| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by Secure Democracy | Hello and welcome to Monday. Band on the run — OK, another session of the Florida Legislature is in the books. Who's ready for the 2022 governor's race? Let me roll it — Despite his decent poll numbers — and another successful session — the Republican Governor's Association is already stepping in to bolster Gov. Ron DeSantis. The RGA donated $2.8 million to DeSantis' political committee this past week in advance of what could be one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests in the nation. "He's been a tremendous leader for the state of Florida and the RGA is going to be there to make sure he's elected for another 4 years," RGA spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez said. The RGA gave $3 million to DeSantis in the runup to the 2018 election. Jet — In recent months, DeSantis has seen his status as a potential presidential challenger in 2024 continue to rise among Republicans, yet on Fox News this past weekend he again pushed back against the speculation. "It's not anything that I'm thinking about or positioning myself," he said. (Interestingly, Fox commentator Jesse Watters shot back — "oh, you're thinking about it.") Of course, all talk of 2024 goes out the window if Democrats can do something they haven't done in nearly 30 years and win a governor's race. Let 'em In — There are Democrats starting to line up. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, whose bid seems imminent, continues to staff up. The first of the expected Democratic challengers — Rep. Charlie Crist — is expected to swing into action on Tuesday when he makes a "major announcement" in St. Petersburg. This will be Crist's third bid for governor (he's 1-1 so far) but unlike the 2014 contest that he lost to Rick Scott, there's a good chance he will first have to slug it out in what could be a competitive primary, especially if Rep. Val Demings joins the contest. Live and let die — Crist's advisers contend that even with her role in the impeachment hearings, Crist has a name advantage over Demings. And just as important they point out, Crist — known for his "happy warrior" persona — is a proven fundraiser. Another talking point is that anyone who underestimates Crist does so at their own peril. OK, then. Here we go. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | A message from Secure Democracy: Year after year, Florida's trusted, experienced, and independent election administrators step up to manage our elections with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every vote is counted. Across our state, these public servants advocate for Floridians' freedom to vote. We owe them our gratitude. Please take a moment to add your name to the virtual thank-you card for Florida's dedicated elections administrators. Secure Democracy will proudly deliver the card on your behalf. | | |
|  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | A 'SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE'? — "Charlie Crist's bid for Florida governor faces early threats," by POLITICO's Marc Caputo and Matt Dixon: Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist officially launches his comeback campaign for his old job early next week — his third bid for the office but the first as a likely underdog in what could be a crowded field. Now a Democratic congressman, Crist is the biggest name to announce his candidacy but by no means the most talked-about. Democratic insiders are buzzing more about Rep. Val Demings running, and some former Crist loyalists are planning to work for her or for Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only state-level elected Democrat, who has been preparing for months to challenge Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. STAFFING UP — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried continues to bring on more help in advance of an expected bid for governor. Fried is hiring Stefanie Sass as finance director for her political committee, Florida Consumers First. Sass worked as Southern finance director or Vice President Kamala Harris and deputy Southeast finance director for President Joe Biden. She was Bill Nelson's finance director in 2019 and was senior finance adviser for the Florida Democratic Party. FALLOUT — "Did Trump's actions as president cost Florida a seat in Congress and an electoral vote?" by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man: "Kevin Wagner, a Florida Atlantic University political scientist, and Matthew Isbell, a Florida-based Democratic data consultant who runs the MCI Maps firm, said it's impossible to know until more data comes out, and even then there may not be a definitive answer. Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, a former Democratic leader in the Florida Senate, said she has no doubt about what happened. 'There's no question in my mind,' said Rich, who was chairwoman of Broward's Complete Count Committee, which brought civic, government and business leaders together to encourage people to complete the Census. 'I believe it was a whole, orchestrated attempt to undercount certain groups of people in the United States.'" — "Will DeSantis, Rubio and Scott torch each other to vault from Florida to the White House?" by Douglas MacKinnon, opinion contributor for The Hill — " Perry Thurston kicks off congressional campaign in heart of Fort Lauderdale's Black community," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man — "Democrats express optimism at Tampa fundraiser despite GOP victories," by Tampa Bay Times' Margo Snipe | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | THE CHECKLIST — "Florida legislative session shaded by presidential contest may power Ron DeSantis' future," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's John Kennedy and Zac Anderson: "A legislative session colored by last November's presidential election could power Florida's Ron DeSantis toward future contests – with lawmakers filling a wish list the governor pushed that is seen as custom-made for the Republican voting base. Already a Fox News favorite and a potential contender for his party's White House nomination, DeSantis' agenda was topped by a crackdown on protesters involved in demonstrations that turn violent, an election law overhaul limiting mail ballots and drop boxes, and new state regulations on social media platforms under fire for banning former President Donald Trump, the governor's political mentor." — "DeSantis won big during Florida's legislative session. Now what?" by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas and Ana Ceballos | 
Gov. Ron DeSantis with state legislators after the end of the 2021 session of the Florida Legislature. | Gary Fineout, POLITICO | THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY — "Effort to protect consumer data privacy stalls in Florida," by The Associated Press' Bobby Caina Calvan: "A campaign by Gov. Ron DeSantis to help Floridians regain ownership of the troves of data that companies collect came to a halt Friday, when state lawmakers could not agree on how tightly to limit how Big Data harvests and uses people's information. It was a rare defeat for DeSantis in his bid to regulate how Big Tech treats people. Earlier this week, lawmakers sent him a measure that would punish social media companies that he and other Republicans contend discriminate and censor conservatives. Unlike the social media proposal, the legislative effort to address consumer data privacy was mostly bipartisan. But business interests lobbied heavily against the proposal, and the industry's fingerprints were clearly on the legislation." PIVOT — "Florida reverses course on reversing course on college athlete pay," by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida lawmakers during the final hours of the session abruptly reversed course on delaying the start date for allowing college athletes across the state to profit from their name, image and likeness — all while taking a veiled shot at the NCAA along the way. The Legislature earlier this week quietly postponed for one year rules clearing the way for athletes to make money from things like selling autographs or scoring endorsements over fears that students or universities could face ramifications from the NCAA. 'THERE'S ALWAYS GOING TO BE CHALLENGES' — "DeSantis scores session wins, but court battles could loom," by Orlando Sentinel's Gray Rohrer: "[Gov. Ron] DeSantis, though, says he is confident the legislation will withstand any legal challenges, which he believes are sure to come. He pointed to legal victories in his first two years in office over Scott Israel, who he removed as Broward County Sheriff for his handling of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting, and over the law requiring felons to pay outstanding fines and fees before being able to vote. 'There's a cottage industry of lawsuits, that's what happens when you do this,' DeSantis said. 'There's always going to be challenges. So I think (lawmakers) were attentive to some of the pitfalls, and I think that will pass muster as well.'" Add this one to the list? — Among the bills sent to DeSantis that have serious legal questions surrounding them is a Florida Chamber of Commerce-backed measure that would impose a $3,000 cap on donations to political committees pushing citizen initiatives. DeSantis, who is an attorney, on Friday suggested he plans to sign it despite arguments it violates a string of court decisions that campaign donations are a form of free speech. DeSantis, who said he still needs to review the bill, argued that the measure strikes a "good balance" because the limit only applies to the petition gathering phase and ends once the amendment makes the ballot. "We also want it to be more of a grassroots thing," the governor said. "When they did this constitutional provision in the '60s they were thinking like PTA moms getting together, you know shoe leather type stuff." THE MAVERICK — One of the interesting side stories of the 2021 session was the emergence of Sen. Jeff Brandes as the Republican voting no on many of the top bills. Brandes voted against such top GOP priorities as a measure affecting Silicon Valley firms as well as the elections bill and the "anti-riot" bill sought by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Brandes, who has a libertarian streak but in the past has championed conservative causes on behalf of groups such as the National Rifle Association, insisted he hasn't changed. "Generally, policy I have disagreed with hasn't made it this far," Brandes told Playbook. "You can usually take care of this in committee." One more regular session — Brandes has to leave the state Senate in 2022 due to term limits. While his name had been bandied about as a possible GOP challenger to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Brandes said he's ready to stay closer to home. "I'm a dad of our kids and I really want to watch them grow up," said Brandes, whose children are aged 7 to 12. "I've been in the Legislature for 12 years. I've missed a lot. These are some really prime years I don't plan on missing." — " Florida election supervisors: New voting law makes it harder to request and return ballots," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower
— "Broward Democrats fear Gov. DeSantis is planning a 'power grab' in Broward politics," by Sun Sentinel's Skyler Swisher — "10 big issues from the 2021 legislative session," by News Service of Florida — "Florida gambling deal faces legal questions," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam | | | | A message from Secure Democracy:   | | |
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? — "How a Miami school became a beacon for anti-vaxxers," by The New York Times' Patricia Mazzei: "Ms. [Leila] Centner, an avid social media user who has long used her accounts to document her luxurious lifestyle, took effective control of the school last year, in the midst of the pandemic. She told the community that the school, with prekindergarten through eighth grades, would focus on 'happiness' and espouse 'medical freedom.' But interviews with 21 current and former parents and teachers, as well as a review of social media posts and of school documents, emails, text messages and videos, show how the wealthy and well-connected Ms. Centner brought her anti-vaccination and anti-masking views into the school's day-to-day life, turning what had been a tightknit community into one bitterly split between those who support her views on vaccinations and those who do not." — "'Insane and dangerous': Inside the Miami school that told teachers not to get vaccinated," by Miami Herald's Colleen Wright and Nicholas Nehamas A TROUBLING TREND — "Mass COVID vaccine sites are closing. Demand is dropping. What does that mean for herd immunity?" by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich and Ryan Gillespie: "As mass vaccination sites in Orange, Lake, Volusia and Polk counties begin to shutter their operations over the coming week, demand for Pfizer and Moderna is also faltering, raising the question of when — or if — the goal of herd immunity can be reached. 'I'm significantly concerned about how quickly the scales seem to have tipped from having a lot of demand and not enough supply, to having enough supply and not demand,' said Jared Moskowitz, the outgoing director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, who has overseen the state's vaccination distribution. 'This is something we all need to be concerned with, from the federal government on down… What do we do if half the population doesn't get vaccinated?'" By the numbers — As of Sunday, a total of 8,893,992 people in Florida had received at least one vaccine dose. According to weekend data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida is ranked 34th when it comes to the percentage of people who are fully vaccinated. States with a higher percentage of their population vaccinated include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio. Florida is ahead of Texas, Arizona and Georgia. — " PBC eases COVID-19 mask mandate as Florida drops residency requirement for vaccinations," by Palm Beach Post's Chris Persaud | | Gaetz-gate | | WIDENING — "How the Gaetz probe grew from sex trafficking to medical pot," by The Associated Press' Michelle L. Price and Michael Balsamo: "The Bahamas trip is a central element of a federal investigation surrounding [Matt] Gaetz that has suddenly endangered his political career. What began as an inquiry into sex trafficking and whether Gaetz paid women and an underage girl in exchange for sex has grown into a larger review of public corruption, according to people familiar with the investigation. Investigators are looking at whether Gaetz and his associates tried to secure government jobs for some of the women, the people said. They are also scrutinizing Gaetz's connections to the medical marijuana sector, including whether [Dr. Jason] Pirozzolo and others sought to influence legislation Gaetz sponsored." MATT WHO? — "Gaetz says he's not going anywhere. Florida Republicans aren't saying anything," by Tampa Bay Times' Steve Contorno : "The public silence has extended beyond Republicans. Some lobbying groups have advised employees not to talk about Gaetz to reporters. And Democrats, who typically pounce on any stumble by a Republican, are noticeably quiet. The state's top Democrat, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, needles DeSantis almost daily on Twitter but hasn't posted once about Gaetz. When the Tampa Bay Times reached out, her political spokesman Max Flugrath said in a statement that Fried was 'saddened, shocked and disturbed by the serious allegations detailed in reports' about Gaetz." | | | | JOIN TUESDAY FOR A CONVERSATION ON SMALL BUSINESSES AFTER COVID-19: About one in six small businesses in the U.S. closed their doors since the pandemic began. The ones that remained open are getting by with fewer employees after laying off workers or a hiring freeze. What is ahead for small businesses in 2021 as they try to weather the ongoing economic uncertainty? And how does President Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package intend to support small-business owners? Join POLITICO for a virtual conversation with White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein and Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, on what small businesses need to survive and thrive beyond the Covid economic crisis. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | DEAR DONALD — The Lincoln Project is out with another ad aimed primarily at an audience of one. The organization's newest missive is called "Swamp Thing" and it will air on Fox News and Fox Business in the West Palm Beach media market as well as digitally. The ad mocks former President Donald Trump and says that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell's Republican consultants are making money off of Trump's name. "They brought you a little bowl to hold in your little hands and you fell for it," the ad states. — "Latino Republican support for Trump is still going strong in Florida," by NBC News Carmen Sesin | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | R.I.P. — "'We lost a giant': First Black judge on Florida Supreme Court dies in Tallahassee," by Tallahassee Democrat's Bill Cotterell: "Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Joseph W. Hatchett, who marked many milestones in a legal career spanning more than a half century, died in Tallahassee Friday. He was 88. He was the first Black member of the state's highest court, appointed by Gov. Reubin Askew in 1975. President Jimmy Carter elevated him to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal four years later, making him the lone Black member of the Atlanta-based federal court at the time." 'HE'S NEEDED EVERYWHERE' — "'Black America's attorney general' seems to be everywhere," by Associated Press's Aaron Morrison and John Seewer : "Ben Crump, the Rev. Al Sharpton says, is 'Black America's attorney general.' In less than a decade, the Florida-based attorney has become the voice for the families of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd — Black people whose deaths at the hands of police and vigilantes sparked a movement. He has won multimillion-dollar settlements in police brutality cases. He's pushed cities to ban no-knock warrants. He has told a congressional committee that reform is needed because 'it's become painfully obvious we have two systems of justice; one for white Americans and one for Black Americans.'" — "Woman awarded $48 million after getting sick from mold in her apartment," by Sun Sentinel's Rafael Olmeda and Brooke Baitinger — "Michael Hernandez, who murdered classmate in middle school bathroom, dies in prison," by Miami Herald's David Ovalle | | | | A message from Secure Democracy: It's time for Floridians to acknowledge the impressive role that our trusted, certified, and independent election administrators have in the preservation of our democracy.
Each season, these dedicated public servants manage our elections with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every vote is counted.
In 2020, despite the pandemic and other hurdles, voters showed up in record numbers to do their job. And our election administrators did theirs – verifying and counting every eligible ballot, just as they have in every previous election.
This legislative session, many of these same election administrators stepped forward to safeguard Floridians' freedom to vote and preserve Florida's reliable voting laws. We owe them our gratitude.
Please take a moment to add your name to the virtual thank-you card for Florida's dedicated elections administrators. Secure Democracy will proudly deliver the card on your behalf. | | |
| | ODDS, ENDS, AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Giant lizards, hissing ducks, and pythons: Florida has an invasive species problem," by National Geographic's Matthew Wolfe : "[Michael] Litersky tried to shoo his assailant outside, but it latched onto his leg, biting him and slashing his calf. Grabbing a frying pan, Litersky backhanded the animal into the bathroom while [Gillian] Hicks dialed 911. Sheriff's deputies arrived quickly, but, outmatched, they could only peek around the door and watch as the quadruped ripped up the shower curtain. Finally, a team of animal control officers and officials from the state wildlife agency managed to corner the creature. It wasn't a lemur but a kinkajou, a carnivorous mammal native to the South American rainforest." Quite the list — "Such interspecies assaults are often written off as a logical product of Florida's ambient weirdness. They're better understood, however, not as random attacks but as skirmishes in a war the state has been waging for decades. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida is home to more nonnative plants and animals than any other part of the country. This set of intruders now includes hissing ducks, walking catfish, hermaphroditic river eels, bloodsucking worms, pet-eating monitor lizards, dog-size rodents, gigantic snakes, and rodent-size African land snails, which, according to rumor, are smuggled in for esoteric religious rituals." BIRTHDAYS: Author and journalist Andrew Nagorski … David Siegel, president and CEO of Westgate Resorts … (Was Sunday) POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury … (Was Saturday) Sarah Rumpf, freelance writer and contributing editor at Mediaite
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