There was a previous note in Elections Digest about the 2014 Florida governor's race. Here is a bit more background. It's not looking good for Florida.
Quotes taken from Tampa Bay Times:
"There wasn't one thing, but I felt it was time to give an indication because anyone running for an office like governor, especially on the Democratic side, has to be thinking about putting together the resources and it takes time to raise money," said Sink.
Later on she had this to say about the guy she almost beat despite her lackluster campaign:
"Anybody who says we're not going to let people go into our health departments to help Florida families sign up for health insurance, I think he's just downright mean. And he needs to be called out."
Ooooh - bet the guv is just a-tremblin' in his wingtips.
Others running against He-who-shall-not-be-named.
Nan Rich - former State Senator, has weak campaign organization and little statewide recognition, much like the FL Democratic Party.
Charlie Crist - former Republican Gov, expected to announce his bid as Democrat soon. Hey we need wishy-washy, right?
Bill Nelson - US Senator (D), unlikely to run but would be strongest candidate. Typical conservative Florida Democrat.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz - U.S. Representative; please no.... she has stepped in it too many times with wacko quotes.
Alan Grayson - nah, not at all. I put that in to see if anyone is paying attention. He would be great fun tho, and guaranteed to shake things up.
Unfortunately for Democrats unhappy with these options and worse for the people of Florida who really don't like the guv, the Democratic state convention is Oct 25, 2013.
More notes, financial disclosures, and a scary picture below the fold.
Others:
Paula Dockery - one-time backer but lately with a series of editorials (here and here) slamming the current resident of the Governor's Mansion. She's long-time environmentalist who was able to push significant programs thru the FL Legislature. Of course that was back when FL Republicans were actually sensible, rational and caring. Reading her editorials I get the feeling she could primary the governor from the center. If she did and won, and Charlie takes it by default, that would be quite an interesting election - and one that is good for Florida.
Shoot, just found this - quotes again from Tampa Bay Times on 9-21:
"I can't see a scenario by which I would stand by a Scott administration," the Lakeland Republican said after speaking to a crowd of 30 at the Tiger Bay Club of Tampa.
Speaking of the Florida Republican Party, "They're showing a lack of tolerance for anyone else's opinion," she said. "Compromise is such a dirty word."
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Compiled from various sources, financial disclosures due in July for previous calendar year.
That guy's net worth:
2009 $218 million - 70-75 millon spent on campaign; 7.9 million in investment income
2010 $102 million - 2010 income of 11.5 million
2011 $82.9 - added 23 million in investment income from "blind trust"
2012 $83.7 - 3.2 million income from his trust fund, moderate increase in Naple home.
The assets in the trust total $72.9 million, an increase from $71.5 million in 2011.
Other assets are in a revocable trust in his wife's name and not disclosed so these totals are dubious.
Since he is now almost broke, this year he is aggressively taking campaign donations.
From Miami Herald in April:
Let’s Get to Work raised a whopping $4.6 million in the first three months of 2013, raking in cash at the rate of $50,000 every day while chasing a goal of up to $100 million to fund his 2014 re-election campaign.
I close with a scary picture snagged off my TV compliments of
The Florida Channel.