Staff Reports
Florida reacts to Pittsburgh shooting; Democrats push gun control
Yet again, another depraved act of multiple murder was carried out on Saturday, this time in a Pittsburgh synagogue. The shooter, who killed 11 Jewish worshippers, was an avowed anti-Semite.
It did not take long for the finger-pointing to start. Some chose to blame President Donald Trump for his rhetoric, but the shooter was apparently no fan of his, reportedly stating Trump was under the control of the Jewish lobby.
Soon after it happened, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic news out of Pittsburgh. Grace and I are praying for the families and law enforcement officers involved and the Jewish community.”
Gov. Rick Scott described the killings as “an act of evil and hatred.” He ordered enhanced security at religious centers across the state.
In a tweet, Trump said “This evil anti-Semitic attack is an assault on humanity. It will take all of us working together to extract the poison of anti-Semitism from our world. We must unite to conquer hate.”
Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch of Boca Raton, a Jew who grew up in Pennsylvania, said he was “Sending love from South Florida. We are with you — today, tomorrow and every day as we work to make this madness stop.”
Deutch’s Democratic colleague, Rep. Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach said “Today, 11 lives were cut short in a synagogue where families were worshipping & celebrating life. There is no place for this kind of hatred. We must come together to denounce #anti-Semitism.”
Several other members weighed in with messages of condolences and prayers (see “Delegation” below).
Later, before all of the facts were known, the President said perhaps the tragedy could have been mitigated had people inside been armed. Four armed police officers were among those wounded on Saturday.
That might have helped bring the ongoing disagreement over gun control to the surface.
“When will opponents of common-sense gun safety work with us?” Nelson said in another tweet. “We need to get assault weapons off the streets and out of the hands of those who would do us harm.”
On Monday, Deutch and Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston co-hosted a forum of community leaders denouncing the hatred that led to Saturday’s shootings as well as a call for more gun control.
“Our houses of worship will never truly be safe until those in power challenge anti-Semitism and the rampant proliferation of guns,” said Wasserman Schultz.
Less than a week before the election, Democratic candidates are seeking support by using gun control, among other issues, as a reason to vote for them. Polls do not show the issue among the top concern of voters, but in a recent CBS Battleground Tracker poll taken in Florida (see “Newest polls” below), 62 percent say gun restrictions should be “more strict.”
Previous mass murders, including the Parkland massacre in Deutch’s district last February, have not moved the needle much. In March, Scott signed legislation, which added some additional restrictions, that the NRA sharply criticized.
Healthcare, immigration, jobs and Trump are likely to remain at the top of the issues list, but Nelson, Deutch, Frankel, Wasserman Schulz and others have one week to add gun control to the list.
Trump will visit Florida twice before Election Day
Last week came word that Trump would be visiting Southwest Florida on Halloween to hold a “Make America Great Again” rally to support Republicans up and down the ticket. Word of a second rally on November 3 began trickling out on Sunday.
The Wednesday rally is set for 7 p.m. at the Hertz Arena in Estero. Both Scott and gubernatorial nominee Ron DeSantis will join Trump.
Trump will then rally with Republicans on Saturday in Pensacola. The President is also scheduled to hold another rally the same day in Bozeman, Montana.
With the addition of another Florida stop, that makes 11 rallies the president plans to hold between now and Election Day, so this may be the last time Trump visits the Sunshine State before the midterms wrap up.
Obama to stump for Nelson; Harris spends Sunday in South Florida
While Scott and Republicans will get a double dose of the 45th President, the 44th Commander-in-Chief will work in a visit on behalf of Nelson in between. Former President Barack Obama will be in Florida on Friday to help turn out the vote for Nelson, gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum and other Democrats.
A big turnout is needed in vote-rich South Florida for the top of the ticket to defeat Scott and DeSantis. Scott won re-election over former Gov. Charlie Crist in 2014 fueled in large part by a disappointingly-low turnout in Miami-Dade and Broward County.
On Sunday, Nelson got a boost from one of his Senate colleagues. California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris, one of the party’s most visible public figures, came to South Florida to join Nelson on a visit to four African-American churches.
Harris described Nelson as a leader who speaks the truth and urged members of the congregations to vote for those who speak the truth.
“Our vote is our choice,” Harris told the congregations. “Let’s have truth-tellers who will be courageous,” she said.
Scott, Nelson continue to trade blows
A new ad from Scott dredges up a Nelson real estate deal with a Middle Eastern politician dating back to 1989. The ad, which is being broadcast on TV statewide and also digital media, describes the transaction as “Corruption: Washington Style.”
“Senator Nelson built a Washington mansion for $1.2 million bucks,” a narrator describes, “then sold it to a corrupt Middle East tycoon for $3.4 million … $2 million more than its assessed value.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
After continuous pounding from Nelson and outside groups blasting Scott’s acquisition of wealth, the Scott add fired back.
After saying “Nelson pockets $2 million,” the ad questions “Was it an illegal campaign contribution disguised as a real estate deal?”
Right on cue, Nelson again went after Scott’s acquisition of wealth during his time as Governor. He also touted a series of endorsements from the major newspapers, all of which endorsed his re-election.
Nelson and his daughter Nan Ellen voted early at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office, but in a news release announcing the photo op that took place there, Nelson first had a few things to say about his opponent.
“Scott has been booed out of campaign stops and lambasted in public over his reported many conflicts of interest and self-enrichment while in office the past eight years,” the release reads.
“Scott has multiple personal investments in corporations, partnerships, and funds that stood to benefit from his administration’s actions,” Nelson’s news release continues.
Rubio’s Hizballah sanctions bill signed into law
Last week, Trump signed a bill putting more sanctions on the terrorist group Hezbollah (also known as Hizbollah). Rubio sponsored the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act, which was co-sponsored by 39 other Senators, including Nelson.
The sanctions bill, which passed the Senate on October 11, strengthens and expands the scope of economic and financial sanctions imposed by the original Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act, which Rubio and Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen co-authored with Republican Rep. Ed Royce and Democratic Rep. Elliot Engel in 2015.
“Iranian-backed Hizballah terrorists are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, including the 241 Americans murdered in the Beirut Marine Barracks bombing on October 23, 1983, and they continue to pose grave dangers to the United States, Israel, and other allies,” Rubio said in a news release. “The Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act is another important step in strengthening international efforts to combat Hizballah’s terrorist and missile threats.”
“I thank President Trump for signing my Hizballah sanctions bill into law, and for welcoming relatives of the Beirut Marines to the White House today to honor the ultimate sacrifice that these U.S. service members made 35 years ago.”
Newest polls still show tight Senate race
With several polls yet to come, the U.S. Senate race between Nelson and Scott is tied with one week to go. The CBS Battleground Tracker poll gives each candidate 46 percent of the vote, which includes several who have already voted in the sample.
At the same time, The New York Times/Sienna survey gives Nelson a four-point margin. As of Monday, the Real Clear Politics average of polls shows Nelson with a 2.6-point advantage.
The CBS survey gives Nelson the advantage of those between 18-44, while Scott is favored by those aged 45 and above. Each is supported by more than 90 percent of their party’s voters, but Scott’s 51-38 percent advantage with independents represents a rare survey giving a Republican the lead among nonpartisan voters.
While Scott was given a 63-23 approval rating for his handling of the aftermath following Hurricane Michael, the survey also provided a glimpse into the thought process of voters.
Among all respondents, 49 percent favor Medicare for all while only 36 oppose the idea. They also said Republicans favor the wealthy over regular Floridians by a 49-19 margin.
By a 50-12 margin, respondents believe Democrats put the interest of recent immigrants ahead of long-term residents, while 74 percent believe Republicans put the well-being of citizens first with 9 percent saying the GOP puts the interests of recent immigrants first.
Recent immigrants from Mexico and Latin America have made life in Florida worse, according to 36 percent of respondents, while 26 percent believe these immigrants have made things better.
These and other responses help demonstrate what an even race looks and sounds like.
Tampa Bay delegation weighs in on shootings
Delegation members throughout the Tampa Bay region weighed in this weekend on the tragic mass shooting in Pittsburgh at the Tree of Life Synagogue that claimed the lives of 11 congregants.
The bipartisan group of federal lawmakers each shared messages on social media condemning acts of hate and anti-Semitism and calling for unity throughout the United States.
“Heartbroken to hear of the loss of life in Pennsylvania today. We are praying for their loved ones, those injured, the first responders, and the entire community impacted by this tragedy. Our country is better than such senseless acts of hate and violence,” Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist wrote on Facebook.
His colleague, Kathy Castor, shared similar sentiments, but joined the call to put an end to gun violence by “supporting the numerous pieces of common-sense legislation” in Washington.”
“Together, we can bring an end to the uniquely American slaughter of people in places of worship, movie theaters, schools and neighborhoods,” Castor wrote on Facebook along with a link to a Washington Post column urging Americans not to accept rampant mass shootings.
Republicans Gus Bilirakis and Dennis Ross also shared messages of unity and offered prayers to survivors and victims’ loved ones.
“Prayers for the repose of the souls of those who were cut down today by a despicable act of hate. May God comfort their grieving families and bring swift and severe justice to the monster who perpetrated this act,” Bilirakis wrote.
Ross attended a vigil and prayer service at the Temple Emanuel in Lakeland.
“As Americans and people of faith, we must unite in the aftermath of the tragedy in Pittsburgh this weekend. I pray for peace in our community, and for peace across the country, and that those grieving may be comforted by their brothers and sisters of ALL faiths and backgrounds,” Ross said.
New Bilirakis ad draws ire of opponent, newspaper
Bilirakis has released a new ad that has his Democratic opponent, Chris Hunter, as well as the Tampa Bay Times, crying foul. Hunter is mounting an aggressive, well-funded campaign against Bilirakis, who has represented District 12 since 2007.
In the ad, Bilirakis claims “Obama-endorsed Chris Hunter has a plan to increase power bills by $1,200 per year” and would “cut your take-home pay by almost $20,000.”
To view the ad, click on the image below:
The ad “is packed with false claims about Hunter’s stance on environmental, economic and health care to a plan and tax proposed by Hunter that don’t actually exist,” the Times said in a news story.
“They are creating a fiction to attack and engaging in fear-mongering and misleading the electorate, so Gus can perpetuate his power and hang on to the seat he inherited,” Hunter said. Bilirakis and his father, Mike, have held the seat for 36 years.
The Times further described this advertisement as “the second advertisement Bilirakis has released with blatant falsehoods.” In the previous ad, “Bilirakis explicitly took credit for a law cracking down on opioids he had no hand in crafting,” the Times added.
Hunter has raised more than $700,000 for the race and had $260,000 cash on hand as of October 17. Bilirakis has raised $1.85 million and had $391,000 remaining as of October 17.
In new gig, Ross calls for bipartisanship
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, who will become Distinguished Professor of Political Science for the American Center for Political Leadership at Southeastern University, said bipartisanship is essential to the center’s credibility.
The latest gig for the Lakeland Republican, who is retiring after three terms from Florida’s 15th Congressional District, will have him become part of a major center for the teaching of government and civics both for students and the public.
University officials and Ross said the institution would be a “nonpartisan center dedicated to research, academic programs, courses, workshops and resources that will prepare the next generation of political leaders and passionate citizens who aim to promote traditional American values and individual freedoms.”
In recent years, Ross expressed concern over the lack of understanding of government and the loss of civics and history education in public schools.
To that end, Ross is looking for Democrats to invite and share seminars to ensure the nonpartisan mission of the center.
One open invitation is to a friend, Congressman Ryan. No, not that Congressman Ryan; the other one: Tim Ryan, a Democrat representing Ohio’s 13th Congressional District who challenged House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (and may again in the new Congress).
Environmental group supporting Baer
District 18 Democratic challenger Lauren Baer has picked up the endorsement of the Environment America Action Fund (EAAF) in her race against incumbent Republican Rep. Brian Mast. EAAF is an environmental group that has historically supported Democrats in previous elections.
The group has pledged to spend more than $1 million across 10 different congressional races including Baer’s. They say they are focusing on races “where voters have a clear choice as to which candidate will best protect our environment.”
Protecting the environment is the “challenge of our time,” said Jennifer Rubiello, state director for the group’s Florida arm.
“We need to act now, as climate change brings increasingly dangerous hurricanes, sea surge and heat waves to Florida and the administration roll back clean air and water laws that were passed with broad bipartisan support,” she said.
The group claims that Baer is better suited to protect the environment than her Republican opponent Brian Mast. Mast has fought in Congress to address the state’s algae problem, but Baer says that those bills aren’t enough. She decided to launch a website dedicated to arguing that “Brian Mast is toxic.”
“Unless we vote in representatives who will provide a strong counterweight to the current administration’s agenda, anti-environmental interests will be emboldened to dismantle even more protections and set us back for decades,” Rubiello added.
CD 26 most expensive; Nelson/Scott ranks second
The most expensive House race in the country is located in Florida, while the Nelson vs. Scott Senate race is the second highest. Congressional District 26, featuring incumbent Republican Carlos Curbelo and Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, has seen $17 million spent in the expensive Miami market.
This includes the money both candidates have raised and spent as well as outside money on behalf of both candidates. Curbelo openly wondered why he has become the top target of Democrats.
Under normal circumstances the Nelson vs. Scott race would be the biggest money magnet of the cycle. In this hyper-charged climate, it only ranks second.
Topping the list is the Texas Senate race between incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and new Democratic star Robert “Beto” O’Rourke. Between the two, $110 million has been raised with O’Rourke responsible for $70 million of that.
Between Nelson and Scott, more than $96 million has been raised and $91 million spent with Scott accounting for $68 million of the money raised. According to FEC reports, Scott has personally provided $51 million.
Early voting gives optimism for all
The first week of early voting ended Sunday with a Democratic surge. While Republicans continued to hold a two-percent lead in returned mail ballots, Democrats took the lead among those going to the polls for early voting, finishing the week with a 6,000-vote margin.
On Sunday, more than 68,000 Democrats voted compared to 51,000 Republicans. A good deal of credit goes to the efforts of African-Americans to participate in what is known as Souls to the Polls.
When combined with the vote by mail figures, Republicans hold a 42-40 overall lead.
While the figures do not precisely reflect how people are voting, it does gauge intensity. It also does not show which parts of counties are returning ballots, which is important when congressional districts are included within portions of counties.
For example, in Volusia County, which makes up most of District 6, Republicans hold a combined 4,000-vote lead. Republican Michael Waltz and Democrat Nancy Soderberg are locked in a fierce race for that seat.
The majority of District 15 is made up of precincts in northeastern Hillsborough County, where Democrats currently hold a 10,000-vote advantage. Republican Ross Spano is hoping northwest Polk County, where the GOP currently holds a 4,500-vote advantage, will help him stave off the challenge of Kristen Carlson.
In District 26, Monroe County is giving a 1,000-ballot edge to Republicans, which would help Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo in his race against Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Miami-Dade, which contains part of District 26 and all of District 27, is showing a 22,000-vote Democratic advantage through Sunday.
Both Curbelo and District 27 nominee Maria Salazar, face Democratic-leaning districts that favor Mucarsel-Powell and District 27 nominee Donna Shalala. Both districts are between two-thirds to three-fourths Hispanic and represent 12 percent, or less, of African-American voters.
Another unknown factor is the role of nonparty affiliated voters. They are making up 17 percent of the early voters, but polling is showing them favoring Democrats by varying margins.
We will simply have to wait for another week to find out.
On this day in the headlines
October 30, 1998 — The Shuttle Discovery blasted off from Cape Canaveral carrying the oldest person ever to go into outer space. Former NASA astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn and six crewmates headed into orbit in front of 250,000 spectators that included President Bill Clinton.
Shortly after reaching orbit, Glenn unstrapped himself and radioed down the same words he spoke when he became the first American to orbit the earth in 1962. The 77-year-old Glenn told Mission Control in Houston “I don’t know what happens down the line, but today is beautiful.”
October 30, 2015 — Wisconsin Republican Rep. Paul Ryan became Speaker of the House succeeding John Boehner who retired from Congress. Ryan collected 200 votes to thwart Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California as well as Daniel Webster of Clermont.
Webster expressed satisfaction that a new speaker was in place, but “I had hoped it would be me.” The former speaker of the Florida House collected 43 votes from among the more conservative members.
