Scott upset ripples beyond Florida

By JONATHAN MARTIN | 8/25/10
Politico.com

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Millionaire businessman Rick Scott’s surprise win in the Florida Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday left both parties scrambling over how to cope with a candidate who possesses both glaring flaws and considerable assets.

Scott’s three-percentage-point victory over state Attorney General Bill McCollum transforms what would have been a relatively bland general election contest between two establishment politicians into a race that will offer a test of outsider strength in a season of intense voter anger. And it will play out in one of the nation’s largest states—arguably the nation’s most politically pivotal—with consequences that reach well beyond Florida’s borders.

Scott, who will face state CFO Alex Sink, left some Democrats thrilled at the prospect of yet another high-profile candidate whose baggage threatens to weigh down the GOP in an otherwise promising year.

“Florida Republicans nominate for governor a corrupt health care CEO that defrauded taxpayers,” said Democratic strategist Mo Elleithee. “Thank you Tea Party!”

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