Why I Doubt Nan Rich Is Trying to Win

Nicole Sandler recently interviewed gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich. The strategy from Rich is to repeatedly ask Crist for a debate. It will not happen as long as Rich's poll numbers are in the tank. According to Public Policy Polling, Rich has a favorability rating of 10 percent. A June Miami Herald article reports that Rich has only raised $379,000.00. Rumor is the Rich campaign is broke. Essentially, it is over before it started.

I have wondered why Rich has pointed out Crist's relationships with Jim Greer, Scott Rothstein and Peter Schorsch. The one thing these men have in common is that their mugshots are all over the internet.

Jim Greer Mugshot

Scott Rothstein Arrest

Peter Schorsch Mugshot

Rich has not attacked Crist's connection to his rather interesting friends. Greer was Crist's handpicked chairman for the Republican Party of Florida. Under sworn testimony, Rothstein claimed he donated money to Crist's campaign in exchange for an appointment.

Crist had tapped Rothstein to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Fourth District Court of Appeal and the Broward Circuit Court.

“He knew how that game was played. I expected him to do certain things in exchange for large contributions,” Rothstein told a defense attorney Thursday in a federal courtroom in West Palm Beach.

Rothstein has since been disbarred. Rothstein his currently serving 50 years for a Ponzi scheme.

Peter Schorsch is someone familiar with readers of this blog. Michael Pinson filed a complaint with the Florida Bar against Schorsch. The complaint cites Schorsch's run-ins with the law.

The only reason I can think that Rich isn't bringing up Crist's colorful friends is she is secretly resigned to Crist becoming the Democratic nominee and doesn't want to upset the Florida Democratic establishment. If Rich was really trying to win she would be pointing out Crist's connection to Greer, Rothstein and Schorsch 24/7. Candidates that are behind go negative. Candidates that are just running for self-promotion is more worried about media exposure than winning. This explains Rich's obsession with a television debate.

Scott Rothstein: Self-Paid Man

Scott Rothstein paid himself $35.7 million in 2008. Rothstein was recently indicted for running a Ponzi scheme. Included in the charges are mail fraud, wire fraud, and several charges to money laundering. Rothstein's associates were also rewarded hamesomely for their illegal activities.

• Rothstein, CEO: $35.7 million in 2008, $10.5 million through Halloween.

• Stuart Rosenfeldt, president: $6 million in 2008, $850,000 through Halloween.

• Russell Adler, vice president: $890,000 in 2008, $850,000 through Halloween.

• Grant Smith, assistant managing shareholder: $335,000 in 2008, $330,000 in 2009.

• David Boden, general counsel: $640,000 in 2008, $380,000 through Halloween.

Scott Rothstein Indicted

Lawyer and lobbyist Scott Rothstein donated $175,000 to the Republican Party of Florida. Rothstein lived a jet set livestyle financed from a Ponzi scheme he was running. Rothstein has been indicted by federal authorities for wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.

Rothstein and his co-conspirators created bogus bank documents, computer records and promissory notes. Rothstein would talk people into giving loans for a high return of interest. The money was used for Rothstein's lavish lifestyle and to "provide gratuities to high ranking members of police agencies." Translation: brides.

Federal Charges Against Scott Rothstein, December 1, 2009