Murphy Says GOP only Cares About "Partisan Politics"

This week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) found himself embroiled in controversy after signing SB 90 into law, and for lifting the remaining COVID-19 restrictions throughout the state. During the bill signing on Thursday, Fox News was the only media source allowed to attend, and this caused Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) to accuse the Governor of utilizing Fox News as a “state-run” source similar to Venezuela and China. The Commissioner also penned an editorial for the Miami Herald regarding the subject, and the accusations of DeSantis embracing an authoritarian government in Florida continue after Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D), who has hinted that she might be seeking a statewide run, called the GOP “shameful” for focusing on “partisan politics and retaining power than they do about American democracy.”

After the signing of the bill, a number of Florida Democrats slammed Governor DeSantis for his decision to only allow Fox News to attend. It was during this time that Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) announced her reelection campaign, putting to rest the speculation that she would be making a gubernatorial bid, but Commissioner Fried continued likening DeSantis to dictators such as Fidel Castro and Nicolas Maduro. Likewise, Rep. Murphy took to Twitter to express that “the right to vote is sacred in this country,” adding that “it’s what separates us from authoritarian regimes like China and Cuba.”

However, Murphy believes that “Republicans have proven they care more about partisan politics and retaining power than they do about American democracy.” In short, Murphy called it “shameful.”

Florida Rep. Kathy Castor (D) echoed in Murphy’s remarks, adding that Supervisors of Elections have called the new GOP anti-voter bill” a number of names including “confusing,” “unnecessary,” and “expensive.” She then thanked organizations like the NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Florida “for challenging the Florida voter suppression law in court!”