| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | | | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. Turbulence ahead — Well, that was a bit bumpy. By the numbers — Florida Gov. — and former Rep. — Ron DeSantis traveled Tuesday to familiar territory, Washington D.C., only to find out that two more members of the state’s Republican congressional delegation had endorsed Donald Trump. This tally for the former president is now at seven. Another partner — One of those announcing his support was Rep. Brian Mast, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump in the past but who was also seen as an ally for DeSantis in his push for Everglades restoration and against sugar companies. So that’s definitely a blow. Nice to meet you but — And in another a particularly stinging moment, a Texas Republican — Rep. Lance Gooden — announced he was backing Trump just moments after he had what he called a “positive meeting” with DeSantis. Insights — Rep. Greg Steube, meanwhile, talked to our colleagues at D.C. Playbook, where he shared that the governor had never once reached out to him during his five years in Congress nor replied to his multiple attempts to connect. He added that during a recent news conference dealing with damage from Hurricane Ian, the governor’s aides initially invited him to stand alongside DeSantis only to tell him that he wouldn’t be part of the event when he showed up. The other side — Steube told POLITICO that Trump, however, was the first person Steube remembers calling him in the ICU to wish him well after he was injured in a January tree-trimming accident. “To this day I have not heard from Gov. DeSantis,” he said. Hot takes — The swirl of endorsement intrigue also happened as DeSantis’ new steps against Disney got pilloried by some Republicans, including by Trump himself, calling it a “political stunt” and “unnecessary” in a social media post. (For what it’s worth: Never Back Down, the super PAC helping DeSantis, on Tuesday put out old video of Trump praising DeSantis. And some other conservative influencers did publicly side with DeSantis over Disney.) On the board — Rep. Laurel Lee, as predicted, did side with DeSantis. Florida’s former secretary of state under DeSantis said his “conservative principles, proven track, and his commitment to our country are exactly what we need in a leader.” Lee so far is the lone member of the Florida delegation to back the governor — leading one to wonder whether DeSantis world has been outflanked so far in the endorsement game and why they didn’t have more ready to go. Bottom line — Of course endorsements don’t win primaries. Nor do polls. But they held build narratives that may influence others. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to be in South Carolina for several events including stops in Spartanburg and North Charleston. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from Alibaba: Florida businesses, like DS Laboratories, are among thousands of American companies that sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms. Last year, sales of U.S. products to Chinese consumers on Alibaba added $1.7 billion to Florida’s GDP and supported 15,000 jobs and $936 million in wages for local workers. Learn about Alibaba’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | GET TO KNOW ME — DeSantis gets warm words at GOP Hill event, but few endorsements, by POLITICO’s Sarah Ferris, Ally Mutnick and Burgess Everett: The Florida governor and former House member returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for the start of a prolonged courtship with his party’s lawmakers — outreach he’ll need to step up if he hopes to topple Trump in a presidential primary. But among the nine Republicans who are formally co-hosting DeSantis’ congressional meet-and-greet, only three so far are willing to call it an endorsement. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said in an interview that he considers DeSantis a friend but that his co-hosting status for the governor’s event is not an endorsement. ‘A TOUGH FEW WEEKS’ — DeSantis went to Washington, and it did not go well, by POLITICO’s Sally Goldenberg: As he trekked to the nation’s capital to demonstrate strength with the Washington establishment on Tuesday — and before he even set foot in the District — several members of his state’s congressional delegation announced support instead for former President Donald Trump’s White House comeback bid. It was the latest indication of the early shine dulling on a candidate initially heralded by Republicans who don’t want Trump to be their party’s 2024 nominee — and more proof of Trump’s indictment bolstering his standing in the GOP field. “[DeSantis] is in a much weaker position now than he was a few months ago. Trump is in a much stronger position,” said Sarah Longwell, a moderate Republican strategist. | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waves as he departs an event in Washington, D.C., on April 18, 2023. | Alex Brandon/AP Photo | — “DeSantis goes to Washington, a place he once despised, looking for support to take on Trump,” by CNN’s Steve Contorno — “Trump is running up the score with endorsements in DeSantis’ backyard,” by NBC News’ Matt Dixon, Jonathan Allen and Henry J. Gomez TRUMP, CHRISTIE AND OTHERS — ‘So unnecessary’: Republicans pile on DeSantis over Disney, by POLITICO’s Kierra Frazier: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and other potential GOP presidential hopefuls slammed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of his ongoing feud with Disney this week. “That’s not the guy I want sitting across from President Xi [Jinping] ... or sitting across from [President Vladimir] Putin and trying to resolve what’s happening in Ukraine, if you can’t see around a corner [Disney CEO] Bob Iger created for you,” Christie said Tuesday during a livestreamed interview with Semafor, adding: “I don’t think Ron DeSantis is a conservative, based on his actions towards Disney.” — “DeSantis’ war on Disney splinters GOP,” by Axios’ Zachary Basu — “Rick Scott hopes ‘cooler heads will prevail’ at Disney amid latest Ron DeSantis attacks,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski STILL ON BOARD — “As other billionaires flee, Ken Griffin is sticking with Ron DeSantis in the Republican presidential race,” by Semafor’s Bradley Saacks: “While some wealthy donors are pulling their support for Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor can still count on billionaire Citadel founder Ken Griffin, according to a person close to him. Griffin, who moved the headquarters of his hedge fund and market-making firm to Miami last year, does not agree with the Republican presidential hopeful on everything, but believes DeSantis would still be a strong candidate, the person close to Griffin said.”
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | IF YOU KNEW SUSIE — “DeSantis tried to bury her. Now she’s helping Trump try to bury him,” by The New York Times’ Matt Flegenheimer, Maggie Haberman and Michael C. Bender: “So when [former President Donald] Trump and [Susie] iles, his top Florida adviser, saw [Gov. Ron DeSantis] inside the tent at a joint event, Mr. Trump proposed a détente. “Shake hands,” he instructed them, according to two people with direct knowledge of the exchange. They did not. Both parties looked miserable and said little before walking off. Less than three years later, Ms. Wiles, 65, has ascended to become perhaps the most significant voice inside Mr. Trump’s third presidential campaign.” NEXT STOP AHEAD — “Trump team prepares to fight efforts to block him from ballots over Jan. 6,” by Washington Post’s Michael Scherer: “Donald Trump’s campaign team is preparing for a state-by-state legal battle later this year over untested claims that a Civil War-era clause in the U.S. Constitution bars the former president from appearing on Republican primary ballots because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Two nonprofit groups who do not disclose all their donors, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Free Speech For People, have prepared multipronged legal strategies to challenge Trump across the country under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.” — “Trump’s post-indictment GOP rallying effect is real,” by Washington Post’s Aaron Blake — “Does Trump have a problem in Florida? His campaign claims he’s the ‘alpha.’ Are they right?” by Palm Beach Post’s Stephany Matat and Antonio Fins
| | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | HEADED TO GOVERNOR — Florida Legislature approves death penalty for child rapists, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Florida lawmakers have overwhelmingly voted to allow the state to impose the death penalty on someone who rapes a child under the age of 12, a measure that could ultimately wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Florida Senate voted 34-5 in favor of the bill following an emotional plea by Sen. Lauren Book, a South Florida Democrat who was sexually abused as a child. The House previously voted 95-14 for the legislation that now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis. “The suffering imparted from this kind of abuse does not have an expiration date,” said Book, who called child rapists “highly, highly dangerous criminals” who usually wind up harming multiple victims. — “Senate proposal would retroactively invalidate Disney deal with taxing district,” by Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas
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Florida Sen. Lauren Book speaks during a legislative session at the Florida State Capitol, Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. | Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo |
IS THIS THE NEXT JUSTICE? — “Ex-Tampa judge ousted after abortion ruling is Florida Supreme Court contender,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Emily L. Mahoney and Dan Sullivan: “Jared Smith, the former Hillsborough County judge who was ousted by voters last year after a controversial ruling in an abortion case, is vying to be a justice on the Florida Supreme Court, according to a nominating commission that will review applicants and make recommendations to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission announced Tuesday that it will interview Smith, now an appellate court judge, and 14 other candidates on May 3.”
‘SERIOUSLY FLAWED’ — “Federal judge rejects challenge to ‘intellectual freedom’ campus surveys,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders: “A federal judge has tossed out a challenge to a controversial 2021 Florida law that includes requiring surveys about 'intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity' on state college and university campuses. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a 22-page decision Monday that said plaintiffs, including the United Faculty of Florida union and individual professors, did not establish legal standing to challenge the law. The plaintiffs argued, in part, that the law violated First Amendment rights because it would chill speech.” UNDERWAY — “Prosecutors allege complicated scheme in Andrew Gillum trial, but no bribes,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Lawrence Mower: “The opening statements in Andrew Gillum’s federal corruption trial on Tuesday were stark contrasts in viewpoints. Either the former Tallahassee mayor who narrowly lost the 2018 governor’s race to Ron DeSantis was pretending not to take bribes from undercover FBI agents, as prosecutors allege, or he was really refusing to take bribes. Either Gillum’s brother knew everything that Gillum was doing, as prosecutors allege, or his brother was just a troubled blowhard pretending to know.” — “Winter Park ‘green’ banker fears ESG bill could shut him down,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Jeffrey Schweers — “Senate preps vote on bill to ban social, political considerations in state, local investments,” by Florida Politics’ Gray Rohrer — “Florida Legislature is close to declaring a winner in Miami-Dade’s sheriff war,” by Miami Herald’s Douglas Hanks — “House committee nearly derails Kathleen Passidomo’s health care priority,” by Florida Politics’ Christine Jordan Sexton
| | | | 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 D.C. | | MAKE IT RAIN — “Gaetz, Boebert and Biggs raised big bucks off their opposition to McCarthy,” by POLITICO’s Jessica Piper: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who referred to McCarthy as the “biggest alligator” in a swamp-themed fundraising email in early January, reported his top fundraising days among itemized donors on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7. Such strong fundraising days early in the quarter are unusual and suggest the Speaker fight was a significant driver of donations. The Florida congressman brought in a total of roughly $675,000 during the first quarter, including more than $480,000 from donors giving less than $200 — a sign of enthusiasm from the party’s small-dollar base. TIMING IS EVERYTHING — POLITICO Influence reports that the Japanese government has hired lobbyists from Ballard Partners ahead of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ planned trip to Asia. The firm began working for the Japanese Embassy earlier this month, according to a copy of the contract filed with the Justice Department over the weekend, and will lobby for improved bilateral relations both in Washington and in statehouses like Florida’s, where the firm will help promote stronger economic ties between Tallahassee and Tokyo, partner Justin Sayfie told PI. Former DeSantis chief of staff Adrian Lukis and deputy chief of staff Courtney Coppola will work on the account for Ballard in addition to DeSantis’ old head of the state Department of Economic Opportunity Dane Eagle, Brian Ballard, Jose Diaz and Sylvester Lukis. — “Frost to DeSantis: Why didn’t Florida take anti-gun violence money from feds?” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | CHARGED — “St. Petersburg Uhuru members indicted in Russian influence case,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Dan Sullivan: “A federal indictment unsealed Tuesday accuses members of the St. Petersburg-based Uhuru Movement of working on behalf of the Russian government in a campaign to sow discord, spread pro-Russian propaganda and influence local elections. Omali Yeshitela, the longtime leader of the Uhurus and the chairperson and founder of the African People’s Socialist Party, is among the defendants, along with Penny Joanne Hess, Jesse Nevel and former Uhuru member Augustus C. Romain Jr. — known as Gazi Kodzo.” ‘AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENT’ — “What’s behind Miami’s gas shortage? More fuel is on the way, but woes may continue,” by Miami Herald’s Howard Cohen, Linda Robertson and Omar Rodríguez Ortiz: “South Florida is in Day Six of a fuel crisis that — you aren’t going to want to hear this — may be fueled by our own making. ‘This is now a story of runaway panic-buying that is just unsustainable,' said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. 'It’s kind of like designing houses for a 1,000-year flood, so to speak. These are extremely rare. And now it’s kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Motorists have been encountering lines, they’ve been getting panicked. They have no idea how to respond.’” — “Activists warn of a human-rights crisis in Cuba during event hosted by OAS in Washington,” by El Nuevo Herald’s Nora Gámez Torres — “Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye’ to return to Pinellas high schools,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Jeffrey S. Solochek — “School Board won’t hire investigator to review inappropriate touching allegations,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Scott Travis
| | A message from Alibaba: Alibaba helps American businesses succeed globally. In 2022, $66 billion worth of U.S. products were sold on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms, a nearly 10% increase over 2021. From household names to emerging small businesses, thousands of American companies sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba.
Read how American businesses are succeeding with Alibaba. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
BIRTHDAYS: State Sen. Colleen Burton … Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd … Towson Fraser, vice president with Tucker/Hall
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