2014 Session Built to Promote Gov. Rick Scott’s Re-Election

When the 2014 legislative session began, Senate and House leaders focused on a five-point “work plan.”

Cut taxes. Support the troops. Make government more efficient. Improve schools. Protect the vulnerable.

But House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, and Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, left off the most obvious priority: protect Gov. Rick Scott, who faces a tough re-election fight.
It was part of the plan all along. A defeat in November would be a shattering blow to Florida Republicans.

When the session ended late Friday, legislative leaders shamelessly celebrated their success at bolstering Scott’s prospects as they put a punctuation mark on an election-year session that lays the
groundwork for the forthcoming campaign.

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