Backroom Briefing: Mayor setting sights on governor's mansion?

By DARA KAM AND JIM SAUNDERS
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, January 12, 2017.......... Adding to Democratic drama in advance of this weekend's election of a state party chief, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine announced Thursday he's "exploring" a possible statewide run and won't seek another term in his current office.

Levine --- long rumored to be eyeing a run for governor in 2018 --- made the announcements Thursday morning in a decidedly campaign-ish "State of the City" video in which he boasted that the city is "stronger, healthier and more resilient" after his two terms at the helm.

"Almost every major objective I envisioned for our city is either in motion, planned or been accomplished," Levine said, adding that he now looks forward "to exploring ways of how best to serve both my community and my state."

Levine could be in for a crowded Democratic primary next year: Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and Orlando trial attorney John Morgan are mulling possible bids for governor, as well.

"What I think this proves, with all these people that have shown overtures to explore running for governor, is that the bench is full here in Florida as far as Democrats," Senate Minority Leader Oscar Braynon told The News Service of Florida on Thursday. "There are plenty of Democrats who are qualified candidates to run for statewide office, and we have been building and cultivating our bench, whether it be mayors of our large cities, whether it be legislators. These are people who have strong Democratic principles and have the ability to fundraise and galvanize our base."

Levine's political consultant Christian Ulvert said in a statement that the mayor will spend the next few months traveling the state "to listen to Floridians on how best to serve the state he loves."

Trying to elect a Democratic governor in 2018 will be a key role for the next chair of the party. Democrats will gather Saturday in Orlando to choose a successor to Chairwoman Allison Tant, who decided against seeking another term. Five candidates are seeking the chairmanship.

BLOCK PARTY? MAYBE NOT

Gov. Rick Scott and Republican legislative leaders have touted the possibility that President-elect Donald Trump's administration could usher in block grants for the Medicaid program.

The basic idea is that Washington would send money to the states, which would then have flexibility to run Medicaid as they see fit.

But it might not be that simple.

Justin Senior, secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, told senators Thursday that a key question involves how the federal government would distribute money in a block-grant system.

If the money is distributed on a per-capita basis, Florida might be in good shape. But if it is based on factors related to current Medicaid spending, Florida might not do so well. Senior said Florida has run its Medicaid program more efficiently than other states and shouldn't be penalized for that.

"It's very important to us if you do it on a per-capita basis or on an overall basis that we be treated fairly," Senior told the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said last month he wants the Senate to begin working on a "framework" for the state's Medicaid program under a block grant. In such a situation, Senior said Thursday he thinks the state should continue with a model that uses managed-care plans.

But at this point, the discussion is somewhat theoretical as Trump has not taken office and shifting to block grants would require congressional and regulatory approvals. Democrats also likely would object, arguing in part that moving to block grants could lead to cuts in services.

TWEET OF THE WEEK: "The Orlando Police Department family is heartbroken today. One of our own was taken in the line of duty. There are no words." --- Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) after the shooting death Monday of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton.