News: POLITICO Florida Playbook: Florida Democratic Party leader faces growing mutiny

Friday, October 28, 2022

POLITICO Florida Playbook: Florida Democratic Party leader faces growing mutiny

Oct 28, 2022

Hello and welcome to Friday.

Flashing red — There are already plenty of signs that Nov. 8 is going to be a rough night for Florida Democrats.

Under pressure — But before that even happens, Florida Democratic Party chair Manny Diaz — the former Miami mayor who was supposed to help turn around the party's fortunes after a disastrous 2020 election — finds himself coming under a rising tide of criticism.

Called out — On Thursday night, Thomas Kennedy, a member of the Democratic National Committee, called for Diaz to resign the day after the election. Kennedy's announcement made on Twitter was prompted in part by Diaz's decision this week to endorse Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey for reelection even though another Democrat is challenging him. Diaz backed Dailey as part of more than a dozen mayoral endorsements, including another one in South Florida that also drew flak.

Assessment — But Kennedy told Playbook his dissatisfaction with Diaz is more than just the decision to wade into local races. He cited a multitude of factors, saying the party was "non-existent" on Spanish-language media and Democrats are getting "eaten up" in early voting. He said promises to build infrastructure and organization hasn't materialized and called the party's "Blue Shift" program, which was announced with much fanfare, "smoke and mirrors."

Blunt — "Where has Manny Diaz been? He's been absent," Kennedy said. "He just needs to go. It's time for someone new." Kennedy added that this is "not a progressive-versus-establishment fight. Everyone is upset."

Response — The decision by Diaz to endorse Dailey — who is getting support from local Republicans in his tight race against County Commissioner Kristin Dozier — so angered Leon County Democrats that they held an emergency meeting where they decided to endorse Dozier.

Other voices — Diaz did not respond to a request for comment. But Kennedy's remarks calling on Diaz to resign also got support from other Democrats, including the president of the state's Democratic Progressive Caucus.

Countdown — This week, POLITICO reported on why many Florida Democrats are increasingly skeptical about the November election, ranging from lack of financial support from national Democrats to the Republican advantage in voter registration. The fallout from a disastrous election has already begun.

— 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

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CAMPAIGN MODE

ONE NIGHT ONLY — Fox News' Sean Hannity hosted an hour-long town hall from West Palm Beach on Thursday before a raucous crowd that featured the state's top Republicans (minus a notable one who lives down the road). Gov. Ron DeSantis, first lady Casey DeSantis, Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott all joined Hannity on the program. (It's worth noting though that Scott and DeSantis, who have had moments of friction over the years, did not appear together.) The event included many familiar talking points and criticisms of President Joe Biden. But DeSantis — and Rubio — defended DeSantis' decision to transport nearly 50 Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard. Rubio also contended that the Democrats in control — who he labeled "laptop liberals and misfit Marxists" — were "out of their minds and cannot be allowed to be in power."

Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., candidate for U.S. Senate speaks to supporters at a campaign event Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in The Villages, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., candidate for U.S. Senate speaks to supporters at a campaign event Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in The Villages, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) | AP

ON THEIR OWN — " Black Democrats say the party isn't helping Beasley and Demings enough ," by The New York Times' Jonathan Weisman: "As for [Rep. Val] Demings, neither Senate Democrats' super PAC nor their official campaign arm, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, had spent much of anything in the last reports to the Federal Election Commission. 'The Black women, here and in Florida, the emphasis hasn't been on them,' Representative Alma Adams, Democrat of North Carolina, said of Ms. Beasley and Ms. Demings. 'We shouldn't be forgotten in this process.'

No help coming — "Beyond that, seats considered long shots at best — in states won by former President Donald J. Trump — were sent to the bottom: Florida and Ohio. Though Ms. Demings and the Democratic nominee in Ohio, Representative Tim Ryan, have run what Washington Democrats acknowledge to be remarkably effective campaigns, they have been left largely to their own devices."

'HE'S A NICE MAN' — " Trump plays 9, fields DeSantis questions at LIV tournament at Doral resort ," by Miami Herald's Bianca Padró Ocasio: "Advisers to Florida Gov. DeSantis, Politico Florida reported, were caught by surprise by Trump's rally, which he was reportedly not invited to attend. Neither Trump nor DeSantis — who is running for reelection against Democrat Charlie Crist — have officially announced a run for president in 2024, but both have entertained speculation of their bids, a scenario that would likely set up a divisive matchup within the party. 'Uh, no, he's a nice man and I like him,' said Trump when asked by a Miami Herald reporter if he was planning to campaign with the Republican governor. Trump, who was talking to fans, didn't stick around long to answer questions. 'I don't want to say something that's going to get me in trouble,' he said."

Former President Donald Trump holds a March 1990 issue of Playboy magazine with him on the cover, given to him by a fan, during the pro-am of the LIV Golf Team Championship.

Former President Donald Trump holds a March 1990 issue of Playboy magazine with him on the cover, given to him by a fan, during the pro-am of the LIV Golf Team Championship at Trump National Doral Golf Club, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, in Doral, Fla. | Lynne Sladky/AP Photo

— " Roger Stone cautioned Ron DeSantis that it would be 'ingratitude and treachery' to run against Trump in 2024 ," by Insider's Cheryl Teh

FOLLOW THE MONEY — " DeSantis hasn't returned $213,000 from man charged in an illegal donor scheme ," by McClatchy D.C.'s Sheridan Wall: "Gov. Ron DeSantis has millions at his disposal, yet his campaign has not returned $213,000 in contributions from a fugitive charged with making illegal straw donations. The donations came from Ahmad 'Andy' Khawaja, the owner of an online payments processing company called Allied Wallet, Inc., and one of Khawaja's companies. Khawaja now faces straw donor and wire fraud charges connected to his California-based business. Khawaja, described in court filings as a fugitive, currently lives abroad and is fighting extradition."

BY THE NUMBERS — More than 1.94 million people have voted ahead of the Nov. 8 election, according to the latest information on the state Division of Elections website. Nearly 1.58 million people have voted by mail so far. Of those, 676,078 have come from Democrats and 593,290 have come from registered Republicans. Overall, there are nearly 2.7 million mail ballots that have been requested but not yet returned. Of those, nearly 1.19 million are held by Democrats and more than 823,000 are with Republicans. Nearly 361,000 have also voted early this week. That includes 191,363 Republicans and 110,347 Democrats. Less than 2,000 votes separate the two parties overall.

— " Florida Republicans take the lead in early voting ballots, an ominous sign for Democrats ," by USA Today Network-Florida's Zac Anderson

CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP — Demings will be in Tallahassee on Friday to attend events ahead of Florida A&M University homecoming. Demings will start her day at a well-known restaurant across the street from FAMU's campus where she has promised that to pay breakfast for the first 100 people who show up. Joining Demings will be Rep. Joyce Beatty, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick ….

The Democratic National Committee announced additional details about a Nov. 1 rally that will feature President Biden. The rally will be held at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens and will include both Demings and Charlie Crist, as well as actor/comedian Keegan-Michael Key. ...

DeSantis' campaign launched a new reelection ad featuring Pro MMA Fighter and Miami-native Jorge Masvidal. In the ad, Masvidal says "he fights for you. He fights for our kids. He fights for our freedom. That's Governor DeSantis, and he doesn't tap out."

COMPLAINT — " Watchdog group asks feds to investigate funding behind ghost candidate scandal ," by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas: "The secret fundraising network created by political operatives working for Florida Power & Light and other clients appears to have violated campaign finance laws and should be investigated, according to a complaint filed Thursday with the Federal Elections Commission by a Washington-based watchdog group. Citing reports published in the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) said that the operatives pitched clients on a funding structure with the intent 'to illegally hide the identities of the true source or sources of contributions.'"

ALSO ON NOV. 8 BALLOT — " Florida voters are asked to scrap one way to amend constitution ," by The Associated Press' Brendan Farrington: "Florida voters are deciding whether to get rid of a commission that meets every 20 years to recommend changes to the state constitution, the only such panel among the U.S. states that refers amendments directly to a statewide ballot. Opponents of the Constitution Revision Commission say it has gone beyond its original mandate, lacks accountability and has become a venue for new statewide policy to be proposed to a group of temporary officials who — in contrast to the elected Legislature — are unelected appointees."

— " Floridians with past convictions wary of voting after wave of arrests ," by Orlando Sentinel's Amanda Rabines

— " Rep. Val Demings campaigns in Tampa, talks affordable healthcare ," by WFLA's Niko Clemmons

— " Judge won't block new canvassing rules for Florida election ," by News Service of Florida's Jim Saunders

— " National progressive PAC makes five-figure ad buy for Robert Asencio in CD 28 ," by Florida Politics' Jesse Scheckner

— " Florida Republicans cut further into Democratic support among Hispanics ," by Tampa Bay Times' Emily L. Mahoney

... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ...

STILL TRYING — " No depo for DeSantis, but lawyers may seek his testimony in Warren trial ," by Tampa Bay Times' Sue Carlton and Dan Sullivan: "Attorneys for ousted Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren are willing to let Gov. Ron DeSantis avoid testifying in a deposition — as long as they are allowed to put him on the witness stand at trial. Warren's lawyers said as much in a court document filed Thursday, noting that they want to get to the fast-approaching Nov. 29 trial date as scheduled to try to win Warren his job back. The governor, they said, 'has indicated he will use any court order compelling his deposition as a reason for delay and protracted litigation.'"

THE DESANTIS WAY — " Lights out: DeSantis administration clamps down on colored lights at Florida's old Capitol ," by City & State Florida's Jim Rosica: "A year after a colored light kerfuffle at the old Capitol, Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration is pushing a set of new rules for the Capitol Complex, including giving the governor sole authority to light building exteriors….The language proposed by DMS, the state's real estate manager, says 'lighting the Historic Capitol in various colors to communicate a message of support for a cause or event or to celebrate a holiday or other important date is reserved for government speech only.' The 'government speech' doctrine 'recognizes that a government entity 'is entitled to say what it wishes,'' according to the Legal Information Institute."

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...HURRICANE HOLE...

'THERE ARE RAMIFICATIONS' — " Hurricane Ian's lucrative cleanup deals generate new storm ," by The Associated Press' Mike Schneider: "It has been a month since Hurricane Ian wiped out parts of southwest Florida. Now multimillion-dollar cleanup contracts are generating new tempests in the Category 4 storm's wake. Contractors who remove debris and perform post-storm repairs are fighting over local government contracts that could be worth tens of millions in tax dollars. The skirmishes offer a preview of likely fights over local, state and federal funds that will be distributed over the next several months to help southwest Florida get back on its feet."

THE LIST — " Florida's first lady, DeSantis campaign donors build $50M Florida Disaster Fund after Ian ," by Orlando Sentinel's Jeffrey Schweers: "The same day a deadly Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida with a 15-foot storm surge, destroying barrier island communities and flooding cities, first lady Casey DeSantis activated the Florida Disaster Fund. Two days later, she announced that the fund had already raised $20 million, largely due to large donations from top corporate and individual contributors to Gov. Ron DeSantis's reelection, including Florida Power & Light, Dosal Tobacco, Las Vegas hotelier Robert Bigelow and Chicago hedge fund manager Ken Griffin."

PENINSULA AND BEYOND

GATOR GROWL — University of Florida faculty passes vote of no confidence in Sasse's presidential search , by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: The faculty senate at the University of Florida on Thursday passed a vote of no confidence in opposition of the school's presidential search that resulted in Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) named as the sole finalist. With UF trustees set to consider Sasse next week, faculty senators approved the resolution to denounce how the university search committee unveiled the Nebraska Republican as the only top candidate for the job despite allegedly interviewing top academics.

Ben Sasse listening during a confirmation hearing.

Nebraska GOP Sen. Ben Sasse is the lone finalist for the job of University of Florida president | Alex Brandon/AP Photo

FOR YOUR RADAR — " State pays millions to company employing undocumented workers linked to deputy's death ," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: "Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration has paid more than $8 million to a construction contractor since authorities found it had hired several workers living in the country illegally — including two men who have been charged in connection with the death of a Pinellas County deputy. The state contractor, Archer Western-De Moya Joint Venture, has a standing contract with the Florida Department of Transportation to do work on the Gateway Expressway in the Tampa Bay area. Records show the payments, which are part of a multiyear half-billion-dollar contract, have not stopped since the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office announced the findings."

— " With their licenses in jeopardy, Florida teachers unsure how the 'don't say gay' law will be applied ," by Education Week's Ileana Najarro

— " Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown must pay $1.2 million after tussle with truck driver, jury finds ," by Miami Herald's Omar Rodríguez Ortiz, David Neal and Devoun Cetoute

— " Ex-Broward charter president sentenced to 40 months in prison in embezzling over $600,000 from school accounts ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Shira Moolten

— " Collier County commissioners advance 60-day landlord notice for rent hikes of more than 5% ," by Naples Daily News Laura Layden

— "' Devil in the Grove' author says he solved a controversial 1987 Osceola murder case ," by Orlando Sentinel's Cristóbal Reyes

ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN

— " Death row inmate Tommy Zeigler edges closer to long-sought DNA testing ," by Tampa Bay Times' Leonora LaPeter Anton: "For 19 years, death row inmate Tommy Zeigler has begged for a full DNA test of the evidence in his case. On Thursday, a Florida judge said she was going to let him. Circuit Judge Patricia L. Strowbridge stopped short of signing the agreement for testing, asking lawyers to rewrite it with safeguards to protect the evidence. But for an elderly man with health problems on death row for 46 years, Thursday's decision in an Orlando courtroom represented an epic turnabout."

BIRTHDAYS: Rep. Byron Donalds … Alia Faraj-Johnson, public relations consultant … Tiffany Vause, director of strategic initiatives at WIN Learning ... Bill Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Law Group.

(Saturday) Former Sen. Connie Mack … state Rep. Melony Bell … Kristen Bridges, communications director for GrayRobinson … Caroline Rowland …. Anthony Pardal with American Bankers Association ... Rivers Buford III , former legislative affairs director at the Department of State...

(Sunday) Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel … Washington Post contributing columnist Lizette Alvarez … former state Rep. Ron Saunders