Rep. Bob Good elected chairman of House Freedom Caucus
Virginia Republican Congressman Bob Good was elected to lead the House Freedom Caucus in a closed-door vote late Monday evening. Good is replacing conservative Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., who is stepping down. He takes command of the approximately three dozen-member caucus in January. The Virginia congressman has been known to march to the beat of his own drum, including his involvement in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. earlier this year. Good was one of eight Republican members who crossed the aisle to vote against McCarthy, the only Republican from the commonwealth to do so. Good also broke ranks with many in the caucus by endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his presidential bid against former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary. Trump has remained a popular figure among caucus members, often characterized as MAGA Republicans by those on the left. Good’s chairmanship vote was not without some controversy within the conservative caucus. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, announced he would not seek reelection to the caucus board following the recommendation that Good lead the group. Davidson reportedly sent a letter to colleagues voicing his concern as to the direction of the caucus. “I am concerned that our group often relies too much on power (available primarily due to the narrow majority) and too little on influence with and among our colleagues. This approach is not a strong foundation for success,” Davidson wrote in the letter, according to published reports. “For me, these concerns culminate with the Board’s recommendation that Bob Good serve as the next Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.” Despite Davidson’s grim outlook on the news of Good’s chairmanship and the caucus, Good steered clear of any mention of infighting. He praised Perry’s work while focusing on the mission of the caucus. “It is my privilege and honor to serve as the next House Freedom Caucus chairman,” Good said in a statement. “I thank Rep. Perry for his outstanding leadership of the caucus, and I look forward to building on the work he has done and continuing the fight to reduce government spending, secure our borders, and defend our constitutional freedoms.” Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Alabama’s GOP presidential debate draws headlines
On Wednesday night, four Republican presidential candidates faced off in Tuscaloosa for the Fourth Republican Presidential Debate. This is the first presidential debate held in Alabama and the first-ever hosted by NewsNation. Frontrunner former President Donald Trump again chose not to participate in the debate. Recent polling has former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in second place, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy rounded out the stage for what could be the last of the GOP presidential debates in this election. Haley continued her crusade to ban the Chinese government-controlled social media platform TikTok “once and for all.” Haley alleged that the site is fueling antisemitism. Haley also called for an end to anonymous social media identities. “Every person on social media should be verified by their name,” Haley said. “That’s, first of all, it’s a national security threat. When you do that, all of a sudden, people have to stand by what they say.” “That is not freedom; that is fascism, and she should come nowhere near the levers of power, let alone the White House,” Ramaswamy said of Haley and her proposal. Christie predicted that Trump would be convicted of one of the 140 plus charges he faces in four separate felony trials, so he won’t be able to even vote in 2024. “You’ll all be heading to the polls to vote, and that’s something Donald Trump will not be able to do,” Christie said. “Because he will be convicted of felonies before then, and his right to vote will be taken away. If we deny reality as a party, we’re going to have four more years of Joe Biden.” Christie also criticized Trump’s trade policy, which Haley supported. “All he did was impose tariffs, which raised the prices for every American,” said Christie. “Nikki Haley’s campaign launch video sounded like a woke Dylan Mulvaney Bud Light ad talking about how she would kick in heels,” Ramaswamy said. Haley said that Ramaswamy was not even worth responding to. “No, it’s not worth my time to respond to him,” Haley said when asked to respond. Christie opposes the Alabama Vulnerable Child Protection Act, which bans gender transitioning of children. Christie said that parents and not governments should make those decisions. “Republicans believe in less government, not more,” Christie said. “I trust parents.” “This is an angry, bitter man who now wants to be back as president because he wants to exact retribution on anyone who has disagreed with him,” Christie said of Trump. DeSantis said Trump is too old to be President. “Father time is undefeated,” Desantis said. “Right now, the average homeowner in America is 49 years old,” Haley said. “You’ve got young people everywhere. That used to be the American dream, and now it’s out of reach.” DeSantis said inflation and housing market prices are ‘taking the American dream away.’ “We’re gonna get the interest rates down,” DeSantis said. “We’ll reduce spending, and I believe we’re going to have to veto.” DeSantis said that student loans should be backed by colleges and universities instead of the federal government. “Another thing that’s burdening young people are these student loans,” DeSantis said. “These student loans are going to be backed by the universities because they need to have an incentive to produce gainful employment for people.” Haley promised that if elected, she would be “a no-drama president.” That would be a marked change from the Biden and Trump administrations, both of which have been noted for their scandals and investigations. “My approach is different: no drama, no vendettas, no whining.” Trump has called for the RNC to stop holding these debates. A fifth has not been scheduled. The Iowa presidential caucuses are just six weeks away. The Alabama presidential primary will be held on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Ron DeSantis: Donald Trump is too old to be president
By Casey Harper | The Center Square Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attacked former President Donald Trump’s age and sparred with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over Trump’s mental fitness to be president during the Republican primary debate at the University of Alabama on Wednesday night. The remarks came after DeSantis was asked about previous comments in which he said Trump has “lost the zip on his fastball” and whether that meant he was questioning Trump’s mental fitness. “Father time is undefeated,” DeSantis said. “The idea that we are going to put somebody up there who is 80 and there is going to be no effects from that, we all know that’s not true. So we have an opportunity to do a next generation of leaders and really move this country forward.” The attack on Trump came in the second hour of the debate after a first hour of constant attacks between the candidates over their records, donors, and past comments. “I think we need to have somebody younger,” DeSantis said when asked directly by the moderator if Trump was mentally fit to be president. “I think when you get up to 80. I don’t think it’s a job for that.” Christie pushed DeSantis to give a yes or no answer to whether Trump is mentally fit or not. DeSantis answered by saying that Trump is not as bad as Biden was but is too old for the job. Trump did not participate in the debate, the fourth of this Republican primary. “We also need a president who can serve two terms,” DeSantis added, pointing out that Trump is only eligible to be a lame-duck president immediately because he has already served one term. “I don’t think Donald Trump will be able to get elected,” DeSantis added. “The Democrats, they are going to turn the screws the minute, if he got the nomination, you’re gonna see it.” Real Clear Politics’ polling averages show Trump with a wide lead over his GOP rivals, including in the early primary states. In Iowa, the first primary state to caucus, Trump leads nearly 30 points, and in New Hampshire Trump leads by about the same amount. Overall, Trump has 61% support, more than all his opponents combined. DeSantis is in second with 13.5% support, according to RCP, and Haley comes in third with 10.3%. Ramaswamy has 4.9% support overall. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Florida Senate committee approves three criminal justice bills
By Andrew Powell | The Center Square Contributor The Florida Senate’s Criminal Justice Committee signed off on three bills Tuesday, including one that would expunge certain criminal records and another that would criminalize the harassment of first responders. Senate Bill 54 was presented to the committee by its sponsor state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral. It would revise the eligibility criteria for a person with a criminal history expunged if a court dismissed it. The bill would allow a person to have their criminal history expunged as an adult if they had a previous record as a juvenile. Rodriguez filed an identical bill during the 2023 regular session, SB 504, but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill. Rodriguez stated that there is a need for workers in Florida, and being unable to expunge one’s criminal record puts up barriers for people trying to find gainful employment. “I think at a time where the state and the nation are having a hiring epidemic, and businesses are hurting for workers, this bill would remove the barrier of an arrest which had no conviction from someone’s record, and allow them to become a working, productive, and tax paying citizen,” Rodriguez said. The bill was reported favorably and is now with the Fiscal Policy Committee. SB 188 was introduced by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, and co-sponsored by Sen. Jason Broduer, R-Lake Mary. It would amend specific Florida statutes to make it a third-degree felony offense to trespass on a commercial agricultural property with the intent to commit a crime. Sen. Bobby Powell, D-West Palm Beach, raised concerns about people wandering onto commercial property unintentionally and receiving a felony charge for it. Committee Chair Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, explained that the bill is specific for people who intend to commit a crime which is established through evidence gathered by investigators. The bill passed favorably and is now with the Agricultural Committee. SB 184 was presented by Sen. Bryan Avila, R-Hialeah Gardens. It would criminalize the act of impeding, threatening, or harassing a first responder if that person has received a warning to not approach and allow the first responder to perform their legal duty. Sen. Avila stated that the bill adds a layer of protection for not only first responders but those they are attempting to help. The bill passed favorably and is now in the Community Affairs Committee. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy receives warm welcome from Alabama GOP
President candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was in Hoover on Tuesday night at Ross Bridge Golf Resort for a reception held by the Alabama Republican Party before Wednesday’s Republican Presidential Debate. Ramaswamy said, “We are in a war” in this country between those who believe in the founding ideals of this nation and those who do not. Ramaswamy was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the son of immigrants from India. “I have founded multiple corporations,” Ramaswamy said. “My wife is a throat surgeon. She is saving lives. We have two sons. I am worried that that American dream is not going to exist for my sons.” “We are in the middle of a war in this country,” Ramaswamy continued. “It is not a war between Black and White as the media would have you believe. It is not even a war between Democrats and Republicans – not really. It is a war between those who believe in the founding ideals of our country and a fringe minority who believes that your identity defines you by race, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. They believe we can use our military to defend somebody else’s border halfway around the world, but if you favor using our military to defend our border, then you are a racist and a xenophobe. Either you believe in free speech, or you do not. This country requires a commander in chief who understands that we are in a war.” Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl welcomed Ramaswamy to Alabama. “It is rare for Alabama to have one of the frontrunning candidates for President of the United States stopover in Alabama for a meet and greet,” Wahl said. “You have seen him on the debate stage.” The third Republican Presidential Debate is Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa. “I am proud to have the debate here in Alabama,” Wahl said. “This is the first-ever presidential debate that Alabama has ever hosted – Republican or Democratic.” Wahl said he is glad the debate is being held on the University of Alabama campus. “It is so important that we engage with young people,” Wahl said. Wahl said that Democrats have a “complete lack of understanding of foreign policy, a complete lack of understanding of economic policy, and a complete lack of understanding of how you run a country.” “We are tempted to believe this is another election,” Ramaswamy said. “If we lose, I am not convinced that we can get this country back. We are working in a short period of time.” “We need a commander in chief from the next generation,” Ramaswamy continued. “I am from the next generation. I am 38 years old. If nominated, I will be the youngest Republican ever nominated. I will be the youngest person ever to be elected if you put me there.” Ramaswamy warned that we are losing the next generation. “This is the most dire challenge we face,” Ramaswamy stated. “60% (of young people in a recent poll) said that they would give up their right to vote for their ability to use electronics. Less than 16% of Gen Z say that they are proud to be an American.” Ramaswamy said that he believes in the ideals of faith, patriotism, hard work, and family and that these ideals have largely disappeared in the youth today and have been replaced by “poison.” “The media, they will fill that vacuum with their vision of gender, race, sexuality and climate,” Ramaswamy continued. “We believe in the ideals of the American Revolution.” “We will end affirmative action and race-based quotas,” Ramaswamy promised if elected. “We believe in the rule of law. We will use our military to secure our southern border. We the people create a media that is accountable to us. We will shut down government bureaucracies that should not exist from the FBI to the CDC to the Department of Education.” Ramaswamy added that we need “elections that we can trust” with single-day elections, paper ballots, and state-issued voter IDs. “I believe deep in my heart that those ideals still exist,” Ramaswamy continued. “We forgot all the ways that we really are the same as Americans.” “A culture of fear has replaced free speech in the United States,” Ramaswamy said. “The best measure of our country’s health is the percentage of people who feel free to say what they actually think in public. Speaking the truth not just when it is easy, but when it is hard.” Ramaswamy will be on the debate stage Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former President Donald Trump is not participating in the debates. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party hosting Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday night
The Alabama Republican Party will host GOP Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in a reception Tuesday night in Hoover before the state hosts the leading Republican Presidential Debate Wednesday in Tuscaloosa. “I am pleased to have Vivek Ramaswamy joining us as we kick off debate week here in Alabama!” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl in a statement on Tuesday. “This is a historic occasion for our state as we hold our first ever nationally televised presidential debate, and I am appreciative that one of our Party’s rising political figures will be headlining this reception for the Alabama Republican Party. I look forward to giving the people of Alabama the chance to meet Mr. Ramaswamy and showcasing our amazing state to another presidential candidate.” The event will be held at the Ross Bridge Resort on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Ramaswamy is the latest presidential candidate to visit with the Alabama GOP this year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis headlined the Party’s Winter Dinner in Birmingham and former President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker at their Summer Dinner in Montgomery. Barring an epic meltdown on the part of the GOP nominee, most political analysts believe that, win or lose, Alabama will vote for the GOP candidate in the 2024 presidential election (it has for the last 11 presidential elections in a row). “Alabama is one of the strongest Republican states in the nation, and I am proud we have this opportunity to host all of our presidential candidates at the upcoming debate in Tuscaloosa,” said Chairman Wahl. “Raising Alabama’s political profile is one of my top priorities as ALGOP Chairman, and I am excited this debate will continue the work the Party has been doing in this area.” Ramaswamy is a Hindu of Indian subcontinent descent. He is a successful businessman, a husband, and a father of two. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up he was a nationally ranked tennis player and the valedictorian of his high school, St. Xavier. He went on to graduate summa cum laude in Biology from Harvard and has a law degree from Yale Law School. He has worked at a hedge fund. He started a biotech company, Roivant Sciences, where he oversaw the development of five drugs that went on to become FDA-approved. He is an author and has written extensively attacking the woke movement. Ramaswamy has embraced an “America First” foreign policy that opposes more aid for Ukraine, is skeptical of aid for Israel, and opposes guaranteeing Taiwan’s independence. Ramaswamy has had some very heated debate stage confrontations with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. In the last debate, Haley called Ramaswamy “Scum” after he pointed out that Haley’s daughter has a Tik Tok account. “I wasn’t criticizing her daughter. I was criticizing Nikki Haley,” said Ramaswamy. “She says we need a new generation of leadership. She’s on the wrong side of that generational divide.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gerrick Wilkins survives attempted candidate challenge
The Alabama Republican Party candidates committee met on Sunday to hear challenges to candidates on the GOP ballot. Sources say that there was a challenge brought against the candidacy of Gerrick Wilkins. Wilkins is running for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. Wilkins has been charged with making a contribution to the Libertarian party. A search of the Federal Elections Commission website revealed that Wilkins had donated $250 to the Libertarian National Committee on September 5, 2022. Most of Wilkins’ contributions are to Republican candidates and causes. Wilkins has made numerous political contributions over the years, including to the Alabama Republican Party, Donald Trump for President in 2024, Tim Scott for President, Ron DeSantis for President, John McCain for President in 2008, Fred Thompson for President, and the Republican Party of Florida. The Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee made a bylaws change in 2022 to forbid a person who donates to Democratic, independent, and third-party candidates from running as a Republican. Wilkins’s contribution to the Libertarian Party was after this prohibition was placed on supporting non-Republican campaigns. People who have donated to non-Republican campaigns and groups are barred from running for office as a Republican for five years. Sources close to the ALGOP told Alabama Today that the candidate’s committee would meet in Birmingham on Sunday to hear the challenge against Wilkins. The committee reportedly voted 9 to 8 not to formally challenge Wilkins’ eligibility to run as a Republican. Election challenges will be heard on December 10. The Wilkins campaign dismissed the allegations, saying that he has far more donations to Republican candidates than he did to Libertarians. A source close to ALGOP told Alabama Today that the bylaw prevents potential candidates from donating to non-Republican candidates. Wilkins did not do that. He actually donated to the Libertarian Party. That is not forbidden in the new bylaws change. The ALGOP candidates committee is the 21-member Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee. Wilkins’ victory in the closed-door GOP meeting in Hoover means he can remain on the ballot. Wilkins, a car dealer, will face incumbent Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and independent insurance agent Ken McFeeters in the March 5 Republican Primary. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Vivek Ramaswamy to hold event in Alabama prior to debate
The top Republican presidential candidates are coming to Alabama on December 6 for the third Republican Presidential Debate. At least one of the presidential candidates will be arriving early to Alabama. Vivek Ramaswamy will be in Hoover on December 5 for a fundraising reception with the Jefferson County Republican Party. The event will be on Tuesday, December 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Ross Bridge Hotel in Hoover at 4000 Grand Avenue. Individual tickets start at $100 each. In addition to Ramaswamy, Jefferson County Republican Party candidates are expected to be in attendance. The event will be held the evening before the fourth Republican Presidential Debate. Ramaswamy is participating in the Republican presidential debate in Tuscaloosa along with former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Republican frontrunner former President Donald Trump has not participated in any of the debates and is not expected to participate in the Alabama presidential debate either. If elected, Ramaswamy, who is of Indian descent, would be the first Hindu President of the United States. Ramaswamy is a successful businessman who is running as an outsider. He is married and has two children. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up he was a nationally ranked tennis player and the valedictorian of his high school, St. Xavier. He went on to graduate summa cum laude in Biology from Harvard and has a law degree from Yale Law School. He has worked at a hedge fund. He started a biotech company, Roivant Sciences, where he oversaw the development of five drugs that went on to become FDA-approved. He is an author and has written extensively attacking the woke movement. His foreign policy views, especially his criticism of the U.S. support for Ukraine in their war against Russia, have been controversial. The Alabama Presidential primary is on March 5 – Super Tuesday. The Republican nominee will face incumbent President Joe Biden in the general election on November 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Florida expanding semiconductor manufacturing capabilities with $28M in grants
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor In another push to reduce reliance on China and other foreign entities, Florida is expanding its semiconductor manufacturing capability. More than $28 million was recently awarded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand semiconductor manufacturing and chip manufacturing through five workforce development projects. The awards are part of a $50 million initiative Gov. Ron DeSantis launched in September dedicated to supporting Florida’s semiconductor industry. It expands on grants awarded last year to entities in Osceola County. DeSantis’ focus has been on making strategic investments to expand Florida’s manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its supply chain while creating high-demand, high-wage jobs. Florida ranks fifth in the US for semiconductor manufacturing jobs and third nationwide for semiconductor establishments. The funding, DeSantis said, is “laying the groundwork for a strong economic future by investing in growing, high-demand industries that offer high-wage jobs for our residents.” Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said the state opened up the application process for entities to apply for grant funding in September, and its “partners in economic development and workforce education around the state responded overwhelmingly.” So far, five grants have been awarded to fund workforce education opportunities that support semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, and research and development within the military, defense, and space industries. NeoCity in Osceola County again received grant funding this year, although the $17.5 million is larger than it received last year. Funding will go towards constructing a multi-use semiconductor lab facility in NeoCity. Once completed, the project will stimulate high-tech business start-ups and semiconductor manufacturing by providing companies with affordable lab space. NeoCity, an up-and-coming world epicenter for smart sensors, photonics, and optics, has readymade synergies with the University of Central Florida (the nation’s largest producer of aerospace engineers), and four other universities, as well as Central Florida’s large concentration of Department of Defense partners and contractors, according to its website. It’s poised to serve as a catalyst for high-tech innovation and creation, including jobs and capital investment, and is already generating marketplace momentum, and research, development, and commercialization hubs in locally planned communities. Valencia College, also in Osceola County, received $4.17 million to expand its Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program. This is also a larger amount than the grant funding it received last year. Santa Fe College, with campuses in Alachua and Bradford counties, received $3 million to design and develop a new associate degree in engineering technology with a specialization in Advanced Manufacturing. Lake Technical College in Lake County received $1.86 million to expand its semiconductor program and create a new advanced manufacturing program. Eastern Florida State College in Brevard County received $1.55 million to create a new center, the Center for Innovative Technology Education, to train students in robotics and simulation technician skills to design, operate, test, and repair robotics systems. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
MARC panelists predict 2024 election will be Donald Trump versus Joe Biden
On Saturday, four political pundits addressed the membership of the Mid-Alabama Republican Club (MARC) in Vestavia Hills about the coming 2024 presidential election year. The MARC panel included syndicated columnist former State Representative Steve Flowers (R-Troy). Flower’s columns can be read weekly here at Alabama Today. Alabama Today President and Publisher Apryl Marie Fogel served on the expert politico panel. Fogel is a former talk radio host in the Montgomery market. Rounding out the panel were Alabama Public Television’s Capital Journal host Todd Stacy and former Alabama Republican Chairman Marty Connors. Connors chairs the Alabama Center Right Group. The panel was moderated by former State Rep. Paul DeMarco (R-Homewood). DeMarco, a prominent Birmingham attorney, is also a former MARC President and the former Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. DeMarco’s columns can also be read at Alabama Today. DeMarco asked the panel about the Alabama Republican Presidential Debate scheduled for next month in Tuscaloosa. The panel was skeptical that anyone on stage could win the GOP nomination. “I really think the debates are irrelevant,” Flowers said. “[Donald] Trump has the nomination.” “I imagine it will be Trump and Biden,” said Fogel. “We have some really great candidates, but does it matter?” Stacey said. “You have two candidates in Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis.” Recent national polling has President Joe Biden’s job approval at just 37% – a new all-time low for a President in their third year. More troubling for Democrats is the polling in the swing states. In recent polls, Trump leads Biden 49 to 44 in Arizona, 49 to 43 in Georgia, 48 to 43 in Michigan, 52 to 41 in Nevada, 42 to 35 in Ohio, 48 to 44 in Pennsylvania, and 45 to 37 in Texas. The only swing state where Biden is currently leading Trump is Wisconsin, where he leads Trump to 47 to 45. When the New York Times substituted Gov. Ron DeSantis for Trump, he beats Biden 48 to 44 in Wisconsin. Former Ambassador Nikki Haley leads Biden 53 to 39 in Wisconsin – showing that support for Biden is extremely soft at this point. DeMarco asked the panelists if that polling was scaring Democrats. “The polls are really bad looking for Biden,” said Flowers. “I like what we are seeing in the polls,” said Fogel. “You can see a scenario where he bows out,” Stacy said. “He makes the decision that he doesn’t want to run again, and then they get another nominee.” “You can change horses, but it would have to be somebody who has already qualified,” Connors said. “I think it is too late for it to be somebody else,” said Flowers. On Tuesday, Republican Governor Tate Reeves won reelection with a margin of less than four points. Democratic Governor Andy Beshears defeated Attorney General David Cameron in Kentucky. Republicans in Virginia lost control of the General Assembly. Voters voted in favor of a pro-choice and pro-gender transition plank in their state Constitution. DeMarco asked if Tuesday’s election results were disappointing for Republicans. “Going into 2022, the Democrats are really on their heels,” Stacy said. “The economy is crummy. The President is crummy. Democrats should be on their heels.” “The lessons from Ohio and Virginia are on the abortion issue,” Stacy said. “Republicans have not been adept at this.” “Democrats say that Republicans want to take your rights away,” Stacy continued. “That is what they are going to cling to.” Connors said that Republicans need better messaging on how much they care for the child after it is born. “I don’t view those races as precursors to next year,” Flowers said. “There is a lot of infighting within the Republican party,” Fogel stated. Fogel recalled how the nation just watched the Republicans in the House of Representatives divide into different sides over who the Speaker was. “We need to remember who the enemy is,” Fogel said. DeMarco asked if the Republican National Committee Chair, Ronna Romney McDaniel, needs to be replaced. “I think there is a fatigue issue with her,” Connors said. “We have had three elections in a row under her where Republicans did not do well.” “I absolutely think we need a new Party Chair,” said Fogel. “We have lost the momentum on the ground.” “I am not sure how much it really matters,” said Stacy. “The RNC has become a lot less influential and powerful than it once was.” The MARC steering committee announced that it has recommended that Birmingham area attorney Janey Whitney be President of the Club for 2024. The MARC meets on the second Saturday of every month in the Vestavia Hills Public Library at 8:30 a.m. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
More unaccompanied migrant children being ‘resettled’ in Texas than elsewhere
The greatest number of unaccompanied children (UACs) arriving at the U.S. border are being “resettled” in Texas. UACs have been sent to all 50 states and two U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, according to data from the U.S. Health & Human Services Department (HHS) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), are tasked with their oversight and care. From fiscal years 2015 to 2023, the greatest total number of UACs were sent to Texas, followed by California and Florida. Every year, the most populous states received the greatest number of children. Texas received the most UACs in all nine fiscal years of 82,391, followed by California (68,249), and Florida (60,192). From fiscal years 2015 to 2018, California received the highest number of UACs. By fiscal 2019, Texas began receiving the greatest number, and has every year, primarily followed by California, then Florida. From March 2003 to July 2022, ORR says it has cared for more than 409,550 children. The overwhelming majority arriving are males by a roughly 70-30 split, according to ORR data. According to federal law passed in 2003, “When a child who is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian is apprehended by immigration authorities, the child is transferred to the care and custody of” the ORR. Federal law requires ORR to provide UACs with food, shelter, and medical care and release them “to safe settings with sponsors (usually family members), while they await immigration proceedings.” ORR defines sponsors as “adults who are suitable to provide for the child’s physical and mental well-being and have not engaged in any activity that would indicate a potential risk to the child,” who has passed a required criminal background check. The sponsor “must agree to ensure the child’s presence at all future immigration proceedings” and ensure that the minor reports to ICE “for removal from the United States if an immigration judge issues a removal order or voluntary departure order,” according to federal law. Multiple reports have been published highlighting serious deficiencies of ORR oversight, including allegations of sexual abuse of children in ORR-contracted facilities. A Florida grand jury report found the Biden administration was “facilitating the forced migration, sale, and abuse of foreign children,” through the ORR’s UAC resettlement program. “This process exposes children to horrifying health conditions, constant criminal threat, labor and sex trafficking, robbery, rape, and other experiences not done justice by mere words,” it concluded. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for the grand jury to convene, clarifying that “Florida receives no information on backgrounds, criminal history or immigration status of the UAC brought here, nor does the state have any assurance the UAC are in-fact minors.” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody called on Congress to investigate, which resulted in hearings this year. UACs have been placed with unrelated individuals and put in situations “where they are subject to abuse, including rape, molestation, and effectively forced to work to pay for their travel to the United States in violation of child labor laws,” Moody said. HHS states that it has “strong policies in place to ensure the privacy and safety of unaccompanied children by maintaining the confidentiality of their personal information,” and has historically not communicated with state governments where children are sent. It claims this is because the “children may have histories of abuse or may be seeking safety from threats of violence” and “may have been trafficked or smuggled.” While it won’t release information about individual children that it says “could compromise their identity or location,” it does disclose how many UACs are sent to states and counties. From fiscal 2015 to 2023, the overwhelming majority of UACs were released in Texas, followed by California and Florida. Under the Obama administration, in fiscal 2015, California received 3,629 UACs, Texas 3,272, and Florida 2,908. By fiscal 2019, under the Trump administration, Texas received 9,900 UACs, California 8,447, and Florida 7,408. In the first full fiscal year of the Biden administration, in fiscal 2021, Texas received 15,341 UACs, Florida, 11,145, and California, 10,773. The outlier year was fiscal 2022, when all three states received the highest number of UACs in recorded history: Texas (19,071), California (13,730), and Florida (13,195). In fiscal 2023, Texas received the most (16,394), followed by California (11,121) and Florida, (10,542). In fiscal 2023, 22 Texas counties received UACs. The majority were sent to Harris County (over 6,000), Dallas County (over 3,200) and Travis County (over 1,700), according to HHS ORR data. In California, 21 counties received UACs in fiscal 2023. Los Angeles County received the most (nearly 4,000), followed by Alameda County (nearly 900) and Orange County (nearly 600). In Florida, 29 counties received UACs in fiscal 2023. Miami-Dade County received the most (nearly 2,000), followed by Palm Beach County (over 1,500) and Lee County (over 900). These numbers exclude all children arriving in family units being released into the U.S. The top states that received the most UACs in fiscal 2023, rounding out the top 10, were New York, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Republished with the permission of the Center Square.
Sen. Tim Scott ends candidacy, exits GOP presidential primary
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott suspended his 2024 campaign for president late Sunday, just days after falling short of making a big impression in the third Republican presidential debate in Miami. Scott, of South Carolina, announced his departure from the race on Fox News and said he would not be endorsing any of his former GOP primary opponents. “The best for me to be helpful is to not weigh in,” he told Fox’s “Sunday Night in America.” Scott has lagged in the polls, receiving just 2% support in the latest The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll. Former President Donald Trump holds a huge lead in that poll, as he has in polling for months. Scott’s exit comes just about two weeks after former Vice President Mike Pence also dropped out of the race. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.S. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley are a distant second and third behind Trump in The Center Square poll. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
