POD 985: A Sprint to the Finish

We're going to be your choice. I tell people the more you research or the more you're going to want me as governor, there's no skeletons in the closet, no doubts, concerns. I can beat David Jolly hands down and lead Republicans to a big victory and continue what we've got going for the next eight years. You know, we talked a few weeks ago, Paul, at a time when one poll had you in second place surging at 19%. I've seen loads of your campaign ads on television here in the studio. Other polls have Congressman Byron Donalds's in a commanding spot. But then again, you look at what happened in Wisconsin earlier this week when the socialist Francesca Hong had led by 25 percentage points. She ends up losing that gubernatorial primary. So does that... Give you hope that some of the polls out there are totally wrong. There's been a lot of surprises. And as I said, if you look at a horse race, as they call politics sometimes, and you're looking at it on TV, you can see that way that horse is catching everybody. We're the fastest galloping horse. We are the ones with the momentum. The question is, how far does that carry us? Is that carry us to a photo finish and a victory on Tuesday? We're going to find out on Tuesday, right? And that's where your listeners come in is you don't have to have, you have concerns and doubts, which I hear a lot about the so-called front runner. They're just not sure. And the governor said he wasn't here for any of our victories. I can talk about miss votes. I can talk about all those things that that would give people pause. You don't have to. have entered the voting booth with concerns and doubts. I'm the surest thing to a sure thing to replace Ron DeSantis, and he said so last week. Well, we were talking off the air about how you've crisscrossed the state. You're here in Orlando today. You've been in this race for about 11 months or so, almost a full year. What are you telling Floridians about your plans, for affordability, for property taxes? The stuff that voters are really concerned about. What's the plan here, Paul? I tell people, look, you can't pass a platitude, but you can pass. a plan. I'm literally the only candidate with a plan on homestead property taxes, and it fully eliminates that for residents. We have benefit for small businesses and renters as well. So it's fulsome. It's comprehensive. But we also have that through a combination of savings and some replacement taxes on those that vacation here that speculate here. We have out-of-state private equity that has bought over 100,000 single-family homes and turned them into rentals. None of that money from Floridian's pockets ever hits our local economy. They'll pay a little bit more under my plan. So it's a thoughtful plan that shifts the burden off of people who call Florida home to those that are outside coming in. And so it will cover your 911 services that people are concerned about with this proposition, Amendment 3. It's a better plan. Also a plan to reduce insurance rates by 10 to 20 percent, very concrete steps that we can take that will accomplish that goal and reforms to our way we charge for electricity to lower electric rates. Three very concrete ways to lower people's costs. Because people are leaving our state because they can no longer afford those things. I'm going to make Florida more affordable again while getting after safety, health freedom, educational freedom, and just continuing down the path that I started with the governor. Lots of people moving in, lots of people moving out because of that affordability issue, Paul. President Trump's approval rating below water right now. Iran is a huge reason why. Sort of off the beaten path here. You're a veteran having served your part in the Gulf War. Looking what is going.

on with Iran right now? There seems to be a new playbook, a new strategy, and that is to kind of squeeze them economically. If you were advising President Trump about what is going on in Iran right now, what would that advice look like? Well, it would be the same for any conflict is explaining the American people why we're there, explain what victory looks like and go get it, and don't prolong it because everybody's patience, especially when lives are at risk, when treasures at risk is short, especially after. all the post-9-11 conflicts I fought in. I was in Afghanistan. I've been my whole life over in the Middle East just about in these conflicts. And so, you know, clarity and then go get it done in a way that doesn't take years and years, but months. There's a lot of talk about the USS Abraham Lincoln this morning and what is going on on that naval ship. There are reports that there have been suicide attempts and brawls and they've been out there for 260 days as well. I don't know if you heard about that. And then CENTCOM came out last night and said, all these stories are false. It's Iranian propaganda. You have any thoughts about what may be going on on the USS Abraham Lincoln right now, Paul? Well, in this race, I know a little bit about propaganda. We have candidates out there pushing fake exit polls, fake polls, push polls. We hear one's coming out on Monday for one of the other candidates. So there's always propaganda. You have to really separate fact from fiction. And war is no different. So no. doubt the Iranians are pushing propaganda in all forms. All right. What's the plan here? We have about four days till primary day. A lot of people have already voted. There are a lot of undecideds who have not. What's the plan to try to close this race for Florida governor as we head toward Tuesday here, Paul? Well, we continue to crisscross for in-person events. We're doing live streaming on Facebook and X every evening. And then the weekend, I think we're shifting to 11 a.m. on Saturday. We're doing a live town hall so people can. physically come in North Pinellas. We'll be down there this, tomorrow, right? The days all blur together. That is tomorrow. But so we'll be in Jacksonville, I think, on Sunday, and then some other places on Monday before the election, do some sign-waving election day, vote, and then sit back and wait for the returns to come in. But I would encourage everybody to do your research. The more you research, the more you're going to want me as your governor, no skeletons, no doubts, no concerns, somebody who was a key architect with a governor who would. make a really good governor. Get out, share with your friends. The election day will determine this election. The turnout's been relatively low. And so the vote is that the race is still wide open. And you talked about the surprises. We think will be the surprise on Tuesday. But it means getting out there and doing your research and encouraging your friends. No, it's not that guy. It's renter. And when we do, we'll see hopefully a big upset on Tuesday night. Concerns about a low Republican turnout here in Florida. an off election here, Paul? Always. Yeah, there's always an enthusiasm gap for the party in power. Again, I think, you know, if we have a flawed nominee or somebody who really doesn't have the answer to the why question, why are you running and why you, not the others? What have you ever led? What results did you get in Congress? You know, what's your vision? If it's just not there, it will depress turnout. And I can tell you, we got so much done when I was speaker because I have plans and we're going to execute those plans for the betterment and the benefit. of every Floridian. I'm running a Florida first campaign. That means all I care about every day is working as hard as your listeners do to make their lives more affordable, safer, just more prosperous for the next eight years. And you'll be in your hometown of Jacksonville on Tuesday for perhaps a big victory party on Tuesday night. We shall see. God willing. Yes, God willing. Paul, thank you for coming in. Appreciate it. And I know it's going to be a whirlwind four days or so, but to always appreciate it.

your accessibility over the last number of weeks. It's a pleasure to be with you this morning. Thanks to GOP, gubernatorial candidate here in Florida, Paul Renner, for the conversation on the Inez Says podcast. That will do it for the podcast. Join me on the radio every weekday morning. Orlando's morning news was Scott Innes 5 to 9 a.m. on WDBO 107.3 FM and AM 580. I'll see you next time. Progressive knows it ain't easy, navigate me open planes of home insurance. But there is one man who can help tame that wild herd of options. The Home Quote Explorer. Note, Progressive's Home Quote Explorer is not a real person, but an online tool that lets you compare home insurance. He's the type of fella who helps you decide on the right insurance, even if it ain't with him. Again, not a person, just an online tool that helps you find great home coverage. A real pioneer. Okay, fine. Just do the thing. Progressive casualty insurance company affiliates and third-party insurers, comparison rates not available in all states or situations.