Jeb Bush Endorses Scott In 2014 Governor's Race
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - Hoping to throw a little political muscle behind the incumbent, former Governor Jeb Bush announced Tuesday that he was endorsing Rick Scott in the 2014 Florida gubernatorial race.
"It's simple why I'm supporting Rick Scott. He campaigned on a platform of getting Florida's economy back on track, and has delivered on that promise," said Bush in a statement.
"Governor Scott pledged to reinstate a business-friendly climate that fosters growth and job creation. Since taking office, Florida's unemployment rate has fallen 4.1 percent, more than 365,000 jobs have been created and taxes have been cut for families and businesses."
Bush went on to say in the statement that while President Barack Obama and Democrats "are fixated on penalizing success, Governor Scott is pursuing policies to restore prosperity for more Floridians while prioritizing core state responsibilities, including increasing the state's investment in education."
Last week, former Governor Charlie Crist announced that he planned to challenge Scott in the 2014 race.
Crist's comeback pitch has a little of something for everyone. It's a mix of contrition, outrage and pride tempered by humility. The longtime Republican and short-time independent before his conversion into a Democrat last year plans to parlay his partisan passage into a play on voters' frustrations with government.
He made it quite clear when he announced he was throwing his hat in the ring for the governor's job.
"I don't have to tell you that what we have in Florida today isn't working," Crist said playing off Scott's campaign message. "Tallahassee is out of control. The voice of the people has been silenced by the financial bullies. You have no advocate there anymore. The seat the people occupied at the table was replaced by special interest."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry said Crist's agenda lacks any discussion of jobs and economy, the backbone of Scott's election in 2010 and his re-election campaign.
Crist said his number one priority was education which would help create jobs and attract employers.
The Democratic nomination is not automatic for Crist as he will be in a primary against former Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich, who has been in the governor's race for more than a year. Rich, a favorite of progressives, is having a difficult time raising money and has less than $100,000 in cash in her campaign account.
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service Of Florida contributed to this report.)
