Unconfirmed as yet, but Rick Scott to select state rep Jennifer Carroll as running mate

[Patricia M. McBride]

Ms Carroll would be a good pick as would former Liutenant Governor Toni Jennings, who served with Jeb Bush’s administration.

Posted: September 1, 2010 - 12:02pm

By Abel Harding, Matt Dixon

Multiple sources have told the Times-Union that state Rep. Jennifer Carroll is Rick Scott’s likely choice for lieutenant governor.

Scott supporter Rep. Mike Weinstein, R - Jacksonville, could not confirm that Carroll is the choice, but said she is on a “very short list.”

He said that former Liutenant Governor Toni Jennings, who served with Jeb Bush’s administration, is also on that list.

Weinstein and others from around the area say that politically, Carroll makes sense as Scott’s running mate.

"I just really think she adds a lot to the ticket. She is African American, she is a female, and she is really sharp," said state Sen. Stephen Wise, R - Jacksonville.

Weinsein said her background working the halls of the legislature makes her a good pick.

“First and foremost, she brings a very good understanding of the legislature,” he said. “The governor runs the executive, but it would be a great advantage if the lieutenant governor know the legislature.”

Leslie Dougher, chair of the Clay County Republican Party, said that because Scott is from South Florida, selecting a lawmaker from the Jacksonville-area would be a smart choice.

“It just makes a lot of sense,” she said.

Dougher and Weinstein both stressed that Carroll’s military background could also make her a good choice.

At a Tuesday campaign stop, Scott said that he would announce his running mate on Thursday. He gave no indication of who his choice was, but said the decision had basically been made and that the person had been vetted thoroughly.

Weinstein said that because she is term-limited and already went through a thorough vetting process when Gov. Charlie Crist considered appointing her to the U.S. Senate, a Carroll pick would make a lot of sense.

“She is used to being sought after and used to being special,” he said. “She is quite capable, and I would not at all be surprised if that’s who it is.”

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[Robert Franco]

Carroll is confirmed. Brilliant choice since it provides Floridians an accomplished team to put in TLH. Plus, it grooms Ms. Carroll for the Senate race against the villainous and narcissistic Bill Nelson.