Trump campaigns for Scott, DeSantis in Southwest Florida rally

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Hundreds, including Gene Huber, arrive 10 hours early for President Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ rally in Estero
David Dorsey, [email protected]

President Donald Trump talks about the media Wednesday evening at Hertz Arena while addressing supporters during a Make America Great Rally October 31, 2018. (Photo: Ricardo Rolon / The News-Press)

President Donald Trump campaigned for top Republican candidates Wednesday, rallying a Southwest Florida crowd of more than 8,000 to support Ron DeSantis for governor and Rick Scott for U.S. Senate.

Trump arrived in the early evening at Hertz Arena in Estero to the roar of the crowd that started lining up Tuesday night. After a few minutes of attacking the media, Trump turned to the reason for his stop in Southwest Florida — to rally support for the state’s Republican candidates.

Trump first gave the spotlight to Scott, the two-term governor who is battling Democratic incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson.

“Gov. Scott is doing a truly incredible job,” Trump said. “He’s a talent.”

He praised Scott’s response to Hurricane Michael, which slammed Panama City and Mexico Beach on Oct. 10 and left a path of destruction through eight Panhandle counties.

“Together we will ensure that Florida comes back,” Trump said.

More: Live coverage: President Trump’s Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena

The president noted that Scott helped to acquire federal money for a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, a move intended to help reduce discharges on Florida’s east and west coasts. Scott has come under fire during the campaign for cuts in state environmental programs from critics who argue he could have done more to limit discharges and toxic red tide along the coasts.

Scott spent his time praising the president, the accomplishments of the Trump administration and the support the president gave after Michael.

“Every day he called me,” Scott said of Trump. “And said, ‘What do you need?’”

Trump also gave DeSantis seven minutes to make his case during the rally.

“He will continue what Gov. Scott began,” Trump said of DeSantis. “Florida’s economy is one of the hottest” in the country.

DeSantis spent most of his time criticizing his Democratic opponent, Tallahbadee Mayor Andrew Gillum.

“He cannot keep Florida safe,” DeSantis said of Gillum. And he warned the crowd to “read the fine print” in Gillum’s “Medicare for all” proposal. “The government doesn’t have the right to take away the health care benefits you’re earning,” through your employer, DeSantis said.

Get-out-the-vote was the theme of the evening but when Trump asked who had voted already, nearly everyone in the arena raised their hands, making him jokingly ask why he was there.

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Then he launched into attacks on Nelson and Gillum, comparing them to “Rick and Ron,” lauding the accomplishments of the Trump administration and sending dire warnings of what a Democratic victory would mean for the future of the country, Florida’s economy and the safety of its citizens.

“You must vote for Rick and Ron,” Trump said. “Together we will take our country back.”

In speaking about Gillum, Trump’s words prompted the crowd to recite a familiar Republican rally refrain, albeit with a different pronoun, that was used in 2016 against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

“Lock him up, lock him up,” they chanted.

Supporters gather at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Chris Sawnson of Daytona Beach hold up his copy of Trump: The Art of The Deal while entering Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Rogan O'Handley wear s patriot costume at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Freddy Solorzano and his family hold up signs asking for president Trump's help got Venezuela at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Supporters react to President Trump's speech at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Vito Andilino dresses up as a viking at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Remaining supporters who were unable to make it inside the arena stand outside and listen to President Trump's speech at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Jana Zelenak of Punta Gorda holds on to her copy of the Time magazine in hopes to have it autographed by President Trump.

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Lee Stein grabs his significant other, Ashley Stein, while waiting in line to enter the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Protesters, (L) Cheryl Ankenbrandt, GraceKline and Jamie Gerlach gather at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Protesters gather outside at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Protester, Gray Cone, hold up a sign outside the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Seventy nine-years-old Marie Conway came all the way from Osprey to attend the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero. Tears filled her eyes as she saw Trump appeared on the projection screen outside the Hertz Arena.

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Sean Elsner yells at his phone in excitement while recording a Facebook Live video at the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Sean Elsner and his friend Theo Pappas scream in excitement as President Trump says

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A vendor continues to sell Trump merchandise after the end of the Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Supporters take photos as Donald Trump arrives on stage during a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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A Trump supporter holds up two peace signs during a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Trump supporters hold up signs during a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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A young Trump supporter holds up a sign as she sits on someone's shoulders during a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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A volunteer directs VIPs to their seats before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Lucy and Emilil Bello of Bonita Springs stand with their arms around each other before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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A Trump supporter holds up a sign before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Michele Vandervelden, a committeewoman with the Republican Party of Palm Beach County, dances and waves a sign before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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President Trump's Air Force One lands at RSW

President Trump exits Air Force One on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Trump is in Southwest Florida for a Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena.

Steve Opp and his wife Rosemarie Maatsch, of Cape Coral, said waiting in line is part of the experience, like tailgating without drinks and burgers.

“I was here in 2016 and half of the enjoyment was the 4 ½ hour wait and meeting people who are all good people,” Opp said.

Dave Mikolajczak poses for a portrait before a Trump rally on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Trump supporters wait in line to enter the Hertz Arena to watch President Donald Trump in Estero, Florida on Oct. 31, 2018.

Here is Scott Doss with his wife Beth and children Rebekah and Josiah. Doss said he came out because he wanted to see the president in person.

Here is Nancy Bradley, a 59-year-old resident of Naples, and Denise Porter, a 54-year-old resident of Naples. They are celebrating Halloween at the rally with their “Trumpkin” shirts.

Nick Schaefer of Fort Myers waves his Trump flag in the air Wednesday afternoon while waiting at the Trump Campaign on Oct.31, 2018.

Supporters of Donald Trump start filling in the seats at Hertz Arena at the Make America Great Again rally on Wednesday 10/31/2018.

Chris Swanson, left, and Dave Mikolajczak, right, pose for a portrait before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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This is Erika Wilcoxson, who is selling Trump attire and merchandise outside of Hertz Arena. She is wearing panda ears to celebrate Halloween and said her t-shirts and hats are printed in Florida. Wilcoxson is a 30-year-old resident of New Port Richey, Florida.

Kay Ecoff of Fort Myers wears a fake news shirt she embellished herself before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Kathy Sanders of Cape Coral wears a Trump MAGA visor she made herself before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero. Sanders arrived at 3:50am to wait in line for her first Trump rally.

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Larry Bergere's dog Lola wears a cape that says

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Bob Welsh of South Miami protests alone along the perimeter of a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Katherine Shortlidge of Fort Myers poses for a portrait before a Trump rally on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Miami resident Diron Lopez waits to enter the Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena in Estero, Fl. on Wednesday 10/31/2018.

Donald Trump supporter, Donna Renfroe chants â€œTrump, Trump, Trumpâ€ before the start of a Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena in Estero, Fl. on Wednesday 10/31/2018.

From left, Niurka Lopez, Alba Williams, Paris Fulbright and Alexis Lange dance to the YMCA song before the start of a Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena in Estero, Fl. on Wednesday 10/31/2018.

Miami resident Diron Lopez waits in line at the Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Lee Stein grabs his significant other, Ashley Stein, while waiting in line to enter the Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

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Brittany Webb, of Marco Island, displays a “Drain The Swamp” sign for the crowd coming into Hertz Arena Wednesday afternoon as part of the Make America Great Again rally.

Supporters attending the Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, hold up a large Donald Trump banner in front of TV cameras.

Dennis Deibel, of Fort Myers, dressed as Uncle Sam for his visit to the Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Nathan Lockhard, dressed as Donald Trump, takes photos with supporters as they wait in line before a Trump rally on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Barbara Jones of Orlando shows off her Trump socks before a Trump rally on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Ron Renaud of Port Orange, Florida, sits in the shade while he waits to enter Hertz Arena before a Trump rally on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Estero. Renaud arrived at the arena at 4 a.m. to get in line.

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Ted Weeks, 24, (left) and his dad Ted Weeks, 53, made the trip from Cbadelberry in Seminole Co. The younger Ted has been to three rallies, the older Ted to two. They likened it to a spiritual experience. “To be with all these fellow Republicans in a group,” said the elder Weeks.

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Steve Spurgeon of Omaha, Nebraska gets a hug from the Rev. Dr. Kim Stone of Fort Myers on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 after they shared a prayer.

Donald Trump supporter Donna Renfroe shouts support for the president before a Make America Great rally at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Fort Myers resident Lisa Belcher captures the scene at the Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Jennifer Leigh of Estero holds up a Trump flag while waiting in line for the President’s rally tonight at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Conni Brunni of Englewood, left, waves a Trump flag while she waits in line with her friend Helene Johnston of Venice on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 in Estero. The two friends got here 5:30 am to join the line.

Steve Spurgeon of Omaha, Nebraska sings his song, “Wake Up In The USA” to people waiting in line for the Trump rally on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Spurgeon is traveling throughout the country to rallies to spread his message of love and unity.

Donald Trump supporters wait in line for a Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Eli Torres of Lehigh Acres, dressed as Hillary Clinton, walks with her son Caleb Torres on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 as supporters of President Trump line up for his rally at Hertz Arena.

A large crowd gathered outside of Hertz Arena nearly 10 hours before the start of President Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' rally at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

More vendors sell President Trump and MAGA attire on the sidewalk on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

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Rogan O’Handley, 33, from Tampa is at his second rally. “It just so happens to be Halloween, but I was going to wear this anyway...Patriots support President Trump and this is symbolic of the type of people that fought to create a free America. Trump is reinvigorating that spirit.”

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Signs for Southwest Florida candidates running for various offices as well as vendors selling Trump attire are on the sidewalk leading up to Hertz Arena from Miromar Outlets on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

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Trump-related merchandise is not only ubiquitous, you can also buy lots more from pink “Women For Trump” shirts to NASA themed “Space Force” shirts.

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David Lightner, left, and Alessio Luna, center, relax as they try to kill time before a Trump rally on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero. Lightner and Luna arrived at 7:30am to wait in line.

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Here's a view of the front of the line at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Media set up at Hertz Arena in Estero in anticipation of the arrival of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

From left, Jeanne Knight of Tampa, Suzanne Garvin of New York, and Haydee Garvin joined the line to enter Hertz Arena Wednesday, Oct. 31 2018 to hear President Trump. The women say they will be just as happy to participate in the event from outside if they cannot get a seat.

A Donald Trump supporter poses while wearing a Hillary Clinton mask and prison garb, hours before the President was expected for a 7 p.m. rally at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Hundreds of people came early to wait in line to see President Trump on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

Dale Raines of Miami wears a “Blacks for Trump” T-shirt as he arrives 10 hours early for President Trump’s 7 p.m. rally at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Helbert Morrison, 54 and from Washington, D.C., prepares to sell Donald Trump merchandise to fans waiting in line outside of Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Gene Huber, 48 and from West Palm Beach, grows more excited by the minute in anticipating his 13th Donald Trump rally at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. The president hugged him during a rally in Melbourne in 2017, and Huber described it as life-changing.

A recreational vehicle decked in Donald Trump paraphernalia sits on Everblades Parkway prior to President Trump’s 7 p.m. rally at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Supporters of Donald Trump number in the hundreds and perhaps just more than a thousand about 10 hours before his 7 p.m. scheduled rally at Hertz Arena in Estero on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

Here's a view of the back of the line at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

People set up for the rally at Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

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Jodi Pharis of Naples was with hundreds of people who came early to wait in line to see President Trump on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

Steve Spurgeon of Omaha, Nebraska, sings his song, ÒWake Up In The USAÓ to people waiting in line for the Trump rally on Wednesday. Spurgeon is traveling throughout the country to rallies to spread his message of love and unity.

Gabby Algagi of Naples was with hundreds of people who came early to wait in line to see President Trump on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Hertz Arena in Estero.

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Supporters waited hours for Trump to arrive as warm-up speakers hit one consistent note: Election Day is 2016 all over again.

“We need to help the president by getting your vote out in Southwest Florida.” U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, who is running for re-election against Democrat David Holden, told the crowd. “We need to run up the score like we did in 2016.”

In Trump’s defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton that year, Collier County had the largest Republican turnout of any Florida county at 87 percent. Lee County Republican turnout jumped 10 percentage points in 2016 from the 2012 presidential race, up to 78 percent for Trump.

More: GOP’s Ron DeSantis’ short political career sets stage for bid to become Florida governor

More: Suffolk University poll has DeSantis, Gillum neck-and-neck in race for governor

Southwest Florida was among the areas that turned out huge for Trump, in addition to the Panhandle and North Florida counties.

Trump gave a nod to Rooney, whom he called “a great businessman” who stepped into public office in 2016, during his remarks: “He gets the job done.”

State Sen. Lizbeth Benaquisto of Fort Myers opened the rally with a moment of silence for the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.

Then she asked that people bow their heads and she prayed. At the end the crowd said “amen” in unison.

Miami Rep. Jeanette Nuñez, chosen by DeSantis as his lieutenant governor running mate attacked Gillum without naming him. “Our opponent’s record in Tallahbadee,” she said, “should shake us to our core.”

Nuñez would be the first female Cuban-American lieutenant governor.

More: Trio of Trump fans earliest to arrive for Make America Great Again rally at Hertz Arena

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