Bill Day’s latest: What is Rick Scott running for, anyway?

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Where is Rick Scott running?

Scott continues to raise campaign cash as the Florida Chamber of Commerce gave $400,000 to the political action committee controlled by the Republican governor, one of the largest contributions ever from the group.

Bill Day’s latest asks an obvious question: Why?

If anything, “Let’s Get to Work” has been – in the words of Matt Dixon of POLITICO – prolific.

During Scott’s successful 2014 re-election effort, “Work” broke records for Florida fundraising, remaining very active since. For example, the committee was behind a series of 30-second post-election ads – the first for a sitting governor – to outline Scott’s legislative agenda.

Now, with more than two years left in office and prohibited from seeking re-election, the governor has spent millions in 2015 on a broad range of political services: advertising, consulting and fundraising.

Sure looks like Scott is campaigning – but for what?

“Governor Scott continues to champion private sector job creation, and we intend to invest more than we ever have this election cycle to elect pro-jobs candidates,” said Florida Chamber Communications Director Edie Ousley, who told POLITICO the $400,000 check is part of a larger campaign strategy (about $2 million) supporting Scott.

That may be fine, but when the state’s largest trade organization gives a political organization one of the biggest checks in its history – especially to someone who isn’t “running” for anything — it raises more than a few eyebrows.

Although Scott has shrugged off direct questions about his political future, many politicos have speculated on a possible U.S. Senate run for Democrat Bill Nelson’s seat.

For his part, Nelson indicated he would probably run again in 2018. Nevertheless, in the world of politics, two years is a lifetime (make that several lifetimes); so it is anyone’s guess what will happen – at least for now.

Until then, there is one thing we can expect: Scott’s checks will keep rolling in.

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Phil Ammann

Phil Ammann is a Tampa Bay-area journalist, editor and writer. With more than three decades of writing, editing, reporting and management experience, Phil produced content for both print and online, in addition to founding several specialty websites, including HRNewsDaily.com. His broad range includes covering news, local government, entertainment reviews, marketing and an advice column. Phil has served as editor and production manager for Extensive Enterprises Media since 2013 and lives in Tampa with his wife, visual artist Margaret Juul. He can be reached on Twitter @PhilAmmann or at [email protected].



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