| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Good Tuesday morning. The daily rundown — Between Sunday and Monday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 11,576 (nearly 0.8 percent), to 1,488,586; active hospitalizations went up by 152 (2 percent), to 7,649; deaths rose by 159 (nearly 0.7 percent), to 23,071. Seen your video — Sen. Rick Scott decided to release a video on Monday noting his new job as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the campaign arm for Senate Republicans. Can't hardly wait — Scott, wearing his oft-donned Navy hat (usually put on when Scott was running point on disaster response work), joked about how the fellow Republicans who picked him "obviously don't like me much" because he has to raise a "gazillion dollars" to retake the U.S. Senate in 2022. He then pivoted to saying how important it is to retake the Senate because it is "vital to the success of America." All shook down — There's only one problem and this is not a joke: Scott decided to back a challenge to the election (Yes, only the Pennsylvania electors, but not Arizona's. OK, noted) over the request of Senate leadership and after rioters bent on stopping the certification process had attacked the Capitol. Now corporations — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dow and Mastercard to name a few — are shutting down (for now) their support of GOP politicians who objected to the certification of Electoral College votes for Joe Biden. Democrats and liberal groups are calling on Scott to resign from the NRSC. (A spokesman for Scott said that's not happening.) Never mind — Scott defended his decision to object to the Pennsylvania votes to The Washington Post by insisting his objection was about the election changes put in place ahead of the big day: "I'm sure everybody has different reasons for why they voted the way they did, but I want to get these election laws fixed." (Just noting again: Florida also ran its election in several ways that were not in strict compliance with existing state law. And of course, that's what the courts are for.) During a Fox News interview , Scott also predicted that Democratic "overreach" during the next two years will help the GOP win back the Senate. He said he doesn't even expect what happened a week ago will be a major factor in two years. "In '22 what people are going to focus on is what's good for their family," he told Fox. Achin' to be — Scott is considered a potential candidate for president in 2024 and his job as NRSC chairman was seen as a possible vehicle to bring him in touch with donors and others that could assist a future bid for higher office. But there's no amount of explaining that will erase that vote. The question is whether this will have real consequences for Scott and other Republicans. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to hold a press conference in The Villages. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A NEW YEAR, A NEW CONGRESS, A NEW HUDDLE: It was an ugly and heartbreaking week inside the Capitol, particularly for all of those who work on the Hill. How are lawmakers planning to move forward? How will security change? How will a new Senate majority impact the legislative agenda? With so much at stake, our new Huddle author Olivia Beavers brings you the most important news and critical insight from Capitol Hill with help from POLITICO's deeply sourced Congress team. Subscribe to Huddle, the essential guide to understanding Congress. It has never been more important. SUBSCRIBE NOW. | | | | |
|  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | FALLOUT — "Business titans pull back from GOP after Capitol insurrection," by POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt, Elena Schneider, Theodoric Meyer and Zachary Warmbrodt: The breakup between the business world and the Republican Party is rapidly accelerating in the wake of last week's deadly pro-Trump riot at the Capitol, posing a serious financial threat to the party just as it's being stripped of power in Washington. Ten major companies so far, including some of the biggest corporate givers in politics, have decided to withhold contributions to Republican lawmakers who objected to the certification of the Electoral College votes, and dozens more are stopping all of their political donations after the riot. Additional pressure — The Lincoln Project, an organization made up of current and former Republican operatives who oppose Trump, is preparing a media blitz targeting companies who bankroll the lawmakers. AT&T and Comcast, who have been called out by End Citizens United, announced Monday that they would suspend donations to the Electoral College challengers. Both companies gave more than 50 percent of their contributions to Republicans during the 2020 elections, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. "We believe that those who fund and financially support these elected Republicans should be known to the American public," Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson said. — "The Daily 202: GOP looks to win back Senate in 2022, as new NRSC chairman defends vote to reject PA results," by Washington Post's James Hohmann — "Scott says Democratic 'overreach' will help GOP win back Senate in 2022," by Fox News Paul Steinhauser | 
Butch Dill, File/AP | SCRUBBED WEBSITE — "Florida's Ashley Moody worked with group linked to Capitol insurrection," by Tampa Bay Times' Steve Contorno: "On the eve of Wednesday's uprising, the Rule of Law Defense Fund sent out robocalls urging supporters of President Donald J. Trump to join what was, by this point, an escalating movement to overturn the election by force. At 1 p.m. we will march to the Capitol building and call on Congress to stop the steal," said one message obtained by the Associated Press. 'We're hoping patriots like you will join us to continue to fight to protect the integrity of our elections.' As scrutiny of those messages intensified following Wednesday's insurrection, Moody's office scrubbed references to the Rule of Law Defense Fund from her online biography. Her website still promoted the board appointment on Thursday, according to a Tampa Bay Times review. By Monday morning, it was gone. Lauren Cassedy, a spokeswoman for Moody, said that she left the board last year and had 'no prior knowledge' of the organization's involvement in Wednesday's uprising. Cassedy declined to provide the date of her departure or an explanation for why the organization was removed from her website." Will travel — Just a little added context: Gift-disclosure forms filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics showed that Moody accepted more than $5,000 worth of travel costs from the Rule of Law Defense Fund in 2019. Moody, who was sworn into office in early 2019, had hotel, flight and transportation costs picked up for a trip billed as a summit with "Attorney General Reyes" in late March 2019. Sean Reyes is Utah's attorney general and a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. FIRST APPEARANCE — "Florida man accused in Capitol lectern theft allowed to go free on bond," by Tampa Bay Times' Dan Sullivan: "Adam Christian Johnson, the Parrish man who became one of the most prominent symbols of the riots that engulfed the U.S. Capitol last week when he was photographed carrying a lectern from the House of Representatives, was released Monday in Tampa. Johnson, a 36-year-old father of five boys, appeared in a Tampa federal courtroom Monday afternoon. After the proceeding, Johnson signed a $25,000 signature bond to secure his release. He will not have to pay any money unless he fails to appear in court. Johnson strolled out of the Sam. M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse shortly before 4 p.m., wearing a white T-shirt, flip-flops and shorts." Stating the obvious — "Speaking with reporters after the hearing, [attorney Dan] Eckhart acknowledged that the widely-seen image of his client inside the Capitol is problematic for the defense. 'I don't know how else to explain that, but yeah, that would be a problem,' Eckhart said. 'I'm not a magician, and neither is Mr. [David] Bigney. We've got a photograph of our client in what appears to be inside the federal building, inside the Capitol, with government property.'" — "'Zip tie guy' Eric Gavelek Munchel charged in connection to Capitol invasion has ties to Lee County," by Fort Myers News-Press' Bill Smith 'HIS WORDS HELPED SPARK CHAOS' — " Wasserman Schultz calls for censure of congressman who urged Trump supporters to 'start taking down names and kicking ass' just before Capitol takeover," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz wants the House to censure a colleague who told the crowd at President Donald Trump's pre-riot rally in Washington that it was 'the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass.' The crowd later descended on the Capitol for the hours-long takeover. Wasserman Schultz, a Broward/Miami-Dade County Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski, a New Jersey Democrat, introduced a resolution Monday calling for the censure of U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, by the full House. They said he incited violence against members of Congress." — "Sarasota County congressmen Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube criticize Trump impeachment push," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson | | | | KEEP UP WITH THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WITH TRANSITION PLAYBOOK: It was a dark week in American history, and a new administration will have to pick up the pieces. Transition Playbook brings you inside the last days of this crucial transfer of power, tracking the latest from President-elect Biden and his growing administration. Written for political insiders, this scoop-filled newsletter breaks big news and analyzes the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | SEEKING HELP — "Frustrated seniors at assisted living homes will get vaccines now that state has stepped in," by Sun Sentinel's Cindy Krischer Goodman and David Fleshler: "As frustration grows over the slow pace of vaccinations at assisted-living facilities, Florida has hired a Miami company with orders to get the job done by the end of the month. Miami's CDR Maguire, a private firm that has operated COVID test sites, has been tapped by the state to vaccinate as many residents as possible in about half of Florida's assisted living facilities — 1,900 — within the next 20 days. The company says it has hired 1,000 workers for the job, which it began on Monday." — " Long lines for first day of city of Jacksonville COVID-19 vaccine rollout," by Florida Times-Union's David Bauerlein — "Rep. Ramon Alexander urges Gov. DeSantis to make FAMU a community vaccine site," by Tallahassee Democrat's Byron Dobson STILL RAGING — "Florida COVID cases at record high as deaths also rise," by Associated Press' Terry Spencer and Kelli Kennedy: "Florida's coronavirus cases remain at record highs as more than 11,000 new cases were reported Monday along with 163 deaths as the rollout of the state's vaccination program continues. The Florida Department of Health reported 11,576 new cases as the seven-day average for the state is about 15,000 per day. That is about 40% higher that the previous peak of 11,000 reached in July." — "Carnival expects 2021 loss but says 2022 bookings are strong," by Associated Press' Dee-Ann Durbin — "'Uncharted waters': More NBA games off as virus issues grow," by Associated Press' Tim Reynolds | | TRAIL MIX | | FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: PEÑALOSA EXITS — Juan Peñalosa, the executive director of the Florida Democratic Party, stepped down from his position on Monday. Penalosa's eventual departure had been expected but it comes just two days after former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz was elected to a four-year term as Florida Democratic Party chair. Diaz has vowed to rebuild a party which was practically wiped out during the 2020 elections as Democrats lost congressional and legislative seats and President Donald Trump won the state's 29 electoral votes. "Today is bittersweet. After three years I am leaving the party for a new chapter which will be announced very soon. I'm confident in Florida Democrats abilities to organize their way to the victories Florida families and I wish Chair Diaz the best," Peñalosa said by text message. | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | PUSHING BACK — "Florida Democrats: No 'nexus' between Capitol riots, DeSantis protest bill," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Democrats, in a video conference with reporters on Monday, said the move was a disingenuous attempt to tie the crack down legislation to the Capitol riots. In reality, Democrats say, the proposal is aimed at cracking down on the types of mostly peaceful protests that broke out across the country in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd, a Black Minneapolis resident who died under the knee of a white cop. 'There is no nexus between the legislation we have seen filed and the sedition by those who perpetrated the violent mob acts we recently saw in D.C.,' said state Sen. Bobby Powell, a West Palm Beach Democrat and chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus. ON ALERT — "Florida monitoring calls for armed protests. 'Chatter doesn't always stay chatter,'" by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas, Jay Weaver, Ana Ceballos and David Ovalle: "The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in a statement on Monday, said it is 'aware of the information regarding possible protests and violence at state capitols.' 'FDLE and Capitol Police continue to monitor the national situation and analyze information relevant to public safety,' the statement said. 'We regularly collaborate with our federal, state and local partners to discuss and implement security measures that enhance public safety at Florida's Capitol.'" POWER PLAY — "Kelly 'regrettably' exits as public counsel amid simmering tensions," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: Public Counsel J.R. Kelly is reluctantly leaving his post as the taxpayer-funded legal opposition to Florida's influential utility industry after 13 years, a move he says regrettably comes over concerns about his ability to keep the job. Kelly has long been a thorn in the side of Florida's largest utility companies, including recent opposition to Florida Power and Light Co.'s nearly $2 billion subscription solar program. But legislation last session putting term limits on his position was the clearest sign his days were numbered. Now-Senate President Wilton Simpson was the force behind the 2020 term limits bill, a clear signal the influential member of the chamber wanted a new public counsel. Simpson has side-stepped questions about whether the bill was targeting Kelly, who openly concedes his Dec. 30 departure was not voluntary but rather over concerns about getting reappointed. "I'm regretting I will need to leave — I will leave it at that," Kelly told POLITICO in an interview. AND ZAP, A RATE HIKE COMING — FPL, merged with Gulf Power, seeks nearly $2B rate increase through 2025," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: Florida Power & Light Co. told the Public Service Commission on Monday that it will file a four-year rate increase of nearly $2 billion in March. FPL, the state's largest utility with 5.6 million customers, said in a letter to the PSC that it will seek increases of $1.1 billion in 2022 and $615 million in 2023 — with both extending through 2025. FPL merged with Gulf Power on Jan. 1 and will begin serving Gulf's North Florida customers in 2021. — "Florida lawmakers open committee hearings amid pandemic," by Associated Press' Bobby Caina Calvan — "Climate change issues discussed in Florida Senate," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | ON THE WAY OUT — "Trump adds Cuba back to the list of the states sponsoring terrorism in final move against island," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gamez Torres and McClatchy's Michael Wilner: "The United States added Cuba back to its list of states accused of sponsoring terrorism Monday in one of the Trump administration's last foreign policy decisions, a move that caps four years of escalating economic and diplomatic pressure against the island. In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Cuba's government of having 'fed, housed, and provided medical care for murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers.' In particular, he mentioned Cuba's refusal to extradite to Colombia members of the National Liberation Army guerrilla group following a terrorist attack in Bogotá and a breakdown in peace talks." LEAVE THE MANATEES OUT OF THIS — "Federal authorities investigating after manatee found with TRUMP etched in algae on its back," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Carlos R. Munoz and Jigsha Desai | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: Rush Limbaugh is 7-0 … Former state Rep. Charlie Stone … Barbara Petersen, president emeritus of the First Amendment Foundation ... Victoria Langley Heller, senior director communications and board relations at CareerSource Florida .
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