Rick Scott and Bill McCollum Duel in Uncontrolled, Acrimonious Debate

Health-care executive Rick Scott and Attorney General Bill McCollum, the two leading candidates battling in a bitterly contested battle for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, probably did little to enlighten Florida voters during a Tampa-TV debate Thursday evening.

With less than three weeks to go until the primary election and polls showing Scott ahead, the debate at the studios of WTVT-Fox 13 in Tampa and moderated by John Wilson of that station, proved very acrimonious, with both candidates tearing into each other on experience and character. But it failed to flesh out their differences on the issues.

Wilson didn't help matters, encouraging the acrimony and allowing candidates to repeat charges against each other more than half a dozen times.

McCollum attacked Scotts record at Columbia/HCA while Scott attacked McCollum for supporting increasing taxes and fees. While McCollum said he backed only one tax increase during the Reagan presidency, he admitted he has voted to raise fees over the years.

In one of the few instances when the debate actually moved to issues outside the electoral process, the two candidates both said they back the Arizona immigration law and are against amnesty for illegal aliens. McCollum fired away at his opponent, saying that Scotts ads are distorting his position. Scott countered that McCollum has waffled on the issues.

Both sides claimed victory after the debate.

From the opening moments of the debate until the closing statement, it was clear Bill McCollum was victorious tonight, said House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, a McCollum backer. Bill McCollum is the proven leader in the race with the character, integrity, and vision to lead Florida through this difficult economic time. He understands the issues Floridians are facing and has offered the solutions to turn Florida around.

This evenings debate was yet another victory for Rick Scott and the choice is clear, said Jennifer Baker, a spokeswoman for Scott. On one hand, career politician Bill McCollum talked about fiscal responsibility even though he voted to raise taxes and fees 42 times, and then lied about it on live television. Rick Scott, on the other hand, is a conservative outsider who has a detailed plan to create jobs for the people of Florida and, unlike his opponent, he is a true fiscal conservative who will cut costs and bring accountability to Tallahassee.

A full story about the debate will be posted within the hour on www.sunshinestatenews.com.