On the assumption that President-elect Donald Trump will move forward and formally nominate Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State – one of the nominations that looks as solid as any, it leaves Rubio’s Florida senate seat vacant. Enter Governor Ron DeSantis, currently holding what amounts to a political gold brick. To that end, you’re nobody’s red hatter if you’re in Florida and don’t want that appointment. A comfy spot as a Senator from the third largest state in the country? Nice. Thus it is that the race is on and the only real shocking result would be if the nominee isn’t a Trump… Or maybe not.
The Rubio vacancy opens an early window from which to see whether there is any lingering resentment between DeSantis-loyalists and the Trump camp. Ron DeSantis is a nobody when compared to even Marco Rubio right now but he is still the governor of a massive red state, is the man solely entrusted with this powerful appointment, probably still smarts a bit from that whole botched primary thing, and – most importantly, and isn’t the guy term-limited out in Washington (Just go with it, it’s kind of cute to play normal for a while). Maybe DeSantis is not in the mood to cater to Donald Trump? Maybe Ron should instead appoint himself and live dangerously?
He should. Actually. It would be a smart political move because Ron is most-certainly term-limited out in the Florida governor’s mansion and will be looking for a new relevancy-gig in short order. He really should appoint himself, I’d advise him to do so. But such an appointment wouldn’t do a thing to close the gender gap the GOP suffers in the U.S. Senate. If Ron wants to do what’s best for the GOP “Country-version” – he should appoint his wife, Casey, who is every bit as “Ron” as him, just not as abrasive. Make of that what you will.
But DeSantis could also appoint another intelligent young woman who does happen to be a Trump. Lara believes that she has what it takes and is offering herself up for the job by telling Fox and Friends weekend version (Where all the cool kabinet kids hang out) that she’s interested. Per JoeMyGod:
Well, you know, there have been been crazier things the Trumps have done in the past, that’s for sure.
Debatable. But go on:
Look, I was honored to be co-chair of RNC during this time and really historic election. I think that what we did at RNC was part of the big win Donald Trump had and if I’m tapped to serve in another capacity, it truly would be my honor.
Wow, she certainly already sounds as dumb as your average American politician. Most people would say “Yes, that would be a big honor… ” and skip the whole, “If I’m tapped to serve in another capacity…” thing. She is a natural. And she proved it by getting to the heart of the political positives that she might bring:
think it would be great to have another young mom alongside Katie Britt there in the United States senate. I have not been asked yet, but I certainly would strongly consider it if it’s presented to me.”
She will claw your eyes out to get that sort of presentation. And she should. She really should be doing all she can to get that appointment. It would be mana from heaven, in no way really earned, but that never mattered. And it would bring another woman to the Republican team in the Senate Chamber – much needed. If Donald Trump likes the idea, and we don’t know one way or another, she almost surely will get the call. “Almost.”
It goes back to Ron DeSantis and it is a bit of an interesting dynamic. Take it as a given that DeSantis is 100% neutral with regard to Lara Trump – a pretty safe assumption. It is still his decision. So now what if the Trump camp leans on DeSantis? Then what? Is this where the country will first see a Republican explore the limits of Trump’s power coming out of a wave election? Maybe so. If there is anyone who is still safely within the good graces of the average MAGA-voter, and yet still somewhat independent, it would be Ron DeSantis. Besides, Ron’s in Tallahassee, not Washington. So what does he do?
Does he appoint Casey to hold the seat for two years while Ron considers running himself? Probably not. He could announce that he “won” as governor of Florida, did all he set about to do, declare a dividend – so to speak – and resign after appointing himself as the next U.S. Senator. He can then run again himself, perfectly positioned to fight off all comers in 2028 (Just go with it).
Or does Donald Trump demand that DeSantis appoint Lara Trump and DeSantis does as ordered? Someone else, in order to split the difference? Maybe. The one and only certainty is that DeSantis will do what is best for him, personally – even if that means taking a knee for now. The interesting part is what DeSantis ultimately finds to be in his best interests. No doubt, the GOP would do well to appoint another woman to the Senate now, free and clear. They likely will, if Ron offers the choice up.
Meanwhile, DeSantis is on a trade mission to Italy and is probably weighing a decision to order another bottle of Chianti under the Tuscan sun – there are worse ways to contemplate the future and how one fits in Trump’s ever-expanding gravity. He should take his time. The decision will be telling on many levels.
We know what Lara wants but have no indication as to what Donald Trump might, or if this has even hit his radar yet. This is worth watching as an answer to what Ron DeSantis wants as his next move and whether DeSantis is even free to make the decision.
God Bless: I can be reached at [email protected] and @JasonMiciak
It might be worth it if she promises to stop ‘singing’.
I’m fairly sure nearly everyone would go along with that trade-off.