Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who spent $72 million of his own money winning in 2010, says whoever's thinking about taking him on in two years should know one thing: Money won't be a problem for his campaign, even if he's not planning to personally fund it again.
Asked Tuesday how much the 2014 race is likely to cost, Scott told reporters in his Capitol office: I dont know what it will cost, but well have the money to win.
The political fundraising organization set up for Scott, named Lets Get to Work, had $1.25 million as of March 31, according to records with the Florida Division of Elections.
The political action committee drew $910,476 during the first quarter of this year, including six-figure contributions from Coral Gables investor Miguel Fernandez, Miami Gardens-based United Group Underwriters, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and The Villages.
Scott also said he's been approached by a number of people who will be seeking state office this year, but he wont say who hes talked to or if hell help them campaign.
Instead, he says, hell focus on what hes been doing as governor, which as one would expect includes getting jobs going, holding government accountable, and trying to allocate dollars to where the consumers want.
Its the same approach he intends to take as he campaigns for re-election in two years.
And Scott, who has struggled in the polls, is upbeat about running.
This is the best job you can imagine, Scott said.
If you dont like to talk about it, dont like to talk to the media, it wouldnt be a good job; if you dont like people it wouldnt be a good job; but if you want to try to have a positive impact on somebodys family this job, if you care about anybodys family in the state, you can have a positive impact. You can impact their education system. You can impact their ability to get a job. You can impact their cost of living. You can impact public safety.
"You can do so many good things for people.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
