sieve. you didn t see a lot of drama or palace intrigue. what you saw was surgical execution day after day after day. ron desantis taking a not so subtle jab at former president donald trump. the florida governor s book tour is bringing more attention to the 2024 gop presidential race even though he s not yet officially a candidate. also ahead, the latest on the kidnapping of four americans in mexico and why officials think the group was ambushed right after crossing the border. plus, we ll have expert analysis on the major fight happening right now in ukraine as both sides battle over the city of bakhmut. good morning and welcome to way too early on this tuesday, march 7th. i m jonathan lemire, and thanks for starting your day with us. we ll begin here as election deniers are claiming victory this morning after three more republican led states announced that they re pulling out of a national bipartisan program that helps protect against voter fraud. election official
voter fraud in the wake of the 2020 election. supporters of e.r.i.c. say if the program collapses the country would lose one of its most protective tools against ballot fraud just as states start preparing for the 2024 elections. only 28 states will remain in e.r.i. c. at the moment ohio and texas are also considering withdrawing. meanwhile veteran gop strategist carl rogue was hitting back against trump after trump criticized him and other republicans during his cpac address. here s what trump had to say followed boy rove s response.