Subject: GOP VP Daily Update, 5.3
From: "Haxo, Chris" <[email-masked]>
To: Veepstakes <[email-masked]>, "Dillon, Lauren" <[email-masked]>, "Graham, Caroline" <[email-masked]>, "Bauer, Nick" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 3 May 2016 09:49:35 -0700

GOP VP DAILY UPDATE - 5/3/16

CHRIS CHRISTIE
BOB CORKER
TOM COTTON
DOUG DUCEY
MARY FALLIN
CARLY FIORINA
JEFF SESSIONS
RICK SCOTT
TIM SCOTT

CHRIS CHRISTIE

Trump Running Mate

Christie On Being Donald Trump's Running Mate: "As I've Said All Along, One, I Don't Think I'm Going To Be Asked. Two, I Don't Know That I'm Necessarily The Right Person For It." [Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/2/16<http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/christie_chronicles/Christie-Not-expecting-but-not-ruling-out-Trump-VP-pick.html>]

Bridgegate

HEADLINE: "Christie: OK With Bridgegate Defense Reviewing My Phone." "An attorney for a former Port Authority official charged in the George Washington Bridge case last week said he had issued a subpoena for Gov. Christie's phone, among other things. On Monday, Christie characterized the development as a fight between prosecutors and the defendants -- Bridget Anne Kelly, the governor's former deputy chief of staff, and Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. 'Given my time as a prosecutor, I don't get in between those fights.'" [Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/2/16<http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/trenton-takes/Christie-OK-with-Bridgegate-defense-reviewing-my-phone.html>]

*       Chris Christie On Bridgegate Subpoena Of His Cell Phone: "It's In The Hands Of The Government, As Far As I Know. I Don't Know Exactly Who Has It. But I Turned It Over In Response To A Request From The Government, As I Said I Would. They Have The Information, They're More Than Welcome To It." [NJ Advance Media, 5/3/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/christie_it_doesnt_matter_who_sees_whats_in_my_cel.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter>]

*       U.S. Attorney's Office On Bridgegate Phone Subpoena: Chris Christie's "Telephone Was Never In The Possession Of Federal Authorities." "But the office of U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman has never actually had the phone, according to a spokesman. 'The governor's telephone was never in the possession of federal authorities,' wrote Matthew Reilly, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, in an email to NJ Advance Media on Monday. 'As is typical in grand jury investigations, where an institution is represented by outside counsel, those lawyers review records, including those contained on mobile phones and computers, to identify and provide material that is responsive to subpoenas. That procedure was followed in this case.'" [NJ Advance Media, 5/3/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/christie_it_doesnt_matter_who_sees_whats_in_my_cel.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter>]

*       Attorney Seeking To Subpoena Chris Christie Cell Phone: "We Expect Gibson Dunn [Chris Christie's Counsel] To Give Up The Phone And Stop Trying To Keep It Hidden." "Hours after [Michael] Baldassare [lawyer for former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey] filed a formal request seeking access to the governor's cell phone last week, Gibson, Dunn filed a motion to quash his subpoena. 'Last Thursday, Gibson Dunn made the unbelievable claim that the prosecutors never even asked for the governor's phone,' said Baldassare. 'Based on what the governor said today, we expect Gibson Dunn to give up the phone and stop trying to keep it hidden.'" [NJ Advance Media, 5/3/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/christie_it_doesnt_matter_who_sees_whats_in_my_cel.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter>]

Vetos

NJ Advance Media: "Gov. Chris Christie Partially Vetoed A Bill Monday That Would Have Permanently Restored Housing Assistance To Thousands Of Chronically Homeless And Disabled People Who Lost Aid When The Program Expired Last Year." "Gov. Chris Christie partially vetoed a bill Monday that would have permanently restored housing assistance to thousands of chronically homeless and disabled people who lost aid when the program expired last year. Democratic lawmakers sponsored the bill in response to the state Department of Human Services's announcement that two temporary emergency housing assistance programs would be phased out beginning last summer and would not be renewed. The programs serve people who are chronically ill and disabled and people who are taking care of a sick or disabled spouse or child." [NJ Advance Media, 5/3/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/christie_limits_help_in_homelessness_prevention_bi.html>]

Parsippany Patch: Chris "Christie's Office Announced Monday That The Governor Has Conditionally Vetoed A Bill That Would Combat Gender Pay Inequities In The Workplace." "Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed a gender discrimination law as well as four other pieces of legislation. Christie's office announced Monday that the governor has conditionally vetoed a bill that would combat gender pay inequities in the workplace. The conditional veto allows lawmakers to rework the bill and submit it again for the governor's consideration. The bill, which received final legislative approval from the full Assembly in March by a vote of 53-14-6, would modify current law to strengthen protections against employment discrimination and promote equal pay for women, according to Assembly Democrats. The bill would make it an unlawful practice for an employer to discriminate between employees on the basis of sex, among other requirements." [Parsippany Patch, 5/2/16<http://patch.com/new-jersey/parsippany/chris-christie-vetoes-gender-discrimination-law-4-other-bills-0>]

Atlantic City

HEADLINE: "Christie Unimpressed As Atlantic City Averts Default." "Atlantic City made a $1.8 million bond payment on Monday, narrowly averting what would have been New Jersey's first municipal default in 78 years. Mayor Don Guardian announced the payment this morning. He said the city also expects to make its $6.5 million monthly payroll on Friday and an $8.5 million school tax transfer due on May 15, buying lawmakers in Trenton more time to come to terms. The interest-only payment was made at 10 a.m., the Republican said in a City Hall press conference. Had the city decided to skip the payment, which was due by the close of business Monday, it would have been the first municipal default since Fort Lee declared bankruptcy in 1938." [New Jersey Politico, 5/2/16<http://politi.co/1Th5pe5>]

New Jersey Politico: Chris Christie Claimed That He Did Not Summon The New Jersey House Of Delegates Republican Caucus For A Breakfast To Convince Them To Vote Against The Atlantic City Bailout Bill He Opposed. "Gov. Chris Christie said Monday he's not concerned about Republican members supporting an Atlantic City rescue bill that he opposes. Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, who says he has the votes necessary to pass the rescue bill, plans to post it for a vote Thursday. Prieto would likely need support from at least a few of the Assembly's 28 Republicans in order to pass the bill. Christie has scheduled a breakfast meeting with Assembly Republicans at the governor's mansion in Princeton for Thursday morning - just hours before the vote. But he said that has nothing to do with convincing them to hold the line against Prieto. 'I have breakfast with them all the time,' Christie said at a press conference, adding he's had Assembly Republicans over 'probably 10 or 11 times' since becoming governor six and a half years ago." [New Jersey Politico, 5/2/16<http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/new-jersey/2016/05/8598113/christie-says-drumthwacket-meeting-has-nothing-do-ac>]

BOB CORKER

Foreign Policy

Bob Corker Reiterated That He Thought The U.S. Should Not Subsidize Arms Sales To Pakistan. "On Monday, Sen. Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that Pakistan will have to pay full price for its purchase of eight F-16 fighter jets from the United States in a deal valued at $699 million (Reuters). Sen. Corker commented, "Given congressional objections, we have told the Pakistanis that they should put forward national funds for that purpose." Some members of the U.S. Congress, led by Sen. Corker, objected to the use of U.S. funds to subsidize the sale of the F-16s to Pakistan based on what they see as the Pakistani government's support of militant groups that have targeted Americans and Afghans and their inadequate support of the Afghan peace process. Sartaj Aziz, the Pakistani prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs, said that Pakistan will "opt for jets from some other place" if U.S. funding is not arranged (Dawn)." [Foreign Policy, 5/3/16<http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/05/03/islamic-state-destroying-opium-plants-in-nangarhar-senator-u-s-will-not-subsidize-f-16-sale-to-pakistan-supreme-court-to-decide-on-italian-marine-release-jaitley-eight-bangladeshis-held-in-singa/>]

TOM COTTON

Michael Lamoureux Resignation

Tom Cotton's Friend Michael Lamoureux Resigned As Governor Asa Hutchinson's Chief Of Staff. "Gov. Asa Hutchinson's chief of staff, Michael Lamoureux, is departing the governor's office at the end of this month for the private sector, Lamoureux said Monday." [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 5/3/16<http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/may/03/hutchinson-s-office-to-lose-chief-of-st-1/?latest>]

Michael Lamoureux Said The Job Was In The Private Sector But Would Not Give Details. "When asked for details about his private-sector work, Lamoureux, 39, said in a text message to this newspaper that 'it's a work in progress.' Asked if he plans to be a lobbyist, Lamoureux replied in a text, 'I have a cooling-off period at the state level...' Asked if he plans to be a lobbyist of Congress, Lamoureux replied in a text, 'Once I have a firm plan, I will get it to you. Premature for me at this point...' Asked whether his private sector job will be in Russellville, where he is from, Lamoureux replied in a text, 'I have always had an office there. Until I closed it for this job.' 'At this point I have not figured out if I will have an office there or not,' he said." [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 5/3/16<http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/may/03/hutchinson-s-office-to-lose-chief-of-st-1/?latest>]

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: "[Michael] Lamoureux Is A Close Friend Of U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, A Republican From Dardanelle. Cotton Spokesman Caroline Rabbitt And Lamoureux Said He Is Not Going To Work For Cotton." [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 5/3/16<http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/may/03/hutchinson-s-office-to-lose-chief-of-st-1/?latest>]

Michael Lamoureux Was Facing Questions About Work His Law Firm Did For The Faith And Freedom Coalition While Senate President Pro Tempore In 2013. "Lamoureux said Monday that his departure from the governor's office is 'not at al'" related to last October's disclosure of his work for the Arkansas Faith and Freedom Coalition in 2013 nor any possible investigation of that work. The Arkansas Faith and Freedom Coalition, a branch of the national organization founded by conservative activist Ralph Reed, paid Lamoureux's Russellville law firm $120,000 for 'consulting' services in 2013 when Lamoureux was Senate president pro tempore, according to tax records. That year, the nonprofit coalition -- known for working to get faith-based and other conservative voters out to the polls -- received a total of $140,000 in donations from six people or businesses, including nursing home-owner Michael Morton, a business owned by lobbyist Bruce Hawkins and two tobacco companies -- RAI Services Co. and Altria Client Services. In October 2015, Lamoureux defended his 2013 work with the coalition when he was the Senate's leader, saying, 'At all times I followed the law and ethics rules, and reported any income received by my law firm on our tax returns. This position in no way influenced my job as a state senator.' In October, Davis said the governor 'absolutely' stands behind Lamoureux. 'Michael Lamoureux's affiliation with the coalition has long since passed. ... The governor has the utmost confidence in Michael Lamoureux,' Davis said." [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 5/3/16<http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/may/03/hutchinson-s-office-to-lose-chief-of-st-1/?latest>]

Michael Lamoureux's Colleagues Complimented His Time In Public Service. "Lamoureux has said he encouraged Hutchinson to run for governor in 2014 because Republicans have 'developed a bench, but we still needed [Hutchinson's] leadership.' After his election in November 2014, Hutchinson tapped Lamoureux to be his transition director and then chief of staff. Shortly thereafter, Lamoureux resigned as the Senate president pro tempore. Lamoureux, who had worked part time for the state Public Defender Commission, served in the state Senate from December 2009-November 2014 and, prior to that, in the state House of Representatives from 2003-2009, rising to be House Republican leader. Senate President Pro Tempore Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, said Monday that Lamoureux did 'a great job' as Hutchinson's chief of staff. Dismang served one term in the House and has been in the Senate since 2011. Dismang said he has enjoyed working with the chief of staff, but understood that Lamoureux has another opportunity. House Speaker Jeremy Gillam, R-Judsonia, said Lamoureux 'always has been a good friend of mine since I have been in the General Assembly.' Gillam has served in the Legislature since 2011. 'I will miss working with him, for sure,' he said. 'I wish him all the best and happiness moving on.'" [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 5/3/16<http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/may/03/hutchinson-s-office-to-lose-chief-of-st-1/?latest>]

On "Prayer On The Battlefield" Oped

Tom Cotton Wrote An Oped On The Importance Of Prayer In Military Life And In The Combat Zone. [Tom Cotton, El Dorado News-Times, 4/30/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor>] [Links to twitter screenshot]

El Dorado News-Times' Tom Cotton: "Even In A Just And Noble War, As Iraq And Afghanistan Were, Soldiers Ask For God's Mercy For The Hard Things They Are Called To Do In Services Of A Just Cause." [Tom Cotton, El Dorado News-Times, 4/30/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor>]

On Honoring The Buffalo River

Tom Cotton Had  A Piece Honoring The Buffalo National River In The Congressional Record. [Congressional Record, 4/26/16<https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2016-04-26/pdf/CREC-2016-04-26-pt1-PgS2454-4.pdf?platform=hootsuite>]

Office Of Senator Tom Cotton: "Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) Recently Recognized The Buffalo National River In The Congressional Record As Part Of His Initiative To Highlight Arkansas's National Parks In Celebration Of The National Park Service's 100th Anniversary." "Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) recently recognized the Buffalo National River in the Congressional Record as part of his initiative to highlight Arkansas's National Parks in celebration of the National Park Service's 100th anniversary. You can find the full text of Senator Cotton's recognition in the Congressional Record below, or here. 'In honor of the National Parks Service's 100th birthday year, I want to recognize the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. The Buffalo, nestled in within the picturesque Ozark Mountains, runs across four Arkansas counties and remains of the few undammed rivers in the entire United States. It spans 135 miles total and boasts many outdoor trails along which visitors experience beautiful bluffs, adventurous rapids, and have the opportunity to take part in a whole host of outdoor recreational activities. Undoubtedly, visitors to the Buffalo National River leave with a deepened understanding of why Arkansas is proudly billed as "The Natural State." This year the Buffalo National River has planned several celebratory events to commemorate the National Park Service's 100th birthday. This includes the "Centennial Iron Ranger Challenge 2016," which is taking place in all Arkansas national parks this year. The challenge seeks to encourage good health and fitness, and by tasking people to take up a physical activity of their choice and complete 100 miles of that activity in any of Arkansas' National Parks. If you need a place to begin your centennial year challenge I highly recommend the Buffalo National River. In the spirit of the National Park Service's centennial motto, "Find Your Park," I encourage everyone to find the Buffalo National River, and enjoy the outdoor adventures and relaxation that awaits in The Natural State.'" [Press Release, Office Of Senator Tom Cotton, 5/2/16<http://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=375>]

Social Media Action

Tom Cotton: "In Honor Of The National Park Service's 100th Birthday I Recognized The Buffalo River In The Congressional Record. http://ow.ly/4nkCZ1" [Senator Tom Cotton, Facebook, 5/2/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/photos/a.139579716203572.28054.120355701459307/597029153791957/?type=3&theater>]

Tom Cotton: "In Celebration Of The National Park Service's 100th Birthday, I Want To Encourage Arkansans To Take Advantage Of Our National Parks!" [Senator Tom Cotton, Facebook, 5/2/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/photos/a.139579716203572.28054.120355701459307/596941320467407/?type=3&theater>]

Tom Cotton: "Take Time To #ThankATeacher This Week For Their Selfless And Inspiring Work. #TeacherAppreciationWeek" [Senator Tom Cotton, Facebook, 5/2/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/photos/a.139579716203572.28054.120355701459307/596881190473420/?type=3&theater>]

Tom Cotton: "Take Time To #ThankATeacher This Week For Their Selfless And Inspiring Work. #TeacherAppreciationWeek" [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727136009452924928>]

Tom Cotton: "READ My Take On The Importance Of Prayer Via The @el_newstimes http://ow.ly/4nklpW" [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727162701538009088>]

Tom Cotton: "In Celebration Of The #NPS100 Birthday, I Want To Encourage Arkansans To Take Advantage Of Our National Parks!" [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727170038445252609>]

Tom Cotton: "In Honor Of The #NPS100 Birthday I Recognized The Buffalo River In The Congressional Record. http://ow.ly/4nkCZ1" [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727185980655022080>]

Tom Cotton: "Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek To All The Wonderful And Inspiring Teachers In Arkansas. Thank You For All You Do." [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727218656942415872>]

Tom Cotton: "Please Be Sure To Sign Up For My Newsletter! http://ow.ly/4nfiB7" [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727237404084584449>]

Tom Cotton: "Joining KARN @newsradio1029 Now. Tune In!" [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/3/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727475247532793856>]

On Meeting Franklin Graham

Mary Fallin: "ICYMI: It Was Great Being Able To Host Franklin Graham And His Wife Jane At The Capitol Before His Decision America Tour Rally! Thanks For Stopping By!" [Mary Fallin, Facebook, 5/2/16<https://www.facebook.com/maryfallinforgovernor/?fref=ts>]

DOUG DUCEY

Social Media

Doug Ducey: "Proud To Honor #AZ Peace Officers Who've Lost Their Lives In The Line Of Duty. Indebted To Them & All Who Serve." [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727331267209883648>]

Doug Ducey: "Kudos To Emily For Collecting Thousands Of Pencils For #AZ Schools. Good Work, Great Cause! #Emilyspencilproject" [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727280060646850562>]

Doug Ducey: "Thankful To @Azcorrections Officers For The Important Work They Do To Enforce The Law & Keep Us Safe." [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727203245194534912>]

KidsCare

KPNX: Arizona's GOP-Controlled Legislature Was "Poised To Reject A Federally-Funded Health Insurance Program For Needy Children That's Used By Every Other State In The Country." "The Republican-controlled Legislature appears poised to reject a federally-funded health insurance program for needy children that's used by every other state in the country. Three legislative sources tell 12 News that the KidsCare program, which was suspended during the recession, is not part of a reworked House budget that is expected to be debated Tuesday morning." [KPNX, 5/2/16<http://www.12news.com/news/politics/arizona-health-plan-for-needy-kids-on-life-support/165866140>]

KPNX: As A Candidate For Governor In 2014, Doug Ducey "Questioned The Financial Viability" Of Kidscare. "Gov. Doug Ducey has been non-committal on restoring KidsCare. In his 2014 run for governor, Ducey questioned the financial viability of the Medicaid program. As governor, he introduced a Medicaid reform plan that would kick 350,000 people off the rolls." [KPNX, 5/2/16<http://www.12news.com/news/politics/arizona-health-plan-for-needy-kids-on-life-support/165866140>]

KPNX: As Governor, Doug Ducey "Introduced A Medicaid Reform Plan That Would Kick 350,000 People Off The Rolls." "Gov. Doug Ducey has been non-committal on restoring KidsCare. In his 2014 run for governor, Ducey questioned the financial viability of the Medicaid program. As governor, he introduced a Medicaid reform plan that would kick 350,000 people off the rolls." [KPNX, 5/2/16<http://www.12news.com/news/politics/arizona-health-plan-for-needy-kids-on-life-support/165866140>]

Budget

Capitol Media Services: GOP Leaders In The Arizona Legislature "Made A Verbal Commitment To Remove All The Cuts That Had Been In The Plan Crafted By Those Same Leaders And Gov. Doug Ducey" That Impacted K-12 Education. "After a week of delays, Republican legislative leaders say they now have the votes lined up for a $9.58 billion spending plan for the coming budget year. Plans are to begin debate today on the package. But the actual go-ahead is contingent on the approval of lawmakers who have been holding out -- and stalled the process for -- to restore funding for public schools. Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, said legislative leaders had made a verbal commitment to remove all the cuts that had been in the plan crafted by those same leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey. But Carter said she and other Republicans concerned about K-12 finances were holding out for specifics." [Capitol Media Services, 5/3/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/gop-votes-lined-up-for-spending-plan/article_41eeff74-59cc-5b8f-b677-fd40b7fa1ee6.html>]

Capitol Media Services: The Arizona Legislature's 2016 Budget Plan Included More Than $26 Million For A New Border Security Strike Force The Governor Is Setting Up In The Department Of Public Safety." "The budget plan does include new money for some programs, including more than $26 million for a new Border Security Strike Force the governor is setting up in the Department of Public Safety." [Capitol Media Services, 5/3/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/gop-votes-lined-up-for-spending-plan/article_41eeff74-59cc-5b8f-b677-fd40b7fa1ee6.html>]

Capitol Media Services: The Arizona Legislature's 2016 Budget Plan "Leaves In Place A $1 Billion Payment Deferral To Public Schools." "The new budget does use the state's surplus to eliminate some of the 'rollovers' of spending from one year to the next. But it leaves in place a $1 billion payment deferral to public schools." [Capitol Media Services, 5/3/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/gop-votes-lined-up-for-spending-plan/article_41eeff74-59cc-5b8f-b677-fd40b7fa1ee6.html>]

The Arizona Legislature's 2016 Budget Plan Would Raise Spending On K-12 Education To $51 Million From The $16 Proposed By Doug Ducey And GOP Leaders. "Some conservative members are upset about the additions to the budget, which would bring spending on the items to about $51 million from $16 million in the initial deal negotiated between Biggs, Gowan and Gov. Doug Ducey." [Capitol Media Services, 5/3/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/gop-votes-lined-up-for-spending-plan/article_41eeff74-59cc-5b8f-b677-fd40b7fa1ee6.html>]

Immigration

Associated Press: The 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals "Reinstated Arizona Identity Theft Laws That Were Used To Charge Hundreds Of Immigrants Accused Of Using Fake Or Stolen IDs To Get Jobs." "A federal appeals court has reinstated Arizona identity theft laws that were used to charge hundreds of immigrants accused of using fake or stolen IDs to get jobs. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Monday threw out a preliminary injunction that stopped Arizona from enforcing the laws. A lower court judge had said immigrant-rights advocates were likely to succeed in claiming the laws were trumped by federal immigration law. But the 9th Circuit said the laws have also been used to go after U.S. citizens, not just immigrants, so federal immigration law is not always a factor. As a result, the three-judge 9th Circuit panel said the laws cannot be blocked in their entirety. Jessica Vosburgh, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said her clients are considering appealing to a larger 9th Circuit panel." [Associated Press, 5/2/16<http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2016/05/02/federal-appeals-court-reinstates-arizona-identity-theft-laws/>]

AZ Supreme Court

Associated Press: A Bill Awaiting Doug Ducey's Signature Tied "Pay Increases For Judges And Probation Department Funding To The Expansion" Of Arizona's Supreme Court. "The Arizona Senate on Monday approved a plan to add two justices to the state Supreme Court that has drawn criticism from both the court and Democrats. Republicans who control the House already approved the legislation, House Bill 2537, and the Senate voted for it an 18-12 party-line vote. It now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey for his signature. The state budget proposal negotiated between Republican Senate and House leaders and Ducey ties pay increases for judges and probation department funding to the expansion." [Associated Press, 5/2/16<http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2016/05/02/federal-appeals-court-reinstates-arizona-identity-theft-laws/>]

Associated Press: Doug Ducey "Campaigned In 2014 On Shrinking Government, But He Said Monday That Increasing The Size Of The [Arizona Supreme Court] Doesn't Contradict That Philosophy." "Ducey campaigned in 2014 on shrinking government, but he said Monday that increasing the size of the court doesn't contradict that philosophy. 'We have made our government more efficient -- last year's budget was smaller than the year before,' Ducey said. 'Now, we're going to certain services in government, whether it's Department of Child safety, or K-12 education or things that follow the growth of our state, that are going to be reflected in our budget.'" [Associated Press, 5/2/16<http://www.abc15.com/news/state/bill-expanding-arizona-supreme-court-heads-to-governor-duceys-desk>]

MARY FALLIN

On Being Donald Trump's Running Mate

The Independent: "Eyes Have Started To Stray, However, To Governor Mary Fallin Of Oklahoma, Who Reportedly Has Indicated Her Willingness To Be Vetted By The Trump Campaign." [The Independent, 5/3/16]

The International New York Times: "Two Governors, Chris Christie Of New Jersey And Mary Fallin Of Oklahoma, Have Also Told Allies That They Were Open To Being Mr. Trump's Running Mate." [The International New York Times, 5/2/16]

Mary Fallin Has The Experience And Conservative Credentials To Be A Vice-Presidential Running Mate. "Two potential running mates-Congresswoman (or, as she prefers, "Congressman") Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin-not only meet this standard but also have strong conservative credentials. Blackburn, a 13-year veteran of the U.S. House who chairs its panel investigating Planned Parenthood, stated that she would be open to running on Trump's ticket. Fallin also has a long political career, serving as a state legislator, lieutenant governor, member of Congress and now governor of Oklahoma. Trump was receptive to selecting Fallin as a potential running mate, and, like Trump, she has taken an aggressive stance on combating illegal immigration." [TIME, 5/2/16<http://time.com/4311537/hillary-clinton-and-donald-trump-vice-presidents/>]

On Oklahoma Criminal Justice Reform Bills

Mary Fallin Signed Four Criminal Justice Reform Bills Into Law. "Gov. Mary Fallin signed four criminal justice reform bills last week. 'These measures will preserve public safety while helping control prison costs and reduce incarceration rates,' said Fallin in a press release. 'According to all measures, Oklahoma has some of the highest incarceration rates in the country. 'Many of our inmates are non-violent offenders with drug abuse and alcohol problems who need treatment. This will pave the way for a wider use of drug courts and community sentencing as well as give judges and district attorneys more discretion in sentencing.' The governor signed: * House Bill 2472, which gives prosecutors discretion to file charges for non-85 percent crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. * HB 2479, which reduces the minimum mandatory punishment for drug offenders charged only with possession. * HB 2751, which raises the threshold for property crimes to be charged as a felony to $1,000. * HB 2753, which establishes means for broader use of drug courts and community sentencing. All four measures take effect Nov. 1. Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, was the House author of all four measures. Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, sponsored HBs 2472, 2479 and 2751. Sen. Wayne Shaw, R- Grove, sponsored HB 2753. 'I am pleased to see these smart-on-crime, evidence-based measures signed into law,' Peterson said. 'Our continued focus on how we deal with non-violent offenders strikes a balance between right-sizing our system and ensuring that criminals receive appropriate punishment for their crimes.' The bills were proposed by the sentencing subcommittee of the governor's Oklahoma Justice Reform Committee." [The American, 5/2/16]

On Department Of Human Services Budget

The Oklahoman Editorial: "[Mary] Fallin's Revised Budget Plan, Submitted To Lawmakers In Mid-April, Called For An 8.6 Percent Increase For DHS While Most Other Agencies Would See Their Budgets Cut. Is An Increase - Any Increase - Realistic, Given The $1.3 Billion Hole That Needs To Be Filled?" "IT'S evident that Gov. Mary Fallin would like to spare the Department of Human Services as the budget for fiscal year 2017 is being drafted. Fallin's revised budget plan, submitted to lawmakers in mid-April, called for an 8.6 percent increase for DHS while most other agencies would see their budgets cut. Is an increase - any increase - realistic, given the $1.3 billion hole that needs to be filled?" [Editorial, The Oklahoman, 5/3/16<http://newsok.com/experts-raise-valid-concerns-about-oklahoma-dhs-budget/article/5495524>]

The Oklahoman Editorial: "Meantime, New Pressure Is Being Placed On The Governor And Budget Writers To Hold DHS Harmless." "Meantime, new pressure is being placed on the governor and budget writers to hold DHS harmless. It's coming from three outside experts, called co-neutrals, who are monitoring Oklahoma's compliance with a lawsuit settlement that mandates improvement in DHS's child welfare services over a five-year span." [Editorial, The Oklahoman, 5/3/16<http://newsok.com/experts-raise-valid-concerns-about-oklahoma-dhs-budget/article/5495524>]

The Oklahoman Editorial: "In Their Latest Review Of DHS, The Three Experts Said Friday They Were Highly Concerned About The Effects That Cutting The Agency's Budget Would Have On Compliance." "In their latest review of DHS, the three experts said Friday they were highly concerned about the effects that cutting the agency's budget would have on compliance. They wrote that progress has been solid in reducing caseloads for caseworkers - a primary concern when this process began - but that gains made since entering into the settlement agreement in 2012 'are fragile, and in many instances have not taken root firmly within the agency.' To see this progress reversed due to funding 'could be a shattering setback for children, DHS and this reform,' they wrote." [Editorial, The Oklahoman, 5/3/16<http://newsok.com/experts-raise-valid-concerns-about-oklahoma-dhs-budget/article/5495524>]

The Oklahoman Editorial: "Budget Writers Should Pay Heed To The Co-Neutrals' Valid Concerns As They Complete Their Work This Month." "The state must be able to pay for those plans, however. Those closest to this process have made it clear to lawmakers how they feel about any potential change in that area. Budget writers should pay heed to the co-neutrals' valid concerns as they complete their work this month." [Editorial, The Oklahoman, 5/3/16<http://newsok.com/experts-raise-valid-concerns-about-oklahoma-dhs-budget/article/5495524>]

CARLY FIORINA

Cruz Running Mate

Donald Trump Said He Would Have Helped Carly Fiorina After She Fell Off The Stage. "GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump took a shot at 2016 GOP rival Sen. Ted Cruz after Carly Fiorina, Mr. Cruz's running mate, took a tumble at a recent rally, saying "even" he would have helped Mrs. Fiorina. 'By the way, she fell off the stage the other day, did anybody see that? And Cruz didn't do anything. Even I would have helped her, OK?' Mr. Trump said at a recent rally in Indiana. 'That's really cruel,' Mr. Trump said. 'She just went down. She went down a long way, right? And she went down right in front of him, and he was talking, he kept talking. He didn't even look like - that was a weird deal.' Mr. Trump was referring to an incident that happened Sunday after Mrs. Fiorina was introducing Mr. Cruz and his family at a rally." [Washington Times, 5/3/16<http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/3/donald-trump-even-i-would-have-helped-carly-fiorin/>]

Carly Fiorina Was Not Injured After Falling Of The Stage At A Ted Cruz Rally. "Ted Cruz's campaign says his choice for running mate, Carly Fiorina, is uninjured after falling on the campaign stage.
Cruz spokeswoman Catherine Frazier says Fiorina missed a step Sunday but was uninjured and continues to campaign on behalf of the senator in Indiana. Footage of the incident shows Fiorina dropping quickly, with Cruz apparently unaware as he enters and waves to the crowd. Fiorina re-appears a couple seconds later and is seen hugging Cruz's wife Heidi. The stumble comes as Cruz is trying to shake off the perception that his campaign is in trouble heading into the Indiana primary on Tuesday. Cruz has vowed to keep up his campaign as long as he has a viable route to winning the GOP nomination." [Associated Press, 5/3/16]

In California, Ted Cruz And Carly Fiorina Will Focus On The Central Valley. "Cruz's campaign began airing a TV ad in Indiana calling Trump and Clinton 'two sides of the same coin' because of their similar positions on the Obama administration's nuclear deal with Iran, taxes, and some other policies. The campaign is pressing the same argument in California, targeting committed Republican voters with phone calls, said Rohit Joy, the party chairman in the Bay Area's Contra Costa County and a Cruz backer. 'The targeting effort is critical in a state like California,' he said, noting the separate contests by congressional district. Trump led Cruz by more than 17 percentage points in the state in the RealClearPolitics average of polls in the state on Monday. Ohio Governor John Kasich is in third place. All three candidates spoke at the state party convention, a detour from campaigning in Indiana. Cruz and Fiorina both calibrated their pitches to California's Central Valley, where farmers have clashed with environmentalists over water policy. Cruz said California regulators are wrongly prioritizing freshwater delta smelt over the needs of farmers to irrigate their fields." [Boston Globe, 5/2/16<https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2016/05/02/cruz-mounts-for-broke-campaign-california/uKXrbmUH5qXnkU9klfMTmM/story.html>]

Washington Post: "[Carly] Fiorina Hitched Herself To Cruz At Precisely The Moment His Candidacy Began To Implode, As Polls Showed Him Fading In Must-Win Indiana Before Tuesday's Vote." "A week ago, Carly Fiorina was in a good position to enjoy the sheen of respectability she had acquired. The former Hewlett-Packard chief had run a solid presidential campaign and established herself as an adroit debater who could cut Donald Trump down to size.
Then, on Wednesday, she became Ted Cruz's vice-presidential "nominee" - accepting a nomination Cruz had no authority to bestow. In a case of exceptionally bad timing, Fiorina hitched herself to Cruz at precisely the moment his candidacy began to implode, as polls showed him fading in must-win Indiana before Tuesday's vote. Fiorina's previous criticism of Cruz and her checkered record at HP were again in the news." [Washington Post, 5/3/16]

Washington Post: "If Fiorina Picked Investments The Way She Picked Her Candidate, You Can See Why HP Stopped Requiring Her Services." "But if Fiorina picked investments the way she picked her candidate, you can see why HP stopped requiring her services. She bought Cruz at the peak, when polls showed him close in Indiana. But an NBC-Wall Street Journal poll Sunday found Trump up 15 points." [Washington Post, 5/3/16]

By Picking Carly Fiorina As His Running-Mate, Ted Cruz Was Forced To Explain Past Criticisms Made By Fiorina And Defend Her Record At HP. "And now Cruz and Fiorina have to explain all those things she used to say about him: that 'Cruz is just like any other politician'; that 'there's no honor in charging a hill that you know you can't take, only casualties, although Ted Cruz maybe got name recognition and money'; and that it was 'odd that Senator Ted Cruz did not renounce his dual Canadian citizenship until 2014.' Cruz now also has to defend Fiorina's record at HP, where she let go thousands and sent jobs to India and China. 'Will the Cruz-Fiorina team do the same thing to Indiana that she did to Hewlett-Packard?' Fox News's Chris Wallace asked Cruz on Sunday." [Washington Post, 5/3/16]

Carlyforvp.com Redirected To The Page For A Candidate For The Arizona State Assembly. "A Democrat running for the Arizona Legislature is trying to steal web traffic generated by interest in Republican vice-presidential pick Carly Fiorina. Daniel Hernandez, the intern who helped save Gabrielle Giffords' life when Giffords, then an Arizona congresswoman, was shot in 2011, seized on an unpurchased "Fiorina for VP" web address on Wednesday afternoon, just hours after Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz named her as his running mate. Hernandez's campaign bought http://fiorinaforvp.com, which directs traffic to Hernandez's campaign website for the Legislature. Hernandez, 26, is running against Republican Rep. John Ackerley of Sahuarita. 'How did no one think to buy the URL?' he asked. 'The first thing you're doing when you're running for office is lock down those URLs. It's not a new thing that Carly Fiorina could potentially be a pick for the VP.' Fiorina instead is using 'Carly for America.' Within an hour of Hernandez's website going live, small donations totaling about $500 flowed to his campaign, Hernandez told The Arizona Republic." [Arizona Republic, 5/2/16]

JEFF SESSIONS

Trade

Yonhap News Agency (Korea): Jeff Sessions' "Opposition To The Korea-U.S. Trade Deal Raises Concern Because His Views Are Expected To Have An Impact On Trump, Who Has Long Argued That U.S. Allies Are Not Paying Enough For American Defense Support And The U.S. Should End Their Protection Unless They Agree To Pay More." "A U.S. senator, considered a key foreign policy adviser for Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, has expressed negative views of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, saying the deal brought no benefits to the U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) made the remark during a Senate plenary meeting last week, arguing that the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), a free trade agreement among 12 Asia-Pacific nations awaiting congressional approval, will be bad for the U.S. just like the deal with Korea...The senator's opposition to the Korea-U.S. trade deal raises concern because his views are expected to have an impact on Trump, who has long argued that U.S. allies are not paying enough for American defense support and the U.S. should end their protection unless they agree to pay more." [Yonhap News Agency, 5/3/16<http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2016/05/03/0301000000AEN20160503000400315.html>]

Trump

Christian Science Monitor: "Trump's Employment Of The Phrase ['Nation-State'] Appears To Reflect The Influence Of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) Of Alabama, Congress's Leading Backer Of Trump And The Senate's Most Outspoken Critic Of Illegal Immigration." "'Nation-state': A term from political theory that Donald Trump and his supporters are using to explain his 'America-first,' anti-globalist stance. 'We will no longer surrender this country or its people to the false song of globalism,' Mr. Trump said in his widely publicized, and heavily criticized, foreign-policy speech last week. 'The nation-state remains the true foundation for happiness and harmony.' 'Nation-state' generally refers to an entity of people whose cultural and political interests coincide through shared history, language, and traditions...In the current US context, the phrase 'seems to be a way to emphasize sovereignty,' said Paul Stob, a communication studies professor at Vanderbilt University who focuses on rhetoric and history. 'The term draws attention to the United States' ability to make its own rules, protect its own interests, and pursue its own agenda. 'Nation-state' is a shorthand way of pointing to America's unique - perhaps even exceptional - position in the world.' Trump's employment of the phrase appears to reflect the influence of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) of Alabama, Congress's leading backer of Trump and the Senate's most outspoken critic of illegal immigration." [Christian Science Monitor, 5/2/16<http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/Politics-Voices/2016/0502/Trump-speech-puts-America-first-and-nation-state-into-the-limelight>]

Immigration

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions: "According To Statistics Provided By The U.S. Department Of Homeland Security, Deportations Of Aliens From The United States Have Decreased Precipitously Under The Obama Administration - Particularly Of Those Aliens From The Interior Of The United States." "According to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, deportations of aliens from the United States have decreased precipitously under the Obama Administration - particularly of those aliens from the interior of the United States. In FY 2012, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed 409,849 aliens from the United States, with 180,970 coming from the interior of the United States. In FY 2015, ICE removed 235,413 aliens, with only 69,478 coming from the interior.Put differently, ICE removed nearly 43 percent fewer total aliens from the United States in FY 2015 than it did in FY 2012 - and nearly 62 percent fewer aliens from the interior of the United States." [Press Release, Office of Senator Jeff Sessions, 5/2/16<http://www.sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=40369B5A-23AF-42DB-8E8F-28E5C7E27A83>]

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions: The Obama Administration Used The "Guise" Of Resource Scarcity To Reduce The Number Of Immigrations And Customs Enforcement Deportations. "This dramatic decline in deportations is the direct result of policies implemented by the Obama Administration to get around plain law passed by Congress. Indeed, the guise was to assert that the Government lacked the resources to deport more aliens. The former Director of ICE, John Morton, issued a memorandum in March of 2011, in which he outlined ICE's purported enforcement 'priorities,' and claimed that setting such priorities was necessary because ICE 'only has resources to remove approximately 400,000 aliens per year, less than 4 percent of the estimated illegal alien population in the United States." [Press Release, Office of Senator Jeff Sessions, 5/2/16<http://www.sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=40369B5A-23AF-42DB-8E8F-28E5C7E27A83>]

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions: "While ICE's Detention And Removal Budget Grew Approximately 25 Percent From FY 2012 To FY 2015, The Total Number Of Aliens It Deported From The United States Decreased By Nearly 43 Percent." "Notwithstanding the Administration's claims of limited resources, ICE's budget for detention and removal operations has grown substantially - from $2,750,843,000 in FY2012, to $3,431,444,000 in FY2015. Moreover, just last year, the Administration shifted $113 million away from ICE's budget for detention and removal of aliens. Thus, while ICE's detention and removal budget grew approximately 25 percent from FY 2012 to FY 2015, the total number of aliens it deported from the United States decreased by nearly 43 percent." [Press Release, Office of Senator Jeff Sessions, 5/2/16<http://www.sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=40369B5A-23AF-42DB-8E8F-28E5C7E27A83>]

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions: "ICE Removed 235,390 Criminal Aliens From The United States In FY 2012, As Compared With 139,368 In FY 2015 - Meaning That It Deported Nearly 41 Percent Fewer Criminal Aliens Last Year With 25 Percent More Resources Than It Had In FY 2012." [Press Release, Office of Senator Jeff Sessions, 5/2/16<http://www.sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=40369B5A-23AF-42DB-8E8F-28E5C7E27A83>]

Immigration Subcmte: "SUBCOMMITTEE CHART: Deportations Plummet As ICE Receives More Resources: 1.usa.gov/24uwmDk" [@ImmigrationGOP, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/ImmigrationGOP/status/727256257443287040>]

RICK SCOTT

Social Media

Rick Scott: "Miami, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, & Sarasota-Bradenton Are Among Highest Ranked Cities For Small Biz. Soon To Be 1st!" [FLGovScott, Twitter, 5/3/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/727478120173953024>]

Rick Scott: "Everything That We Are Getting To Do In Our State Is Tied To The Fact That We've Added A Million Jobs." [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 5/2/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/727202829753012224>]

Minimum Wage

Jerry Brown To Rick Scott: "If You're Truly Serious About Florida's Economic Wellbeing, It's Time To Stop The Silly Political Stunts And Start Doing Something About Climate Change - Two Words You Won't Even Let State Officials Say." "If you're truly serious about Florida's economic wellbeing, it's time to stop the silly political stunts and start doing something about climate change - two words you won't even let state officials say. The threat is real and so too will be the devastating impacts." [Huffington Post, 5/2/16<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jerry-brown-rick-scott-climate-change_us_5727744be4b0b49df6abc933>]

VP Chatter

Sun-Sentinel's Michael Mayo: Donald Trump Choosing Rick Scott As A Vice Presidential Nominee "Would Be Like Tuberculosis Picking Leprosy As A Running Mate." "Could two negatives equal a positive when it comes to the key swing state of Florida? Donald Trump, headed toward the Republican nomination with the highest unfavorable ratings ever seen among a major presidential candidate at 65 percent, has mentioned Florida Gov. Rick Scott as a possible vice president. This would be like tuberculosis picking leprosy as a running mate. Scott is one of the least popular sitting governors, scoring 48 percent unfavorable (and 38 percent favorable) in a recent poll. Scott has won two terms, but failed to capture more than 50 percent of the vote in each election. A viral video of a woman berating Scott at a Starbucks last month has gotten nearly as many YouTube views (2.3 million) as Scott got votes in 2014 (2.8 million)." [Michael Mayo column, Sun-Sentinel, 5/2/16<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-trump-scott-mayocol-b050316-20160502-column.html>]

Sun-Sentinel's Michael Mayo: Rick Scott "Hasn't Gotten Along With His Own Republican-Dominated Legislature, Has Often Failed To Get Major Agenda Items Through Tallahassee And Doesn't Have Any D.C. Experience." "That would make Scott a curious choice, because Scott hasn't gotten along with his own Republican-dominated Legislature, has often failed to get major agenda items through Tallahassee and doesn't have any D.C. experience. Scott has a reputation as aloof and robotic, the anti-Trump when it comes to personality and humor." [Michael Mayo column, Sun-Sentinel, 5/2/16<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-trump-scott-mayocol-b050316-20160502-column.html>]

Sun-Sentinel's Michael Mayo: Rick Scott "Has A Reputation As Aloof And Robotic, The Anti-Trump When It Comes To Personality And Humor." "That would make Scott a curious choice, because Scott hasn't gotten along with his own Republican-dominated Legislature, has often failed to get major agenda items through Tallahassee and doesn't have any D.C. experience. Scott has a reputation as aloof and robotic, the anti-Trump when it comes to personality and humor." [Michael Mayo column, Sun-Sentinel, 5/2/16<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-trump-scott-mayocol-b050316-20160502-column.html>]

Sun-Sentinel's Michael Mayo: "My Sense Is Trump's Name-Dropping Of Scott Is Just A Thank You To The Governor For His Early Support And Future Help." "My sense is Trump's name-dropping of Scott is just a thank you to the governor for his early support and future help. Scott endorsed Trump soon after the Florida primary and has been calling for party unity. The V.P. publicity will help Scott with his expected U.S. Senate run against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in 2018." [Michael Mayo column, Sun-Sentinel, 5/2/16<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-trump-scott-mayocol-b050316-20160502-column.html>]

Rick Scott Adviser Melissa Sellers: "Governor Scott Is A Long-Time Friend Of Donald Trump's. They Have Known Each Other In The Business World For Many Years - Long Before The Governor First Ran For Office In 2010." "But Melissa Sellers, Scott's former chief of staff and a current adviser, dismissed the speculation Monday. 'The governor has made it clear that he has the job he wants and he won't leave it,' Sellers said in an email. 'Of course, he would always be willing to provide any insights from his experience in turning around Florida's economy. Governor Scott is a long-time friend of Donald Trump's. They have known each other in the business world for many years - long before the governor first ran for office in 2010.'" [Tallahassee Democrat, 5/2/16<http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/02/speculation-gov-rick-scott-running-mate-increases/83855462/>]

Judicial Appointments

Palm Beach Post: "Florida Secretary Of State Ken Detzner, Appointed By Gov. Rick Scott As The State's Top Elections Official, Says The Governor - Not Voters - Should Fill The Seat On The County Court Bench Being Vacated By Judge Laura Johnson." "Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, appointed by Gov. Rick Scott as the state's top elections official, says the governor - not voters - should fill the seat on the county court bench being vacated by Judge Laura Johnson. At least one potential candidate, attorney Gregg Lerman, says he plans to file papers to run for Johnson's Group 11 seat and said he's ready file a lawsuit to force the race onto the ballot. Palm Beach County Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher , meanwhile, said Monday she plans to accept candidate qualifying papers this week for Group 11 while asking her lawyer for advice. Johnson, whose term expires in 2021, submitted her resignation last month effective Jan. 3 as she runs for a Circuit Court judgeship. Scott's office contends the resignation creates a vacancy for the governor to fill as specified in Article 5 of the state constitution. Lerman and others argue that under Florida's resign-to-run law, the timing of Johnson's resignation means the seat should be filled by an election." [Palm Beach Post, 5/3/16<http://postonpolitics.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/05/03/article-5-showdown-rick-scott-potential-judge-candidate-differ-on-appointment-vs-election/>]

Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County Supervisor Of Elections Susan Bucher "Said She Is Asking Her Lawyer To Determine The Validity Of Detzner's Claims About The Governor's Powers As Well As His Powers To Force Her To Abide By His Legal View." "In a 2½-page letter, Detzner told Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher to back off plans to let lawyers file papers to run for the county court seat that Judge Laura Johnson is leaving so she can run for circuit judge. The letter arrived hours after the start of the weeklong period for judicial candidates to qualify for the Aug. 30 election...Bucher said she is asking her lawyer to determine the validity of Detzner's claims about the governor's powers as well as his powers to force her to abide by his legal view. The dispute over Johnson's seat pits Article 5 of the Constitution, which gives the governor power to fill judicial vacancies, against the state's resign-to-run law, which sets the conditions for elected officials to leave one office to seek another." [Palm Beach Post, 5/2/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/secretary-of-state-to-bucher-no-need-for-election-/nrGDX/>]

Palm Beach Post:The Florida Supreme Court Wrote In The 1970s That "Of Course, Resignations Under (The Resign To Run Law) Or Under Similar Circumstances Do Not Create A Vacancy Which Activates The Duties Of The (Judicial Nominating) Commissions Or Empower The Governor To Make Direct Appointments." "Twenty years earlier, Gov. Reubin Askew got a similar response when he asked the state Supreme Court to explain his powers under Article 5, which had recently been revised in the wake of scandals over political patronage that threatened the integrity of the state's judiciary. 'Of course, resignations under (the Resign to Run Law) or under similar circumstances do not create a vacancy which activates the duties of the (judicial nominating) commissions or empower the governor to make direct appointments,' it wrote." [Palm Beach Post, 5/2/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/secretary-of-state-to-bucher-no-need-for-election-/nrGDX/>]

Florida Prisons

Bay News 9: The Florida Department Of Corrections Declined To Renew Two State Prisoner Re-Entry Programs, Which "Could Result In The Program's Participants Being Directed Back To State Prisons, Potentially At An Increased Cost To Taxpayers." "Advocates of an inmate re-entry program on Monday accused the Florida Department of Corrections of making a rash decision to close two of the program's facilities, warning the decision could lead to an increase in recidivism. The two re-entry centers, in Bradenton and Lauderdale Lakes, are run by the Florida Bridges nonprofit. They offer behavioral counseling and career training to inmates who are nearing the end of their sentences and have been hailed for producing graduates who are more than two times less likely than their traditional counterparts to return to prison within three years of their release. Corrections officials, however, have decided not to renew the state's contracts with the Bridges facilities. The move could result in the program's participants being directed back to state prisons, potentially at an increased cost to taxpayers." [Bay News 9, 5/2/16<http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2016/5/2/closing_of_inmate_re.html>]

Syrian Refugees

WOKV: Despite Rick Scott's Opposition To Syrian Refugees, "Sixty-Seven Syrians Have Relocated To Florida Since November" 2015. "U.S. State Department documents show the federal government is allowing dozens of Syrian families to resettle in Florida, ignoring objections voiced by Gov. Rick Scott. Sixty-seven Syrians have relocated to Florida since November. That was when Scott and other Republicans, in the days after the terror attacks in Paris, called on the Obama Administration to pause the Syrian resettlement program." [WOKV, 5/2/16<http://www.wokv.com/news/news/local/exclusive-syrian-refugees-are-coming-florida-despi/nrGCk/>]

HEADLINE: "State Receives Just One Letter Supporting Retreat From Anti-Discrimination Rules For LGBT Foster Children." [Tampa Bay Times, 5/3/16<http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/state-receives-just-one-letter-supporting-retreat-from-anti-discrimination/2275725>]

Tampa Bay Times: When Florida's Department Of Children And Families Backtracked From Rules That Would Ban LGBT Discrimination, "More Than 50 People Appeared At A Public Hearing To Protest The Change, And 700 Submitted A Written Comment To The Department Of Children And Families Opposing It." "When the state first proposed to backtrack from new rules banning discrimination and controversial conversion therapies for LGBT foster children in group homes, the response from Florida's gay-rights groups was loud. Equality Florida - which lobbies for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights - sent out an alert: 'PROTECTIONS FOR FLORIDA'S LGBTQ FOSTER KIDS ARE UNDER ATTACK!' The result: More than 50 people appeared at a public hearing to protest the change, and 700 submitted a written comment to the Department of Children and Families opposing it." [Tampa Bay Times, 5/3/16<http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/state-receives-just-one-letter-supporting-retreat-from-anti-discrimination/2275725>]

TIM SCOTT

On The Investing In Opportunity Act

The Daily Beast: Tim Scott And Cory Booker Have Partnered To Introduce The Investing In Opportunity Act, Which Would "Incentivize Long-Term Private Investment In Distressed Communities By Allowing Individuals And Businesses To Delay Payment Of Capital Gains Taxes By Putting Cash Into Opportunity Funds." "Demagogues always do well in economic downturns, but this surreal presidential cycle has so far been defined by the rise of populist anger during an economic expansion. One reason why: The recovery from the great recession has not been equally distributed. America's poorest ZIP Codes have seen a deepening of economic despair during the Obama years while the wealthiest ZIP Codes have boomed...But there is a glimmer of hope in a new bipartisan bill backed by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott (R-SC)-perhaps not incidentally the Senate's only two African Americans...Their bill would incentivize long-term private investment in distressed communities by allowing individuals and businesses to delay payment of capital gains taxes by putting cash into Opportunity Funds." [The Daily Beast, 5/2/16<http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/02/cory-booker-and-tom-scott-s-bipartisan-plan-to-wage-a-smart-war-on-poverty.html>]

On Charter Schools

Tim Scott: "That's Why I Will Continue To Advocate For School Choice In The Senate, Including Magnet Programs, Virtual Learning, Private Schools, Homeschooling And Charter Schools." "Each year, we take time to celebrate the amazing work of charter schools and their many successes during National Charter School Week. Across our great country, teachers and school leaders, parents and volunteers are working hard to provide good, high performing schools for our children. Today, charter schools are responsible for driving diverse, creative new innovations in the educational arena. They play a critical role in delivering options for families and communities. Throughout our country and here in South Carolina, every year charter schools are serving more and more families and can be found in more and more communities. I have long believed that more educational freedom for families is important to meet the needs of our children. That's why I will continue to advocate for school choice in the Senate, including magnet programs, virtual learning, private schools, homeschooling and charter schools. As we celebrate, I hope South Carolinians take the time to honor the important work charter school teachers, leaders and advocates continue to do on behalf of our next generation." [Senator Tim Scott, Facebook, 5/2/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTimScott>]