The Weekender (11/13/20)
Welcome to the Democratic Governors Association’s Friday newsletter, The Weekender.
Let’s get started.
Puerto Rico: Governor-Elect Pedro Pierluisi won his election. A former Resident Commissioner and longtime public servant, Governor-Elect Pierluisi has the right experience to lead Puerto Rico through the rest of the pandemic and on the long road to recovery. As governor, he will continue to fight for equality for the millions of American citizens on the island, accelerate its recovery, and improve access to affordable health care.
Virginia: GOP candidate Amanda Chase has been pushing unfounded claims of election fraud, saying she believes “there’s been an attempt by the Democrats to steal this election from President Donald Trump.” She released a video claiming “computer glitches” across the country changed thousands of votes, with zero evidence. Chase’s beliefs often defy facts and common sense – she has also bragged about being the only member of the General Assembly who doesn’t wear a mask because she doesn’t “do” COVID.
“I’m Not An Expert”: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Hires COVID-19 Conspiracy Theorist for Scientific Research Team
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has a new addition to his team – Uber driver, sports blogger, and COVID-19 conspiracy theorist Kyle Lamb. Lamb, who reportedly “has few qualifications for the job,” will be doing data analysis which includes COVID-19 research.
According to Lamb himself, “I’m not an ‘expert.’ I’m not a doctor, epidemiologist, virologist or scientist.” He’s made that perfectly clear – Lamb has made countless scientifically-debunked claims about COVID-19 including masks don’t work, lockdowns aren’t effective, COVID-19 is part of a Chinese “biowar,” the flu is more deadly than COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine is an effective treatment, and the virus isn’t dangerous to children.
All of that seemed to catch the attention of DeSantis, who has sidelined public health experts, refused to mandate masks, ignored the advice of epidemiologists, and suggested it doesn’t matter if elderly people pass away because Florida is “God’s waiting room” for senior citizens.
Lamb has also repeatedly praised DeSantis on social media – it turns out, flattery will get you anywhere.
Democratic Governors Defending the Affordable Care Act
This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the Republican-led lawsuit seeking to invalidate the entire Affordable Care Act.
The deadly effects that a repeal of the ACA would cause are unquestionable. If Republicans succeed in their attempt to destroy the ACA through the courts, 29.8 million people would lose their health care.
Democratic governors have been fighting for the ACA ever since Republicans began their relentless attacks. Fifteen Democratic governors have successfully enshrined at least one key ACA protection into law. And in eight states, thanks to Democratic governors, individuals with preexisting conditions cannot be denied health care coverage even if the ACA is repealed. Should the Supreme Court strike down the ACA, Democratic governors are the last line of defense.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, calling it a “mistake” for Republicans to refuse to acknowledge President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on MSNBC Live with Katy Tur, discussing the devastating implications of repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, calling for Americans to embrace unity in this moment and fight the COVID-19 pandemic together.
“A global pandemic — coupled with economic uncertainty and another election season — has shaken our patience, our empathy and our compassion for one another. Our optimism has been battered, our resilience strained and our character tested. But now, as we put the election behind us, we are called upon to remember the things that unite us — and that includes the struggles that we share.”
- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers during a prime-time address, urging people to unite in the fight against COVID-19.
“Whistleblowers and tipsters should turn over their evidence to local law enforcement. Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and final conviction of voter fraud will be paid a minimum of $25,000.”
Who said it? Send your answer to press@dga.net and we’ll reveal the answer in the next Weekender!
If you guessed Idaho Lt. Gov Janice McGeachin last week, you were right! McGeachin appeared in a video holding a gun and a bible, denouncing COVID-19 restrictions put in place by the state’s Republican governor. The video, which was posted by the Idaho Freedom Foundation, questions whether or not the pandemic is even occurring.