Because DeSantis Is A Racist? What!? Que!?
2020 Democratic presidential candidates along with AG Commissioner Nikki Fried took aim at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for supposedly suppressing minority voting rights.
Yeah, DeSantis has been called a racist before.
Remember when Andrew Gillum played that card during his failed gubernatorial run?
Sure you do, how could you forget.
Fried, who many believe will challenge DeSantis in 2022, has been leading the charge against DeSantis’ decision to, saying,” The people voted to restore voting rights to 1.4 million of their fellow citizens who had been disenfranchised in Florida. We must keep fighting efforts to silence their voices.”
All the fuss is about a bill Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law this year that allows felons the right to vote, if they first pay their legal obligations and/or any monies they owe that stem from their respective cases, sentences. This move by DeSantis and Florida Republicans has outraged Democrats, many of who have been calling the governor’s decision to sign the bill into law as being an act of racism and voter suppression. READ MORE
Did Fried just launch the first barb in the 2022 gubernatorial race?
Maybe, but considering that she is the highest elected official in the state, Florida Democrats would surely back a Fried gubernatorial run against DeSantis, and could already be dreaming up political castles in the sky for 2022.
Oh, let’s not forget that every single Florida Democrat is tied to the hip of the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. With all the polling showing increased distaste for impeachment, Democrats could have a really rough ride in 2020.
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Trouble in DeSantis Paradise?
“Democrats say DeSantis is “suppressing minority voices,” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – When Floridians overwhelmingly voted in favor of restoring felon’s rights during the 2018 mid-term elections, Florida Democrats thought Amendment 4 was the key to future election wins, and assuming that the majority of felons being granted their right to vote would cast their vote for candidates on their side of the aisle. Not so fast. According to a bill Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law this year, felons can vote, but must first pay their legal obligations and/or any monies they owe that stem from their respective cases, sentences. This move by DeSantis has outraged Democrats, who have been calling the governor’s decision to sign the bill into law as being an act of racism and voter suppression.
Immigration Betrayal?
“SENATE PRESIDENT BALKS AT GOVERNOR'S E-VERIFY PROPOSAL,” by News Service of Florida’s Ana Ceballos – Tallahassee --- Gov. Ron DeSantis wants all Florida businesses to use a system to prevent undocumented immigrants from getting jobs in the state, but a powerful Republican leader is pushing back against the proposal. Senate President Bill Galvano said this week he does not support a measure that would force Florida’s private employers to use the federal government’s E-Verify system, which checks to see if new hires are authorized to work in the U.S. “It is something that the Florida Senate --- or at least this administration --- does not endorse,” Galvano told The News Service of Florida during an interview Thursday.…
DeSantis' tool belt is still hard at work
He may be taking a few more swings at a golf ball nowadays and spending weekends chasing his rugrats around the Governor's mansion, but like any good handyman, Gov. Ron DeSantis is still bringing in the "necessary resources" needed to finish the job.
"Today the @Florida_Housing Finance Corporation board of directors unanimously approved nearly $150 million in funding for 23 developments in hurricane-impacted counties in Florida."- Gov. DeSantis
“Trump campaign teases House Democrat with $700,000 check” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – When she ran of congress back in 2018, Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) dismissed the Republican attack against her about her husband having received $700,000 from a Ukrainian oligarch accused of, among other things, murder. According to the Miami Herald, Mucarsel-Powell’s congressional financial disclosure form lists that her husband “represented companies owned at least in party” by the Ukrainian billionaire, and received up to $700,000 in compensation.Republicans have been asking for Mucarsel-Powell to recuse herself from the recently-concluded House Judiciary Committee impeachment inquiry, citing that she had a conflict of interest because the whole point of the inquiry against President Trump was due the allegation that he illegally held up aide to Ukraine. Now Florida Republicans and the Trump campaign are really pushing the $700,000 issue against Mucarsel-Powell.
“Sheriff Gregory Tony’s fundraising soars as ex-Sheriff Scott Israel’s pace slows,” by the Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man – Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony’s fundraising for his 2020 election campaign has gone gangbusters in the past three months. At the same time, fundraising for his chief opponent, former Sheriff Scott Israel, has slowed significantly. The Israel-Tony contest in the August 2020 Democratic primary, featuring the appointed sheriff vs. the ousted sheriff he replaced, will be one of the year’s most expensive county-level races in Florida. Their combined fundraising has topped $1 million, nine months before voters make a decision, indicating both candidates will have the financial resources to fill voters’ mailboxes with flyers, inundate their phones with automated robocalls, buy advertising on Facebook and elsewhere online, and — possibly — buy cable television advertising time.
“$103 million settlement approved for FIU bridge collapse victims,” by The Associated Press – The families of six people killed, along with 10 people injured, when a bridge collapsed at Florida International University are set to receive a nearly $103 million settlement. Judge A. Jay Cristol, with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Miami, approved a reorganization plan Thursday for Magnum Construction Management, formerly known as Munilla Construction Management, that includes the settlement. The plan, which was proposed last month, will go into effect Dec. 28 if no one appeals, and the settlement should be split up by next month. A pedestrian bridge that was being built at Florida International University collapsed and crushed eight vehicles in March 2018. MCM was the project general contractor.
Big Loss for Florida
“Florida loses latest water war battle with Georgia” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – The State of Florida has taken a big hit in the ongoing water war it is currently waging against its neighbors to the north, Georgia. After U.S. Circuit Judge Paul Kelly Jr recommended that the U.S. Supreme Court reject Florida’s petitioning of the court to impose water usage limits on Georgians for the next 30 years. Florida Congressman Neal Dunn (R), whose congressional district bumps up against Georgia’s southern border, was very disappointed and outlined the damage Georgia’s water usage has caused Florida industries, its ecosystem, and Floridian’s in general. “Judge Kelly’s recommendation is very disappointing and completely ignores the decades of damage that Georgia’s water use has had on families and the ecosystem in Florida,” stated Dunn “Last year, the Supreme Court recognized that Florida has been harmed as a result of decreased water flow to the ACF River Basin. They established that Georgia’s unchecked and excessive water usage has harmed Florida and cost us jobs, particularly in our oyster industry. I trust that the Supreme Court will stand by their previous acknowledgment and ensure Florida gets its fair share of water.”
“Teenage time bombs- A generation in danger,” by Sun Sentinel’s Megan O’Matz and Brittany Wallman – The teen’s text messages weren’t about a party or music or tests. They were about death. And murder. “I actually wanted to be a school shooter,” the 17-year-old boy confided to a classmate in Winter Haven, in central Florida. “I just wanted to hurt other people like they did to me. ... I actually had the damn weapon in school.” The two commiserated about being depressed and bullied. He said he had nothing to lose and plotted to shoot classmates during their lunch hour. He ultimately was arrested. “I need help,” he told his classmate. “I’m messed up in the brain.” The words were straightforward, simple and harrowing. And surprisingly common. Florida’s schools are filled with young people slinging murderous threats at classmates and teachers. Although some threats are the idle words of indiscreet adolescents, a disturbing number come from mentally impaired children who are fixated on violence and have access to guns, the South Florida Sun Sentinel found. In an eight-month investigation, the Sun Sentinel examined the question that has weighed on parents since a disturbed teenager killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018: How many other children like the shooter are walking the halls of our schools?
“Broward Teachers Union Declares Impasse With School District Over Contract Negotiations” by WLRN’s Catie Switalski – The Broward Teachers Union, unhappy with the response from the Broward County School District, declared an impasse over contract negotiations earlier this week. Teachers have been negotiating for pay increases for the current school year. The negotiations began on Sept. 25. The Broward Teachers Union, or BTU, negotiations team had asked for pay raises between 3.5 and 5 percent. During negotiations Thursday, Broward County Public Schools told WLRN in a statement that it proposed salary raises of 1.5 percent, as well as the following: a 7 percent referendum supplement that’s already being paid, and a 0.44 percent referendum from additional collections for the 2019/2020 school year. Fusco told WLRN Friday that the district is misleading when it describes referendum money in its offer.
“Hispanic Voters View Trump as a Dictator” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – In a recent article from NBC News, several testimonies are compiled from Hispanic voters in the sunshine state, mentioning that they left Latin American countries because of the dictators in charge only to enter the United States to face another dictator in President Donald Trump. Calling the President a “caudillo,” which is an authoritarian ruler, Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) and State Senator José Javier Rodríguez (D) penned an opinion piece in October detailing the danger that President Trump poses in having relations with the likes of Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin. As well, they note that the President’s abuse of power and using his presidency to enrich himself and family also pose a direct threat to both the American people and democracy. Moreover, other damning actions include President Trump undermining democratic institutions, abusing his power and attacking the free press. Said actions have been likened to the likes of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and Fidel Castro in Cuba. In the NBC article titled “’Caudillo’ or crusader against socialism? Florida’s Latinos debate Trump” by Carmen Sesin, notes that “Christian Ulvert, a Democratic strategist,” has spoken to South Floridian voters, mentioning a head of state that “divides people, attacks the press, lies to create political division and threatens to jail political opponents.”
“President Trump punches Pelosi right in the ‘teeth’” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – President Donald Trump took another personal jab at Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday in response to Rep. Mark Meadows’ response to a question a reporter posed to the speaker. Could this slight have anything to do with the recently-concluded House Judiciary Committee impeachment inquiry that resulted in two articles of impeachment being filed and voted on? Of course, it does. The question and subsequent answers were posted on Twitter by The Hill newspaper. Q: “You yourself accused [Trump] of bribery. Why did you decide not to make bribery one of the articles of impeachment.” Speaker Pelosi: “This was a decision that was recommended by working together with our committee chairs, our attorneys and the rest.” Rep. Meadows responded by saying “Because it wasn’t true,” which prompted President Trump’s response to his tweet with his own tweet. “Because Nancy’s teeth were falling out of her mouth, and she didn’t have time to think!” Trump tweeted in response to the reporter’s question in the clip.
“House passes bill to lower prescription drug costs” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Believe it or not, but last week’s House Judiciary Committee hearing votes to move along the two articles of impeachment to the floor of the House for a full vote were not the only votes of importance that occurred while everyone had impeachment on their mind. On Thursday, the Lower Costs Now Act of 2019 passed the House of Representatives along party lines by a vote margin of 230-192. The Democratic-only sponsored bill requires that prescription drug prices for Medicare and Medicaid be renegotiated, specifically the maximum prices of certain drugs. According to the bill, Medicaid and Medicare handlers must negotiate the “maximum prices for (1) insulin products; and (2) at least 25 single source, brand-name drugs that do not have generic competition and that are among the 125 drugs that account for the greatest national spending or the 125 drugs that account for the greatest spending under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage (MA).”
“House Democrat Expected To Become Republican Because Of Impeachment” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – With the news that articles of impeachment had been written against the President, those supporting his removal from office rejoiced. Then, with the House set on voting on the articles, it only added fuel to the fire. However, in a turn of events, a Democrat has made a move that has left some confused and others surprised. Freshman Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D), who’s strongly opposed the President’s impeachment, is expected to leave the Democratic party and join the Republican party. In response, he’s received criticism from Democrats in his home state of New Jersey. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) slammed Van Drew, saying that he is “willing to enable Donald Trump just to try to salvage his own election.” Furthermore, he commented that “betraying our values by siding with Donald Trump is the final straw and made it impossible for him to continue being supported by our party, as grassroots, activists, local party leaders in his district, and I have made clear in recent weeks.”
“Florida’s congressional delegation takes center stage during impeachment inquiry” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – With the House Judiciary Committee voting along party lines (23-17) to approve the two articles of impeachment against President Trump and move them along to a floor vote, the nation appears to have reached a new low and deeper divide over impeaching a sitting U.S. president. Several of Florida’s congressional delegation took part in this week’s Judiciary hearings, and as one could imagine, split along party lines. Democratic Reps. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Val Demings, and Ted Deutch, as well as Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, all gave fiery testimony as to why or why not impeaching President Trump was in the best interest of the country. Here is the latest from these Floridians: Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell: “This was a difficult vote and a sad day in history. I voted for Articles f Impeachment today for my country, our Constitution, and our children. We must protect our democracy at all costs. No one, not even the President, is above the law. Rep. Val Demings: “No court in the country would allow this. Congress should be held to an equally-high, if not higher, standard.”
“Kat Cammack Announces bid for Yoho’s Seat” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – This month, Florida Rep. Ted Yoho (R) announced that he would not seek a fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. As such, in an effort to keep the seat red and help President Donald Trump keep the state of Florida in the upcoming Presidential election, Kat Cammack has announced that she will be running for Yoho’s seat. Cammack is the former Deputy Chief of Staff to the retiring Congressman. She is also a small business owner and the founder of a local non-profit. In a statement, she commented that she is “running for Congress to continue the hard work of protecting our Constitutional rights, limiting the size and power of the federal government, facilitating job growth, securing our borders and standing up for our farmers.” She was thankful for “the outpouring of support, endorsements, and financial pledges from leaders around the community.” Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan (R) has already made an endorsement in the race, supporting Judson Sapp.
“TV ratings dictate House Judiciary impeachment hearings” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Can’t we just all get along? House Democrats and Republicans may have hit a new low during the House Judiciary Committee impeachment mark up debate. The all-day affair ended shortly after midnight when Chairman Jerry Nadler decided to recess until 10 am Friday morning. Democrats are accusing Republicans of dragging the hearing out so that fewer Americans see the actual vote, and Republicans are accusing Democrats of postponing the vote so that it is covered in primetime, or in “daylight” as Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) put it. “It is now very late at night,” Nadler said shortly before midnight in D.C. “I want the members on both sides of the aisle to think about what has happened over these last two days and to search their consciences before we cast their final votes. Therefore, the committee will now stand in recess until tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., at which point I will move to divide the question so that each of us may have the opportunity to cast up-or-down votes on each of the articles of impeachment, and let history be our judge.” Nadler’s decision to end the marathon markup infuriated House Republicans, prompting Ranking Rep. Doug Collins (R) to unload on Nadler.
“Rep. Buchanan backs Sapp in congressional primary race” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – As far as endorsements and money raised goes, businessman Judson Sapp has the upper hand in the Republican primary race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (R). After months of speculation as to when Yoho would officially announce that he would step down, the 4-term congressman made it official earlier this week. Shortly after Yoho made his decision, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R) announced his endorsement of Sapp, add his name to the growing list of supporters the married husband of two has been compiling. “Judson is a husband, father, and successful businessman who knows what it takes to lead and get the job done,” stated Buchanan “I endorse Judson Sapp for Congress because he will fight for Florida and stand up for conservative values.” Putnam County Sheriff “Gator” DeLoach also endorsed Sapp they day before Buchanan made his announcement. Yoho’s Deputy Chief of Staff Kat Cammack is expected to announce a run for her boss’s seat, as will Gavin Rollins, a Clay County Commissioner. Rollins recently told us that he was inching towards an announcement.
“Reuters photographer booted from House Judiciary hearing” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – During the marathon House Judiciary Committee mark up debate, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) divulged to the committee, and the nation, that Reuters reporter photographer Roberts had approached dais and took pictures of notes taken by his Democratic colleagues. Gaetz said that staff was made aware of the act, and the photographer was removed from the proceedings. It wasn’t until hours later that the video filmed on House closed-circuit TV system was released, showing photographer Roberts colluding with another reporter/photographer as he took the pictures of the documents. The other photographer, who has not been named, appears to have known what Roberts was going to do as he appears to be trying to hide his face with his hand while looked up to where the camera was positioned.
“Florida’s GOP congressional race in Southwest Florida is wide open” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – With Rep. Bob Rommel (R) announcing that he would not run for congress in Florida’s 19th congressional district to replacing retiring Rep. Francis Rooney (R), the already crowded Republican primary race will now only have to wait for Rep. Byron Donald’s entrance into the race. Expect Donalds (pictured) to jump into the race in the early part of January 2020, increasing the list of candidates to five. The Republican race could become very contentious as ‘all’ of the candidates have already signaled that they were going on a conservative, pro-Trump platform, but will be running on ideology win over Republican voters? In this district, yes. Rooney ran as a conservative but legislated as a moderate, and on several times, sided with progressive measures and members of Congress. Rooney’s siding with Democrats, especially his co-sponsoring of Rep. Ted Deutch’s carbon tax bill, left many of these conservative Republicans feeling betrayed because they believed Rooney was going to follow through with the issues he ran on.
“House Judiciary Democrat lies about Trump support for veterans” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – During another contentious debate between House Republicans and Democrats about the two articles of impeachment that have been put forth, one Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin lied about President Trump’s past veteran fundraising effort. Rep. Raskin stated that “President Trump had to pay $2 million to charities because he ripped off his own charity,” an allegation that was proven false by Politifact. The false statement was originally made by 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and Raskin just echoed the remark. Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign was quick to pounce, pointing to Politifact’s “False” rating of the allegation, and pressing the narrative that “Democrats’ impeachment effort” was 100% based on lies.” “Democrats’ grotesque lies about President Trump insult the millions of military families who support him,” said USMC Combat Veteran Austin Stukins, Trump Campaign Deputy Coalitions Director. “President Trump has always gone out of his way to make sure veterans receive the care and support they deserve, generously donating his time and wealth to improving the lives of those who have served in uniform and sacrificed for this great nation. Veterans know that President Trump has our back, and that’s why we have his.”
“U.S. Senate will call immediate vote on impeachment, no witnesses” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Moments ago, appearing Fox News, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham announced that he would not be calling in witnesses to a senate impeachment trial, and will be calling an immediate vote on the House measure. “I will not legitimize this sham… we will not legitimize this in the senate,” stated Graham. “I want it get it over with,” added Graham. Sen. Graham continued to assert his position that once the House Judiciary Committee concludes its impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, and the House votes on the two articles of impeachment, he will not call in the Biden’s or anyone.
President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump - Congressional Do Nothing Democrats are being absolutely decimated in their districts on the subject of the Impeachment Hoax. People that voted for them are literally screaming in their faces. Crazy Nancy is finding defending Shifty Schiff harder than she thought!
Adam Schiff @RepAdamSchiff -In 2016, Trump invited Russia to interfere in our elections and then obstructed the investigation into his misconduct. In 2019, Trump abused his power to again obtain foreign election interference, and obstructed Congress’s investigation. This is a clear pattern of misconduct.
Rick Scott @SenRickScott -The skyrocketing cost of life-saving drugs like insulin is unacceptable. My America First drug pricing plan would make sure drug companies can’t charge more in the U.S. than they charge for the same drug in other countries.
Marco Rubio @marcorubio - A 21st Century American Industrial Policy isn’t radical, its common sense & in the best interest of the nation.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz @DWStweets - Voters made it clear when they passed Amendment 4: so long as they’ve completed parole/probation,voting rights should be restored. The state legislature needs to listen to the people of Florida and execute the law as written. #LetUsVoteFL
Rep. Ted Deutch @RepTedDeutch - The people of Luxembourg & Belgium are so grateful to America for what happened here & I’m so grateful to my dad & the hundreds of thousands of American soldiers who helped defeat the Nazis at the #BattleoftheBulge.
Rep. Matt Gaetz @RepMattGaetz .@comey
says there were “more consequential” mistakes at the FBI while he was director than misleading a secret court. What were they?!
US Rep. Al Lawson Jr @RepAlLawsonJr - As the nation undergoes a student loan debt crisis, we must take steps to protect borrowers from default. The Fair Student Loan Debt Collection Practices Act protects student loan borrowers from unscrupulous collection practices by debt collectors
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell @RepDMP - We still remember the shock & heartache we felt when 20 children & 6 educators were gunned down in #SandyHook. 7 yrs later, gun legislation to end these acts of violence is still blocked. It’s past time to #HonorWithAction & prevent this senseless gun violence from continuing.
Ron DeSantis @GovRonDeSantis - I applaud the board for realizing the need for affordable housing as it is a critical component to the long-term recovery of communities impacted by recent storms. We will continue to provide the necessary resources for Floridians to rebuild.
CFO Jimmy Patronis @Jimmypatronis - Happy Bill of Rights Day! Today, we celebrate the ratification by the states of the Bill of Rights and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the important protections provided to all Americans.
Commissioner Nikki Fried @NikkiFriedFL - Happy Birthday to the @USNationalGuard! Our state is deeply grateful for the service that our own @FLGuard provided during Hurricane Michael last year, and every day. Thank you for keeping our state and country safe! #RightReadyRelevant
Anthony Sabatini @AnthonySabatini - Touring the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida in the Everglades Ag Area today—sweetest farms in the world
Shevrin Jones @ShevrinJones There is peace in knowing that better days are ahead. Rest in that! #GM #happyMONDAY #dontworry
Chris Sprowls @ChrisSprowls -No one has the right to ignore the law and put the safety of our children at risk. The Legislature will definitely be relying on the Grand Jury’s findings as we consider what actions to take this Session.
Senator Lori Berman @loriberman - Senate Republicans must prioritize the safety of women in this country over NRA interests by reauthorizing the #ViolenceAgainstWomenAct. Their inaction thus far has lead me to file SB 718 with Rep @AnnaForFlorida, to disarm those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes
“Fla. Educator Is Allegedly Caught by Security Footage S*xually Abusing 2 Boys, 15, in Condo Pool,” by People’s Chris Harris – A 27-year-old teacher’s aide faces criminal charges in Florida, where authorities allege she had s*xual intercourse with two teenage boys — and was caught on surveillance video doing so. PEOPLE confirms Kirstie None Rosa was arrested December 6 on three counts of lewd and lascivious battery s*xual activity with a 15-year-old, a second-degree felony. Rosa, who lives in Naples, is also charged with providing nicotine products and drugs to the underage alleged victims. According to online records, Rosa allegedly had several s*xual encounters with one of the alleged victims. It is unclear if the boy was one of her students. Investigators allege the s*x happened once at the boy’s house, and twice at her condominium. Detectives recovered security footage they allege shows Rosa in the condo complex’s swimming pool, having s*x with two 15-year-old boys. It was unclear if the second alleged victim was one of her students. Police allege the swimming pool encounter happened after Rosa brought the students to a party, where they were supplied with alcohol and marijuana. Rosa denied the allegations, telling police she did not go into the pool or hang out with the boys. She told detectives she left the party when the two students showed up. Rosa was released from custody last week, but could not be reached for comment.
