The Rotunda
Episode 158: Florida Recount Featured
THE ROTUNDA - Florida's election recounts are underway in three of the state’s biggest races — governor, U.S. Senate and agriculture commissioner. The unprecedented review is dredging up memories of the 2000 presidential recount. Gomes talks with legal experts involved who argue frequent mistakes and glitches, particularly in Broward and Palm Beach counties, undermine the entire electoral process. Len Collins, an attorney who previously litigated against the Broward County Supervisor of Elections office chats with Gomes from the epicenter of the controversy. Democratic Strategist Steve Schale is also guest.
TALLAHASSE, Fla. – Among a number of amendments on Florida voters' 2018 ballots, is Amendment 6, also known as Marsy's Law. The amendment to the state's constitution is aimed at expanding the rights of crime victims during the legal process, and supporters say it creates equal footing with defendants.
Episode 157: The Debate Featured
The Rotunda – We capture some of the highlights from Ron Desantis and Andrew Gillum’s fiery exchanges during their first national debate on CNN. Plus, in exploring new models for journalism Gomes talks with Florida Phoenix Editor-in-Chief Julie Hauserman about her approach to covering state government and politics.
TALLAHASSEE – The state’s Supreme Court ruled Monday that outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott cannot appoint replacements for the court’s three upcoming vacancies. “The governor who is elected in the November 2018 general election (most likely Democrat Andrew Gillum or Republican Ron DeSantis) has the sole authority to fill the vacancies that will be created by the mandatory retirement of Justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis, and Peggy A. Quince,” the court’s unsigned order said.
Episode 156: Political Climate Featured
THE ROTUNDA – Governor Rick Scott discusses ongoing response and recovery efforts with Hurricane Michael, how it compares to Hurricane Hermine and he’s asked about the impact of climate change on Florida’s environment. David Hastings, a marine and chemistry professor at Eckerd College, talks with Gomes about Florida’s ongoing red tide bloom. How will voters respond to negative campaign ads aired during and after the storm? Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida addresses the potential impact on campaigns. Gomes also talks to a group of Republicans calling for the country to have a united front in holding the Trump administration accountable. Chris Truax with Republicans for the Rule of Law is a guest this week.
