By Jacob Engels
Sources close to Governor Rick Scott tell the East Orlando Post that the Governor’s Chief of Staff Adam Hollingsworth is pushing the Governor to choose Senator John Thrasher for Lt. Governor.
The Tampa Bay Time confirmed yesterday that Hollingsworth or heading the search and that no other political advisor is involved in the process. Hollingsworth is said to have recommended Thrasher of Jacksonville.
Adam Smith and Steve Bosquet reported in the Tampa Bay Times “In his most detailed comments on the subject to date, chief of staff Adam Hollingsworth said the only two people engaged in discussions about the subject are himself and the governor……….
“Ultimately, it’s a stewardship decision,” said Hollingsworth, who’s directing the search process at Scott’s request. “The single most important criteria for a lieutenant governor is someone who, God forbid, would be capable of performing the functions of governor if that were required.”
“Hollingsworth said there’s no timetable for a decision. “There’s no reason to set a deadline,” he said. “We’re going to take the right time to pick the right person.” He says the search will focus on finding someone who has “the same policy mind-set as the governor, has the same vision for moving Florida forward, and would do it with an integrity that is consistent with the governor’s character.” He insists there’s no “short list” of potential picks and declined to get into a discussion of names.”
Republicans contacted by the East Orlando Post were shocked by the news. ” John Thrasher is an old white guy from a heavily Republican area” said one Republican insider “I don’t know what he brings you besides baggage’. Earlier speculation centering on Scott picking a woman, a Hispanic or even a Democrat appear to be wrong.” No other names are being considered right now. ” a source in the Governor’s office told the East Orlando Post. ‘Hollingsworth is pushing Thrasher.”
Thrasher is a former Speaker of the Florida House. He was cited on two separate occasions for violating Florida state ethics laws during and following his terms as a state representative. He was fined for both violations. He was elected to the Senate in 2009.
Hollingsworth scoffed at what he told the Tampa Bay Times was the “color commentary” of politicians, pundits and lobbyists offering opinions of potential successors to Jennifer Carroll, who resigned March 12. “It could become a distraction if it’s not managed properly,”Hollingsworth told the Times.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other businesses and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Jasper, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
