Everyone, together..."We are sick and tired of the impeachment stuff in D.C."
Americans are losing interest in the House Democrat impeachment inquiry into President Trump, and the long, drawn-out hearings have even caused Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) to have an explosive flatulence episode on national TV. #Fartgate <<<Admit it, you can't help but laugh every time you think about it.
So far, it doesn't look as if House Democrats can make a solid case for impeachment, but that probably won't stop them from voting the measure. This is all they have. If they don't vote on impeachment, Democrats will look weak and vulnerable.
Democrats' star witness Ambassador Sondland even said that Trump told him "no" to quid pro quo with Ukraine.
"Impeachment witness stated Trump said “No Quid Pro Quo” with Ukraine" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres – Ambassador Gordon Sondland has testified in the House impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump that there was a quid pro quo between the Trump administration and Ukraine. Sondland said that Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani tried to pressure Ukraine into publicly launching investigations in exchange for the White House extending an invite to President Volodymyr Zelensky.“I know that members of this committee have frequently framed these complicated issues in the form of a simple question: Was there a ‘quid pro quo?’” Sondland said in his original sworn statement. “With regard to the requested White House call and White House meeting, the answer is yes.”
#Fartgate
Here is what some of Florida's members of congress are saying about the hearings:
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D)- Sondland: "Everyone was in the loop." And sure, "everyone" will deny it. Will "everyone" deny it under oath?
Rep. Ross Spano (R) Q: No one else on this planet told you that Donald Trump was tying aid to these investigations, is that correct?
A: Yes Well done, @RepMikeTurner You nailed it.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) Ambassador Sondland’s testimony was clear: the President tried to bribe a foreign gov’t for political favors. My question for the GOP: Is it okay for the President to use his office for personal gain and bribery? The answer is no.
Oh, there was a debate last night...
2020 Democratic presidential candidates were solely focused on impeachment and touched on their common "Socialist" agenda.
Keep moving, nothing to see here. Meanwhile, frontrunner Joe Biden leads in the overall polls, but when it comes to Iowa and New Hampshire, all bets are off. Somewhere Tallahassee, consultant and lobbyist Steve Schale is shaking his head in agreement.
Same old same old. No clear winner last night, but there were a few funny moments. Like when Sen. Cory Booker told Joe Biden that he thought the former vice president was high on marijuana.
Matt Gaetz -I’m really hoping the debate podium Tom Steyer bought for a quarter of a billion dollars is the same one you were burning sage inside during debates 1 & 2. (to Marianne Williamson)
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If you are a lobbyist, attorney, or consultant, pay close attention to this state house race
“Pro-Trump Giallombardo knocks down liberal style attacks” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – During the 2016 presidential election cycle, Republican voters and donors around the nation all got behind a slew of candidates vying to out conservative one another, sort of how the Democrats are doing in the 2020 election cycle, as they try to show Americans who is the most progressive of the bunch. Then-candidate Donald Trump completely disrupted the usual balance within the GOP, causing many traditionally conservative voters to side with his unconventional presidential campaign. Trump won, but not before making primary enemies along the way. Many supporters of former presidential candidates Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Rand Paul couldn’t bring themselves to support Trump after the real estate tycoon devastated their candidates...
First Lady Casey DeSantis will be in South Florida (Boynton Beach) today to "highlight" Florida's Department of Ed's Reading Scholarship Program.
Rubio's extended family member gets assaulted - “City commissioner De La Rosa gets assaulted” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – In the boogie down known as Miami-Dade County, politics is considered a bloodsport and if an occasional punch is thrown during a heated political campaign, the action would be dismissed as just another arroz con pollo political moment in Miami. This was the case today in Hialeah, where newly-elected Hialeah City Commissioner Oscar De la Rosa, not to be confused with boxer Oscar De la Hoya, was involved in a physical encounter at the Trigo Cuban-American restaurant. De la Hoya, sorry, De La Rosa told The Floridian that...
Florida’s Drug Czar – Attorney General Ashley Moody continues to press ahead with her Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse initiative and will hold another meeting to examine the opioid crisis, identifying ways to improve treatment for the problem. The meeting will be held in Pasco County.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Dept. of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced Florida schools and colleges that have received money from the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant.
“Florida professor who co-wrote book on organized crime charged with money laundering” by Fox News’s Bradford Betz – A Miami professor who co-authored a book on organized crime is accused of laundering millions in dirty money through his private U.S. bank accounts. Bruce Bagley, 73, was arrested Monday on federal charges that he laundered corruption proceeds from Venezuela. The University of Miami Professor appeared in Miami federal court and was freed on $300,000 bail. His attorney, Daniel Forman, told the Miami Herald that they planned to "diligently defend his case." Bagley co-authored the 2015 book "Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime and Violence in the Americas Today," and has testified before Congress and as an expert in court. He was widely regarded by multiple news outlets as the go-to expert on crime in the Americas. William F. Sweeney Jr., head of the FBI's New York office, said in a release that Bagley profited by helping others launder the proceeds of their crimes.
“Clay County may become Florida's fourth gun sanctuary county” by Action News Jax’s Jamarlo Phillips – Clay County could soon declare itself a Second Amendment sanctuary. The idea was introduced by County Commissioner Gavin Rollins and if passed would make Clay the fourth sanctuary county in Florida. Commissioner Gavin Rollins said he wants Clay County to make a strong statement about its position on guns. Collins said guns are not the problem -- it's how they're used. "If the federal government ever passed a gun confiscation program, we would not participate in that in any way," Rollins said.
Orale! Muy Bueno!! - - The Florida Ports Council has signed a Letter of Intent with their Mexican counterparts to” maintain relations that promote international commerce and economic development. The ceremony took place in Miami, Florida.
“Amazon Fulfillment Center in Auburndale Expected to Create 500 Jobs” by Spectrum News Staff – Amazon plans to build a 1 million-square-foot fulfillment center in Auburndale that will create more than 500 full-time packing and shipping jobs, the company said Wednesday. Employees at the facility will pick, pack, and ship larger items such as sports equipment, patio furniture, fishing rods, pet food, kayaks, bicycles, and household goods. The jobs will start at $15 an hour and offer benefits and a 401(k) plan." Amazon’s new distribution center in Auburndale is a big win for Polk County and our entire state," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in an Amazon news release. "We are grateful that Amazon recognizes Florida’s investment value and look forward to the economic benefits and job opportunities this new center will provide for our residents."
“Police chief wants to change Florida's open carry law” by CBS 12’s Al Pefley – Should you be allowed to carry a gun at the beach as long as you've got a fishing pole? It's a loophole that the Palm Beach Police Department Chief Nicholas Caristo wants to close and it has some gun owners seeing red. Right now under Florida law, if you go fishing, you can openly carry a gun to the beach or the lake or wherever the fish are. "Right now what I’m trying to do is balance a person’s second amendment rights while maintaining public safety," said Caristo. Caristo is urging state lawmakers to change the state’s open-carry law.
NO MAS! NO MAS! - The Florida Immigration Tour arrives in Venice, Florida today. Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Cord Byrd will be leading the charge
“Florida jury awards gay man $157 million from tobacco companies in death of spouse” by NBC News’s Janelle Griffith – A Florida jury has awarded a gay man more than $157 million in a wrongful death lawsuit after his husband died from lung cancer caused by smoking cigarettes, in what an attorney said is the first such case involving a same-sex married couple. Edward Caprio was diagnosed in 1996 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It would be 22 years before the disease killed him. He died early last year at 74. A Broward County jury Friday ordered tobacco giants R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris to pay his spouse, Bryan Rintoul, $157.4 million, including $9 million in compensatory damages. The cigarette makers were found equally at fault because Caprio smoked brands from both companies since he was 15.
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is opening up the blinds and letting in some Florida sunlight. The group is branching out in Florida, adding Sarah Revell as its new assistant vice president of public affairs
“Rubio introduces Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) has been one of the leading voices in support of measures to combat human trafficking and domestic violence. Rubio, along with half a dozen or so Republicans, introduced the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, a proposal that will not only reauthorize the measure but modernize it.This Suds for You - Rep. Michael Gaetz (R) will be part of a bipartisan group of "lawmakers will wash the Korean Veterans War Memorial by hand to show respect and gratitude for fallen Korean War veterans."
“Pence’s office denies witness claim of Ukraine warning” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – During his testimony before the House Intelligence Committee in the impeachment inquiry of President Trump, Ambassador Gordon Sondland stated that he spoke to Vice President Mike Pence in Warsaw, Poland over the release of financial aid to Ukraine. Moments after Sondland made the statement, Pence’s office refuted the testimony, saying that Pence “never had a conversation” with Sondland about the aid, Burisman, or even the Bidens.
“The Vice President never had a conversation with Gordon Sondland about investigating the Bidens, Burisma, or the conditional release of financial aid to Ukraine based upon potential investigations.
“Vilariño Slams Mucarsel-Powell over Socialist Policies” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – As the 2020 election fast approaches, important races are being fought around the nation as the world tunes in to President Trump. In Florida, 2018 saw Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) defeat Carlos Curbelo (R) to win a seat in Florida’s 26th congressional district. Now, in Mucarsel-Powell’s reelection bid, she faces strong opposition in Irina Vilariño (R) who’s looking to turn the district red again, if she wins her primary race against Omar Blanco.In a new advertisement, Irina not only introduces herself to Floridians, but the Republican hopeful also takes a stab at Mucarsel-Powell and the Democratic-Socialist wing of the Democratic party.
“My family fled communism in 1980 on the Mariel boatlift,” she begins.
Congrats! -“I’m glad the Senate voted today to confirm Justice Barbara Lagoa to serve on the Eleventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Justice Lagoa has a long history of honorably serving our state. She was appointed to Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal in 2006, and to the Florida Supreme Court last year, as the first Cuban American woman to serve on that court. I look forward to Justice Lagoa’s continued service to the people of Florida and am confident she will honorably and faithfully serve the Eleventh Circuit for many years to come.”- Sen. Rick Scott (R)
“Gaetz’s “slushie-gate” assailant gets 15 days in jail” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) played hardball this week, asking a judge to levy prison time for the person who threw a drink on him at one of his events. He got what he wanted, as U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope Cannon sentence Amanda Kondrat’yev, a former Democratic congressional candidate, to 15 days in prison for throwing the drink on him. Kondrat’yev, who will turn herself in on Dec. 2, really had no choice but to plead guilty after a viral video was released of her committing the crime. “In addition to the 15 days in prison, Kondrat’yev will serve one year of supervised probation and pay a $500 fine. She will likely be held at the Santa Rosa County Jail, which has a contract with the federal government to house inmates for short periods of times, according to her attorney.
@realDonaldTrump -Today I opened a major Apple Manufacturing plant in Texas that will bring high paying jobs back to America. Today Nancy Pelosi closed Congress because she doesn’t care about American Workers!
@RepValDemings - It is baffling that my Republican colleagues continue to discuss the importance of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine.It's true. And it shows how serious this moment is — where President Trump leverages Ukraine's need for the Javelins to ask for a personal political favor.
@RepAdamSchiff - Let’s judge Trump’s conduct by his words and deeds:
Recalls Ambassador Yovanovitch, after she’s falsely smeared.
Praises Ukraine’s corrupt former prosecutor.
Asks Ukraine to investigate his rival.
Holds up aid until it does.
That’s not anti-corruption.
Just corruption.
They always have something to say...
Sen. Marco Rubio - @marcorubio- The U.S. House has just passed our #
Sen. Rick Scott - @SenRickScott - The #HongKong Human Rights and Democracy Act has officially passed in the House! Now it goes to @POTUS for his signature. This is a major victory for the brave people of HK and together we will continue fighting for democracy around the globe!
Alcee Hastings - @RepHastingsFL - Over 20 trans Americans were violently killed in 2019 according to @hrc I’m proud to work with the @LGBTEqCaucus to pass legislation that will save the lives of trans Americans who experience disproportionate rates of violence, poverty & hate. We must end this epidemic! #TDOR@
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell - @RepDMP - The gender pay gap is real, and it hurts Latina women and families. That’s why I introduced a resolution to commemorate today, #LatinaEqualPayDay--the day of the year when Latina’s average pay finally catches up to that of white, non-Hispanic men from LAST YEAR. #DemandMore
Matt Gaetz - @mattgaetz - Omg the @JoeBiden robot is malfunctioning. #debate
Ron DeSantis - @GovRonDeSantis -My administration is committed to ensuring Florida remains on track to being the best state in the nation for workforce education by 2030, and this grant creates the conditions for the talented workforce our state needs.
Carlos Guillermo Smith - @CarlosGSmith - No one ever really has perfect debate. That being said, @PeteButtigieg WON it. He's surging in IA and NH. Attacks came predictably, but were swatted down hard. Tonight was the night to breakaway. He did it. #DemDebate
Is she high? Nikki Fried - @NikkiFriedFL - This is a historic vote on a historic bill that would decriminalize #marijuana and create new revenue for schools, infrastructure, and investment in our communities. Thank you @HouseJudiciary & @RepJerryNadler or moving this forward.
“Florida Lawyer Got Almost $1M by Filing Fake Lawsuits: Feds” by NBC Miami – A Florida lawyer collected nearly $1 million in fees by filing over 300 unauthorized lawsuits alleging violations of laws protecting disabled Americans in New York and Florida, federal authorities said Tuesday. Stuart Finkelstein, 65, of Davie, Florida, was arrested Tuesday and released on $150,000 bail after an appearance in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In a release, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said Finkelstein stole the identities of two individuals to file lawsuits in New York and Florida. The lawsuits claimed the individuals were unable to access public establishments because they did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
