Session Review with Representative Anne Gerwig

---

---

---

Representative Anne Gerwig represents District 93 in the Florida House of Representatives which serves part of Palm Beach County, consisting of Wellington, parts of Greenacres and a small portion of Royal Palm Beach. She has lived in Palm Beach County for 55 years total, spending the past 34 with her husband in Wellington. They have three children and three perfect grandchildren.

First elected in 2024 and just finishing her first legislative session in Tallahasse, her extensive community involvement includes 14 years in local government – six as a councilwoman and eight as mayor, as well as past presidency of Palm Beach County League of Cities and board membership of the Florida League of Cities.

Red White and Blue BBQ June 14th

Click below to RSVP

Professor James Todd on Lawfare and What to Do About It

Our May speaker was Professor James Todd of Palm Beach Atlantic, who gave us an interesting perspective on the lawfare being waged against the Trump Agenda by the left and their hand picked partisan judges. Laying out the actions taken by the ACLU, blue state attorney generals and others, he listed some of the areas of attack and suggested some remedies that could be taken in defense.

Counting up the unprecedented number of lawsuits filed against his actions since President Trump took office, Dr. Todd found 214 cases filed (215 with the just filed NPR case). Of these, so far 88 have gone against the administration while 49 did not, an almost 2 to 1 margin. Most of the losses have been in the area of immigration, with mass deportations a particular target.

Some of the hysterical media coverage has involved the Alien Enemies Act and what constitutes “due process” for those deported under it. Judge Boasberg of the DC circuit for example, had begun contempt proceedings against the administration until halted by SCOTUS, for not following his orders to return planes in the air and bring back gang members from El Salvador. Articles of impeachment against this judge have even been introduced in the House. One could ask if these criminal members of Tren de Aragua, (which is listed as a terrorist organization and likely influenced if not controlled by the Maduro government) cannot be deported then who can? As many of these already have existing final orders of removal, what further “due process” would be contemplated?

Other prominent cases involve the canceling of temporary protective status (TPS) (for Venezuelans, Haitians, Afghans and Cameroonians), birthright citizenship and the meaning of the 14th Amendment, Harvard’s right to taxpayer dollars, and many of the anti DEI actions at various levels. All of these are large and important issues affecting foreign policy and national security, and SCOTUS will likely vindicate the Trump actions but it will certainly delay the agenda. Also, fighting Trump is a good resume item for leftist judges and law firms – they will be amply rewarded for being effective roadblocks.

It is interesting to note that the lawsuits against Obama and Biden by the states wanting existing immigration laws to be enforced were defeated because “only the federal government can set immigration policy”, yet when a Republican tries to act under that principal it is rejected. Mass inbound migration YES, mass deportation NO.

Professor Todd identified his hero in all this – Judge James Ho of the 5th circuit Court of Appeals. Appointed by Donald Trump in the first term, Judge Ho rebuked the Supreme Court for blocking the Alien Enemies Act deportations. He expressed frustration over what he saw as excessive expectations placed on lower courts, particularly regarding emergency motions filed at odd hours. In his concurrence, he famously remarked, “We seem to have forgotten that this is a district court—not a Denny’s,” highlighting his concern that courts were being expected to operate like 24-hour diners. Judge Ho is thought to be on the short list for the next Supreme Court opening if one appears during Trump’s term.

Some of the remedies that Professor Todd considers useful:

• SCOTUS could rule against national injunctions in the birthright case or others, though he thinks only Alito and Thomas would likely be willing
• Congress could end them but it would take 60 votes – perhaps it could be attached to a must-pass bill. Democrats have opposed these when the shoe is on the other foot
• Congress could clarify the scope of judicial power
• Trump could suspend Habeas Corpus on an emergency basis
• Congress or the administration could reform the asylum system
• Congress can certify the DOGE cuts (rescission bill?)
• Congress can abolish departments – like the department of Education
• SCOTUS could clarify the 14th amendment on birthright citizenship (stop for illegals but likely allowing “birth tourism”)
• SCOTUS could clarify that a President can fire or disband any “policy making” employee or agency
• SCOTUS could recertify that a actions under the Foreign Enemies Act are not subject to judicial review to second guess a President

Also speaking at the meeting were Gretchen Feng who is running for House District 87, and Chair Rosemary O’Meara of the President’s council to discuss the barbeque on June 14th.

Lawfare – Rogue Judges and National Injunctions with Professor James Todd

Recently, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the ending of birthright citizenship, and more broadly, the legality of country-wide injunctions and restraining orders from federal district judges. For some thoughts on this and other aspects of the current lawfare by the left

---

---

Dr. James Todd joined the Palm Beach Atlantic faculty in 2015, and is currently the Academic Affairs Director for the LeMieux Center for Public Policy. He specializes in American governmental institutions and constitutional law. Dr. Todd serves as an academic advisor to the pre-law students at PBA and directs the PBA Mock Trial team, which he founded in 2016. Dr. Todd teaches the subjects of American government and politics, constitutional law, political science research methods, the Freedom in American Society course, and courses in the humanities sequence. He won the 2023 Charles and Hazel Corts Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Dr. Todd’s research and writing focus on the Supreme Court’s influence on American society. His research has appeared in the Journal of Law and Courts and the Journal of Supreme Court History. He regularly gives public talks and media commentary about the Constitution, the Supreme Court, and American politics in the West Palm Beach area.

Dr. Todd received a Ph.D. in political science and a J.D. degree, both from the University of Alabama. Prior to his academic appointment, he was a practicing attorney for 10 years.

Brigadier General Mark Holler to be April Speaker

---

---

Brigadier General (Ret.) Mark A. Holler most recently served as the Deputy Commanding General – Operations for Eight Army in South Korea (2022-23). A native of Florida, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Holler graduated from the University of North Florida in 1992 as a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. His advanced education includes a master’s degree in military operational art and science and a master’s degree in strategic studies.

Over a 31-year active duty career, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Holler served in leadership positions ranging from platoon leader to commanding general. He served a total of eight years overseas, to include five combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and three assignments within the Pacific region. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Holler also served in the Pentagon as the Director of Fires on the Army staff and Executive Officer to the Inspector General of the Army.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Holler’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (six awards), Bronze Star (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), and Joint Service Commendation Medal. His badges include the Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge, Senior Space Badge, Inspector General Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

2025 Anne Roberts Scholarship

The Republican Club of the Palm Beaches’ Scholarship was named after a long-standing and active member of our Club, Anne Roberts.

The Anne Roberts Memorial Scholarship is available to any resident of Palm Beach County who is a full or part time undergraduate or graduate student seeking to further their education. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and plan to attend an accredited college. Applicants must be registered (or pre-registered under 18 yrs. of age) Republicans. Current members of our Club may refer applicants for this scholarship. The deadline for this application is May 31. The recipient will be eligible to receive up to $500 to be sent to the school they will attend. Award will be presented at the monthly luncheon in June 2024.

---

RCPB Scholarship application 2025

Chairman Carl Cascio Looks Ahead

Our February speaker was Carl Cascio, Chairman and former general Counsel of the county GOP.

Carl laid out his goals which included unifying the party apparatus of the REC, turning the county red in that we can win county-wide elections, and taking advantage of the opportunities that all of President Trump’s activities present.

Listing the percentage of voters who are Republican (32.4%), Democrat (36.5%) and independent (31.1%), he described a voter registration drive aimed at converting the independents. The county continues to improve for Republicans every month, currently standing at D+4.1.

He sees the culture changing after the 2024 election, where it is now “cool” to wear the MAGA hat in public where it was once a dangerous practice. We must relate to people through our values.

On the Trump administration, he says “get ready” – we have only scratched the surface of what is to come. Trump is the world’s best counterpuncher in politics and he is not going to put up with the likes of Jamie Raskin and others on the left anymore. In Congress, Republicans are mostly on the same side and the few who try to gum up the works so far have not been able to stop the agenda or the confirmations.

Closer to home, Carl envisions a DOGE for Palm Beach County to focus on the County budget, which has become bloated and expensive, and he wants to “audit” the county books.

At the end of the meeting we also heard from State Committeewoman Jodi Schwartz who gave us a Tallahassee update and invited people to attend “Palm Beach County day”, party Vice-Chair Jason Kulp who spoke about Lincoln Day on April 11th, and Royal Palm Beach Vice-Mayor Selena Samios who is running for Mayor in the March 11th election.

Sid Dinerstein Looks Ahead

Sid Dinerstein was our guest speaker at the 12/17 lunch.

Quote from Wayne Gretzky. “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”

“The Golden Age of Conservatism!” consists of a three legged tripod:

1. World Peace: Easy to achieve because Congress has the least to say on Global initiatives. Congress tends to align itself with the president’s International peace initiatives.

2. Republican Generation: Job one is election integrity. Elected officials number one priority must be election integrity for the next 20 years. There has been a history of voter fraud in the Democratic Party. For example, 13 of 19 states Kamala Harris won didn’t have to show Identification for voting.

3. American Prosperity: Rebuild the nuclear family. The father needs to play a larger role in the family nucleus.

Sid predicts: Lower interest rates, energy independence, giving up our subsidy for electric cars, etc.

In closing, Trump has to be shown as a successful president for the next 4 years. In doing so he paves the way for JD Vance. Since the VP debate, the country has liked JD Vance. It will be great to have 12 years of the same conservative Republican philosophy. JD Vance will follow Trump and then followed by another unnamed Republican President. Possibly, the first woman President and a Republican.

Club President Endorses Carl Casio for County Chairman

This is my personal endorsement!

I’m voting for Carl Casio because I want change.
In the past we have had disruptive and turbulent meetings.
We’ve had divided camps and personal self interest groups.
I believe that Carl will put an end to divisive conduct by any member.

If you are a member of the REC, please consider a vote for Carl Casio.

Kimberly Davis
President
Republican Club of the Palm Beaches

Click HERE for Carl’s Resume.

Sid Dinerstein at December Lunch on Tuesday, December 17th

---

---

Next Page »