Democrats met this past weekend as they get ready to start their efforts against Rick Scott and Pam Bondi but two prominent Florida Republicans increasingly appear safe for 2014. As Democrats crank up the attacks against Scott and Bondi, Jeff Atwater and Adam Putnam increasingly appear safe from Democratic opponents.
Looking to return to the governors mansion and challenging Scott, Charlie Crist dominated the headlines at the convention. Building bridges to his new party. Crist had a good weekend, making a strong impression with Democrats despite his years as a conservative Republican. Even better for Crist, Bill Nelson shows no indication of running and Nan Rich isnt catching fire.
Bondi has also drawn two opponents. George Sheldon announced he was running last week and, at the convention, Perry Thurston said he would also run. At first glance, the Sheldon-Thurston primary looks more competitive than the Crist-Rich match-up. Its telling that the Democratic attorney general primary in 2014, just as it was in 2010, looks to be the partys most compelling contest. Its certainly a higher profile post than being state CFO or agriculture commissioner.
Democrats had high hopes for Allie Braswell when he first jumped in the CFO race. But only a few days after getting in, Braswell pulled out as the media reported his numerous bankruptcies. So far two other Democrats have entered the contest but Jeff Atwater has little to fear from either Richard Paul Dembinsky or William Rankin who remain largely unknown throughout the state. Democrats should be able to recruit another candidate into the race though its a bad sign that there are no names being floated out there with the election only a year away.
Putnam also has to like his chances in 2014. The only Democrat challenging him so far is Thad Hamilton who, despite serving on the Broward County Soil/Water Commission, went nowhere in 2010. Hamiltons not in any better shape this time out and is a long shot, at best, to get the Democratic nomination. Just like the CFO race, Democrats are having a hard time finding a candidate here. Eventually, someone will step up to the plate but Putnam will have a considerable head start.
With little in the way of opposition, Atwater and Putnam have the luxury of time, allowing themselves to strengthen their positions and raise campaign funds for when major Democratic candidates emerge. By not giving either of these Republicans serious competition, Democrats could be inadvertently helping them in the future.
Its no secret that Atwater and Putnam are looking down the road at running for higher office. Whether Scott or Crist wins next year, both Atwater and Putnam will be top contenders to be the Republican standard bearer in 2018. One of them could also be a possible candidate for the U.S. Senate if Marco Rubio winds up on the Republican presidential ticket in 2016 or Bill Nelson retires in 2018.
Regardless, by not producing serious challengers to Atwater or Putnam so far, the Democrats are helping ensure they have a head start in 2014 which they hope to continue to build on. Scott and, to a much lesser extent, Bondi can expect fights next year. As yet, the same cant be said of Atwater and Putnam.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis piece exclusively for Sunshine State News.
