| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Good Thursday morning. Remember this? — A few short weeks ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis' position that minority access congressional districts were against federal law was shrugged off as a "novel legal theory" by Florida House Republicans. Hit the books — Well, it looks like that theory is about to get tested big time. Red state — After legislative leaders made the decision to defer map-drawing to the GOP governor, the DeSantis administration late Wednesday afternoon submitted lines that would dramatically alter the political landscape in the state. The initial analysis shows that his map would likely let Republicans pick up four seats in Congress, growing the party advantage from 16-11 to 20-8. (Florida is adding one seat due to population growth.) It would completely dismantle the North Florida seat held by Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat. Explanation — The governor's general counsel maintains this proposal clears up the "constitutional infirmities" that led DeSantis to veto the previous map passed by the Legislature — and which would have resulted in a gain of two seats for Republicans, not four. But there remain key unanswered questions on the proposal, including who helped the governor's office draw the map and whether they had any outside assistance. Excuse me — Democrats blasted the governor's proposal and contend it's out of step with both federal law and the state's anti-gerrymandering standards, known as Fair Districts, which were supposed to block legislators from enacting maps designed to favor incumbents or a particular party. "A garbage map," state Rep. Anna Eskamani called it. "If this map is enacted, Florida will be sued," tweeted Marc Elias, the well-known D.C. attorney whose firm is already involved in the first rounds of litigation over redistricting in the state. Tick, tick — At this point, however, the clock does not favor Democrats for this year's elections. Qualifying commences in June, and election supervisors say they need a new map soon in order to be prepared for the late August primary. Still, it appears a summer's worth of litigation is soon to be unleashed. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch:gfineout@politico.com | | | | DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO's special edition "Global Insider" so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today. | | | | | |  | MAPMAKER, MAPMAKER | |
GO BIG OR GO HOME — "DeSantis to push through new Florida map that will bring big GOP gains ," by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: The move by the governor — a rising GOP star and potential presidential contender in 2024 — was quickly cheered by conservatives, but more importantly could spark a challenge that may lead to demolishing Florida's anti-gerrymandering standards that voters approved in 2010. Any challenge in state court would wind up before the state's Supreme Court, which has undergone a huge rightward shift due to DeSantis appointments.
What it does — The map prepared by the governor's office would dismantle the North Florida seat now held by Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, and instead create new districts across the entire region that would likely elect Republicans. The map would potentially lead to flipping the seat in the Tampa Bay area now held by Rep. Charlie Crist, who is not seeking a new term because he's running for governor. The central Florida district held by retiring Rep. Stephanie Murphy would also become a GOP-friendly district. — " DeSantis' redistricting map has big impact on seats covering Sarasota and Manatee counties," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson — " Governor's plan for congressional redistricting preserves status quo in Broward, Palm Beach counties," by Sun Sentinel's Anthony Man
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | |
PRIMARY HEAT — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who has trailed in fundraising and in several public polls behind Rep. Charlie Crist , is ratcheting up attacks in the battle for the Democratic nomination for governor. Fried's campaign took shots at Crist after the one-time Republican contended that he remains "pro-life" in a recent television interview with a West Palm Beach station.
On offense — The campaign put out a statement on Wednesday blasting Crist and started going after him on social media. "As female bodies are being attacked by Republican-led states, Charlie Crist has the audacity to admit that he's 'still pro-life,'" said Fried spokeswoman Caroline Korba. "Charlie is clearly trying to play cute on abortion and it's just insulting to anyone with a brain — and dangerous to anyone with ovaries." Response — The Crist campaign fired back quickly. "Nikki Fried's campaign disrespects Florida women by launching these misleading and baseless attacks," said Samantha Ramirez, a spokeswoman for the Crist campaign. "Charlie's record on choice is clear, he trusts women and will always defend the right to choose — no matter what." Trying to figure it out — Crist's comments that he remains "pro-life" came after he was asked about an old campaign ad from back when Crist was still a Republican. "I'm still pro-life, meaning I'm for life. I hope most people are. And I think it's important to understand the distinction," he told a television interviewer. Crist's answers were confusing, but he has had a convoluted history on the topic over his lengthy career in politics. He has called himself "pro-life," yet did not fully embrace anti-abortion positions. Back in 2010, Crist vetoed a bill that would have required an ultrasound before an abortion, after saying it would have placed an "inappropriate burden" on women seeking an abortion. He was ripped by anti-abortion advocates for the veto. Crist's campaign also noted that while in Congress, he has received top marks from a leading abortion rights groups for his votes. | 
Rep. Charlie Crist speaks to reporters at Florida Capitol Oct. 14, 2021 | Gary Fineout/POLITICO |
STEP RIGHT UP — "DNC sets off free-for-all to remake presidential calendar," by POLITICO's Elena Schneider: The Democratic National Committee is officially reopening its presidential nominating process, upending the current calendar led by Iowa and New Hampshire and requiring them — and any other interested states — to apply for early-state status in 2024. Members of the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on Wednesday to set the application process for how states will be considered as candidates to lead off the presidential primaries, potentially expanding the roster from four to five states. The influential perch guarantees candidates, attention and money flow into those states during national campaigns — not to mention giving voters there an outsize say in picking presidents.
BOOK IT EARLY— "GOP to choose 2024 and 2028 convention cities," by POLITICO's Natalie Allison: If approved, the GOP will announce the selection of two convention cities in the coming months — its 2024 presidential convention site, and later, perhaps in January, its choice for the 2028 convention. Already ruled out — Orlando, Houston, San Antonio and Phoenix were among the cities that told the RNC this fall the 2024 dates in question wouldn't work for them. The party hasn't yet publicly announced what dates its 2024 convention will take place. Presidential convention sites and the stifling security perimeter around them tend to tie up the event spaces involved for weeks as preparations take place, a time commitment that has forced cities to remove themselves from consideration because of other events already scheduled around the same time. — " 2 residents of The Villages admit to voting twice in 2020 election," by WKMG's Mike DeForest — " With uproar canceling Disney gathering, Florida Democrats reset Leadership Blue Gala in Tampa," by Florida Politics' Anne Geggis — "Nikki Fried talks affordable housing at Tallahassee campaign stop ," by Florida Politics' Tristan Wood | | | | INTRODUCING DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED: Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | |
THE DESANTIS WAY — "COVID-19 crusader Gov. DeSantis gets new title: Chief of 'woke' police," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson: "Jeb Bush was the education reform governor. Charlie Crist campaigned on pocketbook issues. Rick Scott was all about jobs, jobs, jobs. Then there's Gov. Ron DeSantis, chief of the woke police. DeSantis rose to fame fighting COVID-19 restrictions, but lately has become the face of the GOP's efforts to push back against liberal cultural values, particularly around race and LGBTQ issues. The emphasis on conservative social issues is a big shift for a governor's race in the nation's biggest battleground state, but tracks with the GOP's evolution under former President Donald Trump, who emphasized culture war fights after years of Republican leaders worrying they would scare off suburban voters."
— "DeSantis takes on Disney in a culture war with national implications," by Washington Post's Lori Rozsa PUSHING BACK — " The federal government says Florida has no legal standing to challenge its immigration policies," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders: "As Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody assail federal immigration policies, the Biden administration is asking a judge to toss out a lawsuit filed by the state over the release of undocumented immigrants. The latest salvos in the case came Tuesday, when U.S. Department of Justice attorneys disputed arguments made by Moody's office, including that the federal government has a 'non-detention' policy." — " Tony Dungy defends DeSantis appearance: '14 yrs ago Pres Obama said the same things,'" by The Hill's Olafimihan Oshnin | | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | |
'DISASTERS DON'T DISCRIMINATE' — "Officials warn Floridians to get ready for hurricane season," by Associated Press: "Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Ken Graham, director of the National Hurricane Center, said they worried that many Floridians living in coastal communities had gotten complacent about making hurricane preparations since there hadn't lived through major storms in recent years. Some of these coastal communities act like a cat 'with nine lives' in that hurricanes seem to be heading their way but then change course at the last minute, lulling residents into believing their neighborhoods will never be hit, Criswell said at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando, Florida."
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | |
ANOTHER ONE — "Florida man charged with attacking officers at Capitol riot," by Associated Press: "A Florida man who attacked police officers while storming the U.S. Capitol during the January 2021 insurrection has been arrested, officials said. Steven Miles, 39, of Zephyrhills, was arrested Tuesday in Florida, where he made his initial court appearance, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Zephyrhills is about 30 miles northeast of Tampa. Miles faces charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers, civil disorder and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon."
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | |
REJECTED — "Court backs college in COVID-19 shutdown case," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders: "In one of numerous cases stemming from campus shutdowns during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, an appeals court Wednesday rejected a potential class-action lawsuit against Miami Dade College over fees collected from students in 2020. A three-judge panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal ordered the dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Fernando Verdini, a Miami Dade College nursing student who was required to learn remotely in the spring and summer of 2020 after the pandemic hit the state."
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
A NEW KIND OF ASTRONAUT' — "NASA's astronauts aren't ready for deep space," by POLITICO's Bryan Bender: The space agency has yet to develop a specialized training program for the astronauts, lacks critical equipment such as new space suits to protect them against deadly levels of radiation, and is still pursuing a range of technologies to lay the groundwork for a more permanent human presence, according to NASA officials, former astronauts, internal studies and experts on space travel. "This time you are going to need astronauts that are going to actually get out and start to live on the moon," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in an interview. "We're going to build habitats up there. So you're going to need a new kind of astronaut."
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HISTORY LESSON — "How 1970s Christian crusader Anita Bryant helped spawn Florida's LGBTQ culture war," by NBC News' Jillian Eugenios : "Action had to be taken, and a campaign to limit the legal rights of LGBTQ people — all in the name of protecting children — was enacted. A woman who spoke at this hearing said it was her right to control 'the moral atmosphere in which my children grow up.' That woman was Anita Bryant, formerly Miss Oklahoma and a white, telegenic, Top 40 singer who was well known for her Florida orange juice commercials ('A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine!' she'd say)."
WELL NOW — " Cuba has stopped accepting deportations of its nationals from the U.S., ICE says," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gámez Torres: "The Cuban government has not been accepting deportations of Cuban nationals from the U.S. for more than six months, at a time when tens of thousands are leaving the island to reach the U.S. in the largest exodus since the 1980s Mariel boatlift. In the fiscal year 2022 that started Oct. 1, 20 Cubans returned voluntarily to the island, but the Cuban government "has not accepted any ICE removals via commercial or charter flights," a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the Miami Herald." SUGAR, SUGAR — "Palm Beach County Democrats urge Nikki Fried to expand sugar cane burning buffers ," by Palm Beach Post's Hannah Morse: "Environmental activists pushing for the sugar industry to end its pre-harvest practice of cane burning have enlisted the help of the Palm Beach County Democrats to urge Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried to institute wider burn-free buffers to protect surrounding communities from falling soot and ash. Steve Messam, a leader in the Stop the Burn campaign that is supported by the Sierra Club, proposed Thursday an environmental justice resolution to members of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party Executive Committee." RESPONSE — "Venezuelan Democrats respond to Rubio statements in Doral: 'We are proud Democrats," by Miami Herald's Bianca Padró Ocasio: "A group of Venezuelan and other Latino Democrats protested in front of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's Miami-Dade office Wednesday, following comments he made last week during a campaign stop in Doral where he dismissed criticism of his stance on immigration as partisan attacks. Rubio, who has supported Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans and asked the Biden administration for a renewal, has come under fire from some Venezuelans for not backing an extension to the eligibility cutoff date for Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. after March 9, 2021 and a path to citizenship for Venezuelans fleeing the Maduro regime." — "Sheriff: 41 charged in takedown of Florida gang leadership," by Associated Press — " The seawalls in Florida's future: Higher, stronger and better for marine life," by Miami Herald's Alex Harris — "$200 million. 20,000 affordable homes. A new plan emerges for housing in Palm Beach County ," by Sun Sentinel's Wells Dusenbury | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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