On the Road with American Politics: The Florida Factor – “The Sunday Political Brunch”

On the Road with American Politics: The Florida Factor – “The Sunday Political Brunch”

The “Brunch” is on the road this week for some well-deserved R&R. But when I go on the road, I like to check out the political climate of where I am. One of the most critical swing states in any U.S. election is the State of Florida. Control of both Houses of Congress is up for grabs next year, and as the third most populous state in the nation, Florida’s a big factor. Let’s “brunch” on that this week.

 

“The Census Changes the Map” – While Florida is considered a “battleground state” that can swing either way in a presidential election, when you drill down it is very solidly leaning right in terms of control of the Congressional Delegation and State Legislature, and most statewide offices. In the 2020 Census, the state gained one more Congressional seat, and the Republican-led Legislature gets to redraw all the boundaries, including the new one. The GOP only needs a net gain of seven seats to take control of the House of Representatives and you can bet the party is counting on the new seat in Florida to succeed in that goal. (Red-state Texas gained two seats, while blue-states California and New York each lost one, so you can see the GOP math at work),

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

“The Governor’s Mansion” – Gov. Ron DeSantis is seeking a second term. He supports, and is backed by, former President Donald Trump who carried the state in 2016 and 2020. DeSantis, at times, has been a polarizing figure and some think he is vulnerable in this politically volatile state. The highly regarded Cook Political Report rate this as “Leans Republican” whereas the prestigious Saboto’s Crystal Ball ranks it as “Likely Republican.” The leading Democrat in the race is Rep. Charlie Crist (D) Florida, (who served the state as a Republican governor), then switched partied to independent, and then Democrat. Early polling shows DeSantis in the lead in the low to mid 50s, with Crist in the low to mid 40s. It is still a long ride to November 2022.

 

“Rubio’s Race” – Sen. Marco Rubio (R) Florida is seeking a third term, and still has presidential ambitions. Among his challengers is Rep. Val Demings (D) Florida, who is African American, a career law enforcement officer, and the former Orlando Police Chief. She was strongly considered for various cabinet posts in the Biden administration. Four other former Democratic members of Congress are also mulling a run. Right now, both the Cook and Sabato political analysis rank this “Likely Republican,” but in a year where law enforcement may be a top issue, Demings background may prove attractive to many.

 

“2024 Presidential Run?” – As mentioned, Trump and DeSantis have been allies, and Trump’s support may have carried DeSantis over the finish line in 2018. But there is speculation the Florida governor may also have his eyes on a White House bid, especially if he wins reelection next year. Only fueling that speculation more this week was a poll taken at the Western Conservative Summit held last weekend at Colorado Christian University. The poll was led by DeSantis with 74 percent, followed by Trump at 71 percent. Ted Cruz polled third at 43 percent, Mike Pompeo at 39 percent, and Sen. Tim Scott at 36-percent. Former Vice President Mike Pence polled in 10th place.

 

“COVID Concerns” – As with many states, things here are getting back to normal as the COVID-19 pandemic winds down. Even so, only 42-percnt of people in the Sunshine State are fully vaccinated. Demand for the shots has dropped so sharply, that Florida has returned 5.7 million vaccine doses back to the federal government, according to the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. More than 90-thousand other doses have expired or spoiled and were discarded. Given the huge number of tourists from elsewhere and elderly residents, there are concerns about another wave of new cases. Many other states worry about the same.

 

“Cruise Politics” – No, we are not talking the politics of potential presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz (R) Texas. Instead, we are talking about the politics of the cruise industry which is vital to the Florida economy. The Centers for Disease Control effectively shut down the cruise industry over COVID-19. The cruise companies launched a legal fight, calling CDC guidelines unfair. After all, airlines were allowed to resume flights with masks and distancing required. And now all airline seats may be filled, though everyone must still wear masks. This past week, a federal district court sided with Florida and the cruise industry granting a temporary injunction to the CDC cruise rules. Appeals are likely, but the conservative 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court are not expected to overturn the ruling. One cruise line hopes to restore service July 2, with others to follow.

 

Would you feel safe taking a cruise today, especially if most passengers are vaccinated? Just click the comment button and let us know!

 

Mark Curtis, Ed.D., is Chief Political Reporter for the seven Nexstar Media TV stations serving West Virginia, its five neighboring states, and all of the Washington, DC media market. He is a MINDSETTER contributing political writer at www.GoLocalProv.com and its affiliates.