Many have expected that it would be a Gov.Scott vs. Sen. Nelson race in 2018
Florida Gov. Rick Scott is considering running for the U.S. Senate.
During a wide-ranging interview with reporters on Tuesday, Scott said seeking the seat held by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is an option for him in 2018.
Scott spoke of his intentions while attending the Republican Governors Association annual conference in Orlando.
Scott, who was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, cannot seek another term as governor due to term limits.
The Republican governor has avoided answering questions about a run for the U.S. Senate in the past, but the announcement isn’t a surprise for Nelson.
The Democrat has previously said he expects his next Republican opponent to be Scott.
Gov. Scott who after the March Florida Primary came out in support of Donald Trump said that he was very excited about the new president elect. He also said that any Republicans who offered only lukewarm support for Trump previously should now “embrace him.”
Scott predicted that Trump would be a good partner with the state and would help Florida get money to restore the Everglades and make repairs to the Lake Okeechobee dike.
Meanwhile, Sen. Nelson, may consistently poll as one of Florida’s most popular politicians, but he’s not taking anything for granted for his reelection run in 2018 as he has a very strong fund raising group in place.
Nelson trounced his 2012 opponent, and despite questions about his age and health (he underwent successful surgery last year removing a cancerous growth), remains as active as ever.
A showdown between Sen. Nelson and Gov. Scott would likely be one of the countries most watched and most expensive races ever run in the Sunshine State, that is why he began fundraising almost 2 and half years before the 2018 election.
In a recent media event Sen. Nelson was quick to point out that he does not take anything for granted.
“Despite what the polls or pundits might be saying now, we’re not taking anything for granted and we’re going to keep doing all that we can to prepare.” concludes Nelson.
Some quotes used in this story were provided by ASSOCIATED PRESS.
