A.G. Gancarski
House Speaker Daniel Perez isn’t holding back after Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized him and his Republican colleagues. But he also says he sees DeSantis as a “friend” and a “partner.”
In remarks in recent days, DeSantis blasted “petty” legislators for taking away U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody’s office space in the Florida Capitol, considering “carbon sequestration” instead of “open carry,” and overriding vetoes on local projects DeSantis nixed last year.
On Thursday, Perez had his say, saying the Governor has become “emotional” recently, but that they’ve generally had “cordial” conversations that usually “end up in some sort of agreement,” even if it’s to “disagree.”
“It’s interesting because we’ve spoken many times over the last several weeks, and every time we speak, the meetings are cordial. The conversations are cordial. Any concern that he’s had, we’ve been able to answer. We haven’t surprised him with anything. Everything he is upset about, he knows in advance,” Perez said.
The Speaker recognizes the tone change, but he’s not sure why it’s happened.
“For some reason, it seems the last week or so, the Governor has been a little more emotional and has been upset and has gone on his videos to voice his opinion in another way. He has every right to do so,” Perez said.
“I consider him a friend; I consider him a partner. But if there’s a specific question that he has that he needs an answer to, my door has always been open and I’m always open to having a conversation on any issue that he may disagree with.”
The two last talked on Monday, when the Governor gave a 20-minute speech to the Republican Party of Florida and accused Perez of being too closely linked to trial lawyer John Morgan.
Perez defended current tort bills, saying trial lawyers aren’t backing them. He also rejected DeSantis’ claim that the House is “favoring the Democrats,” saying the goal is big-tent conservatism.
“There is nothing wrong with the tent of the conservative movement growing,” Perez said.
“I believe in the conservative movement. I think that’s in the best interests of this country. President Trump believes it’s in the best interest of this country. Because there are Democrats that are starting to want to join the tent of the Republican Party, of the conservative movement, that doesn’t make us liberal. That doesn’t make us RINOs.”
Perez pointed out that DeSantis had picked career Democrats Jared Moskowitz and Dave Kerner for roles in his administration.
7 comments
ScienceBLVR
April 3, 2025 at 4:59 pm
Don’t ya love it when the Big Boys get all “Emotional” with each other? All that testosterone twirling about..
Michael K
April 3, 2025 at 7:20 pm
Maybe they will kiss and make up.
tom palmer
April 3, 2025 at 7:26 pm
Substitute emotional for political grandstanding and this is easier to understand. It is just DeSantis being DeSantis
TCofFL
April 4, 2025 at 8:49 am
If you want to lead do lead. But don’t engage in political turf wars like upending illegal immigration enforcement in FL and attempt to hand that critical issue over to the AG commissioner.
Do you think the voters in FL don’t watch understand this? Putnam V DeSantis is your answer. This is about effective policy not personalities..
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80 percent of Biden’s phone flights landed in FL. Over 360K were made so do the math.
This isn’t about a person it’s about policies affecting Floridians.
The Speaker and the Governor need to come together to do what’s best for all Floridians. The House needs to start leading like they are Republicans not establishment politicians influenced by lobbyists.
The House needs to lead on banning the dumping Stratosoheric Aerosol Injectables into FL skies. No lobbyist intervention. This is a serious non partisan issue affecting all Floridians. It’s going to destroy tourism in the former Sunshine State and is a threat to health and all people who love our climate and enjoy the beach, boating running, outdoor sports, gardening etc.
Skeptic
April 4, 2025 at 3:45 pm
“The House needs to start leading like they are Republicans not establishment politicians influenced by lobbyists.” How does this make sense? They are one and the same thing.
Skeptic
April 4, 2025 at 3:49 pm
It is sad to listen to the lame duck quack. It appears that he has no political future. None of Vance, Scott or Moody seem prepared to step aside and give him federal office. Donalds appears to be denying him first gentleman status; not clear that he could dominate his wife in that role in any event. No obvious talent for law, so the federal and state Supreme Courts are out. No obvious interpersonal skills, so lobbyist is a long shot. I don’t think any county or municipalities elect dog-catchers any more, so effective career counseling must be tough.
Sun
April 6, 2025 at 5:49 pm
Left field and foulness stinks…all people get these days is ripped off
And now complaining about their time to lose
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