Rick Scott Looking to Wreck U.S. after Bill Nelson's third term as a Senator
But don't panic Jeff Atwater or Carlos Lopez Cantera. Gov. Scott has told top fundraisers he's interested in running in 2018 - when Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson's third term ends - not 2016, when Scott will still be in the middle of his second term.
As uncomfortable as Scott often seems in the political world, the U.S. Senate makes sense given that Scott initially seemed far more interested in federal issues than Florida issues. He started his political career with a committee attacking the Affordable Care Act and by the time he turned his attention to running for office in Florida Marco Rubio was well on his way to trouncing Charlie Crist in the Republican U.S. Senate primary.
Running in an off-year with lower Democratic turnout also makes more sense for Landslide Rick, who barely won his two gubernatorial races despite a GOP turnout advantage and dramatically outspending his opponents, Alex Sink and Charlie Crist.
Team Scott had been worried about Bill Nelson jumping into last year's governor's race, but it's no sure thing Nelson will seek a fourth term. Florida's senior senator is acting like he intends to, but he will be 76 in 2018.
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/gov-rick-scott-eyeing-run-for-us-senate/2221793
