DGA Investing Additional $1M in Florida

“Two weeks after donating $1 million to” Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum's (D) “political committee, the ... DGA announced Tuesday afternoon it is giving another $1 million to Forward Florida, another significant investment in one of the country's most hotly contested governor's races.”

DGA Executive Director Elisabeth Pearson: “This additional $1 million investment will allow him to communicate his positive message across the state, and build on the momentum he has already created.”

“But the DGA isn't the only outside group investing heavily in the race. The Republican Governors Association has announced it will pour $10 million into” Rep. Ron DeSantis' (R) campaign. (Tampa Bay Times)

PERSONNEL. “DeSantis has selected state Rep. Bob Cortes as his state chairman for Puerto Rican outreach. Cortes is of Puerto Rican descent, and crucial to capturing the Puerto Rican vote, which is itself critical to winning the governorship. The DeSantis campaign knows the importance of the Puerto Rican vote, especially in Central Florida. Cortes was the former mayor of Longwood and has ties to the Central Florida area.” (Orlando Political Observer)

SCOTT’S COURT. “In a move that could trigger a legal challenge and constitutional crisis, Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday moved ahead with plans to replace three justices on the state Supreme Court who are being forced to leave early next year due to age restrictions. … But there have been mounting questions as to whether Scott — or his successor — should have the right to appoint the next the three justices. Scott can't run for re-election due to term limits. … In an effort to possibly avoid litigation, Scott's office said that he would allow whoever wins the election in November to interview the finalists for the court. The governor would then attempt to reach an agreement on who to pick. Outgoing Gov. Lawton Chiles and incoming Gov. Jeb Bush reached such an agreement in 1998.” (AP)