Subject: VP Daily Update, 4/18/16
From: "Yoxall, Collin" <[email-masked]>
To: Veepstakes <[email-masked]>
Cc: "Dillon, Lauren" <[email-masked]>, "Bauer, Nick" <[email-masked]>, "Graham, Caroline" <[email-masked]>, "Brinster, Jeremy" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2016 09:55:22 -0700

GOP VP DAILY UPDATE – 4/18/16

BOB CORKER
TOM COTTON
CARLY FIORINA
JEFF SESSIONS
RICK SCOTT
DOUG DUCEY
NIKKI HALEY
SCOTT WALKER
PAM BONDI

BOB CORKER

Chattanooga Times Free Press: Bob Corker Praised Chemical Company Wacker Chemie After They Opened A Plant In Tennessee. “U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., mentioned the vision and courage of Wacker officials to proceed with the factory originally announced about seven years ago. The former Chattanooga mayor said there was no way the Wacker plant would have happened without low-cost power available from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Also, Corker said Wacker is facing tariffs on products sent from the United States to China. He said he intends to "continue to work to make sure the playing field is level." [Chattanooga Times Free Press, 4/19/16]

Misc. Social Media

Bob Corker: “TUNE IN: #SFRC Hearing Today At 10:00 A.M. ET On ‘Central America And The Alliance For Prosperity.’ Livestream: http://1.usa.gov/1Wb5sgR” [@SenBobCorker, Twitter, 4/19/16]

Bob Corker: “Honored To Be In Bradley County This Morning To Help Celebrate The @Wackerchemie Tennessee Grand Opening. #Jobs4TN” [@SenBobCorker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenBobCorker/status/722135735416057856>]

TOM COTTON

On Confirmation Hearing For U.S. And U.N. Forces Korea

Tom Cotton Did Not Attended A Senate Armed Service Confirmation Hearing For General Vincent Brooks To Be Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea [Senate Armed Services Committee, 4/19/16<http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/16-04-19-nomination_-brooks>]

On The Weekly Republican Address

Arkansas Times: “Tom Cotton Is No FDR” “U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton reiterates in a distributed video — and CBS obliges by posting — his belief that President Obama is not nearly afraid enough of terrorism and he did America a disservice by not flying home to D.C. to fret when the Brussels attacks occurred while he was in Cuba. ’We live in a dangerous world, and the dangers are ever increasing, particularly from radical Islamic terror," Cotton said in a video released Saturday. "But President Obama wants us to 'chill out.' He believes overreaction to terrorism is a graver threat than terrorism itself. He minimizes the threat of terror attacks, even as these savages cut off the heads of Americans and inspire or direct radicals to blow themselves up in public places.’ Tom Cotton is no FDR.” [Arkansas Times, 4/18/16<http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2016/04/18/tom-cotton-be-afraid-be-very-afraid>]

On Arkansas Works Medicaid Program

Arkansas Times: Like His Former Boss Tom Cotton, Trent Garner Has Not Answered Questions About His Support For Arkansas Expanded Medicaid Program “Arkansas Works” “I sent several messages to Republican Senate candidate Trent Garner of El Dorado about his position on the Medicaid expansion and the appropriation bill for its continuation. No response so far. He is a former Tom Cotton staff member, so it's possible he's following the Cotton template of refusal to answer questions from the Arkansas Times. Cotton, of course, vows to end Obamacare, which pays for the Medicaid expansion.” [Arkansas Times, 4/18/16<http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2016/04/18/no-comment-so-far-from-gop-candidate-on-arkansas-works>]

On Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Compliance Week: Tom Cotton Said FINRA Was “In A Neither Fish, Nor Fowl Mode” Because Of The Organization’s Evolution. (Paywall) “That forward-looking debate manifested itself in an exchange between Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Hester Peirce, a Republican nominee for the Securities and Exchange Commission, as she was questioned by members of the Senate Banking Committee. Cotton described FINRA as ‘in a neither fish, nor fowl mode’ because it seems to have evolved beyond the traditional role of a self-regulatory organization with SEC oversight. He asked: “Do you think it needs to go in one direction or another, basically folded into the Commission...” [Compliance Week, 4/19/16<https://www.complianceweek.com/news/news-article/market-shifts-sec-priorities-spark-debate-of-finra%E2%80%99s-future#.VxYmOkwrJQI>]

On U.S. Funding Of U.N. Climate Convention

State News Service: Tom Cotton Signed A Letter From Jim Inhofe To Secretary Kerry Demanding The Administration Stop Funding The U.N.  Climate Convention Due To Palestinian Involvement. “Today, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) joined a group of 28 senators in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry demanding that the administration follow the law and prohibit funding for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its related entities. On March 17, 2016, the State of Palestine was allowed to become a full member of the UNFCCC…in addition to Senator Inhofe, the letter was signed by Senators… Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)…” [State News Service, 4/18/16]

Social Media Action

Tom Cotton: “President Obama’s #Taxday Hurts Arkansans And All Americans.” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722106217502531585>]

Tom Cotton: “President Obama’s #Taxday Hurts Arkansans And All Americans.” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722159065414168576>]

Tom Cotton: “I Delivered The #Gopaddress On The President’s #Irandeal And The Threat Of Terrorism. WATCH: Http://Ow.Ly/4mofiy” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722116280673812480>]

Tom Cotton: “This Week Explore Arkansas’s National Parks With Free Admission For #Nationalparkweek. #Findyourpark Http://Ow.Ly/4mpbqv” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722123816722370560>]

Tom Cotton: “’Obama Wants Us To ‘Chill Out’ On Terrorism Fears’ Via @Thehill” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722128866932875265>]

Tom Cotton: “I Delivered The Weekly #Gopaddress On Defeating Islamic Terror. WATCH: Http://Ow.Ly/4mojhh” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722138987431882753>]

Tom Cotton: “My Statement On POTUS' Decision To Transfer Nine Terrorists From #GITMO To Saudi Arabia Http://Ow.Ly/4mmszo” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722142728008634368>]

Tom Cotton: “’Tom Cotton Throws The “Bathtub” At Obama’ Via @Dcexaminer” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/722154040063369218>]

Tom Cotton: “This Year, President Obama Will Collect A Record-High $3.25 Trillion In Tax Revenue… Yet Our National Debt Is Higher Than Ever. #Taxday” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/photos/a.139579716203572.28054.120355701459307/590829421078597/?type=3&theater>]

Tom Cotton: “President Obama Has Proposed Billions Of Dollars In Energy Taxes On Arkansans And All Americans. #Taxday” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/photos/a.139579716203572.28054.120355701459307/590798434415029/?type=3&theater>]

Tom Cotton: “This Week Explore Arkansas’s National Parks With Free Admission For ‪#‎Nationalparkweek. ‪#‎Findyourpark” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/posts/590798361081703>]

JEFF SESSIONS

Jeff Sessions As Commencement Speaker At University of Alabama in Huntsville

University Of Alabama In Huntsville: “Alabama U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions Will Give The University Of Alabama In Huntsville (UAH) Spring Commencement Address On Sunday, May 1.” [Press Release, Univeristy of Alabama In Huntsville, 4/18/16<http://www.uah.edu/news/campus/alabama-us-senator-jeff-sessions-to-deliver-uah-commencement-address>]

Terrorism

Roll Call: Jeff Sessions Abstained From Voting On A Bill That Would “Give U.S. Citizens The Ability To Sue Saudi Arabia And Other Countries Suspected Of Links To Terrorist Attacks On American Soil.” “President Barack Obama will land in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as congressional Republicans and Democrats press for changes that could dramatically alter the U.S. relationship with its Arab ally…And even his former secretary of state, Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton, wants to give U.S. citizens the ability to sue Saudi Arabia and other countries suspected of links to terrorist attacks on American soil… The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill in February with 19 members voting in favor and one, GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, abstaining.” [Roll Call, 4/18/16<http://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/obama-faces-growing-dilemma-saudi-arabia>]

Foreign Affairs

Office Of Senator Shelley Moore Capito: Jeff Sessions Signed A Letter Demanding That “The Administration…Prohibit Funding For The United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change (UNFCCC) And Its Related Entities,” Because The Body Recognized The “State Of Palestine.” “U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a group of 28 senators in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry demanding that the administration follow the law and prohibit funding for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its related entities. On March 17, 2016, the “State of Palestine” was allowed to become a full member of the UNFCCC…In addition to Senator Capito, the letter was signed by…Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)” [Press Release, Office of Senator Shelley Moore Capito, 4/19/16<http://politicalnews.me/?id=38406&keys=UNFCCC-TAXPAYER-DOLLARS-PROHIBITED>]

Donald Trump

Washington Post: After Donald Trump Told The New York Sun That He Thought “The United Nations Is A Mess,” Jeff Sessions And Tom Coburn Invited Him To Criticize A United Nations Headquarters Renovation Project At A Senate Federal Financial Management, Government Information, And International Security Subcommittee Hearing. “The unlikely alliance between Donald Trump and Sen. Jeff Sessions started because of the United Nations. It was 2005, and Trump was busy criticizing the U.N.’s plan to launch a $1.2-billion renovation of its Manhattan headquarters. To the real estate mogul, who had constructed Trump World Tower across the street, the price for the remodel was unreasonably high. ‘The United Nations is a mess,’ Trump told the New York Sun, deriding just the kind of multilateral institution he now routinely pans in his presidential bid. ‘And they’re spending hundreds of millions of dollars unnecessarily on this project.’ After Sessions learned of Trump’s views, the Alabama Republican and former Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) invited him to come to Washington to talk about building renovation and air his criticism of the U.N. project at a Senate subcommittee hearing.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff Sessions Called Donald Trump’s Testimony In Front Of The Federal Financial Management, Government Information, And International Security Subcommittee, “The Best Congressional Testimony [He Said] He Had Ever Heard.” “After Sessions learned of Trump’s views, the Alabama Republican and former Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) invited him to come to Washington to talk about building renovation and air his criticism of the U.N. project at a Senate subcommittee hearing. The result was the best congressional testimony Sessions says he had ever heard. Even now, as Trump’s sole Senate endorser and the heart of his presence in Washington, Sessions loves telling the story.”  [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff Sessions Enjoys Doing A Vocal Impression Of Donald Trump. “The result was the best congressional testimony Sessions says he had ever heard. Even now, as Trump’s sole Senate endorser and the heart of his presence in Washington, Sessions loves telling the story. That’s partly because he likes to do his Trump impression.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff “Sessions Can’t Suppress His Natural Affection For [Donald] Trump.” “Eleven years have passed since that hearing, and sitting in his office on Capitol Hill, Sessions can’t suppress his natural affection for Trump. So perhaps it’s no surprise that the ultra-conservative southerner has become Trump’s main man in Washington as the leading presidential campaign careens toward the Republican convention.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff Sessions “Has Become [Donald] Trump’s Main Man In Washington As The Leading Presidential Campaign Careens Toward The Republican Convention.” “Eleven years have passed since that hearing, and sitting in his office on Capitol Hill, Sessions can’t suppress his natural affection for Trump. So perhaps it’s no surprise that the ultra-conservative southerner has become Trump’s main man in Washington as the leading presidential campaign careens toward the Republican convention.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Chances To Win The Republican Nomination: “I Think He Can Win, And I Believe He Will,” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions On The State Of Donald Trump’s Campaign: “He Will Need To Continue To Flesh Out The Details Of His Policies. But His Instinctive Response To Americans’ Current Situation Has Been Pretty Darn Good.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff Sessions Said Donald Trump’s “Blue Collar Attitude” Is Why His Wealth Does Not Alienate His Less Affluent Supporters. “Sessions described why he thinks Trump appeals to a large swath of voters that are seemingly his opposite — neither rich nor well-educated — and why his ostentatious lifestyle and private jet don’t put off supporters. ‘I do think it’s one of the charms he has. It’s more of a blue-collar attitude, but he is so proud of that plane!’ Sessions said. ‘He doesn’t try to be cool, like, ‘I’m a rich person.’ He says, ‘Let me show you this, let me show you that!’ He takes you around and he wants to show you his towers.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff “Sessions is having a hard time selling that [Donald] Trump charm to his colleagues — no one else in the upper chamber has endorsed the businessman since Sessions on Feb. 28.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff “Sessions is Trump’s chief resource on policy, his means of introduction to D.C.’s Republican power-brokers and the architect of what some aides describe as a Trump administration-in-waiting.” “The senator serves an increasingly important role for Trump, who will need help from the Washington establishment should he win the White House. Sessions is Trump’s chief resource on policy, his means of introduction to D.C.’s Republican power-brokers and the architect of what some aides describe as a Trump administration-in-waiting.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: After Donald Trump Testified in front of the Federal Financial Management, Government Information, And International Security Subcommittee “Trump and [Jeff] Sessions were out of touch until last June, when they held a conference call on immigration policy and Trump began courting Sessions’s endorsement in earnest.” “After the hearing in 2005, Trump and Sessions were out of touch until last June, when they held a conference call on immigration policy and Trump began courting Sessions’s endorsement in earnest.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: “Sessions Defended Trump Late Last Year When He Called For A Temporary Ban On Muslim Immigrants Coming To The United States, Saying Trump Forced An ‘Appropriate’ Conversation On Security.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: Jeff Sessions “Believes The United States Should Lower Legal Immigration.” “The Alabamian is best-known for his opposition to the Senate’s 2013 comprehensive immigration bill. But beyond his rejection of both a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and his support for a wall along the Southern border, he also believes the United States should lower legal immigration. In December, he opposed a Democratic ‘right-to-migrate’ amendment in the Judiciary Committee, which was adopted 16-4.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: “The Affection Between [Jeff Sessions] And Trump Runs Both Ways. ‘Look At Him!’ Trump Said As He Watched Sessions Bound Onstage At A Rally In August. ‘He’s Like, 20 Years Old! Unbelievable Guy.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Stephen Miller, Policy Advisor To Donald Trump: Jeff “Sessions And [Donald] Trump Are United In The Conviction That Public Policy In The United States Should Be Tailored Toward The Interests Of American Citizens.” “’Sessions and Trump are united in the conviction that public policy in the United States should be tailored toward the interests of American citizens,’ said Stephen Miller, a longtime Sessions aide who departed for Trump’s campaign in January. ‘That should be a non-controversial thought, but it is not in our politics today.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: “Day-To-Day, [Jeff Sessions] Leads [Donald] Trump’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Group, Courts GOP Officials For The Trump Campaign And Serves As A Liaison With Organizations Like The Heritage Foundation And The Federalist Society.” “At 69, Sessions sees the nation-state as the heart of his political mission. Day-to-day, he leads Trump’s foreign affairs advisory group, courts GOP officials for the Trump campaign and serves as a liaison with organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society. But, on a deeper level, the Republican senator is thinking about a nationalist revolution.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: “On A Deeper Level, [Jeff Sessions] Is Thinking About A Nationalist Revolution.” “At 69, Sessions sees the nation-state as the heart of his political mission. Day-to-day, he leads Trump’s foreign affairs advisory group, courts GOP officials for the Trump campaign and serves as a liaison with organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society. But, on a deeper level, the Republican senator is thinking about a nationalist revolution.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions: “The Elites Have Become International And They’ve Ceased To Have A Primary Loyalty To The Nation-State.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions: “Republicans And Democrats Do Their Fundraising Cycles, And They Go To Manhattan And They Have Their Cocktails And They Hear The Whining Of Some Billionaire And Ask Him For Money.” “’The elites have become international and they’ve ceased to have a primary loyalty to the nation-state,’ Sessions said. ‘Republicans and Democrats do their fundraising cycles, and they go to Manhattan and they have their cocktails and they hear the whining of some billionaire and ask him for money, and they read the Wall Street Journal, bless its heart — great organization that it is, it’s not perfect. The American people are not Darwinian. We’re not Randian, in a total, brutal survival of the fittest.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions: “Republicans And Democrats…Read The Wall Street Journal, Bless Its Heart — Great Organization That It Is, It’s Not Perfect.” “’The elites have become international and they’ve ceased to have a primary loyalty to the nation-state,’ Sessions said. ‘Republicans and Democrats do their fundraising cycles, and they go to Manhattan and they have their cocktails and they hear the whining of some billionaire and ask him for money, and they read the Wall Street Journal, bless its heart — great organization that it is, it’s not perfect.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions: “The American People Are Not Darwinian. We’re Not Randian, In A Total, Brutal Survival Of The Fittest.” “’The elites have become international and they’ve ceased to have a primary loyalty to the nation-state,’ Sessions said…The American people are not Darwinian. We’re not Randian, in a total, brutal survival of the fittest.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions: “Even Moderates, They Can See In [Donald] Trump The Potential To Have Logjams Broken And Things Finally Get Done.” “’Even moderates, they can see in Trump the potential to have logjams broken and things finally get done. This makes some conservatives and some liberals furious, nervous, and me nervous a little bit, because I’m a pretty pure conservative,’ Sessions said. ‘So that’s a potential of his leadership.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions: Donald Trump’s Deal Making Abilities Make “Some Conservatives And Some Liberals Furious, Nervous, And Me Nervous A Little Bit, Because I’m A Pretty Pure Conservative.” “’Even moderates, they can see in Trump the potential to have logjams broken and things finally get done. This makes some conservatives and some liberals furious, nervous, and me nervous a little bit, because I’m a pretty pure conservative,’ Sessions said. ‘So that’s a potential of his leadership.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: “Sessions Said He Has Received Little Blow-Back From Senate Colleagues” For Endorsing Trump. “Sessions said he has received little blow-back from Senate colleagues. Maybe some saw the writing on the wall when Sessions appeared onstage with Trump at a rally in August, and without endorsing him, put on a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Armand DeKeyser, Former Chief Of Staff To Jeff Sessions, On Sessions’ Donald Trump Endorsement: “He’s Normally Circumspect About Making Endorsements, Which Is What Really Sort Of Surprised Me.”  [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Washington Post: “Sessions Said That Privately, His Colleagues Are More Receptive To Trump’s Views Than They Tell The Press.” “Though Sessions is all-in for Trump, he hasn’t managed to persuade any of his colleagues to make the same leap. His outreach on the campaign’s behalf has been informal, and he has not been tasked with netting further endorsements. But Sessions said that privately, his colleagues are more receptive to Trump’s views than they tell the press.” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions: “I Just Believe That At This Point In History, Trump Will Defend Religious Faith. I Talk To Him About That.” “As for those Republicans who might suspect Trump’s moral character — his marital infidelity and two divorces have been widely discussed — Sessions points them to a Biblical story of a pagan king who released the Jews from captivity and helped them rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. ‘Scripture says, ‘He didn’t know the Lord, didn’t respect the Lord, but the Lord used him to advance his kingdom,' Sessions said. ‘I just believe that at this point in history, Trump will defend religious faith. I talk to him about that.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Jeff Sessions On Whether Donald Trump Will Tone Down His Rhetoric After Winning The Nomination: “He’s Made Some Mistakes. I Think People Have Been Willing To Forgive Him.” “As for Trump’s controversial remarks, Sessions said he believes he’ll tone it down. ‘I think he has said that himself,’ Sessions told reporters this month off the Senate floor. ‘He’s made some mistakes. I think people have been willing to forgive him.’” [Washington Post, 4/19/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/19/how-the-united-nations-brought-donald-trump-and-jeff-sessions-together/>]

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions: “Last Week, Sen. Sessions Met With The Davidson High School Robotics Team From His Hometown Of Mobile. pic.twitter.com/1krQZ33X6B” [@SenatorSessions, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenatorSessions/status/722152919798308864>]

CARLY FIORINA

Connecticut Democratic Party: Announcing Carly Fiorina As Keynote Speaker At CT GOP Dinner Signals Right Wing Extremism Within Connecticut Republican Party. Connecticut Democratic Party Executive Director Alynn Woischke: “In case you’re looking for more proof that under J.R. Romano the Connecticut Republican Party has become an extreme right wing organization, look no further than their embrace of Carly Fiorina as the guest of honor at their biggest annual event. Fiorina ran her failed presidential campaign on a platform of lies and deceit. She consistently attacked women’s reproductive rights, promising to defund Planned Parenthood and overturn Roe v. Wade. And to top it all off, her business experience – the centerpiece of her candidacy – was a colossal failure. She was ranked as one of the worst American CEOs of all time. Connecticut can do better than Carly Fiorina and her right-wing agenda, and the state GOP’s open embrace of Fiorina and her former rivals Donald Trump and Ted Cruz will further alienate sensible Connecticut voters this November.” [Press Release, Connecticut Democratic Party, 4/18/16<http://ctdems.org/2016/04/ct-dems-reaction-to-announcement-that-carly-fiorina-will-headline-prescott-bush-dinner/>]

Carly Fiorina Was Scheduled To Speak At The Maine GOP State Convention. “Maine GOP Chairman Rick Bennett commented, ‘Ms. Fiorina’s unique story and solutions-oriented leadership along with her demands for accountability in government have captured the attention of Maine Republicans. We are happy to have her back in our state at such an exciting and historic Convention. Ms. Fiorina’s straightforward approach to many of our nation’s challenges very much aligns with that of Maine Republicans.’ ‘We are honored to have Ms. Fiorina speaking to our convention,’ said Maine GOP Convention Committee Chairwoman Corenna O’Brien. ‘Maine Republicans deserve the best, and Ms. Fiorina, as a successful businesswoman and powerful political force, certainly fits the bill.’” [Press Release, Maine Republican Party, 4/18/16<http://mainegop.com/maine-gop-announces-carly-fiorina-will-be-speaker-at-gop-convention/>]

Misc. Social Media

Carly Fiorina: “We Must Restore The Character Of Our Nation. Will You Join Us Today?” [@CarlyFiorina, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/CarlyFiorina/status/722198102292103169>]

Carly Fiorina: “Hey, @HillaryClinton, Here's What You Don't Get About Women's Rights: [VIDEO].” [@CarlyFiorina, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/CarlyFiorina/status/722140115917623296>]

RICK SCOTT

Town Hall On Rick Scott’s Veto Of An Alimony And Custody Reform Bill: “Florida Governor Rick Scott Capitulates to Left-Wing Special Interests.” [Town Hall, 4/19/16<http://townhall.com/columnists/rachelalexander/2016/04/19/florida-governor-rick-scott-capitulates-to-leftwing-special-interests-n2150598>]

HEADLINE: “Florida Gov. Rick Scott Calls For Delegates To Rally Around Donald Trump.” [Miami Herald, 4/19/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article72584617.html>]

Miami Herald: Rick Scott Declined To Answer “When Asked If The Republican Party Of Florida Should Mostly Appoint Trump Supporters” To Be Convention Delegates “Since He Won The Florida Primary.” “As controversy continues about Florida GOP leaders choosing delegates to the convention, Gov. Rick Scott avoided a question about delegate selection but still showed support for Donald Trump while in Broward Monday. When asked if the Republican Party of Florida should mostly appoint Trump supporters since he won the Florida primary, Scott said: ‘you'd have to go talk to RPOF.’” [Miami Herald, 4/19/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article72584617.html>]

Rick Scott: “Donald Trump Will Either Have A Majority Of Delegates Or He Will Be Very Close” When He Gets To The Convention. “When asked if Trump should be the nominee if he enters the convention with the most votes and delegates but doesn’t have a majority, Scott said: ‘Donald Trump will either have a majority of delegates or he will be very close. If we want to win in November we don’t want four more years of Barack Obama’s policies that are injuring our families. If Trump is in that position we need to rally around him.’” [Miami Herald, 4/19/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article72584617.html>]

Rick Scott On Whether Delegates Should Support Trump If He Goes To The Convention With Almost A Majority Of Delegates: “If Trump Is In That Position We Need To Rally Around Him.” “When asked if Trump should be the nominee if he enters the convention with the most votes and delegates but doesn’t have a majority, Scott said: ‘Donald Trump will either have a majority of delegates or he will be very close. If we want to win in November we don’t want four more years of Barack Obama’s policies that are injuring our families. If Trump is in that position we need to rally around him.’” [Miami Herald, 4/19/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article72584617.html>]

Miami Herald: Rick Scott Wouldn’t Say Whether He Believed “Congress Should Pass $1.9 Billion To Fight Zika As Requested By Obama.” “Scott didn’t directly answer a question about whether Congress should pass $1.9 billion to fight Zika as requested by Obama. Instead, he recapped the state’s efforts to deal with Zika including the requests to get additional test kits from the Centers for Disease Control. When asked about the funding a second time, he said: ‘I don’t know exactly what the right number should be but I think we have to take this seriously.’” [Miami Herald, 4/19/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article72584617.html>]

Miami Herald: Rick Scott On Federal Aid To Combat Zika: “I Don’t Know Exactly What The Right Number Should Be But I Think We Have To Take This Seriously.” “Scott didn’t directly answer a question about whether Congress should pass $1.9 billion to fight Zika as requested by Obama. Instead, he recapped the state’s efforts to deal with Zika including the requests to get additional test kits from the Centers for Disease Control. When asked about the funding a second time, he said: ‘I don’t know exactly what the right number should be but I think we have to take this seriously.’” [Miami Herald, 4/19/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article72584617.html>]

Rick Scott Appointed Health Care Industry Mergers And Acquisitions Lawyer Linda Robinson To Fill David Di Pietro’s Vacant Seat On The Board Of Broward Health. “Gov. Rick Scott on Monday appointed Linda Robison, a Pompano Beach mergers-and-acquisitions lawyer in the health care industry, to a vacancy on the board of the North Broward Hospital District. Robison, 67, replaces David Di Pietro, who resigned his seat last week after a judge had struck down Scott's suspension of him and ordered him reinstated.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/18/16<http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/gov-rick-scott-names-lawyer-linda-robison-to-hospital-board/2273743>]

Tampa Bay Times: Before Her Appointment To The Broward Health Board By Rick Scott, Linda Robinson “Served For The Past Several Years As A Scott Appointee To The Florida Commission On Ethics, Where She Also Served As Chairman.” “Gov. Rick Scott on Monday appointed Linda Robison, a Pompano Beach mergers-and-acquisitions lawyer in the health care industry, to a vacancy on the board of the North Broward Hospital District…Robison, 67, is a partner in the firm of Shutts & Bowen. The firm's web site says she ‘has significant experience representing healthcare providers, including hospitals.’ She served for the past several years as a Scott appointee to the Florida Commission on Ethics, where she also served as chairman.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/18/16<http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/gov-rick-scott-names-lawyer-linda-robison-to-hospital-board/2273743>]

Sun-Sentinel: Rick Scott’s Broward Health Board Appointee Linda Robinson Was An “Old Friend” And “An Old Colleague Of Scott's From His Years Practicing Law In Texas.” “Gov. Rick Scott on Monday appointed Linda Robison, a lawyer and old friend, as a commissioner of Broward Health, filling one of two vacant seats on the struggling public hospital district's governing board. Robison is a partner in the Fort Lauderdale law firm Shutts & Bowen, and practices corporate and health care law. She is also a former chair of the Florida Commission on Ethics and an old colleague of Scott's from his years practicing law in Texas, before he went into the health care business.” [Sun-Sentinel, 4/18/16<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-broward-health-appointment-20160418-story.html>]

Broward Health Board Members Were Unpaid. “Broward Health, legally called the North Broward Hospital District, operates four hospitals and more than a dozen clinics, with part of its funding coming from taxes levied on properties north of Griffin Road. Board members serve without pay.” [Sun-Sentinel, 4/18/16<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-broward-health-appointment-20160418-story.html>]

Rick Scott Signed The Florida Legislature Bill That Paved The Way For The State’s Winner-Take-All Primary. “The bill sailed through the Legislature unanimously, and Gov. Rick Scott signed it March 19, 2015. (This was months before Trump’s June announcement that he would be running.) On May 16, the Republican Party of Florida’s Executive Board formally accepted the state plan and announced a winner-take-all election. (The board voted unanimously, including vice chair Joe Gruters, who would later go on to be Trump’s co-chair.)” [Politifact, 4/18/16<http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2016/apr/18/donald-trump/donald-trump-says-marco-rubio-and-jeb-bush-had-flo/>]

Taxes

Rick Scott: “FL’s Tax Burden Is More Than $1,000 Lower Than The National Average. Move To FL And Save A Grand! #Taxday Http://Bit.Ly/1wbpr4b<http://bit.ly/1WBPr4b>” [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/722173099114938368>]

Office Of Governor Scott: “Governor Rick Scott: Move To Florida, Save More Than A Grand.” [Press Release, Office of Governor Scott, 4/18/16<http://www.flgov.com/2016/04/18/governor-rick-scott-move-to-florida-save-more-than-a-grand/>]

Office Of Governor Scott: Rick Scott “Encouraged Families And Business Owners Across The Country To Use Tax Day As An Opportunity To Consider Moving To Florida.” “Today, Governor Rick Scott encouraged families and business owners across the country to use Tax Day as an opportunity to consider moving to Florida. At $3,378, Florida’s annual state and local tax collections per capita are more than $1,000 lower than the national average of $4,600.” [Press Release, Office of Governor Scott, 4/18/16<http://www.flgov.com/2016/04/18/governor-rick-scott-move-to-florida-save-more-than-a-grand/>]

Office Of Governor Scott: “With Florida’s Tax Burden More Than $1,000 Lower Than The National Average, Our Families Can Keep More Of Their Money In Their Own Pockets.” “Governor Scott said, ‘This Tax Day, families and business owners across the country have an opportunity to evaluate how much of their hard earned money will be spent by the government, and how much they could save by moving to Florida. We understand that families know how to spend their money better than government can. With Florida’s tax burden more than $1,000 lower than the national average, our families can keep more of their money in their own pockets. Florida has the second lowest state tax burden in the nation, is one of only six states without a personal income tax, and has one of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the country. We have also cut taxes over 55 times since 2010, including more than $1 billion in taxes cut over the last two years alone. Our work to cut taxes has already saved Florida families and job creators $5.5 billion, and we are not done yet. I encourage all families and business owners to consider relocating to Florida so they can save more on Tax Day next year.’” [Press Release, Office of Governor Scott, 4/18/16<http://www.flgov.com/2016/04/18/governor-rick-scott-move-to-florida-save-more-than-a-grand/>]

Office Of Governor Scott: “Our Work To Cut Taxes Has Already Saved Florida Families And Job Creators $5.5 Billion, And We Are Not Done Yet.” “Governor Scott said, ‘This Tax Day, families and business owners across the country have an opportunity to evaluate how much of their hard earned money will be spent by the government, and how much they could save by moving to Florida. We understand that families know how to spend their money better than government can. With Florida’s tax burden more than $1,000 lower than the national average, our families can keep more of their money in their own pockets. Florida has the second lowest state tax burden in the nation, is one of only six states without a personal income tax, and has one of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the country. We have also cut taxes over 55 times since 2010, including more than $1 billion in taxes cut over the last two years alone. Our work to cut taxes has already saved Florida families and job creators $5.5 billion, and we are not done yet. I encourage all families and business owners to consider relocating to Florida so they can save more on Tax Day next year.’” [Press Release, Office of Governor Scott, 4/18/16<http://www.flgov.com/2016/04/18/governor-rick-scott-move-to-florida-save-more-than-a-grand/>]

Jobs

Rick Scott:  “Excited To Announce @Tqlogistics Is Expanding In #Sarasota And Creating 100 New Jobs. Http://Bit.Ly/1quo3sf<http://bit.ly/1qUo3SF>” [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/722173331827474433>]

Social Media

Rick Scott: “Honored To Recognize Holocaust Survivor Norman Frajman At  Yesterday's FL Holocaust Memorial Ceremonial Bill Signing.” [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/722402541326176256>]

DOUG DUCEY

Voting

Capitol Media Services: A Republican Arizona Legislator Amended An Election Bill To “Require The State’s Largest County To Have At Least One Polling Place For Every 1,700 People Eligible To Turn Out At The Polls.” “If Arizona has a presidential primary four years from now, state lawmakers want to keep it from being the fiasco it was last month. A provision tucked into an unrelated election bill Monday would require the state’s largest county to have at least one polling place for every 1,700 people eligible to turn out at the polls. Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix, said that should translate to about 200 polling places. There were just 60 in last month’s presidential primary.” [Capitol Media Services, 4/18/16<http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/plan-wold-set-minimum-number-of-maricopa-polling-places/article_f0339110-f44e-5442-88f8-c414119b0475.html>]

Some Observers Believed That Doug Ducey Would Veto Arizona House-Backed Legislation To Scrap Arizona’s Presidential Primary In Favor Of A Caucus. “One thing remains unclear: Whether there will, in fact, be such a vote in 2020. The House already has approved legislation to scrap the presidential preference primary first used in 1996. Proponents of that change, including Secretary of State Michele Reagan, said it’s not fair to have a statewide election paid for by taxpayers when more than a third of voters — those who are not registered with a major political party — are ineligible to cast ballots. An identical measure has gained preliminary Senate approval. That would allow parties to return to the system they had in place before 1996, with each having a caucus. Parties also could contract with the state to run a primary — at party expense. But the proposal is stalled amid hints by Gov. Doug Ducey he might veto the measure.” [Capitol Media Services, 4/18/16<http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/plan-wold-set-minimum-number-of-maricopa-polling-places/article_f0339110-f44e-5442-88f8-c414119b0475.html>]

Preemption

Arizona Republic’s Jeff Gibbs: Doug Ducey Signed A Bill “Which Essentially Provides The Possibility That The State Could Punish Cities And Counties That Don't Follow State Directives By Withholding State-Shared Revenues.” “Governor Doug Ducey has signed Senate Bill 1487, which essentially provides the possibility that the state could punish cities and counties that don't follow state directives by withholding state-shared revenues. This legislation could apply to such seemingly trivial matters as the use of plastic grocery bags by individual communities.” [Jeff Gibbs column, Arizona Republic, 4/18/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale-contributor/2016/04/18/who-really-controls-our-cities-us-state/82605870/>]

Arizona Republic’s Jeff Gibbs: Preemption Legislation Signed By Doug Ducey “Could Apply To Such Seemingly Trivial Matters As The Use Of Plastic Grocery Bags By Individual Communities.” “Governor Doug Ducey has signed Senate Bill 1487, which essentially provides the possibility that the state could punish cities and counties that don't follow state directives by withholding state-shared revenues. This legislation could apply to such seemingly trivial matters as the use of plastic grocery bags by individual communities.” [Jeff Gibbs column, Arizona Republic, 4/18/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale-contributor/2016/04/18/who-really-controls-our-cities-us-state/82605870/>]

Healthcare

Arizona Daily Star: Doug Ducey “Ordered State Health Officials To Produce A Long-Awaited Study On Prescription Drug Rates For Children In The State’s Foster Care System Compared With Those Not In The Foster Care System.” “Gov. Doug Ducey’s office has ordered state health officials to produce a long-awaited study on prescription drug rates for children in the state’s foster care system compared with those not in the foster care system. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System — known as AHCCCS, the state’s Medicaid agency — must produce the report by the end of May, said Daniel Scarpinato, a Ducey spokesman.” [Arizona Daily Star, 4/19/16<http://tucson.com/news/local/watchdog/ducey-s-office-sets-deadline-for-report-on-medicated-foster/article_3f13b3fc-5efd-5b5a-b031-331cc8b153f4.html>]

Arizona Daily Star On Prescription Drug Rate Discrepancies For Children In And Out Of The State Foster Care System: Arizona Health Agencies “Have Not Released An Updated Report Comparing The Prescription Rates Despite Repeated Promises To Do So.” “The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System — known as AHCCCS, the state’s Medicaid agency — must produce the report by the end of May, said Daniel Scarpinato, a Ducey spokesman. The Star reported last week that AHCCCS and other state health care agencies have not released an updated report comparing the prescription rates despite repeated promises to do so. A report AHCCCS did release in October only looked at the rate foster children received psychotropic medications.” [Arizona Daily Star, 4/19/16<http://tucson.com/news/local/watchdog/ducey-s-office-sets-deadline-for-report-on-medicated-foster/article_3f13b3fc-5efd-5b5a-b031-331cc8b153f4.html>]

Taxes

Doug Ducey: “Whether It's Making The Tax Code Simpler And Fairer, Or Getting Rid Of Unnecessary Licenses That Tax Citizens For Earning An Honest Living, We Are Working Hard In Arizona To Let Taxpayers Keep More Of The Money They Earn.” “Whether it's making the tax code simpler and fairer, or getting rid of unnecessary licenses that tax citizens for earning an honest living, we are working hard in Arizona to let taxpayers keep more of the money they earn. ‪#‎TaxDay2016 is a reminder that government needs to be smarter and more efficient with your dollars.” [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 4/18/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/posts/889657077822865>]

Doug Ducey: “Today Is #Taxday — A Strong Reminder Of Why Elected Leaders At All Levels Need To Be Defending Taxpayers, Rather Than Growing Government.” [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722109162725908480>]

Prop 123

Arizona Republic’s Laurie Roberts Believed That In Return For Koch Brothers Support For Prop 123, Doug Ducey Inserted $5 Million In The State Budget That Would Benefit “ASU’s Koch-Funded Center For The Study Of Economic Liberty.” “Looks like ASU’s Koch-funded Center for the Study of Economy Liberty’s enthusiastic thumbs up for Gov. Doug Ducey’s Prop. 123 has paid off. As in a multi-million-dollar payoff. Mysteriously, someone over at the Capitol has inserted $5 million into next year’s proposed state budget for universities. The money is earmarked for ‘economic freedom schools.’…Last October, ASU’s new Koch-funded Center for the Study of Economy Liberty’s endorsed Ducey’s Prop. 123 plan to temporarily boost school funding by siphoning more money from the state land trust. Now, suddenly, someone has plugged $5 million into next year's proposed budget for universities for ‘economic freedom schools.’” [Laurie Roberts, Arizona Republic, 4/18/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2016/04/18/roberts-ducey-paying-off-asus-koch-center-its-support-prop-123/83190382/>]

Doug Ducey: “Register Here → Http://Servicearizona.Com/  For The May 17 Special Election. Today Is The LAST DAY To Sign Up So You Can Vote YES On @Yesprop123” [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722107226454790144>]

Doug Ducey: “Thanks, Beth! Let's Get This Passed. Vote YES On May 17! @Yesprop123” [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722286205258170369>]

Social Media

Doug Ducey: “This Sure Beats A Typical Monday Staff Meeting--Thanks Again Loma Linda Elementary & @Playworksaz For A Fun Morning!” [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722131378247065603>]

Doug Ducey: “Awesome Seeing How Loma Linda Elementary Students Like Asia Benefit From @Playworksaz Innovative Recess Program!” [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722128160590995457>]

Doug Ducey: “Loma Linda Is An A+ School Doing An A+ Job Educating Our Kids, Especially With Innovative Programs Like Playworks Arizona.” “Spent a great Monday morning at Loma Linda Elementary School talking to students leaders and teachers. Loma Linda is an A+ school doing an A+ job educating our kids, especially with innovative programs like Playworks Arizona.” [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 4/18/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/posts/889839697804603>]

NIKKI HALEY

On Pro-Nikki Haley A Great Day SC Group

The Post And Courier: A Pro-Nikki Haley Group Has Raised Over A Half Million Dollars From Six Individuals. “A political advocacy group created to target political opponents of Gov. Nikki Haley in this year’s elections has reported raising $515,000 in donations from just a handful of contributors. A Great Day SC, named after Haley’s signature catchphrase “It’s a Great Day in South Carolina,” has received money from six individuals and groups, according to an Internal Revenue Service quarterly report provided to The Post and Courier.” [The Post And Courier, 4/18/16<http://www.postandcourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?avis=CP&date=20160418&category=PC1603&lopenr=160419332&Ref=AR>]

The State: Nikki Haley’s Top Strategist Tim Pearson, Who Runs, Great Day SC, Has Earned More Than $1 Million Since Nikki Haley Was Elected Governor. “Great Day’s filing did not include any expenditures, but Pearson has been paid more than $1 million in earnings tied to Haley since she first ran for governor in 2009. He received $119,000 from Haley’s campaign at the end of March, according to records filed with the S.C. Ethics Commission. He had not been paid by the campaign since May. Over the past seven years, Pearson has earned: $607,000 from running the governor’s two campaigns, $270,400 as her chief of staff in the governor’s office; and $179,600 as an adviser to the first political organization run by Haley supporters, The Movement Fund.” [The State, 4/19/16<http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article72601962.html>]

The State: At Least One Contributor To Great Day SC Gave To Another Nikki Haley Group. “Great Day contributors included Florida pharmaceutical entrepreneur Rama Mantena and New Jersey healthcare mogul Vivek Garipalli, who donated $872,000 combined to The Movement Fund. That’s nearly half of the $1.8 million that the fund raised overall.” [The State, 4/19/16<http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article72601962.html>]

FITS News: Great Day SC Contributors Largely Come From Outside South Carolina. “S.C. governor Nikki Haley‘s new political action committee – “A Great Day SC” – has raked in some serious out-of-state cash from a handful of wealthy donors, according to tax documents obtained by reporter Gavin Jackson of The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier…Haley’s PAC was forced to rely on big contributions from out-of-state donors because its efforts to solicit funds from Palmetto State businesses were rebuffed.  We’re told AT&T of South Carolina and several other major companies were asked to pony up – but refused…Our only concern?  What Haley’s out-of-state health care donors want in exchange for their support of her agenda … because our guess is they aren’t giving out of the goodness of their hearts or any concern for our ass-backward banana republic.” [FITS News, 4/19/16<http://www.fitsnews.com/2016/04/19/nikki-haleys-group-awash-in-out-of-state-cash/>]

The Post And Courier: The Group Was Formed During The Roads Bill Fight And Has Not Started Spending Against Nikki Haley’s Opponents But Has Targets In Mind. “No money has been spent on initiatives yet, but Haley’s top political adviser, Tim Pearson, who is overseeing A Great Day, said he is encouraged by the early numbers. ‘As we get further into the legislative session and closer to Election Day, you’ll see the group spend more aggressively,’ Pearson said in an email Monday. ‘And we will do so in any and every way available that will help move South Carolina forward…’ A Great Day is a 527 nonprofit political advocacy group that can run issue-oriented advertising, fund voter mobilization efforts and give the maximum to state candidates. Money from the pro-Haley group, which formed during the divisive Senate roads debate in late February, added to jitters in the chamber as candidate filings for the 46 seats neared in mid-March… Leatherman is a top target of Haley’s group this year, along with the open race for Charleston Republican Sen. Paul Thurmond’s seat and Murrells Inlet Republican Sen. Ray Cleary’s seat. Both are retiring.” [The Post And Courier, 4/18/16<http://www.postandcourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?avis=CP&date=20160418&category=PC1603&lopenr=160419332&Ref=AR>]

The State: Great Day SC Is Targeting One State Representative For Voting For A Gas Tax Increase. “While Pearson declined to say how Great Day would spend contributions, he said last moth that the group would not back the state Senate run of S.C. Rep. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Georgetown, after he voted for the House’s roads funding plan that included raising the state gas tax.” [The State, 4/19/16<http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article72601962.html>]

The Post And Courier: The Director Of The South Carolina Brach Of Common Cause Called The Group’s Dark Money Fundraising And Nikki Haley’s Push For Ethics Reform A “Brazen Form Of Hypocrisy” On Nikki Haley’s Part. “John Crangle, executive director of the South Carolina branch of the public watchdog group Common Cause, said Haley’s political advocacy group makes an odd juxtaposition as she is lobbying senators to pass ethics reform at the same time her supporters are putting large amounts of money into her political mission. ‘It’s a very brazen form of hypocrisy on her part,’ he said, adding that it’s ‘contrary to the most rudimentary changes in campaign finance reform and ethics reform.’” [The Post And Courier, 4/18/16<http://www.postandcourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?avis=CP&date=20160418&category=PC1603&lopenr=160419332&Ref=AR>]

FITS News: With Great Day SC, Nikki Haley Has “Turned Her Attention Back To South Carolina Following The Spectacular Flameout Of Her 2016 Presidential Candidate, Marco Rubio.” FITS News, 4/19/16<http://www.fitsnews.com/2016/04/19/nikki-haleys-group-awash-in-out-of-state-cash/>]

On Refugee Registration Bill

Mother Jones: Religious Organizations Wrote To Nikki Haley And South Carolina Lawmakers Criticizing A Bill To Hold Organizations That Host Syria Refugees Liable For Crimes Refugees Commit In The U.S. “Shortly after the Paris terrorist attacks in November, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley joined 30 other governors to call on the federal government to halt the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States. Haley, a Republican, sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry requesting that Syrian refugees not be resettled in her state due to "concerns with the vetting process." In March, the South Carolina Senate overwhelmingly passed the refugee-registration measure. The bill went to the House last week… The bill's liability provision states that if a refugee commits a violent crime, his or her official sponsor may be compelled to compensate the victims… As the anti-refugee bill makes its way through the legislature, more religious leaders have publicly condemned it. A coalition of bishops from four different denominations sent a joint letter to Gov. Haley and lawmakers criticizing it.” [Mother Jones, 4/19/16<http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/04/south-carolina-refugee-liability-religious-freedom>]

SCOTT WALKER

LGBT Discrimination

HEADLINE: “Madison, Dane County Ban Employee Travel To North Carolina.” [Wisconsin Public Radio, 4/18/16<http://www.wpr.org/madison-dane-county-ban-employee-travel-north-carolina>]

DACA/DAPA

WKOW: As DACA/DAPA Arguments Went In Front Of The Supreme Court, “Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel Stood By Wisconsin's Decision To Challenge The President's Actions” On Immigration. “City leaders joined members of the local Latino community Monday morning to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the President's expansion of DACA and DAPA. Governor Scott Walker had Wisconsin join 25 other states that have signed on to the Texas lawsuit challenging the President's executive order from November 2014 that will provide temporary legal status to over four million immigrants…But Wisconsin Attorney general Brad Schimel stood by Wisconsin's decision to challenge the President's actions in a written statement released Monday. ‘President Obama's sweeping immigrations reforms, executed by the stroke of a pen, and not through an act of Congress or even a properly enacted administrative rule, clearly violate federal law and the constitution,’ wrote Schimel.” [WKOW, 4/18/16<http://www.wkow.com/story/31755319/2016/04/18/local-latinos-madison-city-leaders-rally-in-support-of-dacadapa>]

Right-to-Work

Scott Walker’s Attorney General Asked For A Stay On A Dane County Judge’s Decision To Strike Down Wisconsin’s Right-To-Work Law. “Attorney General Brad Schimel sought Monday to restore the state's right-to-work law on two fronts, asking to put on hold a ruling that found the measure unconstitutional while he appeals the ruling. Gov. Scott Walker and his fellow Republicans in the Legislature last year passed the law, which bars businesses and unions from signing labor deals that require workers to pay union fees. Unions sued over the law and Dane County Circuit Judge C. William Foust this month ruled it violates the state constitution's ban on taking property without compensation. The Republican attorney general on Monday asked Foust to stay his decision so it could remain in place for now. He also asked the Wausau-based District 3 Court of Appeals to overturn Foust's decision.” [Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel, 4/18/16<http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/ag-schimel-moves-to-restore-wisconsin-right-to-work-law-b99708954z1-376102341.html>]

John Doe

Associated Press: “The Prosecutor Who Launched Two Secret John Doe Probes Of Gov. Scott Walker's Associates And His Recall Campaign Is Running For A Fourth Term.” “The prosecutor who launched two secret John Doe probes of Gov. Scott Walker's associates and his recall campaign is running for a fourth term. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced his re-election bid Monday. The Democrat was elected Milwaukee County's top prosecutor in 2006. In a statement, Chisholm says his pledge is to keep Milwaukee safe and to reform the criminal justice system.” [Associated Press, 4/18/16<http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Wisconsin-DA-who-launched-John-Doe-probes-seeks-re-election-376106771.html>]

Child Abuse Law

Scott Walker: “New Laws Will Create More Protections For Child Victims Who Are Disabled Or Repeatedly Abused. #Protectingwichildren” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722450811117268992>]

Scott Walker: “Joined AG Schimel & Brown Co Sheriff Gossage In Green Bay As I Signed Laws To Protect Children From Abuse & Neglect.” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722447948861337600>]

HEADLINE: “Gov. Scott Walker To Sign Child Abuse, Trafficking Bills.” [Associated Press, 4/19/16<http://chippewa.com/news/local/state-and-regional/gov-scott-walker-to-sign-child-abuse-trafficking-bills/article_1681e89c-56a6-568d-b404-39b30f809be0.html>]

Associated Press: Scott Walker Signed A Group Of Bipartisan Bills “Designed To Curtail Child Abuse And Sex Trafficking.” “Gov. Scott Walker was set to sign half-a-dozen bills designed to curtail child abuse and sex trafficking during Tuesday visits to law enforcement facilities around the state. All of the bills had bipartisan support in the Legislature. The governor planned to sign them throughout the day during stops at sheriff's departments in Brown, St. Croix and Marathon counties and the Waukesha County courthouse.” [Associated Press, 4/19/16<http://chippewa.com/news/local/state-and-regional/gov-scott-walker-to-sign-child-abuse-trafficking-bills/article_1681e89c-56a6-568d-b404-39b30f809be0.html>]

2016 Campaign

Scott Walker Said He Would Support The Eventual Republican Nominee. “After addressing the caucus, Johnson and Walker said they do not know who the presidential nominee will be for the Republican Party, but both said they would support whoever is nominated. Walker endorsed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the primary election in Wisconsin, but he said he would support anyone running against the likely Democrat candidate, Hillary Clinton.” [Beloit Daily News, 4/18/16<http://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois/johnson-brings-campaign-walker-to-rally-in-clinton/article_3269d1a8-0570-11e6-bf0c-bbdf3490d3c3.html>]

Scott Walker: “I Think It Will Be The Delegates At The Convention Who Will Decide The Vice Presidential Nominee.” “Asked if he would consider becoming a vice president nominee, Walker said that isn’t up to him. ‘I think it will be the delegates at the convention who will decide the vice presidential nominee,’ he said.” [Beloit Daily News, 4/18/16<http://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois/johnson-brings-campaign-walker-to-rally-in-clinton/article_3269d1a8-0570-11e6-bf0c-bbdf3490d3c3.html>]

CBS News: “The Trump Campaign Believes Wiley To Be Better Than His Stewardship Of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's Campaign Would Suggest.” “The sources also confirmed that Trump's national field director Stuart Jolly tendered his resignation Monday when Trump announced a reorganization that would require him to answer to Rick Wiley, Scott Walker's former campaign manager, who was just hired by Manafort to be political director…And the Trump campaign believes Wiley to be better than his stewardship of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's campaign would suggest -- arguing it was Walker's own profligate spending and staff hiring that loaded his campaign with unsustainable costs, ultimately leading Walker to withdraw from the race, rather than accumulate debt.” [CBS News, 4/18/16<http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-reorganizes-his-campaign-just-before-big-state-primaries/>]

CBS News: The Trump Campaign Argued That It Was Not Rick Wiley, But “Walker's Own Profligate Spending And Staff Hiring That Loaded His Campaign With Unsustainable Costs, Ultimately Leading Walker To Withdraw From The Race, Rather Than Accumulate Debt.” “The sources also confirmed that Trump's national field director Stuart Jolly tendered his resignation Monday when Trump announced a reorganization that would require him to answer to Rick Wiley, Scott Walker's former campaign manager, who was just hired by Manafort to be political director…And the Trump campaign believes Wiley to be better than his stewardship of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's campaign would suggest -- arguing it was Walker's own profligate spending and staff hiring that loaded his campaign with unsustainable costs, ultimately leading Walker to withdraw from the race, rather than accumulate debt.” [CBS News, 4/18/16<http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-reorganizes-his-campaign-just-before-big-state-primaries/>]

Taxes

Scott Walker: “Aren't You Glad Income & Property Taxes Are Lower Now Than They Were Before We Took Office?” [@ScottWalker, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/ScottWalker/status/722414053658722304>]

Scott Walker: “More Tax Relief Is On The Way! $20.9 Million In Savings Can Be Expected From An Expanded Standard Deduction In 2016 #Movingwiforward” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722172843597938689>]

Scott Walker: “Section 179 Law Change Will Save Small Businesses An Estimated $118.2 Million Over 2 Years.  #Movingwiforward” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722103355821187072>]

Scott Walker: “Middle Class Taxpayers Benefit Most From Our Relief.” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722110728640077826>]

Scott Walker: “Tax Brackets Were Reduced And The Tax Code Was Made Less Complex Over The Last 5+ Years #Movingwiforward” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722120237982814208>]

Scott Walker: “Spoke With CMD Employees In Appleton Re: Importance Of Tax Relief To Mfg. Job Growth. They Grew 25% Since 2011” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722133243772977152>]

Scott Walker: “Property Taxes On A Median Valued Home Are $116 Lower Than In December 2010.” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722137326584012801>]

Scott Walker: “We Cut Taxes For Manufacturing & Agriculture.  Manufacturing Went From Losing Jobs To Gaining Over 30,000 #Movingwiforward” [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/18/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722140593552551936>]

PAM BONDI

On Florida Gay Marriage Ban Lawsuit

News And Observer: Federal Judge Has Ordered Florida To Pay Plaintiffs’ Legal Fees; Pam Bondi Defended The Ban And Have Not Argued Against Latest Motions Seeking Payment Of Fees. “Florida's fierce fight to keep intact a voter-approved ban on gay marriage is going to wind up costing taxpayers. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, who declared the prohibition unconstitutional nearly two years ago, has ordered the state to pay the fees of attorneys who filed federal lawsuits challenging the ban… Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose office led the fight to keep the ban intact, did not challenge the latest motions by the lawyers representing the gay couples seeking payment of attorney fees. Lawyers for Bondi had argued earlier that the U.S. Supreme Court decision rendered the Florida case ‘moot’ and there was no reason for Hinkle to take any further action. The only comment from Whitney Ray, a spokesman for Bondi, was ‘we respect the judge's decision.’ Florida first banned same-sex marriages nearly two decades ago, and voters reinforced that ban when they passed a constitutional amendment in 2008. Bondi maintained that she had a constitutional duty to defend the ban because it had been approved by voters. In some of the initial court filings, lawyers for Bondi's office argued that recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states would disrupt Florida's existing marriage laws and ‘impose significant public harm.’” [News And Observer, 4/18/16<http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article72463087.html>]

On DAPA/DACA Immigration Order Lawsuit

Florida Politics: Pam Bondi Was On Of The Attorneys General Who Sued President Obama Over DAPA/DACA.
“Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was one of twenty five Attorneys General who joined the Texas lawsuit, which asserts that the Obama administration overstepped its constitutional authority by granting work permits to millions of undocumented immigrants and promising them a reprieve from deportation. The states argue that “unilateral suspension of the Nation’s immigration laws is unlawful” and that only the judiciary’s ‘immediate intervention can protect the [states] from dramatic and irreparable injuries.’” [Florida Politics, 4/18/16<http://floridapolitics.com/archives/207294-kathy-castor-praises-obama-scotus-review-immigration-action>]

Tampa Bay Times’ Juan Escalante: “While She [Pam Bondi] Would Be Quick To Tell You That We Need To Fix Our Broken Immigration System, Her Consistent Refusal To Meet With Constituents To Discuss The Issue Of Immigration Paints A Different Picture Of Her Intentions.” “Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has added our great state to the lawsuit that is currently blocking the implementation of Obama's executive actions on immigration. While she would be quick to tell you that we need to fix our broken immigration system, her consistent refusal to meet with constituents to discuss the issue of immigration paints a different picture of her intentions.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/18/16]

Tampa Bay Times’ Juan Escalante (FL Director Of America’s Voice): “Her Recent Endorsement Of Donald Trump Leaves No Doubt That She Does Not Intend To Find Any Realistic Solution To Help The Millions Of Immigrants Who Live In Constant Fear Of Deportation.” “It is almost as if the attorney general has forgotten that it has been her party, the Republican Party, that has taken extraordinary steps to continue to block any effort to reform our country's immigration system and bring undocumented Floridians out of the shadows. Her recent endorsement of Donald Trump leaves no doubt that she does not intend to find any realistic solution to help the millions of immigrants who live in constant fear of deportation.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/18/16]

Tampa Bay Times’ Juan Escalante: “Some Would Say That Bondi Is Attempting To Shield Florida From An Impending Catastrophe. But The Truth Is That Immigrants Are Good For Florida, And That Obama's Executive Actions On Immigration Would Benefit Our State, Not Harm It.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/18/16]

Tampa Bay Times’ Juan Escalante: “We Can Start By Hoping That The Supreme Court Affirms That The Obstruction Of DAPA And DACA' Is Nothing More Than A Political Stunt From Bondi And Her Republican Colleagues.” “We can start by hoping that the Supreme Court affirms that the obstruction of DAPA and DACA' is nothing more than a political stunt from Bondi and her Republican colleagues. Once these executive actions are implemented, thousands of Floridians will finally be able to live with dignity and respect and without fear. Our state and our country will reap the benefits that Florida's attorney general and her Republican cohorts tried to take away.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/18/16]

Collin Yoxall
Research Associate, DNC
Office: 202-863-8126 X8126
Mobile: 334-703-1690
[email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>