The congressional race between former high school teacher Pia Dandiya and businessman Casey Askar in Florida's 22nd District looks as if it is going to get messy, as both of the respective national political committees are starting to chime in on this "Toss Up" seat.
The newly drawn congressional district leans Republican, but because of the current state of the U.S. economy, the Cook Partisan Report has moved it from a "Leans R" to a "Toss Up" contest.
Interestingly enough, both the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) don't appear to be all that invested in the Askar vs. Dandiya race, even though they are spending somewhat in the race.
Now, outside groups are starting to dabble in the race. The House Majority PAC and the Stronger America Together PAC have both dropped a campaign mailer bashing their respective opponents.
Pia Dandiya Mailer
Data Centers are a big issue in Florida. A recent public opinion poll of Floridians siding against data centers.
The campaign hit on Dandiya is that she is a "hypocrite" for saying she is against Data Centers while at the same time she is profiting off of them. "She's an investor" in data centers," states the mailing.
The attack ad focuses on Dandiya's social media post where she states, "Politicians and Big Tech billionaires want to put data centers in our backyard without asking us...I will make sure YOUR voice has a seat at the table, not just the politicians and billionaires."
According to her official House Financial Disclosure Report, which the Stronger America Together PAC conveniently posts, Dandiya has invested in her husband's former billion-dollar employer, H.I.G. Capital, which recently acquired a "controlling interest in the Data Center Operator Polar." (Source: H.I.G. Capital)
In looking at her disclosure form, Dandiya, who, according to the report, is worth between $ 9 and $ 11 million, is highly invested in Big Tech. Dandiya is also invested in her former employer, Apple. In addition, Dandiya has stated that she opposes "bombs," but she has invested in military contractors GE, Honeywell, and Palantir.
There is more. The same political action committee has uploaded piaexposed.com, which also outlines her investment in a "Chinese government-owned hedge fund" that invests only in companies with direct or indirect affiliation and/or control by the CCP.
Casey Askar Mailing
The political mailing against Askar is pretty straightforward. The line of attack, The Corrupt Businessman," against Askar comes right from the DCCC telegraph of the hit against the Naples businessman.
Using the use of a deck of Tarot Cards, to depict him as a shrewd, wealthy, and selfish businessman who is only out for himself and who uses "shady business practices" to run his businesses.
"He supports cutting taxes for himself and his businesses, while increasing taxes on working Floridians," states the mailer. Askar is also said to be worth around $636. million.
In looking at his disclosure form, it appears as if Askar is really only worth around $400 million.
Dandiya's $9 million seems like pocket change compared to Askar's $400 million.
Conclusion
Both attacks on the candidates appear to be above board, but we can't seem to find where the HMP's claim that Askar is in favor of "increasing taxes on working Floridians"
They cite the caseyaskar.com campaign website, but nowhere on it does it say or imply that Askar wants to increase taxes.
"He supports cutting taxes for himself and his businesses, while increasing taxes on working Floridians," states the mailer. Askar is also said to be worth around $636 million.
There appears to be one mention of taxes on Askar's website. (Source: caseyaskar.com--economics issue)
There is the statement:
We are all feeling the pressure at the grocery store and at the gas pump. Tackling the rising cost of eggs, milk, and gas is his top priority. In Congress, Casey will work with leadership to help slash overburdening taxes and regulations that are adding to the affordability crisis.
