Subject: Dailies 4.20
From: "Brinster, Jeremy" <[email-masked]>
To: "Yoxall, Collin" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2016 09:51:07 -0700

Thanks!

RICK SCOTT

Tenure as Governor

Rick Scott: "Every Day I Can Go Around The State And Say You Can Get A Job In This State." "In praising conservative principles at work in government during a speech in New Port Richey on Tuesday night, Gov. Rick Scott was sure to thank a mostly GOP-crowd for electing a majority of Republicans to the Florida Legislature and to the Florida Cabinet over the years. Scott told the Republicans at the Ronald Reagan Dinner, sponsored by the Pasco County Republican Party, it's because of that the state is doing so well. 'Every day I can go around the state and say you can get a job in this state,' Scott said, touting the state's jobs gains since he was elected governor in 2010." [Miami Herald, 4/20/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/article72814042.html>]

Rick Scott: "We'll Need To Elect Another Great Governor." "'I have two years and 8 or 9 months to go,' Scott told the crowd. 'This is a great job. We'll need to elect another great governor.' Quickly realizing he had just called himself great, Scott laughed and joked that of course people in the audience know he's great, which prompted the audience to laugh along." [Miami Herald, 4/20/16<http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/article72814042.html>]

Trump

Rick Scott On Trump: "If We Want To Win In November, We Better Rally Behind Him." "'So we need to support the Republican nominee,' Scott said. After his approximately 17 minute speech, Scott told the Times/Herald that he thinks Republicans will unite in time for the general election because there is a clear contrast with either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. 'If we want to win in November, we better rally behind him,' Scott said of Trump." [Tampa Bay Times, 4/19/16<http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/gov-rick-scott-says-gop-better-rally-behind-trump/2273936>]

Chloe's Law

Rick Scott Signed A Bill That Required "The Florida Department Of Transportation To Increase Barriers Along Bodies Of Water On State Roads Where Deaths Have Occurred." "Gov. Rick Scott has signed 'Chloe's Law,' which was named after a former University of Central Florida student who was killed in a crash in 2015. News 6 has been getting results since the bill was first proposed after 21-year-old Chloe Arenas died when she fell asleep and crashed into a retention pond off of State Road 408. Chloe's Law requires the Florida Department of Transportation to increase barriers along bodies of water on state roads where deaths have occurred, according to new FDOT guidelines." [News 6 Orlando, 4/19/16<http://www.clickorlando.com/news/gov-rick-scott-signs-chloes-law>]

Environment

Florida Politics' Diane Roberts: Rick Scott "Fought Measurable Clean Water Standards, Siding With Polluters At Every Turn." "Ever wonder what will be left of natural Florida when Rick Scott slithers out of the Governor's Mansion for the last time? Look at the Indian River Lagoon. Once a 150 mile-long bay of clear water filled with manatees, sea grasses and oysters, it has become a brown, stinking monoculture where only algae thrive. The fish are dying or dead... But he's also fought measurable clean water standards, siding with polluters at every turn. In 2015, he refused to support buying the U.S. Sugar land - land Big Shug now may want to develop - that would have gone a long way toward restoring the River of Grass." [Diane Roberts column, Florida Politics, 4/19/16<http://floridapolitics.com/archives/207404-diane-roberts-rick-scotts-business-buddies-want-kill-bears-panthers-environment>]

Florida Politics' Diane Roberts: "The Filthy Rich Industries Helping To Bankroll Scott's 2018 U.S. Senate Bid Are Allowed To Continue Back-Pumping 72 Billion Gallons Of Toxic Water From Lake Okeechobee Into The St. Lucie, The Indian River And Out Into The Atlantic Ocean." "Instead, the filthy rich industries helping to bankroll Scott's 2018 U.S. Senate bid are allowed to continue back-pumping 72 billion gallons of toxic water from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie, the Indian River and out into the Atlantic Ocean as if a giant septic tank had exploded on Florida's east coast." [Diane Roberts column, Florida Politics, 4/19/16<http://floridapolitics.com/archives/207404-diane-roberts-rick-scotts-business-buddies-want-kill-bears-panthers-environment>]

Florida Politics' Diane Roberts: "The Water Management Districts, Denuded Of Their Scientists, Packed With Scott's Venal Appointees, Do Nothing To Upset Big Ag, Big Builder Or Big Phosphate." "Under the Scott regime, DEP has ditched that quaint notion of 'protection,' becoming the Department of Environmental Prostitution - or maybe the Department of Environmental Profit. The water management districts, denuded of their scientists, packed with Scott's venal appointees, do nothing to upset Big Ag, Big Builder or Big Phosphate." [Diane Roberts column, Florida Politics, 4/19/16<http://floridapolitics.com/archives/207404-diane-roberts-rick-scotts-business-buddies-want-kill-bears-panthers-environment>]

Florida Politics' Diane Roberts: The Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission Includes "An Engineering Contractor, A Builder, A Property Developer, A Rancher, A Lawyer, And A Shill For Big Everglades Polluters... No Scientists. No One With Expertise In Wildlife." "Check out Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation commissioners. There's an engineering contractor, a builder, a property developer, a rancher, a lawyer, and a shill for big Everglades polluters. FWC Chair Brian Yablonski, who works for Gulf Power, is probably the pick of the litter, though his company had to be sued to make it clean up the coal ash from its Sneads generating plant. No scientists. No one with expertise in wildlife (killing critters doesn't count). A lot of people who make money exploiting Florida's land and water." [Diane Roberts column, Florida Politics, 4/19/16<http://floridapolitics.com/archives/207404-diane-roberts-rick-scotts-business-buddies-want-kill-bears-panthers-environment>]

Insurance Commission

Rick Scott Was Set To Meet With State Rep. Bill Hager Over A Possible Appointment As State Insurance Commissioner. "New developments in the hunt for Florida's first new insurance commissioner in 13 years: Gov. Rick Scott's office said he will meet Wednesday with state Rep. Bill Hager, R-Delray Beach. The meeting comes at Hager's request, a spokeswoman for Scott said late Tuesday." [Palm Beach Post, 4/19/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/business/new-interviews-stir-pot-in-florida-insurance-commi/nq7xX/>]

Rick Scott Failed To Back Hager For The State Insurance Commission Post When The Cabinet Voted In March 2016. "Meanwhile, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is scheduled to talk to at least four new candidates by Wednesday. They are the first publicly disclosed interviews since the Cabinet failed to agree in late March on either of two finalists. They were Hager, a former Iowa insurance commissioner, and Jeffrey Bragg, a former Tampa-area insurance executive and federal terrorism and flood insurance administrator. Scott backed Bragg but the candidate faced questions in the Cabinet meeting about a story in The Palm Beach Post involving a lawsuit, later settled, claiming he misled investors in a past Florida venture. North Palm Beach's Atwater moved that Hager should become commissioner in the last Cabinet meeting, but Scott declined to agree, opening up the application process again." [Palm Beach Post, 4/19/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/business/new-interviews-stir-pot-in-florida-insurance-commi/nq7xX/>]

University Trustees

Pensacola News Journal: "A Push To Expand Industry In The State Perhaps Explains Why Gov. Rick Scott Shook Up The University Of West Florida Board Of Trustees Last Month." "A push to expand industry in the state perhaps explains why Gov. Rick Scott shook up the University of West Florida board of trustees last month. The governor declined to reappoint Susan O'Connor and Garrett Walton in favor of Greg Britton, CEO of Fort Walton Machining, and Bob Sires, CEO and founder of Bay State Cable Ties in Crestview. UWF Board Chairman Lewis Bear Jr. said the governor oftentimes discusses reappointments with the university president and board chairman before making a decision. But in this instance, Scott appointed Britton and Sires without consulting Bear or Judy Bense." [Pensacola News Journal, 4/19/16<http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/04/19/governor-shakes-up-uwf-board/83240334/>]

Pensacola News Journal: In A Departure From Precedent, Rick Scott Declined To Discuss His Shakeup Of The University Of West Florida Board Of Trustees With The University President Or Board Chairman. "A push to expand industry in the state perhaps explains why Gov. Rick Scott shook up the University of West Florida board of trustees last month. The governor declined to reappoint Susan O'Connor and Garrett Walton in favor of Greg Britton, CEO of Fort Walton Machining, and Bob Sires, CEO and founder of Bay State Cable Ties in Crestview. UWF Board Chairman Lewis Bear Jr. said the governor oftentimes discusses reappointments with the university president and board chairman before making a decision. But in this instance, Scott appointed Britton and Sires without consulting Bear or Judy Bense." [Pensacola News Journal, 4/19/16<http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/04/19/governor-shakes-up-uwf-board/83240334/>]

Planned Parenthood

The Obama Administration "Warned Florida And Other States That Medicaid Dollars Cannot Be Shut Off From Planned Parenthood Simply Because Many Of Its Clinics Provide Abortion Services." "The Obama administration Tuesday warned Florida and other states that Medicaid dollars cannot be shut off from Planned Parenthood simply because many of its clinics provide abortion services. Florida is among 10 states that have recently taken action aimed at barring public dollars from going to Planned Parenthood, which has been under fire since videos now discredited were released last summer which purportedly showed officials with the organization discussing the sale of fetal parts." [Palm Beach Post, 4/19/16<http://postonpolitics.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/04/19/obama-administration-warns-florida-and-other-states-that-medicaid-money-cant-be-barred-from-abortion-providers/>]

Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services Director: "Providing The Full Range Of Women's Health Services Neither Disqualifies A Provider From Participating In The Medicaid Program... And Shall Not Be Grounds For A State's Action Against A Provider In The Medicaid Program." "But Vikki Wachino, director of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, issued a document Tuesday to state Medicaid directors, stating that a ban such as the one approved by Florida's Republican-dominated Legislature would violate federal law. 'Providing the full range of women's health services neither disqualifies a provider from participating in the Medicaid program, nor is the provision of such services inconsistent with the best interests of the beneficiary, and shall not be grounds for a state's action against a provider in the Medicaid program,' Wachino wrote. She said the Social Security Act's 'free choice of provider' provision guarantees Medicaid beneficiaries the right to see any willing and qualified provider of their choice." [News 4 Jax, 4/20/16<http://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/feds-say-new-abortion-law-cant-block-clinic-funding>]

The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services Director "Said The Social Security Act's 'Free Choice Of Provider' Provision Guarantees Medicaid Beneficiaries The Right To See Any Willing And Qualified Provider Of Their Choice."  "But Vikki Wachino, director of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, issued a document Tuesday to state Medicaid directors, stating that a ban such as the one approved by Florida's Republican-dominated Legislature would violate federal law. 'Providing the full range of women's health services neither disqualifies a provider from participating in the Medicaid program, nor is the provision of such services inconsistent with the best interests of the beneficiary, and shall not be grounds for a state's action against a provider in the Medicaid program,' Wachino wrote. She said the Social Security Act's 'free choice of provider' provision guarantees Medicaid beneficiaries the right to see any willing and qualified provider of their choice." [News 4 Jax, 4/20/16<http://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/feds-say-new-abortion-law-cant-block-clinic-funding>]

Rick Scott's Office Would Not Confirm Whether Or Not Florida Would Seek A Medicaid Waiver From The Obama Administration To Enact Their Ban On State Funding For Abortion Clinics. "However, House sponsor Burton told The News Service of Florida earlier this month that she and Stargel had known when their bill passed that AHCA would have to apply to the federal government for what is known as a Medicaid 'waiver' to implement the portion of the bill dealing with the funding ban. Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz would not confirm that the administration was considering such a waiver, noting that the bill doesn't take effect until July 1. 'We're working with our agencies on it, and looking at our options,' she said." [News 4 Jax, 4/20/16<http://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/feds-say-new-abortion-law-cant-block-clinic-funding>]

Economy

Rick Scott: "Great News! 'Two South Florida Cities Rank Among Best Places To Start A Small Business' @Sfbjnews" [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/722456113111810048>]

Jobs

Rick Scott: "Excited To Announce @Toppsdigital Will Be Establishing An Office In #Orlando And Creating 16 New Jobs. Http://Bit.Ly/1Sqqtlf" [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/722462031652208640>]

Rick Scott Attended A Ceremony To Welcome OneWeb Satellites As They Confirmed Plans To Build A Facility In Merritt Island That Would Provide 250 Jobs With An Average Salary Of More Than $65,000. "A state-of-the art factory opening next year at Kennedy Space Center will put the Space Coast at the forefront of a new type of space business: mass production of satellites. OneWeb Satellites on Tuesday confirmed plans to crank out as many as 15 small communications spacecraft a week from its assembly line, work expected to create 250 jobs in the 120,000 square foot facility to be built in KSC's Exploration Park on Merritt Island...Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Florida House was among dignitaries attending a ceremony in Exploration Park to welcome the company and its jobs, which will have an average wage of more than $65,000." [Florida Today, 4/19/16<http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2016/04/19/oneweb-build-satellites-space-coast/83194754/>]

Taxes

Naples Daily News: The Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association Commended Rick Scott For "Signing The Permanent Sales Tax Exemption On Manufacturing Machinery And Equipment" Into Law As Part Of A Tax Cut Package.  "The Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) officially commends Governor Rick Scott's support of the manufacturing industry by signing the permanent sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment in HB 7099, the Tax Package effective July 1, 2016. SRMA is pleased that its efforts, alongside those of Florida's other regional manufacturing associations and the Manufacturers Association of Florida, succeeded in highlighting the importance of making a temporary exemption that was in place permanent." [Naples Daily News, 4/20/16<http://www.naplesnews.com/participate/376378511.html>]

Education

Rick Scott: "Proud To See #Readysetwork University Challenge Participant @FGCU Helping Students Get Quality, Affordable Degrees!" [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/20/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/722794543079407616>]

Social Media

Rick Scott: "Congrats To The National Champion @JWMHS Hockey Team For Bringing Home Florida's 1st @Usahockey Title!" [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/722533729114185728>]

DOUG DUCEY

Education / Prop 123

Doug Ducey Thanked Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton For His Support Of Prop 123. "Thank you @mayorstanton for your continued support of @yesprop123! It's a big FIRST step. #PhxSOTC" [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722520060858773504>]

Doug Ducey: "Congrats To #AZ Public School Teachers, Principals & Students @Basisscottsdale @Basistucsnorth @Basisorovalley" [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722472830684672000>]

Doug Ducey: "#AZ Has A Total Of 5 Public High Schools In @Usnews's Top 25 High Schools, Including @Universityhigh & @Acpknights Http://Bit.Ly/1nl13rm" [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/722586929129074688>]

Doug Ducey: Arizona Schools Topping The U.S. News List Of Best Public High Schools Was "Just Further Evidence That In Arizona Our Teachers And Principals Know How To Educate A Child." "Excellent news for #Arizona public school teachers, principals and students. AZ high schools dominated the 2016 U.S. News and World Report rankings of the best high schools in America. Two Arizona high schools even made the list of having the best STEM programs in the country for their focus on science and technology. This is just further evidence that in Arizona our teachers and principals know how to educate a child." [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 4/19/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/photos/a.407194629402448.1073741827.407182479403663/890228621099044/?type=3&theater>]

Climate

Politifact Rated Doug Ducey's Claim That "90 Percent Of Fires In Arizona Are Human-Caused" Half-True. [Politifact, 4/19/16<http://www.politifact.com/arizona/statements/2016/apr/19/doug-ducey/are-90-percent-fires-arizona-caused-humans/>]

Doug Ducey: "Unattended Campfires, Discarded Cigarettes, Hot Exhaust Pipes, Any Source Of Extreme Heat Or Spark Can Result In A Wallow Or Rodeo-Chediski Fire." "As officials gear up for wildfire season in Arizona, Gov. Doug Ducey talked fire safety at a press conference April 13. 'I think it's important to note that 90 percent of fires in Arizona are human-caused,' Ducey said. 'Unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, hot exhaust pipes, any source of extreme heat or spark can result in a Wallow or Rodeo-Chediski fire.'" [Politifact, 4/19/16<http://www.politifact.com/arizona/statements/2016/apr/19/doug-ducey/are-90-percent-fires-arizona-caused-humans/>]

Politifact: Doug Ducey's Spokesman Argued That According To Arizona State Forestry Data, "In 2015, 352 Out Of 404 Fires, More Than 87 Percent, Were Human-Caused." "Ducey's spokesman, Daniel Scarpinato, provided us with Arizona State Forestry data that backs up the governor's claim on the surface. In 2015, 352 out of 404 fires, more than 87 percent, were human-caused. Of the 304 fires reported this year, 296, more than 97 percent, were human-caused. The State Forestry maintains a database of all fires, even if they don't respond to a blaze at first. State Forestry spokesman Bill Boyd said most fires historically are human-caused, even something as simple as parking a hot car over grass." [Politifact, 4/19/16<http://www.politifact.com/arizona/statements/2016/apr/19/doug-ducey/are-90-percent-fires-arizona-caused-humans/>]

Data Offered To Back Up Doug Ducey's Claims About Human-Caused Fire In Arizona Did Not Include Federal Lands, Which Make Up Much Of Arizona's Area. "But there's a caveat here -- the data only includes fires on state and private land, not federal land. Ducey said 'in Arizona,' which also includes federally-managed land. Almost 40 percent of the Grand Canyon State is federal land. Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Agriculture Department, U.S. Defense Department and U.S. Interior Department, have fire jurisdiction over certain areas of land. For example, the U.S. Forest Service has fire jurisdiction over national forests and the Bureau of Indian Affairs does the same for tribal land." [Politifact, 4/19/16<http://www.politifact.com/arizona/statements/2016/apr/19/doug-ducey/are-90-percent-fires-arizona-caused-humans/>]

Politifact: According To The Southwest Coordination Center, "For The Entire State Of Arizona -- State, Private And Federal Land -- 61 Percent Of Fires In 2015 Were Caused By Humans, And 39 Percent Of Fires Were Caused By Lightning." "All that coordination means we do have a total for the entire state for human-caused fires. According to the Southwest Coordination Center, for the entire state of Arizona -- state, private and federal land -- 61 percent of fires in 2015 were caused by humans, and 39 percent of fires were caused by lightning." [Politifact, 4/19/16<http://www.politifact.com/arizona/statements/2016/apr/19/doug-ducey/are-90-percent-fires-arizona-caused-humans/>]

Freeway Shooter

Fox News: "A Man Charged In Freeway Shootings That Rattled Phoenix Last Year Has Been Released From Jail Amid Questions About The Evidence That Authorities Say Links Him To The Crimes." "A man charged in freeway shootings that rattled Phoenix last year has been released from jail amid questions about the evidence that authorities say links him to the crimes. The release of Leslie Merritt Jr. on Tuesday came after a judge reduced his bond to zero and said he can return to his home under electronic monitoring." [Fox News, 4/20/16<http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/04/20/freeway-shooting-suspect-released-amid-doubts-about-evidence.html>]

Fox News: Suspected Arizona Freeway Shooter Leslie Merritt Was Released From Jail For Lack of Evidence Months After Doug Ducey Declared "We Got Him!" Immediately Following Merritt's Arrest. "A man charged in freeway shootings that rattled Phoenix last year has been released from jail amid questions about the evidence that authorities say links him to the crimes...Lamm told a crowd of reporters outside the courtroom that Merritt was elated and overwhelmed. 'Our client was branded public enemy No. 1, he was called a domestic terrorist and he's been in jail in solitary confinement for seven months. Our reaction? We're thrilled,' Lamm said. The shootings caused panic on Phoenix-area freeways, where 11 vehicles were hit in August and September. The head of the Department of Public Safety said the shootings were the work of a domestic terrorist, and authorities heightened patrols and surveillance in pursuit of a suspect. Detectives took Merritt into custody on Sept. 18, prompting Gov. Doug Ducey to declare 'We got him!' on Twitter five minutes after the arrest." [Fox News, 4/20/16<http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/04/20/freeway-shooting-suspect-released-amid-doubts-about-evidence.html>]

Pre-Emption

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton Criticized The Pre-Emption Bill Signed By Doug Ducey In His State Of The City Speech. "Throughout his speech, Stanton revisited the theme that Phoenix has led when politicians at the state level have failed Arizona. He portrayed the city as setting a statewide example, from its approval of a tax-hike for transportation projects to its early push to open a trade office in Mexico. Stanton specifically referenced a bill Gov. Doug Ducey has signed into law that allows state leaders to withhold state-shared revenue from cities if the attorney general determines a city or county has passed a regulation that conflicts with state law. 'Well, here's what I say to the legislators who voted for that bill: The city of Phoenix, we're not the problem,' Stanton said. 'In fact, we are the solution, and instead of interfering with progress, learn from us. We are leading on the economy, on human rights.'" [Arizona republic, 4/19/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2016/04/19/phoenix-mayor-greg-stanton-state-of-city-coyotes-suns-police-body-cameras/83214608/>]

Trump

Doug Ducey Attended The Speech In Which Susana Martinez Sharply Criticized Trump Over His Language About Immigrants. "New Mexico's governor, Susana Martinez, chairwoman of the Republican Governors Association, did not mince words: She told the crowd of about 60 wealthy GOP backers that, as a Latina, she was offended by Trump's language about immigrants. Noting her years working as a prosecutor on the Mexican border and now as a border-state governor, Martinez said Trump's plan to build a wall and force Mexico to pay for it was unrealistic and irresponsible, according to multiple people in attendance...The comments by Martinez and Haley came during a lunch for current and prospective RGA donors, hosted by Koch, a major backer of the organization. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, a former RGA chairman, moderated the session, which also was attended by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker." [Washington Post, 4/20/16<http://www.abqjournal.com/760016/news/gov-rebukes-trump-on-rhetoric-over-immigrants.html>]

SCOTT WALKER

John Doe

Wisconsin Public Radio: "A State John Doe Investigation Into A Troubled Juvenile Prison In Northern Wisconsin Has Been Closed Under A Law Signed Last Year By Gov. Scott Walker That Put Time Limits On Such Cases." "A state John Doe investigation into a troubled juvenile prison in northern Wisconsin has been closed under a law signed last year by Gov. Scott Walker that put time limits on such cases. Meanwhile, a federal investigation into the Lincoln Hills School for Boys in Irma continues. The John Doe investigation into Lincoln Hills was looking into a variety of potential crimes at the juvenile prison, including sexual assault and child abuse. It began six months ago, but court records show it ended Monday." [Wisconsin Public Radio, 4/19/16<http://www.wpr.org/john-doe-investigation-lincoln-hills-abuse-allegations-closed>]

Trump

HEADLINE: "Walker says he would support Trump if he's GOP nominee." [Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, 4/20/16<http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/376389691.html>]

Wisconsin Journal Sentinel: Scott Walker On Supporting Trump As The GOP Nominee: "To Me, I Think It's Preferable To Have A Republican Nominee Over Hillary Clinton." "It took a while for Gov. Scott Walker to commit, but he finally did on Wednesday.  Walker said he would support real estate mogul Donald Trump if he's the GOP presidential nominee -- though it's clear he's still hoping that doesn't happen. Trump scored a sweeping victory in Tuesday's New York primary.  'I will support the Republican running against (Democratic front-runner) Hillary Clinton in the fall -- whoever that is,' Walker said at a news conference in Wauwatosa on Wednesday morning.  And if Trump is the nominee? 'Yeah,' Walker said, declining to say Trump's name. 'To me, I think it's preferable to have a Republican nominee over Hillary Clinton. I think there's a lot of distress not only amongst Republicans and independents, but I think part of Bernie Sanders' support is because a lot of young voters, in particular, don't trust her.'" [Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, 4/20/16<http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/376389691.html>]

Wisconsin Journal Sentinel: Scott Walker "Said He Is Predicting That Cruz Wins On The Second Or Third Ballot." "In the end, Walker said, he doubts that either Trump or Cruz have the backing of enough delegates to earn the nomination on the first ballot. He said he is predicting that Cruz wins on the second or third ballot." [Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, 4/20/16<http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/376389691.html>]

Wisconsin Journal Sentinel On Scott Walker: "The Wisconsin Governor Held The Door Open For Switching His Support To Another Candidate If GOP Delegates Cannot Settle On A Candidate Quickly." [Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, 4/20/16<http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/376389691.html>]

Scott Walker On A Contested Convention: "If Ted Cruz Or Donald Trump . . . Was Below 30% Of The Floor Vote, I Think They Would No Longer Seriously Be In Consideration...If It Got To That Point, I Think Everything's Up In The Air." "As a delegate, he said he is bound to vote for Cruz as long as the Texas senator has the support of 30% of the floor vote.  'If Ted Cruz or Donald Trump . . . was below 30% of the floor vote, I think they would no longer seriously be in consideration,' Walker said. 'If it got to that point, I think everything's up in the air.'" [Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, 4/20/16<http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/376389691.html>]

Newsmax: Scott Walker "Did Not Rule Out Being Part Of The Nomination Process At The Convention." "The two-term governor did not rule out being part of the nomination process at the convention and says he doesn't 'see any way that [Ohiov Gov. John] Kasich or anybody else gets it.' Adding that voters who have backed 'either Cruz or Trump' would view a new nominee as being 'unfair and not right.'"  [Newsmax, 4/20/16<http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Scott-Walker-Cleveland-Open-Convention/2016/04/20/id/724861/>]

Wisconsin Public Radio Poll: 71 Percent Of Wisconsinites Said They Would Oppose Scott Walker's Nominated For President At A Contested GOP Convention. "Most respondents to the new Wisconsin Survey said that they don't want the Republican Party to nominate either U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan or Gov. Scott Walker for the presidency...Fifty-four percent of respondents would oppose a Ryan nomination while 35 percent said they would support him. Seventy-one percent said they would oppose a Walker nomination, but 24 percent said they would welcome his return to the presidential race." [Wisconsin Public Radio, 4/20/16<http://www.wpr.org/poll-most-respondents-dont-want-walker-ryan-gop-presidential-nomination>]

Third Term

Scott Walker Said He Was Leaning Toward Running For A Third Term In 2018. "Walker is not ruling out running for a third term as governor in his state, which has no term limits. He told Benson that he was not going to make an official decision until next year, but he is leaning toward running again." [Newsmax, 4/20/16<http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Scott-Walker-Cleveland-Open-Convention/2016/04/20/id/724861/>]

UW Extension

HEADLINE: "Scott Walker Has Destroyed What It Means to Be a Wisconsinite." [Esquire, 4/19/16<http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a44135/scott-walker-wisconsin-idea/>]

Esquire: Scott Walker Was A "Goggle-Eyed Homunculus Hired By Koch Industries To Manage Their Midwest Subsidiary Formerly Known As The State Of Wisconsin." "Just as naturally, the administration of Scott Walker, the goggle-eyed homunculus hired by Koch Industries to manage their Midwest subsidiary formerly known as the state of Wisconsin, has arranged its budgetary matters to ensure that the extension service is gutted." [Esquire, 4/19/16<http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a44135/scott-walker-wisconsin-idea/>]

Esquire: Scott Walker Teamed Up With The Koch Brothers To Ensure That The UW Extension Was "Gutted." "Naturally, at the turn of the last century, this approach was particularly popular in Wisconsin, where it became part of The Wisconsin Idea, the progressive philosophy developed at the University of Wisconsin that the work of the state university should inform the best operations of the state and its government. Just as naturally, the administration of Scott Walker, the goggle-eyed homunculus hired by Koch Industries to manage their Midwest subsidiary formerly known as the state of Wisconsin, has arranged its budgetary matters to ensure that the extension service is gutted." [Esquire, 4/19/16<http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a44135/scott-walker-wisconsin-idea/>]

Medicaid

Scott Walker: "We Covered Everyone Living In Poverty With Medicaid Without Taking The Obamacare Expansion - 1st Time In WI." [@ScottWalker, Twitter, 4/19/16<https://twitter.com/ScottWalker/status/722516210877792256>]

Welfare Reform

Scott Walker: "In The First Year Of Federal Work Requirement For Foodshare Recipients, Over 32,100 #WI Foodshare Members Benefited." [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/20/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722814062715740160>]

Scott Walker: "In Milwaukee County, Over 6,220 Program Participants Have Been Hired Through Our Welfare Reform Program #Workingforwi" [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/20/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722798242778320897>]

Scott Walker: "Our welfare reform program provides participants with the opportunity to learn life skills, helping them succeed #WorkingforWI" [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/20/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722806801792512000>]

Scott Walker: "At @Rescarewfs In Milwaukee County, They Provide Job Training And Tools For People Who Want Assistance Entering The Workforce.#Workingforwi" [@GovWalker, Twitter, 4/20/16<https://twitter.com/GovWalker/status/722797227085660162>]

CHRIS CHRISTIE

Trump

Chris Christie: "I Said I Wasn't Gonna Be A Full-Time Surrogate For Donald Trump." "When asked if he was 'just to busy to campaign with Donald Trump,' Gov. Chris Christie (R) gave a lengthy, detailed response, which included the remark 'I said I wasn't gonna be a full-time surrogate for Donald Trump.'" [Hudson County View, 4/19/16<http://hudsoncountyview.com/christie-i-said-i-wasnt-gonna-be-a-full-time-surrogate-for-donald-trump/>]

Chris Christie On Donald Trump: "This Is The Way It Happens All The Time, He Picks Up The Phone And Calls Me And Says 'Hey, I Really Need You To Come To Fill In The Blank.' If There's Anyway To Go, I'll Go." "'No, first off, he hasn't asked for me to do it [campaign] in New York,' Christie initially responded just before leaving the Hoboken University Medical Center after touting the success of Narcan. 'We talked about it. I talk to him regularly.' 'So, no: it's a combination of me having a job to do here, which is first and foremost, secondly, I told you guys this is the way it happens all the time, he picks up the phone and calls me and says "Hey, I really need you to come to fill in the blank." If there's anyway to go, I'll go.'" [Hudson County View, 4/19/16<http://hudsoncountyview.com/christie-i-said-i-wasnt-gonna-be-a-full-time-surrogate-for-donald-trump/>]

Chris Christie On Donald Trump: "You'd Have To Ask Him If I Am Advising Him." "Christie added that it was Trump's call to decide if he was 'advising' him, noting that they talk often, and sometimes, he's just there to listen. 'You'd have to ask him if I am advising him,' Christie, a fellow Republican, said. 'The fact is we have conversations and he asks questions. ... I give him (advice) if I have advice to give,' Christie explained. 'Sometimes I just listen,' Christie said. 'Sometimes a candidate just needs someone who listens, who understands what they're going through. I may not have anything to add to it. I may just say, "Yeah, that sucks."'" [Hudson County View, 4/19/16<http://hudsoncountyview.com/christie-i-said-i-wasnt-gonna-be-a-full-time-surrogate-for-donald-trump/>]

Chris Christie On Donald Trump: "Sometimes A Candidate Just Needs Someone Who Listens, Who Understands What They're Going Through. I May Not Have Anything To Add To It. I May Just Say, 'Yeah, That Sucks.'" "Christie added that it was Trump's call to decide if he was 'advising' him, noting that they talk often, and sometimes, he's just there to listen. 'You'd have to ask him if I am advising him,' Christie, a fellow Republican, said. 'The fact is we have conversations and he asks questions. ... I give him (advice) if I have advice to give,' Christie explained. 'Sometimes I just listen,' Christie said. 'Sometimes a candidate just needs someone who listens, who understands what they're going through. I may not have anything to add to it. I may just say, "Yeah, that sucks."'" [Hudson County View, 4/19/16<http://hudsoncountyview.com/christie-i-said-i-wasnt-gonna-be-a-full-time-surrogate-for-donald-trump/>]

Atlantic City

HEADLINE: "New Jersey Is Dealt Setback in Atlantic City Dispute." [Wall Street Journal, 4/19/16<http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-jersey-is-dealt-setback-in-atlantic-city-dispute-1461104572>]

Wall Street Journal: "An Atlantic County Judge Thwarted An Attempt By Gov. Chris Christie's Administration To Force Atlantic City To Give Its Remaining Money To The City's School System." "An Atlantic County judge thwarted an attempt by Gov. Chris Christie's administration to force Atlantic City to give its remaining money to the city's school system, marking a defeat for the state in its first attempt to take control of the cash-strapped resort. Judge Julio Mendez ruled on Tuesday that the state hadn't proved the need for an emergency injunction against Atlantic City, which would have forced the local government to shut down by preventing city officials from spending on anything besides education funding. After the ruling, Atlantic City's attorney, Robert Tarver, said the city was filing a countersuit against the state." [Wall Street Journal, 4/19/16<http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-jersey-is-dealt-setback-in-atlantic-city-dispute-1461104572>]

Wall Street Journal: "Judge Julio Mendez Ruled...That The State Hadn't Proved The Need For An Emergency Injunction Against Atlantic City." "An Atlantic County judge thwarted an attempt by Gov. Chris Christie's administration to force Atlantic City to give its remaining money to the city's school system, marking a defeat for the state in its first attempt to take control of the cash-strapped resort. Judge Julio Mendez ruled on Tuesday that the state hadn't proved the need for an emergency injunction against Atlantic City, which would have forced the local government to shut down by preventing city officials from spending on anything besides education funding. After the ruling, Atlantic City's attorney, Robert Tarver, said the city was filing a countersuit against the state." [Wall Street Journal, 4/19/16<http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-jersey-is-dealt-setback-in-atlantic-city-dispute-1461104572>]

Taxes

NJ Advance Media: "For The Seventh Year In A Row, Christie Has Asked The Internal Revenue Service For A Six-Month Extension In Filing His Income Tax Returns." "Tax day came late this year, but for Gov. Chris Christie it will come even later. He likely won't be disclosing what his family earned last year until the fall. For the seventh year in a row, Christie has asked the Internal Revenue Service for a six-month extension in filing his income tax returns, according to Brian Murray, a spokesman for the governor." [NJ Advance Media, 4/19/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/how_much_did_chris_and_mary_pat_christie_earn_last.html>]

NJ Advance Media: "As Mary Pat Christie Resigned From Her Managing Directorship At Angelo, Gordon Last April, It's Likely That [Chris Christie's] 2015 Tax Returns Will Be Slimmer" That The $1 Reported For 2014. "Christie disclosed his 2014 income tax return last October. The Christies made almost a $1 million that year, over a quarter million more than the previous year thanks to a $245,000 increase Mary Pat Christie earned at investment house Angelo, Gordon & Co. in New York. They paid more than $283,000 in federal and state taxes in 2014. However, as Mary Pat Christie resigned from her managing directorship at Angelo, Gordon last April, it's likely that his 2015 tax returns will be slimmer. Her departure from the Wall Street firm was described 'hiatus' by Christie's spokesman last year, but it's not clear when or if the First Lady will return to work at Angelo, Gordon." [NJ Advance Media, 4/19/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/how_much_did_chris_and_mary_pat_christie_earn_last.html>]

NJ Supreme Court

NJ Advance Media: Chris Christie's Pick For The New Jersey Supreme Court "Could Be Confirmed By The Full Senate As Early As Monday," April 25. "Gov. Chris Christie's latest pick to serve on the state Supreme Court, Walter 'Wally' Timpone, could be confirmed by the full Senate as early as Monday, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee said Wednesday.  State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) said the committee could consider Timpone on Thursday, the first hurdle in the nominating process. If that happens, Timpone's confirmation would go before the entire Senate during a session scheduled for April 25, he said." [NJ Advance Media, 4/20/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/on_the_fast_track_christie_nj_supreme_court_nomine.html>]