JUICE—Florida Politics' Juicy Read — 4.7.2022 —Defending Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis

DeSantis Will get his way

JUICE—The “special session” to address the congressional redistricting maps is a little over a week away and it appears that Gov. Ron DeSantis will get his way.

Depending on which legislator you speak to—Republican or Democrat—the consensus is that the Republican-led state legislature will concede to DeSantis and redraw (if they haven’t already done so) a map that will come very very close to the map DeSantis submitted for approval.

“It’s all for show,” said one Republican legislator who asked that we keep her/his identity under wraps.

The legislator says that DeSantis will get what he wants because legislators don’t want to be on the wrong side of this issue going into the 2022 midterm election.

Are these GOP legislators fearful that DeSantis will back their primary challengers, or put up a primary challenger, a move that former President Donald Trump is currently making across the country?

Look what happened in Rep. Blaise Ingoglia’s Senate primary election.

Ingoglia was in a tough race but then DeSantis and his black cowboy boots endorsed him, Rep. Masullo's campaign was stomped out.

It was lights out for Masullo.

Ingoglia supported DeSantis's map, Masullo did not.

This is easy math.

Who’s next?

In Defense of DeSantis

Democrats continue to push forth their narrative that Gov. DeSantis is engaging in a “culture war” for personal and political expediency.

In other words, he championed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and the “Stop Woke Act” to garner support for his 2024 presidential bid.

Republicans like Rep. Chip LaMarca are pushing back against that narrative. READ MORE

Rep. Anna V. Eskamani -With no fanfare or press conference, @GovRonDeSantis just signed HB1239 into law — this bill is a big gift to the for-profit nursing homes companies. It changes the mandatory staffing minimums, which are intended to keep residents safe. Both the AARP & SEIU opposed the bill

Lauren Book- For the past 4 years I’ve been fighting to ensure FL moms & vulnerable babies have the healthiest start possible by having access to safe, sterilized human milk when mothers cannot naturally provide it. Tonight, the Gov signed SB 1770 into law!

Casey DeSantis-Wonderful to see the rights of hospital and nursing home patients protected and signed into law! Patients shouldn’t be denied the right to see their loved ones, especially during life’s difficult moments. Hopefully, this law will bring much peace, comfort and clarity

Jeanette Nuñez-Understanding firsthand the emotional toll of caring for my father during the pandemic, this bill is a necessity not only for patients, but also family members that desperately want to play an active and in-person role in their loved ones’ care.

Rep. Jason Fischer-#America cannot ignore the threat posed by Iran-backed proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. Biden cannot be allowed to ease sanctions on them. We must stand with #Israel!

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy-Today I voted to hold Peter Navarro and Daniel Scavino, Jr. in contempt of Congress.

Kat Cammack-Just hung up the phone with President Trump who has endorsed my re-election campaign for Congress! Here’s what he had to say…

US Rep Kathy Castor-As families struggle with rising energy prices fueled by Putin's war, Congress must work to lower costs by expanding cleaner, cheaper energy. I'm leading a hearing on Thursday focused on ways to save families hundreds of $$$ through energy efficiency

"Crist: DeSantis 'Ignoring' Rising Property Insurance" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) has amassed support in recent weeks, gaining a boost from a number of officials and union workers. This week, the former Governor of Florida had choice words for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), criticizing him for “ignoring” property insurance concerns.

"Wasserman Schultz Questions Sen. Hawley's Manhood" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is fuming mad over a recent comment that Republican senator Josh Hawley made in regard to Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown-Jackson.

"Deutch ‘Horrified’ With Russia’s Continued war Efforts" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, U.S. lawmakers are sharing their support for Ukraine. This week, Florida Rep. Ted Deutch (D) expressed his disappointment in Russia’s continued war efforts, arguing that he’s “horrified” at what Russia has done to Ukrainian civilians.

"Biden's Border Crisis Continues to Compromise U.S. National Security" by Rep. Gus Bilirakis—During his State of the Union Address, President Biden said, “We need to secure the border and fix the immigration system. It is not only the right thing to do, it’s the economically smart thing to do.” However, President Biden’s actions have not matched his words on this important subject.

"Donald Trump Endorses Kat Cammack for Re-election" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL) is currently seeking re-election in Florida, and has earned the endorsement of former President Donald Trump (R).

"Moody Sues Hospitals, School Board Over Opioid Cases" by The News Service of Florida—TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office filed a lawsuit Wednesday against five public hospital systems and the Miami-Dade County School Board, arguing they are jeopardizing settlements with pharmaceutical-industry companies over the opioid epidemic.

"LaMarca Defends DeSantis Over 'Culture War' Narrative" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Fort Lauderdale—The Broward Workshop held a “Board of Directors” meeting on Wednesday and invited State Senators Shevrin Jones (D) and Lauren Book (D), and State Rep. Chip LaMarca (R) to give the group a summary of the newly-concluded 2022 Florida legislative session.

"Demings Raises More Cash Than Any Previous FL Senate Challenger" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Carolina Amesty Raises $250K in HD 45 Campaign" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Businesswoman and educator Carolina Amesty has announced that she has raised $250,000 for her campaign for House District 45 campaign, with $200,000 of that total coming in the form of a personal loan.

"BRIAN MAST: Suing the the CDC Over Unconstitutional Travel Mask Mandates" by Rep. Brian Mast—Two years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that it would be “two weeks to slow the spread.” Their message to the American people was that, if we made the collective sacrifice and shut down society for fourteen days, we would be able to return to normalcy.

"Daniel Webster Saves Floridians $4 Million in Taxpayer Dollars" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Incumbent Congressman Daniel Webster (R-FL), who has been in his current office since 2010, has announced that in the past 12 years, he has saved over $4 million in tax payer dollars to run his Congressional office.

"Senate Candidate Alina Garcia Pivots, Will now run in Florida House District 115" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Former Marco Rubio staffer and state senate candidate Alina Garcia will not be running in State Senate District 38, and will be filing paperwork to run in House District 115, the seat Rep. Vance Alupis, Jr. (R) is vacating.

"Army Veteran to Vie with Simpson for Ag Commissioner" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Florida, Other States Sue Over Immigration Enforcement" by News Service of Florida

Val Demings

"Demings Accused of Contributing to 'Border Crisis'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Given the growing concerns bipartisan lawmakers have shared regarding border crossings, the Biden administration's intention to end “Title 42” has caused an uproar. Title 42 is a pandemic border policy enacted by the Trump administration, which allowed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deport migrants, citing health concerns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"DeSantis Reminds Voters of 'Disgraceful 60 Minutes hit job '" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is continuing his rivalry with the mainstream media, referencing what he is calling a “manufactured and disgraceful ’60 Minutes’ hit job.” The comments from the Governor come after First Lady Casey DeSantis also directed comments at “the dishonest corporate media.”

"New Poll: Floridians Overwhelmingly Support Parental Rights, Split on CRT" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—While the Parental Rights in Education bill and Stop W.O.K.E. Act passed the Florida legislature in controversy, the average Floridian may disagree with this sentiment. New polling shows that more Floridians are overwhelmingly supportive of parental rights in the classroom.

"Russia’s Increasing Ties With Venezuela Pose National Security Threat to U.S. & Latin America " by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—While world leaders fear that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could be just the beginning of a broader military incursion into Eastern Europe, President Vladimir Putin’s next big hostile move could be against the U.S. through Latin America, with his heavy and growing military footprint inside Socialist Venezuela.

"We Will See Many More Venezuelas if China Wins" by Senator Marco Rubio—In 1987, the U.S. government launched a massive anti-drug campaign. One of the most memorable ads featured a sizzling egg and the warning, “This is your brain on drugs.”

"New Florida Capitol Sign Vandalized With 'Say Gay '" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—A new image has emerged on Twitter of the new Florida Capitol sign appearing to be vandalized over the recently signed "Parental Rights in Education" law.

"Rep. Smith Admits Word 'Gay' not in 'Don't Say Gay' law" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Florida Democrats brought all of their opposition to the table when it came to the Parental Rights in Education bill. Republicans have criticized Democrats for "sloganeering" the bill when they dubbed it the "Don't Say Gay" bill. However, State Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D-49) has denied misrepresenting the Parental Rights in Education bill.

"Communications Workers of America Endorse Crist" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D), who’s amassed support from Florida unions, has gained another endorsement in the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The announcement came over the weekend as reports indicate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has a double-digit lead over gubernatorial hopefuls.

"Ashley Moody Endorses Jimmy Patronis in Reelection bid" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—After joining him to endorse Wilton Simpson (R) for Florida Agriculture, Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) has now endorsed Florida’s Chief Financial officer Jimmy Patronis (R) in his reelection bid. Both Moody and Patronis have worked together to tackle concerns in Florida concerning fraud and scams.

"Rubio Team Slams Demings’ ‘Dishonesty’ on oil Price" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Numerous concerns including energy independence, skyrocketing gas prices and inflation have dominated the media heading into the 2022 midterm election. Concerns were exasperated when President Joe Biden (D) argued that all of it stems from President Vladmir Putin and his attack on Ukraine.

"State Says Redistricting Case Should Be Put On Hold" by News Service of Florida—TALLAHASSEE — With lawmakers heading into a special legislative session this month, Secretary of State Laurel Lee is asking a federal court to put on hold a case that argues judges should set Florida’s new congressional districts.

Gov. Ron DeSantis

"DeSantis Continues to Champion his 'Family First' Agenda in Florida" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—While the Florida First agenda that Gov. Ron DeSantis has put forth since taking office has catapulted the state’s profile across the nation, the Family First initiative, which includes his Parental Rights in Education law, he has also championed has set Florida apart from the other states.

"House Republicans Introduce “Tax Free Social Security” Bill First " by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Republicans across the country are praising Rep. Thomas Massie’s ‘Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act (H.R.6590)’ after the bill’s filing in early February 2022.

"DeSantis Announces 'Sweet Florida' New Song" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has announced the release of "Sweet Florida" from Florida natives Johnny Van Zant and Donnie Van Zant, who co-wrote and released their new single.

"DeSantis Teases Revoking Disney's Self-governing Status" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Elvira Salazar, Pingree Tackle Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Senator Taddeo Vows to Continue Fighting Against Parental Rights Bill" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—After Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed the Parental Rights in Education bill into law, much of the resistance stopped. However, State Senator Annette Taddeo (D-40) has vowed to continue to fight against the bill that has now become law.

"Army Veteran to Vie with Simpson for Ag Commissioner" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Florida, Other States Sue Over Immigration Enforcement" by News Service of Florida

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

Javier Manjarres

Javier Manjarres is a nationally renowned award-winning political journalist and Publisher of Floridianpress.com, Hispolitica.com, shark-tank.com, and Texaspolitics.com He enjoys traveling, playing soccer, mixed martial arts, weight-lifting, swimming, and biking. Javier is also a political consultant and has also authored "BROWN PEOPLE," which is a book about Hispanic Politics. Follow on Twitter: @JavManjarres Email him at Diversenewmedia@gmail.com