Jacob Ogles
Accusations that consultants sold access to Gov. Ron DeSantis through golf trips shook Florida political allegiances in 2019. Further revelations about the nature of gaining influence could now impact the Governor’s presidential campaign.
The Washington Post published details from memos issued shortly after DeSantis’ first term started. Those memos itemized how certain levels of contributions could earn lobbyists time with DeSantis or First Lady Casey DeSantis.
“I could sell golf for $50k this morning,” wrote Heather Barker, an aide to DeSantis at the time, in one of the messages.
The prospect of individuals spending specific amounts for access to DeSantis came up at the time. After the Tampa Bay Times published memos suggesting a menu of access options offered to major political donors, DeSantis denied any knowledge of such an agreement. He also cut ties at the time with Susie Wiles, who came on late to manage his 2018 gubernatorial campaign and delivered a narrow and unexpected victory.
The break at the time had wide ripples in Florida politics. Wiles also left her position at Ballard Partners. And then-President Donald Trump, closely allied with DeSantis at that point, fired her from running the Florida arm of his campaign, reportedly at DeSantis’ urging.
Wiles didn’t stay on the outs in GOP politics for long. Trump brought Wiles, who had led the Florida arm of his campaign in his own come-from-behind presidential victory in 2016, back onto the campaign for the final stretch in 2020. Trump won Florida’s electoral votes even as other swing states flipped to deliver the presidency to Democrat Joe Biden.
Now Wiles is managing Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, in which DeSantis is also seeking the presidential nomination.
The resurfacing of accusations on access sales has brought fresh scrutiny on DeSantis days ahead of the first sanctioned debate for Republicans seeking the GOP nomination.
DeSantis’ campaign brushed off the allegations.
“Despite the Washington Post’s best efforts to sensationalize standard fundraising practices, donors never have and never will dictate policy for Ron DeSantis — just ask Disney,” DeSantis spokesperson Andrew Romeo said in a statement to the Post.
But critics of DeSantis said the allegations run counter to the notion promoted by DeSantis that he will fight back against the interests of corporations.
“Like I have said, you (DeSantis) didn’t drain the swamp. You are the swamp,” tweeted Nikki Fried, Florida Democratic Party Chair.
11 comments
Ocean Joe
August 20, 2023 at 12:26 pm
We can thank a right wing Supreme Court for opening the floodgates of dark money via the Citizens United decision, and we can thank Reagan for abolishing the Fairness Doctrine back in 1987, that gave rise to Fox as well as opinion on the left that brainwashes folks.
The billionaires who support Desantis are behind him because they dont think Trump can win again, so they hedge their bets on a guy they know will protect their advantages under the tax code while telling regular Americans of working age that social security will be a thing of the past.
eva
August 20, 2023 at 2:11 pm
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Tom Arrow
August 20, 2023 at 1:04 pm
The fact that you cite something from the Washington Post, a left wing rag IMO, and a swamp comment from a Democrat Goon who probably helped populate the swamp leaves me nonplussed.
Tom
August 20, 2023 at 1:52 pm
Disgusted as I might be by politicians, and despite the fact that what they do to get cash is unfortunately legal, I’m more intrigued by your comments on Wapo – where exactly are we supposed to get information from other than ‘left wing rags’? Breitbart? Facebook? ‘right wing rags’ (which I assume exist somewhere)? The constant screaming about fake news is getting really old but I never hear of any viable alternatives.
Janis Lentz
August 20, 2023 at 7:17 pm
That’s is such an uninformed statement! The Post is a premiere newspaper—have you never heard of Woodward & Bernstein, the Watergate scandal, “All the President’s Men??? Do you live in a cave? As for the panel discussion—that’s the way it’s done—a Democrat, a Republican and the host! I smell a MAGAt here! Please educate yourself.
SteveHC
August 20, 2023 at 1:22 pm
Ron DeSantis has become one of the absolute worst continual and consistent public liars in the American political world. People who vote for him knowing this will surely get what they truly deserve from him, his cronies and sycophants should he win any more elections.
JD
August 20, 2023 at 1:25 pm
I love how people try to paint legitimate publications as “left wing rag” as being untrue.
According to every index, while WaPo is left, it’s closer to left center and it’s surely not a “rag”. It’s probably one of the few real news papers left.
My Take
August 20, 2023 at 2:17 pm
Dirtball DeSSçamtis: Fascist, For Sale.
Aren’t they all anymore?
Michael K
August 20, 2023 at 3:39 pm
Not surprised to hear that Ron is pay-to-play. Those (mostly undisclosed) donors are the ones calling the shots, from what I read.
just sayin
August 21, 2023 at 11:23 am
So funny – Trump is supposedly the biggest threat to America ever, yet all the media can talk about is DeSantis. It’s almost as if they want Biden to face Trump again.
woken all up
August 21, 2023 at 1:53 pm
If I book a golf trip with Casey can I get a hole in one?
Comments are closed.