Thread by @DeFede

The decision by @FLGovScott or as he is now known @ScottforFlorida to suspend Brenda Snipes and replace her with Peter Antonacci is more than just a slap at Snipes - it has the potential to change the presidential election in Florida in 2020 @CBSMiami 1/

Antonacci, who has been described as Scott's political fixer by some and as Scott's "henchman" by opponents, will now have complete control over the voting process in the largest Democratic County in the biggest swing state in the country through the 2020 election. @CBSMiami 2/

As the acting supervisor of elections, Peter Antonacci can now - if he choses to - cut back on the number of early voting sites, cut back on the number of days he will allow early voting, and decide where to place early voting sites. @CBSMiami 3/

And on Election Day, he will decide staffing levels at the various precincts which can create chaos. For instance, he can limit staff in precincts in black neighborhoods, creating long waiting lines that might cause some to leave and not vote. @CBSMiami /

In other words, @FLGovScott new pick for Election Supervisor can almost single-handedly throw the state of Florida to @realDonaldTrump in 2020 as he runs for re-election.
And there is virtually nothing @FlaDems can do about it.. @CBSMiami
Scott announcement below 5/5

Meet your new Broward Elections Supervisor, Peter Antonacci:

I've heard from a number of people defending Peter Antonacci saying he is an honorable man who will do a fine job as Elections Supervisor.

Here is the problem: When you make an announcement like this on a Friday night, it leaves the impression you are up to something @CBSMiami

Why wasn't there a press conference to announce the decision?
What calls have been made to leaders in Broward to assure them they had nothing to fear by this move?
Why not have Antonacci available to the press to make his intentions for the office clear? @CBSMiami

If this move comes across as appearing shady, @FLGovScott has no one to blame but himself. @CBSMiami