During the December holiday season, Hillary Cassel, a state House representative from Dania Beach, made international headlines by switching political parties.
In a statement, publicized in England and Israel and The New Arab, she explained why she became a Republican.
“As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism,” Cassel wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Dec. 27.
This claim occurred about a month after she was re-elected unopposed as a Democrat. It also happened three months after the Friends of Hillary Cassel PAC donated $1,000 to Anna Eskamani, a Democratic Florida state House representative who voted the “wrong” way on two non-binding resolutions on Israel.
One resolution was introduced in 2023 by state House Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican who hurled inflammatory charges of antisemitism during the debate. A second 2023 resolution was introduced by state House Rep. Angie Nixon, a Democrat. Nixon called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Eskamani stood with Nixon on the two votes.
On Nov. 7, 2023, reporter Gary Fineout noted in Politico that, “The final vote on Fine’s resolution was 103-3 with…Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) voting no. Eskamani also voted in favor of” a second politically unpopular resolution on Israel.
Fineout continued by mentioning the Nixon resolution: “The decision by House Republicans to even consider Nixon’s resolution was notable, signaling that they may use it against Democrats in next year’s elections. Normally, House leaders would not even schedule a floor vote on a measure that had wide opposition.”
That’s an interesting insight. The reporter’s informed voice indicated that Florida Republicans saw the debate over Israel as a political winner for them. A month after the 2024 elections, newly minted Republican Hillary Cassel emphasized that she is a “proud Jewish woman” who is dismayed by alleged Democratic weakness in supporting Israel.
In November 2023, Democrat Eskamani opposed almost all of her Democratic colleagues on two resolutions regarding Israel. Ten months later, the Friends of Hillary Cassel PAC sent Eskamani a campaign donation just weeks before the recent November election. About a month after the election, Cassel switched to the GOP, citing Israel as a key reason.
It certainly appears that Hillary Cassel and the people managing her PAC had ample time to evaluate Eskamani’s support for Israel—or her alleged lack thereof—before writing the check.
In politics, money can speak louder than words.
Steve Schneider says
Almost all Democrats voted with Cassel:
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/643254-israel-cease-fire-resolution-finds-angie-nixon-under-fire-in-house/
Ultimately, the words were in vain. Only Rep. Anna Eskamani voted “yes” with Nixon on the measure, and the House applauded the resolution’s failure.
Steve Schneider says
Showing her more conservative, pro-business side, a major Florida business organization gave the Friends of Hillary Cassel PAC $5,000 just before Cassel’s recent re=election.
https://aif.com/
Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.
Associated Industries for Florida’s Prosperity 10/31/2024 PO Box 10085 Tallahassee FL 32302 Political Committee $5,000.00 Check 4139
https://friendsofhc.com/
Steve Schneider says
Cassel also claimed that Democrats don’t represent average Floridians. But her law firm claimed she lead the Democratic charge on the state property insurance crisis.
https://www.cassel.law/state-rep-hillary-cassel-leads-democrats-in-the-property-insurance-special-session
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/07/07/florida-state-capitols-property-insurance-coverage-expert-explains-new-law/
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/622887-democrats-republican-policies-havent-abated-floridas-insurance-crisis/
https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/12-6-22-house-democrats-press-conference-on-property-insurance-special-session/
https://www.floridadems.org/2023/07/12/florida-democrats-slam-failed-republican-insurance-reforms-impacting-tens-of-thousands-of-floridians/
Jack Jones says
It’s always about the money, and we will remain pawns until it isn’t. I don’t think it can be changed unless a Democratic, President appoints more Supreme Court Judges. Even then that may not solve the problem. Part of the problem is in the vetting. The Federalist Society, and all the right wing think tanks make sure if you rise to prominence as a judge you click your heels. And These Supreme Court Judges hang out and go to sports games with the oligarchs and start to think like them , if they haven’t already. So they are in no way honest and fair in their reasonings, but are part of the good ole boys club in corporate America already. Willing and prepared to sell us out. Sorry for my diatribe Steve. It’s a shame the power of money has over our freedom and freedom of choice. Thanx for your main street insights where it matters, Jack
Steve Schneider says
It’s all good, Jack.
Steve Schneider says
A relative of Hillary Cassel wrote this letter to the editor in the Sun Sentinel:
“State Rep. Hillary Cassel is my sister-in law. But I and all of the members of the Cassel family that I have spoken to are genuinely disappointed in Hillary’s misguided decision to change parties. Personally, I think that she put together some pitifully lame excuses to rejoin the GOP. Additionally, we look forward to supporting qualified Democrats to run against her.”
Bradley Cassel, Lake Worth Beach