Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s Thursday testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, considering the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court, unsurprisingly evoked strong reaction from Florida Democrats.
Take Florida Senate Democratic Leader-designate Audrey Gibson, who said “the nation has just witnessed the incredible testimony of a victim of sexual violence …
“Dr. Ford’s testimony was credible and convincing,” she said. “Given what we’ve learned today, there is no choice … but to pull Kavanaugh’s nomination from consideration. The fact that he is even under consideration is an affront to women’s issues that may come before the highest court in the land.”
Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic candidate for Governor Andrew Gillum said that “today we saw Dr. Ford commit an act of bravery on the most difficult stage imaginable.
“Her courage resonated with millions of women around the country and world, who deal with their abusers freely going about their lives every single day … Justice Kavanaugh should withdraw his nomination after the world heard Dr. Ford’s compelling and sworn testimony,” he said.
And Democratic Nominee for Attorney General Sean Shaw said Thursday “is a historic day for men and women all across this country.
“Victims of assault and sexual harassment deserve to be heard,” Shaw said. “Dr. Ford’s courage and bravery in coming forward should be saluted. I stand by Dr. Ford and by all victims of sexual assault. The days of silencing victims are over.
“I believe Dr. Ford. The White House should withdraw the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.”
For his part, Kavanaugh told committee members: “You may defeat me in the final vote, but you’ll never get me to quit. Never.”
Evening Reads
“Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman Schultz visit Senate to demand postponement of Brett Kavanaugh hearing” via Anthony Man of the Sun-Sentinel
“Hillary Clinton to campaign for Andrew Gillum in South Florida next month — will Donald Trump come for Ron DeSantis?” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix
“GOP’s DeSantis gets gambling money in Florida gov race, but won’t discuss gaming views” via Ana Ceballos and Melanie Payne of the Naples Daily News
“Who is Adam Corey, the man at the heart of Tallahassee’s FBI probe?” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
“Republican Party of Florida calls on Gillum to fire staffer who wore explicit shirt” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times
“Florida Chamber stands ‘firmly behind’ DeSantis for Governor” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
“AFP-Action: Gillum’s health care plan part of ‘extreme agenda’” via Danny McAuliffe of Florida Politics
“Matt Caldwell, Nikki Fried clash over guns” via Gray Rohrer of the Orlando Sentinel
“Carlos Curbelo to vote no on Speaker of the House without lawmaking changes” via Alex Daugherty of the Miami Herald
“Potential debate dates cause consternation among CD 27 candidates” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
“Marsy’s Law group launches new TV ad supporting Amendment 6” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
“After Parkland massacre, only two states passed meaningful gun control. Florida was one of them.” via The Associated Press
“Will Carlos Gimenez’s construction firm ties taint the FIU bridge collapse criminal probe?” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
“Uber will pay Florida $8.2 million as part of data breach settlement” via David Neal of the Miami Herald
“Publix to create 700 new jobs by expanding Lakeland corporate office” via Florida Trend
Quote of the Day
“Many of these people are basically socialists. Well, they make money, but they don’t want that for anybody else.” — GOP candidate for Governor Ron DeSantis, railing against billionaire Democratic donors George Soros, Tom Steyer and others.
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Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Statewide candidates and political committees face a Friday deadline for filing reports showing finance activity through Sept. 21.
The Republican Party of Florida will hold a two-day quarterly meeting that will be capped Saturday night with a “Victory Dinner.” That’s at 9 a.m., Disney’s Contemporary Resort, 4600 North World Dr., Lake Buena Vista.
The state’s Division of Emergency Management will hold a workshop about the process for citrus growers to apply for federal aid stemming from damage sustained by the industry in Hurricane Irma. That’s at 9 a.m. Dallas Townsend Center, 1085 Pratt Blvd., LaBelle.
Former state Rep. Ray Pilon, a Sarasota Republican, will hold a campaign event as he runs in Sarasota County’s House District 72. Pilon is seeking to unseat Democratic Rep. Margaret Good in the Nov. 6 election. That’s at 5:30 p.m., Extra Innings, 717 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
Looking Ahead
A memorial service will be held for former 4th District Court of Appeal Judge George Shahood, who died Sept. 12 at age 80. That’s Saturday, 11 a.m., St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 623 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart.
The Republican Party of Florida holds a “Victory Dinner” that includes gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis and U.S. Senate candidate Rick Scott. Also expected to appear are state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis; Ashley Moody, who is running for attorney general; and Matt Caldwell, who is running for agriculture commissioner. That’s Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista.
Gubernatorial candidate and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum takes part in the Miami-Dade Democratic Party’s “Blue Gala” dinner. Former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro will give a keynote address. That’s Saturday, 7 p.m., Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables.
