Democrats blast Gov. Scott on blind trust

April 9, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CNS) -- Rick Scott is the wealthiest Florida Governor in modern history.

With Scott confirming a run for US Senate, Democrats are claiming the governor has hidden much of his wealth in a blind trust under his wife’s name.

Democrats wasted little time attacking Governor Scott, publishing a website titled

along with a wave of political ads ahead of his Monday morning announcement for US Senate.

The ads call into question Scott’s net worth, which according to his latest financial disclosure, puts him just shy of $150 million.

Scott is currently in the midst of a legal dispute, which seeks to see how much money is in his wife’s blind trust.

The suit was filed by Attorney Don Hinkle in November.

“The Governor admits that he controls and is the beneficial owner of assets that he’s not disclosing,” said Hinkle.

Democrats have raised questions regarding whether Scott has used the blind trusts to hide potential profits earned since taking office.

“This blind trust is nothing but a sham so he could personally profit while he was in public office,” said Former Leon County Supervisor of Elections Ion Sancho.

Under Florida law, Scott wasn’t required to release the information while acting as governor, but candidates for federal office are required to disclose their spouse’s finances.

Now that Scott has announced he’s running for Senate, he has 30 days to disclose his wife’s finances, but he could ask for an extension of up to 90 days.

“He does not want to make these disclosures or he wants to delay them as long as possible into the election process,” said Hinkle.

Florida Democrats have posted a timer on their

keeping track of how long it takes Governor Scott to disclose his assets since announcing his bid for US Senate.

Scott will also have to make changes to his personal blind trust if he takes federal office. It’s currently managed by former business partners, but would have to be handed over to the care of someone not known to him personally in the event he wins.