It seems Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) reason for taking aim at Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in an Independence Day ad was personal.
The ad, paid for by Newsom’s reelection campaign, encouraged Florida residents to move out west to his state, saying: “Freedom is under attack in your state.”
The California governor has since revealed that he targeted DeSantis because of Florida’s threat to fine the Special Olympics $27 million if it did not drop its COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
“He did something that tipped me very directly, and that was going after the Special Olympics,” Newsom told the Sacramento Bee, speaking of the Florida governor. “That led to the consideration of doing something a little bit more expressive, and that was the determination on the ad.”
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In June, Newsom called DeSantis’s pushback against the Special Olympics vaccine mandate “bullying.”
Ron DeSantis’ values on full display: Bullying. The. Special. Olympics. https://t.co/jZcog2gRyn
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 3, 2022
In the video ad, Newsom pointed to hot topics, including abortion, school curricula, and medical freedom.
“I urge all of you living in Florida to join the fight — or join us in California, where we still believe in freedom: Freedom of speech, freedom to choose, freedom from hate, and the freedom to love,” Newsom said. “Don’t let them take your freedom.”
We’re about to celebrate Independence Day — but Freedom is under attack by Republican leaders in states like Florida.
Banning books.
Restricting speech.
Making it harder to vote.
Criminalizing women and doctors.
It’s time to stand up. Don’t let them take your freedom. pic.twitter.com/cFI5UzgZzX— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 3, 2022
In response, DeSantis went after the California governor during a press conference a few days later, saying that there are reasons why people are leaving California.
“Let us be clear, California is driving people away with their terrible governance,” DeSantis said.
DESANTIS: “California is driving people away with their terrible governance…it’s almost hard to drive people out of a place like California…and yet they’re finding a way to do it.” pic.twitter.com/I3RFmEHif9
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) July 8, 2022
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Dave Abrams, a spokesman for DeSantis’s reelection campaign, also stated that Florida voters are not likely impressed by Newsom’s handling of California.
“The people of Florida pay no mind to the pathetic smear campaigns from the Democrats and their allies in the corporate media,” Abrams told the Daily Wire. “We’re too busy enjoying the freedom Governor Ron DeSantis has created in the Sunshine State.”
