| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. Revival — Florida Democrats put a W in the column six months after Republicans crushed them across the board in the 2022 elections. Blue Sky — Democrat Donna Deegan upset Republican Daniel Davis and became the first woman elected Jacksonville mayor, capping off an evening that also saw Democrats win six out of nine races on the ballot in Florida’s largest city. The turnout was slightly more than 33 percent, with Republicans actually edging Democrats by 3 percentage points. Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More — Deegan, a former television anchor and leader of a nonprofit foundation that helps breast cancer victims, overcame a significant cash disadvantage as well as negative ads that faulted her for participating in Black Lives Matter protests. Another ad contended she would put in “radical” policies if elected. It didn’t stick as Deegan won the mayor’s race 52 percent to 48 percent over Davis, a former legislator and CEO of the JAX Chamber. Dreams — “Everybody said it could not be done in Jacksonville," Deegan told her supporters on Tuesday evening while also pointing out her campaign and its volunteers had worked for a year and a half ahead of the victory. One Way Out — There were lots of reasons thrown out by pundits and media who covered the Jacksonville race as to why Deegan won, ranging from her work ethic to speculation that the attacks didn’t work because many voters already knew here. There were also those who covered the race contending that the Davis campaign veered too hard to the right. Trouble No More — Deegan’s victory was a clear boost for Democrats, including new Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, and comes a month after the party had been declared a “dead carcass on the side of the road” by Gov. Ron DeSantis. State Democrats and Florida Republicans both poured money and time into the race. Jacksonville — and Duval County — went for Democrat Andrew Gillum in 2018 and President Joe Biden in 2020. But DeSantis carried the county decisively six months ago. Stand Back — Democrats across the state enthusiastically cheered the victory with Fried herself proclaiming on Twitter that “The @FlaDems are back.” Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison called it a “huge win.” Ramblin’ Man — DeSantis endorsed Davis, but it was Sen. Rick Scott, not DeSantis, who was campaigning with Davis in the final weekend before Election Day. DeSantis was doing his own politicking in Iowa on Saturday. Davis’ loss was a twofer for DeSantis, who also threw his backing to a candidate in the Kentucky governor’s race who came in third and lost to one endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ — The loss did generate some questioning as to whether more direct help from DeSantis — who represented northeast Florida while in Congress — could have helped Davis in the closing moments. But the bigger takeaway from the race is whether it helps Florida Democrats make their case that national Democrats need to take the state seriously again in the 2024 presidential election. There were already signs the Biden team was planning on competing in Florida, but the win helps Fried and Florida Democrats with their sales pitch. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is scheduled to hold a press conference in Tampa with Education Commissioner Manny Diaz and Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | | | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S HEALTH CARE SUMMIT: The Covid-19 pandemic helped spur innovation in health care, from the wide adoption of telemedicine, health apps and online pharmacies to mRNA vaccines. But what will the next health care innovations look like? Join POLITICO on Wednesday June 7 for our Health Care Summit to explore how tech and innovation are transforming care and the challenges ahead for access and delivery in the United States. REGISTER NOW. | | | | | |  | CAMPAIGN MODE | | | | 
Donna Deegan waves after speaking to supporters in her run for mayor of Jacksonville, Fla., Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Deegan defeated Republican Daniel Davis, becoming the first woman to be elected as the city's mayor. | Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union | ELECTED — “Democrat Donna Deegan becomes first female mayor in Jacksonville,” by Florida Times-Union’s Hanna Holthaus and David Bauerlein: “Democrat Donna Deegan will serve as the first female mayor of Jacksonville. After months of hard campaigning and millions of dollars spent between both sides, Deegan won the highly contested election against Republican Daniel Davis with 52% of the vote. ‘We made history tonight,’ Deegan told supporters at what became her election night celebration in Downtown Jacksonville. ‘It’s a brand new day in Jacksonville.’” — “Democrat Donna Deegan wins election to become Jacksonville’s first female mayor,” by The Tributary’s Andrew Pantazi INTERESTING — “The billionaire and major DeSantis donor gave Miami Mayor Francis Suarez $1 million,” by Miami Herald’s Joey Flechas: “One of Ron DeSantis’ top donors in 2022 recently contributed $1 million to a political committee tied to Miami Mayor Francis Suarez — a potential GOP primary rival to Florida’s governor. Ken Griffin, CEO of hedge fund Citadel and a powerful financial supporter to Republican campaigns nationwide, cut a $1 million check to Suarez’s committee on March 7, state records show. The committee, Miami For Everyone, is registered with the state’s division of elections and was used to raise millions for Suarez’s mayoral reelection campaign in 2021, most of which went unspent in a race where he attracted no major challenger.” — “After latest VIP weekend – this one totaling $30K – Suarez still won’t say who paid,” by Miami Herald’s Sarah Blaskey — “Far-right blogger no longer resisting effort to subpoena GOP operatives,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Annie Martin — “Full House: Ryan Chamberlin wins HD 24 special election,” by Florida Politics’ Jacob Ogles | | DESANTISLAND | |
WEIGHING IN — DeSantis snaps back at Trump over Florida’s six-week abortion ban, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday took a swipe at Donald Trump over abortion, chiding the GOP presidential frontrunner for failing to take a stance on what type of abortion restrictions he would be willing to support. DeSantis — in some of his strongest comments to date on the topic — also defended his decision to sign a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy even though it has been criticized by some Republicans as too strict. The comments set up a potential fault line for DeSantis when he officially jumps into the race for president, which could come as soon as next week.
— “Trump’s weird answer on DeSantis and abortion,” by Washington Post’s Aaron Blake ON NOTICE — “DeSantis to send troopers, guardsmen to Texas border in lead-up to presidential run,” by Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Tuesday he will send state law enforcement officers to the southern border in Texas, a tactical maneuver that will test how far the state will go to help enforce immigration law as the Republican governor prepares to launch a presidential campaign. The governor’s office said hundreds of state troopers, police and Florida National Guard members, plus boats and planes, are ready to head to the border as early as Wednesday. The mission is expected to last 31 days and will consist of three separate endeavors, according to a copy of Texas’ request to Florida for help.” CAPTAIN OBVIOUS — “DeSantis is already a presidential candidate. He just hasn’t said it,” by The Messenger’s Marc Caputo: “Another insider said the unofficially announced campaign is still finalizing plans for an official but anticlimactic event launch after the phone-banking effort. ‘If anyone tells you today where and when the launch event is going to be, they’re probably lying to you anyway,’ the insider said. ‘The media cares about this a lot more than voters and you guys look pretty stupid obsessing about it. Newsflash: DeSantis is actually a candidate for president. Duh.’” SURPRISE, SURPRISE — Florida’s top 2 GOP legislative leaders back DeSantis for president, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Florida’s two Republican legislative leaders, who gave Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis a string of significant legislative victories during the recently concluded session, endorsed the GOP governor in his highly anticipated run for president. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner gave their support to DeSantis shortly after joining him for a bill signing ceremony held on Tuesday morning in Broward County. They both touted his “vision” and the policies he has pushed over the last several years ranging from education to his anti-lockdown positions during the Covid-19 pandemic. — “DeSantis returning to New Hampshire Friday ahead of imminent 2024 announcement,” by Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser — “Ron DeSantis is set to lock down support from Florida Republican legislators,” by NBC News’ Matt Dixon — “2 Republicans on DeSantis’ N.H. endorsement list say they still back Trump,” by NBC News’ Dasha Burns and Jonathan Allen
| | | | GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | NOW LAW — “Gov. Ron DeSantis signs anti-trafficking bill that cracks down on hotels, protects foster kids and helps victims,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Brittany Wallman and Shira Moolten: A new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis cracks down on hotels that ignore state anti-trafficking laws, helps steer foster teens away from traffickers and creates state oversight of group homes that cater to trafficked women. The bill (SB 1690), inspired by the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Innocence Sold series, was signed by the governor Tuesday morning and goes into effect July 1. The rare bipartisan bill was approved unanimously by both the House and Senate. At the signing ceremony at Coastal Community Church in Lighthouse Point, DeSantis emphasized trafficking of “illegal aliens,” but the bills address trafficking of Florida foster children and women from all backgrounds. |  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks before signing various bills during a bill signing ceremony at the Coastal Community Church at Lighthouse Point, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Lighthouse Point, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) | AP |
— “A federal judge has dismissed charges against former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum,” by News Service of Florida
| | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | FOR YOUR RADAR — “Hurricane Ian victims suing their insurance company for underpaying damage claim,” by ABC News Stassy Olmos: “Nearly eight months after Hurricane Ian ravaged Southwest Florida, some homeowners say their insurance company won’t pay for the full cost of repairs and they are left with no option but to sue. ‘This is the shell of our beautiful home… last year after the hurricane,’ Sherry McBride said with a shaky voice as she stood next to her husband, Jim. ‘We are in our 70s. He's a Vietnam veteran, and we’re hurting right now.’” | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
MOUSE TRAP — “Disney asks judge to dismiss DeSantis-appointed board’s lawsuit in latest tit-for-tat,” by The Associated Press’ Mike Schneider: “Disney on Tuesday asked a state judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a governing board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to oversee Disney World, claiming the company has been the victim of the “weaponizing” powers of government aimed at punishing it for opposing a law dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics. Disney’s motion to dismiss filed in state court in Orlando was the latest twist in legal battles being played out in federal and state courts among the entertainment giant, DeSantis and the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.”
HMM — “State may question Florida students who watched Disney film with gay character in class,” by Miami Herald’s Sommer Brugal: “The Florida Department of Education could visit a K-8 school in Hernando County as early as Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into a fifth-grade teacher’s decision to show a Disney movie featuring a gay character in her classroom. A letter sent home to parents Friday and obtained by the Miami Herald indicated a representative from the Office of Professional Practices of the state’s education department ‘will be on campus on or about Wednesday, May 17, 2023.’ If the parent has no objection, the representative ‘may interview your daughter/son in connection with an investigation of a Florida certified educator,’ the letter read.” DO YOU FEEL LUCKY? — “Slot machines are illegal. And they’re everywhere in Tampa Bay,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Christopher Spata: “It happens all day, in any corner of Tampa Bay. A gambler approaches a storefront with blacked-out windows in a worn strip plaza, or a building along a highway cutting through sprawl. The sign outside reads ‘arcade.’ In the blank eye of a security camera, the gambler presses a button and hears the approving click of an unlocking door. The gambler steps into a dark parlor of glowing screens with cascading lines of fireballs and cherries. Bells and explosions bleep and bloop over the tap-tap-tap of plastic buttons, each tap costing maybe a quarter, or a dollar or $10.” — “As Florida eyes illegal casinos, history shows cracking down isn’t easy,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Christopher Spata: COUNTERPROGRAMMING — Florida New College students plan alternative graduation against Trump pandemic adviser, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: New College of Florida students, with help from alumni, this week are hosting a private graduation ceremony separate from the school’s official commencement in the face of a campus takeover at the hands of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The students, who have fundraised $100,000 for the event, want to hold a ceremony “on our terms” after school officials tapped Scott Atlas, a top adviser to former President Donald Trump during the Covid-19 pandemic, to speak at their commencement. On Tuesday, they announced that Maya Wiley, an attorney and former MSNBC commentator who is president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, will be the keynote speaker during the alternative graduation. — “Un-Titled: Florida schools risk student safety, underuse federal law on reporting sex abuse,” by Naples Daily News’ Kate Cimini — “Cuba to reduce passport fees, require Cuban Americans born there to travel with a Cuban passport,” by El Nuevo Herald’s Nora Gámez Torres — “Sheriff Gregory Tony’s ethics case appears before judge in confidential hearing,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Lisa J. Huriash — “Escambia school board has 48 hours to sign charter contract or state will pull funding for salaries,” by Pensacola News Journal’s Brittany Misencik — “Clear backpacks, secret meetings. Did Broward School Board follow the law?” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Scott Travis — “Seminole charter school faces probe over Sunshine law, records violations,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Leslie Postal | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: Peter Wallsten, senior national investigations editor for The Washington Post … Axios Denver’s John Frank … Shannon Gravitte, VP for public affairs at AdventHealth | | | | 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