Hermine hangover: Andrew Gillum ‘unfit to lead,’ Republicans charge

unfit to lead

In Florida, responding to a hurricane is often the ultimate measure of leadership.

On Thursday, Republicans began hitting Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum on the issue, charging him with failure to lead when Hurricane Hermine struck Tallahassee in 2016.

This critique is nothing new: Days after Gillum’s surprise win in the August primary, the conservative National Review lowlighted Gillum’s quixotic response to power outages after the 2016 storm, which was slowed because Gillum refused to allow nonunion workers to help with the complex and time-consuming task of power restoration.

National outlets spotlighted this issue for a reason. It is, potentially, a damning indictment of Gillum as Mayor, although he later said he had not been told of offers of help and his utilities head admitted he didn’t accept them.

In 2016, as power restoration delays mounted, the candidate admitted that “I know we made mistakes — I can’t name them all right now — but we’re working really, really hard.”

Not a good look.

Those power outages, naturally, affected actual people. To that end, two Republican Party of Florida spots underscore the contention that Gillum is “unfit to lead.”

Each spot features a white female spokesperson in the 35- to 44-year-old age bracket, suggesting an appeal to swing voters who have yet to firm opinions about the Tallahassee Mayor as the race tightens (as per recent polling).

“After the Hurricane, we had no electricity for over a week,” one spot contends.

“Gillum refused help from workers. The trucks just sat, while people suffered. Incompetence, or extreme politics, I don’t know. But leaders are supposed to help people in tough times. And Andrew Gillum, he didn’t help us. He failed us.

The second spot raises the stakes, spotlighting a mother of a special-needs child.

“My son was diagnosed with complex autism. High temperatures typically cause health complications for children like him, that require specially licensed facilities. After the hurricane, they lost power, and should have been first-restored,” the voice-over asserted.

“Gillum turned away workers who could have restored our power,” the voice-over vowed. “It was devastating. Pure politics or bad judgment, Andrew Gillum failed us, and we’ll never forget.”

After the storm, Tallahassee officials clarified they did not “reject” offers of help from outside utilities in the wake of Hurricane Hermine, but rather just didn’t say “yes” to everyone right away.

That was because too many workers, rather than being a boon, would have presented a coordination and safety nightmare, officials suggested at a special meeting to “discuss the impacts of Hurricane Hermine and the (electricity) restoration progress.”

City utilities chief Rob McGarrah explained “it would have been very easy for us just to turn the power off to the whole system and bring in a couple of thousand people in from other utilities.

“While our focus is to get the customers back up, our No. 1 job is to do it without anyone getting hurt,” he added. “…When I bring mutual aid crews in, I’ve got to have my people with them, to help do that coordination and (give) a situational awareness to where everybody else is working.

“…If crew A doesn’t know where crew B is, and we energize a line, somebody’s going to get hurt,” he said. “It’s about what we can manage … everybody I know in our business does it that way. We’ve reached a saturation point of how many we can manage safely.”

Moreover, Gillum — perhaps limited by Tallahassee’s weak-mayor form of government — had said he was in the dark about a formal offer by Florida Power & Light to help restore power after Hermine.

“I was never aware that there was a formal offer of anything,” Gillum told Florida Politics at the time.

“I heard them list what assets they had available … (City) staff listed our assets and needs and they said that if the utilities didn’t take their offer that night, they would move them all to North Carolina to assist others. Following those reports the governor suggested they all get together and figure it out.”

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has written for FloridaPolitics.com since 2014. He is based in Northeast Florida. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


111 comments

  • Juan m cabado

    October 4, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    And your Rick Scott thief all he knows is how to use Florida to get richer while destroying our state same thing de santis will do

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 4, 2018 at 6:36 pm

      Lots of hate coming from Gillum supporters. Yet to read any comments that explain HOW Gillum implements his plan. Gillum publicly stated the increased corporate tax won’t be enough. Please tell us where Gillum comes up with the money without raising taxes?

      • Margaret Fenwick

        October 8, 2018 at 6:07 pm

        How about getting the rich to pay their fair share?

        • Nordonia Nate

          October 8, 2018 at 6:34 pm

          The top 20% pay 80% of the taxes and receive 38% of the benefits… To you, THAT is still unfair?

          IF we went to a flat-tax of 15% … no loopholes and a $15,000 income exemption, would that make you happy?

          THAT has been proposed. People like you said it penalized the low-income and middle class.

          • mouser

            October 9, 2018 at 8:33 am

            well Nordonia, if you count what is called “unearned income” which is a whole nother story of unfair, the top 20% make far more than 80% of income produced, earned or not, so they ARE paying less than their fair share.

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 8:57 am

            mouser… Two points

            Quantify/qualify your “unearned income” statement. I mean IF the top 20% paid 80% of the taxes, AND let your estimation they have a whole bunch more of unearned income that can be used… Wouldn’t they STILL pay more than their fair share…. at a higher rate? Sounds like you believe to top 20% don’t pay enough?

            Let’s look at this whole income thing related to taxes… What about the guy working for cash only? How much tax revenue is missed ?

            Interestingly, everyone is covered under the unearned income rules. Just think how many of the 80% are taking advantage of those rules.

          • The Real Jane Doe

            October 9, 2018 at 8:46 pm

            Yes, the top 20%, in other words, the super rich – think billions, paying 80% of our taxes sounds absolutely correct. Taxes are and should be paid according to income – despite what tax fraudster Trump would have law enforcement believe.

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 9:15 pm

            The real Jane Doe:

            The top 20% consists of households that earn a minimum of $200,000 … Based upon the US Census Bureau.

            Can you provide the credible source you used to post your information?

          • john hink

            October 10, 2018 at 9:21 am

            A flat tax is actually very very regressive and hurts the middle class most. It’s a terrible way to tax as it just concentrates wealth at the top which is bad. This isn’t really open for debate if you took a couple econ classes in college. Very simple math.

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 7:15 pm

            Pamela,

            Did you actually read the article you linked? You should go back and read it. Or, have someone read it to you.

      • Martina K

        October 8, 2018 at 6:34 pm

        How about legalizing cannabis?? Just look how much tax income it brought to Washington and Colorado!

        • Nordonia Nate

          October 9, 2018 at 8:42 am

          Martina K. …How about it? There are 170,000 available participants in Florida. It takes $448B to provide a $2,500 raise to all Florida teachers. HOW much cannabis must be sold at what tax rate?

          • Pamela Moldan

            October 9, 2018 at 4:35 pm

            Zero, Nate. Zero.

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 7:19 pm

            Pamela,

            In your never-ending quest to prove something… WHAT are you talking about?

            My goodness, what will you be like after Gillum loses?

        • Pamela Moldan

          October 9, 2018 at 4:09 pm

          Medical cannabis has been legal in FL for awhile now. You just have to see a doctor for the prescription and then wait for your official card then go to a dispensary.
          I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE THAT IS ABLE TO GO.

          • Pamela Moldan

            October 9, 2018 at 4:34 pm

            In fact, if you use Knox dispensary, once you’re set up, they deliver to your home for free. This is for vaping; CBD or CBD/THC hybrids. But frankly, all cannabis should be legal and let people grow their own blends and have bud, vape, and edibles available. I think ALL drugs should be decriminalized and the horror show that idiots like Scott and Pam Bondi worsened for pain suffering FL residents is enough to not recommend ANY republicans!!

      • Willie Munsey

        October 9, 2018 at 12:28 pm

        Marijuana tax ? Lol clueless

        • Pamela Moldan

          October 9, 2018 at 4:36 pm

          Right?!?! Nauseating Nate is losing it

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 7:21 pm

            Pamela,

            Losing what?

      • Pamela Moldan

        October 9, 2018 at 3:59 pm

        Lots of hate nasty nate? That was your response to a single comment. Now you will go on to criticize and lob childish “they used mean words” bs. Grow the flub up, child. It’s a big bad world and the disgraceful placement of a lying, manchild on the highest court of the land has made a laughingstock of the nation. DeSantis is just more embarrassment.

        • nordonia nate

          October 9, 2018 at 4:08 pm

          Pamela,

          The world is actually pretty good. The world YOU live in obviously isn’t. THAT is something you need to figure out how to deal with it.

          Florida weeps knowing there are people like you living here.

          • Pamela Moldan

            October 9, 2018 at 4:40 pm

            Hey Nate… go flub yourself. You are simply entertainment after YOU copped the attitude. When you have survived all I have, sanctimonious a$$holes like yourself are deserving a reckoning. Just as does our nation. You still hide behind a pseudonym so kindly stfu

          • Pamela Moldan

            October 9, 2018 at 4:41 pm

            Hey Nate… go flub yourself. You are simply entertainment after YOU copped the attitude. When you have survived all I have, sanctimonious a$$holes like yourself are deserving a reckoning. Just as does our nation. You still hide behind a pseudonym so kindly stuff it

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 7:23 pm

            Pamela,

            What do you do after Gillum loses?

    • RANDY BRIDGEMAN

      October 5, 2018 at 12:46 am

      Methinks Mr. Gillum would be better off relocating to Venezuela where he could try out his Socialist ideas helping out uncle Bobby.
      I don’t what his policies and programs to be enacted here because they would wreck our economy.
      Hoping for maximum turn out of voters who think similarly to prevent Mr. Gillum’s from being our next governor.

        • Willie Munsey

          October 9, 2018 at 12:29 pm

          Check Denmark , and Norway . They are both way above us in wages and education .

          • Kenny

            October 9, 2018 at 8:10 pm

            why check Denmark and Norway when Venezuela fits the talking point? It gets so old.

    • Buddy Cole

      October 7, 2018 at 11:43 pm

      Ron desantis refused to send aid to people effected by hurricane Sandy. He has no plan.Rick Scott raised every fee for every service from license fees to insurance fees. We have paid for all his personal trips. Republicans have controlled Florida for twenty years and it’s a disaster. Fees taxes it’s the same thing. Republicans are inveterate liars, they believe there own lies. Even made ynderoaid school workers pay in to their own pensions. Crooked dogs all of them.

      • Pamela Moldan

        October 9, 2018 at 3:27 pm

        Rick the Tick Scott made half a billion $ while governor and stashed in offshore accounts. Deny that nauseating nate

    • Dawn Daly

      October 9, 2018 at 11:34 am

      Thank you well said

  • Nordonia Nate

    October 4, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    Lots of hate coming from Gillum supporters. Yet to read any comments that explain HOW Gillum implements his plan. Gillum publicly stated the increased corporate tax won’t be enough. Please tell us where Gillum comes up with the money without raising taxes?

  • Tee Randy

    October 5, 2018 at 12:01 am

    A lot of hate from DeSandes supporters. Everyone who has experienced a hurricane knows that it is hard to please everyone with return of power. I am sick and tired ofpeople who think that they should be first in getting their power before anybody else. There have been people who have gone much longer than that. If the trucks were just sitting, that would have been the time to check with Emergency Management to find out why. From what I understand, there were safety risks involved. But noooo, people who live in certain areas believe that that when they open their mouths, everybody should jump at their command. Then when things don’t go their way,,,its a failure.
    As for as money without raising taxes, if corporate taxes are increase, hence the additional money. You ought to thank your lucky stars that your taxes were not increaded!!!!

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 5, 2018 at 12:24 am

      Tee Randy…. WHO is DeSandes?

      Tee Randy… OK, here’s the huge problem with your funding comment… You obviously have no clue what Gillum stated…

      Gillum proposes a 2.25% corporate tax increase. It would generate approx. $1B. Gillum stated it would not be enough.

      Gillum does not state how much he would need. Only $1B is not enough.

      Tee Randy… Obviously, the details are not your concern…

      • Nick

        October 8, 2018 at 4:50 pm

        That would raise corporate rates to match Georgia. So Walmart gets an extra break in Florida, but doesn’t pass it on to you. Macdonalds in Michigan is the same as Florida, you don’t get a break… You get Red Tide Rick and Big Sugar Sludge

        • Nordonia nate

          October 8, 2018 at 5:18 pm

          Nick..

          Kinda like Gillum handing out big salary increases to teachers, and Florida education stays the same. Or, like forcing $15hr. minimum wage watching people on fixed income bear the burden. Or, like the magical Gillum healthcare promise that he never delivers…

          Yeah…. Another Gillum surrogate that claims Gov. Scott controls nature… Amazing

      • The Real Jane Doe

        October 9, 2018 at 8:57 pm

        Nate, I’m just visiting so I don’t have a dog in this fight, but reading comments is always entertaining and enlightening. I’ve noticed you often feel the need to throw an insult and/or include a mocking in your responses. As if another reader posting his or her comment shouldn’t have the same right to an opinion as you. With complete kindness, I’m wondering if perhaps some Preparation H might not help in your disagreeableness.

        • Pamela Moldan

          October 10, 2018 at 12:13 am

          Thank you. Ck out floridapolitics online as it is a bs rag and he’s prob the very frustrated blogger. You are right. He is a pompous lil shit just like most repugs online. We are the MOB!!! MOB RULES, BABY!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that they are calling us that! Embrace it!! MOB!!!!! Mountain Of Blue

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 10, 2018 at 12:42 am

            Pamela,

            What are you going to do when Gillum doesn’t win?

        • Nordonia Nate

          October 10, 2018 at 12:40 am

          The Real Jane Doe… I’m wondering if you feel comfortable being a hypocrite? Wait, you must.

    • Pamela Moldan

      October 9, 2018 at 4:44 pm

      It is all misleading BS and THEY KNOW IT. I’m still trying to ID these women used in the ads. Nate may be a paid shill but he/she is also a fraud

  • Pamela Moldan

    October 5, 2018 at 8:21 am

    Anyone that thinks DeSantis would be a better Governor is deluded. They would be the same ones voting to put Rick the Tick Scott in the Senate. Need I say that one has eyes on the Presidency which is insanity. Mr Gillum is a very good man, a very good candidate, and we see right through the absolute lies Republicans are spreading.

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 5, 2018 at 9:29 am

      Pamela… Accusations and name-calling truly do not provide details to make decisions…

      Gillum has claimed he wants to raise corporate tax 2.25%. Univ. of Miami School of Business prof says it could be a bad thing for Florida..

      Gillum truly never explained that whole financing thing for his agenda, except for the Corp. tax. Gillum has claimed the $1B generated would not be enough. Gillum stated the rest of the money has to come from somewhere. The issue: HOW much is needed and from where is he going to get it?

      Gillum also stated he will give raises to teachers. So, Gillum is buying the teacher vote and claiming this will improve education. Can you help everyone understand HOW bribing teachers improves education?

      Pamela…. I have provided a couple of factually accurate examples of the Gillum agenda that are very big problems. Are you going to claim they are factually incorrect?

      As a strong Gillum supporter, can you please share the Gillum economic plan for Florida relative to what it is. How much is it going to cost. Where does he find the money. Can you also help us understand how bribing teachers improves Florida education?

      Pamela… We can make better political decisions when we discuss facts and refrain from name-calling and personal attacks.

      • Billwings2

        October 6, 2018 at 4:29 pm

        Nordonia Nate, you seem to think that taxes are the only issue effecting our state. You volley back and forth with everyone detracting from Mr. Gillum and his plan(s) but have offered nothing that would make one turn to DeSantis as an alternative. Unless we want more Trump-like leadership, ignoring the needs of the many for the needs of the few who are wealthy, we need to vote Gillum in and let’s see what he can do.

        • Nordonia Nate

          October 6, 2018 at 4:54 pm

          Billwings2…

          Actually, I asked a very simple question that the Gillum supporters refuse to answer. Like YOU, they choose to change the narrative so they do not have to answer.
          Now, YOU make the claim that my comments focus only on taxes. THAT is a shamelessly false statement on your part.

          Here is a perfect example of shifting the narrative to avoid the question.. Trump is NOT running for Florida governor. And, Trump leadership has some of the best economic stats in decades. Cannot begin to see where your disingenuous claim came from about ignoring needs as the middle class is benefiting from Trump’s economic policies…

          ONCE AGAIN… Not about Trump. Try to stay focused on Florida and avoid petty partisan rhetoric.

          The last time you people said we needed to vote for something to see what we get … The middle class was burdened with higher healthcare costs that ended up putting Republicans in control..

          Making irresponsible statements like that confirm you have no clue what Gillum’s agenda is and you’re willing to risk the people of Florida on a wish..

          • Judy

            October 8, 2018 at 8:40 pm

            🤐. SHUT UP!! The majority of people who are decent human beings rich or poor black or white are tired of arrogance from the entitled and tired of bearing all the burdens while getting bashed for centuries. Most of us never even speak up or whine. Just keep pushing on! It’s the entitled. Whether who want to run everything and win by cheating lying and bullying. SO anyone who tries to lead by those tactics will inevitably get voted out!! Like all totalitarians or wanna bed they will evaporate!! Check history if you would like to know what happens to those who want to rule, eradicate certain segments of the population while staying rich and in power. They all fall. Remember hitler and the French Revolution. Just two examples. Yeah everyone has a pay day. You pay now or you pay later. My people and most others do not feel special or entitled and have endured having a foot on our necks for centuries!! It’s over. Time to change. We don’t even complain. !! But we’re weary of your diatribe on these glorified idiots who want to rule over everyone and putting everyone but a few back in plantation mode. And guess what. Most of you that back republicans think you are immune to what they’re really doing but in truth they will even discard you !! Don’t you know you’re just as meaningless to them as the rest of us. Oh I forgot , you think you’re privileged like them. Ha ha I Bet u won’t get invited to the high end country clubs and Hob nob with those you want to vote in any time soon. WAKE UP!!! It’s past time already!!!

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 8, 2018 at 9:28 pm

            James? How come you can’t be nice? What’s all that hate get ya?

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 8, 2018 at 9:36 pm

            Judy… Telling me to “..SHUT UP..” ..is extremely nasty. Why? What does all that hate get you?

            Your post? What does it have to do with Andrew Gillum?

        • Pamela Moldan

          October 9, 2018 at 3:54 pm

          Rick the Tick Scott made half a billion $ while governor and stashed in offshore accounts. Deny that nauseating nate. But see? Nauseating is a paid shill, part of floridapolitics that published this… right? This is how they planned to shred the reputation of Mr Gillum.

        • Pamela Moldan

          October 9, 2018 at 4:50 pm

          Billwings2 thank you! I’m sure everyone won’t agree with me or my methods but I prefer my directness over Nasty Nate’s smarmy critical BS about being courteous. Fk that!!! I WAS nice. i WAS civil. For YEARS!!! Got us NOWHERE. I will be as nasty as I wish because I am old and tired and over it. Republicans started this and we will FINISH IT

          • William Carter

            October 9, 2018 at 9:31 pm

            Pamela, I share your anger with both the Republican Party and Nordonia Nate’s condescending responses. He started out attacking Gillum because the candidate cannot explain, to his approval, where monies would come from for some of his campaign promises. What he doesn’t seem to understand is, most of us are willing to give a Dem the chance rather than continue with divisive, greedy, money-grabbing, do nothing, “screw the poor”politics that the GOP has given us. I’m willing to take a chance on progressive liberal programs that can help even the playing field for more people. Not such a big gamble compared to continuing with the RepubliCon, Conservative slant that has seen the rich get richer, the middle class struggle, and the poor and aged ignored at every turn.

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 9:45 pm

            William,

            Kinda sad that you have so much anger towards those that do not share your political beliefs. Reading through your post pretty much shows quite a bit of animus and hatred.

            So, with all that anger, hatred and animus … Please explain how you could possibly give ANYONE an objective “chance” to agree with your political agenda?

            Why not be honest. IF someone, anyone does not agree with you, the only response you have is anger, hate and animus.

            With that being said…. What happens when Gillum doesn’t win? I mean, with all the anger, hate and animus… What can we expect from people like you?

      • James Young

        October 8, 2018 at 7:18 pm

        HEY Nate do you know any other song ???

        • Nordonia Nate

          October 8, 2018 at 9:23 pm

          James? How come you can’t be nice? What’s all that hate get ya?

    • Dawn Daly

      October 9, 2018 at 11:37 am

      Very good man I agree

      • Pamela Moldan

        October 9, 2018 at 4:51 pm

        Who ?

  • FLBILL

    October 5, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Desantis first gave us baby ads telling us he would do anything Papi Trump orders him to do….now he tells us he will do all the things Rick Scott did not do in 8 years, or managed to make way worse (environmental nightmare anyone?)……that is what they offer us….

  • Nordonia Nate

    October 5, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    FLBILL…. Never saw them are? Do you have links to them?

    FLBILL… WHAT “..environmental nightmare..”are you talking about? Once again, can you point to the source(s) that support your comments?

    Wondering IF we can move away from the exaggerated rhetoric and get to something tangible?

    No matter how many times I ask, the Gillum surrogates always come back with some fabricated claim.

    FLBILL…. You appear to be all over this election. Can you tell us WHERE Gillum is going to get the money he needs to execute his plan? How much will he need?

    • Billwings2

      October 6, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      Hi Nate. You don’t have to do much research to find the ads that FLBILL cited. For your viewing pleasure here is one…you can go look up the other rather than immediately thinking that Gillum Surrogates are fabricating things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1YP_zZJFXs

    • Mike F.

      October 6, 2018 at 5:58 pm

      Nordonia Nate: Are you part of the DeSantis campaign? All you write are half truths. DeSantis came out of nowhere, handpicked by daddy Trump and announced his run on Fox entertainment (it’s not news & is banned in Canada). Putnam worked for it for decades, but was screwed by Trump and his cultists. You keep referring to Gillum saying the $1B will not be enough with a raise on corporate taxes (small businesses are exempt) can you provide a link to Gillium making such a claim?

      • Nordonia Nate

        October 6, 2018 at 7:13 pm

        Mike, are you a member of the Gillum campaign? OMG!! I do not agree with Gillum and I am now accused of being a member of the DeSantis campaign.. Seriously.. Deal with the simple fact that there are Floridians that disagree with you… politically..
        OK.. more accusations about “half-truths”… the desperation is showing .. and the petty personal attacks continue.. What does all your HATE get you?

        “..Gillum has spoken of trying to join with other large states like New York to provide universal coverage in lieu of federal action, but there are few details of what that would entail, how much it would cost and where the money would come from…” 9/15/2018, 7:00am. Orlando Sentinel..

        Gillum has been pushing a 2.25% corporate income tax proposal to generate $1B in additional revenue at the risk of harming the Florida economy. Politifact gives it a half-truth. (9/14/2018). Forbes 9/4/2018 provides a less than stellar account of the outcome. 9/2/2018 CNN.. Gillum states: ..Gillum also acknowledged that a “Medicare for all” proposal would be too costly for Florida to tackle alone and that he “would work to bring a number of the larger states into a conversation around how it is together we might be able to negotiate prices and access health care to cover more people.”…. Miami Herald 9/25/2018, 1:09p does not show enthusiasm..

        Gillum wants $15/hr. minimum.. universal healthcare.. teacher’s raises.. on and on and on and on… The corp. tax hike is going to pay for how much of this agenda?

        My god .. You’re really good about whining like a child about Trump. You’re pretty good at making disingenuous accusations.. You’re pretty good and a lot of HATE…. Why aren’t you pretty good at explaining the Gillum agenda?

        Wait … let me guess .. you got another stupid comment to deflect away … Take a hike, crybaby… You exceeded what little significance you had..

        • Margaret Fenwick

          October 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm

          Nate! You need a time out! Go stand in the corner till you can play nice!
          The one constant with those of you who support Trump is that you all name and insult. Stop it!

          Best wake up! DeSantis is Trump on steroids and if you think that’s good, think again! Trump is merely a useful tool of the American oligarchs, the Koch’s, Mercers, Walton’s, et.al. We are all just fodder, cannon or otherwise. They will destroy anything that doesn’t benefit them. They’re coming for you and yours too and if we don’t vote EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN OUT, we will be living in a kleptocracy…or worse.

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 8, 2018 at 8:24 pm

            Margaret… Please refrain from making disingenuous comments simply because I do not agree with you. You are projecting way too often with your comments.

            Are you deflecting to President Trump because you can’t explain his agenda?

            Amusing… Voting every Republican out somehow creates this utopia…. Can you explain HOW that utopia will work?

        • Pamela Moldan

          October 9, 2018 at 4:57 pm

          Again Stupid Nate… nobody wants to play with you.

          • Nordonia Nate

            October 9, 2018 at 6:07 pm

            Pamela… You should explain that post?

    • Ry

      October 8, 2018 at 10:16 pm

      Taxing marijuana is where the rest of the money will come from, just like Colorado did. You really dont think teachers deserve a raise? Rick Scott made how much last year?

      • Nordonia Nate

        October 8, 2018 at 10:46 pm

        Taxing marijuana .. How much will it generate? How much of the Gillum plan will it apply against?

        Let me help… There are 170,000 qualified patients..

        Rick Scott earned his salary as the Governor of Florida. Please explain the logic to your emotional comment.

        Not certain where you believe I said that I did not want teachers to receive raises. Having children that are currently teaching in the Florida public education sector, I believe they deserve many things … including raises.

        Gillum promised all teachers $50,000 .. Consider where the money comes to pay teachers today. My kids teach in income challenged districts… Where’s that money coming from?

        I know.. Marijuana tax and 2.25% corporate tax..

    • Pamela Moldan

      October 9, 2018 at 4:54 pm

      F you Nate. You were rude and don’t get it. None of us owes YOU a gd thing and all you are doing is being insulting but you refuse to see it.
      YOU should be selling your soul to convince anyone to vote for your dope but we Floridians have suffered under the Repug regime and are not in a forgiving mood

      • Nordonia Nate

        October 9, 2018 at 6:13 pm

        Pamela,

        Not certain what point you’re trying to make being an extreme vulgar, hate monger.

        IF you are what Gillum represents, Florida is in extreme trouble.

  • FLBILL

    October 5, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    Hi Nate, but a paper, any paper in the state, and take a look at the pictures of tons of dead marine life, and canals clogged with thousands of dead fish…..you may also read what they say……sorry that the truth hurts….

  • FLBILL

    October 5, 2018 at 7:07 pm

    Maybe he can ask Trump where he got the money to put the country’s budget over 1 TRILLION DOLLARS in the red (over 1/3 more in the red than the previous budget)…..or what about asking Rick where he got the money to miraculously DOUBLE his sizable Medicare derived wealth in only 1 year…… 😉

  • Nordonia Nate

    October 5, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    FLBILL… Which papers? In the summer, one of the local news programs had an expert on discussing the red tide situation. The expert stated it was a natural phenomenon. The media reports I read per your recommendation only state the severity. They don’t assign blame. NOW, I did see some political ads blaming Scott..

    There have been reports of the aftermath of the last hurricane created some of the problem. Additionally, faulty septic tanks and farm runoff.. And, the unusually high amounts of rain this summer created higher run offs. Couple that with the warmer than average temperatures..

    I also checked with the U of F to confirm..

    Do, essentially… Red tide is a natural phenomenon. I challenge you to show how Gov. Scott controlled nature.

    Relative to the algae bloom. The high temps, the abnormally high rains caused higher levels of runoffs from cities and agriculture coupled with hurricane debris. THIS is another example of natural events. Are you claiming Gov. Scott can control nature?

    FLBILL.. Can YOU show me the articles in “any newspaper in the state” that refutes what science claims happened?

    FLBILL… Correct. The truth has that ability to turn innuendo into embarrassment. Please include articles to support your claim that have credible sources.

  • FLBILL

    October 5, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    So we call missmanagement nature now. …maybe nature eas the one that desimated the budgets of the Water Management Districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in order to destroy their efforts to protect our environment…..and that nature that keeps getting warmer after those agencies were forced to eliminate all references to esrth warming effects from all their documents, because you know, nature will act as we tell her……..4 more years with Rick, and we would not need air conditioners in Florida, eh?…….Yes, let’s allow the polluters to pollute, because their money is helpful in politics, and let’s tie the hands of those that are charged with protecting the environment, and when the things go wrong, we can always blame nature…that nasty girl…..

  • Nordonia Nate

    October 5, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    You keep talking… I took your advice and it contradicted everything you claimed. Now, you go off on some global warming rant ????

    Why not show the credible reference to support your claim the warm weather in Florida in 2018 is traced to global warming…?

    You certainly have quite a few opinions … Unfortunately, you never include any credible source to back it up… Why?

    Essentially, you sound like a disgruntled person that doesn’t think much of Gov. Scott. Whoopee..

    How come you people got so much hatred and no facts? Do you believe just making unsubstantiated claims make you believable?

  • FLBILL

    October 5, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    Just today, there was a brand new video uploaded to Twitter that shows all I said. You can find links and articles CDC about it in any FL paper….Orlandi sentinel, a Miami herald, etc. Go take a look at green, red and dead things, and hear who they blame…..give you a hint….is not nature….

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 5, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      Let me guess… A political ad…

      Red tide is a natural phenomenon based upon scientific evidence.

      FLBILL… Political announcements are not credible sources..

      Bless your heart

      • Bret S johnson

        October 6, 2018 at 8:27 pm

        You are absolutely correct that red tide is natural and that it happens every year to one extent or another. But the IRL, st Lucie and west coast blue green algae blooms largely controlled by watershed management decisions are a very complex topic to discuss and expecting someone to give you a good detailed explanation on here while also discussing several other topics is unlikely. Id be happen to discuss this one issue further and how one could see that the current Scott administration has made little effort to improve the situation or even show any real concern about the matter.

        • Nordonia Nate

          October 6, 2018 at 8:40 pm

          Which part? The septic tank overflows? The agriculture runoff? The hurricane debris? The higher than average rain and heat?

          It’s a little more than Gov. Scott. Everyone could do a little more, don’t you think?

      • Pamela Moldan

        October 7, 2018 at 8:52 am

        Nauseating Nate who doesn’t have the nerve to out his REAL NAME OUT THERE AS HE IS A SNIVELING COWARD HIDING BEHIND A MASSIVE STINKING PILE OF DELUSION, you insist this is NATURE? “Relative to the algae bloom. The high temps, the abnormally high rains caused higher levels of runoffs from cities and agriculture coupled with hurricane debris. THIS is another example of natural events.“ Keep on with your BS; the ONLY CREDIBLE RESOURCE RE RED TIDE & toxic algae is The Mote Marine. Find the facts for yourself you lazy liar. And until you name yourself, kindly stfu.

        • Nordonia Nate

          October 7, 2018 at 9:12 am

          Pamela…. WHY the unprovoked personal attack? I do not share your political beliefs, therefore you find it necessary to issue a hate-filled rant?

          Pamela… You ignorantly attacked my comments relative to the algae bloom. You used insulting language. I actually DID go to the Mote exhibit and actually DID review their piece on red tide. Unlike YOU, I ALSO researched SEVERAL other expert resources.

          Pamela… Typically when somehow makes the concerted effort like YOU to use abusive, exteme profanity to try and make their point, they typically do not have a point and choose to bully their point.

          Pamela… What does all this HATE get you. IF you are representative of what Gillum stands for, there’s no way the people of Florida should put him in any kind of political office. Vulgar, profane, hate-filled people like you never help, you always get in the way.. I wish I could feel pity for you, but it would only elicit another vulgar, profane personal attack from you.

  • FLBILL

    October 5, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    Happy Tweeting! 😉

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 5, 2018 at 9:10 pm

      Tweeting?

  • FLBILL

    October 5, 2018 at 9:46 pm

    You mean announcements like Rick announcing that now he believes healthcare is a “right” (WOW), after denying Medicaid expansion to 800,000 Floridians?…..a link to the article is below…..funny how he threw poor Pam under the bus …… 🙂

    PS. The video is in tweeter, but all FL papers gave articles snd links to it…..I am sure you will enjoy it!

    • Pamela Moldan

      October 7, 2018 at 8:57 am

      Hey… it’s me from under Nauseating Nate’s tRump bus…. see all kinds of BS stuck to their bumpers…. not a truth in the bunch.

  • Nordonia Nate

    October 5, 2018 at 10:08 pm

    FLBILL… You are just randomly dumping all sorts of stuff..

    That’s all you’re doing… Gillum is like you.. Lots of random thoughts with no substance.. Great. You don’t like Rick Scott. So what.

  • Pamela Moldan

    October 6, 2018 at 8:00 am

    Nauseating Nate: obviously you think you control this comment feed so it is useless to comment. Haters gonna hate. It is very simple even for a simpleton like yourself. It is Repugs against Demorats and it will forever be this eay thanks to Newt Gingrich and his beastiality evil ways.
    I see an incredible amount of hidden racism here and you do nothing at all to change that. No republicans will be supported by any woman with a working brain. Period. No need to reply, I’m done with the likes of you.

  • Nordonia Nate

    October 6, 2018 at 8:29 am

    FLBILL… And NOW you resort to unprovoked petty name-calling.. Obviously YOU are incapable of articulating your point maturely, so you believe petty, personal attacks somehow give you credibility.

    FLBILL… Attempting to intimidate with hate and personal attacks pretty much shows you truly have nothing to help the people of Florida, or this country. Please continue posting your threats… Your hate… Your ignorance. People need to see What you stand for.

  • Pamela Moldan

    October 7, 2018 at 8:59 am

    Interesting… nauseating nate MUST be controlling something as none of my latest posts have posted here. Come to play Nauseating Nate?

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 8, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Pamela…. YOU really should be careful of your unsubstantiated claims.. You should check with the site admin about your posts before you accuse.

      Tread lightly with your false claims

  • FLVoter

    October 7, 2018 at 6:34 pm

    1 week to restore power is actually pretty good. The typical wait period for power restoration after a major storm (Katrina, Wilma, Ike, Rita) is 2 weeks. Also, we live in Florida and the people in these ads look like they can afford a generator, so give us a break already with the emergency response nonsense. Furthermore, when you have a govt structure like Tallahassee does, no consolidation between city and county govt it complicates situations like emergency relief even more. Let’s try to ignore the political ads as a source of information and do our diligence as voters to learn about who our candidates are.

    • Dianne

      October 10, 2018 at 11:50 am

      I agree.
      If you have someone who has a family member with a health issue do your due diligence and either evacuate and/or purchase a generator.
      I’m sure they had enough warning do do both.
      If you chose to stay, it’s on you!

      Also, didn’t Scott have some nursing home people die as a result on no one responding to their repeated calls for assistance?

  • Stephen Jones

    October 7, 2018 at 10:18 pm

    Lovely white ladies complaining they weren’t treated like queens. They were clearly inconvenienced. The rest of the comments seem to be about taxes so you know where that comes from. Taxes are totally evil. We should pay no taxes and everyone can provide their own rescue efforts, roads, cops, school etc. Sucks to have to pay for a fire department when your house never burns down, or schools after your kids have grown up, or fixing bridges and roads that you don’t even drive on. But the worst, the very worst, the worst of all (that’s like a super superlative) is having somebody get a meal or medical care or anything for that matter, on your dime. All through the night I, Me, Mine, I, Me, Mine, I, Me, Mine.

    • nordonia nate

      October 8, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      “.. lovely white ladies..”??? Interesting choice of words..

      Actually, many people complain about taxes, but not seeing anywhere anyone saying there should be no taxes… I mean, it’s great that you mention all these items supported by taxes … Your point?

      Gillum wants to raise corp tax by 2.25% to guarantee Florida teachers have a $50,000 salary. HOW does THAT improve education? I mean, I get that Gillum wants to raise public school teachers wages, but not seeing where Gillum is helping the public school teachers to do their job? Can you? I would be interested in seeing the Gillum strategy that improves student attendance. I would be interested in your thoughts on current curriculum in the Florida public schools. How does Gillum propose it should be updated? Your thoughts on School Boards and how they work with families and students? You’re good with the way those tax dollars are spent?

      Relative to “I, Me, Mine..” .. With the uptick in the economy overall, curious why more effort is being made towards getting students in the trades, vocational programs and technology. Florida has so many opportunities to bring all kinds of jobs … The space program offers all sorts of technology opportunities.. The aging population offers medical career opportunities.. As you have pointed out .. taxes certainly pay for quite a bit of our social benefits and are truly needed. When I review the agenda of Gillum, the salaries for teachers is a bribe… and a healthcare scheme that no one could afford …

      The issue isn’t taxes. The issue is HOW the tax revenue is spent.

      • Pamela Moldan

        October 9, 2018 at 7:09 pm

        Great comment, Kenneth! I copied part of Nasty Nate’s response to another (after he fell off his high horse) and he flamed nearly every responder and wanted us to provide facts as though this was a debate! But he sounds like the idiotic walkaway numbskulls. It is simple. It is Republicans vs Democrats. Period. We are entrenched in this unholy uncivil war. We did not ask for it. We did not want it. But it is here. Anyone whom is undecided at this point in time deserves derision. And Nutty Nate, threatening ME?! I’m no stalker. And if I WAS, you wouldn’t even register. You’re still hiding behind a pseudonym so cut the bull.

  • Pamela Moldan

    October 8, 2018 at 8:58 am

    Oh… of course… this “blog” is a Republican blog. No wonder Nauseating Nate is such a blustering hog. All HE can do is criticize any Democrat while offering nothing that the Repugs haven’t already done with their misinformation and sheer lies.

  • Nordonia Nate

    October 8, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Pamela… You continue to embarrass yourself by making unprovoked personal attacks against any who do not agree with you.

    Pamela… Rational, mature people try to communicate through civilized dialogue. Rational people do not resort to name-calling, use outrageously vulgar profanity or make disingenuous accusations.

    IF Pamela Moldan is representative of the Gillum supporter base… I am hoping the decent people of Florida recognize the quality of character of the Gillum supporter. THIS is certainly NOT what should be leading Florida.

    • Pamela Moldan

      October 10, 2018 at 12:22 am

      And you are?!? Pffft what a joke
      my work here is done. Everyone can plainly see it all. Thank you, Nutsack Nate… it’s been fun

  • Kenneth Ringwood

    October 8, 2018 at 11:54 am

    Im so sorry that You cannot afford a small Home Generator in case of Power Outages.Your an Unfit Mother for sure.If my Child had a Heat Related impact to his/her Health I would be sure to have one.Its so sad that you point the finger at an excellent candidate for Governor dismissing the true facts instead stating fiction as nothing stated is true while Gov Scott gave clean up jobs to Private Contractors not accepting assistance from the Government.You should move to Alaska,I pitty the poor child as he has no role model or future living with a Mother like yourself using Illness to blame others.Pitty Party.

  • STILL Pamela Moldan

    October 9, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    Hey don’t bother. Look up who owns/runs florida politics blog and how it started. I give a rats ass whether you like me or not. Smug holier than thou sanctimonious persons like yourself need to grow up. It’s a big bad world and rancid Republicans led by Newt Gingrich told Republicans not to cooperate, not to socialize with, and ansolutely no bipartisian anything. So check yourself, jerk, still hiding behind a fake name. YOU, clown, deserve no respect!!

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 9, 2018 at 3:44 pm

      Pamela, being an abusive bully posting hate certainly does identify your anger issues. Purposely directing your hate towards me identifies you as a threatening stalker.

      IF you are representative of the people who support Gillum, YOU are the very reason Gillum should never hold political office.

  • Pamela Moldan

    October 9, 2018 at 7:14 pm

    I’ll bid adieu with this: “Now remember, things look bad and it looks like you’re not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean. I mean plumb, mad-dog mean. ‘Cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live nor win. That’s just the way it is. “
    -Josie Wales

  • William Carter

    October 9, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    Spare me the analysis, Nate, you are not qualified. Let’s try getting back to the original discussion. You are challenging anyone who thinks that Gillum could possibly provide change to the current state of Fla. politics. You haven’t stated where you stand and supported your stance. Rather than lecturing on how others should comment how about sharing with us your take on the gubernatorial and Senate races and who do you think will do the better job for Fla.

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 10, 2018 at 12:36 am

      William,

      Not qualified? Why are you immediately defensive? Who are you to determine anyone’s qualifications? Why would you even start a communication with a confrontational opening?

      Actually, your comment regarding Gillum is patently false. From the start, I asked a simple question: How will Gillum finance and implement his agenda? Not certain where you get idea Gillum is changing the “current state of politics in Florida”. It looks like politics as usual. Unfortunately, going through the myriad of responses, many don’t know.

      I believe I made it quite clear that I doubt Gillum can do the job. Try going through the different threads..

      And, I would like to also add that I was certainly NOT “lecturing”. Considering the viciousness of some of the comments made in response to my posts, try and look at things objectively.

      Sorry, William.. I do not believe Gillum is worth my vote. He has an agenda he can’t define. He is quick to point and blame. Consider the teacher raise. To raise teacher’s salaries $2,500, it would cost$488M. What about schools? Curriculum? … OK, where does he get the money? Corp tax? How much does the Corp tax generate and how will it affect Florida economy? Tax cannabis? 170,000 qualified people are eligible. How much does it cost and what is tax rate? Ever consider How the insurance companies figure in? Universal healthcare for Florida? How is that paid? Gillum says partner with New York.. How? He wants to raise minimum wage to $15/hour. William, have you ever looked at places that have done that? OK, how do you think this $15/hr minimum wage works? Lots of people on fixed income in Florida.. Gillum is going to do all these wonderful eco things.. Tax the tourists?

      William… Amusing… But I’m not “qualified”…. Sorry William, I am not a hateful person like you. I will simply let you have your moment ..

  • William Carter

    October 10, 2018 at 12:47 am

    LOL…amusing yourself? Your immediate response to everyone is to demean the person commenting and then repeat your one note tune. To constantly ask of the voter how something will be paid is to ask a question that no one has the answer to. But, what we do have the answer to is that we need to give fresh new ideas a chance and all of those ideas are not going to be laid on the table before an election. So, Gillum is not worthy of your vote? Fine. Tell us who is? Take a position and tell us what your choice is going to do. Perhaps if you cut the amateur psychology and state a position then we can have discourse. Thanks for letting me have my moment. This site has turned into the Nordonia Nate show. Time for me to change the channel.

    • Nordonia Nate

      October 10, 2018 at 1:16 am

      William…

      Too funny…. “..The Nordonia Nate show..” …

      Actually, when you go through the posts… You could label it “..The anti Republican rant site..”… In the case of Pamela, it could be called the “..Pamela Moldan tries to intimidate..” or… We can switch to the “..William channel..”..

      Ya know… The whole point of asking the question of what is getting implemented and how it’s getting paid for is exactly how you find out how informed someone is…

      Take you…. You don’t give a care what is proposed, as long as it isn’t a Republican.. So, to make your amusing comment about my choice… It’s truly irrelevant… You already know it ain’t Gillum and you have already formulated your opinion. Golly, you even got to the point of being angry..

      With you, there’s no “..discourse..”…. There is only anger, hate and animus… William.. Change the channel? Who are you trying to kid? You have way too much anger, hate and animus to do that…

      Adios…. Haters like you gotta hate. Choke on all that hate, Vato.

      • Still Pamela Moldan

        October 10, 2018 at 9:13 am

        Oh Natey Natey Natey… I have to say… after finding your life history I have to say I am impressed you’ve done so well for such a YOUNG person! But you know what gave you away? We oldsters have LIVED THROUGH ALL THIS BS OUR ENTIRE LIVES and with age comes a certain wisdom that even you should be able to understand. I would support a KANGEROO before I would support a Republican. Btw… if anyone wanted to complain about being harrassed it would be me as I am using my actual name while you type away hiding behind a pseudonym. I could out all your info right now if I wanted to do so. But then ANYONE CAN RESEARCH NORDONIA NATE ONLINE…
        also I take credit for starting the Democrats EMBRACING THE LABEL “MOB RULES”!! I LOVE IT!!! I an a proud member of THE MOB!!!

        • nordonia nate

          October 10, 2018 at 10:05 am

          Pamela… ” I could out all your info right now if I wanted to do so.”

          lol … You certainly have me scared..

          What will you do when Gillum doesn’t win?

  • nordonia nate

    October 10, 2018 at 10:05 am

    Pamela… ” I could out all your info right now if I wanted to do so.”

    lol … You certainly have me scared..

    What will you do when Gillum doesn’t win?

Comments are closed.


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