Former Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll argues top aides to Rick forced her out, says her new book When You Get There is performing very well, details her focus on fashion & style, and declares that Rick Scott must connect with voters and earn their trust in first debate.
By Jacob Engels
Just before the first debate between Republican Governor Rick Scott and former Governor Charlie Crist, the East Orlando Post got to speak with former Lt. Governor and Rick Scott running mate Jennifer Carroll about politics, fashion, her sons successfull NFL career, what both candidates need to do in the first debate, and her new book – When You Get There. Our conversation with Mrs. Carroll is below. Enjoy!
Since stepping down as Lt. Governor of Florida amid the Allied Veterans scandal, you have been cleared of any wrongdoing – do you think the push for your resignation was motivated by top aides to Rick Scott?
Governor Rick Scott, as a former attorney is expected more than anyone else to understand a person’s right to due process, which he did not give me. If the Governor wanted me to not be on the ticket to run with him for reelection, all he had to do was ask, not to give inference without an investigation and evidence that I had any wrong doing with Allied Veterans. With this being said, I could only surmise that Governor Scott sent his Chief of Staff to ask for my resignation at the motivation of his top aides.
Recently, you have released a book entitled When You Get There that focuses on challenges you have overcome throughout your life – how is the book being received? Do you have any Central Florida area book signings or release parties planned?
My objective for sharing my life story and history with challenges and adversities was to help others overcome their struggles, especially women in the work place. The reviews have been very positive including some who shared that I have motivated them to be strong in the face of difficulties. The book reached “Bestseller” status on Amazon in both paperback and kindle. I am currently in the process of coordinating a book signing event in Central Florida. The date has not been determined as yet.
In Florida politics, you are without a doubt one of the most well dressed public figures in recent memory. What motivates your fashion & style choices and what/who are some of your favorite designers & style icons?
The person who influenced the way I dress and carry myself is my mother Jean. She loved fashion and spared no money for the clothing she liked. My fashion style choices is somewhat conservative with a little sexy. I choose fashion that last over time. Sometimes I’ve worn clothing that I’ve had for over 15 years and folks would ask, is it new. I felt good about that because that meant I got a good value for my dollar. I love designers: Vince Camuto, Michael Kors, Roberto Cavalli and evening wear by Bob Mackie.
Your son Nolan is an accomplished NFL cornerback and just got signed to a $5 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in March. What life lessons did Nolan learn at home growing up that helped him become a successful NFL player?
Nolan is a well- grounded individual that has stayed committed to his faith. The way my husband and I raised Nolan is to believe in himself, work hard, have good work ethics, be respectful, give honor to God for his blessings and to help others less fortunate. Nolan has learned the value of family and to remain humble. In meeting Nolan one would never know that he is an accomplished football player. He is very unassuming, gentle and kind. Young children gravitate to him and respect him. He spends his off season giving back. He participates in youth camps; speak to young boys about getting a good education, nutrition and staying out of trouble. He helps with community projects and he’s gone back to his high school to donate items to the team and give his time and money to help others achieve success. We are very proud of the man Nolan has become.
Today is the first debate between your former running mate and current Governor Rick Scott & Democratic challenger/former Governor Charlie Crist. What must Rick Scott do in order to prove to Floridians that he is the right man for the job – and what must Crist do?
With many counties in Florida experiencing unemployment percentages over 7%, higher than the state average, younger demographic 16-19 year old experiencing 20% unemployment, and almost 16% of Floridians living below the poverty line, higher than the national average, Governor Scott will need to articulate how the jobs created in Florida have directly benefited workers who have been out of work for a long time and what his plans are to get younger workers employed. Gov. Scott will also need to sure up his base, give them his firm position on Common Core and he will need to ease concerns about his financial disclosure issues. Finally, he will need to connect with voters and demonstrate why they should trust him to stay in office.
Charlie Crist will need to explain what happened to the economy under his watch and dispel Gov. Scott’s claim that he was personally responsible for Florida jobs loss during his time in office. He will have to explain his differing position on issues then and now. Charlie will need to sure up his base that he can be trusted as a Democrat to support their policies and he will also need to give voters a comfort and trust level that he is on their side regardless of his party affiliation. Finally, Charlie will need to lay out what he will do differently than Scott to help the entire state elevate to the next level such as: K-12 education, jobs, poverty and the environment.
News4Jax recently hired you as a political analyst, will you be covering the debate for them Friday night? If so, how can people watch?
I am currently traveling and will not be available to comment live on this debate. I will however be commenting on the debate scheduled for Oct 21st in Jacksonville.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
