Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
The latest buzz from the political chattering class is that a decision by Democrat Patrick Murphy on whether to run for governor is “imminent.”
Sources very close to him say a decision one way or the other will come sometime this week.
We also hear top Democratic consultant Ashley Walker is laying the groundwork for a Murphy bid. For example, she’s reached out to other uncommitted Democratic operatives, we’re told.
Murphy, a former congressman, already has floated a trial balloon: A bipartisan ticket with him and David Jolly, a Republican and also a former U.S. representative, as governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.
And last month, a poll showed Democratic voters would be seriously interested in such a “unity” ticket.
Is Jolly still on board? Is it all over but the shouting? Or will Murphy decide discretion is the better part of valor? Stay tuned …
— Peter Schorsch reporting.
Evening Reads
“Betsy DeVos: Donald Trump school safety panel won’t look at guns” via Michael Stratford of POLITICO
“Mitch McConnell cancels August recess” via Alayna Treene of Axios
“Heritage Foundation staffer joins Marco Rubio’s office” via Alex Daugherty of the Tampa Bay Times
“John Romano: Florida’s schools engaged in double standard of epic proportions” via the Tampa Bay Times
“This database catches fraud. Why doesn’t Walmart want to be in it?” via Lawrence Mower
“Of bump stocks, open carry, banning people from public office, and the 2018 NRA questionnaire” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“SWAT swarms home of Parkland student activist after a prank call to police” via the Miami Herald
“Traveling Pulse memorial opens in Orlando, will stay until end of June” via Sachelle Saunders of Click Orlando
“Miccosukee tribe may be on hook for over $1 billion in gambling taxes” via David Ovalle of the Miami Herald
“Navy working with Florida researchers on “mothership” drones to protest the coast” via Todd Corolla of CBS 3
“Meet the star of the women’s College World Series: FSU’s Jessica Warren” via Bob Putnam of the Tampa Bay Times
Quote of the Day
“It’s promising to see the Senate cancel its monthlong vacation and try and get some work done. Working Floridians don’t get to take the month of August off, and neither should career politicians.” — Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s canceling the chamber’s summer recess.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Republican candidate for Governor Adam Putnam will host an “Up & Adam” breakfast, to be joined by Sen. Kathleen Passidomo and Rep. Bob Rommel. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Three60 Market, 2891 Bayview Dr., Naples.
The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases, including a dispute about whether a car can legally be considered a weapon. The court convenes at 9 a.m., 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.
Aides to Gov. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Putnam and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis will meet to discuss issues in advance of a June 13 Cabinet meeting. That’s at 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.
Democratic candidate for Governor Philip Levine will be campaigning in Central Florida. An “environmental roundtable with Orlando community leaders” is at noon, 1105 Concord St., Orlando; a “gun safety and civic engagement roundtable with local leaders” is 1:30 p.m., same location; an appearance at the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans gala dinner is 6 p.m., Florida Hotel and Conference Center, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando; and he’ll be at the Hernando County Democratic Club’s monthly meeting at 7 p.m., Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill.
Putnam, as Agriculture Commissioner, will host a hurricane preparedness roundtable discussion. That’s at 2 p.m., Lee County Administration East Building, 2201 Second St., Room 118, Fort Myers.
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican, is expected to be honored during the nonprofit ArtHaus’ annual “Fun and Funky Dinner.” That’s at 5:30 p.m., Museum of Arts and Sciences, Root Hall, 352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach.
