Unlike other local or national Web sites, our reporting on Quinnipiac's first poll of the 2014 Democratic candidates for governor did not lead off with how great Rick Scott is now performing, because the man trails both Charlie Crist and Bill Nelson by 10 points, even though neither is a declared candidate yet, and in the case of Nelson, probably never will be, unless he's absolutely brought kicking and screaming into the race next winter.
But we get why everyone else hailed the guv's new high water marks in both personal and job approval ratings - because they are creeping to almost even, getting over 40 percent in both categories. Combine that with the fact that he will have somewhere between $100-$125 million to spend on his re-election bid, and yes, jobs are picking up in Florida, and you do have a more formidable looking incumbent.
The question is, when will a Democrat who can beat Rick Scott get into the race? Actually, Nan Rich is running, and she was the only Democrat listed who is trailing Scott (42-36 percent). Alex Sink was not listed in the poll. As far as rumors that she will run? She tells the Times today that she won't decide until September 1.
But a word to those Florida Democrats (I think David Plouffe would call them bed-wetters) who are freaked out about Charlie Crist being their standard bearer. The poll shows that both he and Bill Nelson have a 10-point lead today over Governor Scott. That hardly looks like his popularity is weaning so much that you have to call in the calvery (i.e. Nelson), does it? And by the way, by 50-35 percent, Floridians in the poll said they didn't want Scott to be their governor again next year.
Speaking of polls, a new one came out regarding St. Petersburg's political scene, and it doesn't auger well for either Mayor Bill Foster or the Lens.
A rally is being scheduled for this Friday afternoon by a coalition of liberal activist groups against Bill Nelson and NSA surveillance. Nelson last week said he thought leaker/whistle-blower Edward Snowden was a traitor.
And aren't we all lucky that a gang-banger or lord knows who didn't pick up that loaded Glock left in a Ybor Muvico theater Sunday afternoon? It was a 9-year-old boy who found the weapon that an off-duty Hillsborough County Sheriff Deputy had decided to lay down as he uh, took a load off.