Crist has charm, charisma and a Bill Clintonesque-appeal. Scott couldn’t be more of a contrast. He appears awkward on camera and in person. But will Crist’s affability be enough to offset the $100 million Scott’s backers have pledged for the campaign, much of which will go to tear down Scott’s presumed challenger in the battle between two Florida chief executives?
Governor
Charlie Crist Maintains Comfortable 46%-38% Lead Over Rick Scott in Latest Quinnipiac Poll
The poll indicates Crist has comfortable leads with closely watched groups such as independents and Hispanic voters. Also, it continues to show that voters have a generally negative view of Scott, with 54 percent of voters saying Scott does not deserve to be re-elected, while 38 percent saying he does.
Scott Proposes $74.2 Million Budget, Culminating Weeks of Tax-Cutting and Spending Pitches
The blueprint released Wednesday included at least two notable items: an increase in the exemption from the corporate income tax that would cost the state $21.6 million, and up to $70 million for land conservation efforts.
Scott Pitches Cut of Sales Tax on Rental Properties and $80 Million for Cancer Research
Scott will ask lawmakers to support a $100 million reduction in the commercial lease tax that now brings in about $1.4 billion a year, and $60 million to existing cancer centers as they seek National Cancer Institute designation.
Crist Lead Over Scott Almost Erased in Latest Poll; Support for Gay Marriage and Pot Grows
The latest Public Policy Poll has Crist leading Scott by an insignificant 43 to 41 percent, well inside the 4 percent margin of error, as Scott’s attacks on Crist pay off. Also, 65 percent favor medical marijuana, and 47 percent said same-sex marriage should be allowed, with 44 percent opposed.
Scott’s River of Green Swells as He Asks for $130 Million for Everglades and South Florida
The proposal comes a day after Scott announced he would recommend $55 million to restore and maintain the state’s natural springs, boosting money for the water bodies in Central and North Florida by $45 million from the current year.
In Latest Re-Election Ploy, Scott Proposes 10-Day Sales Tax Holiday, Triple the Usual Length
Scott announced Friday he wants lawmakers to approve a 10-day sales tax holiday in August. The extended tax-free period is the latest of the budget proposals Scott has rolled out in advance of the 2014 legislative session.
Carlos Lopez-Cantera Is Florida’s First Latino Lt. Governor as He Fills an Office Vacant Almost a Year
Scott’s previous lieutenant governor, Jennifer Carroll, resigned early last year after getting caught up in a criminal investigation into a veteran’s charity that was tied to internet cafes hosting illegal gambling operations.
Extending Spending Spree, Scott Asks for $200 Million Increase For Roads, Bridges and Ports
The $200 million proposed increase for infrastructure follows Friday’s request for $100 million for tourism from Scott, who entered office in 2011 slashing a state budget he said was weighted down with “short-sided, frivolous, wasteful” projects.
14 For ’14: What Will Command
Florida’s Attention This Year
From the governor’s race to the economy to gambling to common core and the continuing battles over health care, here are some of the issues that will dominate the political landscape in the year ahead, some of which focusing the nation’s eyes on Florida yet again.