Posted on 11/07/2018 2:20:51 PM PST by Liberty7732
Amid all of the talking head analysis of Tuesday’s election, one aspect is often overlooked: Republican Ron DeSantis’ victory for Governor of Florida will sharply change the makeup of the Florida Supreme Court to a large majority conservative, constitutionalist, which will have a powerful impact on redistricting in the nation’s third largest state.
But it was close — less than 1 percent close. Andrew Gillum could have been the first African American governor in the history of Florida. Indeed, the last time this degree of historical significance graced a candidate, he won the Presidency of the United States.
But Andrew Gillum’s race turned out differently. Tallahassee’s mayor had an excellent performance in his primary election defeating Florida darling Gwen Graham — daughter of former Governor and former Senator Bob Graham — when many felt he couldn’t. Gillum exceeded all expectations, and he did it at a fraction of the cost as more well-heeled candidates battled each other with attack ads.
All the various reasons why Gillum won the primary will be the object of endless discussion and debate, but in the end, the qualities that put him over the top in the primary were the same ones that doomed him in the general.
Gillum ran on plans to make Florida a sanctuary state, to implement an income tax, and to turn the Florida Supreme Court deep blue progressive. The prospects of those changes were too repugnant to Floridians. Florida is an extremely diverse state, but in the face of one of the greatest economies in the country, and Floridians’ aversion to a state income tax, the prospect of turning in a polar opposite direction was too much for the electorate.
And understand, that in most respects, Florida is a red state. Every statewide office holder, including all of the elected cabinet positions are Republican and have been Republican for many years. The Legislature is nearly veto-proof Republican. Only the highest level statewide races make it purple.
With no experience in Florida government, DeSantis will have a difficult transition from his present duties as a congressman. But perhaps the easiest task for him is arguably the most substantial: picking three conservative Supreme Court judges.
A Gillum win would have maintained and rejuvenated the Court’s liberal majority. But now, the 4-3 votes in favor of liberals will become 6-1 votes in favor of conservatives; sweet justice for social conservatives and strict constitutionalists who have seen their legislations recurrently blown up by a hostile court.
Oh, and let’s not forget the effect the new Court will have on redistricting challenges by the Democrats a mere three years away. The old 4-3 Court was very friendly to the liberal redistricting lawsuits. The new one will likely be less so, affecting state elections but also congressional elections.
For Republicans, there is great hope in a DeSantis governorship, but like President Trump, the effect on the Florida Supreme Court alone will suffice in making this win worthwhile.
Is there a difference in the Constitution?
Gillum.
What the hell is going on with Florida?
Who in the hell voted for him?
Question the first: can the Florida Supreme Court overturn the ‘Felons can now vote’ nonsense, by saying it goes against the USConstitution?
Where does the constitution Prohibit felons from voting?
Turnout .
it was due to Fl Rnc county office staff and volunteers working non stop since Sept .
We worked every day and weekends .
We were calling and texting the panhandle voters at 700 pm last night .
In my office one retired Cuban gentleman had made over 10,000 calls in three weeks .
Since we're playing "the first in the history of Florida", I believe DeSantis is the first Italian-American governor in the history of Florida.
>> DeSantis is a great guy but was a lousy candidate. Miracle he pulled it off ...
Agreed. I sent him a hefty donation almost two months ago, and saw NOTHING for over a month. Finally called his campaign 3 weeks ago: “We’ve had some personnel changes but we’re getting in gear”.
Took forever to get lawn signs. When they finally arrived I got one, then a week before election day they called me: “Hey, can you use another sign or two?” They were ultimately wasted - plastered six deep on vacant lots and public right of ways. Too little, too late in our county.
A hottie wife trumps all.
It used to do, in the 14th Amendment. It specifically delegates the states the right to determine the qualifications of voters and to disqualify anyone who participated in rebellion or other crime.
I know firsthand because, in the 60s, my brother lost his right to vote due to a drug offense (which is now a misdemeanor, in states where dope still isn’t legal). He had to petition to have his record expunged and ask for his right to vote be given back. How far this country has fallen and we didn’t even notice. I would like to point out that states who have decided that dope is no big deal have exponentially more traffic accidents than before dope was made legal. And, just because I’m on a rant, I will tell you that addiction to dope ( and yes, it IS an addiction) takes away all ambition. I watched as two brothers chose dope over working hard to make something of themselves. I’m sure the Leftist politicians are quite happy with the states who have legalized recreational marijuana.....a doped up public is a compliant public:
*** ...don’t let Florida become another dead Democrat state like Kalifornia....
***
Or Connecticut. Hey North Carolina - One of my rich, conservative townies is
going to move to Wilmington within 10 months. Takes time to dump property and
have the kid finish the school year.
We can thank President Trump for this victory...
A difference of what?
Thanks, folks. Just doing my small part!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.