| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Good Monday morning. The divide — Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott and GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis aren’t close, and at times the two have thrown shade on each other. His thoughts — Scott, who rode into office amid the tea party wave in 2010 and served two terms as governor, has made it clear that he’s running for reelection in 2024 instead of mounting a bid for president. But as he prepares for his run, he is becoming less and less hesitant about noting his policy differences with the man who succeeded him. Sit-down — In an interview recorded with Telemundo’s Julio Vaquerio in Miami that aired Friday, Scott once again defended his decision to sign the 2014 legislation that offered in-state tuition rates to undocumented children who had spent at least three years in a Florida high school. He also suggested that he was in favor of keeping the state’s current permitting requirements for concealed weapons intact although he also said relies on the advice of the state’s sheriffs. (The Florida Sheriffs Association is backing the bill to end the permits.) On abortion — Scott, who signed bills that placed new abortion restrictions into place while he was governor, said that he is in favor of keeping the state’s current ban on abortion after 15 weeks with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. DeSantis said last week he’s willing to sign a newly filed bill that would ban abortion after six weeks. (That bill does include exceptions for rape and incest, while the state’s current ban does not.) Explanation — “First off, that's a tough issue for people,” Scott said. “I mean, you really have to be really compassionate about what people are going through, I think where most people are is reasonable restrictions. And probably most people are about 15 weeks with all the exceptions.” Press relations — Scott said he was unfamiliar with a DeSantis’ suggested proposal to alter the state’s libel laws but then added “I believe there's a reason for the First Amendment. I believe you have to have a strong press. I like them to write nice things about me, by the way.” Sidestep — As he has done repeatedly Scott, however, veered around answering who will support in a GOP primary for president. “I always tell everybody when you're going to vote for somebody, would you hire them to manage your life? Because that's what we're doing. OK. And so I think what you have to do is you have to look at all the candidates, whether it's Trump or DeSantis or Nikki Haley or any of them say, what is their background? How did they do the jobs they have now? What's my concerns about the future? And so for the issues of the country today, who would be the best? And there's going to be other people that are getting into the race.” — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to participate in a special Cabinet meeting to appoint a new insurance commissioner, but the agenda says he will appear by phone. 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. | | | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | RESIGN TO RUN UPDATE — Florida’s two Republican legislative leaders said last year they were willing to revamp the state’s resign-to-run law to make it clear that it would not affect Gov. Ron DeSantis if he winds up becoming the GOP nominee for president. (While there are some who have varying opinions, most agree that DeSantis could run in GOP primaries in Florida and other states. The question is what happens if he secures the nomination.) When asked this past week state Sen. Danny Burgess, the chair of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, said the “ability to clarify” the state’s resign-to-run law “may be something we address this year.” Burgess acknowledged there are divergent opinions on whether the law would apply to a DeSantis run because “presidential qualification is different than obviously the qualification standards for other candidates at the state and federal law. So it would be in fact in our estimation a clarification.” He said it was one of many election law issues Florida legislators are expected to discuss between now and when session ends in early May. “Stay tuned,” he said. VIVA LAS VEGAS — “In Las Vegas visit, Ron DeSantis touts Florida as a ‘blueprint’ for conservatism,” by Las Vegas Sun’s Casey Harrison: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke before several hundred attendees at a Las Vegas country music bar Saturday to promote his book, marking the second stop in battleground states in as many days as the conservative is believed to be considering a 2024 presidential run. DeSantis, 44, spoke to upwards of 1,200 people at Stoney’s Rockin' Country, a common meeting place for many visiting Republican hopefuls just south of the Las Vegas Strip. He took the stage just after 5 p.m. and discussed his 20-point landslide win for a second term for governor in November, and touted Florida as a “blueprint” for conservatism that could be followed elsewhere around the nation.” | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets people in the crowd during an event Friday, March 10, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. (AP Photo/Ron Johnson) | AP |
THE DESANTIS WAY — “A glimpse of DeSantis in Iowa: Awkward, but still winning the crowd,” by The New York Times’ Michael Bender: “The interaction underscored both the promise and the potential pitfall of a presidential bid for Mr. DeSantis. His preference for policy over personality can make him seem awkward and arrogant or otherwise astonishing in person, depending on the voter and the success or failure of his one-on-one exchanges. Many Republicans view his style as an antidote to the character attacks and volatility that have underscored Republican politics during the Trump era.”
— “Vivek Ramaswamy takes swipe at DeSantis for avoiding liberal media: ‘Have some spine,’” by Fox News Joseph A. Wulfsohn: — “In Iowa, DeSantis gets snowflake gift with ‘fascist’ hidden on it,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Ellen E. Clarke — “Trump vs. DeSantis: Florida pastors mull conservative issues,” by The Associated Press’ Giovanna Dell’Orto — “Trump vs DeSantis: Two political figures. Two political speeches. Two diverging brands,” by Palm Beach Post’s Antonio Fins — “Donald Trump throws cold water on Ron DeSantis’ new book,” by Florida Politics A.G. Gancarski — “Inside Ron DeSantis’s politicized removal of an elected prosecutor,” by The New York Times’ Alexandra Berzon and Ken Bensinger | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | ‘THEY’VE JUST BEEN COMING FROM ALL OVER’ — Republicans look to end Florida’s abortion-haven legacy, by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian: Abortion providers and Democrats are reeling over the proposed ban and what it means for people in Florida and those who travel to the Sunshine State specifically to get abortions. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision, roughly 4,000 people traveled to Florida for the procedure, including from Texas and Alabama, where abortion is outlawed at any stage of pregnancy with some narrow exceptions when a patient’s life is in danger. — “Florida abortion ban could have impact beyond the state,” by The Associated Press’ Geoff Mulvihill and Anthony Izaguirre GUN BILL SPONSOR CONFRONTED AT HIS HOUSE — Rep. Chuck Brannan, the Macclenny Republican and House sponsor of the bill to end the permit requirements for those who carry a concealed weapon, got into a spirited discussion with gun rights proponents in front of his house. Some gun rights supporters have criticized legislative efforts because the pending bill does not allow the open carry of guns in the state. In a short video posted over the weekend by a gun rights supporter, Brannan is shown in his driveway telling someone, “Maybe we just pull the whole thing, Then ya’ll can say, ‘Well, we pissed them off and we didn’t get nothing this year.’ How about that?” He then added, “take a win lady, take a win.” In response to a comment that they are trying to "protect the freedoms of the American people," Brannan responds by saying they have been "lying" about his bill and he adds that “you hurt your cause, you hurt Republicans, you hurt everybody, you’re not doing anybody any good.” A House spokesperson confirmed the video was recorded at Brannan's home this past weekend. HITTING BACK — “Andrew Gillum lawyer accuses FBI agents of ‘misconduct’ as Ben Crump raises money for his defense,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew: “Andrew Gillum’s lawyers blasted FBI agents whose investigation of the former mayor led to his indictment last year, saying they engaged in ‘misconduct’ and used drugs and women to try to “ensnare” their targets. The lawyers’ blistering comments came in a motion filed Friday in U.S. District Court seeking to unseal a government motion filed the day before. Gillum is represented by David Markus and Katherine Miller of the Miami-based Markus/Moss firm.” — “LGBTQ Floridians heading to the state Capitol, where they face increasingly hostile political climate,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man — “Ethics panel tosses case over Nikki Fried financial disclosures,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders — Universal school choice bill ready for House consideration, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury — “CDC, FDA send letter to Florida’s surgeon general warning he is endangering lives with COVID vaccine risk advice,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Cindy Krischer Goodman and Caroline Catherman
| | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | SO MAYBE IT ISN’T JUST LAWSUITS … — “Insurers slashed Hurricane Ian payouts far below damage estimates, documents and insiders reveal,” by Washington Post Brianna Sacks: “In the wake of Hurricane Ian, those companies have been aggressively seeking to limit payouts to policyholders by altering the work of licensed adjusters, according to a Post investigation. As a result, homeowners are left footing much of the bill for repairs, exposing an untenable gap between the cost of storm damage and what insurers are willing to pay to fix it.” How’s it working — “The documents show that a dozen policyholders and their families had their Hurricane Ian claims reduced by 45 to 97 percent. In one claim reviewed by The Post, a nearly $500,000 damage estimate on a house with a mostly tarped roof was reduced to about $13,000. In another, the desk adjusters blamed roof storm damage on past wear and tear, meaning it would not be covered.” | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | 'GIANT IN THE MIDDLE' — Trump continues to suck the air out of the GOP primary, by POLITICO’s David Siders: It wasn’t long ago that many Republicans believed the party might finally be ready to move past former President Donald Trump. Nikki Haley was running for president. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was embarking on a book tour, and a raft of other prominent GOPers were visiting early primary states. But in the span of a week, the script for the earliest stages of the 2024 primary was written; and once again Trump was the axis around which it all turned. “It’s Groundhog Day,” said Mike Madrid, the Republican strategist who was a co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project. | 
Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images |
AS THE PAGES TURN — Judge denies media access to records in Mar-a-Lago grand jury fight, by POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney: A federal judge has rejected a bid by media organizations to gain access to records related to a dispute over compliance with a grand jury subpoena for classified documents stored at former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate. The chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, Beryl Howell, issued an order Saturday turning down efforts by news outlets, including POLITICO, to obtain the legal pleadings related to the fight, as well as transcripts of related closed-door court sessions.
— “Pence says ‘history will hold Donald Trump accountable’ for Jan. 6th,” by Washington Post’s Ben Terris | | Transitions | | Matt Dixon, who has been the Florida bureau chief for POLITICO the past eight years, has left for a new opportunity that will be announced shortly. Phillip Jerez, who served as political director for Charlie Crist’s campaign for governor, has been hired as the deputy director of engagement for U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Alex Vargo is now director of external affairs for Florida House Speaker Paul Renner. He most recently was a senior policy adviser for DeSantis. Megan Bailey is joining the federal affairs team at Americans for Prosperity. She was most recently director of operations and scheduling for Sen. Rick Scott. | | CAMPAIGN MODE | |
CLEAN UP TIME — “Florida Roundup: Nikki Fried wants to ‘rebrand’ Florida Democratic Party,” by WLRN: "As the new chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki Fried told the Florida Roundup on Friday that she wants to rebrand and reunify the party, reconnect with voters across the state and recruit a new generation of Democratic leaders to win elections at every level of government. She replaced former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, who resigned as party chairman in early January — two months after Florida Democrats suffered historic losses up and down the ballot."
SOTO ON LIST — Republicans release top targets of Democratic-held House seats in 2024, by POLITICO’s Brittany Gibson — “Political consultant faces charges over text messages targeting Polk School Board member,” by The Ledger’s Gary White — “Nikki Fried to rally Jacksonville Democrats to vote early,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | — “Gabby Giffords, former congresswoman and assassination attempt survivor, visits Parkland to condemn permitless gun carry,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Shira Moolten — “Relocated Orlando drag pageant raises record funds for charity,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Matthew J. Palm — “A Tampa teen was racially harassed by her teacher. He’s bullied students for years,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Bethany Barnes — “‘Enora is dead’: Parents sue Airbnb after fentanyl killed a 19-month-old girl at a South Florida vacation rental,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Shira Moolten — “Big push to train workers for lucrative jobs in Miami’s growing technology arena,” Miami Herald’s Vinod Sreeharsha — “Disney CEO Iger says his crowded theme parks cost too much,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Katie Rice | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
BIRTHDAYS: Former Rep. Alan Grayson ... former state Rep. Scott Plakon … Bob Asztalos, deputy executive director at the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs … Nancy Soderberg, National Democratic Institute’s senior resident director for Kosovo
| | | | 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 | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment