Rick Scott: Policy Wonk

What bugs me about Republican candidates is their utter lack of wonkiness. Case in point is Florida gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott.

Scott on the state's plan to buy Everglades land for restroration.

"I don't know all the details, but here's my impression: It's great. It would be great if we had more land the state can control. Can we afford it? Will it raise our taxes and are we spending dollars to do that, to not do other restoration projects? That's my concern."

Scott doesn't know the details? This is a huge environmental policy proposal. Scott couldn't be bothered to study up.

Scott is equally clueless on Bright Futures scholarships.

"Right now it's fine, but we have to look at how can we continue to afford it and if we can't how can we spend those dollars better."

The budget deficit has forced the Florida legislature make academic standards tougher for Bright Futures. Under the proposal, SAT scores will have to be 1050. Elective classes will not be covered. Students will have to use the Bright Futures tutition money within five years. The current policy calls for Florida-born college students having 7 years under Bright Futures.

Obviously, Bright Futures is under financial stress. For Scott to think "it's fine" is a joke.