As cases of Coronavirus increase in Florida at a staggering pace, the pandemic continues to be politicized by elected officials, particularly House Democrats who hope to win back the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2020 presidential election.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who is one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies, is the focal point of Florida’s Democratic Caucus’s ire, questioning his leadership and blaming him for the spread of the virus, and for future deaths because he did not shut down the state soon enough.
On Wednesday, Gov. DeSantis issued an Executive Order stating that all Floridians stay at home.
But no sooner than several elected officials continued to knock DeSantis for not putting the order out sooner, DeSantis’ order came down.
“His dangerous lack of urgency to issue a statewide stay-at-home order leaves him singularly responsible if more people get sick and die because he delayed or failed to act,” stated Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz less than an hour before the state shutdown was announced.
Freshman Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) firmly placing the blame for 87 deaths and 6,955 cases of COVID-19 on DeSantis’ shoulders.
“87 Floridians have died while we waited for this order,” tweeted Rep. Mucarsel-Powell. “6,955 have tested positive for this deadly virus. This is far past due, and now we need to focus on cleaning up the damage this delay has caused. Stay home, stay safe.”
Some Florida Democrats who have questioned DeSantis in the past were a little kinder and acknowledged his decision.
“Thank you, Gov Ron DeSantis,” stated Rep. Ted Deutch (D) “This is an important step that will help save lives.”
Again, this is an election year so expect the growing pandemic continue to be politicized.
