The 2014 gubernatorial race heated up on Tuesday as former Gov. Jeb Bush offered an early endorsement of Gov. Rick Scotts bid for a second term and the Florida Democratic Party swung away at the two Republicans.
A week after former Gov. Charlie Crist announced he was running again for governor -- this time as a Democrat -- Bush praised Scott for turning around Floridas economy. The Scott camp has been noting the economic progress Florida has made under their candidate while contrasting it with the sharp rise in unemployment during Crists tenure.
"I'm pleased to endorse Governor Scott for re-election and look forward to supporting his campaign during the coming year, Bush said on Tuesday. "It's simple why I'm supporting Rick Scott. He campaigned on a platform of getting Florida's economy back on track, and has delivered on that promise.
"Governor Scott pledged to reinstate a business-friendly climate that fosters growth and job creation. Since taking office, Florida's unemployment rate has fallen 4.1 percent, more than 365,000 jobs have been created and taxes have been cut for families and businesses, Bush added. While President Obama and Democrats in Congress are fixated on penalizing success, Governor Scott is pursuing policies to restore prosperity for more Floridians while prioritizing core state responsibilities, including increasing the state's investment in education.
"Rick Scott demonstrated leadership when Florida needed it most, and he is the best candidate to lead our state for four more years, Bush insisted.
For his part, Scott had kind words for Bush. "I am grateful to have the support and friendship of Governor Jeb Bush, Scott said. His time as governor built a strong foundation for Florida's future by making our education system more accountable and our state's economy more attractive to job creators. His positive vision for Florida continues to inspire us today as we work to cut taxes and get our economy back on track."
Florida Democrats fired back at Bush on Tuesday after he endorsed Scott for re-election. The Florida Democratic Party issued a press release noting that Bush backed then-Attorney General Bill McCollum over Scott in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary. Unlike McCollum, Bush endorsed Scott after the bitter primary and campaigned at unity rallies during the 2010 general election. Nonetheless, the Florida Democrats tried to remind voters on Tuesday that Bush had been critical of Scott using his personal fortune to bankroll his campaign against McCollum.
Three years ago, Jeb Bush showed better judgment than he did today, said Allison Tant, the chairwoman of the Florida Democrats, on Tuesday.
Tant pointed to Scotts record on education and noted he and Bush favored different policies, including splitting over Common Core.
The so-called 'education governor, who did not support Rick Scott for governor, has endorsed the governor most harmful to education in Florida history, Tant said. Even earlier this year, Rick Scott broke with Bush and sided with the tea party when he rejected key elements of Common Core. The fact is that Jeb Bush is putting pure partisan loyalty above whats best for Florida."
On other fronts in the gubernatorial contest, the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) released a Web video on Tuesday morning attacking Crist. In the new spot, the RPOF slices a Crist video and injects stats showing how Floridas economy suffered under his watch.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
