Welcome back to RBG’s Weekly Scoop, giving you the inside scoop on everything pertaining to the 2022 Gubernatorial Race and, most importantly, our efforts to oust Ron DeSantis from the Florida Governor’s mansion.
The Democrats vs. Ron
Spending on Facebook and Google ads has remained consistent in the race for Governor of Florida over the past month, with Ron DeSantis continuing to outpace the entire Democratic field by more than twofold.
On Facebook, both Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist are running ads focused on raising funds for their campaigns by pitting themselves against DeSantis. One of Crists’ ads highlights an analysis of a recent Suffolk University poll that shows DeSantis (49%) leading former Governor Charlie Crist (43%) with 8% undecided. “DeSantis… does not crack 50% against Crist. That’s always a red flag,” the ad reads.
The Race for Governor Online
On Twitter, Equality Florida shared their latest 30-second television spot condemning the “Parental Rights in Education” bill which has been moving through Florida’s legislature. The bill aims to restrict certain discussions about gender identity, sexual orientation, and race from classrooms and workplaces and has been dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. You can watch the ad on Equality Florida’s Twitter here.
Nadine Smith, Equality Florida’s executive director, said in a statement, “Governor DeSantis is pushing legislation to curb free speech, propagandize school curriculums, and monitor classroom conversations, private workplaces, and doctor’s offices -- all in order to outflank Donald Trump to the right and build an onramp to run for President in 2024.”
The Democratic field was quick to show their support for LGBTQ Floridians in light of this bill. Niki Fried tweeted her support, pronouncing, “As governor, I will say gay. I will say bi, trans, lesbian, queer. Because love is love and you are you.”
Charlie Crist shared a list of bills currently going through the legislature to his Twitter including the “Don’t Say Gay” bill declaring, “Doesn’t sound like a free Florida to me, Ron.”
Monday, February 14th, marked four years since the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Annette Taddeo shared the names and photos of the victims, stating, “ We need to honor their memories with action to keep the promise of #NeverAgain.”
Charlie Crist and Nikki Fried also shared posts in remembrance of the victims of the tragedy, promising to act on gun violence.
In the Press
RON DESANTIS
NBC News: DeSantis digs in on redistricting fight against fellow Republicans. February 15, 2022. Republicans in the Florida House and Senate have proposed a map that would largely preserve the political status quo, while DeSantis to boost prospects for congressional Republicans.
Florida Politics: Radio ad targets Ron DeDantis’ ‘disgusting’ comments on shelter for migrant children. February 15, 2022. The campaign tees off comments Ron DeSantis made at Miami roundtable discussion Feb. 7.
Sun Sentinel: ‘Let’s not do that’: Gov. DeSantis says no taking $200 million from schools that mandated masks. February 14, 2022. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he did not support a House proposal that would shift $200 million away from 12 school districts that imposed mask mandates.
NIKKI FRIED
Florida Politics: Staff moves continue in Nikki Fried world, as chief of staff moves to campaign side. February 15, 2022. As the campaign for Governor heats up, Democratic candidate Nikkie Fried continues to shake up her staff.
CHARLIE CRIST
Florida Phoenix: Charlie Crist leads Dems in Mason-Dixon poll, but DeSantis’ position looks strong. February 15, 2022. Charlie Crist leads in Mason-Dixon Florida poll of Democrats contending in the party primary to take on Gov. Ron DeSantis this fall, but the survey suggests the governor enjoys substantial advantages over any of the Democrats in contention.
ANNETTE TADDEO
CBS Miami: “This Is Wrong”: Florida Senator Annette Taddeo On Political Party Affiliation Changes Without Voters Knowledge. February 11, 2022. Some Florida voters are raising a red flag, saying their political party affiliation was changed without their consent and they want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
That’s all for this week! To support Ron Be Gone’s voter registration and turnout efforts ahead of the critical midterm elections, you can contribute online via ActBlue here or reach out to mikayla@ronbegone.com for more information.
Thank you for your continued support.
Team RonBeGone