Tag Archive for nan rich

Winners and Losers from the Jim Greer Plea Deal

This morning, former RPOF Chairman Jim Greer cut a deal with the State and pled guilty to theft and money laundering charges. This move instantly shut down what was suppose to be a political event that could send shockwaves across the state.

Instead, we got a 20 minute court hearing and the sound of state politicians taking a deep sigh of relief from all over the state.

Greer could have aired the dirty laundry of everyone he believe had knowledge of his illegal use of donor money, and put them on blast in front of the state media. We could have had news footage of former Governors, Senators, and Congressman wading past local media with flash bulbs popping and lenses clicking on their way in and out of the Orange County Courthouse.

Instead the mysteries of what really took place with Jim Greer and party leaders in the state will remain just that… a mystery.

So who wins? Who loses? Who should be drinking tonight for two entirely different reasons? Let’s break down our Winners and Losers from the Jim Greer Plea Deal.

Winners:

Former Governor Charlie Crist: Could you have imagined Charlie testifying at this trial? The former Governor would have had to answer tough questions about his relationship with the man he put in power and supported. Greer seemed to be the most confident when talking about Crist’s role in this entire ordeal.

We’ll never know now.

RPOF Leadership: Greer is still probably going to do some time and the party can begin to put this behind them. The task of picking up the pieces after a rough November would be even more difficult with the party’s former Chairman taking shots at it’s leaders on every afternoon newscast.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio: He wasn’t on the witness list and he made sure whatever looked wrong was made right way back in 2010, but his name would have come up a few times if this trial would have run it’s course. He’s got enough on his plate with Immigration, his rise to GOP Superstar status, and thoughts of running in 2016.

Honorable Mention Florida Democratic Party: They’re number one hope to take back the Governor’s mansion in 2014, will remain unscathed and what might have been a damaging couple of weeks for Charlie Crist will never be.

Losers:

Florida Governor Rick Scott: No one could have benefited more from watching Crist squirm on the stand, than the man who trails him in early polling for 2014. Not just that, but a dramatic trial would complimented Scott’s recent run to the center and that could have possibly improved his popularity. Now, with this deal getting done and no other big political events on the state level this year, this brings everyone’s attention back to Scott and legislative session in Tallahassee.

Alex Sink, Nan Rich, and the field: If their Gubernatorial aspirations are for real then they would have been cheering for Crist, Greer, and everyone else involved to go down in flames. Now they’ll continue to be the second option for a party looking to keep it’s momentum going next year.

Greer himself: RPOF spike the football not long after he left court and now Greer who felt betrayed by his old friends will have to serve his sentence without any payback.

That’s where we’re at.

Everyone expected more drama, more anger, and most importantly, more information. It’s been almost 3 years, which might as well be ancient history in Florida politics but with all the important names implicated in this scandal, we’ll always be asking “What really happened?”

Will we ever really know what happened between the two former friends?

Will we ever really know what happened between the two former friends?

Potential Crist vs. Scott Governor Match-up Lands in National Spotlight

This morning POLITICO pushed the 2014 Florida Governor’s race into the national spotlight, billing it as possibly, one of the most expensive gubernatorial campaigns in the nation’s history.

The article (found here) says that current Govenor Rick Scott has $100 million budgeted, should his predecessor, Republican turned Independent turned Democrat Charlie Crist run and win his new party’s nomination.

The piece also points out Scott’s troubles with approval during his first term, Crist’s connections with former GOP boss Jim Greer, who goes on trial next week, the political climate in the state, and Scott’s narrow margin of victory in 2010.

It’s tone makes Crist the sure fire favorite for the Democratic nomination but leaves a little wiggle room, naming Alex Sink and Nan Rich as potential challengers. Not mentioned in the article is Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who’s been considering a run.

All of this you read in the article but and it’s focus is Rick Scott. Let’s flip the coin and talk about Charlie.

Scott is going to spend fortune but Crist is a capable fundraiser in his own right. The new FDP chair Allison Tant is a fundraiser herself and was elected with hopes she could elevate the fundraising game of Democrats in the state, without Obama on the ballot.

Crist is also better on the stump than Scott, he’s got high approval numbers, we know he’s got the job experience, the Greer trial will likely be a distant memory by 2014, and yes, President Obama will likely visit the state to campaign for him.

This race is getting national attention, and will continue to because it is an interesting contest and once again Charlie Crist and Rick Scott will deliver plenty of headlines during a Florida mid-term.

Too Soon? Or is it inevitable at this point?

Too Soon? Or is it inevitable at this point?

WIR: Will Crist Unite or Divide Florida Democrats

Here is your week in review. We’re talking about Charlie Crist’s official party switch and what it means for Florida Democrats in the 2014 Gubernatorial Race and South Carolina’s Jim Demint, a Tea Party leader who’s leaving the Senate to run the Heritage Founation and what it could mean for Florida.

Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. This is your week in review. And it’s funny the biggest story broke actually on Friday night. He tweeted this photo with the registration form and his lovely wife Carole. This isn’t really a surprise it was more about “when” than “if”. This affects a lot of things, obviously. He takes another step towards challenging Florida Governor Rick Scott in 2014. Charlie Crist, one of the more animated lawmakers we’ve got here in Florida, his feud with the GOP was number 5 in the Top Ten Political Rivalries of 2012. Is he going to be accepted by the Democratic party? Will he see a bump in fundraising? You know, I think you’re going to see a division amongst the party when it comes to Charlie Crist. You’re going to have that group that is so desperate to get rid of Rick Scott, that they’ll line up right behind Charlie. They you’re going to have the loyalists, those who say “He’s not really one of us, well he changes political affiliations every year” Who wins or loses in this thing? Well, the democrats have a heavy weight candidate to take on Rick Scott. Who better to take on the current governor than the former governor? Who had some decent popularity before leaving the Republican party. Who wins or loses in this thing? Well, one of the winners, I believe is Alex Sink. Well, your thinking “Charlie Crist is going to blow all of the other candidates out of the water but, he’s gotta be the favorite at this point, but that second group I described to you the loyalist, they’re going to fall behind Sink. I think we’re heading towards a Sink/Crist primary. Well, who loses? I think the lesser known statewide candidates your Mayor Bob Buckhorns, your very own Buddy Dyer from here in Orlando, then there is Florida Democratic Chair Rod Smith, I think they lose in this. Now you’ve got two bigger candidates to take on Scott and I think the Democratic Primary will be between those two. And between those two groups we spoke earlier. That was the big Issue here in Florida.

The other story was Senator Jim Demint resigning to run the Heritage Foundation. What does a South Carolina Senator have to do with Florida Politics? Well, it affects our very own Senator. Florida Senator Marco Rubio who named Demint as one of his heroes. It also leaves a gap in Tea Party leadership. Who will step up to fill that void? Could it be Rubio, there will be other lawmakers prepared to step up as well. So, those were the two big stories this week. We’ve still got the fiscal cliff out there. How are our lawmakers going to vote and what kind of role are they going to play? For Florida Politics with Frank Torres, I’ll see you next time.

The Former Governor made it official on Friday Night

The Former Governor made it official on Friday Night

WIR: Kicking Grover Norquist to the Curb, DCCC Silliness, Scott’s Charm Offensive

Here is your week in review. We’re talking Grover, DCCC, and Rick Scott’s re-election headstart.

Enjoy and have a great day!

Transcript:

(Jeb Bush Intro)

That of course is former Florida Governor Jeb Bush talking about the Grover Norquist Tax Pledge, and that is where we’re starting our week in review. We are talking about the need for Florida Republicans to walk away from Grover Norquist. Frankly, a person who is not an elected official has no business telling our lawmakers what to do and someone 99% of the constituents don’t even know who he is. His anti-tax pledge has handcufffed our lawmakers from putting on a strong fiscal debate in Washington, I’m talking about our Central Florida delegation here, I’m talking about John Mica, Daniel Webster, Sandy Adams is on her way out be she should opt out as well. Incoming lawmakers like Ron Desantis and other Republican lawmakers who will be taking office next year. Norquist, who’s talking points hurt us in the elections this year. Frankly, he has no business telling out elected officials what to do. So, we’ll see what happens. There is a growing group of Republicans in Washington that are starting to feel the same way. There was a good question on the Sunday talkers, this morning “Who is this guy!?” It’s a valid question, it made me laugh and hopefully this anti-grover norquist trend will continue.

Here in the county, with the commission, some good news coming out, the possibility of moving the tax collector and property appraisers offices out of the Suntrust building. Moving the offices out of that expensive location into a county owned office that could save the taxpayers millions of dollars. I think it’s a terrific move by the commission, they can use the points, their still recovering from the PR disaster from the Orange County Sick Time Fight. We’re still hearing more bad press about text messages not being available to the media. Hey, you can’t go wrong saving the taxpayers money it’s a win, win, we’ll see how it goes, if it happens, now would be a terrific time to also bring up that rental car surcharge that Commissioner Ted Edwards was talking about. In another move that could be very profitable for the people of Central Florida.

On to the next subject, a sour grapes subject, out of no where, an attack email on Daniel Webster, of course Daniel Webster recently re-elected after defeating Val Demings in November out of no where an attack email from the DCCC criticizing Daniel Webster fro his potential ties with Grover Norquist, pressuring him to leave the anti-tax pledge, in that regard, now of course I just got done slamming Grover Norquist for the last two minutes, it would certainly make me happy, but lets examine what this really is. It’s an attack email 3 weeks after an election, from a 3rd party that frankly, hurt Val Demings in her election. I don’t know if this is going to be a trend, are we going to see more emails from the DCCC. I believe their message in the Val Demings campaign took over shortly after she declared, that was never truly her in that campaign, launching a negative attack campaign against Daniel Webster, someone who’s vowed never to personally sign off on a negative ad, going negative on him with the “Lobbyist Lounge” ad, as you’ll recall, those slick ads with the graphics that said he was cozy with lobbyists, it of course had video footage of Webster, not next a lobbyist but next to his son on a fishing trip. and the fact checkers took that ad apart. You’ve got to wonder what’s going on with leadership up there, are they trying to justify payroll, apparently they still want to attack Daniel Webster 3 weeks after the election with a very bizarre message.

Let’s move on to Florida Governor Rick Scott. Scott with another media sprint through Orlando, talking to as much of the media as possible. This is sorta of a revival of the “charm offensive”. I remember around this time last year during Presidency V, made himself completely available to writers, reporters, bloggers (including myself) and experienced a bump in his approval numbers afterwards. And he’s done a couple of times since, every couple of months to help his suffering approval numbers and the strategy behind that is Governor Scott needs a headstart to, in order to be competitive for re-election. He is definitely not favored against potential candidates, Nan Rich, Alex Sink, and former Governor Charlie Crist. What will Charlie do? When will he join the Democratic party and try to get his job back. Along with some popular Mayors like (Bob) Buckhorn and our own Mayor Dyer. Those rumored to be considering run. Scott has been doing well with fundraising. He doesn’t want to spend so much of his own money to get elected. So, Rick Scott has already unofficially started his re-election campaign. This is the first sprint after the Presidential election. So we’ve covered a lot for Florida Politics with Frank Torres I’ll see you ne–.

Rick Scott’s best chance for Re-Election? A big head start.

Yesterday, Florida Governor Rick Scott made another media sprint through the City Beautiful. These sprints started around this time last year and were called his “Charm Offensive”. He spoke to every reporter, op-ed board, and blogger (including me). His dismal numbers experienced a slight bump and he’s been doing it about every 4 months since, using these visits to push his approval rate into the low 40′s, about 7 points higher than it’s normal home in the lower to mid 30′s

The difference with yesterday’s blitz from the others is with Presidential politics over and done with, his re-election campaign has officially began…unofficially.

Technically, re-election starts the day after you’re elected and all of that other stuff but, with an unpopular incumbent like the Governor, this head start is his best chance at surviving re-election.

It’s starts with the fundraising. Scott’s been doing it for months (He would probably prefer not spending tens of millions of his own dollars to get elected this time) and has been having some great luck, with sources reporting his war chest will be filled to the brim by the time the “Let’s Get to Work” sequel hits TV and Radio.

He also enjoys the luxury of watching what could be an entertaining Democratic primary (if the pieces line up right) his old foe, former Florida CFO Alex Sink is considering a run, State Senator Nan Rich is already in, there is the possibility of a popular Mayor like Tampa’s Bob Buckhorn or our very own Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer jumping into the Governor’s race.

Then there is “Charlie’s Revenge”. That would be former Florida Governor Charlie Crist completing his betrayal of the Republican party by going after his old job.

Charlie Crist vs. Rick Scott? We can only dream. The ultimate show down of passive-aggressive politicians.

It’s not like Governor Scott will come to the table empty-handed. Despite his low numbers, the economy has gotten better since he’s taken office. Our long, slow, slog towards job creation has resulted in small wins throughout the state. He’s also got another year and change, to make some large gains.

He’s got to start running now. His state just turned blue for the 2nd time in 3 cycles, and it’s trending blue. You can bet turnout for a mid-term contest won’t be close to what it was as the beginning of the month, but he barely won in a year when Republicans swept the cabinet and took majority of the House in DC.

The “Charm Offensive” needs to be the new normal, if this Governor wants to get re-elected.

Scott's headstart began yesterday here in Orlando

Scott’s headstart began yesterday here in Orlando

Waiting for Crist to go Democrat? He already has.

Here is the latest webcast about Florida’s controversial former Governor Charlie Crist. Waiting for him to go Democrat? He already has.

Transcript:

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. And today we’re talking about former Governor Charlie Crist. Is there a more controversial name in Florida politics, over the last 6 months than our former Republican Governor. As you’ll recall Governor Crist elected, served one term, before declining re-election to be Florida’s Governor to run for U.S Senate. The psychology behind this is very complicated and goes back a very long way. As you’ll recall, Crist was on John McCain’s list of potential running mates, before he ultimately settle on Governor Sarah Palin, Charlie Crist followed him around the country, tried to get that nod from McCain but never got it. Obviously, Washington was still in the plan for Charlie Crist, he chose to run for that seat in 2010, Of course you know what happened in 2010, our current Senator, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, that was the year his star was on the rise. A very “Rocky” like story. Crist had such a huge lead in the polls, but little by little Rubio hustled and little by little started turning the race in his favor. When Crist’s pollsters told him he would have a chance against the GOPs rising star, he did just that and walked away from the Republican party amidst a lot of controversy. Then there was the entire Jim Greer scandal with the former chairman of the Republican party. And the connection between those two which shrouded the entire senate race. Crist and Rubio were pointing fingers at each other over who had a hand in that. Even after Charlie Crist lost that Senate race, by a large margin to Senator Rubio, people were pretty sure that wasn’t going to be it for Florida’s former Governor, little by little he started wading into Democratic waters, his wife joined the Democratic party, Charlie Crist went to work for a prominent Democratic fundraiser at that fundraisers lawfirm and started doing commercials for that lawfirm that were controversial, a sign that Crist was not done. Little by little he started showing up at Democratic fundraisers, making the rounds with state Democrats, That had people thinking, perhaps he wants his old job back. Perhaps Charlie wants to take back the Governors mansion as a Democrat in 2014 against a vulnerable Governor Rick Scott, who’s approval numbers are frequently on the same level as show sizes, perhaps he wanted his job back and his political aspirations weren’t done then. Then came the biggies, first came the endorsement of Bill Nelson over his former GOP mate Connie Mack, ironically Mack endorsed Crist when he was running against Marco Rubio, then on his side of the state over on the west coast, the day before the RNC, he endorsed President Barack Obama, over the GOP nominee Mitt Romney. It was a bombshell on the eve of the RNC, as if Tropical Storm Issac was not enough, it was a move that had many believing that Crist’s betrayal was complete. There were plenty that offered the opinion that, that ship had sailed long ago. But to take it even further as if it wasn’t enough for Charlie to sit back and wait for an even more gradual shift, he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte North Carolina on the final night, very controversial, a very mixed reception for Florida’s former Governor, of course those speakers that change parties between cycles always are, for Florida’s former Governor to be on that stage, definitely turned a lot of heads in the political world. That definitely kicked off the buzz into a full Charlie Crist for Governor discussion in 2014 as a Democrat. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s been on the campaign trail, making frequent visits for President Obama, If you remember there was the fuss over the hug. Back when he was Governor of the state. Now he hugs him all of the time. The two are best buds, from what you can tell and Crist is on the stump, for Barack Obama, not just here in Florida but all over the country. Definitely, one of his biggest surrogates, you know there is the question of whether Charlie Crist is going to run for his old job in 2014 as a Democrat. Whether he’s in with the Democrats, whether the Democrats will accept him. Guess what? He’s already been accepted. He outshined his fellow Democratic rivals that could be eyeing a run at Florida Governor Rick Scott in 2014, those including Alex Sink, Scott’s old foe from 2010 and former CFO, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and State Senator Nan Rich. He’s already outshined them, so if Charlie Crist is looking to get an “in” with Democrats, he’s already done that. So it’s interesting to see what kind of role he plays in Florida Politics moving forward. It’s only a matter of time before he switches and it’s only a matter of time before he makes a run at his old job. Unless he has some other goal in mind, of course he’ll deny this, that’s what Charlie Does. It wouldn’t be the first time, I remember when he was on the “Meet the Press” when he was running against Rubio, he was asked if he would go Independent and he said no and did it anyways. So, it’s coming guys, get ready. It’s going to be a “Crist for Governor” campaign in 2014, that’s what I’m predicting, he will be the frontrunner, and depending what Scott does it will be a very interesting race, so when people ask you if Crist is trying to get in with the Democrats… He already is guys. And it’s only a matter of time before he makes it formal. For Florida Politics with Frank Torres. I’ll see you next time.

Friday Morning Political Headlines: Rick Scott talks jobs in Orlando, Romney in Apopka Saturday

TGIF!

This morning we’ve got Florida Governor Rick Scott in the City Beautiful making the rounds with local media. He’ll be talking about the newly opened Nemours Hospital and his plans to keep creating jobs in the Sunshine State. Scott’s approval numbers usually improve slightly after he pairs these media tours with favorable job numbers. There are already challengers thinking about going after the Governor when he is up for re-election in 2014, including former Governor Charlie Crist, State Senator Nan Rich (who is already in), and 2010 challenger Alex Sink. There has also been a lot of buzz about Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer running.

We’ve also got Mitt Romney in Apopka on Saturday. The GOP nominee will make a triumphant return the center of the I4 corridor after his favorable debate performance on Wednesday.

Have a great weekend!

WOFL FOX 35: (VIDEO) Gov. Scott talks Florida jobs and the economy on Good Day

WESH 2: (Video) Gov. Rick Scott says jobs on rise in Florida

WKMG Local 6: Romney takes victory lap in Va.

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: Romney blasts Obama despite drop in unemployment

CF News 13: Jobless rate falls to 7.8 pct., 44-month low

Orlando Sentinel: Brummer deleted texts from anti-sick time lobbyists

The Governor is in town talking jobs, jobs, jobs

Charlie Crist endorses President Barack Obama

In what could be considered the biggest and boldest move of former Florida Governor Charlie Crist’s political transformation, the Republican turned Independent endorsed President Barack Obama hours before the his ex-party was set to kick off their biggest event near his home turf.

Crist wrote an op-ed for the Tampa Bay Times that said “I’m confident that President Barack Obama is the right leader for our state and the nation.” This was just a couple of weeks after Crist endorsed Democrat Senator Bill Nelson in his race over GOP nominee Connie Mack IV.

A couple of years ago, Crist took heat from Florida Republicans for embracing Obama during one of the President’s visit to the state. In 2010 Crist was projected to face defeat from GOP rising star and current Senator Marco Rubio. Crist turned independent enjoyed a temporarily lead before being overtaken a second time by Rubio. He has since been labeled a traitor by the GOP.

Today’s announcement won’t help those accusations.

Still, Crist has been whispered as a favorite for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2014. Should Governor Crist decided to change parties, polling would favor him in a showdown with current Governor Rick Scott. But, there would be questions of loyalty and he would face stiff competition in the primary from those rumored to be considering a run of their own. Some of those names are Florida State Senator Nan Rich, 2010 candidate and former CFO Alex Sink, and our very own Mayor of Orlando Buddy Dyer.

There is still plenty of time for Crist to wade into those waters. He’s laying the foundation for a switch and his wife Carole has already joined the state party. He’s also got ties to big political donors that would fill a warchest should Ol’ Charlie decide to go after his old job.

The image that harmed Crist in 2010 could get him his job back in 2014

POLL: Romney, Obama close in FL. Scott approval rating at %35

In a poll conducted by Gravis Marketing, GOP Presidential nominee Mitt Romney has a slight lead on President Obama, and Florida Governor Rick Scott’s approval rating sits at %35.

The poll surveyed 728 voters and results give Romney a %48 to %45 lead on the President within the margin of error with %3.8. This comes the week before Romney accepts the party’s nomination in Tampa next week for the Republican National Convention. That event should provide a temporary boost in the state polls but the President and the DNC will hold their convention in another swing state, North Carolina, the week afterwards.

Either way it looks like Florida will remain in play for both candidates all of the way until November and will be the most prized battleground state in the country.

Florida Governor Rick Scott’s approval rating of %35 percent will continue to lure out potential challenger for his 2014 race. Florida Senator Nan Rich has already leaned towards running, as well as other rumored challengers like Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, 2010 challenger Alex Sink, and former Florida Governor Charlie Crist who has been seen at several political functions recently and endorsed Bill Nelson in his Senate run against Connie Mack IV.

Scott’s approval numbers this time last year were slightly higher as he went on a charm offensive, opening up his availability to media, making pr friendly public appearances, and vowing to add more money to education. He looks to make similar gains this year by attempting to champion bi-partisan issues that will allow him to hit the road on another similar press campaign.

Look for Governor Scott to hit the road over the next couple of months talking to the media, and pushing his policies

Wasserman Schultz for Governor in 2014? Florida Democrats can do better

Florida Democrats are already looking at 2014. Specifically the Governor’s race that will allow whoever their nominee is the opportunity to take on a vulnerable Rick Scott.

Scott can’t break the 35% ceiling on his approval rating. While he’s made some strides in job creation, his stock is still too low to feel good about his re-election chances. He’s done well fundraising and as the incumbent should continue to do so, but operatives from all over the state should be concerned.

He can be beat, if Democrats can field the right candidate. The most recent name? DNC Chairwoman and South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

That’s right, DWS. The biggest “one message” politician in the entire Democratic party and possibly American politics.

That message? “They’re bad. We’re good.” The substance behind that message? Almost always absent.

Yeah, it’s an RNC ad but those are her own words. And she’s capable of a political fumble at any given moment. Oh, Scott fumbles too but he’s not a media moth like DWS and he’ll have the money to do what he did in 2010.

Buy ad time, lots of ad time and the rest will work itself out.

Not to mention that DWS for Governor would mobilize the Republican party to rally behind Scott. You think there going to sit back and let her stroll right into the governor’s mansion? No way.

What about her effectiveness if elected? You think she can work across the aisle against a super-majority of Republicans? You think she wants to work across the aisle with a super-majority of Republicans?

Governor Debbie Wasserman Schultz with Florida House Speaker Chris Dorworth. That’s not a state Government, that’s an HBO drama.

Democrats can do better. Much better. You’ve already got State Senator Nan Rich. Yeah, she’s not exciting but early polling has her doing well against Scott. There is Alex Sink 2.0 which is a bolder, angrier Sink than the text prone, soft spoken 2010 version. And you know we can’t go through the Governor conversation without mentioning Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who can deliver the heart of the I4 corridor for President Barack Obama and make the argument that he did more to help the President than DWS herself.

Wasserman-Schultz’s term as the DNC chair will likely end after the election in November. She’s favored in her left-leaning district for re-election for another term and that’s what she should do. Stay in the house, Nancy Pelosi is older and there aren’t many rising stars in the House as far as Democrats are concerned.

Speaker Wasserman-Schultz? It’s more likely than Florida Governor Wasserman Schultz.

DWS presents too much of a liability for Democrats wanting to take back the Governors Mansion