Opinion
By Steven Lemongello and Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel
Apr 14, 2023 at 4:22 pm
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to sign one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country could cost him votes if he runs for president, political operatives said Friday, and doing it in a private event late at night suggests he’s well aware of that.
“DeSantis or any other [presidential] nominee signing a six-week ban is starting with a losing hand,” said David Jolly, a former Republican congressman from St. Petersburg and co-founder of the Forward Party.
The governor “knows this is a double-edged sword,” added Mac Stipanovich, a Tallahassee consultant. “He wouldn’t have signed it in private if he didn’t know the consequences.”
The bill bans most abortions after six weeks before most women even know they’re pregnant. It provides exceptions for victims of rape or incest for up to 15 weeks but requires they prove it by providing a copy of a restraining order, police report, medical record, or other documents.
DeSantis’ office sent out a news release shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday with a picture showing legislative leaders and about 40 other people cheering as he signed the bill in his office. Lawmakers had given final approval to the measure several hours before and sent the bill to him at 9 p.m.
The office then sent out an updated schedule noting that the bill signing occurred at 10:45 p.m. Earlier, DeSantis was in Ohio on Thursday promoting his book and speaking at a Republican dinner function.
“We are proud to support life and family in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said in the news release. “I applaud the Legislature for passing the Heartbeat Protection Act that expands pro-life protections and provides additional resources for young mothers and families.”
Read the full article here: DeSantis’ signing of abortion law could hurt his White House chances, experts say – Orlando Sentinel
