TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida’s 2018 midterm election is one of the most important in years. The governor’s office and all three Cabinet seats are on the ballot; Republican Gov. Rick Scott is challenging three-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson; several congressional seats will be competitive; and Floridians will vote on several proposed constitutional amendments. The following are items of political interest from the past week.
RICK SCOTT KEEPS INVESTING IN HIMSELF
When Gov. Rick Scott first burst onto Florida’s political scene eight years ago, he used his own fortune to propel himself into the governor’s mansion. The former health care executive and his family spent more than $70 million of his own fortune in that election.
Scott relied primarily on his money because he was challenging the Republican establishment in the state at the time. Many of Florida’s donor heavyweights backed then-Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Scott had a much easier time four years later and only used about $12 million of his own money when he defeated former Gov. Charlie Crist.
But federal rules for raising money are stricter than those at the state level. So Scott has turned again to his own pocketbook to finance his run against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in the razor-tight contest that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.
Federal campaign finance reports show that in just this past week alone Scott donated more than $12 million to his campaign. That means since he jumped into the race in early April that Scott has spent more than $61 million to get elected to a job that pays $174,000 a year.
YES, THERE ARE OTHER STATEWIDE CANDIDATES, AND HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE TWEETING
While most of the attention in Florida is being sucked up by the governor and U.S. Senate races, Florida does have three statewide Cabinet races. Here’s what those candidates are tweeting as they try to break through the noise at the top of the ticket races.
“Because the original Everglades includes all the land west of I-95, where 3M people live today. The 1845 Everglades can’t come back. We are trying to save what’s left.” - Republican agriculture commissioner nominee state Rep. Matt Caldwell (mattcaldwell_fl), responding to a tweet about why the state just doesn’t restore the Everglades the way God created them.
“We’re taking back our state_coming together to deliver the change that Florida needs. And we’re making history along the way, with @AndrewGillum as the 1st African-American Governor, @SShawFL the 1st African-American Attorney General, and the 1st female Agriculture Commissioner!” - Democratic nominee for agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried (@nikkifried).
“Hey @amyschumer congrats on the fantastic news!!! Thanks for the endorsement, I knew buying that ticket to “Trainwreck” was a good investment.” - Democratic nominee for attorney general state Rep. Sean Shaw (@SShawFL), congratulating comedian Amy Schumer on her pregnancy announcement.
“I have been endorsed by 57 of Florida’s 66 elected Sheriffs. Thank you for your support and for the hard work you do everyday protecting our communities and families. #TeamMoody” - Republican nominee for attorney general Ashley Moody (@voteashleymoody).
“It’s been 2 weeks since #HurricaneMichael made landfall. I’ve been on the ground since the storm passed and I’ve seen the devastation. From the air today I was able to grasp the totality of the damage. We still have work to do, but I know we will come back stronger. #850Strong” - Republican Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis).
“As an early Biden friend and supporter, nothing is comparable to having the former Vice President come down to Florida and help campaign on behalf of the #WinningTicket.” - Democratic nominee for chief financial officer and former state Sen. Jeremy Ring (@JeremyRingFL) on campaigning with Joe Biden.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.