| | | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Good Wednesday morning. Islands in the stream — Senate President Wilton Simpson, the Trilby Republican and candidate for agriculture commissioner, headed into this year's redistricting session with a goal: Avoid the messiness, drama and finger-pointing that surrounded Florida's previous effort. Here you come again — Enter Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor's surprising decision to enter the fray over redistricting this past weekend due to "legal concerns" has led to speculation that this is more about partisan glory, messaging or just a pure power move designed to rev up the GOP base. It's all wrong, but it's all right — The question, however, is what does the Florida Senate do at this juncture? The Republican-controlled Senate is slated to take up its proposed congressional and Senate maps this afternoon. And as of right now, there's no sign that the Senate plans to alter the congressional map DeSantis is suggesting is inferior. 9 to 5 — Yes, there's plenty of time during session to go back and forth over this — it's only Week 2 — since the House is moving at a slower pace. But part of the thinking in the Senate was to move quickly early on. Now DeSantis, by hinting he may veto anything that doesn't meet his expectations, has altered that calculus. Democratic operatives have already made it clear they will sue over the governor's plan since it would cut down the number of African American congressional districts. Coat of many colors — Simpson, a very successful businessman, has fashioned himself as a deal-maker. (Witness his efforts to try to forge a new gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.) He is also seeking higher office and has amassed nearly $6 million in campaign donations ahead of that run. Does he take the calculated risk and defy the governor? Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls have done some pushback to the governor, but most of it has been done rather quietly, with little public criticism. This won't end quietly. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch:gfineout@politico.com | | | | BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we've got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don't miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now. | | | | |
|  | MAPMAKER, MAPMAKER | | CHANGING LANES — "DeSantis shakes up Florida redistricting as veto concerns grow," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: A veto from DeSantis would likely play well with the GOP, as outside Republican groups have already criticized the Senate's map as not aggressive enough. Florida's Legislature is Republican-dominated, so many in conservative circles hoped the party would use the redistricting process to give the GOP a larger advantage in the state's congressional delegation, especially as Democrats face a bleak landscape and big losses in the 2022 midterms. "@GovRonDeSantis off the bench and into the game to make it interesting," Republican Party of Florida Vice Chair Christian Ziegler tweeted Sunday shortly after the DeSantis maps became public. — "Al Lawson trashes Ron DeSantis's proposed congressional cartography," by Florida Politics' Jacob Ogles | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | TREND LINES — "Latino Dems warn about midterm fall-off," by POLITICO's Sabrina Rodriguez: But even after a presidential election marked by former President Donald Trump's impressive gains with Latinos across the country — not just in Latino-heavy South Texas and South Florida — they see a lack of urgency in addressing those issues. Between that and a failure to keep pace with GOP efforts to communicate with Latinos on newer platforms, there's a creeping fear that the traditional Democratic advantage with Latino voters will continue to erode in November. SPEAKING OF WHICH — "Who will challenge Gimenez, Salazar for seats in Congress? Don't ask Florida Democrats," by Miami Herald's Bianca Padró Ocasio and Bryan Lowry: "Just seven months to the August primary, Democrats have little clue whose names they'll be marking on their ballots for two of South Florida's most competitive congressional races. Evidence is piling up that Democrats in Florida have no clear bench of candidates willing to challenge Republican incumbents in South Florida, in what's expected to be a daunting and expensive 2022 cycle for their party." MORE DETAILS — " Records: Tallahassee strategist helped boost ghost candidates with dark money ad buy," by Miami Herald's Samantha J. Gross: "A longtime political strategist paid for more than half a million dollars in misleading mailers promoting no-party candidates in three key state Senate races in 2020, according to court records released by the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's office Tuesday as part of a public corruption probe. The records show that Ryan Tyson's 'Let's Preserve the American Dream' wired $600,000 to 'Grow United Inc' on Sept. 29, 2020. Days later on Oct. 2, Grow United sent $550,000 to two political committees that paid for the misleading mailers — The Truth and Our Florida — which were set up by Tallahassee consultant Alex Alvarado." Noted — "No charges have been brought against Tyson or his dark money organization, and neither have been accused of wrongdoing, his lawyers said. They also said that Tyson voluntarily appeared for an interview with prosecutors to "demonstrate that LPAD complies with all state, federal and local laws." — " Murphy's open seat in Congress could swing to left or right," by Orlando Sentinel's Steven Lemongello | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | ACT ONE — "Florida Senate lays groundwork for DeSantis 'Stop WOKE Act,'" by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: Florida Senate Republicans on Tuesday forged ahead with legislation targeting critical race theory and corporate "wokeness" in the classroom and workplace, setting the scene for lawmakers to knock out a significant priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis during the 2022 session. But in its current form, the proposal is missing a key component touted recently by DeSantis: a means to give parents power to sue their local schools for teaching lessons grounded in critical race theory. VOX POPULI — " House Republicans moving bill to clamp down on Florida ballot measures," by POLITICO's Matt Dixon: The state's ballot initiative process has been a subject of partisan fighting in recent years after Democratic groups made sweeping changes to state law. Those groups went directly to the voters after having policy priorities stifled for years by a Republican-controlled Legislature. In response, Republicans have passed a series of measures in recent years clamping down on the initiative process because, they argue, changing Florida's Constitution should be reserved for huge structural issues, not political pet projects. "The initiative process short-circuits that," said Rep. Mike Beltran, a Lithia Republican, told the House Public Integrity and Elections Committee. "I don't think the Constitution should be for sale to special interests." TAKING SIDES? — "Senate panel advances bill restricting utilities in future EV charging network," by POLITICO's Bruce Ritchie: A state Senate committee on Tuesday voted to advance a bill that would strengthen the role of gas station owners and restrict utilities in creating a network of electric vehicle charging stations. The Senate Committee on Regulated industries voted 7-1 without debate to support FL SB920 filed by Sen. Keith Perry (R-Gainesville). It was the measure's first committee stop. Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) cast the only vote against the bill and told POLITICO he expects changes that he can support before the next committee stop. "I love electric vehicles and I want these stations everywhere — I just do," he said after the committee meeting. COVID HOVERS OVER CAPITOL — Florida lawmakers opened up the regular session last week without any Covid-19 protocols … and well, it seems to be working as well as you might expect. At least two legislators — Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith — have acknowledged that they tested positive in the last few days. POLITICO's Arek Sarkissian reported that several House and Senate members are absent this week although the explanation is not known. Omicron levels are tapering off, but Covid-19 infections have surged through lobbyists, members of the press and legislative staff the last few weeks. Playbook author Gary Fineout tested positive this week as well. NOTE THE WORD 'IF' — "Prisons chief offers optimism about embattled system," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "Florida's embattled prison system is poised for a turnaround if lawmakers continue to fund staff increases and bonuses, Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon told a Senate panel on Tuesday. Legislators in November approved a plan that steered more than $67 million toward pay raises and hiring bonuses for the prison workforce, as the agency for years has grappled with high employee turnover and dismal staff retention." — "Florida lawmakers use proposed legislation to tie the national anthem to sports money," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner — "$5K bonuses for police recruits, part of pro-cop agenda, advance in Legislature," by Florida Phoenix's Michael Moline — "Florida still has three Confederate holidays, and a Broward lawmaker is trying to get rid of them," by Sun Sentinel's Brett Clarkson — "Environmental groups wary of Florida Senate's 'Heartland' plan ," by News Service of Florida's Jim Turner — "Florida governor proposes special police agency to monitor elections," by Washington Post's Lori Rozsa and Beth Reinhard — " Gov. DeSantis gripes that Joe Biden shorted Florida on bridge repair funds," by Florida Politics' A.G. Gancarski | | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | |
| | DATELINE D.C. | | | 
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of Calif., administers the House oath of office to Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla. during a ceremonial swearing-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election Florida's 20th congressional district to fill the seat left vacant after Rep. Alcee Hastings's death last year. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) | Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo | IN PLACE — "Florida Democrat sworn in as newest member of House," by The Associated Press' Kevin Freking: Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida was sworn in as the newest member of the House on Tuesday, filling the seat last held by Alcee Hastings, who died in April of pancreatic cancer. She'll boost the Democrats' slender House majority to 222-212, leaving room for no more than four Democratic defections as Speaker Nancy Pelosi tries moving her party's bills through the House. For much of 2021, that margin was three. Cherfilus-McCormick will represent a firmly Democratic district. She won office calling for a guaranteed income for most adults of $1,000 a month, an increase in the federal minimum wage to $20 an hour and allowing all Americans to participate in Medicare." TRANSITIONS — Marcus Jadotte is joining Crowley as senior vice president of government relations and will based in Washington, D.C., where he will advocate for laws and regulations that support the domestic maritime industry while expanding awareness of Crowley's defense and government services work. Jadotte has previously worked at Raytheon and NASCAR. He worked in the Obama administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce and prior to that he was chief of staff for Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and former Rep. Peter Deutsch. | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES | | The daily rundown — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 47,228 Covid-19 infections reported on Saturday, 31,855 on Sunday and 33,032 on Monday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 10,893 hospital beds were being used in the state for Covid-19 patients. HMM — "Sources: State health officer Pino placed on administrative leave after vaccination email," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak: "Dr. Raul Pino, who became a trusted voice of the pandemic response in the nation's tourist capital, has been placed on administrative leave from his post as the state's chief health officer in Orange County as the Florida Department of Health conducts an investigation. Sources who spoke to the Orlando Sentinel on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss Pino's status said he was placed on administrative leave after a Health Department employee complained about an email he sent Jan. 4 to agency staff about employee vaccination rates." Is there more to the story? — NBC News' Marc Caputo, who obtained a copy of the email, said that the investigation may be about whether Pino accessed confidential worker health information. In his email to staff Pino shared aggregated totals on who in his office had been vaccinated and received a booster. — " Florida to prioritize transplant hospitals, cancer centers for scarce COVID-19 therapeutic," by Miami Herald's Daniel Chang | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | TO COURT — "Principal fired in Holocaust controversy goes to Florida Supreme Court," by News Service of Florida: "A Palm Beach County school principal whose comments about the Holocaust spurred a high-profile controversy is challenging his firing at the Florida Supreme Court. An attorney for William Latson filed a brief Monday asking the Supreme Court to take up a dispute about the Palm Beach County School Board's decision to fire him. The filing came after the 4th District Court of Appeal upheld the firing in November." MYSTERY WIDENS — " Not a random act: 'A new chapter,' a stolen car and a 'very active' Diaz-Johnston murder case," by Tallahassee Democrat's Jeff Burlew: "Jorge Diaz-Johnston was trying to start a "new chapter" in his life before his mysterious disappearance and untimely death, moving into a new place and getting and a new job. He was also the victim of crime. About two weeks before he was last seen alive, someone stole and wrecked his car, according to text messages obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat. He also reported items pilfered from his apartment. Diaz-Johnston, known for his role in overturning Miami-Dade County's ban on gay marriage, was last seen alive Jan. 3 in northeast Tallahassee near the law firm where he worked." STILL GOING ON — "Crackdown against July 11 protesters and their families continues in Cuba despite outcry," by El Nuevo Herald's Nora Gámez Torres: "The mass trials against July 11 protesters continue this week in Cuba despite the outcry of family members, local activists and international organizations, as the communist government has signaled it won't budge on its intention to snuff other attempts at a popular rebellion. At least 45 protesters will be tried this week in Havana and nearby Mayabeque province, according to information verified by the activist group Justicia 11J. They have been charged with several crimes, including causing "public disorder," resisting the police, assault and disrespecting the flag." FOR YOUR RADAR — "After Miami-Dade prosecutors recuse themselves, Broward will probe Miami corruption claim," by Miami Herald's Nicholas Nehamas: "Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernández Rundle recused her office from investigating claims of corruption made by former Miami police chief Art Acevedo against city commissioners, according to unsealed documents obtained by the Miami Herald. Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor to take over the case on Dec. 17, the documents show. Shortly before being fired last year, Acevedo wrote a memo accusing Miami Commissioners Joe Carollo, Alex Díaz de la Portilla and Manolo Reyes of corruption and improperly interfering in police matters." — "An NFL player is accused of being naked and fighting a cop near a South Florida daycare," by Miami Herald's David J. Neal | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "'Betty White challenge' brings big boost to Central Florida animal resuce groups," by Orlando Sentinel's Kate Santich: "It should have been a slow Monday morning in January, but at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando the donations started rolling in early. By 9:45 a.m., Central Floridians had already chipped in nearly $9,000 in support of the 'Betty White Challenge' — a social-media appeal to contribute to animal welfare groups on what would have been the beloved actress's 100th birthday. By day's end, it was a stunning $50,500." BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. Jayer Willamson … Dan Holler, deputy chief of staff for Sen. Marco Rubio … Curtis Morgan, editor at The Miami Herald
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