DeSantis dismisses ‘chatter’ over possible waning GOP influence

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is defending his policies and support in Florida. He also dismissed discussion about his influence as “chatter.”

This comes after recent criticism from prominent state Republicans, especially following his administration’s previous plans to add golf courses to state parks. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott even questioned the proposals.

The governor spoke following an event Thursday in Citrus County.

“The reason we’ve been so successful is not because I had a grip; it’s because I was standing for things,” DeSantis said.

The governor mentioned some of the policies, he said, most Floridians supported.

“Some of the things we’ve done with illegal immigration, and like economic policy, that people recognize were good policy,” DeSantis said.

The governor went on to add that during the pandemic, he received national blowback from his COVID-19 policies, like re-opening schools. He said the conversation has changed and he’s currently being applauded for it.

When it comes to golf courses in state parks, state environmental protection leaders said Thursday that the governor told them to scrap any additional plans that may have been waiting for review. In a previous news conference, the governor told journalists he never approved them.

Just Wednesday in Manatee County, Republicans questioned the governor’s appointment of the county’s supervisor of elections who has been on the job since April.

Political Expert Tara Newsom said the governor’s influence in Florida has shifted.

“Gov. DeSantis is really losing his grip on Florida,” Newsom said.

Newsom said many GOP politicians were silent during the governor’s failed bid for the White House.

“When his presidential race burned, I think many legislators and voters started to scratch their head and said, ‘are the policies that he’s bringing to Florida are good for us?'” Newsom said.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried welcomes GOP lawmakers being more vocal.

“His influence inside the Republican Party continues to get diminished because quite honestly, he’s putting out policies that don’t align with this state, and finally, Republican legislators are starting to push back on it,” Fried said.

The Florida Democratic Party chair cited some of the governor’s school board backed candidates losing races, the spending controversy involving University of Florida’s previous president, and restrictions on books in schools.

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