| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by CVS Health | Hello and welcome to Thursday. Stiff competition — Well, here’s another chapter in the on-again, off-again dustup between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose polar opposite political views seem to put them in constant confrontations. I Want You to Want Me — DeSantis was in California back in early March, where during a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library he took shots at blue states over their policies including how “leftist” politicians led during Covid-19. The GOP governor and likely presidential candidate pointed how people were migrating into Florida while California was “hemorrhaging population…It’s a result of poor governance in these left-wing states.” California man — Newsom, who has started a political committee that he says will spend money in red states “where freedom is under the most attack,” returned the favor by zipping into Sarasota. Newsom on Wednesday met with students and faculty from New College, the small liberal arts college that DeSantis has targeted with a makeover after he overhauled its board of trustees. Surrender — According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Zac Anderson, Newsom ripped into Republicans who are rolling back “50 years of progress” on voting rights, abortion rights, LGBTQ rights “led by your state and your governor with a zest for demonization and othering people." Anderson also quoted that former President Donald Trump would “thump” DeSantis in the Republican primary. Hello there — Newsom’s visit and comments did not go unchallenged from DeSantis world. The social media account DeSantis War Room – linked to DeSantis’s former press secretary Christina Pushaw — put out “Gavin Newsom thinks constantly screaming "AUTHORITARIAN" will make people forget his draconian COVID policies. We will not.” The Flame — Pushaw put on her own account: “Let’s be honest: @GavinNewsom ventured to Florida to hunt down ex Californians who live here now. and try to tax us because he realized that pushing so many productive people out of his state has contributed to a budget shortfall. NICE TRY.” (For what it’s worth — let’s note that Newsom’s criticisms has generated a lot more pushback than Trump’s barrage of criticism against DeSantis.) — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in Michigan where he will be the special guest at the Midland Republican Party annual spring breakfast fundraiser. He will then go to Hillsdale College where he will participate in a panel discussion on education as well as a reception, dinner and then a question and answer session with the school president. 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 | | CALIFORNIA MAN — “California Gov. Gavin Newsom visits New College, countering DeSantis,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Divya Kumar: “After months of protesting the takeover of their school by conservative trustees appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, students and faculty at New College of Florida found an empathetic ear from an unlikely source: California Gov. Gavin Newsom. ‘I’m crawling out of my skin for you guys,’ Newsom told an audience near the Sarasota campus Wednesday. ‘I want you to know you’re not alone. You matter, we care. This is the ‘why I’m here.’ I’m not your governor. But I’m a member of the larger community all bound together.’”
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Gavin Newsom said his newly launched “Campaign for Democracy” committee would organize and spend money in “states where freedom is most under attack." | Mario Tama/Getty Images | MEANWHILE — Senate panel approves DeSantis picks to reshape New College, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: A Florida Senate education committee gave initial approval Wednesday to a slate of controversial appointees chosen by Gov. Ron DeSantis to overhaul New College of Florida. Republicans on the Senate’s Postsecondary Education panel supported the confirmation of seven New College trustees — six picked by DeSantis, including Christopher Rufo — with Democrats voting in opposition. The candidates will next be considered by the full Senate for a final vote amid outcry from students, alumni and parents urging lawmakers to reconsider the massive changes coming to the liberal arts school. DROPPING BY — “GOP’s DeSantis visits Whitmer’s Michigan, the ‘anti-Florida,’” by Associated Press’ Joey Cappelletti: Potentially the fifth state to hold its Republican primary, Michigan could prove pivotal for the GOP presidential nomination winner. Michigan House Republican Speaker Bryan Posthumus flew to Florida in December to deliver a letter signed by 18 other state House Republicans encouraging [Gov. Ron] DeSantis to run for president. ‘When he becomes an actual candidate, I will be doing another letter saying we endorse you for President of the United States of America,’ Posthumus told The Associated Press. — “Utah GOP will now allow concealed carry guns at state convention during Ron DeSantis’ keynote appearance,” by Salt Lake Tribune’s Bryan Schott — “Democratic group publishes 500-page DeSantis opposition research file,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Emily L. Mahoney — “DeSantis lands second congressional endorsement from Kentucky’s Massie,” by NBC News’ Megan Lebowitz
| | A message from CVS Health: CVS Health: from the simplest of needs to more complex care. Learn more. | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | CHANGING LANES — Trump makes play for DeSantis donors, by POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt: Donald Trump is moving to undercut what’s expected to be a major point of strength for rival Republican Ron DeSantis — reaching out to the Florida governor’s donors directly in an effort to steal some of his top backers. In a memo to DeSantis’ donors obtained by POLITICO, Trump’s campaign on Tuesday evening sought to paint the former president as the inevitable nominee and urged DeSantis’ donors to jump ship. “The two things the memo illustrates are the President’s huge numbers and Governor Ron DeSantis’ collapsing numbers,” the Trump campaign wrote in the memo. ‘OVERREACH’ — Bragg’s case against Trump hits a wall of skepticism – even from Trump’s critics, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney, Erica Orden and Josh Gerstein: A day after the Manhattan district attorney unveiled the history-making charging documents against the former president, some of Bragg’s natural allies were left scratching their heads and Trump world appeared emboldened by the uncertainties in the case. The post-arraignment hangover was fueled by burning questions about the prosecution’s legal theories that Bragg has, for now, left largely unanswered. The concerns were exacerbated by the noticeable absence of support — and in some cases pointed skepticism about the case — from many of Trump’s critics in the legal community and Congress. SLOW RIDE — “Trump’s criminal case in New York may collide with the 2024 campaign,” by Washington Post’s Ann E. Marimow, Rosalind S. Helderman and Josh Dawsey: “The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s criminal case said he intends to move swiftly, but between the slow-moving New York court system and Trump’s tendency to push for delays in legal matters, analysts expect the case to linger and collide with the 2024 presidential campaign. It will be many months before the former president, who is running for office again, is due back in court to face 34 counts of falsifying business records in the indictment unsealed this week.” DEAR JUDGE — “Gus Bilirakis writes letter of support of Tampa Bay Jan. 6 protester,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Kirby Wilson: “Another Republican U.S. representative has written a letter asking a federal judge to consider a shorter sentence for Jeremy Michael Brown, a Tampa Bay-area man who protested at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In a letter to Middle District of Florida Judge Susan Bucklew, Rep. Gus Bilirakis argued Brown, a former U.S. Army Special Forces master sergeant, should get less than the nine years he’s facing for illegally possessing weapons, grenades and a classified document. ‘He has lived an exemplary life with no incidents of violence and no criminal history,’ Bilirakis wrote in his letter.” — “Trump’s legal drama could soon continue in Georgia,” by Washington Post’s Holly Bailey — “Trump’s Mar-a-Lago post-arraignment remarks: Who was there, who wasn’t?” by Palm Beach Post’s Stephany Matat
| | | | GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from April 30-May 3. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | RESPONSE — Florida lawmakers swing into action after Trump smacks DeSantis on insurance, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Florida lawmakers want to bring the “hammer” down on “bad actors” in the property insurance industry, and they are moving quickly to send a new legislative proposal to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The push comes just three weeks after former President Donald Trump accused DeSantis of bailing out the politically-powerful industry and said the governor had “crushed homeowners” following Hurricane Ian. The state Senate this week rolled out a so-called insurer accountability package that would sharply increase fines against wayward insurers and place more regulatory responsibilities with a state agency. WARNING — The group No Casinos is speaking out to legislative leaders over bills dealing with the state recognition of Native American tribes. In a letter sent Wednesday to both House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo the organization said that while it is “deeply respectful of the history of native peoples” the group is worried “that this seemingly innocuous legislation could have significant unintended consequences that could ultimately lead to unforeseen and dramatic expansions of gambling in our state.” The House bill (HB 553) has cleared its committees while the Senate version (SB 954) has not moved. The letter outlines how proposed federal rule changes along with the legislative proposal could “boost the chances” of non-federally recognized tribes identified to eventually be entitled to demand a compact that covers gambling. “All this spells uncertainty and high risk for more gambling activities, including casino gambling, in Florida,” states the letter signed by John Sowinski, the president of No Casinos. THE BILL THAT WILL NOT DIE — “Florida alimony changes head to Senate floor,” by News Service of Florida’s Dara Kam: “Could the fourth time be the charm? After governors have vetoed three previous attempts to change Florida’s alimony laws, the latest revamp is headed to the full Senate for a vote. The Florida Bar’s Family Law Section and supporters of overhauling alimony laws clashed for a decade. But the former foes have banded together this year to endorse a plan to do away with ‘permanent’ alimony and make a series of other changes.” THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD — “Florida Senate seeks to protect Confederate monuments, other markers,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Turner: “Supporters of Confederate monuments and other historical markers could sue over the removal or destruction of the displays, under a proposal moving forward in the Florida Senate. In a 6-2 party-line vote, the Republican-controlled Community Affairs Committee on Wednesday backed the bill (SB 1096), which would give standing to people to file lawsuits if they believe they have ‘lost history’ or the ability to teach about the past because of monuments being removed or relocated or because the structures were not protected from damage.” — “Could Florida curb parades with drag performers? Here’s what a new bill proposes,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Lisa J. Huriash — “Senate advances bill protecting gas stoves,” by Florida Politics’ Drew Wilson
| | Transitions | | SPROWLS JOINS TECO BOARD — Former Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls has been appointed to the board of directors for both Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. Sprowls, who was in the Legislature from 2014 to 2022, is currently of counsel for the Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney law firm. “Chris brings a wealth of experience in public service, and he will be a great addition to our boards,” said Scott Balfour, chair of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. PROMOTIONS — Mercury Public Affairs is announcing several promotions including elevating Ashley Bauman to managing director in the firm’s Tampa office. Bauman joined Mercury in 2021 after serving as marketing and communications director for Tampa mayors Jane Castor and Bob Buckhorn. She also served as senior communications adviser to the Democratic National Committee chair in 2014. Both Scott Pollenz and Michael Womack have also been promoted to vice presidents of Mercury Public Affairs. TAKING OVER — Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Wednesday that he has appointed long-time forest service employee Rick Dolan as state forester and Director of Florida Forest Service. Dolan began his career as a forest ranger in 1993 and held several supervisory positions since then. The Florida Forest Service is the largest division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with more than 1,200 employees — of which more than 600 are certified wildland firefighters.
| | | |   | | | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | R.I.P. — Sarasota County Commissioner and long-time state legislator Nancy Detert has died at the age of 78, according to reports by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Politics. State Sen. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, told Florida Politics that he regarded Detert with the “highest respect.” “She was willing to do what most people won’t,” Gruters told the outlet, “and that’s stand her ground and fight for what she believed in.” Detert was first elected to the Florida House in 1998 and was elected to the Florida Senate in 2008 where she spent eight years. During her time in office Detert was not afraid to buck legislative leaders and even governors. She pushed for an overhaul of the foster care system, sponsored legislation to ban texting while driving and was the main sponsor of contentious changes to the state’s unemployment compensation system. PAYOUT — “Tampa plans to pay $950,000 for failed ban on conversion therapy,” by Tampa Bay Times’ C.T. Bowen: “The city of Tampa plans to pay $950,000 to settle a lawsuit over its failed attempt to ban conversion therapy on minors. The payment is earmarked for Liberty Counsel, a Christian ministry and law firm in Orlando, that successfully sued the city after the Tampa City Council adopted an ordinance in 2017 that barred the controversial therapy practice that tries to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Under the ordinance, therapists and counselors offering the therapy to minors faced a $1,000 fine for a first offense and a $5,000 penalty for subsequent violations.” WATCH THIS SPACE — “Pinellas schools must follow court order on racial matters, group warns,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Jeffrey S. Solochek: “A lawyer who has represented Pinellas County’s Black children for years said Wednesday that Florida’s new laws regulating discussions of race in classrooms are interfering with a long-standing federal court order governing the school district’s actions. He cautioned Superintendent Kevin Hendrick to be mindful of the order, not just state law, as decisions are made about what can and can’t be taught in district schools. The message went out after two controversial episodes involving challenges of school materials in Pinellas — a countywide ban of Toni Morrison’s book “The Bluest Eye” and the temporary banning of the Disney movie “Ruby Bridges” at a St. Petersburg elementary school.” — “Ethics Commission says window closed on it investigating City Council member LeAnna Cumber,” by Florida Times-Union’s David Bauerlein — “2 Clearwater police officers suspended after cop shot by friendly fire,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Natalie Weber
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