Florida Gov. Scott Seeks Insurance Agents’ Help to Get Out Vote

Florida Governor Rick Scott is urging insurance agents to do their part to get out the vote as the state’s gubernatorial campaign enters its final weeks.

Former Republican Governor Charlie Crist is running as a Democrat against Republican Scott in what has become an expensive and negative campaign.

While insurance has not been a major subject of debate in the race, the industry has been watching the race closely as some fear that Crist, if elected, would usher in a new round of anti-industry legislation and regulation.

In a Florida Association of Insurance Agents hosted conference call Wednesday, Scott skipped passed calls for money and instead turned to a traditional get out to vote message, asking insurance agents to make phone calls, walk neighborhoods and bring people to the polls for what is likely to be a close election.

“You are going to get the government you put time into and whether we all like it or not we have to put time into good government,” Scott told agents.

Scott said he believes the election is tilting in his favor based on absentee votes and signs pointing to a heavier turnout among Republicans versus Democrats.

“If we get our votes in, then we are going to have a significant victory,” said Scott. “But we can’t take anything for granted.”

Scott did take two questions from agents, the first of which dealt with a ballot item that would allow the use of medical marijuana in the state.

Scott said he thinks legalizing marijuana would be bad for the state. However, he said, he is prepared to move forward with the issue if voters approve the amendment.

“I’ll be voting against it, but I am only one vote,” said Scott. “If it passes, I will work with the legislature to regulate it the best I can.”

Scott also answered what his goals would be if elected to a second term. Hewing closely to his main campaign message of the economy, Scott said he would continue to focus on economic growth.

“We want to make sure that businesses can prosper here more than anywhere else,” said Scott.

FAIA Vice President of Public Affairs Kyle Ulrich said after the call that he was somewhat surprised about how many agents have had questions about the medical marijuana amendment.

From Ulrich’s perspective, the one line of insurance that has might be affected is workers’ compensation. He said that if the amendment passes it could affect the five percent premium credit that employers can qualify by having a state-sanctioned drug-free workplace program.

The amendment also raises other questions such as whether workers’ compensation insurers would have to provide marijuana to injured workers as part of their medical benefits.

As for the election itself, Ulrich said he believes the overall political climate favors Scott and other Republicans lawmakers.

Ulrich said that absentee ballots have given Republicans a substantial lead and it would take a lot of Democratic early voting to catch up, which he said seems unlikely given that Republicans cast more votes than Democrats during last month’s primary.

“I feel good about where we are standing right now,” said Ulrich. “I think that generally conditions favor Republicans and Scott.”

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Topics Florida Agencies Legislation Workers' Compensation Cannabis