Danny McAuliffe
Father’s Day greetings and discussions of the Donald Trump administration’s practice of separating migrant children from their parents crowded Florida’s political Twitter feed this week, and some politicians linked the holiday to the happenings at the border.
A reminder: While most pols messaged on the holiday, this edition will only include a few dad’s day sentiments.
Gov. Rick Scott, who’s competing on the top of the ticket against Sen. Bill Nelson, is looking forward to and anticipating working with Colombia:
Colombia elected a new President today. Their elections are an example to be followed by other countries in Latin America. Colombia is a great partner of the US and the state of Florida, and I look forward to working on several issues with President-elect Ivan Duque.
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) June 17, 2018
Nelson, meanwhile, appeared in Tampa Saturday with his Republican colleague Sen. Marco Rubio:
The students @marcorubio and I nominated to our service academies are some of Florida’s best and brightest. It was a pleasure to meet with them in Tampa today and help honor their great achievements. pic.twitter.com/IIIYnTJFVQ
— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) June 16, 2018
In the race for Governor, former Congresswoman Gwen Graham shared a throwback photo of her and her father Bob Graham, a former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor:
A lot has changed over the years, but Dad's commitment to public service and Florida is timeless. #HappyFathersDay, Dad! Thank you for your love and support, for leading with integrity and respect, and for showing me what it means to always work for the people of Florida. 💚 pic.twitter.com/pkbZ6JyxPs
— Gwen Graham (@GwenGraham) June 17, 2018
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who’s competing alongside Democratic candidates in the Governor’s race, tied the border happenings to Sunday’s holiday:
On #FathersDay I am standing with the families being inhumanely torn apart on our southern border. I demand that @ScottforFlorida — who is now asking for our vote to be our next Senator — stand up to the Trump Administration & support S. 3036, the Keeping Families Together Act.
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) June 17, 2018
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine made sure his team had a presence at a North Florida Pride celebration:
Come hang out with #TeamLevine at Pensacola Pride 🌈🌈🌈 @MayorLevine #NorthFL4Levine pic.twitter.com/DQwiRBOcDM
— MeganSirjane-Samples (@MSirjaneSamples) June 16, 2018
Orlando businessman Chris King wasn’t too happy with Agriculture Commissioner and Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam’s response to the news at the border:
If you won't stand against children being ripped from their nursing mothers you do not deserve to seek public office in our state. https://t.co/G4wzidJYPD
— Chris King (@ChrisKingFL) June 16, 2018
Putnam, meanwhile, is actively rolling out endorsements from leaders in law enforcement:
As governor, I will work, support and honor these brave men and women to keep Florida’s crime rate at a historic low. I’m proud to have the endorsement of the @FOPFL. pic.twitter.com/0YIozGYDmN
— Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) June 16, 2018
In the statewide races for Cabinet, Denise Grimsley hit Southwest Florida for her campaign for Agriculture Commissioner:
https://twitter.com/denisegrimsley/status/1008053791822876672
Attorney General hopeful Sean Shaw traveled diagonally up the state:
#ontheroadagain from Tampa to Orlando then Jacksonville for a few days…#shawforflorida
— Sean Shaw (@SShawFL) June 16, 2018
Matt Caldwell, who’s running for Agriculture Commissioner, found himself in Clay County:
Congratulations to Clay County Republicans on a fantastic Flag Day Dinner! #2lanetravels #flapol pic.twitter.com/ZdfKKPJHx1
— Matt Caldwell (@mattcaldwell_fl) June 17, 2018
Attorney General candidate Ashley Moody stumped through Pinellas:
Thank you Wilna for hosting me! I loved seeing old friends and enjoyed meeting so many new supporters in Pinellas County! pic.twitter.com/AxhjkWaJrr
— Ashley Moody (@AshleyMoodyFL) June 17, 2018
Congressman Ted Deutch isn’t happy about the current state of immigration policy:
He makes the best deals. And he uses trauma inflicted on young children to make them.
Beyond infuriating.
— Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) June 17, 2018
Nor is state Rep. Margaret Good:
Our voices — the voices of decency and compassion — must be heard. We must stand up to this administration and stop the separation of young families fleeing from persecution.
— Margaret Good (@GoodforFlorida) June 18, 2018
State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith weighed in on Scott’s World Cup ad:
It's too bad that during his World Cup Spanish language ad, @FLGovScott didn't tell Latinos in their native language that he supports @realDonaldTrump and his racist policy separating Mexican parents from their children. pic.twitter.com/t0aHZgXdax
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) June 17, 2018
State Rep. Jamie Grant wants pragmatic policy at the border:
We cannot ignore the fact that people living under oppressive and brutal regimes will continue to pursue freedom. The need for economically sustainable, operational, and secure immigration policy cannot be overstated. Enacting it consistent with our principles is a must.
— James Grant (@JamesGrantFL) June 17, 2018
