| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Thursday. Now arriving — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, making good on his promise to send undocumented immigrants to other states, kickstarted the effort on Wednesday by arranging to have two planeloads of migrants dropped off on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Surprise — The news jolted the Massachusetts resort area — known for being an enclave of the wealthy and powerful, including former President Barack Obama — which was first reported by Fox News replete with exclusive video showing the group of roughly 50 migrants arriving at the local airport. We did that — There was apparently confusion about where the migrants came from, with some local media and officials saying at least one of the planes had come from Texas. But the governor's office quickly confirmed that yes, Florida was responsible for sending them there. DeSantis has been sharply critical of President Joe Biden's immigration policy and Florida has mounted legal challenges against it. Statement — "States like Massachusetts, New York, and California will better facilitate the care of these individuals who they have invited into our country by incentivizing illegal immigration through their designation as 'sanctuary states' and support for the Biden Administration's open border policies," said Taryn Fenske, communications director for DeSantis. In the works — The Republican governor had floated for months that he was prepared to bus undocumented immigrants to Biden's home state of Delaware. Early on, he had also suggested he would send some to Martha's Vineyard. And earlier this year DeSantis got the Legislature to set aside $12 million for the effort. But in late August, he suggested it had not happened so far because the Biden administration had stopped sending those who cross the southern border to Florida. Unanswered questions — There was no immediate explanation from the governor's office as to why the situation had changed, or whether the migrants had come directly from Texas or Florida. (Texas has itself been busing migrants to Washington, D.C., New York City and Chicago.) One Martha's Vineyard news organization suggested that many of those who had arrived were migrants who had come to the U.S. from Venezuela. Response — Democrats in both Massachusetts and Florida denounced the move. "It's pretty disgusting to see that politicians are capitalizing on the difficult circumstances these families are in for a 'gotcha' moment and political stunt," Julian Cyr, the state senator who represents Martha's Vineyard, told Massachusetts Playbook scribe Lisa Kashinsky. Added voices — Florida Democratic Party chair Manny Diaz called it a "new low" for DeSantis designed to score political points at the expense of people "who came here in search of freedom and opportunity." The view from Boston — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, did not engage in any direct criticism of DeSantis. Instead his office told media that it was in touch with local officials and would support efforts to assist the new arrivals. Lots of attention — The move, however, garnered national coverage for DeSantis with many conservative media voices lauding the action — and adding that they hope the next round of migrants are sent to Delaware. — 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
| | | | DON'T MISS - MILKEN INSTITUTE ASIA SUMMIT : Go inside the 9th annual Milken Institute Asia Summit, taking place from September 28-30, with a special edition of POLITICO's Global Insider newsletter, featuring exclusive coverage and insights from this important gathering. Stay up to speed with daily updates from the summit, which brings together more than 1,200 of the world's most influential leaders from business, government, finance, technology, and academia. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | |  | DRIVING THE DAY | | DROPPED OFF — "'No one was alerted on the island.' Planeload of Venezuelan migrants lands on Martha's Vineyard," by Boston Globe's Tonya Alanez: "About 50 Venezuelan migrants were abruptly flown to Martha's Vineyard Wednesday and left in the care of island officials, who said they had no advance notice of their arrival. There was some confusion as to where the migrants were sent from. A spokeswoman for Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told Fox News his administration had dispatched the migrants as part of his plan to relocate undocumented immigrants to so-called sanctuary states such as Massachusetts. But Massachusetts state Senator Julian Cyr said two charter planes landed at Martha's Vineyard Airport at about 3 p.m. Wednesday. Whoever arranged the flights also sent a videographer to record the arrival, and white vans to transport the passengers, Cyr said." — "Ron DeSantis sends two planes of illegal immigrants to Martha's Vineyard," by Fox News' Jessica Chasmar — " Florida flies 2 planeloads of migrants to Martha's Vineyard," by The New York Times' Patricia Mazzei, Remy Tumin and Eliza Fawcett — " Ron DeSantis: Florida governor takes credit for sending migrants to Martha's Vineyard," by BBC News Nathan Williams
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | JOINING IN — Rubio is embracing Graham's federal abortion ban. Florida Dems see an opening, by POLITICO's Gary Fineout: Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is co-sponsoring a bill that would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy nationwide, giving critics another opening to attack him ahead of the November election on an issue that has energized Democrats. Rubio's move to sign on to Sen. Lindsey Graham's (R-S.C.) bill is the strongest indication yet that the Republican incumbent appears unconvinced that Rep. Val Demings' (D-Fla.) consistent pounding of him over the issue is going to harm his bid for a third term. It comes just a week after her campaign launched an ad calling Rubio's stance on abortion "outrageous." — "Rick Scott sidesteps question about Lindsay Graham 15-week abortion ban bill," by Florida Politics' A.G. Gancarski FOLLOW THE MONEY — Top GOP Senate candidates gather for a series of fundraisers, by POLITICO's Alex Isenstadt: More than a half-dozen Republican Senate candidates are set to embark on a multi-stop fundraising swing through Florida, as they confront a massive cash disadvantage heading into the final stretch of the midterm elections. The National Republican Senatorial Committee and its chair, Florida Sen. Rick Scott, are set to host three events on Thursday and Friday, which will be attended by eight Senate candidates. The fundraisers — which are to take place in Naples, Palm Beach and Miami — are expected to raise $3.5 million total, with $2 million going to the committee and $1.5 million spread out among the candidates. 'HE IS AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT' — "LGBTQ groups decry DeSantis as a threat, and rally behind Crist for governor," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Anthony Man: "Charlie Crist promised Wednesday to fight for LGBTQ Floridians and pledged to undo a range of what he described as harmful and divisive policies implemented by Gov. Ron DeSantis. 'Make no mistake. I'm running for governor to be a friend and ally, loyal ally to the LGBTQ community. The truth is we're all children of God. We all deserve dignity. We all deserve respect and to be treated fairly,' the Democratic gubernatorial candidate said during a campaign stop in Wilton Manors, the unofficial capital of the LGBTQ community in South Florida." READY TO RUMBLE — "Joe Biden is trying to make this Republican senator the face of the midterms," by CNN's Chris Cillizza: "Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott tweeted a picture of himself on Tuesday standing outside the White House with this caption: '.@JoeBiden said he wished he had enough copies of my Rescue America plan, so I stopped by the White House today to make sure he did. Thanks for spreading the word, Joe!' Scott was holding a copy of his plan, a blueprint, he insists, of what Republicans will do if they retake the Senate majority in the midterm elections. Biden was clearly thrilled with Scott's post. "Couldn't agree more, Rick," the President responded on Twitter. "And if anyone else wants to read your plan to put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block, they should go to http://joebiden.com/rickscottsplan." — "Karla Hernández' video clip on 'dysfunctional Legislature' stirs outrage," by Florida Politics' Anne Geggis
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | SOMEONE'S GETTING A BIG RAISE — State Sen. Rodrigues named Florida's university system chancellor, by POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury: The Board of Governors over Florida's state university system on Wednesday chose state Sen. Ray Rodrigues (R-Estero) as its new chancellor. The choice was widely-expected after Rodrigues, an ally of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, bowed out of his Senate reelection campaign over the summer. Rodrigues gives DeSantis a key supporter in a position that wields power over 12 state universities, institutions that have been a frequent target of the Republican governor and other GOP leaders as they criticize "liberal" higher education curriculum. | 
Florida Sen. Ray Rodrigues pictured at a Senate Committee on Reapportionment hearing in a legislative session, in January 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. | Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photo | — "Not so deadly DeSantis – law and order governor has signed fewer death warrants than predecessors," by Florida Politics' Gray Rohrer — "DeSantis distributes dollars to Floridians, but won't say money comes in part from Biden's American Rescue Plan," by USA Today Network-Florida's Douglas Soule — " Nikki Fried to Gov. DeSantis: Schedule more clemency board meetings," by Florida Politics' Gray Rohrer
| | DATELINE D.C. | | TAPPED — "Broward's Andrew Weinstein lands presidential nomination as one of 3 U.S. public delegates to United Nations ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Anthony Man: "When the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly began on Tuesday, Broward's Andrew Weinstein was part of the U.S. delegation. The Coral Springs lawyer has been a longtime supporter of President Joe Biden, who nominated Weinstein as one of three public delegates to the U.N."
| | | | Join POLITICO Live on Tuesday, Sept. 20 to dive into how federal regulators, members of Congress, and the White House are seeking to write the rules on digital currencies, including stablecoins. The panel will also cover the tax implications of crypto, which could be an impediment to broader adoption and the geopolitical factors that the U.S. is considering as it begins to draw regulatory frameworks for crypto. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | 'THE SILENCE HAS BEEN DEAFENING' — 'Every day feels like something else is piling on': Trump world bears down, by POLITICO's Meredith McGraw and Jonathan Lemire: When former President Donald Trump stepped off his private jet in the Washington, D.C., area on Sunday night, he set off a wave of social media hysteria. Among the theories: He was turning himself in to the authorities or testifying in front of a grand jury. Some people wondered if he had a secret and sudden health scare, since he was still wearing what appeared to be white golf shoes, and being whisked off to Walter Reed. What's going on? — In reality, Trump was checking on the status of his golf course in Sterling, Va. With his son, Eric Trump, Trump Organization staff, and the head groundskeeper, they made preparations for a possible future LIV golf tournament. While there, Trump had breakfast with Rep. Bryon Donalds, (R-Fla.). He posed for a photo with a smiling member of his congressional staff. MAGIC 8-BALL SAYS — " Did the FBI's Mar-a-Lago raid change support for Trump? What a new poll found," by McClatchy D.C.'s Brendan Rascius: "The FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump's Florida residence, appears to have not impacted his future election chances with voters, according to a new poll. If the 2024 election were held today, 45% of survey respondents said they would vote for Trump; 42% would choose President Joe Biden, and 13% said they are unsure, according to the September Harvard-CAPS Harris Poll, conducted by the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard (CAPS) and the Harris Poll, released Sept. 13." 2024 question — "Additionally, when asked if the Republican presidential primary were held today, 33% said they would vote for Donald Trump. Meanwhile, 10% said they'd pick Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, widely seen as a rising star within the party." — "Second Pensacola man found guilty for actions during Jan. 6 Capitol breach ," by Pensacola News Journal's Benjamin Johnson
| | THE GUNSHINE STATE | | SURPRISE ENDING — "Defense suddenly rests case in Florida school shooter trial," by The Associated Press' Terry Spencer: "Attorneys for Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz suddenly and surprisingly rested their case Wednesday after calling only a fraction of their expected witnesses, leading to a shouting match after the judge accused them of a lack of professionalism. Cruz's attorneys had told the judge and prosecutors they would be calling 80 witnesses but rested at the beginning of Wednesday's court session after calling only about 25." Judge not happy — "The sudden announcement by lead attorney Melisa McNeill led to a heated exchange between her and Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who called the decision without warning to her or the prosecution 'the most uncalled for, unprofessional way to try a case.' | 
Judge Elizabeth Scherer speaks sharply calling lead defense attorney Melisa McNeill "unprofessional" after McNeill announced the defense's intention to rest their case during the penalty phase of the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Sept. 14, 2022. | Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP Photo | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | 'IT BOGGLES MY MIND' — "'Despicable': Ethics panel slams Sheriff Gregory Tony, saying his lies helped him become top cop ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Lisa J. Huriash and Susannah Bryan: "The Florida Commission on Ethics said Wednesday it has found probable cause to pursue a case into the lies of Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony, whose behavior one member called 'despicable.' The end result could potentially be a recommendation that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspend him." 'Misused his public position' — "The ethics commission cast a portrait of Tony as an applicant who wouldn't have risen to become Broward's top cop — had it not been for his untruths and omissions on official law enforcement forms as he underwent background checks as a starting officer with Coral Springs police, and years later, as he underwent a vetting process to be appointed sheriff by DeSantis in 2019." 'WE BELIEVE PARENTAL CHOICE IS A KEY MATTER' — 'I would never do anything to hurt a child': R House responds to drag show complaint," by Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos: "The restaurant, the performer and the person who took a video at the center of a legal fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration over the presence of children at a drag show brunch in Miami are rebutting the state's legal complaint claiming lewd and inappropriate conduct. The performer, who was shown on video leading a young girl during a brunch performance in April, said a parent asked her to take the girl's hand and walk with her because it was her birthday. The performer accepted, walked with the child 'briefly' and then returned her to her parents." — "Miami Beach officials to school principals: Teach LGBTQ history despite board's vote," by Miami Herald's Aaron Leibowitz — " Orlando guardian's client wanted to live, but she overruled him, hospital staff testify," by Orlando Sentinel's Monivette Cordeiro — "Jury hears FDLE interview with disgraced Sheriff Darryl Daniels following sex scandal ," by Florida Times-Union's Dan Scanlan — "Tenant groups file last-minute brief in support of Orange rent control ordinance," by Orlando Sentinel's Stephen Hudak — "COVID-19 shot skeptics to host event at Tampa Convention Center," by Tampa Bay Times' Sam Ogozalek — " Pulling back: Amazon drops plans for massive warehouse and distribution center in Fort Myers," by Fort Myers News-Press' Laura Layden
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — "Miami school district says it denied Pulitzer play due to racy scenes. Others say censorship," by Miami Herald's Clara-Sophia Daly and Sommer Brugal : "Days after the Miami-Dade County School District denied students from attending Miami New Drama's production of Nilo Cruz's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Anna in the Tropics," school officials pointed to lines and imagery they considered to be 'sexually explicit' or inappropriate for school-aged children. Among the examples cited were comments between characters, such as "I would've shot the son of [expletive] a long time ago," and a stage note that referenced lovemaking on top of a table. There's also a description 'of what lovers do' and a violent passage in which a character reads from Leo Tolstoy's classic novel 'Anna Karenina.'" BIRTHDAYS: Brewster Bevis, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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