| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Monday. Is Ron DeSantis 2.0 about to be uploaded? Recalibration — The Florida Republican governor's presidential campaign is undertaking several course corrections, ranging from a decision to jettison staffers as part of a cost-cutting exercise to a decision to sit down for an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper this Tuesday. The fine print — The news about cuts — and other departures from DeSantis world — came around the same time that the campaign’s first batch of federal campaign filings raised questions about whether the governor can in fact “go the distance,” as a campaign spokesperson told POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt. Follow the money — While DeSantis hauled in an impressive $20 million during his short time in the campaign, which was more than other GOP candidates including former President Trump, his campaign report filed Saturday had warning signs. For example, $3 million of the money can only be used during the general election. NBC News pointed out much of the money came from donors who gave the maximum. Small dollar donors only constituted 15 percent of the total. That’s my line — But when DeSantis went on Fox News on Sunday, he brushed aside some of the reports about his troubles and instead repeated his talking point that “the corporate press” and the “media” does not want him to be the nominee. Context — He then engaged in a bit of revisionist history, where he suggested he held more press conferences than any other governor. (It doesn’t really count when you organize events across the state through local Republican groups and then give media outlets less than two hours’ notice to get there and, in many instances, only allow loyalists to ask questions.) But, but, but — DeSantis also contended his best moments are “when we are in a hostile environment” and that he has silenced doubters about his ability to do retail campaigning due to his stops in Iowa. What happens next? — A “confidential” memo obtained by NBC News last week detailed that DeSantis will roll out policy proposals in the weeks ahead, while at the same time he will engage more with the press because “earned media is the cake.” Yes, the Iowa caucuses are still months away, so there’s “time” to turn things around. But maybe the first sign of fixing the problem is acknowledging you have a problem. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will campaign for president in Tega Cay, South Carolina. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | JOIN 7/26 FOR A TALK ON THE NEW ENERGY ECONOMY: Join POLITICO's lively discussion, "Powering a Clean Energy Economy," on July 26 at 5:15 PM ET. We'll explore the effectiveness of consumer-targeted policies to boost sustainability and create clean energy jobs. How are the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions faring? Which strategies truly sway consumer behavior? How are advances in technology shaking things up? And, what's the future for energy consumption reduction? Hear from featured speaker, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), among other experts. Don't miss this insightful event — register today and be part of the conversation driving America's clean energy future! REGISTER NOW. | | | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | |
DEPARTURE LOUNGE — DeSantis campaign sheds staff amid cash crunch, by POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt: Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign is shedding staff as it navigates a cash crunch and looks to refocus resources on Iowa. Fewer than 10 staffers were let go by the Florida governor’s campaign Thursday, according to a person familiar with the internal deliberations and granted anonymity to describe them. Each of the aides was involved in event planning, and some of them may soon wind up at an allied outside group.
RELATED READS — “Ron DeSantis’ campaign finances have some flashing warning signs,” by NBC News’ Jonathan Allen, Bridget Bowman, Ben Kamisar and Alexandra Marquez THE BIG PICTURE — “‘A long slog’: Inside DeSantis’s early struggles and effort to rebound,” by The Washington Post’s Hannah Knowles, Josh Dawsey, Michael Scherer and Marianne Levine: “More than seven weeks in, skepticism about the Florida governor’s 2024 bid has grown. Some people who have advised and supported DeSantis have raised private concerns about his message, and the effectiveness and insularity of his campaign operation, according to people familiar with the comments, among the more than 30 people interviewed for this story.” |  Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waves as he walks on stage to speak during U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn's Annual BBQ, Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) | AP |
SUNSHINE STATE CASH — “DeSantis is the early king of Florida campaign cash. See where’s outpacing Trump,” by McClatchy D.C.’s Alex Roarty and Amelia Winger: “Ron DeSantis is the king of Florida fundraising — at least for now. Although polls show the state’s voters prefer former President Donald Trump at the ballot box over his two-in state rivals in DeSantis and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, it’s the state’s governor who raised the most money from Sunshine State residents during the last fundraising quarter, according to analysis of documents filed over the weekend with the Federal Election Commission. DeSantis easily bested Trump and Suarez, collecting $6.8 million from Florida residents since entering the GOP presidential primary May 24th.”
MEANWHILE BACK HOME — “Turmoil in Florida’s new state guard, as some recruits quit,” by The New York Times’ Frances Robles: “But the deployment this spring has been mired in internal turmoil, with some recruits complaining that what was supposed to be a civilian disaster response organization had become heavily militarized, requiring volunteers to participate in marching drills and military-style training sessions on weapons and hand-to-hand combat. At least 20 percent of the 150 people initially accepted into the program dropped out or were dismissed, state officials acknowledged, including a retired Marine captain who filed a false imprisonment complaint against Guard sergeants with the local sheriff after he got into a dispute with instructors and was forcibly escorted off the site.” — “DeSantis has spent at least $15 million so far this year on immigration efforts,” by Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos — “Gov. DeSantis reappoints lawyer who helped secure ‘sweetheart deal’ for Jeffrey Epstein to Judicial Nominating Commission,” by Florida Politics’ Jesse Scheckner — “Groups take aim at Gov. DeSantis’ ‘executive privilege,’” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders — “DeSantis would consider Iowa’s Reynolds as running mate, calls Trump’s attack of her ‘out of hand,’” by Associated Press’ Thomas Beaumont — “DeSantis on 6-week abortion ban: ‘I had a lot of supporters who were averse to me on this,’” by The Hill’s Caroline Vakil — “Door-knocker complaints shows risks of DeSantis super PAC strategy,” by The Washington Post’s Michael Scherer and Josh Dawsey — “Disney asks judge to dismiss or delay DeSantis district’s lawsuit,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher | | CAMPAIGN MODE | |
NEXT UP TO CHALLENGE RICK SCOTT — Phil Ehr, a 26-year U.S. Navy veteran who challenged Rep. Matt Gaetz, last year will officially enter the race for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Rick Scott on Monday, a person close to his campaign told Florida Playbook.
POLITICO reported last week that Ehr was preparing to launch a campaign even though Sen. Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have been urging former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell to challenge Scott. Scott, a two-term governor who narrowly ousted incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson in 2018, is a multi-millionaire who can pour millions of his own money into the race. But he has also never run during a presidential election year. Ehr, who recently delivered medicine and supplies in Ukraine, is expected to do a full rollout, including an introduction video as well as emails and texts to voters. During his House campaign, he raised over $2 million and he plans to target Scott’s embrace of former President Donald Trump as well as go after Scott on Social Security and Medicare. Scott’s “Rescue America” plan had called for all federal programs to sunset every five years. After getting blasted by both Democrats and Republicans for the proposal, Scott earlier this year backtracked and said that his idea would not affect either program. | | | | UNLEASH THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE WITH POLITICO, A 7/20 INTERACTIVE EVENT: Imagine a future where rare genetic diseases are not only treatable, but potentially curable. Where our approach to chronic illness takes a monumental leap forward. That future is already taking shape in the form of next-generation health care treatments such as gene therapy. Join POLITICO on Thursday, July 20 and delve into the burgeoning field of gene therapies, which hold the power to redefine our health care landscape. Are you ready to explore this new frontier in health care? Don't miss this chance to be part of the conversation. REGISTER NOW. | | | | | | | Transitions | |
NEXT CHAPTER FOR CURRY — Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, who also helmed the Republican Party of Florida before serving two terms as mayor, is joining Ballard Partners, the firm announced on Monday. Curry will come aboard as a partner in the firm’s Washington D.C., Tallahassee and Jacksonville offices. “Lenny’s exemplary stature as a leader in our state and nation is rare and we are especially honored to have him join our firm,” said Brian Ballard, the firm’s president and founder. “Given his extraordinary relationships and experiences, Lenny will be an invaluable advocate for the firm’s clients.”
Curry, who started his professional career as accountant before co-founding his own company, said: “I am delighted to be joining Brian and the outstanding team at Ballard Partners, and I am looking forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth and success across the country,” At one in point, Curry, who just wrapped up his tenure as mayor, was seen a potential statewide candidate but in 2017 he took his name out of consideration for chief financial officer. The post had come open when then CFO Jeff Atwater resigned to take a post at Florida Atlantic University. Then-Gov. Rick Scott eventually appointed Jimmy Patronis to the post and Patronis was subsequently elected by voters to the job. Curry left behind a complicated legacy as outlined here by the Florida Times-Union. He took on pension debt and championed infrastructure spending during his time as mayor. He also pushed to remove Confederate statues from the city, but the failed sale of Jacksonville’s electric utility loomed over his second term. Curry wound up withdrawing his support for the sale, which eventually led to federal charges being filed against two utility executives involved in the proposed transaction. | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | |
DEBATE, WHAT DEBATE — ‘When you have a big idea, you don’t do it’: Trump still not sold on GOP primary debate, by POLITICO’s Kelly Garrity: GOP presidential candidates have been hustling to meet the Republican National Committee’s requirements to get on stage at the first primary debate in August. But former President Donald Trump continued to downplay the idea that he will show up at all Sunday, citing his lead in the polls. “Ronald Reagan didn’t do it and a lot of other people didn’t do it. When you have a big lead, you don’t do it,” Trump said during an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
THE CALL OUT — “Trump tells DeSantis to ‘get home’ to Florida,” by NBC News’ Jonathan Allen: “Former President Donald Trump urged his top rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, to ‘get home’ to his state during a speech at the Turning Point Action conference here Saturday. ‘We are totally dominating DeSantis right here in the state of Florida,’ Trump said. ‘So we want him to get home and take care of insurance because you have the highest insurance in the nation.’ Trump, who leads DeSantis by a wide margin in national polling of the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has touched on that concept before. But this was the first time he accused DeSantis of neglecting his duties since the Florida governor formally entered the Oval Office sweepstakes in May.” | 
Former President Donald Trump arrives on stage at the Turning Point Action conference on July 15, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Fla. | Lynne Sladky/AP Photo |
— “The Iowa caucuses are six months away. Some Republicans worry Trump may be unstoppable,” by Associated Press’ Jill Colvin and Steve Peoples
— “For Cuban-American voters in Florida, it’s Trump’s race by a mile,” by NBC News’ Aaron Franco and Morgan Radford — “Young conservatives at Turning Point’s South Florida conference say they favor Trump,” by Miami Herald’s Alyssa Johnson | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | |
NOT SO FINE — “Sponsor of law to hide higher-ed presidential candidate names says it’s being ‘perverted,’” by News Service of Florida’s Ryan Dailey: “Supporters of the law maintained that it would help the state shield prominent applicants from tipping off their current employers while seeking a Florida post…While the law ‘serves that purpose,’ it has been ‘misinterpreted’ in some instances, Brandes added. ‘When we come down to how they’ve implemented it, they’ve completely perverted the intent of this law. And, you know, they have to justify their perversions. But they have done it,’ Brandes said.”
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
— “Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz sue California cities over canceled rally,” by The Messenger’s Mary Papenfuss
— “Florida schools struggle to apply new book law in which even Shakespeare is ‘suspect,’” by USA Today Network-Florida’s Douglas Soule and Ana Goñi-Lessan — “People evacuated, 5 sent to hospital after possible carbon monoxide exposure in Florida prison,” by Associated Press — “Toxic blue-green algae thickening in Caloosahatchee River,” by Fort Myers News-Press’ Chad Gillis | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
BIRTHDAYS: Morgan Routman of Rep. Lois Frankel’s office … USA Today Network-Florida’s Ana Goñi-Lessan ... former State Rep. J.C. Planas
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