Rick Scott Says He's Not Going to Gubernatorial Forum with Charlie Crist

Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday he won't be attending a July gubernatorial forum hosted by the Florida Press Association and theFlorida Society of News Editors.

Scott and former Gov. Charlie Crist had been invited to the forum, which will be held at The Biltmore in Coral Gables. Crist accepted the invitation Wednesday.

Scott's team said they have no interest in a debate with Crist since he hasn't won the primary yet.

In an email to the Times-Herald, Scott's campaign manager, Melissa Sellers, said: "The governor will debate the Democratic nominee in the fall. Charlie Crist should stop playing games and stop hiding from Nan Rich. What is he scared of?"

Crist has said repeatedly that he will not debate Rich and will instead focus on Scott, much to the criticism of Republicans across the state.

Nan Rich said in April she had accepted an invitation to the event, which will be held July 10-11 in Coral Gables. The former state senator was scheduled to speak on July 11, with Crist and Scott slated to speak on the previous day.

The FPA has said it hopes Scott will reconsider.