| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Friday. On the scene — The line of those waiting to meet Gov. Ron DeSantis at a Jacksonville Beach store late Thursday morning stretched down the sidewalk, past the Ace Hardware and a home and garden store. Make your own — Some were wearing DeSantis campaign gear or their own promotional materials such as a T-shirt that read “DeSantis Airlines – Bringing the Border to You” — a reference to the relocation program where nearly 50 migrants were flown from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. Tom Johnson, who described himself as an ex-Democratic operative from Chicago, wore one that read “I’ll give your President the same respect you gave mine.” Caveat — Of course, there’s nothing scientific about gathering the opinions from those who like DeSantis enough to buy his book. But those who took time to see the Republican governor made it clear they backed former President Donald Trump but they were willing to move on to DeSantis. ‘Torn’ — Casey Jones, who called himself a “Roosevelt Republican,” was on hand for DeSantis’ speech before a crowd of supporters gathered at the Fraternal Order of Police lodge after the governor’s book-signing stop. Jones acknowledged that he was “torn” about choosing between Trump or DeSantis if both run. He said, however, he was upset about Trump’s recent attacks or “potshots” against DeSantis. Jones then noted that DeSantis had said it wasn’t his job to “smear other Republicans” but to fight against President Joe Biden. Home field advantage — An additional caveat is that those praising the governor were residents of prime DeSantis country in northeast Florida. But now he’s taking his pitch to Texas and California as well as Iowa and then New Hampshire and Nevada. Some Trump supporters have noted that DeSantis did not draw big crowds during his recent visit to New York City — and Trump himself is beginning to ramp up his criticism of the man he helped become governor. So the question is: Will what works in Jacksonville Beach play well in Des Moines? The answer should be coming soon. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the Harris County Republican Party’s Lincoln Reagan dinner in Houston, Texas. 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 | | ON THE SIDEWALK — Die-hard Trump fans make it clear: They want DeSantis, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: If Gov. Ron DeSantis is using his current book tour to soft-launch a likely 2024 campaign, he’ll be very happy with the results. Roughly 250 Florida residents lined up outside a Books-A-Million store in Jacksonville Beach on Thursday morning to meet DeSantis, who started a national book tour this week to sell his autobiography “The Courage to Be Free” — and ostensibly himself. The crowd made it clear they want DeSantis to run, even it means taking on former President Donald Trump. “Donald needs to retire and I love Donald,” said Nita Spatola, who was wearing a DeSantis for governor cap and a rhinestone pin that said “DeSantis.” | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promoting his new book to a crowd of supporters in Jacksonville on March 3, 2023 | Gary Fineout/POLITICO |
REQUEST — “Families tell DeSantis, Scott not to make Orlando shooting victims ‘political pawns,’” by Orlando Sentinel’s Cristóbal Reyes: “The families of two of the victims in last week’s shooting in Pine Hills criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott for their responses to the killings, adding that neither had reached out to offer condolences a week after the tragedy. Attorney Mark NeJame, who represents the families of Spectrum News 13 reporter Dylan Lyons and 9-year-old T’Yonna Major, read a statement to reporters Thursday blasting both Republicans after they sent letters criticizing Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell for not prosecuting Keith Moses, the alleged killer, for misdemeanor marijuana possession in November 2021.”
CLEAN UP — “DeSantis says GOP will not ‘mess with Social Security’ as Democrats and Trump slam his past support for privatization,” by CNN’s Steve Contorno: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday distanced himself from his past support for privatizing Social Security and raising the retirement age as potential future political foes seize on his previous ideas for the popular retirement program. ‘We’re not going to mess with Social Security as Republicans,’ DeSantis told Fox News. ‘I think that that’s pretty clear.’ As a congressman, DeSantis voted for nonbinding budget resolutions that would have made age 70 the new threshold for seniors to collect their federal benefits.” SADDLE UP — “Ron DeSantis heads to Texas on Friday with a new book and presidential overtones,” by the Houston Chronicle’s Jeremy Wallace: “The visit to the two most populous counties in the biggest GOP primary state in the nation comes almost exactly a year out from the Texas Republican Primary on March 5, 2024. He’ll follow that up on Sunday with a trip to California where he will deliver a speech at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley before attending a fundraising dinner with the Republican Party of Orange County. “It sure looks like he’s running for president already, although he hasn’t officially announced,” said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida.” CALIFORNIA DREAMING — “DeSantis cannonballs into America’s deep blue states for war on ‘woke’ ahead of 2024,” by Washington Post’s Maeve Reston and Hannah Knowles: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has found a comfort zone as he moves closer to launching a campaign for president: America’s bluest states, where he is brawling with liberal governors and mingling with donors as he tiptoes around a direct conflict with Donald Trump. DeSantis will travel this weekend to California, where the Republican has already drawn the renewed ire of Gov. Gavin Newsom, a frequent critic taunting him ahead of his visit. “Welcome to the real freedom state,” Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement to The Washington Post, predicting his GOP counterpart is 'going to get smoked by Trump' in the Republican primary.” NO ENTRY — “Dallas GOP dinner featuring Ron DeSantis closed to media,” by Dallas Morning News’ Gromer Jeffers Jr: "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “fireside chat” at Saturday’s Dallas County Republican Party’s Reagan Day Dinner will occur behind closed doors. ‘We are not able to invite the media,’ said Dallas County Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Stoddard-Hajdu. ‘That was the decision of Governor DeSantis’ team.’" — “Ron DeSantis usually avoid the press. For Murdoch, he’ll make an exception,” by The New York Times’ Michael M. Grynbaum — “Poll: Most Black voters disapprove of DeSantis blocking Black history course, approve of Biden,” by USA Today’s Mabinty Quarshie — “Eyeing 2024, Ron DeSantis vows ‘next step’ will be ‘executed quickly,’” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski | | DATELINE D.C. | | NO RETREAT — “Rick Scott, quoting Connor McGregor, says he will ‘apologize to absolutely nobody,’” by McClatchy D.C.’s Alex Roarty: “In a defiant speech to an audience of rank-and-file conservatives from across the country, Rick Scott on Thursday defended his failed attempt last year to unseat Mitch McConnell as the U.S. Senate GOP leader, arguing that McConnell and other longtime Republicans in Washington too often ‘caved’ to Democrats. ‘In the infamous words of Conor McGregor, I’d like to apologize to absolutely nobody,’ said Scott, referring to the MMA fighter while speaking on the main stage at the Conservative Political Action Committee near Washington, D.C., an annual gathering of Republican leaders and conservatives.” TRY, TRY AGAIN — “Bill to make Daylight Saving permanent re-emerges from the dark,” by The New York Times’ Remy Tumin: “Just when sun worshipers lost hope for longer days in gloomy winter months, the Senate may give permanent daylight saving another try. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate on Wednesday, months after the same bill, which the Senate passed unanimously last March, died in the House at the end of the last session. The bill would end the practice of turning the clocks back one hour to standard time every November and make daylight saving time, which currently begins in March, last throughout the year.” — “Rubio rejects intelligence finding that ‘Havana syndrome’ not linked to foreign adversary,” by The Hill’s Alexander Bolton — “Buchanan tours Manatee train derailment site, calls for federal attention to aging rails,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Jesse Mendoza | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | ‘A POOR VEHICLE’ — DOJ rejects Trump claim of ‘categorical’ immunity from Jan. 6 lawsuits, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein: “The Justice Department urged a federal appeals court Thursday to reject former President Donald Trump’s sweeping claim of immunity from a slew of civil suits stemming from his actions and statements on Jan. 6, 2021. ‘The United States respectfully submits that the Court should reject that categorical argument,’ DOJ lawyers wrote in a 32-page brief submitted by acting Civil Division chief Brian Boynton. It was a rare nod by the department to the limits of presidential immunity from lawsuits.” — “Donald Trump explains why ‘certain candidates’ skip CPAC,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | ‘THE MAN CLEARLY HAS A GRUDGE’ — “FDLE asked to probe racist phone rant left for Sen. Torres,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Jeffrey Schweers: “An angry voicemail laced with profanity and racial slurs left on the Kissimmee office phone of Florida Sen. Victor Torres has been forwarded to state law enforcement officials to investigate. The Central Florida Democrat received the minute-long message from a man who claimed to be from Polk County. He was upset about Torres’ opposition to a bill that would fine credit card companies if they tracked firearms and ammunition sales in Florida.” ‘SHIELDING VICTIMS’ — “Attorney General backs law protecting Florida sex trafficking victims from traumatic depositions,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Spencer Norris and Brittany Wallman: “Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said she supports proposed legislation that would protect victims of sex trafficking from being forced to testify against their abusers. The law would prohibit forced depositions of victims or witnesses of any age, as well as any person with intellectual disabilities, unless “good cause” can be shown to justify it. Depositions are witness interviews conducted by attorneys before a trial.” | 
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks during a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump and law enforcement officials, Monday, June 8, 2020, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) |
COMING THIS SESSION — “Florida school vouchers for all: Great idea or ‘casino gambling’ with kids’ education?” by Orlando Sentinel’s Leslie Postal and Annie Martin: “Florida leaders are poised this month to expand school voucher programs to every student, a move celebrated by school choice advocates who say all parents deserve state funding to help pay for whatever education they deem best for their children. But critics argue an expansion will mean more public money spent on private, often religious, schools that operate without state oversight.”
NEW VERSION — “Brodeur files ‘softer’ but still sweeping defamation bill aimed at news media,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello and Jeff Weiner: “A defamation bill filed this week by Sen. Jason Brodeur waters down some of the language in the Florida House version but keeps most of what would make it much easier for people to sue the news media. Both Brodeur’s bill SB 1220 and HB 991, filed by Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, propose sweeping changes to Florida’s libel and defamation law. They both would automatically presume information from anonymous sources to be false and would prevent journalists from shielding the identity of sources if they are sued.” ‘ILL-CONCEIVED IDEA’ — “Business-immigration group alarmed over DeSantis proposal to repeal in-state tuition for Dreamers,” by NBC News’ Carmen Sesin and Suzanne Gamboa: “A group of employers, students and community leaders expressed alarm Thursday over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposal to reverse a law that allows undocumented immigrants to pay in-state college and university tuition. DeSantis, who is expected to launch a bid for president, has proposed reversing the 2014 measure as part of a package of legislation cracking down on illegal immigration. ‘It never occurred to me in 2014 that we would be convening again to deal with the issue of in-state tuition,’ Eduardo Padrón, former president of Miami Dade College, said Thursday at a news conference in Miami.” — “Tyre Sampson bills strengthen rid safety but keep records secret,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Katie Rice — “Lawsuit limits emerge in Florida Senate,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders — “Inmate’s mother and her information table fall victim to Florida Capitol speech ‘crackdown,’” by Tallahassee Democrat’s James Call
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | BLOWING IN THE WIND — “Was the solution to Florida’s insurance crisis found 15 years ago?” by Tampa Bay Times’ Lawrence Mower: “In response, a group of St. Petersburg businessmen and lawyers came up with a sweeping solution: Have the state offer hurricane insurance. Let private insurers offer everything else. Armed with data and political connections, group members flew private planes to Tallahassee on repeated trips to meet with then-Gov. Charlie Crist, lawmakers and the state’s insurance regulator. Instead of being welcomed, they found their idea was ‘a political hot potato,’ one member said. — “UF campus in West Palm Beach: Is it back on? Jeff Greene says he’s willing to compromise,” by Palm Beach Post’s Kimberly Miller — “Broward schools make dramatic changes to sex ed website — then reverses them,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Scott Travis — “Judge denies ‘stand your ground’ defense in fatal shooting at Cantonment Circle K,” by Pensacola News Journal’s Benjamin Johnson — “Behind closed doors, UF boosters pitch donors on potential Jacksonville campus,” by Florida Times-Union’s Nate Monroe — “TPD chief opts not to fire officer who tested positive for drugs over City Hall advice,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Jeff Burlew and Christopher Cann — “EC Superintendent Tim Smith will not resign after legislator calls for him to step down,” by Pensacola News Journal’s Jim Little — “Lake Okeechobee discharges resume; Army Corps says algae controlled,” by Treasure Coast Newspapers Ed Killer | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. Fentrice Driskell … Dan Conston, president of Congressional Leadership Fund and American Action Network … (Saturday) Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Wells … (Sunday) David Lawrence Jr, chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida and former publisher of the Miami Herald
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