Scott Launches Re-election Campaign Early

By: Troy Kinsey Email

Updated: Tue 7:52 AM, Apr 10, 2012

Floridians won't head to the polls to pick their next governor for another 2 and a half years. But, Rick Scott is making it clear...He intends to run for re-election, and from the looks of things, the campaign is already underway.

From TV ads to an impressive fundraising effort, the governor's launching an unprecedented early blitz.

It was only 15 months ago Rick Scott took the oath of office...
But the indications are ripe...He's already focused on re-election in 2014. Take the $1.3 million Scott's already raised.

Governor Rick Scott's cutting the red tape, getting government off the backs of businesses. If it feels a lot like campaign season, well...Maybe 2014 has come early. And Florida Democratic Party chairman Rod Smith thinks he knows why.

Smith says, "They're trying to do some make-up right now because they recognize that as time gets closer there's every reason for people to have buyers' remorse for what they did in 2010 and reversing themselves and voting for more democrats this time."

GOP strategist Pete Dunbar doesn't buy it. He doesn't deny the governor has plenty of work to do to win over the hearts and votes of skeptical Floridians. But in his mind, the early campaign isn't about 2012.

Dunbar says, "This is about the president and whether or not his policies are good or bad. It is the president himself that will be the drag on the ticket or not, depending on where the mood of the country is and the mood of Florida at the time. It will not have any bearing on Rick Scott."

As for all that fundraising, the dollar figure may not be that important - remember, Governor Scott is a multi-millionaire.

But by asking for donations, he's also asking for buy-in from people who may not have felt that passionately about him in 2010.

Of the $1.3 million Scott's 'Let's get to work' political committee has raised so far, more than $400,000 of it rolled in just last week.

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