Winner of the week

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential aspirations. A well-trodden route to the White House is through a governor’s mansion. One drawback, however, is the job doesn’t afford much opportunity to flex those foreign policy muscles. Well, DeSantis got to genuflect last week in Israel. He rubbed elbows with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and GOP mega-donor Sheldon Adelson, all the while pontificating about the Middle East crisis. On top of that, the trade mission keeps him front and center with top fundraisers who can ensure he remains competitive with other Florida 2024 presidential wannabes Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.





Florida gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham, center, speaks during a private fundraiser at a Panama City home on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. Graham spoke and answered questions from supporters during the fundraiser. [CHRIS URSO | Times]

Loser of the week

Gwen Graham. The once-favored Democratic candidate for Florida governor has got to be shaking her head. During the 2018 Democratic primary, Gillum claimed he was only a bit player in a sprawling FBI investigation into Tallahassee city hall corruption. Now, Tampa Bay Times political editor Steve Contorno reports that a federal subpoena was issued this year seeking records on Gillum and his campaign for governor. This time, the subpoena makes clear, Gillum is a focal point. If only, Graham must be wondering.