Bud Chiles Expected to End Independent Bid for Florida Governor

1 year ago

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Bud Chiles' longshot independent bid for governor of Florida appears to be at an end.

The St. Petersburg Times reported Tuesday that Chiles, 56, is calling supporters to tell them that he is pulling out of the race.

An official announcement could come Thursday -- a not insignificant day in the election, according to the Times:

"...it's the last day before overseas ballots begin printing. Chiles' name -- the same as popular former Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles -- was expected to pull votes from Democrat Alex Sink in her battle against Republican Rick Scott."

Chiles' campaign has not confirmed the news, but the candidate himself suggested last week that he does not want to play the role of spoiler.

Chiles, the son of the ex-governor, polled poorly and his campaign never gained traction.

Scott, a former health care executive, is the favorite in the gubernatorial race against Sink, the state's chief financial officer.

Which candidate might benefit from Chiles' dropping out? Public Policy Polling predicts his exit could end up "being a wash and having no real effect on the race." That's because even though many Chiles supporters lean Republican, 60 percent of them have an unfavorable opinion of Scott, according to PPP. Those voters could pull the lever for Sink, or simply stay home on Election Day.

Filed Under: Governors, 2010 Elections

Tagged: 2010 Governors Elections, 2010 Governors Races, bud chiles, dailyguidance, Florida Elections, Florida Governors Race, Rick Scott

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Steve Strickland

It is unfortunate that Chiles will leave Republicans no real choice this November except to vote for Scott. Alex Sink may be a fine person, but I really have no idea what type of state leader she would make, especially since it is odds on she will have to work with a Republican legislature. I agree that Scott is a "scary" alternative. His actions as a CEO stamp him as a person who is out first and foremost for himself - not unlike our current governor! While I think the Legislature will be able to keep Scott from abusing his position, should he win, an even scarier thought is the prospect that Scott may use the governorship as a stepping stone to national office!

September 01 2010 at 3:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

ddicksond

Thank you ! I hope to see you on a ticket again. I believe you could bring your fathers common sense back to our state, however Rick Scott is much too scary and must be defeated. Alex is someone I think your dad would have backed. You have just proved to me the love you have for this state. BRAVO!!

August 31 2010 at 10:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

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