Dark money mailers, attack ads hit two candidates in Miami-Dade mayoral race

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The negative political ads and “anonymous” attack mailers have come out in the 2020 mayoral race, so far against two of the candidates — Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava and former mayor Alex Penelas.

Over the last week, some voters have received one or all of three mailers — count ’em, three in less than a week — attacking Levine Cava and, get this, saying she is not progressive enough. Paid for by “True Progressives LLC,” they say she has voted against affordable housing, rental assistance and funding for domestic violence programs and assistance to victims.

I know, I know. And here we thought they would go the other way and call her a communist.

Commissioner Xavier Suarez has attacked Penelas — mostly on the half-penny fiasco and county cronyism — in radio ads that say his competition’s name a dozen times and whenever he gets the chance in forums or interviews. But these are the first negative mailers that Ladra has seen in the 2020 mayoral election.

Read related: Daniella Levine Cava timed resignation to force special election in Miami-Dade

Levine Cava’s campaign quickly sent an email blast blaming two other candidates with ties to the company’s address —  Commissioner Esteban “Stevie” Bovo and former Mayor Alex Penelas. Both have taken money from PACs and contributors tied to the True Progressives address.

“It’s clear they’re trying to undermine us with their so-called ‘True Progressives LLC’ PAC and spread lies and misinformation about Daniella’s proven record of leadership in the community,” the campaign email sates. “They’re trying to avoid defending their own records by outright lying that Daniella cut social services and housing assistance.”

Bovo told Ladra Thursday that it wasn’t him.

“Has nothing to do with me,” Bovo texted Ladra last week. “I think she is plenty liberal. I don’t want Miami-Dade to become NYC, Seattle or LA.” See? Told ya.

And Penelas issued a statement that also denied any involvement.

Read related: Daniella Levine Cava’s first Miami-Dade mayoral 2020 mailer hit last week

“Commissioner Levine Cava knows that the Penelas campaign and Bold Vision Committee have nothing to do with the mailers that were distributed. This is an effort to shamelessly portray herself as a victim and raise money for her campaign. The ultimate hypocrisy is that she attempts to defend herself against claims she says are false by trying to discredit Alex Penelas and his record of accomplishment, which will always stand head and shoulders above hers.  As someone who wants to be Mayor, Commissioner Levine Cava should hold herself to a higher standard.”

So, it was nobody?

While both arguably have reason to attack her, Bovo is also behind the Spanish-language attack video ad against Penelas that some have seen on TV.

Oh, it’s paid for by Citizens for Ethical and Efficient Leadership, but that’s David Custin‘s political action committee, and Disgustin’ Custin is with Bovo. It’s why Bovo’s Transportation Solutions PAC gave Ethical and Efficient $51,000 last year.

Read related: Only two Miami-Dade mayoral candidates so far turn to campaign mail

The message one the rental assistance mailer is kinda ironic. Because Bovo was the one who voted against rental relief for residents hit with economic hardship due to the COVID19 crisis.

“It’s appalling that my colleague would block relief for residents who need support during this critical phase of the Covid crisis,” Levine Cava said in a statement after last week’s vote. “We all see the headlines about families lining up at food distributions and struggling to pay for their basic needs and housing as a direct result of the health crisis.

“Families cannot wait three more weeks to act, which is why Commissioner Bovo’s action today is offensive for our residents who are enduring sleepless nights due to the hardships they face.”

It’s the kind of thing that would look good on a mailer.

  Alex Penelas, Daniella Levine Cava, Esteban Bovo, Mayor’s race 2020