Millions in Florida taxpayer cash fuel DeSantis' ad war on pot, abortion amendments

Gov. Ron DeSantis is spending the election homestretch focused almost solely on two of the costliest ballot campaigns in the nation, throwing millions of dollars in taxpayer money and a flurry of questionable claims against legalizing marijuana and restoring abortion rights in Florida.

Groups spending on Amendment 3, which would allow recreational marijuana, and Amendment 4, expanding abortion access, have raised more than $225 million over the past two years, putting them at the top of more than 150 ballot proposals going before American voters Nov. 5.

TV, radio and digital platforms are ablaze in advertising in the campaign’s closing hours. The governor and First Lady Casey DeSantis are central players in the campaign endgame, making daily appearances over the past weeks trashing Amendments 3 and 4.

The governor’s political future also is tied at least partially to keeping the proposals below the 60% level of support each needs for approval. If the measures pass, DeSantis’ influence could take a hit heading into his final two years leading Florida. He's term-limited and will leave office January 2027.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/01/florida-amendments-desantis-abortion-rights-marijuana-measures-election/75944921007/