THE CAPTAIN REPORTS:
BREAKING NEWS:
In a shocker of shockers, Governor DeSantis names Judge Renatha Francis as Florida's newest Supreme Court Justice. Check the Comments section for more on this developing story.
CIRCUIT COURT GROUP 52 ....
Pits Incumbent Judge Oscar Rodriguez-Fonts against former Judge Jason Bloch.
First a little background on the two candidates:
In 2014, Rodriguez-Fonts ran against Martin Zilber for Circuit Court Judge. Zilber beat him - we all know how that story ended.
In 2016, Rodriguez-Fonts ran against Rosy Aponte and Carol "Jodie" Breece. Rodriguez-Fonts beat Breece in the run-off.
Jason Bloch was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in 2014 by Gov. Rick Scott. When he had to face the voters in 2016 he drew opposition from Marcia Del Rey. Del Rey won over the voters by a count of 52-48%.
Oscar Rodriguez-Fonts has a net worth of $24,000. His salary comes from his work as a Circuit Court Judge. He is paid $161,688. He has raised $191,440 from a total of 409 contributors. He has so far spent $109,042 on his campaign.
Jason Bloch has a New Worth of $72,379,625 (that is not a misprint). Jason Bloch's salary (income) in 2021 was $1,699,142. That entire amount was made up from stock dividends in the amount of $374,063 and a stock sale of some (not all) of his Apple shares in the amount of $1,325,079. Mr. Bloch still owns at least $14,560,740 in Apple stock. Jason Bloch has no other apparent source of income at the present time. According to his campaign literature, since leaving the bench, Jason has focused his legal practice on pro bono representation of people in need, and working with nonprofit organizations. Mr. Bloch is self-funding his judicial campaign. He has reported spending $199,533 to date on his campaign.
Both candidates have been in the news lately and in the spirit of hearing from both sides here is what we can tell you.
Judge Oscar Rodriguez-Fonts appeared at a function organized by the Christian Family Coalition (CFC) of Florida. He spoke at that function. The function took place the day after the United States Supreme Court announced its opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that overturned the right to an abortion as found in Roe v Wade. Judge Rodriguez Fonts has been widely criticized for appearing at the CFC function, and for speaking at the function. Some people assumed that he was there because of his beliefs on the issue of abortion (and other issues that CFC stands for). Some people believed that his speech was saluting the SCOTUS ruling.
Judge Rodriguez-Fonts has adamantly denied all of those allegations.
1. Judge Rodriguez-Fonts has indicated that he had accepted an invitation to be at the CFC function well before Roe was reversed. (According to the President of the CFC, Anthony Verdugo, invitations to the event went out approximately 4-6 weeks before the SCOTUS decision).
2. Judge Rodriguez-Fonts has indicated that he spoke for less than five minutes and simply introduced himself and touted his candidacy for re-election as a Circuit Court Judge. (According to Verdugo, Judge Rodriguez Fonts spoke about his experience on the bench and his candidacy for re-election).
3. Judge Rodriguez-Fonts has professed that in no way did he endorse anything having to do with the issue of abortion.
4. Judge Rodriguez-Fonts has stated that he never signed any letter stating that he was anti-gay or anti- woman.
It should be noted that Judge Rodriguez-Fonts has received the “endorsement” from the CFC ( they do not call it an endorsement but instead state that he is a Highly Qualified candidate, as compared to his opponent).
The question does need to be asked though, what does it take for a candidate to earn the badge of Highly Qualified from the CFC?
According to the web site of the CFC of Florida, it states as follows:
“The Christian Family Coalition was founded with the purpose of serving as a voice for the pro-family citizens of Florida to ensure that our religious liberties are protected from government intrusion.”
“The Christian Family Coalition works to introduce pro-family legislation at the state and local levels of government. We inform and educate citizens on where candidates stand on the issues that affect the traditional family unit.”
So, what questions did Judge Rodriguez-Fonts answer, and what were those answers that earned him the Highly Qualified stamp of approval?
We asked those questions directly to the President of the Christian Family Coalition of Florida, Mr. Anthony Verdugo. Mr. Verdugo was very cordial and answered all of our questions. In order to be considered for a rating from the CFC of Highly Qualified, a candidate is invited to do three things:
2. Answer a Questionnaire
3. Appear before a live panel and answer questions.
Mr. Verdugo was very clear to point out that, while he is not an attorney, several attorneys do serve on the panel. They are all aware of the prohibition of judges, or judicial candidates, taking a position on any issues. Therefore they do not ask questions concerning issues such as abortion or gay marriage, etc. They understand that judicial contests are non-partisan, they just want to know that the candidate will represent the entire community.
The CFC wants a commitment from the Judge that they will abide by the written text of the constitution and the laws of the State of Florida. They invite all candidates to participate in the process. If a candidate refuses to participate that is their choice but it certainly shows a “lack of respect” for our organization, and the entire community, if they do not participate. They ask the candidate whether they believe that the constitution is a living and breathing document or should be interpreted precisely as written. They want to know that a judge will “follow the law” and “honor their oath of office”. Some judges “make up the rules as they go along and those judges do not have integrity nor character”.
We then spoke directly with Judge Oscar Rodriguez-Fonts. We wanted to know whether he was required to sign anything that mentioned abortion, gay rights, or any other issues. Here is what Judge Rodriguez-Fonts said to us in response:
“You are correct, as to the three things a candidate does as part of the CFC process. I assure you that at no time did I take a stance on Gay marriage or abortion issues while at the CFC candidate panel interview. In fact, it should be noted that when I was assigned to the Family Law Division, I routinely entered orders granting the adoption of children by same sex married couples. In addition, contrary to the allegations being published about me, I have never signed any letter or document denouncing womens' rights or LGBTQ rights.
I hope this was helpful in responding to your questions. “
Thank you,
Oscar
Jason Bloch has also made the news recently. More than a few people began receiving text messages recently maligning the candidacy of Judge Rodriguez-Fonts. According to some of our readers, the content of these texts stated that:
“Judge Rodriguez-Fonts signed a letter denouncing women’s rights groups and LGBTQ groups.” The text went on to say that Rodriguez-Fonts was a “radical” judge.
HERE IS THE ACTUAL TEXT MESSAGE:
Many people assumed that Jason Bloch was responsible (through consultants or others) for these text messages. We contacted Mr. Bloch and asked him to address the allegations. Here is his response, unedited:
Dear Captain,
“I admit that upon the advice of colleagues when I became a judge, I’ve tried to avoid reading the Blog, without complete success. But I understand that you put out a fair and well-written column and so I thank you for the opportunity to respond.
With reference to text messages, my campaign hasn’t engaged in any text message efforts. I became aware of what I assume is the text you refer to when friends shared it with me. Prior to that, I had not seen it or been aware of it.
You may be aware that there is a Facebook page purporting to be on behalf of my opponent’s campaign, presently named “Elect Al Juez Correcto,” and previously named after my opponent (“Elect Rodriguez Rodriguez-Fonts”). It shares his picture and campaign material, levels attacks against me and a sitting judge, and is laden with appallingly racist posts and offensive content. My opponent denies that he is responsible, and I take him at his word.
My point is when there are voices in support or against a candidate, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are from the campaign.
I believe I can make my case for election based on qualifications and merit alone.
That said, I believe my opponent’s relationship with the CFC going back many years, and especially his highly visible participation in their recent “Legislative Victory and Candidates Breakfast,” which celebrated the CFC’s legislative achievements and the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, has raised a legitimate issue for lawyers and voters.
I have observed that this issue has garnered significant attention on its own, without needing any help from me. I have heard from many individuals and organizations who are genuinely troubled by this, and who have expressed reactions ranging from profound disappointment to outrage. Many have undertaken their own messaging and advocacy efforts in response, all quite independent from me and my campaign. While my campaign has noted the CFC’s backing and stances in some of our materials - and we stand behind those - we are not responsible for the text messages you cite.
I was not invited to attend the CFC’s “victory” (and so-called “candidates” breakfast), nor would I have gone if I had been. (My understanding is that my opponent was the only judge to attend.) The “victories” being celebrated, including the demise of Roe, were well known beforehand, as the Miami Herald reported on it in advance of the event as did the CFC itself. Further, the timing and stated purpose of this event made it particularly fraught. The Judicial Canons, see e.g., Canons 1, 2, 4 and 7, and good judgment, counsel against my attending any event advocating either side of a divisive or polarizing issue, regardless of personal beliefs or legal opinion.
For better or worse, judicial candidates must campaign and seek votes. But preserving the impartiality of the judiciary, and the perception of impartiality, is on a much higher plane, perhaps now more than ever. This must always trump the aspirations of any candidate. There is reason why the Canons preclude judges from attending political events and place other limitations on conduct.
I was also not invited to participate in the CFC’s endorsement or screening process. So, I am not well-versed in the details, but my understanding from others is that the CFC requires those who they back, like my opponent, to sign a letter to maintain CFC’s “highly qualified” rating. I do not have any proof one way or another whether my opponent signed the letter described in the message. I never alleged he did.
I suggest that you ask CFC and my opponent what is required to get CFC’s backing and whether he signed any letters for them.”
Thanks…Jason
So now you have the facts. Our humble Blog believes that our readers, and the voters of Miami-Dade County are entitled to the facts and to be well informed on the qualifications, (or lack thereof), of the judicial candidates.
It is now for you to decide who gets your vote: Judge Oscar Rodriguez-Fonts or his opponent Jason Bloch.
ON A SEPARATE NOTE:
There seems to sometimes be confusion on who exactly is the author of these judicial election posts. When you see THE CAPTAIN REPORTS that is the work of Captain Justice for the Justice Building Blog. I write the columns (posts) about the JNC process, gubernatorial appointments, and judicial elections. Rumpole has been kind enough to lend me this thread for the past 17 years, and in all that time, he has only censured me one time. I have never been compensated once in those 17 years for anything that appears under my byline. I do not personally know Judge Jean; I have never personally appeared before her. I may have attended a bar function that she also attended and said hello. That is the extent of my connection to Judge Jean. I thank Rumpole for always having my back and for responding to all of those ridiculous comments in my post from Wednesday accusing me (and him) of somehow profiting from the Jean camp.
Captain4Justice@gmail.com
32 comments:
Both these guys are full of…idk whatever you’re supposed to say judges are full of since you can’t say their full of shit. “Unfortunately misled, probably through the fault of some slimy lawyer”. ORF absolutely knew who the Christian Family Coalition was. They’ve been anti gay, anti woman, anti everything “Librul” for decades. They want a fascist Christian state and judges who will allow that. If you lay down with them either you’re complicit or you’re stupid, neither a great quality in a judge. Yes he didn’t speak about abortion at their abortion banning party. He didn’t have to. And Bloch of course knew about, probably wrote, certainly approved, the text message. You think some independent person is paying to send out a mass text to apparently everyone in Miami on behalf of a guy worth $72 million dollars? Please. He made an allegation he can’t support, about signing the letter, and he can’t admit it.
Having deal with Bloch last time he was on the bench, I’m voting for ORF.
Thoughtful post, Captain. Do you and Rumpole know each other’s real identities?
Saw Marty yesterday. What a schlub. Poor little rich boy, with his $750 Gucci sneakers. Busy doing nothing, as always.
I called the president of Edge Media, the manager of the PAC that sent the text messages and direct mail to my house and politely demanded he show me the letter Oscar signed and he refused. He said...."it's out there, do your own research to find it." I know when someone is bullshitting me. I told Oscar and the PAC boss that if Oscar did sign a letter denouncing women's rights and gay rights groups then, I would have a serious problem with Oscar. I believe Oscar. Boy, do I believe Oscar. He is a good man!
I also asked him to show proof that Oscar was the "keynote speaker" at the Christian thing and he said he was sure he was. I told him that I spoke with a person who was there and that person verified exactly what the Capt. said. All Oscar did was accept and invitation and just introduced himself. He said nothing else.
The man is Christian Ulvert. He is a former president of SAVE DADE. SAVE DADE and the Christian coalition hate each.
BTW, I called the current president of SAVE DADE and Ulvert is not involved with them right now. I then paid $75.00 and joined SAVE DADE.
I have seen the Christian Coalition lie, cheat and trick people to win. Until now, I never saw the SAVE DADE or the gay side cheat but, I wonder this:
Someone spent real money for the text messages and direct mail that was pure libel against Oscar. Funny how Jason denies even seeing it. Funny how Jason does not list where he spent his money.
I told Ulvert there may be legal consequences for his libel and he acted like he cared less.
Very truly yours,
A gay lawyer who hates it when people cheat to win.
One last thing.... that text message said Oscar was a "radical judge." Many of you know Oscar and he is anything but, a radical judge. The radical quote is not in the direct mail flyer.
WAIT !!! JUDGES ARE ADVISED TO NOT READ THE BLOG ????
How cool is that ? You know you’ve arrived when you’re shunned.
It’s like stock commentators in 2000 writing that apple was done. Or people writing off the 1969 Mets in July.
Or dozens of prosecutors telling me over the years to plea because I couldn’t win the case.
Btw Judge Bloch - DO NOT SELL ANY MORE APPLE. it’s going to 200 when this bear market ends. And buy on any weakness below 150. I mean if you look at the put/ call ratio on the stock. Not to mention the price of buying calls for December, you can’t find value for a call six months out below 205.
As Jim Cramer said five years ago or more “you don’t trade apple. You hold it. “. While not in your category, my apple holdings have set up my future very nicely.
And please if you win - spread the word amongst your fellow employees clad only in black - do not read the blog.
All the best
Rumpole.
7:51 - The Captain’s identity is well known to the regular, or at least, old time Blog readers. He has revealed his identity in the past. He is Captain Justice
Captain, consider calling Mr. Verdugo again and asking Mr. Verdugo if he had a conflict of interest when he and his 'Christian' Family Coalition recomended the highly unqualified Tessa Taco Tylman Cerveza Cervera, who, as per her financial disclosure, is paying Mr. Verdugo's Winning Strategies Inc., $1,666.00 every two weeks to be her campaign manager. In addition to this by-weekly payoff, Taco Tylman Cerveza Cervera is the only judicial candidate to have paid Mr. Verdugo to 'advertise' with Mr. Verdugo's "Christian" Family Coalition. Paying Mr. Verdugo and his organization is one of the largest expenditures of Taco Tylman Cerveza Cervera's campaign. Thank you for your excellent investigation of the judicial races Captain.
BREAKING NEWS:
SHOCKER ALERT - Governor DeSantis just named Judge Renatha Francis as our newest Florida Supreme Court Justice. Was there ever any doubt?
In his press conference announcing the appointment, DeSantis said this about Judge Francis:
"Judge Francis has an incredible life story that epitomizes the American Dream and proves that those who come to our country have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and, through hard work and the application of their God-given talents, reach the highest heights of whatever field they choose."
***DeSantis went on to say that: Before immigrating from the Caribbean to Florida, Francis chartered the first Federalist Society chapter in the Caribbean at the University of the West Indies. On her first flight to Florida, while on the plane, she chartered the first, and still only, American Airlines chapter of the Federalist Society. While attending Florida Coastal Law School she chartered the first Federalist Society chapter at that law school. In my book, there was no other candidates that could hold a candle to the accomplishments of Judge Francis in chartering no less than three Federalist Society chapters.***
CAPTAIN OUT .......
(*** the last paragraph was written in jest).
Looking for your comment? This is not FB
when you accuse me of things that are not true, just to get the accusation out there to promote your lie, I will not post it.
My blog my rules.
Go find some trump blog somewhere
Rumpole: If you are nice, maybe we can get you invited to the 2025 Trump inauguration.
Uh…Oscar has 8 years on the bench of being a very guy and reasonable judge. What’s the issue’?
Kudos to Judge Jean at today’s Cuban American Bar luncheon. She got a standing ovation and deserved it.
Seminole county judge behaving badly: https://efactssc-public.flcourts.org/casedocuments/2022/846/2022-846_motion_126229_e47.pdf
The video of one of his outbursts described in the stip is posted to the Florida Supreme Court's website: https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/Media/Multimedia/Multimedia-Supreme-Court/SC22-846/SC22-846-Culver
More Hanzy & Coco airchecks from you tube
It's Hanzy and Coco in the morning...66 WNBC (quack quack)
Hanzy: Well fall is in the air. I was at the Giants game yesterday and it was in the 40's Phil Simms was great and LT tore up the other side and Harry Carson was a beast.
Coco: And did you have a hot dog Hanzy? Got to watch that junk food. Have you tried the Fit For Life Diet?
Hanzy: I watch what I eat, but at a Giants game you gotta tailgate with the fans and have some fun. It's 7:22 in the big Apple, highs today 58 and a low of 41. Time to break out that winter sweater Coco. The traffic on the Kosciusko bridge is a nightmare. The GW bridge is bumper to bumper into the West Side Drive. Mayor Koch is talking about replacing the Police Commissioner yet again, so it's just another day in the Big Apple.
Coco: coming up in the 8-9 hour we speak with Mad Dog Chris Russo on the Giants and Jets wrap up from Sunday's games and then I interview Penn of Penn and Teller who have a hit Broadway show. !988 is more than half over Hanzy, and the year has gone by so fast.
Hanzy: The Giants beat the Charges Sunday 20-7. Chargers QB Fouts threw five, countem FIVE interceptions in the fourth quarter. I'm looking forward to talking to Mad Dog Russo about what he thinks about their Defensive Coordinator. I like this guy Bill Belichick. He had the D ready to play. Not sure he could ever make it as a head coach in this league, but he sure knows how to run a defense.
(cue bumper)
It's Hanzy and Coco in the morning, 66 WNBC (quack quack) if they weren't so bad, they'd be good. 66 WNBC....if you are looking for any appliance, a TV, computer, radio, stereo, come to Crazy Eddies. he has the lowest of low prices.....
24,000.00 net worth? Is this the sort of person we want to be in charge of deciding cases? A fifty year old dude who doesn’t have financial stability? No thanks. The other guy is a jerk but I’m voting for him regardless
I'm still trying to understand when a judge who applies for a higher judicial position and checks the box of NO prior judicial complaints when there's a record of same isn't that a failure of honesty, which should be a dismissal of future consideration? I'm a dinosaur, but I would think for a judge they'd have a memory of a complaint(s) even if it/they were hogwash. Thanks SAO 5
806 pm. Money isn’t the arbiter of whether a person is good or not. Some of the best people I know in the military aren’t rich. But they are great in what they do. Van Gogh was poor his whole life.
And the flip side is wealthy people aren’t necessarily good at their job. The last president was wealthy. He was a lunatic and moron.
And I don’t think Jason is a jerk. He’s a good guy. So is Oscar. I’d love to ask Jason why with some very bad judges in the bench he chose Oscar to run against.
I need to take some time off.
I got some bad news today and I’m shaken.
In many ways it’s hard to consider moving on.
Kim and Pete have broken up.
I mean why ? They seemed so good together.
I don’t understand. I hope my readers give me some time to just process this.
Thanks (sob)
Jason, how do you say you know nothing about the false statements made to benefit only you? I find it hard to believe. If you know they are false statements, why not renounce them. I didn't vote for John Mc Cain but, that time he corrected a stupid old lady who called Obama a Muslim is still in my heart. Cain was a class act. You Jason are no John Mc Cain and never will be a class act.
Lody Jean is an excellent: 1. person, 2. lawyer, 3. judge, 4. friend, 5. colleague!
She deserves to be re-elected! Lody also has not thrown any mud on her opponent; she's running a clean campaign; she's dedicated to her position and to her campaign. She's a hard worker and a unbiased judge. I agree with Rumpole that Judge Jean! Anyone saying negative things about her, does not know her or has never been in front of her.
Oscar is a good judge but most importantly a great person. He has 2 nephews and 3 nieces that he takes care of as if they were his children.OFR has paid for their education and continues to provide financial support to his extended familiy.
In response to 8:06's question--yes, this is sort of person we want on the bench.For me it's not about how much money a person has but what they do with their money that shows thier true worth. ORF is a generous person. He's used his money to help his family and others in need. IMO Block uses his money to target a good judge and the PAC he claims he's not associated with spent $$$$ attempting to defame his opponent's name. Is THAT the kind of judge we want?
That is a bs response from Bloch. Sounds like a child saying sorry not sorry. I credit the guy for working when he doesn’t need to. But that response is pure doucebaggery. Also, Rodriguez Fonts is a good guy and judge.
"Kim and Pete have broken up."
"I mean why ? They seemed so good together."
Kardashian does not seem like the monogamous or staying type. She was married to Kris Humphries for a little over two months before she filed for divorce on him.
As for Davidson, he got a few months of notoriety and getting to plow that big ass. He can move on and try to charm the next celebrity out of his league.
If Jason Bloch wanted to become a judge again, he should have sought a new JNC appointment like most appointed incumbents who lose elections do. Or he could have run in a rematch against Marcia del Rey. Jason's association with Christian Ulvert worries me more than Oscar's association with the Christian Family Coalition. Oscar is not a radical and I'm voting for him and recommending him in my list to family and friends
The Bloch response reminds us why he was a terrible judge.
I was a public defender with Oscar Rodriguez. We used to call him the big O. He was the first Hispanic lawyer to represent the drug cartels - a larger then life personality. I'm surprised he would have run for judge as he loves to roll and have a good time. Jason is finna get crushed! The big O is a local legend! I'm with the big O!!
ORF isn’t a radical? The CFC is basically the Klan in broad daylight. So what the event was planned in advance. Anyone who would go (as the only judicial candidate) to their Roe v. Wade celebratory breakfast deserves any repercussions from his constituents. Can you really trust him not to rule with his political or religious ideologies? In regards to his statements on rulings re adoption and gay marriage, you don’t get extra points for following the law. It’s literally your only job. Take a look at the most recent DCBA poll where Bloch beats him based on qualifications.Take a look at ORF’s reviews on other sites also from his peers about his performance (or lack there of) on the bench, his lack of understanding of “basic and rudimentary concepts” ,“borderline incompetent as an attorney and now as a judge”, “awful and entirely unqualified”, “unable to grasp basic concepts and unfamiliar with case law or applicable statutes”. My favourite was from his friends from law school who couldn’t believe he was running to be a judge. These were his FRIENDS! Unbelievable. So you think he’s a nice guy. That doesn’t make him qualified. ORF has been appealed multiple times. To your statement worrying about Bloch’s association with Christian Ulvert, there is none. Ask Christian and he’ll tell you himself, he’s never even met Jason Bloch.
How can he pay for multiple nieces and nephews and their education with a net worth of $24k? Something doesn’t add up
Hmm takes care of his nieces and nephews with a net worth of $24 thousand? Seems fishy. Also you know absolutely nothing about Jason and who he helps. That is a ridiculous statement and sounds like your jealous. I’m guessing you work at the public defenders office? He has no association with any pac you mentioned and has done nothing to defame ORF like you've “anonymously” defamed Jason here. Jason Bloch doesn’t need to spend any of his $ defaming ORF, or hiring a pac to go after him. He did that to himself by attending the Christian terrorist group’s event and accepting their endorsement. That was literally the dumbest decision someone running for office could make. You have question the guy’s intellect and judgment after that. I think his nieces and nephews need him more than the people of Dade County.
10:41, 10:44 and 11:03 are obviously the same person.
“Ask Christian and he’ll tell you himself, he’s never even met Jason Bloch”
Same person and someone with personal knowledge of who Jason Bloch has met. Same person is probably Jason Bloch.
The comments from the people who have cases in front of ORF are all consistent. His only flaw was the timing of his pre planned appearance at an event that happened to coincide with one of the biggest opinions in decades. He is not a radical and he is unbiased in his rulings. He follows the law and respects attorneys. ORF has my vote.
This is the problem with public defenders. That is jealousy. You can’t understand why a guy with a net worth as high as Bloch’s would want to be a public servant. Bloch unlike ORF, isn’t taking any money from attorneys. He had no knowledge of that text until it came out. He didn’t pay for or approve of that text. My bet is SAVE. Bloch doesn’t have to engage in any negative campaigning. ORF stepped in it himself by going to that CFC event. One must question his intellect.
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