JUICE — Florida Politics' Juicy Read — 2.24.2022 —Russia Attacks Ukraine—CPAC Gets Underway in Orlando—More...

CPAC Gets Underway as Does Putin's Invasion of Ukraine

The annual CPAC convention of the nation’s most conservative Americans starts today and so has Russia’s Vladimir Putin invasion of Ukraine.

The incursion into Ukraine has been widely condemned, but what else can Europeans and the Biden Administration say about Putin’s actions?

They caused it.

Weak leadership emboldened Putin to take the step and now everyone is going to suffer as the world is on the brink of World War III.

Republicans are blaming President Biden, calling his leadership, what else, “weak.”

“There is no doubt that weakness leads to war. Abandoning the policies of peace through strength, border security, energy independence, and a self-reliant supply chain was not in the national or global best interest, and it has led to catastrophic foreign policy failures as well,” stated Rep. Brian Mast.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea. President Barack Obama and then-Vice President Biden ran the country.

From 2017 to 2021, Russia was kept at bay, but ever since President Biden took office, Putin has flexed his muscles without any counter from Western nations.

Are Americans waking up today to miss President Donald Trump’s hardline foreign policy and leadership?

President Trump will speak at CPAC Saturday night. Expects big fireworks.

Confirmed

Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis's pick for Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, has been confirmed by the Florida Senate as the state's top doctor READ MORE

Marco Rubio-One very concerning development is #Russia has carried out a few targeted operations uncomfortably close to the Polish border This is the danger of miscalculation & human error that can quickly lead to a catastrophic escalation

Rick Scott-Freedom is under attack in Ukraine. Pray for the innocent lives in danger.

Rep. Ted Deutch-Last weekend in Munich, we stood together with our European allies in support of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy and committed to swift and severe sanctions. Russia invaded Ukraine. The time for punishing and unified sanctions from all of us is now.

Congressman Byron Donalds-Pray for peace.

Rep. Mike Waltz-One dictator (Chairman Xi) whitewashing for another (Vladimir Putin). We must #StandWithUkriane

 

"DeSantis: Margaritas Won't Cure Bidenflation" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—This week, Republicans directed criticism at the Biden Administration and Democrats, highlighting “Bidenflation” and those accused of contributing to it. With the Sunshine State hosting high profile political races in the upcoming 2022 November midterm election, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) released a video on social media, enjoying a margarita but lamenting that it won't cure "Bidenflation."

"Florida Senate Confirms Dr. Joseph Ladapo as Surgeon General" by News Service of Florida

"We Cannot Let Fatherlessness Stain Black History" OPINION by Jack Brewer—It is a problem many recognize, too few discuss, and even fewer know how to address, but the problem is persistent and leading to a generation of failed children. Too many children do not grow up with a father in their home. Thankfully this week leaders in the State of Florida stepped up to begin addressing the fatherless crisis.

"Oil Company Pulls Back Permit Requests for Drilling in Everglades" by Javier Manjarres and News Service of Florida

"Biden Unveils 'First Tranche' Of Russia Sanctions" by The Floridian's Mona Salama—President Biden announced new sanctions aimed at punishing Russia, the "first tranche" of sanctions targeting the country's financial markets in response to Moscow's actions that he characterized as the "beginning of an invasion of Ukraine."

"FL GOP Responds to Carlos Smith's Failed Amendment on 'Don't Say Gay' Bill" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—The "Don't Say Gay" bill in the Florida legislature has managed to stir national controversy among parental rights advocates and LGBTQ allies.

"COVID-19 Hospitalizations Drop Below 4,000" by News Service of Florida—The number of Florida hospital inpatients with COVID-19 has dropped below 4,000 after a surge in late December and early January caused by the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

"Rep. Daley's HB 1269 Approaches Last Committee" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Having a background in horses, South Florida State Rep. Dan Daley (D-97) has successfully passed HB 1269 through its second committee. The bill intends to bring back standardbred racing in Florida.

"Rick Scott Unveils Republican Post-Election 11-Point 'Plan To Rescue America'" by The Floridian's Mona Salama—Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) unveiled a sweeping 11-point blueprint plan, jam-packed with 128 specific policy ideas to "rescue America" that Republicans should enact once they retake control of both chambers this midterm election.

"Mills, Republican Legislators Slam Sabatini Over Missed Votes, Voting Against Wounded Veterans" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Mast Shares Support for 'Freedom Convoy'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—News of the Canadian Trucker Convoy has spread across the United States like wildfire, and it has added to the divided country. Republicans like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) have voiced their support of the convoy, selling shirts sporting “Truck Yeah” in the front.

"Laura Loomer Secures Top Republican Operative on Campaign Team" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—In her campaign for the US Congress, Laura Loomer (R), who is running in Florida's 11th District against incumbent Rep. Daniel Webster (R), has seen many milestones achieved, but none like this. The Loomer campaign has secured a top Florida GOP operative, MaryAnn Pistilli as its new campaign manager.

"Gaetz Continues to Oppose McCarthy's Potential House Speakership" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is persistent in his efforts to ruffle House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s political feathers as the “firebrand” legislator continues pushing the idea that former President Donald Trump should be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, if and when House Republicans take control of that chamber of Congress.

"Demings Irked by Defund the Police Narrative Against Democrats" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—One issue that Republicans and Democrats have differed on is law enforcement and the funding of police since the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Florida Rep. Val Demings (D), who’s vying to unseat Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R), took to social media to slam Republicans, arguing that they attempted to “shamefully… sabotage” the argument against “Democrats defunding the police.”

"Russia's Aggression in Ukraine Threatens the Western Hemisphere" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Russia’s threat of war against Ukraine, and possibly against NATO, is a powerplay that President Vladimir Putin has been nurturing for years. Now, with an unthinkable but convenient alliance with China, he is striving to undermine U.S. national security in the Western Hemisphere, cozying up to anti-democratic regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

"Poll Indicates a "Red Wave" Could Happen in November" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Republicans are expecting a “red wave” in the upcoming midterm election, and a new poll might indicate that Republicans could pick up seat in November. A recent battleground survey conducted shows that there is “a deep dive on a key target group: Hispanic voters.”

"Mucarsel-Powell Opts Out From Seeking A Rematch Against Giménez" by The Floridian's Mona Salama—Former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) announced Friday that she wouldn't run for Congress, opting not to seek a 2022 rematch for her old south Florida House seat, further exacerbating just how badly Democrats are facing in recruiting Hispanic as they look to remain in control during a difficult midterm election year.

"Rep. Salzman Under Fire for Opposing A Vote for Constitutional Carry" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Republican Primary Race in Florida's 13th Congressional District Up for Grabs" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—The congressional race to replace Rep. Charlie Crist (D) in Florida’s 13th District will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched races in the country, as Republicans position themselves to win back the “toss-up” seat former Rep. David Jolly (R) lost during the 2016 presidential election.

"Progressive Group Furthers 'Whitewash' Narrative Against DeSantis's 'Stop the Woke' bill" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced the “Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act” or Stop the Woke” bill in December 2021, Republican legislators are now poised to quickly get the measure passed in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, and on to Gov. DeSantis’s desk for him to sign the measure into law.

"Dental Benefits Could be Added Back Into Florida Medicaid Program" by The Floridian's Michelle Rosenberg— Florida House Bill 7047 —Medicaid Managed Care, which is sponsored by Rep. Shawn Harrison (R) is moving its way through the committees and it appears to be on its way to becoming a law. Sponsored by Rep. Garrison (R), HB 7074 implements several changes to the Florida Medicaid program.

"Rubio Leads Demings 49%-42% in new Poll" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres|

"Rubio Leads Effort to Allocate More National Guard Funds" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—A group of bipartisan congressional lawmakers has directed a letter to General Daniel Hokanson, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), in an effort “to allocate additional resources to the Florida National Guard (FLNG).

"Bilirakis Pens Letter Urging Cruise Travel Advisory Revision" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R) has amassed support from a bipartisan group of Congressional lawmakers in his effort to direct a letter to Jeffrey Zients, the White House COVID Coordinator. Bilirakis' letter urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to update and revise its Travel Advisory for cruise ships.

"Florida Rep. Smith Calls 'Putting Parents First' a Political Attack" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Tallahassee, FL - School policy has managed to remain a hot topic in Florida politics for the past 2 years now, leading State Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D-49) to get into a heated exchange over school funding with State Rep. Randy Fine (R-53), where he called the "Putting Parents First" bill a political attack.

"DeSantis, State Urges Court to Reject Gun Law Case" by Jim Saunders of News Service of Florida—TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office urged the Florida Supreme Court late Monday to reject challenges to a 2011 state law that threatens stiff penalties if city and county officials pass gun-related regulations.

"Vote By Mail Changes Would Add Envelopes, ID Numbers" by News Service of Florida

"DeSantis Crushing Field of 2022 Democratic Gubernatorial Opponents (POLL)" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—The latest Mason-Dixon public opinion poll of the 2022 gubernatorial contest in Florida could spell disaster for Florida Democrats, as Gov. Ron DeSantis appears to be crushing the field in head-to-head contests.

"'Don't Say Gay' Bill Doesn't Say 'Don't Say Gay'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Sprowls Takes Aim at ‘Fatherhood Crisis’ in State" by News Service of Florida—Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, will hold a news conference Wednesday to address what his office describes as a “fatherhood crisis” in the state, as the House prepares to take up a bill that includes an initiative to boost fathers.

"Pelosi: Defund The Police Movement is 'Not The Position Of Democratic Party'" by The Floridian's Mona Salama—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) pushed back at the "Defund the Police" stance, declaring the progressive rhetoric as "dead" and "not the position" of the Democratic Party.

"Carlos G. Smith Pledges to Vote 'NO' on Abortion Bill" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Rubio Warns Russia Invasion of Ukraine Could Rapidly 'Lead To Catastrophe'" by The Floridian's Mona Salama

"Lt. Gov. Nunez Backs Key Lime Pie Over Strawberry Shortcake (VIDEO)" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Republicans Censure House Rep. Mike Caruso Over Democratic Endorsement" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Bipartisanship isn’t unusual when it comes to lawmakers working together to draft legislation. However, lawmakers crossing party lines to endorse someone from the opposing political party is rare. Recently, Sens. Joe Manchin (D) and Lisa Murkowski (R) have endorsed each other, while Mike Caruso (R) has endorsed Katherine Waldron (D) for the Florida House Representative in District 89.

The JUICE is squeezed by The Floridian's  Javier Manjarres, Daniel Molina, and Jim McCool