Juice🍊—4.12.2023—DeSantis's Loyalty Brought Into Question—Drag Show Put on Notice in Tallahassee—More...

Juice🍊—4.12.2023—DeSantis's Loyalty Brought Into Question—Drag Show Put on Notice in Tallahassee—More...

Florida Politics' Daily Political Read

Javier Manjarres
Javier Manjarres
|
April 12, 2023

FIU

Have a tip, story, new job, or announcement for The JUICE?  Reach out: Javier@floridianpress.com

DeSantis World

The Florida Legislature has just passed the midway point of the 2023 legislative session, and it appears as if they could wrap it all up earlier than expected. Everything is going as Gov. Ron DeSantis has planned in pushing his agenda prior to his announcement that he will run for President in 2024.

This is DeSantis's world and lobbyists, lawmakers, media reporters, and state employees are just living in it.

A widespread sentiment held by Tallahassee players is that while they love what Gov. DeSantis has done for the state, they do not feel he can defeat former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary contest.

Yes, DeSantis has raised upwards of $85 million, but how much of that can and will be transferred to a federal account?

The polls are the polls, and while DeSantis is dismissing early polling results where he is trailing President Trump by double-digits in a hypothetical head-to-head contest, lawmakers and lobbyists we spoke to believe that running for president against Trump could be political suicide for DeSantis.

One lobbyist, who has worked closely with the DeSantis administration questioned how DeSantis would govern if he lost to Trump in a primary.

The same lobbyist, along with several other Tallahassee stalwarts, who all said they support whatever DeSantis does, questioned DeSantis’s overall loyalty to his supporters and those who have pushed his agenda.

“It’s all about DeSantis. This place is run by his iron fist,” said Lobbyist X. " And Didn't we just elect him to govern for four more years?"

“No one is going to openly oppose his presidency by supporting Trump for fear of having a very bad legislative session were he to lose,” said another lobbyist. “It’s different for congressmen to endorse Trump, but no state Republican legislator will openly back him over DeSantis."

DeSantis is expected to make an early May presidential announcement.

 

Squeezers

Marco Rubio-Schumer planning a vote on a Senate resolution condemning calls to “defund” the DOJ & FBI I will attempt to amend it by adding language that condemns something that actually happened, DOJ & FBI trying to infiltrate Catholic parishes & cultivate “sources” inside Catholic Churches

Rick Scott-Too many politicians forget that it's their job to make Washington work for you, not themselves. I'm focused on calling out folks that put special interests over folks in Florida and across the country, starting with holding people accountable and cutting reckless spending.

Sen. Marco Rubio
Sen. Marco Rubio

"Catholic Priests Denied Access to Military Medical Center During Holy Week, Rubio Responds" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With Holy Week coming to a conclusion on Easter Sunday, Catholics and Protestants alike, such as Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and James Lankford (R-OK) were surprised to hear that Walter Reed...

"Mast: Biden Admin's 'Hands are Tied' After American Reporter Arrested in Russia" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) went on Fox News today to discuss Russian detainment of the American Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich.

"Florida Senate Passes Anti-Drag Show Bill" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Senate Democrats made their case in opposition to Sen. Clay Yarborough’s Protection of Children (SB 1438) bill, arguing that the measure directly targeted drag shows, which Sen. Lori Berman referred to as a “form of art.”

"Bipartisan Effort: U.S. Congress Unites to Urge EU to Designate Iran's IRGC as a Terrorist Organization" by The Floridian's Michelle RosenbergIn a bold move, a coalition of 124 U.S. Members of Congress, led by Reps. Kathy Manning, Tom Kean Jr., and Bill Keating, have taken a significant and determined step in the ongoing fight against Iranian and IRGC terrorism.

"Florida Lawmakers Pursue Death Penalty in Child Rapes" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE — In a move that likely would spur a constitutional fight, Florida lawmakers appear ready to pass a proposal that would allow the death penalty for people who commit sexual batteries on children under age 12.

 

Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio

"Newsom, Trump Chide DeSantis Ahead of 2024" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The criticism against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) continues to pile. California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and President Donald Trump (R) have issued scathing comments against ...

"Matt Gaetz 'Tired' of Washington D.C. 'Grift Game'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) gave viewers of the Rubin Report a look into Washington, D.C. politics, describing the legislation as a "grift game..."

"Webster Barnaby Compares Transgenders to 'Demons and Imps'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—During recent hearings on Florida House Bill 1421, which would ban sex reassignment surgery for minors, Representative Webster Barnaby (R) had strong words against transgender people...

"DeSantis Rails Against Fed-Controlled Digital Currency" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

"DeSantis's Fundraising Reaches Staggering $86 Million" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—While Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has not officially announced a run for president in 2024, his fundraising numbers would indicate that he will be on a debate stage against former President Donald Trump (R) within the next several months.

"Could More American Lawmakers Begin to Pull Their Financial Support for Ukraine War?" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent anti-American remarks after meeting with China’s Xi Jinping could move...

"Mills Endorses Trump, Helps Fuel Former President's Campaign Momentum Over DeSantis" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Former President Donald Trump has scored another congressional endorsement. Rep. Cory Mills, a former military contractor and Army veteran, has moved up his endorsement of the former president...

 

Gov. Ron DeSantis

"Newsom Calls DeSantis 'Weak' Ahead of 2024" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) continues to criticize Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R). In a new interview with MSNBC, Newsom calls DeSantis "weak."

"Carlos Guillermo Smith Seeking Florida Senate Seat" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) is seeking a Florida senate seat after being voted out of the House of Representatives in the 2022 midterm election, losing his reelection...

"Former DeSantis Official Believes Trump can get Fair Trial in New York City" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—After former President Donald Trump was arraigned on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York City, it was learned that the judge presiding over the criminal case donated to President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign...

"Eskamani Pushes Abortion Pill Mifepristone Federal Ruling" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—A Texas Judge has taken a firm stance against the use of Mifepristone, an abortion pill. At the same time, a Washington Judge has issued a ruling in opposition...

"Both Trump and DeSantis Supported Keeping GITMO Open" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Regardless of how some media outlets and political talking heads try to spin the differences between former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis...

"Florida Congresswoman Hopes 'God' Will 'Forgive' DeSantis for Signing Permitless Carry Bill" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Rick Scott Visits US Troops in Mediterranean (PHOTOS)" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Scott Slams Biden Spokesman For Saying He 'Didn't See' Chaos During Afghanistan Withdrawal" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Carlos Guillermo Smith
Carlos Guillermo Smith

"DeSantis Hits Speed Bump in Transgender Medicaid Legal Fight" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Wasserman Schultz Accuses Tennessee Assembly of Racism After Expelling 2 Democrat Members" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

"Who Should President Donald Trump Pick as his VP in 2024? (POLL)" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Gov. Ron DeSantis

"Byron Donalds Wants to Cut NASA's Wasteful Government Spending" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—House Republicans continue seeking means to cut wasteful government spending. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) recently told The Floridian he would like to cut funding to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other agencies that continue to spend taxpayer dollars on non-essential items.

"DeSantis Goes the Extra Mile to 'Back the Blue,' Announces 1,750 Police Bonuses" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—During Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) time in office, he has been keen on maintaining a platform that “backs the blue” and stands up for police officers and law enforcement. Now, “America’s Governor” has announced that he has been willing to pay the price in order to do so.

"Vern Buchanan Introduces Military Mental Health Bill to Reduce Suicides" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

"Byron Donalds Endorses President Donald Trump over Ron DeSantis" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Just as Conservative/Libertarian Reps. Chip Roy and Thomas Massie have endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis for President in 2024, Rep. Byron Donalds, who is one of the brightest Republican All-Stars in the entire country, has now come out supporting former President Donald Trump.

"Can DeSantis Weather a Brutal Trump Beatdown and Still win the Nomination?" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Florida Senators Target History Confederate Monument Removals" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

Rep. Kat Cammack during an interview with The Floridian
Kat Cammack Police

"Cammack Co-Sponsors POLICE Act to Protect Law Enforcement, Border Patrol from Assault" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) has certainly not been shy to address the southern border during her time as an elected Congresswoman. From sponsoring legislation...

"Ashley Moody: Biden, Mayorkas Enabling Child Trafficking at Border" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Early in March, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody called President Biden the "biggest benefactor" of the Mexican drug...

"NASA Floats Air Quality 'Spy Balloons' Over Florida" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—It’s a bird! It’s a plane. It’s a Chinese spy balloon. No, it’s a NASA low-cost air monitors hovering over Florida farmlands.

"DeSantis's Elections Changes Backed in Florida Senate" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres and News Service of Florida—TALLAHASSEE — Midway through the 2023 legislative session, Republican lawmakers Tuesday began advancing Gov. Ron DeSantis's sweeping elections package...

"Mills Responds to Russian Detainment of American Journalist" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Despite the news swirling around the nation concerning the indictment and arraignment of former President Donald Trump (R)...

"Gaetz Demands Data from Girlfriend of FBI Agent Who Shut Down Hunter Biden Probe" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has demanded the data of a Twitter account belonging to a supposed girlfriend of Timothy Thibault, an FBI agent...

"FSHCC Backs Senate Bill for Private Nursing Program Funding" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Cava Praises Kaseya Arena Naming" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Sens. Shevrin Jones and Lauren Book
Sens. Shevrin Jones and Lauren Book

"Trump Says Charges 'Should be Dropped" Against him by 'Failed District Attorney'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina —Soon after returning home to Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump (R) held a press conference to discuss his recent indictment. During the press conference, Trump shared that the indictment is an attack against Americans.

"Jones Invokes MLK Amidst Abortion Rights Debate" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina —Florida state Senator Shevrin Jones (D) has invoked MLK amidst a fight for abortion rights in Florida. Pushing back against GOP legislation, Florida Democratic Party Chair...

"Donalds Responds to Trump Arrest, Pelosi's Comments" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—As former President Donald Trump (R) has now been officially arrested on 34 felony counts of...

"Rubio Warns Trump Arraignment Sets 'New Normal' in Political Prosecution" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—As former President Donald Trump arrived in New York City for his arraignment on possibly trumped-up (no pun intended) charges, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) posted another homemade video...."

"Independent Reporter Assaulted by CBS News Audio Man in New York" by The Floridian's Chris Nelson—New York - Independent Reporter Oren Levy, known on Twitter as @ViralNewsNY and @LeeroyPress, was attacked this morning...

"Byron Donalds Introduces Bill Prohibiting Nuclear Funding for China" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Two policy priorities of House Republicans are China and energy production. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)...

"Lauren's Kids Issues Tips for Kids to Stay Safe" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Governor DeSantis Signs Another Death Warrant" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Marco Rubio Criticizes Biden Admin's Attitude Towards El Salvador" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has returned from his trip to El Salvador. Shortly after his arrival in the United States, Sen. Rubio posted a video reflecting on the visit, criticizing the Biden Administration's reaction to President Nayib Bukele's actions against gangs such as MS-13.

"Scott, FL Lawmakers Urge Biden to Support Hurricane Relief Bill" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Since Hurricane Ian made landfall, Florida legislators have worked tirelessly to secure recovery funding for Florida and its residents, especially those Floridians in heavily impacted areas.

Nikki Fried for Governor
Nikki Fried for Governor

"DeSantis Narrowly Beats Trump in Florida New Poll, but Trump Continues to Crush him Nationally" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Republicans around the country (both donors and voters) are beginning the process of deciding which Presidential candidate they will send to represent the party on the general election ballot.

"Nikki Fried and Lauren Book Arrested at Florida Capitol Protesting Abortion Bill" by The Floridian's Chris Nelson—President Trump is not the only one facing a perp walk today. A protest against a bill limiting abortion in Florida ended with two top Florida Democrats being arrested.

"Florida Republicans Slam Biden Admin Downplaying Chinese Balloon" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—NBC has confirmed the Chinese spy balloon shot down in early February was gathering information despite the Biden Administration's downplaying of the threat. Several Florida Republicans, including Senator Marco Rubio and Representatives Mike Waltz, Ver Buchanan, and Greg Steube excoriated Biden on Twitter.

"Matt Gaetz: Somalia Example of U.S. As 'World's Policeman'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

"Rubio Meets with President of El Salvador" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Florida Senate Passes 6-Week Heartbeat Bill" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Hutchinson Facing Trump in GOP Primary" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The 2024 GOP primary continues to expand as Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) has announced that he will run. President Donald Trump (R) was the first to announce his candidacy, and since then 3 more Republicans have joined the race.

"DeSantis Signs Constitutional Carry Into Law" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—“Constitutional Carry is in the books,” said Governor Ron DeSantis after signing the controversial constitutional carry measure spearheaded by Sen. Jay Collins.

 

 

 

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

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Javier Manjarres

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

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