| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. Another one — So, is this another, particularly convincing, piece of mounting evidence that President Joe Biden and national Democrats just don't care about Florida, especially South Florida? Rolled out — Twin proposals announced in the last two days involving Cuba and Venezuela — and not getting a ton of media attention elsewhere in the nation amid the horrific shooting in Buffalo, N.Y., and several heated primary contests — have put Democrats here in the Sunshine State on edge as they try to stay relevant in a state trending away from them. What's that? — The decision to reverse Trump administration polices regarding remittances and travel to neighboring Cuba was blasted by Republicans but got a hopeful yet slightly skeptical reaction from many Democrats. Still, some Democrats were not convinced as Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said she feared it would enrich Cuban dictators at a time when its Russian ally "faces economic ruin." On the other hand — As for the announcement that the administration would ease some sanctions against Venezuela, well, Rep. Val Demings, wasted little time in criticizing the idea. "Nicolás Maduro is a tyrant and a thug, no different than the criminals I spent 27 years putting behind bars," Demings said in a statement. "Easing sanctions on Venezuela will empower Maduro and his cronies, hurting Venezuelans who are struggling for freedom and democracy. We don't help anybody by appeasing socialist dictators." FWIW, Sen. Marco Rubio, who Demings is running against, also called it appeasement. Slammed — The Miami Herald editorial board also roasted Biden. This was their headline on one editorial: "Cuba's failing dictatorship just got propped up by the Biden administration. Thanks, Mr. President." Ouch. Reminder — Florida — home to many people who have fled communist/socialist countries such as Cuba and Venezuela — has been a battleground state over the past two decades. But Trump defeated Biden here easily in 2020 due in part to Biden's inability to carry Miami-Dade County by the same kind of margin Hillary Clinton enjoyed four years earlier. It was that same election that saw other Democrats up and down the ballot in Florida also lose, including in congressional elections they thought they would win. Here you go — Part of the blame was placed on a seeming inability by Democrats to punch back against GOP messaging that they are soft on communism and socialism. The Biden administration's actions this week are likely to be added to Republican talking points. — 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
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | |  | DRIVING THE DAY | | FALLOUT — "Biden pokes South Florida hornet's nest with announcement on Cuba policies," by Miami Herald's Bianca Padró Ocasio: "It took mere hours for President Joe Biden's announcement of new measures towards Cuba — among them, relaxing travel restrictions and lifting Trump-era limits on remittances — to stir Florida's hornet's nest of diaspora politics, Miami. And in South Florida, home to the largest Cuban community living in exile, it came from all corners: on Tuesday, early morning callers flooded into Spanish radio stations arguing for and against the measures, Florida politicians released scathing statements and local conservative media personalities predicted a swift rejection of Democrats at the polls in the midterms." AND MEANWHILE — "Fearing protests, Cuba clamps down on dissent, independent media with new criminal code," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gamez Torres: "Cuba's National Assembly has approved a new criminal code that maintains the death penalty for several crimes, punishes criticism of government officials with jail time and makes it illegal for independent media to receive funds from abroad, the latest step in a relentless government campaign to squash dissent following mass protests last year. The new legal framework adds several new crime definitions tackling opposition activities and freedom of expression and association. The proposal was swiftly approved unanimously in a weekend session where Cuban leader Raúl Castro, who currently holds no official position, was present." 'CONTINUED DIALOGUE' — "U.S. eases some sanctions against Venezuela," by NBC News' Carmen Sesin: "The U.S. will ease some sanctions on Venezuela in exchange for continued dialogue between President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition, the Biden administration announced Tuesday. The sanctions relief allows Chevron Corp. to negotiate the terms of its license and potential future activities with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA."
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | FOLLOW THE MONEY, PART ONE — "Disgraced former CrossFit CEO gives $75,000 to DeSantis committee," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: A company run by the former chief executive for CrossFit, who resigned after making racist comments in the wake of George Floyd's killing, has given $75,000 to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' reelection campaign. The contribution was given last month to DeSantis' aligned political committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis, from GG123, LLC, an Arizona-based company run by Greg Glassman, the founder of CrossFit and its CEO until 2020, and Matt Holdsworth, CrossFit's former chief financial officer, according to Arizona incorporation records. FOLLOW THE MONEY, PART TWO — "Casino mogul Steve Wynn accused of acting as unregistered Chinese agent. He's a major DeSantis political donor," by Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Zac Anderson: "A casino mogul who contributed $100,000 to Gov. Ron DeSantis's reelection campaign is being accused by the U.S. Justice Department of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for China and lobbying former President Donald Trump on the country's behalf. Billionaire casino company founder Steve Wynn was sued by the federal government Tuesday in an attempt to compel him to register as a foreign agent." PROMISES, PROMISES — " Fried wants $1B rebate program for seniors," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Democratic gubernatorial candidate and current Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried would push the state to give $1 billion to Florida seniors if elected governor as part of a "Senior's Bill of Right" unveiled Tuesday by her campaign. "Florida has the second most seniors per capita in the country," Fried said during a Tallahassee press conference used to unveil the plan. "Our senior population is a gift to be treasured, to be treated with reverence and respect. We have a sacred duty to honor and care for our senior citizens." | 
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried speaks during a meeting addressing the importance of the state applying for available federal food assistance for children, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at the St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church in Dania Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) | Lynne Sladky/AP Photo |
LIGHTS OUT — "A Republican congressional candidate in Florida paid her home energy bill using campaign funds, potentially violating federal law," by Insider's Kimberly Leonard: "A Republican US House candidate in Florida potentially violated federal campaign laws by using donor funds to pay for her home's electric bill. Amanda Makki's campaign paid more than $600 to Duke Energy, according to a letter the Federal Election Commission sent the campaign last week. FEC rules prohibit candidates from using donor funds for personal use, whether it be for rent, personal travel, or to pay for an energy bill."
CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP — Kevin Hayslett, one of the Republican candidates for Florida's 13th Congressional District, was endorsed Tuesday by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Polk County is not part of the district, but Judd is well-known in the Tampa Bay area. Hayslett has been previously endorsed by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri … Florida Family Action endorsed state Sen. Kelli Stargel on Tuesday, a day after the Lakeland Republican joined the crowded race for Florida's 15th Congressional District … Rep. Charlie Crist on Tuesday said he has accepted an invitation to participate in a July 21st debate being hosted by NBC-Telemundo. Democratic primary opponent Nikki Fried has accepted invitations to five debates, including the one scheduled by Telemundo. — " Ken Burke files suit against Pinellas County over election bill lawsuit," by Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes — " Judge in 'ghost' candidate case shields ex-lawmaker's contacts," by Orlando Sentinel's Annie Martin — "State Attorney Brian Kramer announces new voter program to curb election crime offenses ," by The Gainesville Sun's Javon L. Harris — "Nikki Fried says media 'created' Ron DeSantis in explaining poll deficit," by Florida Politics' A.G. Gancarski
| | | | DON'T MISS 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 ... | | WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET? — "DeSantis doles out millions but fails to mention it mostly comes from Uncle Sam ," by Orlando Sentinel's Jeffrey Schweers: "Gov. Ron DeSantis has been on a spending spree for months, taking credit for millions of dollars in federal stimulus money he's handing out to mostly rural Republican counties while at the same time bashing President Biden's big government spending. Federal bucks have bolstered the state budget for two years in a row, shoring up the state's reserves, and funding such things as the governor's job growth program, climate 'resiliency' against rising waters, road projects, broadband expansion, college training programs and tax cuts." STEPPING UP — "Driskell likely to take over as House Democratic leader after Alexander won't seek reelection," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) is set to replace incoming Florida House Democratic Leader Ramon Alexander, who last week announced he would not seek reelection amid allegations he sexually harassed and intimidated a former Florida A&M staffer. Driskell was in line to become House Democratic leader after Alexander, and has so far been the only candidate to officially run to fill the two-year leadership term left vacant by Alexander's announcement. The House Democratic caucus will officially take a leadership vote next Tuesday, the start of a special legislative session focused on property insurance. | 
Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, debates on a bill to allow teachers to be armed during session Wednesday May 1, 2019, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon) | Steve Cannon/AP Photo | HMM — "DeSantis' office considered a bill to target libel laws, records show," by Orlando Sentinel's Skyler Swisher: "A top staffer for Gov. Ron DeSantis worked on a proposal that sought to challenge decades-old First Amendment protections for the news media and make it easier for high-profile people to win defamation lawsuits, according to documents obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. The idea didn't make the 2022 legislative session's agenda. A bill was never filed, according to Florida's First Amendment Foundation." NOT HAPPY — " Republican who put tent on Nancy Pelosi's lawn slams DeSantis protest law," by Newsweek's Adam Staten: "One Republican congressional candidate in Florida is not on board with a newly signed law aimed at protesters in the state. Laura Loomer, a far-right political activist who is running in a GOP primary for a U.S. House seat representing the state's 11th Congressional District, took to social media to slam the new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday." — "Why Florida's new protest law doesn't fit the DeSantis narrative," by Washington Post's Aaron Blake — " Florida Democrats want hearing on DeSantis' elections pick next week," by Tampa Bay Times' Lawrence Mower — " Disney's 'on probation' amid DeSantis' idea to repeal Reedy Creek Improvement Act, official warns," by FoxBusiness' Stephanie Giang-Paunon — "Gov. DeSantis says he'll support $37M funding increase for cancer research ," by Florida Politics' Christine Jordan Sexton
| | DATELINE D.C. | | DIVIDED — "Ukraine aid splinters the GOP," by POLITICO's Andrew Desiderio: Congress' nearly $40 billion package of help for the war-torn nation is taking heat from a growing number of conservative lawmakers, candidates, activists and even former President Donald Trump. Their case against spending on Ukraine's battle against Russia is all about redirecting taxpayer money to domestic problems — but it's alarming fellow Republicans who see it as a flawed argument and part of a disturbing trend toward isolationism. Roll call — Trump-aligned potential 2024 presidential candidates were split on the vote, but a majority of them — including Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) — rejected the former president's position.
| | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | FOR YOUR RADAR — "Deborah Birx in West Palm Beach warns of big summer COVID surge in Florida," by Palm Beach Post's Chris Persaud: "Florida should expect an 'exponential' COVID surge this summer, former White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said Monday during a visit downtown. Birx spoke to an audience of more than 200 people at the Kravis Center for a lunch hosted by Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, where she touted her recently released book, 'Silent Invasion.' Few attendees wore masks. Birx warned of a summer swell of COVID infections and hospitalizations across Florida and the South." — " Fired COVID-19 vaccine vendor sues Hillsborough, seeks $50 million," by Tampa Bay Times' C.T. Bowen
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | RESOLUTION — "Ex-U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville icon, taking plea deal on federal fraud charges ," by Florida Times-Union's Steve Patterson: "Former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown has apparently reached a plea deal to resolve her six-year-old federal fraud charges without going through a second trial. A change of plea hearing with prosecutors and lawyers for the longtime Democratic powerhouse has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday in front of U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan. Brown has consistently pleaded innocent in a case that helped end her 24-year run as a voice for Jacksonville in Congress. Brown, 75, served 27 months of a five-year sentence in a minimum-security prison camp before being moved to something like home confinement in 2020 to avoid exposure to COVID-19." — "New Yorkers, Californians flock to Sunshine State, bringing higher rents," by Florida Politics' Kelly Hayes — " Granted asylum, Russian man moved to South Florida and started ripping off customers in moving scam," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Ron Hurtibise — " 20 years since Navy ship sunk for artificial reef in Keys," by The Associated Press — "Dan Markel murder: Jury seated in Katherine Magbanua murder trial ," by Tallahassee Democrat's Jeff Burlew — "Celtics co-owner donates $2M to protect Florida manatees," by The Associated Press
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "This Miami restaurant was famous for its Puerto Rican mural. Now it's closing," by Miami Herald's Carlos Frías: "A Puerto Rican flag mural covering a four-story building has been at the center of a years-long fight between the restaurant that painted it and residents of its Miami neighborhood. Now the mural and the restaurant may soon be gone. La Placita Puerto Rican restaurant, a passion project between award-winning Miami chef José Mendín and actor Julián Gil, will close after unending controversy over the flag mural, Mendín said." BIRTHDAYS: Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos ... former state Rep. Mike Miller ... Florida Department of Law Enforcement public information officer Jeremy Burns | | | | 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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