Scott: Florida straw poll 'carries extraordinary weight'

Gov. Rick Scott will stress the importance of the straw poll results and an early primary in his keynote address to Presidency 5, according to an advance copy of the speech provided to the Times/Herald.

"At nearly 19 million people, the population of Florida is larger than all the earlier primary and caucus states combined," Scott will say. "With our incredibly diverse state, Florida is a true microcosm of America. I'm convinced that the Republican candidate who wins Florida will be our nominee for president."

In an interview with the Times/Herald, Scott said he wants an early primary on a day when no other primary is held. "I want to have a separate date," he said.

While that position would violate Republican National Committee rules and possibly cost the state delegates at the national convention in Florida, Scott said he thought the state would avoid that punishment. "I'm optimistic," he said.

The speech, scheduled for 1:15 p.m., is a moment for Scott. It's not controversial; Everyone knows Florida is the biggest battleground in the country. But for a governor who is often associated more with the tea party than the Republican Party, it's an opportunity for Scott to assert himself as de facto head of the party he once campaigned against and rally the troops heading into the 2012 elections.

Another excerpt:

"How many of you have seen the potential of your job or business or your jobs choked, not by competition, but by a government that has no idea how real people live?

"If you've ever created a job with your own money at risk; If you've ever imagined an idea for a business and bet everything to turn it into reality; If you've ever taken satisfaction in bringing about change that helped create jobs and opportunities for others; then you know the experiences that truly matter.

"These are the experiences that propelled our nation to create hundreds of millions of jobs and build the mightiest economy in the history of the world.

"And you should also know this: If you've experienced any of these things, you have virtually nothing in common with President Obama.

Comments

[nomore1]

The fact is this is nothing but a side show 10 months to early, scott likes it because it gets him in front of the camera, and makes him feel important

[CheersToYou]

Most Floridians have nothing in common with Rick Scott... and that is a compliment.

[Txnrglt]

We want Ron Paul in office! RON PAUL 2012!!!!

[FloridianAndProud]

It saddens me. Why everybody believes the worst in others with no proof is beyond me. "Rick Scott just wants to be in front of the camera". Frankly that sounds like a personal issue. Maybe the Governor is proud of his state and is happy to have the debate here. Possible? Wouldn't you feel that way? Seriously, think before you condemn, it would be much more thought provoking than childish emotional responses based on nothing.

I don't like everything Rick Scott has done. However, Rick Scott said what he would do while in office and, holy mackerel, he's actually doing what he said he would do. I'd take that over someone who cowers when tough decisions have to be made any day of the week.

[David DuVernay]

Im proud to live in Flordia,and proud of our Govoner who is doing what he said he would do!!!! Keep up the good work Rick. Bring real ,honest change to the White House, VOTE NEWT!!!!
David DuVernay Seminole Fl.

[AntiTallahassee]

Rick Scott hopes the attention will stay on national politics so his incompetent Republican comrades in Tallahassee can survive the 2012 elections. If Floridians took the time to understand the issues that really effect their quality of life, they would vote out every state level Republican candidate, and they would vote out every national level incumbent. I'm not holding my breath - too many sheep will vote straight R or D on the ticket.

[Shelli]

Herman Cain is the ONLY candidate that has the business knowledge and the numbers accumen to get this country's economy turned around and in record time. He is not a life time politician. He understands that when a company is going down you have to act quickly to right the ship and put her back into calm waters again. Cain can do this because he is not looking at things from a slow-poke policital process and he knows that the American people are not willing to wait much longer for a change in direction. He also fully understands that FED and can work to get that monster either under control or out of business. This is one of our biggest problems, He is also a true patriot, a constitutional conservative that loves our country and will do everything possible to repair our image around the world and without entering countries where there is no direct threat or interest involved will still make sure that our enemies understand that we will not be messed with and once they fear us again, they like Russia in the 90's will fall back in line. Cain will listen to the commanders in the field and then like the savy leader that he is, will make decisions based on what is in the best interest of our country. He will not let us down. Cain is the answer, and he will clean Obama's clock in a debate!

[Steve]

Hope it's Rick Perry. He's like watching a skit on Saturday Night Live!