Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
DeSantis’ statement on Hastings stands out
Little warmth shown for former colleague
Within hours of his death on Tuesday, Florida’s top Republicans all paid respects to Congressman Alcee Hastings, the outspoken liberal Democrat.
But the words from one — Gov. Ron DeSantis — stood out.
The Republican governor’s statement was as perfunctory and impersonal as possible. DeSantis said he and his wife were “saddened” to learn of the death and Hastings’ “service to our state will be remembered.”
By contrast, Republican U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott issued more compassionate statements in which they exhibited some warmth toward Hastings, who died at 84 after serving in Congress for more than 28 years.
Rubio said “Florida has lost one of its most prominent and passionate public servants.” The senator highlighted Hastings’ advocacy against civil rights injustices, said his time in Congress “was an inspiration,” and praised his work on Everglades restoration.
DeSantis served in Congress — almost three terms before he was elected governor — while Hastings was there. But he is also eying a presidential run in 2024, and has positioned himself as the premier purveyor of the style of politics embodied by former President Donald Trump, who isn’t known for charity toward his political foes.
Scott and Rubio are also potential candidates for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
A DeSantis spokeswoman said the governor would follow the standard protocol and order flags flown at half-staff once the family announced plans for Hastings’ interment.
One Florida Republican stood
out on Tuesday. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart of Miami-Dade County, issued a lengthy statement full of praise — “brilliance, perseverance, and charisma” — and affection for Hastings.
“Congressman Alcee Hastings was more than a colleague; he was a dear friend of mine and my family,” Diaz-Balart said. “I am truly heartbroken by his passing. … Goodbye, my dear friend.”
Diaz-Balart, has less to worry about politically than DeSantis, Rubio or Scott. And he comes from a more old-school approach to politics that doesn’t vilify people from the other political party even though they often vigorously disagree on issues. Though Hastings could offer blistering criticism of Republicans he turned off the venom after making his point.
With the death of Hastings, whose congressional tenure began in January 1993, Diaz-Balart is now the longest serving member of the Florida congressional delegation. Diaz-Balart, who took office in January 2003, is now considered the dean of the Florida delegation.
Full Republican statements
DeSantis (via Twitter): “@FLCaseyDeSantis and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings. His service to our state will be remembered.”
Scott (via Twitter): Ann and I are heartbroken to hear that my colleague @ RepHastingsFL has passed. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Rubio (via statement): “With Alcee Hastings’s passing, Florida has lost one of its most preeminent and passionate public servants. As a congressman, Hastings was a tireless advocate for his constituents and for fighting against civil rights injustices, and the decades he spent representing our state in the House were an inspiration to all members of the Florida congressional delegation. Working alongside him on issues like Everglades restoration has been a personal highlight in my own work in the Senate.
“Jeanette and I mourn his passing. We unite in prayer and offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Diaz-Balart (via statement): “Congressman Alcee Hastings was more than a colleague; he was a dear friend of mine and my family. Along with Carrie Meek and Corrine Brown, he was the first African-American from Florida to serve in Congress after more than 100 years. As the Dean of the Florida Delegation, Alcee dedicated his life to helping others. His brilliance, perseverance, and charisma allowed him to build a lasting and meaningful legacy. Even during his last battle, the one that took his life, he continued to serve with passion, heart, and always with a smile on his face.
“I am truly heartbroken by his passing, and I offer my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and all those who knew and loved him. Florida lost a legend today. Goodbye, my dear friend.”