Peter Schorsch
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday again hammered U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on his claims that Russian agents had hacked the election systems of “certain counties.”
Scott spoke to reporters after a Cabinet meeting.
“The only conclusion I have is: One, if he does have classified information, how did he get it? I don’t think he’s entitled to it. And two, if it’s not true, why didn’t he just say it’s not true?”
Nelson, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s cybersecurity subcommittee, has declined to elaborate. He previously told reporters that details bolstering his accusations are “classified.”
That wasn’t good enough for Scott, his GOP challenger in this year’s Senate race.
“…We’re in the middle of a primary election,” the term-limited governor said. “People are already voting … They need to know the facts. I don’t think he’s been transparent.”
But Associated Press reporter Gary Fineout soon leaned in that others in Congress also didn’t deny what Nelson has said, including his fellow U.S. senator from Florida, Republican Marco Rubio.
Fineout then pointed out that Scott’s administration did its own cybersecurity analysis following the 2016 election “that was confidential, that no one has ever seen.”
Scott responded to the first point only: “My understanding is (that) we reached out to Homeland Security and the FBI, and they said they don’t know of anything.”
Evening Reads
1. “Spending in Florida’s marquee political fights hits $129 million” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
2. “How an environmental catastrophe could decide Florida’s U.S. Senate race” via Alexander Sammon of the New Republic
3. “In bid for Governor, Ron DeSantis touts Navy Gitmo experience. But what did he do there?” via Emily Mahoney and Howard Altman
4. “Chris King, despite trailing in polls, isn’t slowing down as primary nears” via Gray Rohrer of Orlando Sentinel
5. “Conflicts of interest cloud Frank White’s Attorney General bid” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
6. “Can Democrats win these Florida congressional seats?” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix
7. “Former Florida Chief Justice challenges Amendment 8, five others as unconstitutionally bundled” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
8. “In wake of fake degree scandal, Melissa Howard withdraws from state House race” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
9. “Miami’s worst candidate releases world’s best campaign ad” via Tim Elfrink of Miami New Times
10. “SunPass investigation launched into problems; fines issues to contractor” via Noah Pransky of 10 News
11. “Florida’s orange crop is bouncing back from bugs and a hurricane” via Marvin G. Perez, Fabiana Batista, and Justina Vasquez
Quote of the Day
“I have come to the realization that the right thing to do for my community is to withdraw from the race.” — Melissa Howard, a now-former candidate for House District 73, who last week posted a photo of herself with a phony diploma after being accused of lying about getting her degree.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The State Board of Education will meet and discuss issues such as turnaround option plans for schools in DeSoto and Marion counties. After the meeting, board members will take part in a workshop focused on issues such as the Department of Education’s strategic plan and budget. That’s at 8 a.m., Renaissance Orlando Airport, 5445 Forbes Place, Orlando.
Republican candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Denise Grimsley will attend AgNet Media’s Citrus Expo and the Citrus and Agriculture Industry Celebration. That’s at 8:30 a.m., Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, and 5:30 p.m., Florida Gulf Coast University Alico Arena, 12181 FGCU Lake Parkway East, Fort Myers.
Enterprise Florida will hold one in a series of trade seminars directed toward small and medium-sized firms seeking to do business in the Dominican Republic. That’s at 9 a.m., Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 N.E. Sixth St., Pompano Beach.
Gov. Scott will join Florida manufacturers to highlight the Manufacturers Association of Florida’s endorsement of his campaign for U.S. Senate. That’s at 9:30 a.m., Florida Machine Works, 86412 Gene Lassere Blvd., Yulee; and 3:35 p.m., Eco-Glass Production Corp., 9101 NW 87th Ave., Medley.
The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC) will host a press conference to announce its endorsement of Republican Dana Young’s re-election to Senate District 18. That’s at 10 a.m., La Teresita Restaurant, 3248 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa.
Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum will campaign across South Florida: 11 a.m., AARP Miami Chapter monthly meeting, Charles Hadley Park, 1350 NW 50th St., Miami; 12:45 p.m., Kings Point Democratic Club, 7620 Nob Hill Road, Tamarac; 6 p.m., Gillum for Governor volunteer rally, 4325 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation; 8 p.m., live national Sirius XM radio interview with Joe Madison on “The Black Eagle.”
The Able Trust, which works to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, will award a grant to Easterseals Florida to help support its Hospitality Training Program of the Palm Beaches. That’s at 11 a.m., Easterseals Igoe-Amar Center, 213 South Congress Ave., West Palm Beach.
The Florida League of Mayors, in coordination with the Florida League of Cities and Leadership Forum, will hold a forum for gubernatorial candidates. That’s at 2 p.m., The Diplomat Beach Resort, 3555 South Ocean Dr., Hollywood.
