Photo via Saul Loeb/AFP
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has yet to be indicted for sex trafficking or possible campaign finance shenanigans but that hasn't stopped fellow Republicans in the Sunshine State from casting a covetous eye on the House seat he holds that is considered a safe seat for any aspiring GOP lawmaker.
According to a report from Politico, no fewer than eight possible candidates for the seat Gaetz now holds are having their names bandied about as his successor -- including conservative gadfly Laura Loomer who just lost a bid for a Florida House seat in the 2020 election.
As a sign that possible candidates are lining up in the belief that Gaetz won't survive the almost daily revelations about his involvement with young women, Politico is reporting that Florida Republicans are receiving robocalls asking who should replace him.
"Several Republican elected officials and others who live in the sprawling Panhandle district said they received a robo-call over the weekend asking voters if they thought Gaetz would step down due to his legal woes," the report states. "They were also asked about potential candidates — including Laura Loomer, the provocateur who mounted an unsuccessful campaign for a South Florida congressional seat last year."
One Gaetz defender pointed out that he has seen no indication that Gaetz might resign -- but quickly turned around and admitted he would consider running for the seat.
"The seat is not open. Congressman Gaetz isn't resigning," explained State Rep. Alex Andrade (R) of Pensacola. "If the seat became open at some point I would strongly consider it."
You can see the list of possible candidates and read more here.
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Lusk, 57, is serving a prison sentence for drug possession.
The settlement stipulates that the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) must adopt new procedures, ensuring the safety and appropriate accommodation of transgender inmates. Policies include housing inmates based on their gender identity, providing necessary medical care such as hormone therapy, and prohibiting harassment or discrimination.
Lusk will receive $495,000 as part of the settlement, which includes $250,000 in legal fees.
"With this settlement, the Department of Corrections takes an important and necessary step toward fulfilling its responsibilities to the people in its care," Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman, the organization that represented Lusk in the case, told NPR.
"Thanks to Christina Lusk's willingness to speak out, transgender people in custody will now have expanded access to the housing and health care they need, and the legal protections they deserve," Braverman added.
This case and its settlement carry national implications. It puts pressure on correctional systems across the country to reevaluate their treatment of transgender inmates.
Lusk is now being transferred to a women's facility. The legal victory is seen as a major step in the fight for transgender rights within the U.S correctional system.
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