Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran will debate the topic of so-called "sanctuary cities" next Tuesday.
Gillum, a progressive Democrat, is currently running for governor, while Corcoran, hard-line conservative, has not entered the gubernatorial race yet but is speculated to do so soon.
The two got into a Twitter fight last week after a pro-Corcoran political action committee named Watchdog PAC released a pretty racist television ad depicting a white woman suddenly shot for no apparent reason by a dark-haired "illegal immigrant." The video seemingly suggests "sanctuary city" policies are allowing undocumented immigrants to roam the streets killing people. The Speaker is also pushing HB 9, a draconian measure that would ban Florida's non-existent sanctuary cities and punish jurisdictions that don't comply.
"This could have happened to any family, anywhere," Corcoran said in the ad. "Incredibly, some Tallahassee politicians want to make Florida a sanctuary state."
I’ve never been afraid to stand up & fight for those who need a voice & next Tuesday will be no different. I’ll never be silent when the forces of intolerance & division put down their dog whistles & pick up bullhorns. https://t.co/DPfwOmB2c7
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) February 6, 2018
Florida won't be following down the path of California and their illegal sanctuary policies. That's why I am fighting to ban them here in Florida, and it's why I will debate Mayor @AndrewGillum next week. Florida citizens and the safety of our communities comes first! #Flapol pic.twitter.com/fmsYZxBnoo
— Richard Corcoran (@richardcorcoran) February 7, 2018
The debate between Corcoran and Gillum will be on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. in the
Florida Internet and Television studio in Tallahassee. The event will be moderated by Bay News 9's Troy Kinsey and Gary Fineout, from the Associated Press.
Stay tuned for information on how to watch the debate at home.
