| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. Setting the scene —- Two weeks ago, former Rep. and former legislator David Rivera was mixing it up with legislators and other old colleagues on the floor of the Florida House. As he glided down a hallway near the speaker's office, he made a crack about how much longer a reporter was going to keep covering the Capitol. Rivera brushed aside a comment about Venezuela. Dropping — And now Rivera — who has managed to dodge several earlier investigations during his career — has been charged by federal authorities on several accounts, including failing to register as a foreign agent and money laundering. The Associated Press was the first to report he was arrested in the Atlanta airport on Monday due to an indictment that was first issued just days before Rivera's appearance in Tallahassee. Follow the money — The charges stem from work that the Miami Republican allegedly did as part of a lucrative $50 million contract to help the Venezuelan government and strongman Nicolas Maduro mend their relationship with the United States shortly after former President Donald Trump took office in 2017. The existence of this work had surfaced previously amid a suit and countersuit between Rivera and a U.S. affiliate of Venezuela's state oil company. An effort spelled out — The indictment itself is replete with details about encrypted messaging, code words for Maduro (the "bus driver") and money ("melons"). But it also delves into meetings and discussions with top officials, including a "United States senator from Florida." Rivera is a longtime ally of Sen. Marco Rubio, who voiced strong opposition to Maduro and has been critical of Biden administration overtures to the South American country. Rivera and Rubio once shared a house together in Tallahassee. Hmm — AP says evidence in the other lawsuits point to Rubio. The indictment states two meetings were held with this unnamed senator from Florida in the summer of 2017. The meetings centered around a possible deal with the Maduro regime where he would accept a deal to "hold free and fair elections in Venezuela." Exchange — At one point Rivera sent an encrypted text message to those involved in the lobbying effort and stated that the senator was meeting the next day with Trump and that he would "tell him that he has the possibility in his hands to solve the crisis…" Rivera later exchanged texts with the senator that said the U.S. should "facilitate, not just support, a negotiated solution" as well as "no vengeance, reconciliation." Where does this go? — Rubio's office does not appear to have responded to various media inquiries. But it would seem that there a lot of unresolved questions here regarding the senator's interactions with his longtime acquaintance — including whether Rubio knew that Rivera was acting on behalf of the Maduro regime. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official for Gov. DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | | | POLITICO APP USERS: UPGRADE YOUR APP BY DECEMBER 19! We recently upgraded the POLITICO app with a fresh look and improved features for easier access to POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Starting December 19, users will no longer have access to the previous version of the app. Update your app today to stay on top of essential political news, insights, and analysis from the best journalists in the business. UPDATE iOS APP – UPDATE ANDROID APP . | | | | | |  | DATELINE D.C. | | CHARGED — Feds arrest ex-Florida Rep. David Rivera on charges connected to Venezuela , by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Former Florida Rep. David Rivera, who had successfully outflanked a series of investigations during his lengthy political and consulting career, was arrested Monday by federal authorities in connection with an ongoing probe into his work with Venezuela's authoritarian regime. Rivera, who represented a Miami-area district from 2011 to 2013, was detained in Georgia on Wednesday in connection with a Miami grand jury indictment issued last month. ... According to the indictment unsealed on Monday night, Rivera and his former political consultant, Esther Nuhfer, are facing charges of conspiring against the U.S., failing to register as foreign agents and engaging in illegal financial transactions including money laundering.
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David Rivera speaks on Nov. 2, 2010, in Coral Gables, Fla. The former Miami congressman was arrested Monday in connection to an ongoing federal criminal investigation. | Alan Diaz/AP Photo |
— " Ex-Miami US Rep. David Rivera arrested in Venezuela probe ," by Associated Press' Joshua Goodman and Terry Spencer
— " Ex-U.S Rep. David Rivera arrested. Charges tied to $50 million Venezuela consulting deal ," by Miami Herald's Jay Weaver — " Florida Ex-Congressman arrested over secret contract with Venezuela ," by New York Times' Patricia Mazzei
| | DESANTISLAND | | WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET? — DeSantis to offer VIP access to his inauguration — for $50k to $1M , by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Five donors who give $1 million to the Republican Party of Florida will be recognized as "inaugural chair" sponsors who will receive tickets to a candlelight dinner the night before the inauguration, VIP seating at the inauguration ceremony held on the steps of the Old Capitol as well tickets to the inaugural ball and a "Toast to One Million Mamas," the campaign group put together by first lady Casey DeSantis, and a photo opportunity with the governor. — " Liz Cheney, Ron DeSantis, Elon Musk among finalists for Time Person of the Year ," by Fox News' Jeffrey Clark — " What does 'woke' mean? Whatever Ron DeSantis wants ," by Washington Post's Philip Bump | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | MORE FALLOUT — " Senate GOP leaders turn on Trump over suspend-the-Constitution talk ," by POLITICO's Burgess Everett and Marianne LeVine: Top Senate Republicans are distancing themselves from Donald Trump in growing numbers after the former president's call to suspend the Constitution — though there's no sign it will lead them to actively oppose his 2024 presidential campaign. — Trump denies he suggested 'termination' of Constitution, without deleting post , by POLITICO's Olivia Olander FOLLOW THE MONEY — " Trump's committee paying for lawyers of key Mar-a-Lago witnesses ," by Washington Post's Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey and Isaac Stanley-Becker: "Former president Donald Trump's political action committee is paying legal bills for some key witnesses involved in the Justice Department investigation into whether Trump mishandled classified documents, obstructed the investigation or destroyed government records, according to people familiar with the matter. The witnesses include Kash Patel, who has testified in front of the grand jury and is key to Trump's defense, along with Walt Nauta, a potentially critical prosecution witness, according to these people, who like others interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing criminal probe." THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS — " Trump's Mar-a-Lago club back in spotlight it never really left ," by Palm Beach Post's Antonio Fins: "Mar-a-Lago, after all, is from where [former President Donald] Trump reasserted control of the Republican Party after losing the 2020 election and despite leaving the White House under a second impeachment cloud following the U.S. Capitol attack." — " Trump's slow 2024 start worries allies ," by CNN's Gabby Orr and Kristen Holmes
| | | | JOIN WEDNESDAY FOR A POLITICO DISCUSSION ON THE NEW TRAVEL EXPERIENCE : Americans are now traveling in record numbers — but the travel experience has changed drastically in recent years, not always for the better. What lessons can we learn from the pandemic and different responses around the globe? And in the face of a possible recession, what will help the travel industry remain vibrant and deliver jobs? Join POLITICO on Dec. 7 for "The Travel Experience Redefined" to discuss these questions and more. Breakfast and coffee will be provided. REGISTER HERE . | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | EXITING — Two Florida agency chiefs depart DeSantis' office ahead of second term , by POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday announced the resignation of two agency chiefs ahead of the start of his second term in office. DeSantis announced on Twitter that Terry Rhodes, the executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and Dane Eagle, executive director of the State Department of Economic Opportunity, will be leaving his administration at the end of the year. PASSIDOMO NAMES CHAIRS — Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) handed out committee assignments a week before those committees are supposed to hold their first meetings. Some of her chair selections were notable because she gave leadership posts to first-term members who have never been in the Legislature previously. She had previously announced the chairs of powerful committees such as Rules and Appropriations as well as a newly created Fiscal Policy committee. On the list — On Monday, she tapped freshmen Sens. Alexis Calatayud, Jay Collins, Jonathan Martin and Corey Simon to helm the community affairs, agriculture, criminal justice and education preK-12 committees. Other spots: Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) banking and insurance; Sen. Ileana Garcia children, families and elder affairs; Sen. Jay Trumbull commerce and tourism; Sen. Erin Grall, postsecondary education; Sen. Anna Maria Rodriguez, environment and natural resources; Sen. Danny Burgess, ethics and elections; Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, finance and tax; Sen. Bryan Avila, governmental oversight and accountability; Sen. Colleen Burton, health policy; Sen. Clay Yarborough, judiciary; Sen. Tom Wright, military and veterans affairs, space and domestic security; Sen. Joe Gruters, regulated industries; Sen. Nick DiCeglie, transportation. Filling it out — Senate Majority Leader Ben Albritton was also named chair of a select committee on resiliency while Sens. Jason Brodeur, Jennifer Bradley, Keith Perry, Gayle Harrell and Ed Hooper were named as chairs of five appropriations subcommittees. ADD IT UP — " Women shut out of FL House committee leadership; a few will lead subcommittees ," by Florida Phoenix's Danielle J. Brown: "As the Florida Legislature gears up for a special session next week and prepares for the 2023 regular session, the House of Representatives has announced its committee leadership assignments. Let's call them male-centric. Unsurprisingly, all full committee leadership roles were filled by Republicans, who enjoy supermajorities in both chambers. Women make up 40.8 percent of the House but fill just 18 of the 83 committee, subcommittee, joint committee, and party leadership assignments announced last week. That's 21.7 percent of the positions. In addition, not one woman chairs a full committee in the House." — " Women will take the lead on health care issues in the Florida Senate ," by Florida Politics' Christine Jordan Sexton
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | REVIEW — " Florida watchdog group's report raises questions about use of 'ghost candidates ,'" by Tampa Bay Times' Romy Ellenbogen: "Government watchdog group Integrity Florida on Monday released a report on the use of so-called 'ghost candidates' to affect elections, with the group's research director saying the use of such candidates in three state Senate elections in 2020 'crossed the legal and moral line.' The report in particular detailed a 2020 Senate race in South Florida won by Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia, saying that a 'ghost candidate' in the race spoiled the outcome by intentionally diverting votes away from the Democratic incumbent. Garcia ultimately won by just 32 votes." | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | HOW'S THE WATER? — " EPA: Florida must change water quality standards to protect citizens' health ," by Tallahassee Democrat's Douglas Soule: "The United States Environmental Protection Agency has determined that Florida's antiquated water quality standards do not go far enough in protecting its citizens — particularly those who consume fish — from pollutants and adverse health effects. Florida's current criteria for 40 toxic pollutants runs afoul of the Clean Water Act, does not reflect the latest science and must be changed to safeguard a state that has a vibrant seafood industry, the agency said in a letter released Thursday by the federal agency." 'MUCH NEEDED HUMANITARIAN RELIEF' — " U.S. extends TPS for Haiti, allowing more Haitians to apply, but others will be deported ," by Miami Herald's Jacqueline Charles: "Citing the extraordinary conditions in crises-ridden Haiti, the Biden administration Monday extended legal protections for Haitians living in the United States while also allowing tens of thousands of undocumented Haitian nationals who recently arrived to also legally live and work in the U.S. on a temporary basis. It is expected that 100,000 Haitians will benefit from the decision by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Mayorkas extended the Temporary Protected Status, TPS, for Haiti for an additional 18 months, from Feb. 4, 2023 through Aug. 3, 2024, and also re-designated Haiti for TPS." GONE — " Tampa police Chief Mary O'Connor resigns amid traffic stop controversy ," by Tampa Bay Times' Tony Marrero: "The tenure of Tampa's 43rd police chief has ended as it began 10 months ago: amid controversy. Chief Mary O'Connor resigned Monday effective immediately after an investigation into a Pinellas County traffic stop last month where she flashed a badge and asked a deputy to 'just let us go.' Mayor Jane Castor said Monday that she asked for and received O'Connor's resignation after a review by the department's internal affairs bureau found that O'Connor violated the department policies on 'standard of conduct' and 'abuse of position or identification.'" — " Ex-police chief still gets nearly $80,000-a-year pension ," by Tampa Bay Times' C.T. Bowen MEANWHILE — " Sheriff Gregory Tony faces more scrutiny from ethics panel over lies, omissions on forms ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Lisa J. Huriash: "Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony must now decide whether to fight a decision by a state ethics panel — which for the second time in recent months agreed that further review is warranted to look into accusations he gave false information on official forms, his attorney said Monday. The Florida Commission on Ethics, with an 8-1 vote, found probable cause Friday to pursue a case into the sheriff's providing false information, or not disclosing information." FOR YOUR RADAR — " Florida's required school immunizations fall to 10-year low ," by News Service of Florida's Ryan Dailey: "Last school year marked a more than 10-year low for Florida's kindergarten and seventh-grade students completing all doses of required immunizations, according to a recent report from the state Department of Health. About 91.7% of kindergarten students in public and private schools statewide completed the immunizations required to enter school during the 2021-2022 year, the September report showed." — " Miami-Dade School Board may lose member to new law on Dec. 31. DeSantis would name a sub ," by Miami Herald's Sommer Brugal — " Jan. 6 looms in Tampa federal trial of retired Special Forces soldier ," by Tampa Bay Times' Dan Sullivan — " Brevard deputy charged in accidental shooting death of Deputy Adam Walsh ," by Florida Today's Eric Rogers | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — " NASA sends Orion on slingshot around moon to head back to Earth ," by Orlando Sentinel's Richard Tribou: NASA whipped the Orion spacecraft around the moon Monday for a slingshot back to Earth as the Artemis I mission nears its completion. Orion previously performed a similar maneuver to send it into a lunar orbit that brought it out to the farthest distance flown by a human-rated spacecraft — more than 268,000 miles from Earth. It left that orbit on Dec. 1 moving closer and closer back to moon over the last few days. Monday's return maneuver saw Orion fly within 79.2 miles from the lunar surface before making a powered flyby burn to use the moon's gravity for an Earthbound trajectory. BIRTHDAYS: Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and co-founder of Promise Fund of Florida ... Former state Rep. Carlos Lacasa
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