Florida Gubernatorial Primary offers hint of November outcomes

Rick Scott waits to speak at a meeting of the Republican Women's Club in Duval County. State rep. Jennifer Carroll (R) is on his right and Cindy Graves, president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women, sits by the cameraman who is standing. (Photo by Kay B. Day)

I predicted upsets on Primary Day, and Rick Scott’s victory in the GOP gubernatorial race proved me correct. Although many supporters worked hard for Attorney General Bill McCollum and his service record was solid, I explained to a  number of my Republican friends that ‘incumbent-it is’ can plague any branded candidate.

Two weeks ago, I told a longtime Republican Scott would win, and he responded, "No way."

Although McCollum had done a great many good things for our state, his campaign was perhaps caught off-guard by newcomer Scott who, unlike many newcomers, had the cash to establish a brand. And obviously, Scott got the vote out.

Within minutes of an Associated Press release announcing his victory, Scott was attacked by the Democrat power base through the Party’s governors’ association. An email read like one of the negative ads from the Primary and used the typical Dem pejorative to describe Scott—‘Tea Party.’

That attack is demonstrative of the Democrat base disconnection with Main Street. Because I know many so-called establishment Republicans who voted for Scott. He even got a positive nod (though not an outright endorsement) from Red State. And if that site gives you a nod, it’s a significant gesture.

ATTACK ADS

The big question in many seasoned activists’ minds is how much damage Scott’s GOP opponent did on the issue of HCA.

My gut tells me not too much. For one thing, although some may find Scott’s position on that indefensible, it is quite defendable politically.

I can hear some muttering, “But it was a big fraud prosecution and taxpayer money was involved.”

To which I’d say, yes, Grasshopper, but Scott was not prosecuted. That means the government did not have a case against him, at least not a case that would have held up in court. The company was fined, but not Scott. Ergo, case closed.

Numerous facilities have been fined for issues with government healthcare programs. Yes, the HCA prosecution involved a lot of money but HCA is a big outfit.

THE OBAMACARE CRISIS

And here’s the deal—who better to figure out how to solve problems with the Obamacare boondoggle than someone who knows the system well? No other candidate in the race knows healthcare like Scott. And that is a key issue in November because as I’ve often said, ObamaCare is no patient’s friend. That piece of faulty legislation (not even the bill's sponsor read it) will create a medical and fiscal crisis.

If you don’t believe me, give it time. You’ll agree with me when you see your own parent or grandparent struggling to get decent care even as her prescription drug costs increase (they already have) and  her premiums for a Medicare supplemental policy increase (they already have). And when those artistic types who are self-employed cough up hundreds of dollars in fines because they can't afford a hefty insurance premium, they too will see the light.

Aside from his activism against ObamaCare, Scott has created jobs in the private sector, hundreds of them at minimum.

BAGGAGE AND THE CHILES FACTOR FOR SINK

As I write this I am sure many people I admire in the Republican Party are gritting their teeth. It’s hard when you back a man you trust, a man you believe has integrity, and he loses to a man who isn’t part of the Party core.

But the fact is Scott is in an excellent position to win the governor’s office. Democrat Alex Sink has a significant variable on her hands—Bud Chiles. He’s part of a Democrat insider brand and he will pull votes because of it.

Chiles and Sink are Democrats to the core, except Sink brings along some baggage from her banking career. In February the Republican Governors Association aired an ad critical of Sink, claiming, “As bank president, Alex Sink eliminated thousands of Florida jobs while taking over $8 million in salary and bonuses.”

Even the progressive ‘Politifact’ (St. Petersburg Times-Miami Herald) deemed the accusations ‘mostly true.’

You won’t hear left-leaners in media call Sink a millionaire, but she certainly appears to be.

Therefore, advantage among progressives and entrenched Democrats may go to Chiles.

And that means advantage Scott if his campaign continues on its sturdy path.

MAIN STREET SPEAKS

Whatever his record, Scott has plenty of business ability and that is sorely lacking in government quarters, not only in Florida but in Washington. And I’m betting there are a lot of people who appreciate the walk-in clinics he created. I’ve used one myself when I was sick and  my regular doctor couldn’t see me, though it wasn’t Scott’s. And my experience at that clinic was excellent.

Republicans are calling for unity and I agree. Scott won the nomination of his party and obviously he inspired enough supporters within a tepid Primary block to come out and support him to the tune of a 3 percent lead at present.

GOP chair in Duval County Lenny Curry issued a statement Wednesday morning. Curry said, “While this was a spirited primary, we as a party will coalesce around Mr. Scott.  I ask voters, party activists, donors, party leaders and nominees to be considerate of each other's viewpoints and recognize it will take some time to heal the wounds of this bruising primary.”

I have great respect for Lenny. And his advice will hopefully be taken seriously by my fellow Republicans.

Fact is, Florida can’t afford a Democrat who would advance Obamanomics. And it's a fact Scott didn't sink jobs, he created them.

Main Street is speaking to GOP leadership. Those at the national and state levels would do well to listen.

(Commentary by Kay B. Day/Aug. 25, 2010)

Update on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 12:51PM by Kay B. Day, Editor

Well known Republican leader Sharon Day has issued a statement about Rick Scott's victory:

"As Florida’s National Committeewoman and the Republican National Committee Secretary, I want to congratulate Rick Scott and his campaign staff on their victory.
 
It is a good day for Republicans across the State of Florida as we have now selected our candidate for Governor. I look forward to standing with my fellow Republican Party of Florida leaders and Republicans across this great state to ensure that on Tuesday, November 2, Rick Scott will be victorious against liberal Democrat Alex Sink and her support of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s dangerous schemes.
 
As Florida Republicans, we look forward to working on behalf of all our Republican candidates and the opportunity to share our proud Republican beliefs of less government, less taxes and more freedom."
 
 [Ed. Note: Day is no relation to TUSR editor Kay Day.]