| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx | Hello and welcome to Friday. The daily rundown — Between Wednesday and Thursday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 6,762 (0.3 percent), to 2,148,448; active hospitalizations increased by 17, to 3,275; deaths of Florida residents rose by 74 (0.1 percent), to 34,238; 7,699,875 Floridians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Upswing — So there are more and more signs that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is surging to frontrunner status in the phantom primary for 2024. Rolling — DeSantis is about to wrap up his third legislative session with one of his top priorities — an "anti-riot' bill he touted during President Donald Trump's campaign rallies last fall — just passed amid strong opposition by Democrats. (More on that below.) He's found momentum among conservatives for his response to Covid-19 and his skirmishes with the media. And now POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt details how major GOP donors are starting to flock to him. One campaign at a time — Yeah, yeah we know. DeSantis isn't officially thinking about running for president. He's focused on running for re-election in 2022. But as Alex's story details, DeSantis met with deep-pocketed donors in February in South Carolina. Megadonors are starting to give money to his political committee and fundraisers are expected to be held in New York, Arizona and Dallas in the months to come. A compliment? — Joanne Zervos, a New York City donor who spoke with DeSantis during a Republican National Committee donor gala held last weekend in Palm Beach, told POLITICO that many contributors saw him as "a nicer version of Trump." He is someone who had embraced the former president's policies but lacked his rough edges. She added that she was drawn to the governor because of his approach to dealing with the coronavirus. Comparison — Alex notes that DeSantis' aggressive courtship of national givers bears striking similarities to the approach then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush used in his 1998 reelection race, which preceded his presidential bid two years later. The one caveat is that other Republicans — including Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio — are also plugged in with contributors. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in West Palm Beach. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx: For too many Floridians, prescription drugs are unaffordable, and that's unacceptable. That's why it's time to take politics out of prescriptions and find real solutions to lower Rx costs for all Floridians. The key to lowering drug costs is through increased competition, not big government mandates on private-sector tools used to reduce costs. The independent pharmacy lobby's special interest agenda undermines access to affordable prescription drugs. Learn more: Floridians for Affordable Rx | | |
|  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | THE FRONTRUNNER — "'A nicer version of Trump': GOP donors flock to DeSantis," by POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt: One evening in February, Ron DeSantis quietly slipped into the luxurious Charleston Place Hotel in South Carolina. Over dinner, the Florida governor addressed an audience of deep-pocketed donors convened by the influential Bradley Foundation, an organization that funnels cash to right-leaning nonprofit groups. DeSantis, whose attendance has not been previously reported, held forth for nearly an hour, detailing the anti-lockdown approach to the coronavirus pandemic that's turned him into a conservative hero and propelled him to the upper echelon of potential 2024 GOP hopefuls. Interest is skyrocketing — Major givers across the country are lining up to support the governor's 2022 reelection effort, with some committing to hosting fundraising events and others plowing funds into his campaign bank account. In the past two-plus months alone, DeSantis has received six-figure contributions from Republican megadonors including Bernie Marcus, Paul Tudor Jones and Steven Witkoff, who in March held a high-dollar fundraiser at his lavish Miami Beach home. Filling the calendar — Donor interest in the governor extends far beyond Florida. Andy Sabin, a New York-based precious metal company executive, said he expects to host a pair of fundraisers later this year bolstering the governor's reelection effort. Dallas businessperson Doug Deason anticipates holding a pre-summer event. Don Tapia, who served as ambassador to Jamaica during the Trump administration, is planning on hosting a fundraiser at his Arizona home. Like others, Tapia praised DeSantis for his handling of the pandemic and what he described as the governor's independent style. DeSantis "has a major political future in the Republican Party," said Tapia, a retired electrical company executive who's given extensively to GOP causes for several decades. STAYING PUT — "Shevrin Jones won't run for Alcee Hastings' congressional seat," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "State Sen. Shevrin Jones said Thursday he won't be a candidate to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings. 'I just got to the Senate,' he said. 'The people of Senate District 35 elected me to do the job, and I have not even gone through my first session. It was important for me to look a the bigger picture, which isn't Shevrin, but the people that elected me. This is my main priority right now.' Jones, who is 37, said he has plenty of time to run for a higher office in the future. 'My time will come. If the people desire for me to go to higher office, they'll push me there, so I rest in that.'" | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TO JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION: Power is changing, in Washington and across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. Our twice-weekly newsletter "The Recast" breaks down how race and identity are shaping politics and policy in America and we are recasting how we report on it. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear from important new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | |
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Senate Democrats - wearing black shirts to "mourn" the death of the 1st Amendment - decry passage of 'anti-riot' bill by Florida Legislature | Gary Fineout - POLITICO | MUSCLED THROUGH — "Florida Senate passes 'anti-riot' bill, sends it to DeSantis to sign into law," by Orlando Sentinel Gray Rohrer and Mark Skoneki: "The Florida Senate on Thursday approved an "anti-riot" bill championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, sending it to him for signature into law over the objections of Democrats and civil rights groups who say the measure infringes on the fundamental First Amendment right to protest. The hotly debated measure passed 23-17, largely along partisan lines. The parts of the bill (HB 1) that most upset Democrats grant civil legal immunity to people who drive through protesters blocking a road; prevent people arrested for rioting or offenses committed during a riot from bailing out of jail until their first court appearance; and impose a six-month mandatory sentence for battery on a police officer during a riot. DeSantis, when he unveiled the proposal, emphasized the need to prevent bail for rioters, so they aren't able to rejoin the unrest." What comes next? — The passage of the bill was a big legislative win for DeSantis, a point that Democrats hammered again and again as they called it legislation aimed at helping his re-election at the expense of the 1st Amendment rights of those protesting police shootings. "This legislation strikes the appropriate balance of safeguarding every Floridian's constitutional right to peacefully assemble, while ensuring that those who hide behind peaceful protest to cause violence in our communities will be punished," countered DeSantis spokeswoman Meredith Beatrice, who said the governor "looked forward" to signing it into law. But Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Black Democrat from South Florida, contended that the legislation will "incite" more protests. "It's like boiling water," said Jones, who said he's "ready to march." "When you put a cover on boiling water it burns over even more." Other Democrats predicted court battles and they called on corporate execs concerned about racial justice to cut off donations to Republican leaders. COULD SESSION END ON TIME? — Both Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls told their members Thursday that they should not leave town because there's a chance that they will be working over the weekend. This means that a top-line deal between the Republican leaders over budget allocations could be forthcoming shortly, opening the door for full-blown negotiations and a budget conference. But more importantly this would put legislators on a pathway to actually end their 60-day session on time — something that has hasn't been happening in recent years. IS THIS GOING TO HAPPEN?— "State Senate wants to hike unemployment benefits by $100 a week. House may not agree," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower: "A Senate committee Thursday approved a few changes to Florida's stingy unemployment system including raising the maximum weekly benefits by $100 and reversing several policies championed by former Gov. Rick Scott. In a rare show of bipartisanship late in a contentious 2021 legislative session, senators from both parties agreed to changes that would increase the number of people eligible for benefits. Senators also clarified that Florida's unemployment agency can't deny claims for women simply for being pregnant, codifying federal requirements in state law." LATE SESSION MOVES — "Sex education rewrite in the Florida House flips supporters to opponents," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: House lawmakers on Thursday watered down a bill that would have required all parents in Florida to give written consent before their children can take sex education courses in public schools, angering advocates who now say the measure is too weak. Switch time — The House's full education committee backed the rewritten FL HB545 (21R), making it ready for full consideration on the floor, but only after some religious interest groups asked lawmakers to strike down the legislation they previously supported. That left some House members "utterly confused" as the proposal, which was tweaked to keep it alive this session, went on to score bipartisan support. "I agree with you, opt-in is a better option," said state Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach), the bill sponsor. "However, I do not have confidence that the Senate would agree with us, and I'm not willing to lose this bill over that." — "Legislature's 'cheers!' to tax-break for 3-martini lunches draw jeers from critics," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas — " Senate's toned-down voting bill fails to stop backlash from election officials and voting-rights groups," by Florida Phoenix's Laura Cassels | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx:   | | |
| | Gaetz-gate | | GOP LEADER — "McCarthy: I've met with Gaetz, he professed innocence," by POLITICO's Quint Forgey: House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Thursday he has met privately with Rep. Matt Gaetz and that the Florida Republican denied any impropriety stemming from a federal sex trafficking investigation that's entangled him. "I've spoken to Mr. Gaetz about the accusations. He's told me he's innocent of the accusations," McCarthy told reporters at a news conference in the Capitol, adding that he reiterated to the conservative firebrand that an indictment would cause internal consequences: "I explained to Mr. Gaetz the rules inside our conference. If there was something to come forward, we would take action." 'BATMAN' AND 'ROBIN'— "Gaetz and DeSantis: A friendship that may become a liability," by The Associated Press' Steve Peoples, Brendan Farrington and Jill Colvin: "While the governor and the congressman were close politically, they were in very different places in their personal lives. [Ron] DeSantis was married with young children. [Matt] Gaetz was single. Modest signs of tension began to emerge as DeSantis settled into the governor's office. One issue was Gaetz's habit of showing up at Republican political events, often with different women, dressed as if they were going out to a nightclub. Critics suggested privately that Gaetz was acting like a 'frat boy.' DeSantis' wife, Casey DeSantis, one of the governor's closest political advisers, was cooling to Gaetz as well." HMM — "Matt Gaetz using donors dollars on legal bills as feds investigate possible sex trafficking," by NBCLX's Noah Pransky : "Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, facing allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, has tapped into a reliable source of funds to subsidize his legal tab: campaign donors' contributions. According to Gaetz' newest campaign disclosure, filed Thursday, the congressman has spent $85,626 of donors' dollars on legal consulting since last July, with the first payments coming just weeks after the initial indictment of his friend and associate, former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg. More Greenberg charges, related to sex trafficking, came in August." — "How the Justice Department came to investigate Rep. Matt Gaetz," by Washington Post's Matt Zapotosky and Michael Scherer | | | | Did you know that POLITICO Pro has coverage and tools at the state level? All the state legislative and regulatory tracking, budget documents, state agency contact information, and everything else you need to stay ahead of state policy movement integrate into our smart and customizable platform. Learn more and become a Pro today. | | | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | AFTERMATH — "DeSantis orders worsened spring break COVID surge, mayors say," by Palm Beach Post's Chris Persaud: "Rendered nearly toothless by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the governmental leaders of some of Florida's most popular spring break destinations say they had little power to stop revelers from clustering in their towns last month, spreading the coronavirus. In the four weeks between March 13 and Tuesday, coronavirus infections have surged more in Florida's spring break hot spots than elsewhere in the state, a Palm Beach Post analysis has found. DeSantis shares blame for that because he removed cities' and counties' ability to enforce their anti-coronavirus rules, local officials say." THE DESANTIS WAY — "Want public records? 'So sue me' seems to be state's attitude, First Amendment experts say," by USA Today Network – Florida's Jeffrey Schweers : "Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration — from state health and emergency management officials on down — have resisted sharing all they know with the public. Instead, he and his team have chosen public relations over public records, deciding what information they want to release, First Amendment experts say. They've carefully choreographed and strategically staged news conferences and photo ops spotlighting various achievements in the battle against the virus." THE DESANTIS WAY PART 2 — "DeSantis' ban of vaccine passports could lead to showdown with businesses in Florida," by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello and Gray Rohrer: "Vaccination passports have become a new ideological battleground of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joining the fray by issuing an order banning their use by both local governments and businesses. But already, businesses ranging from cruise lines to sports teams have announced they're planning to require some kind of proof of vaccination for entry into their ships or arenas." SHOTS IN ARMS — " Think Hispanics simply don't want the COVID-19 vaccine? In Miami, it's complicated," by Miami Herald's Ana Claudia Chacin and Jimena Tavel: "Based on a recent survey, interviews with the community and a data analysis, el Nuevo Herald found evidence that suggests the majority of Hispanics in the area want to get vaccinated and are already getting vaccinated at normal rates, despite facing obstacles. One of them, José Alfredo, a 52-year-old Honduran who has lived in South Miami for seven years, said he wants the shot to protect his loved ones. The Herald did not publish his last name as he is an undocumented immigrant and fears deportation. 'If I could, I would send the vaccine over there, too,' he said, referring to his seven children who live in Tegucigalpa. 'Just like everyone else, I want to see my family healthy.'" — "Ivanka Trump just got her COVID vaccine at a CVS in Miami. Reactions were mixed," by Miami Herald's Madeleine Marr — "Leon Schools will not commit to 'heretical' state directive to make masks optional for fall ," by Tallahassee Democrat's CD Davidson-Hiers — "Despite state's request, Palm Beach County schools to keep mask mandate for now," by Palm Beach Post's Sonja Isger — " International and out-of-state students can now get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Florida," by Miami Herald's Jimena Tavel | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | 'VERY DISTURBING' — "Appeals court upholds Jeffrey Epstein deal that minimized punishment, silenced victims," by Miami Herald's Julie K. Brown: "In a landmark decision, a U.S. appeals court on Thursday rejected the 12-year quest of a Jeffrey Epstein survivor to hold the government accountable for giving the infamous child predator a clandestine deal that essentially allowed him to get out of jail after a minimal sentence, and, according to recent lawsuits, continue to abuse girls and women. The 7-4 decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals was split mostly along gender lines, with four female judges issuing a scathing rebuke of the majority's interpretation of the Crime Victims' Rights Act." Lengthy quest for justice — "The plaintiff, Courtney Wild, was 14 when she was first raped by Epstein at his Palm Beach mansion. Wild, now 33, has waged a one-woman crusade against the federal government on behalf of Epstein's victims since the case was filed in 2008. The court ruled that, because federal prosecutors never lodged criminal charges against Epstein — he pleaded guilty and was sentenced in state court in Palm Beach County — neither Wild nor any of Epstein's victims has standing to successfully file such a challenge citing the federal Crime Victims' Rights Act." MEET THE NEW BOSS, SAME AS THE OLD BOSS? — "A retiring Castro to bring younger face to Cuba's communists," by The Associated Press' Andrea Rodriguez and Joshua Goodman: "This week's Communist Party congress could be the last with a Castro at the helm of Cuba's all-powerful political institution. Six years after the death of Fidel Castro, his brother and fellow leader of the island's 1959 revolution, Raul Castro, is being watched to see if he fulfills his commitment to give up the reins of the only political organization permitted in the country of 11 million people. Raul Castro in 2016 said that he would give up the post of party secretary-general at the party's eighth congress, which is scheduled to begin Friday." | | | | A message from Floridians for Affordable Rx: It's time to stand up to special interest lobbies trying to increase prescription drug costs for Florida families. Florida's independent pharmacies claim that they're struggling, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses around the country were forced to close, while there were 20 more independent pharmacies in the state. In fact, there are 13 percent more independent pharmacies in Florida today than there were 10 years ago. In fact, there are 13 percent more independent pharmacies in Florida today than there were 10 years ago. Florida needs a competitive marketplace to reduce Rx costs, not special-interest-backed legislative mandates that restrict the tools used by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reduce Floridians' prescription drug costs. It's time for the independent pharmacies lobby to come to the table with real solutions to lower Rx costs in Florida.
Presented by Floridians for Affordable Rx. Learn More. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Former judge under investigation in election law case. But why?" by Sun Sentinel's Rafael Olmeda: "Former Circuit Court Judge Thomas Lynch is under investigation on accusations that he violated state election law during his 2020 campaign to become Broward's public defender. The investigation was disclosed in an April 6 executive order posted on the governor's website, assigning the case to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor asked the governor to take his office off the case because of a potential conflict of interest — Lynch's son, Michael Lynch, is a current judge overseeing criminal cases." BIRTHDAYS: Former Rep. Cliff Stearns is 8-0 …. Former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano
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