning news first from The New York Times, which I noted was “a newspaper produced roughly 1,000 miles away from the Florida state line.”
And not one said they read SUNBURN, POLITICO Playbook, the Tampa Bay Times — the largest circulation newspaper in the state — or any state-centric news source.
Will the candidates finally cop to have changed their morning reading habits? We’ll see.
That’s one of the Top 5 Things to Look for in Saturday’s debate. Here are the others:
— Will anyone truly shine? April’s showing was, shall we say, lackluster.
— Why isn’t Jeff Greene showing up? He was invited, but “declined.” Has the billionaire candidate decided to forge his own way without resorting to a debate stage?
— Will there be another “Gwen and the men” moment?
— Will anyone, especially Levine, finally know what the state’s actual education budget is, and how education funding works?
Let’s hope the debate preppers have done their job this time.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@EmmanuelMacron: The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be. Because these 6 countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force
—@MarcoRubio: This “deal” with #ZTE may keep them from selling to Iran and North Korea. That’s good. But it will do nothing to keep us safe from corporate & national security espionage. That is dangerous. Now Congress will need to act to keep America safe from #China
—@MattKLewis: Marco Rubio is doing something very interesting: Instead of trying to swim upstream & stand athwart the populist zeitgeist, he’s trying to co-opt it — to stress the positive aspects, and drop the pernicious ones.
—@SpeakerRyan: Great news → The House just started debate on the largest rescission package in history. This budget-cutting tool will allow us to cut nearly $15 billion in unused and unnecessary government spending.
—@FrankSharry: This notion that a Republican only bill in the House has anything to do with actually protecting Dreamers that Trump put at risk of deportation is silly. This whole exercise isn’t about protecting Dreamers, it’s about protecting incumbent Republicans.
—@SchmitzMedia: Jeff Greene has declined to participate in this weekend’s Democratic gubernatorial debate, according to @FlaDems release.
—@AlanSuskey: [Andrew] Gillum won’t have to worry about ANY endorsements in a couple of months … maybe some days in court but that’ll be about it
—@Scott_Maxwell: During a @onePULSEorg event last night, Matthew Shepard‘s mother said she used to say she didn’t simply seek “tolerance” … she wanted acceptance. But over the past few years, she has gone back to thinking tolerance might be the best she can ever hope for. Let’s hope not.
—@JulieInJax: Pulse tragedy involved a Muslim shooter, Afghani parents, an ISIL narrative, homophobia, & LGBT victims. Lots of news angles to mine. With Parkland, the #MSD students quickly put the NRA on the defensive, (1 angle: Guns) & [Donald] Trump shifted the discussion to blame the police.
—@CortesBob: Strangest thing I heard today. Protesters in front of my office claiming I have not done anything to help #PuertoRicans here in Florida since #maria. Errrrrm. I’m at lost of words. #confused
— DAYS UNTIL —
Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in St. Petersburg — 1; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Miramar — 3; Time Warner/AT&T merger ruling — 4; 2018 FIFA World Cup begins — 6; Father’s Day — 9; Close of candidate qualifying for statewide office — 14; Florida GOP Sunshine Summit starts — 20; Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Fort Myers — 30; MLB All-Star Game — 39; Deadline for filing claim bills — 54; ‘The Race for Governor’ Republican gubernatorial debate — 54; ‘The Race for Governor’ Democratic gubernatorial debate in Miami — 55; Start of the U.S. Open — 80; Primary Election Day — 81; College Football opening weekend — 83; NFL season starts — 91; Future of Florida Forum — 110; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida U.S. Senate debate — 137; ‘Before You Vote’ Florida Governor debate — 138; General Election Day — 151; ‘Hamilton’ comes to the Straz Center — 251; 2019 Legislative Session starts — 270.
— TOP STORY —
“’You never want to run against a friend’: Patrick Murphy calls off governor’s campaign, endorses Gwen Graham” via David Smiley of the Tampa Bay Times — Murphy, a Jupiter Democrat who lost a 2016 bid to unseat Rubio in the U.S. Senate, had kindled speculation for weeks that he’d mount a late-blooming campaign for governor. He polled, raised millions in commitments and launched a media campaign with former Republican congressman David Jolly based around a call for civility and compromise in America’s increasingly polarized political world. But at a local political event in Pembroke Pines, Murphy said he decided against it. He said he raised enough money to mount a campaign but said “a combination of factors,” including a friendship with Graham born during their time together in Congress, swayed him in the opposite direction. “I did put a lot of thought into it. It was a very difficult decision. One of the toughest things that Gwen and I talked about was that personal relationship. You never want to run against a friend. That stinks,” he said. “I thought maybe bringing a Republican and Democrat together might be a unique way to actually solve problems.”
Tweet, tweet:
.@AndrewGillum's campaign on @PatrickMurphyFL not running for Florida governor and instead backing @GwenGraham
"Does it come with David Jolly's endorsement too?"
— Matt Dixon (@Mdixon55) June 7, 2018
— NELSON VS. SCOTT —
“Timing of Rick Scott’s latest Puerto Rico announcement raises questions” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida is donating 25 used Dodge Charger police cars to Puerto Rico to help the storm-battered island. That piece of news came from Gov. Scott‘s office about 45 minutes after Scott’s campaign launched a digital ad that claims that he’s “the one public official who’s actually helping” Puerto Rico recover from the effects of Hurricane Maria. The timing of the messaging sure looked curious. Asked about the juxtaposition of the two announcements, Scott spokesman McKinley Lewis said: “This isn’t about politics. This is about helping Puerto Rico during its time of need. The distribution of news releases to the media is done at the sole discretion of the communications office.”
First on #FlaPol — Pro-Rick Scott PAC names Ken Griffin national finance chair — New Republican PAC, which is working to help elect Scott to the U.S. Senate, named Griffin as national finance chair. “Like Gov. Scott, Griffin is a successful business leader and has a deep commitment to economic growth, job creation, and the future of our country. We are grateful for Mr. Griffin’s service, and we look forward to advancing our strategic independent campaign to elect an incredibly successful and accomplished Governor who will bring fresh ideas to Washington D.C.,” said New Republican Executive Director Blaise Hazelwood in a statement. Griffin, a Boca Raton native, currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. He is the CEO and founder of the investment firm Citadel and Citadel Securities, a leading global market maker.
Assignment editors — Gov. Scott will highlight job creation at a grand opening ceremony, 11 a.m., VT MAE, 2701 Langley Ave. in Pensacola. At 4:30 p.m., the governor will hold a news conference to highlight the importance of preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, Key West City Hall, 1300 White St., Key West.
— NOTES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —
First on #FlaPol — “Greene pulling votes from Graham in South Florida, pollster says” via Florida Politics — The first poll since Palm Beach billionaire Greene entered the Democratic primary for Governor may indicate trouble for Graham’s chances among South Florida Democrats. The survey, conducted by respected pollster Tom Eldon, polled Broward County and Palm Beach County Democrats and found Greene pulling 6 percent support in his home county, and 3 percent support in Broward. Overall, Miami Beach Mayor Levine leads the two-county poll with 39 percent support, followed by Tallahassee Mayor Gillum at 9, Graham at 8, Winter Park businessman King at 5 and Greene at 4. The remaining third said they were undecided. Based on those numbers, it looks like Greene’s siphoning supporters from Graham, not Levine as some Democratic onlookers primary have theorized. Of course, the landscape could change substantially if Greene were to actually start campaigning — he’s still radio silent one week after filing his paperwork.
“Adam Putnam unveils Trumpian public safety agenda focused on sanctuary cities, tougher sentences” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times — At a time when some Republicans are leading efforts to scale back harsh sentencing laws, Putnam said the state needs to double down on mandatory minimums and maximum penalties to keep Floridians safe. That idea leads Putnam’s public safety agenda, a six-part proposal that is reminiscent of the tough-on-crime promises that Trump campaigned on as a candidate. On immigration, he vowed to prevent so-called “sanctuary” cities in Florida, to work closely with the federal government to deport undocumented immigrants and to “support President Trump’s effort to secure our borders.” Regarding opioids, another focal point of the current administration, Putnam said he would crack down on those who sell fentanyl, an especially dangerous synthetic opioid. “If we’re going to keep Florida’s crime rate at a 47-year low, then we can’t backtrack,” Putnam said. “What we’re seeing unfortunately on the left is an attempt to roll back many of the very policies that made that 47-year low in the crime rate possible.”
“FEA backs Graham’s bid for Governor” via Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida – The Florida Education Association, the state’s largest teacher’s union, is backing the gubernatorial campaign of Graham, who is in a crowded primary fight, according to FEA President Joanne McCall. The group is considered one of the last bastions of Democratic support in a GOP-dominated state government, and gives big money to Democratic candidates and committees each election cycle. Graham received overwhelming support from members of the FEA, which requires the approval of two-thirds of its membership for any statewide endorsement. The group has not endorsed any primary candidates in the past few gubernatorial races, but most have not been competitive. “It is kind of unusual,” McCall said when asked about her group endorsing in a primary election. “It has been awhile since we’ve had a contested” governor’s race.
“Teachers union backing Sean Shaw for Attorney General” via Florida Politics — The Florida Education Association, the state’s largest teacher union, said the Democratic lawmaker had “proven himself a friend of public education” during the two sessions he’s represented his Tampa-based district in the Florida House. Shaw was one of a dozen House Democrats to earn top marks in the FEA’s recent “report cards” measuring legislators’ support for issues affecting public schools. “We look forward to lending our support to an individual who believes in public education and will use the office of attorney general to support strong public schools,” said McCall.
“The ouster of a top financial regulator just became a campaign issue in the race for CFO” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times – Democrat Jeremy Ring, who’s challenging incumbent Republican Jimmy Patronis for the cabinet-level position, sent out a release calling for an investigation into the departure of former OFR Commissioner Drew Breakspear. On May 31, Breakspear announced he will resign from OFR at the end of June. Ring said he wanted the investigation because of a news report that showed how Patronis called for the resignation of Breakspear — the official charged with enforcing the rules of Florida’s finance sector — after receiving complaints about Breakspear’s performance from powerful figures in that industry. “The cabinet — and the CFO in particular — have a responsibility to look out for the best interests of all Floridians, not just their rich friends,” Ring said in the release. “Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that CFO Patronis has adjusted to the corrupt business and the pay-to-play atmosphere that Rick Scott has fostered over the last seven years.”
“CD 15 primary support puts Democratic groups at odds” via Bill Rufty of Florida Politics — EMILY’s List, the progressive organization that supports women candidates for office, has recommended Kristen Carlson, Lakeland attorney and 11th-hour entrant into the Democratic primary, for Florida’s 15th Congressional District. The endorsement put two organizations that support Democratic candidates at odds with one another. At least one Democratic candidate, Greg Pilkington of Indian Lake Estates, withdrew from the race saying the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was sending aid to Andrew Learned of Valrico who had already had the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat. The Democratic Party won’t be split whoever wins the primary, Carlson said. “I certainly plan to support Andrew or Ray (Raymond Pena of Osceola County, who has not campaigned very visibly) if either should win,” she said.
“Victor Torres endorses David Richardson for CD 27” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Another member of the Florida Legislature is endorsing Democrat David Richardson is his bid for Florida’s 27th Congressional District. State Sen. Torres, who represents Senate District 15, became the latest to support Richardson’s efforts for the Democratic nomination; it brings the total number of state lawmakers backing his congressional campaign to 18. In his announcement of the endorsement, Torres focused working with his colleague to draft universal health care bill. “This year, State Representative David Richardson and I worked on a Medicare-for-All bill for the State of Florida that we believed would change the lives of millions of Floridians,” Torres said.
“Rick Tapia enters race to replace Manny Diaz in HD 103” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Cindy Polo no longer has a free path to the general election in House District 103, as Miami-Dade College professor Tapia has filed paperwork to challenge her for the Democratic nomination. The filing was first noted in a report from The News Service of Florida. Tapia has experience in local politics, serving on the Miami-Dade County Planning Advisory Board. He is a graduate of FIU and received a Master of Liberal Arts degree in government at Harvard.
“Oscar Ganem set for rematch against Richard Stark in HD 104” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Oscar Ganem is ready for round two as he has once again filed to run against incumbent House District 104 Rep. Richard Stark. The pair first faced off in 2016, with Stark easily defeating his Republican opponent 62-38 on Election Day. Ganem, who hails from Southwest Ranches, officially declared his candidacy Wednesday, with hopes this year’s election will be different. It will be a tough slog for Ganem, as Stark has had a fairly easy go in previous elections. Aside from his handy defeat of Ganem in 2016, Stark also won by more than 20 points in 2012. In 2014, the Weston Democrat ran unopposed.
“Jerry Demings says polls show he could win in August” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Orange County Sheriff Demings said his campaign’s internal polling suggests he could win the Orange County mayor’s office in the August preliminary election, a prospect that would indicate an impressive base in a contest with three major candidates. Demings made the statement as he was preparing to file his notice of resignation from the office of Orange County sheriff, a move he must make to qualify for the Aug. 28 ballot in the mayoral election. His notice indicates he would leave the sheriff’s post Dec. 4, the day the next mayor of Orange County is to be sworn in. That effectively ends his 37-year career in law enforcement whether he wins or loses the mayoral race. That action also formally opens a new election this year to be held for a new sheriff.
“Paella-gate: How the tasty dish led to a criminal campaign investigation in Miami.” via David Smiley and Joey Flechas of the Miami Herald — Over the past three weeks, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has been sniffing out the story behind thousands of dollars in food and drinks purchased by Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo from a Little Havana restaurant. Carollo paid for the food from an office discretionary-events account and his staff hand-delivered the food last month to senior centers on the eve of a special election … prosecutors want to know if Carollo purchased the food and drinks from Paella y Pa Ti with public money as part of a delectable scheme to covertly cater campaign events for Alex Diaz de la Portilla, a former state senator who was running at the time for county commission. If Carollo did, it would be a violation of state laws that prevent elected officials from using public money to finance political campaigns — and a problem both for the commissioner and the candidate.
Happening this weekend:
— OMNIPRESENT PRESIDENT —
Under Trump’s reign, local and state races across the country have had no choice but to make him a key aspect — either through supporting the commander-in-chief or opposing him — of their campaigns.
Matt Stout for The Boston Globe reported recently that across Massachusetts, “Trump has loomed large across the ballot in Massachusetts this year, permeating the dialogue and campaign messaging in races that are usually dominated by local, not federal, issues.”
The same effect is illustrated in Florida as well, it can be seen from Graham’s digital ad bashing Trump to the president’s precocious endorsement of Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis.
From a Dem: “It’s Trump 24/7, and it’s very hard for the Democrats to get through the wall of noise,” a former chair of the state party told Stout.
Local races: One Democrat challenging a Republican incumbent for a state House seat is tying him to Trump as a tactic. “He is a Trump supporter, and the public knows about it.”
Effective?: One Democratic operative posits, “If I’m running for state rep and I’m using Trump for the sake of Trump, it could have voters scratching their heads.”
— STATEWIDE —
“Slain student’s father resigns from school shooting fact-finding panel, launches ‘independent investigation’” via Marc Caputo a POLITICO Florida — Andrew Pollack abruptly resigned from a commission investigating the mass shooting because he said he wanted to spend his time campaigning for local school board candidates while conducting his own examination … Pollack said he still had “full faith” in the investigative panel, which includes two other parents of slain students. “I will be spending my time helping to elect individuals to the Broward County School Board that will ensure that our schools are safe. It is my intention to get individuals elected to our school board that will take preventive measures in keeping our schools safe,” wrote Pollack, the father of Meadow Pollack, 18, who was one of 17 people killed Feb. 14 at her school. “I will also be spending my time and resources on an independent investigation that will get to the bottom of who was responsible for the atrocities that occurred in our school on Valentine’s Day 2018, the last Valentine’s Day that I would ever spend with my daughter … It is my intention to make sure that all of the individuals and agencies that are responsible for this massacre be held legally accountable.”
“Parkland wants to replace sheriff’s commander who oversaw school shooting response” via Nicholas Nehamas of the Miami Herald — In a statement, Parkland City Manager Bob Payton said he has asked BSO to replace Capt. Jan Jordan with a commander who holds the rank of major as part of a series of changes to the way Parkland is policed. Jordan was in charge when Nikolas Cruz attacked the school on Feb. 14, killing 17 people in a span of just six minutes. Several of her deputies, most infamously the school resource officer, Scot Peterson, were unable to locate where the shooting was happening … Jordan also faced criticism from special teams of Coral Springs paramedics who were not allowed into the school to treat victims because Cruz was still on the loose, even though they had been trained to operate in active shooter situations. One Coral Springs deputy fire chief said Jordan’s command post was too crowded and chaotic to function effectively. And radio logs show Jordan focusing on ordering her deputies to set up a perimeter rather than enter the school and find Cruz or help victims. But a news release from Parkland mentions none of that.
—“Florida officials told student diversion programs often work” via Terry Spencer of The Associated Press
Happening today — The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission will meet in Broward County to discuss school-resource officers, among other topics, 8 a.m., BB&T Center, Chairman’s Club, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise.
“Pulse nightclub shooting survivors sue Orlando, its police” via The Associated Press — More than 35 victims have signed on as plaintiffs, accusing the city and its officers violated the Constitutional rights of those who were injured and killed on June 12, 2016, when Omar Mateen opened fire at Pulse. Plaintiffs contend that officers should have more aggressively confronted Mateen to prevent mass casualties. The lawsuit names Orlando Police Department Officer Adam Gruler, who worked an extra-duty shift at the nightclub that evening. The lawsuit says that Gruler “abandoned his post” and, during that time, Mateen walked in, looked around, walked out to retrieve weapons and returned to the club. Gruler fired at Mateen from two spots outside the club after the shooting began. Officials estimated Mateen fired more than 200 rounds in less than five minutes. Gruler was later hailed as a hero. He was honored by the city and invited to Trump’s State of the Union speech. The suit will also list another 30 unnamed officers, some for not capturing the shooter and others for rounding up uninjured survivors and bringing them to Orlando police headquarters for interviews.
“Water Resources Analysis Coalition tries to temper algae bloom fears” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Though multiple outlets are reporting blue-green algae sightings this week, the Water Resources Analysis Coalition (WRAC) has a message for the public. It’s not time to panic, just yet. Not all forms of algae are toxic, and it’s not yet clear whether the algae spotted by some is the same type that troubled Floridians during the bloom in 2016. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is taking samples of recent algae sightings to determine whether it is toxic. According to a DEP representative at Thursday’s meetings, no proof of toxic algae has yet been found, but testing is still ongoing.
“Supreme Court hears arguments over judge’s Facebook friendship with attorney” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics — Florida Supreme Court justices on Thursday parsed the question of how being Facebook friends with an attorney involved in a lawsuit differs from actual human interactions between judges and members of the Bar. The justices suggested the wisest course is to steer clear of the social media site — as they do themselves. “It’s fraught with danger,” Justice Barbara Pariente said. “We’re not saying judges shouldn’t be on Facebook,” attorney Maury Udell said. “Just don’t be Facebook friends with lawyers who appear in front of you … It just doesn’t look right.” The Miami attorney represents the Herssein Law Group, which wants to disqualify Circuit Judge from a dispute over attorney fees, on the ground that she was Facebook friends with Israel Reyes, an attorney representing the U.S. Automobile Association, the company on the other side of the case.
“PBA, YMCA leader left previous job for ‘moral’ indiscretions, report says” via Jorge Milian of the Palm Beach Post — Timothy Leuliette, a trustee at Palm Beach Atlantic University, has taken a leave of absence following a published report that he was forced to leave his previous job for allegedly soliciting prostitutes and downloading pornography on computers belonging to his employer. Leuliette, 68, is also board president for the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. The allegations against Leuliette were revealed by The Detroit News. Records obtained by the newspaper showed that Leuliette received a $16.7 million severance package from Visteon, an automotive electronics supplier based in Michigan, after he was pushed out as the company’s CEO in June 2015. If not for the allegations, Leuliette could have received a $61 million payout. An arbitrator, the report said, found that Leuliette’s firing was justified “based on his downloading pornography on to company computers, posting obscene messages and pictures on social media, storing obscene photographs on company devices, viewing websites concerning prostitution and soliciting prostitutes.”
—D. C. MATTERS —
“NBC News/WSJ poll: Economic satisfaction under Trump isn’t helping his party’s 2018 chances” via Mark Murray of NBC News — By a whopping 25-point margin, voters say they’re more likely to back a congressional candidate who promises to serve as a check on Trump … And by a similar margin, they say they’re less likely to vote for someone who has supported the president on most issues. At the same time, six-in-10 are satisfied with the U.S. economy, and a plurality of voters give Trump credit for the economic improvement. Despite that economic optimism, however, the poll shows that Democrats enjoy a 10-point advantage on congressional preference, with 50 percent of registered voters wanting a Democratic-controlled Congress, versus 40 percent who want a GOP-controlled one.
“Trump: DOJ must not let Debbie Wasserman Schultz, aide ‘off the hook’” via Cristiano Lima of POLITICO Florida — Trump urged the Justice Department to not let Rep. Wasserman Schultz and one of her former aides “off the hook,” suggesting the imbroglio over IT staffer Imran Awan allegedly committing fraud on a home-equity loan is “a key to much of the corruption we see today.”… “Our Justice Department must not let Awan & Debbie Wasserman Schultz off the hook,” the president tweeted. “The Democrat IT scandal is a key to much of the corruption we see today.” The remarks come amid reports Awan and his wife, Hina Alvi, are poised to strike a plea deal over the investigation into their alleged conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Trump has publicly criticized his own Justice Department over the ongoing federal probe into Russian election meddling in 2016 and Russia’s ties to his campaign while questioning why they have not more aggressively pursued alleged crimes by Democrats. “The Russian Witch Hunt Hoax continues,” Trump tweeted of the investigation last week, adding, “Should be looking at Dems corruption instead?”
“Trump breaks logjam, nominates Ariana Fajardo Orshan for South Florida prosecutor post” via Marc Caputo of POLITICO Florida — Trump’s selection of Miami-Dade Judge Orshan — recommended by Rubio and supported by Gov. Scott — looked like a done deal months ago. The White House didn’t explain the delay. She is the first woman to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Behind the scenes, Rubio’s office had to fight off opposition to Fajardo’s nomination from the Department of Justice’s No. 3 lawyer, Jesse Panuccio, who left his post as the head of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity when the Florida Senate appeared ready to scuttle his nomination largely due to questions about his honesty and the agency’s mismanagement of an unemployment contract. Fajardo’s selection was also opposed by attorneys who practice in the federal system and made much of the fact that she had no federal prosecutorial experience. One source familiar with Trump’s initial thinking about the post said he viewed the Southern District of Florida because it encompasses Palm Beach and his Mar-a-Lago resort as well as his resort in Doral in Miami-Dade County, as his second-most important district behind New York’s Southern District. “The Trump Organization is in New York,” the source said. “But Mar-a-Lago’s in the Southern District. And he wants the right person for the job.”
“Jeb Bush: ‘I can’t imagine having to attack someone to make yourself look strong’” via Max Greenwood of The Hill — Asked in an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box” whether he would consider mounting another bid for the White House, Bush said that he isn’t suited to compete in such a divisive political landscape. “I don’t know. I love policy. I love my country,” he said. “But this political environment right now I’m not suited for, to be honest with you. I’m a fish out of water. I can’t imagine having to attack someone to make yourself look strong.” Bush said that he doesn’t blame Trump for creating current political divisions in the U.S. but argued that “he’s a byproduct” of those divisions. “We have to be civil with one another. We have to embody some sort of character, I think, or this all falls apart,” Bush said on CNBC. “Politics is a mirror of our culture, and public leaders have the responsibility to fortify the culture not to make it worse.”
“Gay candidate’s ad includes same-sex kiss, aims to ‘piss off’ Trump” via The Associated Press — State Sen. Richard Madaleno aired the ad in the Washington area on the Fox News show “Fox & Friends.” It was also posted on his campaign website. The ad includes the Maryland Democrat talking about how he has stood up to Trump’s agenda by defending Planned Parenthood and supporting an assault weapons ban. Madaleno caps the 30-second ad by asking “And what’s the No. 1 way I piss off Donald Trump and the Republicans?” before kissing his husband, Mark Hodge, on the lips while sitting on their front lawn. He then says: “Take that, Trump!” To view the ad, click the image below:
“House OKs reservoir to cut Lake Okeechobee discharges; awaits Senate vote, Trump OK” via Tyler Treadway of TCPalm — The 2018 Water Resources Development Act the House approved by a 408-2 vote includes a “placeholder” for the reservoir. Once the Army Corps of Engineers signs off on the project, the placeholder will be replaced by language authorizing the reservoir. The Senate is expected to take up its version of the legislation, which also contains a placeholder for the reservoir, this summer. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved the bill in May. The bill also will have to be signed by Trump. A White House statement said the House bill “could be improved,” noting a large backlog of projects that have been authorized but not started or completed. New projects, the statement reads, “should be limited to those most likely to provide high economic or environmental returns to the nation.”
Spotted — U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster thanking Trump in an online opinion piece for Fox News: “In a victory for veterans, President Trump signed a bill into law … I co-sponsored to enable more veterans to get medical care from doctors outside the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. The VA Mission Act was designed to address problems of long waiting lists that caused unacceptable delays in veterans receiving needed health care directly from the VA.”
“Newt Gingrich talks culture wars in Palm Beach speech” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — To hear Gingrich tell it, America has a bright future just on the horizon, full of technological advances we never thought possible … if it wasn’t for those darn leftists. That was the brunt of his message Thursday as the former House Speaker spoke at the Palm Beach Republican Club during a luncheon at The Colony Hotel. “The moment we are in is among the most important in American history.” Gingrich describes the current moment as “a cultural civil war” thanks to the left’s efforts to push values that “are antithetical to a free society.”
— OPINIONS —
“Blame for Parkland killings spreads beyond Cruz” via Fred Grimm for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The community is thrashing about for others to blame and institutions to punish for the mass murder at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As if Cruz is too slight, too twisted, too pathetic to bear the full weight of our collective wrath. We need other culprits. Indeed, we’ve learned that both the FBI and the Broward Sheriff’s Office failed to pursue explicit tips that Cruz was intent on becoming a “professional school shooter.” And the school resource officer on duty that afternoon has been labeled a coward for not rushing into the building where Cruz was blasting away with his AR-15. Then there’s the retroactive blame. Back in 2013, Cruz was referred to the Broward School District’s PROMISE program, designed to divert miscreant students into alternative education classes rather than jail. That provoked critics, especially in the right-wing media, who disparaged PROMISE as an Obama-mandated coddling of potential criminals. Except it appears that Cruz never actually enrolled in PROMISE. No matter … The inherent difficulty in persuading the likes of Cruz to submit to therapy is pretty damn convenient for us citizens of Florida, whose elected representatives regard mental health funding as an inessential nuisance. So, if you’re in need of more culprits to blame for the Parkland tragedy, add our own names to the list.
— MOVEMENTS —
Appointed — Robin Schneider, Al Hernandez and Lee Maggard (each reappointed) to the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees; Garin Hoover to the New College of Florida Board of Trustees.
“Personnel note: Cameron Yarbrough joins Ramba Consulting” via Florida Politics — Yarbrough has joined the Ramba Consulting Group lobbying firm, led by David Ramba, bringing over his book of business formerly at the Gunster lobby shop. “We are excited to have Cameron join our team, blending our existing client base with his and adding his expertise to our firm,” Ramba said. “Cameron’s experience, relationships, and background all meld well with the philosophy of our firm and we look forward to continuing to grow together.” He joins Ramba Consulting as a partner, joining partner Allison Carvajal and associates Evan Power and Thomas Hobbs, rounding out their lobbying team. “I have enjoyed my time at Gunster and appreciate how my time there has led me to this new chapter,” Yarbrough said. “Ramba Consulting is known as a growing and dynamic lobbying shop, representing blue-chip clients and delivering results for their clients. I am proud and excited to join this team.”
Personnel note: Jason Rodriguez joins BayCare – Rodriguez, most recently director of external affairs for Attorney General Pam Bondi, announced on Facebook he had taken a post handling “state government relations for BayCare Health System.” The nonprofit system is headquartered in Clearwater and operates 15 hospitals in the state. Rodriguez also has been Bondi’s political director and was a campaign manager for former state Rep. Rachel Burgin. The Clearwater High School graduate got his undergraduate degree in political science from Florida State University and a law degree from Stetson University, his Facebook page says.
“ZooTampa continues makeover, tapping Southern Strategy Group for lobbying assist” via Florida Politics — With rebranding and a host of upgrades, Tampa’s former Lowry Park Zoo is now adding a power player as its voice in Tallahassee. The newly christened ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced it is bringing on governmental relations firm Southern Strategy Group as a strategic partner. SSG has a regional office in Tampa led by managing partner Seth McKeel. “We are thrilled to partner with ZooTampa at Lowry Park, a crown jewel in the City of Tampa. The Zoo is a true leader in species conservation in our state … We look forward to playing a part in ZooTampa’s mission to protect animals both locally and globally.” After an extensive and comprehensive search, ZooTampa — one of 229 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) — chose SSG to spearhead its government affairs efforts. “We are excited to welcome Southern Strategy Group as an integral partner,” said ZooTampa CEO Joe Couceiro, praising SSG for its “deep local roots and a statewide presence.”
— WEEKEND TV —
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida, along with other issues that affect the area’s citizens.
Florida This Week on Tampa Bay’s WEDU: Moderator Rob Lorei host a roundtable with guests Bill Bunting, Pasco County state GOP committeeman; legislative assistant Jason Holloway; Tampa Bay Times Government and Politics Editor Michael Van Sickler and Amy Hollyfield, Tampa Bay Times’ Politics, Metro and Business deputy editor.
In Focus with Allison Walker-Torres on Bay News 9: A discussion on summer literacy and how to keep kids reading as part of their routine throughout the school break. Joining Walker-Torres are Chancellor of Public Schools Hershel Lyons, Florida Department of Education; Wendy Feikert, Education Consultant from Capstone Publishing; Bethany Stone, youth services manager, Orange County Public Library System; and Glenda Lammers, Neighborhood Services Department, Manatee County Government.
Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando and Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete: This week’s show will discuss Decision 2018: Democratic Debate airing on Spectrum Bay News 9; the latest from Tallahassee with Spectrum News Capital Reporter Troy Kinsey; and Attorney General candidate Ryan Torrens joins in studio to discuss his campaign. PolitiFact will rate a claim made against Sen. Bill Nelson.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Host Gary Yordon speaks pollster Steve Vancore and Miami Herald reporter Mary Ellen Klas.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: This week’s guests: Vice President Mike Pence, Jamie Shelton of bestbet Jacksonville and JTA CEO Nat Ford.
This Week in South Florida on WPLG-Local10 News (ABC): Co-hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg hold a roundtable of the week’s latest political issues affecting South Florida.
— ALOE —
“Here’s your chance to see drones, submersibles and other unmanned vehicles up close in downtown Tampa” via Margie Manning of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will make a pitch for showcasing Tampa as a city on the cutting edge of technology-based solutions at the kickoff for a local chapter of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. The event, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 8 on the Ulele lawn at 1810 N. Highland Ave., will feature live demonstrations of drones, robots and autonomous cars, said Andy Wilson, president of the local AUVSI chapter and president and CEO of Tampa defense contracting firm Quiet Professionals. AUVSI, a global nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., advises and advocates for the safe and ethical use of unmanned systems, drones, driverless cars and the artificial intelligence that is behind the technology.
“It’s a Bucs life? Tampa Bay football is a Republican stronghold” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics — According to a survey distributed by FiveThirtyEight … the fanbase of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reported political affiliations that would give a 9.5 percentage point Republican lean over Democrats — a gap larger than that of any other National Football League team’s fan base favoring Republicans. That said, just six of the 32 teams in the League had fan bases favoring Republicans, and the results of the poll showed the average base for any given team gives Democrats a 6-point lean. There were 105 respondents who answered as Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars base came in with a 2.4 percent Republican lean and the Miami Dolphins fan base leans 7.7 percent more Democratic. The fan base of the San Francisco 49ers had the highest (22 percent) Democratic lean.
Welcome to the world Cora Wren Price. We’re a little behind on this as the daughter of Tara and Trey Price. Mom and baby are healthy and resting, according to Dad.
Happy birthday to two very intelligent, decent men, Chris Hand and Brad Miller, the executive director of PSTA. Early birthday wishes to two more good guys, Jay Revell (Saturday) and Nick Iarossi (Sunday). Also celebrating Saturday is former state Rep. Erik Fresen.
